Fangirl: A Review

You know the magical feeling when you found the shoes for you after searching around, even if it isn't the most gorgeous pair of shoes in the store, and then you fit it and it's just right? That's exactly how I felt when I devoured in Cather's world. Fangirl is my bookmate. Totally relatable and funny. Being a fangirl-slash-writer weird nerd college freshman who have a (twin)sister for a best friend. All of Cather are was how I were two years ago. 

All the things that I've learned (from reading, experience, high school, romance class) about being a frustrated writer where there and I couldn't help say 'I know right?!' Plus the book puts a light to fanfiction writing and it wasn't your typical cliche, superficial story about fandom (which I thought it was at first).

The scenes are real and totally captivating. Now I truly appreciate Rowell's works (in fact I couldn't wait to read 'Attachments'). She wants to let the whole world knows that not only the pretty, sophisticated girls gets the opportunity to be a main character in a love story and will become the apple of they eye of a cute, charming love interest. You too can. Everyone can. Each one of us has a story to tell and that, in a way, can inspire others. Like how Cather proved that she was more than an antisocial girl with a dream world around Simon Snow. That someone like Cather could be accepted by someone like Levi and Reagan. And that there was more to her and Levi (oh Levi, cute Levi) actually loved her because of that. 

The Simon Snow excerpts (both from the original fiction and Cather's fanfic) made the story interesting. I actually didn't squeamish at the thought of Simon-Baz love team. Although I'd hope that the author elaborate how Cather came up with the idea. Not that I'm against it, but I'm not quite open-minded to homosexual relationships to the point that I am willing to read a whole book about it.

The longevity of the story is out of the question if you will enjoy it from page one. Everything about the book is unconventional. Not your typical young/new adult novel. 

Eleanor & Park: A Review

3.5/5 stars actually.

When I first heard about this book, I was so excited it was already in my Christmas wishlist. Who wouldn't love the innocent, catching cover plus the promising premise? Incidentally, I got this book just last week as a gift out of monito/monita in our school's Christmas party. 

All I could think about the whole time I was reading this: Ahhh, the feels.

I couldn't remember how many times I giggled and smiled to Eleanor and Park most-of-the-time-awkward-sometimes-sweet interactions.

But then again some things had me bugging and prevented me to rate this book a perfect 5 stars.

First thing I noticed was the third POV which to say I was fairly disappointed. Why? If you were going to write a she-said-he-said novel why talk in third person? Because of that I wasn't able to fully know the main characters more. Yup, I felt related to their stories but I didn't felt that Eleanor or Park could be a friend of mine (like all the books must achieved).

Next was the blatant curse after curse after curse. Which perhaps I wouldn't mind if I didn't see it almost every page. Yeah, I think cursing is generally usual but the author didn't have to depend on it just to convey a very strong emotion.

The racist statements. Really? Minus points to that.

The setting, 1986, Omaha, Nebraska. While I didn't know where this place is, obviously, I didn't exactly know too how that year went but this book was a revelation to that. The music, bullying, pain-in-the-ass stepdad and the fashion getup. Thumbs up to that!

The characters:
Eleanor--- red-haired, plus-sized (look at the picture of the author at the back of the book. *sigh* Couldn't she think of other MC besides herself?), always-bullied girl with a weird fashion taste and weirder family. Yeah, I could put up with that. Tho her sometimes immaturity and shallowness made her less reliable as the main character. One example was the little, she-started-it, where-it-came-from fight with Park. Totally Mary Sue.

Park--- a cute Asian kid with a good taste in music and a wealthy family. When Eleanor first describe him, I thought "Finally a change in the YA novel." We have to admit that he and Eleanor were one of the oddest (and not just because of their physical flaws) characters ever written. But I really like Park and I wouldn't mind if I'll meet someone like him. Park is so cute I wished he was near me when I was reading this book so I could pinch his cheek.

Their love story:
This was the winning point. I love their two-against-the-world story. Although I think their from-strangers-to-lovers relationship was a bit abrupt, I loved that the author shows what it was reallylike to be in love for the first time. The bliss. The giggles. The fights. Even the risks of it. The school bus definitely represents their love story.

The ending:
The twist of all the twists in the story. Couldn't it be more heartbreaking? I have to say that was totally unexpected but remarkably enough to close this novel.

All in all:
Fine. Could have been in my favorite-books shelf tho their are a lot of buts.It would have been a very beautiful novel if not for the author's lack of grasp and more-tell-than-show style and unstable plot. So I think it deserves 3 stars from me (it's still a 'i liked it' rate, right?:)).

Queen of the Clueless: A Review

Cliffhanger! Couldn't wait to find out who will Hannah choose Quin (is she the one for him? Or is he really toying with that young teacher?), the Son of God (and wet blankets)? Robbie (he totally deserve Hannah. She need someone like him!), the super cute, romantic human? Or maybe Diego (what the hell was the kiss supposed to mean? That was a surprise!), the God of Sea (and fistfight) has a chance. I don't know with the rest but I'm 100% Team Robbie, woohoo! Plus what will happen about her being an Interim Goddess of Love (and where the hell is the original goddess?). I couldn't wait to grab a paperback of Icon of the Indecisive eeep.

3.5 stars actually. The chess code in the end was very clever(although I didn't 'totally' get how it works.haha). Tho there were parts in the story that I thought weren't necessary to the main plot. Plus I only got excited on the last part. And still, I don't get the meaning of Hannah's dreams (or dreams were not suppose to be discern?)

Nevertheless, I think this is one of the best books of Ms. Mina. A break through for her as a fantasy-paranormal writer. *clap clap*

Where She Went: A Review

As soon as I finished 'If I Stay', I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book. Although nothing like this was the sequel that I was expecting for it. If you haven't read the book then you should definitely stop reading any reviews or this mere book. It would definitely spoil the fun of reading 'If I Stay' (which is one of the few YA novels that I really enjoyed).

<spoiler> Yes, it was refreshing to read Adam's POV this time but I have to admit that the first-half was as slow and cliche as it could get. The story, for the most part, was about the reality of being well known (well in the case of Adam, of being a rock star). A gloomy reality of loneliness, panic attacks and invasive paparazzi. I kept having this question in my mind, 'What happened?'. I was getting frustrated until finally Mia showed up in the story. It was disappointing that they broke up (Why???) because I really thought they had a connection in the first book so strong, even Mia's family was closed to Adam. Did the connection ceases when her family died? I couldn't seem to understand why they have to separate just because Mia was going to pursue her dreams in Julliard while Adam was left behind. Then Mia dropped the bomb by saying he hated Adam because he made him stay and that he made a promise he didn't live. That seems unfair for Adam.

They they finally talked about it. About the past they left behind I knew how hard it is to left something behind without a proper good bye then opened it again like some unhealed wound.

As Adam said it 'Closure. I loathe that word.' Yup Adam, I loathe that word too. For what it seem something easy for most to say good bye to a relationship, it turns out that sometimes it is not. Especially if you were left behind clueless. If you were still clutching to some frail thread of hope that someday she/he would come back. That's how I understood Adam's grief.

The last-half of the story gave Mia and Adam the opportunity to explain their sides. It was the most frustrating part of the book. I mean, from their words, I knew that the connection was still there but they kept on cutting it with all the excuses they could get to defend their own side. Then finally, rekindle romance and all, they kept their guard down and practically ran back to each other's arms. 

So it was all about pride! They started to adjust their time for each other and do everything they could even if it means flying halfway across the globe just to made up for the lost time. Why didn't realize it in the first place? Why did they had to sunk in the otherworldly of fame before realizing what was really important? 

Oh right, this book was written with 'reality' all over it. And I praised the author for putting up with it without losing the creativity of the story. Gayle Forman is such a good storyteller and I couldn't wait to read her other works. 

As much as I'd wanted to pull my hair in frustration, I still bitterly realized and admitted a lot of things. Thanks to the bittersweet love story of Adam and Mia.</spoiler>

Flipped: A Review

Eeep, this book is just soooo adorable in a good-giggly-teenager way. I should have read this earlier when I was still *ahem* teenager, not that I enjoyed it less. The story is just cute, really cute is all I could say. And I couldn't help reminisce my own sappy high school memories. It was a 'he-said-she-said' kind of story which made it more interesting and again, cute.

Though it was not only about first love and the immaturity of it, there were also subtle hints about the importance of family (The Bakers are definitely the loveliest fictional family ever) and respect for others who are not our own.

And who wouldn't love Juli Baker? She was the most stubborn yet cheerful girl with a strong will even at her young age. And yes the love interest, Bryce Loski was the dumbest LI I ever read but who didn't sigh the most girly gush and fell in love with him in the end? The ending was just magical. I'm also a weenie when it comes to tree climbing but it was definitely one of my favorite ending ever.

I think this book was definitely more than the sum of its parts. It was not only a love story of two ordinary teenage girl and boy but also holds a lot of lessons about life that will make you realize that there's more to the surface of everyone than your bare eyes could see.

If I Stay: A Review

Before I read any book, I tried for the most part to avoid reading any reviews for the fear of getting spoiled or losing any will to even bother out of someone's negative view. But there were also times when I scrolled down the page after reading the premise just to see what other readers think about it. Thank goodness most of the goodreads people gave this book thumbs ups. So I gave it a chance.

And I didn't regret it.

I've been reading a lot of YA novels but this one is special. Why? Put music and medical in one book then you surely got my attention. It's been months since I read a book so good, I didn't care if I would go to school, sleepless. I was almost done with it by morning but then I had to fix some papers, go to my dentist blah blah. By the time I had a free time, I was so restless. I finished it the next day, reading the half-end in a salon while my hair was being snipped and rebonded. Which was a bit bad idea because I nearly cry there. Nearly.

Anyway, I love the book. From start to end. I totally enjoyed it.

It was a story about love and grief, set between life and death, but it was miraculously not burden with a lot of heavy emotions and cliches. Yes, it was tearjerky but it was lite, too easy to read, just enough details to take in.

And the characters? Given the brevity of it, the author managed to put the limelight not just to the main characters but also to the secondary ones, one at a time. And I think Mia's parents were the coolest fictional parents ever.

Mia and Adam's love story was ordinary which made it more achievable for those who wish to have their own rockstar for a boyfriend, founded around the magic of music. And oh, was there any sexier than their sole love scene in the story? I nearly melt you know.

The author wisely interchange the story between present happenings and flashbacks which made it less slow and more interesting.

I don't have anything left to say that was not told by anyone who read it but all I can say is it's YA novel for a change. Just read the book to see for yourself.

If You Could See Me Now: A Review

I love it! Love the magic, almost children's-book-like twist. Love all the characters (except Saoirse and Grainne). Love every moment shared between Ivan and Elizabeth. Love every word of it. I.Just.Love.It!

I was lucky to got the hard bound edition of this in book sale. The cover got my attention and it wasn't the typical pink-violet color of chic-lit so I thought this was something different.

They story was about a woman name Elizabeth--- who was a control freak, has a miserable past and a more miserable family--- and an invisible, Mr.Optimistic guy name Ivan--- whose job was to gave hope and happiness to children in need. Yup as in he was an imaginary friend. Cool right? I mean yes the story was a bit childish but i absolutely learned a lot from it. The words were just raw and straight-forward honest that would prick directly into your heart.

One of the writer's challenge in this kind of story was how to manage humor out of a sensitive situation. Ahern truly knows how to captivate readers with her choice of words and the characters she made. She had manage to make me laugh and cry at the same story and that makes this one into my 'favorite shelf'.

The main character, Elizabeth Egan, was really relatable. And oh my God! I know Ivan was a work of fiction but gees you gotta fall in love with this guy by his humor and character. He was a total ideal guy!

And I don't care if the story was a make believe (or if Ivan's place as it is; the words spelled backward was hilarious btw) but heck I had so fun reading the book. Plus the POV wasn't a one-sided and that made the story even fair and reliable.

The ending was satisfying even if Ivan and Elizabeth didn't get together (that's reality for you). It wasn't just a happy ending coined to love stories but an ending that would make you sigh and nod gravely. Twas like facing reality with a big, new hope in your heart. And I couldn't help myself but to say 'I believe' in the end.