"If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write," -Martin Luther
'Tis that time of year again! Time for me to be ashamed of the books I haven't read. In order for some context, read my TBR list for 2016 here.
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Blaring spoilers will be spoiled, so be warned, I guess.
1. The Last Star by Rick Yancey
10/10 would recommend
Full review here.
2. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
I unfortunately did not get around to reading this book So, uh, no review here.
3. The Distance from Me to You by Marina Gessner
7/10 would recommend.
Yet again, I have mixed feelings, even though they are mostly positive. The beginning started out interesting, and I was hooked - however, most of the middle was slow, and the pace picked back up to come to a slamming conclusion. Like A Tale of Two Cities, the last third redeemed itself from a meandering plot and dull characters, and went out with action and heart. Again, the author waited a long time for the shit to hit the fan, which is the turning point of the story right before the climax. Almost nothing before that was all that interesting - I was waiting for them to go off of the trail and for the bad stuff to happen, like promised in the synopsis.
However, I did have a problem with the writing style - or lack thereof. It wasn't bad, and it was functional, however, it didn't add much to the story. It was like, if you have a expensive and well-made Ferrari compared to an old, plain, and beaten down Chevy, you're still going to get there, but the ride is much smoother and more fun with the Ferrari. Readable and functional, but not much in terms of interest or style.
I had a few nitpicky things that I didn't like, but that didn't effect the final review. I disliked it that McKena only has any connection with Sam at the beginning of the story is because he's so deliciously gorgeous. Sam, however a good character, spends most of the novel stalking McKenna, and essentially following her, but we get no insight into why he does this. There is also a lot of steamy sensual stuff - and the characters have sex twice - and alcohol use that I am personally not comfortable with.
On a positive note, the story was weaved together nicely - every detail was important, making the story seem cohesive and making it a deep world to be explored. And while it had it's pitfalls, it held up to what it promised to be, which was a survival story of self-discovery and deep love.
4. 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
5/10 would recommend
I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, I could kind of tell that it was not written in English - some of the verb usage was weird, and the writing style was kind of bland, most likely scrubbed of all color in the translation process.
However, it takes them like half of the book to actually get to the moon. And something that the author fails to do is make us connect with the characters. Many people die - *SPOILER* actually everyone dies - but we don't care about them. They are just names on a page. Arguably, they are not poor characters. They were consistent and interesting, but I didn't care. Mostly because there was never any redeeming qualities about them - they never seemed real. The whole narrative seemed detached, making the house of cards fall under the heavy pressure of the plot.
What I will give it is that is has interesting twists and turns once we are actually on the moon, and concerning the minor characters. The world was immersive and interesting, and some parts and the secrets revealed have you on the edge of your seat. The visual elements added a nice and fresh touch, and this was sufficient in the aspect of horror and the creepy factor.
But this ultimately is not paid off in that we never find out why the doppelgangers are there, who the blacked out name is, or even why any of this happens. It is a slow buildup with an exciting concept, but ultimately fails in its execution.
5. Alive by Scott Sigler
I also did not read this book either. Whoops.
6. Looking for Alaska by John Green
I actually started this book, if that's something. My cousin and her boyfriend gave me some of her old books, so that's how I got my phalanges on this one. I still didn't read it, though.
7. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Didn't read this one either. I tried, and I'll probably try again, but it just didn't stick this time.
8. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Lol nope. I still definitely want to read this book too.
6/10 would recommend
Like most of the books I read, my opinion is a mixed bag. In the world of Nil, there was a slew of things that I disliked. Unfortunately, after the first few chapters, the pace dragged along. Things just kind of happened, and I couldn't tell where the story was going. For a while there, it stumbled along, unsure of how it would get to it's end-goal, drowning the reader with information. But when the pace picked up, it surely dragged the reader along into it's labrynthian storytelling. However, the dual POV was weak at times. When Charley and Thad weren't talking to each other, it was hard to remember whose POV it was. This was probably because of first time author, Lynne Matson.
Another thing I was not a fan of was Charley and Thad's romance. The only depth their relationship had was that they both thought the other was super hot. And yes, I realize that this is important in romantic relationships, but in order to satisfy the qualifications for actual love, there needs to be more depth on why they love the other person. It all seemed so fast. They said 'I love you' way too fast, and while they never had sex, they were all over each other. It seemed as if the climax of the relationship was not their relationship, but the kiss. Any romantic/dramatic tension that made the first part of the book so interesting vanished.
I was not convinced of their love until the very end, when their actions showed that they cared about each other instead of just sucking face and shoving it down our throats that they lurrrve each other. *SPOILERS* When Thad pushed Charley through the gate was when I was like 'YES, now that proves to me that Thad loves Charley!' And seeing Charley heartbroken and numb without Thad was more powerful than any kiss or words could describe. By the end, I was sold on the fact that they loved each other, but because their actions showed it, not their romantic gestures.
Life lesson, kids: SHOWING that a character loves another is so much more powerful, real, and meaningful than any kiss or 'I love you' will ever be.
I will give it credit for having addictive writing and an immersive world. The world building in Nil was phenomenal. You could see every branch and every glossy leaf, ,and feel the heat of a gate approaching, bending the world. Nil had personality and character, which made reading this novel all the more amazing. The time crunch had you biting your nails to stubs, and the anxiety-ridden prose was unique and wonderful, and kept you reading no matter what.
10. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
6/10 would recommend.
I think I came into this book with the wrong expectations. I was expecting hard hitting action, akin to the Titanic. But what I was left with was pleasantly surprising.
While I still definitely craved the ship-sinking action, this was a smart and emotional book. I loved the way it tied into Ruta Sepetys's other book, Between Shades of Gray, with the main characters being cousins.
However, this book absolutely pulled me into the times. Each character was complex and had interesting backstories. This book felt like such a slice of these characters lives and I always wanted to know more.
Compared to Between Shades of Gray, the writing in this book was absolutely phenomenal. Not that the writing in BSOG was bad - which it wasn't - but the writing here stuck out to me more. There were phrases were I gasped at the strong and impactful imagery. Ruta Sepetys is a killer writer.
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I read some additional books that I found were noteworthy enough to write mini-reviews on, so here is the list of books I read that were not on my TBR List.
1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
4/10 would recommend.
Read my pseudo-review here.
2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
6/10 would recommend
I wasn't all that thrilled with this book while I was reading it. Ruta Sepetys has a unique storytelling style that I admire and yet I also don't entirely understand. However, I grew to love the characters, since it is very much so a character driven novel.
By the end of the book, the climax hit me hard. I found myself wanting to read more of the story - I felt like there was so much left of Lina's story to be told.
It has a storytelling style and theme akin to The Book Thief, which I absolutely loved. The main character, Lina, with her hard determination and love, but also with her growing talents how this was used in the hardships of World War II.
I thought that this book was much better than Salt to the Sea, but with Ruta Sepetys's books, I think it depends on the person on whether you'll like them or not.
3. This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp
7/10 would recommend.
Read the full review here.
4. The Last Boy and Girl In the World by Siobhan Vivian
7.5/10 would recommend.
This book was definitely not what I expected. From the title, and as well as the inside flap. I definitely expected more of a survival and action/adventure plotline. However, what I got, I enjoyed.
Something amazing about this book is that it turns many YA stereotypes on it's head. The 'perfect' boy ends up to be not so perfect, the seeming antagonist isn't what he seems, and not every conflict is resolved by the end of the novel.
The small town community was a nice touch to this novel. It added a feel to the story that made you care for the town. The author was so smart in crafting an interesting story with a realistic plotline and ending with characters that genuinely grew on you.
5. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
8/10
This was one of those books that was fantastically good, but not good enough to add to my favorites shelf. While the characters were complex, I wasn't absolutely in love with them. The writing was good and functional, but nothing to lose your mind about.
I very much so enjoyed the character arc Amy had. It was hard hitting and perfectly executed.
However, I was craving more of the adventure aspect promised in the title. But when I got to the end, I was decently satisfied with the story and the beautiful road trip that it was.
6. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
9/10
I was fully prepared to not like this book. I had heard that it dealt with mental illness poorly, and that was people's gripe with the book.
However, I found myself loving the characters, loving the romance, absolutely adoring the subtle plot line. And when the end came around, the death of Finch struck me so hard that I cried.
What the author did brilliantly is to provide the contrast of how one character's life improves, while the other dims, and the two paths one can take to overcoming depression.
And while it doesn't provide hope, it does portray the crushing devastation that suicide and depression leaves. It's a slightly faltering step in the road towards brushing away the stigma against mental illness.
7. Essential Maps for the Lost by Deb Caletti
15/10
Probably my second favorite read of the year, behind The Distance Between Lost and Found. Perfectly emotional, and absolutely transformative to read.
The writing style was unique, funny and beautiful. The hilarous comparisons made me laugh, while the deep thoughts made me cry.
The characters were heartbreakingly real and complex. Their backstories enriched the main plotline. Everything about this book was absolutely perfect.
AND THE BEST BOOK OF 2016 IS . . . . .
8. The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes
20/10 would recommend.
THIS BOOK IS MY NEW ACTUAL FAVORITE. I don't know how I've never talked about this.
It's an incredible story of everything I love: survival, love, redemption. And it's fabulously written.
It was equal parts funny and moving. The characters and their interactions were complex and lovable. It had just the right amount of survival mixed in with the right amount of development and emotional catharsis.
It points out the flaws in the Christian church, and takes elements from the best survival novels to culminate into the best book of the year.
My only gripe is that I wish Rachel would have had more of a character arc. The author started off strong, but never finished it out in a completed way, unlike the other arcs in the story. But every single element of the story was so flawless, this measly little flaw pales in comparison.
Overall, this book is actually fantastic. I can't say enough good about it. It holds a special place in my survival-loving, emotional little heart.
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And I'm probably forgetting some books that I have read, but the above are the most memorable ones.
Check out 2017's TBR List next week!
~The WordShaker
