Friday's Finest

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

The thing you don't see while you're still there on Earth is how easy it is to change your mind. When you're in it and you're mixed up with feelings, assumptions, influences, and misconceptions, things seem completely impossible to change. From here, you see that change is as easy as flicking a light switch in your brain.

Justine's Thoughts: Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Before I Die
By Jennifer Downham

Source: Won from Missie at The Unread Reader
Pages:  327
Book Description:

Everyone has to die. We all know it.With only a few months of life left, sixteen-year-old Tessa knows it better than most.She’s made a list, though -- ten things she wants to do before she dies. Number one is sex. Starting tonight.But getting what you want isn’t easy. And getting what you want doesn’t always give you what you need. And sometimes the most unexpected things become important.Uplifting, life-affirming, joyous -- this extraordinary novel celebrates what it is to be alive by confronting what it’s really like to die.

A quote:

Every few years we disappear, Zoey. All our cells are replaced by others. Not a single bit of me is the same as when I was last in this room.

Thoughts:

Expectations: Reading this title gives me an instant rush of emotions as well as several questions about life and death that pop up in my mind. I knew from the beginning that this novel would be extremely heartbreaking, with its serious topics about knowing how much life there is left and finding a way how to spend it. It’s what initially drew me to reading this novel.

About Setting: It takes place in Britain in Tessa’s house. Occasionally there would be moments where procedures are done at the hospital and only a brief description is given. At one point, a painting was focused on at the hospital, explaining its significance at that moment and mentioning it again later in the story. Tessa spends most times in bed due to her sickness that often causes her to feel weak or unwell. The backyard or garden of her house was always my favourite because I have a thing for outdoor settings. It was during those times when the description turned lovely and fresh.

About Characters: The first person point of view made this novel so much easier to feel. It was as if Tessa is a real genuine character who is living, breathing, and sharing her story. I understood her motives, I felt what she felt, I ached for what she ached, and I wanted to live for her. She sets herself to accomplish the things on her list, refusing to let anything get in her way but at the same time is appreciative of the people who are there for her. Her relationships with them couldn’t have been more real as well. I could have cried for her younger brother, mother, and father, who are suffering a lot for her and who deeply aches every single time. The two other characters that stand out are Zoey and Adam, the boy next door. They both develop so much throughout the novel and become very important people in Tessa’s life.

About Plot: The story seems entirely real, with truths exposed without hesitation. The things on Tessa’s list is what every normal girl would want when you ask her what she’d like to have done before she dies. Tessa’s first thing on the list is sex and I was surprised by how sudden it comes up and occurs in the book. With serious aspects and emotional themes, I believe that the major theme is life and to live it to the fullest, which Jenny Downham delivered greatly. The only reason why I gave one star less than a five is that the story didn’t stay with me after a while and I have no idea why since it’s a sincerely moving book. It just didn’t have the kind of effect I was looking for.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y Y
Before I Die is a novel that touches your heart and then plays and tugs on it all throughout. It will make you think about what you have and appreciate your life without taking it for granted.

Justine's Thoughts: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King (Iron Fey #1)
By Julie Kagawa

Source: Won at Burning Impossibly Bright
Pages:  363
Book Description:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny -- one she could never have imagined...
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home.When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.
But she should never have guessed the truth -- that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

A quote:

“Touch her, and I’ll freeze your testicles off and put them in a jar. Understand?”

Thoughts:

Expectations: I was entirely aware of the excited hype around the blogosphere, whether it was on Twitter, Goodreads, or other blogs. Everything that was said was always positive, which of course made me super eager to start this series. So from the very beginning, I knew in my mind that I would end up loving it.

About Setting: Whoa. Crazy good, it’s almost impossible to describe in my simple words. *deep breath* The highlighted setting is Nevernever. Nevernever is the land of fey. It’s colourful and wonderful and all the pretty adjectives. There are courts within Nevernever and their surroundings depend on what type of court it is. For example, in The Summer Court, trees, vines, and fountains are found everywhere. It’s so beautiful and magnificent and I love how Julie Kagawa describes it all. She has created a universe so satisfyingly terrifying -- odd, I know -- which I love being in. It’s so perfect!

About Characters: Meghan is one amazing heroine. Her willingness to rescue her brother despite sacrifices and promises show true courage and love. I adore her. The cat that accompanies her on her journey is Grimalkin, and honestly, I adore that cat. He is so mysterious and incredibly funny and can come out of nowhere at any point in time. He’s my favourite. And now the thing about Puck and Ash: I seriously don’t know whose team I’m in yet. I mean, it’s so darn hard!! I love them both in their own way. Puck, for his aliveness, humour, and commitment. Ash, for his dark, brooding nature and that hidden softness in him. I was leaning more towards Ash, but I’m not for sure yet so I’ll see what’s in store for me in the next book.

About Plot: I know zilch about fey -- its myths, its history, and basically everything about it. I’ve never read Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I wish I did so I’d know a bit of the characters that were in it. In the introducing the world of fey, Julie Kagawa was outstanding. One by one, she explains the aspects of the fey (at first through Puck to Meghan). It was hard not to be hooked! During scenes where there’s action, I marvel at the writing. It was so well described. I read word by word and was compelled to keep going.

The plot as a whole is a mix of danger, mystery, humour, and love. It’s exhilarating to be a part of it. It kind of reminds me of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series whereas this one has various types of fey creatures, Mortal Instruments has Shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves and many more. Thinking more about it, it seems like Iron Fey is similar to in Mortal Instruments in a way of thrilling journey, a love triangle that’s just so darn complicated, Jace & Ash!, the world that I mentioned above, and that’s about it I think. I pretty much love it.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y Y Y
As always, I’m excited for the next book in the series. There’s so much that could possibly happen. With a theme of science and technology becoming more common, Julie Kagawa brings up a clever and thoughtful message based on reality. It makes me wonder what will happen in the series as it truly reflects our world, our society.

Justine's Thoughts: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky Is Everywhere
By Jandy Nelson

Source: Won
Pages:  277
Book Description:

Meet Lennie Walker -- sisterless, clarinet player, ustine maker, Heathcliff obsessed and hopelessly in love. . . .
Adrift after her sister Bailey’s sudden death, Lennie finds herself torn between quiet seductive Toby--Bailey’s boyfriend who shares her grief--and Joe, the new boy in town who bursts with life and musical genius. Each offers Lennie something she desperately needs. . .though she knows if the two of them collide her whole world will explode.Join Lennie on this heartbreaking and hilarious journey of profound sorrow and mad love, as she makes epic mistakes and epic discoveries, as she traipses through band rooms and forest bedrooms and ultimately right into your heart.
As much a celebration of love as a poignant portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often uproarious, and absolutely unforgettable.

A quote:

I wish my shadow would get up and walk beside me.

Thoughts:

Expectations: There was wonderful talk about this novel, with bloggers sharing quotes and passages. It was the reason why it moved up my must-own list of books. So my total expectations were very high, but I was so satisfied that in the end, it definitely did not disappoint.

About Setting: I just wish I was in this novel, maybe living beside Lennie’s house or somewhere in this neighbourhood. The forest is nearby and there’s a trail that exists within (where some poems of Lennie are scattered about). The interesting thing is that there’s a bedroom in the middle of a forest! It’s so cool! It’s Lennie’s hiding spot and I’m wishing right now that I have one. But I don’t. The story as a whole takes place in a fictional city in California called Clover. Jandy Nelson talks about it in the end of the novel, naming elements in nature such as “roaring rivers, skscraping redwoods, thick old-growth forests”. It is meant to exist for the Walker family so Lennie can find a way to pull through and to truly find herself.

About Characters: It’s always difficult to relate to a person dealing with grief. With Lennie, I couldn’t understand why she was doing what she was doing. Why is she with Toby and fooling around when her heart belongs to someone else? Why does she think it’s reasonable to do that? I know it must be a way for Lennie to cope, as she herself explains her reasons, but to other characters it doesn’t seem fair or right. I tried putting myself in Lennie’s shoes and I found it so hard to choose between Toby and Joe (though I loved Joe a lot). Toby shares her grief and almost knows what she feels, while Joe is beyond awesome with his musical talent, a smile as bright as the sun, and a personality that brings a spark. The one thing I also picked up on is how Jandy Nelson depicted the love scenes, whether it was with Toby or Joe. It never seemed clichéd or cheesy to me. Maybe at one point when Lennie quoted Wuthering Heights, but that was funny and understanding beyond cheesy.

Other characters like Gram and Big and Sarah are sooo amazing. I seriously wish I know them in real life. Sarah is Lennie’s best friend who wears black, smokes cigarettes, and could maybe possibly be the best cheerleader...or maybe not.  Her personality is so fun, I love it. The characters -- all of them -- are simply the best.

About Plot: Jandy Nelson has an incredible, poetic prose! At first I had to adjust to it, of course like I do with almost every book. But when I was deep within the story, I fell in love with it. I loved the poems that Lennie wrote and the idea of them being scattered all around town is so brilliant. It’s what Jandy Nelson really wanted to include and I’m glad she did! It tied it all together in the end and made for a really good ending. Still, there were few missing pieces I was curious to know. I guess it was left on purpose for us to create our own endings.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y Y Y
Although I adore the cover of the paperback copy, I really really really wish I own the UK version! The poems aren’t in black and white (like the one in my paperback) but they’re in colour and they’re so authentic. I loved The Sky is Everywhere. It focuses on the sorrowful grief and aching love and follows the transformation for hope and renewal for life. It’s one of those books that you would want to read again and again.

---

Word on the street is... Selena Gomez will be playing Lennie in the movie. Wait, what? There's going to be a movie? Yeah, I didn't even know that either. Nor did I know that Selena Gomez will be playing Lennie. Not sure how I feel about that, to be quite honest!

Justine's Thoughts: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped
By Wendelin Van Draanen

Source: Won
Pages:  224
Book Description:

Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.

A quote:

"To by held above the earth and be brushed by the wind," she said, "it's like your heart has been kissed by beauty." 

Thoughts:

Expectations: I didn’t exactly know what I was going into. I just heard there was some good talk about this novel. I had no idea it was going to be about a younger set of people. With a bit of high expectations, I was disappointed that I didn’t love it.

About Setting: The setting is a neighbourly area. Julianna and Bryce have lived across from each other for a long time. It also takes place in the school, where Julianna would sometimes bother Bryce. Those were fun scenes that I enjoyed and perhaps giggled at.

About Characters: Bryce and Julianna are both fun characters. Julianna is a girl with so much energy inside her some people would find annoying, like Bryce. It’s what he thinks of her: a crazy girl who would not stop following him around. Eventually, you get to see within her and really start to see her for who she is while on the other hand, Bryce is focused on fitting in and on appearances. It is easy to love the characters, as well as the minor ones, but Bryce was just a little annoying to me. Nevertheless, all characters were well developed and real.

About Plot: It’s told in alternating chapters, giving a peek of life through Bryce’s and Julianna’s eyes. There are meaningful messages that should be noted, such as appearances, friendship and family matters. The whole plot is charming, funny, and sensitive and the writing was simply good.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y
It’s suggested to view this book in the young-teen level. I enjoyed the novel overall, however, hence the three out of five rating. I just didn’t like it very much, which I am very sad about.

Justine's Thoughts: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5)

By Richelle Mead

Source: Library
Pages:  489
Rating: 4/5

Book Description:  Goodreads

A quote:
Dreams, dreams. I walk them; I live them. I delude myself with them. It's a wonder I can spot reality anymore

Any thoughts (Vague Spoilers Ahead):

This is the second last book? I don’t know what I’d do when the time comes and I’m...finished. I might end up re-reading the entire series. Yes, that seems satisfying.

This book was all kinds of wonderful awesomeness. The only problem I had was getting into the book. Sure, it’s been a long time since I’ve read the last book but usually I’m instantly succumbed to the epicness that is Rose’s narration. I don’t know what it is that took me a while to get into this one. Once that bit is over, though, I was fully immersed! The action and suspense and romance didn’t stop after that. It was all so good!

Rose is in far more trouble than before and I’m so very worried for her. Her future’s on the line and there are even more things she still has to get punished for. I’m glad Adrian is there for her when she needs him. I’m beginning to like him a lot, but when Dimitri comes into parts of the book, the liking shifts to Dimitri. So now, I’m truly torn up between Adrian and Dimitri, although I think I’m leaning more towards Dimitri. It seems to me that Rose and Dimitri are meant to be together. That’s my opinion only, however. It just tears me apart to have them separated and endure the pain. I may have even leaked a tear.

Spirit Bound now perfectly prepared me to enter into the next and last book in the series *cry!*. It will take quite a long time for me to get the next book, but hey, it’ll be worth the wait once I start it! I just don’t want this series to end!