Review: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Title: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Release Date: February 1st, 2005

Genres: Drama

Medium: Paperback, Bought

First of all, let me just say I was not emotionally ready for this novel. This was one of the rare occasions where I watched the movie before reading the book, and I watched the movie a long time ago. So long ago, that I couldn't remember the ending. I was so suprised, I mean, I knew it wasn't going to be a happy ending, but I still bawled my eyes out anyway. It honestly was one of the most emotional and dramatic pieces of literature I have ever read.

The plot was immensely dramatic and packed to the brim with drama and so many different emotions, that I cannot begin to name them all. It honestly is one of, if not the, most riveting pieces of writing I have ever had the good fortune to read. Every single twist and turn in this novel had me on the edge of my seat, as I rushed towards the inevitable end. Then, at the end, I was terrified to finish because I (thought) I knew what was coming. It was even worse, and the raw emotion simply tore me to pieces and reduced me to a puddle of tears.

The writing was absolutely amazing. Jodi Picoult writes with style, skill, and emotion like no other. Every single word in this novel felt like it was specifically thought over and chosen to deliver the supreme level of emotion. Picoult also drives the point home with large amounts of thought-provoking imagery that will leave you unsure of yourself. One moment you are on Anna's side, the next you are on Kate's side. The author succeeded in crafting a novel with absolutely no bias, so that you can formulate and opinion yourself. It was so emotional and heartbreaking, while uplifting and heartwarming at other times, it left me absolutely wrecked. But also completely understanding of the situation and helped me to understand cancer patients so much more.

Overall, this novel is fantastic in every way possible. It is so thought-provoking and I recommend it to everyone. It definitely made my list of all time favorites. 

Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: June 14th, 2014

Genres: Drama

Medium: Paperback, Bought

Thirteen Reasons Why was an emotional rollercoaster ride that had me hanging on the edge of my seat from page one. This novel touched me and impacted me in every way possible, and I am so happy I decided to read this one.

The plot is riveting. The theme of teen suicide is too relevant in today's society, and this novel perfectly told a too-true story of a girl suffering from a series of life-altering situations, all of which connect in some way. She narrates these stories on cassette tapes and is mailing them to the people behind the "thirteen reasons why" she was led to ending her life. Told through a series of chapter-like sections containing the sides of the tapes, and told in the point of view of one of the people responsible. It's a completely original and thought provoking novel that so powerful and emotional, I hung on to every word.

The writing was phenomenal. Jay Asher managed to weave a powerful story of such an emotional situation with elegance. The subject of suicide is such a touchy subject with some people, I imagine writing a novel about it and the repercussions of peoples' actions must be a difficult job. However, Asher does it impeccably. Every word was precise and told the story with perfect precision and pace. I enjoyed every dramatic second of it, and was happy how much it made me think. 

If you are looking for an original novel, and one that will make you really sit down  and think about your life and the lives of all the people around you, both acquaintances and strangers, then this novel will absolutely leave you breathless. 

Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: February 26th, 2013

Genres: Romance, Drama

Medium: Hardback, Purchased

I honestly wish I could have liked this novel better. It was okay... I was prepared to like it way more than I did. What I expected was a deep, touching coming-of-age romance with originality. Well, it was original, but wasn't that romantic or deep. I cannot express how much I wanted to like this novel!

The plot was definitely interesting. I love the fact that it is set in 1986, and features an unlikely couple who bonds over comic books and 80's rock mix tapes. I love that! And from that plot, I expected a fantastic novel that I would thoroughly enjoy, considering how much I love the 80s. Sadly, the way the plot was written did not grab me as I had hoped. With a plot that fantastic, you can go one of two ways. Either you can do the plot justice and really make me feel as if I am in the novel, really in the 80s, or... Well, there is no other option other than doing the 80s justice. Sadly, Eleanor & Park didn't do that.





The writing was acceptable. Honestly, there was parts I loved and parts I really didn't like. Several times during the novel, I was left thinking "why did she write that?" or "why did she add that in?" Some parts are descriptive, and some lack elaboration. The characters felt 2D and a little flat, and there wasn't nearly enough emotion between them. I honestly could not connect to them.





Overall, this novel was alright. I had so many issues with it, that I was overwhelmed by the thought of what it could have been, if it had been done differently. I just really wish I could have liked this novel. 2.5/5