THE OPPOSITE OF LONELINESS | Book Review

from my instagram: roberrrrto

Title: The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories

Author: Marina Keegan

Originally Published: 2014

Page Count: 208 pages

Genre: Non-fiction / Short Stories / Essays / Memoir

Published by: Simon & Schuster UK

Date Read: August 28 - September 9 2015

I don't really recall when I first heard about this book, I just remember thinking instantly that if I found it, I'd have to buy it. These thoughts transpired from Keegan's devastating reality, but also because of the titular article, which resonated with me.

STILL ALICE | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

BIRDMAN | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

SELMA | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

WHIPLASH | Film Review (NO SPOILERS)

THE DEAD TRACKS | Book Review (NO SPOILERS)

from my instagram: roberrrrto

Title: The Dead Tracks (David Raker #2)
Author: Tim Weaver
Originally Published: 2011
Page Count: 550 pages
Genre: Crime
Published by: Penguin

Date Read: January 6th - 18th 2015

The second book with Weaver's antihero, David Raker, sees him back on form as he investigates the disappearance of 17-year-old Megan Carver. The plot deepens and the mystery intensifies as the disappearance seems to be bringing back cases from over 100 years ago.

This is my fourth Tim Weaver story, and I have to say this is up there with his better ones. The introduction to Raker with Chasing the Dead was a bit shaky, whilst this one certainly picks up and chips away at his character even more. Raker's backstory, whilst not as fleshed out or as interesting as say Rowling's Cormoran Strike, the backstory is steadily improving.

MISERY | Book Review (NO SPOILERS)

Title: Misery
Author: Stephen King
Originally Published: 1987
Page Count: 369
Genre: Crime / Thriller
Published by: Hodder

Date Read: 21st August 2013 - 4th January 2015 (I put it down almost immediately and essentially read it within two days after picking it back up in January - Don't judge me!) 


My favourite ever genre is crime/thrillers, whether that be with films or books. So it may be surprising that Stephen King's 'Misery' has only just been returned to my bookshelf, read. I have been told countless times to read his books and watch his adaptations, and whilst I've seen 'The Shining' and 'Carrie', ' and whilst my mum has even bought me 'Dolores Claiborne' because she insists I'd love it, I've still never ventured into the world of Stephen King's writing.

Misery was always going to be a story I would enjoy, a macabre plot centred around literature and an unhinged Kathy Bates. Perfect. However, being me, and knowing I would enjoy it, I had to read the book before watching the film and despite opening the book on the 21st August 2013, I only just recently picked the book up again to finish it. I have many reasons, but no justifiable ones.

FORGIVE ME, LEONARD PEACOCK by Matthew Quick (SPOILER FREE)

NEVER COMING BACK by Tim Weaver (SPOILER FREE)

Title: Never Coming Back (David Raker #4)

Author: Tim Weaver

Genre: Crime / Thriller
Originally Published: 2013

Page Count: 533 pages

Published by: Penguin

Date Read: 21st July - 30th July 2014

Never Coming Back is the fourth instalment of Tim Weaver's thrillers that use missing persons investigator, David Raker, as the protagonist. In this, my first, and Raker's fourth outing, we see Raker return to his family home in the south of England, recovering after the events of (what I assume was) the third book, 'Vanished'. Whilst there a body washes upon the shore, while at the same time an old flame visits him and asks him to investigate the disappearance of her sister, Carrie, and her family. 

This the basic gist of what sparks the rest of the novel. There are a series of flashbacks from Raker's past but mainly from other people as well, which I assume is just to keep the reader interested and so we're not just following Raker trying to piece things together whilst pissing everyone off in the process. The novel was confusing to start with, we start with Raker in 2007, and then we're in the shoes of former-Cop, Healy. It was confusing switching back and forth between the pair, who were both as annoying as one another. 

By the end of part one, we're essentially following just Raker with the occasional flashback to other characters in Las Vegas. The characters in the novel range from the stereotypical mob-boss with bird-like mannerisms (he reminded me a bit of Norman Bates, or Billy Drago in The Untouchables), to the equally stereotypical villagers, where Raker lives. The whole novel seems to focus on the enigma of one of these 'gangster-type' men, Cornell, whose stern seemingly follows everyone. 

I must admit this took a slightly different path from what I expected, I thought it was going to match that of Linwood Barclay's No Time For Goodbye, but it didn't. It became some political crime novel, which I really enjoyed.

The characters were frustrating, all the male characters are arsey with one another and can't seem to listen to each other. The dynamic between Healy and Raker was annoying, and as a first time reader with this series, I question Healy's relevance to the novel. I put in my review on goodreads: 

 "Read this if you like characters who are so arsey with other people it's a wonder people bother with them, several incredulous plot twists, and very descriptive writing."

The writing was clumsy at times with its phrasing, but what novel isn't nowadays? It was annoying that the most redundant things were being described to us. 

The strength of the novel comes with its mystery, it wasn't exactly original but it held my attention and kept me coming back for more. I just wish it strayed from the stereotypes, and had tried to keep its 'plot twists' down. I can't quite count how many chapter endings I could hear the 'Eastenders' credits sequence in my head. Despite this, the mystery was engaging, the writing was brilliant, and whilst I couldn't really care for Raker, I'll be checking out some more of his adventures soon. 4 stars.

BOY21 by Matthew Quick | Book Review (SPOILER FREE)

Title: Boy21

Author: Matthew Quick

Genre: Contemporary / YA
Originally Published: 2012

Page Count: 277 pages

Published by: Headline

Date Read: 10th July 2014

*Note: Book sent by publisher through Bookbridgr for review. All thoughts & feelings 100% genuine*

Boy21 is a multi-layered Young Adult contemporary novel, in which we follow the protagonist, Finley, a high school basketball player. Finley's life is a combination of looking after his 'Pop', sitting on his roof with his girlfriend, Erin, and basketball. When his Coach one day asks him to reach out to new student, Russ, as a favour, Finley's life gains a shadow and a friend who continues to go by the name 'Boy21' and believes he is from outer space and has a mission to complete. As the two boys develop a friendship in their town of gangs and racial divides, it becomes clear that their friendship is beneficial for both, as they both hide a past that they are refusing to confront. 

While the synopsis may sound a tiny bit ridiculous when I put it like that, the novel was infact quite breathtaking. I've never read any of Matthew Quick's work and I'll tell you straight away that I will be picking another of his novels up as soon as possible! It's so short and wonderful that I read it in an afternoon. 

There's more than just that synopsis I put together, there's the wonderful characters. (Note-to-self: Stop saying wonderful). Anyway, Finley is wonderful a breath of fresh air as a protagonist. He's a very quiet individual, but one who is always present and never judging. His growth in the novel is outstanding and you can't help but sympathise with him. Russ, or Boy21, was fantastic also. He was so imaginative and caring, there was definitely a sense of connection with the two boys. And finally an ode to Erin, for she was hilarious. Her interactions and mannerisms were so beautiful, you couldn't help but want to be best friends with her. 

The plot itself is intriguing. It can become clear that basketball was the centre of this novel, and that sport gave each boy a drive in their life when they needed it. In reality, however, its their friendship that drives this novel. The time they spend together, unjudging of one another, and discovering each other is what drives this novel and it was great that, although the love interest plays a big part of this novel, friendship was the glue that held together this YA novel, something which I feel is forgotten about with some of my recent YA reads. 

If you get a chance, pick this book up, it's much more powerful and warm (can a book be warm? I'm saying it can) than I first thought and I'm so grateful that Bookbridgr gave me an opportunity to read it. Definitely check it out. ★★★★☆ (4.5)

WE WERE LIARS | Book Review

Title: We Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart
Originally Published: 2014
Published by: Hot Key Books
Page Count: 225

"We are the Liars.
We are beautiful, privileged and live a life of carefree luxury.
We are cracked and broken.

A story of love and romance.

A tale of tragedy.

Which are lies?
Which is truth?" 

(Source: Goodreads)

It's no lie that this book is huge right now. It has seen growth through the great marketing campaign by Hot Key Books, who have really utilised the power of social media. The #LiarsLiveRead gained trending status on twitter, and there have been countless reviews by booktubers and book bloggers alike. But what is the book actually about?

Like everyone, I feel it would be an injustice to the book to give you any direction of where it's going. All that I will say is that its genre lies within the contemporary side, with tropes of mystery thrown in there for good measure. 

The book is filled with lies. And instead of telling you any of them, I'll note vaguely what I liked/disliked, so you can get a sense of what I thought and whether this is the book for you.

Liked: 

1. The characters, while some are temperamental and incredibly confusing, each person was more than the one dimension they appeared to be in the beginning.
2. The setting was a great choice. 
3. The writing style was fragmented and genius. 

Disliked:

1. I felt the family and setting were not described well enough, it relied way too heavily on the map and family tree at the beginning.
2. The love interest - you knew it'd be in here, it does work well as it fits the nature of the characters but I just can't stand YA romances.

I can be quite critical of YA but this was one of the best YA books I've read. Give it a read this summer, I'm sure Hollywood will get the rights to it. Personally, i'd love it to be made into a small independent film, it would blend perfectly. 


4.5 stars.

ALLEGIANT | Book Review

Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: YA / Dystopian
Published by: HarperCollins Children's
Originally Published: 2013
Page Count: 526 pages

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

(Source: Goodreads)

First of all, I don't want to spoil anything really and didn't want to publish the real blurb here incase anyone stumbles upon this review and finds out plot points to the first and second book, so I'll keep it simple.

The writing of this book was one that we've come to expect and enjoy with Roth. Her writing is effortless and just keeps you turning the page as she has definitely found her writing style. The characters in the book become slightly more developed, especially in regards to Four. We finally get Four's perspective in the book, allowing entry into his thought processes, and into how he sees the conflict going on around him. He does at times come across as petty, which I feel was Roth's intentions but it fell a little flat at times. Tris has continued to grow throughout the novels. The first novel really saw her develop, the second saw her make mistakes, and this final novel sees Tris learn from her mistakes and essentially become a really strong person, let alone a strong protagonist. We are introduced to new characters from whom, come answers. The whole of the series has been based on the faction system that has dominated society, separating you into either Amity, Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless or Erudite, depending on how your mind works and how you view society. Tris, finding out she's 'Divergent' in book one, and that she doesn't fit into either of these still has much relevance in the third book as it did in the first. I feel like what Roth did is what many writers fail to do, especially with dystopian, and that is explain how everything came about and what everything meant. 

It does become pretty complex at times and you become pretty unsure on who are actually 'the good guys' as there are many different groups in turmoil with each other. It does seem like one conflict after another. Yet this conflict provides some brilliant metaphors for today. I feel that Roth perfectly conveyed how corrupt society can become by trying to change someone, trying to fit them into a box of what you see as normal. It's something that's been done many times yet Roth did make it very interesting. 

With the dual perspectives the novel found some flaws. Tris and Four are together for a massive portion of the novel, and the chapters continue to switch between the two of them. With Roth having her identifiable writing style, it was sometimes hard to determine whose chapter you were in until it referenced the other protagonist. It became unnecessarily confusing and often tedious. It's when the pair aren't together that this really works and you get to see both sides of their stories and of the action that novel provides (although, comparatively little in regards to the first two books). 

I must note how slow the middle became, I feel the only reason I was continuing was because I was on a high from seeing the film that had just come out. 

The ending was brilliant, all answers had been provided, all loose ends tied up. And although it was a predictable ending it's one I enjoyed and thought was very powerful. A little slow at times, yet still a good ending to a great series.

4 stars.

ONE DAY | Book Review

Title: One Day
Author: David Nicholls
Genre: Fiction / Contemporary
Published by: Hodder 

Originally Published: 2009
Page Count: 435

Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? 
Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY.

(Source: Goodreads)

My relationship with this book is a rather fond one. It will from now on remind me of long soaks, train rides, and my time in the Lake District last summer. I've been reading it for so long in theory; having had to put it down after I initially started it as it belonged to the cottage I was staying in. 

Although the storyline is one of cliché, I still enjoyed it immensely. The character of Emma is incredibly likeable and reminded me of myself a great deal. It's scary at how much, I just hope I don't have the shitty jobs she seems to end up in, although, I feel that is an inevitable part of my upcoming future. She was fresh and witty, with strong emotions and a definable personality. She has an identity crisis, almost, at the end of the book, which shows how life changes you. Dexter was infuriating at times and sometimes a boring cliché, it was a little predictable the paths he would take. Dexter probably typifies the male lead in this genre of romance or chick lit, but because I've not read much of this genre he's predictable but not something I have encountered often. I can see why avid romance readers are a bit bored of the Dexters in romantic fiction. 

The writing was colloquial and perfect. It wasn't overly pretentious or stupidly simple, it had the right balance that related well to its protagonists. The main issue I had with the book, inevitably, was its premise. It is 'one day' of this couple's life, the same day, year after year. And like normal people, not every day is interesting, it becomes tedious and sometimes infuriating that we did not get to witness the immediate impact of the events. The chapters that stood out came at the beginning and the end of the novel. The book is split into five parts and the last part was brilliant, if not a bit too sentimental. 

Overall, a fun read for someone uneducated in the genre. 4.5 stars. 

FAHRENHEIT 451 | Book Review

Title: Fahrenheit 451
Author: Ray Bradbury
Genre: Dystopian / Sci-fi
Published by: Harper Collins
Originally Published: 1953
Page Count: 211


Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down these dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.

(Source: Goodreads)

I've wanted to read this book for a long time. Mesmerised by its beautiful cover and interesting premise it's been a book I've wanted to own since I heard about it. 

The characters in this book are fascinating, while I would argue there is too much detachment from the characters, they still upheld my interest. Montag is a fascinating protagonist, he questions things, his constant paranoia, and his relationships with other characters were interesting. His wife, Mildred, epitomised the typical person that this dystopian world was trying to create, someone who didn't ask questions, someone who absorbed themselves in the world around them. While, the station's chief was also brilliantly written, there was an element of unhingedness that kept me reading. 

The writing was beautiful, it'd be kind of insulting to call it prose due to its poetic nature. It felt rather bizarre to read such a beautiful book in which the characters were actively trying to destroy such a medium of expression. Sometimes I felt the novel didn't quite attain the balance of speech and thought/description, it seemed rather long-winded in its attempts to describe a situation, but juxtaposed to this it also had scenes that were abrupt, which I believe were completely the author's intent, though it still threw me a little bit. 

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience reading this. It didn't live completely up to expectations, but what does? A modern classic that has given me the drive to finally attempt George Orwell's 1984. ★★★★☆

WONDER | Book Review

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Genre:YA / Middle-Grade 
Published by: Random House
Originally Published: 2012
Page Count: 310

"WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?" (taken from goodreads)

I picked this book up at my local library due to recommendation of a friend and the ever-growing booktube community that have garnered much praise around it. I started hesitantly but grew to become fairly fond of this book.

The characters in this book are incredibly well-thought out, it's nice to read a perspective from someone younger than who I normally read about. But the book does not just have August's perspective, but many people who interact with him throughout his first year at middle school. His sister Via probably has the most thought-provoking narrative and perspective, she offers another view to August's story, one that is in itself rather sad at first, but also rather wonderful. It was a great idea on the author's part to divide perspectives to gain a real sense of the world 'Auggie' is living in. I wish we had a perspective perhaps from one of those people who had taunted August, but this was not to be. 

The writing of this book is very simple, but that is to be expected, in part due to its younger characters, but also its audience. I would probably recommend this for a younger audience, those in middle school themselves, not necessarily for me. But that does not mean I did not appreciate this book. 

I won't say too much because not only has a lot been said already by many reviewers alike, but this book is such an easy read that I think you should make up your own mind as always. 

Definitely worth a read; it has its touching moments and heart in abundance. ★★★★☆.

Review: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan.

Title: Boy Meets Boy

Author: David Levithan

Genre:YA / LGBT / Romance

Published by: Alfred Knopf 

Originally Published: 2003

Page Count: 185

"I was the first openly gay president of my third-grade class. I have seen men holding hands walking down the street in a big city and I have read about women getting married in a state that's not so far away. I have found a boy I might just love, and I have not run away. I believe that I can be anyone I might want to be. All these things give me strength." 

Boy Meets Boy follows the protagonist, Paul, an openly gay sophomore in high school. At the beginning of the book the captivating Noah tumbles into his life, and the pair are soon romantically linked as they both develop feelings for each other.  The town they live in is a paradise, an idyllic refuge for gay, bisexual, transgender, and frankly, every type of person. The book epitomises "YA romance" but has a whole cast of characters who are growing in character in each and every page.

The setting of this town is completely science-fiction, yet somehow believable. Every one in Paul's town seems wonderfully accepting and beautiful, they all embrace difference, and there's no one who epitomises difference than the homecoming queen and star quarter back Infinite Marlene (formally known as Daryl).

What I adore about this book is its collection of characters. You obviously have Paul at the centre of the story, he is the root that stems to each connecting character. Paul is likeable and relatable, he's your typical teenager. Noah is interesting and loveable. But besides these characters you have Tony (who I personally adored), he lives in the town next to Paul and lives in a religious household, where his parents try to ignore his homosexuality. His friendship with Paul is completely platonic and utterly perfect, the pair do not judge each other and are always there for each other.
You also have Joni, Paul's former best friend, isolating herself from her friends due to her boyfriend, Chuck. (We've all known a Joni, haven't we?)
You have Kyle, Paul's former ex who is now straight and claims Paul 'tricked' him. And you have Paul's parents, Tony's parents, Paul's brother Jay and Noah's sister Claudia.
Throughout the 185 pages you get a glimpse of people you have known in real life, fictionalised in Levithan's work but so beautifully. It's so sad that we don't see more of some characters. I personally would love to know more about Tony and Claudia.

There's not much I can say about this book, it follows and confines to certain tropes such as boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy tries to win girl back. But no, we have two males at the centre and its refreshing and original. It's a juxtaposition of the norm, yet it is completely the same. With Paul's town being so accepting, the novel portrays a gay relationship as similar and as typical as any other, and that's what I like about this book. I believe it is a few years before its time. It perfectly depicts what teenagers go through and it has nice references to popular culture and certain issues, such as the US's boy scouts issue, in which gay boys had been excluded from the scouts (something which has now changed). It refers to Paul's town having 'Joy Scouts', which I think is just wonderful.

The novel is a very character-driven book, like I said, and it has become one of my favourites, which I feel is a necessity for all gay teenagers. If I had read this at fifteen, I would have treasured it so much. Sadly, 15-year-old me was not much one for books, nor one to be suggested this kind of book by the people I surrounded myself with.

A quirky little book with a lovely ending. 4 out of 5 stars.