Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe ~ Book Review

Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of        the Universe

Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Published: February 21, 2012

Hardcover: 368 pages 

Good Reads Summary:

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Thoughts: 

This novel has received so much praise, love and awards. It has been on my list forever. I am trying to read more diverse books and this one is always on everyone's favorites. I cannot remember reading a single negative review about this book. 
When I started reading it, I started to panic a little. I liked the book, but it was not blowing me away. I have always heard that this was a character driven story but I think I expected there to be a stronger plot or something big to happen early in the story. But, that did not happen. I pressed on with the story worried that I was going to be the only person who did not enjoy this book.
About half way through the book something magical happened. There was a switch. The story went from a simple story to an amazing impactful story. One chapter I was just reading along and then the characters thoughts became deeper. The author's writing style is extremely simplistic. At the half way point, he maintained his simplicity but the impact of it had changed. The emotions and the thoughts of the characters were so much deeper. I loved, LOVED the letter writing in the story. Such a special touch to the book. I have so many quotes that I wrote down in my journal. So many simple, beautiful words that made this book unique. You have to read it. It is a must-read book. I borrowed this copy from the library, but I need to have a copy of this book. 

Things I ADORED about this book:  sorry I am about use the word "love" a lot!

•  The characters. It took me a while to fall in love with Aristotle but when I did, I fell really hard for him. Aristotle is a very complex character. He is extremely introverted (which I can really relate to) and struggles with who he truly is. Dante was a shining light! I loved him instantly. Dante was outgoing and wore his heart on his sleeve. He was absolutely adorable and caring. 

• I loved how the parents of Aris and Dante had such a central role in the story. I have never seen parents have so much dialogue in YA Fiction. It was very refreshing and I think they are parents that every kid should have. This added so much unique elements and dynamics to the story.

• I loved the theme about everyone having their "own private wars". All the characters had their own struggles and they all dealt with them differently. 

• The writing style. It was not poetic. It was not metaphorically written. It was just so simple but made a beautiful impact! It was pure genius. 

• In the end, I loved that there was no huge plot line. I love when a writer can create something so beautiful from something so simple. How can such simple words hold such a high impact??

Even though I had a hard time getting into this story. It doesn't even matter. This book was so incredible. The second half was unbelievable and that ending was one of the best endings I have ever read. I could literally pick this one up and start reading it again. 

My Favorite Quotes ~ I will try my best to narrow it down. :)

"Sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere. The clearest summer morning could end in a downpour. Could end in lightning."

"We don't always make the right decisions, Ari. We do the best we can."

"...Dante's face was a map of the world. A world without any darkness."

"Words were different when they lived inside of you."

"I came to understand that my father was a careful man. To be careful with people and with words was a rare and beautiful thing."

Good Reads Rating: 

I hope you read this book. It was so special and it is going to stick with me for a very long time. Have read anything else by this author?? I am excited to read more by him! Have read this book? Are you planning to read it? I hope you are!!

Happy Reading Everyone!!

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson ~ Book Review

Publication: September 16, 2014

371 pages, Hardcover 

Goodreads Summary:

A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell 

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

Thoughts:  There has been so much hype surrounding this book. I have had it on my TBR list even before its release date. The synopsis did not instantly grab my attention and it is not something that I would have picked up on my own. This book had so many reviewers buzzing and I knew I had to read it. I am not going to lie- the cover drew me in too! I am sucker for a gorgeous book. 

I do not want to go into too much details about this book. I think it is one of those books that it is better not to know too much going into the story. 

When I first started reading this book, I was not loving it. Jandy Nelson's writing is so unique and bold that it takes time to get use to the style. It has a very poetic flow and she uses a lot metaphors in her descriptions, a lot. In the beginning, I felt that the writing style was over-powering the story. I persevered through 40 or 50 pages and something magical happened. I. Fell. In. Love. This book so lives up to the hype. This story is so special and so worth reading. I feel so privilege that I had the opportunity to read this book. The characters are so complex and unique. They capture your heart. Not only are the characters amazing, but the story is so captivating and impressive. This book has so many deep connections that are revealed as you read the story and are so meaningful and beautiful. I cannot explain how much I love this book. I cannot do it justice with any words. It simply just needs to be read. Everyone needs to read it. I highly recommend buying the book. You are going to want it and reread it! I made the mistake and borrowed it from my library. Now I wished I had my own copy. I hope to buy me a copy in the near future. 

My Favorite Things About This Book:

• The uniqueness and complexity of all the characters in the book, especially Noah and Jude. 

• I loved how this story is told. It is a dual-perpective story, told between Jude and Noah. Jude's story is told in the present and Noah's story is told two years before the present. In the end, their stories merge into the present day. This story would have not been the same without this structure. 

• I loved how the events connected and how characters stories intertwined. I cannot give details without spoilers. If you have read it- you understand!  

• This book is just so real! I felt like I was reading into Jude and Noah's true soul. 

• The writing style matches this story so well. In the beginning, I had such a hard time with it. But, in the end it gave power and purpose to the story. 

My Favorite Quotes: 

There are so many beautiful passages and quotes in this book. It is really hard to just pick a few to shine. I picked some that did not spoil anything from the story. 

"I wish the world would stick like a clock so I could look at him for as long as I want. There's something going on in his face right now, something very bright trying to get out- a dam keeping back a wall of light. His soul might be a sun. I've never met anyone who had the sun for a soul."  

"It occurs to me that Jude does this too, changes who she is depending on who she's with. They're like toads changing their skin color. How come I'm always just me?"

"I don't know how this can be but it can: A painting is both exactly the same and entirely different every single time you look at it. That's the way it is between Jude and me now."

"Maybe some people are just meant to be in the same story."

" You have to see the miracles for there to be miracles."

"...because we are, each one of us for the other, a key to a door that otherwise would've remained locked forever."

Booktube Shout Out:

On Perpetual Pages YouTube channel she recommended this music fan-mix to go along with the book. It is really awesome!  

   

Fan Mix on 8Tracks

Goodreads Rating: 

Please let me know your thoughts on this book! Have you read it?? Do you plan to?

Happy Reading!!

Theresa Says: Read It! ~ Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

When it starts getting warmer outside, I start gravitating to contemporary books. Spring and Summer seems likes the perfect time to pick up a light, fluffy, feel-good book. Today, I am going to recommend you one of my all-time favorite contemporaries. If you have not read this one- you need to! It is such a special book and it just has great character development and a fantastic storyline. 

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

449 pages 

Published: May 6th, 2014 by Simon and Schuster

Goodreads Summary:  The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.  

But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just… disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try… unless they could lead back to her best friend.

Apple Picking at Night? Okay, easy enough.

        Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not?

        Kiss a Stranger? Um... 

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Wait ... what?

Thoughts: 

I was sold when I first read this summary. I could tell this was going to be a fantastic book. This is the only Morgan Matson book that I have read so far. I do plan to read her other books very soon. 

Here are some things that I absolutely love about this book:

• I could really relate with the main character Emily. We have a lot in common. 

• It makes you really want to try things that you never could see yourself doing! 

• It makes you want to step out of your comfort zone. 

• The author creates "Playlists" throughout the book, and it really helps create the mood and helps the character's personal taste shine through. I often stopped while I was reading to listen to some of the songs on the playlists just to help me live in the moment of the book.

• I loved the writing style of this book! It is so fresh and fun! 

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. This is a must-read for Spring and Summer time. I hope you give it a try! What are some of your favorite reads for the warmer weather? 

Happy Reading!!

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven ~ Book Review

Publication: January 6, 2015 by Knopf

388 pages 

Goodreads Summary:  
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.

This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.

**This book does have triggers for suicide and mental illnesses. If this triggers you, you may not want to read this book.

Thoughts:
First of all, let it be known that no matter what I say about this book, I will never be able to do it justice. It is absolutely, without a doubt, the most beautiful book I have ever read (next to The Book Thief). It is now my favorite contemporary book of all time. Sorry Fangirl. I still love you and you still have a very special place in my heart. 
I did not think I would like it as much as I would. While I was reading this book, I literally had to stop at times. I was crying so hard I could not continue reading the book. I have never been so emotional with any other book and I have read some tear jerkers.  There is so much I love about this book, so let's just get started. 

My Favorite Things About This Book:

• It has opened my mind on how I look at mental illnesses.  I am changed forever. 
• The way this book addresses depression, bullying, and tragedy. You can tell it is coming from a very genuine place.
• I loved how this book has opened my mind to exploring the world.
• I have learned that there are so many quirky, amazing places around me that I have yet to explore.
• I now see that you do not need to go far to find those places. 
• The way the book is written. I have so many favorite quotes, scenes and passages. I have some of them listed below. 
• The characters! Finch and Violet- they were so amazing! The characters are so well developed and I loved to see their growth and changes throughout the book. The author made them so likable and they win your heart. Then, all of sudden your heart is crushed into a million pieces.
• This book really makes you think and I know this book have made an everlasting impression on my perspective and my compassion for others. 

My Favorite Quotes: 

"When we're in the act of wandering, we need to be present, not watching it through the lens." ~Finch, page 97

"You are all the colors in one, at full brightness." ~Finch, page 172

"Your hope lies in accepting your life as it now lies before you, forever changed. If you can do that, the peace you seek will follow. Forever changed." ~Violet, page 348-349

 "The thing I realize is that it's not what you take, it's what you leave." -Violet, page 376

Final Thoughts:

You definitely need to just read it yourself. On Goodreads, they say it is The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park. I am not the biggest fan of Eleanor and Park, but I think this is the perfect depiction for this amazing story. It does have two quirky characters that have trouble fitting in with everyone else. The main characters Violet and Finch,  find who they truly are, through their friendship and love for each other (like Eleanor and Park). Sadly, they meet each other through tragic and unexpected circumstances (like The Fault in Our Stars).

I cannot wait to see the movie of this book! Violet is supposed to be played by Elle Fanning. This movie is going to be incredibly hard to watch. I am probably going to cry through the entire film. I hope it is going to be as beautiful as the book.    

My Goodreads Rating: 

Book Review: The Well of Ascension

There will be no spoilers for this book or the series in "My Thoughts". You may not want to read the summary of the book if you have not read book one in the series. 

THE WELL OF ASCENSION BY BRANDON SANDERSON

                                               Series: Mistborn Trilogy, #2

Publication: August 21, 2007 

(first publication) by Tor Teen

Source:  Paperback, 784 pages 

Goodreads Summary:

They did the impossible, deposing the godlike being whose brutal rule had lasted a thousand years. Now Vin, the street urchin who has grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young nobleman who loves her, must build a healthy new society in the ashes of an empire.

They have barely begun when three separate armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

It may just be that killing the Lord Ruler was the easy part. Surviving the aftermath of his fall is going to be the real challenge.

Goodreads Page 

My Thoughts:

- Do you like unique and amazing worlds??

- Do you like character development at its finest??

- Do you enjoy bigger-than-life plots??

- Do you like to be completely blown away by plot twists??

Then you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!

This story is a complete masterpiece. I was completed blown away! 

First of all, do not be intimidated by the book's size. It is completely worth the time reading this book. It does not move slow and completely captivates you from page 1. There is some slower brewing moments, but they are with purpose. Brandon Sanderson is a genius at storytelling. Everything is woven together so beautifully that all the little, slower parts come together very well in the end of the book. 

One thing I loved about this book was the characters. I have to admit that I did not love the characters when I first started book 1. I had a hard time relating to them and I was not that attached to them. As I continued, and their stories started to develop, I was hooked! Vin the main character is such a quiet, timid character at the beginning of the book. But as the story progresses she becomes so strong and confident. I loved her relationships that she built with Kelsier, Sazed and Elend. The characters are so dynamic and have so much depth. 

THE PLOT is amazing! I don't want to go into any information about the plot with either book because I think you have to read to discover it for yourself. But, it is truly epic. One thing that I love about high fantasy (and Sanderson does it so well) is the fact that the plot is so big and impacts the entire world. There are so many plot twists in both books in the series and you DO NOT see them coming. You may think you have things figured out- believe me, you do not. The author is the master of plot of twists. 

I have no bad things to say about this book. None. It is absolutely incredible and I highly recommend you read this book series. It is on my favorite shelf! I cannot wait to start the final book in the trilogy. I know that the series does continue after the trilogy too, which is really exciting too. 

Book Rating: