Book Review: Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

Goodreads Description:

On the day Liz Emerson tries to die, they had reviewed Newton’s laws of motion in physics class. Then, after school, she put them into practice by running her Mercedes off the road.

Why? Why did Liz Emerson decide that the world would be better off without her? Why did she give up? Vividly told by an unexpected and surprising narrator, this heartbreaking and nonlinear novel pieces together the short and devastating life of Meridian High’s most popular junior girl. Mass, acceleration, momentum, force—Liz didn’t understand it in physics, and even as her Mercedes hurtles toward the tree, she doesn’t understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect? Amy Zhang’s haunting and universal story will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, and Jay Asher.

Title: Falling Into Place
Author: Amy Zhang
Genre: Contemporary, Mature Young Adult, Coming of Age
Format: Paperback
Pages: 296
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Source: Purchased from Popular Bookshop

I usually don't like to read about books that have a very depressing scenario like mental illness, depression, self harming or even eating disorders as I've seen too many of this things in real life and want to escape to a 'happier world' in books, but the last contemporary I read came out overly sugar coated (*cough *cough Girl Online) and need something emotional and deep as a 'detox'. Gosh I never thought I'll see myself  saying this words in my book reading life! lolz

Emotional, haunting and honest story about a mess up popular girl.

Told trough a mysterious narrator, it jumps trough time before and after Liz Emerson tried to crash her car by driving off an icy motorway.

Characters

The characters here are all very flawed, complexes and messed up but also some of the best and most realistic people I've read.

Liz was a character that I thought I'll hate especially with some of the things that she does but the more I read about her the more empathize what she's going trough. She's a very flawed character. Stereotypical popular mean and Queen B who parties and binge drinking her problems away (this is one of my biggest life pet peeve!). I hated reading about her bulling and what influenced her to bully others. Though what makes her feel real was the fact was that she see the aftermath of all her deeds and feels the guilt. Liz bottles up all her secrets and guilt to a point it drives her to depression (and off the cliff).

Liz friends Kennie and Julia are both as mess up as she is with their own issues in their own ways. They were well though out characters but like Liz very flawed and messed up yet of all of Liz's friends they are the ones who will stick by her side no matter what.

As for their class mate Liam Oliver and Liz's mum, they were a great addition and I liked their point of views especially Liam's but I wish that we got to read more about them. 

Plot/Writing

The story follows not just Liz but everyone in her life and how her crashing her car effects them. 

I love how the author intertwines the different timelines of before and after the car crash and multiple POVs especially the mystery narrator. It flows really well and it makes me think a lot trough and after i was done with the book. 

It deals with all sorts of issues like high school drama, bulling, family problems, teen pregnancy, drug addiction, mental illness like depression and eating disorders but also the side effects/ outcomes.

When I was reading the story I keep thinking I've read something like this in the past. Then while clearing out my high school books it clicked! The story reminds me a bit of An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley which I studied in for SPM in From 4/5. 

As for the writing, I was blown away as its sarcastic and snappy but also very beautiful, complex and deep to the point I was staring at the ceiling thinking of this book after I was done with it! Its well written and paced out! I love how honest and haunting without going too overboard!

The plot twist were really good especially about the mystery narrator!

Which we later learn that the mystery narrator was Liz's childhood imaginary friend.

As for the ending was bittersweet and was not what I expected yet I still like it. I was actually caught off guard with how it ended but like the direction it took. 

The romance element in this book is very light but the friendship and family elements is strong and I think its very fitting with the scenario as if they added too much romance it will have turned out cheesy.

Other than that, this book is a great example that a book can have a very unlikeable and flawed cast of character to make a good story! 

While I'll say check this book out, I won't recommend this to everyone as some of the stuff that happen is quiet emotional and graphic (I mentioned in my review for This Song Will Save Your Life that I can't deal with book with super graphic scenarios especially if it involve cutting ). 

Recommended to those of you who can handle mature YA topics and if you like a refreshing and provoking storyline. 

Book Review: Aura by Kylie Malchus

Goodreads Description:

Kira's life is gray. A drab cubicle, a less-than-caring boyfriend, and a sick mother occupy her thoughts. Her life is a fairy tale and her prince is Jesse Conley, the sweet and slightly awkward boy of her dreams. At least, that's what her magical paintings tell her. The only problem: Jesse is an unreachable world-famous pop icon. After suffering heartbreak, can Kira learn to see the colors again? 

Have you ever had an experience where you're driving, you look down to change the station on the radio, to check your phone, or to take a sip of that enticing diet Dr. Pepper, and in the second your eyes fall back on the road, a 40-ton, eighteen-wheeler semi truck hits you head-on? Kira Weston hasn't either.

But it's a pretty similar experience when, at sixteen years old, her young life is turned upside-down, around, inside out, and kneaded until chewy. She's whisked away by the voice of a world-famous singer, expected to be disappointed and less than disappointed when it comes unexpectedly, through the brightest reds of true love and, as naivety withers, through the darkest grays of family illness, merciless call-center work, and her boyfriend's emotional abuse. She follows the colors, wide-eyed and faithful, clinging to magic. Disappointment arrives at last; Jesse Conley, the humble, stuttering musician and Kira's sworn future love, makes a public announcement that shatters her life's course.

The unexpected would be understandable--plans changing--if Kira couldn't literally paint the future, a future that clearly disagrees with the present. She's a freakin' wizard, in a freakin' fairy tale, going to freakin' magical places a socially-awkward, aspiring artist never would have dreamt of going. Gray streaks the pages of her story, but following the colors is what her canvas tells her is fate. Kira has two choices: fighting the dragon, believing in magic, and seeking her stuttering prince, or drowning in the pessimism society tells her is grown-up.

Why her? She doesn't even like diet Dr. Pepper.

Title: Aura
Author: Kylie Malchus
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Fantasy, YA
Format: ebook

Pages: 394 pages
Publisher: Createspace
Source: Purchaesd on Smashworld though it was free over the Christmas holidays

From the prologue I knew I was gonna like the book cause the main character is a freaking fangirl who falls for a freaking pop star with a freaking amazing voice and songs... yah story of my life...

Aura is a great modern day Fairy tale with a twist and coming of age story about fangirl, family, following your dreams, painting your future and having faith!

We follow Kira as the story jumps back and forth for the span of 6 years of her life. She loves art and Jesse Conley's music and one day while painting a picture she somehow manages to paint his future. Eventually she manages to meet Jesse and they formed a unique friendship.

Kira is like any fangirl out there hoping to be 'THE ONE' for her Idol. But then life and reality takes a toll making it full of hurdles to be with him. Humble, selfless, putting her family needs before hers, she is also sarcastic, strong and logical. Her character is likable, relatable and realistic. Though her character tends to make some decisions that are "practical, in her case practicality didn't exactly work well for her life making her miserable. She's not loving her job, life and the relationship she's in but eventually she learns to take the risk and follow her heart and passion. Overall she was a great character to follow and is someone I want to be friends and probably fangirl buddies with.

I love how family oriented this book was and was entertained with her interaction with her family, Its obvious they are very close. Her mum Ellie, is great and supportive and younger sister Aurie is freaking awesome! Wiser beyond her years and a great voice of reason to Kira, I always look forward to reading the scenes with Aurie.

Then there is Milo, Kira's best friend. Both on the same path of of not sure what they want to do after High School they got a job at a local call center. I liked Milo and was kinda shipping him and Kira at times. Even so their 'bromance' was great to read about and I love how he's on a similar page to Kira.

Best for last we have Jesse aka the Popstar. Adorable, awkward, sweet and down to earth with a hint of mysteriousness, I love the guy to bits! The more I read about Jesse the more I think the fact he's like a hybrid of two of my favorite singers, David Archuleta and Harrison Craig!

'Musical' themed books are usually a hit or a miss for me as I sometimes tend to find authors not so great song writers. However I did like the musical element of the book was played out and was not cheesy or overly done.

The relationship between Kira and Jesse is a crazy rollercoaster! One moment I'm giggling and loving the cuteness of their interaction but the next... I think I heard my heart shattering for a second there... *cries*! Their friendship and romance was well paced out and adorable to read!

Plot wise was fast pace and engaging. I didn't want to put the book down! I love how it bounce back and forth trough time without confusing the plot. The final act of the book was my most favorite as I was on the edge of my seat and though this book sounds like a 'rom-com drama' story, there was some great action sequence in that last act! Also the plot twist was freaking good! Like I never picture the book to go to that direction good!

As for the ending, I kinda have mix feeling about one thing... but other than it was super sweet and I had a huge smile on my face reading the final pages.

Definitely check out Aura by Kylie Malchus



Also I found out about the author a while ago when she made the artwork for a music video called 'Don't run away by David Archuleta' which is my favorite David Archuleta music video to date! Check out the video and the song!

Since I'm in a David Archuleta fangirl mode (I love him and his song like the Directioners love their One Direction since I was 15 when I first watch him on American Idol) here are some Archu song recommendations for those of you who have never heard of him:

1) Crush aka the David Archuleta Classic

2) The entire The Other Side Of Down Album

I love the entire album and to me its his best album to date with its happy-go-lucky positive theme.
Though if I were to choose my top picks will have to be the title track The Other Side of Down, Elevator, Falling stars and my all time favorite Parachutes and Airplanes.


 3) Rainbow from the OPM album

A while ago he did a TV show called Nandito Ako in the Philippines and released a 'soundtrack' called Forevermore where he covers Original Pinoy music. Of all the songs in the album this is my favorite especially the remix edition. Also the music video = me swooning at his cuteness!

Alright hopefully I didn't overly ramble my Archu fangirl heart but anyways Check him out and also check out this book!

Book Review: Death of a Superhero by Anthony McCarten

Goodreads Description:

Inspired by real events, Death of a Superhero is a brilliantly original fusion of novel, comic book, and film script; a celebration of the transience of life and the eternal difficulty of love, and a hilarious riff on our 21st-century infatuation with movies and the superhero solution. Donald Delpe is a troubled teenager. Not only is he a "terrible teen" by default, as obsessed with sex, music, videogames, and drugs as the rest of his gang, but he is also suffering from a life-threatening form of leukemia, which makes him an even more difficult boy, both for his parents and his teachers. Escaping into his own comic-book realm of immortal superheroes, ruthless villains, and sex-crazed vamps, he repeatedly dashes his family's hopes by refusing to fight the battles facing him in the real world. As famous psychologist Dr. King is brought in to help, a glimmer of hope is rekindled. But will the doctor break the rules, betray the parents' trust, and risk everything to help Donald achieve his greatest wish? Or will Donald be the one to save the doctor? Shortlisted for the prestigious German Youth Book Award.

Title: Death of a Superhero
Author: Anthony McCarten
Genre: Contemporary, Adult, Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Mature YA
Format: Paperback
Pages: 247 pages
Source: Purchased from Ebay

When i first read the book and the synopsis I kinda find the title 'Death of a Superhero' interesting yet ironic as being an avid comic book fan it usually means the end of a comic book and the hero... not trying to foreshadow anything... *tears!!!*

I picked up 'Death of A Superhero' after I found out one The Maze Runner actor was in the movie adaption of this book and like any book to movie rules I must read the book before I watch the movie.

The edition I owe is set in the UK but the original version is set in New Zealand. The book follows Donald, a trouble 14-year-old who has Leukemia and has practically given up fighting. He draws comics to help ease the pain and anger of cancer and creates an alter ego called Miracle Man. Though a talented artist, the stuff he draws however is kinda disturbing which worries his parents hence one of the reasons why they send him to a psychiatrist Dr Adrian Kings.

Donald was Rebellious, angry and troublesome at first and but is also a very complex character. He was an okay character at start but by the end of the book I cared for his character along with the fact he has matured with the guidance of Adrian and also comes to his senses. He is obviously obsess with comic books and superheros and creates his own comic book adventure as kinda of a parallel to his life. I like reading his teenage struggles on him trying to fit in with his classmates though he tend to do some really stupid stuff like free running (aka le parkour which is a very bad idea with his condition) and selling pirated CDs. Also it was kinda cute reading him being shy and clueless on girls. I especially love reading his know-it-all and sarcastic attitude along with the fact he is quiet intelligent and have some really snappy dialogs along with a really good imagination. 

Dr Adrian King is my favorite character! Though a famous psychologist, sadly he is a lonely man with marriage problem and kinda have a boring life. Assigned to help Donald find strength and happiness along with the will to fight, he forms a unique bond with him and probably learn some things from Donald. They have quiet unique or odd (depend on how you look at it) doctor-client relationship where they bond over art, life and love even though their views is very two side of the same coin or youth vs experience. They also developed a deep friendship to a point that Donald open up about his fears and desires including his dying wish of him not wanting to die a virgin which Adrian going to some crazy extent of helping fulfill this wish.

I like the cast of side characters especially Donald's family. It was interesting watching them cope differently with Donald's illness. I found the character Shelly, Donald's crush one of those random pop in characters that I keep forgetting exist and I wish we got to know more about her as she is quiet a significant character.

The writing style of the book was unique but a bit confusing at first as it not only follows Donald's POV but Dr King and the side characters POV. Also I had to get used the way the book was written like a script book taking place in three acts. I love reading the comic book parts and kinda wish that there were some illustration in the book. The 'deleted scene and outtakes' was of my favorite part and cool way of an epilogue!

Speaking of epilogue, the way the book ended was freaking sad but satisfying. Adrian finally manage to gain the courage of separating from his wife and unhappy marriage while Donald finally found peace and happiness.

Its a great coming of age story with really good plot twists as well as some good themes in the book like youth vs old, the darker side of Cancer or illness and teenage angst.

A disclaimer i need to address, though I consider this a YA, it have some mature and graphic moments/content in some parts of the book.

Overall this book will make you both laugh and cry as well as grow with the characters. Its honest and realistic yet strange and provoking. Also its fun to imagine the parallel universe of superhero that Donald has created.

Read this book if you are a fan of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Side Effect May Very and of cause the lovely The Fault In Our Stars.

Also as mention if you are a Maze Runner fan, you might want to check out this book or the movie as Thomas Brodie Sangster ( Newt in TMR) plays Donald in the movie adaption! I have yet to watch the movie but am planning to after the exam but my friend has and she says its actually quiet good but like alot of book to movie alteration there were some changes.

If you were to find out a book to movie adaptation will you read the book first or watch the movie?

For me it depends. If I watch the movie and enjoyed it only to later find out its based of a book I'll probably pick up the book to compare with the movie.

But if i have yet to watch the movie and saw that its based off a book I'll pick it up as I want to form my own picture and opinion of the story and character in my head.

Book Review : The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester

Goodreads :

A love of fashion.

A couture competition.

A once-in-a-lifetime chance . . . Angel Moncoeur has always wanted to be a fashion designer, but without money or connections, it's going to be a challenge. When an opportunity to leave her home in New York and head to Paris appears, Angel grabs it – even if it means masquerading as her best friend Lily. That can't be too hard, can it?

But faking things doesn't come easy for Angel, so when she falls in love with her very own Prince Charming and he thinks she's someone else, things start to get complicated.

Angel needs to stop her secrets unravelling if she wants to live happily ever after . . .

From exciting talent Jennifer Kloester comes this fabulous story about high society, mistaken identity, love, betrayal, friendship – and great clothes.

 

Title: The Cinderella Moment
Author: Jennifer Kloester
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paperback

Pages: 304 pages
Source: Purchased from Bookworld

Okay so its no secret that I love fairy tale retelling especially Cinderella retelling.

I was wonderstruck enchanted with the book! 

I picked this up as the book was recommended at PTA live and also cause the sequel is already out (The Rapunzel Dilemma) 

Reading this... lets just say its best to go into the book with knowing as little as possible and that the book is very different from the synopsis.

The book started slow for me but as it progresses it got better.  While I like the narration and the very addictive plot, I found some parts of the book too descriptive to my liking especially on the parts where Angle goes on and on about the fabric of the dresses. Maybe this is because I don't like sewing and was not a fan of sewing classes in high school is one of the reason but if even so I feel like the description was toned down slightly I will have enjoyed it more. Though don't get me wrong, its fun reading about Angle being mesmerize and enchanted with fashion! Its her passion and i love reading a character who is very passionate about something they love. 

The characters were very well written especially the 'evil step-mother' and 'evil step-daughter' characters as they made me LOVE to HATE them with pure passion! Probably one of the best written villains I've read! Like no joke i had temptation of throwing my book across the room when the evil duo were EVIL! But then I had to remind myself that its not worth throwing a book over frustrating villains as they are written out like that ;)

I like reading about Angle! She's very sweet and heart warming, at times i find her a bit too 'goody two shoes', enthusiast and passionate with fashion and a determine to make her dreams come true.  While I like Angle I love Lily and am looking forward to reading more about her in the sequel! Both girls are as different as day and night. Even though their differences they are as close as best friends could be and almost like sisters! If Angle is the 'goody two shoes', Lily is the rule breaker and risk taker. She's very caring and looks out for her best friend and is also really smart as she managed to get them out of some situation.. some not all... 

While I was not a fan on how Lily and Angle managed to swap places without anyone noticing, I still love reading about it! It reminds me of Parent Trap or Monte Carlo meets prince and the pauper and the princess diaries . I also love reading Angle and her relationship with Lily's Grandmere! She reminds me of a nicer version of Grandmere from the princess diaries!

In fact I had Julie Andrews in mind to play here if ever this book as made into a movie! Anyone?! just me?! okay... 

The side characters  Phillip (Lily's dad) and Simone (Angle's mum) were great to read but my fav is definitely Nick! I meant British boys, charming gentlemen manners, cute cheekiness, and did I mention he know how to tango?!?! I love reading his romance with Angle! My only complain about him is that there is not enough of him in the book!

While the main plot of the book is for Angle to achieve her dream of being a fashion designer , there were elements of friendship and expect alot of family drama at the end.

Overall check this book out for a refreshing modern twist on Cinderella, if you love reading books set in Paris, and if you enjoy watching project runway (or fashion).

What was the last enchanting book you've read?!