I spent all week reading the most amazing book. It slowed down my reading, but it was worth it.
Picture Books
This Orq. (he cave boy.) by David Elliott
4/5 stars
I've had this book marked as to-read in my Goodreads file since August 23. I've probably been on hold for it at the library since sometime in October. It finally came in! It was worth the wait, as I found myself laughing out loud several times.
Definitely the precursor to all of the "I want a dog/cat/iguana/pet" stories that we've read! Loved this spin. The beautiful illustrations by Lori Nichols (Maple) made me appreciate the story even more.
A Wonderful Year by Nick Bruel
3/5 stars
Love the winter story. I know exactly the feeling, how long it takes to pull ALL that winter gear on! I laughed out loud to that one.
The fall story was sweet and elicited a little, "awwww" out of me.
The spring and summer story fell very very flat. Not impressed at all.
Young Adult
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
5/5 stars
You can read this review if you want, or you could just run out immediately and get this book.
This book has been compared to The Fault in our Stars, but in my opinion, it's no where near. I know many people have immense love for TFIOS, but I never did. What bothered me the most was the way the two teenagers spoke to each other - in this deep philosophical manner. I don't know teenagers who do that. This book had authentic kids, going through really hard times that kids should not have to ever go through or deal with. The story of Finch and Violet pull you in. You feel hope, but you also feel their despair.
Niven has written about hard subjects - suicide and mental illness. What I appreciated the most was her ability to write about these topics yet keep it authentic for her audience.
This book pulls you in and doesn't release you until the last page. Actually, scratch that, it hasn't released me yet.
I loved this part, "What if life could be this way? Only the happy parts, none of the terrible, not even the mildly unpleasant. What if we could just cut out the bad and keep the good?"
And...
"The thing I realize is that it's not what you take, it's what you leave."
Beautiful.
Currently Reading
Green glass House
On-Deck
Stella By Starlight
What are you reading? Did you read All the Bright Places? What were your thoughts and reactions?
I refuse to read ATBP on principle. Suicide is not a topic that... It's just not something for fiction. There are too many real stories, each one stupider and more depressing than the last. I guess at least this book had no dues ex machine ending. Still not going to read it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed All the Bright places... so touched by it...
ReplyDeleteI just bought All the Bright Places last week. Moving it up the pile after reading your review! This Orq looks hilarious--adding that one to the list!
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, I have Stella third in after I read Paper Things. I thought Orq was cute and I gave it to a Kindergaretn class.
ReplyDeleteI've shared it before. I have All The Bright Places, but it's being passed around the class. I may not see it for a while! Guess I should find This Orq-looks and sounds very cute. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've just picked up All the Bright Places and Greenglass House. Your review of the former makes me wish I didn't have book club books to deal with first! Orq looks like the kind of book so many of my little folks would love.
ReplyDeleteI need to get to All the Bright Places soon since so many people are reading it and loving it -- though I am going to have to respectfully disagree with you about TFiOS. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy heart swelled when I read your review of All the Bright Places. It makes me so happy that our paths of soul mates continues to linger on. Whenever you read a book that is out-of-this-world amazing, let me know. I will do the same. You and I just understand each other. :) :)
ReplyDeleteI want to read All the Bright Places. Even more after reading your review. I also loved The Fault in Our Stars mind you - loved the philosophical, the deep, the prose, the wow.
ReplyDeleteA friend gave me a copy of All The Bright Places - and can't wait to read it. I've read nothing but good reviews about it, so looking forward to reading it soon.
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