Autor: Kath

Book Review : Every You, Every Me by David Levithan

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Editon : eBook (204 pages)
Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers (2011)
Genre : Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction
Check this book on Goodreads

In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him… messing with him… threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he’s been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan’s starting to believe it’s Ariel that’s behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself.

 My Thoughts

I keep reading because I’m eager to know what will happen in the end and I tried to finish it in one sitting but I wasn’t able to. So I spent another day to find out where the story will take me.

Evan, who suffers  is on his way home from school when he found an envelope on the ground that has a photo inside. He started getting more photographs where some of which he is in and most are of his best friend Ariel. He starts to think that it’s Ariel who’s doing it in order to punish him. He then asked Jack, who is also their friend, for help. As they unravel the mystery behind the photographs, Evan discovers himself more deeper.

What i love about David Levithan’s way of writing is his talent to create an uniquely incredible concepts and interesting characters that can bring out all the the reader’s emotions. I like his writing style, especially in this novel where some lines are crossed out using strikethroughs when Evan is talking to Ariel in his head or when he’s talking to himself. I can somehow relate because I also do like that in some of my blog posts.

Evan is struggling with the loss of his best friend Ariel and he feels that he’s responsible for it. He is more than depressed and hopeless without her. We didn’t get to know more about Ariel and what exactly happened to her except she’s not with them anymore.

This novel is told with words and photos which made the story more intriguing and msyterious. I’ve read in the acknowledgements that Jonathan Farmer provided the photos randomly to David Levithan who continued on writing about it. Neither of the two know what the other was doing. This novel shows how brilliant their collaboration is.

This is one of my favorites from this author though I didn’t give a five-star rating. I felt that maybe the story could be a little longer or maybe a good twist can be added on it. But all in all, this novel is haunting and it gave me goosebumps while reading. Not to mention the photos are somehow creepy. I would still recommend this book.

“You know one me. Just like I know one you. But you can’t know every me. And I can’t know every you.”

My Rating
4stars

Book Heaven : Stuttgart City Library, Germany

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tumblr_n5ouffLE6b1qcodz3o1_1280tumblr_n5ouffLE6b1qcodz3o4_1280tumblr_n5ouffLE6b1qcodz3o6_1280 tumblr_n5ouffLE6b1qcodz3o3_1280 tumblr_n5ouffLE6b1qcodz3o8_1280Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart | May 16 , 2014

After our successful presentation in Elisabeth Selbert Schule (Karlsruhe), we decided to visit the Stuttgart Stadtbibliothek (City Library) since it’s just 40-50 minutes from Karlsruhe and it’s still early to go home even though we have to drive 5 hours back to Hannover. We arrived in the library around 2pm and took our time exploring the place. We even climbed up to the library’s roof deck where people can also read under the sun. The view was so cool. I badly want to borrow a book but the problem is i’ll have a hard time returning it. I even asked B if i can steal a book. Haha! The facilities (computers, comfy couch) are cool and they even have a cafeteria inside. If i’m living in Stuttgart, you can definitely find me here everyday. Heaven on earth!

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Book Review : Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

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Series : Divergent #3
Editon : Paperback (526 pages)
Publisher : Katherine Tegan Books (2013)
Genre : Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction
Source : Amazon.de
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„Can I be forgiven for all I’ve done to get here?
I want to be.
I can.
I believe it.“

My Thoughts

I was able to avoid reading reviews and even talking about this book with my fellow bookworms that’s why I had no idea on how the story would end.

In this third and final book of Veronica Roth’s Divergent series, a secret alliance was formed against Evelyn’s system and Tris, Tobias and the others were chosen to go outside the city to find out what is hidden beyond the fence.

It was narrated through Tris and Tobias‘ points of views which for me was confusing most of the time and i had to flip back some pages to check whose POV I was reading. Maybe because I got used to Tris‘ as the only narrator or they somehow sound similar. The good thing is we know what’s going on with Tobias‘ head and how he feels about everything. The relationship between the two is tested and of course there are also some sweet and „intense“ moments between them.

What is the symbol on the cover means? I thought it has something to do with Erudites but it’s not. It doesn’t have anything to do with the factions. (This is not a spoiler, right?) It’s really advisable to read the first two books before reading this one. Here, readers will encounter (again) some new characters and some new problems or circumstances in and outside the city. I personally didn’t expect that something like that was going on beyond the fence.

I really don’t know how i feel about the ending. I’m not really disappointed (unlike the majority of people who read this book) instead, I was dreadful (after reading chapter 50) that it made me cry while reading until the last chapter. I feel so sad until now while typing this. It’s not a perfect happy ending but I think it’s inevitable and it makes me admire Tris, Tobias and Peter (yes! You’ve read it right!) more.

I know some people who don’t want to read Allegiant anymore because they were spoiled about the ending and didn’t like it. All i can say is give it a chance. If you’ve read the first two then why not read the last book, right? It can answer your questions and help you understand why that certain thing happens.

I enjoyed reading this series and I’m looking forward to read more of Ms. Roth’s books.

My Rating
5stars

Book Review : Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Kath1 Comment

Processed with VSCOcam with hb2 presetSeries : Divergent #2
Editon : Paperback, Intenational First Edition (525 pages)
Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books (2012)
Genre : Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction
Source : Bought from Thalia Buchhandlung
Check this book on Goodreads

My Thoughts

B noticed that I was so excited to read Insurgent after I finished reading Divergent (Here’s my review), so he bought it for me. #SpoiledFiancee

This is the second book of Divergent trilogy by Veroncia Roth and it’s advisable to read the first book before reading this one and this review.

Insurgent begins directly after where Divergent ended and it was cool because I don’t have to remind myself again or reread the first book. (My memory sometimes let me down.) In this book, we get to learn more about the other factions including the Factionless.

Here, Tris is broken and deeply traumatized with her parents death and at the same time, guilty of Will’s death. She became too risky and vulnerable which made her do some terrible decisions. Meanwhile, Four gets over protective most of the time to Tris which is understandable because he really cares for her. This book don’t have a lot of Tris-Four moments and I know that romance is not really the main focus of this novel so it’s okay. No love triangle (which is common to this kind of novel, i think) so far but they argue most of the time.

I have problems remembering names and this book has a lot of new minor and major characters. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad but it’s just too much for me. Your opinion about the characters can also change through the story like with me, I started to like Peter and hate Caleb.

I can say that i like Divergent more than this but don’t get me wrong. Insurgent is more action packed and contains more surprises, twists and a cliffhanger ending.

My Rating
3stars.5

Book Review : Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Kath3 Comments

Processed with VSCOcam with a6 preset Editon : Mass Market Paperback (566 pages)
Publisher : Crown (2012)
Genre : Fiction, Mystery
Source : Bought from Thalia Buchhandlung
Check this book on Goodreads

My Thoughts

I’ll be honest. It’s quite hard to make a review of this book without giving out spoilers because of the exciting plot and twists so i’ll make it short and simple.

Amy Elliot and Nick Dunne fall in love with each other and eventually, they get married. After losing their job in New York because of recession, they transfer to Nick’s hometown in Missourri. To support them, Nick borrowed Amy’s money to buy a bar that he’s managing together with his twin sister, Go. On their 5th anniversary, Amy goes missing leaving Nick as the primary suspect of her disappearance. He claims he is innocent but all the evidences are clearly pointing at him. The book is told from Amy’s diary and Nick’s narration after the disappearance.

Though a bit slow at the beginning, Gone Girl is incredibly well-writen and the characters voices are convincing. I feel like watching the movie, seeing and hearing Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike saying the words while I’m reading. Though I think Neil Patrick Harris (Dessi Collings) fits the role of Tanner Bolt. I’m saying this because of Bolt’s character and attire (especially the tie). This book made me feel like hugging/punching the characters (Nick and Amy to be exact) at the same time. It’s confusing (in a good way) and I didn’t know what to believe anymore. While I’m still under the state of confusion, another revelations appeared which made me more curious and excited. I honestly don’t know what to feel about the ending. Somehow I’m disappointed because that’s not how I want it to end and at the same time, I’m also thinking that it’s the perfect ending for them.

Because every morning you have to wake up and be you.

This is my first time to read Ms. Flynn’s book and I’ve heard that her other works are also amazing so I think I’ll enjoy reading them. She’s a very talented writer and I like how she played my emotions. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a superb mystery/suspense novel.

My Rating
4stars

Book Heaven : Hannover City Library, Germany

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I’ve decided to visit the Stadtbibliothek (City Library) because I’ve never been there ever since I transferred here in Hannover. I was hesitant at first to enter the building because I was shy and quite scared (Yeah! I’m always like that when I enter a building for the first time). So, after some few seconds, I’m inside browsing the shelves.

English books are located on the 1st floor (1.Etage) of the building. Most of them are classic books and they really don’t have a lot of other genres but it’s okay because I love the place.

I explored the floors and found my new favorite spot on the 3rd floor i think or 4th floor? I’m not sure. My new spot is near the windows.

I found this awesome Graphic Novel of Game of Thrones. I cannot bring it home because I still don’t have my library card, so I finished reading it there. It was totally stunning. I continued reading my book which I brought.

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I left the library around 6:30pm and took the tram to Fiederlerplatz. I dropped by to the second nearest public bookshelf from our aparment and left some of my german books for others can also enjoy them.

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It was an awesome day!

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Book Review: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

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Editon : Kindle (368 pages)
Publisher : January 2011
Genre : Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Source : Amazon
Date Read : January 2013
Check this book on Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Min Green writes a letter to Ed Slaterton in which she breaks up with him, documenting their relationship and how items in the accompanying box, from bottle caps to a cookbook, foretell the end. (via Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The title says clearly what the book is all about. The reasons why Min broke up with Ed was written (as a letter) together with the items (which are also related to both of them of course) inside the box. Min drop it in front of Ed’s house.

This book (paperback) was on my wishlist last Christmas but unfortunately it’s not available. Well, I still got the other books so it’s okay. I admit that at first I got a bit bored specially when Min talks about the movies that she likes. I love watching movies but not those kinds. I also (somehow) don’t have any idea or clue on how they will break up then I’ve realized at the end that it’s very obvious. I’m so lame. Haha.

The plot is still interesting although sometimes it’s a bit slow. I’m always excited to see the next picture (every chapter starts with an illustration) so I read a bit fast. I think those were my favorite parts. I love books with pictures.I can say that maybe I cannot really relate myself to the story since my highschool “love-life” is not really colorful and I still have my virginity that time. But I’m still recommending this book.

My Rating

3stars

Find a guy who will buy you books.

Kath3 Comments

Am i the only one who prefer books over flowers? I mean when it comes to gifts on Valentine’s Days, Anniversaries and other occasions or just a normal day. I’ll be honest. I somehow don’t feel like receiving flowers though I appreciate their beauty and smell plus it’s a romantic thing to do, I’d still choose books.

I remember when Bennito (my fiance) gave me a bouquet of red roses on my birthday last year even he knows that it’s not my thing. I admit that it felt so good and romantic but at the end of the day, I still asked him: „Why you gave me flowers?“ Kill me now. Haha!

I consider myself lucky because I’ve found the guy who understands my addiction for books. He gave me a Kindle so it’s easy for me to read the books that i want (english books that are not available here in our place). He go with me to the library and even got me a library card. I also like when he suggests a book and share his thoughts about it.  He don’t want to disturb me when I’m reading. He asks me if i want to look for a new book if we pass by a bookstore even he knows that it will take long. When we start living together, he bought me a bookshelf and helped me build it. He never get tired of buying me books.

I’m so lucky and blessed to have him, not only because of those reasons, but because he loves me and accepted me for who I am including all my flaws. I didn’t write this because he bought me new books which came today. I just feel so happy and I want to thank him. 🙂

I love you Benjamin! ♥

Book Review: The Catastrophic History Of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

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The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Editon : Kindle (400 pages)
Publisher : Penguin (2012)
Genre : Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Source : Amazon Kindle
Check this book on Goodreads

“You can obsess and obsess over how things ended—what you did wrong or could have done differently—but there’s not much of a point. It’s not like it’ll change anything. So really, why worry?” – Brie (chapter 9)

My Thoughts

This is about a girl named Brie who died after her heart got literally broken by her boyfriend, Jacob. To be more precise, she had a heart failure (acute congestive cardiomyopathy in medical world) and died. She ends up in a pizza parlor called “Little Slice of Heaven” where she met a guy in his leather jacket and 80’s style named Patrick. The book will take you to Brie’s afterlife experiences while going through the five stages of grief before she can finally rest in peace.

The author created a realistic and likeable characters in this book. Brie for example, is adorable, strong, sarcastic and selfish (at times). Her love to her family and friends is also undeniable. She made some unfavorable decisions during her journey through the five stages of grief which I think is understandable since well, she’s a teenager and a (dead) human. The good thing is she grew as a person (or spirit) during and after the stages. I like her love for the 80’s music which is very rare for teenagers nowadays. (80’s kid here by the way). Then there’s Patrick, an appealing, sweet and mysterious guy who became Brie’s guide in the afterlife and partner in crime during her “revenge” plan. And mind you, “love at first sight” didn’t happen between the two of them, not even “love triangle”. The revelation of his past is unexpected but it made sense through out the story. My favorite character in this book is actually not a person but an adorable basset hound named Hamloaf. He’s so cute and smart.

The chapter titles are clever and also the way how the story was divided into five parts made me fall in love with this book. The author knows exactly what her reader wants not to mention the unpredictable plot twists. A combination of paranormal, contemporary and fantasy, this book will make you think of what is waiting for us after death. What does it look like and how does it feel like. How painful and heartbreaking it would be seeing your family and friends continuing their lives without you. But thankfully, this book is not only about death, afterlife and goodbyes. It’s also about acceptance and moving on, living and loving the life you have while you still have the chance. Life can be full of lies, betrayals and revelations but how you handle and accept these things can make your life easier and more happier. Life is far too short to be sad and miserable.

This is a great book and I’ll recommend this not only to young readers who’s heart got broken but also to those people who’s having a hard time moving on. This one is a good book for you.

My Rating
5stars