Review: Memories

Memories by Lang Leav
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Before I fell
in love with words,
with setting skies
and singing birds-
it was you I fell
in love with first.


Lang Leav has a unique way of writing her poems. They need not rhymed or filled with figurative phrases. They're simple and realistic. They would see through your soul and break your heart, all over again. Read it with a cup of warm earl grey, by the window seat, preferably during the rainy days.

It was words that I fell for. In the end, it was words that broke my heart.


*Memories is a compilation of some of her new poems and some favourites from Love & Misadventure and Lullabies. My favourite poem so far is still "Patience".

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Review: Confess

Confess by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Contemplating between 4 and 5 stars.

Colleen Hoover almost never disappoints me until this book. I was slightly blown away for how bland is the ending. I believe she can do so much more for this book because I love the starting. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike this book but the ending has taken me aback. The complicates seem to be resolved pretty easily and not to mention, Owen seems too good to be true. Hey, nobody wants to read a real-life "fiction". :D

But but but. Man, I love the art aspect of this book. The confessions and art pieces totally blown me away. I love the flirtations between Owen and Auburn. They made me flutters and feels good all over again. Plus, the whole feels surrounding the book just blew me away even more. Don't you just like it when a book brings you to another world entirely and you don't wanna come back to reality? Okay, I may be exaggerating a little but the whole atmosphere about this book was almost indescribable. I love it so much. I feel that everything I said here doesn't do the book justice, so read it yourself.

I was so confident in giving it a 5 stars but half way through the book it blew off. But I still highly recommend this book.

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Review: Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted so badly to rate this 5-stars but I couldn't deal with Abby's bitchy-ness. But I would've to agree that this is too addictive. I could pull up an all-nighter just to finish it, if I do not have work during the weekdays.

[spoilers]
Travis is a crazily possessive boyfriend. Omg. Boy, you need to chill. And Abby is extremely annoyingly bitchy and slutty. I got annoyed with her keep going on and off with Parker when she knew that she didn't like him. She's also doing the same to the other random guys. However, I do enjoy her badassery moments during the poker game.

Not only that, I love the other characters in the book too: Shep and America, Finch and the Maddox family. Can't wait to read about the Maddox brothers in the other series by Jamie McGuire.

I think Beautiful Disaster is one of the pioneer New Adult books out there and I enjoy reading about this kind of classic bitchy-college-romance of New Adult. Their age almost match mine and the narrators (the main characters) are often not having childish dialogue and thoughts. I appreciate that.

If you're looking for a light read (but this isn't really one) or wanting to try out New Adult (mature contents alert), definitely pick this up. Consider this as a New Adult Classics.

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Review: Searching for Someday

Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"...if he had a heart left to give, it would've broken right there."

I never thought I would love this book as much as now. Clearly, I didn't have a very high expectations due to the previous few romance I've read these past few weeks. This came too much as a surprise and it caught my heart, wrenching in an unspeakable way.

Jennifer Probst writes generously, giving away too much informations yet didn't fail to bore me in reading. This book speaks a lot for not only the main couple of the story but draws attention to the other side characters. I felt drawn to Kate's girl friends as much as I love Kate and Slade. It's not just a book about romance, but friendship and other qualities. I love how every aspects seem to be well balance.

The romance was, to me, very believable . Even those sex scenes didn't make me cringe in disgust. The relationship between Kate and Slade was built up slowly and Jennifer Probst has done a wonderful job in both hero and heroine's character development. The little magic "touch" effect was pretty dainty too.

I would say I'm pretty impressed with this book and definitely worth the read, if you're looking into romance genre. I've read my fair share of this genre so I'm confident in my recommendation.

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Review: Me Before You

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I understand how this book can turn out to be an emotional-romance (something terms I came up with). It reminds me so much of TFIOS but with a more strong issue.

First and foremost, I have to declare that I'm not a big fan of medically-depressed books (another terms I came up with) and this topic is the main idea of the book. I don't want to sound offending but clearly, I'm not emotionally prepared for topics like these. I get how topics like these could spark up the romance effect of the fiction but it just doesn't appeal to me.

However, I'm very satisfied with the character development by Lou. She grew stronger and stronger throughout the book and eventually be able to live out of her circle of comfort. In a way, I'm immensely proud of her.

I couldn't say more as my current emotional state has been filled by the main issue of the book. But all I want to say is some readers might be able to accept books like these and people who do would regard this as a beautifully written literature. I can't.

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[REVIEW] How To Fall In Love by Cecelia Ahern

First off, this is my first Cecelia Ahern book. I admit I have not yet read PS, I Love You (her best selling book). A friend highly recommended How To Fall In Love to me while we were book-shopping. The story was captivating and I trusted my friend to give it a go.

Goodreads synopsis: She has just two weeks. Two weeks to teach him how to fall in love – with his own life. Adam Basil and Christine Rose are thrown together late one night, when Christine is crossing the Halfpenny Bridge in Dublin. Adam is there, poised, threatening to jump. Adam is desperate – but Christine makes a crazy deal with him. His 35th birthday is looming and she bets him she can show him that life is worth living before then. Despite her determination, Christine knows what a dangerous promise she’s made. Against the ticking of the clock, the two of them embark on wild escapades, grand romantic gestures and some unlikely late-night outings. Slowly, Christine thinks Adam is starting to fall back in love with his life. But has she done enough to change his mind for good? And is that all that’s starting to happen?

I'm a huge contemporary-romance reader and this book is the book for readers of my kind. It's romantic (obviously), adorable and heart-wrenching (not severe). It always touches me when the main character is acting as the third-wheel and helping the person he/she loves to get back to her/his lover. It's always heart-breaking and brings me to tear when the main character could no longer endure the pain and broke down. (I think this is kinda spoiler-y)

This story was written from the first person's view, Christine Rose. It's about how her life intertwined with the attempted suicide man she saved, Adam. Christine was broken (in a way) but that did not stop her from always reaching out to help others. Her father said she is always thinking while he and Chrstine's other two sisters do. I think that's what really touches me. I don't think it's her guilt towards  Simon Conway, it's her genuine kind heart which made her helped Adam all the way.

The other really interesting part was (what I called) 'the outburst'. I wouldn't want to spoil anyone reading this but I couldn't help to not talk about it also. If you're afraid of being spoilt or anything, just skip this paragraph. It was about the discovery of Christine's mother's suicide attempt. I was shocked to read about this part, when Christine was near to break down. The author played well at this explosive part. I felt that Chrsitine's trying to help because she had gone through it. She didn't want anyone to turn out to be like her mother. Also, Adam's sudden change of behaviour. That was really unbelievable, almost too fake.

This book was, to me, incredibly heartfelt. The references to self-help books are such a metaphor to tell us to follow our hearts and not everything can be formulated. A very satisfied 5-stars romance.

Summer

I hope you'll read this book: How to Fall in Love

[REVIEW] A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

I would never pick up an animal book/movie unless I'm practically stuck with it. Because I always cry reading an animal book or watch an animal movie. If you won't believe me, try watching Hachi. So, I was still traveling and I really need a book to read while waiting for flight and train. I saw this book in my brother's luggage and I thought "why not?".

Goodreads synopsis: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose? Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

I never expect myself to love with this book and gave it a 5-stars rate because I thought it would be one of those normal reads. I was wrong, clearly. This book is written from a dog's perspective, yes, a dog's. It was so brilliantly written that I almost thought the author himself is a dog, ahem. This is a book where all my favourite aspects are in it. It's witty, touching and so surreal. 

I knew I would cry in the end and I did. I was so surprised with the plot twist and it made me cried a bucket. The story was so well craved and so well written. I did not believe the plot twist and I was tearing in joy. On the other hand, this book is adorable. The dog's innocence would make me laughed and smiled. The little comments about the cats and wagging its tail when its name is mentioned by its owner. I couldn't put the book down, the story just drew me in. Even though it was quite a small book but it felt so long. 

The reason I really adore this book is that it really does touched my heart. I once had a dog and it passed away a few years back. While I was reading this book, all the memories just flew back and they were all good memories. I don't know how the author did it but he did it. I'm convinced that he was a dog incarnation. 

Whether you're an animal lover or not, just go read this book. 

Summer

PLEASE READ IT: A Dog's Purpose  

[REVIEW] Sophie Kinsella European Weeks

I've read 4 books by Sophie Kinsella and so far, I've not rate any of them below 4-stars (not Wedding Night). I dare say that she's an amazing writer who knows how to grip my sense of humour. Additionally, I've been in the contemporary-chicklit mood and Sophie Kinsella just made all my days. There ain't no any particular reason for this double reviews mashed-up. Both books are from the same genre and author, thus, it'll be easier. 

1. Can You Keep A Secret? 

Goodreads synopsis: Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: 
Secrets from her boyfriend: I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. 
Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. 
Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. 
Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

I'M SO INSANELY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. The feeling was so attached that I had a book hungover again. I never expect it to be that hilarious and cheesy and embarrassing at the same time. And yes, I agree that it is indeed very cliché and predictable. However, this book is capable of making me laughing out loud in public in every turn pages. It was so freaking hilarious, how can you not-

Sophie Kinsella's writings has the power to make you feel embarrass for her main girl character. I don't know how she does it but all the time you'll feel like telling the character 'oh god no', I swear. Plus, it's no secret all Sophie's books are freaking fun to read. But, this book actually made me laughed out loud. Those little thoughts of Emma were just so funny. 

The relationship between Emma and Jack is the reason I could not put this book down. I practically flew through this book, during my brother's graduation ceremony (yes, I was reading while all the choir and speeches were on-going). I love how the story unfolds and how Emma deal with all the problems. 

I'm surprised I didn't have much to say for a book I rated 5-stars. Overall, it was fun and enjoyable read. The only complaint I've got is that "it's not real", and that's not really a complaint. 

2. The Undomestic Goddess

I bought this book from an Italian bookstore because I needed something to read after CYKAS? hungover. 

Goodreads synopsis: Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge, it'll wreck any chance of a partnership. Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer-and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven. She can't sew on a button, bake a potato, or get the ironing board to open. How she takes a deep breath and begins to cope-and finds love-is a story as delicious as the bread she learns to bake. But will her old life ever catch up with her? And if it does...will she want it back?

This is not as fun as CYKAS? but it still have all the fun elements. This book still makes me laughed but not as much? However, Samantha's life is very much relatable to me (even though I ain't IQ 158 but I'm a pathetic law student). I would be almost a Melissa, still struggling in law school. 

No matter how I convince myself that this is just a fiction, I still wouldn't believe that a high-pay lawyer would choose to be a domestic worker. It's insane. I would prefer an ending of Sam being with  Nathaniel and helping him with his job or something, not being a domestic worker. But, that's the whole point of the insane plot of the book. 

Usually all law-themed fiction or movies made me uneasy, as if people trying to make fun of the subject, like the movie Legally Blonde. I do believe lawyers do get a life. However, in the Acknowledgements page, Sophie did mentioned that she'd consulted the real lawyer and such, so I guess the story ain't that fiction after all. 

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the book very much and I highly recommend both books (in fact all Sophie's books). I've always loved a happy book. 

Summer

Nothing goes wrong with a Sophie Kinsella: Can You Keep A Secret? / The Undomestic Goddess

[REVIEW] Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

So much for galaxy porn. I freaking adore this book. I'm officially a Perkins fangirl. If you think Anna and the French Kiss was good, this is 10 times better. I can't even imagine Isla now.

Goodreads synopsis: Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the negihborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I'm currently so contemporary-deprived that every book I picked up in my TBR list is a contemporary. 

This book... AWWWW... (with caps and !!!!) Lola and Cricket's interactions were just SO ADORABLE. Most of the time I was just squealing and rolling on my bed. Stephanie did that to me again. The feeling was so heart-warming and happy. 

Yes, the story is still very cliché but contemporary is all about the feeling. I was grinning all the while reading this book and that matters. It feels like a RomCom which could be watched again and again and you'll still laugh at the same joke. It's a wonder Cricket being all geeky, he could snuck up some cheesy pickup line. 

One thing - I really like Lola's parents. Yes, they're gay and they're so cute. It reminds me of the Modern Family. Gosh, everything's so cute and fussy, even the parents. I ran out of words. 

"So you believe in second chances?" I bite my lip.
"Second, third, fourth. Whatever it takes. However long it takes. If the person is right," he adds.
"If the person is... Lola?"
This time, he holds my gaze. "Only if the other person is Cricket."

GOD. I CAN'T TAKE IT. EVEN IT'S THE SECOND READ. I SHOULD REALLY CALM MYSELF NOW.

At this rate, everyone will stop reading my reviews. 

The other thing about self-discovery. As the story goes, Lola grows to learn more about herself. How she should be honest to her feelings and how to just being herself - how to be Lola. It's beautiful when Cricket is there to assist her, asking her to be herself. Cricket is so sweet in his geeky way.

A self-discovery journey. An adorable budding romance. What do you need more in a book?

Summer

Read this and you'll love it: Lola and the Boy Next Door

[REVIEW] Fangril by Rainbow Rowell

My first Rainbow Rowell's book was Eleanor & Park and I absolutely adore it. I like Rainbow's writings, her humour and those cutesy scenes in the book. They made me feel so good. However, I was quite disappointed with this book. Almost all book tubers love this book. It was so hyped-out that it made me wanna read it. So I did but I didn't enjoy it as many other readers did.

Goodreads synopsis: A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

To be honest, I was let down by all those high reviews out there. I'm pretty sure every comments about this book were a straight 5-stars. I had my hopes up before reading it. It was a huge let down. I really didn't expect to be let down but it happened.

Firstly, the plot was a huge mess. Most of the time I did not know where is the focus point? Is it the fan fiction writing? Or the twins relationship? Or their dad? Or their mother? Or even the relationship between Cath and Levi? They were all jumbled up. I felt that some parts were too draggy while some other parts were too rush. When I reached the end, I was feeling like "huh? What?", and it just ended like that. 

However, the story is unique. Fanfiction is hardly a topic to write about in a fiction. It was impressive that Rainbow did a story within a story. To me, it's practically hard to even write a story and she mashed up two stories. 

Overall it was a leisure read. I was just not attached to it as many other contemporary or even Rainbow's e&p. Maybe I am not fangirl-ing enough. But since many readers do enjoy the book, maybe they do find something they really like about it. I would still recommend this book because of Rainbow Rowell. Her writings are light and fun read. 

Summer 

I will still have a link to purchase the book even if I did not enjoy that book as much because I believe in challenging someone's opinion. Everyone should listen and accept people's opinion but form your own. 

FANGIRL (my version is not available)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This book killed me. In every way possible. Ms Jenny Han, you've done a great job on that. *round of applauses*

I was introduced to this book by Regan (the booktuber: peruseproject). The title might sound cheesy but it's definitely not a cheesy book. It has its cute moments.

Goodreads synopsis: What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once? Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

This is not your typical contemporary reads. First off, the story is cute and "troublesome". I read the synopsis and it was immediately added to my TBR list. It was that intriguing. Not to mention, the cover was gorgeous to the maximum level.

This book technically has no flaws until the last page which literally made me so angry with Jenny Han. Please, why did you do this to me? OMG. I almost saw it coming and the last page slapped me into reality. If this isn't a duo-logy/series, I'm officially writing a letter to Ms Jenny Han insisting for an epilogue. I really don't mind an entirely new book just for an epilogue, just please give me an ending because there was none. The problems in the book aren't solve and I'm pretty annoyed and I couldn't sleep peacefully tonight without an answer.

Despite that pissful ending, I love this book. It was a fast read. The chapters spacing (whatever you call that) was so perfectly structured. It stops at the right time and begins with a good start.

DID I EVER MENTION THE GASTRONOMY? Jenny Han, despite everything I've written above, you're an amazing food-writer. I always have a thing for books which write about food, in details. I didn't see it coming from a YA contemporary fiction. It was a great surprise. The korean foods, the cookies baking and all those dinners. If Jenny Han writes like that in all her books, I'll eat all of them.

I stay quiet for all of ten seconds and then say, "Wait, were you wanting me to be quiet too?"
"No, I just didn't want music. You can talk as much as you want."

That was my favourite LaraJean-Peter scene. It was hilarious with cute-ness overloads. I love their cutesy moments. (on the repeat mode) I just love everything about this book except for the delirious ending. I love so many things I can't describe them in words.

I hope Jenny writes more about Chris. She's very interesting.

It would be a 5-stars if not for that ending. However, I highly recommend this book for anyone, especially contemporary readers. YOU'LL LOVE IT.

Summer

I bought it: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (new cover paperback) (hardback)
p.s My edition was out of order.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Almost everyone in the book world has been raving about this book and I cannot NOT check it out. There must be a reason for the whole hype, right? 

Goodreads synopsis: Can Anna find love in the City of Light? Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she's less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he's taken —and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's waiting for?

Yes, it is an adorable-makes-you-feel-so-cuddly-and-good book. A book for remedy situations, for after break-ups (maybe?), for book-hangover, for RomCom desperate moments, for dateless measure and for Paree-lovers. If you are any of the above, you'd to pick this book up. 

First off, I love that Stephanie Perkins describes about the settings. Many RomCom books do not care for anything other than the two main characters. But when I was reading this book, I did feel like I'm actually with Anna in Paris and speaking français all these while. You can't help it. It's written everywhere. I could even smell the croissants.

Next, the storyline. Despite everything being perfectly structured in this book, the storyline was very cliché. It's another a-new-girl-in-school-meets-perfect-guy-but-with-family-problems kind of book, the "perfect-ending" book. If it's the book alone, the story is perfect but if you compare with the other RomCom around, the storyline will not standout. 

But I don't think the storyline is the aim of the book. This book is supposed to make you feel good and feel real. There's no save-the-world-apocalypse and no unsolvable-Will-Tessa-Jem, it was just simple romance and friends-family drama. 

In fact, the middle part of book was pretty heart-wrenching. (page 259) God, I cried a bucket for Anna. Maybe it's because I understand her feelings. It was awful, her narration sounded like she's going insane (metaphorically). I was almost shouting at the book, 'no Anna, you can't do that! You can't you can't!'. That's how deep the book affects me. 

However, one part really did annoyed me. I didn't know what the hell was St. Clair doing. The book explains the reason but me myself don't really comprehend it. Why? Why won't he break up with Ellie? I was as confused as Anna. 

Overall, it's a RECOMMENDED 5-stars YA contemporary read. I will definitely get Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After (coming out on 14th August 2014). I'm pretty excited for Isla and the Happily Ever After because Josh (from AaTFK side character) will be the main character of the book.   

READ THIS BOOK,

Summer

i'm getting it: Anne and the French Kiss 

How To Love by Katie Cotugno

A bit of cheesy contemporary YA is good for health. 

Goodreads synopsis: Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he's never seemed to notice that Reena even exists until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated-and pregnant-Reena behind. 
After: Almost three years have passed, and there's a new love in Reena's life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena's gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she's finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn't want anything to do with him, though she'd be lying if she said Sawyer's being back wasn't stirring something in her. After everything that's happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

The most unique thing about this book is that it was written in a "before" and "after" in-alternative way. It's almost like switching POVs chapters but this was going back and forth with the timeline chapters. "Before" is the part before Sawyer (the main male lead) left; while "after" is the story happening after Sawyer unexpectedly reappeared again. The abrupt ending of chapters were catchy and readers will definitely be hooked to the story.

Serena (aka Reena) was the main female lead and this book was written in her POV. Reena was a smart, pretty, nerdy and typical girl-next-door. She has plans for her future and she knows what she's doing all the time. The only flaw she has, was falling in love with Sawyer, the in-a-mess, dysfunctional and wasted but hot (not appealing to me) childhood friend. Maybe I was a little bias but think of all the mess Reena had gotten into after hanging out with Sawyer. Even though I would say that it's a very typical characters' built-up plot.

What I like about this book? The feels. When I was reading it, I was pulled into Reena's mind immediately and feeling what she feels the whole time. The middle part (which I couldn't include as spoiler) made me cry. Okay, maybe I shed tears. I'm getting the same feeling when I read Death Angel by Linda Howard. (great book by the way) I didn't have that kind of experience as Reena but I cried with her as if I've gone through it also. Plus, usually if I cry for a book, I will give a very high rate for it.

The cutting of one star explanation. Why on earth did Sawyer date Ailee (the best friend) when he love Reena all these while? I don't seem to fathom the thought. I thought Sawyer was taking Reena as Ailee's substitute all along but then BAM. (wait, is this a spoiler?) Also, I didn't like when Sawyer dragged Reena down to his lowly pit of nothingness and Reena basically threw away all her studies being affected by him.

I guess this book was pretty close-to-heart and surreal it doesn't even show a sign of story-telling. It earns its star-rates. When I read this book, I like how real it feels. It reminds me of my favourite Chinese author, Sharon Rao (Rao Xue Man) and her books are written in a very touching and real (again) way. (Yes, that's the word. REAL.) There are flaws in characters, arguments about life, awkward situations and most importantly, no exaggeration. It feels insanely as if the same thing is happening to your neighbour or cousins or even friends.

The new cover is to be released next year 2015, heard from epicreads's Tea Time session.

A touching, heart-warming read,
Summer

Getting hold of the book: How To Love

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I picked up this book during my last Big Bad Wolf box-sale. (I will address more on Big Bad Wolf sale in my incoming post.) The sale with ridiculously cheap bargains and this book was just for filling up the space in my box. *It says RM8 (around USD2) on the cover.

I've never read a book by Lauren Oliver but I've been meaning to because I heard great things about the Delirium series and Panic. So when I saw this book in the midst of bargain books pile, I just grabbed it, even though the back jacket was torn.

& I did not regret getting this book because it was so SO GOOD.

Goodreads synopsis: For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.

I learnt that this is actually Lauren Oliver's debut novel in 2010. The writings are simple, straightforward yet not degraded, a typical YA style. Before I Fall is sort of a YA contemporary with a bit of paranormal (? I'm bad with genres) and psychological effect. It will make you reflect on yourself, a lot. (not a bad thing)

So, I REALLY LOVE THE STORY. Maybe most people will say it's predictable or sort but to me (who never ever predict a story), the story is quite captivating. When I first read the synopsis, I've been intrigued and busy schedule dragged my reading time until I've finally dived into the book. The idea of reviving from dead is not new but the plots are always different.

*I'm kind stuck writing this review. I think I should go for lunch first.*

Sam is one of the mean girls at school and she, of course, did what mean girls did in school. She bullied, dated hot guys, skipped classes, flirted and all with her friends (Lindsey, Elody and Ally) until she woke up from dead the next morning. Sam had to go through the same day (12th Feb Cupid's Day) again. She had known what will happen next, as the memories of yesterday (same day) is still fresh in her memory. This goes on for seven days and through the 7 days, she reflected on herself, on her friends and every events going on around her.

In my view, the reflective parts were so captivating. Sam is a mean girl but most of the things she did without thinking or she did it because her friends were doing so. Through all the same days she woke up from she found out pieces of new information and she realised she had to do something, to turn over a new leaf. Sometimes, an apology won't make much effect to the hurt caused.

Her relationship with Kent made me go fluttery all over.

He gives a half laugh. "I thought if I had a party, you would come."

Ah, Kent is so adorable and nice. (no fangirl-ing, okay) I was so happy Sam finally built up her relationship with him, like FINALLY. I was squealing all the time when they have this funny electric thing zapping on.

How do I convince you to read this book? It was a fun heart-warming contemporary and will leave you to your thoughts after you've finished the book.

Lovely 5-stars on Goodreads,
Summer

For an easy, reflective read: Before I fall - hardback (mine is) / paperback (on discount)

eleanor & park by Rainbow Rowell

original post 

I’ve just finished this book like 5 minutes ago. & I have quite a million things to say.

- SYNOPSIS LINK -

First, when I first saw this book in Kinokuniya, I fell in love with the cover. It is just the cutest thing ever, the font and illustrations. I love the cover but I did not pick it up. I could not fell for pretty-book-covers books again. *It happens, all the time.*

Secondly, Why did I not buy it, it’s a New York Times Bestseller? I was on a budget that day. #life

Thirdly, this book haunts me all the time because it knew that I did not bring it home. I saw it all over booktube. So, I brought it during my third last book haul. (There’s another one coming soon.)

Fourthly, I finally read it, admired the cover 10millionth times, rolled around my bed every time Park does his goo-ing thing to Eleanor and almost-cried with it. 

Fifthly, there’s no fifthly actually. It just sounded not right ending with a 4. But, I’m still gonna write something. When I was reading halfway through it, I accidentally flipped to the second last page and saw the first line. I was almost in tears because I thought it was gonna be a bad ending. I didn’t like to be happy throughout the book and finally cried at the end. It’s just not a good feeling. 

…getting on to my review…

I would say, I love this novel. 

The sentences are short and sweet which portraits Rowell’s style. *if that’s really her style, I’ll read her other books to double-confirm* I like double narrators (what you call that) fictions, it shows what both parties really thinking. Because, if the authors did the right trick, they could really blew me off with their surprising plot twist. 

e&p did it. Partly because I was expecting a sad ending. The three words ending just blew me away. *spoilers alert* 

I love how Park falls in love with Eleanor. Eleanor wouldn’t couldn’t return his love. She can’t promise anything. She’s just trying all her best to return Park’s feelings and Park didn’t mind it until they went apart. Park literally broke down, into pieces. Luckily, and thank-god-ly, Eleanor picked up his pieces, fixed him up at the end, before Park really went broken. 

Not to mention, this book makes me laugh, like laughing out loud. I was reading it at the dentist and thank god, that’s not a hospital. I was at the part when Park was putting on eyeliner and his dad got so furious. I cracked. 

The other thing was the music. The list goes as wide as the sea. Rowell is fab with her music. I like them because I adore songs from those time. The list just makes me wanna cry. 

Why did I not cry? Interesting point. I TRIED. I couldn’t. I wanted. I just couldn’t. Hey, no excuse. I just ran out of tears. 

Did I mention Park’s dad? He was an amazing character. He was like Molly helping Sherlock behind the scene but stays behind the scene, get it? He was the one who kind-of sort-of pulled e&p together. He’s just Eleanor’s fairy godmother. 

I would rate this a 5-stars. Highly recommend to anyone who love-dovey, humorous, contemporary love-at-first-sight kind of story, you should definitely read this. In fact, everyone should read this, it just makes you feel like falling in love or all over again. 

This is my first book review ever. Actually I did some in my personal blog out of outbursts of emotions. This is my first official review on my first book blog ever. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Summer

getting to the book: eleanor & park (the version I have was out of order hence)