Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.04 AVERAGE
3.04 AVERAGE
Memorable, original, and brilliantly written. There is much troubling/disturbing in this book, but Moracho is a stunning writer.
The picture she paints of adolescence is unnerving; Althea is a character who's hard to root for, and the Red Hook scenario is a bit unrealistic. Still: I read it in three busy school days and found the voice, pacing, and, especially, the writing outstanding.
The picture she paints of adolescence is unnerving; Althea is a character who's hard to root for, and the Red Hook scenario is a bit unrealistic. Still: I read it in three busy school days and found the voice, pacing, and, especially, the writing outstanding.
an absolutely heart breaking ya novel. I loved the broken characters and their attempt at finding love.
I hovered between rating this a 2 or a 3. This doesn't have a so-called happy ending (although, to be perfectly honest, I would disagree that it isn't a happy ending) and that was a relief. It was also just a relief to get to the end. I don't know if it's because I'm in a bad mood today or if it's because the grunginess of the characters and their behavior reminded me too much of my own teen years, myself, and the people I knew and still know and don't like - this takes place in the 90s but most of the events that occur could very easily have taken place just five, ten years later: the bad local band shows, the mosh pits, the milling around in backyards and parking lots with other kids who think they're punk and tough and occasionally watching them lash out at each other, and so on, all of that was just uncomfortably familiar and clear as I mentally replaced what occurred in the book with what I and my friends went through or did. And maybe that's why some people like this book! That's okay. But ultimately for me, that is exactly why I didn't care for this.
I also have some thoughts on the portrayals of sick/disabled teens that have been cropping up more in books lately but I just don't feel like thinking about this anymore.
potential spoiler, although this happens within the first 60 pages:
I also have some thoughts on the portrayals of sick/disabled teens that have been cropping up more in books lately but I just don't feel like thinking about this anymore.
potential spoiler, although this happens within the first 60 pages:
Spoiler
And I have to do this, because I cannot stop thinking about it - I have to call the "bad worst mistake" rape. Because to me, that is exactly what it is, despite character assertions to the contrary. This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with my review, but it's something that I don't understand why it's up for debate.
Did not end the way I thought...perhaps I was a sheltered teen, but it seemed like these teens were doing very adult things, though making good decisions was not among them.
The description of KLS episodes and related information was intriguing enough to keep reading. Not my favorite YA book but certainly interesting characters and a unique story.
The description of KLS episodes and related information was intriguing enough to keep reading. Not my favorite YA book but certainly interesting characters and a unique story.
I'm not sure how to describe this novel--it is about two neighbours whose friendship is enviable--they finish each others' sentences, know every detail about each other, they have secret games and are essentially a part of each others households.
Oliver, however, develops an unusual illness, where he sleeps for weeks on end, throwing Althea's existence into a panic. She immediately realizes that her own life is deeply impacted by his absence. When he awakens after one particularly bad episode, something occurs between them that changes their relationship forever.
When Oliver heads to NYC to be treated at a sleep clinic, Althea decides to follow him there, determined to win him back.
Self-discovery, love and friendship are themes at the heart of this novel. However, so is betrayal, self-destruction and dishonesty.
Oliver, however, develops an unusual illness, where he sleeps for weeks on end, throwing Althea's existence into a panic. She immediately realizes that her own life is deeply impacted by his absence. When he awakens after one particularly bad episode, something occurs between them that changes their relationship forever.
When Oliver heads to NYC to be treated at a sleep clinic, Althea decides to follow him there, determined to win him back.
Self-discovery, love and friendship are themes at the heart of this novel. However, so is betrayal, self-destruction and dishonesty.
Started reading book. Got bored partway through first chapter. Waited a couple weeks. Tried the audiobook. Hated it. (There is zero reason why a reader on a high-profile title should have vocal fry. Even as an affect. ZERO.) Tried book again. Stuck it out. Glad I did.
I enjoyed the second half of this book so much more than the first. Ending reminded me stylistically/voice-wise of The Perks of Being a Wallflower or It's Kind of a Funny Story. Great for 90s nostalgia.
I enjoyed the second half of this book so much more than the first. Ending reminded me stylistically/voice-wise of The Perks of Being a Wallflower or It's Kind of a Funny Story. Great for 90s nostalgia.
Wonderful! Messy, touching, smart, confusing, interesting teen novel.
Before I read Althea & Oliver, I have decided that I'm in love with it already. Best-friends turned to lovers (sort of) is my favorite trope ever.
I should have run away when I heard this book is similar to John Green and Rainbow Rowell's work but guess what?!? I am ambitious and thought I would genuinely like it.
The start is really impressive. I love it. Althea and Oliver are such a great characters who have so much chemistry together. Where did it all go wrong?
I think, I will need a strong drink before I start moaning about how problematic this book is.
Here we go.
THIS WILL CONTAIN MAJOR SPOILERS. I HIGHLY ADVISE NOT TO READ IT IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO READ THE BOOK.
After reading Rob Bittner's well put review of Althea & Oliver . I was enlightened. He made a lot of strong argument and points how problematic and abusive the main characters relationship is. (Note: if sexual abuse and rape are triggers for you. Don't read it.)
• The characters use "rape", in a light fashion numerous times. It is my #1 pet peeve.
What are you supposed to be?" she asks.
"A date rapist?"
UGH JUST FUCKING DONT.
Dear authors,
Rape is not a punchline. Be smart and creative.
Thank you.
• From 50% to the end of the book, Althea did nothing besides get drunk, wander around with the company of shoddy people she barely knew, smoke cigarettes and whine about her tough life.
• Althea & Oliver have an abusive and unhealthy relationship. If they are not trying to rehash their childhood memories or trying not to make out, they are certainly fighting which is the case most of the times.
I'm sure there are handful of problematic things I forgot and can't even be bothered to remember.
The only redeeming quality about this book is the occasional flowery quotes that would certainly be a hit to tumblr and hipsters.
I should have run away when I heard this book is similar to John Green and Rainbow Rowell's work but guess what?!? I am ambitious and thought I would genuinely like it.
The start is really impressive. I love it. Althea and Oliver are such a great characters who have so much chemistry together. Where did it all go wrong?
I think, I will need a strong drink before I start moaning about how problematic this book is.
Here we go.
THIS WILL CONTAIN MAJOR SPOILERS. I HIGHLY ADVISE NOT TO READ IT IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO READ THE BOOK.
Spoiler
After reading Rob Bittner's well put review of Althea & Oliver . I was enlightened. He made a lot of strong argument and points how problematic and abusive the main characters relationship is. (Note: if sexual abuse and rape are triggers for you. Don't read it.)
• The characters use "rape", in a light fashion numerous times. It is my #1 pet peeve.
What are you supposed to be?" she asks.
"A date rapist?"
UGH JUST FUCKING DONT.
Dear authors,
Rape is not a punchline. Be smart and creative.
Thank you.
• From 50% to the end of the book, Althea did nothing besides get drunk, wander around with the company of shoddy people she barely knew, smoke cigarettes and whine about her tough life.
• Althea & Oliver have an abusive and unhealthy relationship. If they are not trying to rehash their childhood memories or trying not to make out, they are certainly fighting which is the case most of the times.
I'm sure there are handful of problematic things I forgot and can't even be bothered to remember.
The only redeeming quality about this book is the occasional flowery quotes that would certainly be a hit to tumblr and hipsters.
finally read it after years of it being on my shelf. look, i’m not quite sure what i expected from this book but i’m sure it wasn’t met. i don’t feel that sense of satisfaction after reading. their set-up of bestfriends with feelings was okay at first, then there was the move to new york. i’m sure it’s something personal, but i’m getting tired of everything being set in new york. i heard america’s wide, why do authors like to end up in that damn city.
at some point i was marveling over the similarities the main character and i had but beyond that, i was more infuriated with this book than pleased. all i thought about was how stupid these fucking teenagers are, understandable bc that’s how they’re supposed to be i guess. but everything went downhill since althea did what she did and the flurry of impulsive decisions that came after. why would someone, well aware of the disease, purposefully take advantage of it? and don’t get me started on how she tried to justify it when she was supposed to apologizing. everyone was subliminally pushing oliver into thinking that it’s normal, that he wanted it. if he hesitated and reacted the way he did then, news flash, maybe he didn’t want it. oliver had his fair share of stupid choices and i hated how he felt like the whole world revolved around him, but even that part was crystal clear to me that althea was in the wrong. and this girl thought an apology would get her forgiven HA, unfortunately that worked.
at some point i was marveling over the similarities the main character and i had but beyond that, i was more infuriated with this book than pleased. all i thought about was how stupid these fucking teenagers are, understandable bc that’s how they’re supposed to be i guess. but everything went downhill since althea did what she did and the flurry of impulsive decisions that came after. why would someone, well aware of the disease, purposefully take advantage of it? and don’t get me started on how she tried to justify it when she was supposed to apologizing. everyone was subliminally pushing oliver into thinking that it’s normal, that he wanted it. if he hesitated and reacted the way he did then, news flash, maybe he didn’t want it. oliver had his fair share of stupid choices and i hated how he felt like the whole world revolved around him, but even that part was crystal clear to me that althea was in the wrong. and this girl thought an apology would get her forgiven HA, unfortunately that worked.
This was just too gritty for me. Especially in audio form, the swearing was more than I was willing to deal with.