Thursday Revisits (11): Divergent by Veronica Roth

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by my friend Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. 

It’s featured every Thursday.

Hello everyone! I missed a post last week due to internet interruption and I'm so excited to be back with my eleventh Thursday Revisit post. Today's featured book is way too special 'cos it's my most favorite book ever. And right here with me to discuss about the book is my friend Queen, straight from Ireland :)

It's Queen!

Even before we became this close because of our love for books and love for Divergent (we're close right? as if you have a choice!), we've been classmates first during college. We met at Adamson University Manila (Go Falcons!), both took up BS Computer Engineering (what year again?! lol) and became friends. But I didn't know that behind this bubbly, intelligent, and funny little girl is a crazy-book-addict-lover. It's funny to know that we've been around each other for 5 long years and haven't talk (even a single time) about books. Miles apart but just an FB and email away, we've closed the distance and spend times babbling about books we love. I'm gonna hug this girl when we meet again! :)

So without further ado, here's our Thursday Revisit for the best-selling book Divergent by Veronica Roth. 

Divergent (Divergent Trilogy #1)
by Veronica Roth

Summary | Add to TBR | Read my Review

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

1. How many times have you read Divergent?

Kwin: two times. i had to reread in preparation for insurgent's release!

April: Once. But I listened to the audiobook twice already :)

Kwin: well then technically thats thrice! do you realize what an obsessed little devil you are? lol

April: Haha. Look who's talking!

2. What was your first impression when you finished the book? 

Kwin: stokeddddd! i thought the whole concept of it was very original, not to mention the romance which had me blushing and smiling on my own like a retard.

April: Oh, you're a retard. We all are, I guess lol. And yep, Divergent is definitely amazing! It's the best book ever and made it's way straight to the top of my most favorites. I have this HUGE smile on my face when I finished it. I was speechless. So yeah, like a retard too...

Kwin: Veronica Roth is obviously creating a faction of retards out of us readers, dont you see?!

3. Did you liked it? 

Kwin: Are you kiding me? I died from reality and lived in that world! I absolutely adored it.

April: My gosh. I loved it! I still do. I love love love Divergent! This is one book I definitely don't hesitate to recommend.

Kwin: Definitely! and i actually want to give you the biggest kiss for recommending me such a must-read. My lips and your forehead will bleed!

April: Kiss me? Don't even think about it. Lol

Kwin: such a snob!

4. If you were Tris, what faction would you choose? 

Kwin: hmmn, im not selfless, im not brave, im not honest, im not fearless.. that leaves me with Erudite which I also choose because they have the access to all the books! hah!

April: Yeah, I think so too! You'll fit perfectly in Erudite :) But as much as I love BOOKS, I don't think I will survive there. I think I would choose Amity. But there's a tiny little part of myself that rebels and want to try Dauntless or Abnegation. But I'm not brave and selfless enough--I couldn't even resist looking at the mirror! lol. I'll pick Amity.

Kwin: Yes! You, Amity, Agree.

5. In which factions do you think you were born to? 

Kwin: I think I am a bit in between Amity, Abnegation and Erudite. I was never sporty and brave to be dauntless nor was i ever too honest to belong to Candor.

April: I'm not honest for Candor either. LOL. I think there are pieces of me that belongs to Erudite and Abnegation, but a big part of me is Amity.

Kwin: we totally said the same three factions! we will never be able to get rid of each other! what a world of pity. lol

April: I agree! Haha

6. If you can build a new faction in addition to Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Erudite and Dauntless, what will it be? 

Kwin: I would say a faction for the dirty minded unacceptable people in society, those who were born but does not really deserve to live. rapists, murderers and crooked criminal sorts where after being chosen they shall be perished at once. I would name the faction, GARBAGE.

April: Hahaha! You cracked me up Queen! GARBAGE, really? I don't want to imagine life in that faction. Anyway, if I have to add another faction, I think it would be something dedicated in pursuit of faith and God. I'll call it DIVINE Faction. And the people that will live there will be called "The Faithful" or "The Righteous". =D

Kwin: if Garbage isn't sounding well to you, RUBBISH would do, haha! and I am so embarrassed with how my mind works inversely proportional to yours. I say Garbage, you say DIVINE!! I think I belong to the faction i just created.

April: LOL. Wait, did you just say inversely proportional? I want to forget Math.

6. In the world of Divergent, it is said that to be factionless also means to live without a purpose. Would you rather be dead than factionless? 

Kwin: If the simulation decided that I am useless, that would only mean my brain does not cooperate with my whole being and I wouldn't have the guts and ability to kill myself. So, I think I'd remain factionless. lol

April: I'd rather be factionless. So I guess, we'll still see each other Queen. You won't be able to get rid of me :P

Kwin: I know right? there seem to be no way getting rid of you. We're like Jace and Sebastian from TMI. We need each other to live. For all the wrong reasons!

April: Right! You're Sebastian, I'm Jace =P

Kwin: Did you really need to emphasize that?! they get it okay?!! hmp!

7. Who is your most favorite character? 

Kwin: Four. Four. Four. Four. there you have it, Four fours!

April: FOUR (swooning and drooling here)

8. What scene do you remember the most? 

Kwin: oh, that moment when Tris was trying so hard to figure out if four was actually moving like a robot or was he aware of what was going on and what was he planning to do, and when he finally grabbed her to run.. that was the climax for me.

April: Oh yes! I love that part too! Intense. Another memorable part for me was the time Tris found out Four's real name. This one I always remember:

Four: See if you can figure out why they call me Four.
Tris: What’s your real name?
Four: See if you can figure that out too.

And of course the last part in the train on their way to Amity, when Four said he love Tris :) Sorry, that's two! There are so many memorable parts in the book, it's hard to choose!

9. Do you have a favorite quote/line from the book that you want to share with us? 

Kwin: yes..the classic, “We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” and the romantic, “Sometimes I see him as just another person, and sometimes I feel the sight of him in my gut, like a deep ache.” 

April: I loved that one too! The one from the manifesto. I'll choose another one or two or three (grinning): 

"I think it’s important to protect people. To stand up for people. Like you did for me. That’s what the Dauntless are supposed to do, right? That’s what courage is. Not… hurting people for no reason." - Al 
 

"Sometimes they do. And sometimes new fears replace them. But becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it, that’s the point." - Four 

I don’t know who I should rely on more, because I’m not sure who my true friends are. Uriah and Marlene, who were on my side even when I seemed strong, or Cristina and Will, who have always protected me when I seemed weak? - Tris 

10. Rate the book 1-5, 5 being the highest. 

Kwin: this is definitely a 5 for me.

April: 5+ Awesome-sauce. A must read!

Some Fun Stuff (you might want to know or maybe not):

My complete name: 

Kwin: grr! this isnt fun April.. Maria Carina Bombase Navarro.. yeah, theres no Kwinnie anywhere there, but that is not the question.

April: Hey! I like your name - Maria Carina Bombase Navarro :) Okay, I was named April Crisostomo Melodillar until I got married and changed to April Melodillar-David. I miss my old name, sometimes. Hehe.

Kwin: no, You dont like my name, you just said that so I'd say I like your name too... hey, can we switch?

April: You have a nice name! I like Carina!!

Kwin: jesus christ! how much did my mother pay you?

On a Saturday Night, I can be found: 

Kwin: If not outside hanging, I can normally be found in front of my laptop.

April: Most probably, I'm at the mall. Shopping or just window shopping. If not, at home watching movie or reading a book.

I have a secret crush on: 

Kwin: omg, if i reveal it here then It wouldn't be a secret no more.

April: Four. Okay, that's not so secret anymore *winks*

Kwin: that was never a secret at all! my eyes are rolling.

The most daring thing I've ever done: 

Kwin: hmmn, leaving the uncomforts of the way my life was for the uncomforts of the way my life is.. in a foreign country.

April: Let's see. Got married? what?

Kwin: whoa! the spouse has to see this! tag him.

If you could trade lives with an animal for a day, what animal would it be? 

Kwin: I'd say... a falcon.. I really want to soar high and live up for my university's aims! ahaha!

April: We'll always be Falcons! Soar High :) Yeah, I want to be a bird too so I can fly. Or a fish! But I'm afraid I'll end up on someone's table for dinner. Haha.

Kwin: haha! Fate is inevitable, who knows even as a falcons we'd still end up to be someone's dinner.. the universe has its ways. lol

My worst vice is: 

Kwin: THE FREAKIN' INTERNET!!! on my laptop, on my phone! its everywhereeeee!

April: Books and gummy bears! Books are probably not bad at all, cos they're healthy for my brain and my heart, but definitely not for my bank account (wait, I don't even have a serious one! lol) Yeah, definitely bad for my pocket. And yes, Gummy bears! lol.

Kwin: I dont consider books as a vice! but gummy bears definitely are destructive, they can choke you to death, you know that?

April: Hmm. Should I switch to Jelly Beans?!

Kwin: how keen of you to see the huge difference in them.

If you looked in my closet, you'd be surprised to find:

Kwin: I am very tidy when it comes to my closet, no surprises there. I keep the skeletons in a safer place. lol

April: Maybe your skeletons are under the bed? LOL. Hmm, I'm too organized too. I want everything and anything perfect and organized--from the color and length of my clothes, to the color of the hangers. Sometimes I think I have an OCD tendencies lol. But maybe you'll be surprised to see a Bible in my closet--the one I bring to church (no no, I'm not a religious type of person hehe. I just have plenty of bibles).

Kwin: And again... I say skeletons, you say Bible... hmmmnnn.... Amen!

April: hahaha! See, now who's the little devil?!? Lol

Kwin: you'll always be the little devil April.. I'm the Big one.

The best part of being me is: 

Kwin: i am so obnoxious, you'd laugh.

April: Hahaha! Well, let see… I am very well loved and cared for :)

Kwin: I am too.. but i didn't want to brag.. i see you're more obnoxious than I am. Stop bragging! that's not nice!

I wish I could be more: 

Kwin: living, loving, and learning.

April: patient, selfless, giving and more loving.

Do you have anything to say before we end the discussion? 

Kwin: As much as I do not want to end the discussion, I want to thank you so much for this revisit, fun fun! mwuah!

April: Oh you're welcome! You can visit again next time :) You NERD! Love yah! Mwuah!

Kwin: As long as the word NERD complies with Kelly McGeer's definition (Nice Extraordinary Reading Diva), I wont complain. Thank you very much April.. muahhh!! Love yah too!

Thank you everyone for joining me today! 

Thank you Queen for doing this revisit with me. I had FUN! Xoxo!

Thursday Revisits (10): Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by my friend Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. It’s featured every Thursday.

It's been a month since I last posted my Thursday Revisits and I missed it so badly. As you all know, this is my most favorite meme and I wouldn't just give up on it. Besides, it's my favorite month of the year. It's April, what's not to like, right? :) Anyway, as a come back, I am featuring another favorite book of mine--OBSIDIAN by Jennifer Armentrout  which I've had discussion with my super crazy, super-sexy, super-lovely, super-kick-ass, and super-friend and my one and only parabatai in the world--Kelly McGeer!

Hey! It's Kelly :)

Fill in the blanks with Kelly & Me

The first thing I do the moment I wake up is____.  

Kelly: read all the post and comments from Starbooks hehe
April: check Tristan.
Kelly: Well yeah since you're a mommy!!
April: haha! I check the clock too then my cellphone to check for FB notifications and email! :P
Kelly: haha yay!!!

The best part of reading a book is ____. 

Kelly: escaping into a different world
April: experiencing the worlds that exists only in our imagination, meeting people (and not-so-human) characters that sometimes give us inspiration. There are amazing things that you can never do in real life but you can experience them all by reading a book. You have the world and the worlds beyond when you read a book :)
Kelly: wow aren't you deep! But what you said is very true! I feel the same way! :)
April: Lol.

When I'm home alone, I ____. 
Kelly: carry on doing what I did before, reading the book I'm busy with hehe
April: read a book or watch a movie. (This rarely happens though!)

I think it's sexy when a guy
Kelly: looks at me like the only person in his world
April: smile and looks at me like I'm the most beautiful person in the world.
Kelly: Yay! We are the same! I knew there was more to why we are Parabatai! :)

April: I super agree with you Kelly! :)

My friends always make fun of me ____. 

Kelly: for how excited I get over books which I don't understand cause who doesn't get excited over them??? Imaginatively challenged individuals! I hope that's a word!
April: for being too "clueless" sometimes.
Kelly: how are you clueless???
April: I don't know! I don't have a clue!!! Lol
Kelly: I get it now. -rolls eyes-

I am absolutely terrified of ____. 

Kelly: the dark!!!!
April: snakes!
Kelly: Na uh! Snakes are cool!

April: NO WAY! I hate snakes and any kind of worms! I hate long and round and smooth and wiggling creatures. Eww.
Kelly: Snakes are not worms you noob! But yeah worms are so not cool! Yuck!
April: I didn't say that snakes are worms! I mean, they look almost the same, it's just that snakes looks like bigger worms. And don't laugh! silly :B
Kelly: I will laugh haha

The one thing I know that I wish I knew 10 years ago is ____. 
Kelly: well 10 years ago I was 11 so let's see. Never trust your guy cousins! They gave me a phobia for dolls! Nice huh?
April: (you were 11! I was 20! my gosh, I'm too old) anyway, 10 years ago I wish I knew that I could enjoy fictional books too. I used to hate novels especially long ones (*shakes head). I could've widen my horizons early.
Kelly: you are not old! You are only 9yrs older than me. Which is not a lot! Wow you hated novels???? I loved reading ever since I knew I could!
April: I only read non-fiction books when I was younger! I wish I read fictions before.
Kelly: seriously?? That wouldve bored me to tears. I have never read a non fiction book in my life
April: Hey, they're good, too you know. You should try them at least.
Kelly: I will not! You girls got me to read comtempory and that's as far as I'll go. I'm putting my foot down

If I could change one thing about myself ____. 
Kelly: it would be my stupid hair! I have so little it could pass for bum fluff!
April: it would be my skin! I want a flawless one :) Less expense on dermatologist, extra money for books! Bdw Kelly, I have a thin hair and I'm afraid I'll be a bald woman in the near future lol.
Kelly: your skin looks flawless to me! April, hun, you have more hair than me I can guarantee you that much!
April: wahaha! We're gonna be bald parabatai's!
Kelly: Oh God, we will look like the Silent Brothers! O_O
April: Oh no! oh no! Not the Silent Brothers!!!! my goodness!
Kelly: we just need to sow our mouths shut and gouge out our eyes. No problem haha

If I could trade lives with another woman for a day, it would be ____. 
Kelly: Angela Hedrick-Messer (Starbooks friend) just so I could be surrounded in all her books! That girl can make a living as a library
April: Haha! Angela will be thrilled! (Angela of Reading Angel. I featured her once on my Thursday Revisits: Lola and the Boy Next Door. Go meet her, check out my post..) Anyway, I wish I could be Miley Cyrus in one day! I want to be able to sing and dance like her (in a public or concert) or just spend a day with Liam Hemsworth (Wait, are they still together?!).
Kelly: of all the people in the world you choose Miley Cyrus???? -shakes head- the only good part of that is Liam Hemsworth O_O and yes they are still together
April: Why not Miley? I like her bf a lot! I mean I like "her" a lot ;)
Kelly: her music kind of sucks and she is annoying haha. But whatever floats your boat I guess :P
April: (GRINNING)

The words I live by are ____. 
Kelly: life is a cheese curl, eat it!
April: "There are two men behind prison bars. One saw mud and the other saw stars." I always liked this quote especially sometimes when it seems that the grass is greener on the other side (Thanks to my Starbooks friends for reminding me that life is great.) Actually, whatever situation you are in, it's just a matter of perspective--on how you look at things. And really???!!! Cheese Curl???!!! LOL.
Kelly: wow that is kind of true! My, don't you have a way with words :) YES!!!! A cheese curl!!!
April: Well, I like cheese curls... Hehe

I wish I could ____. 

Kelly: find my very own Jace Herondale or Daemon Black!!
April: Hey! I know we're both Herondale girls here, but can you just leave Jace to me? You can have Daemon Black. I won't argue! And bdw, I wish I could fly and travel wherever and whenever I want to (no need of visa, passport and plane ticket).
Kelly: haha I didn't mean them literally, just a guy LIKE them! And come on you can't keep Jace from me! Sharing is caring April!! Travelling whenever you want, whereever you want and with NO costs would be so awesome! I'd come visit you girls soooo much
April: There's no guy like Jace and Daemon. You'll grow old but will never find one. But you can always wish they come out of the book and find you. Then we share. Lol
Kelly: we seriously need to invent that machine to make them real, also a lil older so we don't look like perves hahahahaha
April: We can always borrow Mariam's MAN-MAKING MACHINE ;)
Kelly: We must!!!!!!
(P.S. Those of you who don't know Mariam yet, I featured her on one my Thursday Revisits: FORBIDDEN by Tabitha Suzuma. Go check it out! :)

Oh my, I know I know! That's a long one lol. Anyway, so much for the super-fun-but-not-so-serious-stuff... Here's the real deal! 

Thursday Revisits with Kelly

Obsidian (Lux #1)

Author: Jennifer Armentrout

Summary | Add to TBR | Read my Review

Starting over sucks.When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth. Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me. You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.

How many times have you read Obsidian?
Kelly: 3 times haha
April: Just once. I'm too busy to re-read a book lately, but I really want to.
Kelly: I was busy also but I didn't care!
April: Golly. Lol

Let's say you're on Twitter and you have to describe the book in 140-character words, how will you do it? 
Kelly: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH MYYYY GOD!!!!!!! So freaking amazing I could just die! Daemon <3
April: Isn't that cheating?! You filled it with lots of OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH MYYYY?!?!?!?! Hahaha! Silly. Okay, so mine would be: AMAZINGLY and DELICIOUSLY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD. I have to admit, Jace has some competition! <3
Kelly: haha cheat when you can, you can never do it when it matters! He does, doesn't he? He needs to up his game haha

Who is your most favorite character in the story?
Kelly: Daemon Black duh hehe
April: Daemon Black. But I like Dee too.
Kelly: Dee is cool too, I would like to know about her and Adam though

What is your most favorite part of the book?
Kelly: All the parts where Daemon saves Katy. I'm a sucker for a hero.
April: I think mine is the laptop scene... hehe :P
Kelly: haha extra steamy! I loved that part! Especially when I read it from Daemons POV on JL Armentrouts blog
April: Shhh... But I do agree. I actually like Daemon's POV than Katy's. It's more fun to read!
Kelly: it is and you understand him better!

If there's one thing you want to change in the story, what would it be? 
Kelly: Nothing, the story was magnificent!! Everything was great! And I am NOT just saying that!
April: Nothing.

If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who do you want to spend your day with?
Kelly: Daemon hehe. Who wouldn't want to spend a day with that fine piece of alien ass ;)
April: I agree. Daemon for me, too. I just hope that he'll leave his jerky side for a while or I'll kick him in his "alien ass".
Kelly: HAHA!!! I can just imagine you being violent its quite a funny sight!
April: hahaha! Hey, I'm a kick-ass remember?! :)
Kelly: Haha I remember! I can't even remember what my Alias was
April: You don't have an alias yet!
Kelly: Excuse you but I SO do! Lis gave us all aliases! -folds arms over chest-

If you were a Luxen, what sort of power do you want to possess? 
Kelly: I would want to have everything like Daemon does! I'm a more is more kind of girl haha
April: Hmm... I want Daemon's healing power and the Luxen's ability to move fast. I want to be some kind of protector.
Kelly: so Noble! :P
April: Hehe.. I'll be your protector Kelly. I'll kick the butts of those men who will hurt you. I promise!
Kelly: AWWW! That made me smile! HUGS

There are lots of amazing and funny lines in the story, but I want to ask you a particular line that you remember the most?
Kelly: "I never knew washing a car could be so difficult. But watching you for the past 15mins I am convinced it must be an Olympic Sport" I love this line by Daemon. I cracked up!
April: Oh my gosh! I love that one! He is way so funny! But what I always remember the most is this: "I knew you would be trouble from the start, from the moment you knocked on my door." - Daemon
Kelly: I liked that line also coz it is soooooo true haha

Are you satisfied with the ending? 
Kelly: Yes!!!! Not too big of a cliffhanger!!
April: Yes. I agree with Kelly. No biggie cliffhanger but the ending is amazing enough to anticipate the next book.

Do you recommend the book?
Kelly: I would be crazy not to! Every woman or man(assuming your into guys ;)) seriously needs to experience them some Daemon!
April: Haha! Yes I definitely recommend it. A character like Daemon Black is enough to make the reader fall in-lurve with this book.
Kelly: haha did you seriously just say in-lurve????
April: Yes! What? Oh my gosh, does the word have a double meaning?!?! Wait... (checking the dictionary now...)
Kelly: HAHAHA!! No! It was just lame! But we can be lame together since we are already nerds haha

One last word before we end the discussion: 
Kelly: Chumbawumba! (Meaning awesomeness)
April: Are you referring to the book or me? :P
Kelly: Both haha!!
April: Just what I thought lol! Chumbawamba Kelly! <3

Thank you so much Kelly for doing this super fun discussion for Obsidian :) I know you love love love this book and I'm glad that I've finally read it and do this post! Thanks to all my friends, readers and followers for joining me in this revisit too! Til next time! 

Thursday Revisits (9): Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by my friend Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. It’s featured every Thursday.

Hey everyone! Thank you for coming here again today. I'm really super excited for today's revisit! You wanna know why? Because Lola is here! Yeah... We're featuring Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins! I hope you remember that about two weeks ago, I featured Anna and the French Kiss with my friend Kim. If you haven't seen that post yet, go ahead and see it here. 

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Read Angela's Review | Read April's Review

Summary | Add to TBR 

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I've been a fan of Angela @Reading Angel ever since I started blogging. She's one of the nicest people I've met in the blogging community. I remember the time when I emailed her and tell her I love her blog and she replied to me! I never thought and imagined that she'll be one of my closest and bestest friend ever. I am humbled by her kindness. You should all meet her. She's one of my FBBFFs who loves kick ass heroines and hot fictional boys and who has more than 700+ UNREAD books on her shelf (probably more than 700 now!). I want to raid her house and steal grab a couple of books.. or maybe more than a couple *wink hehehe... 

So without further ado, here's my discussion with my ever-so-kind and ever-so-lovely FBBFF and bookaholic friend Angela Hedrick-Messer:

1. How many times have you read Lola and the Boy Next Door?

Angela: Once

April: Once, too.

2. What did you like most about the book?

Angela: The characters! I love how they are all so unique and have their own style and voice that seems so real. They just pop off the page and seem like real friends. I love them all so much!

April: I agree with Angela. The characters are awesome. I can’t love a book without great characters and this book has lots of them. And I love how the story made me feel young and happy and bubbly… The joy of remembering your first crush, your first love, and even your first heartache… and how everything leads up to happily ever after.

Angela: Yes, it made me relive all those amazing firsts! Such an emotional and amazing time of life!

3. What is your most favorite part in the story?

Angela: Since I could NEVER do it justice I will just have to quote it for you!

“Once upon a time, there was a girl who talked to the moon. And she was mysterious and she was perfect, in that way that girls who talk to moons are. In the house next door, there lived a boy. And the boy watched the girl grow more and more perfect, more and more beautiful with each passing year. He watched her watch the moon. And he began to wonder if the moon would help him unravel the mystery of the beautiful girl. So the boy looked into the sky. But he couldn't concentrate on the moon. He was too distracted by the stars. And it didn't matter how many songs or poems had already been written about them, because whenever he thought about the girl, the stars shone brighter. As if she were the one keeping them illuminated.

One day, the boy had to move away. He couldn't bring the girl with him, so he brought the stars. When he'd look out his window at night, he would start with one. One star. And the boy would make a wish on it, and the wish would be her name.

At the sound of her name, a second star would appear. And then he'd wish her name again, and the stars would double into four. And four became eight, and eight became sixteen, and so on, in the greatest mathematical equation the universe had ever seen. And by the time an hour had passed, the sky would be filled with so many stars that it would wake the neighbors. People wondered who'd turned on the floodlights.

The boy did. By thinking about the girl.”

April: Oh boy! I should’ve known you’ll recite the whole passage! LOL. And since you took all the space here, can I just say “DITTO?”. Hehehe.

Angela: Did you expect any less?? ;)

April: Haha, I know! But I didn't expect that you'll put the whole thing here! Anyway, YOU ROCK! <3

4. What part you didn't like at all?

Angela: None of it! It was all perfect!!

April: Hmm… Lola lost her virginity to Max. And if I could change something in this book, I guess it’s this thing. I want Cricket to be her first—her one and only. It’s not that I didn’t like that part, I just think it could have been nicer if she stays a virgin, that’s all hehe. (Ok, you can shoot me if you want hehe)

Angela: I understand that, but I always think that sometimes life is messy, and not perfect, and I love that they book reflected that.

April: You're right. It makes the book more real and relatable.

5. Which character do you think you can relate the most?

Angela: Lola! I’m not as much of a quirky dresser like her, but I think we all feel that moment when we feel like we don’t fit in.

April: Anna! I just felt more like her than anyone in this book. (Maybe Angela can try wearing a wig *wink)

Angela: Forget the wig, I just dye my hair crazy colors! You know that!! :)

April: I know! LOL

6. Which character do you like to spend a day with?

Angela: Cricket OF COURSE!! YUM YUM

April: I want Cricket, too! But I don’t think Angela will share. So I’ll choose St. Clair instead. Besides, he’s equally hottie. Yum Yum Yum *grinning*

Angela: Can't I have them both??!!!

April: Hey!

7. Do you like the ending of the story?

Angela: YES! It was perfect and breathe taking.

April: Yes, too! I just wish there’s more.

8. If you could rewrite any part of the story, which part would that be?

Angela: None of it. Stephanie Perkins is an amazing writer. She blows me away.

April: None. I love the writing, I love the story, I love the characters and I love the setting. It’s beautiful and I don’t want to mess it up :P

9. What makes this book special to you?

Angela: The amazing love story. I love that the good guy finally comes out ahead for once. There are so many books that the girl goes for the “bad boy” and the best friend (who I’m ALWAYS rooting for BTW) is just left in the dust. I love seeing him win for once!

April: Angela said it all, I guess. I love how this book made me feel. It’s something that you would want to read over and over again. And the fact that Angela gave me my copy of Lola and The Boy Next Door, makes it even more special to me. I will always cherish this book. (Thank you Angela! <3)

Angela: Aww! Us sharing our love of this book is special to me too Apirl! I remember how long it took to get to you and I kept checking every day and getting so aggrevated!! LOL

April: Wait, who's APIRL? I thought you were talking to me! :B

Angela: Haha girl, you know I'm typo city ;P You're supposed to FIX IT for me! Not point it out!! SHEESH!!

10. Do you recommend the book?

Angela: YES X A MILLION!!

April: Haha! Yes, absolutely! I TOTALLY RECOMMEND.

P.S. In case you want to know...

Shy or outgoing: 
Angela: OUTGOING!
April: I used to be shy but I guess I’m more outgoing now :)
Angela: It's cause you became the kick ass! ;)
April: Haha! Yeah, I know. You and the girls made me a kick ass!

Special talent: 
Angela: I can fold my tongue in half (not roll it but like make it fold in half the opposite way).
April: “bamboo sway dance”. You probably don’t know that. Uhm… I’ll just pass. LOL 

Angela: April!! I want video of this "bamboo sway dance ASAP!!!
April: OH MY GOSH! No way! That's a joke!
Angela: Hey now, you can't say it and take it back! I'm expecting this dance video to come any day now!!
April: (^____^)

Original hair color: 
Angela: Brown, the purple is unfortunately fake ;)
April: Black

Science or Math: 
Angela: MATH!
April: Math! (Wow, we sound like geniuses here, don’t you think? Lol)
Angela: We are!!
April: I thought so!

Latest favorite song:
Angela: Video Game by Lana Del Ray
April: I don’t know that song! (I need to check that out..) Mine is Someone Like You by Adele
Angela: Adele, I love that girl something fierce! You should check out Lana Del Ray! You would love her!
April: I will! Since you recommend :)

Latest favorite book: 
Angela: The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour
April: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Favorite thing to do aside from reading/blogging: 
Angela: Hang out with my son and husband!
April: Hang out with my son and husband! (I didn’t copy! I swear! LOL)
Angela: Sure, sure April…
April: *grinning*

Find Angela (also known as the Reading Angel & The Book Pimp) on:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

That's it! As much as I don't want this discussion to end, you know I have to! So maybe, we can just ask her to visit us again. 

Thank you guys for sticking with me through all my revisits! I wouldn't stick around either if not for your support, encouragement, and lovely comments! I love you all!

Thank you my dear Angela for being here today and for doing this super fun discussion with me! XoXo!

Thursday Revisits (8): The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by my friend Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. It’s featured every Thursday.

Hello again everyone! It's been a week since our last revisit and I'm excited (again) to share another discussion with you. I'm not sure if you've all read The Host by Stephenie Meyer. If you haven't come across with this book, I'd say, "What are you waiting for?". Come on, pick it up and try it. It's really really good! And now, let me introduce to you my beautiful guest for today's revisit. A fellow book blogger, a book addict, a fellow Christian... my sweet and lovely friend:

Brittani Elyse Rukstela @ Hope, Faith & Books 

If you haven't been at her blog, go and check it out. (just click her blog button to visit her site). We first met here at the blog-o-sphere and she became one my most treasured book lover friend. She's one of my FBBFF and it's a pleasure to have her here with me at Books4Juliet. I know she's kinda busy with studies and reading and blogging and with other stuff too, and yet she agreed to make this discussion with me. Thanks so much Brit <3

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Publication Date: May 6th 2008
Publisher: Little Brown
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy/Sci-fi/Dystopia

Summary | Add to TBR

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed. 

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. 

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

1. What was your impression when you finished reading The Host?

April: Wow. This book just blew me away! I can't tell you well enough how much I loved it. I didn't expect that I would cry over this book. Just wow.

Brittani: Why did I wait so long to read this!?!?! As soon as I finished it I had to ask myself that because I really couldn't figure out why I waited so long to read such an amazing book! And I totally agree with you April, I didn't expect to cry over it either!!!

2. What did you like most about the book?

April: The story is unique and I didn't expect to love a soul like Wanda and to sympathize with her. The characters are amazing, the story is moving and touching. I specifically liked how the author named the souls. It's cute and unique. I loved everything about this book. Stephenie Meyer is an amazing author. She writes beautifully and effectively and it reminds me of how much I adored her stories.

Brittani: I totally agree with everything you said April! I loved the names of the Souls! But what I enjoyed most was the fact that the story took place mostly in Tucson, Arizona and the surrounding area! I live in Tucson and it made me extra happy to finally read a book that used Tucson as the setting! And not to mention I knew exactly where certain things were happening when they brought up certain roads I drive on almost daily (Ina Rd & I-10) and certain places (Picacho Peak). It made my reading experience so much better to be able to picture it more vividly since I live around the area it was set in. :D

April: Oh wow! That is so cool! I can imagine now why you appreciate the book so much. Sadly, I've never been in the States... hehe

Brittani: Maybe you'll be able to visit the states someday! :)

April: I really hope so! :)

3. The Wanderer have lived many lives in different planets before she possess Melanie's body. If you could choose a world where you can live in, what kind of world would that be?

April: I'd say I choose a planet where everything lives under water and I want to be a mermaid :) Then after living in that planet, I'll move to another where everything just fly and I'll live like a bird =) Maybe I can have a name like Bubbles Flying Guppy *lol weird name haha

Brittani: A planet living underwater would be fun. Especially if you get to swim with Dolphins. How cool would that be?? But I think it'd also be fun to live on the planet "Pet (Petals Open to the Moon)" came from, the flower planet. Who doesn't love flowers? And maybe I could spend my days skipping among the flowers singing. Both of those sound so peaceful. Lol.

April: You'll definitely fit in Brittani! I can see you as a flower. That's a very awesome choice!

Brittani: Thanks! I could totally see you living like a bird! :)

April: Oh my, lol.

4. What is your most favorite part in the story?

April: I have many favorites but what I love most is the ending. There could be no better ending than that. I can't say more without giving away too much, so I won't tell anything more. Except that it was beautiful and satisfying. Plus, meeting Burns Living Flowers makes the ending even more interesting, and it made me want to read the next book right away. I can't wait for The Soul to come out.

Brittani: I agree. The ending was amazing! I really loved reading the Epilouge, it made for a fantastic ending to the book but also left things open for The Soul! AHH! I definitely cant wait for The Soul to come out either!

April: I hope that the book comes out before the movie at least. It's going to be a looong wait.

Brittani: I know!!! Why must we be tortured with all the waiting!?!

5. Who is your most favorite male character?

April: I actually have three. Ian, Jamie and Jared. But I loved Jamie the most not just because he's Melanie's little brother but because he's so adorable and he made me cry a lot of times. He suffered a lot at a young age but then he love even more. I also like Jared, but I got angry with him a lot of times because of the way he treats Wanda. But Ian--he loves Wanda when everyone else seems to hate her and that made me love him more.

Brittani: Ian!!! I couldn't get enough of Ian! I loved how he was always there for Wanda when no one else was. I mean, I got that Wanda was a soul but that doesn't mean she's a bad person and I'm glad Ian saw that. And because of that I couldn't help but love him!

April: Haha. We both love him! Yay. At first I thought I want Jared, but then he's being so difficult and I felt heartbroken... Thank goodness, Ian became the knight in shining armor! :D

6. Melanie or Wanda?

April: Wanda.

Brittani: So hard to choose either or. I mean I absolutely Wanda but I gotta give Melanie credit for how strong she is both Emotionally and Physically. I still have to choose Wanda though. :)

April: Yes, you're absolutely right about Melanie. She's a strong girl considering what she'd been through. I loved them both.

7. A Seeker or a Healer?

April: A Healer. I can't be a Seeker. It seems too cruel. But if I'm a Healer, I can put and take away soul from a host. That would be much more handy considering the kind of world they live in now.

Brittani: I agree with you April. Definitely a Healer. I mean, I can be a little mean sometimes (I think we all can be) but nothing compared to how cruel and mean the Seekers are. I definitely wouldn't be able to be a Seeker.

April: Hehe. We're both Healers then!

8. A Host or a Soul?

April: A Host--but a human. Though being a Soul seem kinda cool, I just can't imagine moving on to different hosts over and over again, take their lives so I can live in... and then transfer to another body when the host expires. It's just a continuous cycle but without moving on. I don't want a life like that.

Brittani: A Soul! It'd be so cool to live on different planets and experience so many different things. Though I wouldn't want my Soul put into a Host unless I knew the Host wasn't able to come back into its own mind and body.

April: I can't believe you've chosen to be a Soul! That's a brave thing! :)

9. What do you think about the setting and the world which Stephenie Meyer created?

April: Strange but interesting. And scary at the same time.

Brittani: Beautiful! So many aspects about this book and the world in it were so beautiful (like how she described Wanda's past lives on other planets) but I agree, definitely scary, especially with that Seeker out there!

10. Rate the book 1-5, 5 being the highest.

April: Definitely 5 and more! :)

Brittani: 5+!!!!!!! :D

11. Do you recommend it?

April: YES! It's a must read. Don't ever miss this book!

Brittani: OMG YES!!!! Definitely a must read!

12. What's the most exotic food you have ever eaten?

April: Frog legs =B

Brittani: Frog Legs? Cant say I've ever tried that and I'm sure I want to. Lol. I haven't really ate anything exotic, or at least not that I remember. Lol.

April: Okay, now I sound like a freak again! LOL. It's a delicacy in Asia, and it's really good. =D Just don't make me eat maggots or snakes or even a mouse! Yikes.

Brittani: LOL! You're not a freak April!!! You just eat more exotic foods than I do. Lol. I totally agree though; Snakes, Maggots and Mice definitely don't sound appetizing to me either! Eewww! LOL.

April: Hahaha. Maybe I can stomach eating some, IF and ONLY, I can eat them with you girls in Starbooks! LOL.

Thank you so much, Brittani! I'm grateful that you've agreed to do this discussion with me. 

Thanks everyone for spending your precious time with us! It means so much to me! 

Lovelots!

Thursday Revisits (7) : Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. It’s featured every Thursday.

Hello to my followers, readers and friends! Thanks so much for another Thursday that you come and visit my blog. I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day, full of love and hearts and chocolates or maybe flowers? =) The book I'm going to feature for today fits perfectly for Valentine's Day. I know that lots of you have read this book by Stephanie Perkins, and who wouldn't love Anna and Etienne? I guess everyone of us who devoured the book grown to love these two amazing characters. If you haven't read this book, I hope you'll pick it up as soon as you finished reading our revisit today. 

Anna and the French Kiss is one of my all time favorite YA Contemporary novel and definitely one of the few books that is on top of my favorite list. It's the kind of story that you want to read over and over and over again.

Today, I will be joining by one of my bestest friend in FB and Starbooks (if you want to join our crazy amazing book club, you can always come and visit us on FB. You're welcome to join us! I know that the girls will love you to come over and have fun chatting with us. We don't bite, UNLESS you're a drop-dead gorgeous and swoon-worthy type of guy like the characters in the books we loved lol. See the button at the bottom right corner of my page). 

Anyway, as I've said, a friend of mine will join me again today to discuss Anna and the French Kiss. Don't be shocked because my friend is some kind of a fighter... you know, a badass warrior who practice ninjutsu and throws shuriken. Yeah... she's a ninja, so be very afraid or else she'll show you her ninja fighting skills and might throw you some of her ninja stars! LOL. Kidding! Well, she's a kickass alright, but she's a sweet, thoughtful, and very kind ninja friend of mine. I'm sure you'll love to know her... so here she is, with all her ninja glory:

I love this pic! She likes to stay hidden but for the sake of this discussion, I guess it's ok to post her picture (right, Kim?)

Here's my FBBFF Kim Weihe Mathwig

Anna and the French Kiss

Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Genre: Young Adult, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

Summary on Goodreads:
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited? Add to TBR | Read my review here.

Describe the book in one or two words.

April: Astonishingly beautiful!

Kim: Refreshing and Fun!

What's one thing you love most about Anna and the French Kiss?

April: There are so much to love about this book--the romantic setting (PARIS. What's not to love?), the amazing characters, and the beautiful story that made me laughed, giggled, smiled widely, dreamed and remembered my own love story. For me, everything is just perfect.

Kim: I agree April! I loved everything about this book. I loved the setting. Paris, come on!!! I loved loved loved Anna and St. Clair. I loved their friends, the topics they studied in school, the movies they saw, the places they went, and the food they ate.

April: The food they ate??? Haha! Kim, I don't even know how to pronounce the name of those foods. I'm going to have a big problem ordering at a French cafeteria! Unless I have you there with me... at least we'll suffer together! lol.

Kim: We will just point and nod. That way we won't starve. Lol!

April: Oh my golly... good luck with us! Haha

What's one thing you didn't like? 

April: None at all. I loved loved loved this book.

Kim: That is so funny you said you loved this x 3!!!! I did the same thing with the previous answer. I loved everything.

April: Yes Kim. I don't know how to express the love I feel about this book. I just loved it. Okay, the"love" word again :P

What is your most favorite scene? 

April: The last part, at the top of the Notre-Dame. Where Etienne found Anna and declares his love for her. It's so beautiful and I can't even describe the feeling. I loved their conversation and this: 'I love you as certain dark things are loved, secretly, between the shadow and the soul.'

Kim: That is a beautiful scene April. I loved the romance and the humor in this book. One of my favorite scenes is St.Clair talking on the phone with Anna over Christmas break. Anna is upset with her best friend and St.Clair asks her what he can do to help. Anna says, “Wanna come beat her up for me?” and St. Clair says, “I’m packing my throwing stars right now.” I just knew SC and I had a special bad-ass ninja bond. Ha ha

April: Oh my goodness! The ninja bond?! LOL. I didn't realized that St. Clair is a ninja! Okay, now I know. 

Kim: Yep, It is a well kept secret. :)

Who is your favorite character in the book?

April: I loved Anna and I loved Etienne. Can I say both?

Kim: You can say both April because I want to say both. Their chemistry was wonderful.

April: It's cheating... Lol. I should've asked "Who are your favorite characters?".

Which character do you like to hang out with?

April: I want to hang out with Anna but I would love to be with Etienne <3 

Kim: Can I say a group instead of one person? I would love to hang out at their lunch table.

April: Oh yes Kim, you can do that! I would love that, too! 

If you can be a new character in this book, who do you think you'll gonna be?

April: I want to be Anna so I can have Etienne, but that won't work, right? Hmm... I think I'd rather be Anna's sister and study in Paris too. I will find my own Etienne and create my own love story. He he.

Kim: Ha ha! No, that wouldn't work. But I like your sister idea. Maybe Anna can bring a friend with her to Paris? I’ll be the fun friend who charms everyone into loving her. (A friend who makes Anna open up her eyes!) A girl can dream, right?

April: So we're going to be in Paris. Both of us. I hope Anna won't have a problem when she see us drooling staring at her boyfriend.

Kim: Yay! we are going to Paris!! I am sure it will be hard to keep our eyes off of St.Clair.

If you would be given the opportunity to change one part in the story, what will it be and why?

April: I won't change a thing. I'll just make it loooonger cos I don't want the story to end. 

Kim: I would want the story to be longer. I couldn't get enough of this story.

Are you satisfied with the ending?

April: Yes! it's beautiful and oh-so-romantic! I wish there's more and I wish there's Anna and the French Kiss Part 2.

Kim: I loved the ending! It was very charming and romantic. I love that we can see Anna and St.Clair in Lola and the Boy Next Door.

April: You're right. At least there's Lola and the Boy Next Door. I hope we can see them again in Isla and the Happily Ever After. Can't wait!

Kim: I hope so too! 

Do you recommend this book?

April: Definitely. It's a must read!

Kim: Yes! You will want to read it again and again.

April: Speaking of re-reading... I am planning to re-read it again. Skimming through this book isn't enough. It makes me want to read the story again. St. Clair is so lovable and Anna is amazing. The rest of the characters are so fun to read about. You just want to hang out with them and be their friends too. 

Kim: I've read it twice.

April: Wow! *me jealous

Imagine that you're in Paris and you can have your Point Zero wish just like Anna. What will it be?

April: I wish that everyone can have a beautiful love story of their own. To love and be loved. *wink

Kim: I would wish for a happy and healthy life for my family and friends.

April: Okay, I wish that, too! :) We can have as many wishes as we can, right? 

Kim: Right!

Thank you so much Kim for joining me here today. I had so much fun!

Thanks everyone for dropping by! 'Til next time! xoxo.

Thursday Revisits (6): There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. It’s featured every Thursday.

Hi everyone! Thank you for dropping by! I am so happy to know that you all come here to see this post. Today, I featured There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones and I am honored to have here today, my very lovely friend Jenny Vasquez. She's very sweet and loving and I'm blessed to have her in my life. She's one of my most treasured FBBFF and book lover friend. Thank you Jenny for this lovely and meaningful discussion. Your answers are truly inspiring..

There You'll Find Me

Author: Jenny B. Jones
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Religious and Inspirational 

Summary on Goodreads: 

Grief brought Finley to Ireland. LOVE WILL LEAD HER HOME.

Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She's witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.

She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will's travel journal. It's the place he felt closest to God, and she's hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane.

Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She's the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.

Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. The loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to a new and dangerous vice. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise?

Then she experiences something that radically changes her perspective on life. Could it be God convincing her that everything she's been looking for has been with her all along? Add to TBR | Read my Review

1. How many times have you read There You'll Find Me?

Jenny: Twice so far. I originally borrowed it from the library, but I liked it so much I had to buy a copy so I could read it again whenever I wanted to.

April: Once. Though I like skimming my favorite parts =)

2. What inspire you to read this book?

Jenny: April, you had given it such a great review, I had to read it too. And I'm so glad I did. It inspired me to read three other books by Jenny B. Jones as well.

April: Aww. Thank you Jenny. I’m glad that you liked my review and that you loved the book. I immediately requested for a copy when I saw this on NetGalley and like Jenny, I’m so glad that I did! =)

3. What did you appreciate most about the story?

Jenny: I loved that this story had so many facets to it. Finley was a broken mess when she arrived in Ireland and was entirely focused on her own issues with her brother's death and not feeling close to God. But she quickly became a part of Beckett's and Mrs. Sweeney's own complicated lives as well. I loved reading how they all had to deal with and process the hurts and disappointments in their lives, and how they came together and helped try to heal one another. It was a beautiful story of finding God and healing.

April: Honestly, what I loved most was the romance between Finley and Beckett =) It was very enjoyable and it lightened up the mood in the story. You see, this book is a deep read, it’s full of drama, full of issues in life… The love story made it a little lighter though it has complications on its own. I was surprised that Beckett, despite of being popular and a hearthrob is one of the most sensible persons I’ve met in this book. I loved how the author incorporate the beautiful verses from the Bible without being preachy. It’s hard to write a Christian/Religious book without sounding like you're rebuking or blaming the readers for their different views.

Jenny: I agree, April. I loved reading about Finley and Beckett. Their scenes were highlights to me because, like you said, there were deeper issues they were dealing with and I needed to see their sparks of love to lighten it up. The process of their relationship - Beckett's persistence in particular - helped me be hopeful that things would look up for both of them. Honestly, I'm just a sucker for a good love story.

April: Yes, me too! And I always want a happy ending.

4. What's your favorite part/scene in the book?

Jenny: There were so many great scenes in the book. Beckett and Finley had many wonderful scenes together, but I'll go with their scene dancing in the pub, because it's where they first let down their walls with each other. Actually, I loved their dialogue and chemistry from the very beginning. As for breakthrough moments, I loved the scene at Clonmacnoise because it was so healing and hopeful, but I can't say more because I don't want to spoil it. Loved Finley and Beckett!!

April: Hehe. I loved the scene in the pub, too! That’s the time when Finley and Beckett had their first kiss! What’s not to love?! Lol. But what I loved and enjoyed most in the story was the time when Beckett asked Frankie… Flossie… I mean Finley, to help him rehearse his part in the movie he’s making. I don’t know why I loved that scene. There’s actually nothing that happened there, but I really enjoyed their conversation because it was light and funny to read about. Here’s the conversation they had. Sorry, it’s seems nonsense and too long, but hey, I really enjoyed it. It won’t spoil your reading, promise.

“I’m about to ask you a favor.”

“And I’m about to tell you no.”

“It’s not a make-out scene. Though I’d be willing to rehearse that.”

“Still, no.”

“Dig deep into that cold, callous heart of yours, Frankie.”

“It’s Finley.”

“Dig deep and find some kindness.”

“Selena the mutating vampire duchess? The woman who eats frogs, whose lower body is covered in scales because her mom had a fling with a merman?”

“I knew you were a fan.”

Dumbest movies ever.

“I won’t tell your friends about your sleeping attire… Nice bunnies.”

“Fine. But tomorrow we go back to ignoring one another.”

“Page fifty-one. And as for girls who try to stay away from me—my charm always wears them down.”

“I’m up-to-date on my shots, so I’m pretty much immune to everything.”

“Famous last words, Flossie. Famous last words.”

5. What is the part you didn't like?

Jenny: It was hard reading Finley's doubts and struggles with God, but we've all been there or will be there, so it's important to not get stuck in those moments, but move forward, like Finley. So those difficult parts were just as important as the hopeful, healing parts of the book. So I wouldn't change a thing.

April: I loved everything about this book. There’s no part that I didn’t like. =)

6. Who is your favorite character and why?

Jenny: I loved Beckett. Not just because he's a cutie, but he had so much more depth to him that was straining to come out. Despite his upbringing and dad/manager, he was a true gentleman. He wanted to do the right thing, but didn't know how to get out of the restraints of his life. But he was real with Finley, appreciated her "realness", and sought for the truth himself, seeking God more and more, and helping Finley in such a loving way. He was quite selfless. His next movie role should be as a knight, not a vampire. Here's one of Beckett's gentlemanly scenes:

"It's important. That's all I know."

He nodded. "'Tis enough."

"Enough for what?

He walked down the steps, then faced me again. "Enough for me to help you."

I dogged his heels, following him to the truck. "I didn't ask you to."

"I know." He opened my door with a lopsided grin. "That's just the kind, generous type of guy I am."

April: Oh yes, he's definitely a CUTIE! I loved Beckett Rush, too! He’s so adorable and like Jenny said, he’s a true gentleman. NO MORE Vampire roles for Beckett Rush, for goodness sake. Jenny’s right, he’s a knight in shining armor!

7. The story let the readers see how devastated Finley feels about losing her brother. How do you feel when she said: 'Some peace. Some healing. To hear God's voice again. I wanted to find my brother's Ireland. To put it into a song.'

Jenny: I haven't lost a family member as close as a brother before, but I have had dark times in my life. In those moments I would strain for just a glimmer of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel, a desperation to see God's purpose and not lose myself before that. I appreciate Finley not completely giving up on God and hearing his voice. It can be so tempting to give up, but the true battle is to push on and push ahead, to not give up on a relationship with God. The Bible is also full of music, including the entire book of Psalms. I love music and singing, and it completely makes sense to me that music would be part of seeking God and healing.

April: Just like Finley, every one is fighting her own battle… and I believe that every person needs some kind of healing, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. This phrase reminds me of my own experiences during the times when I can’t seem to hear God’s voice or feel His presence in my life. I had my fair share of TOUGH TIMES. I had plenty of dark times in my life and without God, I could’ve lost my battles a long time ago. Life is tough but God is faithful. With the help of God’s words and His promises, plus the Christian songs I listen to everytime I was down, it’s less difficult to find that glimmer of hope. I can totally relate with this quote from the book where Finley says:

“I was that kite. Fragile against the wind. Soaring one minute. Spiraling straight down the next. Just looking for something to hold me up. Before I spun out of control and flew away.”

Jenny: So true, April. I think whether we're going through good times, tough times, or any times, we need a constant in our lives, and that's God. God is definitely faithful to us, and we need to stay faithful to Him. I loved when Sister Maria said, "I believe God spoke to you at the cliffs...But perhaps you weren't truly listening." Like Finley, we need to seek Him and listen.

8. What do you think made this story remarkable?

Jenny: I loved that this story can relate to anyone, from loss of loved ones, to insecurities with our bodies, to hurtful schoomates or co-workers or family members, to bitterness over the past, to seeking forgiveness for your mistakes, to heartache and misunderstanding, to control issues, to life and death, to healing and love. I loved what Sister Maria said to Finley, "Closing your heart to God and the rest of the world won't fill those raw places. It just makes more room for Satan to settle in your heart. Makes his lies easier to believe - that you're not worthy, that God doesn't truly care. That he didn't care about your brother, your family, or you. Finley, you can't hear the Lord's voice over all that distraction...You can't walk on water holding all that weight. It makes you sink right down. Let it go, my dear. Your anger isn't keeping Will's memory alive...You both think you're controlling things. But really, you control nothing. Mrs. Sweeney wasn't brave enough to surrender, and neither was her sister. Choose you this day, life or death. Be a victory story. Don't just be another life claimed by that bomb...Let God change yours." I think anyone can relate to that and learn from it.

April: I loved that Jenny! Those are very meaningful words. I can totally relate with the story and that makes it remarkable to me. The setting is so vivid, so beautiful that I want to go there and experience the awesomeness of God’s love and power. The scriptures from the Bible made me appreciate the beauty of things and the goodness of God even more. I’ve never been so inspired with a fictional book before. I hope everyone would grab a chance to read it.

9. If you can take Finley to a place other than Ireland, what place would that be?

Jenny: I would take her anywhere you can see the ocean. The ocean always reminds me of God's vastness, His power, His presence, His forgiveness. I was baptized in the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, California when I was 18, so that place will always be special to me. It's a place of cleansing, healing, renewal.

April: Oh, I love the ocean, too, Jenny. But I was baptized in a pool! Hehe. I was 15 then. Anyway, I’m thinking about taking her to Disneyland (Oh, yeah) . I love Disneyland, why not? Hehe. But seriously, other than Disney, I want to take her along for a hike to the top of the mountain. I haven’t done it myself but I always wanted to. I think that’s an awesome place where you can see the grandeur of God’s love and faithfulness to us.

Jenny: Oh yes, tops of mountains are amazing. I hiked to the top of Mount Whitney in California and the view was amazing. Very inspirational.

10. There You'll Find Me mentioned a lot of Bible verses. If you would pick one verse from the Bible that will help Finley in her moment of loss and depression, what verse will you give to her?

Jenny: There are so many great scriptures, but I will limit myself to two. They give me great hope, encouragement, and inspiration about God's love and faithfulness.

I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"

April: I love Bible verses and it’s hard to choose when there are too many of them to choose from. But of course I need to pick something. I have lots of favorites but I will choose two (lol, Jenny, we’re cheating!). Anyway, these two verses have been my source of inspiration too when I was in one of those trying times.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

11. "It's a beautiful place. Full of life. Everywhere I look, I see God." Does it remind you of a certain place?

Jenny: I think nature is a beautiful place that reminds me of God. Whether it be the ocean, the mountains, the snow, the open fields, the forest: God is everywhere, we just have to see Him.

April: Everywhere. Just like Jenny, I try to see God everywhere—especially at home where I see my son. He reminds me of heaven and God’s love to me.

Jenny: Yes, you're right, our children are a great way to see God as well. They are such precious gifts.

12. Do you recommend this book?

Jenny: I highly recommend this book. It is inspiring, romantic, heart-warming. And although it is Christian fiction, I don't think that should deter anyone from reading it because it is such a great story and so well-written. It could be appreciated by anyone.

April: It’s one of the great books I’ve read last year and I highly recommend it. Jenny Jones has written such a beautiful story that is so inspiring and touching . There’s always something to love about There You’ll Find Me. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate this book.

13. At the end of the book it says: "The only thing scarier than living on the edge is stepping off it." What does it mean to you?

Jenny: So many decisions in life require faith, and that's what stepping off the edge feels like to me. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." We must take leaps of faith in our lives, not knowing what the outcome will be, but stepping out of our comfort zone and going for it anyway.

April: For me it’s about holding on and not giving up. Life sometimes stretch us, it crushed us and there are times when we feel miserable and helpless. Sometimes we can’t feel God’s presence, and it seems easier if we give up. But God doesn’t want us to feel like that. He wants us to let go of our fears, let go of our burdens, let go of the things that weighing us down. He wants us to know that we don’t suffer alone. He wants us to have faith in Him. We don’t have reasons to give up when we have an omnipotent God. Nothing can be worse than being faithless and hopeless.

Jenny: Life certainly is challenging. With the joys and victories there is also loss and heartache. But God wants us to be victorious and not lose hope and not lose faith. In the moment, our troubles can be completely overwhelming. But God wants us to turn to Him and not give up on our circumstances or on Him. I love the verse in II Corinthians 4:16-18: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

14. Raid That Purse: Five things we'll most likely find in your purse/bag? :D

Jenny: Wallet with small bills for when I visit our local used bookstores, lotion for my dry hands, hairbrush for my long hair, compact for my shiny nose (the only make-up I wear), and of course whatever book/Kindle I'm currently reading.

April: Okay, so the usual stuffs in my bag are:

Bag organizer (contains hand lotion, hand sanitizer, perfume, make-up kit, medicines, panty liners, facial tissues (dry and wet ones), and a hair brush), wallet, cellphone, Tristan’s extra shirt, small towel for Tristan and one of these three: iPad/Kindle/Book. But when I need to leave the rest and pick just a few, then here’s the top 5 I won’t leave behind:

1 - Wallet (with my money, ID’s and credit cards)

2 - Face powder,

3 - Lip gloss

4 - Hair brush

5 - Cellphone :)

Thank you Jenny, for doing this discussion with me.

And thank you everyone for being here today! 

God bless you all richly everyday!