Books, Pages and A lot of Math (for me)

I was on Goodreads and decided to break down the page counts to see how much time I approximately spent reading per year.I read about 40-100 pages an hour, so I used that to get a range for how many weeks per year are spent on just reading.

I also wanted to look at page length to see how I am averaging in general.  I have only been keeping track of my reading since 2008, so I began there with the data.

In 2008, I read 103,909, which equate to between 6.1 to 15.4 weeks spent on reading. I also averaged 284.7 pages per book.

In 2009, I read 65,795 pages, which equates to between 3.9 to 9.8 weeks spent on reading. I averaged 300.4 pages per book.

In 2010, I read 47,091 pages which equates to between  2.8 to 7 weeks spent on reading. I averaged 303.8 pages.

In 2011, I read 39,540 pages which equates to between 2.3 to  5.8 weeks spent on reading. I averaged 326.77 pages per book.

In 2012, I read 43,713 pages, which equates to 2.6 to  6.5 week spent on reading. I averaged 408.5 pages per book.

So far in 2013, I have read 17,011 pages, which equates to 1.01 to 2.5 weeks.  I have averaged 340.2 pages per book so far. About 40% of the year is over, so my estimated total at this rate would be around 2.5 to 6.25 weeks. This means I am in between the pace for 2011 and 2012, which seems logical, since 2011 is when I began college.

Anyways, this is a very random post, but I found it really interesting. 

Top Ten Tuesday (6)

Another Top Ten Tuesday, this one is:  Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects 

1. Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers. This is one of the first books that I reviewed and it remains one of my favorites. The story is just amazing and I love the characters.

2. The Program by Suzanne Young. This book is just amazing and it puts suicide in a different view that I enjoyed a lot. This book will make you cry a lot.

3. Burned by Ellen Hopkins. This is my favorite book by Ellen Hopkins, which is saying a lot, because I adore all of her books. I could relate to certain aspects of this book, because my extended family is very similar to Pattyn's. 

4. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott. I adore Elizabeth Scott, but this one killed me. The writing is beautiful and I don't know how to explain my emotions except that there was a lot of crying. 

5. Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert. Kuehnert's writing is so raw and direct that I adore it. This book made me cry so much and I enjoyed it immensely. It is so a unique story and I loved Kara.

6. Before I Die by Jenny Downham. This book means a lot to me, because I read it, when I was continually in and out of the hospital and I could connect to Tessa in such a way. It is a beautiful story that I adore.

7. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King. This book is extremely original and I adored it. 

8. Hold Still by Nina LaCour. This book is just amazing and beautiful. I really adored it, even though it made me cry a lot.

9. Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt. I recently read this book and found it to be very raw. I really enjoyed the fact that it talked about relationships in a causal way compared to other ones. 

10. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. This is probably the first book that I read that goes in this category and I have lost count on how many times that I have read it. Such a powerful book.

The Originals by Cat Patrick

Source: ALA
A riveting new story from Cat Patrick, author of Forgotten and Revived.
17-year-olds Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up as identical triplets... until they discovered a shocking family secret. They're actually closer than sisters, they're clones. Hiding from a government agency that would expose them, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, attending social engagements, and a group mindset has always been a de facto part of life...
Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, a guy who seems to see into her very soul. As their relationship develops, Lizzie realizes that she's not a carbon copy of her sisters; she's an individual with unique dreams and desires, and digging deeper into her background, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created.
Cat Patrick knows how to blend Science Fiction with contemporary, which makes a very fun and creative story. I have enjoyed her past two books and was very excited for this one due to the concept. I didn't know what to expect when I heard about this story, but I found Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey, which isn't what I expect when I heard about a book with clones in it. I really thought that they would blend together, but they were so distinct and alive. Sean was a very caring character that I loved instantly. The mom seems like the bad character, but I believe that her intentions were really from caring about them. 
This book is really easy to engage with and I just kept on wanting to read more and more of this book. The plot goes very fast and I read it in about a day. There are a few plot twist and they weren't extremely predictable, but Patrick inserts small hints of possible out comes. I found this book to be extremely unique and unlike anything that I have read. Patrick's writing is amazing and makes the reader want more, while feeling satisfied with the end. I can't wait to see what she writes next. I recommend this book to fans of her previous books and fans of both contemporary and sci-fi. This book had dynamic characters and a fast paced plot that felt original, with a great voice and awesome writing.

Waiting on Wednesday (120)

Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After
Author: Stephanie Perkins Publisher: DuttonRelease Date: September 17, 2013

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

I loved Anna and The French Kiss and Lola and The Boy Next Door. I am really excited for this one and can't wait to read this one. Can it please be September?

Top Ten Tuesday (5)

Another Top Ten Tuesday, this one is: Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun.
1. Any book from Sarah Ockler. Her books are fun and usually deal with friendship, family, or romance. I really love them
3. Any book from Jennifer E. Smith. Her books are really fun and there is always traveling. I love travel.
4. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard. This book is just wonderful. I have a desire to travel and this book captures it wonderfully.
5. Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Her books are so amazing and extremely relatable. I can't wait for the next one and the relationships in it was fun. 
6. Any book from Sarah Dessen. I love the relationships that she creates and just find these books to be so much
7. Anything by Ally Carter. It doesn't matter what she writes about, but Ally Carter's books are always fun and make me laugh.
8. Also Known As by Robin Benway. She makes really fun concepts that I just adore.
9. Georgia Nicolson series from Louise Rennington. This series is the most hilarious series that I have read. It makes me laugh so hard and I just love it. I have not read her new series, because I am afraid it will not be the same.
10 Awkward by  Marni Bates. This books is so hilarious and I adored it. 

The Program by Suzanne Young

Source: Publisher
In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.
Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.
Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.
Suzanne Young knows how to create a believable world with characters that you can't help, but loving and wanting more. I can see the dependence on prescription drugs, mandatory treatment, and the rush to premature conclusion from parents in the future. Actually many of these things are beginning to set into motion. I really like Sloane. She was smart, brave, and strong. I liked that she was able to take risk and I have felt a lot of the sadness and silence that she expressed.  I understood her and related to her. I really liked James too. He cared about her, but also had his own flaws. I really enjoyed their relationship and kept on want more about them. 
The Program was the perfect blend of action and romance. It was a book that ignited me with so many emotions and filled me with so many thoughts.  I had to continue reading this book and I wanted more when it is over. The Program was a original take on a very serious issue in society that comments on some of the issues within the treatment of people dealing with depression or other mental illness. Young's writing is fabulous. The story is engaging and I just wanted and needed more. I am definitely excited for the sequel and can't wait to see what Young writes next. I recommend this to fans of Dystopian Novels or people that want strong characters, thrilling and epic plots, and just amazingly beautiful and emotional writing that impacts you with every word. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Names (4)

Top Ten Rewind:Top Ten Characters (and Literary Figures) I'd Name My Kids After

I kind of stole the same topic, because I saw Rachel doing it. So I joined in. 

I really like names, so sorry that there is more than 10. Whoops.

1. Luna Lovegood 

From Harry Potter by JK Rowling

I just love this character and I think it would be a fun name.

2. Hazel Grace or Augustus

From The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I adore these names so much. Okay, it is just amazing.

3. Liesel

From The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I love this character so much and the name is just pretty.

4. Darcy

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

I love him so much and it is a name that can be used for either gender.

5. Jace

From The Mortal Insturtment Series by Cassandra Clare

I think that naming my child Jonathon Christopher and calling him Jace is normal... I just love the character and the name. 

6. Marcus 

from Jessica Darling Series by Megan McCaffery.

I love Marcus and his faults and I love the name.

7. Elliot North 

from For the Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund. 

I adored this book so much. Part of the reason is Elliot is such a strong and amazing character.

8. Finnikin 

from Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta.

I just love this name so much and I never heard of it before this book.

9. Kartik or Gemma

from The Gemma Doyle Trilogy

I know that this is technically two names, but they are from the same book. I also love these characters and the books.

10. Étienne 

from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. 

I adore this character and I feel that it would give my child a mystique and make them cool. Hopefully.

Also special mentions to Astrid from Rampant by Diana Peterfreund and Ophelia from Hamlet by William Shakespeare that almost made the cut.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Source: ALA
TWO MISFITS. ONE EXTRAORDINARY LOVE. 
It's 1986 and two star-crossed teens are smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love--and just how hard it pulled you under.

 A cross between the iconic '80s movie Sixteen Candles and the classic coming-of-age novel Looking for Alaska, Eleanor & Park is a brilliantly written young adult novel.
There are books that I absolutely fall in love with and it hurts when it finished. That is how I felt about this book, I wanted more. 
I loved Eleanor. She is funny, intelligent, and down to earth. I also liked how Rowell didn't make it super pretty or thing. Instead, she has "flaws" and that is one of the reason that Park likes her. Park was amazing too. He was sweet, thoughtful, and just amazing. Rowell reminded me of how it felt to be a teen and in love. I enjoyed the development of the relationship and that it was slowly built as time passed. I liked the other characters in this book and just wanted more.  I found the plot to be very cute and fun, but at the same time, it dealt with serious issues in a matter that I liked. I found the book intense due to this.  I also loved the setting of the 1980's and how they talked about bands and comic books. I found this to be a very original book and I hope to find one like this in the future. It made me feel so many emotions and I couldn't help liking it. Rowell's writing is amazing and clever. I can't wait to read more from her in the future. It was raw and the story stayed with me after it was over. I need more.  Like seriously, you need to read this book as soon as possible if you like contemporary romance. I recommend this book to fans of John Green,  Jennifer E. Smith,  Stephanie Perkins, and Courtney Summers. 

Weight and Self-Esteem

Weight has always been an issue from me. Even before I got sick, I was always insecure about showing any skin. I knew that people were looking at me and judging how I looked. When I first got sick, I lost 60 lbs and everyone was telling me that I looked amazing. I weighted under what I should. I was actually happy about this, but looking back, I looked sick. What I mostly lost was muscle from not eating and also the removal of damaged tissue and my bones stuck out.

Shortly afterward, I began to gain weight from a sedentary lifestyle and large doses of predisnone. My weight went up by a lot, like I am ashamed to admit how bad it got, more than double of my original pre-illness weight. I hated how I looked so much that I wouldn't let people take full body pictures of me. I never told anyone how psychologically messed up I was.  I stopped getting ready, because I didn't see a possibility of beautiful. It wasn't until I started walking in April of 2010 that this changed and almost three years later, I am still working on a healthy self-esteem.

Anyways, the reason for this is before my absence, I was keeping you updated to how much weight I have lost. I am now at 90 total, which is amazing. Instead of numbers, I am focusing on small goals in both my diet and exercise. I am also keeping a list that I update daily on one positive affirmation about myself that I can't repeat until next month. 

Some books that I think dealt with weight issues that I really enjoyed are Fat Cat by Robin Brande, Looks by Madeleine George, Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zandoff, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, and Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen. Most recently, Park & Eleanor by Rainbow Rowell There are many more, but I can't think of them at this moment. Anyways, it is a work in progress and I am trying to become more happy about who I am.  If you have any suggestions on books that deal with weight or self esteem, leave them below. 

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Source: Publisher
The only thing worse than forgetting her past... is remembering it.
When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.
Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.
Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.
Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?
From popular young adult author, Jessica Brody comes a mesmerizing and suspenseful new series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.
I really liked Sera. I liked that she  wanted to figure out who she was and would do anything to figure out who she is. She is very strong and I just adored her. Her foster brother Cody was so sweet and I just loved how much he cared and wanted to help her. Zen was a intriguing character and I want to know more about him. I found the relationship between Sera and Zen to be awesome and rather sweet. I liked that he came back every single time and wanted to protect her. The plot of this book starts slowly, but the pace quickly speeds up. I found the idea to be very complex and interesting. I found the plot and science behind to be unique. I adore Brody's writing. I found the transition from contemporary to sci-fi/mystery to be believable.  I recommend Unremembered to readers that wanted likable characters, an exciting and enjoyable plot, and a unique and interesting concept. I am really excited for the next book and can't wait to find out  what happens next.