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811 reviews by:
forevermorepages
Tw: self-harm, rape
Okay so I was genuinely prepared to give this five stars, but then the ending happened? Like the last 50 pages? And I'm so incredibly confused right now and I think I need to finally come to the realization that no matter how many of his books I read, I will never be the type of person to enjoy Shaun David Hutchinson. The mental health discussions, the queer rep, and the romance is always good and on point; the writing is fantastic. I just...I can't do the weird sci-fi stuff. And don't get me wrong!! I love sci-fi, but I don't love it when it's blended with contemporaries to the point that it doesn't make complete sense nor is it fully explained. I dunno, just me.
-Book Hugger
Okay so I was genuinely prepared to give this five stars, but then the ending happened? Like the last 50 pages? And I'm so incredibly confused right now and I think I need to finally come to the realization that no matter how many of his books I read, I will never be the type of person to enjoy Shaun David Hutchinson. The mental health discussions, the queer rep, and the romance is always good and on point; the writing is fantastic. I just...I can't do the weird sci-fi stuff. And don't get me wrong!! I love sci-fi, but I don't love it when it's blended with contemporaries to the point that it doesn't make complete sense nor is it fully explained. I dunno, just me.
-Book Hugger
Me, yesterday: I'm in a slump :(
My friend: I heard contemporary helps.
Me: Hmm, I shouldn't.
Me: welp, my hand slipped, I read and finished TBDATE
In other news, this was insanely good. Some parts weren't perfect and it did come off a tad preachy, but you know what, it was beautiful.
Also? Someone should call the cops on Adam Silvera. This book's ending is a crime.
-Book Hugger
My friend: I heard contemporary helps.
Me: Hmm, I shouldn't.
Me: welp, my hand slipped, I read and finished TBDATE
In other news, this was insanely good. Some parts weren't perfect and it did come off a tad preachy, but you know what, it was beautiful.
Also? Someone should call the cops on Adam Silvera. This book's ending is a crime.
-Book Hugger
I'll have a review for this later, but as a HUGE fan of Divergent, I was fairly disappointed. Though, I do have to say Veronica Roth's writing has improved and I did love that. Anyway, more to come later once I have time to write all the reviews I'm SO behind on...
-Book Hugger
In the meantime, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
-Book Hugger
In the meantime, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Wintersong is a difficult book to review because I wanted to love it and I really, really thought I would too...I just didn't. The writing is beautiful and oh-so poetic. I felt as though I was falling in love with it when I started reading it. Merely the prologue made my heart sing. From then on, it is so atmospheric and I was transported to a whole other world. I should be giving it a raving review right now then, shouldn't I?
“A candle unused is nothing but wax and wick,” I said.“I would rather light the flame, knowing it will go out than sit forever in darkness.”
Unfortunately, however, the novel only went downhill from there. Liesl started out strong, determined to save her sister, but then she fell into the trap of "being in love". The Goblin King creeped me out, honestly. Their relationship felt forced and unhealthy. I can't go into it enough without spoilers, but I couldn't see the appeal to liking them together. They spent most of their time angry with each other and fighting. Liesl couldn't escape, she was trapped in a sick game with him. It just didn't make sense. Not to mention, Liesl was beyond annoying and dependent on the Goblin King to define her existence, proving the idiotic trope that women need men to give them purpose. Not to mention, the only redeeming characteristic of the Goblin King was that he loved her for her, her music, her soul. I felt bad for him on a few occasions.
“There is music in your soul. A wild and untamed sort of music that speaks to me. It defies all the rules and laws you humans set upon it. It grows from inside you, and I have a wish to set that music free.”
Another problem I had was that the world-building is vague and lacking. The only hint that it took place in an alternate Germany was the language. It would have made so much more sense if S. Jae-Jones referenced cities or even flat-out said where the setting is. Sometimes showing instead of telling isn't always the best option. Furthermore, I didn't understand the magic system, where the Underground was, or how it existed in relation to the world we know. There's going to be a sequel, so maybe it'll explain then, but I'm not sure if I'll end up reading the sequel. The writing style would be the only reason for me to continue, but I don't think that's enough.
Maybe this book just wasn't for me. I still gave it three stars, so it wasn't horrible. I certainly didn't see the hype, though...
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
“A candle unused is nothing but wax and wick,” I said.“I would rather light the flame, knowing it will go out than sit forever in darkness.”
Unfortunately, however, the novel only went downhill from there. Liesl started out strong, determined to save her sister, but then she fell into the trap of "being in love". The Goblin King creeped me out, honestly. Their relationship felt forced and unhealthy. I can't go into it enough without spoilers, but I couldn't see the appeal to liking them together. They spent most of their time angry with each other and fighting. Liesl couldn't escape, she was trapped in a sick game with him. It just didn't make sense. Not to mention, Liesl was beyond annoying and dependent on the Goblin King to define her existence, proving the idiotic trope that women need men to give them purpose. Not to mention, the only redeeming characteristic of the Goblin King was that he loved her for her, her music, her soul. I felt bad for him on a few occasions.
“There is music in your soul. A wild and untamed sort of music that speaks to me. It defies all the rules and laws you humans set upon it. It grows from inside you, and I have a wish to set that music free.”
Another problem I had was that the world-building is vague and lacking. The only hint that it took place in an alternate Germany was the language. It would have made so much more sense if S. Jae-Jones referenced cities or even flat-out said where the setting is. Sometimes showing instead of telling isn't always the best option. Furthermore, I didn't understand the magic system, where the Underground was, or how it existed in relation to the world we know. There's going to be a sequel, so maybe it'll explain then, but I'm not sure if I'll end up reading the sequel. The writing style would be the only reason for me to continue, but I don't think that's enough.
Maybe this book just wasn't for me. I still gave it three stars, so it wasn't horrible. I certainly didn't see the hype, though...
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
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“But hope was a malicious, jagged thing, all spikes and razors that churned and cut deep in his guts. Hope was a great deal like fear.”
I will confess, I did prefer Ink & Bone. The plot felt more grounded there, while Paper & Fire seemed like a filler book. It had some low points, but they may have been less “low” if I had picked this book up when I purchased it, instead of more than six months later. I have a really bad habit of doing that…
My biggest issue with Ink & Bone was the romance between Jess and Morgan. I love Jess, but Morgan felt really flat to me and I never saw them as a couple. I still don’t think their relationship is all that interesting, but I have a greater appreciation for Morgan now, whose arc is much stronger. The rest of the characters felt a tad bit weaker than before, except for maybe Khalila, who I have such a soft spot for. She is everything. I still really dislike Glain, though, who has the personality of a pancake.
Jess will forever be a favorite of mine. He’s a very good main character, despite, at times, having no brains and saying the stupidest things. His love of books is so precious, though, and his whole backstory with stealing them is A+ material. The whole family dynamic there is really interesting because you can tell his dad used him, and Jess knows it too. It has such an effect on him and is really, really well done. I’m looking forward to what will be done with this aspect in Ash & Quill (book three), especially considering where we left off in this novel.
Rachel Caine is a wonderful writer. Her books feel mature, not in content, but in the power of her prose. Her writing could come across as dry for someone who prefers contemporary, which is usually written in a choppier, more concise manner. Caine has beautiful descriptions, and action scenes that are extraordinarily good.
As well, the weaving of technology into the plot is hardly ever seen, and gives this series more of a steampunk feel. I love the inclusion of automatons and those sphinx-like ones that started attacking them. It gives these books a sense of timelessness, as though they belong to no time, and transcend the reality we know. This is doubly true, for it’s set in an alternate universe where the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down. Have I mentioned how much I love history yet in this review?? (It appears my exclamation of this belongs in every review now). And alternate universes are so amazing because it’s like rewriting history!!
Verdict? This book was great, possibly a little slow and filler-y, but still very character strong. I anticipate the next book being very good, and hopefully better. If you haven’t read these books, I highly, highly recommend them. This series is so underrated and yet has some of the most wonderful writing I have ever seen in YA and some of the most diverse characters, too. If you read one book in 2017, let it be Ink & Bone, and if you read two, follow it up with Paper & Fire.
“Books had become a symbol of trust and libraries places of peace and stability. In all the chaos of the world that counted people as different levels of worthy, the Library served all equally. All genders, races, levels of ability. It was the one place they could all be safe.”
-Book Hugger
my blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I will confess, I did prefer Ink & Bone. The plot felt more grounded there, while Paper & Fire seemed like a filler book. It had some low points, but they may have been less “low” if I had picked this book up when I purchased it, instead of more than six months later. I have a really bad habit of doing that…
My biggest issue with Ink & Bone was the romance between Jess and Morgan. I love Jess, but Morgan felt really flat to me and I never saw them as a couple. I still don’t think their relationship is all that interesting, but I have a greater appreciation for Morgan now, whose arc is much stronger. The rest of the characters felt a tad bit weaker than before, except for maybe Khalila, who I have such a soft spot for. She is everything. I still really dislike Glain, though, who has the personality of a pancake.
Jess will forever be a favorite of mine. He’s a very good main character, despite, at times, having no brains and saying the stupidest things. His love of books is so precious, though, and his whole backstory with stealing them is A+ material. The whole family dynamic there is really interesting because you can tell his dad used him, and Jess knows it too. It has such an effect on him and is really, really well done. I’m looking forward to what will be done with this aspect in Ash & Quill (book three), especially considering where we left off in this novel.
Rachel Caine is a wonderful writer. Her books feel mature, not in content, but in the power of her prose. Her writing could come across as dry for someone who prefers contemporary, which is usually written in a choppier, more concise manner. Caine has beautiful descriptions, and action scenes that are extraordinarily good.
As well, the weaving of technology into the plot is hardly ever seen, and gives this series more of a steampunk feel. I love the inclusion of automatons and those sphinx-like ones that started attacking them. It gives these books a sense of timelessness, as though they belong to no time, and transcend the reality we know. This is doubly true, for it’s set in an alternate universe where the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down. Have I mentioned how much I love history yet in this review?? (It appears my exclamation of this belongs in every review now). And alternate universes are so amazing because it’s like rewriting history!!
Verdict? This book was great, possibly a little slow and filler-y, but still very character strong. I anticipate the next book being very good, and hopefully better. If you haven’t read these books, I highly, highly recommend them. This series is so underrated and yet has some of the most wonderful writing I have ever seen in YA and some of the most diverse characters, too. If you read one book in 2017, let it be Ink & Bone, and if you read two, follow it up with Paper & Fire.
“Books had become a symbol of trust and libraries places of peace and stability. In all the chaos of the world that counted people as different levels of worthy, the Library served all equally. All genders, races, levels of ability. It was the one place they could all be safe.”
-Book Hugger
my blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
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
“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
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
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
I didn't expect We Are Okay to become one of the most important books I've ever read when I ordered it off Amazon. It was cheap, I'd seen good reviews, and I'd always wanted to read something by Nina LaCour. So, consider my mind blown.
I read this book in one night, I kid you not. It’s actually really short, which I wasn’t completely expecting, but so much emotion is packed into it to make up for the page count. Yes, this book is sad. But it is also optimistic and a beautiful depiction of grief, for both who you’ve been and who you’ve lost.
Grief is something I understand really well. I lost one of my favorite teachers when I was 12, my granddad in elementary school, my aunt in fifth grade. I know the pains of grief like the back of my own hand, know the muteness of a funeral, know the ache and pain and questions and anger. I wasn't as close to my granddad as Marin was, clearly, because I was only eight when he died and had seen him a limited number of times, but I'm trying to say that through these three experiences put together, I understood where she was coming from completely. I cannot comprehend how hard the pain of losing your guardian would be if what I felt during those experiences was suffocating.
Anyway, I'm always on the search for books that represent grief well, and I always get really irritated when a character dies in a book and the main character suffers for a chapter and is okay in the next and they never mention it again. (Or in a TV show...I'm looking at you Shadowhunters.) That's. Unrealistic. So, this was a breath of fresh air if I've ever seen one.
This book is heavy, though, for being so short. It's one of the more tragic books I've ever read, and there's so little light until you reach the final pages. It's like walking through a tunnel without a flashlight and finding a crack in the wall where you can push the rocks away. The point is that you have to push the rocks away yourself, or Marin does, at least. She has to make herself accept the love she deserves.
This book isn't about romance, even though a lot of it is told in flashbacks about a past "fling." It's mostly about friendship, reunion, and overwhelming loss. It's about hope and sorrow and the light at the end of the very long and winding tunnel. I cannot possibly recommend this book enough.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I read this book in one night, I kid you not. It’s actually really short, which I wasn’t completely expecting, but so much emotion is packed into it to make up for the page count. Yes, this book is sad. But it is also optimistic and a beautiful depiction of grief, for both who you’ve been and who you’ve lost.
Grief is something I understand really well. I lost one of my favorite teachers when I was 12, my granddad in elementary school, my aunt in fifth grade. I know the pains of grief like the back of my own hand, know the muteness of a funeral, know the ache and pain and questions and anger. I wasn't as close to my granddad as Marin was, clearly, because I was only eight when he died and had seen him a limited number of times, but I'm trying to say that through these three experiences put together, I understood where she was coming from completely. I cannot comprehend how hard the pain of losing your guardian would be if what I felt during those experiences was suffocating.
Anyway, I'm always on the search for books that represent grief well, and I always get really irritated when a character dies in a book and the main character suffers for a chapter and is okay in the next and they never mention it again. (Or in a TV show...I'm looking at you Shadowhunters.) That's. Unrealistic. So, this was a breath of fresh air if I've ever seen one.
This book is heavy, though, for being so short. It's one of the more tragic books I've ever read, and there's so little light until you reach the final pages. It's like walking through a tunnel without a flashlight and finding a crack in the wall where you can push the rocks away. The point is that you have to push the rocks away yourself, or Marin does, at least. She has to make herself accept the love she deserves.
This book isn't about romance, even though a lot of it is told in flashbacks about a past "fling." It's mostly about friendship, reunion, and overwhelming loss. It's about hope and sorrow and the light at the end of the very long and winding tunnel. I cannot possibly recommend this book enough.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
REREAD: I think I forgot just how important this book is to me. I can't even hesitate to say that this is my favorite book right now. I just...I'm still sort of crying about how much it means to me. I want everyone in the entire world to pick up this book and read it. It's just so important. So important. Every line feels like Alice picked apart my brain and saw exactly what I needed. There's an extra layer of relevance considering I leave for university in August.
Thanks, Alice. I have never felt so seen by a piece of literature in my entire life. Your book means the world to me.
(Also the Solitaire and Hearstopper cameos destroyed me.)
------
It has been a long time since I have read a book that has captured me like Radio Silence did. This novel is so timely and accurate to teenager's lives and I am so glad I have read it. As someone who is obsessed with her grades and now even more worried about getting into college, I felt Frances so much. The message that not everyone is made for a university is so important. While I know my future is in a four-year institution, the same cannot be said for everybody. There is a huge pressure on teenagers to know what they want to do with their lives and to go to college. Not going to college in our minds equates to failure and we'll "never be successful". That's not true. So I am so grateful for Alice Oseman spreading this message.
“'It must be useful to be smart,' she said and then laughed weakly. She glanced down and suddenly looked very sad. 'I'm like, constantly scared I'm going to be a homeless or something. I wish our whole lives didn't have to depend on our grades.'"
Anyway, what really made this book special was the characters and the diversity. Nearly everyone of these characters is marginalized and it was such a breath of fresh air. I especially loved that Frances and Aled were just friends throughout the entire book. Nothing more. Just friends. And it wasn't treated as though they were missing something out of their friendship and neither of them had feelings for the other. All of the characters were so three-dimensional, even the side characters, like Daniel, Raine, and Carys. (Also Daniel and Aled forever <3)
"'And I’m platonically in love with you.'
'That was literally the boy-girl version of ‘no homo’, but I appreciate the sentiment.'"
I was scared to death at the ending when we weren't really sure what was going to happen with Aled. SO SCARED. This book had me by my heartstrings and kept tugging on them. I really despise Aled's mother. I didn't know it was mentally possible to hate someone more than Dolores Umbridge, but here ya go. That isn't how a parent should be--ever. Aled's storyline really resonated with me and he reminded me a little too much of some of my friends. It just broke my heart in pieces to read about him and Carys. ALSO WHO KILLS A DOG??? WHO???
Frances, on the other hand, has a good relationship with her mom. I loved the contrast there and how it didn't fall into the trap of every other YA book with absent parents. Her mom was very much present in her life and supportive of her obsession with Universe City. I love her mom.
“I wonder sometimes whether you've exploded already, like a star, and what I'm seeing you is three million years into the past, and you're not here anyore. How can we be together here, now, when you are so far away. When you are so far ago? I'm shouting so loudly, but you never turn around to see me. Perhaps it is I who have already exploded. Either way, we are going to bring beautiful things into the universe.”
Anywaaaay, the podcast Universe City was super interesting and quirky. It really reflected Aled's personality, despite him being really distant and reserved in public. Both him and Frances were the most unique characters I have ever read about, but I really felt that. They made me want to go to school decked out in fandom merch (which I do occasionally). Not going to lie, this book also made me want to delve into fanart and podcasts. I haven't yet, but if anyone has podcast recommendations, leave them in the comments. They probably won't be as amazing as Universe City, but I'm willing to try one.
Gah, the best thing about this book was it didn't stray away from the struggles of being famous on the internet. All of the Universe City fans were wondering who the creator is and when they released who it is, became obsessed with Aled and extremely intrusive in his life, to the point of stalking him. It showed the negative side of creation and art, which I really liked. I've seen it all over Bookstagram, where people were getting too involved in some of the really popular account's lives and becoming quite creepy (especially with the previous @readsleepfangirl--I can't think of her current username right now). It's insane how weird people can be with social media. And even more, I can think of how insane people get with Youtube stars, such as writing fanfiction about them getting together when they've been outspoken and against it.
Okay, I think I got off on a tangent.
But anyway, if my love for this book isn't clear yet, then I've failed at my job. Gosh, I love this book so much. Sure, the first half was rather plotless and missing a "direction", and it was rather long, but I don't think I'd have it any other way. Sometimes, the most important books aren't all that plot heavy at all. Sometimes the importance is in the message and the characters.
Now, watch me go out and read every book Oseman ever publishes.
“I wonder- if nobody is listening to my voice, am I making any sound at all?”
-Book Hugger
For more reviews like this, check out http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Thanks, Alice. I have never felt so seen by a piece of literature in my entire life. Your book means the world to me.
(Also the Solitaire and Hearstopper cameos destroyed me.)
------
It has been a long time since I have read a book that has captured me like Radio Silence did. This novel is so timely and accurate to teenager's lives and I am so glad I have read it. As someone who is obsessed with her grades and now even more worried about getting into college, I felt Frances so much. The message that not everyone is made for a university is so important. While I know my future is in a four-year institution, the same cannot be said for everybody. There is a huge pressure on teenagers to know what they want to do with their lives and to go to college. Not going to college in our minds equates to failure and we'll "never be successful". That's not true. So I am so grateful for Alice Oseman spreading this message.
“'It must be useful to be smart,' she said and then laughed weakly. She glanced down and suddenly looked very sad. 'I'm like, constantly scared I'm going to be a homeless or something. I wish our whole lives didn't have to depend on our grades.'"
Anyway, what really made this book special was the characters and the diversity. Nearly everyone of these characters is marginalized and it was such a breath of fresh air. I especially loved that Frances and Aled were just friends throughout the entire book. Nothing more. Just friends. And it wasn't treated as though they were missing something out of their friendship and neither of them had feelings for the other. All of the characters were so three-dimensional, even the side characters, like Daniel, Raine, and Carys. (Also Daniel and Aled forever <3)
"'And I’m platonically in love with you.'
'That was literally the boy-girl version of ‘no homo’, but I appreciate the sentiment.'"
I was scared to death at the ending when we weren't really sure what was going to happen with Aled. SO SCARED. This book had me by my heartstrings and kept tugging on them. I really despise Aled's mother. I didn't know it was mentally possible to hate someone more than Dolores Umbridge, but here ya go. That isn't how a parent should be--ever. Aled's storyline really resonated with me and he reminded me a little too much of some of my friends. It just broke my heart in pieces to read about him and Carys. ALSO WHO KILLS A DOG??? WHO???
Frances, on the other hand, has a good relationship with her mom. I loved the contrast there and how it didn't fall into the trap of every other YA book with absent parents. Her mom was very much present in her life and supportive of her obsession with Universe City. I love her mom.
“I wonder sometimes whether you've exploded already, like a star, and what I'm seeing you is three million years into the past, and you're not here anyore. How can we be together here, now, when you are so far away. When you are so far ago? I'm shouting so loudly, but you never turn around to see me. Perhaps it is I who have already exploded. Either way, we are going to bring beautiful things into the universe.”
Anywaaaay, the podcast Universe City was super interesting and quirky. It really reflected Aled's personality, despite him being really distant and reserved in public. Both him and Frances were the most unique characters I have ever read about, but I really felt that. They made me want to go to school decked out in fandom merch (which I do occasionally). Not going to lie, this book also made me want to delve into fanart and podcasts. I haven't yet, but if anyone has podcast recommendations, leave them in the comments. They probably won't be as amazing as Universe City, but I'm willing to try one.
Gah, the best thing about this book was it didn't stray away from the struggles of being famous on the internet. All of the Universe City fans were wondering who the creator is and when they released who it is, became obsessed with Aled and extremely intrusive in his life, to the point of stalking him. It showed the negative side of creation and art, which I really liked. I've seen it all over Bookstagram, where people were getting too involved in some of the really popular account's lives and becoming quite creepy (especially with the previous @readsleepfangirl--I can't think of her current username right now). It's insane how weird people can be with social media. And even more, I can think of how insane people get with Youtube stars, such as writing fanfiction about them getting together when they've been outspoken and against it.
Okay, I think I got off on a tangent.
But anyway, if my love for this book isn't clear yet, then I've failed at my job. Gosh, I love this book so much. Sure, the first half was rather plotless and missing a "direction", and it was rather long, but I don't think I'd have it any other way. Sometimes, the most important books aren't all that plot heavy at all. Sometimes the importance is in the message and the characters.
Now, watch me go out and read every book Oseman ever publishes.
“I wonder- if nobody is listening to my voice, am I making any sound at all?”
-Book Hugger
For more reviews like this, check out http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com