theneverendingreader
TheNeverEndingReader
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The person who never does lives only once.
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Letters to the Lost
I need to stop staring at this letter.
Synopsis: Grief-stricken after her mother’s death, Juliet leaves letters at her grave every week; unable to let go of the thing that connects her to her lost mother.
Declan is the kind of guy that people except the worst of, and along the way he’s started believing it too. Thus, he uses his time completing his community service at the local cemetery to avoid thinking about his own demons.
Until he finds a haunting letter left by a grave. Despite knowing it’s private, something in the letter speaks to him, and he can’t resist writing back. Soon, Juliet and Declan begin writing to one another, unaware of the other’s true identity. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.
Thoughts:
When I picked up this book, I was excepting a sappy love story- and I would have been happy with that.
However, this book is less about two people falling in love than it is about two people learning to love themselves before they come together. It’s about learning that it’s OK not to be perfect, and that the people we love aren’t perfect either. It’s about knowing when the adults around you failed you, and that you deserved better. It’s demonstrates the importance of having people who believe in you- whenever it be a friend or a teacher. In Letters to the Lost, there is no bad guy. All the characters prove to be sympathetic in one way or another. Even when it comes to the revelations about a certain character, there is no outright condemnation - instead it serves as a reminder that people are flawed. There were times when I felt almost close to tears while reading this book. I felt so bad for Juliet and Declan- Declan especially. His desperation and lack of self-worth almost broke my heart at times. Powerfully moving in its vivid portrait of first love and grief, LTTL is a must-read.
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Three Wishes - Book Review
Cat felt that sense of pleasure and pride she always felt when she saw her sisters in public. ‘Look at them!’ she wanted to say to people. ‘My sisters. Aren’t they great? Aren’t they annoying?’
Synopsis: This book focuses on the Kettle sisters, 33 year old triplets- Cat, Gemma, and Lyn. The book opens with a very messy and dramatic public fight which leads to one triplet fainting and another going to hospital, while out celebrating their 33rd birthday. The book then alternates between the past and the present in order to put the fight into context.
Thoughts: Having read Big Little Lies, I decided to read another one of her works. Three Wishes proved to be a fantastic read, with an often unsentimental, raw, honest and refreshing portrayal of complicated family dynamics. While I wanted the best for all three Kettle sisters, it was really only one of them that I felt drawn to the most was Cat. Without spoiling anything, Cat does not have an easy time in this book and there were times when I felt infuriated on her behalf- particularly when it came to particular actions done by her sister, Lyn. Cat made this book for me because her character development felt very natural. The novel’s other strengths also lie in that it does not lack for drama AT ALL so it makes for a very entertaining read.
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The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried
The differences are subtle, but now she looks like the July Cooper I remember. Her round cheeks making her look perpetually like she’s on the verge of smiling, her wavy auburn hair, her bright blue eyes— Eyes? Her eyes are supposed to be closed. They were closed. How are they open? I take a step toward the gurney. July Cooper sits up and screams.
Synopsis: Having grown up with a father as a mortician and a sister who dreams of following him into the family business, Dino isn't scared of death. He's just not used to the dead talking back. Which is what happens when his ex best friend July Cooper, suddenly comes back to life. July isn't dead, but she's not quite alive either.
As Dino and July work together to learn the cause of July's resurrection, they're forced to confront what happened between them.
Thoughts: This was a really entertaining book with a cool premise. The resurrection thing has been done before but the author subverts it by having July still decomposing; part of the novel's gross humor. The book is told from the alternating POVs of Dino and July. I really enjoyed their dynamic even if the characters did make me frustrated at times. The book also has some great LGBTQ representation, with the subplot of Dino's romance with boyfriend Rafi (who is trans). I thought they were very cute and honestly Rafi seems like the dream boyfriend. The one thing I will say is that the book is predictable in the sense that I guessed the ending - there was really only one way it would, after all. But it honestly didn't make any less enjoyable to read.
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Girl Made of Stars
"I need Owen to explain this. Because yes, I do know that Owen would never do that, but I also know Hannah would never lie about something like that."
Synopsis: As twins, Mara and Owen share an incredibly close bond. Hannah thinks the world of him, and it was Owen who Mara remembers smiling proudly of her when she came out as bisexual to their parents.
So how can Mara reconcile her beloved twin with a person who is capable of committing rape, if her friend Hannah is to believed?
Thoughts: This was a heartwrenching book centred on a nightmarish situation. Mara is torn between her loyalties - she loves her brother, but she knows Hannah would never lie about something like this.
What made this book a great read is that it did not focus on Owen or the crime itself, but on how Mara processed it. It's very introspective, focusing on Mara's self growth. Girl Made of Stars serves as a necessary reminder on the importance of listening to those who speak up.
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The Apocolayse of Elena Mendoza
"The Apocalypse began at Starbucks. Where else did you expect the end of the world to start?"
Synospis:
16 year old Elena Mendoza was the result of a virgin birth.
There's actually a scientific explanation for it - parthenogenesis, and Elena has been featured in peer-reviewed articles because of it. However, what's less explainable is the voices of inanimate objects that only Elena seems to hear, or her ability to heal people beginning when she saves the life of her crush Winifred "Freddie" Petrine, or the fact that everytime she heals someone, a person in the world disappears...
Thoughts: Even though some parts were kind of ridiculous and over the top (A Virgin Mary statue singing the Name Game song, for one) I definitely found this to be a really creative and thought provoking story. I thought the author did a great job in making me root for Elena - Elena might be able to perform miracles, but she's also a very flawed person - sometimes she's selfish and short-sighted, and the novel shows her tendency to idolize people through Freddie. However, she also proves to be brave, kind, and loyal - the kind of girl who will pick you up in the middle of the night. I also loved it whenever she gave her loser stepfather verbal smackdowns whose behaviour arguably serves as an anti -parallel to Joseph in the Bible (Although I confess, I'm no Bible scholar) My other favourite character was her love interest Freddie, whose backstory I found heartbreaking. Anyway, The Acopolyse of Elena Mendoza makes for a great read if you're looking for stories about the end of the world, with great humor, angst and queer romance.
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The Best Lies
“What we have is real,” she repeated. “No one else has what we have. No one will ever love you like I do.”
Synopsis:
Remy's boyfriend is shot and killed, and the person who pulled the trigger happens to be Remy's best friend Elise.
Was it self defence? Or did Elise have darker intentions than Remy could ever have imagined?
Thoughts:
Well.
This was a really entertaining read, but it was quite disturbing as well. Both Elise and Remy are young girls who feel a little lost. They become friends, forming an incredibly strong bond - to the point where they call each other family and Remy looks up to Elise as her hero. However, their friendship soon becomes twisted in one of the worst co-dependent, toxic friendships that I've read in YA. This entire book felt like a roller-coaster. If you're after a dark YA novel with emotional depth and intensity, I would reccomend checking out The Best Lies.
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A Story of Now
"Claire walks away and wonders why she is more insulted by Mia’s casual dismissal than by anything the smart-ass boy has said all night."
Synospsis: Nineteen year old Claire Pearson is feeling a little lost; after a disastrous breakup and failing to live up to her mother's high exceptations by choosing to study Arts. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Mia, another student at her university who is studying Biomedicine (something that Claire's overachiever mother is quite impressed by) Eventually Claire and Mia become fast friends, however it soon becomes apparent that Claire harbours deeper feelings for Mia....
Thoughts: If you want a sweet and light-hearted read, this is the book for you. To be honest, I'm not sure if I would call this a romance - it's also a coming of age; as the novel focuses a lot on Claire's character development and how she matures. Another thing I really liked about the text is how the romance itself took priority over the issue of sexuality. Instead, there is no huge "coming out moment" in the book & once Claire fully realized her attraction, she refreshingly lacks any doubt or shame other than surprise over the fact that she is attracted to another girl. The flaws of the novel I would say is that sometimes it did drag a bit and not everyone might take to Claire (she can be quite blunt and sarcastic at times, however this is the result of her insecurities & at times I got frustrated with Mia) however it did have a very satisfying (and happy) conclusion. Definitely worth checking out.
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Cracked Up to Be
I was perfect... and then I wasn't
Synopsis: Parker Fadley used to lead a charmed existence. Cheerleading captain, honor roll student, and girlfriend of the most popular guy in school. Now shes drinking and failing classes. Nobody - her parents or teachers or any of her classmates can find the answer, and Parker intent on destroying herself, is determined not to give them that answer.
Thoughts: This was a pretty quick read. Summers' intended to craft an unlikable protagnoist in the lead character of Parker, and the reviews are a testament to that. I definitely understand why - for instance, Parker was downright cruel sometimes to another character (Becky) and yeah I have to admit, there were times where I felt like slapping the girl because of how goddamn self-obbessed she sounded! But I never disliked her, and I think a lot of it has to do with how the author didn't make excuses for her nor do I feel like the author was pushing us to root for her but rather let us make our decisions. And I did end up rooting for Parker - for being a "dislikeable" protagnoist, she could be hilarious and was also whip -smart. I sometimes enjoyed how she didn't hold back in her thoughts or words. Definitely enjoyed reading, and would absolutely reccomend. A worthy debut novel.
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Secret Daughter
“ Usha is Kavita’s choice alone, a secret name for her secret daughter.”
Synopsis: In 1985 California, Somer has everything she wants- except a child of her own. That same year in India, Kavita is forced to give up her daughter to spare her the fate that was given her first baby girl. This girl ends up being adopted by Somer and her husband Krishnan, and an issue with translation leads to her name being changed to Asha. Secret Daughter alters between the perspectives of these three women, and how their lives were irrevocably changed by Kavita’s actions.
Thoughts:
I thought this was a very touching novel, even though it didn’t go the way I excepted. For instance, my feelings on the character of Jasu (Kavita’s husband) completely changed by the end. His development never felt contrived, but felt like a completely natural consequence. Seeing the way Kavita and Jasu miraculously built a loving marriage in the ashes of something devastating was touching to read. Secret Daughter would also not have been as enjoyable for me to read if it hadn’t been for Asha. I loved the way Gowda used Asha to explore universal themes of family and belonging, something which is also heightened by the fact that Asha is the Indian adopted daughter of a white woman. Although she is able to use the fact that her adoptive father is also Indian to sometimes pretend this is where she gets certain traits from, the fact remains that so many questions remain unanswered. A fantastic first novel.
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Normal People
"Most people go through their whole lives, without ever really feeling that close with anyone."
Synoposis: Based in Ireland in the 2010s, Normal People follows Connell & Marianne's tumtultous on-again off-again relationship, beginning in high school & continuing on to their university years. The novel explores how their relationship is tested by their differing socio-economic status & their response to university life.
Thoughts: I have to admit, I only picked up this novel because it was required reading for university. I had sat down with no real exceptations. And to my utter delight, Sally Rooney's novel ended up proving to me that it certainly deserves all the praise it's getting. Normal People is a brilliant character study of two individuals & their various struggles. Both protagonists are richly drawn & relatable. Although I have to admit, there were times that Marianne did slightly annoy me, however that was actually a reflection of her class privilege, rather her as a character herself that I found to be equal parts independent, intelligent, hilarious, but also self destructive and longing for acceptance.
There's almost a painful honesty in the way Rooney's writing - it is both tender and sentimental, but it doesn't really seek to inspire the reader either. Often it can be quite frustrating & difficult to read - due to Connell & Marianne communication issues & the subjects it deals with, such as Marianne's abusive home life. Normal People is in many ways a love story, but is far from a romance - and all the more refreshing for it.
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Dark Places
"You think you know the answer, you’re going to find peace? Like knowing is somehow going to fix you? You think after what happened there’s any peace for you, sweetheart? How about this. Instead of asking yourself what happened, just accept that it happened."
Synopsis: On January 3rd 1984, 7 year old Libby Day was the sole survivor of a massacre which resulted in the deaths of her mother, and two elder sisters. It was Libby's testimony which resulted in the imprisonment of her teenage brother for their deaths. In the present day, Libby has become a profoundly angry and damaged woman whose trauma from that night has prevented her from having a normal life or cultivating any meaningful relationships. In desperate need of money, she comes into contact with individuals convinced of Ben's innocence. Through the investigation that unfolds, Libby is forced to confront the secrets of that night....
Thoughts: This wasn't an easy novel to read. It deals with many intense themes - murder, violence, incredible poverty, molestation, small-town hysteria, & fear of Satanism. But it was definitely worth it all the same. The novel's strengths include the characters developed by Flynn- Libby is a wonderful anti-heroine; dark, funny, multi-layered, but undeniably affected by her experiences. Her mother Patty, who serves as one of the POV characters in flashbacks is a very sympatheic woman & I definitely felt for her as she struggled to be a single mother to her four children. The relationship & loyalty she shares with her own sister was another highlight of the novel. However, this is also the same novel filled with deeply unpleasant individuals in the form of Libby's deadbeat father (fittingly named Runner) & people who perform irredeemable actions. Dark Places definitely made me wonder what kind of mindset Gillian Flynn needs to get into to write such novels, and that's definitely a compliment.
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Chasing Stars
I hadn’t shared a joke, a laugh, a conversation with anyone other than Aidan in over three years. That alone made it worth the risk.
Synopsis:
CS follows Olivia & her younger twin brother Aiden, as they journey home to Earth after departing seven years earlier on a deep-space mission. Three years earlier, a mysterious virus spread among the crew- killing all (including Olivia & Aidan's parents) except the twins. Nathan, who is part of another community, comes into contact with Olivia’s ship after being attacked by the Mazon & Olivia heroically saves them. Nathan & Olivia find themselves instantly drawn to one another, however lies, murder, and deception threaten to tear them apart...
Thoughts: Having read Boys Don't Cry by Blackman & subsequently loved it, I was looking forward to reading Chasing the Stars. It had an intriguing premise, & it started out promising. Furthermore, things like "insta-love" don't bother me if it's done well, & there's an actual good reason for it. Given Olivia & Nathan's circumstances, I found it completely believable why they fell so quickly. I loved the two twists of the book - & looking back now, I can see the clues that the author was laying. However, I was so frustrated by the ending!!! I suspect the author intentions were to give a bittersweet ending and in many ways it was, but I was still left feeling frustrated by the decisions the characters ultimately decided to make. That being said though, I still considered it an engaging read & I do think its worth checking out.
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Boys Don't Cry
‘Huh?’ I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Melanie was a mum'
Melanie took a deep breath, closely followed by another. ‘Dante, you’re the dad. Emma is our daughter.’
Synopsis: On the day that Dante is to receive his A-Levels, his ex girlfriend shows up on his doorstep. Shocked by the revelation that Melanie who is only nineteen is now a mother, his entire world is turned upside down when Melanie reveals that Emma is his daughter- the result of a one- night stand.
Thoughts:
It was really refreshing to read a book on teenage parenthood from the boy's perspective. Dante doesn't immediately warm to Emma, instead he thinks some pretty awful things about her. He resents how his plans change overnight. However, the way he develops his relationship with Emma and grows into becoming a father was so heartwarming. I also love the relationship Blackman portrayed between Dante & his father (who like Dante is now, is a single father) seeing how they came to understand one another. Finally, my favourite character was without a doubt Dany's younger brother Adam. Unlike Dante, Adam falls in love with Emma on the spot. Adam's sense of humor, ambition (that he shares with Dante & refusal to feel ashamed of his sexuality (something that plays into his own subplot) made him one of the highlights for me. Would definitely reccomend reading.
warning: just a warning this book does involve violence fuelled by homophobia. so if you're sensitive to that, please be mindful if you want to read it.
#malorie blackman#young adult#lgbtq#teenage parenthood#fiction#books#literature#homophobia#woc authors
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History is All You Left Me
You’re still alive in alternate universes, Theo, but I live in the real world, where this morning you’re having an open-casket funeral.
Synopsis: Alternating between the past and present, HIALYM revolves around Griffin who is grief-stricken over the tragic death of his best friend & ex-boyfriend, Theo. Complicating his feelings is his interactions with Jackson, who was Theo's boyfriend at the time & was also present at the time of Theon's death. Furthermore, Griff is also struggling with his OCD.
Thoughts: Adam Silvera delivers a powerful & moving story of love and loss. Silvera paints a vivid picture of Griff's raw grief for the vivacious Theo, to the point where the reader also mourns the senselessness of Theo's accidental drowning. At the same time, I particularly enjoyed this novel for its use of humor (one point had me in stitches) & the bittersweet ending. Silvera does not leave the reader or Griff, in despair. A worthy read.
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My Cousin Rachel
I know who killed Rachel, but I do not know how my dear Ambrose died. Was he killed too? I shall never be able to answer that question. I shall never know the answer. Perhaps, you who are reading this can decide. You must be my cousin Rachel's judge and mine too.
Synopsis: Believing her to be responsible, a man plots revenge against the wife of his cousin. However, his plans are completely shaken when he meets the enigmatic Rachel.
Thoughts:
This story drew me in very quickly, thanks in no small part to the gothic atmospheric feel to the author's writing. At the very beginning of the novel, the protagnoist tells us exactly this - that he knows who killed Rachel, but he has no way of knowing she herself was responsible for the death of his cousin.
The novel dealt impressively with themes of guilt, torment, obession, & desire. The ambiguity of the ending adds to the psychological depth of My Cousin Rachel, & it's slow build helped create a story that was thrilling to read due to its tension. While I didn't care too much for the protagonist, I did find myself interested in the character of Rachel & even now I am not entirely sure what her motivations were.
Overall, I was quite impressed & would absolutely reccomend it to those who enjoy mystery and intrigue.
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Pearls
I sat in the park watching a couple who were, like all lovers, only intent on one another. The girl was a beauty ripe for harvest, her hair a golden sheaf. The boy's desire was visible in the way he kissed her. I felt a pang. I, too, had been lovely once and loved.
My hair made jealous noises in sympathy.
If you are a fan of Greek mythology, then you will utterly enjoy this beautiful and pensive re-imagining of Medusa in modern day New York. Author Priya Sharma gives more voice and agency to the tragic figure of Medusa, One of my favorite things about this story was the change in why Medusa receives her transformation.
I loved Sharma’s prose and found it very easy to get into. Finally, a huge advantage of this work is that it is a short story- perfect to read when you have an hour or so to spare, perhaps before falling asleep at night.
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Good Omens
"It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people."
Synopsis: Having grown accustomed to their lives on Earth, an angel & an demon must work together in order to prevent the acopolyse. Only issue is, they've lost the Antichrist....
Thoughts: The idea of an angel & an demon working together not necessarily for the good of humanity but for their own personal desires (Aziraphale would very much miss sushi) was intriguing, & caused me to start reading. The novel's absurbedly charming & deliciously wicked take of the End Times kept me reading. Simultanteously, another of the novel's strengths is its explorations of themes such as free will, nature versus nurture (what if the Antichrist is given to a perfectly normal couple), good & evil. The relationship between Crawley & Aziraphale was one of my favourite parts of the novel, & indeed I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if their dynamic wasn't as strong.
In conclusion, a fantastic novel & would absolutely reccomend it to others (as well as the live TV adaptation)
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