This was a story with well developed characters and a great examination of a non-traditionally dysfunctional family. I thought I had the story line fiThis was a story with well developed characters and a great examination of a non-traditionally dysfunctional family. I thought I had the story line figured out several times but thankfully the author avoided the obvious paths and gave me an interesting and fulfilling ending. A major theme of the book is being overshadowed by a more accomplished and lopsidedly celebrated family member. The expectations and accommodations surrounding this person's success and their even anticipated success was an interesting backdrop to analyze family dynamics. The friendships of the book were also well done and the romantic aspect of the story was subtle and unobtrusive. The saga of the Truth Commission ended up being lighthearted and never overly weighty. A fun read with a satisfying conclusion....more
An enjoyable book and a must read for fans of the 1980's. This is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets the Goldbergs. 80's nostalgia is riding highAn enjoyable book and a must read for fans of the 1980's. This is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets the Goldbergs. 80's nostalgia is riding high at the moment. The characters were very likable if not wildly fleshed out. The overall plot was compelling. The main character of the book is ... the 1980's, especially the video games. If that was your thing, this will be an amazing read. I will say, hopefully without sounding sexist or something, but this book definitely felt like it was written by a dude. And I'm a dude saying this. There were just lots of opportunities where feelings and emotions and stuff could have been expounded on a little and the result would have been a more immersive reading experience. In some ways, diving into the book was a bit like being in the OASIS (it's like the Matrix). It was enjoyable, but lacked a certain multi-dimensional quality. Still, a fun read and I'm very interested to see what the movie looks like.!...more
I've seen this book listed on many people's favorites lists for a while. After reading it, I can understand why. There is a lot to like about this booI've seen this book listed on many people's favorites lists for a while. After reading it, I can understand why. There is a lot to like about this book, even if it wasn't an absolute home run based on my personal tastes. It's very much a romance book and it really does well doing that thing. It's also a bit of a travel book. Paris is very much a character in the book. I'm not always too crazy about an author trying to show off everything they know about a foreign location, but this didn't feel that way at all. I enjoyed Anna's experience in Paris right along with her. I never felt excluded or like I was looking in from the outside. Main characters often have a hobby or interest that dominates their personality and Anna's interest in becoming a film critic was also handled nicely. The characters of the story were well written and multi-dimensional. The conflicts didn't feel manufactured and the will-they-won't-they was balanced in a realistic way. The author has an authentic voice. I cared about Anna and St. Clair pretty equally which can be difficult to accomplish, especially in a first person perspective.
My only minor complaint is one of personal preference. Even in a purely contemporary, romance, YA book, I like a little action. The stakes were never much beyond getting that kiss in by the end of the book. There were some secondary conflicts but it was easy to see they would be resolved happily by the end. Fortunately, the writing was such I could overlook the linear story line without much trouble because Anna was a very appealing character and her adventure in France was one I was glad to tagging along for....more
Great read. Has influences from some of my favorite books, such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and even Hunger Games. I immediately picked up theGreat read. Has influences from some of my favorite books, such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and even Hunger Games. I immediately picked up the next book in the series, which is rare for me. I have to really love a book to want to continue on with the series. I felt the ending wasn't a cheap ploy to get me into the next book either, which I appreciate. Although I could see where the author was planting seeds for the next book, I never felt like the current story was falling short in doing so. On to Siege and Storm!...more
What a masterfully crafted story. So often, the little clues and connecting points in the first part of the book feel obvious and wedged in, but by thWhat a masterfully crafted story. So often, the little clues and connecting points in the first part of the book feel obvious and wedged in, but by the end, everything had a purpose and felt right at home where you discovered it. The way the three main character's stories dovetailed was so natural and believable. This really is three stories in one. Unlike so other books that use this storytelling device, I never found myself bored with one of the three. They all held my attention equally, with a minor exception near the end when a critical moment in two of the stories finally developed. Only one minor complaint is the epilogue. While interesting, I found it a little heavy handed and almost apologetic for some of the edge in the book, but not enough to sour me on any of it. Great read from an author who can fill a story with the minutia and detail of ordinary lives while still keeping you spellbound....more
This book came highly recommended by a friend, and I was not disappointed. It’s a young adult, first love story without false angst. The angst is warrThis book came highly recommended by a friend, and I was not disappointed. It’s a young adult, first love story without false angst. The angst is warranted, purposeful, and understandable. The characters are perfectly unique without being at all cartoony. Eleanor and Park are real people that could easily exist somewhere. Within just a few quick chapters I was heavily invested in both characters. About halfway through the story I reached that critical point: the book had potential for greatness, everything was lining up. Would it make a huge mistake, just finish well, or become one of those stories that will affect you for days? I would say it finished well and stayed with me for a few days. The last fourth of the book moved along like it needed to and kept me up late reading it. And the finish was quick and not drawn out. Without spoiling anything, I will say the ending was satisfying if not as impactful as it had the potential to be.
I really love these two characters equally, which is not that common. Usually one of the two main characters in a book like this comes across as more complete or more relatable, especially when both of them are quite different. In this case, I felt compassion for both Park and Eleanor. Their story did an amazing job of capturing the uncertain, awkward, exhilarating first pangs of new love. ...more
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