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Pages: 295
Published: March 2012
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Humor
Goodreads Synopsis...
Greg Gaines is the last
master of high school espionage, able to disappear at will into any
social environment. He has only one friend, Earl, and together they
spend their time making movies, their own incomprehensible versions of
Coppola and Herzog cult classics.
Until Greg’s mother forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel.
Rachel
has been diagnosed with leukemia—-cue extreme adolescent
awkwardness—-but a parental mandate has been issued and must be obeyed.
When Rachel stops treatment, Greg and Earl decide the thing to do is to
make a film for her, which turns into the Worst Film Ever Made and
becomes a turning point in each of their lives.
And all at once Greg must abandon invisibility and stand in the spotlight
Review...
This is a love it or hate it book. It all hinges on whether or not you find it funny. If you find it funny, it will be hilarious, and you will love it. If you dont find it funny, then you will be subjected to stupid barf jokes more than anyone should. I am without a doubt in the latter group.
Gregs humor is like listening to someone who isnt naturally funny, try their hardest to tell a joke. So you laugh politely, not knowing that they will cling to this encouragement. Will then declare themselves funny, and will never stop telling bad jokes. (lesson: do not laugh unless something is funny, it benefits no one)
The problem with me not finding this book funny, is that there is nothing else. No interesting storyline, no likeable characters. And not even a hint of some life lesson about cancer or growing up. Instead you get deeply unlikable characters, monologues about how awkward things can be, and ever present barf jokes.
The one redeemable thing I found about the book, was the protrayal of Greg. He is the most accurate and honest description of a teenage boy, I have ever seen.
3/5
*This is the second book in a series. If you haven't read Throne of Glass. Then don't read this review as there are spoilers.
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Throne of Glass #2
Pages: 432
Published: August 2013
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Goodreads Synopsis...
From the throne of
glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul black as pitch.
Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion.
Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret
vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.
Keeping
up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena
realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to
untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest
relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her
allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the
Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a
rebel heart.
Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all
been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world
shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to
her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom
she is ultimately willing to fight for.
Review...
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. Although theres something stopping me from really loving it. And Im not sure what. Maybe book three will win me over completely.
Crown of Midnight was so much better than Throne of Glass. First of all, the love triangle is gone! I was so happy when it went away, and also really surprised. I fully expected the author to keep it around longer, and I couldn't be happier that she decided not to.
Secondly, we finally got to see Celaena being all assassin like. I have never been so happy that someone starting killing people. (Ok maybe I have) This is the bad ass character I was looking for in the first book. Finally the author decided to show and not just tell me, how awesome and strong the main character is.
Also the fantasy aspect of the story is developing more, and that is only good news. I cant wait for it to become an even bigger part of the story. But I really like where its going right now.
There were some things that I didn't like, the first of which was the romance. I just found it to be so dull, and uninteresting. Mostly because of who she chose. Don't get me wrong, I want her to be with the person she chose. He is definitely right for her. I just wish he weren't so boring as a character.
The start of the book is also kinda slow, especially compared to the rest of the book. Which is full of action and excitement. Also I was a bit underwhelmed by the end. I knew it was coming, and it just felt a bit messy and rushed.
With that said I still really enjoyed this book, and look forward to book 3.
4/5
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Pages: 254
Published: 1890
Genres: Classics, Horror, Literature
Goodreads Synopsis...
The tale of a youth
whose features, year after year, retain the same appearance of innocent
beauty while the shame of his abhorrent vices becomes mirrored on the
features of his portrait.
Review...
I have never found so many quotes I like from one book, as I have in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde is a true artist when it comes to words. Every sentence, every line revealed something more, it was like poetry and was exquisite to read.
The writing is without a doubt, my favourite thing about this book. I also feel as though there is so much I've missed, and I look forward to reading this again. To find the gems that I missed the first time.
The characters are another thing that I liked about this book. All of them are extremely unlikeable, but also extremely interesting. Basil and his love for Dorian, was such an interesting relationship. There's a kind of desperation to Basil that makes him both pathetic and endearing to me. Henry seemed to be the writers way of imparting new perspectives on things. I felt like whenever Henry spoke, I should be ready to take down a new favourite quote. And then there is Dorian, who becomes somewhat of a psychopath, while of course retaining his innocent beauty.
The way that this story explored themes of vanity, identity and the soul was quite unique. Also I really liked that there was a continual tone of elegance, even during situations of cruelty and horror. This was such an interesting book, and I look forward to reading it again.
4.5/5
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Pages: 481
Published: Aug 2009
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Fairytale Retelling
Synopsis...
The first time you see Peter, it is a strange sight to behold. Bright red hair, freckles, and pointy shoes. An ever present mischievous smile. And a laugh that is infectious, making you both wary and relaxed around him.
He will save you from your troubles, and take you to a magical place. Do you want to play a game? He will ask. Just be careful of your answer. Because the place he will take you to, is not like Neverland. And the game he wants you play could end in death.
In The Child Thief, Peter saves lost and scared children. Offering them a place in Avalon, a once beautiful and lush paradise. That is now gray and filled with war. Here is where Peter asks you to play, asks you to fight for him.
So... Do you want to play a game?
Review...
This is a masterpiece. I don't remember ever saying that about a book, but this one demands I do. I am at a huge risk to just gush about this book, so heres why you MUST read it!
Characters: Everyone in this book was diverse and interesting. They were all unique in their own ways, and constantly surprised me. Each character is multidimensional, they are all both good and bad. With complicated back stories, that made me understand them fully and empathize, even with the characters I hated. Peter is one of the most complex characters I have even come across. He is charming and childlike. Then he is cruel and cold, and then he is lovable and pitiful. His back story which we get to see through flash backs, made me incredibly sad. And showed how this intricate person came to be.
Setting: I felt like I was there with the children in Avalon. Surrounded by the gray landscape that hinted at a magic beneath. With faeries trying to steal my food, and danger lurking outside the big round door. The illustrations also added to my vision of Avalon and its occupants. They were very detailed, and gave me a picture of Peter, Nick and the rest of the characters, that was so much better than my own. The atmosphere of Avalon, and also Boston was also really good, and added to the horror and creepiness of this book.
Plot: The darkness and the cruelty of this story were kind of a shock to read. Not because they were outrageous, in fact it was the opposite. The things that happen are realistic, and happen in the world today. But the way in which they were told, no sugar coating, no holding back, just simply described for me. Made me have to stop reading more than once. Overall the plot was rich and unique, and I loved seeing things from Peter and Nicks perspective. And although the ending wasn't as epic as I was hoping. It was still as dark and twisted as the rest of this book, and in a way felt just right.
I feel like Ive barely brushed the surface of how amazing this book is. It is probably my new favourite book ever, and I couldnt recomend it enough!
5/5
