See? Even using old names, yet I see the comments so WHO KNOWS?! ðŸ˜
Val, what a lovely and thoughtful review! I think it's definitely an important book for sure, and I love that you were able to relate to some parts, and discuss parts that may have not been as believable for you. Also, DYING at the "Valerie with the yeast infection" bit, that is too funny 😂
Holy crap. 219 purchased books?! I'm dying, wowww. I'm trying to figure out how many I bought. I was actually really good this year so I know it's not a lot. I had several months where I bought nothing. But I think your tips and ideas are spot on. Now the real question is... Have you bought any yet this year? 🤔
I am going to go calculate how many I bought last year now. 33. I bought 33 books in 2017. So, since I have really used most of your tips, I'm going to go ahead and declare that they work.
Well the poster is awful. Boring! And it's kind of just like "hey look, we have this model in the movie!", but um, it isn't that kind of movie (at least, I hope not!). As for Nat, I am fine with him, he works as Q for me. But Cara... I do not like her. Every time I see her, I get stabby. I don't really know WHY, since I don't know her or anything, but she really irritates me. I am hoping I can get over it for the movie, because I am so excited for it. But we need a new poster, please and thank you!
******SPOILERS if you haven't read the book, move along! *************
Well okay, here's the thing about it: it isn't saying that it is good to not take your meds, the voices in Caden's head are telling him not to take it, and possibly even other patients. The thing with schizophrenia is, the meds they give you to control it are HARSH. They mess with you so much, and it almost feels like you're in a fog, like some kind of zombie (I will be posting a TON about this book soon, so you can read a lot of it there) so the patients often try not to take it (like Hal did) because they hate the side effects so much, or in some cases, feel "better" so they don't need to take them. It is a lifelong struggle (as witnessed by the older man from NYC, if you recall) and Caden was choosing to take the drugs THIS day, though he never knew what the next day had in store, but he remembered what happened when he cheeked them the first time. Basically, the message WAS the struggle- there's no "cure", but there is treatment, there is hope.
Yikes. This sounds pretty awful. It actually reminds me a lot of this book I read, ages ago, that sounds pretty similar: It was a mystery that sounded amazing in theory, but was a huge mess of an execution. The characters were vile, the plot didn't end up making any sense and it was just an all around mess. Such a shame. Hope your next book works out better!
YES. To all of this! I thought I had guessed, but I had guessed like, this one twistlet in the BIG bunch of twists that I never saw coming. So yeah. This was very well done. I agree, it sounded like a guy would, and I am wary of that too usually. But no need for worrying, this hit it out of the park for sure! And I couldn't put it down, I HAD to know! Great review, I agree wholeheartedly!
Ohhh yes! Very good choices (at least, out of the ones I have read!), I'll Meet You There and The Secrets We Keep were both AMAZING! I read them both in 2014, so I guess they don't technically count for me, but still, VERY amazing books. All the Bright Places would make my 2015 list for sure though! And None of the Above is up for me to read very soon, so it is good to see it make the cut :) Wonderful lists, I absolutely agree with your choices!
I am really excited to read this one! I am pretty shy too, and basically just anxious in general, and a quick fix sounds ideal, of course. But I love that this book kind of uses fiction to explain why that isn't a great idea. And I am fine with characters who are flawed, even unlikable at times, so I think I will enjoy this one. I am glad you did, great review :)
Oh wow, this sounds intense! It's funny, because I was JUST sounding like the old lady who says "look at all these awful stories on the news these days!" yesterday, so for that to be one of Simon's reasons for writing it definitely resonates! I am squeamish in real life, but I think I might be able to handle it in a book. Or maybe not, but I would be willing to give it a try! Great review and great guest post!
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