Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Hi Guys!

Today I will being sharing with you guys a spoiler free synopsis and review on the book Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.

Synopsis:

Madeline is allergic to everything. She lives in room reading books, and her only interaction with her teachers, her mother and her nurse, Carla. She becomes friends with the boy next door, and the two  start I'Ming. Olly and her both come from different lives, but how will their friendship survive through Madeline's bubble and Olly's home-life?

Review:

This book is a mix between The Fault in Our Stars, and every other contemporary novel. It had the cutesy, romantic factor but lacked substance. This was rather a fast read, but it felt really rushed, especially towards the end. The formatting was rather nice, with some little doodles which was interesting take on a YA novel. Some parts overcompensated for the parts that lacked detail. I would have loved to have seen background information on both characters and an ultimate plot line. Commonsensemedia puts this book at ages 13+. 

Three out of five stars. 

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Country Club Prep and A Coupon Code

Hi Guys!

I wanted to share with you guys that I am a Country Club Prep representative! I have been a rep for them for the past year and I love it! Picture all of your favorite preppy things, and then go to Country Club Prep's website. Basically all of your preppy needs are on their website! I will put pictures below of some items from CCP! And now for the information regarding the coupon code, email me at prepbysophia@gmail.com for an exclusive 21% coupon code! What are you waiting for?  

Email, shop, save! 

Enjoy!

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell- A Review

Hi Guys! 

Today I am giving you a spoiler free review on the book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I just finished this book now, and I have so many emotions. 

Synopsis

Both Park and Eleanor are outcasts. Eleanor is the new girl who receives pity from Park. There relationship grows into something neither of them had bargained for. Both of the characters grow into themselves. We learn more about each character's home life and we see its affects. This book has lots that, would be spoilers so you will read to find out what happens next. 

Review:

My feelings toward this book are described by Janice herself. This book was incredibly moving and made me feel something. The writing made me feel like I was in 1980's with them siting on the bus. The book was fast paced, leading me to finishing it in a day. This book is an emotional rollercoaster. The book isn't predicable at all, hence the gif above. All I can say is, this book was something like I have never read before. Another amazing read from Rainbow Rowell. Goodreads puts the age at 14+.  Five golden, shiny stars for Eleanor and Park. 

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Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell- A Review

Hi Guys!

I have been reading a lot of books lately, including several older books. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, has been on my list for a while. As always, my spoiler free review is below as well as a short synopsis. 

Synopsis:

Cath is a college freshman. She is can be found writing fan-fiction and/or with her sister Wren, well up until this year. The two have grown up together, being insupportable. If one went without the other someone, it was classified as odd. Cath is much more shy then Wren. It is a coming of age novel for our main character, Cath. In the beginning, we see her world though a nervous, anxious college freshman eating protein bars. By the end, well you'll have to read to see what happens. ;) 

Review:

I knew this book had received a lot of praise throughout the years. I read this book in two days.  The character descriptions where done with such detail and eloquence. I really felt that I knew them and were just having a discussion with them. It left me wanting more at the end for sure, but I was very happy with the ending. I actually feel like Cath writing this review right now! There are so many amazing quotes from this book and I totally did fangirl over this book. Commonsensemedia puts this book in the 14+ age category. Overall 5 our of 5 stars!

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Anna and The French Kiss Series by Stephanie Perkins- A Review

Hi Guys!

I recently read Anna and The French Kiss, Lola and The Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins. They are all companions novels. Today, I will be sharing a spoiler free review on all three of the books.

Anna and The French Kiss

Synopsis 

We follow Anna, a senior in high school who will be studying overseas in Paris. At first, she is not thrived to attend, but her first night she runs, literally, into a another charming English senior boy. We follow her and her friends journey's throughout Paris. All of the characters grow, mature and blossom into rising college freshmen in the novel. 

Review

I read this book in one sitting. It had several turn of events, that always keep me wanting more. This is why I read this book in one sitting. There really isn't a stopping point in the novel, so it's hard to put it down. Not to mention, the character's personality really came to life, as they were relatable and unique in their own way. This book left me with several emotions and me wanting more. Which leads me into book number two! 

Lola and The Boy Next Door

Synopsis:

Lola is known for her extraordinary clothes and her punk rocker boyfriend. That is, until she meets the boy next door. The two of them have a past history but that won't stop them from growing closer. Again, we see Lola grow as a character with continuing to gain more self-confidence. Past characters do make an appearance, so it is interesting to see how the characters between both books interact. This book involves a different setting and story line then the other two books. 

Review:

I read this book over the course of two days. The beginning peaked my interest, so I was hooked for the next 48 hours. It was slow at times but I did really enjoy the book. As I mentioned, this book is least like the others. This book left me satisfied at the end which was so very nice because who wants to feel as though they missed out on something. 

Isla and The Happily Ever After

Synopsis:

Isla has always had a crush on Josh. After their awkward encounter over the summer, she is determined to make things right. Even if it involves the slightest bit of racking the Internet to learn more about (aka stalk) him. This book was a bit of a rollercoaster with a few twists that will leave you saying "Did that really just happen?" I read this in one sitting #noregrets. 

Review:

The very beginning of the novel was a bit slow. It didn't last very long as then I was thrown into Isla's world. We had appearances from all past main characters. This book was the most cutesy-romance feel good book out of the three. There is not much I can mention about this novel without spoiling the book. 

Overall Thoughts

If this was the book Olympics and I had to give three medals here's how it would go.

Gold: Anna and The French Kiss

Silver: Isla and the Happily Ever After

Bronze: Lola and The Book Next Door

Remember, they are all at the Olympics so they are all fabulous, there are mere points that separate them. 

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The Hidden Oracle (Trials of Apollo) - A Book Review

Hi Guys!

I love to read, and I always have. I also love blogging so what better to combine the two! I am going to implement a book section to my blog! If you are an avid book worm, or not a huge reader, I hope to provide book recommendations that appeal to everyone! This is a spoiler free review on the The Hidden Oracle (Trials of Apollo) by Rick Riordan.

Synopsis

The god Apollo has been cast of of Olympus by his father Zeus. This isn't the first time troublesome Apollo has been cast out. He's no longer immortal and it now a mortal, a regular sixteen year old teenager. Going from being a god to a mortal real quick. Every other time he has been cast out, he has to go on an extravagant adventure to regain his godly abilities. We follow his adventures as he tries to regain his godly powers. 

Review

If you love Greek Mythology, Rick Riordan and/or excellent writing, you will LOVE this book! I admire Rick Riordan's writing as it is always face paced and intriguing. I read the entire Percy Jackson series in a week while in third grade and still enjoy his books! The plot was not something I had ever read before. We had appearances from our beloved campers but it is not necessary to have read the Percy Jackson series (although you totally should you will be thank me later). The book is narrated by Apollo who is very humorous. He is transitioning from speaking and acting like a god to being a mortal. We see him grow as a character in his mindset and actions. There is only one problem- the next book comes out May 2, 2017. Nearly a whole year of waiting. It will be worth the wait I guarantee you!

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Get Ivy Ready

Hey Guys!

Cue the back to school commercials, back to school season is upon us. For most of us, we are already back in school, hitting the books. Today, I am sharing a simple look with you guys. I am wearing a Harvard shirt, jeans and my birkenstocks. If you are in college, plan accordingly by wearing your schools shirt. Rep your school and be comfortable. It's a win-win.

If you are still in high-school, wear your favorite colleges shirts. This is also is a win-win as you can tour the school (yay!) and make sure you stop by the bookstore to pick up a shirt (a must!). You can also wear Norts instead of jeans, which is always a good idea. 

Enjoy!

5 Reasons You Need An Agenda

Hello Everyone!

Today I am sharing about two of my favorite things; agendas and Lilly Pulitzer! I love using an agenda and this is my first year using a Lilly one. I will be sharing

  5 Reasons You Need An Agenda 

along with tips and reasons!

1) Setting Goals. Its very important to set goals for yourself whether its for school,work or an extracurricular activity. This will help you visual and stick to a plan to achieve these goals. Sometimes, life gets so busy, its hard to see the end goal in sight. Write them down, work on them. 

2) Increase Productivity. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has logged onto Pinterest to see very inspiring planners and organization. Using an agenda will ensure you write down all you need to do. It's important to write it all done, so you never don't have a thing to do..or better yet get it all done and celebrate!
3) Feel Less Stressed. Visually seeing what you have to do will reduce stress. Writing a to-do will motivate you to cross something off your list resulting in less stress. Also, getting your thoughts onto paper will keep your thoughts less cluttered.
4) No Technology Distractions. I highly recommend using a traditional planner over your phone or laptop. I find that if I write a to-do list on my phone, I wind up visiting a few other apps, rather than just reading the list.
5) Organize Future Events. It's important to mark down future events so you stay on top of things. If you know you have a big test, it's helpful to plan ahead of how you will study for it.
With an agenda, its all about time management, increasing productivity and staying organized!

Enjoy!

Road Trippin'

Hello Everyone!

One of my favorite things ever, is to go on a road trip. Being with your family, laughing, and singing along to the radio will forever be amazing to me. Today, I am sharing my road trip essentials and tips. 

1) Bring your phone charger. Whether its a portable phone charger, case or regular plug, having a phone with low battery is close to being useless, especially when your in the car for a few hours. Remember to bring the car adapter if your using your own plug.

2) Bring water, snacks and/or meals. I'm not sure if its just my family, but when we go on a road trip, we pack enough food for a fleet. My favorite snacks are the That's It bars as they literally only have two ingredients in them. My favorite is the blueberry and apple. Fruit is always a healthy option or maybe even frozen such as grapes. I recommend any wrap sandwich and my favorite is the Mediterranean Hummus Veggie Wrap from Publix. I usually order it without the Deli Dressing and sometimes without the feta cheese. Having a 12 ounce water bottle is perfect for travel because of its size.

3) Select a playlist/radio station. Being in the car for so long calls for the perfect music. Finding music that everyone likes may be challenging. Consider making a playlist on Spotify, so that everyone has songs of their liking. This way you all can have the chance to sing along to your favorite tunes.

4) Use a map or GPS. If you don't know exactly where your going, use a map or GPS. It will put everyone in the car at peace of mind knowing you are taking the essential steps to get to your destination. Also, this will tell you of any restaurants, rest stops or gas stations.

5) When boredom strikes... Let's face it, being in the car for hours on end may have some moments of boredom. Talk about what you will do when you arrive, plan out places you are sure to go. Actually appreciate what you are passing. If all else fails, re-read step three ;)

Enjoy!

Lifeguarding in Lilly

Hello Everyone!!

While at the beach, they had a junior lifeguarding session going on. They would throw a tennis ball into the water and have two people find it. I thought this was so interesting!

My outfit was colorful yet and I had a lot of fun putting this outfit together. My shirt is from Gap and my bracelets are from DivinityLA.This is perfect because it is a sea turtle which is very summery. My watch is from Daniel Wellington, email me at prepbysophia@gmail.com for a 20% off discount code for Country Club Prep. My skirt is a Lilly Original and I love it! It is simply stunning and very colorful which captures truly what Lilly Pulitzer is.

Enjoy!