Review Wednesday: Ain't We Got Fun!?

I am so so so so SO excited to be helping out with the release of AIN'T WE GOT FUN by Emily squared! Joking...by Emily Chapman and Emily Ann Putzke!

Here's what it's about (provided by Emily Ann):

It was never much of an issue for Bess: living contentedly on her family's farm, despite the Depression which loomed around them. But when her older sister Georgiana takes off to New York City to make a fortune and help Papa out, feelings of adventure and wanderlust strike Bess at home. Through their lively letter correspondence, the sisters recount to one another their adventures, surprises, and heartaches, leaving little room for depression. For in a world of such wonder, ain't we got fun?

These ladies are incredible writers. I was instantly swept up in the down to earth, old fashioned charm that is AWGF. 

The book is a series of letters between Bess and Gi, as you might be able to deduce from the blurb. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of those kinds of books. I prefer action and drama and dialogue. However, all of this was manifested in the quaint letters exchanged by the two sisters, erasing my bias against "letter books".

The characters of Bess and Gi are so unique to each other. They're clearly sisters, but also clearly very distinct people. I loved being a part of their joys and struggles. I came to feel as though I was one of them, privy to their thoughts and feelings. The character development was extraordinary. Even though Bess and Gi definitely were kept "in character" throughout the length of the book, they were clearly grown by the end. 

Additionally, I loved how dialogue was apart of the letters. The dialogue was so smooth and natural, like everything else in the letters. I also liked the tone with which the sisters spoke of their every day happenings.The struggles of the girls are typical growing up struggles that the Emilys managed to capture beautifully; things girls have struggled with for years and will continue to struggle with for years to come.

This book was so refreshing. I've never read anything quite like it, and it was a nice detour from the dystopian/love triangle/sex-and-language smattered books that seem to litter the YA bookshelves of today. AWGF is unique and engaging and very different from everything out there. So go support Emily squared and buy a copy!

Also, head on over to either of the Emily's websites and check out the awesome GIVEAWAY (who doesn't love a giveaway!?) that they're hosting!!

You can purchase Ain't We Got Fun through:
Amazon (Paperback)
Amazon (Kindle)
Createspace (Paperback)
Smashwords (ebook)

EMILY CHAPMAN, also known as Bess Rowland, is a young hobbit living in the dear old South, and she is entirely bonkers. She's a dreamer, an optimistic pessimist, and an introverted people person. Blue skies, dancing, Disney, and whipped cream make her happy, and she swears she's once been to Narnia. She's been a reader all her life, became a writer because of that, and published her first novel, Cry of Hope, in March of 2014. But without her Savior, all of this would mean nothing. It is in Him that she puts her hope.You can learn more about Emily Chapman and her books at www.emilychapmanauthor.com and www.facebook.com/emilychapmanauthor.



EMILY ANN PUTZKE and Gi Rowland have two big things in common: their love for God and coffee. Besides writing historical fiction, Emily enjoys being an aunty, photography, Irish dancing, spending time with family, attempting to play the guitar, reenacting, and reading. She loves polka dots, war movies, and all things vintage. Her first novella, It Took a War, was published in December of 2014. You can learn more about Emily Ann Putzke and her books at www.authoremilyannputzke.com and www.facebook.com/authoremilyannputzke. 

(I'm privileged to be interviewing Emily Ann next month, so stay tuned!)

(...and in case you're wondering...my BONE GAP review is coming, I promise. Writers get distracted easily and sign up for too many bloggy things.) 

Review Wednesday: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

BLOG SPOTLIGHT: As a new feature, I'll be periodically linking to some of my new and old favorite blogs! Today, I give you Jennifer Hawes, who writes at The Writing Game. I discovered Jennifer during the A-Z Challenge, which she wrote on the fascinating Hannibal, Missouri. If you're not already reading her incredibleness, head on over to her blog and check her out!

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.

(DISCLAIMER: I haven't actually finished The One yet...but read on =) This is my opinion of the series so far.)

It's so funny...I originally started this blog for book reviewing purposes. I don't even remember the last time I posted a review. Go me.

I'm the kind of person who almost always finishes a book. Unless there is an f-bomb in every other sentence (shout out to Stephen King's Under The Dome--why, Stephen, why?! You're such a good writer, there are so many other words you can use!) or the writing is absolutely abominable, I will trudge my way through. It's curiosity mostly that grants me perseverance...I JUST have to see what is going to happen. I guess if you can make me interested in your characters, you can make me do anything. 

Usually, if I'm going to drop a book, I'll do it within the first half. After that, I won't be able to stop. 

I originally picked up The Selection because the cover was GORGEOUS. Yes, I admit it, I totally judge books by their covers. 

Unfortunately, the beauty of the cover far surpasses the beauty of the writing.

The Selection is basically the Hunger Games with frilly dresses instead of camouflage and cat fights instead of bow and arrows. Literally. But here is a more "professional" sounding summary of the first book via Goodreads:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Oh, pardon me while I swoon.

So since I've already been bratty about this book (I'm sorry, really trying to be good lately), I should throw out some positives before I get even sassier. Because, folks, it's gonna happen.

I really liked the characters, originally. Well, I should say, I found that they were very well-rounded and each was unique and realistic. The bad guys weren't totally evil and the good guys weren't totally good. The author started with an awesome cast of characters and I was excited about the potential of the book.

I was quickly disappointed, as the characters were the only well-done thing in it. And even that didn't last. *dramatic sob*

One, the plot wasn't totally original. For me, it felt a lot like The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (awesome MG book) with the whole get a bunch of local girls and turn them into princesses who vie for the prince's heart. Hale did it much better.

Two, there were plot holes. Lots of plot holes. It's pretty easy for me to believe in basically any story, but there were parts that even I was like COME ON.

Three, the plot felt like it just didn't move. I feel like it takes two steps forward and then five backward. You think something is resolved and that it isn't. I get that  can be realistic at times, but absolutely everything in the book was you-have-it-now-you-don't. And it's exhausting, honestly.

Four, I just started reading the third book in this series and the characters feel exactly the same as they were in book one. There are moments of development during which I scream YES YES THANK YOU PLEASE DO NOT REVERT BACK INTO WHO YOU WERE...but to no avail. Things happen to the characters, but for the most part, they remain the same. It's really sad, because they are so well developed and they deserve to grow...but nope, they're stuck, just like the plot.

Five, I just don't like the main character, America. I kind of did, originally, but now I don't understand her at all. She irks my soul.

That being said, one of the nastier characters has evolved nicely. She's probably my favorite part of the whole series. I'm kinda pulling for her to just ruin everyone's lives.

Like I said, I'm on the third book (pretty sure there's only one more left after this one). I'm not sure if I'm going to finish it. A Hunger Games/Divergent-like riot is going on...please. Can we be original for once?! There are more things to write about besides dystopian uprisings against the government.

That being said, I do want to know what happens. I have spent a lot of time with these characters...though I've spent most of the time being annoyed with them...but still. I feel kind of trapped. However, each time I pick up the book, my annoyance increases and it ebbs away at any intrigue that I might have once had.

So chances of me finishing are slim.

Should you read this series? I would say no, you shouldn't. Even if you're not turned off by the fact that it isn't original, the writing is not very good. I don't really understand the hype besides the fact that they are "glamorous" and easy to read and not very deep (none of which particularly appeal to me). Literary cocaine, as my dad says. Addictive and not really doing anything good for you.

And just one last note-- The Selection is a New York Times Best Seller. I have come to discover that just because you're a New York Best Selling Author does not make you a good writer. Which means that to be a good writer, you don't have to write a New York Times Best Seller. Does that make sense?

Have you read The Selection Books? If so, what was your opinion?

(I have no idea why part of this is highlighted, past the summary...sorry! Nothing I do is unhighlighting it, so we're stuck...oh well. Ew technology.)

(image found via http://images.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=the+selection+by+kiera+cass&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kieracass.com%2Fjournal%2F&ei=lttIVZHyMImqyQSNz4GQCA&bvm=bv.92291466,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNG4jXSyEkaS6uFRc3-nLXmFHoKUXA&ust=1430924134652173)