Book Review: Stay by Deb Caletti

Happy Day!


I can't believe that January is almost over! Only 2 more days until another month for 2013 :/ . What I hate most is how the months go by so fast, but that is life (:. In 2012, I was able to read this awesome novel 'Stay' by Deb Caletti, and I haven't made a book review for it yet, so here it is ^_^ .


                                 



First let me just say that this book cover is amazing! The picture of a young girl looking into the ripples of the ocean as she steps in while in front of her is a wonderful scenery of green shrubs and heavy clouds. I was fascinated by the detailed descriptions of the setting that Clara narrated. She really gave me a good imagery of the setting and her new summer home by the beach. The story focuses on Clara’s intense relationship with Christian; a boy that she met at a baseball game. But the story also puts a focus on Clara’s relationship with her dad and also the uncover of his and her mother’s history. As Clara’s relationship with Christian grows more intense and Christian gets too suspicious and crazy about Clara, she and her dad choose to move to a new house by the beach. Christian apparently finds out where Clara is now living, and decides to go after her with his crazed obsession of her.

First of all, I totally understand why Clara would leave him. After accusing Clara several times of cheating, she was fed up of how he didn’t trust her. During the summer in their new house, Clara meets a young sailor named Finn who becomes very close to her. I think Finn is a very funny and cool character that really shows his affection for Clara in a very friendly and NOT insane way, unlike Christian.Clara and Finn eventually become close and soon things turn a different way when Christian begins too stalk Clara.

I’ll give this book a 9/10 because it was very creative and well written. There are some things I would of wished had more emphasis to make the story a little more engaging. Although Christian is more of a crazy and obsessed character in the story, I think that we should of at least had read a good side of him somewhere before the story ended. Especially after his outbursts and signs that he might commit suicide, I at least wanted to know how he was doing before the novel ended. This is an awesome novel anyways, and if there is any chance it could be made into a sequel, then that'll sure make my day! My favorite scenes from this novel was of Clara with her father, because they were always funny. I was also very into finding out about her father's past and the whole secret he'd been keeping from her.

This book showed me that although our pasts can be dark, our futures can be bright. This book also showed a beautiful father and daughter relationship as we read about the adventures of her and her father as well. This will be a loved story for teenagers and even adults.

My favorite character from this novel would probably have to be Clara's dad. He is very adventurous and full of imagination (since he's a writer) and I really love how although he is protective and all, he can still be a fun and cool dad. (:

While reading this story, I imagined myself next to the ocean sitting on the warm dry sand and watching and listening to the ripples and waves float by. I also imagined myself at the lighthouse by the souvenir store that Clara worked at.

                               
           (This photography was taken by Greg Marchand. This picture is from Tech-shizzle.com. No   copyright intended)


Favorite Quote(s) from this novel:

“It's strange, isn't it, how the idea of belonging to someone can sound so great? It can be comforting, the way it makes things decided. We like the thought of being held, until it's too tight. We like that certainty, until it means there's no way out. And we like being his, until we realize we're not ours anymore.”

“Sometimes that´s all you need…, to know it´s not broken. To know you’re still whole and that you’ll heal.” 

“Look right at it. Know you can." Dad said. "Look right at that fear. Fear is the biggest bullshitter.”


-Lia <3
       

Books that are definitely on the list this year!

Hello Awesome people of this world!

I haven't been able to go to the library this past week (which is bogus -_-), but I was able to find a long lost book under my bed. So this week I plan on reading 'Over Sea, Under Stone' by Susan Cooper. What sort of sucks is that this is the second book of Susan Cooper's series, so I have no idea what I'm in for since I did not read her first book of the series. I'm still going to take a shot at this one though, because I'm always up for a good read! ^o^

                                                  

Now getting back to the list of awesome books that I plan to read, these books are actually ones that I planned on reading last year (2012), but got on the lazy train to nowhere and haven't made any progress on any of them, so I plan on getting a fresh start and making sure these books get read at least this year! 

1. Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

                                         

This book was recommended for me probably over a gazillion times (not kidding!). I was really excited to start this book, because Scott Westerfield is one of my favorite authors. The reason I had made no progress on this book is because I've been so busy with tests and exams that I hadn't realized that the book was due -_-.... Regardless of that, I once again cannot wait to get started with this awesome looking book and go on another awesome journey (:. 

2. Crossed by Ally Condie

                                          

Matched had been a pretty good read for me, and I really want to read the second book and be able to finish the series, because why would you just read the first book and put an end to it all ): . Another reason I really want to read this book this year is because I really want to know what happens to Ky and Cassia and get this load of curiosity and confusion off my brain -_- .

3. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

                                      

If you guys know me, you'd know that I like a really good teen-romance story (; . One of my favorite YA romance novels would be 'Stay' by Deb Caletti, and I still haven't gotten over Tara's story with Christian ):. Anyways, my expectations for this novel is that it will be just like one of those cute romantic novels that put you right into girly-gushy and blushy mode :p ^3^ .

4. Send me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt 

                                              

A lot of people have told me about this book and that it is a really inspiring and wonderful story. After I read the summary and that it had something to do with surviving cancer, I was curious to read this book as well. I just hope that this book will be as inspiring as people have told me ^_^ .

5. Divergent by Veronica Roth

                                         

Okay, let me be honest here. I have no idea what this novel is about and no idea what I'll be in for. I think it's dystopian but I'm not really sure. All I know is that I've been recommended this book ever since it was released and I just want to find out what all the chatter is about. Looking at the cover, it sort of reminds me of the Hunger Games, but who knows, it might just be a whole different story. Anyways, I'll be reading you soon!

So these are just the books that I definitely want to get out of my head for this year, and hope to fulfill my wish at least before 2014. If I had to choose which one I am most excited about, it'll probably be 'Crossed' since I want to know what happens after 'Matched' (: . Comment if you've read any of these books or if you wish to read any of them yourself (:

                                                         

-Lia

Book Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Seeing that I still have a lot of time on my hands before I start my report for school, I thought I'd write another review, and this time about one of my favorite theme/genre: Dystopian! My first dystopian novel that I've ever read was actually 'Uglies' by Scott Westerfield, and from the moment I read it, I was hooked! Dystopian themed novels to me always have something to do with rebelling and breaking the rules somewhere in the story. Although we have to obey the rules and ways of society, there is always a part where we'd just follow our hearts and rebel against reality.

Before reading 'Matched' by Ally Condie, I literally had no expectations (seeing that I wasn't familiar with the author) and was just blown away by the beauty of the cover design. At first, it looked like a young girl trapped in a bubble, but after reading the story, my imagery of it turned a different direction.

                                              

Cassia(main character) has always trusted the society and officials to decide her future and fate. In this perfect world she lives in, everything is decided for you. Who you will be paired with, where you will work, and when you die. Note that not everyone in this world of her's are paired with their matches. Some choose to me singles which mean they live their whole life without a match, and some become abberations which mean they cannot be matched by the society. We first start the book with Cassia and her friend 'Xander' on an air train, headed for their first Match Banquet. Cassia is nervous (as everyone else is as well), since for the first time, the society will match her with the person she will be spending her whole life with. At the banquet, something unique happens. Cassia is not paired up with person from a different area, but she is paired by with her childhood friend Xander. So you'd think everything is going ship shape in this novel so far, well guess what, your headed for a different direction. Everything changes for Cassia after she see's a different face flash on her screen while looking for more info on Xander. Now Cassia is headed for a unique journey where she faces which person is her true love.

Some parts of this book are really boring, I'm not gonna lie. But the whole point of the story and theme is what brings me to a decision of 8 stars for my total review. Ally Condie was able to show the strength of love and hope and was also able to define the whole 'follow your heart' meaning in this story. Not only did Cassia make some tough and crucial decisions throughout the journey, but she did it from her heart. Not even I would have such courage to even face the decisions that she has made. It takes a little more depth of reading to actually get into the story and not be snoring through the air train. A few chapters at the beginning, I honestly didn't even like Cassia. I didn't know her, and I was ready to put the book down and reclaim that Uglies would forever be the awesomest Dystopian book ever. After reading half of the book, I started to feel close to Cassia, and as I was walking the journey with her and every step she took, I followed. That's where my opinion went to 'This might not be a bad novel after all.' My thoughts on the cover had also changed. I now see the cover as Cassia in one of the tablets she is supposed to take. There are 3 tablets: A green one, Blue one, and Red one. In each cover (since there are 3 novels to this trilogy), they have a different color. Crossed's (second book) cover is Blue, and Reached's (third book) cover is Red. So I think that each cover is of Cassia and one of her tablets.

If you are the type of person who loves a good teen romance and that 'follow your heart' themed sweet and girly stories, then you are sure to love reading 'Matched'. I feel that this might not be for everyone. It doesn't have that awesome and exciting action that Uglies has with the hoverboards and cool gear, but it does have that cool futuristic imagery with air trains and screen message boards. The good thing is that this novel is being turned into a movie maybe this year or in 2014, but whatever, I can stand the wait as long as it will be good (: . As for Cassia, I really don't know who my ideal celebrity would be to play her character, but it better be someone new or unrecognized. As for Ky, I'd really love for someone like Logan Lerman to play his character, since he has that cute vibe that I always imagined Ky having. Xander seems like one of those really hott and popular guys that all the girls want, so I hope they choose the right actor for him as well!!

My favorite character from the novel would be Xander. Although he is a little awkward with Cassia and doesn't really display his affection all the time with her, I think he is a really sweet guy. I was sort of upset with the decision Cassia had made, but I hope to be seeing him again in the sequel 'Crossed'.

I've always imagined Cassia's world to look artificial or almost like a robot world. Since it is futuristic, with air trains and developed technology, I always thought that it would look like the space world in the Jetsons.

                                
   (This picture is of the Arch Bridge in Dubai. This picture is from io9.com. No copyright intended)    


Favorite quote(s) from the novel:

     “Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs.” 

     “Do not go gentle.” 

 “Our time together feels like a storm, like a wild wind and rain, like something too big to handle but too powerful to escape.” 


-Lia


    

First Book Review of the Year: 'How to Save a Life' by Sara Zarr

To kick off the year, I decided to randomly choose any book from the library shelves to read for this week. I don't normally do this, since I often get really bored with the book if it isn't by a familiar author or isn't part of  my favorite series/trilogy. Now the title was definitely something that would catch your eye. 'How to save a life'? I thought to myself. The thoughts that I had before reading this book were action, strategy and all of those stereotypical opinions of the title. Fear not though! A silly little title isn't going to ruin my curiosity for this new reading adventure, so I began away with my journey toward a new literature (Wow thats deep).

                                           

Any ways, back to the present. 'How to save a life' by Sara Zarr is an epic fiction novel about a 17 year old teenage girl and an 18 year old pregnant young girl. Before getting to the actual book, it begins with an anonymous email about an 'item'. Firstly, you wouldn't know what this item is yet, but when you get through at least half of the book, your confusion will fade. I wasn't really a fan throughout the beginning to be honest. It started out with Jill telling us about her depressed life ever since her Father had died. It was unfortunate for me actually, since at that time I was looking forward to a fun or 'peppy' story, but that didn't make me stop reading. Ever since Jill's father had died, her mother 'Robin' had been thinking of adopting a baby to add to the family, or what Jill thought was, to replace her father. Her mother had made a deal with 'Mandy' who is planning on giving up her child for adoption as soon as she gives birth to her/him. They have been communicating through emails, and it was now time to actually meet her in person. 

Throughout half of the story, Jill really hates Mandy. Every time Mandy sees her go down the stairs, she is always frowning or never happy. Mandy isn't feeling all good herself. Having a dark past and growing up feeling unwanted and not loved, I wouldn't blame her either! Although Jill tries avoiding Mandy for the longest bit of this novel, she and Mandy eventually become closer, and literally become sisters. Although I do not want to spoil any good bits of this novel for ya'll, I just want to tell you guys that you are in for a heart warming, tear jerking (it was for me anyways), exciting and inspirational journey. Sara Zarr not only show us the beauty of family and love, but also that every person deserves a loving family, no matter what you've been through. I was captivated by the emotions and the creativity of the way it was written. Not only did we have 2 points of views, but we were easily able to relate to both of the characters in a way that shows us that   there were no bad characters, and that both of these people narrated from their heart. The title also says it all. Jill and Mandy were able to save both of their lives with the help of eachother, and at the end, they knew that they needed eachother. They were sisters, afterall. ^_^

I give this novel 10 stars or even more if there were no limits. Oh what the heck, Sky is the limit! 100 stars! I will definitely be planning on reading more novels from Sara Zarr (: 

If I was to choose my favorite character, it would probably be Jill. Although she was pretty miserable half of the story, the way she was able to change and still have hope was really inspiring for me. I know I've definitely had my times where I just wanted to disappear from the world, and never return. But Jill's story are one the inspiring stories that'll help us with any grieve or struggles we are going through. The whole setting and story reminded me of snowy days and just snow in general, especially from the cover of the book. I was able to actually feel myself in Jill's neighborhood making snow angels and picking up the snowflakes on my window. (:

                              (This picture is from wallpaperscraft.com. No copyright intended))    

My favorite quote(s) from the book:

“I'm still going to love you, always. And in the rock-paper-scissors of life, love is rock. fear, anger, everthing else...no contest.”   -Dylan

“No one measures a life in weeks and days. You measure life in years and by the things that happen to you.” 

-Lia 

(Cover of 'How to save a life' above is from goodreads.com)

Hello Book Lovers!

Before getting to all this junk, let me please introduce myself! ^_^

Call me Lia, which isn't my real name, but my preferred nickname. Peppy Reads is a new blog made not only for the love of books, but is the new home for all my reviews, book posts, and other exciting things book regarded. (:

If there is anything you'd like for me to review or anything you'd like me to include for this blog, just comment  below or email me by my google address ^^

Stay peppy!

-Lia