7 Contemporary books you should read

Books I Highly Recommend

Okay, so I've decided to do something different today. Instead of a review, I have decided to list my top 7 contemporary books (this was a tough decision because I've mostly been recently reading contemporaries and I've loved every single one of them) and I highly urge you to read them! *These are not in any particular order.*

Books and More's list of recommendation:

• Colleen Hoover Books

   Okay, so basically, if you have not read or heard any of Colleen Hoover's books, YOU.ARE.MISSING.OUT. Each of her books are amazing. As you may or may not know [those who follow me on instagram should ! Ha, shamelessly advertising my instagram.. What can you do, a girl's gotta try. Amirite? ;)] I went on a binge read with all her books in the past week and I honestly cried throughout majority of her books. The first book I've ever read that she wrote, was Slammed. Basically a story about two people who wants to be together but can't because life gets in the way, life just kept getting in the damn way [ winking at people who've read the book and saw what I just did ;)) ] I really liked the poetry in it. Then a friend of mine asked me if I've read any of her other books, and since I liked Slammed, I decided why the heck not. So I went on to my little adventure and after reading Ugly Love, I was on a reading slump because it emotionally drained me. I think I drained out my well of tears. But then I read November 9 and well ... was on another reading slump because the same thing happened. The same routine happened until I've decided to take a break because I don't think I could go through any more of torture ( because liking books and hating them for making you like it so much should be a crime). I think what made me like the books even more is the songs that went along with it. In case you didn't know, I'm now letting you know (because I don't think it's okay that you've been in the dark about songs from books that make you feel feels) Colleen Hoover teamed up with Griffin Peterson who's been singing songs from her books and sort of like a soundtrack. LET ME JUST TELL YOU, THEY ARE AMAZING AND THE TUNES ARE VERY CATCHY. IT MAKES THE BOOK MORE SPECIAL BECAUSE IT HAS A SONG MADE FOR IT. AND YOU CAN PEACEFULLY (NOT REALLY PEACEFUL BECAUSE YOUR HEART STARTS GOING CRAZY) LISTEN TO IT AND START CRYING BECAUSE YOU ARE HUMAN AND YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU!!! I really didn't mean this "little blurb" to be long, but the bottom line is, READ HER BOOKS.

• Every Last Word, by Tamara Ireland Stone

Every Last Word is a book about a girl named Sam who has OCD. She has to continually put on a façade around her popular friends. That is until she discovers a place called the "Poet's Corner". She makes a lot of friends including Caroline. And the rest is yours to find out. There was a plot twist that I didn't see coming and it kind of just caught me off guard but that made my emotions go crazier. The book contained poems and I loved every single one of them. I will never be able to write an amazing piece, but I still love them no matter what. It's such a good read, it's about friends and finding friendship in places you wouldn't usually find them. She befriends people who she's seen around school and didn't pay much attention to, until now. It's easy to relate with the book, especially the part where Sam hangs out with the wrong people and their mindset is kind of closed off, whereas Sam's amazing brain has spread their own wings [what a crappy analogy, but you get the point] and discovered a lot of new things. I also want you to give this book a try, because you're missing out. Another note: there's a book boyfriend worthy character in here that you'll love.

• The Problem With Forever, by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You've probably heard of her famous Lux series [ if not that's okay because I haven't read it either, nor did I know that it was the same author.. I got to work on these things *sigh*]. Anyways, this book, The Problem With Forever is also by her. It's a contemporary book [ gee thanks captain obvious ] about a girl named Mallory, aka Mouse, who hasn't really been verbal the last couple of years. She's went through some rough times during her childhood, which is what her therapist believes to be the reason why she is silent and does not talk. Even though she may not be able to speak out loud, she is actually very bright on the inside. She can carve things out of soap, and her thoughts and opinions are well thought out. She then gets adopted by a loving family and was home schooled, that is until she decides to take the next step and spend her senior year at a public high school. She runs into her childhood friend, Rider Stark, and things between them begin to spark [pun intended]. Something happens in the book that transforms our MC from being Mouse, to Mallory. It's a really fun read, there were parts in the book where I was just like "Same, Mallory, I feel you" and start laughing at her inexperiences because it literally is me in real life. Rider, is also a sweet and says things at the right time it's kinda hard not to fall in love with him too.

• Beautiful Disaster [Beautiful Series], by Jamie McGuire

This book is about Abby Abernathy and Travis Maddox. Travis joins fights and that's how he makes money, he is also undeniably hot and is known for his status for sleeping with a lot of girls. They meet during one of his fights and thus begins his nickname for Abby; Pidge. They have a bet where if Travis loses, he must remain abstinent for a month, and if she loses, she has to stay in his apartment for a month. This is how their love story begins. This is such a good book, I read it a while back and I loved it so much. There have been a lot of ups and downs about their relationship, but they still manage too stay strong and stay together. Travis and his family is so adorable, that right after I finished this series, I had to read the rest o the Maddox's story [which you should also definitely read]. Beautiful disaster is all through Abby's POV and Walking Disaster (second book) is through Travis's POV, including the third book (more like a novella) called Beautiful Wedding. I cried so much when reading this novella because the wedding was truly beautiful and Travis was being a great boyfriend goals I couldn't handle it. There are quite a lot of things going on in here, but it's soooo addictive and very compelling. Abby is so smart and she isn't like most of the MCs where they are completely clueless. I had no problems with her and her character. I can't wait for the next part of the series, it's called Beautiful Funeral, and I can't wait because I love each and everyone of  them so much. If you are currently in a reading slump, read this, because it will bring you over and out [been watching too much of Stranger Things] that slump

• To All The Boys I've Loved Before, by Jenny Han

I will be very surprised if you have not read this book yet. So basically, the story of this book is about our main character Lara Jean and her love letters. Every time she gets over her crush, she writes them a love letter telling them about her feelings for them and why she liked them. These letters are only for her, sort of like a proof that she got over them and writing it out makes it feel official so she never really ends up sending them. She keeps them on this shoe box that I believe is from her mom or was given to her by her mom [ read the book to find out *wink* ]. That is until one of the people she wrote the letter to approaches her about it. And there goes the story of the book. Lara-Jean was hilarious through out the book. She reacted the way I would've reacted if it was me in her place. Not to mention Peter Kavinsky. He is such a sweetie. He's one of those characters who looks like he doesn't care, but he actually does. The way they come together was crazy even from the very beginning, but I love it. This is a unique contemporary book.

• Rainbow Rowell Books

Another book(s) on my list would be books written by Rainbow Rowell. She is an amazing author and her books are very relatable. The first ever book I have read by her was Eleanor & Park. It was such a great book and it meant a lot to me. The story is both through both Eleanor and Park's POV. Eleanor just moved in with her mom and her step dad, she didn't like it there because she had to go to a new school and her stepdad was rude and didn't even treat her mom right. Meanwhile, Park's family is the opposite. They first meet on the first day of school at the bus since Eleanor did not know where to sit and therefore Park offered her to sit beside him. They bonded through music and comic books. I fell in love with this book because even though it was a love story, it wasn't the typical popular guy meets unpopular-girl-but-is-really-pretty-so-it-cancells-the-not-popular-part kind of story. There is a twist in it and it broke my heart because it was crappy and I would be scared and out of my mind if it happened to me. I've also read Fangirl and it kinda reminds me of right now. Blogging. [even though Cath's way of blogging is better than this]. I recommend you to read Rainbow Rowell's books because they are so relatable [that's not even a word, but it makes sense] and are realistic. They aren't the typical romance contemporary books [as great as they are, we all know how that trope can get too tiring and predictable] It's really easy to get into them and I hope that you would give it a try. 

• All The Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven

This is one of my favourite reads this summer. I really enjoyed it and I cried because Finch was such a great character it was hard not to fall in love with him. This book talks about depression and mental illness. It's through Theodore Finch and Violet Markey's POV. Finch knows that he's not like other people, but he still accepted and embraced that and even went out of his way to be as "weird" as he possibly can. Violet and Finch met at an unusual place, they met at the school's bell tower [ I believe it was the bell tower, I can't remember].What were they doing there? I guess you'd have to read to find out. *wink* .They end up working together for a school project where they have to go around the state to look for "natural wonders" and write a report about it. They go on an adventure and it made me want to go explore my province too because I haven't really gone anywhere nor have I seen all the places it has to offer. This book is unique because they go through the same things, but their POV of the situation is very different. This book is loaded with serious and heart to heart moments, funny moments, what it's like to have mental illness, meeting people who will change you, and falling in love. The characters are great and they are the kind of people you wish you had in your life, especially Finch. I really don't want to say more, but if you do decide on reading it, I advice you now, have some kleenex near you just in case. 

The Problem with Forever, by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem with Forever Review

Rating: 4/5
Summary:

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

Thoughts:
     Basically, I really really liked this book. Admittedly, it had taken me longer to read this book than my usual time. I was just a bit busy and I didn't really want to start it because I never liked to read a book unless I read it in one sitting. Nevertheless, I ended up reading it and I'm glad I did. It wasn't a cliché YA contemporary book. Yes there is some romance in it, but it didn't really focus on that. It was more on the importance of friendship and trying. This book contains a lot of thoughts and objectives, so I'm going to try my best to convey my thoughts through here.

     The book is through Mallory's POV. After years of being home schooled by her adoptive parents, Carl and Rosa, she's decided to take the step of spending senior year in the local public school. This was a big deal to her because she didn't talk. She didn't talk because it's how she's been "programmed" that way according to her therapist. Before her life with the Rivas, she grew up in a foster home with Rider Stark, her one and only childhood friend. She had a tough time in the foster home because the foster parents didn't pay much attention to them and they were usually drunk and having parties. Her foster parents were very abusive and got really violent easily. That is until one unfortunate afternoon when Mallory got really hurt which led her to the hospital. The Rivas were her doctors and they were fond of her so they decided to adopt her. That was the last time she's ever seen or heard from Rider... Until the first day of senior year.
   
     This was a different read because there's a lot going on and it was filled with different streams and ideas that still went together perfectly. In the beginning of the book, Rider called Mallory "Mouse". This was his nickname for her because she was really quiet. From that point to the half of the book, she's been fine with him calling her Mouse. But then her character started growing and understanding her surroundings. She begins to transform to Mallory. Usually when a character goes through that change and level of maturation, most readers wouldn't be able to notice it. It was a different situation for this book. Our MC went from being "Mouse" to "Mallory" and the transformation was smooth but recognisable at the same time. I think that the fact that I was able to notice this is one of the reasons that I liked this book. It's usually rare when that happens, so I was glad that I was able to pick up on it.

     On the other hand, everything was going well for both Rider and Mallory, up to the part where they were at a party and something horribly happens to one of the minor characters. This event impacted both Rider and Mallory. Once again, this is where J. Armentrout sets up that change in focus. The focus of the book goes from Mallory to Rider. This change was kind of an ironic one. This was because Rider has been the one encouraging her to get out of her comfort zone, but then she becomes the one who begins to yell at Rider because of the way he looks at himself. It took me a while to wrap my head around this because wasn't she the one who had a low self esteem? The one who needed pushing? So really, she shouldn't be mad at Rider because he has chosen to give up on himself a long time ago [note the sarcasm]. But things worked out the way it did because thanks to Rider and the events that happened around her, Mallory was able to recognize her strength as an individual and her ability to see the best in people which in the end is what saved Rider from his demise. Like I said, very ironic.

     While we're on the topic, I want to talk about Rider. His personality throughout the book was loving and selfless towards Mallory. He said the right things at the right time and did things at the right moment. He was a perfect character - he didn't cheat, didn't do anything horrible, or even the typical mistakes that most fictional guys did. Which was my problem... He was too perfect that he almost seemed fake. Prior to the part where Mallory took note of what was actually going through him that made him real. In addition, I also liked that J. Armentrout included the fact that he's a virgin. Most people wouldn't care about this but to me, this was something that I was kind of happy to see because it goes against most stereotypes in books. Most contemporary/romance books, the guy is always the "skilled one" and is expert in that kind of stuff meanwhile the girl is the one who is a virgin. I've been reading a lot of contemporary books lately and it's the same trope; girl is a virgin, boy is not. Details like this drive me mad because it's so frustrating that this is the way how the story is. Girls can be the experienced ones and guys can be the clueless ones when it comes to sex. I need to see more of this because it's been something that's bothering me every time I stumble upon it.

     Overall, this book was a refreshing book because it isn't like how most contemporary books go. I love reading books that show different perspectives and ideas. The characters showed a lot of developments and took action, the plot was constant and the plot twists occurred at the appropriate moment.  This book has opened another perspective of life for me. Reading what Mallory has been through as a child was a lot for me to take in because I've never been in that position and the fact that this is the reality of most people is something that my mind cannot wrap around. The idea that it can be anyone around you is something we should keep in mind as well. I highly recommend this book.

It's Kind of a Funny Story, by Ned Vizzini

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Rating: 4/5

Summary

Ambitious teen Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life, which means getting into the right school to get into the right college to get the right job. He accomplishes this by getting into Manhattan's extremely selective Executive Pre-Professional High School. And that's when things start to get crazy. 

At Craig's new school, the pressure is unbearable. There, he's just average and maybe not even that. He sees his once-perfect future crumbling way. Craig stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.

Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbours include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and a recovering garbage-head named Bobby who needs his help. There, isolated fro the crushing stresses of school and friends, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.

Plot:
     Basically, Craig Gilner is a very talented since he was a kid. He used to spend his time under the table that he soon created into his mini fort containing his encyclopedias. He liked to draw maps and was very familiar with Manhattan. This was his hobby. Most people would consider him smart and a fast learner.
     Everything was going very well for Craig, he got accepted to the prestigious Executive Pre-Professional High School. Unfortunately for him, this is how he slowly developed depression. He was aware that he had depression, he felt a "Shift" that happened inside of him, where he felt that something was missing. His parent are very supportive of him, especially his younger sister. They had him sign up for several psychiatrists. He still went on with his personal life, hung out with his best friend Aaron and his girl friend Nia (who Craig has a crush on). He still smokes pot, drinks and attends parties. Until one night when he was about to commit suicide, he ended up calling the local suicide hotline he stumbled on in yellow pages.
     There, he got checked in to the psychiatric care of the hospital. He wasn't allowed to leave unless a doctor permits him to. He got placed with the older people. During his time in the psychiatric care, he begins drawing maps like he used to do when he was younger. He begins to learn things from the people around him, especially Bobby. He even develops an interest in one of the girls, Noella, who is admitted there as well. He then learns that he's not alone in whatever he is going through, and that you need the people around you to help you be better. In the course of Craig's stay in the hospital, he is inspired to start living.

Brief Comment:
     Before I give my thoughts on this book, I want to pay tribute to Ned Vizzini. I had not known that he has passed away a couple years ago. I haven't really heard about any of his work, but I wish I did, because It's Kind of a Funny Story was such an inspiring read. His work continues to touch a lot of people, including me, and more in the future. I think what makes a book more lovable and tangible, in a way, is when you can feel the author's emotions and what they're trying to tell you through the characters or the way certain phrases are placed. Ned Vizzini went over and beyond that, which is why I think that he is an amazing writer. It is sad that he was taken way too soon, but his work will forever live on. By just reading one of his books, I was able to relate to the characters and understand where they're coming from.

Thoughts:
     Mental illness is something that most people don't even bother to talk or to pay attention to. Lately I've realized how important it actually is to raise awareness. While reading this book, I was able to understand Craig - the grades, having to be perfect at everything, having friends who you can talk about the real stuff and not just what's on the surface - about what it's like to be human. When Craig was describing the expectations of school, I could relate to him because that's what I've been feeling as well. So overwhelmed about the idea of being the best of the best. It's not that I was competitive, I just want to be great at something, to the point where I was raising the bar too high.
     When Craig began his stay at the hospital, he was so bent on trying to be okay and act as if nothing happened, which is why I think it was a rough start for him. That was until he started hanging out with Bobby and everyone else, observing how they lived and acted. Which leads me to the other reason why I enjoyed this book. The characters were based on real people that Ned Vizzini met during his time on one of his stays in a psychiatric care and that the events in the books were 85% true, according to him. The fact that they were funny, easy to love and smarter than what people gave them credit for is something that I took to notice. Yes, they were in a hospital seeking for psychiatric care, but they were people. The characters were still them. They were written just as what a person with mental illness would act; great sense of humour and an all around great personality.
     What most people don't realize is that anyone can have mental illness, some people hide it better and some are more intense that others. Craig learnt a lot from Bobby, and they were easily friends. He started to get inspired by the people around him that he started drawing his mind maps again. He even developed feelings for Noella, a girl who had intentionally placed scars on her face because she wanted to prove to people that she wasn't just pretty, that she was more than that. This was when they both agreed what their actually going through to each other, how hard it is to be playing the smart and pretty game. Which is why it pissed me off when Nia came to visit Craig only to make out with him because she hasn't made out in a hospital bed before, and just to check it off her list. But then I couldn't stop myself from laughing when Muqtada ( Craig's roommate) walked in and started yelling frantically about kids having sex in his room. It was one of the highlights of the book.
     Seeing Craig's character growth was exciting. I say exciting because, he realized that it's okay to let go about being perfect, and that he was able to root out his real friends from those who are there just for show *cough cough Nia & Aaron cough cough* . I enjoyed it when he asked his dad to find Egyptian music so he could bring Muqtada out of bed. Bobby, President Armelio, and Smitty inspired him to start enjoying everything around him. Now he's doing the same to Muqtada, which shows how much he's grown in those short days. I was very happy for him when "the Shift" finally happened because he deserved it.
     This book really inspired me and I encourage you to read it. My favourite quote(s) from the book are:

 "That's it. It happens in my brain once the rest of my body has moved. I don't know where my brain went. It got knocked off-kilter somewhere. It got caught up in some crap it couldn't deal with. But now it's back - connected to my spine and ready to take charge...

It's a huge thing this Shift, just as big as I imagined. My brain doesn't want to think anymore; all of a sudden it wants to do...

Ski. Sled. Play basketball. Jog. Run. Run. Run. Run home. Run home and enjoy. Enjoy. Take  these verbs and enjoy them. They're yours Craig. You deserve them because you chose them. You could have left them all behind but you chose to stay here. So now life for real Craig. Live. Live. Live. Live.

Live."

P.S.

If you need to talk, you can contact us through email or anywhere else in social media. If you need a prayer, feel free to reach out to us. You are loved, and I would more than likely want to know you! 

Benefits of Reading!

1. Knowledge

It's true, reading gives you more knowledge! For each book you read, whether it's contemporary, fantasy, non-fiction etc. you have to have learned something from the book. Besides, knowledge can help you survive many challenges, the more knowledge you have, the better you are at solving problems. It  helps you recognise that some of the events happening in these book apply in your life and in doing that you're actually being more aware of your surroundings and taking in things that you usually would not notice or keep in mind of. It can also help you have an idea on how to act around people, like when you read a books where the MC (main character) is  consoling a friend, you can do the same thing to the people around you. 

                     

 2. Better Vocabulary

Yes, your vocabulary increases. I was not born in a full English speaking country, English was my second language. When I moved to Canada I had a very limited English experience. I have lived long enough in Canada to adopt my speaking skills, (Fun Fact: I hated reading most my life until last summer where I basically fell in love with books once my cousin kept nagging me to read them) I started to speak fluently in English but based on academic, English was always my lowest grade, kind of like an outlier. After last summer when I started to read massive about of books, as my vocabulary increased so did my grades... by a lot! It also helps when you're playing scrabble (pretty much how my family spends Friday nights). This kind of ties in with knowledge as well. The words you stumble upon on will start showing up on your daily vocabulary and just the way you usually talk that it will come off so naturally you wouldn't have to think twice. 

3. Connecting with others                  

Reading books can give you a reason to talk to other people about something. It's a conversation starter as much as any other topics; sports, weather, shows, music etc. After two months of starting my bookstagram account, I've been able to interact with other book lovers who share the same interest in the books I've read. Some people share the same views and opinions as I do, and some doesn't. That's totally okay with me because I am able to see things from different a perspective and notice things I may not have noticed until someone points it out. You meet people who share the same likes and dislikes in books and being able to discuss and talk about books is pretty cool. It gives you a chance to connect and understand people. It's really exciting because they're from different places of the world and that we are able to communicate through the internet. 

So basically, reading has its own benefits. Each person gets something different out of it. Reading books could be a way for people to be a part of something, religious beliefs are also in play, a way to learn about a person; bibliographies, to know about how certain things work; manuals, and researches about topics that they show interest in. Really, books are pretty much a life line. 

Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss Review

About the book: Anna and the french kiss 
Stars: 4/5

Quick Recap: 

Anna Oliphant is not happy when her father sends her to France to live and study in SOAP aka School of American in Paris. She longed to return back home where she had her best friend, Bridge, her brother, Seany and everyone she knows.When she bumps into Etienne, who was hot, cute and has an adorable an accent, that's when her Paris experience started getting juicier. 

Review: 

Anna Oliphant just arrived in Paris in her new boarding school and she's not very excited despite the fact that she's in Paris. On the very first day she cried, prompting her next door neighbour Meredith to invite herself in her room and comfort her. Mer tells Anna about their friend "group" who consists of Rashmi and Josh, who are a couple and St. Claire who she secretly likes but unfortunately he has a girlfriend. She then meets a gorgeous boy who introduced himself as Etienne. He's the type of boy who wouldn't just leave a girls memory but then she realizes that Ettienne is actually St. Claire; one of Mer's friends. Anna continues to tag along with Mer and her friends and soon becomes part of the group as she builds relationships with everyone; especially with Etienne (ya know it *wink*)

It all started when Etienne would help Anna order because she couldn't speak french. One day, the gorgeous Etienne takes Anna out to explore Paris to terminate her longing to go back home. Etienne takes her to Point Zero where she makes a wish, as they were arriving home they find two movie theatres. Etienne learns how Anna admires films and was so trilled to see her so happy. They were both building a connection with each other without even realizing it. They were close to returning when Ellie, Etienne's girlfriend, comes along and takes him away. At least she was acting casual despite seeing his boyfriend with a girl, it was that or be a complete mean girl (she took the high road).

Anna knows to stay back from Etienne because he's taken, but he has also been so kind to her that it makes it hard to stay back in the friend zone lane. She keeps telling her that he is taken because Etienne just keeps treating her special and it's getting harder to resist him each time they are together. They go to a couple of films over the course of several months, but some days, her other friends would tag along. They have been spending a lot of time with each other and they gradually become inseparable.

Her friends talked her into going to a party and that's when she finds Josh and Etienne drunk. Etienne was very angry with his dad. He ended up in Anna's room when Etienne spills out his feeling for her, this made things a lot more confusing. She didn't know if it was the alcohol or if it was true. Anna decides to pretend she never it and acted normal, until Christmas break when they spent time together mainly because they were the only ones left and their connection grew.

Another break and this time, Anna and Etienne were back home (America). Anna was Shocked to learn that Troph, who she had a 'thing' with, was dating her best friend, Bridge! This resulted in Anna pouring out her problems to Etienne through text. They mostly kept in touch the whole time by texting each other whenever they can. Unfortunately, it wasn't a pleasant visit back home for Anna. When they finally return to Paris, things got even more intense between them, until they couldn't take it any longer, one thing led to another until they were making up. Up until  Mer saw them! (oh my gosh, I felt so bad for her.) That's when things got even more frustrating, Etienne had run after Mer (keep in mind Mer also has a crush on Etienne and Anna is one of her friends ... ouch) but Anna finds out he also went to Ellie's that night.

Anna was angry and didn't understand why he was still with Ellie even after their "make-out,", they were pretty distant with each other for a couple of weeks. Anna ruined her relationship with Mer and everyone hates her. Everything was in the wrong place and she didn't have anyone.

She finally goes to Etienne and that's when Etienne was able to explain his feeling for her and that he had broken up with Ellie for her. They instantly forgave each other and it was time for Anna to go to Mer. It took her a while to realize how to open up to others, Anna finally apologized to Mer and they both got along. This also resulted in Anna understanding Bridge and also forgives her.

The biggest thing I learned was that we should let people explain before we assume anything that happened because had Anna let Etienne explain why he was at Ellie's, she would have understood his intentions and saved weeks of loneliness.

Thoughts: 

First, let me just tell you that I love this cover. I couldn't buy and I was too eager to read it so I borrowed it in the library, luckily I was first in line.

Okay, so this book! First, I Love PETER KAVINSKY, I mean, ETIENNE ST. CLAIRE! alright, I don't understand why I love most of the guys in books I read ( well aside from their perfect word choices and their impeccable sense of humour). I just wish I could meet people like them! WHY?! There is so much boyfriend characters I love so much that I might have to make you guys a list. *awkwardly coughs*, anyways, back to my thoughts.

Anna: Alright, so Anna, my first question to her is "Why are you moping when you're in Paris??"  You're in France for crying out loud! There's a supply of croissants available!!  My parents don't even let me get the mail alone so I'm very sorry that I feel a tinge jealousy. Admittedly so, I understand her struggles going into a new school, let alone a new country especially when not knowing anyone (thanks to her dad of course). I admire Anna's personality, she knows when to keep things to herself just to save other people's feelings. 

Cons: Don't get me wrong, I like Anna but to be honest, I was a bit irritated with Anna when she got upset with Etienne when he didn't break up with his girlfriend, Ellie (I mean, not everything revolves around you ya know!). Especially the times where she didn't let Bridge explain the whole Troph situation and when she didn't let Etienne explain why he went to Ellie's house right after they made out. Fortunately, towards the end, I was happy when she got over herself and let Etienne clarify the whole situation.   

Etienne: I love Etienne's french name, Etienne. He's such a sweet character, I think I fell in love with him myself, I mean, who wouldn't. I love how he is so kind to everyone and how sweet he treats Anna. 


Overall I was happy with the ending! I was glad Anna and Etienne made up and grateful that Etienne had his happy ever after as well.

November 9 Review

November 9, by Colleen Hoover
Book Review

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year on November 9. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist for his novel.

For the past two weeks, I've been binge reading Colleen Hoover's books. I don't know why I chose to, but I'm glad I did because it's the best idea I've had since ... a while.
Going into this book, I was expecting tears and heart break, mostly because I previously read Ugly Love by CoHo and because CoHo wrote the book, it's pretty much guaranteed that there'll be tears included.

There were a couple things I noticed about the book and my thoughts about it.

1. The instant attraction Ben and Fallon had

• Usually, it would bother me when this happens because really? EVERY SINGLE ROMANCE BOOKS HAVE THIS PLOT. Even though I noticed this, I didn't really mind because they're gonna see each other every year so might as well feel all those emotions if you'll only be with them a day out of the 365 days of the year.

2. Fallon's great idea of moving all the way to New York

• I'm not great at US geography (or geography in general) but I'm going to imagine that's a huge distance between LA to New York. Keep in mind that she's going by herself especially since her father won't even support her decision. I admire that of her because I don't think I'll be able to do that. Heck I don't even know how to take the bus (mostly because I stay home and because I'm scared to).

3. Fallon's obedience to her mom's advice

• I loved how Fallon was taking her mom's advice to heart. Personally, I agree with her mom's lesson because it is easy to get lost and carried away especially if there's a lot of things to distract you with. So props for her.

4. BEN

• Benton James Kessler. What's there not to love? The way he made Fallon feel good and those compliments. Where can I get my own Ben?? He was so nice and sweet and just perfect.

So yes overall, I loved this book. There were parts of it where I totally lost it.
On the November 9 where Fallon surprised Ben by showing up on his front door when Kyle died. I was floored. I mean who does that?! And when Ben took her to his room and cried on her shoulder?? It was hard to hold back the dam. Then when they did the deed, I cried some more (yeah, it's kind of weird that I cried, but it was just so emotional) .. And when Ben was like asking if they could just stop meeting every November 9 and be together, but she said no, I couldn't even breathe anymore.

But then there was a short break where everything was okay (for now).

 And then SHE GOES BACK TO SEE BEN AND ABOUT TO TELL HIM SHE'S BACK FOR GOOD BUT THEN WE FIND OUT THAT HE'S WITH JORDYN. I. LITERALLY. THOUGHT. I. FELT. MY. HEART. BREAK!

Up to the moment where we find out that everything was connected and that everything Ben has been through was actually for nothing, but that it was too late because his emotions were clouded that night. Finally, when everything was explained in his book, it made everything else they've been through worth it because they were meant to be and that they deserve each other.

Overall, the plot was really good. It isn't like any books I've read (except for the whole love at first sight part). It has a lot of emotions and the characters were easy to love. This is an important key to a book because, it is really hard to love a book especially when you cannot understand where the character comes from or what their thoughts are about certain things. There were a lot of valuable advice in the book as well. I could not agree more about how important it is to finding yourself. It is important and seeing how this point is applied into the book, it was even better. Colleen Hoover is such an amazing author. I can't wait to see more of her works in the future.

In conclusion, if you somehow missed what I was saying due to my not-so-professional-review, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is currently on a reading stump because this will totally take you out of it.. But then be the reason for another reading stump because you're going to be on a post-CoHo hangover.

Also side note in reference to Ugly Love:
So when  Kyle died, people were coming to the house including Ian's friend and his wife. His friend's name is Miles and Miles' wife's name is Tate.. Yes as in Miles Archer the pilot from Ugly Love. In November 9, we find out that Ian is a pilot.. Meanwhile in Ugly Love, we also know that Miles is a pilot and his very close friend is Ian since they grew up together and they're both pilots. So that fact blew my mind and made me appreciate Colleen Hoover more bc that was very sneaky of her.