this book had been sitting in my to-read shelf for years. when i finally picked it up, it was, ngl, kind of a slow start. epic fantasy isn't my usual this book had been sitting in my to-read shelf for years. when i finally picked it up, it was, ngl, kind of a slow start. epic fantasy isn't my usual genre, so the worldbuilding and writing style took some getting used to. but it all paid off! i confess i skimmed some of the descriptions during high-tension scenes, but the language is stunning. there's an intricate plot, morally questionable characters you want to root for, and witty dialogue. despite some of its darker themes, the vibe is also pretty cozy. definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
4.5 stars! Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a beautiful book about life, love, and the miracles of falling (don't ask). John Green and David Levithan wri4.5 stars! Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a beautiful book about life, love, and the miracles of falling (don't ask). John Green and David Levithan write alternate chapters, with Will Grayson narrating some of the chapters and will grayson narrating other chapters. Yes, that's right– there are two "Will Grayson"s in this book (title kind of gives it away)! One Will Grayson is best friends with Tiny, who is proud, gay, and a theatrical prodigy, while the other Will is, like Tiny, homosexual but has major depression. The two Wills eventually cross paths and find themselves getting involved in totally new encounters, with the authors' voices being distinct and prominent throughout the book. John Green or David Levithan fans (or both– even better!) will definitely enjoy Will Grayson, Will Grayson (warning: inappropriate language + curse words present). ...more
I'll Give You the Sun is officially one of my favourite books, and that's saying a lot4.7 stars (weirdly exact, I know)
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I'll Give You the Sun is officially one of my favourite books, and that's saying a lot . Jandy Nelson weaves an amazing story about a pair of twins, Noah and Jude, as they navigate their teenage years. They encounter issues surrounding friends, family, sexuality, love, jealousy, lies... And how they slowly drift apart and change dramatically.
This book is about truths and lies, and how being true to yourself and others is a major game-changer in life. I'm sure everyone has had their own share of troubles (although perhaps not as many as Noah and Jude), and having the courage to face them is truly a virtue.
I love how the book switches between the twins' early years, narrated by Noah, and Jude's story of their later years. (It doesn't get super confusing, so that's a plus.) Each twin only has part of the story, and it all comes together perfectly. (view spoiler)[ I at first questioned the realistic-ness of having life be so... complicated, I guess I should say, and was slightly frustrated by some of the misunderstandings in this book. But trust me– the positive aspects of this book definitely trump the negative. (hide spoiler)]
I would recommend this to those who want an eye-opening realistic fiction read, and I will definitely be rereading in the future. ...more
it's been years since i read TMI and TID, so i was surprised by how easy it was to get back into the Shadowhunter world and be invested in the charactit's been years since i read TMI and TID, so i was surprised by how easy it was to get back into the Shadowhunter world and be invested in the characters. this book was so hard to put down that i pulled an all-nighter to finish it. anyway, this was a lot of fun—i love the blackthorn family. so many feels....more
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is about Simon (kind of obvious), a teenager who hasn't come out as gay yet. His sexual identity and email corresponSimon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is about Simon (kind of obvious), a teenager who hasn't come out as gay yet. His sexual identity and email correspondence with Blue (pen name of the boy Simon is emailing, starting to like, and has never met) is threatened to be shared with everyone after Simon is blackmailed by a guy who wants a wingman. Those who enjoy humorous, adorable novels about secrets, family, keeping together friendships, feeling alienated, and having courage will definitely like this book! *Takes a greatly-needed deep breath*...more
A series of poems describing her childhood, Brown Girl Dreaming is about the author, Jacqueline Woodson, and her experience as an African-4.5 stars
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A series of poems describing her childhood, Brown Girl Dreaming is about the author, Jacqueline Woodson, and her experience as an African-American growing up in the 1960s and 70s in both the North and the South; she writes in vivid detail about feeling part of both South Carolina and Brooklyn and becoming more aware of the Civil Rights movement. Woodson's powerful poetry illustrates how her love of stories and writing stemmed from her childhood even though she'd struggled with reading then.
Brown Girl Dreaming centers around finding your voice through your passions as well as the importance of family and friends– emphasizing how your childhood and the memories made then stay with you through adulthood with a thoughtful, almost dreamy tone. The poems in this book really flowed together, and I think free verse fit well for Jacqueline's story.
Those who enjoy touching, emotional books and personal experiences would enjoy Brown Girl Dreaming. I also recommend this to people who aren't as familiar with poetry– this is a great start!
