The Fault in our Stars- John Green

The Fault in out Stars by John Green 

This book came as a personal recommendation from my best friend. She has a lovely collection of books I hope to one day read through and share with you.

Actually I'd heard very positive things about this book, and the author; New York Times Best Selling Author of Looking for Alaska- John Green, from a number of people and with the movie coming out in the spring I wanted to have read it before I saw the film.

I started The Fault in our Stars and was already laughing out loud on the second page. I thought there must be something wrong with me, this is a book about people affected by cancer; family, friends, survivors, fighters and those that fought the fight until they couldn't fight anymore. But as I read my favourite well written passages aloud to my husband (which ended up being most of the first chapter) I realized that this was that kind of book. It's sad, but it's also real and funny.
It's a work of fiction (I had to keep reminding myself) but it is so real, and so true that if you are sick, or have ever been sick, or known anyone who's sick, it will hit home.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 16. Although I am currently feeling very healthy, I haven't always been so lucky. I am on treatments but I know what it is like to know there is no cure for your situation. This book was like a breath of fresh air. The author doesn't hide the reader from pain, or speak about being sick as an observer. Instead he breaks the wall between observers and the sick and helps the reader to see a true glimpse into some of the struggles of those who are fighting.

It's a beautiful story told through the eyes of a beautiful character who is smart, funny and continues to learn about life, love and the world as she continues treatment of her terminal case of cancer. The book is not meant to be a comedy (or maybe it is), but the main character is funny and you can't help but laugh along with her sense of humour. The same way you can't help but cry along with her parents, or with her as she looks at her abandoned swing set.

It's a lovable story full of metaphors, told eloquently through bright shining eyes.

If you read this book, which I suggest you do, be prepared for laughs, tears and to read it quickly. I'm not suggesting you rush through it, just understand that you won't want to put it down.
I read it in 2 sittings.

I think this book can be read by young teens even though some of the language is advanced. Have a dictionary sitting nearby and learn some new words!

-Brandolyn

Have you read it already? What were your thoughts?

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth in the third book in the Divergent Trilogy. 

I had quite a hard time reading through this book because I felt like it was so radically different from the first two. 

This book introduced massive plot twists, new characters and a new writing style and I did not take all that change well. The book sat on my shelf for 5 weeks. I read a chapter here, and another chapter there and was not impressed with anything I was reading. The characters and their choices frustrated me. I thought I knew the characters and then they would make choices I found very out of character in new surroundings. 

I really struggled with the new writing style. 2 books had been from the main female character's point of view and then the third book jumped between the main female's point of view and the main male's every other chapter.

It got to a point where I was actively scowling and sneering at points in the book. I had to just keep reading because if I stopped reading I would never pick it back up again. Finally around page 450, I gave the book an ultimatum.
I told the book that for me to actually consider liking it, the book had to:

• not do what it told me it was going to do (ie. the characters made bad choices and I needed it fixed)

• give me a reason why there had to be 2 points of view

• 3 major plot points (which include spoilers so I won't elaborate) had to change

These were only a couple of the points I made in my ultimatum. And remarkably enough, the book met all of my prerequisites! I started off not liking this book at all, but once the book was finished and I saw the entire scope of the book I loved it. Overall I am thrilled with the Trilogy, I have issues with the last book but I got over them by the end. Great story, really neat world and characters you want to believe in. 

Suitable for young teens, violence, rebellion, personal growth, discovery, death, suffering and hope. 

-Brandolyn

Have you read this Trilogy?

*This would make a great gift for teens and young adults 13+*

Insurgent- Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth is the second book of the Divergent Trilogy.
This book was given to me by my sister (along with the third book Allegiant) while I was feeling sick and wanted some new reading materials.

I didn't devour this book as fast as I read Divergent. I found the start of Insurgent slow. It took me about 7 chapters to get as wrapped up in the story as I was with the 1st book, but once I was hooked I didn't put it down. I read Insurgent in 5 sittings.

I think Insurgent is suitable for young teens and up. Like the first book, there is quite a bit of violence, rule breaking and self discovery, so it may not be for everyone. The political messages may not be recognized by junior readers (but that doesn't take away from the entertainment of the book).

-Brandolyn

Word of the Day: Finifugal

 I often find my mind avoids writing the ending of stories, but when I'm reading I cannot wait to get to the last page!

SOURCE

-Brandolyn

Can you use Finifugal in a sentence?

Divergent- Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth

This book was recommended to me by friends, and authors I follow on social media. It is the first book in a trilogy, so naturally I asked for the first book for Christmas so I would have some reading over the holidays. 

I got the book from my father in law (my mom also got the book for Christmas from my sister) and it sat unread throughout the busy holidays until after my celebrations on New Year's Eve. Not quite tired after all the celebrating I decided to read myself to sleep. 

This is the wrong book for that. Divergent was new and exciting. The characters are compelling, the world is familiar (set in Chicago) and yet unbelievably different. The world we know is so old that the residents of Chicago don't even know that name. 

This world is fun to play in as a reader; much like the world of Harry Potter has school houses, and Hunger Games has Districts. The world in Divergent is separated in to Factions that readers can easily align themselves with or struggle against the oppression that is the confinement to one Faction. 

The characters are charismatic, curious, risk takers that take no time to adore. The story is fast paced and exhilarating. 

If you like new worlds, political tension, physical challenges, personal growth and plot twists then Divergent should make an appearance on your night stand. 

It's the first book of 3, so if you fall in love with the characters and the world, there's more to read. 

I think it is suitable for young teens and up. There is quite a bit of violence, rule breaking and self discovery, so it may not be for everyone.

-Brandolyn

Welcome

Welcome to my bookself!

For years I have wanted to compile an index for all of the books I have read over the years, this however, is going to be a little different.
This is a review of the books I have collected over the years, which sit piled high on my bookshelves. Honestly, some of my shelving units must be close to their weight bearing limit; it looks like the the inside of J.K. Rowling's Flourish and Blotts.

Every review I write will be of a book I have recently read. It may be the second time I have read the book: LOTR, or it may be the 17th time: Harry Potter. Each review will be written with the author's words still fresh and ringing in my mind.

These reviews will include a brief description of the story and then will focus on writing style, genre, age range for the readers, subject matter and reccomendations. I will also outline pet-peeves and dislikes (these are not to bother the author, but for my own personal learning and as a tool for up-coming writers).

***I will strive to avoid spoilers. ***
Believe me when I say, I hate spoilers; I refuse to read the back, or inside cover of a book, I just pick it up and read.

I love many authors; although you may notice a few re-occuring names, and will strive to review a varitety of works. Most of the books that surround my house are of a fantasy/ adventure genre, with a few mystery novels, and one or two horror stories hidden through out.

If you like books and you find yourself constantly looking for a new book, check my reviews when your nightstand is book-less and hopefully you will find a book or an author that calls to you.

Happy Reading.

-Brandolyn