Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver // BOOK REVIEW

“Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. So much time you can waste it.
But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know.”

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Book: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Fantasy

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.

What I think about it...

The Characters

Well, I can’t say I like them or I can relate to them but they have their own struggles. They’re unlikable and they did things that made me resent them. They are their own bullies. Sam, Lindsay, Ally and Elody are the popular girls in school but that popularity doesn’t spare them with the harshness of reality. Also, I want more background story of Lindsay and Juliet’s character. Why was Lindsay the person she was? Because I kind of don’t understand why she’s such an a-hole to Juliet.

The Story

Unique and captivating though I was not really that excited in reading it, the plot motivated me to continue reading. What I regret though is when Sam only realized the horrible things she did when it's too late. Ironic because she told Juliet, 'It's never too late,' but it is... at least it is, for her.

I’ve learned…

I’ve realized a whole lot of things about life. That we can only see through people's life what they want us to see and that most of the time they’re just faking it. Also one of the lessons that speak to me the most is that we have to be kind to everybody because everyone is fighting a hard battle we know nothing about. What broke my heart here is when Juliet narrated the mean and horrible things that Sam and Co. did to her and what was Sam’s reaction? She’s sorry or she doesn’t remember that or she didn’t know that. You see, we have to be careful how we treat other people because we don’t know how it will affect them or worse they might bring it with them for the rest of their lives. We might not remember the nasty things we did to other people because for us it’s just a small thing, but to them it’s a whole lot of big deal.

My Verdict

There was a question in Part One where Sam said, 

“But before you start pointing fingers, let me ask you; is what I did really so bad? So bad I deserved to die? So bad I deserved to die like that?
Is what I really did really so much worse than what anybody else does?
Is it really so much worse than what you do?
Think about it.”

Well, you know what Sam, no righteous person should ever tell you that you deserve to die in whatever way but I can tell you now and look you straight in the eye that what you did is worse (no used in comparing if what others did was worse, because a sin is a sin no matter how small) and I did no such thing against anyone (like what you guys did to Juliet). Don’t ask people if what you did was worse than anyone elses just to make you feel better.

Now, apart from the four mean, feeling entitled, horrible main leads here, I recommend it because the message of this book is so touching and true - growth and development.

MY RATING

★★★☆☆

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins // BOOK REVIEW

“Hollowness: that I understand. I'm starting to believe that there isn't anything you can do to fix it. That's what I've taken from the therapy sessions: the holes in your life are permanent. You have to grow around them, like tree roots around concrete; you mold yourself through the gaps”

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Book: The Girl on the Train

Author: Paula Hawkins

Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Thriller

Synopsis: Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train...

What I think about it...

The Characters

Okay, so we have a bunch of rotten characters here.

First, Rachel. She is a divorced, drunkard woman. I don’t know how many times I’ve read books in this genre with a kind of protagonist like her. But I’m sure I’ve read a lot and it’s exhausting. Drunkard, divorced woman who is unstable enough to be unreliable. This kind of protagonist is so cliché it already becomes exhausting. I resented Rachel. She’s so pathetic and petty. I understand her need to help but she can help without compromising her safety. I resented her so much because she knew herself very well – that she’s vulnerable when she’s drunk, that she’s not herself and she have this blackout episodes and yet she drinks because (according to her) it will keep her mind clear. What?!!! How does it make her mind clear when she can’t remember a thing? Again, I hate her. I can’t construct a concrete sentence to describe how much I hated her character. I also understand that she can’t let go of Tom, her ex-husband, but gurrrrl, it’s been two years and you’re still so pathetic. Come on, pick yourself up and dust-off.

Then we have Anna. The home-wrecker turned wife. I hate her as well and I don’t understand her character. In the confrontation scene, the scene where the truth was revealed, I don’t understand why she’s acting like it was okay for her and her daughter to still live with the person with a very questionable character. Is it because she’s afraid to be alone? And what makes her think that she’s special? That Tom is not gonna cheat on her like what they did to Rachel?

Then Megan, the whore. She’s also a hateful character. She made mistakes, no scratch that, sin. She sinned and looked like she was happy with it. That’s it.

Then Tom and Scott who’s both detestable. Then there’s the police. Like in The Woman in the Window, I hate the female detective here, they are so quick to judge. Actually I was more curious about how they would react once the truth was revealed and I was disappointed because it was not emphasized here. I love to see the reaction of bad people when they realize they are wrong.

The Story

Cliché. Actually, The Woman in the Window is so much like this. The protagonist are both divorced, unstable, unreliable and both a drunkard. They both witnessed a crime and it’s tiring to read, but what can we do but read, right?

What went wrong…

I knew who the culprit is once I’ve read Anna’s point of view. It is tiring to read because of Rachel’s repeated abuse of herself and pettiness. I hated all the characters.

My Verdict

It’s a meh. I don’t like it at all. If you've read or watched Gone Girl, it's so much like that so don't bother.

MY RATING

★☆☆☆☆

The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking #2) by Patrick Ness // BOOK REVIEW

"We are the choices we make."

Book: The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking #2)

Author: Patrick Ness

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Synopsis: We were in the square, in the square where I'd run, holding her, carrying her, telling her to stay alive, stay alive till we got safe, till we got to Haven so I could save her - But there weren't no safety, no safety at all, there was just him and his men...

Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode...

"The Ask and the Answer" is a tense, shocking and deeply moving novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure.

What I think about it...

In all honesty, I only continue reading this series because I love Patrick Ness and I vowed that I will read all his work because again, I love him. There.

I also read the The Wide, Wide Sea (Chaos Walking #2.5) after reading The Ask and the Answer because they are related and we are supposed to read it first before Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3) because there are hints written here of the things yet to come in the final book. I actually think that there are characters here that will make an appearance in Monsters.

The Story

The story is, of course, a continuation of the ending of book one. It revolves around the development of Haven under the new President - known as Mayor Prentiss to Todd - but some people are not happy with how the way things are so there's a war between Mayor Prentiss' followers and the terrorist (as Mayor Prentiss puts it) who calls themselves as Answer.

I’m tired of this series. It’s a struggle for me to pick it up and continue reading. I mean it when I say I don’t like it. But hey, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good book cos actually it is a good book. The plot is unique. It is intelligently and creatively written. But the problem is with me.

I get tired with the continuous (and actually never-ending) exchange of arguments and killings. It’s survival of the fittest, I know, but it’s exhausting. I don’t like how weak these characters are and how irrational they think. That fight (war of the minds) between Mayor Prentiss and Todd towards the end was absurd, lame and horrible, for me.

The Characters

Even though this bores me to death I can’t say the same with what happened to the characters because I love their character developments. Todd Hewitt became a Lieutenant, Viola became a healer and Davy became kind of friends with Todd. There’s the appearance of the Spackles and we are introduced to more characters here. As what is hinted in the first book, there was the return of Mayor Prentiss – now President Prentiss – and the rest of the Prentisstown men.

My Verdict

I didn’t like it but that doesn’t mean that it is not a good work. This ending has left me very intrigued as to how this series will end therefore I will finish it along with its sidestories.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart // BOOK REVIEW

“We are liars. We are beautiful and privileged. We are cracked and broken.”
“Be a little kinder than you have to.”
“Do not accept an evil you can change.”
“Always do what you're afraid to do.”
"Never eat anything bigger than your ass."

Book: We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction

Synopsis: A beautiful and distinguished family.

A private island.

A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.

A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.

A revolution. An accident. A secret.

Lies upon lies.

True love.

The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

What I liked about it...

It is very easy to read. It’s short and though I find it less intriguing, I didn’t lose my focus. It was an okay read for me.

What went wrong…

Well, I don’t know. I don’t have any strong feelings for this book. Though I might say that the plot / story is not typical, I know deep within me that it’s not quite brilliant or remarkable. I mean, the book is good but I was not surprised with the plot twist because I saw it coming. When I started reading this (or any book), I don’t read reviews because I know it will spoil the book for me and I know that this will have a really unexpected twist. But again, I knew it from the start so I was not surprised (maybe because I’ve read books with the same twist) and I didn’t feel anything except regret for the young lives that was lost. I resented Cadence.

My Verdict

If you’re in for a nice story, go for it. Again, this is a good book but it’s just not for me and I feel bad for not liking it cos a lot of people loved it lol.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs #2) by Kate Stewart // BOOK REVIEW

“The smile on my son’s face and the awe in his eyes when he runs into the living room makes it worth it. He’s worth every sacrifice I could ever make.”

Book: The Guy on the Left (The Underdogs #2)

Author: Kate Stewart

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, College

Synopsis: It started with a lie. A night of blurred lines between a teacher and a student.

I wasn’t her student, yet it was the single most defining night of my life.

I’ve never been the man she thinks I am.

Most people have no idea about the life I’ve lived or the words that ring true when it comes to me—still waters run deep.

But you’d be hard-pressed to find a coed on the TGU campus who knows otherwise…because I’ve never corrected them.

The clock is ticking down, it’s Fourth and Inches with the ball inside the one-yard line and the focus is on me, The Guy on the Left. I’ve never felt like a football god, inside I’m…just Troy.

It’s time to set the record straight.

For my son, I‘ll find the strength.

In her eyes, I’m determined to gain redemption.

I will have them both, even if I have to take my eye off the ball.

All books in the series can be read as a stand-alone.

What I think about it...

The Characters

I love Dante! So smart, cute, little baby boy.

Troy, well, he’s hot and all but he’s not your typical jock. He’s determined in life. He works hard and studies hard too. He is a family guy. I love it that he loves his mom so much and he has a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to being a father. Though I kinda don’t like the fact that when he’s stressed with Clarissa, he turns to other girls for sex – I don’t like that about him.

Clarissa, on the other hand, was a strong-willed woman. I understand that Troy lied to him but he was obviously willing to be a father to their son and she didn’t give him that.

I like Parker as well. I think I’m gonna be that kind of aunt to my friends’ kids. She’s cool and is a lot of fun.

What I liked less…

I’m a sucker for love story of second chances and so I loved it. I think the one thing that I hate about this is Clarissa’s deprivation of father-son relationship to both Dante and Troy for six years. Six long years that they can never get back. Also what I don't like is they both obviously love each other but why can't they compromise and get back together?

My Verdict

I don’t know how many books are left in this series but I know is the next book is about Lance. So I recommend to read all the books because it’s all worth it!

And same as The Guy on the Right, this book’s Epilogue is so satisfying.

P.S. It also has playlist on Spotify!

MY RATING

★★★★☆

The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs #1) by Kate Stewart // BOOK REVIEW

“He didn’t show up on a white horse declaring that she hops on before he gallops away. No, this prince got off his horse, fell on his ass, and stumbled in the mud with her until she could mount her own stallion. And then, in one last act of bravery, he gently trotted beside her into the unknown.”

Book: The Guy on the Right (The Underdogs #1)
Author: Kate Stewart
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, College
Synopsis: Strike One-My mother named me Theodore after her favorite chipmunk.

Not cool, Mom.

I‘ve spent most of my life answering to Teddy, because I couldn’t make Theo work.

Except for here. College. The place where all bets are off, and I’ve managed to redeem myself.

There’s only one problem, my new roommate, Troy, is football royalty and looks like he stepped off the set of an Abercrombie shoot.

Doesn’t matter, I cook a mean breakfast for his panty parade, and we get along well.

And anyway, this year I got the girl. And she’s perfect.

That’s right. Theodore Houseman, former band geek, now marching band rock star has finally landed the girl of his dreams.

Everything is perfect.

That is, until Troy takes a good look at her.

I’m not going down without a fight. As a matter of fact, I’m not going down at all. As glorious as these days may be for my all-star roommate, Laney is my end game.

I may not know much about play strategy, but I’ve been the good guy my whole life. I’ve been listening and I know exactly what women want. Framed in a picture standing next to me, Troy may seem like Mr. Perfect, but he’s underestimating the guy on the right.

Spoiler alert: In this story, the underdog is going to win.

What I think about it...

The Characters

I love them all, from Theo down to her sisters, they’re all lovable. Theo is so sweet and likable as well as Laney. Theo’s roommates – Troy and Lance – are equally hot and mysterious though they don’t have much exposure here because they have their own books. Theo’s sisters are hilarious and I can totally relate with that because me and my sisters are bullying our younger brothers the same way. I can’t say much about the other background characters but I like them all. There’s really no unlovable character here except for Nora.

The Story

This is what a slow-burn novel should be like. And I love this; New Adult Romance is my new favorite genre. It’s not cringey like Young Adult Romances. It was so funny and cute and lovely. I was giggly all the time. It’s crazy how a book make you feel this elated. Their breakup was so, obviously, heartbreaking. It was so sad that I feel like I’m a part of their relationship lol. Also gah, that Epilogue, now, that’s how you end a book right.

What I liked less...

I love this book but what I kinda don't like is Theo being so pessismist. It was like he was just waiting for Laney to mess up so he can prove himself right. I don't like that he's judgemental about Troy - although he really is a fckboy - but you know, give him the benefit of the doubt, Theo.

My Verdict

Guys, do yourself a favor and read this. Kate Stewart is definitely in the list of my favorite authors now. I absolutely love this book and this author.

P.S. It has playlist on Spotify

MY RATING

★★★★★

The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) // BOOK REVIEW

Life ain’t fair.
It ain’t.
Not never.
"It’s pointless and stupid and there’s only suffering and pain and people who want to hurt you. You can’t love nothing or no one cuz it’ll all be taken away or ruined and you’ll be left alone and constantly having to fight, constantly having to run just to stay alive.
There’s nothing good in this life. Not nothing good nowhere.
What’s the effing point?"

Book: The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1)

Author: Patrick Ness

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Synopsis: Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

What I think about it...

I wish I can say that I enjoyed it cos, come on, Patrick Ness. But I didn’t and I hate it that I felt this way cos I love this author.

What went wrong…

I think I'm too dumb for this. There are parts that I tried so hard to understand and parts that I just skipped. I find it very uncomfortable to read because I thought that it's so messed up. Imagine every one hearing what you're thinking, right? How can Patrick Ness execute this kind of story, I thought. But he did it anyways. But I would say that I can find so much connection in this book with what's happening today in this society. Informayshun (information). Lots of it.

Also there are characters I effing loved and effing hated. Loved Manchee and Ben and Cillian and Todd. Viola, I kinda don't care about her. I effing hate Aaron so very much like he’s that 0.01% germ that can’t be killed with even the strongest cleaning and disinfecting products and it's irritating.

My Verdict

I kinda don't like it. But I effing love Patrick Ness so I will effing finish this series.

MY RATING

★★☆☆☆

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn // BOOK REVIEW

“If there's one thing I've learned in all my time working with children, if I could whittle those years down to a single revelation, it's this: They are extraordinarily resilient. They can withstand neglect; they can survive abuse; they can endure, even thrive, where adults would collapse like umbrellas.”

Book: The Woman in the Window

Author: A.J. Finn

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Synopsis: Anna Fox lives alone—a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors.

Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble—and its shocking secrets are laid bare.

What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.

What I think about it...

Saw its movie trailer on YouTube. Saw Amy Adams and Julianne Moore in it. So what more can I ask for? I immediately added it on my shelf and read it hours later after seeing the trailer.

The trailer was captivating and once I’ve set my eye on a book / movie, I need to immediately start with it. And I did.

What went wrong…

It disappointed me though. A bit. Titles like these are so common these days. How many books have women somewhere... In the cabin. In the window. In the train. Wherever. Anyways, it's so frustrating to read this because Anna Fox kept drinking every time and I don't know what's the deal with it. I mean, I drink occasionally but in this book I don't understand why she kept drinking and drinking even though she knows that it's bad for her and that's only gonna make her more unreliable. And she already is sick and on meds but it didn’t stop her from becoming an alcoholic.

One more thing that irked me here are the police, particularly that woman detective. How I wanna see her face when the truth was revealed. I wanna see her reaction in the movie.

My Verdict

I've lost my faith in her. Lost my patience. And all my sympathy for her vanished after it was revealed what happened to her family. After what she did. I know people make mistakes but gurrrrl, why you did that to yourself.

I might still watch the movie. Let's cheers to that, Anna.

MY RATING

★★★☆☆