Tag: book blog

Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review4 Comments

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Everybody has to make choices.
Some might break you.
For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they’re all about a future full of music and love, a future that’s brimming with hope.
But life can change in an instant.
A cold February morning . . . a snowy road . . . and suddenly all of Mia’s choices are gone. Except one.
As alone as she’ll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all.

This book has been on my shelf for way too long, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. I actually really enjoyed this book, I found it so easy to read and ended up getting through it in a few short days.

“And that’s just it, isn’t it? That’s how we manage to survive the loss.”

I’ve never read a book quite like If I Stay. It switches between the MC being in a coma and ghost-like state, and flashbacks of how her life was before the accident. I actually really enjoyed the flashbacks, and it made the pages speed by! I found this book quite comforting in a way, and the flashbacks made me feel so close to Mia, her family and her friends.

The only criticism I have is that she didn’t seem very real? I know, I know, she is literally a ghost. But it wasn’t that that bothered me. I just found her dialogue/thoughts really strange for her age sometimes, especially in the flashbacks when she was still a child. I can’t remember an exact example, but one piece seemed so odd that I actually read it out to my boyfriend. Staying on this theme, the book was so cheesy that it came out with some really weird fantasies – including Mia playing her boyfriend like a cello, and even going as far to run her cello bow over his body. If anything, this made me feel so embarrassed and awkward?

“Because love, it never dies, it never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hang on to it.”

But my complaints are only small. I did enjoy this book, it just wasn’t perfect for me!

★★★★★
4 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review5 Comments

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On September 5th, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: they’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but for different reasosn, they’re both looking for a new friend on their End Day. The good news: there’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure – to live a lifetime in a single day. 

All I could do while reading this book was compare it to More Happy Than Not. Because the difference is insane, and I loved loved loved this book! Firstly, it’s so unique, the way Silvera uses magical realism in his novels to change them up from being contemporary. It made They Both Die at the End so relatable and easy to read even though it wasn’t strictly real.

“But no matter what choices we make – solo or together – our finish line remains the same..”

I found the characters so much easier to relate to than in More Happy Than Not. Mateo and Rufus come from very different backgrounds but they share their deepest thoughts and feelings in this book. They’re both very tender and real. Nothing is hidden in this book, and it’s so pure that I ended up with tears rolling gently down my cheeks. I’d been told to prepare myself, but I hardly ever cry at books! This one just couldn’t be helped.

“..No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end.”

The plot was so easy to follow and the pacing was so good, especially as this book is set over only 24 hours! I really admire authors who can fill a book with the events of just one or two days. I have to admit, I admire Silvera so much after reading this book. Knowing the main characters are going to die is so hard, because I’m sure some people have gone in with the ‘I don’t care what happens to them they die anyway’ attitude. But Silvera knocked this one out the park. He made two dying boys live.

★★★★
4.5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review4 Comments

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Life hasn’t been easy for sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto, but with the help of his girlfriend he’s slowly remembering what happiness might feel like. 
Then Thomas shows up …
Thomas is smart and funny, and before long Aaron is spending all his time with him. But as Aaron’s feelings for Thomas intensify, tensions with his other friends start to build.
Soon Aaron is faced with a choice – one that will make him question what it is he wants, and how far he’ll go to get it.
Why does happiness have to be so hard?

I saw a lot of good in this book, but I’m not sure if it was quite for me to be completely honest! I haven’t read contemporary for a few months now, which is a long time for me, and although this wasn’t strictly contemporary I still found it difficult to get back into another genre.

I’m not quite sure what didn’t click for me, so let’s go through everything.

“Everyone plays a purpose, even fathers who lie to you or leave you behind.”

I actually really liked the concept of this book. It was very clever and original but just so sad? I ended up leaving this book feeling hopeful, but still so depressed. And I found the plot so slow to start with! Something massive happened around halfway through Aaron’s story and I couldn’t stop reading after that thing, but I do believe it should have happened earlier.

I found this book relatable to very specific people. As Silvera writes in his authors note, many readers who have been through an awful life-changing situations will relate and empathise with Aaron. There was also so much detail surrounding Aaron’s neighbourhood/the people/lifestyle that I felt more and more detached with every new detail.

“Time takes care of all that pain so if someone derails you, it’ll be okay eventually.”

I also had a little problem with Aaron, even though I completely understand why he was the way he was. He just seemed to keep making mistakes, but I guess that’s what makes him human.

So as you can probably tell, my opinions of this book are very mixed up and confused. Considering how much I’m enjoying They Both Die at the End, I think I just wish I’d felt more included and enveloped in this one.

★★★
3 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Unravel Me (#2) by Tahereh Mafi

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review5 Comments

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It should have taken Juliette a single touch to kill Warner. But his mysterious immunity to her deadly power has left her shaken, wondering why her ultimate defense mechanism failed against the person she most needs protection from.
She and Adam were able to escape Warner’s clutches and join up with a group of rebels, many of whom have powers of their own. Juliette will finally be able to actively fight against The Reestablishment and try to fix her broken world. And perhaps these new allies can help her shed light on the secret behind Adam’s—and Warner’s—immunity to her killer skin.

Before I start – this review will include spoilers! I just don’t think I can include all of my thoughts about this book without talking a bit about what happened, so be warned.

I want to say that I don’t actually dislike love triangles. I wouldn’t say I have an opinion on them either way, because it is possible that they can be done well. But in this book, no. Just no. I feel like I let my own feelings really seep into my opinion of this book, but it just felt so wrong. Juliette and Adam are perfect for each other. Warner is a murderer. I am determined to not let that get out of my head. There is just so much wrong with his character. He keeps making advances on Juliette without her permission. He touches her without her permission. He invades her personal diary without her permission. And as much as I understand he is persuasive and it makes Juliette confused, it’s just wrong.

I just can’t help but think that if anyone acted as Warner did in these books in real life, it would be morally wrong and she could easily press charges. He would be seen as a stalker and a creep. But because he’s so hot and so good with words, she’s suddenly confused. What the hell is wrong with her?

“The books…”

But as much as I absolutely despised the love triangle, I can’t help but say I still really enjoyed reading this. I can’t even begin to describe how talented Tahereh Mafi is. Her writing is beautiful, and thank God, she has discovered how to use a freaking comma. I really felt like the writing flowed more in this book, and I loveee the short chapters! I’ve had a busy week but I’m sure that if I’d had more time I’d have finished this in just a few short days!

“they helped keep me from losing my mind altogether.”

So I’m definitely going to carry on with this series, but I feel like it was a major disappointment compared to the first book. I really enjoyed the first one, but even thinking about what I’ve just read makes me feel angry. Mafi is talented enough with her writing to make me want to continue, but I won’t be holding my breath.

★★★
2.5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review3 Comments

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It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

I have to start by saying I can completely understand and sympathise with the anger surrounding this book. I can’t imagine being part of the Harry Potter fandom your whole life, find out she’s releasing another book….and it’s a play. Whoop.

But I’m very fortunate to say I never saw it that way. I knew this book would be a play. I treated it very much like a novella. And I loved it.

“Those we love never truly leave us, Harry.”

This book gives Harry Potter fans something fresh and new. It’s a long time since the last of the series came out, and this is a great way to cast our minds back and feel the nostalgia. I loved reading about the group as adults, as well as having a touch of the cast as they were young but in a different mindset. I found the dialogue entrancing and the play format very easy to read, a very different experience to reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

“There are things that death cannot touch.”

It only took me a couple of days to read this, and I felt the magic and anticipation just as I did when I read the original series. For Harry Potter fans like me, reading this will make you feel comforted. It’s definitely something to go into with a different mindset, and if you can it’s definitely best to read this with a clean slate in mind, and no expectations.

I went in feeling like that, and it made reading this script feel like coming home.

★★★★★
5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review10 Comments

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J.K. Rowling’s screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt’s fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

I was a little hesitant going into this book – it’s been a while since I read a screenplay – but I loved it! I’m really glad I read it before seeing the film, because I don’t know if I’d have felt the same way, but this was gorgeous. And not just in a literary sense, but a design sense too. Each page has some little detail, and the book is scattered with designs of magical beasts and little beautiful additions.

“Jacob: Tell me — has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?”

As for the story, I loved it! I had to focus a little more than when I’m normally reading to be able to picture everything clearly, but to me this was a Harry Potter fans dream. I loved the characters, especially Jacob and Queenie, and the beasts were so descriptive! It was so fun to read about Newt and his group chasing them all over the city. This screenplay was chaotic, and it was so entertaining to picture all of the scenes.

“Newt: My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”

So this might be more of a collectors item for most, but I adored reading it. It also contains one of my favourite quotes of all time which I included in this post! Onto Harry Potter and the Cursed Child while I’m still in my screenplay mode!

★★★★★
5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: My Neighbor Totoro by Tsugiko Kubo

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review6 Comments

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The beloved animation classic by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro is now retold in novel form. This prestige, hardcover edition features original illustrations by Miyazaki himself, accompanying a story written by veteran children’s book author Tsugiko Kubo. Sure to delight both existing fans and new readers! Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. While their father is working, the girls explore their sprawling old house and the forest and fields that surround it. Soon, Satsuki and Mei discover Totoro, a magical forest spirit who takes them on fantastic adventures through the trees and the clouds–and teaches them a lesson about trusting one another.

I can’t even begin to tell you how lovely this book was. I found it so comforting! I started watching Studio Ghibli movies a few years ago, and they really hold a special place in my heart. I’ve come to love the franchise, and when I saw this book I knew I’d want to pick it up. I wasn’t wrong in adding it to my TBR, I got through it in just a day and I adored it!

“The rain kept falling, falling, falling….”

If you’re a fan of the movie like I am, this book is definitely worth the read. Told mostly from the view of 11 year old Satsuki, it explores the challenges of moving to a new house and having an ill family member. It’s lighthearted and extremely gentle, but still nostalgic of the more emotional undertones of the beautiful movie.

This book is extremely cute as a physical item, and is scattered with beautiful watercolour illustrations that are reminiscent of the animation. The story reminded me of Enid Blyton, who I adored as a kid! It really made me think how much I would have loved this book if I’d had it read to me as a child.

“The sound of rain was everywhere.”

I read this in bed, with fairy lights on, while I wasn’t feeling well one rainy day. The countryside setting is described beautifully, and overall the narrative is sweet and calming. If you like the movie/Studio Ghibli in general, this book is definitely worth the read.

★★★★★
5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review6 Comments

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Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Before I begin, thank you to the lovely Anna for pushing me to read this book! An old friend gave it to me for my birthday almost 2 years ago and it’s taken me until now to finally pick it up. But I’m glad I did, because I enjoyed it so much that it took me under 2 days to complete.

“Raindrops are my only reminder that clouds have a heartbeat.”

I think the thing I found most enjoyable about this book is it’s so easy to read. The pages literally fly by, because after the first couple of chapters the pacing is steadfast. The short chapters left me wanting to just read another one, making Shatter Me a book I just couldn’t put down. I also loved the cast of characters, from our clever villain to Adam’s sweet little brother. Although Juliette was whiny and cliche, I couldn’t help but understand her situation.

This book kind of reminded me of The Selection series in the ways it made me feel. The insta-love annoyed me a little as it was cringy, but I still couldn’t help but enjoy reading about their story. I just wish I’d read this one a couple of years ago instead, because I would have loved it even more!

“That I have one, too.”

Alongside some of the cringe, I had a few small issues I want to address. For one, why does Mafi not know about commas? I understand that this pushed forward the whole diary/notebook written aspect, but some sentences just really needed breaking up. It didn’t bother me too much after a while, but if I didn’t think it was intentional, it would have just looked unprofessional.

But niggles aside, I couldn’t help but enjoy it. I’ve already ordered the second book and I can’t wait to carry on with the series soon!

★★★★
4 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: The Raven King (#4) by Maggie Stiefvater

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review4 Comments

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All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love’s death. She doesn’t believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

I can’t believe I’ve finished this series. It took me so long to get round to finishing, but it’s all I’ve been thinking of for the past couple of weeks. Take a read of the quote I included in this, because it’s exactly how I felt about this series! The Raven King was ups and downs for me, but I did end up loving it.

Something I disliked..where was Noah? The little sweet thing, I missed him so much in this book. His lack of presence was the only thing I really disliked, and it made me feel Henry was only there to attempt to make up for it. Sorry, Stiefvater, but a Noah shaped hole can never be filled.

“He was a book, and he was holding his final pages, and he wanted to get to the end to find out how it went,”

I do have to say that I unfortunately found the pacing off yet again in this book! But once I got into it, it flew past for me. I found the plot interesting, and I’m glad this one focused mostly on the group of friends rather than villains, and included some really interesting scenes with them all.

Talking of the group of friends, I won’t give spoilers but I ship two different couples in this book 😉 Fans of the series will know how happy I feel! I mentioned in my review for Blue Lily, Lily Blue that I felt each of these books focused more on a different character, but I’m happy to say that I think The Raven King made the group equal. I loved reading about each of them!

“and he didn’t want it to be over.”

I don’t think I can say enough about the characters. It’s just so rare for YA to not focus on romance and actually focus on intimate friendships and friendship groups instead. Alongside Stiefvater’s absolutely beautiful writing and scenes that will stay with me for a long time to come, I feel the characters and their friendship warms my heart the most. That’s what made me truly fall in love with this series.

★★★★★
5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Blue Lily, Lily Blue (#3) by Maggie Stiefvater

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review5 Comments

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Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs. The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost.

I just saw on Amazon that I bought this book in May 2016, over 2 years ago. So why the hell did it take me so long to get round to actually reading this series? I’ve got to a point where I can’t imagine my world without these beautiful Raven Boys, and I’m dreading finishing The Raven King and being without this series.

I feel like each of these books teaches us more about the individuals that make up this quirky little group. We had an introduction, we had Ronan and in Blue Lily, Lily Blue, I developed a deep understanding of Adam. There is a passage in this book where Blue explains that the Raven Boys all fall a little bit in love with each other, and I think I can include myself in this. Because the characters are by far the best thing about this book.

“”Don’t tell the others,” Gansey said.”

Although we really needed more Noah in this book, because his cold little self warms my heart with some scenes, my favourite of which is in The Dream Thieves with Blue, and always will be. We also find ourselves with a number of awesome characters added in this book, one of which is Jesse Dittley, who I have to say I just found awesome.

Leaving the characters aside for a moment, I have to force myself to focus on other things. Like the plot, which actually wasn’t half-boring in this book! I feel like this is where it clicked for Maggie, and became more action-packed and paced better. Thank god. Let’s hope she keeps it up for The Raven King.

“”I’m dead,” Noah replied, “not stupid.””

I only have two minor complaints, once again. For one, I want more Gansey please? He is meant to be the main focus of this entire book, but I need more description of him and his life outside Glendower. Or maybe the point is that he doesn’t have one.

For two, Adam’s court scene? Is entirely missed out? I’m presuming it all turned out okay, but I also feel like someone ripped some very important pages out of my book or something.

But these two very minor feelings can’t impact on my love for this series, which burns brighter than it ever has, if you can believe it.

★★★★★
5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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