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.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Published May 13th 2014 by Delacorte Press
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Ya Romance
Pages: 227
Goodreads

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a a modern, sophisticated suspense novel written by E. Lockhart. The story is about 'The Liars' three teenage cousins : Johnny, Mirren, our narrator Cadence and an outsider Gat). But something happend to them... Cadence had an accident which she can't remember and is left with crippling migraines.

A friend of me recommended this book,

she said it was beautiful and was constantly talking about the ending and how it was so unpredictable and so on which made me think: “Okay, I really want to read this book". Because my friend said so many positive things about it, I had a lot of expectations. But let me tell you this: “It was so breathtaking...so incredible... . We Were Liars left me defeated and I'm so glad that I have read this book. You should read it too if you haven't yet!

Characters: I liked everyone in this book. Some more than others. Lockhart described the characters very well, that it made me feel like I was there too. My favorite character was actually Johnny. I found him so funny. Maybe it was also because he didn't act so mysterious. Cadence was the narrator and sometimes there were parts where I thought : “WHAT AM I READING?” I was so confused!  for example: ‘Then he (Cadence's dad) pulled out a handgun and shot me in the chest. I was standing on the lawn and I fell. The bullet hole opened wide and my heart rolled out of my rib cage and down into a flower bed. Blood gushed rhythmically from my open wound, then from my eyes, my ears, my mouth’. When I read this again I was like: “Oh ok, it's how she felt.” (I think Cadence is really messed up but I understand because I would be messed up too) The other Characters like Gat and Mirren were okay, I liked them but I didn't 'love' them. The only thing that missed was that I did not easily get attached to the characters.

Ending: I had a lot of theories, but none of them were right (I mostly thought that Cadence was raped by Gat). Lockhart did a great job. I mean no one saw that coming! I had to re-read the end because I did not believe it... Damn, it was so unpredictable! I'm not going to spoil anything. I'm only going to say READ THIS BRILLIANT BOOK! Read it and if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

                                  “Do not accept an evil you can change.” 

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Published by Knopf on January 6th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Mental Illness, YA Romance
Pages: 388
Goodreads

The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

The only thing you really need to know before picking up this book is that once you start reading... you won't be able to stop. This book is so beautiful and incredible! It deals with depression and mental illness and changes the way you look at the world.

It's a book that makes you think about everything and anything.

The writing style is astonishing and beautiful (at some points I was a bit confused with the constant POV change. Am I reading Violet's point of view or Finch's?) You get attached to the characters so easily because they are so genuine. I really loved their personalities. Jennifer introduces us to two intelligent teenagers, whom both have some issues; Violet lost her sister in a car accident which she blames herself for, and Finch has depression.

In this story Theodore Finch stole my heart! He was so...I don't know how to say it...but he was so real... like he was my best friend. Violet was also a great character, but I loved Finch more.

This story will stay with me forever; and I hope that you will read it one day, because it's sure worth your time, let me tell you that!

              “The thing I realize is, that it's not what you take, it's what you leave.” 

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.”