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The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green | 2012 | Children
7
8.2 (185 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bittersweet, but quite similar to others in the genre
There seems to be rave reviews for this book and its counterpart film, and while I understand that it is tragic I just feel I've read similar novels in the past.

The tone resembles My Sister's Keeper in many ways, written in the perspective of teenagers suffering from cancer and attempting to lead as normal a life as possible. And while it's sweet and sad, I just don't feel it was written that spectacularly. The story content is important, but the writing falls a little short - but I'm assuming that as this is more for young adults, it is geared in this way as well.

And I may sound completely heartless but the build-up to the reveal was overdone, and the ending was drawn out for far too long that it was an anti-climax. That could be the author's intention to make death seem as if a passing ship. A little disappointed overall.
  
BF
Best Friends Forever
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Celine and Keith have been married for 12 years. Although, for the past month, something has been off with Keith. In the same week that Celine finds out that she has breast cancer, her husband announces to her that he is leaving her. Devastated and overwhelmed by all that is going on, Celine has to do her best to stay strong for her health as well as for her young daughter, Kassie.

Kimberla Lawson Roby really knows how to write a book that will pull at your emotions. You can feel for the characters and I wanted to jump in the story and help. This book made my eyes fill with tears on more than one occasion. This is a great novella and a quick read and if you have never read anything by Kimberla Lawson Roby, this is a great book to start with. I finished in a little over 24 hours. Her Christian Fiction is always inspiring.
  
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green | 2012 | Children
10
8.2 (185 Ratings)
Book Rating
I scoffed at the author's note before the novel started. Of COURSE the characters and events are fictional. DUH. But i had to remind myself of that when i finished because Hazel and Augustus are my dear friends and my heroes. (and it's not because the "fought" cancer "bravely") Even as fictional characters -still don't actually, literally believe that- they left their scars upon me and I'm better for it. That's the whole point of literature, isn't it? That's the whole point of life: notice the universe but don't forget about the simple beauties in front of you. Like a fantastic novel.

SPOILER

I felt like Green put me in the shoes of Hazel in that he created a character that i fell in love with but tragically lost. In an infinite number of dimensions with an infinite number of outcomes, Augustus and Hazel live a long and happy life together. I refuse to believe anything less.
  
The End of Your Life Book Club
The End of Your Life Book Club
Will Schwalbe | 2013 | Biography
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Inspirational reading
Contains spoilers, click to show
The premise of this book is sad and touched on some triggers for me as both my parents died as a result of cancer. I pushed past the triggers and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Who wouldn't want to be in a secret book club with someone close to them who shares their love of reading! Each book they read had depth and was thought provoking. I have read several of the books from their list and each one has added something to my knowledge base. My reading habits needed a boost and this book was the catalyst into my being more selective in my reading choices. The love of reading seemed to truly help the mother as her disease progressed. The flow of thoughts and ideas contained in their discussions was inspirational. I have suggested a grandmother/grandson book club to my book loving grandson but he was not entirely receptive. I am going to keep working on that.
  
Who's Afraid Too? (Tommi Grayson #2)
Who's Afraid Too? (Tommi Grayson #2)
Maria Lewis | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
Tommi Grayson: all bark, all bite . . . and now she's BACK!

After the worst family reunion in history, Tommi needed some space. She's spent the last few weeks trying to understand her heritage - the one that comes with a side order of fur - as well as learning about her Maori ancestry and how she can connect to it. But she can only escape for so long. ...


Maria Lewis is so refreshing! I live Tommi Grayson she kicks ass and just keeps going! Maria is never afraid to kill characters off for impact and I truly admire that! This book see Tommi dealing with the loss of friends , the news of her best friends cancer being back, her troubled relationship with Lorcan and moving on to learn how to be a werewolf. So much and such little time before another mystery hits! Love the new characters introduced.
Can not wait to read the next installment.
 
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