Before I Let Go
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fiction, romance
I’m sure I’ll receive a lot of bashing for the rating but at least let me explain. The three star ratig is for the impeccable wriing style, the ease with which the story flowed plus the heavy theme, mental health, covered in this book. You could definitely relate to the characters. I felt all the emotions from the characters’ pain and anguish to their excitement. I kept wishing the book was written in only the guy’s POV so that we wouldn’t have to watch Yasmen grow up from the girl full of life in the prologue. But then, if that happened, we wouldn’t have sympathised with her and understood the decisions she made and for that, the author deserves an applaud. Now, to why the three is not a five – the plot didn’t really stir anything. I felt like it wasn’t anything new especially with all the raving reviews it’s been given. My first thought as I kept turning the pages was ”Oh, this is it?”. Also, the really sappy parts was a buzzkill for me. I tend to gravitate towards books with romance as the weakest theme. But all in all, it is definitely an interesting read. I loved that the author didn’t shy away from topics such as depression and suicide, things that need to be addressed.
This Could Be Us
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fiction, romance, crime
From the moment I read the first sentence, I was itching to write a review. All I kept thinking throughout the first chapter was, this is definitely more interesting than it’s prequel. Which was shocking because I generally never see the need for prequels or spin-offs. I feel they take away from the original book since you will read it with a preconceived notion. Anyway, I digress. This Could be Us was everything and more, especially the first part. The plot was captivating, definitely did not zoom in on the romance. Various sensitive issues such as autism were addressed which gave a little insight on clueless people such as me. The second part was also interesting especially for avid romance readers. The romance was beautifully developed and each character was sufficiently represented. All in all, This Could Be Us is a great read for anyone looking for something light with character!
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fiction, romance, highschool
I loved this book. From the writing style to the plot. One might wonder, didn’t I say I hate romance? Well, yes. Hate is a strong word but I’m not the hugest fan of it. And yet I loved a book whose one of its main theme was romance. I was craving something light but not sappy. A book whose romance was beautifully crafted and developed. And this was it. The rating is a 4 star and not a 5 star purely because at some point the storyline is childish. Not enough to take away from the book though. Also, it’s definitely not a blind buy. Definitely do your due research before getting it as it is not for everyone.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fiction
This book left me feeling sad. Really sad. But also in awe. Of Evelyn. How she loved fiercely and fearlessly. How she didn’t regret the choices she made and yet still felt remorse for their implications. And just for a second, a millisecond, I wished I had her strength. Evelyn’s character makes you yearning for more. The author’s writing style also doesn’t go unnoticed. She gels the two stories beautifully, both Monique’s and Evelyn’s. The plot twist is just the icing on the cake. This is definitely a read I would classify as complex. Not a read you simply pick up on a whim. But it is definitely a must read!