Friday, August 1, 2014

Mini-Reviews: Breathe and The Fault in Our Stars

Here are some more mini-reviews of books I read awhile back, but never got around to fully reviewing! Let me know your thoughts if you've read any of these!

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Breathe by Abbi Glines
Release date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 333
Reading level: YA/New Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Book 1
Source: Publisher
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads 

Overall: 2.5 out of 5 stars
In the shore town of Sea Breeze, Sadie discovers that fame is nothing in the face of passion. A steamy read from bestselling author Abbi Glines.
Sadie White’s summer job is at the beach, but she won’t be working as a lifeguard. Since her mom is pregnant and refuses to work, Sadie will be taking over as a domestic servant for a wealthy family on a nearby island.
When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie were normal—if she hadn’t spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house—maybe she’d be excited about working for a rock star. But she’s not.
Even though Sadie isn’t impressed by Jax’s fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax, but he fights his attraction: Relationships never work in his world, and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. Yet as the summer stretches on, Jax’s passion leaves him breathless—and Sadie feels like the only source of oxygen.
Can their love overcome the disparity in their lifestyles? One breath at a time, they’re going to find out…

Mini-Review:

For some reason this book didn't draw my attention at all until it showed up on my doorstep. Unfortunately, I almost wish it stayed that way because I really did not enjoy this book. It definitely had promise- a summer romance on a sunny island between a normal girl and a popular teen musician? Sadie lives with her single mother and works as a maid in nearby mansion- mansion home to Jax Stone a hot teen rocker who is a famous heartbreaker. Sadie doesn't care about Jax's fame, though, and that makes her all the more appealing to him. The plot was interesting and I didn't put this book down because it was such an easy read. The characters and writing were what frustrated me. They didn't talk like teenagers at all and the relationship between Sadie and Jax often seemed forced. I wanted to believe in their relationship, but I never felt a good connection with the characters. Apparently this is the first in a series about other characters introduced in Breathe and I may be interested in checking those out to give Abbie Glines' a second chance. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book, I can see why so many people love it- there's a hot romance, a beautiful setting, and teen drama, something a lot of readers enjoy. Unfortunately that wasn't enough for me to truly enjoy this book.

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The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Release date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pages: 318
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Purchased
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
Mini-Review:

So this review has been burning a hole in my schedule for months now- how do I put into words my love for one of my now all-time favorite novels? The Fault In Our Stars was a beautifully written and heartbreaking new novel by John Green. I am ashamed to admit that I have not ready many John Green books, but The Fault In Our Stars 100% cemented him on my top authors list. Hazel was a kick-ass main character who didn't let her cancer bring her down and Gus... what a guy. Watching the relationship between these two sarcastic, adventurous, and beautiful people develop was such an experience and I was completely drawn into their stories from page 1. This book has spread like wildfire around the world and if you haven't read it yet- DO IT NOW! Even though the movie is out, and it is actually just as tragic and wonderful, read the book first! Writing this mini-review is already making me yearn for a re-read because this book was just so impactful and amazing. 

1 comment:

  1. I was sent another of Abbi Gline's books (where Sadie is a minor character...I believe the book I received was about Marcus?) and it didn't mesh with me. IDK why but it just wasn't working... and I'm glad you really loved TFIOS. I personally didn't LOVE IT like so many others but John Green has talent, there's no denying that :)

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