My September Wrap-Up

He wowed with The Book Thief. But he disappointed so much with I Am The Messenger. The premise sounded promising; Ed Kennedy is a 20 year-old cab driver who lives a very dull, underwhelming life and has no future. Until he becomes the town's hero when he foils a bank robbery. And this is when he receives the first playing card, an ace, in the mail. The first of four cards, each with cryptic clues directing him to different people that Ed must save in different ways, makes Ed "the messenger" and as he blindly becomes a player in this game, the haunting question is this; who's behind Ed's mission?

Let me first say that mystery/crime/thriller is my freaking genre. Maybe not so much now, but I went through a phase where it was all I read. It was my thing. I own so many dark suspense and thriller novels that have kept me at the edge of my seat. Authors like Jeffery Deaver and Patricia Cornwell who have made me read until 3am because I wanted to know the identity of the murderer or creepy stalker, only to keep me awake at night because I was too scared to shut my eyes. I get a kick out of psychological thrillers okay. It's just one of those things. So I was so excited to read a book that not only had that kind of vibe, but one written by Markus Zusak. But no. Nu-uh. I just can't.

I was so gutted that this was the let-down that it was. I wish I hadn't read it. The writing style was...weird. The first chapter is brilliantly written but from then on, it just goes downhill. There are fragmented sentences

If they're meant to reflect profound messages and punctuate sucker-punch moments, they fail in delivering. It fell flat. The pace, suspense and the plot twist was meh. I feel like this story lacked so much. And (I can't believe I'm saying this) but it got so boring. After 50 odd pages, I was reading it for the sake of reading. It had potential, but the characters were bland, the writing and plot-building was far too simple and the punch at the end was far too anti-climactic for a plot as mysterious as this. If that's supposed to be the beauty of this book, it flew right above my head. It did nothing for me. It's hard to believe that this is the same author who wrote the shining masterpiece that is The Book Thief.

Fangirl

- by Rainbow Rowell

4.0/5.0 stars




~

Source "Real life was happening in her peripheral vision"

You know those books you read that you know you shouldn't really like, but you do anyway? Yeah, this is one of those books.

Bianca is seventeen and in high school, the world of social labels and the struggles of teenagers to fit in. She's cynical and smart and couldn't care less about the typical high school norm. That is until the school hottie and self-confessed playboy, Wesley Rush, lets slip that she is the DUFF - designated ugly fat friend - of her group. The least attractive one. Rightly so, she throws coke in his face, but it hits a nerve and she can't get it out of her head. And despite being immune to his charm and hating him more than anyone, when things fall apart at home, it's Wesley that becomes the distraction. So begins their enemies-with-benefits relationship. It works...until she realises that there's more to Wesley than what meets the eye and that she may just be falling in love with him...

Yes, I know. It's a stupidly predictable plot. Bad-boy-turns-good-for-her kind of predictable. But I liked it. Sometimes, you just need a cheesy rom-com to read in bed and what can I say, this was a fun one. The writing isn't brilliant, the characters are very stereotypical, the plot isn't developed to the max, but it's light-hearted and funny and whilst predictable, still makes you want to read till the end to see the happily-ever-after. And the movie - watch it. Even if you don't read this book, watch the movie. They've put a twist on the story line a little, but it's close enough, and it will make you feel good and laugh out loud and the goofy adorable ending will make you feel like your evening's been well spent. I'd rate the movie higher than the book simply because it was fun to watch this story played out on screen; the humour was there, the acting was fab, and Robbie Amell plays Wesley so I mean, that may play a part, but still. Worth the read and the watch in my opinion.

I didn't like Gayle Forman's If I Stay. But I heard that Just One Day, and its sequel, Just One Year are so much better so I thought what the heck, let me give it a read. And they were. Slightly. I just...I don't know, maybe it's simply her writing, but I was left feeling supremely underwhelmed after reading it. Easily forgotten, and not one I would go out of my way recommend. Not because it's bad but it isn't brilliant either. I liked it enough but come tomorrow, I'll have forgotten the character's names and the story altogether.

Allyson is seventeen; she is studious, plays by the rules, and plays it safe. She is also nearing the end of her European tour that was a graduation gift from her parents and it is then that she meets Willem, a reckless, free-spirited actor who spontaneously invites her to Paris and in a rare split second of reckless abandon, Allyson says yes. Spending 24 hours with a stranger in the city of love proves to hold consequences that will transform both Allyson and Willem's lives alike as they discover the "accidents" of fate; that you can find the one person in seven billion that may just know you better than you know yourself...

Far-fetched doesn't quite cut it. I'm a hopeless romantic and even I found it hard to believe in a love story that is based on one day of epic adventure and Parisian delights. It's unrealistic and rushed, very insta-love, and the author didn't quite do Paris justice. Naturally, I compared it to Anna and the French Kiss (by Stephanie Perkins) which I adored beyond belief and made Paris super magical. Just One Day paled in comparison. That being said, I enjoyed reading of their little adventures together and I kind of got the spark that was there between the two of them. I wish that their romance was a little more exciting though. I didn't find myself invested in it; my heart didn't race when they were together nor did it pound when they were separated. And I didn't quite connect with Willem in the first book.

The second book redeemed it slightly; I loved reading from Willem's point of view and his travels, friends, and deeper thoughts were so much fun to read. And I absolutely loved the Shakespeare theme that runs throughout; the references, the Shakespearean plays that he performs in, and the reflections of his relationship with Allyson in Shakespeare's plays and characters - it was all so refreshing. The parallels that run with his story and Allyson's in the first book are well done and it was interesting to see how that one day transformed them both. It's a lovely story of self-discovery, saying yes when all you really want to say is no, and trusting your secrets in the hands of another. And by the end of Just One Night which is the supporting companion of the two books, I kinda really liked their relationship. Points for character development and building a love story that took it deeper than instant chemical attraction. (Translating Paris to page may not have worked for this author, but she does wondrously describe Amsterdam, Mexico and India. Kudos.)

What a God-awful read. I'm in the minority when I speak of this book but how people are rating this 4 stars and above is beyond me. I'm going to be quick with its synopsis and review because it was that bad and anything that seems spoiler-y is mentioned in the first 5% of the book in case any of you decide to go to this book against my warnings and your better judgement. Brooke is eighteen; her best friend Beth has just committed suicide after trying and failing to deal with the aftermath that came with her rape by a guy in her high school. After Beth's funeral, Brooke transfers to that high school to exact revenge on the guy that took her best friend's life in a desperate attempt to forgive her past and salvage her guilt (see, Brooke was cheating with Beth's boyfriend and blames herself for her death). Whilst plotting to take down Cal, the unrepentant rapist, Brooke uncovers a sex club that targets and victimises girls, just as they did Beth. She makes it her mission to put an end to the sick and twisted game these boys have going on, but staying one step ahead proves harder than she thought.

Touchy subject, controversial issue, gripping story-line. Awful execution. Walden could have made this book so much more; it had potential and she could have made a brilliant suspense-thriller that handled a rarely touched upon topic in a clever way but boy did this book fall short. Brooke is an annoying narrator; not only is she selfish and careless, but she makes rash decisions without any thought of their consequences (clearly she didn't learn much from sleeping around behind her best friend's back). The setting didn't make sense - the story takes place in a high school and such an intense plot didn't fit into the setting it was forced into. The "discovery" occurred way before 50% of the book without any successful build-up or exciting development. The side romance is poorly done; she practically jumps on him the first time they meet and within weeks they're declaring their love for each other and by the time we reach the epilogue, they're getting married. I'm sorry, what?? There was no real connection with them; it felt purely physical, it was crude and crass at times, and there was nothing sweet or developed about it at all. I've never hated a romantic interest so much in a book. The ending was predictable and so rushed - when it does unfold, the climax happens at 85% of the book with the aftermath brushed over and a fast-forward to happy future. No. Just no. This book should have been all about the mystery surrounding Beth's death, discovering the club and probing into all their secrets, a kick-ass take-down with the climax coming as a surprise, and giving an insight into the tough healing that would follow. Sadly, the trick in writing a good book flew way over Ms Walden's head. 

What an exquisite love story. Ladies and gentlemen, this is how it's done. A realistic, beautiful, sweeps-the-reader-off-their-feet kinda romance, Sonali Dev has captured love in a wonderfully told tale.

Mili is married. She has been for the last twenty years but hasn't seen or met her husband since her wedding day when she was a mere four years old. That hasn't stopped her from doing everything in her power to be the best house-wife that she can be for when her husband Virat finally comes to claim her, and that includes moving from India to America to get an education. But what she doesn't know is that her marriage was supposedly annulled twenty years ago. She doesn't know that in Virat's eyes, their marriage was never binding. She doesn't know that he has found love with another woman.

Samir is a hot-shot Bollywood director; every guy's envy, and every girl's fantasy. He is also Virat's brother and becomes the one responsible for securing an official divorce from Mili when it comes to light that Mili is still under the impression that she is Virat's wife. It should be easy as abc to procure her signature, but it gets complicated when Samir finds himself entangled in her life; he falls for her quirks and golden heart, she falls for his charm and sincerity...but she doesn't know the secrets he harbours and when they fall loose, they will break her heart and shatter the life she has always thought to be true.

This book was an absolute joy to read. Mili is a fantastic heroine; she's determined to make a life for herself and find her independence, and she also has wonderful traits like loyalty, a soft heart, and a strong foothold in the values she believes to be right. Her moral compass is one to be admired and she has an inner strength that shines through the best of her moments. Samir is the classic rich cocky bastard who plays the role of hero down to a T. I adored him. He's a gorgeous hunk and a self-confessed playboy but underneath his arrogant confidence, he's fiercely loyal and caring and will go to hell and back for the people that he loves. The entire book is centred around the relationship between him and Mili; it builds from a sweet friendship to an intense love and God every moment with them together is just pleasure to read. From their witty banter to their chemistry, from the little caring moments of their friendship to their slow-building love, all of it just led to such a lovely romance that does that stupid warm fuzzy thing inside once you've read it. The writing is well done; the world-building is there and the author's struck a neat balance when infusing Indian culture into the American life. The character development for the main characters is just right and the secondary characters are so freaking humorous and likeable - speaking of, the last scenes are so dramatic but hilarious and just so...Bollywood. It was so hard to keep a straight face when there was so much humour injected into scenes of such seriousness and credit to the author, she writes in a style that's oh so fitting to the title.

It was a fun and light, easy read and definitely one I'll go back to because it made me smile from start to finish. And if love, as beautiful as Sonali Dev laid out with her debut, is not as beautiful and epic in real life, then I don't think I want a taste of the real thing.

I've been a fan of Sarah Dessen for as long as I can remember. I went through a phase a few years back where her books were the only books I'd bring back from the library and the only books I would go to the library for. She writes beautiful realistic contemporary fiction that always carries flawed characters through stories that truly hit home. I haven't read her in so long, so when her newest release came out this year, it was a must-read for me. And it didn't disappoint.

Sydney has always lived in the shadow of her older brother, Peyton; charming, good-looking, and charismatic, popular, adventurous, and confident, it's no secret as to why he is always the star of the show. But it comes at a price, and his desperation to keep up his reputation leads to him making drastic choices that land him in jail, so it's up to Sydney to step up and fill the role of the "perfect child". Though she can't shake off the thought of the victim of the accident Peyton was responsible for. Whilst her family fuss over Peyton and continue to make their lives revolve around him, she is riddled with guilt and her shoulders are weighed down by the burden her parents fail to carry. Then a spontaneous decision to enter a pizza parlour throws her into the lives of the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who understand her better than she understands herself, and it is here that she meets Mac, quiet, gentle, and protective, who makes Sydney feel like maybe she's not invisible after all...

This books was simply a lovely read. Sydney makes a great protagonist; her narrative is relatable and endearing, and her emotional struggles make it natural to sympathise. The plot is a simple one but through it, Sarah Dessen has told a wonderful story of forgiveness, acceptance and self-discovery. And the characters are so likeable (or hateable when they need to be). You know what's fab about this one? Compared to 99.9% of books out there, and even compared to her other books, the romance in Saint Anything is secondary to everything else written. It's neatly woven between the sub plots but it's not overwhelming, nor is it the core focus at any point in the book. It's understated and stripped back, and there is zero drama with it. Ah, Mac. Instantly drawn to him. Not the classic boy-hero, but a damn fine hero all the same. The moments between he and Sydney are enjoyable to read, their texts bring a light and fun element to the book, and they strengthen one another in a quiet and subtle way. It's a wonderfully built love story. Together with the themes of family, friendship and personal growth, that tackles problems that exist in the real world, Saint Anything brings depth to Dessen's writing and I recommend you pick it up on one of those rainy days when you're snuggled in a blanket and looking for a good book to pick up. (Also, how beautiful is the cover?!)

I sometimes wonder if I've read the same book as the book world, if I've somehow stumbled upon a book with exactly the same title written by exactly the same author but in a parallel universe with an entirely altered story. Because it genuinely baffles me how some books, books like these, are rated so highly. I actually wanted to laugh out loud when reading the last line because it was so ludicrous, the epilogue so stupidly preposterous, that I don't even know how it came into publication.

I really hope you take my advice and refrain from picking this up. But if unfortunately you don't, there are spoilers ahead in this review.

Alex and Brittany attend an American high school but are from completely different worlds; he is a gangster, she is a polished rich girl. When they're forced to become chemistry partners and work on a chemistry project together, their different lives come at a cross-roads as Alex discovers that there's more to Brittany's primped and preened exterior, whilst she discovers that growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, can have life-threatening consequences.

Everything that could be awful with a book, I read in these 368 pages. It is cliched to the max. The language choice is appalling - I mean, there's a line between developing a character to fit his personality, and being outright crude. It's very rushed with no real chemistry or relationship developing between the two despite the title of the book. Their "banter" is forced, their conversations sometimes awkward to read, and their romance wasn't one I was invested in. It should have been an "urban twist on forbidden love" packed lots with drama and feuding families and a passionate love affair that drives the reader wild. Instead, there's unnecessary drama that is poorly constructed, families that are utterly dysfunctional alone, forget in the company of one another, and a watered down love story that wouldn't even make Juliet shed a tear. The book lacks a solid plot with a developed story line, it lacks well-built and thought out characters, and it has a rushed ending that even I could have done a better job at writing. These two characters go from hating each other on page one, to suddenly falling in love in chemistry class, to getting married, to having a settled life 23 years later where they have a kid and have developed a drug that is a cure for Alzheimer's Disease. Come again? No no no no no. Like what??? Do you even know the science behind AD or the current research ongoing in that area, and wow two kids sit together in a chemistry class, fall in love, and miraculously generate a cure in two decades. Oh God. What even. I genuinely didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If the book was poor, the epilogue was bloody shit. I was cringing so bad when reading it. Cringey, corny, cheesy...and these are the nice words to sum up this book. Stay away.