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ziann's reviews
10 reviews
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
after 7 months i am finally letting them go. (lol can't believe i read it for 7 months😂) i mean, not that it's bad or meh that's why it took me so loooooooong to read, but i just can't really let it go. the connection that i have for them is just so much.
i love Shiori, her character development was amazing and realistic. i had a great time being with her journey to break the curse. i could feel her desperation, helplessness and love for the people around her. i was so proud of how much she grew over the course of the story.
i also love Seryu. i mean, if not only for Takkan, i would literally ship the two of them, no questions ask. he was charming, funny and very dependable. Shiori and him actually has a cute chemistry together if i'm being honest. i just don't really want to hold on to it, because my boy Takkan is here.
and finally my boy TAKKAN. BEST BOY. i've never loved a fictional character as much as him. i seriously, seriously can't read fast or really properly when he's in the scene. i had to stop and really digest everything that he's saying, and then swoon over them. almost every scene that he's in with Shiori is my favorite. but, if i'll choose one, it's the part where there's a flashback of when they're still young. all the efforts that he made? the sincerity? the admiration? the gifts? THE LETTERS? THE PAINTING??? boy, i can't read that without trying to breathe properly HAHAHAHA Takkan's definitely the 97% reason why it took me seven months to read it.
anywaaaaay, on a serious note, i adore Elizabeth Lim's writing style and the way that she describes each scene. it feels so magical and surreal. it was as if you were really there living with the characters. the plot wasn't really anything extravagant for me, but i would say that it's just really perfect to make the characters stand out. there were some really cliché tropes, i don't really mind at all because it just makes the story so much more interesting for me. she really knows how to own a trope that's already been written so many times.
however, i do think that SSC would be good as just a stand alone novel. though, of course i still want to see their journey in the book. i just really hope that there won't be you know, unnecessary love triangle between the three. i mean, that's the last thing that i need. Shiori had been through soooo much so please, just give my girlie a good rest with Takkan.
Rating: 100/5
i love Shiori, her character development was amazing and realistic. i had a great time being with her journey to break the curse. i could feel her desperation, helplessness and love for the people around her. i was so proud of how much she grew over the course of the story.
i also love Seryu. i mean, if not only for Takkan, i would literally ship the two of them, no questions ask. he was charming, funny and very dependable. Shiori and him actually has a cute chemistry together if i'm being honest. i just don't really want to hold on to it, because my boy Takkan is here.
and finally my boy TAKKAN. BEST BOY. i've never loved a fictional character as much as him. i seriously, seriously can't read fast or really properly when he's in the scene. i had to stop and really digest everything that he's saying, and then swoon over them. almost every scene that he's in with Shiori is my favorite. but, if i'll choose one, it's the part where there's a flashback of when they're still young. all the efforts that he made? the sincerity? the admiration? the gifts? THE LETTERS? THE PAINTING??? boy, i can't read that without trying to breathe properly HAHAHAHA Takkan's definitely the 97% reason why it took me seven months to read it.
anywaaaaay, on a serious note, i adore Elizabeth Lim's writing style and the way that she describes each scene. it feels so magical and surreal. it was as if you were really there living with the characters. the plot wasn't really anything extravagant for me, but i would say that it's just really perfect to make the characters stand out. there were some really cliché tropes, i don't really mind at all because it just makes the story so much more interesting for me. she really knows how to own a trope that's already been written so many times.
however, i do think that SSC would be good as just a stand alone novel. though, of course i still want to see their journey in the book. i just really hope that there won't be you know, unnecessary love triangle between the three. i mean, that's the last thing that i need. Shiori had been through soooo much so please, just give my girlie a good rest with Takkan.
Rating: 100/5
Warcross by Marie Lu
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I expected a lot from this book. I'd say that the writing is really beautiful and it's very clear on my mind. the story started exciting but, it kind of fell flat at the middle. perhaps because was too slow for me? or maybe it's about the characters, the turn of events or idk. i just couldn't really find the same excitement to read it the same way that the first chapters gave me.
hideo is an amazing character, as well as Emiko. however, i couldn't really invest so much into their character. maybe it's the lack of connection with them that makes it a boring in the middle and i couldn't really get myself to finish it. perhaps it's just really my high expectation?? also, i find the romance too fast. well, i'm not really a fan of insta-love, although it's not that trope. i fin the way they fell for each other too fast and i was looking for more connection with them. tho, they have chemistry it's just lacking for me.
plot-wise, i think it was amazing. i love love the concept it was so so cool. but, the start was too slow and then towards the end things began to move so quickly that i was a bit lost with whatever's happening. so i guess that was one factor why i couldn't really get into it.
nevertheless, i think it was decent one. it didn't live up to my expectation but i could say that it nice. i really enjoyed those chapters where they are playing the game, it was very vivid. also, i didn't really expect the twist. that was a great one! i love how it stray's away from the typical saint heroes in books. and although we can't say that he's right, he has his reason that justifies strongly why he want to do that. and it really makes you wonder what will happen on the next book.
hideo is an amazing character, as well as Emiko. however, i couldn't really invest so much into their character. maybe it's the lack of connection with them that makes it a boring in the middle and i couldn't really get myself to finish it. perhaps it's just really my high expectation?? also, i find the romance too fast. well, i'm not really a fan of insta-love, although it's not that trope. i fin the way they fell for each other too fast and i was looking for more connection with them. tho, they have chemistry it's just lacking for me.
plot-wise, i think it was amazing. i love love the concept it was so so cool. but, the start was too slow and then towards the end things began to move so quickly that i was a bit lost with whatever's happening. so i guess that was one factor why i couldn't really get into it.
nevertheless, i think it was decent one. it didn't live up to my expectation but i could say that it nice. i really enjoyed those chapters where they are playing the game, it was very vivid. also, i didn't really expect the twist. that was a great one! i love how it stray's away from the typical saint heroes in books. and although we can't say that he's right, he has his reason that justifies strongly why he want to do that. and it really makes you wonder what will happen on the next book.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the first none romance book that i've read, something that is leaning more on contemporary side and i'd say that i was actually satisfied with what i read. i've read this book without knowing or expecting anything about it and i'd still enjoyed the journey nonetheless, although some parts bored me.
Tokue is such an interesting character, i've felt that strong connection with her more than what i had with Sentaro. she managed to make me cry with just few words, i could feel my heart breaking whenever she opens up about the things that she had experienced. i've been in a long reading slump and after so many years, a book made me tear up again. so satisfying. Sentaro didn't interest me that much, tho. as well as Wakana. i feel like at some point their characters were too flat and empty compared to Tokue.
i find the writing simple but still magical. especially with the way the writer describes the surrounding first, mostly focusing on the season and then moving on with narration. straightforward but still captivating. i love the reflections, quotable quotes and all that in this book, especially with how Tokue perceived the world. her mind is a garden full of blooming flowers that i want to live in it.
the ending for me was too open, in a way that it left me hanging with a bittersweet taste. i just hope it was wrapped more nicely. you know at least giving us a glimpse of what would have been waiting for their future. that's the only thing that i want in the end. i cried with what happened, but at the same time i had already expected it from the beginning. i'm just glad that Tokue can finally live somewhere where she is free and bright and happy.
Tokue is such an interesting character, i've felt that strong connection with her more than what i had with Sentaro. she managed to make me cry with just few words, i could feel my heart breaking whenever she opens up about the things that she had experienced. i've been in a long reading slump and after so many years, a book made me tear up again. so satisfying. Sentaro didn't interest me that much, tho. as well as Wakana. i feel like at some point their characters were too flat and empty compared to Tokue.
i find the writing simple but still magical. especially with the way the writer describes the surrounding first, mostly focusing on the season and then moving on with narration. straightforward but still captivating. i love the reflections, quotable quotes and all that in this book, especially with how Tokue perceived the world. her mind is a garden full of blooming flowers that i want to live in it.
the ending for me was too open, in a way that it left me hanging with a bittersweet taste. i just hope it was wrapped more nicely. you know at least giving us a glimpse of what would have been waiting for their future. that's the only thing that i want in the end. i cried with what happened, but at the same time i had already expected it from the beginning. i'm just glad that Tokue can finally live somewhere where she is free and bright and happy.
The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
2.0
it has a promising start. the prologue was actually intriguing. i actually enjoyed it until the 100th page where everything started to just revolve around rider.
i like the romance aspect at first, but soon i started to get bored of it. everything was just about rider, his eyes and his dimples. like seriously? care to describe his other aspects, Mallory?
i want to see more of Mallory's progression and how she overcame her trauma but it was all about rider. also, Mallory was acting as if she still needs to see a therapist. i'm not quite sure if she's all well now.
speaking of rider, he was great at first but when he and mallory started getting close and i started to see him more, i started to be annoyed by him. i cannot forget that one line that he said which came of as insensitive for me. that's when i decided to stop. he was also all too touchy.
and why does he have to call her mouse? for pete's sake.
i like the romance aspect at first, but soon i started to get bored of it. everything was just about rider, his eyes and his dimples. like seriously? care to describe his other aspects, Mallory?
i want to see more of Mallory's progression and how she overcame her trauma but it was all about rider. also, Mallory was acting as if she still needs to see a therapist. i'm not quite sure if she's all well now.
speaking of rider, he was great at first but when he and mallory started getting close and i started to see him more, i started to be annoyed by him. i cannot forget that one line that he said which came of as insensitive for me. that's when i decided to stop. he was also all too touchy.
and why does he have to call her mouse? for pete's sake.
The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
picked it up after seeing that the lead is asian (yes, i love represantation, thank you very much). the book was actually not that bad. i think it helps that i didn't read reviews first and have my own judgment of the book. Clara was problematic and bad at first, yes. but i really love how her character developed and had more depth in it.
the characters were the highlights for me. the way that they were fleshed out, not just Clara but everyone around her. i especially love Rose, oh gosh. and HAMLET! this trio is superb. as well as Clara's other group of friends. i love the friend dynamic actually. i can relate at some point when Clara started to like the presence of Rose and Hamlet more than Patrick's and the other one (sorry i forgot the name, read it not so long ago, so). the amusement park scene was the highlight for me, actually. i was disheartened by what happened, not only because of the tragedy but also it was the time when Patrick (or maybe the other one lol) realized that it was not same as before. on the other hand, i think it showed how Clara changed from the way she is before. and i was so glad that at the end, she was still able to keep the friendship with two groups. i mean, who says you can only have one circle of friend?
i also love her dad and their relationship. and her mom's. their reasons and the way they raise Clara was understandable. i actually hated her a mom a bit at first, but later on, i started to understand her reasons.
what i also love about the book is how Miss Maureen laid out the setting of each scene. i can clearly picture it in my head. it was vivid and if feel like i am really there with them. my favorite scene was that scene by the end, where they were sitting on the truck on the observatory. the words, the description, the emotions, i love how clear they were to me.
overall, i really enjoyed reading it. became a fan of Miss Maureen starting from this book. now i'm currently reading Somewhere Only We Know (tho i think i like this more. i'm still on hamlet, i'm so sorry, jack)
the characters were the highlights for me. the way that they were fleshed out, not just Clara but everyone around her. i especially love Rose, oh gosh. and HAMLET! this trio is superb. as well as Clara's other group of friends. i love the friend dynamic actually. i can relate at some point when Clara started to like the presence of Rose and Hamlet more than Patrick's and the other one (sorry i forgot the name, read it not so long ago, so). the amusement park scene was the highlight for me, actually. i was disheartened by what happened, not only because of the tragedy but also it was the time when Patrick (or maybe the other one lol) realized that it was not same as before. on the other hand, i think it showed how Clara changed from the way she is before. and i was so glad that at the end, she was still able to keep the friendship with two groups. i mean, who says you can only have one circle of friend?
i also love her dad and their relationship. and her mom's. their reasons and the way they raise Clara was understandable. i actually hated her a mom a bit at first, but later on, i started to understand her reasons.
what i also love about the book is how Miss Maureen laid out the setting of each scene. i can clearly picture it in my head. it was vivid and if feel like i am really there with them. my favorite scene was that scene by the end, where they were sitting on the truck on the observatory. the words, the description, the emotions, i love how clear they were to me.
overall, i really enjoyed reading it. became a fan of Miss Maureen starting from this book. now i'm currently reading Somewhere Only We Know (tho i think i like this more. i'm still on hamlet, i'm so sorry, jack)
Geekerella by Ashley Poston
4.0
i'd be honest, i was bored at the first part of the book (a bit on the second half, too). tho i like the concept of it. the retelling and how they incorporated the fangirl things in it. however, the first part was really slow for me. i was dying to see Elle get the hell out of her step-monster's place. though i'd say that Elle herself, the dog and her green haired friend (i'm so sorry i forgot the name, read it a long time ago lol) actually saved it for me.
nonetheless, i enjoyed the third part so much! to the point that i couldn't put down the book because i was curious and thrilled about how the story will unfold. and the way that it ended was just perfect for me. i was grinning when Darien FINALLY (thank goodness he's not stupid) recognized her.
their relationship was just so-so for me. i remember a few scenes that made me smile and swoon, but i guess because i'm not a fan of text-relationship (or whatever it is called) that's why it didn't click to me that much. tho, i'd say that their interaction in real life (even though they hated each other at first lol) was actually better and i could feel their connection.
i think one thing that i also like about this is how Miss Ashley fleshed out Darien's character and Elle's. Well, especially Darien. his desire to prove himself, to show that the spectators what he has that he's not just a celebrity with abs and well, a good looking face. also, Elle's character was adorable, too. i really love her relationship with her dad, even though we've only seen bits of it since he's already dead.
how the words are weaved and played throughout the book was actually entertaining. overall, i still enjoyed reading it and would recommend to those who are looking for some light and quick read.
nonetheless, i enjoyed the third part so much! to the point that i couldn't put down the book because i was curious and thrilled about how the story will unfold. and the way that it ended was just perfect for me. i was grinning when Darien FINALLY (thank goodness he's not stupid) recognized her.
their relationship was just so-so for me. i remember a few scenes that made me smile and swoon, but i guess because i'm not a fan of text-relationship (or whatever it is called) that's why it didn't click to me that much. tho, i'd say that their interaction in real life (even though they hated each other at first lol) was actually better and i could feel their connection.
i think one thing that i also like about this is how Miss Ashley fleshed out Darien's character and Elle's. Well, especially Darien. his desire to prove himself, to show that the spectators what he has that he's not just a celebrity with abs and well, a good looking face. also, Elle's character was adorable, too. i really love her relationship with her dad, even though we've only seen bits of it since he's already dead.
how the words are weaved and played throughout the book was actually entertaining. overall, i still enjoyed reading it and would recommend to those who are looking for some light and quick read.
Some Boys by Patty Blount
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i read this in 2019, but i still remember bits of it. undeniably, it's one of my favorite. well, i might reread to it to see if it will still be on my top list.
however, i remember those things that made fall head over heels over this book. number one is Grace, this brave, strong and amazing woman. i love the way Miss Patty fleshed her out. it feels like she's a real person, living, suffering and fighting. i faintly remember those scene where she's holding a camera- her weapon, and how strong she appears to me. there are scenes that makes me want to scream at her, tell her to hide and don't do those shits. but it's mostly because, i know to myself that i cannot do those things because i'm not as bold as her. and that made me applaud and love her even more. i cannot imagine myself being in the same situation as her. yet, it gave me courage. it gave me courage to at least speak up and stand for myself even if no one believes me.
and then there's Ian. i can't say that he's the flawed, hot and sexy fictional character that i will easily fall into. but i still like him, nonetheless. he's flawed, yes. but his decisions and choices are understandable. and i'm very sure that being in his spot is not easy, too. still, i was able to like his character in the end.
from what i can remember, this is not a totally romantic book. this is more about Grace, how she dealt with the pain and trauma that she experience. how she met some boys who are straight assholes, and some boys who actually believed in her words. this is about Grace, her courage and her journey to gain justice and redeem herself.
however, i remember those things that made fall head over heels over this book. number one is Grace, this brave, strong and amazing woman. i love the way Miss Patty fleshed her out. it feels like she's a real person, living, suffering and fighting. i faintly remember those scene where she's holding a camera- her weapon, and how strong she appears to me. there are scenes that makes me want to scream at her, tell her to hide and don't do those shits. but it's mostly because, i know to myself that i cannot do those things because i'm not as bold as her. and that made me applaud and love her even more. i cannot imagine myself being in the same situation as her. yet, it gave me courage. it gave me courage to at least speak up and stand for myself even if no one believes me.
and then there's Ian. i can't say that he's the flawed, hot and sexy fictional character that i will easily fall into. but i still like him, nonetheless. he's flawed, yes. but his decisions and choices are understandable. and i'm very sure that being in his spot is not easy, too. still, i was able to like his character in the end.
from what i can remember, this is not a totally romantic book. this is more about Grace, how she dealt with the pain and trauma that she experience. how she met some boys who are straight assholes, and some boys who actually believed in her words. this is about Grace, her courage and her journey to gain justice and redeem herself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Bullying
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
2.0
i wish there's a story to it more than the beautiful backdrop of Paris.
sighs. i don't know. i guess this is not just really for me. i was so so excited to read it actually. i love travel books so much or books that are set in places that i always dream of going. but i guess the story in this book is just, well, the Paris itself. it's the only beautiful thing that i can see. i love the way they incorporated and describe the scenery so i'm only giving it two stars for that LMAO.
from the start of the book, isla was already talking about josh. and at first i was just, okay cool, whatever. it's a romance book anyone so what else to expect right? however, it's not cool anymore as the story progress and nothing, as in nothing, comes to isla's mind but josh. like, literally. and i hope the story really progress and tackles other things besides *ehem* josh, but nah. all isla think about is how to get his attention.
she had no personality other than liking josh, actually. it feels like she has no life other than her love life.
isla, your name is lovely, but please live your life.
sighs. i don't know. i guess this is not just really for me. i was so so excited to read it actually. i love travel books so much or books that are set in places that i always dream of going. but i guess the story in this book is just, well, the Paris itself. it's the only beautiful thing that i can see. i love the way they incorporated and describe the scenery so i'm only giving it two stars for that LMAO.
from the start of the book, isla was already talking about josh. and at first i was just, okay cool, whatever. it's a romance book anyone so what else to expect right? however, it's not cool anymore as the story progress and nothing, as in nothing, comes to isla's mind but josh. like, literally. and i hope the story really progress and tackles other things besides *ehem* josh, but nah. all isla think about is how to get his attention.
she had no personality other than liking josh, actually. it feels like she has no life other than her love life.
isla, your name is lovely, but please live your life.
Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo
i was so excited to read this one after adoring Miss Maurene's previous work, The Way You Make Me Feel . but to be honest, it didn't reach my expectation. lol. this is why i hate expecting too much. nevertheless, i think it was an okay read. you know, a quick read if you need something easy and hilarious. i'd say that 40% of the time, i was also laughing my ass out the way i did on her previous work. that kind of entertainment made me forget about the flaws of the book for a while.
one thing that i like about this is Lucky, Catherine, Fern or whatever. but alright, let's settle this and call her Catherine. i prefer that one. that new identity is so perfect for her. i could relate to her at some point, especially in regards to her passion and dreams. it was something that i could easily connect to. i like that her personality was far from those stereotypical i'm a star but i'm a mess and super lonely deep inside and i don't know if i'm good with it celebrities. instead, she was confident about her skill. and she knew that she's good at it. yes, i live for that.
the amazing backdrop of Hong Kong was so relaxing to read it, too. Miss Maurene never failed to capture the beauty of every place her characters go to. i could clearly picture in my head every street of Hong Kong with wonderful descriptions. i could totally feel that i'm right there having one stolen adventurous day with them. the description of foods was top notched, too. literally made my stomach grumble after reading it.
i'd admit that i'm a sucker for conversations that are, well, deep and made a lot of sense. the two's conversations are actually fascinating and made me realized something and wonder about my decisions, too. they weren't fillers, as these dialogues actually lead them to reevaluate their decisions in life. tho, i wonder if you'd actually have that kind of knee-deep conversation with a stranger that you just met.
i am not a fan of insta-love. so i had prejudiced when i read it, thinking i won't be enjoying it as the story revolved around one stolen day. surprisingly, the adventures of that one day actually panned out gracefully. it felt as if that one day happened for months or years. the way that they started to like each other is actually believable if only you'll forget that everything is happening for just a day. and most of the time, i couldn't even remember that it was just one day.
i would have given this story a higher rating if not only for the lies, and well, Jack. i could understand that his character was flawed and those flaws lead him to make decisions and choices that i really really hate. but i just couldn't really stand how he lied to Catherine about things just to get that freaking story. it was so selfish of him. and most of the time, i just want to punch him in the face, perhaps he would come to his senses. i won't deny it and i'd say that they actually have a connection, chemistry together. they were cute at some point, but really, it turns me off every time that i remember his deception.
i think the whole novel could have been shorter. the pacing was a bit too slow for me and i feel like nothing's really happening. there were actually some points that i just want to drop it. i'm dreading for the revelation part so much. i want some excitement, i want Cat to finally know the truth. but since i'm a poor and i can't stand wasting my money not finishing a book, i forced myself to finish the rest of the story in one sitting (wow, i still feel proud of myself doing it. i don't do it usually lol).
and well, although there were some really irritating and boring parts, i'd say that the story was able to redeem itself towards the end. i still hate Jack, but it lessened a bit. the conclusion was good for me, it was in a satisfying way. and i know for sure that it was the perfect ending for Cat. i love how it ended with her finally pursuing her dream and passion for herself and for the people who supported her. i like that she still didn't give up her dream. and Jack, i'm glad that he dropped that freaking story. i'm glad that he realized his mistakes and came to his senses, that he was finally brave enough to do what he wants.
rating: 3.5 Stars
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Jack was right- a bit of selfishness went a long way. But for me, I knew that being purely selfish wouldn't be fulfilling. To sit in a dark cafe alone playing music for myself? That wasn't me either. This new era of my career was finally including both. It was deeply satisfying that I could do both.
i was so excited to read this one after adoring Miss Maurene's previous work, The Way You Make Me Feel . but to be honest, it didn't reach my expectation. lol. this is why i hate expecting too much. nevertheless, i think it was an okay read. you know, a quick read if you need something easy and hilarious. i'd say that 40% of the time, i was also laughing my ass out the way i did on her previous work. that kind of entertainment made me forget about the flaws of the book for a while.
one thing that i like about this is Lucky, Catherine, Fern or whatever. but alright, let's settle this and call her Catherine. i prefer that one. that new identity is so perfect for her. i could relate to her at some point, especially in regards to her passion and dreams. it was something that i could easily connect to. i like that her personality was far from those stereotypical i'm a star but i'm a mess and super lonely deep inside and i don't know if i'm good with it celebrities. instead, she was confident about her skill. and she knew that she's good at it. yes, i live for that.
the amazing backdrop of Hong Kong was so relaxing to read it, too. Miss Maurene never failed to capture the beauty of every place her characters go to. i could clearly picture in my head every street of Hong Kong with wonderful descriptions. i could totally feel that i'm right there having one stolen adventurous day with them. the description of foods was top notched, too. literally made my stomach grumble after reading it.
i'd admit that i'm a sucker for conversations that are, well, deep and made a lot of sense. the two's conversations are actually fascinating and made me realized something and wonder about my decisions, too. they weren't fillers, as these dialogues actually lead them to reevaluate their decisions in life. tho, i wonder if you'd actually have that kind of knee-deep conversation with a stranger that you just met.
i am not a fan of insta-love. so i had prejudiced when i read it, thinking i won't be enjoying it as the story revolved around one stolen day. surprisingly, the adventures of that one day actually panned out gracefully. it felt as if that one day happened for months or years. the way that they started to like each other is actually believable if only you'll forget that everything is happening for just a day. and most of the time, i couldn't even remember that it was just one day.
i would have given this story a higher rating if not only for the lies, and well, Jack. i could understand that his character was flawed and those flaws lead him to make decisions and choices that i really really hate. but i just couldn't really stand how he lied to Catherine about things just to get that freaking story. it was so selfish of him. and most of the time, i just want to punch him in the face, perhaps he would come to his senses. i won't deny it and i'd say that they actually have a connection, chemistry together. they were cute at some point, but really, it turns me off every time that i remember his deception.
i think the whole novel could have been shorter. the pacing was a bit too slow for me and i feel like nothing's really happening. there were actually some points that i just want to drop it. i'm dreading for the revelation part so much. i want some excitement, i want Cat to finally know the truth. but since i'm a poor and i can't stand wasting my money not finishing a book, i forced myself to finish the rest of the story in one sitting (wow, i still feel proud of myself doing it. i don't do it usually lol).
and well, although there were some really irritating and boring parts, i'd say that the story was able to redeem itself towards the end. i still hate Jack, but it lessened a bit. the conclusion was good for me, it was in a satisfying way. and i know for sure that it was the perfect ending for Cat. i love how it ended with her finally pursuing her dream and passion for herself and for the people who supported her. i like that she still didn't give up her dream. and Jack, i'm glad that he dropped that freaking story. i'm glad that he realized his mistakes and came to his senses, that he was finally brave enough to do what he wants.
rating: 3.5 Stars
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