Books I've Read So Far ~ April 2015

For more than 3 decades of my life, I believe I've read hundreds of books which, sadly, I am not able to remember other than a little bit here and there.
So then I've come to a conclusion that I should try to keep track on books I've read along with what I think or feel about it.
Sounds like a good idea? Let's hope this resolution will last long...

On a side note, since the start of this year, I've been going to a library in my neighborhood more often than I did last year. so that I even bought a coupon set for hot beverages at the library cafe.
The reason is that so I would read actual books than e-books - why? because reading e-books from my beloved iPad especially before going to bed would make it more difficult for me to sleep afterwards, due to the blue light emitting from it, and I want to have nice good sleep everyday and wake up not feeling tired.

Anyway, let's go back to my book list - it comprises both e-books and actual books I've read since the beginning of this year (not in chronological order):

1. Hunger Games trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay) - Suzanne Collins

Amazon, Goodreads

After watching the first 2 movies, I was intrigued to know how close (or far) the movies are from the books, and after reading all of them, I have to admit that I'm satisfied with the movies. Even though there were scenes omitted or altered in the movies (compromises!), the movies did justice to the books (and the author, of course). And I also gotta say, I loved Katniss! She is flawed, and yet relate-able. She did not always do the right things, but whatever she did was in order to keep her loved ones safe.

2. Divergent trilogy (Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiance) - Veronica Roth

Amazon, Goodreads

I was tempted to read the book right after watching Divergent the movie. I think the movie was quite good and I have soft spot for Shailene Woodley after watching her in The Fault In Our Stars.
The first book was okay, I prefer the plot in the book over the movie, however I disliked Tris in the book. And after finishing the last 2 books, I concluded that Tris was just a selfish brat who thought she knew everything and that completely and foolishly in love with Four (I can't remember how many times she gushed over his handsomeness!). She thought that being a Divergent made her special to the extend that other factions somehow beneath her and everything she did was out of impulse to save herself or Four (selfish much?). For the record, Four was not sympathetic as well. And I've lost my interest to watch Insurgent the movie after finishing the books, although perhaps I would watch it some time in the future when my negative feelings for Tris (and Four) somehow diminishes.

3. Marcia Clark's Rachel Knight series: Guilt By Association, Guilt By Degrees, Killer Ambition and The Competition

Amazon, Goodreads

Coming from one of OJ Simpson's prosecutors, these books lived up to my expectation. Nicely written, with sometimes unexpected twists, putting Marcia Clark to my list of fave true crime authors (along with Michael Connelly and James Patterson). I totally loved Rachel's little 'clique' - Rachel, Bailey and Toni.

4. Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

Amazon, Goodreads

Simply put, great movie, great book! (and great act from Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck!)
Each scene is tightly woven together, with many unexpected turns (which I totally welcome!). I couldn't put it down until the last page!

5. Unlucky 13 - James Patterson

Amazon, Goodreads

The friendship between the foursome Women's Murder Club has always been the main appeal of this series and it's still not disappointing. Although I would expect that the crime part be more thrilling in the next book.

Currently reading: Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn.

Amazon, Goodreads