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I had a whole bunch of worried speculations going into this book: a whole bunch of thoughts like, “if this happens…then I’m out.” And they basically all came true. But she made me like it.
How did she do that?
I’m still not quite sure. Even now, I can think of several problems that I have with this book, and yet; my major feeling upon reaching the last page was, “that was pretty good.”
And I find myself right back here, in the place where I am filled with worried speculation…this time for book three. I’m chiefly worried because, even after two complete books, I have no idea what she’s trying to say. There’s something here about faith and free will vs. destiny, but I’ll be damned if I know what it is. Even after two books, I’m still almost completely in the dark about the mythology, the rules, the world I’m inhabiting. I don’t know which way is up or which side is evil or what the hell a purpose is truly all about.
The main character is not helpful in this regard, either. She’s for the most part placid, unquestioning, and even seems in denial. When she finally starts to uncover the right questions, she seems to forget them before they’ve even been asked. It’s frustrating. And I think that I would be okay with her placidity if I felt that it was a true representation of her character, but unfortunately, it feels more like a device to stall the progression of the story. I hate feeling manipulated like that.
Jeffrey’s whole story line just doesn’t make any sense to me at all. For all that Clara’s mom seems to be present, attentive, and strict with Clara, she seems to be completely oblivious when it comes to Jeffrey.
The romance surprised me. I didn’t roll my eyes or cringe. So many of my YA romance pet peeves are here, but she writes it in such an honest way; it’s hard not to feel for everyone involved. I’ve never been one of those people who get really invested in team A or team B though. In fact, and this will be shocking to the literary nerd-girls out there (ie, all of you), I really was not that upset when Jo rejected Laurie and then married middle-aged Professor Bhaer. I know. Settle down, ladies. If it feels right, I can go with it.
However, I am so caught up in the free will vs. destiny aspect of the romance. This next part will be a completely random tangent so feel free to skip it.
Once, one of my more blunt friends asked me, “Do you love your kids more than your husband?”
And I didn’t even have to think about that for a second before saying, “Yes.” The love that I have for my children is so completely ingrained and uncontrollable and primal. I know without a doubt that I would commit violence or sacrifice myself just to keep them safe. I have no choice in this, and I don’t want one.
But the love that I have for my husband is something that I choose. It’s something that I have to keep choosing every single day. I have to work to keep it burning, to keep it new. And I think that’s what makes it so powerful and so wonderful. I could let it fade and stagnate, could let it grow stale, but I don’t. Because it’s something that I choose. It’s something that I want.
So when these destined, soul mate romances come up in fiction, I always have a hard time. I will always root for the love that’s chosen, because I think that part of what makes romantic love real is the fighting for it.
I will probably read book three, because I still want to know how everything is explained. Here are my crazy predictions for book three:
1) Angela and Christian are half-siblings.
2) Angela’s “boyfriend” is a dark wing, who she tried to lure and question (Possibly her own father? Ick.).
3) Some of the other 75%-ers will show up.
4) Angela will majorly over-think her mission and will learn a valuable lesson about her ability to choose.
Perfect Musical Pairing
Michelle Branch – Goodbye to You
Because the romance in this book is so angsty and teenagery but somehow I still liked it. This one is for Clara :(
How did she do that?
I’m still not quite sure. Even now, I can think of several problems that I have with this book, and yet; my major feeling upon reaching the last page was, “that was pretty good.”
And I find myself right back here, in the place where I am filled with worried speculation…this time for book three. I’m chiefly worried because, even after two complete books, I have no idea what she’s trying to say. There’s something here about faith and free will vs. destiny, but I’ll be damned if I know what it is.
Spoiler
So…they have free will? But apparently when they choose to use it, and not follow the visions/dreams, bad shit happens. Her mom tried to exercise her free will and look what happened! It felt like years of punishment! Until she finally gave in. As a free-will loving human, that kind of makes me recoil, more than a little bit.The main character is not helpful in this regard, either. She’s for the most part placid, unquestioning, and even seems in denial. When she finally starts to uncover the right questions, she seems to forget them before they’ve even been asked. It’s frustrating. And I think that I would be okay with her placidity if I felt that it was a true representation of her character, but unfortunately, it feels more like a device to stall the progression of the story. I hate feeling manipulated like that.
Jeffrey’s whole story line just doesn’t make any sense to me at all. For all that Clara’s mom seems to be present, attentive, and strict with Clara, she seems to be completely oblivious when it comes to Jeffrey.
Spoiler
And then he runs away just in time for Clara to go off to college. Problem solved! Also, why wouldn’t Jeffrey tell anyone about his purpose? He seems to have absolutely no reason to keep it a secret.The romance surprised me. I didn’t roll my eyes or cringe. So many of my YA romance pet peeves are here, but she writes it in such an honest way; it’s hard not to feel for everyone involved. I’ve never been one of those people who get really invested in team A or team B though. In fact, and this will be shocking to the literary nerd-girls out there (ie, all of you), I really was not that upset when Jo rejected Laurie and then married middle-aged Professor Bhaer. I know. Settle down, ladies. If it feels right, I can go with it.
However, I am so caught up in the free will vs. destiny aspect of the romance. This next part will be a completely random tangent so feel free to skip it.
Once, one of my more blunt friends asked me, “Do you love your kids more than your husband?”
And I didn’t even have to think about that for a second before saying, “Yes.” The love that I have for my children is so completely ingrained and uncontrollable and primal. I know without a doubt that I would commit violence or sacrifice myself just to keep them safe. I have no choice in this, and I don’t want one.
But the love that I have for my husband is something that I choose. It’s something that I have to keep choosing every single day. I have to work to keep it burning, to keep it new. And I think that’s what makes it so powerful and so wonderful. I could let it fade and stagnate, could let it grow stale, but I don’t. Because it’s something that I choose. It’s something that I want.
So when these destined, soul mate romances come up in fiction, I always have a hard time. I will always root for the love that’s chosen, because I think that part of what makes romantic love real is the fighting for it.
I will probably read book three, because I still want to know how everything is explained. Here are my crazy predictions for book three:
Spoiler
1) Angela and Christian are half-siblings.
2) Angela’s “boyfriend” is a dark wing, who she tried to lure and question (Possibly her own father? Ick.).
3) Some of the other 75%-ers will show up.
4) Angela will majorly over-think her mission and will learn a valuable lesson about her ability to choose.
Perfect Musical Pairing
Michelle Branch – Goodbye to You
Because the romance in this book is so angsty and teenagery but somehow I still liked it. This one is for Clara :(