It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Book review #47
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

Last year, all of Belly's dreams came true and the thought of missing a summer in Cousins Beach was inconceivable. But like the rise and fall of the ocean tide, things can change--just like that. Suddenly the time she's always looked forward to most is something she dreads. And when Jeremiah calls to say Conrad has disappeared, Belly must decide how she will spend this summer: chasing after the boy she loves, or finally letting him go. 

I'm officially in love with this series.  To say this book was amazing is an understatement. I think I even liked it better than the first book (The Summer I Turned Pretty) which I fell in love with. It's Not Summer Without You is simply delicious. I clawed my way through it, setting it down at times, to savor every last moment. I was really sad when it came to the end. It has everything I look for in a book- a realistic lovable main character, a summer/beach setting, and not one, but two amazing boys. The added emotional roller coaster was just icing on the cake.

Belly was the same old Belly, but yet totally different. It's summer time again, which usually means spending times in Cousins with Susan and the boys, but not this time. Susannah is getting sicker by the second and she doesn't have much time left. Everyone is taking it really hard. The amazing summers Belly dreamed of all year long have come to an end. To top it off her relationship/fling with Conrad is on the rocks. When Jeremiah calls Belly claiming Conrad is missing, Belly decides it's time to make it right again...

The characters are amazing. They are practically family to me- I felt extremely attached to them. Each of them sparked so many emotions from me- I smiled, laughed, screamed, and definitely cried. Belly is definitely my favorite. She's the same age as me, and at a similar stage in life, so can I really relate to her. I understood her confusion and heart ache. She's so lucky to have Jeremiah and Conrad. Jeremiah is such a sweetie, I would love to have him around! And Conrad is so smart and complex. I understand how it would be difficult to choose between them. Susannah. Don't even get me started on her. I probably missed her as much as Belly and the boys, she's just a wonderful person.

Cousins is where I want to live. In my eyes it's almost perfect. It's Not Summer Without You is the type of book where the descriptions are so good that you can practically feel what's going on around you. I could imagine everything exactly in my head-the smell of the beach in the morning, the cozy beach house, even the feelings of love drifting in the air.

There wasn't anything I didn't love about this book. I can't wait for the next book to come out, I really can't. It's Not Summer Without You is one of those perfect summer reads that are actually deep and wonderful. If you haven't started this series, I highly suggest you do (:

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

Book review #35
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept. 

I'm so pleased with The Secret Year, it had everything I wanted and more. Right from the beginning I got sucked until the very end. The writing is simply wonderful , it has a way of really grabbing your attention, making it hard for you to put down. Romance, heart-break, loss, all topped up with a male POV made this one pleasant read.

The Secret Year starts off with the scene Julia's death and Colt's reaction. You early on discover that Julia and Colt had a shared a secret relationship, that no other single human knew about-including Austin, Julia's regular boyfriend. Julia and Colt had a lot in common...aside from their lifestyles. Julia lived on the Black Mountain Road, where the rich people lived, while Colt came from the flats;which is a lot more complicated than it sounds. After Julia's death, Colt is left confused and heart-broken. It's hard having feelings that you can't share with anyone else. One of the biggest things he has to deal with is guilt, which you don't really understand why until the ending.

A few days after Julia's death, Colt finds himself attached to a notebook filled with letters written to Colt by Julia that was given to him by his older brother. Colt hangs on to the life of this journal reliving almost every moment they shared together, along with Julia's fears and personal thoughts. I think the most people agree, that the notebook was one of the best things about the book.

The characters were so real and dimensional. The feelings that they had were so true and honest that it really affected you. Colt, I don't know exactly why, but I adored him. I liked the way he thought, how he showed his sensitive side, and the fact that he was just different than other guys. As for Julia, I felt like I've known her forever. I kind of felt sorry for her, she was definitely torn with what she wanted. Together the Julia and Colt were even better. They were so different with each, showing a side you don't get to see in their regular lives.

Other characters do emerge into the story, such as Kirby. A possible love prospect? Syd, Colt's friend that he's known since he was little, was not one of my favorites. She had her share of problems, but the way she handled them was not right. I almost forgot about Tom-Colt's older brother and perhaps one of my favorite characters. He was so outspoken and experimental that just made you admire him.

The ended wasn't how I would have liked it to be, it was a bit rushed, but other that I can't think of any complaints.  I can't explain, but I was really comfortable with this story, somehow it made me feel warm inside. The Secret Year is one story of love, loss, and self-discovery. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Book review #34
Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
You know, I always thought I told you everything, but there are some things I should have said but never did. I should have told you about the time I lost your new sunglasses. I know you really liked them. I should have apologized the time I ruined your brand-new skirt, the one with the beading. I should have apologized for a lot of stuff.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.

It's been seventy five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her, and she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone, and Amy doesn't want to talk about it. No one knew Julia like she did. No one gets what life is without her.

No one understands what it's like to know that it's all your fault.

Amy's shrink thinks she should keep a journal but instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia. As she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past holds its own secrets--and that the present deserves a chance. 

It's way after midnight and I'm trying to fall asleep. But I can't. Having just finished Love You Hate You Miss You less than five minutes ago, with dry tears on my cheeks, sleep is the last thing I can do. Love You Hate You Miss You is so powerful, raw, heartbreaking, and surprisingly funny. After reading a couple of light, fluffy books, this is just what I needed. I don't know how I'm feeling right now. One thing is for sure, I'm definitely blown away and almost speechless. Elizabeth Scott has amazed me once again.

The story begins with Amy coming straight out of Pinewood-a treatment center, where she had spent her summer. Julia, her best friend, had died sometime ago, but Amy obviously is still very affected. You don't discover the true story of how Julia died until the middle of the book. The book mainly  focuses on Amy's life after the accident, as well as flashbacks and memories of times before it happened. About half or more of the book is composed of letters written to Julia, about almost everything-memories, what's going on in the present, and true feelings. Amy has to deal with her parents who have changed significantly after the accident, her annoying shrink, and of course all of her schoolmates. Untimely Amy has to learn how to live, love, and smile again.

Amy is just an extraordinary person. I could never imagine being in her shoes. Without my best friend, my other half, my world would never be the same. In some ways I somewhat understand. Without someone important to you everything is just different. She felt so many different things, including guilt. Amy blames what happened on herself. Even though Julia wasn't alive in the book, I felt like I had known her all my life. She's one of those people everybody loves. She's not perfect at all, but she couldn't be a better friend with a bigger heart. I really liked how the parents played a different role than usual.  They were a totally in love couple, who weren't really planning on ever having kids. After the accident they transformed from non-caring, not even noticing that Amy is in the room, to extra-supportive and even somewhat strict.

What I couldn't really believe was that all of Amy's former friends shunned her and even made fun of her after the accident. Not that they were even real friends in the first place. Amy got stuck with Mel, Patrick, and former friend Carol for the rest of the year. A very different and unique group of people.  Patrick definitely stood out, he was mysterious and so different. He was practically the only human who actually understood.

The writing was so powerful and vivid. You would never imagine that a story about such a dark subject could be funny and sarcastic. The feelings were so touching and real. This book will think make you think...think hard. It made me feel so grateful for everything. I cried so much while reading this, I cried happy, sad, and angry tears along with Amy.

Amy and Julia, along with the whole book, I know I won't forget. I savored every page, not ever wanting it to end. I loved Elizabeth Scott's other books, but I personally think this one was her best. Love You Hate Miss You is a must read. I strongly recommended everyone to read this.

A Time for Dancing

Book Review #6
A Time for Dancing by Davida Wills Hurwin
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

I read this book awhile ago, but I still find myself thinking about it. A Time for Dancing is one of my all time favorite books. Centered around two inseparable best friends I(Samantha and Julia) who share the love of dancing. Out of the blue one Julia become diagnosed with cancer. The moment Julia discovers she has cancer, their lives are turned upside down. Alternating between the views of the two friends, you see both sides of the story. I didn't know much about cancer, after reading the book...more Summary:  
The book focuses around two inseparable best friends (Samantha and Juliana) who share the love of dancing. Out of the blue one day, Juliana becomes diagnosed with cancer. The moment Juliana discovers she has cancer, both of their lives are turned upside down, but through tears and happiness they fight the battle together. 

I read this book awhile ago, but I still find myself thinking about it. A Time for Dancing is one of those books you'll never forget. One of my favorite things about the book is that it alternates between the views of the two friends, so you get to see both sides of the story.  I didn't know much about cancer, but after reading the book, I had a much better understanding of the disease. A Time for Dancing was so well written I could feel the pain Juliana went through. A Time for Dancing is a book that really touches the soul. It made me appreciate all the great things I have in life and to treasure my friends and family. You get to experience an example of true friendship, love, and even death. I'm warning you, have a box of tissues nearby. A Time for Dancing will be one of the best books you have read. I can't really find any bad things to say about this book; I would recommend this book to anyone. (There is also a just as good sequel called The Farther You Run.)