Hold Still

Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Rating: 1/5 stars



Overview: After losing her best friend, Ingrid, to suicide, Caitlin is completely immobilized. Unable to function, and refusing to visit a therapist, she begins the long journey to wellness alone. During this year of heart-wrenching, raw emotion, Caitlin finds Ingrid's journal, which not only reveals her descent into irreversible depression, but also serves as Caitlin's vehicle for renewed hope in the future.






My Review: I have respect for all books author's write, because I know what a long and exhausting process it is. And I have respect for LaCour and the characters and story line she produced. Although, I just don't think it was good enough to be made into a book. Maybe if she worked it more, changed the plot line a bit, it could have been better. 
Now I must inform you that this is my opinion, and no offense should be taken. But truthfully this book was a waste of money. I don't believe that the main character, Caitlin, was believable. And frankly Dylan annoyed me. A big thing for me was I didn't care about the character's, which when I or anyone reads a book that is what makes them want to continue, because they feel for the characters and want the best for them. But I didn't feel this for any of them, even the dead girl.
I didn't finish reading the book due to the things I listed above. I did read the end though, or at least part of it, and the end was as expected. The book as a whole was not interesting. The story was just there, with no real feeling at all. 
On a lighter note, the reason why I gave the story the one lone star was because of the initial idea. The concept of your best friend committing suicide is fascinating to me, and that's what drew me to read it in the first place. I read another book called The Anatomy of Wings, which was about how this girls sister committed suicide and that plot idea formed beautifully into a story. This one though, had potential, but the author didn't use it to their advantage. The story was boring and uneventful. 127 pages into it, ( By the way it is only 229 pages long), I was practically falling asleep. The concept was good but the plot was terrible. I would not recommend this book unless you were to get it from your local library. 

The Way He Lived

The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith
Rating: 4/5 stars


















Overview: When sixteen-year-old Joel Espen dies of thirst on a Boy Scout hiking trip, it shakes the small town of Haven, Utah to its socially conformist foundation. And the six teens who were closest to Joel start to view their community--and themselves--in a new light.

With his uncanny sensitivity and boundless heart, Joel made people love him. Now that he's gone, the ones he left behind are coping with their immense loss. His older, "crazy" sister pours her grief into a blog, while his younger sister runs away to New York. One friend is consumed by anger and revenge, while another discovers who she really is. Two learn to be true to their hearts--and all question who they are and what they've become.

Told from six heartbreaking perspectives on love, loss, and faith, this is the poignant story of how the life--and death--of one teen can have a profound effect on the lives of many.

My Review: I got this book for my birthday from one of my dear friends Kate Coursey ( an amazing writer, you should check out her blog called Weaving Colors) who kindly got the book signed by the author for me! When I read the back cover of this book it seemed like a perfectly depressing and morally right book. Which ultimately it was, and I love those kinds of books, so it worked out perfectly for me. 

First off, I loved all the characters, Joel was probably my favorite, and some people may say that  we never really got to hear Joel's story like the six other character's. But we did hear his story! In every single chapter. The book was wonderfully written, and very organized, Smith developed her character's very well, and gave them a very appropriate story line. Second, I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! It is sad, but also heart warming at the same time. Third, the only flaw I had with this book, (why I gave it a 4) was because of the ending. Don't get me wrong the ending was good! But I thought that Smith could have added a twist that no one saw coming, although I wont tell you what it is because I don't want to ruin it, but if you think you know what it is, comment and tell me what you think. It's just my personal opinion though. But overall the book was wonderful, everyone go get it!

Delirium

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Rating: 4/5 stars

Overview: Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Review: OK so, I just want to start off by saying how much I adore Lauren Oliver and every book she writes, (which, so far, has only been two) none the less I have been a fan of her writing from the beginning. Which is why when I heard she was having a new book coming out, I freaked I was so excited. I bought it the first day it came out and haven't regretted reading it, Oliver never lets her readers down. First off, in Oliver's first book, Before i Fall, Samantha, her main character, isn't the most likable main character but Oliver changes it up in Delirium making her main character, Lena, a character worth rooting for. Of course it can seen to be a typical, boy meets girl, girl falls for boy even though she does not want to. And on the surface, yes that's what the book is about, this girl falling in love, when under the circumstances, she can't. Forbidden love has always been a pleasure to read among people. The thing people have to look for in all of Oliver's books is that deeper meaning, and although in this book it may be somewhat hidden you can still get the feel of how terrible and horrendous our world would be without love. Without pain no one can truly live. And Oliver teaches us this in her new book. The whole book was fantastic, the plot moved very fast, and the characters were believable. The ending was what caught me off guard, yes it was unexpected, and if I didn't know she was coming out with a sequel I would probably be on the floor right now bawling my eyes out. I do recommend this book to everyone who loves a good love story with a moral. Samantha had something to teach us in Oliver's first book and as expected Lena did also. 

The only reason I gave the book four stars out of five is just because of personal preference, I'm not a big fan of lovey lovey stories, but this one Oliver pulled off well, I suppose it could be a four point five.... ha! Have a nice day everyone. And go out and buy Delirium! You wont be disappointed.