Book review catch up!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I have a confession... I won an ARC of this book during a giveaway over a year ago and have only just now read it. Shame on me. Honestly, I have no idea why I took so long to read this. It was pretty good! I don't know if I think it's as fantastic as everyone else does, but it does top the list of great YA novels.

Before I Fall is about Samantha, a senior in high school that is part of that inevitable group of "mean girls" in high school. She's extremely popular, but hasn't always been. She knows how it feels to not be liked and teased in school, yet she still contributes to making life miserable for the unpopular kids now.

One night Samantha dies in a car accident leaving a party with her friends. Instead of moving on, Samantha lives out her last day over and over... What would you do differently if you knew that today was your last day to live?

This book really makes you stop and examine how we treat other people. It really made me think about the different personality types we all have as people and how something that might be nothing to you can really bother someone else.

If you're craving a little YA and a quick read definitely look into Before I Fall.

The Help by Kathrynn Stockett

First off, this is the first book I read on my Nook! I loved the convenience of the Nook and it's especially great at the gym. Nothing has kept me on the treadmill longer than a great book - total plus!

I've read a lot of great books, but you know a book is really fantastic when you just can't stop thinking about it. When you're not reading, you want to be. I wanted to be reading this book every chance I could get. At the same time though, I didn't want to get to the end. I didn't want it to end!

This book uncovers the truth about what it was really like to be an African-American maid during the Civil Rights Movement in the South. That period of our history has always fascinated me, as well depressed me, and living in the South for a short period of time only piqued that interest more. The Help is narrated by three different women. Wise, bookish maid, Aibileen who has raised seventeen white children in her lifetime. Sassy, sharp tongued maid, Minny who is a phenomenal cook. Recent college graduate, Skeeter who aspires to be a writer.

Each time Aibileen's sections ended I was sad. I wanted to read more about Aibileen, I fell in love with her character and have definitely added her to my list of fictional characters that I admire. She's smart, interesting and kind. Her story will break your heart and make you want to reach out and hug her.

I'm so excited that this book is going to be a movie! I cannot wait to see one of my favorite characters in action on the big screen! :)

Do not wait to read this book. Get to the bookstore, reserve it at the library, borrow it from a friend. You won't regret it! If you have a Nook I am allowed to lend it to one person! Hint, hint! ;)

What are you reading right now?