by John Green
My current author obsession? John Green. Why? Tots obvs. He's brilliant. The Fault in Our Stars? And now, after reading Looking for Alaska? I must immediately read everything this man has ever put down on paper. He writes for a "young adult" audience, and his stories typically revolve around teenage characters. However, I love how he doesn't write his characters as people who are too young to know any better, or with shallow emotions. He writes his characters with depth, with true and heartbreaking emotion. They struggle with finding themselves, discovering love and making their way through the "labyrinth of suffering".
Looking for Alaska centers around our narrator "Pudge" as ventures to boarding school (voluntarily) to seek his "great perhaps". He meets an array of characters who break him out of his daily stupor and essentially change who he is, no one more than Alaska. Sure, this process involves a lot of smoking cigarettes and getting drunk out in the woods... but it also involves great friendship, love, and loss. I'm still thinking about this story and Pudge's revelations days after finishing it. Let me just include some quotes from the book to spark some interest...
"When adults say, 'Teenagers think they are invincible' with that sly, stupid smile on their faces, they don't know how right they are. We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are. We cannot be born, and we cannot die. Like all energy, we can only change shapes and sizes and manifestations. They forget that when they get old. They get scared of losing and failing. But that part of us greater than the sum of our parts cannot begin and cannot end, and so it cannot fail." - John Green, Looking for Alaska
"So I walked back to my room and collapse on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane." -John Green, Looking for Alaska
Please read this, and call me so we can talk about this modern day Breakfast Club of a novel.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Death of Bees
by Lisa O'Donnell
What do you do to kill time while you're waiting for your wonderful friend to meet you for a daily dose of fro yo? Well, if you have a goal of reading 50 books this year, you will not waste any time and will literally run (NOT WALK) into the nearest bookshop. So that's what I did! And I picked up this little surprise. The Death of Bees intrigued me from the moment I saw the cover, and the premise of two young girls who have buried their parents in the backyard and are living alone was something I DEFINITELY haven't heard before. I will be honest, the first half of the book shocked me. And not because Marnie and Nelly (both younger than 16) did indeed bury their horrible parents in the yard after their deaths, but because they deal drugs, have sex with married men, and swear a lot.... Does this mean I'm strangely both sheltered and jaded? I honestly don't know. Let me just say that this story was very eye-opening about the poverty stricken population in Glasgow, where the story takes place.
The second half of the story became a page turner for me, as the relationships with the girls neighbor Lennie and their grandfather become more developed. Through these, the girls learn the nature of love, how to accept good love from others, and their own true value. As they build a new family with Lennie, they learn about sacrifice and find a home where they least expected it. And when things take (another) turn for the worse, the sisters lean on each other, despite their constant bickering and misunderstandings. The dynamic between Marnie & Nelly is the foundation of the story, their love for eachother propelling them forward. I also found the varied viewpoint storytelling interesting to read. Especially since Nelly appears to be a 90 year old crone trapped in a 12 year old's body. In her own words, Toodle-oo!
What do you do to kill time while you're waiting for your wonderful friend to meet you for a daily dose of fro yo? Well, if you have a goal of reading 50 books this year, you will not waste any time and will literally run (NOT WALK) into the nearest bookshop. So that's what I did! And I picked up this little surprise. The Death of Bees intrigued me from the moment I saw the cover, and the premise of two young girls who have buried their parents in the backyard and are living alone was something I DEFINITELY haven't heard before. I will be honest, the first half of the book shocked me. And not because Marnie and Nelly (both younger than 16) did indeed bury their horrible parents in the yard after their deaths, but because they deal drugs, have sex with married men, and swear a lot.... Does this mean I'm strangely both sheltered and jaded? I honestly don't know. Let me just say that this story was very eye-opening about the poverty stricken population in Glasgow, where the story takes place.
The second half of the story became a page turner for me, as the relationships with the girls neighbor Lennie and their grandfather become more developed. Through these, the girls learn the nature of love, how to accept good love from others, and their own true value. As they build a new family with Lennie, they learn about sacrifice and find a home where they least expected it. And when things take (another) turn for the worse, the sisters lean on each other, despite their constant bickering and misunderstandings. The dynamic between Marnie & Nelly is the foundation of the story, their love for eachother propelling them forward. I also found the varied viewpoint storytelling interesting to read. Especially since Nelly appears to be a 90 year old crone trapped in a 12 year old's body. In her own words, Toodle-oo!
Just One Day
by Gayle Forman
I have been looking forward to this book for ages, simply because Gayle Forman wrote one of my favorite book series of all time, If I Stay and Where She Went.
(Evidence: http://breadofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-she-went.html).
Although her writing is intended to be "young adult" literature, the themes and heart of her stories speak to readers of all ages. In this new book duet (the sequel Just One Year will be out this fall), we follow Allyson as she gets caught up in a whirlwind European romance with Willem. In "just one day", she falls in love and discovers her true self. But when Willem disappears the next morning, Allyson is left to deal with the fall out. As she heads off to her freshman year at college back at home, we join her on a journey of self-discovery. Anyone who has left the nest for the first time can identify with Allyson's struggle developing her own identity apart from her overprotective parents and familiar surroundings. As she grows into herself, she begins a search for the truth of what happened to Willem.... and the ending will have you biting your lip (like myself), as you realize you have to wait months to find out what happens to these two characters! Yes, MONTHS. (I should have heeded my sisters advice and waited to read this until the sequel was already out... I'm not known for my patience.) While this story did not have the same depth as If I Stay, it certainly pulled me in. And if Gayle Forman follows her previous pattern, then the sequel is sure to be even better!
I have been looking forward to this book for ages, simply because Gayle Forman wrote one of my favorite book series of all time, If I Stay and Where She Went.
(Evidence: http://breadofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-she-went.html).
Although her writing is intended to be "young adult" literature, the themes and heart of her stories speak to readers of all ages. In this new book duet (the sequel Just One Year will be out this fall), we follow Allyson as she gets caught up in a whirlwind European romance with Willem. In "just one day", she falls in love and discovers her true self. But when Willem disappears the next morning, Allyson is left to deal with the fall out. As she heads off to her freshman year at college back at home, we join her on a journey of self-discovery. Anyone who has left the nest for the first time can identify with Allyson's struggle developing her own identity apart from her overprotective parents and familiar surroundings. As she grows into herself, she begins a search for the truth of what happened to Willem.... and the ending will have you biting your lip (like myself), as you realize you have to wait months to find out what happens to these two characters! Yes, MONTHS. (I should have heeded my sisters advice and waited to read this until the sequel was already out... I'm not known for my patience.) While this story did not have the same depth as If I Stay, it certainly pulled me in. And if Gayle Forman follows her previous pattern, then the sequel is sure to be even better!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
Have you heard of this book? If not, have you been living under a rock? I've been surrounded by whispered conversations about this book for MONTHS now and decided to finally get in on the action. There's nothing I hate more than not being able to partake in a bookish discussion. Well, almost nothing... Honestly, I can't tell you much about the book without giving away some critical plot points. And since not many people in the world are spoiler whores like myself, I will hold back and offer just a few thoughts. In Gone Girl, we begin by following a man (Nick) who finds that his wife (Amy) is missing. The drama just builds from this point. Although the beginning was a little slow (filled with marital back story and strife), as soon as I hit the first twist I couldn't put the book down. Oh yes, there are plenty of twists. At the core of it all, Flynn deals with questions like: "How well can you really know another person?", "What are the boundaries within marriage?", "Can you love someone without conditions?". To borrow Nick's words, the relationship between these two bizarre people is "catastophically romantic". Catastrophically. Twisted. Toxic. Did I reveal too much? Now, please read this so that we can have a real discussion on the topic. Call me when you're done. Thank you.
Have you heard of this book? If not, have you been living under a rock? I've been surrounded by whispered conversations about this book for MONTHS now and decided to finally get in on the action. There's nothing I hate more than not being able to partake in a bookish discussion. Well, almost nothing... Honestly, I can't tell you much about the book without giving away some critical plot points. And since not many people in the world are spoiler whores like myself, I will hold back and offer just a few thoughts. In Gone Girl, we begin by following a man (Nick) who finds that his wife (Amy) is missing. The drama just builds from this point. Although the beginning was a little slow (filled with marital back story and strife), as soon as I hit the first twist I couldn't put the book down. Oh yes, there are plenty of twists. At the core of it all, Flynn deals with questions like: "How well can you really know another person?", "What are the boundaries within marriage?", "Can you love someone without conditions?". To borrow Nick's words, the relationship between these two bizarre people is "catastophically romantic". Catastrophically. Twisted. Toxic. Did I reveal too much? Now, please read this so that we can have a real discussion on the topic. Call me when you're done. Thank you.
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
This book made me cry in front of strangers. Let me explain... I have a leaky eye. Specifically, my right eye. For some unknown reason, while my left eye can contain itself, my traitorous right eye will always reveal my true emotions and sheds a tear at every sappy Hallmark movie, Google+ commercial, or sweet note from a friend. So when I tell you that I read this book on an airplane, it should not come as a surprise that my right eye shed more than a single tear, in front of total strangers. The poor girl sitting next to me must have thought I was going through something tragic, since I kept turning to the window to wipe tears from the right side of my face. But please, do not let my sappy tears discourage you from picking up this book. There are few books that have truly touched my heart and stayed with me (the last most likely being If I Stay by Gayle Forman)... but this will be added to my list. The story follows Hazel, a teenager who has lived for years with a terminal cancer diagnosis. While her life seems pointless & endlessly repetitive (the only excitement being a TV marathon of America's Next Top Model), all of that changes when Augustus Waters waltzes into her support group. The friendship, support and love they find in each other changes them deeply, eternally. I don't want to give away too much of the story, so you'll have to read it yourself. Green's perspective seems to be spot on, on a subject that few can truly grasp. Heartbreaking and yet beautifully hopeful, this book should be on everyone's list for 2013.
This book made me cry in front of strangers. Let me explain... I have a leaky eye. Specifically, my right eye. For some unknown reason, while my left eye can contain itself, my traitorous right eye will always reveal my true emotions and sheds a tear at every sappy Hallmark movie, Google+ commercial, or sweet note from a friend. So when I tell you that I read this book on an airplane, it should not come as a surprise that my right eye shed more than a single tear, in front of total strangers. The poor girl sitting next to me must have thought I was going through something tragic, since I kept turning to the window to wipe tears from the right side of my face. But please, do not let my sappy tears discourage you from picking up this book. There are few books that have truly touched my heart and stayed with me (the last most likely being If I Stay by Gayle Forman)... but this will be added to my list. The story follows Hazel, a teenager who has lived for years with a terminal cancer diagnosis. While her life seems pointless & endlessly repetitive (the only excitement being a TV marathon of America's Next Top Model), all of that changes when Augustus Waters waltzes into her support group. The friendship, support and love they find in each other changes them deeply, eternally. I don't want to give away too much of the story, so you'll have to read it yourself. Green's perspective seems to be spot on, on a subject that few can truly grasp. Heartbreaking and yet beautifully hopeful, this book should be on everyone's list for 2013.
Can you believe it?
Welcome to 2013! It's hard to believe that this will be my 3rd year writing on this blog... In total, I have read a total of 90 books over the last 2 years. Crazy! I have a feeling that 2013 is going to be a great one all around, and I'm excited to continue sharing my reading journey with you! As always... send any of your favorite recommendations my direction, and I'll be happy to read & blog my thoughts. Happy new year!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Let's Play Catch Up
Wow! I have been MIA from my site... but I guarantee I have still been turning the pages! So in order to get back up to speed, we're going to do a mini review set on the last 5 books I've read. Take a deep breath, ready... go.
1. MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bersche. Ummm... Rachel Bertsche, I love you, and I will be your new best friend. For life. This book is a must read. Searching for a new friend after relocating, the author begins searching by taking weekly friend "dates", and researching the science behind lasting friendships. She approaches the subject with a great deal of humor and sensitivity... and for anyone who's found themselves missing their long time connections after a separation, this a truly inspiring read.
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. My new best friend #2. This girl is hilarious. Even the introduction to the book will make you laugh. Pick it up. Now. Do it.
3. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow. I read this for a book club that I joined (yes, I do that), and was genuinely surprised by how much I appreciated and enjoyed this book. It begins with a tragic incident, as the "girl who fell from the sky" must pick up & continue her life, as a biracial child, in a community where she is forever ostracized. The haunting sorrow of this book, somehow manages to leave you with a hopeful attitude for the future, while keeping you turning the pages to see what truly happened in the narrator's past.
4. The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. A great ending to her latest trilogy. What's not to love about the brash contractor in love with the organized, bold innkeeper?
5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. This book follows the author along her true-life journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, while dealing with her mother's death and poor life decisions. Along the way, she meets interesting people, faces her fears, and learns that even her mistakes led her to the healthy & happy place she is now. I'll admit, I thought it would be boring to read a book about one women's solitary trek in the wilderness for months, it was actually a very quick read, and an encouraging tale of the triumph of the human spirit.
Alright, catch your breath.... and look forward to my upcoming review of Unbroken, because, yes, I've finally started reading it!
1. MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bersche. Ummm... Rachel Bertsche, I love you, and I will be your new best friend. For life. This book is a must read. Searching for a new friend after relocating, the author begins searching by taking weekly friend "dates", and researching the science behind lasting friendships. She approaches the subject with a great deal of humor and sensitivity... and for anyone who's found themselves missing their long time connections after a separation, this a truly inspiring read.
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. My new best friend #2. This girl is hilarious. Even the introduction to the book will make you laugh. Pick it up. Now. Do it.
3. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow. I read this for a book club that I joined (yes, I do that), and was genuinely surprised by how much I appreciated and enjoyed this book. It begins with a tragic incident, as the "girl who fell from the sky" must pick up & continue her life, as a biracial child, in a community where she is forever ostracized. The haunting sorrow of this book, somehow manages to leave you with a hopeful attitude for the future, while keeping you turning the pages to see what truly happened in the narrator's past.
4. The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. A great ending to her latest trilogy. What's not to love about the brash contractor in love with the organized, bold innkeeper?
5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. This book follows the author along her true-life journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, while dealing with her mother's death and poor life decisions. Along the way, she meets interesting people, faces her fears, and learns that even her mistakes led her to the healthy & happy place she is now. I'll admit, I thought it would be boring to read a book about one women's solitary trek in the wilderness for months, it was actually a very quick read, and an encouraging tale of the triumph of the human spirit.
Alright, catch your breath.... and look forward to my upcoming review of Unbroken, because, yes, I've finally started reading it!
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