Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell

Cath is a fan fiction writer and she's going to major in English at the college. But she is not thrilled to start her new life at the college; due to her twin sister, Wren who chose not to be a roommate with Cath. She finds out that it is hard for her to write her own story and wonders that maybe she just a good writer when it comes to fan fiction only. 

Basically her life sucks. Her roommate (Reagan) is not really friendly but Reagan's ex boyfriend, Levi who keeps coming to Cath's room (and calls her Cather) is way too friendly to her and somehow it bothers her. Cath is a very shy girl and unlike her sister she is socially unskilled. Except for Wren, she doesn't has friends.

 I really love 'Eleanor & Park' so my expectation towards this book was really high. And I heard lot of great things about this book. Cath totally reminds me of myself when I was about to start college. The fact that both of us write fan fiction makes me feel so close to her. She's very smart but sometimes it's hard for her to trust people. Probably because her mother left her when she was still a child. And now, she feels like her twin sister want to leave her as well and she was so lonely until she met Levi. Levi is very charming, genuine and honest. It's so easy to like and root for him.

I love the fact that the relationship between Cath & Levi took some times to bloom. It was gentle and slow. The bonding between them was so sweet and romantic. My favorite scene is definitely when Cath reads her fan fiction to Levi. It was such a tender and lovely moment to me. 

The development of the characters are very good. Besides Cath & Levi, I also love Reagan. She's so real and I was hoping that we get to learn more about her. I didn't like Wren at first but at the end of the book, I totally get her. The writings is brilliant. And I really like the snippet of a Simon Snow & Baz stories at the beginning of every chapter. I want to read 'Carry On' so much. 

With this book, Rainbow Rowell just become my favorite author. I love 'Eleanor & Park' but I felt more connection to 'Fangirl'. Some people might love 'Eleanor & Park' more but it's okay for me cause both books are amazing. I can't wait to read 'Landline' soon. 

Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of Universe tells a story of two boys who meet during the summer in 1987. They meet at the public swimming pool. Even though, they have nothing in common (Aristotle aka Ari is a very angry teenager while Dante is the sweetest person on earth), they discover that they share a beautiful bond together. Through their friendship, they learn the truth about themselves and who they want to be someday. 

After I finished the book, I really didn't know how to describe my feeling. I was sad that the book ends, I was happy with the ending, I was grateful to read the book and I was upset that I finished the book too fast. I was totally confused and just like that, I kiss this book. 

I really (12 times) love the book. I was pretty sure, no book will top 'The Fault In Our Stars' in my heart but this book did it. I knew about this book last year, but I never intend to read it even though I knew it received so many awards. Until I saw it in my local bookstore and I decided to buy it. And in the next two days, I finished the book. 

Both Ari & Dante are such an amazing and interesting characters. They are different from each other and to know how they connect with each other is amazing. I can relate to Ari. He felt so lonely and he didn't have much friends. So when he met Dante and miraculously like him, I was happy for him too. 

The writing is amazing. I'm so going to check his other books. I'm not sure if I saw his other books in my local bookstore but I'm going to find it. Fantastic book, full with likable characters and I totally recommend this book.

 
 

Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park revolves around the life of two misfit teenagers during 80's. Eleanor is the new girl at school. The first time she steps on the school bus, she immediately become a bully target. No one wants to give her a seat except for Park, half Korean boy. However they don't talk to each other until Park notices that Eleanor is reading his comic books along with him. They start to bond over everything; life, superheroes, music until they start to fall in love. 

Oh gosh!!! I finished this book in just 2 days. Trust me, I'm so busy so 2 days means that I'm really in love with this book. I heard a lot of good things before I read this book. When I saw this book at the local bookstore (Popular, Sunway Pyramid), I instantly bought it. 

Eleanor & Park tells a story of a first love but it's more than that. It's warm, poetic and adorable. I felt like Eleanor & Park have become a part of me. I love their voices. I love their story. It's real and honest. I can relate to the awkwardness and quirkiness in this book. 

As for the ending, I felt like I want a better closure but I'm going to use my own imagination for that. This book will be adapted to the movie version. I'm crossing my fingers. I hope it will not ruin the story because I really like it. 

Review: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

John Green

Hazel Grace & Augustus meet during the cancer patients' support group meeting and the two bonds immediately after the meeting. Their relationship grows stronger especially after they give each other's favorite book to read. When one of the books, An Imperial Affliction ends without a proper conclusion, Augustus decides to use his wish (something like Make-A-Wish Foundation) and brings along Hazel with him to Amsterdam in order to find the writer of the book. 

 I read this book several times (maybe 4 or 5) and I watched the movie version 3 times, but I never grew tired of it. Two main characters are so likable. I love the way Hazel living her life. She's very thoughtful and smart. And Gus... He's so charming. His sense of humor is definitely his biggest asset. 

I was expecting a depressing read considering I kinda knew the ending of the book before I read it but I was so wrong. Yeah, two main characters are sick but the book isn't about it. It's about being fall in love. 

This book is funny and heart-wrenching at the same time. I strongly recommend the book. It makes me look at life in a different way. The story is so real and touching. Definitely the book of the generation to me.