Review: The Courage to be Disliked

The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Inspiring, thought-provoking and deeper than a Taylor Swift song.

'All you can do with regard to your own life is choose the best path that you believe in. On the other hand, what kind of judgement do people pass on that choice? That is the task of other people, and is not a matter you can do anything about.'

This quote kinda sums up the book. It's about returning the focus to only what you can affect, and living your own life a moment at a time.

There are some ideas here that are familiar to me but I really enjoyed the way they were approached. Yes, you need to have the courage to be who you believe you should be, with no influence from the opinions of others. This book discusses how that becomes possible. It's not something you can change instantly, despite what this book suggests. You need to be open, and work constantly to remind yourself of practising task separation etc. You need to continue working at these habits until they become second nature. Like anything, changing your mindset requires practice.

Okay. Let's talk about the ugly stuff.

There are some really tough ideas here; one in particular being, 'trauma does not exist'. This is quite damaging if you take it at surface level, but once you understand the Alderian psychological viewpoint they are communicating, it becomes a little clearer. It's not about victim blaming or anything similar - it's about how a person responds to traumatic events. And yes, it is really tough to comprehend, but the notion is that people who let their life be defined by traumatic events in their past are holding onto it for some subconscious purpose. I think when you contemplate it further, it goes a way to explaining why some people are broken by trauma, where others become stronger. But the whole overall concept is about living life in the moment so it makes sense that they are discarding past events. If you're offended easily, this is one section that's going to put you off completely. But if you're open-minded, let the book explain itself and it might actually help you with overcoming trauma.

This book is quite easy to read, which is uncommon for a book that deals with some pretty heavy material. The format of the Youth vs Philosopher in conversation means that objections you might have are likely to be addressed. There were some objections that I thought were a bit ridiculous, so I guess how you feel about the format will depend on how skeptical you are.

I wouldn't necessarily call this a hippie book, but it's very in line with the 'mindfulness' trend that's been taking over the world lately. Its simplicity will help it reach a wider audience and it's quite logical. It gets a little confusing in parts but overall there are some great nuggets of wisdom contained within its text.

I really enjoyed reading this, but could only do so at certain times because if you don't quite process a sentence you lose track easily. So make sure your mind is open when you read it and you should take away a lot of new ideas.

Then all you have to do is drink.

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Blogger Life (1)

So apparently if you want people to actually read your blog you have to put effort into it?

I mean, that sounds HARD.

But here I am anyway, writing an actual post instead of just clicking the 'post to blog' button on my latest Goodreads review.

So.

What is it that book-loving blog readers like to read about? I need hints here people.

Shall I start with why I'm giving this blog-writing thing another crack?

Yes, I say 'another' and that's not a typo. I've tried in the past. I have. I'm not lazy, I swear. I'm just too busy reading. I'm a book lover, remember?

But I've decided to start making a little more effort because I'm one of those book lovers who is a wannabe writer. And of course part of being a writer is writing. Regularly.

I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS. I just completely suck at putting them on paper.

So here's to this blog getting my creative mojo flowing.

I'm hoping it'll be a fun learning experience, and that maybe I'll write stuff that people will actually want to read. If you're paying attention, you might even get that sneaky access to my rough drafts. Which may not seem that exciting now but, trust me, it's gonna make you feel super special when the polished versions are published and I become a household name. (So modest, I am so, so modest.)

So thanks for reading and feel free to leave your thoughts!

***

Question Time: (I've seen this on other blogs; it's clearly an important part.) Do you blog? And if so, why?

Review: Gravity Is The Thing

Gravity Is The Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OH MY FRAGILE HEART.

GUH.

So much love for this. SO MUCH.

When I was younger, I discovered Finding Cassie Crazy. I didn't even realise it was a second book in a series. I just fell instantly in love. It was so witty and light and fun but it had real talk, too, and made you think long and hard about important things.

I loved this for all the same reasons and more. It was so incredibly relevant, despite featuring a single mum. I normally feel distanced from stories told by mothers but not so with this one. Because it's a story about life and how, sometimes, it kinda just happens to you without you getting to have much say.

I don't really want to say too much more, other than that it's beautifully written, and quirky, and disjointed, but somehow so seamless, so elegant and graceful and light. There's true substance but it's not oppressive; it lifts you slowly and lowers you gently.

This is definitely going straight to the bestseller lists when it releases. You'll be crazy to leave it sitting on the shelf.

An absolutely stunning read that left me with a lot to think about, and reaffirmed my admiration for this author. Can't wait to read what she writes next.

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Review: The Towering Sky

The Towering Sky by Katharine McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just happily filing myself into the trash-for-trash category because of my love of this series.

Rich Kid Drama is like my new fave sub-genre. Is it new though? Or has this series just finally awakened a part of me that has been sleeping since I got bored with Gossip Girl 2? Either way, I'm beginning to embrace the fact that I love me some Rich Kid Drama.

True to the format of the previous two novels, this book begins with its ending. Very dramatic. I made sense of it pretty quick but the journey to get there was a lot of fun. Less scandalous than I hoped for, but still plenty of drama so I'm happy.

Our favourite couples (and not so favourite couples *coughaveryandatlascough*) have taken some time off from each other after the dramatic scenes at Dubai towards the end of book 2. But after the suspicious circumstances of that cliffhanger they're all thrown back together and emotions are suddenly running hot again.

My favourite drama queen, Leda, is less mischievous this time around which, I'll admit, was slightly disappointing, but she's still pretty cool. Watt's persistence really makes her stubborn streak shine. Avery is once again the shining star in her father's very public life and she's got some new arm candy whom I did not warm to at all because he's all about shunning the lifestyles of the rich and famous. YOU DON'T EVEN GO HERE. Please save your awkward charm for the next John Green novel.

Not that I was ready to be forced to root for Avery and Atlas again. But no matter how much that forbidden romance makes me want to vomit it does allow for some satisfying scandalous moments. Plus hello making me question my moral judgement. Am I a terrible person for not approving of their love? They're not related by blood so it's entirely a rebellion against societal norm that has me struggling. Does that make me a jerk? I am uncomfortable with this line of questioning.

Totally backing the Anderton boys though. Mmmhmm. I thought Brice was kind of a jerk in the first book but look at him over here winning my heart. I wish he and Calliope had gotten a little more wild together, though. They're both such rebels. And then romantic Cord back at his pining for Rylin. *happy sigh* Damnnnn this book turned on the love hard.

Make no mistake - this book is full of ridiculous coincidences, firework touches and all-consuming teenage love, set in a world of fancy dresses and overdecorated scenes that take place outside of school far too often for a book driven by school-aged teens. There's some fun sci-fi gadgets and technology etc but overall it's pretty classic high school drama for its futuristic setting. (I think that's a little bit the point, though - it doesn't matter how much you change the world around you, people will still be driven by the same basic needs and emotions.)

I just can't help but love it, though. I don't care if it's full of chance meetings that are highly unlikely. I need those meetings to fuel up my Rich Kid Drama Meter. I LIVE FOR THE DRAMA.

So in conclusion, I am sad this is a conclusion. :( I am here for the Next Gen stories 110%.

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The Pebble

There was only Darkness.

A great, all-encompassing Darkness that filled every corner of the world with a blackness that tainted and devoured. An endless motley shade of midnight and grey, indigo and deep purple, it raged like a mad beast; frenzied and terrifying. Its undulating movement pummelled like the waves of a ferocious storm called forth by the old sea gods—had they still existed within this Darkness that left no question of life beyond itself.

It seemed to have no purpose other than to spread fear and pain, and seep into every vulnerable crack. Whether it was barraging abandoned shores or poisoning the air, it searched for everything that could be destroyed. Nothing was permitted to survive.

Yet there was a survivor: a tiny white pebble completely at the mercy of the Darkness yet resilient. Swept up in the storm, it was battered and tossed around; or sometimes still—surrounded by a menacing calm as the Darkness lay in wait. With the Darkness enveloping everything, it was inevitable that the pebble would be struck repeatedly; so insignificant that it seemed likely the pebble would be destroyed alongside everything else. Yet still the pebble remained whole, somehow unable to be completely destroyed by the Darkness. The Darkness only became more enraged, and concentrated its efforts. Eternally trembling from repeated blows, the pebble felt the Darkness consume and rage, each blow leaving its mark yet still failing to destroy. The tides of the Darkness carried the little pebble along in its madness, and the battle between the monstrous Darkness and the tiny pebble became its own legend.

After three years of submitting to the tide of Darkness, the battered pebble washed up unexpectedly on a new shore. Although the rage of the Darkness had simmered somewhat, it still hung poisonous in the air. Yet the shore the pebble was now part of seemed less affected; the Darkness was broken by patches of light, which exposed a beach full of fine sand, and dust and  ̶  more pebbles. As the pebble lay in the momentary calm of this new reality, the matter around it drifted closer. Some combination of light and untainted water allowed the various fragments to become fused together, so that the first pebble was unexpectedly strengthened against the Darkness’s inevitable forthcoming attacks. When the Darkness renewed its raging, throwing the pebble back and forth sporadically, the pebble was hardier, and every time it rolled into the light a little more sand and pebble dust stuck to it so that it became increasingly bigger with each hit it took.

Almost as though in response, the Darkness became less. It was no less menacing, but its presence became smaller; its attacks, fewer. It took on a more solid shape; grew smaller.

Transformed.

By the time the seven year mark came around, the Darkness had become a three-headed Demon with six eyes firmly focused on the pebble. It had three ugly faces, long claws and sharp teeth and was constantly gnawing on the pebble with each of its mouths.

The rest of the world was left to rebuild, regrow. It began to flourish with this new opportunity for life, and colour crept back into the world. It used the newfound peace to develop and spread light wherever it could, determined to counteract the destruction caused by The Darkness. The new world was stronger for what it had suffered, and peace reigned.

The legendary battle between the Darkness and the pebble continued, but now it was a discreet, personal battle. The Demon knew it was losing—the sandstone shell now encasing the pebble had hardened, and though there were weaknesses these were few. Truth was, with all of the extra layers the pebble had accumulated over the past four years, it had now become almost a boulder, and its size was much bigger than that of the Darkness Demon.

The persistent Demon leapt around the pebble, lunging in to attack and then withdrawing to disappear into an inky cloud, only to attempt again from a different angle. It was merciless.

Yet each time the Demon attacked, the pebble withstood the blows a little better. The weight of the sand and pebbles that made up its skin now anchored it, keeping it stable in the chaos of the Darkness Demon’s attacks. The Demon diminished. The demon became small.

Despite its less frequent successes, the demon was not to be underestimated. When it did manage to take a bite with its sharp teeth, or slice the pebble with its claws, something of a scream issued forth from the pebble. But the pebbles and sand that made up the hardened new layers were strong. Each blow was absorbed by many, and thus weakened. The demon became less.

The final blow was a realisation, and it was this:

The shrinking of the darkness was no mere coincidence. It was no inevitable decline caused by time. The Darkness, darkness, demon—in every form it shared one thing.

Does the darkness …?

Seven years of madness and raging and hate and bitterness.

Maybe?

Seven years of storms and poison and pain.

Just maybe?

Seven years attempting to destroy that which refuses to be destroyed.

Fear the Pebble?

Thus the demon was vanquished, and light was restored.

And the Pebble was free.

Review: Red Lotus

Red Lotus by Pai Kit Fai
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I've been reading this one on and off for one year and ten days now.

It's so loooooooong and sloooooooow and by the time I got to Part 2 I just wanted it to be over. So ...

DNF @ Page 263 (53%)

VOILA! It's over.

It's just so draining. It seems like it has an interesting story but it's so flowery and poetic and takes so damn long to say anything that it just became a chore to read. I found it so hard to pick up. I also really struggled with figuring out when it was set? I think it did eventually mention it somewhere but I honestly had no idea. There's a lot of info about the culture, in excruciating detail, and while you kinda feel sad for all that Li-Xia ha to go through, it's too long-winded to solidify the bond between character and reader.

This is one for the patient readers, who like to take their time and mull over pretty words. There IS an intriguing story here, but I just don't have the time or patience to tease it out of all the superfluous detail.

I'm as done as I'll ever be, I think.

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Review: Always and Forever, Lara Jean

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dang, the third book had me worried.

I mean, I really enjoyed the way things wrapped up in the second book, but I felt like there was unfinished business with McClaren and even Josh a little bit so was keen to see what kinda drama was gonna play out in this one, and how Kavinsky would again triumph over all.

But it was all about boring wedding stuff???

I don't care about boring wedding stuff! I don't even like Ms Rothschild! I'm kinda with Margot on that - she just kinda slotted herself into this story and it felt invasive and I did not like it. So naturally I wasn't pleased to spend half of this book reading about her and wedding plans etc.

Then again, my parents have been going solid for 37 years so I wonder if maybe people with lovable step-parents will appreciate it more?

Anyhoo.

The point is that I needed more fun and obnoxious Kavinsky and what I got was Boring Wedding Stuff and Mopey Kavinksy and it just did not do it for me.

But!

There were still some really cute scenes. And Lara Jean is still happy and positive and just as lovable as ever.

I feel like maybe some of the stuff here was added for closure but it felt messy and unauthentic so honestly we probably could have done without this book. It was way less satisfying.

It was still an easy read, and nice and fluffy, and Kavinsky still made me AW out loud, but it was just underwhelming compared to the first two. I'd probably recommend that people who are in love with the first two maybe forget this book was ever written. The heartwarming Kavinsky moments are kind of too little too late, in my opinion.

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Review: Prince of Nightmares

Prince of Nightmares by John McNee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't even know how I feel about this except that it has some of the best, most gruesome passages I've ever read in my life.

(See my notes and highlights for faves).

The story itself is kinda weird and confusing and all kinds of messed up but eventually I was just in it for the GORE. It's so GROSS. I would be eating lunch and next minute I read something that makes me regret reading and eating at the same time. SO EW.

Which of course just made it so addictive because no one was spared a horrifically gruesome encounter.

I didn't like Victor one ounce, so the story itself didn't do much for me. I found it hard to get a read on him, and I think maybe the characterisation could have been better? But honestly, hello, gratuitous violence. Who needs characterisation when the best scenes are people being mutilated by nightmares/evil non-ghost-spirit-type-things?

See I can't even write a proper review coz I actually kinda have no idea what happened. But like, damn was there some hectic violence in this book.

Honestly just take a flick through and read some random passages. They're so colourful and descriptive. And creative! I mean, no body part is off limits XD

I CAN'T. I need to go read some fluff before bed.

Horror lovers: GO NUTS.

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Review: Halcyon

Halcyon by Rio Youers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one had a great opener then steadily moved its way into disturbing psychological thriller territory.

It's got a bit of a strange, supernatural thread running through it, but the strong foundation is the way it peers into the notion of pain and its causes.

It starts with a family: Martin, his wife Laura, and their two girls, Shirley and Edith. Edith has a touch of The Shine, so if you're not big on psychic visions etc this one may not be for you. For me, it was just enough to add an interesting angle, and not enough to take away believability.

That's one of the things I really appreciated about this book - there's that supernatural element, but it's subtle enough to have you questioning how much is real, and how much could have alternative explanations.

It takes roughly a third of the book to even get to the secluded island paradise of Halcyon, but it's not like things are boring until then. You can feel it setting up for something BIG and there's still plenty of drama and questions to keep you keen.

Halcyon is a dream I'm pretty sure most of us have had at some stage in our life. That fantasy you have when life gets a little too much and you just want to leave everything behind and go off grid. This novel really works with that, building the paradise we all know is too good to be true. There's definitely a cult vibe and the book acknowledges that which makes it even more honest.

Valerie is one of the most messed-up villains I've read in a while. I mean, she has some dark, dark secrets. But I also like that she's scarred and a fighter coz you kinda have to grudgingly admire that, even though she's clearly batsh*t insane.

The story takes a lot of twists and jumps around a bit in time which was a little confusing but overall I really enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. There are some graphically violent scenes, but overall this is more of a psychological horror, and one that will leave the wheels turning once you've finished it.

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Review: P.S. I Still Love You

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

HOW DID I END UP LOVING THIS STINKIN FLUFF SO MUCH???

Not kidding. This is such a basic, easy read. It's light-hearted and fluffy and normally I would be underwhelmed by this kinda thing but it's just so freaking cute.

Lara Jean is such a fun character. I love that she's optimistic and young-minded and so damn true to who she is. She can be totally awkward but she just kinda rolls with it anyway and it's so endearing. Bless her. I'm really glad Margot wasn't around to bring her down in this one. And I love how Kitty is kind of a pain but Lara Jean still goes out of her way for her constantly. That sibling bond is beautiful.

Warning: The following will contain spoilers for the first book in the series.

So there was a lot of tension at the end of the last book, with LJ firmly hooked on Kavinsky with a side of Josh drama to make things interesting. But now that we're kinda settling into how PERFECT Kavinsky is, Josh has kinda melted into the background a little.

I lOVE LJ and Peter together. They're so cute and honest and I just love all the weird stuff they talk about. It's annoying that Gen hangs around like a bad smell, but what are you gonna do. I also really appreciate that Lucas and LJ have become BFFs since The Letter Incident. But OF COURSE there's now got to be a kink in the perfect love story of LJ and Kavinsky.

I was worried that this was going to not be as good as the first book but I still had so many laugh out loud moments. And moments where I was like, 'OMG LARA JEAN!' actually out loud. She's so funny! And people just love that! Man, when I'm awkward like her people just give me a weird look, laugh politely and then remember they have somewhere else to be.

In conclusion, my heart is still relatively in tact but I still had to rush out and get the third book because hey, turns out I also cannot resist the Kavinsky charm.

***

Sorry, John who?

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Review: Illuminae

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a tough one to review.

I mean, it definitely gets an A for effort. The format is crazy. Very unique. Of course, a decent amount was hard to read: spiraling text, strike through, grey-on-black words. But it's very pretty.

Now I guess we get to the full disclosure bit: I'm not big on sci-fi. Nor am I big on the whole 'mysterious virus' trope. I guess that's why I've put this series off for so long. But with so many people raving about it I had to get to it eventually and, I must say, it didn't quite live up to the hype.

The story is okay. Not my genre of choice, but because it's YA there wasn't too much boring science stuff so that was a blessing. I liked the relationship between Kady and Ezra, once their personalities became a little more evident. Ezra had some cool friends, too. But when a book is composed entirely of 'documents' it's a lot harder to get character depth. This made it harder for me to get attached. I liked Ezra and McNulty but I struggled with Kady. She was sassy and fierce but she kinda bugged me. I also hated AIDAN and the concept of it and everything to do with it, and since it's kind of a big part of the story, that didn't really help. (view spoiler)[Reading all of its pages in the last half of the book was an absolute drainer. Not to mention, super illogical. It's a bit hard for me to wrap my head around a computer that writes poetically. Plus, the whole fixation on Kady thing was super creepy. (hide spoiler)]

I honestly hope I'm long dead before artificial intelligence becomes a thing for real.

Spaceships do nothing for me so the setting was pretty bland, especially since it never really changed. All steel and chrome and shiny surfaces. Eh. And the drama was just ... not my kind of drama.

(view spoiler)[I hate zombies. I hate the whole 'there is a mysterious virus infecting people and it turns them into rabid monsters that want to kill everything and they're violent and almost unstoppable' plot. How bland. Even in space there was nothing particularly original about this virus. There's just not a lot to work with in terms of creativity, except for deaths. So that was never gonna entertain me. (hide spoiler)]

I honestly cared more about Kady and Ezra getting back together and there just wasn't enough of them interacting to have me as head-over-heels for this book as everyone else seems to be.

It was certainly a fast read for me, though I slowed down at the last two hundred pages or so. And it's easy language, and a lot of action, so I guess the sci-fi fans will be all over it.

I think if it wasn't so hyped, I might have appreciated it more. I did love the wacky format, but after a while the novelty wears off and you're left with a book that's just a pain to read because you have to hold it up to your face and turn it in different directions etc.

A decent sort of book with a unique format, but nothing particularly special about the story. Hopefully things will get a bit more interesting in the sequel, though. The ending did leave me hope for that!

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Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Um?

What do I think??

I think this book is too damn adorable to leave me hanging like that!!!

***

Dear Lara Jean,

Quirky is a good thing. Being true to yourself is a good thing. Having two adorable boys fight over you is horrible (but secretly a good thing). Being able to bake is a good thing. Oh, how I wish I had your talent.

Your sister is kind of a b*tch, though. I mean, I have sisters. I get it. Sibling love is an unbreakable thing, no matter how much they annoy you. But I'm with Chris on this one: your sister needs to lighten up. At least you have Kitty with all of her youthful energy to keep you on your toes. Plus, your dad is pretty great, trying to keep up with three girls who are clearly a handful.

Josh is lovely and quite the gentleman but, let's face it, Kavinsky is a thousand times more fun. If you don't want him, could you give him my number?

Also, totally feel you on the driving thing, girl. That's a huge hunk of metal to be responsible for.

Now, if I go get the sequel straight away, can you please promise you won't tug my heart as much as you did this time? That would be great.

Love,
Krystal

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