One True Loves Book Review by Taylor Jenkins Reid [NO SPOILERS]

Welcome or welcome back! This week we have a book review for One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This is the second book I have read by this author. The first book I read was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - review here. I was very impressed by my first introduction to her writing, so I was keen to read her other novels. I read this book during quarantine in the summer but wanted to get a review up, even if it was months later. If you want to know my thoughts on this book, with no spoilers of course, then just keep reading.

All The Bright Places Book Review [NO SPOILERS]

It has been a while since I have posted a
book review, and that's because it has been a while since I read a book..... I know I'm ashamed. Like I say, doing an English Language degree takes away opportunity to read as much of my own material as I would like. I actually started another book before this but only read about 5 chapters because it wasn't for me. I've given myself a goal to read 4 books this summer, which means AT LEAST 4 book reviews coming your way.

We are kick starting with All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. This book was published in 2015 and won goodreads choice that same year. I guess I'm super late reading this one but I'm SO glad I have. 

'The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.'

I finished this book within 10 days, which is quite decent for a 388 page novel. It was certainly a page turner. There were times where I had to force myself to put it down. 

The book is written in two perspectives, which is a really difficult technique to master, but in my opinion Jenifer was successful. I feel that it is very difficult to switch gender perspectives and make it believable as a solo author, however she made it sound authentic. Her perspectives and character development for both Violet and Finch were well put together. I love that we were able to get into the minds of the characters in a very realistic manner. She doesn't try to make it seems as if they fully understand each other's thought process, which I think is a safe route to go. It highlights mental health in the perfect way by operating in this direction. 

I really grew a love for the characters and their stories, which made me root for them throughout the novel. I feel like the development of Violet towards the end could have been done better. It almost leaves you wondering "what next?". If this was the writer's intention, then I suppose she was successful, however I would have liked to know more about her life following the events. Other than that, I enjoyed getting to know the characters. 

This book is centered around themes of mental health and suicide, which are delicate topics, however Niven was very tasteful and sensitive to the matter, whilst going deep into the themes rather than glossing over them. I hate when books highlight these themes, but dance around it. I really respected the author for being consistent and shedding light on such heavy subjects. The book was heart-breaking but enlightening, in the most amazing ways. I had great sympathy for the characters and you definitely get an insight into the painful reality of why suicide victims take the route they do, however it also makes sure to vocalize the effects it has on everyone around you. One thing this book really taught me was that suicide only transfers the pain, it doesn't end it. 

Although this book can get quite heavy, it is also full of love, hope, growth and inspiration. It made me want to explore my city and find little gems that make it special. It made me even more appreciative of my close friends, and it also reminded me to keep moving forward even when life gets tough. It's such a great book to read if you want to LEARN but also if you want to UNDERSTAND. It educated me so much on the struggles of mental health. I'm someone who is very much aware of it already, but I still took so much from the novel, so I can imagine it would teach those who are ignorant to these issues. 

Overall I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really did enjoy it and I always respect a book that teaches me something new. I was definitely teary eyed when reading this so be warned. 

Have you read any books around the theme of mental health? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading, 

Have a great day x

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Book Review [NO SPOILERS]

Whatever you are doing at this current moment, you need to stop and go read this book. This is by far the BEST book I have read in a long time. I actually saw the movie before I read the book. I had no idea that it was originally a novel, but I loved the movie so much that I purchased the book as soon as I knew of its existence. Although it is a fiction book, it has so much truth. The message and story is one that is so important and MUST be made apparent to everyone.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what the book is about, here is a brief description from Good Reads: 

'Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.'

There is so much I want to say about this book, but I'm going to hold myself back so that I don't spoil it for anyone. This book has won goodreads choice, THREE YEARS in a row. If that doesn't convince you to read it, I don't know what will. 

I went through so many different emotions whilst reading this book. I laughed; I smiled; my heart broke; I was angry, I was inspired. Every page left a lasting impression on me. One of the MANY things I loved about this book, was how REAL it was. There was no sugar coating at all. I felt like I was actually inside of Starr's head, feeling the same things she did and seeing what she saw. I enjoy many books that make you feel like a fly on the wall, watching things unfold but this was on a different level. I almost felt like I was a part of the story, despite never experiencing the tragedies the characters did. 

The character development and writing style is phenomenal. If you haven't already read this, and its not currently on your TBR, you need to put it as a priority- seriously. Also, if you love Tupac, you HAVE to read it. I've never really been into rap music, so Tupac isn't someone I listened to but this book definitely made me respect him so much. 

I definitely think the movie did the book justice. I have watched so many movie adaptations that just haven't been at the same level as the book. Of course the book is going to be different, but sometimes the movie just doesn't have the same impact on me. However, they definitely did a great job with THUG. I love both the book and film equally. 

Overall I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is packed full of life gems and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of reading it. 

Have you read The Hate U Give? What are your thoughts? Leave your comments down below. 

Thanks for reading, 

Have a great day x 

Books I Want To Read In 2019

If you know me, you'll be very much aware of my love for books. Reading is one of those things that I just get so much happiness and excitement from. Unfortunately with doing an English Language degree, I don't have much time to read my own material, however I still have a list of books I would like to read this year. I make a TBR (To Be Read) list every year but I realised the other day that I've never actually shared them with you guys. Today is the day that changes!

I'm always encouraging people to read because there are so many benefits to reading. Hopefully you'll be interested in one of these books too.

I'm pretty sure that this list will be added to over the year, however this is the list I came up with over the last week.

(This is in no particular order and the descriptions are all from goodreads)

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life. 

2. The Thousandth Floor by Katherine Mcgee
NEW YORK CITY AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.

A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future where anything is possible—if you want it enough.

WELCOME TO MANHATTAN, 2118.

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something…and everyone has something to lose.

LEDA COLE’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.

ERIS DODD-RADSON’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.

RYLIN MYERS’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will this new life cost Rylin her old one?

WATT BAKRADI is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy for an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.

And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is AVERY FULLER, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.

Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you're this high up, there's nowhere to go but down....

3. The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
France, 1939
In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France...but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When France is overrun, Vianne is forced to take an enemy into her house, and suddenly her every move is watched; her life and her child’s life is at constant risk. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates around her, she must make one terrible choice after another.

Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets the compelling and mysterious Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can...completely. When he betrays her, Isabelle races headlong into danger and joins the Resistance, never looking back or giving a thought to the real--and deadly--consequences. 

4. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

5. Always Never Yours by Emma Wibberley and Austin Siegemund Broka
Seventeen-year-old Megan Harper is about due for her next sweeping romance. It's inevitable—each of her relationships starts with the perfect guy and ends with him falling in love . . . with someone else. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, Megan focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theater, and fulfilling her dream college's acting requirement in the smallest role possible.

So when she’s cast as Juliet (yes, that Juliet) in her high school’s production, it’s a complete nightmare. Megan’s not an actress, and she’s used to being upstaged—both in and out of the theater. In fact, with her mom off in Texas and her dad remarried and on to baby #2 with his new wife, Megan worries that, just like her exes, her family is moving on without her.

Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright inspired by Rosaline from Shakespeare's R+J. A character who, like Megan, knows a thing or two about short-lived relationships. Megan agrees to help Owen with his play in exchange for help catching the eye of a sexy stagehand/potential new boyfriend. Yet Megan finds herself growing closer to Owen, and wonders if he could be the Romeo she never expected.

6. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

Adam Trask came to California from the East to farm and raise his family on the new rich land. But the birth of his twins, Cal and Aaron, brings his wife to the brink of madness, and Adam is left alone to raise his boys to manhood. One boy thrives nurtured by the love of all those around him; the other grows up in loneliness enveloped by a mysterious darkness.

First published in 1952, East of Eden is the work in which Steinbeck created his most mesmerizing characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love's absence. A masterpiece of Steinbeck's later years, East of Eden is a powerful and vastly ambitious novel that is at once a family saga and a modern retelling of the Book of Genesis.

7. The Seven Husbands of Everlyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn's story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways.

8. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.

On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever.

Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.

That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.

9. Still Me by JoJo Moyes

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life.

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you find the courage to follow your heart--wherever that may lead?

10. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.

Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

11. One of us is lying by Karen M. McMarcus
On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.
Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. 
Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. 
Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.
Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.
And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose? 
Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

12. The Wait by Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin
Hollywood power couple DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good candidly share about their courtship and marriage, and the key to their success—waiting.

President/CEO of Franklin Entertainment and former Sony Pictures executive DeVon Franklin and award-winning actress Meagan Good have learned sometimes all we can do is wait for “the one” to come into our lives. They spent years crossing paths but it wasn’t until they were thrown together while working on the film Jumping the Broom that their storybook romance began.

Faced with starting a new relationship and wanting to avoid potentially devastating relationship pitfalls, DeVon and Meagan chose to do something almost unheard of in today’s society—abstain from sex until they were married.

In The Wait, DeVon and Meagan share the life-changing message that waiting—rather than rushing a relationship—can help you find the person you’re meant to be with. Filled with candid his-and-hers accounts of the most important moments of their relationship, and practical advice on how waiting for everything—from dating to sex—can transform relationships, allowing you to find a deep connection based on patience, trust, and faith.

What Books do you want to read this year? Let me know in the comments. 

Thanks for reading, 
Have a great day x