Review of The Distance Between Us

Hey guys! Welcome to another little book review of The Distance Between Us by Kasie West (click here to see Goodreads). Sorry I haven't blogged in a while because apparently law school means a lot more textbook than novel reading. Sigh.

I read this in about 3 sittings because it is one of those books that just makes you feel happy and alright with how life is playing out for you. It is the story of Caymen Meyers who works in a doll-shop in a town of rich people while not actually being rich. Her mum's experience with Caymen's father has taught her one thing: rich boys are trouble. Lucky for us, trouble strolls in, all arrogant and handsome by the name of Xander Spence. This is a slightly Cinderella story with a very cute prince, a lot of hilarious characters and a whole bunch of awwwwwww.

The story-line is quite straightforward and is fast-paced. This is one of the main reasons I got hooked so easily, that and the aforementioned awwwwwwws. It is perfect for a light read with a bit of humour, a bit of unbelievable things that we all wish could happen to us and a crisp ending. It felt finished, I had fun and I could forget about how hard life actually was for a while.

Like Sarah Dessen, the author chose to introduce some depth into the story through the college dilemmas of someone who can't afford it and a single-parent family struggling to make ends meet. It was by no means a Dessen masterpiece but this book was a solid effort. I had a little bit of issue with the ending but, you've got to be expecting a little bit of corniness.

All in all, this was a light-hearted read which is great for unwinding after a long and hard day. I gave this book a 4 star rating because it made me awwwwwww. Let me know if you've read it and how you're going on the Goodreads Challenge (I am failing miserably >.< ) Ciao

Favourite quote:
"Caymen."
Please don't turn it into a nickname.
"Good to meet you. Caymen."
Five points.

Review of 'The Moon and More' by Sarah Dessen

I got this book for Christmas and I was so pumped to read it. Lying in the sun with a book is my favourite holiday activity, handy really. The Moon and More lived up to my high expectations. There was romance, awkwardness, future talk and then, clarity. The sort of clarity you get after demarcation. Currently stuck in the limbo between high school and college myself, I found Emaline’s story empowering.

As always, Dessen’s characterisation was the hero of a beautiful dish. Emaline was awesomely kick-ass. Theo was hilarious. Benji was super duper cute. Morris, ah Morris. Every character was flawed and perfect, the relationships between them were dynamic and authentic. They make you laugh and empathise, all the things that characters should do.

Should I mention the crossovers? Crossovers are a notable part of Dessens work; although her novels are standalones, Colby is the hub of so many stories. Sarah Dessen is pretty much fuelling my obsession. The crossovers with Along for the Ride and Last Chance made me squeal. It was like seeing old friends for the first time in years, a phenomenon only a true booklover will understand.

The quote, “I will give you the moon and more,” resonates as Emaline is presented with a murky future. Should she pine for Columbia or be happy with her local college? Should she be aiming higher, or in a different direction? The concept was clear throughout and led to a really satisfying end.

Have I convinced you yet? Go read this book, discover Colby. Be happy.

Favourite quote:

“The mistakes you make now count. Not for everything, and not forever. But they do matter, and they shape you.”

First book of 2014. Done.

The most wonderful time of the year.

Happy holidays!

Christmas has me sufficiently spoiled, fat and lazy so I thought I’d share some of my new bookish acquisitions with you to make myself useful.

1. Champion by Marie Lu.

The final novel in the Legend series did not disappoint. I bought a digital copy of this book earlier in the month as a Merry Christmas present to me. Unfortunately, I could not stop myself from reading it before Christmas. It was very action-packed, suspenseful and romantic. But a little disclaimer, please don’t try read this right after Allegiant as I did. I do not wish such suffering on anyone.

2. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.

This is a pre-loved copy I got at a bookswap for a very good price. It is one of those books that I had no idea about but the lady recommended it, and we book-lovers have to trust each other. I am very excited to read such a classic sci-fi. 

3. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen.

I AM SO EXCITED. My sister –bless her soul- bought me this for Christmas to begin my Sarah Dessen collection. Weirdly enough, I have read all her books, adore them and do not own any physical copies. The situation has been rectified and I am ready to fall head over heels again. This is her latest book and will be for a while. So so excited.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.

Ah, I feel as if a piece of me has been restored. I first read the entire series this year without having seen the movies. After being ostracised by the Potterhead community which included many of my friends, I quietly I borrowed the first book from the library and began my journey. A few years late but I made it to Hogwarts nonetheless. This is the childhood favourite I never knew I needed.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling.

I had enough money for one more Harry Potter book and who could pass up this pre-loved, first edition hardcover? I loved this book to the moon and back and remember re-reading the epilogue everyday until I had to return it. Now that I have my own copy, no one can stop my obsession. Depending on your perspective, this is an excellent or terrible prospect.

6. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Last but certainly not least, a short collection of letters in reply to a young writer asking for review of his work and life advice. This book is a beautiful patchwork of Rilke’s sarcasm, wisdom and prose which I hope will inspire me to write and read the rest of my life.

Click on the titles to see the synopsis and other reviews. Also let me know what bookish gifts you received for Christmas – the good and bad. Ciao!