Set during the pandemic... A first for me! I guess we're far enough for books to be past editing and published from the start of three years ago. I reSet during the pandemic... A first for me! I guess we're far enough for books to be past editing and published from the start of three years ago. I really enjoyed this though, the family unit, even the self-discovery moments with therapy, which was a little overdone but still really emotionally impactful. ...more
Tessa: Blah. Idk, i think she would have survived int eh house for 100 days just fine, but her chatwo stars for overall enjoyment!
boy did i skim that.
Tessa: Blah. Idk, i think she would have survived int eh house for 100 days just fine, but her character wasn't really well written. we're made pretty clear in the beginning that she blames herself for the accident, but it wasn't actually her fault and that attempt at negative thinking is neglected down the line. she wasn't very believable to me, too much like a movie character being very dramatic about a temporary disability. I acknowledge I'm being a little callous, and i think the author does a subtle good job of showing how insignificant some problems can be compared to others lifelong disabilities, but it irritates me nonetheless because she could have been such a lovable character. Maybe because she didn't have much going on in life beforehand, her poetry wasn't that emotionally connected (she wrote about sunlight my goodness... I don't think I've ever read a real poet with such shallow emotions, it was literally describing sunlight... just read it, in my opinion it was a horrible poem, the word choice was blah) and compared to Weston's life before his accident, she pales in comparison. let's be real, this was Weston's story and acceptance of himself, and I'd totally be all here for it if it wasn't alternating voices and chapters. Too much of Tessa's thoughts. I need to find a book where i can understand the female voice (cough, time to reread The Blue Castle cough).
Weston: love him, love love love. Idealistic version of a boy, very unrealistic and most of me knows this, but man, if guy relationships through such a tragedy come even a bit close this, i'd cry. Rudy is great. The only negative unrealistic thing I have to acknowledge is the violent reaction Weston had in defending... someone. Like, that seems cute and all until he gets violent with you and breaks your hand. Then you look back at this red flag like... he almost broke someone's hand before... I loved all his brothers, the family dynamic, his story, his voice, his poetry that was better than Tessa's, his humor ("I have a problem," says a boy with no legs. "Yeah?" his friend replies. "What is it?") it very much reminded me of the friend in After Ever After which i still have to acknowledge that i read some part of, except he was more morbid. There's probably another optimistic guy with health problems or disability i'm thinking about.
Really, two stars for Weston. My first contemporary romance in 8 months... I don't have regrets, skimming past some overly romantical stuff, but I think this was a good start. ...more
An unexpected gem while looking for another book. I even cried a little. It's got some boy girl drama which was very amusing, and some good growth bitAn unexpected gem while looking for another book. I even cried a little. It's got some boy girl drama which was very amusing, and some good growth bits with the MC which was so motivating and heartfelt and ahh. Beautiful. Accepting mental disabilities/ health concerns was a major focus, and i appreciated it....more
I quite enjoyed this! Finally, a couple that argues sometimes, yet it had just the right amount of ridiculous. I wish I could fully love this, and theI quite enjoyed this! Finally, a couple that argues sometimes, yet it had just the right amount of ridiculous. I wish I could fully love this, and the whole series, if only it didn't get so cheesy at the denouement. Every time, it's cheesy love resolution, but the great writing and characterization makes up for it kinda. I find it interesting that these were published in response to COVID....more
Pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this, after not finishing it when I was younger. You can tell where things will go horribly wrong, but the hopPleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this, after not finishing it when I was younger. You can tell where things will go horribly wrong, but the hopeful ending was quite brilliant and not too heavy handed in ‘preaching’. Definitely will finish it off with the last one!...more
Do I dare? I only rate this 5 stars, not to recommend it, but to recommend the whole series. What an ending! Annoyances were prevalent, and truly, theDo I dare? I only rate this 5 stars, not to recommend it, but to recommend the whole series. What an ending! Annoyances were prevalent, and truly, the beginning was a bit rough. Common tropes abound and yet, and YET Nielsen catches me off guard again and I finish in a day... Things were unexpected and it was pretty awesome again seeing... things and people pop up. While i did audibly groan at the seeming 'Here we go again' of the beginning, the writing and the ending, the final resolution, had me happy dancing.
(view spoiler)[ Imogen deserved that crown by the end. But the random, 'I'm related to one of the founders and technically have royal blood' was out of nowhere. And Jaron's other secret?? Totally plausible since we didn't know everything of his past, but crazy. That's the real reason he never lied huh? ALSO Lump... What a great broship with Jaron that was enjoyable (hide spoiler)]...more
There were quite a few things I liked about this book. Reading this the second time definitely reaffirmed how much I enjoyed Auden, her characterizatiThere were quite a few things I liked about this book. Reading this the second time definitely reaffirmed how much I enjoyed Auden, her characterization, her interactions with others (well pretty much how much it grew) and her growth as a human being. The family dynamics were interesting, especially with the running theme or question, can someone really change? (Of course. In real life, with Jehovah's help) Overall entertaining and would recommend (with a warning about the beginning...)...more
Another Sarah Dessen book that I would secretly give 5 stars to?? What is happening in this world. This was an amazing thing of dealing with change andAnother Sarah Dessen book that I would secretly give 5 stars to?? What is happening in this world. This was an amazing thing of dealing with change and anxiety, a really cute geeky boy, 'delinquents' building a model city, and characters with depth.
(2023) Hmmm, I seem to read this around winter time... 'Like it! Girl, don't you know I love this book?'
(2022) Everytime I read this... I want to either (2023) Hmmm, I seem to read this around winter time... 'Like it! Girl, don't you know I love this book?'
(2022) Everytime I read this... I want to either reread, or read something similar. The family, the humor, the take-no-more, live-like-yoi-got-a-year-left -ness, the plot, the reveal! Ugh it's perfect, 10/10 continues to recommend. I'm willing to have 'colorful conversations' about the conflicting views that Valancy had to be married, or love someone to be truly happy vs she found that loving and giving to someone else brings true happiness ...more
At first, I hated it. I was like, what happened to the charming tone of the Outsiders (which I loved)? This just sound rough (ruff) anThat was...
Woah.
At first, I hated it. I was like, what happened to the charming tone of the Outsiders (which I loved)? This just sound rough (ruff) and tough (tuff) and not very interesting.
I now know, sometimes I cannot trust my first feelings about a book. I stuck it out though, put it down and came back to it. While this was not enjoyable to read, that was what Hinton was trying to do, entertain. She wanted people to think, and boy did I. Besides the shocked tears that somehow found their way out at the end, I still felt the nostalgia ever present in Hinton's writing.
This was actually my second S.E. Hinton book (shame on me) but it definitely won't be the last. ...more
The Characters -Scott (!) Another flawed character thaSecond, bookclub read: :)
I read this all in one go... [image]
I would recommend to everyone I know.
The Characters -Scott (!) Another flawed character that you just have to love (successfully done Mr. Lubar). I love his character growth throughout the book, but I especially loved his personality (those words... to a baby...) The fact that Scott was a good writer and poet reflects greatly on the writing skills of the author (who skillfully demonstrated the three types of narration). Although Scott was growing into himself, he stood up for what he felt was right and made a difference in other people's lives (echihisWesleywnerjk). His relationship with his unborn little brother was a great foreshadowing to what would come later (again, his diction is awesomeee) and I could just imagine Sean reading Scott's journal in the future haha. (P.S. Kyle was a jerk.)
-Mouth I loved how the portrayal of this character wasn't perfect (let's be honest, he was annoying at some points), but you somewhat liked him and felt for him for all he was going through. Sometimes even the "happiest" are the saddest.
-Lee Ok, my only problem with this book was concerning Lee. Nothing against her character, but just a little too vampiry. And the poem about vampires... that's the only thing I didn't enjoy. It wasn't a big part of the book, and Lee's character all the other time was interesting and flawed and awesome (kitchen accident was actually a kitchen accident!), so, I would still recommend.
-Wesley You know you want a Wesley. The big, scary guy who looks out for you. Not only do you get protection, but isn't it awesome when someone who hates everyone likes you?? And hey, he enjoyed reading the Princess Bride, so he's one of my favorite characters for liking to read:)
The Fam I loved Scott's relationship with his mom. I loved how the fam kept the door open for Bobby, although his life was getting stuck. I love although Scott had no interest in car mechanics, he still had a great relationship with his dad and brother (all three going fishing). I just loved, really, the whole family.
But really? Overall, I loved this book. The accurate portrayal of friendship changes in high school was well done and not totally angst-ridden;D Sometimes friendships should end! And long distance friendships can work if you really care! (Mouth..) And I learned about Tom Swifties! I also wish I read as many interesting pieces of literature in my English classes...
This whole book just filled me with warm fuzzy feelings (and there is a SECOND one;0, which means more Scott Hudson humor:p) [image]
FAVORITE Swiftie QUOTES -pg 43, "'Who turned off the lights?' Tom said dimly. 'I lost my legs right below the ankles,' Tom said defeatedly."...more
Every since I was in middle school and watched a brief clip of October Sky in my 8th grade English class, I've wanted to read this book.
What's stoppedEvery since I was in middle school and watched a brief clip of October Sky in my 8th grade English class, I've wanted to read this book.
What's stopped me?
Sometimes I find that while I am interested in a subject or book, I'm not actively wanting to read/do it. It's a struggle.
But I finally picked this up earlier this year. It took a while to get into. I'd read a few pages, then refuse to look at it until my hold expired, then I'd check it out again so I could continue, etc etc. This time, I finally finished it.
Some of Sonny's life choices I didn't agree with. His interactions with the girls in his life highly annoyed me. It's hard to identify why exactly, but I know part of it was how they were written, summed up through the eyes of this hormonal teenager with family issues, anger issues, and self-esteem issues. These are realistic problems which made Sonny (Homer Jr) a relatable person/character, but they definitely fueled some horrible behavior on his part. Speaking about the characterization, this autobiography at times read more like a novel than a true life story. How accurately can you recall details and conversations that happened years ago? But at least it was entertaining.
While I know there are two more books written by Hickam about his life, I feel like this one sums it up pretty well. I see no need to delve into events more closely in his life, and how it formed his character and qualities.
My next step is actually watching October Sky, a.k.a Rocket Boys!...more
I absolutely hated Sam's desperation to remain friends with the other kid, but I enjoyed the sort of future look we get about their relationship and tI absolutely hated Sam's desperation to remain friends with the other kid, but I enjoyed the sort of future look we get about their relationship and the relationships Sam builds after the end of this one. And, if Sam was a better friend too, I think he would find it better to have other friends, not just one who tolerates him (Morgan was a horrible friend anyways). ...more
Certainly not what I expected, but I enjoyed everything except the talk about Pop having two children so close in age. People will have their opinionsCertainly not what I expected, but I enjoyed everything except the talk about Pop having two children so close in age. People will have their opinions, but my opinion will always be marriage, because certain situations as "Oh, look I have a half-brother," wouldn't happen if loyalty is also combined....more
I quite loved this. An amazingly crafted story, mysterious with intense sports drama vibes... family focused! I don't even consider myself a chess plaI quite loved this. An amazingly crafted story, mysterious with intense sports drama vibes... family focused! I don't even consider myself a chess player anymore, although I continue to hope I can find someone respectable to play with (meaning won't become mentally unhinged at winning or losing). The world of tournaments and competition is an intense, horrible place. This book delved into the pressures on chess players and the pressure they put on themselves, and what it means to give up the game for better things or run away from game because you're intimidated. I personally don't think the Dad's past decision was running away, but that last game, with someone clearly trying to intimidate you just because they think they're better than you... It was an intense book that didn't step past the line into cheesy. I appreciate the balance of loving a game or sport, but not letting it be the focus of your life, or something you'd kill to be the best in. This was good. Entertaining. Made me slightly emotional....more
Pretty cool! Callie is an awesome character, I laughed quite a bit, and I very much enjoyed the story. (view spoiler)[sneaking into the bar wasn't my Pretty cool! Callie is an awesome character, I laughed quite a bit, and I very much enjoyed the story. (view spoiler)[sneaking into the bar wasn't my favorite scene though the ending was completely awesome (hide spoiler)] I loved her growth throughout the book, but the only thing that made me shudder yet laugh was (view spoiler)[ her complete disregard for the rules of that time period! It was absolutely horrendous yet entertaining seeing Call-ergh Rebecca, break all the rules and act like a 21st century girl. Besides the fact that it really wasn't a time travel story or there would have been repercussions in the future (If Victoria had died there but 'Rebecca' saved her, then that would change history, not to mention introducing the robot decades earlier and CPR before it was known. (hide spoiler)] If a basic no rule time travel book bothers you, this one isn't for you. If you just wanna go with the flow and be entertained on the awesome characters and their growth and development, then pick this up!...more
Not sure how I feel about this book, probably because of the issues tackled in it by the MC. She did some wrong, horrible things, her mom did some wroNot sure how I feel about this book, probably because of the issues tackled in it by the MC. She did some wrong, horrible things, her mom did some wrong, horrible things, and pretty much everyone else did something wrong (which is completely normal for the human race). I cannot agree with Frances' actions at times, although I rooted for her to get away from her abusive mother. Mentally, emotionally and physically; the mother might seem loving at times, but the abuse she blasted Frances with is too commonly viewed as normal. I did like Derek, tho, and Theresa. I'm pretty sure everything was appropriate and what not (only "pretty sure" cause I think I skipped some stuff where I don't know what happened..), plus no cursing. Would recommend to people not likely to be easily influenced by MC! ...more
When I began this I was a little annoyed, like oh look, another skinny female author trying to write from the perspective of an overweight male (Okay When I began this I was a little annoyed, like oh look, another skinny female author trying to write from the perspective of an overweight male (Okay that supposed to be 13 year old voice was reallllyyyyy weird in the beginning, I have valid reasons for checking out who the author was when I started) but after the tragedy happens, Fry wrote pretty realistically. I really got into it. And it was her first book.
If you liked this, also check out The Melting of Maggie Bean!...more
After rereading: Why’d this make me ugly cry? And listen to Eroica? And, I’ll be honest, I read the last book before this one (which I regret because After rereading: Why’d this make me ugly cry? And listen to Eroica? And, I’ll be honest, I read the last book before this one (which I regret because now I’d have to go back and read between lines to see how my fav Penderwicks are actually doing) but why am I sadder that this story has to end??
After reading: I have no idea why I waited so long to read this. I love my dependable authors, who pull me into the story with just a few pages of a sample. Then I had to read the book.
Batty's voice is unique from her other sisters, more shy, but she still has the emotional, dramatic flair as the rest of her sisters. I enjoyed reading with her voice and Ben's although I did miss the others for a little bit. That was satisfied when Birdsall planted little easter eggs of the three older sisters, from describing Skye's gift to Ben that he used, or Jane's many friends (and her obsession with French, which delivered the familiar old Jane, but older), to Rosalind's routine when coming home for a visit. Father Penderwick has remained one of my favs (really, they are all favorites) with his wise, funny commentary. I kinda wish the family front was delivered a little more, but I really loved Iantha's (I'm actually remembering names...that's how good it was) involvement, and how Batty called her mom. Lydia was awesome, as the newest Penderwick, and I loved her multilingualism.
Jeffrey... how I love him and his relationship with Batty. The music, the songs, just everything retained the awesome Jeffrey. Now, Jeffrey and Skye was funny. If there is a 5th one, it should be about Rosalind's wedding and Jeffrey finally wooing Skye. This could go in many directions, and although compared to Little Women, I'm 80% sure Batty and Jeffrey aren't getting married (then again...Jane???). But I'm excited what the fifth one will bring, because this seemed final enough for me to be the last book in the series.
I now want to buy every book in this series...
Before Reading:I'm stalling to get my copy...
I do really want to read over all the other ones before I get this, but it's almost on my list of books-I-have-to-read-that-I'm-currently-avoiding (Which After Ever After has been a long standing member of).
I don't want to see them grow up, as it's inevitable. It sounds amazing already from the reviews, but I just want to hold on to their childish moments for a little longer. It's like Little Women all over again except over the course of multiple books, and I don't know if I can read it this year... Maybe next year the dread will be gone:)...more
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