Tag Archives: standalone

Early Review: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

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Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 24th 2013
Links: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books) in exchange for an honest review

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She’s never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love–even with someone who seems an improbable choice–is more than just a possibility.

Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.

I’ve never read a book by Trish Doller before, but I was thoroughly impressed. I requested a copy from Netgalley because of the premise and gorgeous cover. And I’m so glad I did because I enjoyed this book so much! It was slow and raw and heartwarming and sweet, and shows so much how you absolutely can find love no matter who you are, what you are, what you’ve done or where you’re from.

Callie was a great narrator. She was real, even though she had been on the run with her mom for twelve years. She’s hesitant about going back into a normal life, but I mean, who wouldn’t if you’ve never had any semblance of a normal life for over a decade? I wanted to feel sorry for her, but she’s a tough girl. She can handle her own, as she’s been doing the past twelve years, even if some things in her past do continue to haunt her. And the fact that she’s so resistant to her father and his family makes it hard for her to see how much they love her. Her new (well, technically it’s ‘old’) family is loving and welcoming, but Callie can’t accept their love. She feels like she’s betraying her mother, whom she still loves. But eventually, her family worms their way into her heart, and Callie knows that she’ll do anything for them, and that they’ll do anything for her. They teach and give her the unconditional love she never really had, and it was so touching and uplifting to read.

Greek culture is a pretty big part of the book, which was refreshing. The town Callie’s father lives in is a Greek tourist-y place, and Callie finds work selling Greek-like souvenirs with her cousin Kat. I never really read books that feature Greek culture, so it was a good kind of different to read about the food, the people, the language. I loved the Greek touch to the book! Made me want to go to Greece, see some Greek boys… *sigh*

Alex Kosta is the older boy Callie meets who she instantly is intrigued with. He’s beautiful but has something inside him that makes her want to know all his secrets, and tell him all her secrets. Their relationship was slow and awkward and bittersweet. I didn’t really connect with Alex, but I still felt he was perfect for Callie. He brought out the best in her, made her feel, and made her fall in love. And Callie is different for him as well. They connect in a way that they never have with anyone else before, and they show each other that love is possible for them both.

Favorite quote:

There are so many maybes in life, but sometimes you just have to put your faith in possibility.

I enjoyed reading this book so much. The dark and gritty balanced perfectly well with the sweet and heartwarming. I definitely recommend it for those who like their books a bit slow but moving. Now I’m really looking forward to reading Trish Doller’s first book, Something Like Normal.

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Also by Trish Doller

 

Something Like Normal: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Devil You Know: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Review: The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

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The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Series: Standalone
Publication Date: June 4th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Hardcover

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo’s sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.Emaline’s mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he’s convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she’s going?

Sarah Dessen’s devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.

OHMYGOODNESS YA’LL. I DONT KNOW IF YOU GUYS KNOW OF MY OBSESSION WITH SARAH DESSEN’S BOOKS????? BUT YOU’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT.

So throughout my reading career (hehehhhh), I have religiously read all of Sarah Dessens’ books thoroughly. Ever since 8th grade, I have been in L O V E and hooked. HOOKED. LIKE A WORM HOOKED ON A…HOOK.

Obviously, I expected this book to be absolutely amazing. AND IT WAS. Although I didn’t cry, which is really weird for me since I cried in every single Sarah Dessen book, it was an amazing book and I’d definitely categorize it as a chick-lit.

OKAY TIME TO GET INTO THE NITTY GRITTY STUFF (do people even say this, what does it mean).

Sooooo. Personally, I think Luke and Emaline are SO CUTE TOGETHER OMG. CAUSE LIKE THEO IS PRETTY CLINGY AND ANNOYING. SERIOUSLY. At first it was like Awwww he’s such a cute romantic! but afterwards it was just like, boy. PUH-LEEEAASE. LUKE IS LIKE AWAAHHAHHHH<3 HE’S SO CUTE OMG. LIKE HIS ABS OHMYYY. but what he did was like mmM. nope, bye.

Emaline’s name is so pretty too like HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THAT? And her step-brother is possibly the cutest thing that has ever walked on this planet. I’m glad that the book ended the way it did, and for SOME WEIRD REASON, as I am typing this review, I keep thinking about Second Chance Summer. Is that weird? Like I keep thinking about The Moon and More, but it’s actually Second Chance Summer. I’M GETTING ALL OF MY FACTS MIXED UP.

If you guys love Dessen too, this is a MUST READ.

And also, I love how Sarah Dessen always finds a way to put the title in the book. “I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND MORE” she’s amazing guys.

10/10 would recommend.

5-hearts

shirley

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: January 10th 2012
Purchase: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs… for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

The Fault in Our Stars is one of my top three favorite books! (Right after Harry Potter and before Divergent.) (:

I’ve read this book 1.5 times, and it is amazing! (I read it halfway through the second time because it was just SO INCREDIBLY SAD that I could not handle it. But I will reread it again one day!) (=

So TFiOS is about two star-crossed lovers, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, who both have to deal with this terrible disease we all know and hate called cancer. Now, if you really don’t know anything about TFiOS, don’t brush this book off as merely, “another cancer book.” It’s incredibly touching, deep, and unique from any other “cancer” book you have read or will ever read, I personally guarantee it! (=

TFiOS is narrated by Hazel, whose dark sense of humor and oddities make her immediately likeable to the reader. Well, that’s an understatement. All the characters in TFiOS, Hazel, Gus, Isaac (Gus and Hazel’s friend), even the parents, are extremely loveable! Gus’ pretentious, grandiose personality is a perfect compliment to Hazel’s sarcastic and witty personality as well. Their conversations in themselves are interesting, and a lot of the times, even eye-opening, although they seem to not make sense half the time. While reading the book, I formed an extreme (maybe a bit excessive) emotional attachment to the characters. O_o

Another reason why I love this book so much, is that John Green was able to expose a side to cancer that most of us (as long as we’re fortunate enough to not have to experience cancer ourselves or through loved ones) don’t get to see. As discussed in the book, when most cancer victims pass away, we always say, “They fought a brave battle against cancer, and never wavered in spirit.” But John Green also revealed the dark side to cancer, when it exposes vulnerability within the family to the cancer patients themselves. Of course those with cancer fight the disease with everything within their power, because what other way would you fight it? Yet it’s nearly impossible to be strong all the time, so I believe John Green balanced the good and bad times that cancer patients must go through well.

Overall, The Fault in Our Stars is an incredible book because it tugs at your heart throughout the story. The characters are so funny and instantly loveable. Even after reading the book, the story itself sticks in your head, causing you to rethink what life in general is about. And to quote from the book,  “Live your best life today.” ❤

OF COURSE THIS BOOK IS FIVE HEARTS!

5 hearts
Cathy

Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

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The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Series: The Host #1
Publication Date: May 6th 2008
Purchase: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading “soul” who has been given Melanie’s body, didn’t expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer’s thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she’s never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

Shirley here. 

To be frank, I was quiiite reluctant to read it. I tried reading The Host probably in 7th grade and honestly did not find the appeal of it and got bored of it really quickly. But after MUCH persuasion from Lacey, and Max Irons being one of the lead roles, I finally decided to pick up the book and read it. AND HOLY COW IT WAS LIKE THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE. THIS BOOK IS SO SO AMAZING. Although at the beginning, I understood why I didn’t like it at all, since my innocent and distracted 7th grade brain probably couldn’t handle all of the boringness that the first few chapters had. Truthfully I fell asleep whilst reading the first 100 pages. After I finally got past those though, there was so SO much action!

So basically my long intro was to tell you guys that IF you were reluctant to read this book  like me, I just wanted to let ya’ll know that it’s SO SO worth it! It’s honestly an amazing book (much much better than the Twilight series), and you won’t be disappointed (I hope)!

At first it’s pretty confusing because you’re kind of dealing with two characters; the soul and Melanie. But after a while, you get used to the fact that the main character is a soul inside a body. Although I prefer Jared over Ian in the movie, in the book, IAN > JARED ANY DAY<3

But this book was literally CRAZY. It reminded me a lot of Shatter Me because of their underground facility and stuff and SINCE SHATTER ME BRINGS BACK GOOD VIBES, THIS BOOK WAS JUST SOO GOOOOOOD. It’s also such an eye-opening book because even though all the humans hated souls, they began to open up to Wanderer. it’s just so BEAUTIFUL that they all ended up accepting her, when at the beginning, they strongly despised her.

5 Stars!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

5 hearts
shirley