I read an early version of this book since the author is a friend and it's such a cute start to the series. I think girls will love this series--who w...moreI read an early version of this book since the author is a friend and it's such a cute start to the series. I think girls will love this series--who wouldn't want to learn about the world of acting set in New York City?(less)
I always appreciate books that have a light, fun feel to them but that have a real story with real heart to back them up. This is definitely one of th...moreI always appreciate books that have a light, fun feel to them but that have a real story with real heart to back them up. This is definitely one of those books.
I know some adults have had problems with this book--the set up (parents allowing kid to live apart from them...and the kid lying about circumstances), the sex (including an STD) and other general naughtiness but none of that bothered me. I had to allow for a little suspension of disbelief in tricking Dad into thinking there was adult supervision when he moved away, but that was the fun of it. Imagine, being in high school and getting to live in a house with just your friend! What teenager wouldn't love that? Living like an adult with none of the monetary responsibilities! Having boys over whenever you felt like it! Come on--that's fun! So I actually liked that fantasy element of the story. I thought everything else was handled very well and with lots of heart--even the nasty ol' STD bit. Hey, it's reality, ugly as it may be. The ending was a bit packaged but the rest of the ride was a blast so I didn't mind so much.(less)
Don't you love it when the book lives up to the hype? I'll remember Hazel and Augustus for a very long time. This passionate and entertaining book wil...moreDon't you love it when the book lives up to the hype? I'll remember Hazel and Augustus for a very long time. This passionate and entertaining book will make you want to write John Green to say thank you. (less)
I read an early version of this book since the author is a friend and it's such a cute start to the series. I think girls will love this series--who w...moreI read an early version of this book since the author is a friend and it's such a cute start to the series. I think girls will love this series--who wouldn't want to learn about the world of acting set in New York City? Also, the cover currently shown is an old version--the new cover is much cuter.(less)
I appreciated this novel. I just wasn't itching to pick it up each day and see what was next. I suspect that it's one of those books that will marinat...moreI appreciated this novel. I just wasn't itching to pick it up each day and see what was next. I suspect that it's one of those books that will marinate for a bit, and in two months I'll say I loved it. We'll see. (less)
Finally got around to reading this after buying it at City Lights bookstore in San Francisco. Loved reading about the lives of all these characters an...moreFinally got around to reading this after buying it at City Lights bookstore in San Francisco. Loved reading about the lives of all these characters and peeking into the wild days of San Francisco in the 1970s.(less)
One of the best things about this book is its pacing. Perfectly paced, and I wondered how hard it was for the author to get everything just so. She di...moreOne of the best things about this book is its pacing. Perfectly paced, and I wondered how hard it was for the author to get everything just so. She did an amazing job. The story between Mickey and Ellie is lovely and is believable--they're able to have such sweetness between them in the midst of everything, even lies and deception. It's a wonderfully tortuous romance. Highly recommended!(less)
I bought this because I'm about to move to Port Warwick in Newport News, VA, so I'm excited to read his stuff. I liked this because my husband is a ne...moreI bought this because I'm about to move to Port Warwick in Newport News, VA, so I'm excited to read his stuff. I liked this because my husband is a newly commissioned second lieutenant as is the main character in many of these stories. "Suicide Run" wasn't the violent story I thought it would be but the actuality of it was kind of funny and touching. Glad I've finally started reading his stuff--next I'll have to read "Sophie's Choice," maybe while sitting in Styron Square.(less)
I think I adore Stephanie Perkins as much as Jennifer Echols and that's saying a lot. I loved this book every bit as much as I did Perkins' first book...moreI think I adore Stephanie Perkins as much as Jennifer Echols and that's saying a lot. I loved this book every bit as much as I did Perkins' first book, "Anna and the French Kiss."
I felt like the description of this book was a bit off, focusing too much on Lola the designer and Cricket the inventor. It's so secondary. I loved that Lola is in a relationship with an older guy, I loved her parents, I loved the boy and his sister next door (although I was thinking book 3 could be about Calliope--don't you want to know more about her?), I loved the setting of San Francisco and I loved the torment Perkins put Lola through. This was such a rich, well-rounded book and I couldn't put it down from beginning to end.
I read it on my Kindle and am glad of that for one reason--the cover. I hate the cover! I'm sure the designer is a lovely person but this thing I just didn't understand.(less)
I did like this book and appreciated the excellent writing. It's just that, with certain subjects that are based clearly on something real that happen...moreI did like this book and appreciated the excellent writing. It's just that, with certain subjects that are based clearly on something real that happened, I'd rather read the non-fiction version of the event. It's why it took me so long to watch the TV show Friday Night Lights--because I loved the non-fiction book so much. (The show is excellent, though. I can now admit that.)
With "Hate List," I found myself thinking about how good "Columbine" by Dave Cullen was. I liked how this book was focused on Valerie, the girlfriend of the shooter and what part she had in this and how it affected her. I was insanely furious with her father (a lawyer who didn't think it was important to have a lawyer present while detective questioned her?!) and although he was extreme I believed in it and hated him more than the Nick.
As for Nick, in lots of ways we don't know a lot about him--which is sort of the point, I think. Maybe Val didn't really know him; maybe no one did. But that's what I loved so much about "Columbine." The author goes deep into the boys' psyche and really tries to understand why they did what they did. To me that's the most interesting and important part of a horrible incident like that.
So, I did like this book. Liked and appreciated it. I think also it was the wrong book for me to read at the time I chose to read it--I needed something light and chose something heavy. My bad.
Despite my mediocre rating I do recommend this--just make sure you're in the right frame of mind.(less)
I'm a big fan of Tom Perrotta, especially "Election" and "Little Children" and was so happy with his latest book. I loved the deta...moreI'm a big fan of Tom Perrotta, especially "Election" and "Little Children" and was so happy with his latest book. I loved the detail of the family members left behind after the Rapture-like event and despite writing from several character's perspectives I found each enthralling and rarely wanted their section to end. I also like how Perrotta splashes his literary writing with pop culture references. It's always a laugh-out-loud surprise to me.(less)
Another great romance by Jennifer Echols! There were a few too many moments in this book that I didn't believe (sudden napping in the back seat of the...moreAnother great romance by Jennifer Echols! There were a few too many moments in this book that I didn't believe (sudden napping in the back seat of the cop car or not finding a craftier way to get details on the crash, for example) but the writing and story and looove was wonderful that I easily suspended my disbelief and happily went along for the ride.(less)
File this under couldn't-put-it-down, missed-my-subway-stop good. This is the perfect summer read, especially because it's twice as long since it's tw...moreFile this under couldn't-put-it-down, missed-my-subway-stop good. This is the perfect summer read, especially because it's twice as long since it's two books in one. At times I'd get utterly frustrated with Lori and her ridiculous antics, but I still couldn't stop reading. Echols does a fantastic job of making me believe that these characters would act this crazy about love--because I guess sometimes we do. Definitely recommended but if you're not into a 500-ish page read (even though the pages will fly by), at least read the first book, The Boys Next Door.(less)
A book about boxing and Berlin? Yes, please! I really enjoyed this--it had great build up to the ending. I loved seeing how the family reacted to each...moreA book about boxing and Berlin? Yes, please! I really enjoyed this--it had great build up to the ending. I loved seeing how the family reacted to each right that they had taken away--another good, slow, build up. One thing did bug me, and that was a mention of World War I. At the time, the setting was mid to early 1930s, so at that point in history WWII hadn't begun. The WWI was being referred to The Great War, or something like that. I felt that was a major oversight but in no way diminished the story or the writing, both of which really liked.(less)
Summer read with meat. It was so much more than a light, fluffy story of love in the Hamptons, which the title and cover might lead you to believe. Ho...moreSummer read with meat. It was so much more than a light, fluffy story of love in the Hamptons, which the title and cover might lead you to believe. Howells gave us many layers to the three families we meet. Most of all, though, it was Mia and Simon. What a beautiful, honest story that lures you in, just like the ocean at night.(less)
This book just pulled me along. Not tons of action but lots of intrigue. I was so eager to find out what was wrong with Ruby, what her deal was. She h...moreThis book just pulled me along. Not tons of action but lots of intrigue. I was so eager to find out what was wrong with Ruby, what her deal was. She had a pull on Chloe that reminded me of a cult leader, like Charles Manson (perhaps because I recently read Micol Ostow's "family'). Beautifully written.(less)
Thank goodness for original concepts! This is a visually gorgeous book—spend the money on the hardcover, not the e-version. The story and the writing ...moreThank goodness for original concepts! This is a visually gorgeous book—spend the money on the hardcover, not the e-version. The story and the writing are worth keeping on your bookshelf, plus the photographs are mesmerizing. I found myself staring at each one for long moments.
As for the story, even though I’m not into paranormal stuff this is another example of when good writing and storytelling makes you not care what genre you’re reading or normally prefer. I was hooked from the (horrific) beginning with Jacob and his grandfather and through to the climatic end…which leads us to presume there will be a sequel. How will the author find the perfect pictures to go with the next book?
According to Ransom Riggs’ web site, the book has been optioned and seems to be on its way to being made into an actual film. Great news! Hopefully this will make for an equally good film.
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