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rachelelizabeth
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I post reviews like this on my blog at Rachel Reading. For 100+ more reviews like this, check it out!
When I first got my hands on this galley, I really wasn’t sure what I was going to think. A lot of people really didn’t like Eldon, and I could see why he would say that. He isn’t your typical YA male protagonist. Most of them seem to be nerdy, loveable boys and that’s not Eldon. He’s kind of a jerk, but to be honest, most teenage boys are. Eldon is the all-American-boy who plays football for the small town football team. But Madison is different than your traditional town. Everyone in Madison gets to make a wish when they turn 18, and the pressure of that on Eldon is a lot.
One of the things I really loved about this book is how realistic a lot of this felt. The amount of pressure put on a kid for their wish is huge, and the town tends to judge people for the wish they make intentionally or made on accident. Sedoti follows Eldon’s life counting down the days until his “Wish Day” and interspersed with memories from the townspeople and their wishes. The town is small, so rumors seem to abound regarding what people wished for and why.
I really enjoyed this book, way more than I expected, and found that the story played out well in timing. I liked to see Eldon move through his emotions and figure out exactly what he was going to do in regards to his wish. The cast of characters in this small town are very memorable and interesting and really add to the color of this book. I would highly recommend this book as a fun read that you could easily finish in a day. I really loved and look forward to reading anything else Sedoti puts out.
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I post reviews like this on my blog at Rachel Reading. For 100+ more reviews like this, check it out!
When I first got my hands on this galley, I really wasn’t sure what I was going to think. A lot of people really didn’t like Eldon, and I could see why he would say that. He isn’t your typical YA male protagonist. Most of them seem to be nerdy, loveable boys and that’s not Eldon. He’s kind of a jerk, but to be honest, most teenage boys are. Eldon is the all-American-boy who plays football for the small town football team. But Madison is different than your traditional town. Everyone in Madison gets to make a wish when they turn 18, and the pressure of that on Eldon is a lot.
One of the things I really loved about this book is how realistic a lot of this felt. The amount of pressure put on a kid for their wish is huge, and the town tends to judge people for the wish they make intentionally or made on accident. Sedoti follows Eldon’s life counting down the days until his “Wish Day” and interspersed with memories from the townspeople and their wishes. The town is small, so rumors seem to abound regarding what people wished for and why.
I really enjoyed this book, way more than I expected, and found that the story played out well in timing. I liked to see Eldon move through his emotions and figure out exactly what he was going to do in regards to his wish. The cast of characters in this small town are very memorable and interesting and really add to the color of this book. I would highly recommend this book as a fun read that you could easily finish in a day. I really loved and look forward to reading anything else Sedoti puts out.
Follow me on Rachel Reading | Instagram | Facebook | Bloglovin
This and over 100 other reviews can be found on my blog Rachel Reading. Come check it out!
This book was our first book back after our book club hiatus, and I was glad it was something that was really readable. I don't mind sitting through books I don't like as long as they're readable (see [b:Will Grayson Will Grayson|6567017|Will Grayson, Will Grayson|John Green|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1368393890s/6567017.jpg|6759965]), but I will say I had pretty high expectations for this book. One of my closest friends whose book recommendations I trust more than anything LOVES Rainbow Rowell, and has even said that Rowell is now her favorite author over John Green (which is saying something!) and while this book was pretty adorable, I expected more. I liked the characters, and absolutely adored the email format, and watching the friendship between the women happen, but Lincoln still struck me as kind of creepy? I also seemed to be the only one at book club who actually LIKED Beth's boyfriend and maybe it's because I cast him as Chris Pratt although apparently NO ONE ELSE DID.
Rowell's writing is amazing, readable and relateable, and I loved Doris so very much, mostly because she reminded me of my grandmother whose name was also Doris. I loved the parts about Y2K, and I also loved that the book slowly made you invested in the characters. One particular part,when we discover the miscarriage , was written so extremely beautifully, and made me realize how attached I actually was to these characters. I wanted to know more about Jennifer, I liked Beth and Lincoln, but Rowell left me wanting to know more about Jennifer and how her life turned out. How everything ended up with her husband and just...how her life is. I'm such a sucker though, in all honesty, for when writers aren't afraid to write huge issues like the one she wrote for Jennifer, and watch as the characters grow around it.
I really loved the email format. I'd read a whole book in that type of format, and I did find that the alternating between email and narrative felt slightly jarring. This was Rowell's first book, so I can only imagine that they keep getting better and better.
But really though, when did my standards get so high?
This book was our first book back after our book club hiatus, and I was glad it was something that was really readable. I don't mind sitting through books I don't like as long as they're readable (see [b:Will Grayson Will Grayson|6567017|Will Grayson, Will Grayson|John Green|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1368393890s/6567017.jpg|6759965]), but I will say I had pretty high expectations for this book. One of my closest friends whose book recommendations I trust more than anything LOVES Rainbow Rowell, and has even said that Rowell is now her favorite author over John Green (which is saying something!) and while this book was pretty adorable, I expected more. I liked the characters, and absolutely adored the email format, and watching the friendship between the women happen, but Lincoln still struck me as kind of creepy? I also seemed to be the only one at book club who actually LIKED Beth's boyfriend and maybe it's because I cast him as Chris Pratt although apparently NO ONE ELSE DID.
Rowell's writing is amazing, readable and relateable, and I loved Doris so very much, mostly because she reminded me of my grandmother whose name was also Doris. I loved the parts about Y2K, and I also loved that the book slowly made you invested in the characters. One particular part,
I really loved the email format. I'd read a whole book in that type of format, and I did find that the alternating between email and narrative felt slightly jarring. This was Rowell's first book, so I can only imagine that they keep getting better and better.
But really though, when did my standards get so high?
This and over 100 other book reviews are up on my book blog, Rachel Reading. Check it out for more!
OH MY GOD I loved this book, like I loved this book a lot. I have a secret love for cheesy YA Romance books, and when I saw the synopsis of this one I seriously couldn't resist.
Seriously, this combines some of my most favorite things in books: YA, romance and fame. Like seriously, if I have a guilty pleasure for cults, you should see my guilty pleasure for YA fame books (like [b:Secrets of My Hollywood Life|196549|Secrets of My Hollywood Life (Secrets of My Hollywood Life, #1)|Jen Calonita|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391992981s/196549.jpg|1416200] by [a:Jen Calonita|114528|Jen Calonita|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1468066747p2/114528.jpg]). So I couldn't WAIT to devour this book. And devour it I did. I finished it easily within a day, and found myself wanting to read anything Robin Benway put out.
There were absolutely cliche elements in it, but that was okay, just enough cliche makes me happy, but it was also funny. Like really, really funny, and I enjoyed that. I've loved music all my life and the way that Audrey talks about music is basically how I've always felt about music.
Audrey was super likeable, and I found myself just honestly, really enjoying this book. It's something I would absolutely come back to again, and have no problem recommending to fans of [a:Sarah Dessen|2987|Sarah Dessen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1372181953p2/2987.jpg], [a:Meg Cabot|11654|Meg Cabot|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1197201648p2/11654.jpg] and the like. Benway is a phenomenal writer and knows the right mix of everything to keep people interested. I want to dive into anything else she's ever written because even if it's only half as good, it'll still be amazing.
This book for me is in the same vein as the Anna and the French Kiss books, but funnier. Like I really laughed out loud multiple times at this book, I can't get enough.
OH MY GOD I loved this book, like I loved this book a lot. I have a secret love for cheesy YA Romance books, and when I saw the synopsis of this one I seriously couldn't resist.
Seriously, this combines some of my most favorite things in books: YA, romance and fame. Like seriously, if I have a guilty pleasure for cults, you should see my guilty pleasure for YA fame books (like [b:Secrets of My Hollywood Life|196549|Secrets of My Hollywood Life (Secrets of My Hollywood Life, #1)|Jen Calonita|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1391992981s/196549.jpg|1416200] by [a:Jen Calonita|114528|Jen Calonita|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1468066747p2/114528.jpg]). So I couldn't WAIT to devour this book. And devour it I did. I finished it easily within a day, and found myself wanting to read anything Robin Benway put out.
There were absolutely cliche elements in it, but that was okay, just enough cliche makes me happy, but it was also funny. Like really, really funny, and I enjoyed that. I've loved music all my life and the way that Audrey talks about music is basically how I've always felt about music.
Audrey was super likeable, and I found myself just honestly, really enjoying this book. It's something I would absolutely come back to again, and have no problem recommending to fans of [a:Sarah Dessen|2987|Sarah Dessen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1372181953p2/2987.jpg], [a:Meg Cabot|11654|Meg Cabot|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1197201648p2/11654.jpg] and the like. Benway is a phenomenal writer and knows the right mix of everything to keep people interested. I want to dive into anything else she's ever written because even if it's only half as good, it'll still be amazing.
This book for me is in the same vein as the Anna and the French Kiss books, but funnier. Like I really laughed out loud multiple times at this book, I can't get enough.
I actually wasn't expecting the ending. Took a bit to get through though. On to the next!
This review was originally posted on Rachel Reading. For 100+ more reviews like this, check it out!
This was one of the books picked for our Reading Glasses Postal Book Club and while I didn't get to finish it within the actual month I had it, I did want to make a valiant effort to finish it. While this is something I probably would have never finished if it wasn't for my friend Danielle and Sarah's reviews of this book, I'm glad I did.
I had found the audiobook for this one pretty early on and really enjoyed the narrator, so that's how I did the majority of this book. This book was kind of slow in the beginning, and because I wasn't 100% sure what to expect, I thought this book was going to be much more focused on the monster hunting. It wasn't. It was absolutely more of a romance book which isn't bad at all, just not what I was expecting.
Maddie is married to Ellis and they go with one of their friends to Scotland during World War 2 to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster. Once they get there it becomes evident that Ellis really has no desire to include her, just to control her, and steal the pills she was given by a doctor for "nerve issues". As the book goes on, Ellis becomes completely unlikeable and I honestly couldn't find a positive thing about the character. However, I really like how Gruen leads up to this. In the beginning, you want to give him the benefit of the doubt, he seems sweet, but as the book progresses you start to see who he really is as does Maddie.
Overall this book was a lot of fluff, and a nice break from what I've been reading lately which is a lot of more serious stuff. I am glad I spent my time on this book, and I did find myself really wanting to know what was going to happen to Maddie. I really enjoyed Gruen's writing style, and I'm so glad I picked this book up and saw it through.
This was one of the books picked for our Reading Glasses Postal Book Club and while I didn't get to finish it within the actual month I had it, I did want to make a valiant effort to finish it. While this is something I probably would have never finished if it wasn't for my friend Danielle and Sarah's reviews of this book, I'm glad I did.
I had found the audiobook for this one pretty early on and really enjoyed the narrator, so that's how I did the majority of this book. This book was kind of slow in the beginning, and because I wasn't 100% sure what to expect, I thought this book was going to be much more focused on the monster hunting. It wasn't. It was absolutely more of a romance book which isn't bad at all, just not what I was expecting.
Maddie is married to Ellis and they go with one of their friends to Scotland during World War 2 to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster. Once they get there it becomes evident that Ellis really has no desire to include her, just to control her, and steal the pills she was given by a doctor for "nerve issues". As the book goes on, Ellis becomes completely unlikeable and I honestly couldn't find a positive thing about the character. However, I really like how Gruen leads up to this. In the beginning, you want to give him the benefit of the doubt, he seems sweet, but as the book progresses you start to see who he really is as does Maddie.
Overall this book was a lot of fluff, and a nice break from what I've been reading lately which is a lot of more serious stuff. I am glad I spent my time on this book, and I did find myself really wanting to know what was going to happen to Maddie. I really enjoyed Gruen's writing style, and I'm so glad I picked this book up and saw it through.
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Smoke and Shadow Part One First Reaction: DONT MIND ME JUST OVER HERE SCREAMING HOW MUCH I LOVE ZUKO (aka review to come)
Actual Review: I feel like these comics get progressively better, maybe. Or maybe I just love Zuko centric things. This was seriously everything I've been waiting for. This comic series follows Zuko on his return to the fire nation, and the inherent anger from the people of the Fire Nation, upset at him changing things.
I really wish I could put into words how much I really loved all of this. I really don't know why I love Zuko as much as I do, because it's kind of ridiculous. His growth and change and character development is amazing to me. I will forever be a Zutara fan, even if it's not "alive" in the series, and this comic actually allowed Zutara to have a normal conversation. (I decided to post one of the panels on tumblr and people went crazy which was...weird but proof is here) This was a first for them in the comics and there was significantly less "sweetie" than their was in The Promise which was even better. I'm anxiously awaiting the next one and even preordered it on Amazon. I really like watching Zuko's growth, watching him educate himself on privilege in a way, and watching people push against it, as it mirrors a lot of what is happening in current day.
People will always push against change, and especially when someone who speaks truth to power is suddenly the one with power and trying to make change. I think people forget that even the most radically different person who might bring about NEEDED change is fighting against thought that has been bred into a society. It's really difficult to fight against a group of people that refuse to see there is a problem, and we're seeing that in our society right now.
In summary, I really really loved this, I love Zuko and that is all.
Actual Review: I feel like these comics get progressively better, maybe. Or maybe I just love Zuko centric things. This was seriously everything I've been waiting for. This comic series follows Zuko on his return to the fire nation, and the inherent anger from the people of the Fire Nation, upset at him changing things.
I really wish I could put into words how much I really loved all of this. I really don't know why I love Zuko as much as I do, because it's kind of ridiculous. His growth and change and character development is amazing to me. I will forever be a Zutara fan, even if it's not "alive" in the series, and this comic actually allowed Zutara to have a normal conversation. (I decided to post one of the panels on tumblr and people went crazy which was...weird but proof is here) This was a first for them in the comics and there was significantly less "sweetie" than their was in The Promise which was even better. I'm anxiously awaiting the next one and even preordered it on Amazon. I really like watching Zuko's growth, watching him educate himself on privilege in a way, and watching people push against it, as it mirrors a lot of what is happening in current day.
People will always push against change, and especially when someone who speaks truth to power is suddenly the one with power and trying to make change. I think people forget that even the most radically different person who might bring about NEEDED change is fighting against thought that has been bred into a society. It's really difficult to fight against a group of people that refuse to see there is a problem, and we're seeing that in our society right now.
In summary, I really really loved this, I love Zuko and that is all.
