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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Something in the Water in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Erin and Mark are about to get married. Before their wedding day, they have a few things to deal with. Erin has to prepare everything for the documentary she is working on, about how inmates re-enter the real world. And Mark, loses his job as an investment banker, which was their main source of income. This forces them to change some plans of their wedding and honeymoon, but also make the break that much more needed.
While honeymooning in Bora Bora, they go on a scuba diving excursion where they find a bag floating in the water. What's inside will lead them on a journey where they will find out more about each other than they ever expected.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Someting In The Water, gives you the ending of the book first, then goes back three months for us to see what could have possibly happened. The book starts with Erin digging a grave to bury Mark in. If they are newlyweds, what could he have done in such a short time that she is now burying his body in the middle of nowhere.
This book started out really well and it was hard to put down at first. But, as the story went along, the details just became more and more implausible. To me, Erin was an idiot and the fact that she couldn't see what was happening right under her nose, and some of her actions were just ridiculous. The things that occurred in this book did not seem possible for an investment banker and a film maker to pull off (Eg. cutting the lining of their luggage to hide money). It's said this book is supposed to be a psychological thriller, but to me it was just psychotic.
This is debut novel from this author, so I'm willing to give her another chance, if she rights another book. This one reminded me of the movie Into the Blue with Paul Walker and Jessica Alba
While honeymooning in Bora Bora, they go on a scuba diving excursion where they find a bag floating in the water. What's inside will lead them on a journey where they will find out more about each other than they ever expected.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Someting In The Water, gives you the ending of the book first, then goes back three months for us to see what could have possibly happened. The book starts with Erin digging a grave to bury Mark in. If they are newlyweds, what could he have done in such a short time that she is now burying his body in the middle of nowhere.
This book started out really well and it was hard to put down at first. But, as the story went along, the details just became more and more implausible. To me, Erin was an idiot and the fact that she couldn't see what was happening right under her nose, and some of her actions were just ridiculous. The things that occurred in this book did not seem possible for an investment banker and a film maker to pull off (Eg. cutting the lining of their luggage to hide money). It's said this book is supposed to be a psychological thriller, but to me it was just psychotic.
This is debut novel from this author, so I'm willing to give her another chance, if she rights another book. This one reminded me of the movie Into the Blue with Paul Walker and Jessica Alba
Because murderers are never who you expect
She was the quiet one but is she guilty?
For twin sisters Rose and Bel, enrolling at the prestigious new boarding school should have been a fresh start. But with its sinister rituals and traditions, Odell soon brings out a deadly rivalry between the sisters.
For Sarah and husband Heath, the chance to teach at Odell seems like the best thing that ever happened to their small family a chance to rise through the ranks and put the past behind them.
Until one dark night ends in murder.
But whos guilty and whos telling the truth? And whos been in on it all along..?
The author does a great job with the characters in this book as whilst they are fairly stereotypical I felt they were well developed and I enjoyed learning more about them. The twins are very different to one another and it was interesting to see their different friends and experiences at school. Ive seen a couple of reviewers describe one group as similar to those in the film mean girls which I would say was accurate.
The mystery of who has died was very well done and I liked the suspense and gradual revealing of this. The reader is aware that one twin has been held for this murder at the beginning of the book but not which one. This is gradually revealed through a series of flashbacks and police interviews which made for quite gripping reading.
The ending was great it was as I'd expected but there was a sneaky little surprise that I hadn't been expecting and so that gave the ending to the book that little something bit extra.
I highly recommend this book and if you haven't already done so, be sure to check out the author's debut book of It's Always the Husband.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
She was the quiet one but is she guilty?
For twin sisters Rose and Bel, enrolling at the prestigious new boarding school should have been a fresh start. But with its sinister rituals and traditions, Odell soon brings out a deadly rivalry between the sisters.
For Sarah and husband Heath, the chance to teach at Odell seems like the best thing that ever happened to their small family a chance to rise through the ranks and put the past behind them.
Until one dark night ends in murder.
But whos guilty and whos telling the truth? And whos been in on it all along..?
The author does a great job with the characters in this book as whilst they are fairly stereotypical I felt they were well developed and I enjoyed learning more about them. The twins are very different to one another and it was interesting to see their different friends and experiences at school. Ive seen a couple of reviewers describe one group as similar to those in the film mean girls which I would say was accurate.
The mystery of who has died was very well done and I liked the suspense and gradual revealing of this. The reader is aware that one twin has been held for this murder at the beginning of the book but not which one. This is gradually revealed through a series of flashbacks and police interviews which made for quite gripping reading.
The ending was great it was as I'd expected but there was a sneaky little surprise that I hadn't been expecting and so that gave the ending to the book that little something bit extra.
I highly recommend this book and if you haven't already done so, be sure to check out the author's debut book of It's Always the Husband.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
OMG, this book was bloody fantastic, one of my favourite reads this year, can't believe this was a debut author it was that good and believe me I read a lot of fiction.
Don't wake up by Liz Lawler was one of those stories that is impossible to put down. I was awake half the night reading, as this was such a compulsive story and I just had to know what was going to happen next.
To summarise we have Dr Alex Taylor, A doctor working A&E. One night upon leaving work she is attacked, upon rousing, she discovers herself naked on an operating table, with a masked stranger.
waking from this traumatic ordeal and believing she could have been raped the police are called. The problem is Alex when found unconscious in the hospital grounds by a security guard and her boyfriend Patrick The vet, is fully clothed with not a mark on her and nobody really believes her thinking she has suffered a head trauma and imagined her horrific experience.
Alex then spirals into a downward plunge of alcohol, anxiety and diazepam.
No one will listen to her, and events are escalating. I won't go into any more detail as I really don't want to spoil this excellent read for others, let's just say we have murder, intrigue a bit of romance and a story of phycological warfare that keeps you guessing until the end.
In conclusion, this is one book that you don't want to miss this year, the writing is excellent and in a sea of fiction, Don't wake up really stands out as a brilliant dark psychological thriller if I could give it more than five stars I would it was that good.
A job well done, Liz Lawler
I received a free E-Copy of Don't Wake Up from NetGalley and this is my own honest opinion.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
Don't wake up by Liz Lawler was one of those stories that is impossible to put down. I was awake half the night reading, as this was such a compulsive story and I just had to know what was going to happen next.
To summarise we have Dr Alex Taylor, A doctor working A&E. One night upon leaving work she is attacked, upon rousing, she discovers herself naked on an operating table, with a masked stranger.
waking from this traumatic ordeal and believing she could have been raped the police are called. The problem is Alex when found unconscious in the hospital grounds by a security guard and her boyfriend Patrick The vet, is fully clothed with not a mark on her and nobody really believes her thinking she has suffered a head trauma and imagined her horrific experience.
Alex then spirals into a downward plunge of alcohol, anxiety and diazepam.
No one will listen to her, and events are escalating. I won't go into any more detail as I really don't want to spoil this excellent read for others, let's just say we have murder, intrigue a bit of romance and a story of phycological warfare that keeps you guessing until the end.
In conclusion, this is one book that you don't want to miss this year, the writing is excellent and in a sea of fiction, Don't wake up really stands out as a brilliant dark psychological thriller if I could give it more than five stars I would it was that good.
A job well done, Liz Lawler
I received a free E-Copy of Don't Wake Up from NetGalley and this is my own honest opinion.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Sweet Little Lies in Books
Aug 26, 2018
Sweet Little Lies was billed as a thriller in Book of the Month's description, but it's more of a police procedural. I hadn't read one before, though I watch plenty of them on Netflix - they're a bit of a guilty pleasure! It was interesting having one in book form. It's not my typical fare, but I did enjoy it, far more than I probably would have enjoyed a true thriller. It's got all your typical parts of a police procedural - older family man cop, ball-busting female chief who isn't as bitchy as she first appears, troubled main character who snapped on a case, police psychiatrist, puzzling case, lying witnesses. All we're really missing is a partner who isn't actually a cop but somehow worms his way into cases anyway.
I'm conflicted about Cat herself. I like her - but I disagree with some of her decisions. I think she should have come clean about her connection to the case immediately. She doesn't because she's trying to protect her dad, but why? She spends most of the book talking about how much she dislikes him! Her entire family dynamic is pretty weird. They have issues.
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. The pacing was excellent - slow enough to absorb each new reveal properly, but fast-paced enough that the action rolls along. Goodreads says the book is "Cat Kinsella #1" implying it's the start of a series. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. For a debut novel, I am impressed at the level of writing, pacing, plot, and characterization. There's a lot of threads in this book that get gathered together at the end and tied up nicely, with only one escaping. That worried me until I discovered it's the beginning of a series; the one loose thread makes sense in that context.
While I didn't like this one quite as much as Goodbye, Paris, it's still another great pick from Book of the Month.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
I'm conflicted about Cat herself. I like her - but I disagree with some of her decisions. I think she should have come clean about her connection to the case immediately. She doesn't because she's trying to protect her dad, but why? She spends most of the book talking about how much she dislikes him! Her entire family dynamic is pretty weird. They have issues.
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. The pacing was excellent - slow enough to absorb each new reveal properly, but fast-paced enough that the action rolls along. Goodreads says the book is "Cat Kinsella #1" implying it's the start of a series. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. For a debut novel, I am impressed at the level of writing, pacing, plot, and characterization. There's a lot of threads in this book that get gathered together at the end and tied up nicely, with only one escaping. That worried me until I discovered it's the beginning of a series; the one loose thread makes sense in that context.
While I didn't like this one quite as much as Goodbye, Paris, it's still another great pick from Book of the Month.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Hotel Artemis (2018) in Movies
Sep 28, 2018 (Updated Sep 28, 2018)
Brilliant ensemble cast (2 more)
Cool setting
Great score
You can check out anytime you like, but probably won't want to leave
This was one of those movies that had a really weird release. After seeing the trailer, I was really looking forward to going and seeing this at the cinema. Then, America got it a month before the UK did and when it did drop in Britain, it was a very limited release and was only showing in one cinema in my area. At around the same time, I went on holiday for a fortnight and it is only now, a full 2 months after the movie's initial release that I finally got to get to a screening.
Thankfully, it was worth the wait.
Hotel Artemis is the directorial debut of Drew Pearce and he does a fantastic job as a first-time director. The beautiful cinematography adds a great deal of style and flair to the film and the brilliant score by Cliff Martinez also provides an atmosphere that is an awesome mix of ambient and intense in all of the right moments.
The cast is also great and is made up of an eclectic mix of talented actors. Sterling K Brown does an incredible job of tying the whole thing together and being the anchor that the audience can relate to. Dave Bautista is brilliant as the orderly Everest. Charlie Day is really good at being a totally obnoxious asshole. Jeff Goldblum and Zachary Quinto are great as always and Jodie Foster is also fantastic as the Nurse who runs the hotel. Sofia Boutella is here too, but she doesn't do a great amount any different to what we have already seen from her in past movies.
Overall, this is a stylish, well-acted, exciting action/thriller with great direction and a fantastic score to boot. It is reminiscent of other movies in places, such as Smokin' Aces, but it is still a brilliantly written, well made, fairly original movie well worth seeking out.
Thankfully, it was worth the wait.
Hotel Artemis is the directorial debut of Drew Pearce and he does a fantastic job as a first-time director. The beautiful cinematography adds a great deal of style and flair to the film and the brilliant score by Cliff Martinez also provides an atmosphere that is an awesome mix of ambient and intense in all of the right moments.
The cast is also great and is made up of an eclectic mix of talented actors. Sterling K Brown does an incredible job of tying the whole thing together and being the anchor that the audience can relate to. Dave Bautista is brilliant as the orderly Everest. Charlie Day is really good at being a totally obnoxious asshole. Jeff Goldblum and Zachary Quinto are great as always and Jodie Foster is also fantastic as the Nurse who runs the hotel. Sofia Boutella is here too, but she doesn't do a great amount any different to what we have already seen from her in past movies.
Overall, this is a stylish, well-acted, exciting action/thriller with great direction and a fantastic score to boot. It is reminiscent of other movies in places, such as Smokin' Aces, but it is still a brilliantly written, well made, fairly original movie well worth seeking out.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Peace of Mind - Single by frogi in Music
Jun 18, 2019
frogi is a singer-songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a lovely debut single, entitled, “Peace of Mind”.
“How many days can we fade away? All that is left is every mistake. You know sometimes we’re picking it up to let it go. Are we alright? All I want is for you to let me know. All this time we’ve been playing all of the same notes. Can we find some peace of mind?” – lyrics
‘Peace of Mind’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who invites her significant other to share a moment of clarity with her.
Apparently, she’s concern about their fading relationship and desires for them to be on a more serene plateau.
‘Peace of Mind’ contains a relatable storyline, retro vocals, and soft organ-driven instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
“I was feeling pretty low about the state of the world and wanted to make a song about meeting someone halfway. I think if we all could just forget our own bullsh*t and break these patterns we trap ourselves in, the world could be a better place. The song is about having love for someone, but also confronting them in a ‘hey, I care about you, I wanna know where you’re at and how we are’ kind of way. Instead of a ‘what’s wrong with you? I don’t understand you’ kind of way.” – frogi
frogi grew up outside of Chicago and moved to L.A. when she was 19-years-old. Not too long after that, she lost someone dear to her. But writing songs and playing with her dog helped her get through that dark moment in time.
Shortly afterward, she started her musical journey in an indie-rock band called ‘After Arrows’.
Since then, she has worked with an old-time songwriter named Ned (The Monkees, The Archies). He taught her about the writing process and gave her access to his studio, where she nurtured her writing and producing skills.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/frogi-peace-of-mind/
“How many days can we fade away? All that is left is every mistake. You know sometimes we’re picking it up to let it go. Are we alright? All I want is for you to let me know. All this time we’ve been playing all of the same notes. Can we find some peace of mind?” – lyrics
‘Peace of Mind’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who invites her significant other to share a moment of clarity with her.
Apparently, she’s concern about their fading relationship and desires for them to be on a more serene plateau.
‘Peace of Mind’ contains a relatable storyline, retro vocals, and soft organ-driven instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
“I was feeling pretty low about the state of the world and wanted to make a song about meeting someone halfway. I think if we all could just forget our own bullsh*t and break these patterns we trap ourselves in, the world could be a better place. The song is about having love for someone, but also confronting them in a ‘hey, I care about you, I wanna know where you’re at and how we are’ kind of way. Instead of a ‘what’s wrong with you? I don’t understand you’ kind of way.” – frogi
frogi grew up outside of Chicago and moved to L.A. when she was 19-years-old. Not too long after that, she lost someone dear to her. But writing songs and playing with her dog helped her get through that dark moment in time.
Shortly afterward, she started her musical journey in an indie-rock band called ‘After Arrows’.
Since then, she has worked with an old-time songwriter named Ned (The Monkees, The Archies). He taught her about the writing process and gave her access to his studio, where she nurtured her writing and producing skills.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/frogi-peace-of-mind/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Flashback - Single by Mathew V in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Mathew V is a singer-songwriter based in Vancouver, Canada. Not too long ago, he released a heartfelt music video for his emo-pop ballad, entitled, “Flashback”.
“I’m weak, is that what you make of me when I had to get up on my own. Seventeen, when he put his hands on me, and I had to find my way back home. But I, oh I, I’d never play you for a fool. But now, I’m here with nothing left to lose.” – lyrics
‘Flashback’ tells a bitter tale of Mathew V’s personal experience with sexual violence/rape at the age of seventeen, and how it affects his personal life today.
Five years ago, the above-mentioned incident occurred, and ever since then, the 22-year-old survivor has been trying his best to cope with the recurring flashbacks of him being violated sexually.
‘Flashback’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and piano-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
“Writing this song was one of the hardest things I‘ve had to do in my life. I wrote this song about my experience with sexual violence/rape at seventeen years old, and how that situation has influenced and affected my life today. It was something that I always knew I had to process and had always avoided. But with every new song I wrote, I still had this in my closet, this weight on my chest.” – Mathew V
After 10 years of classical operatic vocal training, Mathew V moved to London, England at the age of 17 to teach himself how to write pop music.
Since then, he has penned a deal with 604 records and his debut single, “Tell Me Smooth”, went Top 40 on Canadian Radio (Hot AC/AC) for 18 weeks, peaking at #18.
Mathew has written with the likes of Dan Mangan, DiRTY RADiO, and on stage, he’s opened up for the likes of Betty Who, Hanson, Daya, MAGIC! and more.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mathew-v-flashback/
“I’m weak, is that what you make of me when I had to get up on my own. Seventeen, when he put his hands on me, and I had to find my way back home. But I, oh I, I’d never play you for a fool. But now, I’m here with nothing left to lose.” – lyrics
‘Flashback’ tells a bitter tale of Mathew V’s personal experience with sexual violence/rape at the age of seventeen, and how it affects his personal life today.
Five years ago, the above-mentioned incident occurred, and ever since then, the 22-year-old survivor has been trying his best to cope with the recurring flashbacks of him being violated sexually.
‘Flashback’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and piano-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
“Writing this song was one of the hardest things I‘ve had to do in my life. I wrote this song about my experience with sexual violence/rape at seventeen years old, and how that situation has influenced and affected my life today. It was something that I always knew I had to process and had always avoided. But with every new song I wrote, I still had this in my closet, this weight on my chest.” – Mathew V
After 10 years of classical operatic vocal training, Mathew V moved to London, England at the age of 17 to teach himself how to write pop music.
Since then, he has penned a deal with 604 records and his debut single, “Tell Me Smooth”, went Top 40 on Canadian Radio (Hot AC/AC) for 18 weeks, peaking at #18.
Mathew has written with the likes of Dan Mangan, DiRTY RADiO, and on stage, he’s opened up for the likes of Betty Who, Hanson, Daya, MAGIC! and more.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mathew-v-flashback/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Hopeless Romantics - Single by Lexi Scatena in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Lexi Scatena is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter based in Reno, Nevada. Not too long ago, she released a lovely debut single, entitled, “Hopeless Romantics”, produced by Toronto-based producer Vibeslow.
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ focuses on the naive, ‘honeymoon phase’ of love. Also, it brings back the sultry sound of old-school R&B while maintaining mainstream appeal. I wrote the song after traveling to New York for the first time with my boyfriend. Not only did I fall in love with the city, but I also fell in love with my boyfriend all over again. Literally, each word in the song was a part of the internal monologue I had while exploring the city.” – Lexi Scatena
‘Hopeless Romantics’ tells a passionate tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with her significant other. Apparently, she wants to stay in her partner’s arms till death do them part.
Later, she admits that Cupid should get a raise for bringing them together, not only for this moment but for eternity.
‘Hopeless Romantics’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses soothing instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ is a dive into a sound that I never knew I was capable of doing, but always loved. Working with Vibeslow really opened my eyes to a genre that embodied everything I admire musically. With modern music focusing heavily on hip-hop-infused R&B, I wanted to do something different and incorporate old school RnB into my music, but with my own personal touch. I think that the current music industry is lacking valuable elements of old-school R&B, and I’m hoping to help bring those back.” – Lexi Scatena
During the day, Lexi Scatena is an ordinary college student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno.
At night, she’s serenading fans at live shows, posting covers of her favorite artists, and preparing for upcoming, original releases.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/lexi-scatena-hopeless-romantics/
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ focuses on the naive, ‘honeymoon phase’ of love. Also, it brings back the sultry sound of old-school R&B while maintaining mainstream appeal. I wrote the song after traveling to New York for the first time with my boyfriend. Not only did I fall in love with the city, but I also fell in love with my boyfriend all over again. Literally, each word in the song was a part of the internal monologue I had while exploring the city.” – Lexi Scatena
‘Hopeless Romantics’ tells a passionate tale of a young woman who is head-over-heels in love with her significant other. Apparently, she wants to stay in her partner’s arms till death do them part.
Later, she admits that Cupid should get a raise for bringing them together, not only for this moment but for eternity.
‘Hopeless Romantics’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses soothing instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“‘Hopeless Romantics’ is a dive into a sound that I never knew I was capable of doing, but always loved. Working with Vibeslow really opened my eyes to a genre that embodied everything I admire musically. With modern music focusing heavily on hip-hop-infused R&B, I wanted to do something different and incorporate old school RnB into my music, but with my own personal touch. I think that the current music industry is lacking valuable elements of old-school R&B, and I’m hoping to help bring those back.” – Lexi Scatena
During the day, Lexi Scatena is an ordinary college student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno.
At night, she’s serenading fans at live shows, posting covers of her favorite artists, and preparing for upcoming, original releases.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/lexi-scatena-hopeless-romantics/
Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated Three Fat Singletons in Books
Jan 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
Book Review | Three Fat Singletons by J.M. Bartholomew*
This book is about 3 thirty-something friends called Jesse a divorcee wanting to find someone to love, Mary a man-eater who always attract the married man and Dotty a Christian virgin who just want to meet someone to settle down with.
These three singletons feel unlucky in love as you can see in the title that they are overweight and wish they were slimmer and men will look more at them then laugh at them and call them names.
So they choose to go on a week-long getaway to Greece they made sure it was an adult only holiday resort so they can meet some single men and have some fun. But the holiday doesn't run smoothly it throws them some unexpected challenges as there is romance, sex, adultery and embarrassment. But while they on holiday it ain't all about them finding men to have their wicked way with it's for them to find themselves and start to appreciate themselves and build their confidence and self-esteem especially Dotty. The book ain't all doom and gloom it has hilarious parts what made me laugh out loud.
I felt for the characters as you see how being overweight can make them feel individual. Dotty is the one I feel more for as she realise that she can lose weight but she struggles with willpower with food. I can connect with the character as I personally know how my love food can become the addiction. I hope I see more of these three characters and I hope they find happiness.
I love finding authors I haven't read before and seen their debut books. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read your book.
I can't wait to see what J.M.Bartholomew will write next.
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
These three singletons feel unlucky in love as you can see in the title that they are overweight and wish they were slimmer and men will look more at them then laugh at them and call them names.
So they choose to go on a week-long getaway to Greece they made sure it was an adult only holiday resort so they can meet some single men and have some fun. But the holiday doesn't run smoothly it throws them some unexpected challenges as there is romance, sex, adultery and embarrassment. But while they on holiday it ain't all about them finding men to have their wicked way with it's for them to find themselves and start to appreciate themselves and build their confidence and self-esteem especially Dotty. The book ain't all doom and gloom it has hilarious parts what made me laugh out loud.
I felt for the characters as you see how being overweight can make them feel individual. Dotty is the one I feel more for as she realise that she can lose weight but she struggles with willpower with food. I can connect with the character as I personally know how my love food can become the addiction. I hope I see more of these three characters and I hope they find happiness.
I love finding authors I haven't read before and seen their debut books. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read your book.
I can't wait to see what J.M.Bartholomew will write next.
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Natalia (73 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Dec 14, 2018
I have to admit that I will come off a bit biased in my review of this book, since it's one of my genuine favorites. Albertalli seems to just have this way of writing that can keep just about anyone engaged, and this paired up with such a touching, personal, and still-somehow-humorous story works perfectly.
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!