All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

*Possible Spoilers*

All the Bright Place
by Jennifer Niven

Read: April 15-16
Published: January 6, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the "natural wonders" of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It's only with Violet that Finch can be himself--a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who's not such a freak after all. And it's only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet's world grows, Finch's begins to shrink. (Amazon)



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Why did you read this book?
          It's been on my To-Read list pretty much since it's been published, I just haven't gotten around to reading it. I was at the library with my sister last weekend and she took it off the shelf and said, "I kind of want to read this." Because she already had three books and I only had one, I took it from her, of course. "Me too," I said.

My Review:
          This review will not be like the others because I cannot simply write what I liked and what I didn't like because I liked and didn't like everything about this book. I honestly don't know how to go forward the the review because it has left me emotionally bereft, but also full of emotions. How am I supposed to write about that?
          I suppose I'll start with the characters. In the beginning of the book, I really felt like I related to Finch. He is someone that thinks about death frequently, but doesn't want to die. He is so kind-hearted and he truly cares about other people, but he can't help but fall into episodes where he doesn't feel anything. However, in the latter half of the book, I related more to Violet. She was learning how to live outside the emptiness of her grief. She was learning how to be happy again.
         Of course, I can't go much further into it without spoiling anything. This book made me cry ugly tears, not the ugly sobbing when I read The Fault in Our Stars for the first time, but worse because I saw myself in it.

If you like this...
          ...I would recommend Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, or Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin.

Bottom-Line:
          I don't know if I will ever read it again. It was just that emotionally traumatizing for me. However, I do strongly recommend it to everyone I know perhaps ages 16 and up. I'm sorry I didn't write more, but this, I think, is something that everyone just needs to experience for themselves.





"The great thing about this life of ours is that you can be someone different to everybody." -All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride
by Cary Elwes


Read: April 10-12, 2016
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Biography/Memoir

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.

The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories. (Amazon)

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Why did you read this book?
The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, how couldn't it be with the action, comedy, swashbuckling, true love, miracles, and adventure? I could watch this movie over and over and over again. I also just recently read the book, which was just as enchanting (I didn't do a book review on that one because I couldn't write about the book without talking too much about the movie. Basically, it was great and I'd recommend it to anyone). Also, I just love behind-the-scenes stuff. The several hours of extras on the extended Lord of the Rings DVD's? Watched it all. I have a problem...but I digress.

What did you like about this book?
First off, I liked the tidbits added in throughout the book from Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, and the other cast members that contributed, along with William Goldman (screen writer, and author of the book) and Bob Reiner (Director). All of the information in this book was genuinely interesting to me. I loved the way Cary wrote about his experience. It was easy to tell that it was a treasured time in his life and he wouldn't soon forget what a wonderful time it was and the wonderful people he worked with. It made me wish I had been there (although I hadn't been born yet), but also feel like I had been there with them all (which, of course, I wasn't). I usually don't get into books that don't have a plot with exciting twists and turns, or emotional climaxes, but this one captured me just as easily as if it had those features. Also, it was actually pretty funny. I found myself laughing out loud a few times, something that is pretty rare for me while reading.

What didn't you like about this book?
As much as I loved it, there were things that got a tad repetitive. Not that I wanted the book to shorter, but it could have been. There were many instances where Cary would repeat himself about how The Princess Bride is a classic, even if it didn't start so well. He repeatedly say how lucky he was to have been a part of that experience and how none of them knew it would become the cult classic it is now (which were excellent things to talk about, just not every other chapter). It also started a bit slow, beginning with pre-production and how he got the part and meeting Bob Reiner. It was all interesting, of course, but I was more interested in the period of time during filming.

If you like this...
...I'd recommend, not a book, but the TV series 'Galavant'. It also has romance, adventure, action, and comedy...and it's also a musical! There are two (very short) seasons and there's unlikely to be a third, but I highly suggest it. Also, Alan Menken did the music and he's like a Disney music legend, so there's incentive for you.

Bottom-Line:
I loved it and I thought it was a fantastic companion to the movie. However, if you haven't seen or read The Princess Bride or for some reason don't like it, this probably isn't the book for you. If you don't like The Princess Bride, I strongly encourage with utmost affection to change your mind.



"It's true in life, as in the movies, that the greatest highs are often followed by the lowest lows."-As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

Obligatory New Year's Post...in March

          I was fully intending to write a New Year's post back when 2016 started. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen. That doesn't mean it can't happen now! It's never too late to reflect on the year before and the year ahead. I'm going to follow the same format as New Year's post from last time, so sorry I'm not a little more creative. Also, apologies for not posting in over a month. It's been awhile since I've had a new book to read and I haven't had anything all that excited to write about. Here's to more blog posts soon!

What were the three best things to happen last year?
          Of course the biggest thing has to be going to Ireland. It's funny going back and remembering how nervous I was to go and then I got there and it was the best experience of my life. I still can't get over how amazing and beautiful it was there. I really have to go back.
          I also quit my custodial job last year. I didn't realize how completely awful that job made me feel until I was free of it. Just going through that weekly degradation took a toll on my mental well being. Not a day goes by that I miss it there. Every time I think of it, I am filled with such an overwhelming relief that I never have to go back there. It was definitely a good decision not to work there.
           I have the best roommate ever. Moving away from home was (is) really hard for me. I don't think I would have made it through the process without my roommate to keep me sane. I am so fortunate that she's been my friend for years and we've lived together since September and we're still friends. Everyone told me not to room with a friend because I wouldn't be able to stand them by the end of it, but so far so good. I'd say we're pretty compatible.

What were the three worst things to happen last year?
          My wonderful, beautiful golden retriever was hit by a car right before my birthday. I can't write about it without crying, so I won't.
          I had to leave my community college and the job I had there. Honestly, I absolutely loved that school and the people I worked with. If it were an option, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Unfortunately for me, there are very few programs that I could go to the University Center for and mine is not one of them.
          Coming to Western, while I believe in the long run will be good for me and I will appreciate it eventually, was the hardest thing I've had to do. I don't even know how I made it through that first semester. I thought I did a decent job expressing how difficult it was without letting how depressed it made me show. However, I was recently talking to my mom about it and she told me how worried she was because my voice sounded so dead whenever I called (which was every day). And honestly, that's how I felt most of the time. So, yeah, everyone tells me I'll learn to love it and that this is good for me, but I don't feel that yet. Right now, it is one of the worst things that I've gone through in the past year.

What did you learn about yourself in 2015?
          In 2015, I learned just how strong I am and how strong I'm not. I was so proud of myself for going to Ireland and just making that whole thing happen. After I got back, I was working and taking classes and I was just on cloud nine. I think that's one of the first times I described myself as a strong, confident person. I thought, 'after Ireland, going to Western will be a piece of cake!'.
          It wasn't. That's when I learned that I don't have the strength to carry myself. I still don't. I took a pretty big hit in the fall and I'm still trying to recover. It's going to take some time, but I'm still confident enough that I can do it.

Where do you see yourself one year from now?
          Well, hopefully I've got my crap together in a year. I'm really hoping. I'm also hoping that I'll be happier. I'll have made friends that make coming back here easier. I hope being away from home gets easier. I don't think I'll ever stop missing it, but just to miss it a little less would be nice.
          A year from now, I'd like to smile more.
          And hopefully be accepted for another study abroad program. I've become severely inflicted with wanderlust.




"This is the past: It drifts, it gathers. If you are not careful, it will bury you." -Requiem by Lauren Oliver

The Curious Inident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

*Possible Spoilers*

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
by Mark Haddon

Read: February 8-12, 2016
Published: May 18, 2004
Genre: Mystery

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

This improbably story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years. (Amazon)





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Why did you read this book?
This book was on one of my To-Read lists (40 Books You Won't Be Able To Put Down?) and I saw it at the library, so I grabbed. I didn't really know what it was about and I didn't do any research on it, so I went in without any expectations.

What did you like about this book?
I liked the concept of the book and I thought it was very well done in the first half. It kept me interested through most of it. The main character, Christopher, likes to count in prime numbers, so the chapters are numbered by prime numbers, which I thought was pretty clever. At first, I liked that it was told from Christopher's point of view, as I've never read a book from the point of view of someone who has Asperger's. 

What didn't you like about this book?
There was far too much math in this book. I didn't mind it at first, but it got really old pretty quickly. It was a short book, but I think it would've been to its benefit if it had been even shorter. Also, the plot was pretty weak and I didn't really care that much about any of the characters.

Bottom-Line:
This book was okay. I wouldn't reread it. I think it is a book very much for the 'literary snob'. I did read that it was for people that are fans of The Catcher in the Rye, which I am very much the opposite. So, no, I wouldn't recommend this because I have other books to recommend that I believe are better.



"Sometimes we get sad about things and we don't like to tell other people that we are sad about them. We like to keep it a secret. Or sometimes, we are sad but we really don't know why we are sad, so we say we aren't sad but we really are." -The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon



  

Me Before You by Jojo Mayes

*Definitely Spoilers*

Me Before You
by Jojo Mayes

Read: February 11-12, 2016
Published: July 30, 2013
Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose...

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he's pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living. (Amazon)





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Why did you read this book?
I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie and being close to Valentine's Day, I thought I could use a good uplifting romance. Oh boy.

What did you like about this book?
I thought the characters were developed really well. None of them were perfect and none of them were completely horrible (except maybe Patrick...I didn't like him). This was also one of the most convincing slow-build relationships that I've read. It took a long time for Louisa and Will to start to like each other, and even longer for them to grow that friendship into something a little more. It was realistic. I also really liked Louisa's character. I could really relate to her. I don't have big dreams and I don't much care for living anywhere other than my beautiful small town. It's safe there. I liked reading about how she learned to broaden her horizons a bit with Will's help. I really did like this book, except...

What didn't you like about this book?
Small things first...there were times when it got a bit slow. There were some descriptions and scenes that were just unnecessary. And Patrick. He was the worst and I didn't like him. However, my biggest beef with this book was the end. *Huge Spoilers After This Point!* Now, I can handle it when a main character dies at the end. I handled it in The Fault in Our Stars and in Allegiant. There were reasons for the deaths. In one, death was inevitable and in the other it was a sacrifice to save a life. Will Traynor however was unwilling to continue his life even though his family and Louisa were pleading with him not to. He had Louisa's love, and he loved her, and that wasn't enough for him. I couldn't handle that. I would have appreciated this book much more if it ended with the same uplifting and hopeful tone that was consistent throughout. The end just made me so angry. It all felt pointless and hopeless in the end.

Bottom-Line:
I don't know. It was a good book, but I strongly disagree with the ending. There is a movie coming out in June, so I'm glad a read the book before so I'm not completely shocked and distraught in a theatre, so maybe I'd suggest it to someone who wants to see the movie, but likes to read the book first. Or to anyone that wants their heart ripped out.



"You know, you can only actually help someone who wants to be helped." -Me Before You by Jojo Mayes

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

*Possible Spoilers*

A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas

Read: February 1-2, 2016
Published: May 5, 2015
Genre: Fantasy

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin--one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.


As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it...or doom Tamlin---and his world---forever. (Amazon)




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Why did you read this book?
This is one of the many books that my cousin recommended to me and I'm finally getting to it. Also, I was in the fairy tale mood when I got it at the library a few weeks ago. And it's due Saturday, so I really had to get a move on and read it.

What did you like about this book?
This is one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast adaptations that I've read so far (I'll compare to them later). I liked the faerie aspect of the book. I've been kind of turned off towards the whole fae genre since I went through a fae genre frenzy by freshman/sophomore years of high school. This is the first I've read in a long time that I really enjoyed. As far as characters go, Lucien was probably my favorite. He was funny, but also really tough with a rough backstory. Feyre and Tamlin weren't as compelling to me, as characters, but I loved their love story. The best part about this book was probably the descriptions and the action scenes. Maas really has a way with words and her fighting scenes are excellent. It was really just a beautiful book to imagine, with the settings described so well I could see it.

What didn't you like about this book?
There seemed to be two climaxes to this book. The first was paced appropriately, but the second one was hard to get to. The whole build up to the main event at the end just took too long. I found myself skipping whole passages just because I was bored with it. I also had a problem with Feyre's character development. At the start of the book she was tough, and stubborn, and a provider...she was just awesome. However, as she fell in love with Tamlin, she lost the traits that I loved about her and by the first climax, she was a completely different person than she had been in the beginning. She was still portrayed as a strong, independent character, but I just didn't feel it like I did in the first chapters.

Comparisons:
As compared to Cruel Beauty, I enjoyed this one much more. The characters were better developed and it had a more driving plot and I cared about what happened in the end. When I compared this book to the original Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, I was pleased to find small, basic similarities. There were the two sisters (although, the brothers were left out of Maas' book) and the sudden matter of Beauty/Feyre's father losing their fortune. The beast/Tamlin also sent Beauty/Feyre back home (although for different reasons). I just enjoyed the little similarities that reminded me that it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling. However, there were very, very few similarities to the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. No dancing cutlery, singing teapots, or animalistic footrests. The only thing that really reminded me of the Disney movie is when Tamlin took Feyre to the gallery, which was very similar to the beast showing Belle the library.

Bottom-Line:
I really did like this book. I'm not sure if I'll add it to my shelf, but I do know that I'll have to read the second one when it comes out in May. I will add that I'm a little leery of the second book (I've heard rumors of a love triangle. The horror!). However, I think this book can be read on its own. The ending is satisfying enough where you really don't need a second book. So I will recommend it to anyone that enjoys fairy tales. You may divulge in book two (A Court of Mist and Fury) at your own risk.




"We need hope, or else we cannot endure." -A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

*Possible Spoilers*

Saint Anything
by Sarah Dessen

Read: January 24, 2016
Published: May 5, 2015
Genre: YA Fiction

Sydney has always felt invisible. She's grown accustomed to her brother, Peyton, being the focus of the family's attention and, lately, concern. Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction. Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton's serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world.

Then she meets the Chatham family. Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There's effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who's had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it's with older brother Mac—quiet, watchful, and protective—that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last. (Amazon)




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Why did you read this book?
We've been over this, guys. I spent my junior high/early high school years absorbed in her books. I am now morally obligated to read every book that she publishes.

What did you like about this book?
I really enjoyed this one, enough to read it in one sitting. It was better than her previous books (which I reviewed). With this book, I felt like Sarah Dessen went back to the quality of writing I expect from her. It was good to read her work and finish it feeling satisfied again. While the romance part of this book is pretty good, my favorite part was the relationship between Sydney and Layla. I loved their friendship, which seemed more natural to me than the Sydney's other friends from before she switched schools. I also really related to the protagonist more than I have related to one of Dessen's characters. I always (well, usually) love them and understand them, but with Sydney I could easily see myself thinking her thoughts. Heck, I have thought her thoughts. Not so much about having a problem older brother, but I've always felt invisible and so did she. It was nice to relate to someone in that aspect, even if it was only with a character in a book. The setting of the book was familiar, same schools that are used in previous books. I've got to say, I'm a little sad it wasn't in Colby, but it wasn't a summer book and that's where the summer books take place.

What didn't you like about this book?
I did not like Sydney's family. To be honest, they all sucked. There was hardly even a redeeming quality, even in the end when they finally saw her. I'm sure Dessen intended it to be that way, but I hated reading parts with her family in it. They were awful! I wasn't a huge fan of the end of the book either. I liked where they were going with it, but I think there could have been a few more pages, or a chapter even, after where it ended. It had that summary quality Dessen's final chapters usually have, which is all fine and dandy, but then she ended on something that couldn't be summarized. It needed dialogue and description. So, I guess the ending was a bit wanting.

If you liked this book...
...but don't want to read Sarah Dessen or you've already read all of her books, I'd suggest Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira or perhaps The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti. Both have a little bit of love, lots of friendship, and a good dash of self-discovery along with tricky familial relations.

My Swoon (Warning! Contains Spoilers)
My favorite part in the whole book was when Mac told Sydney that she wasn't invisible. That part, more than any of the other potential swoon-worthy moments, got me. I think I loved it so much because that's all I want...to be seen. Here's the quote, because I love it:

“As I shut the door and started to walk away, I heard him say, "Hey. Sydney." 
"Yeah?"
"You had on a shirt with mushrooms on it, and your hair was pulled back. Silver earrings. Pepperoni slice. No lollipop."
I just looked at him, confused. Layla was walking toward us now. 
"The first time you came into Seaside," he said. "You weren't invisible, not to me. Just so you know.” 

Bottom-Line:
I liked it. If you're a fan of Dessen's books, you'll probably like it too. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a light romance with a bit of depth, but not so much that it moves you to tears or changes your life. I'd say this is a small step above a fluff read, but still very good.



"I would have loved to know how it felt, just once, to have something fall apart and see options instead of endings." -Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen