The Book Bratz: letstalk

Showing posts with label letstalk. Show all posts

It's Alright to DNF That Book (Seriously, everyone does!)

Jul 28, 2015

So you are reading a book and this happens....:

Then You realize your at that point...:

There will be a multitude of reasons why someone DNFs a book. They didn't connect with the characters, it was too slow, it didn't interest them, they are bored. What ever the reason it happens. Bloggers are busy readers and we often don't have the time to drag ourselves through a book that we aren't enjoying. I DNF more books then a probably should, but then again: Why am I wasting my time on something I'm not enjoying? DNFing a book is not something I like to do, I am not Oprah handing out DNFs left and right. But there have been times that I've DNFed two books in a row. My biggest questions have always been, when is it acceptable to DNF and what happens if it is a review book.

I always try to push myself past 25% of the book. Typically not much happens in that time for the book to either be a bust or fail. Sometimes it is. The latest I ever DNFed a book was 61% because I convinced myself it was going to get better. Sometimes, that is the worst thing you can do. If you are considering DNFing a book ask yourself these things:

Is there any connection to the characters at all?
Do you car how it ends?
Can you read more then a few pages at a time before taking a break?

If you answered yes to any of those then it is probably safe to say that you're over that book. uif I have any connection to the character or any question of how it will end I will stick to the book because then I know that some small part of me wants to finish this out.

Sometimes I will be in the middle of a book I was enjoying and I'll get book mail, suddenly my current read doesn't seem so interesting anymore. I don't DNF this book. I simply put it on hold. It basically means: I want to finish this. But not right now.

I currently have 9 books that I want to eventually go back too. 41 books that I have officially DNFed. This is from the middle of 2014 until now. (So, that is 50 books that I just haven't pulled myself to actually love.)

But as a blogger I have a long list of books for review, that need my time rather then a published book that I can always go back to later (Or not, depending). But DNFing review copies makes my heart hurt a little. Publishers only have a limited amount of galleys to send out and they were kind of enough to send one to me or digital galleys are capped once they reach a certain approved ratio. I feel if I DNF that book, I took the chance from someone else who might have really enjoyed it and actually finished it. In these cases I make myself finish the book, even if it is going to take me a week. If I really can't, I will let the publisher know in my "feedback" that this one wasn't for me and I will talk about what I liked, disliked, and whether I would give the book a shot again in the future.

So, I made a poll and asked 25 other readers/bloggers via Twitter at what point they DNF a book:

Here is what they said:

So DNFing something done more often not. More often then people actually finishing a book it seems. So if you are worried about DNFing a book, it is okay!

Here are some books I have DNFed in the last few months:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas // DNF @ 35%

Why did I DNF this one? It was slow. I was already going on my fourth day of reading it and I had no desire to know what was going to happen next. I think it being over hyped so much was another reason I struggled with it. But by the fourth day I should have already been a book or two past this one. << Check it out on Goodreads >>

The Prey by Tom Isbell // DNF @ 61%

I DNFed this on because of the writing and it was hard to follow. I stuck with it longer then I typically would have but I had hope it was going to get better. Sadly it didn't. This book was also a bad case of insta-love between the main characters after knowing each other for only hours. <<Check it out on Goodreads >>

The Young Elites by Marie Young // DNF @ 32%

I was really disappointed when I DNFed this one. I LOVE Marie's writing but TYE was way too slow for me. At 32% not much had happened in regards of plot. I dragged this one out for TWO WEEKS! That is fourteen days. Don't ask me why I did. << Check it out on Goodreads >>

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater // DNF @ 27%

A lot of people were a little shocked that I DNFed this one. I didn't DNF it ONCE but TWICE. I was intruiged enough but I really wasn't caring about how everything would end, and the POVs changed too many times for my liking. << Check it out on Goodreads >>

I know, I know I DNFed The Raven Boys. I am going to give it another shot eventually

I am not suggesting for you to DNF a book, I am trying to bring across that it does happen and you won't be the only one who has DNFed a book. Was this post any help at all? Where do you stand in DNFing a book? Let me know in the comments below!

6 Things That Will Make Me Leave Your Blog

Jul 16, 2015

As new blogger I found posts like these, and others helpful in knowing what I should do with the blog. There were so many things that I thought would look good, but in reality really didn't make sense and didn't look good at all. The number one rule to blogging is that there isn't rules. There isn't. There are suggestions. Here are some things that will make me want to leave a blog and a list of websites that helped me (and still do!) in blogging and designing! I blogger friend Kaitlin did a post similar to this one a few weeks ago and it can be found here!

Why I would want to leave your blog:

1. Haven't Posted in a Long Time: This is typically the first thing I check in a blog. I won't follow a blog that hasn't been active in months. If the blogger is on a hiatus, and there is a post saying that then that is a different story. I will stalk their blog a little bit and then decide if I still want to follow them.

2. Automatic Music: Please. Most of the time I am going on blogs on my phone while I am in school, or because I don't have a laptop I am using the main computer in my living room and automatic music 1. Scares the shit out of me because I didn't expect it 2. Makes your blog longer to load (which might make me leave it if it takes too long!) Music is awesome and I get that, but most people don't like going on blogs and getting blasted with your song choice of the moment.

3. Bad Spelling/Grammar: I am not the spelling police. If you have a few spelling mistakes in a post I am not going to swear off your blog. It happens. We are human. I'm mainly talking about: ppl hu TLK lIk DIS. Which beleive me, I have come across so many times! It is an instant turn off and makes me question humanity. Can you imagine reading this WHOLE post in text lingo? Shakes head in disapproval

4. I can't find your follow button: This has happened countless times. I couldn't find where to follow this persons blog. No GFC. Email. Bloglovin'. Eventually I left this blogs and if I stumble across them again someday then that is great. But my suggest: Have this stuff in your sidebar or some where that your blog readers are going to see it. If they can't see it, then they most likely won't be able to follow you either.

5. Horrible Blog Design: I know not ALL bloggers are good with designing. So I don't hold this against us. But most bloggers can customize their layouts by, font size and colors. This is where a lot of the mess up comes. I don't want a head ache every time I read your blog. Plain white background, black background with neon font, neon font in general, flashing gadgets, bright colors tend to give people head aches and make their eyes hurt. People avoid blogs for this reason.

6. Too Many Promos/Memes: The average blogger has maybe what 5-6 promos a month? More? Less? That is fine. I am talking about the blogger who only posts Blogtours (Promos), Blitz, Cover Reveals, and Memes and little to no reviews. Reviews is your personality and I know they are a pain in the ass to write sometimes. I complain about doing them. But they must be done. Limit Memes to 2-3 a week and blitz are okay every once in a while (more often if you post more reviews) and don't join a Blogtour just to promo it. Join in for the review part!

Here are 2 bloggers who's posts on designs, how-tos and the basics of blogging have helped me the past two years!

Ashley @ Nose Graze: Ashley is a book blogger but her blog also offers tons of advice on the do's and don'ts of book blogging, design help, codes, and she even makes costume WordPress themes (They are stunning!) Her blog was a HUGE help when me and Jessica first started blogging!

Stephanie @ These Paper Hearts: Stephanie is also a book blogger and co-blogs with her sister! Her blog was a huge help when I was redoing The Book Bratz last November/December. She has a whole "Coding Tips and Tricks" and a "Designer Handbook" for the basic things. Stephanie also has some beautiful pre-made Blogger and WordPress themes up on her Etsy!

So those are the things that will make me want to leave your blog. What are some things that make you want to leave a blog? let me know in the comments!

How to Break Up With Reading Slumps

Jul 9, 2015

Calm down, calm down! Don't beat yourself up! Reading slumps. They will happen to the best of us. We all dread the moment that not getting into a page on one book will turn into not getting into several other books. Slumps will make reading feel like a chore instead of fun. We all faced it at least once or twice by now, with varying degrees of severity. But it isn't the end of the world, and you can break up with your reading slumps. That is until the next one starts creeping around.

How to Break Up With Them:

1. Sleeping: I don't know about you, but typically if I am not reading or at work I will take a nap. Jessica will tell you, she will be trying to contact me for hours and I am just gone. I found though that sometimes after not being able to get into a book it isn't because I am in a slump but more because I am tired.

2. Watch a TV Show: Sometimes you just need a break from reading in general. Just binge watch a TV show for a bit. This is why I have a Netflix subscription (Not really... but I just tell myself this) Some Recommendations: Orange Is The New Black, Orphan Black, Grey's Anatomy

3. Try Reading a Published Book: Sometimes I try to binge review copies so they won't pile up. Most of the time I am successful, other times I can't get into a single one. In these situations a I try reading a book that I already have on my book shelf or can borrow from the library. Popular new releases are also another good route to go!

4. Go Hang Out With Friends: I know every book nerd is guilty of ditching plans so they can finish up a book. But if you are in a slump maybe this is an opportunity to contact people and go socialize. I know after I go out with friends I realize how much energy and effort that took and is able to dive right back into a book and avoid plans again!

5. Relax on Blogging: So, you post 3-4 reviews a week and this week you only posted 2 reviews. You are fine. Sometimes I panic when we only have two reviews set up and I put myself into a slump because I am desperate for something to post. It is no big deal. Maybe instead of a review in that spot try a discussion post!

6. Visit Other Blogs/ Comment Back/ Read Reviews: Take this time do comment back on that over grown list of blogs you been telling yourself you were going to comment back on for weeks. Through other blogs you'll found a book that will spark your interest and that may be the one to help you out of the slump!

7. Read a Short Book: A book over 400 pages tend to intimidate me. Especially if they are review copies. Maybe instead trying reading a book that is under 300 pages. They are quick easy reads that you may end up enjoying!

8. Hang Out on Social Media: My biggest thing while I am in a reading slump is going on Twitter and Instagram. If I get bored enough I will alternate them. Going on social media and chatting with your online friends is a good way to relax and let your mind think about other things beside books.

9. Try Reading Something Recommended to You: As a blogger I am constantly getting books pushed at me. Mostly by Jessica (My co-blogger!) and Rachel from A Perfection Called Books. Sometimes these books are just what you need, when you are in a slump trying to actually pick out a book on your own is a personal type of hell.

10. Take a Break: As a blogger you feel like you have to be reading 24/7. Reading is not an obligation and it is okay to take a break if needed!

Those are the top ten ways I try to deal with slumps. Honestly, they are a bitch when they happen. I won't lie, I find it hard to relax when I know I have dead lines coming up and I can't get into a book. But not enjoying a book and rating it bad or taking a few hours and then trying will make a whole difference in the end.

I hope you found this post helpful! How do you deal with reading slumps? Do you push through or do you do something to help unwind for a bit? Let me know in the comments below!

Let's Talk Tough: Drug Use in YA

Jun 27, 2015

Welcome to Let's Talk Tough, a week-long series here at The Book Bratz where we discuss some hard topics in YA literature. Today's topic is the use of drugs in YA books.

So, today is the last day of the Let's Talk Tough mini series and today's topic is, as we just mentioned, about drug use in YA. It's a topic that doesn't show up in every YA book, but a decent amount. Think about how many YA books you've read where the main character (or a friend or sibling or parent) takes pills. Smokes pot or cigarettes or meth or crack or takes heroine. The whole nine yards - you know what we're talking about.

Do the YA books that feature these problems do them justice? We definitely think so. These books show the firsthand struggle of characters in regards to the actual addictions themselves and the struggles that led them to reach that point - insecurities, a loss, or something far worse. In Crank by Ellen Hopkins, the main character is modeled after her own daughter.

These struggles do happen - and they aren't always struggles. Some main characters use drugs and cigarettes for recreation. Which, despite how it seems okay, isn't. Why is it okay to show young readers about smoking and alcoholism can be a suitable passtime for teens? Yes, it happens, but no, it is under no circumstances ever okay. The argument that "teenagers will be teenagers" doesn't even work because you don't want to turn young readers onto these practices - rather, away from them.

As for the addictions, these books definitely provide firsthand insight on these problems. As someone who has never dealt with these types of problems, when you hear about people addicted to drugs you may just think to yourself, "Why don't they just stop? Like, seriously. They can just not let their feet walk out the door and take them to these stores and dealers. It can't be that hard."

Well, plenty of YA books show you that it can be that hard. And it is that hard. (Again, we don't have any personal experience with this topic, but from all of the YA books we've read that claim to accurately depict these struggles, it seems that way.) You can't just wake up one morning and say, "I'm going to stop taking cocaine today. I really mean it. I'm done, as of right now." To shed a thin light of humor on the situation, it's the same way with dieting. You don't wake up one day and declare that you will never eat a single processed or unhealthy thing for the rest of your natural life. How many times have you failed? More than you'd like to admit, probably. We have, too.

Long story short, it is important for YA books to properly depict the struggles behind drug abuse - from the horrors that led them there to the horrors that occur during the addiction and even the horrors that may occur afterward. Each teenage addict has a certain event that pushed them to the point where they felt helpless, and although that doesn't excuse their actions in any way, it shows the reader how important it is to hear the full story before assuming that people just wake up and decide to be crack and heroin and meth addicts. It just doesn't happen that way.

These YA books turn fictional struggles of fictional characters until real stories that, even though you may not personally relate to, you benefit from as you learn and understand the true horrors of drug addictions among teenagers in society.

Just Some YA Books That Deal With The Topic of Drugs:

We hope that this post makes you think and discuss the unrealistic expectations of sex, and also rape, in present-day YA Literature. The purpose of these Let's Talk Tough topics are to get you thinking and to start discussing the things viewed as "taboo" discussions when talking about YA. So start a conversation in the comments below (or Tweet us @thebookbratz) and help to make these tough topics easier to talk about. Check back the rest of this week for a new Let's Talk Tough topic each day - and join us in helping to start the conversation.

Let's Talk Tough: Abuse

Jun 26, 2015

Welcome to Let's Talk Tough, a week-long series here at The Book Bratz where we discuss some hard topics in YA literature. Today's topic is abuse - how they're written about, what's unrealistic about them, what is realistic, etc.

*This post contains spoilers of The Good Girls by Sara Shepard*

What is abuse? treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. With that being said there are so many forms of abuse, that this post could easily turn into a novel about it. The main forms of abuse I've seen in YA is a physical and emotional abuses. Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States. What is child abuse? Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and emotional abuse.

Recently, I read The Good Girls by Sara Shepard. The main character Parker, was abused by her father. At first it started as emotional abuse. He would say terrible things and then apologize. It was a viscous cycle. Eventually he started getting physical with her. One night she came home from a party high (Long story short: She was drugged) and her father beat her to death. I use the Good Girls as an example because it is the most recent I have read. But this is one example of many in YA. As I said in previous posts, not authors are right or wrong in what they write. It is how it is executed is how to reader reacts to it.

Here are some statistics related to abuse:

1 in 10 children suffer from child maltreatment. 1 in 16 children suffer from sexual abuse. Nearly 1 in 10 children are witnesses to family violence.
The youngest children are the most vulnerable to maltreatment.
Over 25% of abused children are under the age of three while
Over 45% of abused children are under the age of five.
While boys and girls are equally as likely to be victims of abuse and neglect; the rate of child fatality is higher for boys. (In a 2012 report)
Number of reports of child abuse every year in the United States: 2.9 million
Of the children who experienced maltreatment or abuse, nearly 80% suffered neglect; 18% suffered physical abuse; and 9% suffered sexual abuse.
About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
Children whose parents abuse alcohol and other drugs are three times more likely to be abused and more than four times more likely to be neglected than children from non-abusing families.
As many as two-thirds of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused or neglected as children.

I talk more of child abuse in the post because YA mainly deals with people under the age of 18 or 19. It is an occasion we read a YA book where the main character isn't abused but a parent, or an older friend. Abuse can affect anyone at any age. It isn't just towards children. I would loved to see more books that focus on abuse and the effects it has on people. It is something as a reader I don't see often.