If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Title: If He Had Been With Me

Author: Laura Nowlin

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Date Published: April 2, 2013

Genre: YA fiction, romance, contemporary, realistic fiction

Pages: 336 (paperback)

Age Range: 14+






Summary


A heartrending tale of missed chances and what might have been 

"If he had been with me, everything would be different." For one thing, Finn wouldn't have been in that car, on that road, on that night. As children, Finn and Autumn were inseparable, but an incident in middle school puts them on separate paths going into high school. Yet no matter how distant they become, or who they're dating, Autumn continues to be haunted by the past and what might have been. While their paths continue to cross, and opportunities continue to be missed, little do they know that a terrible car accident looms in the future and might separate them forever.


Review


This book was quirky and jumpy and fun. I really liked how jumpy the story-line was. How one thing would happen in one chapter, and then it could be days, or weeks, or months later when the next chapter begins.

This book was very stereotypical; yet not really at the same time. It fit the book perfectly because of the characters. The characters were fun and different and quirky. Their personalities shined whenever the group was together because they would play off of each other. They were good, close friends that you'd never think would grow apart.

That's why it made me upset that everyone kind of went their separate ways after graduation. I mean, sure it happens, but I didn't want this group of friends to grow apart. Though, Autumn had a good reason not to want to hang out with the whole gang anymore.

Kinda SPOILER-Y

I knew Jamie was going to end it with Autumn at the end of the book, but I think the way he did it was cruel. He didn't have to say those things to her. Why would he tell her that he's tired of caring for her and giving her attention? That's what relationships are and if you can't last with Autumn, you probably won't last with Sasha either, bud.

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS

I also knew that Finny was going to get into some-sort of car accident right after him and Autumn officially got together and die. Who wouldn't see that coming after reading the very first chapter of the book, right?

Well, he does get in a car accident. But he didn't die.

Instead, the author shocks me (ha, pun intended) and electrocutes Finny....

That's right, folks, electrocuted. He gets in a car crash with Sy--who gets shot out the front window-- and when he goes to help her, he doesn't see that she's in a puddle and that there's a wire in the puddle by her head so when he reaches for her....ZAP!

What a mean way to kill off a character, though original and shocking.

I have to admit that I laughed. But then I cried a few tears when Autumn found out that he was dead and tried to kill herself.

NO MORE SPOILERS. YOU'RE SAFE.

Anyway, this was a fun read. I really enjoyed the characters, and it was a nice, quick read. I'd definitely recommend this. (Thank you, Nadia for recommending it to me). Though this book wasn't as sad as if i stay by Gayle Forman, it was still sad and almost as good a read (sorry, if i stay is one of my FAVS lol). Add this book to your summer to-read list! You won't regret it :)

That's right guys, I'm back on reviews!

Books That Made Me Cry...

I don't usually cry while watching movies, or while reading books because I always, somehow, manage to find something to laugh about; I always find a sliver of humor while everyone else around me cries their eyes out. I don't know how I do it, maybe I'm heartless or just have a talent for it. One way or another, I hardly cry for shows, movies, or books.

A good example could be the first time I watched Titanic; (I watched it with my mom). We're watching the last 10-15 minutes of the movie; when Rose is clinging to the headboard while Jack is in the freezing cold water. I'm sitting there, close to tears, when Rose realizes that Jack has frozen to death, but then she says, "I'll never let you go, Jack," before prying his fingers from her hand and lets him sink to the bottom of the ocean....Tears were gone. The very ending kind of choked me up (when Rose and Jack meet again in death) but no tears were shed. My mother on the other hand, was bawling.

Yeah....I just hate to cry so I'm not totally heartless...I don't think. So, anyway, here are 4 books that made me cry.

                                                                      WARNING: SPOILERS!

1.  if i stay by Gayle Forman

I cried twice while reading this book. The first time, was when Teddy died. The second, when Mia's grandfather told her that it was okay for her to let go of life, if she wanted to. This is a book that will take your heart and twist it until you think it might shatter. The book is so realistic it's scary.
 Mia's family gets in a car crash and everyone dies, except her, leaving her to choose to live without her family, or follow them in death.
 When Teddy died, I immediately thought of my brother. What if my family got in a car crash and I was left to make a choice as difficult as Mia? Then, when Mia's in the hospital, Mia's grandfather comes to tell her that he understands if she doesn't want to live. He tells her it's okay to follow the rest of her family if it's truly what she wants in a heart-wrenching scene.
It was so horribly sweet.


2.  The City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare 

 I cried when Simon lost his memories, and a few paragraphs before when Clary started to realize what was happening--that Simon was actually giving up his memories of the Shadowhunter world, including his memories of Clary. As we all know, Simon and Clary became friends since kindergarten and have hardly left each others sides since.
 So when Simon offered up his memories, and his immortality, to Magnus's demon father to save them all and send them home, I was freaking out. I was crying and couldn't sit still. I would read a few sentences, get up and walk around while holding the book with tears running down my face, then read a little further before repeating the process until I finished the book.
 The ending broke my heart because I couldn't imagine my own best friends (I have 3) losing their memories of me. If they lost all recollection of our time together, everything would be lost. I would remember them and our time together, but they wouldn't remember me at all. It would just be too horrible...


3.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

 I could pick this book up right now, flip to the chapter that made me cry, read it again and feel sad all over again. I've read the chapter where Harry pours Snape's memories into the Pensieve so many times that I've lost count. I love the chapter where Harry walks through Snape's memories. It gives us a better understanding to what kind of man Snape was. It gives us an understanding to his life and how he's become the man he is, and how he thinks.
 What really gets me every time is when Snape finds Lily's body. He cries for his loss, the woman that he loved and loves, rocking back and forth with her in his arms.
 Every time I watch this part in the movie, I get goosebumps. 


4. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

 When Jem returns to the London Institute to say good-bye to Will and Tessa, it hurt. It really hurt.
 Jem is my favorite character, probably ever, so when he became a Silent Brother and his personality started to change....it hurt. But not as much as when he came back to say good-bye to the two people he loves.
 We read from Tessa's perspective when Jem comes back to talk to her, feeling her emotions as Jem tells her why he chose to become a Silent Brother, and tells her that he's sorry that now he cannot marry her--that he must break their promise to each other. He also speaks of the loss of the life they could have had together, if he hadn't died so quickly.
 Then, we read from Will's perspective when Jem finds him in the training room. Before Jem leaves, he tells Will that he's always with him, fighting along side him, and that they would always have a connection.  
 "When you walk in the world, I will be the light at your side, the ground steady under your feet, the force that drives the sword in your hand. We are bound, beyond the oath. It merely gave words to something that existed already."

So that's it. Those are the books that made me cry. Click on the titles and it will take you to the reviews of those books <3

I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Title: I Was Here

Author: Gayle Forman

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Date Published: January 27, 2015

Genre: YA fiction, realistic fiction, contemporary, romance

Pages: 288 (hardback)

Age Range: 13+







Summary


Cody and Meg were inseparable...
Until they weren’t.

When her best friend, Meg, drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, and some secrets of his own. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.


Review


I couldn't imagine losing any of my best friends. I have 3 and we're as close as sisters. When I first started reading this book I didn't think much about the summary because Gayle Forman wrote it and I love her raw, realistic writing. Her books grab my heart and twist it to the point I think it might shatter. Her novel if i stay made me cry. Her novels are a work of fiction, but she writes about things that are too real.

I Was Here was definitely heart-twisting.

There were so many things Meg could have done differently. She had so many chances to change her mind, too. She planned her suicide down to the tinniest detail as to leave a $50 tip to the maid who found her body. I really felt bad for Cody. I totally sympathized with her. She hadn't seen Meg's suicide coming, and she hadn't noticed her depression. I would have been equally as devastated, if not more, and felt like a horrible friend too if I hadn't realized the pain my best friend was going through.

As I said before, I couldn't imagine losing any of my best friends. The thought of losing one of them--whether from an accident or suicide--makes me sick. Scratch that, it makes me feel worse than sick.
So, yeah, this book had a big impact on me, just like if i stay. After reading the first page, I could hardly keep it together. It was like someone punched me in the stomach.

But then the book took a turn I wasn't expecting. It kind of turned into a mystery--a mission--almost. It took away from the sadness, for the most part. Until the end, when Cody goes to the Garcias' to explain everything she found out about Meg's death. 

The ending was nice. A final farewell to Meg. One last goodbye. It also seemed like a release for Cody and Ben. Cody is making an effort to forgive herself, and Meg.
Meg would have been pleased with her headstone.

I wished there had been a little bit more of a connection between Ben and Cody. I didn't really feel like there really was a strong connection but I guess there wasn't really a chance for them to bond more emotionally between everything that was going on. Cody's mind was on more than the hot guitarist next to her--which is understandable lol. The book ended with their story unfinished. But their feelings for each other were finally voiced.

If you, or someone you know struggles with depression, please visit: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.com or call 800-273-TALK

Boys in Books

          Think fast! What is in almost every single YA book? The answer (drumroll, please) is a boy. Whether he is a protagonist,  a best friend, a secondary character, or a love interest, there is a good-looking male in almost every single YA book. So much so, that it is unusual not to have a boy, or maybe two, in a book. Now, I'm not complaining, it's just a fact of life. Honestly, I love reading about different types of guys in books, because they are as varied as the girls we read about. There are the jocks, the musicians, the boys-next-door, the cuties, the evil jerks, the sarcastic bad boys, and it can go on and on.
          Personally, I love the sarcastic, bad boys. First off, reading about the sarcastic, witty phrases that they exchange with people is hilarious- I am very sarcastic, and they help me build up my repertoire ;). I love reading about sarcastic people, boys especially, because they are often super witty, and this leads to some really funny, and/or awkward, situations. The bad boys are the types who always have that super annoying smirk on their face, the type who avoid talking to anyone (even when they appear very rude), the type who wears leather jackets, the type who has some traumatizing back story that made them be awful. They are so fun to read about because they are the worst type of people, and yet they often have really cute quirks. Also, let's just face it, it's so darn amazing to read their sarcastic remarks. It really is. One of my favorite bad boys is Jace from The Mortal Instruments.
                                                
          Not only do I like reading about bad boys I also like reading about the boy next door. It's a type. Look it up. They're the sweet, family-oriented, funny, caring guys. If you were in a car crash on the middle of a highway, these guys would fix your car, and then take you out on a date (while he drove). These guys are the type who are always there no matter what. You can expect them to show up to your dance recital, and love every single minute of it! One of my favorite boy-next-door boys is Jace from My Life Next Door.
                                                                    
       
           Next, we have to talk about musicians. Nothing is cuter than having some guitar player, or drummer serenade a girl. It's really cute. AND they are also usually in a garage band, meaning that they are bad boys. It's a win-win situation, really. They are really nice,and you can bet that they will serenade their girl at least once. Hopefully, in some really cutesy way. One of my favorite musicians is Adam from If I Stay.
                                                                    
          Finally, we have to look at jocks. *sigh*. For me, jocks are hit or miss. Often, they are jerks who are popular for being muscular, and being able to toss around a football. Really. They often are pretentious, annoying, and kinda.. cliche. However, if a jock is done right, they can be really funny, a strong character, and pretty darn sweet. At least, their girl gets free tickets to the games! One of my favorite jocks is Peter from To All The Boys I've Loved Before. (He plays lacrosse, yes, he's a jock. Accept it. Love him)
                                                                    
          Guys can be really hit or miss, but when done right, a guy can help make the story. If the girl gets a good guy, there's no better feeling than that. Yes, all my boyfriends are fictional. No, you can't judge me.

If I Stay Movie Review

   Well, I finally went to go see the movie I've been waiting for....if i stay. Though the movie was good, I think it could have been better. It is worth seeing, I just think that they could have done a slightly better job.

Here are a few problems I had:

SPOILERS!!!! (obviously)

Teddy. When Mia finds out her brother, Teddy, is dead she is devastated. But theeeen a second later she's fine. All devastation, all emotional shock and grief and tears, gone!

Adam. He could have been cutter, no? Maybe just a little? I was expecting some eye-candy during this movie to lower the sadness scale lol. Also, his acting could have been better.

Acting. I thought the acting could have been better. The scene with Mia's grandfather wasn't as gripping as it was in the book. In the book he was sobbing, barely able to get a single word out as he talked to his unconscious, dying granddaughter, but in the movie, he only sheds a couple of tears.

Kim. I would have liked to see more of Mia's best friend, Kim, through the movie to show how close they were. The girls were like sisters in the book, always attached at the hip; in the movie Kim is pretty much on the sidelines.

Willow. Also would've liked to have seen more of Willow (who was also a big part in the book).

Here's what I liked about the movie (STILL ON SPOILER ALERT!)

Grief. Though the shock from Teddy's death was brief, when Mia finds out both her parents are dead there was a little more of a heart wrenching moment there. The grandparents' seemed almost indifferent to the whole thing compared to the book.

Mia. She played the hell out of her cello, just like in the book! It was amazing to see it (even though Chloe Moretz wasn't actually playing it) and her passion for the instrument.

Clips. I liked all the short and quick clips they showed as Mia processed her parents', and then brother's death. It was heartwarming and sad at the same time.

Ending. The movie ended just like the book. Mia opens her eyes to see Adam towering over her and he says her name before the scene goes white. Hahaha! Someone behind me in the theater (who obviously hadn't read the book) went, "What?!" a second after the movie ended. It was a perfect ending. Now they just need the sequel ;)

Tell me what you thought about the book or movie in the comments,

If I Stay Movie Clips!

   AAAAAAHHHH!! New If I Stay movie clips!!! 

   I'll do anything if you stay
 

   It's an audition

   I watched your audition

   We're moving in different directions

   You're Mia

   Do you like me better like this?

   Are you going to come with us?

   Why me?

   I CAN'T WAIT for this movie!!! Only 13 days left! Eeeep!!!! :D

New If I Stay Movie Poster

   New If I Stay movie poster!!! 

    Can't wait for this movie!!!! 2 weeks left! If you haven't read the book you NEED to!!!! Link to the book review, here.

If I Stay Trailer #2

   If I Stay Movie Trailer #2

   If I Stay Trailer #2

Can't wait for this movie!!! It's out in less than a month! AAAAAHHH! I really hope it's good. This is one of my FAVORITE books so I hope they don't mess it up like the City of Bones movie last year....They made it so corny and stupid :-/

New If I Stay Trailer: “Best Day"

New trailer for if i stay!

   If I Stay: "Best Day" Trailer

If I Stay Movie Poster Release

If I stay movie poster! Yay! Whatya think?

I can't wait for August 22nd!

If I Stay - Prologue Trailer

My arms are covered in chill-bumps....

if i stay and The Fault In Our Stars (Movies)

Two of my favorite books are being released as movies this year!!

 if i stay by Gayle Forman is one of my absolute favorite books, and it's been made into a movie! The story is moving, grounded and tragic, and soooo good! A book based on family, love, and a horrible tragedy that will change Mia's life forever...if she chooses to let her life continue.

I can't wait until it's released August 22nd.

 The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is another one of my favorites, and is also a movie that is to be released this year. This story is also moving and tragic. A love story that lasts a lifetime in only a short time.

I will be watching these two fall in love on the big screen June 6th.







The trailers for these wonderful movies:

 if i stay

The Fault In Our Stars

See you at the movies! ♥

if i stay by Gayle Forman

Title: if i stay

Series: if i stay series #1

Author: Gayle Forman

 Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Date Published: April 6, 2010

 Pages: 320 (paperback)

Genre: YA fiction, romance, realistic fiction

Age Range: 12+



 Summary


In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.


 Review


What can I say about this novel....this is one of my absolute favorite books. It's been a long time since I've read it but I have read it more than once. It's amazing. Breathtaking. The writing is fantastic, jumping back and forth between the present and past.

Mia is a strong willed girl who has the make the most heart-wrentching decision. To live, or die. She and her family get in a car accident, and tragedy strikes, leaving Mia to re-live her life and to watch those she loves cry over her crippled body in the present as her soul stands outside herself.

It's an amazing novel that will surely bring you to tears. I would recommend this book to anyone. Though this is a work of fiction, it has more truth than you can comprehend, making the story more gripping. The plot is fantastic as well as the writing, and you really connect with the characters.

A must read.