Book Review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Great Alone

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 435

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Alaska, 1974.

Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.

For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America's last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents' passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man he loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights' lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt's fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to the threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of the night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska- a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival and the wildness that lives in both man and nature."

My Rating: 4/5

Kristin Hannah, I know that everyone has been reading you forever and I'm late to the party, but damn you've done it again. After reading The Nightingale I was worried about picking up another book by the author, what if it wasn't as good, what if I didn't feel the same? And meanwhile, this book was insanely good. I think the content matter was a little hard to read, but the overall plot was incredible. The characters were dynamic and multi-faceted. The way Kristin Hannah writes is beautiful and filled with emotional impact.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Nightingale

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult,

Pages: 440

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

"In love we find who we want to be.

In war we find out who we are.

FRANCE, 1939

In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Maurice says good-bye to her husband, Antione as he heads for the Front. She doesn't believe that the Nazis will invade France... but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When a Germain captain requisitions Wianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.

Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gaetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can... completely. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and never looks back, risking her life time and again to save others."

My Rating: 5/5

I'm so late to reading this book. I can't even explain why I put this off for so long, but this was one pick that was voted for in bookclub this month and I'm so grateful it was. Kristin Hannah was able to evoke so many emotions throughout this read and while you expect it to be an emotional read, she made each character feel so realistic that I couldn't help but feel things alongside them. I also thought it was interesting to see how she wove the tales of occupied France between the two siblings who had different values and you are able to see both sisters' points of view. If you have read this I'm curious how you felt about it. If you haven't, may I be another person (likely) to tell you to pick this up!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Stay Awake by Megan Goldin

Title: Stay Awake

Author: Megan Goldin

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 352

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Liv Reese wakes up in the back of a taxi with no idea where she is or how she got there. When she's dropped off at the door of her brownstone, a stranger answers- a stranger who now lives in her apartment and forces her out in the cold. She reaches for her phone to call for help, only to discover it's missing, and in its place is a bloodstained knife. That's when she sees that her hands are covered in black pen, scribbled messages like graffiti on her skin: STAY AWAKE.

Two years ago,  Liv was living with her best friend, dating a new man, and thriving as a successful writer for a trendy magazine. Now, she's lost and disoriented in a New York City that looks nothing like what she remembers. Catching a glimpse of the local news, she's horrified to see reports of a crime scene where the victim's blood has been used to scrawl a message across a window, the same message that's inked on her hands. What did she do last night?? And why does she remember nothing from the past two years? Liv finds herself on the run for a crime she doesn't remember nothing from the past two years? Liv finds herself on the run for a crime she doesn't remember committing as she tries to piece together the fragments of her life. But there's someone who does know exactly what she did, and they'll be anything to make her forget- permanently."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I had previously read a book by the author and really enjoyed it. So picking up this I thought I would also enjoy it, but it read like a basic cop show. While I was curious where it was going, i was hoping for a wild twist, but it went in a way where I shrugged and just said it made sense. Finishing the book I don't know if I felt anything profound. It was fine, but I wanted so much more. I would give this author one more shot. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker

Title: Emma in the Night

Author: Wendy Walker

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Adult Fiction

Pages: 308

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "We believe what we want to believe."

"From the bestselling author of All is Not Forgotten comes a thriller about two missing sisters, a twisted family, and what happens when one girl comes back....

One night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns, without her sister Emma. her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn't add up. looking deep within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where one sister's return might be the beginning of the crime."

My Rating: 2/5

I have had this book on my TBR for so long that I think I imagined that I knew what this was about. So it's not the book's fault that it didn't follow the plot I thought it would This is very much a domestic thriller. I think that the use of dual P.O.Vs helped to build the anticipation, but it did go in the direction I thought it might be going. There were a few surprises along the way, but not enough to shock me the way I thought it would. I would recommend if you're into domestic thrillers and psycho thrillers. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Title: The Ballerinas

Author: Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 304

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Dare Me meets Black Swan and Luckiest Girl Alive in a captivating voice-driven debut novel about a trio of ballerinas who meet as students at the Paris Opera Ballet School.

Fourteen years ago, Delphine abandoned her prestigious soloist spot at the Paris Opera Ballet for a new life in St. Petersburg-- taking with her a secret that could upend the lives of her best friends, fellow dancers Lindsay and Margaux. Now 36 years old, Delphine has returned to her former home and to the legendary Palais Garnier Opera House, to choreograph the ballet that will kickstart the next phase of her career-- and, she hopes, finally make things right with her former friends. But Delphine quickly discovers that things have changed wile she's been away... and some secrets can't stay buried forever.

Moving between the trio's adolescent years and the present day, The Ballerinas explores the complexities of female friendship, the dark drive towards physical perfection in the name of artistic expression, the double-edged sword of ambition and passion, and the sublimated rage that so many women hold inside-- all culminating in a twist you won't see coming, with magnetic characters you won't soon forget."

My Rating: 3/5

I did end up reading this in two different times and when reading the first half, I really enjoyed it. The way it didn't shy away from what society deems appropriate for ballerinas/dancers but overall for women. I was intrigued by the thrilling elements and enjoyed the commentary. When picking it back up to finish the second half I just found it ok. I wanted more of the thrilling components and more of twist but I felt that the twist was drug out too long and I lost interest. Overall this was just ok for me, I would be interested in reading more that the author puts out, this just wasn't my favorite thriller.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Behind Closed Doors by B.A Paris

Title: Behind Closed Doors

Author: B.A Paris

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Thriller, 

Pages: 293

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"The perfect marriage? or the perfect lie?

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He's a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener, and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You're hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You'd like to get to know Grace better.

But it's difficult because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers her phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn't work. How she can cook elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what's really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was closer to what I wanted from a domestic-based thriller. I had an idea of where things were going and while they weren't completely off I wouldn't have guessed to the extent these things were going. I was hooked and on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how Grace was going to get out of these situations and how she had managed to find herself in this position in this first place. I loved that we went between past and present, it helped to keep the suspense and help the reader understand Grace as a complex character.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Title: The Wife Upstairs

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Adult

Pages: 290

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Meet Jane. Newly arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates- a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side table of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates' most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can't help but see an opportunity in Eddie- not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she's always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie's heart before her past- or his- catches up to her."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book wasn't as thrilling or as mysterious as I hoped for it to be. While there were twists and turns I wasn't incredibly shocked by many of them. I enjoyed the way that the story was told, but there were moments where I wasn't certain about the characters' choices. Also, the side mystery, wasn't as chilling or creepy as I hoped it would be. While people in these residents are vastly different than me, I still don't think that some of their reactions were realistic in the least. It was fun, quick, and entertaining. Just not the thriller I was expecting.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris

Title: Cilka's Journey

Author: Heather Morris

Series/Standalone: The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Book #2)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 352

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In this follow-up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the author tells the story, based on a true one, of a woman who survives Auschwitz, only to find herself locked away again. 

Cilka Klien is 18 years old when Auschwitz-Birkenau is liberated by Soviet soldiers. But Cilka is one of the many women who is sentenced to a labor camp on charges of having helped the Nazis-- with no consideration of the circumstances Cilka and women like her found themselves in as they struggled to survive. Once at Vorkuta gulag in Siberia, where she is to serve her 15-year sentence, Cilka uses her wits, charm, and beauty to survive."

My Rating: 5/5

 

I was so curious about Cilka after reading about her character in the first book about Lale's life and his struggle in Auschwitz. Cilka was someone he remembered and spoke about fondly. But I couldn't help but wonder about her life. While this book wasn't completely factual, the author based this story on facts that she found about Cilka's life after Auschwitz, and follow her through her continual struggle in life. I was surprised to hear about how just recently (at least in comparison with learning about other aspects of the Holocaust), we are hearing about women who survived the only way they could, and what they had to endure after they were "liberated". I'm curious to read more from the author in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Title: Sarah's Key

Author: Tatiana de Rosnay

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 294

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Year Published: 2006

Format: Audiobook

"Paris, July 1942: Ten-year-old Sarah is brutally arrested with her family in the Vel' d'Hiv' roundup, the most notorious act of the French collaboration with the Nazis, but before the police come to take them, Sarah locks her younger brother, Michel, in their favorite hiding place, a cupboard in the family\s apartment. She keeps the key, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel' D'Hiv's sixtieth anniversary, Julia Jarmond, an American journalist, is asked by her Paris-based-American magazine to write an article about this black day in France's past. Julia has lived in Paris for nearly twenty-five years, married a Frenchman, and she is shocked both by her ignorance about the event and the silence that still surrounds it. In the course of her investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of a long-hidden family secret that connects her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from the terrible days spent shut in at the Vel' d'Hiv' to the camps and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

Writing about the fate of her country with a pitiless clarity, Tatiana de Rosnay offers us a brilliantly subtle, compelling portrait of France under occupation and reveals the taboos and email surrounding this painful episode in French history."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This book is a very subtle work about the World War II events from French History and while it highlighted things I had not read about, it seemed less about that and more about Julia's life. Which is fine if that had been what I thought I was signing on for. The intriguing aspect just wasn't here for the story. I enjoyed it, just didn't hold my attention the way I wish it had. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Title: The Escape Room

Author: Megan Goldin

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult

Pages: 357

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Welcome to the escape room. Your goal is simple. Get out alive.

In a lucrative world of finance, Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are at the top of their game. They've mastered the art of the deal and celebrate their success in style- but a life of extreme luxury always comes at a cost.

Invited to participate in an escape room challenge as a team-building exercise, the ferociously competitive co-workers crowd into the elevator of a high-rise building, eager to prove themselves. But when the lights go off and the doors stay shut, it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary competition: they're caught in a dangerous game of survival.

Trapped in the dark, the colleagues must put aside their bitter rivalries and work together to solve cryptic clues to break free. But as the game begins to reveal the team's darkest secrets, they realize there's a price to be paid for the terrible deeds they committed in their ruthless climb up the corporate ladder. As tempers fray, and the clues turn deadly, they must solve one final chilling puzzle: which one of them will kill in order to survive?"

My Rating 4/5

I would claim that this book is a mystery, but damn is it ever thrilling. I would really recommend this to someone who wants a twist between Hustlers and Wolf on Wallstreet. It really describes this incredibly competitive work life, and the way people who make a ton of money live, or work to live. I always think this is interesting, as my career choice is so vastly different (not that ECE's don't work hard, of course, we do but to this extreme). I also loved the dual P.OV's in the book. Going between past and present really upped the tension. I look forward to reading more work by the author, hopefully, more thrillers!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Naturally Tan by Tan France

 Title: Naturally Tan

Author: Tan France

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography, LGBT

Pages: 304

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In this heartfelt, funny, touching memoir, Tan France, star of Netflix's smash-hit QUEER EYE, tells his origin story for the first time. With his trademark wit, humor and radical compassion, Tan reveals what it was like to grow up gay in a traditional Muslim family, as one of the few people of color in Doncaster, England. He illuminates his winding journey of coming of age, finding his voice (and style!), and how he finally came out to his family at the age of 34, revealing that he was happily married to the love of his life-- a Mormon cowboy from Salt Lake City.

In Tan's own words, "The book is meant to spread joy, personal acceptance, and most of all understanding. Each of us is living our own private journey, and the more we know about each other, the healthier and happier the world will be."

My Rating: 2/5

I think I'm coming to realize that celebrity autobiographies/memoirs are not for me. I just find that they appear a bit performative and while they do touch on important topics, it's just not for me. That being said, Tan France speaks about growing up in a predominately white neighbourhood, racism, homophobia, religious beliefs, marriage, media diversity etc. Many important topics, I just didn't find that the audiobook did much for me. And that's fine, not every book is for everybody to get something from. So for me, this was just ok. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

 Title: Three to Get Deadly

Author: Janet Evanovich

Series/Standalone: Stephanie Plum Series (Book #3)

Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Humor

Pages: 321

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 1997

Format: Audiobook

"Stephanie Plum, the brassy babe in the powder blue Buick is back and she's having a bad hair day-- for the whole month of January. She's been given the unpopular task of finding Mo Bedemier, Trenton's most beloved citizen, arrested for carrying concealed, gone no-show for his court appearance.

And to make matters worse, she's got Lula, a former hooker turned file clerk-- now a wannabe bounty hunter- at her side, sticking like glue. Lula's big and blonde and black and itching to get the chance to lock up a crook in the trunk of her car.

Morelli, the New Jersey vice cop with the slow-burning smile that undermines a girl's strongest resolve is being polite. So what does that mean? Has he found a new love? Or is he manipulating Steph, using her in his police investigation, counting on her unmanageable curiosity and competitive Jersey attitude?

Once again, the entire One for the Money crew is in action, including Ranger and Grandma Mazur, searching for Mo, tripping down a trail littered with dead drug dealers, leading Stephanie to suspect Mo has traded his ice-cream scoop for a vigilante gun."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I think this is where I leave the series. After listening to this audiobook the only way I can describe my emotion is disappointed. The first book in this series had a small amount of romance and a decent amount of mystery. This book has done a total 180, we're more worried about the romance then the mystery and details are constantly skated over. The whole romance starting when they were 8 is brought up consistently and makes me extremely uncomfortable. The characters have no real sense of urgency even in the middle of a ton of murders.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 435
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Year Published: 2013
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "There was a boy in her room."

"From the author of New York Times bestseller Eleanor & Park. A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family, and first love.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan.

But for Cath, being a fan is her life- and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.

Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?"


My Rating: 4/5

So just to clarify this is the first book that I've read a physical copy of by Rainbow Rowell and overall, I really enjoyed it. I had listened to Eleanor and Park last year and it was far more heart-wrenching in some aspects. That being said I really enjoy this story overall. The characters and the setting (in some ways) reminded me of some of my college experiences. As someone who has anxiety, some of this representation hit pretty close to home when going to college and having a big life change. I also enjoyed the fandom aspect of this series, and look forward to reading Carry On. 
The only reason this wasn't a 5/5 for me was that it seemed to drag near the end, but at the same time, it seemed to end abruptly. I'm not sure how to explain my feelings other than this. I didn't realize I'd reached the end until I read the last page and was looking for a bit more.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Fangril by Rainbow Rowell

This is the second Rainbow Rowell book I've consumed. Overall, I enjoyed the story being told in Fangirl and the idea of change. I understand the fear and anxiety that comes with change as an eighteen-year-old. Especially moving away from home and everything you've known. It's really scary. I'm not going to lie to anyone. But I was happy to see that Cath was able to find some good in the experience that horrified her so much to begin with. I also enjoyed her fanfiction writing and her need to live in her own world. I can relate in a sense. When I was in college I read to escape things, or binge watched tv just to get out of my own head. I think those are pretty common things. 

Characters:
Cath: I felt like I could relate to her anxiety and struggles with branching out. It takes alot when you've been able to rely on those around you for a social outlet. That being said, by the end she seems to have her shit together more than Wren and that's saying something. I also appreciated that the author took so much care in describing what might be anxiety or panic attack with Cath's character. I can relate.

Wren: I think the idea of teen drinking was an important part to bring up. In the states, it's notorious that colleges are filled with parties (yes in Canada we party too but our legal drinking age almost across the country is 18). And the idea of using alcohol to cope isn't outlandish. It's rather realistic. Scary even.

Dad: I don't know how I feel about his mental health. I understand that he doesn't want to use medication as the only way to cope with his health problems, but at the same point it's not quite fair that his daughters have to pick up the pieces and keep such a clear eye out for him. But that's the way of life for so many people. I think it's also important to note that mental health is just as important as physical health. It can invade your life and change the outcome of everyday things.

Laura: I have a lot of feelings towards her and they are not good. Yes, she gave birth to the girls, but she doesn't have the right to ask them to get in contact with them now. If you can't handle someone when they're young, what right do you have to come back and try to re-enter their lives?

Reagan: I loved how snarky she was, the only part I wish that her being Levi's ex-boyfriend hadn't been thrown in. Or if it was it had been thrown in earlier. I was glad that they clearly appeared to be over each other though.

Levi: I loved him. His teasing, his easy smile and his friendly manner. I also love that he was able to pick up Cath's fanfiction and fall for her writing. I also really enjoyed their relationship overall. He was willing to take it slow and put in his time with her to get to know her before trying to make a commitment. 

Nick: I think in the end he got exactly what he deserved. He was a huge jerk to Cath and treated her like crap.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 265
"Her dad was wrong about worrying. Cath liked to worry. 
It made her feel proactive, even when she was totally helpless." 


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 328
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough... Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises... Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds- smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my first Rainbow Rowell book and wow, I loved it way more than I thought. This story is an important one to hear and more than just a cutesy romance. It's so much more than that. It's giving hope to true love and trying to believe in something bigger than ourselves. This is ridiculous sounding as I read it back, but if you've read this book you'll know what I mean. Or maybe you won't. But this story really just hit me hard. It made me feel too many things, so many that I haven't in a long time while reading a contemporary. I can't wait to read more by Rainbow Rowell and feel more of the feels. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny