Touching Juliette trilogy by Tahereh Mafi

Touching Juliette trilogy by Tahereh Mafi

Book 1: Shatter Me

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published by Harper Collins on October 15th 2011

Genres: YA dystopian, (science fiction, romance)

Pages: 338

Goodreads

Shatter me is a YA dystopian novel written by Tahereh Mafi. It's the first book in the Touching Juliette trilogy. It follows a seventeen year old girl named Juliette who cannot touch anyone. Her touch is lethal, which means she can kill someone just by touching them. But all will change once her new roommate arrives...

I have a curse

I have a gift

I am a monster

I'm more than human

My touch is lethal

My touch is power

I am their weapon

I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Plot:

I was not expecting this plot at all. I mean, I just thought it would be revolving around a girl who can't touch anyone and her journey on finding a cure or something like that. It is somewhat like that, minus the cure, but wow! Also, the ending! It just makes you want to read/continue the other books. At least it did for me.

So Juliette Ferrars has been locked up in an asylum for 3 years. She hasn't touched anyone in almost a year, but when a boy named Adam comes stumbling into the asylum, everything will change for her.

First of all, she knew Adam from before her lockdown. And second of all, she's been brought to Sector 45, which Warner leads. From that point on, Juliette discovers more and more about herself. However Adam and Juliette escaped Sector 45 in the end.

What I loved about this book was how the feelings of Juliette were portrayed. How she was thinking one thing and said another. Many people are like that, but Juliette kind of, sort of had a 'mental illness'? I don't really know, but she was unstable in the beginning.

It was hard getting used to the writing style, but I did eventually. 

My friend recommended Shatter Me to me and she was raving about it! I was hesitant at first, but decided to pick it up after a couple of months. I regret not reading it earlier because HOLY CRAP. This was amazing! It exceeded my expectations and I loved it so much.
The only problem I had with the book was the writing style, as stated above. I didn't get into it until the second book hence the 4.5. 

Rating: 4.5/5

[SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK, THERE WILL MOST LIKELY BE SPOILERS SO BEWARE.]

Book 2: Unravel Me

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published by Harper Collins on February 5th 2013

Genres: YA dystopian, (romance)

Pages: 461

Goodreads

Unravel Me is the sequel to Shatter Me written by Tahereh Mafi.

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick

it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Plot:

Unlike many other trilogies where the first book is always the best, I found the sequel better than the first.

I began to like Juliette more and more and Adam began to annoy me more and more.

Although the first days/weeks, she was hardly communicating with the people at Omega Point, towards the end she began to talk to them more often. She made a couple of friends/acquaintances: Brendan, Winston, Lily, the girl whose name I forgot but started with an A (Alia?), Castle,... . She was closed off and only seemed to want to talk to Adam, which was not often seeing that they weren't allowed in each other's rooms etc. . And suddenly, Warner appears too.

Juliette learned a whole lot more about her powers in Omega Point. She felt more at ease once she knew there were more people like her.
Juliette and the rest also prepare for the biggest war of her life, but nothing goes as it is planned…
 

In 'Unravel Me' you learn a whole lot more about the characters. More specific Warner, Adam, Juliette and Kenji; the main characters. You also discover something very shocking, which I'm not going to reveal.

Rating: 5/5

[SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOK, THERE WILL MOST LIKELY BE SPOILERS SO BEWARE.]

Book 3: Ignite Me

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published by Harper Collins on February 4th 2014

Genres: YA dystopian, (romance)

Pages: 421

Goodreads

Ignite me is the third and final instalment of the Touching Juliette trilogy.

When Juliette awoke after being shot by Anderson, her mission was to take down Anderson for once and for good. What she didn't know yet was that Omega Point has been destroyed. And who knows her friends too? Determined to destroy Anderson and the Reestablishment, Juliette is preparing herself for the fight.

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. It was 12AM when I actually finished it and I was fangirling (internally) so hard that I felt like I could burst out of happiness any moment. Seriously, I could have, and probably would've if I didn't have to be so quiet, cried of happiness because of the ending. My heart is fluttering just by thinking of it.

Ignite me is by far my favorite of the trilogy. It’s one of my all-time favorites, in fact. IT IS SO GOOD.

Plot:

Juliette awoke after Anderson shot her. Thanks to Warner and the twins she's still alive. When she heard the news that Omega Point has been destroyed, she had to know if her friends were still alive. And luckily they were.

They trained and trained and trained to prepare themselves to fight against Anderson, his army and the Reestablishment.
Juliette learned to control her powers. She can touch people now, without them dying.

With the help of her team and the men of Sector 45, she is planning on getting revenge against Anderson.  

I loved Juliette in Ignite Me. She was headstrong and was getting what she desired the most, revenge on Anderson. And at the same time she was also worried about her friends being alive or not. So much is going through her head and you wonder how she can still manage to stay calm.

Rating: 5/5 (all the stars)

Characters:

Juliette:

In the beginning I found Juliette's behavior kind of immature, yet I can understand why she reacted the way she did. I mean, after being locked up for so many years, you would probably react the same way as she did. Other than that I found her a great character! I'd say she's my second or third favorite character in this series. As the story progressed, Juliette began to be more mature and headstrong. At first, Juliette needed someone very desperately. And when she could touch someone without the other person suffering she was beyond ecstatic. However, throughout the trilogy, she became more independent and the other person didn't like that. I did though .

 I found her the best in Ignite Me. She was confident, which she always would've been had she not been put into that asylum or had she not been judged by other people (in my opinion), she was passionate. She was out for revenge. And revenge she got.

Warner: 

He's psychotic leader of Sector 45, but to me (and maybe some others :-)) he was the LOVING, psychotic leader of Sector 45.
I get that some people hate him (in the beginning!!!!) because he's doing these 'terrible' things to Juliette. However, when you get to know him you will understand his reasons et cetera. His dad is a monster. His mother is sick and doesn't remember him.
Aaron Warner Anderson is definitely someone who'll be forever imprinted in my mind.

And also: GOD DAMNIT, JULIETTE AND WARNER. Warner and Juliette have officially outranked every OTP that is existent in my brain. Words can't even explain how much I love these two lovebirds. The Juliette and Warner scenes were definitely my favorites.

Kenji: 

My favorite character! I love Kenji (for some unknown reason his name autocorrected to Jennifer)! He brings happiness into the sad lives of everyone. Without him it would be so depressing. His and Juliette's friendship is so valuable. He's so witty yet funny at the same time and that is something I appreciate a lot. He was serious when he needed to be.

Adam: 

I do NOT know why, but from the start on, I absolutely did not like Adam. He was so annoying to me? I suppose that is partly Sara's fault for telling me Adam's annoying, hehe. I even thought he was going to turn against them at some point, but that luckily never happened. He was not my least favorite, but definitely not my favorite. He's somewhere in between. Adam was very attached to past-Juliette, the Juliette who needed someone so desperately. And when Juliette 'changed' (for the better), he was not very happy to say the least. I did find it heartwarming to read about James and him. He's protective about his cute, little brother, which is normal. I also hope that Adam will eventually find happiness. Maybe with Alia? (I FORGOT HER NAME. I KNOW IT STARTS WITH AN A. FORGIVE ME.)

"Books are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them."

Top 7 Young Adult Series/Trilogies

 Hello guys, today we decided to do something different. Our top 7 young adult series/trilogies! The list is composed of both Sara [▲] and I (An [✧]), so our favorites have been mixed together and put on this list. Hope you enjoy!
Question of the Blogpost: 'What is your favorite series/trilogy?'

7. The Testing trilogy by Joelle Charbonneau

▲ I was looking for a great YA dystopian novel, and after a long time, I found The Testing. The Testing is a really amazing trilogy and I read it when it came out. I had to wait so long for the other two books, but it was worth my time. I was completely in love with the trilogy and Cia (the main character) has become one of my favorite YA female characters. I recommend the Testing to everyone who loves a dystopian novel and is a fan of The Hunger Games or Divergent. 

To read the full review, Click here

6. The Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth

▲ It's been a while since I've read this trilogy so maybe I should reread it when I have time for it. I loved the first two books so much, especially Divergent. I remember that this book was my Christmas present.
The characters in this book were so incredible, I love them with all my heart. Like is said before, I loved the first two books, but I was a little bit disappointed of the last one, Allegiant. I liked it but I didn't love it. I think it's because I expected more of it. Besides that I recommend this trilogy to everyone who is, just like me, crazy about YA dystopia. 

5. Benedict series by Joss Stirling

✧ I love this series! I stumbled upon this when I was at the library looking for something to read for school. When I first started reading it, I did not know it was part of a series and it was in fact the third book. After reading Seeking Crystal, I was in desperate need of more so I went to the inter webs and found out that there were two more installments that take place before SC. Being the person I am, I could not wait another day to go to the store/order it, hence why I bought the e-books. I read Finding Sky and Stealing Phoenix in 2 days. I even stayed up until 4 AM once because I wanted to know what happened next! The plot intrigued me immensely! And as a person who’s a sucker for sappy romances, soulmates are definitely my type of guilty pleasures.
I have yet to read Misty Falls and the newest book that is coming out soon (I think).
This series has brought back my love for books that I lost the year before. Honestly, I love it so much and I was so obsessed with everything and everyone. Zed, Yves, Xavier, Sky, Phoenix and Crystal are very dear to my heart. They take up a special place and hopefully I'll read Misty Falls soon so that I can fangirl about those characters too.

4. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

✧ The Hunger Games trilogy ahh. The emotions are coming back. I remember crying, laughing and every emotion in between. I first read the Hunger Games in 2012, during the festive time of the year. I remember crying because of Rue's dead *sheds tear*. Anyways, everyone has probably already read this series. HECK, maybe you've even reread it a couple times so you all can share my love for this series (or not). And if you haven't read them, HOW?! I really recommend you to read them.
I adore the first two books, the Hunger Games and Catching Fire, but I didn't love Mockingjay as much. I love the empowering Katniss Everdeen, as I love all the other characters.
Yes, I love everything about this series and yes, you should too.

3. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

▲ How could the Mortal Instruments by the great Cassandra Clare not be on our list? I was really obsessed with these books. When I read the first one, I went to the store for the second one and then the third and so on. I went to the book store every 2 days until I was done reading the series. Unfortunately I had to wait for the last book like a year or maybe more, but when I went to the store to buy  the last one with one of my friends, who was also obsessed with The Mortal Instruments, we were freaking out. Like: OH MY GOD FINALLY! My friend even screamed.
If you haven't read this series yet, you should go to the book store and buy the 6 fantastic books. This is an order :p.

2. Touching Juliette trilogy by Tahereh Mafi

✧ I have just recently read this trilogy and I absolutely love it! After reading contemporary after contemporary I decided it was time for a dystopian novel. Sara actually recommended it to me and I was hesitant at first but damn! It is SO good. If you didn't like the first book, read the second! I assure you that it'll get better. I read them fairly quickly because it was one of those books that you just couldn't put down (in my opinion). Especially the last one *faints*.
The writing style was a bit strange at first and I had to get used to it. Some people might not like the writing style at all, but luckily I got to appreciate it.
Also, I was not expecting the plot at all! I thought that it might be about Juliette who is trying to find a cure or something, but it was definitely not.
I got easily attached to the characters, but mostly Juliette, Kenji and Warner.  

AND FINALLY. 

DRUM ROLL. 

1. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

✧ Three words. Best series ever. I grew up with this series and I'm sure many of you did too. Anyone who's read this can confirm that The Harry Potter series are one of the greatest, if not the best, series of all time. The way J. K. Rowling brought us to a whole new world of wizards and magic is just amazing. She allowed us to escape of planet earth and reside in Hogwarts for the time being. My favorite 2 books of the series are 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. If you have not yet read this series or even watched the films) then what are you doing?! Go pick up the books at your local libraries, read them and love them just like millions of others in this world we live in, and then we can discuss them. Harry, Hermione and Ron will always have a special place in my heart. Especially as a Gryffindor.  

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 
Published by Simon & Schuster on February 21st 2012
Genres: contemporary, romance, coming-of-age, LGBT
Pages: 386
Goodreads

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a coming-of-age, contemporary novel written by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. It follows the Mexican Aristotle Mendoza, who prefers to be called ‘Ari’. Ari is a 15 year old boy who does not have friends, cannot swim and likes to use a little violence every now and then. The only people he actually talks to are his parents, until he meets Dante. Dante is the opposite. He can swim, he doesn't like violence one bit, but he doesn't have friends either. Or so I believe. When they first met at the pool, Dante offered to teach Ari how to swim, which Ari gladly accepted. From there on, the two became friends and maybe something more between the two best friends will establish...


Characters: 

I can't just explain to you how much I enjoyed reading about these characters. Every single one of them had something unique that I can't quite put to words. It is ineffable.

Aristotle / Ari: I loved reading about Ari. In fact I loved reading about everyone, as I stated above. He was so magnificent, kind of mature for his age and not afraid of many things. He also seems like/is a loner most of the times. Before he met Dante, he only talked to his parents even though he has one brother, who's in jail, and two twin sisters who are a lot older than Ari. His life hasn't always been the easiest and still isn't. Ari's dad is really closed off since he got back from fighting in Vietnam. Ari tries to act tough all the time, or most of the times, but he's actually a sweet boy who was in desperate need of a friend. Also, Legs, his dog, kept him good company when Dante was gone. I love Legs.
At the end of the book, I think he found out who he truly was.

Dante: Dante Quintana, a boy with Mexican roots at his mother's side and has a teacher as his dad. Dante is so innocent and so Dante. He loves nature and he hates his tennis shoes with a passion. Dante doesn't like being Mexican, he told Ari. His mother's family doesn't like Dante that much because he looks too not-Mexican in their eyes. Dante is so sweet and cares about people. He risks his and Ari's life to save a bird, I still don't know if the bird made it or not. He doesn't run away when he gets beaten by people. I don't know how to describe him that well, but he is a sweetheart.
I also liked both of their parents.


Plot:
And once again, just like any other contemporary book, I did not know what to expect except that everyone was raving about it. I was now expecting something marvelous, something wonderful and exceptionally beautiful. Reading the first 30 or something pages, I didn't really get that feeling. But slowly I was just mesmerized by the writing and the beautiful storyline that I couldn't put it down. It is absolutely one of my favorite books ever and I can't wait for my friends to read it so they can enjoy and cry about Ari and Dante.
Another thing that I loved about this book was how this was focusing on a different culture: the Mexican culture. It was refreshing to read about something else, other than your typical American characters. It also deals with LGBT issues. One book that concentrates on more than just one subject that everyone needs to learn/read more about (different cultures and LGBT issues) is just fantastic.

So back to Ari and Dante. You see in the beginning of the book that offering someone help, can mean making new friends.
Friendship is something important and something that needs to be cherished because not everyone can have great friends or even friends at all. Friendship is also something special. It's a bond between two people that will accept each other no matter their differences.
When Dante left for a year to Chicago for his father's job, they promised each other that they'd stay friends, and real friends keep their promises and that is what they did. Their bond might have not been as strong as it had been before Dante left, but they were still friends.
I don't think Ari realized how much he actually cares about Dante seeing that he pushed Dante away when he was about to get hit (Ari almost died in the process) and he beat up the person who beat up Dante for kissing a boy. I still hate that scumbag Daniel for being such a coward and running away without taking Dante with him.

My copy was missing 4 chapters and I found that so stupid because I wanted to read about his school experience and how he met Gina, Ilona and that other girl I forgot the name of. But oh well, nothing seriously wrong I guess.

This book won so many awards and definitely deserves all of them. I can't describe to you just how much I love everything about ‘Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’. It was so beautiful, in so, so many ways. The writing style, the characters, the storyline, everything. Benjamin Alire Sàenz did such a great job creating 2 of my favorite fictional characters and writing one of my favorite books. I cried of happiness at the end because I was just emotionally unstable at the time. THEY ARE MY OTP. (I have a lot of OTP's okay. I know I say this every time, but they are my OTP and will forever be my OTP.) I'm still speechless...even thinking about it makes me smile. And oh my god don't get me started about the cover. It's so pretty! I could stare at it for days (okay, maybe not days but you know what I mean). To end this review I want to say one more thing: READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY. Read it. Just do. I recommend it to every single person in the whole wide world because it is just that great in my opinion. Read it.

“I got to thinking that poems were like people. Some people you got straight off the bat. Some people you just didn't get--and never woul get.”

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Published by Viking's Children's Books on June 16th 2009
Genres: YA contemporary, romance
Pages: 383

Goodreads

Along for the Ride is a novel written by Sarah Dessen. It follows Auden West, an insomniac. Ever since her parents started fighting she had not been able to rest well. (They're divorced now.) In the late hours, she goes to a cafe called Rays to spend her time until the morning lights come shining through. Auden decides to spend the summer at Colby where her father, stepmom Heidi and her new-born stepsister Thisbe reside. There she expects to do the same things as she always does: studying ahead for her upcoming university classes. What Auden did not expect, was that she was going to meet some kick-ass friends and a boy who shares the same problem as her. They spend their nights together and make some amazing memories, but who knows what will happen?

Characters:
I think Sarah Dessen's characters are so amazing and also relatable. She creates these characters that remind us that not everyone is perfect and everyone does have flaws. I especially loved the growth and transformation of each character. The development of each and every one in this book was just marvelous. I loved and enjoyed reading about them.

Auden:
For once I didn't hate the main character, I didn't find her annoying and I didn't get irritated. That’s actually a surprise lol, a very good one because I absolutely CANNOT stand annoying, immature protagonists. Most of the times I get very annoyed with the MC. Not for the whole book, just some scenes. I didn’t have that problem here and I’m so glad I didn’t because I was kind of tired of hating everyone and everything in this world of ours. The way Auden grew to the person she is now, is fantastic. One summer changed her entire life. She grew out of her shell and learned who she truly is. Not the person her mother and father had strived her to be. My guess is that they were much stricter with Auden because of her brother, who is traveling Europe instead of fulfilling the dream of their parents by becoming a lawyer. Or something like that. But thanks to the wonderful Eli, she got to relive the childhood she never had. It was so heart-warming to read about them and every time they got a little bit closer, I was just smiling so hard : ). I actually found it pretty funny that Jason dumped Auden, TWICE! Poor Auden even though I was relieved he cancelled the second time too because duh. Eli. They’re my OTP for sure.

Eli: *Swoons* I love Eli Stock. He's so incredibly...Eli? Haha. I just really adore him. He's been through a lot and is still being pressured by some people to continue what he did before the accident. I understand why he stopped doing what he did. He was so mysterious at first and I didn’t really know what to expect from him. I ended up really, really liking him as you may already have noticed. Auli (a.k.a. my ship name for Auden and Eli) moments were my favourite to read about. They’re just so cute and ughhh the feels. Anyways, Eli is boyfriend material.

Heidi: When Auden's mom described Heidi, I expected her to be a woman whose wardrobe only consists of pink clothing and is a (little bit) dumb. She was the opposite of that. Well not the pink part because she does wear a shit lot of pink. Heidi's actually a really good business woman. She runs the clothing shop Clementine's but isn’t in the store a lot because she’s taking care of Thisbe, and Robert (Auden’s dad) isn’t really helping her with anything. Heidi doesn't want help with the baby because she wants to do it all by herself. This causes her to stress a lot and when Auden arrives, Robert's using his daughter to watch Thisbe so he doesn't have to do it. Anyways, Heidi is a headstrong person, just like almost every other character in the book. She knows that she's doing. I really enjoyed reading about Heidi.

Hollis: Hollis is living my dream. He's traveling through Europe and even though I live in Europe I haven't been able to travel to every country. I'd love to do that one day! Hollis is that funny brother that loves himself a lot. I laughed at how he sent Auden a photo-frame with 'the best time' on it and a picture of him in front of the Taj Mahal inside. The note was even better! And when he met Laura, Hollis changed completely! He was willing to change because of a girl soooooo I think he really likes her. ;)

Maddie, Esther & Leah: I LOVE THESE GIRLS. They're your typical teenage/on the verge of being adult girls! They gossip, they read magazines and they talk about boys of course.
Maddie's my favourite of the three girls just because she's the most relatable to me. And she was the one that accompanied Auden when she was feeling a little down. Maddie also surprised me when she was riding that BMX. I thought she was too girly to do those things, oops. I shouldn't be judging someone by her/his looks, I know. When I read that Auden and her were roomies, I was internally screaming.
Leah was so funny! She constantly talked about how she wanted to go to the Taliho (??? I forgot the name of that club) and score some hot, older guy who she doesn't already know for a long time. But no, no, no to the Taliho!
Esther was the nicer one of the group and she had a car, that broke. When she first said that, I thought someone of her family died or something, not her car.
So in short: I loved all three of their personalities and them of course.

Robert (Auden's dad): In my opinion, Robert should've helped Heidi more with Thisbe. He is so egoistical and keeps using his excuse that he needs more than 9 hours of sleep to not be moody or something. Just like Auden's mom said: 'people never change'. He was just like this when Hollis and Auden were born. In the end, he did his 'best' and helped Heidi more.

Auden's mom (I forgot her name): She expected Auden to be a copy of her own and was disappointed when she saw that Auden changed during her stay in Colby. They fought because of that etc.. She learned to accept that Auden wasn’t going to be a copy her. I’m actually hoping that she ends up with Finn (the student) and does not shut him out.

Thisbe: Like I said, I loved all of the people in this book. Even Thisbe had character! As a new-born baby, she cried a lot, more than the average baby I’m guessing, because she has intestinal cramps (I’m not sure if that’s how you say it). It’s normal for a baby to do that though!


Plot:
Just like most contemporaries, I did not know what to expect from this book. I also didn't expect to love it. But man, I loved it! I loved the characters, their growth throughout the story, the plot, just everything!

I did read the Dutch version, which is called Spring Maar Achterop and had some troubles with it. Some details weren't correct and some sentences just didn't make sense? I don't think that's the case with the original.
(I recommend you to read the original, English version instead of a translated one for the sake of those who're like me and get annoyed easily with these minor details.)

When I got the book at this book expo, it seemed very appealing. Afterwards, I was not anticipating reading the book because...I don't really know. I forced myself to start reading Along for the Ride and the first 30-50 pages were a bit slow for me, but after those pages I was very into the story and loving it. I enjoyed Along for the Ride way more than I expected and I hope you do to because I recommend you to read it! I haven't read any other of Dessen's books, but I'm excited to because I really liked this one and can't wait to find out if I'll like the rest.

Overall I gave it a 4.5 stars.

“Life is full of screw-ups. You're supposed to fail sometimes. It's a required part of the human existence.”

“What defines you isn't how many times you crash, but the number of times you get back up.”

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Published by St. Martin's Press on September 3d 2013

Genres: contemporary, romance, young adult

Pages: 438

Goodreads

Fangirl is a contemporary young adult novel written by Rainbow Rowell. The story follows Cath Avery, an eighteen year old girl who just started college. She's fan of Simon Snow, kind of like the Harry Potter books. With her twin-sister Wren, Cath writes fan fiction. Cath is famous on there, anonymously as Magicath. But now they're going to college and Wren is done with Simon Snow and decides to room with another person. Cath is very uncomfortable with these changes, but she'll get through it right? Or not? Not only does Cath meet incredible friends and maybe a possible boyfriend. She reconnects with Wren and everything seems to fall back in place.

*WARNING: CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS*

Characters

Rainbow Rowell's characters always seem so realistic. (I’ve only read Fangirl [FOR NOW] but just go with it.) That's what I loved so much about this book. Every character is someone special and unique with their own flaws. I connected to them immediately and felt as if I knew them in real life. My favourite character was Cath though. I know, I know. What a surprise haha. I could relate so much to Cath, given that I'm a total fangirl! Plus, she is hilarious and awkward around people. That totally sound like me ;). She was annoying at some points. She couldn’t accept any change. Especially when their mother was brought up. I know it’s hard to do such things, but at least give it/her (in this case) a try. However, she did grow throughout the course of the book.

I also adored Reagan oh my god. I think she might be my runner-up for favourite character. Reagan was so amazing and funny. She helped Cath grow out of her shell (room) and if she wouldn't have done that, Cath would not have experienced so many things. Reagan is a couple of years older than Cath. She’s independent and doesn’t mince her words. Everyone needs that kind of friend.  

Levi is so cute and witty and amazing and lovable and *sigh*. He’s so understanding and cares a lot about Cath, just as Cath cares about Levi. Everything a girl wants in a boyfriend. Alongside Reagan, Levi helped Cath grow out of her shell. He and Reagan took her out bowling, parties etc. . *SPOILER* He even showed her what it is like to like/love someone (my heart is smiling right now thinking of them).

Wren was not someone that I liked at first because she was so, I don't know how to say it, annoying? It was like she only wanted to go out and get drunk. Wren's roommate was even worse oh my god don't even get me started on her. I don’t necessarily hate Courtney, but I do not ‘like’ her either. Back to Wren. I think I understand why she wanted a break from Cath. They were always together: at school, at home etc., but they’re also twins so yeah. Wren was nice when she wasn’t drunk or hungover from the night before. And after that hospital visit because of alcohol poisoning, the bond between Cath and Wren was restored. Best friends forever! Lol.

In short: I liked almost all of the characters. Some more than others, but I really liked them. No one is perfect, but they’re perfect to me.

Plot

I was intrigued by the title of this book because I have to admit, I'm a total fangirl (as stated above)! The summary appealed to me, but I didn't know what I could expect. However I loved it so much. It’s about a girl dealing with her college life. She’s an introvert so making friends isn’t on her list of ‘best qualities’. She does make 2 wonderful friends, Reagan and Levi. They help her in a lot of ways. She also meets one not-so-great ‘friend’ named Nick. At first I found him okay, but THEN not so okay anymore. What he did was so wrong. Luckily the professor Piper found out because otherwise I would be smashing Nick’s face with a brick. *THIS MIGHT BE A SPOILER. I DON’T REALLY KNOW THOUGH. SO IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YET, DON’T LOOK AT THE NEXT SENTENCE.* Plagiary is not cool people.

Anyways, I ADORE this book. Holy s**t it's so good. The writing style is on point! I had huge expectations for Fangirl and it didn't disappoint at all. I recommend this to everyone who loves a good contemporary. Actually, I recommend it to everyone! Just read it all of you lovely people out there.

Happily ever after, or even just together ever after, is not cheesy. It's the noblest, like the most courageous thing two people can do.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Published by Simon & Schuster on April 15th 2014
Genres: YA contemporary, romance
Pages: 288 (Hardcover) / 422 (Paperback)
Goodreads

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a contemporary novel written by Jenny Han. It's the first instalment of the 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'-duology. 

The story follows Lara Jean, a sixteen year old girl, who writes letters to all the boys she has ever had a crush on, 5 in total. Of course she never actually mailed them…until one day the letters get send out.

I first stumbled upon this book while I was looking for a book to read, so naturally I checked Goodreads and found this one. The summary appealed to me and I knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would just LOVE. And love I did. If you're fan of cute contemporary novels then I highly recommend you to read this book!

Characters: I found myself loving all of the characters, except Genevieve, from page 1 to page 288/422. Everyone was just so lovable and great. My favourite though was Kitty (Katherine); the youngest of the Song girls. She is so intelligent and mischievous for a nine year old girl. She often made me think of myself in some ways. 

Lara Jean: Lara Jean was this quirky girl that I (most of time) loved, as stated above. She grew and became a little bit more mature towards the ending. LJ was actually really immature for a 16-year old. She sometimes behaved like a 12 year old, which really bothered me at times, but nothing that I couldn’t handle. The first weeks since Margot left for college, LJ kept comparing herself to her older sister and that was really annoying. She eventually stopped and actually behaved a little more her age (which I am thankful for).

Also, Lara Jean was insecure. Especially when it revolves around Genevieve. Miss ex-best friend. Example:

“Your hand is too hot,” I hiss.

Through clenched teeth he says: “No, your hand is.”

I’m sure Genevieve’s hands are never sweaty. She could probably hold hands for days without getting overheated.

She was so insecure and compared herself several/all the time(?!) to Genevieve which made me want to slap LJ because everyone is beautiful in their own unique way and you should not compare yourself to another human being. I do understand why she would feel insecure. I mean *SPOILER* you’re supposedly dating your ex-best friend’s (Genevieve) ex-boyfriend (Peter) AND your ex-best friend apparently looks like a model. Not to forget that Gen also scared away a girl that dated Peter when they ‘broke up’…poor girl. Well let’s just say, LJ has some flaws like immaturity and insecurity etc. but everyone has them, right? 

Plot: I knew immediately who sent out LJ’s letters. It was so obvious! After all of the events that happened before you just knew she had it coming. (I am not going to say who so you better go read it yourself.)

What I got from the synopsis is that I was going to read this book about a girl who writes letters to her crushes but doesn’t send them etc. and that is exactly what I got. I was hooked from the first to the last pages and craved more. Luckily I had also purchased the sequel and concluding book to the ‘TAtBILB’-duology because THAT ENDING THOUGH. My heart was broken and it could only be healed by knowing that they were going to end up together at last.

What I liked a lot in this book and also in the sequel is the family aspect. It’s just so good. Lara Jean and her sisters and family are so close. Although you might have some discussions or fights with your siblings, parents or whoever; the hate never lasts.

I don't have to be so afraid of good-bye, because good-bye doesn't mean forever.

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

Published by Penguin Young Readers Group on September 16th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, YA Romance

Pages: 384

Goodreads

I'll give you the sun is a contemporary novel written by Jandy Nelson. The story is about twins, Noah and Jude, who are both very into art. Noah tells the story from when they were 13 and Jude continues from when they are 16. Noah is a boy and Jude is a girl. Something happens to them which causes them not to talk or at least minimal to each other anymore.

I have to say that the chapters are really long.

Characters: Both of these characters were quick to steal my heart. They were so beautiful in their own way. For example, Noah being so passionate about art. You felt this immediate connection to them and just loved them. Well in my case I loved Jude in her POV and I loved Noah in his POV. They dealt with heartbreak over and over again and they changed so much during the course of the book. The character development was at first hard to comprehend but later...just extraordinarily beautiful. Jude : Her carefree personality in the beginning was so fun to read. Even though she did some things that she'd regret in the future she was still this headstrong person with determination. When the POV changed to hers and she was 16, we learnt that everyone changes...if you want it or not. Sometimes it's a good change and other times not so good. But you will always get back up on your feet! Noah: Noah is this person that you might not notice immediately. Slowly but surely he got to my heart and it shrunk when I read what he was doing at age 16. He was so passionate and suddenly all got taken away from him. And when we all finally thought that his life was somewhat going right, that event happened and broke my heart into these tiny pieces that were puzzled back together in the end.

Plot: I actually didn't really know what to expect of this book, well sure it has gotten great reviews and all that but the summary didn't really do its work because it misses one big subject that is actually centered in this story. ART. A R T. How can you not include this in your summary when everything involved ART? Of course we knew immediately form the beginning that they were both into art but please. Art is/was their life. There was so much rave about this book back in September 2014 and quite honestly it's fair that it got so much rave because man. I LOVED this story SO much. Everything was just beautiful. I know that not everyone will like this, but give it a try and we'll see. There are (a lot) some metaphors in this book. 

“People die, I think, but your relationship with them doesn't. It continues and it's ever-changing.”