Va Par

4/5

I decided to give this a read because I heard nothing but good things with the Netflix adaptation. So I thought to myself... if the Netflix show was well-received, maybe the source material is also very good? And there I was...picking this book up after a long time sitting around in my book shelf.

I finished this book overnight, yes OVERNIGHT, and that's actually something good. I finished it because it was very compelling. The way the story Hannah's story unfolds, the perfect pacing, and Jay Asher's writing. I can somewhat see Stephen King's influence on him with this book. It's a powerful book and it was an emotional ride with this one. I felt sadness, joy, rage, happiness, disgust, etc. It's a book that addresses the issues of suicide and bullying without getting it right INTO your face.

It's a book that should be read by everyone! By everyone I mean not just teens/pre-teens, as well as adults and parents who have children going through adolescence. Reading this book will make you understand them more, and also realize how one misdemeanor can have a long-lasting negative effect on a person. The topics in this book are not light and not easy to discuss.

With all that being said, I'm now ready to watch the Netflix original series. I got my feels ready!

3/5

I used to have no plans or whatsoever to read the sequel(s) of Fifty Shades of Grey since I wasn't really a fan of this trilogy, and I only managed to get through the first book just because I feel ‘obligated' to read it before viewing the film approximately 2 years ago. Well, guess what? I'm back on that same situation with this one.

But I must admit, this sequel's a slight improvement over the first book, though it's not as compelling or impactful as FSoG. E.L. James is not the strongest writer, that's for sure. I can't seem to stand her choice of words/ repetitive expressions as I progress in this book. The story is becoming more and more like an adult version of Twilight, only with BDSM themes.. uhm wow? The writing is just awful in this book, but at least the story's quite entertaining (I wanna give it a 2/5 stars, but I bumped it with an extra star solely for that reason).

Overall, it's a so-so book that I may not give a shit about in the future. Now let me watch the probably shitty mess that is the 2017 film version. And I apologize in advance if I end up snoozing on that film. I mean, just look at the IMDB/Rotten Tomatoes/Metacritic ratings. Ghastly!

4.4

This volume might be the best in the entire trilogy. It's an enjoyable and convenient conclusion to an excellent series. The story was darker, more menacing, and scary at times, although it felt draggy on some parts especially when it gets too descriptive in detail. I feel quite sad right after finishing this because I was immersed in this strange world I'd come to know from the two prior installments. I'm bummed to see Jacob and the peculiar children's adventures in Peculiardom come to an end. I highly recommend the Miss Peregrine's series! If you like a little weird or creepy... this trilogy is definitely for you.

4.3

This book was just as good, if not better, than the first one. There's a lot of action going on with the story though sometimes it feels like it drags on just a tad, and the photographs used to elevate the plot are just as weird and intriguing. It gave light to a lot of questions in the first book, but still leaves so many new questions along the way. The characters are starting to develop better personalities on them, and you'll also learn more about their powers and what they're capable, especially with our protagonist, Jacob.

Overall, it's a book that shouldn't be missed by Peculiar enthusiasts. It's a well-written book by Ransom Riggs and a little bit more maturity in his writing, he can become a really great story teller/author in the future. I'm really looking forward to reading the third and final book of the trilogy - The Library of Souls.

4.3

Wow... I have no exact words for this book. The story is so devastating and beautiful, and it's rare for a book to make me tear up. Violet and Finch are such lovable characters. Their everyday interactions are so real and natural. As soon as you become invested in these two amazing young teenagers, prepare to get your heart wrecked. That ending almost killed me. It hurts so much. It's depressing beyond belief because most of the issues in this book are so accurate, especially amongst adolescents and young adults. I couldn't recommend this book enough. Prepare the tissues while you read this :(

4.5

OMG OMG THIS KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!

I think this may be the best entry to the series as far as the first 6 books are concerned. A lot of revelations were revealed, especially with regards to the Quagmire twins. I knew there was something fishy going on with Esmé Squalor as soon as she was introduced in this book. As for Jerome Squalor...why? Just why would he abandon and give away the Baudelaires? I feel like he would be a really great guardian for them. Oh well, I understand his decisions since he really wanted to protect them..

Despite all that, I love seeing the Baudelaires overcome their adversities under the evil, good-for-nothing Count Olaf. Overall, I enjoyed this one the most. I couldn't stop reading until I'm finished with it. There's always a secret waiting to be exposed in this book. Loved it!

Anyway, I decided to take a short break from this series. I'll read maybe a couple of books before I could continue with it again. It was a great journey so far. ‘Til we meet again, ASOUE!

4.4

The best ASOUE book I've read so far. I love how the story is starting to have a bit of depth in it. For instance, we were introduced to the Quagmire twins (supposed to be triplets) who were also orphans whose parents died in a fire along with their third sibling. Vice Principal Nero was also very despicable, as well as the cheeky Carmelita Spats. Basically, the misfortunes of the Baudelaires are getting worse in every book. The vocabulary was excellent, it has characters that could potentially still be around in future books, and it gives the series new places to go. A book in the series you should look forward to! Now I'm off to read the sixth book (and probably the last one I'll read since I just decided to take a break from this series) - “The Ersatz Elevator”.

3.8

My least favorite ASOUE book so far. Same style, but different situations. I think the Baudelaire children can really look out for themselves, so the plot needs to get more in depth. Just like the previous book, “The Wide Window”, this series is trying to take a darker and more mature lane... so I guess children below 8 years old will not appreciate this book. Nevertheless, it was still a fun read on my part. Still charming and full of misadventures. It's interesting to see what Count Olaf is up to in the next books, so I'm really looking forward to book five - which is “The Austere Academy”.

4.1

Ok this series is getting kinda inappropriate for children. I'm not even sure if it's a children's book anymore, since this one has a lot of dark, scary, and sensitive content in it. Nevertheless, it was still a fun and quick read just like the previous books. I really find it funny when Aunt Josephine keeps correcting everyone's grammatical errors. The kids always find a way to get out of their misfortunes, so there's really nothing to worry about them. But still, you can't help but sympathize. I'm enjoying this series so far and I'm off to read the 4th book, which is “The Miserable Mill”.

4.3

An improvement compared to the first book, although it was basically the same life lessons. This was another quick read and I really loved the storyline of this one. Violet once again shows her cunning knowledge in tools and devices, Klaus's bookish personality saved their lives, and the adorable Sunny is still that too-mature-to-be-an-infant baby. Count Olaf's Stephano disguise was really funny and ridiculous as well! Mr. Monty, on the other hand, is supposed to be this great and perfect guardian for the Baudelaire orphans, too bad we have to see him perish in such a short time. Hope these kids find their perfect guardians soon and get out of all of their misfortunes. Off to the third book, which is “The Wide Window”!

4.0

This was such a quick read! It only took me like more or less an hour to finish this. Actually, I remember reading this book in my Elementary school's library before, and re-reading it made me realize how intriguing this book is. It's a good book to start off the ASoUE series and it doesn't disappoint at all. The Baudelaire siblings were introduced and you can't help but immediately sympathize with them. Count Olaf left a really convincing impression as a villain. The story/plot teaches a lot of valuable things from real life skills, to grammar & vocabulary. I am pretty much looking forward to reading the next 12 books of this series. In fact, I'm about to start the 2nd book of this series - which is “The Reptile Room”.

4.8

BEST YA DYSTOPIAN SERIES SINCE THE HUNGER GAMES!!!

This final book is a satisfying end to a fantastic series. At first, I was thinking of rating this a 4... by the second half of the novel, everything was tied up neatly and going at a much better pace which bumped my rating to a near perfect score. It was beautifully written and it naturally flows in a deep, heart-wrenching manner. I have grown to love Ruby and the gang. They literally have the greatest character developments among a sea of characters in YA dystopian novels. I love you Alexandra Bracken! You've written one of the most compelling books I've read in a very long time. You know that bittersweet moment when you finish a series? Yes, I'm in that same boat right now. I don't want this to be a long review because I've already said most of the things I wanna say in the previous books. Buy the books, read it, and enter this awesome, gripping, roller-coaster ride of a world that Bracken has created.

4.7

MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK!

God, why did it take me a year to get into the sequel?! For a book that's 500+ pages, I thought this would be a hefty read... but to my surprise, this book is just so damn compelling and engaging that reading this book would be a breeze.

This series is starting to have my heart and soul. It took me on such an emotional roller-coaster ride. I can't help but be an emotional wreck after finishing it. The story was so action-packed, full of revelations, and anything you'd ever want from a dystopian novel.

What I loved most about this book are the characters. They are seriously the best set of characters you'd ever meet. They have very strong character development and unique personalities. I love how Ruby is starting to toughen up a bit, and she's beginning to have more self-confidence compared to the first book. Simply put - our protagonists are very lovable, and the antagonists are just loathsome to some extent.

I can't recommend this book enough. I feel like this is one very underrated series that everyone needs to read and get into. Alexandra Bracken is just amazing and she's clearly done it again (and by that I meant she stomped my heart again). Now let me take a moment to collect myself as I prepare to read the last book in the series.

4.6

Even if I'm one of those who haven't seen the Fight Club movie, I'm glad that I got to read this book before I start watching it. This was such an entertaining read from start to finish. It's extremely hard to put down. I hate the fact that it's only 200+ pages, since I didn't want it to end. The story was dark, humorous, suspenseful, and contains a twist you won't see coming (unless you've seen the film). Palahniuk has such a great writing style and I love how he didn't sugarcoat the story.

I'd really recommend this to anyone who likes black comedy, and those who want to read about complex characters who have different views on society. Even if you won't gain much from reading this book if you've seen the film, you should still read this one! Go ahead, read it, and tell your friends about it.

3.7

First of all, I don't understand the hype surrounding this book. Yeah, it's a good book... but it moves rather slowly. Ishiguro's writing was very pleasant, but I just found most of Part I & II quite boring. Part III was my favorite since the plot was progressing more clearly than the first two parts.

The story was predictable at some points, like Ishiguro's trying to make it not obvious when it's literally the opposite. I don't know that's just me. But it was really interesting to see the character development of his characters and how they shift from one event to another.

Overall this book was missing something that lovers of this book seemed to have not noticed, but it's still a fascinating read though. It lacks a lot of details, scientifically speaking, and there's not a lot of beautiful prose. Anyway, I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to imagine the unimaginable. It's not an easy-read, so be patient.

4.7

A NEAR PERFECT CHILDREN'S BOOK!!!

I pretty much grew up on the 1995 film version of the book, and I remember watching it religiously since we used to have it on VCD. If I were to compare the book and the film, of course, the book would be better. There were a lot of details that were not present in the film and some scenes were changed. Nevertheless, the ALT film can stand on its own since Cuaron (director) depicted it in such a magical and fairytale-like way.

This book is just amazing. The story was so wonderful and it will keep you engaged and wanting for more, no matter how old you are. It has a set of characters that are so memorable, they will be a part of you for the rest of your life. It's very inspirational and emits a lot of emotion. If you have children, this will be a perfect book to read to them before they sleep. Or you can also read this while doing laundry in a rainy afternoon.

I just can't recommend this enough. It was well-written and full of life lessons. Happy to have read this during a 4 hour-long trip.

5.0

“If you understand 2001: A Space Odyssey completely, we failed.” - Stanley Kubrick

This book is ahead beyond its time, way before we even first set foot in the Moon. Clarke's imagination literally transcends into the universe. Most people who have both read the books and seen the movies will tell you to read the book first in order to fully understand the film. Well, they're not wrong after all.

Right after I finished reading this today, I opened up Netflix as I feel like I need to see the film immediately. I wouldn't even understand the movie if I haven't read the book first. Everything's too ambiguous and downright confusing. Both the print and screen version are mindbenders that requires a few more getting-into. You will never fully understand this in the first reading. Scratch that. You will never fully understand this in forever. Read the quote above, and you'll understand my point.

This book will make you think about the greater scheme of man about the universe. All of the things that we know, and may never know, in a human race's lifetime. It will question your role, you as a human, on the universe and what will happen way past beyond that.

This book is literally an “odyssey” of the mind so if you're a fan of books that do all the thinking for you, steer away from this. However, I recommend this if you're a fan of mind-boggling books. It's appropriate for any age group. Read this and I can guarantee you that this will probably be one of the best sci-fi books you've ever come contact with.

4.6

This book is surprisingly good! I knew I should've read it back then. This book is so sweet, romantic, and harsh, all at the same time. I felt way too many emotions while reading this. The story was a well-developed piece of realistic fiction. Should we be ashamed of loving someone of the same sex? Should we be ashamed even if we really love them? Should we love someone and not think about the consequences? Those are some questions you just can't outrun if you “truly” love someone. I commend Sáenz for writing a controversial, yet, very relatable literature that will probably hold much meaning today and the foreseeable future. It's one of those stories that are so pure and raw, it will touch every single person it comes contact with. This book is a gem that shouldn't be overlooked. Highly recommended for readers who loves thought-provoking books. This will change your perception of the world.

3.8

I'm a big fan of Harry Potter and I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it brought me back to my childhood and the wizarding world. As a Potterhead, of course I would read anything that provides continuation to the Harry Potter legacy. But for some reason, even if I enjoyed it, my reactions were mixed.

I love the fact that JK Rowling can pull anything out of her creative ass; and by ass, I mean her brain. Then I realized, this is a play... not a novel or even a film. So it's actually hard for me to visualize everything from a stage play perspective. So maybe I should re-read it again for several times to gain a better respect for this book/script.

Lots of characters pop up. From the old ones, to the new ones. Obviously, my favorite is still Draco Malfoy. As for the story, sometimes it feels like it's trying too hard, but it still works nonetheless. The Time-Turner seems to be the key feature on the over-all story, and I'm not even complaining (the Time-Turner part in PoA was the bomb).

Overall, this was a good and fast-read book. Nothing you can say a lot compared to the previous books/novels. Now, I'm fascinated to know how they pull-off this story on stage, since the scenes are constantly changing. Will definitely recommend this to all the Potterheads out there. It's not the best, but you know, Potterheads will still approve.

5.0

BEST FUCKING SPACE NOVEL I'VE EVER READ. HARD SCI-FI FOR THE WIN!!!!! 100 EMOJIFIRE EMOJICLAPPING EMOJI *HANDS UP EMOJI

I have been a science fiction fan since I can remember. The problem nowadays is that everything is just the same old thing. That is why when I run across something that is new and well written, I have to quickly comment on it.

This is hard science fiction in its purest form. An astronaut has been left behind on Mars when the members of his expedition think he is dead. Now he has to figure out how to survive and communicate with Earth. Finally he has to cross thousands of klicks of open Martian surface to a spot where he might possibly be rescued. Meanwhile officials on Earth agonize over how to help the castaway. This is a very refreshing book. While a lot of stories today mash in so much manufactured action just to fill space, this book kept everything just as intense without cheating with added fluff.

Mr. Weir does a great job of inserting real science into this novel. I believe he must have been an astronaut prior to becoming an author with the detail he put behind the technology and strategies of a life on Mars, the return trip and all of the trials and dilemmas that the main character faces in his time alone on Mars. If this was written by an average author, he could not have pulled this book off to the degree that Mr. Weir did.

I'm giving this book a strong 5 stars. If only I could give more than 5, I would've. I just love this book! The story is plausible and based heavily on science, but it is a presented in a way that a layman can understand and become invested in. This is really the best hard science fiction I have read in a very long time, an absolute masterpiece. Just read it. This is not some space fantasy to be ignored. READ IT, GODDAMMIT!

4.3

I've already seen the film before picking up the book. It's quite odd because I found the film adaptation so much better than the “The Fault in Our Stars” movie, and it's the opposite when it comes to the books (me liking TFiOS better). I don't want to go into detail when it comes to why I said that, so here's a short review of what I think of this book.

First of all, it's a very light-hearted book, so don't expect too much if you are used to reading really sad books about terminal illnesses. the focus is on the humorous and awkward life Greg has with his friend Earl. That is not to say that the “dying girl”, Rachel, is not important or that her illness doesn't affect the protagonist. It's a very realistic snapshot of Greg's life; it doesn't revolve around any one specific thing in the novel. Instead it's complex and the reader is taken through what he feels is important to document. You get out of it what you want.

Something that was totally note-worthy about this book was Mr. Andrews' writing. He incorporated a lot of different writing styles, like for example, a lot of the dialogue was written in film-script style, which I guess was there purely because of the two main characters' interest in film-making. That played a big part in the story. Anyway, it was completely new and different to me and I really appreciated its singularity. Also, a lot of the time, the author referred to the reader and it was sort of like he knew exactly what I was thinking and it was wonderful (sort of like breaking the fourth wall in television and films).

This book is either a hit or a miss. Seriously, it is worth the read. One thing I can guarantee is it's an extremely unique story, and lovable up unto the end. Here's a heads up though, this book has a healthy serving of language and explicit themes in it.

4.4

To start things off.... THIS IS MUCH BETTER THAN THAT STUPID ‘OL ELEANOR & PARK! But seriously though, I don't like to compare books, because I wasn't even sure about Fangirl when I first saw it on every book blog/booktubers. I've been let down by hype before. Hype is a cruel mistress, waiting to strike you down with a terrible novel at any moment.

I was never a fan of Rainbow Rowell, but her writing is really good and this is a great example of how well she can write. This book had such a nice flow and I instantly loved the characters. She writes such relatable characters and I found myself totally invested in them. Rowell didn't make Cath one of those “awkward, quirky” stereotypical college girls, she made her seem so real. When I was reading about her anxiety and social awkwardness I wasn't rolling my eyes, I was relating. The characters were each lovable, and she crafted each connection so genuinely. The banter was witty, and felt organic. I remember stopping at a few points and thinking, “Wow! This is totally what talking with my best friend feels like!”

My biggest complaint is that Fangirl seemed to end too soon and abruptly. I would have like a few more things wrapped up. Cath turning in her short story to Professor Piper, and a few others I can't put my finger on. I have a few more questions and I want to see the way several relationships play out. And while I don't want this being a series and all, I almost feel as if I need a companion novel for this. It just left me hanging in some ways. (Sorry to rain on your rainbow Rainbow Rowell, but you really need to work on your endings smh).

I'm sure most everyone has read this book, and I'm one of the last to jump on the bandwagon. But if you haven't read it then I highly suggest it.

4.8

DEAR MOTHER OF GOD PLEASE SPARE THE CHILDREN!!! T_T

I just don't understand why this is a children's book when it's clearly meant for adults??? Nevertheless, here's what I thought of this book.

Like the Chaos Walking trilogy (I've only read ‘The Knife of Never Letting Go', by the way), this novel is filled with gut-wrenching emotional intensity, though it's a very different type of story. The writing is aimed at a younger audience, but Ness doesn't shy away from the complexity that his subject demands.

It's just so powerful to read about young Conor O'Malley's life through his innocent narration, and how the monster reveals all the truths about his life and the end–HOOMAAAYYYGAAHHHDD. I was just sobbing I could barely finish it, and books rarely move me to tears. What the monster shows Conor triggers many emotions at once, I would be greatly surprised if you walked away from this book feeling like you didn't love Conor, or his mother, or his grandmother for the matter. I even loved the monster.

I picked up this book thinking (based mostly on the title and cover) that it would be a standard YA horror. No, it isn't - not AT ALL. It isn't even horror. I was completely blown away by this book, by its heart, its truth, and its story. This book touched me in a personal way. I lost my beloved grandfather to an illness in October 2015. I have been conflicted with many thoughts, emotions - ranging from anger to sadness, to affection that may or may not have been fully expressed, to guilt - for maybe not fully understanding what was happening, maybe not asking enough questions, sometimes feeling like there should have been more that I could have done for him, but somehow knowing there was nothing at all I could do to change their path. Through all of this, I have learned that acceptance is a long and narrow road if you are not willing to let go. Conor's story gave me hope that, god forbid I am ever faced with a struggle like this again, I will have the courage and strength to speak my truth before it is too late.

I'm glad this book exists. Patrick Ness nailed it, even if I'd probably be tempted to slap him if I saw him right now (lol just kidding). I just heard that it's going to be a motion picture soon and I hope they can do it justice. I don't know if the big screen can capture the insane beauty of this book, but I hope it can, so that the message of it can reach more people. This book should be required reading. It should also be sold with tissues T___T

5.0

Pardon my french, but FUCK YOU HARUKI MURAKAMI FOR PLAYING WITH MY FEELINGS !!! :'(

This is my first experience with Murakami, so I can't compare it to anything else written by him, but from what I understand, it's quite different from many of his other novels. It is the story of Toru, a young college student who becomes involved with the girlfriend of his best friend who, a year earlier, commited suicide. The two deal with their unspoken grief as best they can, both following utterly different paths. Toru loves the woman, Naoko, but for various reasons, their relationship cannot develop normally. We follow Toru for a few years in college–a realistic portrait of a young man's journey toward adulthood. The story is narrated by Toru's 37 year old self. He hears Norwegian Wood by The Beatles in an airplane and memories of his youth come flooding back to him, so much so that he must tell his story.

Murakami`s writing is so beautiful. It is extremely evocative, subtle, yet powerful. Each scene draws you into a life of its own; you can smell it, feel it, hear it and see it, a feast for all senses. Yet Murakami's writing never draws attention to itself, and that's what I like about it. With Norwegian Wood, he has created a story which will stay in the reader's mind for a long time.

Murakami's philosophy, that “...death exists as a part of life”, permeates this book. But also that lives and experiences, even those that have been lost, can continue to live. “Norwegian Wood”, the Beatle's song not the novel, evokes the memories of lives and loves worth remembering for the characters in this novel. We all have similar songs that remind us of those other experiences we have long since forgotten, good and bad. Murakami is simply reminding us that not only is it OK to remember, it is a fundamental requirement of the well lived and well considered life.

This book was extremely well written and a great introduction to Murakami in my opinion and I'd definitely recommend it as a starting point to anyone else looking to pick something up by him. It's also only 296 pages which is short compared to many of his other books. It is so beautiful and poetic, so rich in emotions and realism, so touching and so haunting. I highly suggest this book to anyone who has ever loved and felt powerful emotion. You will be amazed at how absorbed you will become in Murakami's story.

4.5

I decided to read this book after countless recommendations from my friends, who quoted and referenced it often (all the “I go to seek a Great Perhaps” is getting really annoying tbh). After only a few “chapters” in, I was kicking myself for not reading it sooner. It is written in a style that gives me the impression that the main character is sitting down with me, a year or two later, and personally telling me the story. It makes a great deal of literary and historical references but always explicitly states them as such and never comes off as pretentious. It's simply a joy to read (if joy is the right word, since often it produces emotions that are anything but joy). Above all, it's real. It does not censor itself, but cuts right through the crap and tells it exactly like it happened. Even if the truth is embarrassing.

I said “chapters” because the book is divided up rather unconventionally; instead of following a linear progression (chapter 1, chapter 2, ... chapter 30, etc etc etc), each section is titled as “one hundred twenty-seven days before” or “forty-six days after,” and so on. This is because the entire book revolves around one central event that occurs roughly in its center, and as it is told from the perspective of the main character, Miles “Pudge” Halter, time exists only as a distance before or after this event.

Alaska was the most fascinating character to me, something I think John Green intended. I was hooked by her just as Pudge was–she continually intrigued me, made me laugh, frustrated me, mystified me. (I re-read her line “Ya'll smoke to enjoy it, I smoke to die” several times. She's just so meta.). I am hardly ever affected by character deaths but as soon as I got a few pages into the “After” section I had to put the book down for a few minutes to absorb what I had just read. I was actually in a minor stage of denial for a few pages. I kept thinking, “Alaska's not really dead, is she?” Maybe John Green was trying to pull off another Paper Towns kind of story-line. When I came to accept it, I shared Pudge's and The Colonel's (Chip Martin) desparation to find out WHY.

At first I felt a little gypped by the ending: was her death an accident or was it a suicide? But after I thought it through for a while, I decided that it was better that John Green left us not knowing. Why? The world is full of mysteries. Not everything that happens in life is completely resolved (sad truth).

While it's not the most entertaining, out of the entire novels I've read in my life, Looking for Alaska definitely falls somewhere in the top 10 or 50 or 100 of the best written coming-of-age novels. I would definitely recommend this book to any age group, but especially anyone who is interested in writing and wants to see an example of great literature.