These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

This book caught my eye a little while ago and not only because the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I have seen it recommended so many times that I could not resist checking it out.

The genre is a very familiar one: science fiction and fantasy with a touch of romance. And the authors blend all three of those aspects together seamlessly. 

The general plot of the novel surrounded the experiences of Lilac, the richest girl in the universe, and Tarver, a famous soldier who comes from a simple household. The two meet and within a few days they crash out of hyperspace in their spaceliner. They end up on an unknown and seemingly uninhabited planet where they experience hallucinations that have only one conclusion: they are not there alone.

My favorite part of this novel by far is the incredible setting and time period. I loved the new technology with the old-timey social conduct. The glamorous clothing and "balls and ball gowns" lifestyle is a great cause of my envy. The setting perfectly embodies everything that I think that science fiction should be.

Another major plus in this book were the characters. Lilac is a female icon. She is strong, beautiful, determined, and compassionate while still being smart and resourceful. Tarver is brave, thoughtful and passionate. And it was frustrating it took them such a long time to realize that they loved each other.

The only thing I really hate about this book is that it's over. But I know that they return as minor characters in the second novel, This Shattered World, which I will definitely be reading.

You Know You're Short When...

I have never been known for being a really tall person. And I feel that by being an amazing five feet tall, I am qualified to write about being short.

I have spent a lot of my life regretting my height and hating it. It was only until about two years ago that I learned that there are some pretty amazing things about looking at the world from a more down to earth perspective.

Here are some of the "perks" that come with being fun-sized:

1. Every single pant is hemmed.

This happens every single time for me especially with jeans. Sometimes, I feel like I can only have jeans that fit around my waist and hips or jeans that don't bunch at my ankles.

2. People think you are a lot younger than you really are.

People generally associate shorter with younger. I have been repeatedly called anywhere from a year to four years younger than I actually am. Being thought of as younger than you actually are is not "bad" just a bit frustrating.

3. The children's section is the only place to find clothes that fit.

Sometimes embarrassing. Sometimes not your style. But amazing bargains. Children's clothes tend to be a lot cheaper than junior's and adults.

4. You automatically go to the front of group pictures.

I know I'm going to end up there anyway so might as well do it before I'm told too. But it's all good. Better than being in the back where no one can see you.

5. You are constantly on your toes.

I find myself constantly needing to be on my toes. Sometimes it's to peek through the door's eye hole or reach the top shelf (both that I still can't do even with the toes).

6. You stopped going to movie theaters because you don't want to pay to see the back of someone's head.

I would much rather watch movies at home when they come out on DVD than get the booster seat to watch a movie.

7. Your feet never touch to ground when you sit.

But no biggie. It looks absolutely adorable.

After being made fun of so much for my height, I realized that I love that part of myself. If no one else thinks your height is perfect, I do.

Please share your experiences with your height and mention anything that I forgot to.