Beautiful, Heartbreaking, and very well written
587650
This is such a beautiful story and so heartwarming. The emotion and feeling was perfect and so well written.  I loved the story line and both characters.  They were real and this story showed that life after death is possible and so is another chance at love. It was beautifully written and even made me cry at times.
2181409
This was one of the most magically beautiful books I have read this year or possibly ever. The words were lyrical and in some parts it utterly destroyed me. Its one of those stories where you feel so many emotions that its just so difficult to fully explain. I felt like a tornado, all twisted up inside. At times I was reading with a huge smile and others crying quietly to myself. When the Moon Was Ours was definitely a rollercoaster ride, but one I would gladly take again.

It would so easy to just summarize the story as being about four beautiful and manipulative white girls who will stop at nothing to steal something from the quiet odd girl. Sure, thats kind of where the plot takes the reader, but this story is about so much more! Its about secrets, those kind that you try to hide even from yourself, self discovery and acceptance.

Miel struggles with who she is and remembering her life before she was found in the aftermath of a flood. Multicoloured roses grow from her wrist, but she isn't sure how she feels about it. Sam, her best friend, isn't sure who he is. He struggles with his body and his place in the world. What he does know is that he loves Miel more than anything else in the world. Miel and Sam  Honey and Moon as they were often referred to  were just so beautiful. I wanted to hug them so many times!

Where this book shines is in its handling of gender issues. I have never read a book where the topic is written with such skill and brutal honesty. Yes, I have read books in the past that discuss transgender characters, but it felt like thats all the character was. Here, the characters aren't forced into one box. All facets of their personality and lives are explored.

I highly recommend reading the Authors Note at the end of the story. Like the book, its highly emotional and carefully crafted. It provided insight into how the book was written and the inspiration behind it. I found it extremely touching.

You really need to read this gorgeous book! I rated it five stars, but could have easily given it more. The writing, the charactersit does something to you. Seriously, my heart is still recovering. Its going to be so difficult to pick up another book after finishing this one.
3535190
Falling into Place is an emotional roller coaster ride of a tale about our main character, Liz Emerson, narrated by a mysterious individual (which I will not spoil here). Liz, as you can read in the synopsis, runs her car off the road. From there we begin to learn all about the people in Lizs life and the circumstances that drove her to make such a decision.

This is a well-written story with more depth than Ive ever ventured into before. Beautiful prose, excellent pacing and an emotion-evoking storyline which makes this journey a page-turner. Now, when I say emotion-evoking, I don't mean simply tears and laughter. Yes, there were parts of the story that were truly heart-breaking, but I also hated so many of Lizs actions. There were times I wanted to push her car off the side of the road myself. Perhaps my feelings behind this are due to having my own children and despising her for being such a bully. Nothing is sugar coated; the story wasn't written with the intention of being black or white. It covers a full spectrum.

I recommend this YA Contemporary novel to anyone that enjoys reading about real down and dirty issues of life. Be warned: This has serious emotional triggers all throughout this book which may not make it suitable for everyone.
2747397
There are so many things I want to say about this book, but all that comes to mind is WOW.  The story was perfectly crafted and set up so that, by the end, I was holding my breath for every character in the book.  The author ties everyone together so perfectly that you know them all, inside and out.  Diffenbaugh's writing style is beautiful and straightforward, which made reading very enjoyable.  Being with Victoria as she grew painfully into adulthood and confronted her past was a pleasurably exhausting and emotional journey that left me sobbing at the end.  The way that flowers became a part of the story as much as the people was interesting and very well done.  I loved the way Victoria used flowers to communicate all of the hurt and angry feelings she had about herself, but found a way to use them as a tool for bringing joy and happiness to others.  This book will leave you heartbroken and hopeful at the same time and you will feel a real sense of loss when you finish reading the last page.
2849002
This is the second book in this series though it can be read as a standalone. Dont, I repeat don't do it read the first book No Regrets. This is a follow-up. Yes, you will cry, you will be devastated and you will feel the love that Able and Landon had. You will understand this and so much more. Better even. Now this book is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. I almost did not want to read it. I liked where the previous one was left. I knew going in this book was going to be tough. This one has so many triggers in it. Be aware going in. There is self-harm, depression, and addiction and anxiety issues. Again this book was so close to home. I lost my mother to cancer as a teen. I am getting teary just writing this review. I can say without a doubt, you will feel the despair and out of control nature that Abel is feeling, you will want to grab him and hug him, then smack him and tell him it will get better. It is a very realistic viewpoint

It has been six months since Landon lost his battle with brain cancer. The book opens with Abel in a bad place. Hes flunking out of school and his anxiety is at an all-time high, hes drinking to stop the pain. He is simply trying to cope and none too well. He wants to sleep and get past the nightmares but nothing seems to help. When he makes an unexpected trip across the border, he finds help in an unlikely place.

When Abel meets up with Landons grandmother he inadvertently gets invited by Keiran to a memorial and donation at the hospital. Keiran was an amazing friend. He is trying to pull Abel from all his self-destructive behavior.

I can say in these books that I learned some very valuable lessons: One life is short and you need to live it to the fullest potential, two: love is love and we find it in unlikely places. Three: life goes on and we need to pull ourselves from the despair we find ourselves in and move towards the future no matter how hard or trying. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Last but not least reach out if you need help. It's ok to need someone., you are not alone. All in all this story has a great ending, but I would love to see more because I am greedy when I fall in love with characters. I would also love to see Sorens story. There is so much left to tell even with Able. So hold on to seat and bring your tissues and be ready for a heartbreaking love story and joy. The first book left me with a book hangover and a very long and lasting impression, this one did as well and did not disappoint. I highly recommend this read.
4057888
"Banquet of Consequences" - a beautifully written and (in parts) a very heartbreaking story.  The characters are vivid and genuine; their experiences in surviving the depression, and living in a time of great social change, made for a rich and absorbing story.

From the historical fiction point of view, the books covers the tough life common to many in the depression era, and captures the idealism and dreams that led some to volunteer to fight the fascists in the Spanish Civil war.  As a story, the books captures the dramatic highs and lows of several very endearing characters and some not-so-endearing ones; it also captures the nearly endless search for love and happiness.

In a word - excellent.
3779681
This is the most well written book I've read in a very long time. I'm talking about the whole shebang: intricately woven story with perfect word choices that will make you question your preconceptions about love and racial stereotypes. Kennedy Ryan is so much more than a writer. She is a poet, who crafts thought-provoking art, and packages it perfectly with intelligence, wit, and compassion.

There were times during the story when I questioned whether Bristol deserved Grip, but as the story progressed, and she showed her true love for Grip, her character, her resilience, and she won me over.

I'm at a loss to adequately describe my anguish about the tragedy that Officer Greg and Grip's family endure (can't describe...don't want to spoil), the humiliation that Grip endures while sitting on that curb, and how none of these characters let their traumatic experiences make them bitter, or cripple their commitment to romantic and familial love.

I finished reading this story nearly a week ago, but the beauty of the writing is still running around in my head and heart, and that's exactly where I want it to stay.
1654094
Where can I even start reviewing this book. It was such a fascinating and incredible story; I don't know where to start.

Let me talk about the amazingness of this story.

First, I just have to say that the writing was marvelous. Jonathan has such a great way of giving a message, he knows how to choose his words; it's downright poetic. The best part is how, even when he has such a beautiful style of writing, it doesn't interfere with dialogue. Every character has their own way of speaking and it's never lost. I loved how the way every character spoke gave them a unique personality; you could feel how these characters were. I'm not sure how to explain it; it just felt like these people were way too real. (Which is actually amazing.)

The characters were simply marvelous. As you read, you can tell how each and every one of them was so carefully crafted; everything was measured and well thought. I'm pretty sure that if you gave Jonathan a completely random scenario he would be able to tell you what each character would be doing and it would fit perfectly with their personalities. As you read, you can feel as if these characters were real. (Or at least I felt it.)

The plot was so incredibly sad but so lovely at the same time. It's amazing how the story manages to get good things put of bad situations. Because, let's face it, being lonely for 100 years and then [*spoiler alert*] falling in love with a boy you can't even touch is a pretty sad thing; but yet, the way everything happens makes you feel like everything is about the little things that make one happy, it cherishes the positive things in the worst case scenarios. And that, to me, is a great lesson (that maybe wasn't intentional, maybe it was, who knows, I just know I really appreciated it).

Those plot twists though! I really wasn't expecting some things that happened and that just made the story all the better. Last night I said "just one more chapter, Alex" but then PLOT TWIST and I couldn't put the book down until I reached the epilogue and then I honestly passed out because I was exhausted and it was like 3am.

Long story short: Go buy and read this book as soon as you can because it's definitely worth it. You're going to laugh, cry, be in pain, get angry as hell, laugh some more; all of the above and more. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride, you won't regret it.
4403012
Just finished reading this amazing book.  I loved it, as it told a beautiful, but sad story of a young girl determined to keep her family together, even through hard and often cruel days of labor.  This book  was written extremely well and had so much emotion and passion (of all kinds) on each page.  So worth the read.  I definitely give it 5 stars....
833643
Other Breakable Things absolutely wrecked me- its a beautiful and heartwrenching story about Evelyn and Luc. The book begins when Evelyn returns to town after leaving Arizona, where she and her mother lived with her mothers boyfriend. Her best friend, Luc, has not been great about staying in touch, but Evelyn is eager to see if they are/can still be friends. Luc is suffering after his heart transplant years ago- it seems his body is rejecting the heart. He feels that it would be easier on Evelyn if they weren't friends to save her the heartbreak when he dies.

Everything changes when Evelyn finds out her mother wants to go back to her boyfriend in Arizona. Evelyn feels like she finally got away, and since her mother always treats her like the second choice, Evelyn is not sure if her mother will believe her about what her boyfriend has been doing to Evelyn. Unsure of what else to do, she runs to Luc for comfort. Luc invites her on a roadtrip to Oregon that he had been considering- Oregon allows euthanasia. Luc is keeping his heart condition from Evelyn, though she knows that something is going on. Evelyn is a lover of origami and suggests that he fold a thousand paper cranes.

Their trip takes many unexpected and lovely turns as they both learn more about the other and what it means to be alive. This book was absolutely beautiful and I loved it. Both Evelyn and Luc were so real and incredibly well crafted. The alternating viewpoints between the two was a perfect way to tell this story of young love and life. I absolutely could not put it down and loved every second of this book- its such a poignant and beautiful story. Im not sure I can write how amazing this book is, but I highly recommend it.

There are some really big themes here- sexual assault, euthanasia/suicide, running away, etc.- and as a warning, it will absolutely make you feel some big emotions- heartbreak, sadness, happiness/joy. However, its really a fantastically well-crafted story and I wouldnt change a word of it. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
2060274
I'm a huge memoir reader  about 50% of the books on my shelves fall under that genre. There's something beautiful about diving into the mind of another human being. When I say that  Chancers is one of the best books I've read in a while I don't say it lightly I sat down and read the whole thing in a weekend. The writing is beautifully vibrant, and the book is incredibly well paced. Perhaps most important, Chancers draws attention to the difficult topics of addiction, prison, and immigration while giving it a heartbreakingly human lens through which we are invited to look. Susan and Graham's story is raw and incredibly personal if you are at all interested in memoirs or the topics discussed I would highly recommend it.
4810856
I wasn't too sure about this book since I never got into the Lunar series (read three of the books and just wasn't sold.) However, I was totally blown away by Heartless. It usually takes me a few chapters to get hooked, but the unique, detailed writing instantly enthralled me. It was lovely and heartbreaking and beautiful. I stayed up all night trying to finish reading it because I needed to know all of Catherine's story - there was never a good place to put the book down! I enjoyed Heartless for the style of writing as much as the story itself. Five stars.
4432643
Absolutely heartbreaking and gut wrenching. This book was beautifully written, no doubt about that. The author portrays these amazing characters and a situation so unusual and believable that the reader becomes invested in their well being. The forbidden/taboo aspect aside, I was wrecked over the lives of these 5 siblings and the unfair burden weighing on both Lochan and Maya's shoulders, but especially Lochan, because he's such a sensitive and tormented soul inside. He would do anything and everything for his family. I can see how Lochan and Maya found both comfort and reprieve in one another, they were each other's rock in a screwed up scenario of neglect. They are teenagers, yet they function like adults out of necessity and nothing is more important to them than family. I admired their perseverance and devotion, how they took their responsibilities so seriously. I just couldn't buy into the actual relationship beyond siblings, but that didn't stop me from wanting to see them happy or to delve into the more philosophical questions about love and boundaries. And that ending, I knew there was no way it could end well and...it doesn't.
1742933
I'm going to do what Zach doesn't do for the first half of this book; I'm going to be honest. I gave the book 5 stars for the story, not for the writing. It felt a bit forced, and the prose didn't "flow". It was slow to start, but once the plot unfolds the book takes off. I had to put the book down a few times because I was in tears, it's heartbreaking, but it's a beautiful story. Walking besides Zach while he sobers himself up and deals with his "monsters" is difficult. There are parts in the book that are raw and deeply emotional, and that will haunt me for a lifetime. The ending was amazing, and I was a bit sad to put it down. Amazing story, heartbreakingly beautiful. The only two words I can think of to describe this book.
2984889
You can tell by the synopsis of One Day Soon, that this book wasn't going to be a light read. And it wasn't. Everything about One Day Soon is hard, dark and difficult. The story of Imogene and Yoss is heartbreaking.

The story is wonderfully written. Beautiful even. These two people meet during the lowest points in their lives and they fall in love. Falling in love is magical and wonderful but there were so many limitations to Yoss and Imi's love it was painful to read about. This story is a story about a second chance at love, but what happens if that second chance doesn't have a happy ending either? What if it does?

I loved both Imi and Yoss as characters. They were well developed with the right about of positive and negative qualities and growth. Chapters alternated between present day and fifteen years in the past. Because of this the pacing was a tad slow at times. However, the plot was very unique and is probably quite common.

I couldn't put this book down once I hit the 40% mark. It was a stay up until 2 a.m. to finish it kind of book. The only reason, I can't give this book a another star is because it literately broke my heart into a thousand pieces the entire length of the book. This last star is my happiness star...and I just can't give it up to this book.

To read more reviews like this one, check out my site, [...]
4532020
Such a powerful story. Excellent writing, well developed and detailed characters, a great storyline. I loved getting to know Evie and Landon through part one. Can't help but fall in love with them both. Loved how Evie was just so sure this boy was going to be an important part of her life from the very start. The intensity of Landon's love and how he so simply accepts that they will come back together was very moving. Ella James did a fabulous job of achieving a nice balance between parts one and two, not too long or too short on either side of the story, which is rare for a book done in this manner.

My heart got ripped up pretty good through part two. A very emotional ride from there to the end of the book. Even after the HEA, I'm still left feeling damaged. One of those books that sticks with you because the story and characters have touched you deeply.
1418734
While this was a very painful book to listen to/read, it was well worth it by the time the end came near. It is a very profoundly sad at times, and horrifying as well. It is indeed haunting, heartbreaking and compelling. Hosseini is able to take his reader right into the story, and it feels as though one is right there with the characters experiencing it alongside of them. Although this was set in Afghanistan with all the horrors of being a woman there, I believe there is a universality to some of the themes within the story: domestic violence, abuse, helplessness, etc. Hosseini's books have opened up a new culture and experience for me and caused me to have a deep appreciation for Afghani women and their suffering. Even though this is a painful story, there is much beauty within its pages.