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Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts

Monday, January 28, 2013

Book Thoughts: Just One Day

Monday, January 28, 2013 1 Comments

 "...being in love... It's something that never comes off, no matter how much you want it to."

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A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

-Goodreads summary



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I love you, Gayle Forman. I love you for writing books such as Just One Day: books that stain.

I was so excited to read this new book by Gayle Forman and I will tell you now, it did not disappoint. I LOOOVED IT!  I never thought I’d like the story this much when I started reading it but when I read the last few words, the story totally stayed with me. I felt it.

The emotions: happiness, giddiness, sadness, longing, hopefulness… The exciting, the heartbreaking, the Awww…, the OMG!,  the Shocks! moments.

The theme... discovering yourself and finding true love. Something we all can totally relate to. Something that always comes up in most YA novels. But Allyson's journey is definitely captivating and unforgettable.

The characters…  Oh, Allyson (aka Lulu) and Willem. I love, love, love the two of them. The secondary characters also added a lot of layers to the story. Melanie, Dee, The roommates, The parents, The Ausies, Wren, all of them.

The setting… Paris! How romantic can this get? Forman showed a different side of Paris that I have not read before. This is just the place. 

The ending… Why oh why, Gayle Forman, did you have to end it the way it ended? Such a cliffhanger. Please release Just One Year very soon. I can’t wait.

...

Meeting someone in a foreign country, joining him on a journey, touring Paris together for a day, seeing a whole new side of yourself and falling in love... ALL IN JUST ONE DAY. This is the story… and a whole lot more. If you loved If I Stay and Where She Went, you’ll definitely love this one.

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My Just One Day Playlist:

 

Daylight by Maroon 5- Alex G cover 
"And when the daylight comes I'll have to go
But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close
'Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close."

Everything Has Changed - Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran
"'Cause all I know is we said hello
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name, everything has changed."

4 AM - Alex G
"I feel so close to you right now
But have you fallen for me yet?"

"It's still your heart that lifts me
And your words that can kill me
But still I'd run for miles
Just to be near you"

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Monday, August 6, 2012

Book Thoughts: Endless Summer

Monday, August 06, 2012 0 Comments

"Love Hurt. Honesty made it hurt worse, and I could hardly stand it." 

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Two irresistible boys. One unforgettable summer.  Lori can’t wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends—including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she's always been just one of the guys. Now that she’s turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of Sean, the older brother. But that’s not going to happen—not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it. Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori’s romantic summer melt into one hot mess?





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The weird thing about reading this book is that I started somewhere in the middle. I was just browsing through the e-books I recently got when I came to a certain part of this book that really got my attention. I was engrossed right at that moment that I didn't even bother going to the start and starting the story. I didn't care how the whole story started, I just wanted to continue reading.  So, I reached the end, and that was the only time I started going to the start of the story. Weird or what?

Now, my thoughts...

Wasn't saying that I was engrossed right at that moment also saying I really liked this book? Yeah, it is. Ha! The story is just sooo cute. I really adore Lori's relationship with the boys. Surrounded by attractive boys, how can you not go nuts? Lori was unsure of a lot of things in this book. She has some crazy ideas to get the guy she likes. Then she finally got together with one of the Vader Boys, for real, it was so cute for a while and then it went crazy all over again. This gave them the chance to prove their love for each other and further test their relationship, especially their trust in each other. I love how they fought through the hard times. 

I liked the second part of the book because of the changing point of view from Lori to Adam, it gave a whole new perspective to some parts of the story. Plus, it allowed you to dig into Adam's thoughts on certain things.

Love this book or what? If you're looking for an easy, fun, and cute summer read, check this book out.

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My Endless Summer Playlist:

  • Far Away - Nickelback
  • "I'd give it all. I'd give for us. Give anything but I won't give up. 'Cause you know, you know, you know. That I love you, I have loved you all along.
  • I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
  • "I won't give up on us. Even if the sky gets rough. I'm giving you all my love. I'm still looking up."
  • How We Do This - Sterling Knight
  • "I found, that nothin' can come from nothin'. So you better come round, I'm down. How do we do this?"
    •  
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Book Thoughts: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Tuesday, July 03, 2012 0 Comments

 "It's not about the destination. It's getting there that's the good part."

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 Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

 
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I have high expectations for this book since I’ve been seeing it in a lot of book blogs' weekly lists. And guess what? It did not disappoint. 

I love, love, love this book.

What I Love…

1.  Amy & Roger. They are just lovable characters who have a baggage of their own.
2. The budding romance. I was always looking out for when it will finally happen. Then, boom! 
    It took a slow speed and that made it even more beautiful.
3. The unforgettable/epic detour.  The places they visited, the foods they ate, the games
    they played. 
4. The emotional journey. It is a feel-good road trip but it isn’t just about that. It’s also about 
    love, grief, guilt, family, friendship, and moving on. 
5. The Travel Scrapbook: photos, receipts, maps, sketches. They added a whole lot to the story. It made it more real and made me, the reader, more engaged. This made you feel like you’re in on the trip.  (See below.)
6. Playlists. As a music lover, this is a major plus. It was a good way to discover songs and artists I haven't heard before. (I’m currently downloading the songs from the playlists.)  
7. The secondary characters. They met a whole lot of characters and they’re just great. Even though some interactions are just short, I loved them.  
8. It ended with this... 
       Which says something more about the story. And is just great!


I didn’t know how much I enjoyed it until I turned to the last page. I was sad the road trip is already over. All throughout the book, I felt like I was with them on the trip. I totally connected with Amy as the voice of the book. I just liked how Ms. Matson put this together with the photos, notes, quotes, and all and the flashbacks. I wanted to go on a road trip after finishing it. Something like that, no plans, never knowing where you’ll be next, just whatever comes up. If I live in America, I would want to retrace Amy & Roger’s course. 

This is a really great novel. I’m a fan.
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Friday, June 15, 2012

Book Thoughts: The Truth About Forever

Friday, June 15, 2012 0 Comments


“But there was only one truth about forever that really mattered, 
and that was this: it was happening.” 

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a long, hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?
-Goodreads summary
 
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The Truth about Forever follows Sarah Dessen’s formula of one girl, one boy, and one summer. Plus, the formula of a girl with difficulties falling in love with a guy while finding herself. But really, it never gets old. 2012 was definitely my Sarah Dessen year as this book was already my fifth of hers. I love every single one of her books on different levels but now, I will say, The Truth about Forever will have to be my favorite among them. 

I totally adore Macy. I can definitely relate to how she strives to be this perfect girl and daughter. And there’s just something about what she feels about her father’s death and how people perceive her, it’s relatable. I liked how she learned to confine with her mother and how she made new friends and developed a relationship while at the same time rediscovering herself. 

And then there's the boy. Sa-woon! That is how they describe Wes, the guy who is definitely swoon-worthy. (Just like every other Dessen boy) He is on the top of my YA book crushes. He’s just so artistic and lovable. He sees something in old/broken things as he creates art with things that other people consider as trash. (I wish I could have one of his artworks. Awww.) 

And the friends... As I have mentioned in a previous Dessen book review, I like how she gives life to every character she writes. Each one of the characters has their own personality that brings something to the story. In this one, you’ll see how different the supporting characters are and how you can’t help but remember each one of them because of those differences; they’re definitely the most memorable supporting characters in a Dessen book.

I just love this book. It talked about fear, grief, family, friendship, and love. This is undeniably one of my favorite YA books. I’m thinking of reading it again right now.

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My The Truth about Forever playlist:
  • Skip to the Good Part- He Is We
  • "I never thought I'd find the hands to hold my heart. Whattya know? Let's skip to the good part. " "I do and a kiss and forever starts" 
  • This is My Now - Jordin Sparks
  • "This is my now and I am breathing in the moment. As I look around, I can't believe the  love I see."
  • What Hurts the Most - Cascada
  • "What hurts the most was being so close. And having so much to say, and watching you walk away."
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Book Thoughts: Along for the Ride

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 0 Comments

“What defines you isn't how many times you crash but the number of times you get back.”

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It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect. -Goodreads summary

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Along for the ride is my third Sarah Dessen novel (I’ve read This Lullaby and Lock & Key, which I have yet to write a review.).  And upon reading it, I became an absolute Dessen fan.  She is definitely one of my favorite YA authors to date and along for the ride my favorite amongst her novel I have read so far.

Auden is the loner type who acts like an all-grown-up girl and is all too focused on her studies.  She’s never had a childhood as normal kids had, she didn’t have much of a social life and she rarely sleeps at night.

What happened to Auden is so endearing to read: the way she learned to make friends, have fun and let loose. I especially loved those Auden-Eli nights.  They felt so comfortable around each other.  I liked how their relationship progressed and how they helped each other grow, together. I also enjoyed her moments with Maggie, Esther, and Leah.

The thing I really like about Sarah Dessen’s novel is the way the different relationships in her story develop. I enjoyed how Auden gradually became friends with her co-workers and with Eli and how her relationship with her father, her stepmom, and her mother grew.  Also, the characterization is great. It doesn’t just focus on the main characters; all the other individuals have their own personalities and stories to share. 

Reading this novel made me wanna dive into all the other Dessen novels I haven’t read. Along for the ride is on my favorite YA books list, definitely 5 stars.

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My Along for the Ride Playlist:
  • Brighter at Night - Ash Koley
  • "What do we do when the sun comes down? When all that we do. We do when it's brighter at night."
  • Gift of a Friend - Demi Lovato
  • "You'll change inside when you realize. The world comes to life and everything's bright... when you have a friend by your side."
  • Two Worlds Collide - Demi Lovato
  • "You have your dreams, I have mine. You have your fears, I was fine. Showed me what I couldn't find. When two different worlds collide."
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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Book Thoughts: Cathing Jordan

Tuesday, April 03, 2012 2 Comments
                    
          "Love hurts worse than getting slammed by a 250-pound linebacker."

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What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

 -Goodreads summary



  
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First off, reading catching Jordan reminded me of the giddiness I felt while reading Stephanie Perkin’s Anna and the French Kiss.  And I’m not going to start comparing the two ‘coz they’re both amazing in their own ways.

Now, off to the main story…

Jordan Woods is the captain and quarterback of her High School football team. She’s all focused on her game determined to enter a powerhouse university so she can play college football. Everything changes when Ty arrives on her team… and she's also having issues with her best friend and her dad.

Jordan (or should I say Woods?)  is a lovable character. She’s independent. She stands for what she wants (not in the wrong way kind of thing.) She’s determined to reach her dream. She’s strong. And she’s not afraid. I admire her because of these things. 

Aside from Jordan, the minor characters are also great. Her teammate and friends: these characters are so fun to read.  They seem like a family.  The Woods’ family: although there are some issues you can still see the family bond.

And, and, and (special focus)… Sam Henry!!! (smiling. =)) is just sooo adorable, and sweet, and funny. His moments… I can’t help but smile. (I just can imagine that dance! LOL.) His and Jordan’s relationship is so endearing. They look out for each other and I love the things they do together.

Moving on to Ty… Honestly, I didn’t get about him being a good-looking guy and I just didn’t fall for him as a character. I was always thinking there is something bad about him. (Sorry Ty, that’s just me.)

One final note.. I’m not a fan of football and I have little knowledge about the sports. But hey, this wasn’t an issue at all reading the novel. Along the way, I learned some things about it. Keneally incorporated it well and it didn’t bore me at any moment.

It’s really an engaging story so I had to read it in one sitting.  I just soo loved this novel. Plus I also loved the book cover. It truly is one great novel debut by Miranda Keneally.  5 out of 5 stars.

P.S. Can’t wait for Stealing Parker, the companion novel to Catching Jordan. I hope Keneally writes a sequel to this (that would even be better.)


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My Catching Jordan playlist:
  • Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
  • " I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend..."
  • Count on me – Bruno Mars 
  • "You can count on me like 1,2,3 I'll be there... ...'Coz that's what friends are supposed to do."
  • I got you – Leona Lewis
  • "A place to crash, I got you. No need to ask, I got you."
  • What if? – Colbie Caillat
  • "What if we were made for each other? Born to become best friends and lover?"
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