Book Review~The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

Title: The Avery Shaw Experiment

Author: Kelly Oram

Publisher: Bluefields

Pub Date: May 4th 2013

Format: ebook

Pages: 278

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Comedy

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon/B&N ~ Book/Author Site

Synopsis: When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically. 

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest. 

Rating: 9/10

Source: From the author.

Cover Talk: The cover is pretty & cute but I like the Hungarian one better.

My Thoughts: This book was so cute! I had a goofy smile on my face all through the book. It was short and sweet and adorable and I loved it!

Story: The story was nice. I like how Oram wrote all these relationships. It was light and fun and enjoyable. I loved the romance! Avery & Grayson were so perfect together! I really liked the idea of going through the stages of grief to cure a broken heart and how Avery went through them was interesting. All the different kinds of relationships mentioned in this book, the mixing of social classes, the breaking of stereotypes, it was all nice to read.

Writing: I love Kelly Oram! I love her writing and her books! Her words just make me feel so good and mushy inside! She really makes me feel for the characters. She transports me into her books. I love the humor, the emotions. I seriously love everything about her books!

Characters: I really liked Avery. She was a nice change from Rose (from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead). Avery was shy and timid and nice. But she was also flawed in how much dependent on Aiden she was. I love how she changed by the end of the book. She wasn't one of my favorite book girls but I really liked her.

I loved Grayson! He was charming, funny, caring, adorable! He was a really nice guy and I loved his relationship with Avery.

I'm not sure how I feel about Aiden. He made me angry but I also felt sorry for him. I understood his actions but he was also kind of frustrating. 

I really liked Libby & Oliver! Libby was weird but so much fun and Oliver was nice. I can't wait for The Libby Garrett Intervention!

All the other side characters were great and well-written! They all felt like real people.

Overall: I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a short, fun read. It was the perfect break from the emotional roller-coaster the Vampire Academy series is taking me through. 

About The Author:

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.

Mini Book Reviews

Hello guys! I hope your summer's going well. Mine is going pathetic. All I do is study. And when I'm not studying I read to escape this monotonous life. Which means I've read a lot of books during the past month. I couldn't get time to review them separately so I'll just review them all together here.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

8.5/10 I was in the mood for a roadtrip-romance so I picked up Amy & Roger since it seemed to be on a lot of lists. Well it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I was expecting a cute book with lots of bickering and maybe an angsty scene or two and a little adventure. Even though what I got was more on the serious side with more focus on the characters rather than the romance, I did enjoy this book a lot. It was kind of creepy how it felt like the author, through Amy, was telling me to get my life back. Much like Amy, I used to enjoy myself and dress up and stuff. Even though nothing tragic happened to me to change that, my life sort of fell apart after I left school. Now I don't really care about much except getting through the day which I realize isn't exactly healthy and I am trying to change that but I don't know how. Anyway, I would love to go on a life-altering road trip like Amy and Roger. I really liked the characters. They felt very real and believable and Amy was very relatable. The writing was amazing! Even though I've never been to the US I could easily imagine everything like I was there. And I loved the pictures and the playlists! Overall, this book was pretty enjoyable.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

9.5/10 This book was so cute and sweet and amazing! I've seen the movie about 4-5 times and I love it! So I thought it was about time I read the book as well. The book really wasn't off to a good start. I didn't like Jane much, she felt immature. But things started looking up after she got to Austenland. I have to say, I think I enjoyed this book more because of my love for the movie. Don't get me wrong, the book was really good too! The romance was definitely better developed in the book. But I liked the movie Jane better. I also wished Shannon Hale would have developed Jane's friendship with Elizabeth more, like in the movie. Overall this book was very enjoyable but I kinda like the movie better.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn

5/10 I really really wanted to like this book! I honestly tried so hard! I LOVE Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and I expected to love this book just as much. But unfortunately I couldn't make myself even like it. It was a bit too weird for my taste. There were some good parts in between but everything else was so crazy that I just couldn't. I don't even know how I made it to the end. Probably because the only thing worse than the book was studying. Okay maybe I'm exaggerating. But really, the only thing I liked this book was Nick. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and the writing just whooshed over my head and why does there have to be so much swearing? I know it's weird that I loved Dash & Lily but didn't like Nick & Norah since it's the opposite for most other people but I just couldn't make myself like it.

The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

9/10 Percy Jackson and I got off to a rough start but he soon redeemed himself and all was good. At the beginning the characters, especially Percy, really irritated me. They seemed too immature. I thought this was going to be one of those books where the main characters keep making stupid decisions but still things keep going their way. Even though at the beginning the book was roaming those territories that all changed soon and I was able to enjoy the book. It was a fun adventure. I didn't get attached to any of the characters but I did enjoy all the them. I liked the mystery though I figured out the big plot twist pretty early on. I did enjoy the whole adventure and do plan on checking out the next books.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

8.5/10 Wow! When I picked up this book I was not expecting this. I wanted to read a funny book and most of the lists had Beauty Queens as the number one choice so I thought why not? Well, I actually didn't find it very funny. It contained a lot of sarcastic and dark humor and while it should have been funny it was more bothering to me because of the issues addressed through that humor. The author did an amazing job raising all these issues regarding women and this book is unlike any other I have ever read. It does a very good job in raising awareness. It has all these diverse girls and all of them are so real and relatable. By the end of the book I felt like I was one of them. They all have their stories and their pasts and how society has affected them in different ways. I couldn't really get into the book at first and considered dropping it but I'm so glad I didn't! I loved the absurd mystery of the island. I loved these badass girls and how the island changed them!

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead 

10/10 I cannot believe I waited so long to read these books! I even have the first three in paperback which I devoured in about 5 days. I actually picked this up because I resolved to read the books I own before buying any new ones (Ha Ha!) and I've heard a lot about Vampire Academy so I thought why not give it a try. I'm not much of a fan of paranormal books as my experience with them hasn't been so good so I wasn't expecting much from VA. But boy did this book blow me away! The writing was so good! It was fast-paced and kept me engaged all through. The mystery was really good and I loved all the characters! Rose was so badass and even though I have nothing in common with her I really liked her! I loved Lissa! For the first time I understood what depression actually is and what it feels like. I loved loved LOVED Dimitri! One of the best book boyfriends ever! I loved bad boy Christian! Hell I loved everyone!

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

10/10 Nothing new to say really. This book was just as amazing, if not more, as the first one! I'm glad there was more of Christian in it. The last part was heart-stopping action and a heart-breaking conclusion. A new character, Adrian, was introduced who, I as understand, happens to be a fan favorite. I haven't read much of him to form an opinion but he is super mysterious and sort of crazy. And sexy. All I can say is that I'm really glad I started this series!

Married by Mistake by Abby Gaines

7.5/10 I have no idea how I came across this book. But I was going through my ebooks and there it was. It was short and seemed interesting so I decided to give it a try. It was nice and cute. Not very memorable though. The writing was good and the story was nice. The characters were okay. I don't really know what to say, this was an okay book. Not too bad but not very good either. Just average.

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead

9.5/10 I felt like this book was a bit slower than the previous ones. I loved it nonetheless. Though these books are moving towards sad and serious and I'm not sure my heart can handle it. Not after this ending. I think I'm going to take a break before these books break me. The story was as usual amazing. Though the mystery was starting to frustrate me. I LOVED Dimitri!!! I'm liking Adrian as well. The book has taken a very interesting turn and I wonder where it will go from here. But I'm laying off the series for a bit. At least until I'm sure my heart can handle more feels.

Update

Hello! I know I haven't posted in more than a month! My internet was down and I've been so busy studying for MCAT that I don't even have time to sleep. Sad life.

Well I have five days off the next week so I'll try to post some reviews. I'm kind of in a drama-watching slump but I've been devouring books lately. No kidding, I've been reading one book after the other and I can't get enough! So lots to review!

I should go study now, bye! Hope you guys are having an awesome summer! Take care and stay hydrated!

~Hira

Instabuy Authors (Part 2)

I did an instabuy authors list a while ago but it seems to have been lost in cyberspace. So I decided to do another one, adding more authors.

These are the authors whose book I buy no matter what the content or genre. I don't even have to read the blurb. If it's by them, then I have to buy it. These are the authors I trust with my eyes closed...

1. Khaled Hosseini

I own all 3 books by Khaled Hosieni and I've read 2 of them. Khaled Hosseini is such an amazing writer! He makes you feel things so deeply, his books actually leave me broken. If you can handle highly depressing books then you should give his books a try.

2. Katie McGarry

I fell in love with Katie McGarry's writing when I read Pushing The Limits and from then on I've loved her books! But Pushing The Limits will always remain my favorite! She writes contemporary really well and it's easy to fall into her books.

3. Hannah Harrington

Hannah Harrington seems to have vanished after releasing 2 amazing books in 2012. I hope she is okay and that she would return to writing. I really love her books and writing.

4. Meg Cabot

Who doesn't love Meg Cabot? She writes such cute and funny books! I seriously enjoy so much, reading her awesome books! Mediator series will forever remain my all-time favorite series! Meg Cabot made me fall in love with YA.

5. Tellulah Darling

If you haven't already, then go and read The Blooming Goddess trilogy! Seriously, just go! Now! It's my favorite series, alongside the Mediator series, and I promise you it's amazing! Tellulah writes romantic comedy so well! I've loved all the books I've read by her till now.

6. Abigail Haas

I never realized how much I needed Abigail Haas' psychological thrillers until I read Dangerous Girls & Dangerous Boys last year. These books were amazeballs!! And I desperately need more!!

7. Zeenat Mahal

Zeenat Mahal is such an amazing writer that you would want to read her books again again! She writes relationships so well! And the best part is that she is from my hometown!

8. Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie. Enough said. I've loved mysteries since I was a kid and Agatha Christie is rightfully called the queen of mystery! Her books are amazing, each and every one of them!

9. Kelly Oram

I fell in love with Kelly Oram's writing when I read V is for Virgin. Her writing is so witty and fun! But she also captures emotions really well! Plus she's the sweetest person!

Mini Reviews

I read and watched a couple of stuff but wasn't able to write reviews for them. I can't write full length reviews now but I thought I'd share some of my thoughts about them.

BOOKS

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This was a nice book. I didn't love it as much as others did but I did enjoy it. Cath was very relatable and I loved Levi! This book was highly character driven so the plot took a backseat. It took me some getting used to but I did enjoy it. An 8/10

2. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

This was my first historical romance and I didn't like it much. Maybe historical romances aren't my thing... I read this along with a friend and she didn't enjoy it much either. I think my problem with this book was the main character. I didn't really like Callie, she irritated me. I didn't like Ralston much either. This was a 6/10 for me.

3. Slammed by Colleen Hoover

I was blown away by this book! It was that good! I wasn't really expecting much but seriously I really loved this book! I think the best part was the writing. It was engaging and beautiful. I loved the story! The suspense, the romance, the angst. I really loved Will! Layken kind of frustrated me sometimes but I also understood her. I really liked all the secondary characters. All in all, I really enjoyed this book! A 9.5/10 from me.

4. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Agatha Christie? I don't think I have. I love murder mysteries like crazy! I've been reading and watching them since I was kid, courtesy of my mom. Well since Agatha Christie is the queen of crime, naturally I've read a lot of her books. I can't believe it took so long for me to read And Then There Were None! This book is pure genius! I loved every minute of it! 10/10!

DRAMAS

1. What Is Love

After trying to finish this drama for months I dropped it at episode 10. It was just so boring and repetitive, I couldn't go on. This drama would've been good if things would've happened a little faster. They were dragging it too much. Though I did like the actors and characters...

2. A Gentleman's Dignity

This drama had the best characterization I have ever seen! It was written really well! It had a great cast and awesome music! I gave it an 8/10. I didn't really like the main couple much, I felt like they didn't have that much chemistry. But I loved everyone else! This drama had flawed, real characters and a great story! And I loved the friendship between the four men!

3. Mirai Nikki

This was my first Japanese drama and it was so good! It was full of suspense and action and I loved every minute of it! It got a bit slow towards the end but it wasn't that bad. I really enjoyed this drama!  It had a great cast and awesome story! I gave it an 8/10 because the ending didn't leave my satisfied. But if you like futuristic, suspenseful dramas then I highly recommend Mirai Nikki!

4. Boss & Me

This drama was so cute and different! The most amazing part of this drama was that the leads had such a healthy relationship! They communicated with each other which helped end the misunderstandings so much. You hardly ever see that in other dramas. This drama was very realistic. I loved Shan Shan! She was adorable and naive but not stupid. I really loved how she changed and grew. This was my first Chinese drama and I'm highly impressed. I gave it a 9/10. It got a bit slow for me in the middle but it was enjoyable nonetheless. 

5. Boarding House #24

I went into this drama without any expectations. I was expecting a lighthearted comedy like the Korean variety shows. What I got was a funny but heartfelt drama with life lessons. I really enjoyed it a lot! I was highly impressed with the cast considering most of them are idols. All the characters were really well-written and well-executed. Ahjussi was so funny!! I loved Bang In! My favorite character was Do Joon. I really enjoyed this time with all these amazing characters. I never thought I'd get so attached to them. This drama gets a 9/10 because while everything was really good, Jae Hwan and Do Hee could've done a better job.

6. Valid Love

This drama was nothing like I've ever seen before and nothing like I expected. At first it was wacky and weird but addicting. Then it got so serious and sad. But I could never guess what would happen next. Everything was so unexpected. This drama really focused on human's actions and the reasons for those actions. It wasn't exactly psychological but in some ways it was. It showed different kinds of love, different kinds of characters. It was a very different and interesting drama and I really enjoyed it a lot. Plus it had beautiful cinematography. I rated it 9/10.

I'm back!

Hello world! It's been 2 months since I last posted... God, how I've missed this blog! My exams ended yesterday and now I'm free!!!

Well not as free as I'd like to be... My MCAT classes will start soon and I still have practical exams at the end of June. But I'm finally done with these exams and I feel so relieved!

I'll start posting reviews and such from tomorrow, maybe today. I can't wait to get back to reading and watching dramas! :D

Well, see you later! Take care!

~Hira

Hiatus

I have exams in a month and I need to study so I won't be posting much from now on. Just wanted to let ya'll know that I'll be gone for some time. Take care!

~Hira