Invisibility Book Review

Invisibility
Author: Andrea Cremer & David Levithan
Publisher: Speak
Released: April 22nd, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Characters: Stephen, Elizabeth, Laurie, Millie, Maxwell Arbus, …

 

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Stephen is used to invisibility. He was born that way. Invisible. Cursed.

Elizabeth sometimes wishes for invisibility. When you’re invisible, no one can hurt you. So when her mother decides to move the family to New York City, Elizabeth is thrilled. It’s easy to blend in there.Then Stephen and Elizabeth meet. To Stephen’s amazement, she can see him. And to Elizabeth’s amazement, she wants him to be able to see her—all of her. But as the two become closer, an invisible world gets in their way—a world of grudges and misfortunes, spells and curses. And once they’re thrust into this world, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how deep they’re going to go—because the answer could mean the difference between love and death.

“People say that time slips through our fingers like sand. What they don’t acknowledge is that some of the sand sticks to the skin. These are memories that will remain, memories of the time when there was still time left.”
― David Levithan, Invisibility

My review:

I started this book because I really enjoyed David Levithan’s books that I’ve read so far. Starting this book, up to page 100 or so, I really enjoyed it. Loved it even, the writing style, the story development and the characters were all so good for me.

“Just as a fever makes cold feel colder, love can make loneliness feel lonelier.”
― Andrea Cremer, Invisibility

However, I was expecting this book to be like YA contemporary, maybe something like Everyday, but instead of that, I was given a surprise with some magic element, spells and curses as the story and secrets unfold. I was accepting it at the first place and expecting the story is going to better, a little magic is usually good. But when I reached page 250, I just couldn’t really enjoy the book thoroughly like I first started it.

“When no one can see who you are, no one really knows you. The loneliness must be like an ulcer that’s always gnawing at your gut.”
― Andrea Cremer, Invisibility

The element of magic didn’t seem to fit in and only after I finished reading, I realize that the magic element lacked of depth, not much of explanations and it was too shallow for me to believe in the content and the magic world built. There were a lot of books regarding this spellseeker and cursecaster thing in the hexatorium(something like library I guess) but it was not exploited wisely by the authors who created the place, they could’ve used those books to explain the history of the magic world they tried to sell to me in this story. Then, we have Millie who was supposed to be someone old enough and familiar with magic and as an experienced spellseeker, but she always said she didn’t know much and clueless about things. Thus, these are the reasons why I’m saying the book lacked a lot of stuff, materials wise. It wasn’t convincing enough. Thus, the YA and fantasy world combination didn’t seem  really fit in.

“Each of us has our own unit of measurement, our own relativity. Spaces between loves. Spaces between destinations. Spaces between deaths.”
― David Levithan, Invisibility

The ending was so-so for me, nothing surprising. It is such a waste that it started off so good yet it ended as an okay-ish book. Anyhow, I love the writing style, choice of words are brilliant. The characters were great as well for me.

Would I recommend this book? I’d say yes, maybe. But really, you gotta check it out to experience it yourself. 🙂

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Everything Everything Book Review

Everything Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Published by: Corgi Childrens
Released: September 3rd, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Pages: 310
Format: Paperback
Characters: Madeline Whittier (Maddy), Oliver (Olly), Clara

 

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Madeline Whittier is allergic to the outside world. So allergic, in fact, that she has never left the house in all of her seventeen years. But when Olly moves in next door, and wants to talk to Maddie, tiny holes start to appear in the protective bubble her mother has built around her. Olly writes his IM address on a piece of paper, shows it at her window, and suddenly, a door opens. But does Maddie dare to step outside her comfort zone?

Everything, Everything is about the thrill and heartbreak that happens when we break out of our shell to do crazy, sometimes death-defying things for love.

My Review:

First of all, I’ve been wanting to read this book for so long and I’m so glad to finally bought it and actually read it. This is my first Nicola Yoon book read, first impression on her writing. To be honest, I loved her writing style and I thought it was beautifully written. Her words were just simply amazing. I tabbed so many pages of this book. The flow of the language used was smooth and it was just amazing.

The story line was developed nicely. I only had issue with how fast Madeline and Olly fell in love. It was a bit too rushed for me, for a girl who hadn’t experience love and all. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and I especially liked the plot twist and how the author explained about the actual situation, everything made sense. The ending was a dream come true! I loved it! I could actually picture the scene *spoiler* two people meeting in a bookstore, how beautiful and perfect image altogether!

Characters wise, I gotta be honest, I didn’t like Madeline, almost at all! Since this book didn’t really have much characters in it and mainly focused on Madeline. It just came across to me how selfish she could be at times. I understand that she had been through a lot but gurllll, gurlll can you just stop that attitude already? I felt like she was so into Olly that she just lost respect to her mum and didn’t understand what’s happening around her and why things happened. She only care about herself, she kept acting like she was the only victim and I just hope that she would be more mature.

Overall, the writing style and the ending of this book redeemed Madeline’s attitude. It’s a really good read after all. Do I recommend this book? Yeahh, you should pick it up because you may end up liking Madeline after all.

Rating: 4/5 stars

May Wrap Up

It’s almost one week into June, so here I present to you my May wrap up! The last time I did a wrap up was in January. The reason why I didn’t do a wrap up for February, March and April is I didn’t read much, thus it was kind of pointless of doing a wrap up with a book or two. In May, it was totally a different story overall. I managed to read *drum rolls* 9 FREAKING BOOKS! Well, some of them were thin, but nonetheless, I manage to read that much was a great achievement. So, cheers to Jess, the slow reader for puling it off!

1.

Always and Forever Lara Jean

Author: Jenny Han

Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

Short review: What a perfect ending to this trilogy. I admit that I was annoyed at Lara Jean in some parts of the book, but the ending managed to redeem that anyways. 😉

 

2.
My Heart and Other Black Holes

Author: Jasmine Wanga

Rating: 5/5 stars

Short review: I really liked the idea of this book. I thought that the story was developed very well and the ending was perfect as well. The message conveyed on suicidal thoughts was the most important element of the book and I think it was written really well.

3.
The Accident Season

Author: Moira Fowley-Doyle

Rating: 4.5/ 5 stars

Short review: Simply dark, twisted, unique and full of mystery!

 

 

4.
Beautiful: The Monster Within

Author: L

Rating: 4.5/ 5 stars

Short review: Dark, twisted and the plot twist is just WOW! Amazing piece of local(Malaysia) author work I must say.

 

 

5.
The Worthiest Kiss

Author: Birsilah Bakar

Rating: 3.5/ 5 stars

Short review: Interesting twisted version of fairy tales, well executed. I really enjoyed some of the stories. Simply brilliant! However, there were some stories that were harder to grasp.

 

6.
Th1rteen R3asons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Rating: 4/5 stars

Short review: I love the writing style and the content of this book. However, I’m not a big fan of the characters, especially Hannah and Clay. I think they were way too selfish and desperate for the spotlight at certain point. Well, this is just my opinion. Feel free to leave yours in the comment section! 🙂

7.
Everything Everything

Author: Nicola Yoon

Rating: 4/5 stars

Short review: I loved the writing style and the words used was so good and I tabbed so many pages of the book. The plot twist was good too! What I didn’t enjoy much was how fast the relationship between Maddy and Olly develop in the book. Also, I think that Maddy can get too selfish at certain point.

8.
The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

Rating: 5/5 stars

Short review: I love everything about this book. So genuine, heartfelt, the message was really strong and well delivered. The characters are well described and seriously, this book is just amazing. It made me cried so many times and laughed right after that. Full of emotions!

9.
The V

Author: Various authors

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Short review: Interesting attempt on the issue feminism. The message delivered was really empowering and inspiring. However, this might not be my kind of book, thus I didn’t enjoy it that much and as the stories, articles all keep hitting on the same topic and almost sound the same made me lost interest a little.

That’s it guys, my May wrap up! I’m not sure when will I come up with another wrap up but I’ll try my best to keep you update on book reviews and stuff!

The Hate U Give Book Review

The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Published by: Balzer & Bray
Released: February 28th, 2017
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Pages: 453
Format: Hardcover
Characters: Starr, Maverick, Maya, Chris, Hailey, Khalil,…

 

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

“Good-byes hurt the most when the other person’s already gone.”
-Angie Thomas, The hate U Give

My Review:

First of all, I was so excited to read this book for a YA read-along by a book club I joined, BookendsMY. I don’t even know where to start but I just loved everything about this book. The writing style was amazing. The plot was developed really well, the story line was greatly executed by the author. I cried 4 freaking times and I was not even a 100 pages into the book and this was my first time crying so hard at the BEGINNING of a book (and also throughout the book, of course). I just adored how the author was able to write and convey so much emotions into this book that I as a reader was easily affected by her words. Starr’s story definitely pulled me deep into this book, it opened up my view so, so much regarding things like rights and voices and be true to yourself. The write up to me was brilliant overall.

“What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”
-Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give

Characters wise, all of them really stood out. They had their own moments in the book. Even though the story revolved around Starr, other characters had such impact on me as well which I found less likely to happen in YA books. I could remember almost all the characters mentioned from Starr’s youngest brother to her lawyer. I could picture them in my head and played the story again easily in my memory.

“People are realizing and shouting and marching and demanding. They’re not forgetting. I think that’s the most important part.
Khalil, I’ll never forget.
I’ll never give up.
I’ll never be quiet.
I promise.”
-Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give

The ending to me was perfect as well. The words put in the book was brilliant and it really left an impact to the readers. A book so empowering, so heartfelt, and definitely overflown with emotions. So worth it! I highly recommend this book to everyone out there, it will definitely bring you to a whole new perspective altogether.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

 

Love, Rosie Book Review

Love, Rosie
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Published by: Hachette Books
Released: December 1st 2005
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 512
Format: Paperback
Characters: Rosie, Alex, Ruby, Katie, Toby, …

Synopsis (Goodreads) :

Rosie and Alex are destined for one another, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, their relationship gets closer by the day, until Alex gets the news that his family is leaving Dublin and moving to Boston. At 17, Rosie and Alex have just started to see each other in a more romantic light. Devastated, the two make plans for Rosie to apply to colleges in the U.S.

She gets into Boston University, Alex gets into Harvard, and everything is falling into place, when on the eve of her departure, Rosie gets news that will change their lives forever: She’s pregnant by a boy she’d gone out with while on the rebound from Alex.

Her dreams for college, Alex, and a glamorous career dashed, Rosie stays in Dublin to become a single mother, while Alex pursues a medical career and a new love in Boston. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel, structured as a series of clever e-mails, letters, notes, and a trail of missed opportunities, Alex and Rosie find out that fate isn’t done with them yet.

My Review:

First of all, if you’ve watched the movie, never trust it! You gotta read the book! Like it’s a must!

This is my second Cecelia Ahern book read, and I must say I liked it very much and enjoyed reading it. It took me a long time to finish this book, not because it was not good but simply because I didn’t want it to end. The writing style was simply brilliant. I liked all the emails, letters, messages and it made reading so fun and enjoyable. The story line was clear too, the timeline was clearly shown with their birthday celebrations.

What the movie depicted was totally different from the book. It doesn’t mean the movie was no good but it simply the book was better. The way Cecelia portrayed the relationship between Alex and Rosie was just torturous and it was unbelievable how many chances they had missed on each other(yes, way worse than the movie!). And Alex’s letter! OMG. I love that letter, those words!

“You deserve someone who loves with every single beat of his heart, someone who thinks about you constantly, someone who spends every minute of every day just wondering what you’re doing, where you are, who you’re with and if you’re OK.
– Cecelia Ahern, Love, Rosie

I don’t need to write more, go read this book yourself! *spoiler alert* I mean, come on! 50 years! Are you kidding me?! But the ending was sweet and touching. I mean can you just imagine 2 50-year-old souls met each other and thinking how silly they were after all this time, only now they got to be together and realized it was all love that they felt for one another? I really adore the ending so much but I was expecting to happen earlier of course! Anyways, it was still a great ending to a beautiful friendship and love story.

The characters for me were brilliant. I love the kids (Toby, Katie and Josh). I love how Ruby was always there for Rosie. Despite the age gap, I think she was the perfect friend for Rosie and I won’t change a thing about Ruby. Her personality was awesome and that was the right thing the book need. Alex and Rosie were just dumb, beautiful, fools, THEY WERE MEANT FOR EACH OTHER!

Overall, I loved this book but I don’t know how to express myself properly. I’m sorry guys, this review kinda sucks. But just remember this, true love exists, you can marry your best friend and don’t wait, there won’t be a right time for things like love, okay? Just pick this book up already!

Rating : 4.5 / 5 stars

Playlist For The Dead Book Review

Playlist For The Dead
Author: Michelle Falkoff
Published by: HarperCollins
Released: January 29th, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 281
Format: Paperback
Characters: Sam, Hayden, Astrid, Ryan, …

 

 

Synopsis (Goodreads) :

A 15-year-old boy struggles to understand his best friend’s suicide through the list of songs he leaves behind.

Here’s what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam – listen and you’ll understand.

As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it’s only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

“But the whole point of living in a fantasy world was the fantasy, right?”
– Michelle Falkoff

My Review:

I’m so glad that I picked this book up when I was having a major book slump, guys. This book was perfect, short, and was easy to go through. I spent the shortest time to finish up this book (well, yes it’s short and I should finish it fast but I’m a slow reader so it’s a great achievement for me tbh).

“Lots of people want to be invisible. Maybe they even think they can pretend to be. But someone always sees.”
-Michelle Falkoff

And the song by Skylar Grey was supposed to be Invicible and not Insivible I believe. 

It was fast paced and it voiced out issues on suicidal, misfit kids situation, pressure from parents, bullies, etc. The issues that were being voiced out were really significant and the focus was there throughout the book. It was addressed so well. However, there’s one thing that kept bothering me while reading this book, which is how the romantic parts would just simply cure the pain and the problems faced by the main character. But it was not that way in this book. Sam(protagonist) would always come back to his friend, Hayden’s cause of death. He would keep questioning until he got the truth. Even when he was with Astrid, the girl he liked, he would still think of his friend and it showed that problems won’t just go away because of love and what not. Thus, the statement of “romance or love would just simply cure the pain and the problems” was just not relevant for this book.

“I want you to know it’s okay to feel anything you’re feeling right now.”
-Michelle Falkoff

Also, it had such lovely ending. It gave a nice wrap up to the whole story and I really liked it. It didn’t have any surprising plot twist but it had a nice feeling overall and it was well justified and gave me a satisfaction of reading the book. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5/5 stars!

 

Legend (Legend #1) Book Review

Legend (Legend #1)
Author: Marie Lu
Published by: Speak
Released: April 16th, 2013
Genre: Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult
Pages: 305
Format: Paperback
Characters: June, Day, Tess, Thomas, John, Commander Jameson,…

 

Synopsis (Goodreads):

From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths…
Until June’s brother is murdered, and Day becomes the prime suspect.
In a shocking turn of events, the two uncover what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths to which their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Review:

First of all, I just wanna say: It was not easy owning all the books in this trilogy! I’ve been searching high and low to complete this trilogy. I even had to buy another copy of Prodigy just so that I am able to own a copy of Legend. And I’m happy to say that it was all WORTH IT! I’ve heard so many good reviews on this trilogy and so pumped to start it. It’s safe to say that Legend was not a disappointment at all.

As we all know, dystopian always has this same pattern and concept. The idea always revolve around a government and the small cities, which mainly lived by the poor ones and they are controlled by the government. There will be this syndicate and secrets that the government held on to in order to rule the poor ones. Then, we have the rebels a.k.a the main characters, the heroes of the story. Despite of this repeating concept, I’m surprisingly very excited for each and every dystopian book I read. There is some sort of excitement and thrill in getting to know what’s going to happen next, the way everything is going to get revealed.

For Legend trilogy, Legend had started off the story extremely well. The world building was not explained explicitly like some other dystopian, but I loved it. I loved how the author kept talking about the Republic(government) and how things going in the Republic and as well as the sectors(cities ruled). It was more about the events and happenings in those places.

This first book of the trilogy also didn’t talk much about the rebel and instead it started off with the misunderstanding between two main characters and how they got to know each other, from enemies turned into possible passionate lovers. The writing style was also a plus point of the book. I enjoyed reading back and forth in June’s and Day’s perspective and got to know what they were thinking and doing.

I liked how everything is explained vividly, from what a character was wearing to the expression they were having.  When it comes to characters, I think June and Day’s relationship was so adorable! I mean there were times when things got complicated, but the moments when they got together, I really adored their chemistry. Other characters such as Metias, Thomas, John all were described and was given clear personality and you can easily identify their roles in the story.

The ending was directly leading readers to read Prodigy, yet it did have a settled ending. So, readers afford to delay a little bit and not getting confused even though they start reading the second book later. But hey, why wait since you just cannot stop wondering what will happen next once you finish Legend? *winks*

Rating: 5/5 stars!