Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

 

 I'm not in the mood for an in depth review right now. I'm so devastated. My heart is crushed to its core. A beautiful story and a lovely ending but I can't seem to accept the bittersweet truth of it all.

 Because I was shocked... utterly shocked! The twist is an uber blow, I swear I didn't see it coming.

 So allow me to show you how I felt.. I was like this... 

 

And this.

  

Then this...

   

I'm glad Brandon and Harper have their happy ending... But is it so wrong to wish one for Chase?

 I'm sorry but all I have right now is the sheer disappointment for the story. It has great potential, only if it was told in a different way. And I'm tired of hearing people say that "It's the reality of life, somehow we have to deal with it." Grrrrrr! I want to tell them can't you see how it made me feel? Now would you say that to yourself if you are in Harper's place? That's why I think the plot is unforgivable. If you want to torture yourself, go read it. But if you want to save yourself from the all the trouble, I'd support you all the way. I don't want to give away the story but I just want to make you guys think first before reading this. It will be tough if you go in blind. 

If you don't want to read the BIG spoiler you can stop here..

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If you're reading this I want to tell you in advance that the love interest, the gorgeous, hot, sweet, loving Chase was killed! I'm sorry but I'm just frigging mad I even bothered reading this. It would've been better if the author didn't make the readers love Chase, if she wrote it in such a way that you would hate him. But it wasn't that way! She made Chase's character seem lovable and not to mention there was too much effort in his character development. So I thought he was the one! And just when you start loving and swooning over him, something happens, then BAM! Everything goes down the drain. Your hopes, dreams, expectation comes tumbling down. It was an absurd effort to stir the reader's emotion but all it does was make you miserable. 

 I was so happy about how their love story turns out. I was like "Wow! They're getting married soon and they're going to have a baby! So excited!" But then 50% through the book, he died in a freaking ACCIDENT! God. His death wasn't even given enough justice! One minute they were having an emotional fight, then he died the next page! To tell the truth I was asking myself, "Is this real?!" Because killing the love interest is unbelievable! Preposterous! Yup Brandon is still there but how about the guy who blew me away the first time I read about him??! How can the characters, especially Harper, move on that fast?! How can she be with Brandon as if nothing happened?! 

 Again, I apologize for the major ranting or shall I say outburst. I just need to vent this. 

 I heard the author will write the story in Chase's POV.. Well...

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 There's no way I'm going to break my heart again. I don't want to torture myself any further than I already have. 

“That first night, I did realize I would never meet another girl like you. But you deserve someone who has waited for you as long as you have waited for them. And no matter how much I wish I could be that guy, I can't Harper."-Chase 

 .. Ugh...I miss him... I think I need a support group for this book. I'm extremely pissed. 

 My Rating: 2 of 5 stars.. (>, >)

Love Story by Erich Segal

"Love means not ever having to say you're sorry."

These are such beautiful words that bawled my eyes out, tore my heart apart but made it whole again. Indeed, it is true that a story's brevity is not an issue to be considered when it comes to moving the readers. I say this because despite the way this novel is told and narrated, it is emotional and has a great message to tell everyone.

The love story between Jenny and Oliver is told in such a way that surprises me. The events in their life are told in a fast-paced manner but it never left me short-changed, it was complete and satisfying. Most tragic endings are devastating, but this one is different. It made me appreciate love, family, and so much more. If you're looking for a read you can easily finish in one sitting. Try this, like me you might be awed at how beautiful this will turn out. 

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars!

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Oftentimes, I purposely avoid reading novels that do not conform to what I've always believed in. Otherwise, it would mean plunging into murky waters, and reading as a cynical critic would have. 

It is not your average love story. Rarely do I encounter novels that boldly ventures in this issue. But "Forbidden" not only managed to do that but also moved me in ways I never imagined.

 A negligent and alcoholic mother, a father who left them out of the blue, a family on the brink of falling apart. They say the ones who are affected the most in a dysfunctional family are the children. Maya and Lochan are no different. They are siblings and have been each other's strength for years. Struggling to survive, to raise their younger brothers and sister despite the circumstances failing them. And they love each other...

Incest is a very sensitive issue. I've never read anything about this before. So knowing what goes into their minds is new as well. It was tragic. They were both prison of their own society. They know it's not the right thing. They know it's immoral, illegal, unethical, and impossible. But how could you blame them? Strangely, it was a eye-opening read.

I was reluctant to read this at first. I'm a firm believer of what I know is right. But reading this, I found myself sympathizing for them and wishing things turned out differently. There were so many scenes that are revolting. I cringed. Yes. You'd want to stop them. But in the end, there is pity and remorse. This book reminds us that no matter how much you love each other, no matter how hard you fight for it, if it's against the law, it's impossible. Harsh reality of a story like this.

It's a book that's impossible to finish without having tears in your eyes. This is beautiful as it is heartbreaking. You may have seen love in it's myriad forms. But this one is definitely unique..



I give this 4/5 stars! 

The fault in our Stars by John Green

This is my first time reading something from John Green. My extreme curiosity made me spontaneously pick this novel amid the long list of books I’ve been wanting to read. “How come it has a staggering number of ratings? Hmmmm… This is a must read, this better be good!” I thought. But unfortunately, after the end, I don’t think I could give this book so much credit just like many people did. Being that it has a remarkable and insightful plot, it didn’t resonate that much. I liked Hazel and the way Augustus call her “Hazel Grace.” I liked Gus for being so sweet, I liked their witty conversations although sometimes I find it over-the-top witty, they don't talk their age or just the typical teenager talks. And of course, I can't hide my frustration at how everything ended. I mourned when Gus died because it isn't fair and I don't want him to. That's why I wasn't that amazed, I was depressed. He didn't need to die. Why oh why?!


I give this 4/5 stars!

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

In life, committing mitakes is inevitable . Each day unfolds an unexpected turn that's enough to make you yearn for the old days and undo all the damages. Then, realization strikes you that you can never have the upperhand in this. But what if something peculiar happens and fate itself gives you a day to null all your follies? Would you be willing to accept you sinful deeds? For One More Day, a book by the bestselling author Mitch Albom revolves around this story.


 It is about treating your parents the way they should be treated and realizing that no matter how bad you mess up in life, there is this hope at the end of the road, waiting to be recognized. This heart-warming novel provides flashbacks from the protagonists. Charles "Chick" Benetto's life has been falling apart since his childhood. his struggle to cope up with the divorce of his parents together with his frustrations in baseball deeply affects his outlook. He grew up longing to see even the slightest attention from his father who abandoned them. Disregarding his mother's unselfsh and unconditional love, he lavished toomuch time trying to get the love of an absent father. but all of these changed when years later, his mother died. All the guilt and regret came flooding in. This brings him to a point when he attempts to take his own life. After that, the strangest thing happens. He gets the chance to be with his mother for a day which he has so yearned. That miraculous encounter gives him the wisdom to forgive himself. He finally realizes that in spite of his absences, his mother's undisputable love will never cease. The good thing about this book is its capability to touch the reader's hearts despite its simplicity. So you'll end up asking yourself "Did I fail to appreciate the ones i love? I liked how some of the chapters are titled " Times I Did Not Stand Up For My Mother" and "Times My Mother Stood Up For Me", he stressed the events when he treated his mother unjustly and his mother's heartfelt sacrfices for him. It also has some insightful lines that'll surely influence the readers. Just like this one, " I believe my mother saved my life, I also believe that parents, if they love you, will hold you up safely, above swirling water, and sometimes that means you'll never know what they endure, and you may treat them unkindly, in a way you otherwise wouldn't." 


I recommend this book to everyone. It will certainly make you stop and reflect for a while. Just think about the hours you can devote being with you mother- it's a lifetime. We might not get the chance to go back like Chick had. So it's important to show your presence to your loved ones and make them feel special. 


I give this 5/5 stars!

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson is unfreakingbelievable!


Actually, i didn't expect to like this for the plot itself is a giveaway that it talks of death, grief, or anything that would make a novel depressing. But reading it feels exactly the opposite! Jandy Nelson is such an incredible writer that even the simplest plot could turn into something beautiful, wonderful, touching and refreshing! The characters are so believable that although they have their own flaws and struggles bottled up inside, I was able to feel them, I was able to feel their grief for Bailey's death. I understood what Gram must feel- she feels alone, ashamed for what she's done, and longs for the return of her daughter. I wanted to remind her that she's not alone, that it's not her fault, and that she did a great thing in raising Lennie and Bailey. I wanted to tell Lennie that wherever her sister is, she's already forgiven, that she shouldn't feel guilty, there's no need to write poems for Bails in every candy wrapper, in every piece of paper and scatter them all over town because she'll always be by her side. I wanted her to soar and touch the sky, to do everything without hesitation and the lingering ghost of her past. That's how emotionally caught up I am in the story.

  I admire Joe, his Joelirius, and his batting eyelashes! Bat. Bat. Bat. I admire that he's like the sunshine that lights up everyone's sorrow. I'm just glad that Lennie ended up with him because it means that she's embracing the change. I also enjoyed reading Sarah's personality, she made me laugh with her hilariously exaggerated language -- “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! That is so unfreakingfreakingfreakingfreakingbelieveable! Cows on the moon, Len! Cows. On. The. Moon!” -- I seem to forget about Lennie's dilemma whenever she spends time with her bestfriend.


I can say that I'm glad I read this novel because I learned so much, about life, about death, and about people. I feel enlightened after reading this emotional ride of a novel.




I'm just so in LOVE with this book..


I LOVE Joelirius!
















I give this 5/5 stars!