forevermorepages's Reviews (811)

Holding up the Universe is SO different from All the Bright Places. So, here's a disclaimer, if you're expecting heartbreak and anything remotely close to the tragedy that was AtBP, you're not going to get it. This book is totally different. It's about two VERY different teenagers, both with their own problems, coming together despite the differences. While there are sad parts and neither has a fantastic life, I wouldn't say it makes a dent into the painful topic handled in All the Bright Places.

“It's my experience that the people who are most afraid are the ones who hide behind mean and threatening words.”

In that sense, I actually wished for it to be deeper. I really, really enjoyed it (and I read it in a day, I think) and loved the message, but it was lacking anything new. Essentially, this book is about loving yourself for who you are and that every body shape is beautiful, etc. It's a beautiful message, but it's been said many, many times. I was just hoping for something new, something more impactful, but maybe that's just me.

“You might not want to burn your bridges when you're standing on an island.”

Also, some parts seemed so beyond unbelievable that I almost laughed. Almost. Honestly, what's the likelihood of Jack actually being able to get into Libby's house without anyone being of concern and stealing some things. And has anyone ever been pulled out of a house with a crane? It just seemed a little too unlikely to me. But that might just be me. Plus, if I had prosopagnosia, I would probably tell my parents. I mean, wouldn't people understand if they knew what was going on? I just didn't understand why he continued to hide it from them when telling them could help him.

“We can't fight another person's battle, no matter how much we want to.”

That sounds like a lot of negatives for a four star review, but I had to get that all out first. In the end, this book was awesome. I didn't think I'd enjoy it. I almost didn't even put it on my TBR list, but I'm so glad I did. Libby is such a fun character with a larger than life personality and I just LOVED that. Not to mention, Jack is adorable and so sweet. The plot was interesting, dealing with everyday problems like bullying, body shape and positivity, and the struggles of trying to fit in as a teenager. Everyone is so cruel at their school and it made me so sad. Despite the problems my school has, the positive is that bullying is not nearly as prominent here.

Even if you don't think this book sounds like it's for you, I highly recommend you check it out. It's beautiful, written wonderfully, and fast-paced.

Most importantly, in the words of Libby Strout, “I want you to know I'm rooting for you.' Sometimes we need to hear that, even from a stranger.”

-Book Hugger

For more reviews like this, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com

I'm thinking 4 stars? I'll be honest, I did really enjoy it, but Grace reminded me a bit too much of a friend of mine that I'm...not so close to anymore...and some of the things she did REALLY bugged me. I honestly hated the scene where she expected Eva to make the promise not to see her mom anymore. In all honestly, it's not necessarily problematic, but I've been emotionally manipulated into promising things to someone who claims everyone breaks promises and that has really messed me up. So while not inherently bad, it read as really manipulative to me.

So.

It was a good book and I loved Grace and Eva and I loved the poeticism and the rawness of it and how real her mom felt, but it just didn't completely jive with me. Also? She and Luca never really addressed the issues in their friendship, so that felt way inconclusive for me.

I wanted to give it a four, but I just couldn't in good nature.

-Book Hugger

“I was looking for a miracle, but I got a story instead, and sometimes those are the same thing.”

I actually got to meet Maggie Stiefvater in October, and therefore, this book is signed and addressed to me. It really made the reading experience better to have heard Stiefvater talk about her inspiration and what this book means to her, as the author. I truly loved this book (despite a few flaws) and am so glad I got to meet her.

With that said, I still prefer The Raven Cycle over all else, but I think it's a given that nothing can usurp that series in my heart. All the Crooked Saints really isn't anything like her other books, aside from the strangeness and ambiguity. You can't really go into a Stiefvater book without expecting to come out of it wondering what the heck happened, honestly. I think I forgot that she doesn't explain anything--ever--because when I finished, I felt as though it were missing something. I wanted answers where there wouldn't be any to be found. 

I'm almost tempted to go back through All the Crooked Saints and look for the symbolism and small hints so I can know why the pilgrim's miracles acted the way they did to them. I also, rather sadly, wish I could know what would happen if I were to get a miracle from the saint. What's my inner darkness? And what would it look like unleashed? That whole part of the book fascinated me. I also loved the repetition of "This is what [Insert Character] wanted" and "This is what [Insert Character] feared", inspiring me to write my own. I absolutely loved this little bit, which carried through the entire book when new characters were introduced. 

I loved the characters and their interactions. Though, I think the point of view took away from my ability to connect to them. The perspectives switched so quickly that I felt constantly detached. I loved Beatriz, but I never really got to know her, in my opinion. I think it may have been intentional, but I've yet to understand the purpose of doing this. I wish I got to know the characters better, because if I had, I probably would have given this five stars. 

This entire novel was so creative, though, and so wonderfully developed. The plot was simple, yet interesting, and never once did I find myself disinterested. The ending was riveting and I was on the edge of my seat. Stiefvater has always written really good endings and this was no exception. It took a bit for the novel to pick up pace, but I find that most of her books have a slow start. Actually, most of her books are slower in general, as though meant to be savored instead of rushed. I love this about her books (though it does kill my Goodreads challenge, which I am currently failing) because it gives them more depth and feeling. 

The moral of the story? Don't go into All the Crooked Saints with expectations. Go into it without knowing anything about it and without comparing it to Stiefvater's previous works. As well, I recommend reading it even if you don't like Stiefvater's books; you may be pleasantly surprised. 

“One can never tell what will make one person happy and leave another untouched. Often even the person involved will be surprised by what makes them happy.”

-Book Hugger

oh yes, I have a blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com

This is one of the most underrated books on the planet. Ink and Bone was absolutely, positively amazing. The writing is gorgeous, the plot is unique, and the characters are interesting. It had everything. It wasn't flawless, but I loved every minute I spent reading it.

I loved the writing. Caine writes beautifully. The writing is thick and the chapters are long, but for once, I didn't have a problem with it. Unlike most books written this way, the plot moved quickly and I never felt as though I were trudging through words. The plot was paced so well. I never found it boring because something new was always occurring. Also, for once, the prologue felt necessary and was interesting. Go, Rachel Caine. Anyway, I cannot get over how unique this book is either. It's set in an alternate world where the Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed and OH MY I REALLY WANT TO READ ALTERNATE UNIVERSE BOOKS NOW. Like, plot twist, this [insert historical event] never happened! I wonder what life would be like?? OH, and here's some magic and awesomeness and crazy good characters.

I could scream for ages about how much I loved the main character, Jess. He was adorable, smart, and brave. Plus, he loved books and was disgusted to see something destroying a book. That's my kind of kid. Not to mention, the other amazing characters in this cast. There's Thomas, who I would die for. He was even more adorable than Jess and unbelievably kind. I actually loved that the main characters were boys because it's a breath of fresh air for young adult fiction. You don't usually see main male characters that aren't there as eye candy for the female characters. It's awesome. The main female characters in this were Khalila and Morgan. While I loved Khalila, I couldn't stand Morgan. Khalila was intelligent and strong-willed. She had confidence and didn't let people get in her way. I loved that. Applause for her. But then there's Morgan, who, unfortunately, is as bland as a pita chip. I hope Caine goes more into her character in the next book.

I did have a bit of issues with the romance because it was flat. I didn't really feel the chemistry between them. I kind of felt like it was there for the sake of having romance. Though, given that's my only qualm with this book, I didn't really have the heart to rate it lower. This is especially given how much I was screaming to my friends about how amazing it is. I think I screamed to everyone I know.

So now I'm screaming to you. Go read this book. It's not well-known, but it definitely should be.

-Book Hugger

For more reviews like this, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com

Oh my. That was a roller-coaster ride of feels and insanity and EMOTIONS.

Review to come!

-Book Hugger

In the meantime, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com

This book made me sob quite a lot and I'm still torn though on whether it was because of the book or what the book reminded me of.

In all honesty, this is a good book, but I think that the confusing sort of plot-twist toward the end made it less likable. I was ready to give it five stars, maybe four, until we're jerked in another direction and expected to believe a love interest who wasn't a love interest a page ago.

I think the book played that well with the narrative that Griffin didn't want Theo to know about his relationship with

Wade

but I think the reader was cheated some in not seeing the relationship develop properly.

And of course, this book did pull a great deal of emotions out of me, some rather negative, so I did have to sit there and mull over whether this book treated some parts right. And I suppose yes, in a story about betrayal and heartbreak and sadness, that the dead person should still be held accountable for their faults...but it just made me terribly depressed to think that the dead person's memory wasn't being upheld.

I suppose that's a me thing, and not really a fault of the book.

-Book Hugger

I'm fairly determined that after See Me, I'm not a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks' books anymore. He's written too many and the plots and characters are just recycled versions of each other. He attempted at something new with this book, by including a sort of mystery/thriller plot, but it failed so miserably. There were so many plot holes and I had too many questions, which is never good.

Furthermore, the plot was weak and dragged for the entirety of the book. The romance was unhealthy, with Colin taking his anger out of everyone and legitimately scaring Maria on more than one occasion. You shouldn't be afraid of your significant other; that's just not right.

I did enjoy seeing a biracial relationship in this, though I cannot attest to if the Hispanic representation was any good. I think See Me was an attempt by Sparks to branch out of his comfort zone (romance lacking diversity) as this was both culturally diverse and had a rather different plot than what he commonly writes. While the cultural part was great, the rest...not so much.

In all honesty, my main issue what the length of this book. Everything was drawn out and boring, making a 500 paged book rather painful to read. This really could have been shortened to a good 300 pages. I wouldn't be surprised if added up there were 200 pages of backstory. I love backstory, but not when there's multiple chapters in a row of it. And seriously? Dialogue shouldn't last more than a paragraph at most realistically--not five pages (this may be an exaggeration, but it was too long). When you're on a date, no human being is going to rant forever about their past--that's not a date, it's a lecture. 

Also, on the topic of dialogue, does Sparks know how people talk? Has he ever observed a conversation? The dialogue here just felt too scripted and oh-so unrealistic. Maybe I'm being picky, but when I'm reading a book I love dialogue that sounds both raw and real, something that could be overheard at a restaurant or spoken between friends--not something lacking emotions as though they're being fed the words.

Anyway, I think his books are just a little overrated. Perhaps you'll end up loving them. :) 

-Book Hugger

I have a blog! Go check it out!! http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com

Moloka'i was a truly eye-opening novel. Prior to reading this, I had little knowledge of leprosy or of Moloka'i's history as a leper colony. I have visited Moloka'i myself once, when I was very little, and the most I remember was a nasty boat ride there that caused me to throw-up the instant I got off the boat, and the contrary comfortable plane ride back to Maui. Hence, I clearly don't remember any history I might have learned.

This book follows Rachel from childhood to late adulthood, exploring her life before she contracted leprosy, and thereafter. As aforementioned, I knew little of leprosy aside from the understanding that it causes skin to fall off, so this book taught me a lot about it, about the stigma it carried once, and the growth of a cure. Now, leprosy is highly treatable and carries much less of a stigma than it did back in the early twentieth century. I cannot possibly imagine having leprosy at this time, given how horribly people with the illness were treated and how they were separated from their families and thrown onto an island that few ever left.

Alan Brennert is a marvelous storyteller. I usually stray away from novels that cover such a large period of time, but it worked here, and in my opinion, was necessary. I never felt distant from Rachel, and I believe this style of writing worked because it enhanced my connection to the story and the character. By the end of the novel, I cried because I could so deeply feel her wants and needs. This is the mark of a good novel.

We meet many characters through the book, some that last only a few pages and others that grow through most of the novel. This worked a little less for me, because some of the transitions occurred so rapidly, I felt their lives were tossed aside. Perhaps, this was a technique used to express how often people died on Moloka'i, how their lives were so fleeting, and how the death became normal, but it seemed too brushed off for my taste. Though, with this symbolic understanding, I can't say I would rate this lower. And as well, it didn't distract too much from my reading experience. (And it's also my only qualm).

It's not too often I stray from Young Adult literature, but it's books like these that remind me why stepping out of my comfort zone is a good thing. YA has its good parts, but I always appreciate the depth and strength of an adult novel, for it is usually a breath of fresh air from the tropes of YA.

I urge you to read this book. Not only does it delve into the lives of lepers a century ago, but it discusses the transformation of Hawaii into part of the United States and a tourist attraction. It adds a stronger understanding of the atrocity of colonization and the ripping away of the Hawaiian culture, as well as the bridges between the American and Hawaiian cultures within the people's lives.

I am very grateful for reading this book, and saddened that it took me so long to pick it up off my shelf. And thank you to my mom, for telling me to read it after loving it herself.

-Book Hugger

Okay so I'm going to do a review right here, right now, because I'm sooooooo behind. A short review, but a review nonetheless.

I will say 100% that I enjoyed this novel. The portrayal of being in love with your best friend was so strong. That is something I have experienced and I definitely do not recommend it. The way Monty thought about Percy was me at one point, and it was so incredibly relatable.

I will say, however, that I didn't care as much about the plot as I expected, nor did I particularly agree with the character development. This is a book about privilege and that comes between Monty and Percy, yet Monty doesn't really...come to terms with his own privilege. It is acknowledged that he has it by others, but his transformation at the end wasn't as strong as I would have liked.

All in all, this was an incredibly enjoyable read, something I will pursue later in Lady's Guide, but I found the ending to be a letdown and the plot to be the less enjoyable portion of the novel. But alas, I am so grateful a book about marginalized people living their lives IN THE PAST exists. Because wow, this was definitely missing in historical fiction.

-Book Hugger

For better reviews, visit my blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com

Despite the really conflicting reviews, I ended up preferring Our Dark Duet to This Savage Song (though, I did really love TSS). Our Dark Duet is darker, with more questions about the nature of being human and morality. It's a really existential book, but I loved all of the moral debate throughout it, especially when August deals with turning away from who he used to be--a monster feigning to be human. 

I also really loved the inclusion of poetry, which brought an even darker sense to Kate's descent into insanity. It was really poetic and it worked very well where it was used. I really, really love free-verse poetry. Victoria Schwab has a way with words and I think I'm destined to love anything she writes. This solidified my love for her (and my need to read the rest of her Shades of Magic series).

I definitely appreciated the casual diversity she included as well, which made the world feel more realistic (as much as possible in a world of Sunai and Corsai). I think diversity is a really important part of literature and it's often missing within young adult books. Clearly, the publishing industry and the literature being pulled into it is changing and I love that so much. 

I think I only had one issue with this book, and that was the really unnecessary romantic scene. I thought this would be sans romance, but was unpleasantly surprised. It didn't belong in the book, if you ask me, and felt out of place in a novel about friendship and humanity. I just didn't need the romance there. I love romance in books, but the characters need chemistry and August and Kate just work better as friends. You can probably hear me screaming all the way through the computer screen. While it was interesting to see the impact of romantic liaisons on a Sunai, I think it negatively impacted the course of the novel and the dynamic between August and Kate. 

Anyway, the plot and characters made up for that one little scene, keeping it at a shiny five stars. I especially loved the growth of both Kate and August in this book and how different they are from in This Savage Song. They haven't necessarily changed positively, but it made for very good literature. August has become a much darker, more inhuman character, and it was riveting to read about that drastic change and how it impacted his character. Kate has become more cynical (if that were even possible) and angrier toward the world and the monsters. It also doesn't help that a significant event sends her spiraling into darkness (cue the poetry). While the ending may come as a surprise, I thought it was a necessary reminder that happy endings aren't always there. And, it also wasn't a surprise for me. Note to self: Don't click the "see spoiler" button on a Goodreads review...yikes. 

I think it's fairly obvious how much I loved this book. It was definitely my favorite of January and a wonderful way to start off the new year! I highly recommend picking up this series if you haven't yet. 

-Book Hugger