Amazon synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.
First of all, let me just say that I was a blubbering, sobbing mess at the end of this book. I guess I should have expected it after I'll Give You The Sun. This book was beautiful and sad and oh man, it gave me ALL THE FEELS!!! I loved Lennie's poetry inserted at random points in the book. The poetry was full of grief and raw emotion. I didn't even mind the love triangle in this one, despite the fact that one of the guys involved was her dead sister's boyfriend. I totally got where Lennie was coming from. People do strange things out of grief. And Joe . . . talk about swoon worthy. I just loved him so much and was rooting for him and Lennie to get together. Buy/Borrow/Skip: Buy
Amazon Synopsis: One cold fall day, high school junior Liz Emerson steers her car into a tree. This haunting and heartbreaking story is told by a surprising and unexpected narrator and unfolds in nonlinear flashbacks even as Liz's friends, foes, and family gather at the hospital and Liz clings to life.
Oh yes, the second book I read for Bout of Books that made me cry. Argh! I will admit that it took me a while to connect to Liz. Maybe it was the narration style. It was narrated by someone a bit surprising and you don't find out who the narrator was until the end. Actually, I still wasn't sure who the narrator was and had to google reviews to figure it out. Liz is not likable at all. Throughout the book, we see instances where Liz was a bully and a mean girl, even to her own friends. The chapters revolve around the days and hours right before Liz tries to commit suicide and I loved how they were all connected. This was a beautiful book with such a hopeful message at the end. Buy/Borrow/Skip: Buy!
Amazon Synopsis: Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly--so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention. But that is precisely what she gets. He realizes there is more to her than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he's determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy miss may prove to be more than his match.
Adult romance is not typically my favorite genre. But a reviewer at Book Riot was raving about it and it was free on Amazon (still is last time I checked). Also, I desperately needed a lighter read after The Sky Is Everywhere and Falling Into Place. And that is exactly what I got: flirty banter and hot love scenes. Yes there was the traditional lust at first sight, which was followed by almost instantaneous love. And yes, there were some predictable obstacles in their path. But I just loved the characters so much. Robert was strong and so afraid to ask for the love he desperately wants. Minnie is used to making herself small and not showing her emotions so she doesn't bring attention to herself. Together, they make an amazing couple. The only issue I did have with the book is that certain parts were drawn out. Just get to the kissing already, am I right?!? Buy/Borrow/Skip: I think if you are a fan of historical romance, you will want to buy it. Otherwise it's get to borrow for a light read. But if you have a Kindle, you may still be able to get it for free through Amazon!
I'll have to try that one from Milan. The one I read was very dark and depressing and had put me off reading more of hers. Will have to take another go I think :D
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Anna please do! The Duchess War was not dark or depressing at all.
DeleteFalling Into Place sounds interesting. I don't think I have ever read a book where you didn't know who the narrator was and I like it. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace! The narrator did put an interesting spin on the story. It was very good.
DeleteI need to read The Sky is Everywhere so, so badly! I don't even know why I haven't yet, I own it, loved I'll Give You the Sun, and think Jandy Nelson is awesome in general. I didn't really love Falling Into Place, but I think that's because I never connected with Liz, I just kind of hated her the whole time. But I did think the writing was fabulous. Sorry for all the tears, but glad they were all good books for you! :)
ReplyDeleteShannon @ It Starts At Midnight
Thanks Shannon. I do see what you mean about Liz too. It did take me a while to get into it. I think the high rating I gave was mostly due to the great writing and not so much the main character. And yes, Jandy Nelson is amazing!
DeleteI just wanted to see your review of The Sky Is Everywhere! I loved I'll Give You The Sun but I'm a bit afraid of the feels I know The Sky Is Everywhere is going to give me. I feel like I have to mentally prepare myself for it before reading it. Great mini reviews! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks Shay! I think you will love it!! But yes, prepare yourself . . . and keep the Kleenex handy. :)
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