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. 

Living Dead Girl

Living Dead Girl by: Elizabeth Scott

Rated: 4/5 Stars

Overview:

This is Alice

She was taken by Ray five years ago

She thought she knew how her story would end

She was wrong

My Review: There were many emotions running through my head when I finished this book, sadness, terror, disgust, anger, confusion, devastation. There were many elements that made this story a good read. The main character was very believable. Her heart break was mine. The story revolves around this girl who was kidnapped by an older man, he has sexually abused her and physically abused her, meanwhile she is trying to cope with this and try to stay alive. The whole story was partly disturbing, and partly horrifyingly beautiful. No one can ignore the fact that this could truly happen to them. It leads both the main character and yourself to thoughts if "If only I had's" and "Why me? Why not her?" It is a tale of desperation to be free, and becoming a woman. The way the story was written was raw and poetic, I could feel the pain escaping from the words, and the character, I could feel her pain, and rooting for her to get loose from this horrid man.

Overall, I thought the story was fantastic, although it was a little disturbing at times, it was beautifully written and the characters were well developed, although most were a little odd. I gave it four stars because of the writing and characters, although not so much for the plot, it left me unsatisfied in the end. Although I do see why she choose that ending, it was perfect in its own way. I would recommend this book for ages 15 and up. It probably wouldn't sit well for a younger audience. Great book!

Revolution

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Rated: 3/5 Stars


Overview:

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken for the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on Paris’s stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her a tragic role she didn’t want- and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journals antique pages- until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris. Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

My Review:

~SPOILER! SKIP TO LAST PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON’T WANT THE WHOLE BOOK TO BE SPOILED FOR YOU~

Out of the few books I have read this year, this one has by far been one of the most unique storylines I have read. It takes a lot of courage and hard work to write about history, especially when you have to connect it back to current times. Donnelly didn’t do a bad job at it. Her facts were right, time period correct with the things she described. Although toying with history in a fictional book can be somewhat risky, Donnelly pulled it off, so kudos to her.

What pulled me in right away was the way Donelly characterized Andi’s character. She had a strong voice, at times very funny, and had many flaws and she was in pain. And any character that has conflict and a strong voice, is worth rutting for. It was interesting to learn her history as well as Alex’s. I have read and seen many things on the French Revolution, as I imagine many people have, but this was a new take on the subject, it made you feel like you were suffering right there, along with Alex. The diary entrée’s were a great addition, although at times I was confused as to what year they were talking about. The entrée’s are dated in 1795, but at times in the entrée’s she mentions the date which is 1791 or 1792, sometimes it was hard to tell what point of view she was writing from, past of present. It did not take so much from the story though.

I also fell in love with Virgil, as Andi did. He was a very likable character, and an enjoyment to read, I found myself giggling as Andi was at times about him. I thought that Donnelly answered some of the unanswered questions in the end, although I still had some I am still unsure about.

The major problem I had with the book was near the end. When Donnelly incorporated the time traveling, I found myself thinking, “Hu? What? Why? What’s the point?” And honestly those questions were never answered. I thought that whole section was unnecessary to the plot. The only thing Andi accomplished was figuring out more about her project subject, Amade. And setting off fire works for Louis-Charles. I thought it was pointless, and at one point I skipped three pages because of the lack of interest. It made the story a drag, and I thought skidded away from the main point of the story. It was a tale about Alex and the small king, not Andi and the small king. Giving the Ipod to Amade, was stupid on her part, Donnelly didn’t consider that it could possibly change the future. And her complaining almost drove me insane; it was like she had completely lost her character’s voice. At the end of the ‘dream’ she wakes up and we are left with our own interpretation of if the whole scenario, was it dream or reality? Overall I thought that scene was irrelevant and no use to the plot flow, it ruined a huge part of my liking the book.

Another question I had was about the key that Truman found. I understand its significance. Although it was hard for me to understand how it fit into the guitar case lock. And why it was so important to Truman. These questions were never answered. And where in hell did the father at the end get his other child? I wasn’t aware he had another wife or girlfriend, that part was also unexplained.

~END OF SPOILERS~

Looking at the book as a whole, I gave it three stars because of the unnecessary sections, and unanswered questions. I loved the beginning and most of the middle, although the end was flawed. I gave it that extra star because I love the main character and her friends. I would recommend this book to you, but proceed with caution. ☺

Before I Fall

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Rated: 5/5 Stars

Overview: Samantha Kingston has worked her way up the popularity ladder; now a senior, she and her three best friends rule their school. On Cupid Day, Sam expects to receive Valentine roses, to party with her friends, and to finally (maybe) have sex with her equally popular boyfriend. The last thing she expects is that she will die, but in the final moments of her life, as she hears "a horrible, screeching sound—metal on metal, glass shattering, a car folding in two," everything turns to nothing. Only, it is not the end for Sam. She wakes up to start the same day over again, and again; in fact, she relives it seven times

My Review: When I first read the back of this book I thought it would be a typical girl in high school who relives her life over and over again until she finally learns her lesson and lives. Boy could I have been more wrong about the last part. Samantha Kingston is the girl everyone in high school wants to be, she gets the "perfect boyfriend" and the best of friends, and she gets to relive cupid day seven times, perfect right? Doesn't turn out that way. What I loved the most about this book, was all of the tiny connections to the over all theme of the book. In the end I also learned to love Sam, at first I didn't like her, hell, I thought she was an annoying bitch, I would have to agree with what Juliet said to her, "You're a bitch." The thing about each main character in every book I have read, is that I know I am going to end up falling in love with the character, I know it's inevitable. Given I haven't likes every main character, but with Sam, there was something about her that I knew I would like eventually about this girl. I did, maybe it was her perseverance, or maybe it was her goals, maybe it was when she told off Lindsey, or that I knew in the beginning, that deep down, she was a decent character. It turned out that way. I loved Kent, he was such a sweetheart. Wasn't such a great fan of Rob, I was just waiting for Sam to dump his ass. The goal for Sam in the end though, was to save Juliet, and she did, it may have taken her awhile, but she did it, and in Juliet's place Sam died. It was such a sad and beautiful ending, the thing is, I wouldn't have changed the ending, it fit the theme, and it was just meant to be. Over all, this book was amazing, beautifully written, the plot was awesome, and the characters were lovable. The only fault I had with this story was the number of days, eventually I was just waiting for it to be her last day, maybe she could have shortened it to five or even three days, but that wasn't that big of a problem, but it was great, I loved it, and I recommend this book to anyone and everyone, happy reading people!

The Luxe Series

The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen
Rated: 3/5 stars

Overview: The beautiful young Holland sisters, Elizabeth and Diana, rule Manhattan society. Or so it appears. When they discover their status is far from secure, everyone—from the ambitious socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor, Henry Schoonmaker, to the Holland's dour maid, Lina Broud—threatens the girls' golden future. When Elizabeth's carriage overturns near the East River, her glittering life, well-known for lighting up the city's gossip pages, is swallowed by the rough current. Then the question on everyone's lips is this: Who will take Elizabeth's enviable place?

My Review: When I first picked up this book, I was an avid watcher of the TV series Gossip Girl, so as you can imagine this book drew me in immediately. I also liked the pretty girl in the gorgeous dress in the picture. When I realized it was a series that so far consisted of three books, (the fourth one hadn't some out yet) I knew I was ready to take on another series. The character Diana was automatically my favorite, she liked novels, she was a wild child, and was also very independent. Henry Schoomaker came next, he was very interesting, reminded me a lot of the character Chuck Bass. Constant drinking, parting, and lots of pretty girls. When he was first engaged to Elizabeth I knew they weren't going to end up together, partly because of how long the series was, and because their personalities didn't seem to match. Not to mention it was an arranged marriage. What I didn't expect was him and Diana to get together, at first I didn't like them together, I don’t know why, but they just didn’t seem right for each other, but they soon grew on me. Elizabeth and her story line was also one to cheer for even though she may have wined a little too much, she still had the guts to leave her hometown and run away with her true love, which was Will Keller. Throughout this book we got the bad guys, Penelope, we got the good guys, everyone else. Then there was Caroline Broud, or should I call her Lina. She was not bad but not good, just a maid trying to make it into the social world. She had a pretty good story line too. At the end of the series though it left me a little disappointed, there were couples that ended up not together that I wanted to be together, and there were some relationships that began that should have never happened. I mean, she built up the whole story line for nothing really. I mean there was no be, huge, shocker. I gave it three stars because I fell in love with the characters, they were very well developed, and she had very good descriptive writing, but the story line in the end lacked a lot. The characters sort of got out of character in the end. The end seemed like it was rushed, and she didn’t care what happened to her characters. So basically I would recommend it if you have nothing else to read, but I wouldn’t consider it an amazing read. She is a good writer though. I hope this helped!