Flash Reviews - August Edition!

1. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

What I liked about it: Basically, it is Magical Realism at its best. It takes you on an unexpected and heart-wrenching journey of self-discovery and the true nature of humans. This novel is whimsical and unique. Even though it might be the strangest book I've ever read, I enjoyed it immensely. It follows multiple generations of the same family, ending with Ava, the girl with wings. Her story will make you cry, cringe, and most importantly, it'll make you think. 

What I didn't like about it: n/a
Rating: 5/5





2. Isla and the Happily Ever After

What I liked about it: Like the two novels before it, Isla is adorable and quirky. I love the romance in these novels because it makes me smile and break into a song. The (short) visit to Barcelona left me on cloud nine. Stephanie Perkins knows how to make the setting shine and I love her for it. 

What I didn't like about it: Unlike the previous novels, this one felt a little flat and weak. For the most part, I liked Isla and Josh. However, I rolled my eyes way too many times to fully love this novel and I REALLY wanted to love it.

Rating: 3/5

3. Love, Rosie

What I liked about it: In case you don't know, this novel is about two friends who could be more than friends but life keeps them apart. I wasn't expecting much from this one but I was pleasantly surprised. It takes place during a long span of time, and when I say long I mean over forty years. I loved the relationship between Rosie and Alex and how it develops very naturally. I really enjoyed the story and the format (emails, letters, etc.)  

What I didn't like about it: I drags on forever and a day. I don't necessarily mind this but I feel like the novel could've been shorter. 

Rating: 4/5





4. Hold Still

What I liked about it: Hold Still is my first Nina LaCour novel and it won't be my last. LaCour's writing is stunning. I didn't just read Caitlin's story, I lived it. I feel like this novel doesn't sugarcoat suicide. It deals with it head-on and that makes the story that much more important. The characters, the setting, the letters, the beautiful illustrations, the importance of photography in Caitlin's healing process...I loved it all.  

What I didn't like about it: n/a
Rating: 5/5




5. A Monster Calls

What I liked about it: Hmmm, everything? I received this beauty for my birthday and I had to read it immediately. The story is so unique and incredibly touching. Patrick Ness does a wonderful job with the fantasy element of the novel. I particularly loved the illustrations. They complemented the story perfectly.  What do you get when beautiful illustrations and a flawlessly written story come together? You get a magnificent reading experience.

What I didn't like about it: n/a
Rating: 5/5

Flash Reviews - March Edition!

 The Giver by Lois Lowry

What I liked about it: Is everything a little bit too vague? To be honest, I was a little skeptical about this one. I've been eyeing it for a long time but it wasn't until I watched the movie trailer (which, by the way, is nothing like the book) that I finally caved in and purchased the book. I am ashamed that it took me this long to get to it. The Giver is probably one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. The world, the characters, and the story itself are exquisite.

What I didn't like about it: It is so short! I wanted it to last forever. 

Similar to: I kept think of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho as I read it. They are not similar at all but they both made me step back from the text and think.  

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #1) by Lauren DeStefano

What I liked about it:  I wasn't sure what the story was about when I picked it up but I purchased it based on some reviews I read on Goodreads. I'm really happy I took a copy of this book home with me. The writing is stunning and the concept is really unique.  I really enjoyed the complexity of all of the characters and the way the story developed. 

What I didn't like about it: I'm not sure how I feel about the story itself. Everything about this novel is so disturbing but I can't stop thinking about it. I've never felt this confused after finishing a novel so I'm waiting until I read the rest of the series to figure out how I really feel about it. 

Similar to: This novel is really dark and very uncomfortable to read. It might be a little similar in tone to the Mara Dyer series but there is nothing quite like this series. 

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (illustrated by Maira Kalman)

What I liked about it: I loved this novel so much. It is so unique and the entire book is so beautifully executed. The illustrations are stunning and add such a cool feel to the story. The writing is like nothing I've ever read before. It flows really nicely and it has a lot of character. Overall, I adored the story and the way it developed. And I read it in one sitting so that should tell you how much I really enjoyed it!

What I didn't like about it: There are way too many movie references throughout the novel. While I enjoyed them a lot, I really didn't understand them all and that bothered me. I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

Similar to: If you like anything by A.S. King, you'll like this one.

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

What I liked about it:  I really enjoyed this debut novel. I read it really quickly and it kept me interested until the very end. I loved the way the relationship between Bodee and Alexi developed. It was gradual (which is rare in YA Contemporary Fiction), thus very realistic and refreshing. The way Alexi deals with her issues is both heartbreaking and eye opening to those with similar problems. I really love the message this beautiful novel sends to teens everywhere.  

What I didn't like about it: The ending bothered me a little bit. I didn't feel like it wrapped up Alexi's story very well. I can't say much without giving it away but I do think that it lacked a little compared to the rest of the story.

Similar to: Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

What I liked about it:  This is EPIC. I don't even know where to start. The main character is such a badass and I loved her for it. The world (like in any other Julie Kagawa novel) is intricate and beautifully written. Also, do not fear! There are no glittery vampires or lovesick heroines. Kagawa makes sure that the vampires are depicted as monsters and she doesn't sugarcoat anything. Thank you for that, Julie Kagawa. 

What I didn't like about it: I loved everything, okay? EVERYTHING. I loved it so much that I can't stop using capital letters in this review. Sorry. 

Similar to: Other epic books. You know, good books. 

You can see the ratings I assigned to these books in my Goodreads page. Have you read any of these titles? Or do you have any recommendations for me? Let me know!

Flash Review - January Edition

More Than This by Patrick Ness

What I liked about it: This one must be the most confusing novel I've ever read. However, that made me love it so much more. I wasn't prepared for everything that happened in this book--trust me, it is an adventure--so you'll love the twists and turns and the unpredictable nature of this novel. 

What I didn't like about it: I had a hard time getting into the story at first. Once you really immerse yourself in the story, there's no way you'll be able to put it down.

Similar to: This one is so unique I'm having a hard time comparing it to another novel. Just read anything by Patrick Ness. That man is a genius. 

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

What I liked about it: This story is beautiful. The characters are complex and interesting. I love how the themes of the book---homeless teens and abuse--are represented in such a raw and heartbreaking way. 

What I didn't like about it: The ending is weak compared to the rest of the story. I'm not a fan of stories that tie every loose end, especially in books with such a strong message. 

Similar to: Easy by Tammara Webber, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

What I liked about it:  I really enjoyed some elements of this story: strong female character, good world building, and possibly one of my favorite male characters (Chaol).

What I didn't like about it: It had a lot less action than I was expecting. And it took me over a month to read. That's a deal breaker right there. 

Similar to: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Sanctum (Guards of the Shadowlands #1) by Sarah Fine, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

What I liked about it: I took a piracy class in college and I really enjoyed putting that knowledge to use. 

What I didn't like about it: To be honest, this one really made me uncomfortable. Some scenes---including rape and animal abuse--were really tough to read.

Similar to: This is the first Pirate Fiction I've ever read so I can't recommend another. However, a good non-fiction read is If a Pirate I Must Be: The True Story of Black Bart, "King of the Caribbean Pirates" by Richard Sanders. 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

What I liked about it: I loved every single page. The Rosie Project touched my heart in so many ways. Don Tillman is by far the most interesting characters I've ever come across. His voice is so unique and remarkably witty. I'm familiar with Asperger's and I think Graeme Simsion did a really fantastic job at representing Don's world and the way his brain functions. His behavioral patterns and his social interactions were fascinating to read. As far as the plot itself, I enjoyed it immensely. It was light, funny, and heartwarming. I can't wait to read more novels from this author in the future

What I didn't like about it: Honestly, this one is a five star novel for me. 

Similar to: This novel is not YA but I'll compare it to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell--based on the feel-good awesomeness--and I think it is a perfect Contemporary novel for any John Green fan.