I always knew you had it in you, Caletti. I've read a few books of yours, and while they were good, certainly more substantial than most YA literatureI always knew you had it in you, Caletti. I've read a few books of yours, and while they were good, certainly more substantial than most YA literature, there has always been something missing. I think, whatever that is, you've found it.
Clara is at the age when she is supposed to spending time with her friends in the last summer before college and her future starts. Instead, her and her father have packed their bags and are leaving town to spend the summer in small coastal town where no one knows who they are. A place where no one can find them.
Clara is escaping from her ex-boyfriend, Christian, an intense, needy boy who just isn't able to let her ago. After nearly two years of jealous accusations, futile discussions, criticisms, and endless and insistent reassurances, Clara has decided she has had enough, although Christian is determined to do anything to make her stay.
I loved this book because it featured an abusive relationship in a realistic light. These relationships are not romantic. They are unhealthy and tragic and just wrong. What I loved about Clara is that she understood that. Once she saw Christian for what he was - a psychologically disturbed young man, she was scared, and rightfully so. And she wasn't weak for falling for him in the first place. Perhaps as a reader, we were able to look into her life, as she did in retrospect, and pick out all the clues and warning signs, but I don't think anyone should blame her or assign guilt. I just like how the relationship and its aftermath was portrayed. Realistically, yet somehow sympathetically. I've never been in anything close to such a destructive romance, but I was still able to relate to Clara perfectly. I understand that it was not her fault, it was something that happened to her, and she was brave to handle it as she did. Quite a refreshing outlook in comparison to other YA novels that portray abusive (because either emotionally or physically, it is abusive) relationships as romantic, can't-live-without-you, I-know-what's-best-for-you, let-me-watch-you-while-you-sleep love.
I also love the relationship between Clara and her father. I wish I had such an awesome relationship with my father. They were open with each other, had good witty banter, were friends but it was still clear it was a father/daughter relationship. Kind of like the relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Clara's father was an influential and active part of Clara's life, and was his own character with his own complexities. Unlike most YA novels, he is not just a plot device.
One thing I've loved about every Caletti novel I've read is the writing. I just think she is spectacular. Although some of her syntax may be clumsy, her prose is overall lyrical and very, very truthful. Every chapter is like a goldmine, with little nuggets of awesome found everywhere. She has a way of taking the most ordinary, every day things and relating it to the meaning of the universe or something. People have a way of not noticing ordinary things, just because we become so accustomed to them. Caletti has a habit of pointing out the overlooked things, and casting them in a new, sometimes bittersweet, light.
I also loved the footnotes. They were so cute. And often very, very funny. Clara is quirky, charming, and real.
The only aspect of the novel that didn't exactly hit home with me was the rather optimistic relationship between Clara and Finn. It was cute and all, but perhaps a bit too fast and unrealistic. I think perhaps it sends the wrong message that in order to get over one relationship, one must enter a new one. I didn't think it was necessary to the story, and the book would have been just as powerful if they had stayed friends.
This book is surprisingly tense. It had me turning the pages long after I should have stopped. I was just racing for the relief of all that tension. The novel felt like all along it was building towards something that would culminate in one big dramatic explosion. That didn't happen. I would even venture to say the ending was a tad bit melodramatic. But I don't think that is a bad thing. If anything, it only adds to how true this book is. Real life is not a movie or a story. Life doesn't end after the final scene of the film or the final chapter of a novel. It's an ongoing reel, full of ups and downs. It doesn't have one big moment. It's all one big moment.
Overall, a powerful, truthful novel. Caletti has climbed her way to a well-deserved spot amongst my favorite authors. God, I hope this book is a commercial success. It needs to be.
Thank you, Simon & Schuster Galleygrab for providing me with an ARC copy :) It has been greatly appreciated.
I started this book the day the world ended. No, not in a literal 2012-tsunami-earthquake kinda way, but in a my-cell-phone-and-laptop-just-so-happeneI started this book the day the world ended. No, not in a literal 2012-tsunami-earthquake kinda way, but in a my-cell-phone-and-laptop-just-so-happened-to-break-on-the-same-day kinda way. And when you are a 17 year old girl, that is really, really bad. So while I was rolling around on the ground suffering from texting withdrawl, a thought occurred to me: Go read a book, you idjit! So I did. And in no time at all, I forgot the outside world existed.
To say I loved this book would be a severe understatement. So here is a list of adjectives I feel are adequate descriptions: (courtesy of Dictionary.com and my own unique vocabulary):
Awesome, addicting, seductive, intense, articulate, lush, fantasmic, suspenseful, beautiful, poetic, dark, amazing, unique, mysterious, romantic, excellent, gorgeous, wistful, eerie, superb, breathtaking, magnificent, wonderful, fascinating, Gothic, OMG, astounding, perfect, sublime, tender, painful, and last but not least, Jesus.
So, in short, it was damn good.
I just loved everything about it. The luscious writing, painfully real characters, intriguing premise and hushed tone. Everything, especially the ending, was just perfect. As soon as I was finished with it, I wanted to start it all over again (and I very nearly did).
Initially, I thought this book would scare the crap out of me, with the creepy cover and all. I read Laura Whitcomb's book The Fetch first, and I loved it, even though this novel is more universally loved. So perhaps I was biased going into it. But I'm positive I would have loved it no matter the scenario.
As for the SEQUEL *OMG SQUEAAAALLL*, I don't think it's really needed, but hey, I'll devour it anyway. I'm a little worried it won't be as good as Certain Slant. seeing as most unplanned sequels aren't, but even if its half as good, I'll still love it. ...more
If I had been home long enough, I would have read this book in one sitting. But then again, maybe not.
I had to keep putting the book down because it If I had been home long enough, I would have read this book in one sitting. But then again, maybe not.
I had to keep putting the book down because it would get so intense. I felt hyper-aware of people watching me read this book, and I dreaded the question "Whats that book about?". My friend did ask me that, and when I told her, she said "But they're not really brother and sister, right?" Her face looked horrified. And I understand that. I have a younger brother and EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWW times a million. Yucky Yucky poo poo.
But disgust was only one of the various emotions I felt while reading this book. And despite everything, you do route for Maya and Lochan to somehow find a way to be together. The character development of the book was just plain awesome, as was the writing. Just read the first couple sentences:
"I gaze out at the small, crisp, burned-out black husks scattered across the chipped white paint of the windowsills. It is hard to believe that they were ever alive . I wonder what it would be like to be shut up in this airless glass box, slowly baked for two long months by the relentless sun, able to see the outdoors- the wind shaking the green trees right there in front of you- hurling yourself again and again at the invisible wall that seals you off from everything that is real and alive and necessary until you succumb: scorched, exhausted, overwhelmed by the impossibility of the task."
I read that and was like "Daaaaamn."
I connected to all the characters, including the little kiddos. I loved them and could imagine them as real people. I wanted to punch the mother and much more that I cannot say because I am a lady.. I am going to make a terrible parents shelf in her honor.
And I didn't cry while reading the book. I cried afterward. It was just an emotional journey, and any book that can make me feel like that is a good book in my opinion.
I wouldn't have picked this book up under normal circumstances. But everyone I talk to here on 欧宝娱乐 adores it, so I felt compelled to give it a shot. And I'm glad I did. ...more
Even though I have A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK to get done, I knew I wasn't going to be able to focus on anything until I finished this book.
This boEven though I have A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK to get done, I knew I wasn't going to be able to focus on anything until I finished this book.
This book is about Amy Curry, who's life has recently went very much downhill. Her father died in a car accident, her mother packed up everything to go to Connecticut, and her twin brother is in rehab. Amy, who was left behind in California to finish her junior year, isn't too happy about having to go cross country in the family car, driven by a boy she's never met. The aforementioned boy is Roger, a college kid who is still hung up on his ex. Although Amy's mother has the trip very carefully laid out, Roger and Amy can't help but make some very unexpected stops along the way. It turns out this trip might be exactly what they both need.
I was really surprised about how much I love this book. It seemed to be so unassuming but soon enough I was sucked in like this *makes whooshing noises*. I just couldn't put it down. I don't know what it was that made this book so absorbing. Was it the excellent writing? The spot-on characters? The quirky humor? The slow-building romance? Amy's travel journal and all the bits and scraps they pick up on the way? I would have to say all of it. I really can't think of anything I didn't like about it, which is rare because I'm usually such a whiner.
There is something appealing about spending a week or so with a stranger, going to places neither of you have ever been. This is now something I want to experience. I need to now find myself a cute college boy, and somehow convince him to go on a cross-country road trip. Shouldn't be too hard (TWSS).
Anyway, this book was cute, but not in a sappy gooey way, but a indie film kind of way. I really need to expand on my adjectives. I am rambling a bit, so I would suggest you abort reading this review now, if you haven't already. This is also one of those books where I want more (transcontinental road trip, anyone?), but I'm glad there is no sequel. A sequel would ruin it. And if I see one, I shall be very upset. But perhaps something similar from Ms. Matson would be nice.
Oh, and Ms. Matson, has very good taste in music, if I may say so, assuming Roger is anything to go by. Okay, I really should stop typing now, as I am afraid I shall embarrass myself if I don't cease shortly. I talk fancy-ish sometimes.
Amy is going to Connecticut! That's where I live! She is right, though. It really is quite pretty, although we don't have much to do. And we don't have any cool food chains. McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts is pretty much it. We have casinos though, and lots of cows, and our state insect is the praying mantis. Did you know they are the only insect who can turn their head? I learned that from a Snapple cap. And we have Benedict Arnold. He's a traitor, though, so we don't like to claim him much.
I really did love this book. So, to clarify, I would rate it 4.5 stars if I could.
It's about Jordan, an average teenager with divorced parents. She lI really did love this book. So, to clarify, I would rate it 4.5 stars if I could.
It's about Jordan, an average teenager with divorced parents. She lives with her father, a predictable optometrist because her mother is too eccentric for her tastes. Her summer after her junior year was off to a normal start- a best friend, dumb job, and a new love interest- but then came Gayle D'Angelo. Gayle D'Angelo is her father's new girlfriend.....who happens to be married. But Jordan's father no longer listens to reason as he becomes more and more obsessed with Gayle. Jordan's normal summer ends up having an explosive ending.
I loved the writing. Seriously, it was great. Deb Caletti's writing is so detailed and intricate, she brings tiny details to mind that only contribute to overall story and character development.
The plot was slowish, but you know from page one that something horribly violent will happen. First off, because the narrator tell you, and also because its terribly hinted at and you would have to be stupid not to get it. Still, there was something tense about this book. While it wasn't thrilling, it was gripping. I think the best part of the book was easily the writing.
The main characters, especially Jordan, were well-drawn. It was like they were real people. The minor characters also had the same flair, but had less screen time. The thing about such interesting characters, is that you actually want to see them. But in the story, they just popped in and out, quick as a flash. Like Big Mama. I wanted to see more of her. And Jackson. I would have loved to see that budding romance.
Jordan was a real teenager. She wasn't some saint girl. She wasn't a rebel without a cause. She took notice of the world, and messed up a lot, and was likable. One of her mistakes was Kale. I hated Kale. He is the King of Douches. I wanted to crawl into the book and pop him one. I just didn't understand why Jordan still kept going out with him even though she clearly couldn't tolerate him. It just made me frustrated. I guess that makes the mark of a real character, though.
Overall, I really liked this book. Every time I read a Deb Caletti book, they just keep getting better and better. ...more
It's Kind of a Funny Story is about 15-yr-old New Yorker, Craig Gilner. Craig is highly ambitious, spending his entire middle school career studying tIt's Kind of a Funny Story is about 15-yr-old New Yorker, Craig Gilner. Craig is highly ambitious, spending his entire middle school career studying to get into an elite high school. Once there, Craig realizes maybe he isn't so smart after all. He has to work twice as hard as his classmates just to get by. All this pressure causes Craig to suffer from depression, preventing him from sleeping or eating. On a particularly bad night after Craig stops taking his medication, he nearly kills himself, deciding to call the suicide hotline at the last moment. From there, Craig spends the next five days in a mental hospital, possibly the most influential five days of his life. He learns to eat and sleep again, he creates friendships, discovers a passion for drawing, and he finally confronts the reason as to why he is so unhappy.
I loved this book. For a book about depression, it was amazingly light-hearted. The tone was clever and humorous and very real. The cast of the novel was original and entertaining. Craig himself was a brilliant character. I don't have depression, yet could sympathize with Craig on so many levels. Craig is a teenage boy, and acts like one. He makes mistakes, but every now and then has a moment of insightful clarity.
The topic of depression and mental illness was treated carefully. These people were messed up, but never seemed inhuman. All of them were very real. While the plot wasn't suspenseful, it was gripping and had me flipping the pages without hesitation.
The only thing I found doubtful was Craig's miraculous recovery. Maybe with some that may be the case, but not many. It would have been difficult if they book ended any other way however, so I'm not too upset about it.
It's Kind of a Funny Story was a truthful and funny story about depression I won't soon forget. ...more
Originally, I wasn't too interested in this book. From the plot description, it looked pretty cliched.
This book is about 16 year old Sydney Biggs. AfOriginally, I wasn't too interested in this book. From the plot description, it looked pretty cliched.
This book is about 16 year old Sydney Biggs. After getting into some trouble, Sydney's parents send her off on a six-week canoeing trip for the summer in the Canadian wilderness. Sydney's best friend, the rich and beautiful Natalia, is also going, but Sydney isn't all too happy about that, because with Natalia there, Sydney must constantly face an awful truth: she is pregnant. Over the course of the summer, Sydney must decide what to do about the baby, whether it means losing her best friend or her future.
Surprisingly, I adored this book. The first few chapters were meh, but once Syndey got to camp, I couldn't put the book down. I absolutely loved the complex and lively cast of characters, and the setting was a nice change. It was decently written and pretty realistic. I think de Gramont perfectly captured the troubles of a pregnant teen and brought up some interesting points. I didn't find it predictable and Sydney's decision surprised me.
I really enjoyed this book. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. If I could, I would give it 4.5 stars. ...more
I don't know how many times I read this book. A perfect example of fantasy. I don't know how many times I read this book. A perfect example of fantasy. ...more
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