Review: RANDOM

Who's the real victim here? This tense and gripping exploration of cyberbullying and teen suicide is perfect for fans of Before I Fall and Thirteen Reasons Why.

Late at night Tori receives a random phone call. It's a wrong number. But the caller seems to want to talk, so she stays on the line.

He asks for a single thing—one reason not to kill himself.

The request plunges her into confusion. Because if this random caller actually does what he plans, he'll be the second person connected to Tori to take his own life. And the first just might land her in jail. After her Facebook page became Exhibit A in a tragic national news story about cyberbullying. Tori can't help but suspect the caller is a fraud. But what if he’s not? Her words alone may hold the power of life or death.

With the clock ticking, Tori has little time to save a stranger—and maybe redeem herself—leading to a startling conclusion that changes everything.

“Don’t let your mouth write checks your heart can’t cash,” 

The short description of what the story is all about is not as intense as the story itself. The fact that it is recommended to fans of Before I Fall and Thirteen Reasons Why is enough to tickle my curious cat. I adore both books so it isn't a surprise that I have a soft spot for this one too.

What made it even more intense and gripping would probably be the fact that the whole thing happened in a span of 24hours.  I became invested to it from the very beginning and it escalated even more at the end.

I could only imagine the thoughts going on in the mind of a sixteen-year-old girl when she received some strange call from a person thinking of doing suicide. It's already bad that she had to go to a trial because of a felony act and now, she was  given such huge responsibility for another person or life.

I simply love the smooth twists and turns. It was beautifully sewn together. It wasn't cluttered or confusing. It all made sense.

I have also a strong objection against bullying in any form or type so clearly I am not happy with Tori's character. I just can't accept the fact that she wasn't aware that she was practically goading someone to bully another person or the fact that she was actually bullying someone. So the whole dropping of another suicide situation on her lap made me thought that she kinda deserves it at some point. It served as a lesson to her actually, in my opinion though. I mean, she's obviously too selfish, inconsiderate and plain insensitive. I just hate people like her that doesn't think twice about the consequences of their actions as long as other people thinks that they're cool.

This book is amazing in its own ways. The protagonist may not have killed the bullied person but that doesn't make her an innocent at all. And that's what this book is all about and what it teaches. It teaches us how a simple act could become something big and could ruin someone else's life. It may be a joke to you or your friends, you may not see the person you commented with something bad but it doesn't mean that that person isn't hurt or not taking it seriously. We have no idea what each person is going through in their lives so we gotta be careful with how we talk to them or how we deliver those unnecessary jokes.

The ending is priceless, its something I did not see coming. I was left speechless and my eyes widened. It made perfect sense and I loved it.

It may sound boring to some because it is consisted mostly of phone conversations but I do believe that it is what made the whole story intense and thrilling, like you're on a thread with Tori too. And as I've mentioned, Tori is selfish and it made the readers jittery because there could be a possibility that she might not help him and would more likely not be involved with it.

I highly recommend this to all. It's a must-read. A different treatment about cyberbullying because we get to see the other side of the story. It's in the perspective of one of the bullies. It would teach all the readers the value of being responsible with their actions and words. Kudos to Leveen!

Review: EVERY DAY

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere. It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day. 

“If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: We all want everything to be okay. We don't even wish so much for fantastic or marvelous or outstanding. We will happily settle for okay, because most of the time, okay is enough.”  

I remember coming across this book because it somehow struck me as different from all the other books I've read and not a big fan of SciFi, I wouldn't know if there's a book/story similar to this. Anyway, because of the presence/existence of this book, I came to love David Levithan to the point I bought all his books in paperback and like what I've mentioned before in one of my reviews, I don't just buy paperbacks, I make sure that that book is worthy of my penny/buck and that I am totally in love with it that I just really need a physical copy of it sitting in my shelf.

“It's one thing to fall in love. It's another to feel someone else fall in love with you, and to feel a responsibility toward that love.” 

Twistedly, I love this book despite it's flaws, as people would say. Yes, I am one of those people who just felt something in us move upon reading this. Cheesy? I know. I'm sorry. Reading this book irritated me. Why? Simply because I was imagining myself as A, going through all those situations, lacking sexual identification, lacking a real life, basically lacking the means of being a real person/identity. It's infuriating. 

"The past and future are what's complicated. It's the present that's simple."

I must say, A's character is not unlikable. You could get fond of him/her and I like how we are able to see how he lives the lives of the host and at the same time, create meaningful moments or help the host at some point.  It's like story after a story after a story within a bigger story. I admire how the author made us feel that we could never be lost in those throngs of stories, that we are still intact with the big picture.  The stories varies, there's humourous, downright sad and tragic so it's never dull. There's something new to look forward to.

I got frustrated when it came to the end because I was looking for answers, wanted answers as to why A's is experiencing it/this but as I come realize, the questions left unaswered are what makes this book different and special. I mean, the whole point of the story is not knowing who A is or where A came from, the whole point is philosophical and could vary on how the reader perceives it.

“I wake up thinking of yesterday. The joy is in remembering; the pain is in knowing it was yesterday.”

With A's love interest. I'm just not quite ecstatic about it. I have no idea what makes Rhiannon different from the others, was it her relationship with the self-centered jerk? But who knows, it may not be as understandable to readers like me (A's relationship with her) but I guess A have found some kind of connection with her that he/she never found from anyone all throughout his life situation. I'm totally gonna read Six Days Earlier.

“I love you-I do-but I am afraid of making that love too important. Because you're always going to leave me, A. We can't deny it. You're always going to leave.” 

I kind of pity her because I could only imagine how overwhelming it was to have a bomb dropped into your lap out of  nowhere. It's fantastical and it would be hard to absorb but at some point she did. And I'm glad she did because I know how hard it might be for A to not find someone who would understand his/her situation and be acknowledged as something/someone he/she really wants. I just love the idea that A was not alone anymore and that there was someone he/she could confide into. That is refreshing.

“This is what love does: It makes you want to rewrite the world. It makes you want to choose the characters, build the scenery, guide the plot. The person you love sits across from you, and you want to do everything in your power to make it possible, endlessly possible. And when it’s just the two of you, alone in a room, you can pretend that this is how it is, this is how it will be.” 

I don't know but at the end of reading this, I felt comfort and sadness and I just found myself daydreaming for a few minutes. Some may not understand what I mean but it was what it was. It sure made an impact in me and I'm pretty sure to most of its readers too. It's just bittersweet. I may not be a fan of Rhiannon but A saying goodbye to her was just so heartbreaking for me. The story may sound aggravating or confusing but I'd like you guys to give it a shot, take a moment and learn to know its meaning.

Review: REASON TO BREATHE (BREATHING SERIES #1)

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?" In the affluent town of Weslyn, Connecticut, where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. She’s more concerned with feigning perfection while pulling down her sleeves to conceal the bruises - not wanting anyone to know how far from perfect her life truly is. Without expecting it, she finds love. It challenges her to recognize her own worth - but at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she’s desperate to hide.  Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

This book is intense, beautiful and dang powerful. My emotions were haywire. I have never experienced lack of sleep because of a book. I mean, I was up the whole night because I just couldn't stop reading and my eyes, oh my eyes. I was a cry-baby. My heart shuttered into million tic-tac pieces and I felt like punching a wall because of full on rage. In other words, I was disoriented and lost after reading this book.

"In the balance of love and loss, it was love that made me struggle to breathe."

I have never felt extreme anger towards a character. Her aunt is someone I would want to use my steel bat on to. What she does to her is unacceptable and no amount of apologies could change the scars, the welts of the leather belt, the tears and the feeling of wanting to die. The way the antagonist is portrayed and written is powerful to the point that it's terrifying how effective her character is. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who sympathize with Emma and want to help her. Her aunt screams cruelty beyond repair. I don't even wanna think about her because it only makes me feel like strangling someone. I crave for justice for Emma. No person deserve such treatment. I tell you. No person should feel inferior towards these kind of people but rather stand and take all the courage to tell someone. I mean, you're never alone. Never think that.

“Love helped me live life instead of just survive it.”

I found myself crying through every page I read. I even sobbed. And I'm not even a crier myself. It just proves how the story, the struggles and pain of the character really cuts deep through every reader's heart and soul. I know that there are people who goes through this kind of  situation in their life that's why this makes it even more hurting to read because at the back of my mind, I feel so helpless to those people in actual need like this. This is why no one should judge anyone. No one knows what the other is going through. People should be aware of other people. Be more sensitive. Gosh, I'm really preaching here. This just really hits right in my heart. And counting days til she leaves for college? BAM! More tears and piece of my heart stomped over and over again.

I salute Emma for being so strong, I know there is a downside on her character in this first book. People would say she didn't show much of a bravery because she didn't fight back or anything but we can't really judge her. We're not in her shoes so it's hard to tell. It's easier said than done. There are things to consider.

I love how Evan just sweeps in the picture. He might be considered as the "Knight and shining armor" but this is the kind of cliche stuff I love because Pete knows how Emma badly needs someone to be there for her, see right through her and even if she wants to be invisible, I bet a 100 bucks that she, at least, want someone to be her shoulder. And that, ladies and gents, is Evan's purpose.

His entrance doesn't focus on wooing her but rather helping her and that's what is amazing with this. The development of their relationship is slow, concrete and well-adjusted. Rebecca didn't hurry them. She build them thoroughly and that what's makes their relationship much more appealing and lovable. Despite the darkness of the issue, there are rays of light and hope. His determination and willingness to know more of her are extremely something to be noticed and take pride of.  I enjoyed their little moments. I was happy for them. That even though the situation is brutally terrifying, they have found peace with each other. I feel like I was part of every scene like I was living them with them. My heart raced because I know that at the end of the day, she has to go back to that house and face the evil music. The situations are very realistic. I love how it is played because I could actually walk through the scenes in ease with the characters and I could understand them full and feel every bit of it.

I love Rebecca's writing style because the writing may not be as graphic (to the point that it would scare you) but it sure still gives you the full context and essence of the story and it works your imagination just like a snap of a finger. I commend Rebecca and I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has the heart and soul to take up this challenge of reading such "serious but not too dark but definitely heartbreaking story". Please do prepare your eyes and heart for some serious damage.

I was left breathless here.

Review: THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME

"My heart didn't fail, someone failed my heart."  

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.  Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.  But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.  With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?  

“You can obsess and obsess over how things ended—what you did wrong or could have done differently—but there's not much of a point. It's not like it'll change anything. So really, why worry?” 

This is one of the few books I just love the most. I am completely and utterly head over heels in love with this book. I spent money just to have my own copy of this book and I don't spend much to just ANY book. This is just outrageously beautiful and awesmazing. I've read this book countless of times and I still get tingly inside. I still get the same emotions as when I first have read it. This book makes you feel the roller coaster of emotions and leaves you dumbfounded in the end because you just can't believe it is finished. And who did not see the plot twist coming in the end? I was like an OMG moment.

“When you're in love, the world is brighter. Sunnier. The air smells flowerier, and your hair is silkier, and suddenly you find yourself smiling at babies and strangers and old couples walking down the beach holding hands.” 

What I love about this book is that it's not cliche. You'd think it is but it's not. I expected something light and girly but I got more than that. It's full of humour, you'd laugh, you'd fall in love with the characters, you'd cry, sympathize. Basically, a silver platter of roller coaster ride of emotions. It's all sugar and spice and everything nice.  And one can easily relate to Brie's struggles and pain. And c'mon, the cover? It's so pretty. I love it better than with a girl in a purple dress. This one screams romance and cuteness and something mysterious.

At first, I wasn't buying the whole "literally died of broken heart" coz I've never heard such thing so I was thinking that maybe the author was just too over the top with the description. I also got heartbroken when Brie's boyfriend told her he doesn't love her anymore. I mean, what person would wanna hear that from a person he/she loves a lot and for someone so young? I already expected she wouldn't take it lightly. I mean, teens are more likely to take love "seriously". And then she died because of that? I was like, "Man, now it's hard to dump people coz you'll never know if they'd die of broken heart too". I seriously got worried for people who'd get dumped. We don't really know things like this, illnesses like this, so it's really scary. Thank heavens for the heads up, Jess!

"My yesterday, my now and my always and my forever." 

I got curious about the whole "I don't love you anymore". I had the gnawing feeling to know what had happened and how did it come to that point of no love anymore. And the fact that her bestfriend came into the picture, things started running in my mind and all I wanna do is know if what she and I are thinking are true coz damn, if my best friend do that, she wouldn't wanna know what I'd do to her, So yea, I felt betrayed along with Brie. We both assumed which was a bad thing. I'm just relieved, like Brie, that it's not what we assumed. And I guess, I can't feel anger towards the boyfriend because for starters, his intention is to not hurt her (which happened anyway, and even worst) but I think things would be different if he just trusted her and told her what was really going on. I mean, she was his girlfriend anyway.

When Patrick came into the picture, I liked his character right there and then. He's witty, humourous, annoying (to Brie), his character is simply lovable. And his relationship to Brie is just so cute. Love-hate? Who doesn't like that? They just balance each other out. I just love how he had the growing urge to help her through the stages and guide her along the way. And the nicknames? So cute. I could almost imagine him, 80's look with that jacket? Hmmm.

I like the little story about her friends. It's good that the book also give way to friendships. I like the stages and how they are well-written (in my opinion). It's something you could also relate to other situations in life which is great. I actually took notes about it. And my most favourite part of the book is the setting of the afterlife. Pizza parlor? Pizza all you want? Damn, I want to visit that place. Lol. This book is simply a page-turner. You'd want more and more from it. It's not predictable. You'd think you know what's gonna happen and them BAM! you're lost and dumbfounded because you did not see that coming. The twists are great. That's what I love about a book, it makes me narrow my eyes in confusion and be like, "What just happened?". I love being surprised. It only shows how well-written and well-thought of a book is. 

I have recommended this to my friends and they loved it. We gushed about it and we all felt the same emotions so now I'm recommending it to you guys! 

Review: THINGS WE KNOW BY HEART

Goodreads.com

When Quinn Sullivan meets the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, the two form an unexpected connection.

After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all. 

Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.

"It's too much, this. Life & love & how fragile it all is."

The plot of this book, at some point, is very close to my heart. It's not like my boyfriend died or something but he came close to it so I guess reading this book brought back memories. It's good to read when you're alone and in a quiet place.

The plot is sad - and so is the story. I mean, I could only imagine how Quinn have felt. One day she's with him and the next he's dead. And to think that he was ripped to pieces. I mean, parts of his body were donated. That would be very hard for anyone who lost someone. She had a hard time moving on. She was clutching on to the past, to the pieces that could somehow make her believe that Trent is still alive.

When I was reading it, I felt like I was Quinn. I felt like I was the one hurting, mourning and betraying. It made it so hard for me not to feel my heart break for every chapter and at the same time, I felt as if I longed for Trent too.

The beginning is beautifully written. It's emotional, its heartbreaking, it makes you feel like you want to go back into time and wish Trent didn't die. Quinn's journey all through the out the story, the denial, her development - emotionally - and how she managed to get through it, it's all realistically put together.

I had a hard time not feeling sorry for Quinn. I mean, she counts the days Trent has died. What is not sad with that?  It's intentionally breaking your heart into tiny tic tac-like pieces. But I guess the part where she finds the guy who has Trent's heart, he happens to be hot and they fell in love, I think it's too cheesy and too cliche. I'm not really a big fan of Colton. But I pity him. You know, coz he tries to hard to feel and be normal despite his past and stuff. I like him as a character alone. 

"I'm the best kind of tired from the sun and the ocean, but I don't want to close my eyes."

I just really don't like that Quinn have moved on. I mean, she should move on but I guess I wasn't too keen that she lost count for the days Trent was gone. I felt like its betrayal. Although I love the romantic scenes between her and Colton, I could almost imagine the view up in the cliff or inside the cave. It was well described. I like it a lot.  I like the whole scene with her sister too. I think it's really nice to have someone like her sister that supports you, encourages you instead of showing pity. She's been a good inspiration to Quinn. The whole board thing, it's very nice. Overall, the book is not entirely perfect but it's definitely something that would make you think about stuff, it would break your heart, it would cut deep through you but it would show you the whole process of accepting a loss. It's a book that would make you want to read it again some time. I simply applaud Jessi Kirby for giving me such good first impression. This book definitely deserves a 

ANNE WNDR READS: FINDING AUDREY

"Life is all about climbing up, slipping down, and picking yourself up again. And it doesn't matter if you slip down. As long as you're kind of heading more or less upwards. That's all you can hope for. More or less upward."

I am officially in love with this book! Hands down to Sophie Kinsella for writing such amazing books all the time. I just read the book for like two and a half days and if I weren't busy with school stuff I'd probably finish it in one sitting. Yes, that's how engrossed I was to this book. I am just too psyched to tell everyone how I feel and think about this book. I'm literally bubbling inside with excitement as I write this down. It's a definite MUST-HAVE. I'm not kidding.

"I think what I've realized is, life is all about climbing up, slipping down and picking yourself up again. And it doesn't matter if you slip down. As long as you're kind of heading more or less upwards. That's all you can hope for. More or less upwards."

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.

It's one of those books  that tackles about mental illness in a light, friendly approach that definitely tells you that the author is considerate and mean no offense to those that have them.

Since the first chapter I've found myself falling in love with their dysfunctional family. I could almost see the scenes unfold right in my very eyes. I would go further and say they could be part of a funny sitcom and Anne Turner - Audrey's mom - would totally rock the whole thing. And don't start me with her love-hate relationship with her son, Frank. Those two would be the perfect duo. I mean, crazy "Daily Mail obsessed" mom + stubborn "video game obsessed" teen? Who wouldn't want to see them together?

This book is defo for those who are just looking for something funny and lighthearted story but very much well-written. I simply love the humour. It's not trying too hard, it just comes off completely funny. The characters compliment each other and they have helped a lot in supporting the whole story and it is nice how they've developed all through out the story.    

"If rhubarb needs time in the dark, maybe you do too."     

  I also love how the story doesn't focus much on her love interest or it doesn't try to make it all romantic and stuff like that coz it doesn't came off as cliche. And in my opinion, Linus is much more of a helping hand. He's not basically the sole reason Audrey conquered it all, he's more of an inspiration.  And It mainly just focus on Audrey and her development, how she's conquering her illness and it's amazing how positive her character is. And I think this book gives way to those people who aren't well aware of anxiety disorder, it makes them understand it at some point. 

There are lessons that this book offers, about life and relationship with people. Each phrases holds something meaningful in them that we could all use as an inspiration in our daily lives.                                                                                                                                                       "...that's what life is. We're all on a jagged graph. I know I am. Up a bit. Down a bit. That's life."    

 Alas, I highly recommend this to everyone out there because this book is certainly a  5.