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stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
You want to know why Courtney Summers is a must-buy? Because she can take any topic—even a riskily overexposed one such as the death of a loved one—and write about it in such a way that sucks you in and makes you feel like this is the first time you’ve ever read about that topic before. So yes, that’s what FALL FOR ANYTHING does with grief, wrapped up in beautiful descriptions of art photography and and nail-biting mystery.
Courtney Summers has nearly unmatched talent with developing three-dimensional characters using her trademark sparse prose. Even with this tight prose, there is never a moment when she just comes right out and tells us something about the characters and their relationships with one another. Instead, the characters’ issues, histories, and desires are allowed to unfold on their own. It is in this way that we see the growing tension between Eddie and Milo—not melodramatic tension, but the achingly relatable confusion that arises when old, cherished friendships seem to be on the cusp of becoming something more.
Some characters ring truer than others: Beth, Eddie’s mother’s old friend, is callous perhaps to the point of incredulity, and there is something unsettling about Culler, the way he insinuates himself into Eddie’s life. But instead of detracting from the story, they simply add to the novel’s insistent pace, that there’s always something, something just beyond the next page that will give some relief to poor Eddie’s desperation to find meaning in her father’s death. The dramatic climax, followed by the quiet resolution, makes it all the more clearer to us the complexities of grief, and the lengths that we might need to go to in order to find peace.
In that sense, then, FALL FOR ANYTHING itself reads like a story of our own grief, from the anxiety we feel for Eddie, to its breathless yet not quite restful ending. Regardless of whether or not you’ll enjoy that, there is no doubting the fact that FALL FOR ANYTHING is an incredible read. Courtney Summers is three books into her writing career and showing no signs of faltering. I will read anything she reads, and no matter which Summers book you start with first, you will most likely come to the same conclusion, too.
Courtney Summers has nearly unmatched talent with developing three-dimensional characters using her trademark sparse prose. Even with this tight prose, there is never a moment when she just comes right out and tells us something about the characters and their relationships with one another. Instead, the characters’ issues, histories, and desires are allowed to unfold on their own. It is in this way that we see the growing tension between Eddie and Milo—not melodramatic tension, but the achingly relatable confusion that arises when old, cherished friendships seem to be on the cusp of becoming something more.
Some characters ring truer than others: Beth, Eddie’s mother’s old friend, is callous perhaps to the point of incredulity, and there is something unsettling about Culler, the way he insinuates himself into Eddie’s life. But instead of detracting from the story, they simply add to the novel’s insistent pace, that there’s always something, something just beyond the next page that will give some relief to poor Eddie’s desperation to find meaning in her father’s death. The dramatic climax, followed by the quiet resolution, makes it all the more clearer to us the complexities of grief, and the lengths that we might need to go to in order to find peace.
In that sense, then, FALL FOR ANYTHING itself reads like a story of our own grief, from the anxiety we feel for Eddie, to its breathless yet not quite restful ending. Regardless of whether or not you’ll enjoy that, there is no doubting the fact that FALL FOR ANYTHING is an incredible read. Courtney Summers is three books into her writing career and showing no signs of faltering. I will read anything she reads, and no matter which Summers book you start with first, you will most likely come to the same conclusion, too.
cadyly's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book that is really easy to get into. You are feeling it, right there with Eddie. But, thankfully, the author doesn't turn a difficult situation into a roses-and-rainbows ending. Because life is messy, and rarely are all loose ends tied up and perfect.
janina_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Fall for Anything was my second [a:Courtney Summers|1487748|Courtney Summers|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1266992933p2/1487748.jpg] novel, and while I did enjoy like (I think enjoy is probably the wrong word for a Summers book. I find it hard to enjoy them, because they are so raw and full of hurt. But I did like reading it, if that makes sense.) it a bit more than [b:Some Girls Are|6624871|Some Girls Are|Courtney Summers|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1283380988s/6624871.jpg|6819111], I still can’t rate it higher than three and a half stars. Summers’ books are very powerful and engaging, but also very depressing and dark. If you are looking for happy endings – in the classical happy ending sense – you probably shouldn’t look here.
Also, I’m finding it pretty hard to write a review of this book without giving away any spoilers. They are marked with this great little new spoiler tag, but if you haven’t read the book yet (and plan to read it), my review probably isn’t going to offer you much insight without clicking on them.
Courtney Summers writing and her characters are definitely very strong. I liked both Eddie and Milo, but I just couldn’t understand Eddie’s infatuation with Culler. I mean, I could understand what drew her to him in the first place. And I did understand that she needed someone to be close to her in her grief, somebody who was grieving as well and somebody who was looking for answers as desperately as she was. But I hated his character. I wanted Eddie to stay away from him and I, myself, would never have gone anywhere with him after dark. He gave off a seriously creepy vibe.
Also, the hunt for the snippets Eddie’s dad supposedly left before his death got repetitive and I was immensely bored after the first two buildings Eddie and Culler visited. I started hoping they would get this over with already. I wanted to know the outcome, but I didn't really like reading through breakdowns and searching dusty and abandoned houses six times.
Then, the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending was a very realistic one. One that doesn’t answer all your questions but makes you think for yourself.
Also, I’m finding it pretty hard to write a review of this book without giving away any spoilers. They are marked with this great little new spoiler tag, but if you haven’t read the book yet (and plan to read it), my review probably isn’t going to offer you much insight without clicking on them.
Courtney Summers writing and her characters are definitely very strong. I liked both Eddie and Milo, but I just couldn’t understand Eddie’s infatuation with Culler. I mean, I could understand what drew her to him in the first place. And I did understand that she needed someone to be close to her in her grief, somebody who was grieving as well and somebody who was looking for answers as desperately as she was. But I hated his character. I wanted Eddie to stay away from him and I, myself, would never have gone anywhere with him after dark. He gave off a seriously creepy vibe.
Spoiler
Actually, I can’t say that I saw it coming that Culler only lied to Eddie about her father’s messages, but I did know that there was something wrong with him. I sometimes wanted to yell at Eddie for trusting him so easily and for preferring to spend time with him instead of with her best friend Milo, whom a liked so much more.Also, the hunt for the snippets Eddie’s dad supposedly left before his death got repetitive and I was immensely bored after the first two buildings Eddie and Culler visited. I started hoping they would get this over with already. I wanted to know the outcome, but I didn't really like reading through breakdowns and searching dusty and abandoned houses six times.
Then, the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending was a very realistic one. One that doesn’t answer all your questions but makes you think for yourself.
Spoiler
I missed getting at least a bit of closure on Eddie’s issues and her relationship with Milo, though. I really wished for the two of them to be together, but we don’t really know in the end. Yes, this is me the romantic sap and happy-ending-lover speaking, because in some way, Fall for Anything showed excellently that there sometimes isn’t any closure. Eddie’s questions concerning her dad’s suicide will never be answered, because there is nobody there who can answer them. Eddie will have to learn to accept that and live with it, and I understand that this is going to be a long process – and that a relationship isn’t going to be the thing that makes it easier for her. She needs to heal for herself, and no boy can help her with that.smolbean_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Unique, a gem of a book!
Okay this has to be real right? I mean, if I google Culler Evans I'll find his photography website? And Milo is actually out there somewhere being the most compassionate, wholesome, grounded human being ever? I need this to be real this is too good to not be real. Not that I want it to be real because everyone is so sad and broken but these characters are too real to not be real and everything is too interesting to not exist. Am I making any sense? I need to meet Milo. I need to see Cullers photography. I need to see Eddies dads photography.
This book is amazing. I love the plot. I love the locations. I love how deeply connected I felt with Eddies emotions even though I've never known what grief feels like, the way she put it into words is crushing and incredible all at the same time. The realism of Eddie and her mum trying to cope and people trying to help but the honest hopelessness of it all. Twists, so many twists. I think my heart actually sped up in some parts. I think I probably held my breath too. I couldn't put this book down, it was such a page-turner.
My only criticisms:
The cover art/font is meh. I think it may put people off.
The last page was a little meh. Like everything just kept boiling and boiling and someone just turned the heat down on the very last bit. Although I can't decide if it was kind of nice to simmer off. It was a bit.
I have to read more of this authors books. I love her writing. Her characters are so real. I kinda just departed from my world whilst reading this.
Okay this has to be real right? I mean, if I google Culler Evans I'll find his photography website? And Milo is actually out there somewhere being the most compassionate, wholesome, grounded human being ever? I need this to be real this is too good to not be real. Not that I want it to be real because everyone is so sad and broken but these characters are too real to not be real and everything is too interesting to not exist. Am I making any sense? I need to meet Milo. I need to see Cullers photography. I need to see Eddies dads photography.
This book is amazing. I love the plot. I love the locations. I love how deeply connected I felt with Eddies emotions even though I've never known what grief feels like, the way she put it into words is crushing and incredible all at the same time. The realism of Eddie and her mum trying to cope and people trying to help but the honest hopelessness of it all. Twists, so many twists. I think my heart actually sped up in some parts. I think I probably held my breath too. I couldn't put this book down, it was such a page-turner.
My only criticisms:
The cover art/font is meh. I think it may put people off.
The last page was a little meh. Like everything just kept boiling and boiling and someone just turned the heat down on the very last bit. Although I can't decide if it was kind of nice to simmer off. It was a bit.
I have to read more of this authors books. I love her writing. Her characters are so real. I kinda just departed from my world whilst reading this.
kaitortot's review against another edition
3.0
I love the cover for this. The font is excellent, as is the color scheme. The photos hanging on the line in the background rock. I also love how her head is slightly turned down, as if in sorrow.
Courtney Summers had a different writing style and I really appreciated it. I’ll be really interested in checking out another book written by her. Eddie is trying to deal with the aftermath of her father’s suicide and Summers created Eddie in such a way that all of her reactions seemed completely real. The characters are by no means perfect, which, in my mind, makes them perfect. For me, it’s no fun to read about a character who is absolutely, 100% perfect. Eddie’s mom reminded me quite a bit of Katniss’ mom from The Hunger Games. She basically shuts herself out from the rest of the world, including her daughter. Fall for Anything really showcased how everyone deals with grief differently.
Milo, Eddie’s best friend, is one of my favorite characters and I wish we could see more of him. I would even love a spin-off novel about his character. Can this happen, Courtney Summers....please? Culler slightly creeped me out from the beginning. There was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way and I’m interested to see if others had this feeling as well.
This is not a “rainbows and butterflies” read. It’s heavy, raw, and thought provoking. I’m not going to say if Eddie ever finds the answers to her questions, but I think that we can all relate to wanting certain questions about life answered. If you’re looking for a happy read, this one definitely isn’t for you, but I know sometimes I just crave a heavier read.
Courtney Summers had a different writing style and I really appreciated it. I’ll be really interested in checking out another book written by her. Eddie is trying to deal with the aftermath of her father’s suicide and Summers created Eddie in such a way that all of her reactions seemed completely real. The characters are by no means perfect, which, in my mind, makes them perfect. For me, it’s no fun to read about a character who is absolutely, 100% perfect. Eddie’s mom reminded me quite a bit of Katniss’ mom from The Hunger Games. She basically shuts herself out from the rest of the world, including her daughter. Fall for Anything really showcased how everyone deals with grief differently.
Milo, Eddie’s best friend, is one of my favorite characters and I wish we could see more of him. I would even love a spin-off novel about his character. Can this happen, Courtney Summers....please? Culler slightly creeped me out from the beginning. There was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way and I’m interested to see if others had this feeling as well.
This is not a “rainbows and butterflies” read. It’s heavy, raw, and thought provoking. I’m not going to say if Eddie ever finds the answers to her questions, but I think that we can all relate to wanting certain questions about life answered. If you’re looking for a happy read, this one definitely isn’t for you, but I know sometimes I just crave a heavier read.
christajls's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect. My favourite Courtney Summers novel so far.
Full thoughts to come
Full thoughts to come
abbievillehorror's review against another edition
5.0
I always love Courtney Summers books so much that I don't want to read her others in case they aren't as good. But they're always better and I always cry and I always love them.
ckausch's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Courtney Summers previous books. A lot. Like, was really emotionally moved to pieces by both. So I was excited to read Fall For Anything, her new release. While I was a little less wrapped up in the story, it did not disappoint...
...Courtney Summers is really talented at depicting pain and loss. Each of the main characters in her three novels face a loss of varying types and degrees, and each book is so completely honest. My heart ached for Eddie and her mom. I could imagine how broken her mom would feel after losing her husband to suicide... Yet it made me angry that her mom left Eddie alone, as if she discounted Eddie’s loss of her father.
The way Eddie was drawn to Culler was understandable, especially with Milo refusing to talk about the events of the suicide...Culler’s desire to talk about her father is a bandage for Milo’s silence. Yet, I never felt like I could fully trust Culler, which made me feel a little removed from Eddie and her pain. This is what made me feel a little less wrapped up in the story and characters than I felt previously with Summers’ books. It is possible that this was Summers’ intention, or just my take on the character....
Full review available at http://dogearedandwellread.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/fall-for-anything-by-courtney-summers/
...Courtney Summers is really talented at depicting pain and loss. Each of the main characters in her three novels face a loss of varying types and degrees, and each book is so completely honest. My heart ached for Eddie and her mom. I could imagine how broken her mom would feel after losing her husband to suicide... Yet it made me angry that her mom left Eddie alone, as if she discounted Eddie’s loss of her father.
The way Eddie was drawn to Culler was understandable, especially with Milo refusing to talk about the events of the suicide...Culler’s desire to talk about her father is a bandage for Milo’s silence. Yet, I never felt like I could fully trust Culler, which made me feel a little removed from Eddie and her pain. This is what made me feel a little less wrapped up in the story and characters than I felt previously with Summers’ books. It is possible that this was Summers’ intention, or just my take on the character....
Full review available at http://dogearedandwellread.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/fall-for-anything-by-courtney-summers/