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__ceecee__'s Reviews (414)
I actually find myself in the minority here, since I’m one of the [apparent] few who were relatively underwhelmed with this book. It’s a pity, really, since I so wanted to like it because the book was given to me by my brother for my birthday. (In a way, I did like it. More on that later.)
If I Stay is the story of 17-year old Mia, who loses her family instantly in a car accident, while she is "stuck in limbo", watching the after-effects of the accident, while reminiscing about her past, which will all ultimately affect her choice: Will she let herself live or die?
Sometimes I think there’s something wrong with me, if I can’t be touched by a book which everyone is just raving about, and that evoked emotions in them. I’m not a stoic person, no matter how much some of my friends insist I am. I've read [b:The Book Thief|19063|The Book Thief|Markus Zusak|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352395325s/19063.jpg|878368] for Pete’s sake, and it devastated me. Other than that, there had been [b:The Wednesday Wars|556136|The Wednesday Wars|Gary D. Schmidt|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348254942s/556136.jpg|2586820], [b:Ain't She Sweet?|790144|Ain't She Sweet?|Susan Elizabeth Phillips|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347668874s/790144.jpg|2538], [b:A Walk to Remember|3473|A Walk to Remember|Nicholas Sparks|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344269407s/3473.jpg|3143497], and a handful of other books.
I still can't pinpoint what was off with it, and maybe I never will. Maybe it was the kind of wish-fulfillment I found in it. (I can't believe I have problems with wish-fulfillment, btw, since I'm a notorious daydreamer). The kind of family Mia has is something to envy, it's the kind I only see in movies. Not that I'm dissatisfied with my family. I honestly love them. I cannot imagine losing them.
But Mia's family - her father's an ex-band member who married her mother at a relatively young age because he preferred the idea of calling her "wife" rather than plain old "girlfriend". Her mother is a "tough as nails, tender as kittens feminist bitch". In short, her parents are cool. And her brother Teddy, well, he was adorable. Not only that, but Mia has a, dare I say, "perfect boyfriend". Even though I felt like I should sigh and be giddy with their courtship, I didn't. How, when I've read adorable couples in [b:Dairy Queen|16178|Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen, #1)|Catherine Gilbert Murdock|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347858197s/16178.jpg|564970] and The Darkest Powers trilogy?
Maybe I found it a little too perfect that I can't relate to the characters anymore. Maybe I've read way too many books that If I Stay pales in comparison. Maybe.
At most, I give this 2.5 stars, because I loved the music angle. Lately I've been needing to find books which incorporate classical music in it. I confess I'm not a band person. Though there are bands I love listening to, I'm not an avid rock music fan like Forman apparently is. What I loved was the classical music. I will one day track down Mia's soundtrack! (The love of classical has all been [b:Nodame Cantabile |1261277|Nodame Cantabile 1|Tomoko Ninomiya|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320457824s/1261277.jpg|1250120]'s fault, a series I find quite close to perfect).
And even though this book was "just okay" to me, it doesn't diminish my desire to read [b:Where She Went|8492825|Where She Went (If I Stay, #2)|Gayle Forman|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347810457s/8492825.jpg|10706553]. I'm just so curious to read about Mia and Adam's story. Plus, it means more music!
If I Stay is the story of 17-year old Mia, who loses her family instantly in a car accident, while she is "stuck in limbo", watching the after-effects of the accident, while reminiscing about her past, which will all ultimately affect her choice: Will she let herself live or die?
Sometimes I think there’s something wrong with me, if I can’t be touched by a book which everyone is just raving about, and that evoked emotions in them. I’m not a stoic person, no matter how much some of my friends insist I am. I've read [b:The Book Thief|19063|The Book Thief|Markus Zusak|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352395325s/19063.jpg|878368] for Pete’s sake, and it devastated me. Other than that, there had been [b:The Wednesday Wars|556136|The Wednesday Wars|Gary D. Schmidt|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348254942s/556136.jpg|2586820], [b:Ain't She Sweet?|790144|Ain't She Sweet?|Susan Elizabeth Phillips|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347668874s/790144.jpg|2538], [b:A Walk to Remember|3473|A Walk to Remember|Nicholas Sparks|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344269407s/3473.jpg|3143497], and a handful of other books.
I still can't pinpoint what was off with it, and maybe I never will. Maybe it was the kind of wish-fulfillment I found in it. (I can't believe I have problems with wish-fulfillment, btw, since I'm a notorious daydreamer). The kind of family Mia has is something to envy, it's the kind I only see in movies. Not that I'm dissatisfied with my family. I honestly love them. I cannot imagine losing them.
But Mia's family - her father's an ex-band member who married her mother at a relatively young age because he preferred the idea of calling her "wife" rather than plain old "girlfriend". Her mother is a "tough as nails, tender as kittens feminist bitch". In short, her parents are cool. And her brother Teddy, well, he was adorable. Not only that, but Mia has a, dare I say, "perfect boyfriend".
Spoiler
I personally don't prefer a guy like Adam Wilde so once again, I am in a minority, where almost everyone swoons over him.Maybe I found it a little too perfect that I can't relate to the characters anymore. Maybe I've read way too many books that If I Stay pales in comparison. Maybe.
At most, I give this 2.5 stars, because I loved the music angle. Lately I've been needing to find books which incorporate classical music in it. I confess I'm not a band person. Though there are bands I love listening to, I'm not an avid rock music fan like Forman apparently is. What I loved was the classical music. I will one day track down Mia's soundtrack! (The love of classical has all been [b:Nodame Cantabile |1261277|Nodame Cantabile 1|Tomoko Ninomiya|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320457824s/1261277.jpg|1250120]'s fault, a series I find quite close to perfect).
And even though this book was "just okay" to me, it doesn't diminish my desire to read [b:Where She Went|8492825|Where She Went (If I Stay, #2)|Gayle Forman|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347810457s/8492825.jpg|10706553]. I'm just so curious to read about Mia and Adam's
Spoiler
breakup
Update:01/28/13 Just watched the movie version of this, and I gotta say: While I was reading the book I wondered how big that boat was. Thanks, movie, for clearing that up. Awesome movie, made a few but acceptable changed, except in the end, when instead of the author researching about the Japenese interview, Pi hands him the transcript. But I see that a lot of people liked the movie, so, eh, what the heck. You gotta love the tiger, right?.
Update:06/21/12 There's gonna be a movie for this. Woah. They should of just titled it Pi. Honestly, how can you attract an audience with a title like Life of Pi. I love this book, but the title isn't one of its strengths. Hohoho. Anyway, looking at the trailer, I'm kind of skeptical.And yet, it's almost worthy to watch just for the part in the island. But of course I'll watch it whether or not it's good.
I don't know why, but I've always liked books that end well. Or, the ones I most remember are the ones whose endings were remarkable. Life of Pi is one of them.
I got interested in reading it because of the God-thing, and I'm really interested in spiritual fiction.
I must say that some parts were dragging, the first time I read it. Reading it through again, I am better able to appreciate this novel. Some parts were funny, especially the part where the three godly men find out about Pi's participation in 3 religions. I found myself agreeing with Pi, it doesn't matter which religion you practice, it's all about loving God.
It was full of wisdom and humor, and Pi's narration did it very well.
And then we come to the ending. What a twist! It turned my world upside down. And I began to question my own sanity. It hit me, it impacted me, and I would never be able to forget it. And that's why it's one of my favorites.
Update:06/21/12 There's gonna be a movie for this. Woah. They should of just titled it Pi. Honestly, how can you attract an audience with a title like Life of Pi. I love this book, but the title isn't one of its strengths. Hohoho. Anyway, looking at the trailer, I'm kind of skeptical.
Spoiler
They made it look like Pi and Richard Parker became friends but that isn't so.I don't know why, but I've always liked books that end well. Or, the ones I most remember are the ones whose endings were remarkable. Life of Pi is one of them.
I got interested in reading it because of the God-thing, and I'm really interested in spiritual fiction.
I must say that some parts were dragging, the first time I read it. Reading it through again, I am better able to appreciate this novel. Some parts were funny, especially the part where the three godly men find out about Pi's participation in 3 religions. I found myself agreeing with Pi, it doesn't matter which religion you practice, it's all about loving God.
It was full of wisdom and humor, and Pi's narration did it very well.
And then we come to the ending. What a twist! It turned my world upside down. And I began to question my own sanity. It hit me, it impacted me, and I would never be able to forget it. And that's why it's one of my favorites.
The things that happened to the princess might have happened in the 60s and 70s, but a lot of what they did then are still happening now. The lives of women in Saudi are still hushed hushed, I feel like they deliberately avoid widespread talk about it for "peace". But not only the lives of the women, but especially the activities of the men are covered up.
The thing that struck me the most is the princess's fear for saudi's future. especially about raising their boys to believe that just because they are men, they are gods and could do no wrong. such a way of raising boys and being raised that way cannot spell good for anyones future.
The thing that struck me the most is the princess's fear for saudi's future. especially about raising their boys to believe that just because they are men, they are gods and could do no wrong. such a way of raising boys and being raised that way cannot spell good for anyones future.
I needed it. I needed a teen chick-lit book. It was a breeze to get through because it was just so fun.
Of course, the title was kinda misleading because there was no real big breakup. I initially wanted to read it because of the title, even though i didnt read the synopsis, and when I started reading it I thought it didnt go quite where I expected it to and so I had to go back and read the full synopsis. haha
But maybe the "Giovanna broke up with her bf and want him back" is enough of a synopsis to get readers on,because it was enough for me. It is kind of a boon that the book didnt focus on the heroine doing sommersaults to win back her bf. What a pleasant surprise!
There really wasnt any opportunity to get deeply invested in the two leads' relationship. But they were cute.
What made this books really interesting for was reading between the lines to discover thAt there was a side love story between the heroine's friends. I almost wish they had a book of their own! *goes checking Janette Rallison's other books*
*3.5 stars. It's fluff but the characters were engaging, non melodramatic and it was a fun read.
Of course, the title was kinda misleading because there was no real big breakup. I initially wanted to read it because of the title, even though i didnt read the synopsis, and when I started reading it I thought it didnt go quite where I expected it to and so I had to go back and read the full synopsis. haha
But maybe the "Giovanna broke up with her bf and want him back" is enough of a synopsis to get readers on,because it was enough for me. It is kind of a boon that the book didnt focus on the heroine doing sommersaults to win back her bf. What a pleasant surprise!
There really wasnt any opportunity to get deeply invested in the two leads' relationship. But they were cute.
What made this books really interesting for was reading between the lines to discover thAt there was a side love story between the heroine's friends. I almost wish they had a book of their own! *goes checking Janette Rallison's other books*
*3.5 stars. It's fluff but the characters were engaging, non melodramatic and it was a fun read.
Oh, how sweet life would be if I had a Colton who is so understanding and debonair and smart and funny even though I pushed him to the pool and keep trying to ruin his best friend's reputation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was fluff, funny, the hero was dreamy, the plot so light and simple, I easily could have read this in one sitting if work didnt come in the way.
But thats enough fluff and fantasy for me for now.
Spoiler
Who would organize a Christmas event for poor children to satisfy my charitable heart. Though why he didnt agree to it the first time I brought it up in the council meeting when he already liked me at the time is beyond me.I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was fluff, funny, the hero was dreamy, the plot so light and simple, I easily could have read this in one sitting if work didnt come in the way.
But thats enough fluff and fantasy for me for now.
Thank you, book, for getting me so invested in this story. It doesnt look like it, since it took me almost a month to finish reading it, but it really did engage me. The reason it took me so long was because it was painful at times to go on when Watney had some hiccup, or I had to let the glorious moments sink in.
“Well, this is a story about books."
"About books?"
"About accursed books, about a man who wrote them, about a character who broke out of the pages of anovel so that he could burn it, about a betrayal and a lost friendship. It's a story of love, of hatred, and of the dreams that live in the shadow of the wind."
"You talk like the jacket blurb of a Victorian novel, Daniel."
"That's probably because I work in a bookshop and I've seen too many. But this is a true story.”
The Shadow of the Wind has been shelved and listed as a book about the love of books. Yes, but as it went along, it became more than that, and I admire Zafon's ability to balance the different themes in this novel.
“As it unfolded, the structure of the story began to remind me of one of those Russian dolls that contain innumerable ever-smaller dolls within. Step by step the narrative split into a thousand stories, as if it had entered a gallery of mirrors, its identity fragmented into endless reflections.”
The story:
When Daniel was ten, his father took him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a bookworm's heaven, literally a library of rare or forgotten books - in other words, heaven - so he can choose one book and protect its memory. By providence or perverted twist of fate, he chooses Julian Carax's "The Shadow of the Wind", unknowingly plunging himself in the middle of a real life story of passion, murder and revenge. Who is the mysterious man who burns Carax's novels? Why is a seedy police inspector keen on finding Carax?
My impressions:
Maybe it's because of the Spanish influence, but this read like a soap opera to me. A boy born out of wedlock, his mother marrying another man for security, the boy adopted by an influential and rich man who falls in love with the daughter of that rich man. You really have to read it to see what I mean, and I assure you it won't be a waste of time. Unless you're squeamish around really passionate people. I must say that I was a little miffed that the protagonists who are so young could just go up and have sex without protection. I mean, seriously guys. But this was the 1920's so I guess there wasn't much contraceptives back then. So, duh, of course the girl would get pregnant. But that's passion. [shrugs, and rolls eyes]
And what's a soap opera without that mindblowing plot twist? Although when I found out about it, I cursed myself for not seeing it coming.
Spoiler
Of course Julian and Penelope would be siblings! Only a soap opera would have a plot twist like that. It didn't surprise or shock me at all. If truth be told, I kind of relished it.Since this book's primary premise was to find out the mystery of Julian Carax and the man who burns his books, Carax's overdramatic history kind of put me off, thus the minus one star, though I enjoyed it for the most part.
What I really enjoyed was Fermin's side of the story. Fermin was a street beggar who purports to have been a secret agent during the Spanish Civil War, and who was tortured by one Fumero, incidentally one of Julian Carax's buddies during high school. Fermin throws these japes on society which are just dead on, though sometimes pessimistic - how to treat a woman, the b.s. of priests, and society in general. And even though sometimes he can be a perv, or tragic, he was mostly hilarious.
“There are yokels out there who think that if they touch a woman's behind and she doesn't complain, they've hooked her. Amateurs. The female heart is a labryinth of subtleties, too challenging for the uncouth mind of the male racketeer. If you really want to possess a woman, you must think like her, and the first thing to do is to win over her soul. The rest, that sweet, soft wrapping that steals away your senses and your virtue, is a bonus.”
“Television, my dear Daniel, is the Antichrist, and I can assure you that after only three or four generations, people will no longer even know how to fart on their own. Humans will return to living in caves, to medieval savagery, and to the general state of imbecility that slugs overcame back in the Pleistocene era. Our world will not die as a result of the bomb, as the papers say - it will die of laughter, of banality, of making a joke of everything, and a lousy joke at that.”
"Like the good ape he is, man is a social animal, characterized by cronyism, nepotism, corruption and gossip. That's the intrinsic blueprint for our 'ethical behavior'"
"But in good time you'll see that sometimes what matters isn't what one gives but what one gives up."
"People with no life always have to stick their nose in the life of others."
AND THERE ARE JUST SO MANY OTHER GREAT QUOTES! My ebook is filled with highlights. I want to have a copy of this book, reread it and fill that with post-it notes on my favorite passages.
I also really loved the book's well written characters. Almost all of them have rich back-stories, some amusing, some presenting that character as ultimately a tragic person. Some "horrible" characters are redeemed, some are punished just as they should, some are just pitiful. Even minor characters are alive and likable, which I think is an attestation to the author who can write such characters. And it was great.
Spoiler
Although I find it hard to believe that a man like Fumero could be allowed in the police force when he was a psycho, a cold-blooded murderer who shot his good-for-nothing mother. But even Fumero was a well-written villain with a sympathetic backstroy.My favorite character would have to be Julian Carax's father, the hatter. The hatter may not have been noble, no, but he was painted as really human. He was first presented as a monster and all of his neighbors believe so. People who knew him only remembered the bad things he has done. He was too pious and rigid, but in the end his was a tragic story.
Spoiler
Only when he grew old did he realize his son's importance. He was able to build a respectable relationship with his ex-wife, but in the end died of loneliness. Oh how I cry for this man.And lastly, this has also been a coming-of-age story for Daniel. I liked Daniel although his naivete was sometimes infuriating.
Spoiler
Not to mention that totally misleading comment of how he died. He "died" and was reborn. Great. Thanks for making me worry about nothing, Daniel.*4 - 4.5 stars A cleverly written novel about a story that mirrors the story within that story, with rich, tragic and well-written characters you will love, and a mystery that will keep you in the edge of your seat. It balanced melodrama with humor, which is always a crowd-pleaser. If you don't mind melodrama and love the kind of book mentioned previously, try this one a shot.
