The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

There are a lot of things that I love about this particular Nicholas Sparks book. Here are some of them:

 

Weaving two different love stories into one

Introducing two different stories into one book can be confusing and boring to some readers. I have read some books, where authors introduce two or more stories into one. And these authors successfully weaved those different stories into one perfect ending. And this particular book is no different. It has successfully tied the two stories in the end.

 

Predictable and yet heartwarming ending

I have foreseen the twist in the end. Who wouldn’t? But the good thing about that predictable ending are the details that it was introduced as well as the way it was written by the author. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the ending and the twist of Ira’s love story is very romantic.

 

The overwhelming love and emotions in the book

Nick truly has the power to make you fall in love with his characters. I have felt the deep love Ira has for Ruth. Their story is just a simple one, and yet you can feel the overwhelming love of Ira for Ruth, and vice versa. It makes you hopeless romantic and it makes you wish that you have your own Ira in your life.

 

Descriptive background and setting

Nick used two different settings in this book. One, is focused on art while the other is about ranch life. Two unlikely settings that you can read in a book, and yet Nick did an amazing research job of combining them in the most detailed and not in a forceful way.

 

Overall

This book, with its good narration, amazing story and all the other elements I mentioned, is hard to put down. After reading, it will make you stop and absorb the whole story. I don’t even regret buying a copy, and encourage me to read more of Nick’s stories.

 

The Story

Sophia found herself being saved from her annoying ex-boyfriend by Luke one night when she was out partying with her friends. And this fateful night, led her to discover the ranch life that Luke has grown up with. As she fell in love with the beauty of his ranch and the simple life he has,  she soon found herself falling in love with Luke. But Luke is hiding something from Sophia. And this secret has caused Luke to lose her.

On the other hand, Ira has been missing his wife so much. He is old and alone and all he wanted was to be with her loving wife, Ruth. But he knows that he still have things to settle here on earth before he dies. And in one fateful accident, Ira, Luke and Sophia crossed paths, that changed their lives forever.

 

Ratings:

3.5 out of 5. I like it.

Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern

I’ve seen the trailer, I’ve heard friends talk about the book, and I’ve seen it a lot of times on Goodreads, so I got curious and gave it a try.

I had fun reading it. It’s like someone is talking in my head, chatting with me, sharing their experiences and feelings. The conversation format of the book gives you that engaging feeling that you are part of the book or that you are the one talking. Also, everyone can relate to teenage experiences that the characters are sharing. So it was fun and it was humorous… at first, until it became annoying.

The cute little voices you hear while reading the book started to become annoying. And the plot started to get boring.

Everyone knows that Rosie and Alex is in love with each other except the two of them. There are even instances that proved how they are meant for each other. At first, these instances are just heartbreaking. But as you progress with the story, it becomes annoying and dragging.

It took the author 486 pages to tell and retell instances why the two characters can’t be together. It was dragging. I thought I’ll be able to finish the book in two weeks or in a month, but I got bored and put the reading on hold because of how disappointing the story has become. And it took me four long months to go back again into reading and finally finishing it.

With a fresh eye and a fresh mind, I thought the ending was kind of sad. How could they possibly waste almost all their life thinking of what could possibly happen if they just became honest with their feelings?

It was just crazy.

I find the ending hopeless romantic.

And I find the characters of Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart annoying.

There are so many details in the book that I think is unnecessary.

I have enjoyed the movie more than reading the whole book.

The story

Rosie and Alex are best friends, They’ve been friends since they were little. They share their thoughts and secrets until they grow up. However, they are unaware of the budding feelings that is growing between them. And because of this, they make decisions that are total opposite of what they feel.

Everyone knows that they are for each other, that they love each other, except the two of them. Because for them best friends can’t possibly date. And it took them a whole lifetime to realize that they were wrong.

Ratings: 2 out of 5.

It was in the middle of okay and boring.

P.S. I Still Love You By Jenny Han

“Just like the first book, it is a typical and ordinary teenage romance story.”

It is not as exciting and as fun as the first one. I did enjoy the first book. (Plus the factor that it was a major cliffhanger.) So I have to admit that I’ve been expecting more from this one. But it turned out that the second book is not as good as I thought.

So here are the reasons why PS I Still Love You by Jenny Han is a bit of a turn off:

1. Lara Jean’s (heroine) character started to be annoying

She was a loving sister and a funny girl at the first installment. She was a bit funny, lovely, pretty, understanding, and a cute over thinker. She was a bit of all those things. But in this book, she became too crazy. She overthinks everything too much. She also became too sensitive and selfish. Reading her thoughts became a bit of a drag.

2. Gen and Lara’s friendship

In the first book, there was minimal mention about Gen and Lara’s friendship. So I thought they were not that close. But it turned out that their relationship is so much deeper, which was described in every part of this second book (which I guess is good). There was also a revelation on why their friendship fell apart (which by the way is so petty). So knowing their past, there should be at least a part in the book where there is closure. But no. There’s nothing about it. Did they become friends again? Did they stay frenemies? I don’t know. If there is a chance of a book three, I think I don’t want to see any of the Gen and Lara drama anymore.

3. Peter Kavinsky vs. John Ambrose Mclaren

I was team Peter in book one. I’m still team Peter in book two. But it’s hard to love a character where the opposing one (John Ambrose) is so better. The book even suggested that Lara and John Ambrose is a good pair. The reason about them “not being on time” is just heartbreaking. I don’t know what to feel. Is this part of the story? Well, I love to hate this part.

And by the way, seriously another boy?

I don’t usually fangirl over a teen novel. I’m too old for this. But I guess, there’s still that magic in teen novels that are very captivating. I’m still captivated by the works of Jenny Han and I think she is a great teen book writer. But I had enough of this story.

Again, just like what I mentioned in the first book, if you are looking for a feel good easy reading book and a throwback to your high school life, then this book is probably for you.

 

Ratings:

2.5 out of 5. I don’t like it.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

A very typical young adult romance story and yet it makes you excited.

I’m married and on my late 20s, so I assumed that these kinds of stories won’t really get me. And yet, here I am feeling all thrilled after reading this book. It makes no sense to me as I recall how this book made me feel. Jenny Han’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is a simple hopeless romantic tale of a teenage girl whose love letters got accidentally sent out to all the boys she likes.

It has a simple plot, realistic setting and very relatable characters. Well, I guess the reasons that this book is very appealing is because:

 

• Lara Jean, is the reflection of every girl’s teenage life

 

As I read the book, I can’t help but be transported back to my high school days. Lara Jean may be a fictional character, but she is the bits and pieces of every high school girl in the world. From dealing with her family, school, and most especially with the boys she likes, her character is as real as a live person.

 

• The story is a realization of our unfinished business with the boys we have loved before

 

Once in our high school life, we probably went through some of Lara Jean’s experiences. But unlike Lara Jean, there are feelings in our past that are still hidden up until now. And what we have right now, are “what ifs”. This book gives us the answer to all our “what ifs”. This is probably the reason why we (or I) became particularly attached to the book. It’s as if reading a part of my life that could have happened.

 

• We wished we have a Peter who rescued us from a bad heartbreak

 

And of course, one of the main reasons why romantic young adult books hit is because they are still crafted with the same formula of having an alpha male hero. A not-so-perfect handsome hero who will save the heroine and give her unconditional love. It’s the oldest formula, but it still works.

 

These are just some of the reasons why I think this book is a good read. I know many won’t agree with these, but this is how the book made me feel.

It was a fun and relaxing read, but I won’t probably read it again. On the other hand, I am so excited to read the second part as the book is a major cliffhanger.

 

Ratings:

3 out of 5. I like it.

 

The One by Kiera Cass

It has been a long time since I finished The Elite. I was a bit disappointed with it, so it took me this long to read the third one. The book, and the whole series, are good. What I don’t like about this, specifically The Elite, is how the heroine is portrayed. America Singer is weak, flirt and the worst female character I’ve ever read, except for Anastasia Steele. But I’ve overcome my hatred for this character when I decided to read the third installment – The One.

And thank goodness, this book was able to redeem the character of the heroine.

Among all the three books in the series, The One is my favorite. It has an exciting plot, well-developed old and new characters and a really cheesy and romantic tone. I fell in love with it more compared to the other two. My hatred for America’s character is still there, but I fell in love more with Maxon.

America’s character is still the same, indecisive and very spontaneous. However, her indecisiveness and spontaneity helps her to become a strong character. And this character is needed to support the solid plot of the story.

On the other hand, Maxon’s character shows a lot of weakness. He is not the typical alpha hero. He’s a beta, very warm and comforting personality. It’s a bit ironic since he is bound to be the king. But as you read the story, you will understand why he is like this.  

Finally, with this last installment, the series was able to proved that it is not just a typical romantic young adult book. It has a deeper back story that makes the whole story more colorful and unique. Readers should pay attention to some hidden clues in preparation for a bigger twist at the end of the book. Oops spoilers!

This book is indeed a page turner.

 

The Story

As the Selection was nearing its end, new conflicts arise in Illea. The Southerners rebels have become more violent and continue to attack the crown. On the other hand, new allies were formed with the Northerners rebels who are bound to serve the current crown if the current caste system will be abolished. With the same aim, Maxon with America, helped the Northerners rebels and use them to fight the Southerners. But their new allies did not prevent the Southerners to continue to attack the crown. Furthermore, with the Selection, everything becomes so complicated, as Maxon needs to choose who will be the next queen of Illea. And choosing has never become so difficult, even though he knows who he wanted all this time. And America still has a lot of issues that needs to be taken cared of.

 

Ratings:

4 out of 5. I liked it.

By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept by Paulo Coelho

I like the story. It’s unique and unconventional for a romance novel. The struggle of a woman to fight for her love as well as the struggle of the man who needs to follow his mission in life is a very good plot.

 

The conflict is very good. As a reader, you will also be torn. The writer has also created the characters very well, especially the heroine. She is very descriptive. You can also feel the emotion of the character. You will be confused and hurt. You will feel love, happiness and hope. But at the end of the day, you will feel resigned. Because no matter how much you love a person, you know you can’t compete over someone that is greater than love.

 

Aside from the story, what really struck me most as a reader is how the book was written. I like the flow of words. It is so smooth and very descriptive. It is full of emotions. The words are well-chosen. They perfectly portray the feelings of the characters, especially the heroine. You will not just get hooked with the story, but you will be sucked into the narration.

 

Paulo has a gift for words and it is always manifested in his work. This book is one of his books that I love and won’t hesitate to read again.

 

The Story

 

After years of being separated, finally, Pilar has been reunited with her long lost love. With many years, the feelings she has for his love has been long gone. But it was rekindled when they had the chance to be together once again.

 

The man also loves Pilar. He loved her in the past and continue to love her in the present. But the man has deeper conflicts that he needs to settle before he can fully give his love to her. He needs to make a difficult decision. He needs to choose between his love for her or his mission on this earth. He knows he can’t choose both. And only Pilar can help him to choose.
Ratings: 4 out of 5. I really liked it.

The Elite by Kiera Cass

I enjoyed reading the first book and it was an obvious cliffhanger so I was looking forward to part two. The start of the story was really good, the participants of the Selection were down to the Elite. I did enjoy reading it at first, but as the story progresses, my gosh, I grew to hate America!
She’s a slut! I really don’t like her character. She is the worst thing that happened to this book. Her character is selfish and slutty. How can she be so sweet and loving towards Aspen when she also feels the same with Prince Maxon. She’s fortunate that Maxon really likes her, if not, she would be kicked out in the palace at the start of this series. She’s just too much. She is the reason why it took me so long to finish this book. I hate reading her. I really, really hate her character. I hate the writer for making a weak, selfish and lame heroine like her.
The only thing that I probably like about this book is the unfolding of the many secrets that lie in the history of Illéa. The way the government hides all history books is very intriguing. It was like the whole kingdom is living under the dark shadows of the past and everyone is oblivious of the truth. This part is really exciting. This is the only reason why I started reading this book again. Without this plot, I would have thrown this book with all its female drama and annoying heroine.
The Story

After being called for the Selection, America Singer, was able to stay in the competition and be part of the six Elite. With them narrowed down, the competition gets harder. The princesses in the waiting have become more competitive and challenges have become more serious and difficult. On the other hand, Prince Maxon was also getting pressured by the turn of events. With the many numbers of attack towards the castle and threats to the whole royal family and participants of the Selection, he needs to make a decision who will be the next princess, as soon as possible.
But he knows who he wants. He wants America. But America is still confused about her feelings for Maxon and her ability to become a princess. With Aspen, as a royal guard now, her feelings have become more complicated.
On the other hand, even though Maxon wants America to be the one, he can’t just simply force her to be with him. So in order to find the best choice in the Selection, Maxon has made himself more available and accommodating to the other participants which made America feel alone and unloved.
And with the thought that Maxon doesn’t like her anymore, she made an unexpected move that puts the whole kingdom at risk and that made the King very cautious with her.
Ratings:

1 out of 5. I hate it. Super.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

This is a long overdue book review. But despite the long period of escaping in doing this, I can still remember how I enjoyed this book.

 

Just like any other YA or teen novel, this book is easy to read and very entertaining. The plot is very interesting. It’s not really a modern day fairy tale. But it is a story with a fairy tale plot formula that is dedicated to an older audience. It can be a good bedtime story for teen and young adults.

 

What I like about this book is the chemistry that the main characters (America and Maxon) have for each other. I like how princely and regal Maxon’s character is. Unlike the fairy tales that we’re used to, where the prince just pops out from nowhere and rescue the princess, in this book, the prince actually interacts with the heroine.

 

The readers will also have a glimpse of what kind of prince he is based on his interaction with the other characters and based on his motivations and decisions. I don’t usually fall in love with fictional characters, but, I have to admit that Maxon’s character is really handsome and charming. I like reading his scenes not only with the heroine, but also with the other characters.

 

On the other hand, despite showing strength and uniqueness, I’m not amused with America’s character. She’s very indecisive. She doesn’t know what she likes and she just simply goes with the flow. She’s selfish. And I hate reading her. I don’t like this kind of heroine.

 

Aside from having a nasty heroine, there are still other interesting characters that I know readers will love – like America’s sister, May, or the other participants in the Selection like Marlee.

 

The number status in the story is also very interesting. Well, the whole Selection world is interesting. To be categorized in the society based on your ability and root of origin are serious socio-civic issues which give more meaning and essence to the story. This part of the story raises questions and encourages critical thinking and will make you want to keep reading.

 

The Story

In a society where social status is defined by numbers, America Singer was born a 5 since she belongs in a family of musicians. Her talent for music has allowed her to perform for events participated by people from higher numbers. Being a 5 is not as bad as being an 8, which is the lowest category in the hierarchy of Illéa.

 

As a young girl, America was chosen to join the Selection, an event where 35 eligible young ladies in Illéa will have to compete with each other and win the heart of the Prince. An opportunity to help her family, America joined the competition and was picked to be part of the 35 candidates.

 

Even though it is every young girl’s dream to be part of the Selection and be a princess, joining the competition is not that easy for America, for after joining, her boyfriend Aspen, who is an 8, broke up with her.

 

She was so heartbroken from what happened to them, that she vowed to give her best in the Selection so she can help her family instead. However, meeting Prince Maxon, has changed her life.

 

Now, instead of just staying in the competition for her family, she found a new purpose to stay and maybe win in the Selection.

 

Ratings:

3 out of 5. I actually enjoyed it. I was entertained.

 

Adultery by Paulo Coelho

Despite the international popularity and the talents for writing of Paulo Coelho that made him one of the most prolific writers we have today, I am still not drawn from his works. Not because I don’t find him very good at writing, but because I find most of his works heavy with contents about religion and spirituality. For me reading his works is like taking a concentrated and awful tasting medicine. You don’t like the taste but you know that that medicine is good for you. And I guess, I am not just ready to take that kind of writing right now.

Despite this, I still try to read some of his works. And what I really find admirable about his works is his ability to create powerful non-traditional and unconventional characters.

I noticed, in most of the stories that I have read, that most of his main characters are broken. They are not the perfect hero or heroines we often read in contemporary writings. They are not the typical main characters who upholds justice, love and peace or are symbols of good virtue. In fact, they are fallen characters. They are even the victims of good virtues.

That is what I have discovered in the character of Linda, the main character in Paulo’s recent work Adultery.

Linda is a good housewife, living with her perfect family. She has a loving husband and two beautiful children. She was a known writer and journalist. She has everything a woman could ask for. However, she finds her almost perfect life dull. She feels a terrible depression in her monotonous life. Until one day, she met her former lover and felt something different. She has rekindled that lost love and decided to have an affair with the man. The affair gave her so much thrill and at the same time guilt and fear.

We all experience that monotonous, boring and lonely life despite the good things that we have. And we are often disturbed with this growing void inside us. I have never acknowledged these things about me, but as I read this book, I finally understand what it is.

I am not in a relationship, and I don’t know how if feels to have an affair. But at some point, I found myself in a deep understanding with the struggle of Linda’s struggle.

Coelho’s portrayal of her character is so strong and vivid that it was able to describe and put into words the depression and crisis that most of us feel.

The book is not solely about a wife being depressed about her life and later on being unfaithful to her husband. This story line is just a foundation of a deeper human experience that the author wants us to realize.

I know that all of the people in this world have experienced depression. It may not be particularly the same but we share the same pain and void deep inside us. There is an invisible pain in depression. So invisible that it does not have a cure and worst it can make us insane.

Quarterlife crisis or depression, whatever we want to call this, the truth that it exists in everyone of us is no doubt. And in order to battle this, we do crazy things. In this case, the main character decided to do this by having an affair with another man. But in the end, nothing good comes from doing something that is bad. So despite the freedom or thrill that the character felt for having an illicit relationship with someone, she is still not free from the crisis she has within.

I really admire the author for successfully narrating this story and all its encompassing emotions. It was vivid and relatable. However, I did not find the last part of the story appealing. I understand that the author is trying to end the story with a good realization that all these things is about true love. However, I think, the author overdid the explanation on true love. Reading the last part gave me a heavy feeling. I was so overwhelmed with the excessive explanation about true love.

Lastly, the book is a little explicit and I find the other parts of it a little off or too much.

Ratings:

2 out of 5. It was ok

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Unconventional and non traditional love story, humor in all levels of intellect, appealing character and engaging plot, these are some of the characteristics that make up a good quality and utterly entertaining book. These elements were captured by Graeme Simsion and encapsulated it in one single and wonderful story – The Rosie Project.

Theme

The theme of the story appeals to all. Despite the uniqueness of the characters and the situation, the story is still something that we can relate to. Some of the story scenes remind us of familiar experiences in our own life which makes the story more interesting.

Furthermore, the story also highlights how special it is to be unique and different. It reminds us that being different is not bad and sometimes it can even help us to stand out and make a mark in this world. The story is a good reminder that being different cannot stop someone from meeting or interacting with other people, even in meeting his/her own partner. You just have to accept who you are and be proud and happy with it.

Friendship was also portrayed in the story in a very interesting with-not-so-much-drama way. It was really fun to read the main character’s POV when it comes to dealing with his friends and preserving the relationship he has with his limited number of friends.

Lastly, the book also gives us a glimpse of how men sees women, dating and relationships. It was very entertaining and relatable.

Plot

The plot could have become complicated if not for the brilliant narration and sequencing of events. A supposed complicated story was delivered in simplest and humorous way, and it was very effective. The mystery/suspense of unraveling the story is very sustainable. The twist is also well delivered. And the humor – EPIC.

Narration

The author did a very good job in choosing to tell the story in the first person POV. Because of this, the characters and the scenes became more real. What makes everything even more interesting is that the readers have the chance to know how the main character thinks and acts towards people and situations.

The choice of words is perfect. Despite the complexity of some words and phrases (because of the main character’s ingenuity) the whole story is still clear and easy to understand. The flow of narration and the sequence of events are both fluid and clear.

Characters

The characters, individually, are amazing. They are real and identifiable.

The protagonist has its own charm that you will easily fall in love with its character. He is perfect to the point that his perfection has become his major imperfection. It was a well-developed protagonist. He is definitely a very interesting character.

Furthermore, the heroine is also a fascinating character. Her sense of independence, strength, wit, hard work and dominance is admirable. Having this kind of riveting heroine is a surprise considering that the author of the book is male. (Clap! Clap!).

The Story

Believing in the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, Don Tillman, a geneticist, embarks in a project that would help him find his future partner – the Wife Project. However, being socially challenged plus the high standards set by the said project, Don was left with a slim result of meeting his mate.

Then Rosie Jarman came. On their first date, Don discovered that Rosie is unsuitable for him as a wife, as she is a total opposite of the wife project. Don thought that their first date will also be their last, until Rosie opened up to him about meeting his biological father. As a geneticist, Don has suddenly become interested in Rosie’s case thus the birth of the Father Project.

Doing the project has given them a lot of opportunities to meet again and spend time with each other. Don who is socially challenged and who follows a strict daily routine has felt a sudden change in his life as he continue to mingle with her.

However, being different and believing that he is wired to not fall in love, Don is oblivious to the feelings that is starting to bloom inside his heart.

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You may want to check this wonderful marketing campaign for the book by Penguin Classics.