"The best and prettiest things never stay around for long." (I didn’t realize this was a foreshadowing until it was too late.)
"Every day is a gift "The best and prettiest things never stay around for long." (I didn’t realize this was a foreshadowing until it was too late.)
"Every day is a gift."
"Why be miserable when you can be happy?"
It does have a good plot if you're someone with a strong heart and could bravely read a love story where one of them has a terminal illness. Sorry about the spoiler. But I could have used this kind of spoiler. Had I known it would be a very sad read, I wouldn't have picked it up. I do appreciate the portrayal of Poppy and Rune's young but very powerful love and I did highlight some of the positive and inspiring things Poppy said. I just find the writing a bit too much. I thought it is way too sappy especially for teenaged characters. I just don't find it very realistic that two teens at this age/time would talk that way.
I was at chapter 11 when I realized I couldn’t take any more so I honestly skipped three chapters till I reached chapter 15 just so I could read what happens in the end. I mean, obviously I already know what's going to happen. I just wanted to find how Rune will hold up. It did make me appreciate Poppy, her final selfless acts for Rune, even beyond her death. That was really sweet. So in retrospect, perhaps the book were better off if it were a bit shorter. I would have probably endured all the melodramatic chapters and not skipped three chapters instead. ...more
I don't know what to say. I know I just finished a Katherine Center book recently but I needed a pick-me-upper so I decided to read another of her andI don't know what to say. I know I just finished a Katherine Center book recently but I needed a pick-me-upper so I decided to read another of her and I am so, so glad I did. If The Bodyguard solidified my love for the author, Hello Stranger made Ms. Katherine Center land my top three favorite authors of all time. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Read it if only for the Author's Note. It is already everything.
"Because tragedy is given, but joy is a choice."
But of course the story, the book itself is all kinds of amazing. The plot is unique. The main character/narrator is completely hilarious and positive and resilient. The supporting characters are also to love and remember. The romance is completely swoony. There was a part that made me cry too. I just love that every book the author writes talks about a woman's journey through the most difficult challenges in her life and how she triumphs.
Overall, I just enjoyed the book too much that I couldn't be bothered to be critical about it.
Here are some gems from the book.
"Our thoughts create our emotions. So if you fixate on your worst-case scenario, you'll make things harder for yourself."
"If you expect to think a thing is true, you're more likely to think it's true. Basically, we tend to decide on what the world is and who people are and how things are- and then we look for evidence that supports what we've already decided. And we ignore everything that doesn't fit."
"Seeing the world differently helps you see things not just that other people can't- but that you yourself never could if you weren’t so lucky. It lets you make your own rules. Color outside your own lines. Allow yourself another way of seeing. "
"The more good things you look for, the more you find." ...more
“Asserting yourself doesn’t make you cruel and by that same measure, setting a boundary doesn’t make you rude.”
Mhairi McFarlane has never, not ev“Asserting yourself doesn’t make you cruel and by that same measure, setting a boundary doesn’t make you rude.”
Mhairi McFarlane has never, not even once, disappointed me. Every time I pick a new book by her, I feel like it becomes my top favorite, it doesn’t matter if the book was published years back. This is just pure talent. I know I can always count on the author for a significant story about self-love, confidence, solid female friendships, and a swoon-worthy romance this time as Harriet finds her way back to her old self after a traumatizing relationship with an emotional abuser.
This book is so eloquently written, so engaging and entertaining, also had me laughing out loud a lot of times and pulled at my heartstrings too. Next is my quest for the author’s other books I haven’t read yet which are sadly just a few now. ...more
Highly premised on the technological culture of human beings and consequently of our collective societies including modernity and consumerism being thHighly premised on the technological culture of human beings and consequently of our collective societies including modernity and consumerism being the major causes of anxiety of individuals constituting the planet. That forward motion of society to advancement isn't always positive and that being different is sometimes the only way to hold on to your sanity, to being human. Disconnect in order to reconnect as Mr. Haig puts it, to not feel any lack and to minimize cravings, to accept and be at peace with who we are at present without all the world's distractions. And above all, to do little acts of kindness to perhaps make the planet a little less nervous.
What I really like about Mr. Haig’s writing is his kindness and honesty. His tone is friendly and it’s as if I was like talking to a friend while reading the book.
P.S. If anybody wants my notes, just send me a message. ...more
There was a time when I thought Mitch Albom was losing his magic touch because it seemed like after reading Tuesdays with Morrie, every single book heThere was a time when I thought Mitch Albom was losing his magic touch because it seemed like after reading Tuesdays with Morrie, every single book he released next seemed to pale in comparison until Finding Chika and I’m so glad I decided to pick this up.
I doubt it's easy to write about your own philanthropy but then again Mr.Albom wasn't really writing about his good deeds. He was writing about Chika and I could only imagine the courage and strength it took to write it. I've been bawling out since I started the book and I didn't even know Chika.
But it makes perfect sense that Mr. Mitch wrote about another book 20 years after he wrote Tuesdays with Morrie where he detailed the lessons he learned about life from his former professor, Morrie. Finding Chika is written in perfect juxtaposition to the former as Mr. Mitch once again learns valuable life lessons but this time from a precious little girl.
And just like with my experience with Tuesdays with Morrie, I savored every word from this book. Though devastatingly sad, it is undeniably inspiring and life affirming. I am reminded of my deep admiration of the author as well. Kudos to Mr. Mitch and Ms. Janine, his wife. Thank you for reminding us that there are still many good people left in the world....more
“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life.”
“I don't think it really matters whether y“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life.”
“I don't think it really matters whether you know a lot about books or not. But I think what matters far more with a book is how it affects you.”
It's truly incredible how books and reading can transform lives. This is the basic message of this short but sweet novel. Reading has honestly changed mine too. It has been my strong refuge from life’s challenges. It’s practically like breathing for me....more
I was actually afraid the writing might be too difficult to grasp. At times it really was but I just relied on the power of context clues t 3.5 stars
I was actually afraid the writing might be too difficult to grasp. At times it really was but I just relied on the power of context clues to grasp the meanings. I read some reviews that it's pretentious and I did see their meaning especially during the first few pages but the writing kind of grew on me.
Aldo and Regan are quite relatable mostly because of their unfiltered and irreverent thoughts. Both of them have mental and emotional struggles so that they understand each other most. Their love story actually reminds me a little of that of Normal People.
The writing is very graphic and detailed, it feels like watching a movie. And that's why even though most of the book consists of their conversations, dialogues, monologues and introspections, it was still quite compulsive to read. The construction of the sentences makes you feel breathless, like it was written frantically much like the thoughts of the characters. The downside though is it's exhausting to read. I honestly got a headache after. But it was still worth the time and effort. If anything, I was pretty proud of myself knowing that I am still capable of reading these kinds of books. Haha....more
"If you could choose anger or empathy, always choose empathy."
Ms. Jjmenez has become my go-to for a comforting, heart-warming and sensible read. "If you could choose anger or empathy, always choose empathy."
Ms. Jjmenez has become my go-to for a comforting, heart-warming and sensible read. Since the pandemic, I have always looked forward to summer excitedly waiting for her next release, along with that of Ms. Emily Henry.
I am always waiting for that moment where I get to finally connect the present characters to the previous main characters from the earlier books. The Easter Egg hunt as the author puts it. Her books are always so heartwarming to the point of almost making my heart burst. I love that they are easy to read and can still be at par with literary novels.
The symbolisms and ironies weren't lost on me. The literary elements connect so well with one another making a very unified and meaningful theme. I love how carefully and sensitively the book addresses the mental issues and struggles the characters, especially Emma, battle with in the story. My wish is to have a physical copy of all her books. My complaint is that they are always soooo expensive. ...more
I wish the author writes more books like this. This is extremely hilarious, entertaining, and relatable. That is so true, about the perils of finding I wish the author writes more books like this. This is extremely hilarious, entertaining, and relatable. That is so true, about the perils of finding a pair of good fitting jeans after giving birth in your late thirties. Boohoo!
Here are some of the serious and inspiring stuff from the book.
“I guess the problem with positivity is that it often just feels a bit too fluffy and doesn’t really allow for the huge range of emotions we go through as human beings. Everything isn’t always super and great. Sometimes it’s OK to feel a bit blue, and wallowing in your own misery can be very cathartic. Too much ‘positive thinking’ can actually be very draining.”
No to people pleasing!
No to overthinking!
“One of the best things about getting older, and being in a long-term relationship, is that you no longer have to wear tiny lacy undercrackers to impress anyone! Which means that I am finally WINNING AT LIFE because I really heart massive knickers!!”
“There is no better sign of a happy relationship than its complete lack of reference on social media.” “Sometimes I think we have to question our motivation behind what and how much we post. If we don’t get the balance right, our lives can start to seem like one big string of social media content.”
“Checking the likes and comments, seeking comfort in the validation you can feel from a popular post, finding disappointment and regret when you post something that gets few responses...this can all start to affect your well-being and make you feel rather anxious. There is a simple answer here: cut back or switch off.”
“Many times I have caught myself in the midst of getting annoyed about something unimportant and stopped myself and thought- why am I doing this? What good will it actually do?”
“But scaling back and streamlining can be a very positive thing, because it is all too easy to get lost in a loop of consuming content that brings nothing good or meaningful to your life.”
“Friends who share photos where they look amazing and everyone else looks like shit are not actually ‘friends’ at all.” ...more
“The sadness shouldn’t cancel out what had been so bright and full and beautiful. Just because the cherry blossoms would fall didn’t mean you shoul“The sadness shouldn’t cancel out what had been so bright and full and beautiful. Just because the cherry blossoms would fall didn’t mean you should mourn them on the tree.”
“I’m just here to nod wisely at the right intervals. As one does when one is a therapist.” (Radley-haha!)
I must admit it’s a bit draining reading Lauren’s perspective when she would detail the things she went through with IPF. I really do empathize with her and I do love her strength as a character but still, most of her chapters are big downers. I didn’t want to undermine the life she lived, I know it was important and it was inspiring but I would have preferred if those chapters weren’t too long because what I really looked forward to were the narrative parts of Josh as I’d love to know how he copes with grief and how Lauren’s letters would drive him to keep moving on.
Perhaps, if Lauren’s part in the novel were only limited in those letters, I would have probably appreciated the story as a whole better. So, I really must admit that I stopped reading after Chapter 18 and luckily found a super summary of the book online to know how it ended and I did read Chapter 36 and the Epilogue.
Worry not, Ms. Kristan Higgins, in the off chance that you’d read this. I still love your writing very much. I’m just no longer a huge fan of very sad stories being a mom now and a griever and a caregiver. I just don’t have that much time on my hands anymore and I really want my reads to be uplifting and ideally fast-paced. But the fact that I persisted until page 207 clearly shows how much I love you, you lucky author. Good thing, I decided to read Reluctant Adult by Katie Kirby along with this book so that when things got heavy, I’d immediately shift to the former to get a good laugh. ...more
It was a very gripping and compulsive read, the kind I couldn't put down once I started it. In fact, I even downloaded the epub copy so I could keep rIt was a very gripping and compulsive read, the kind I couldn't put down once I started it. In fact, I even downloaded the epub copy so I could keep reading it anywhere I went when I got the chance. I remember it was quite the same experience when I read the author's other book, Pretty Baby.
Local Woman Missing (though I really wish it had a different title) is told in several perspectives, but each is distinct and very important to the plot of the story and to solving the mysteries in the end. Like Ms. Kubica’s earlier novel, this book also tackles important issues especially related to childbirth and motherhood, and also touches on the very hurtful reality of so many missing children.
“For the professor, there was no shame in admitting you didn’t have the answer, it was a necessary step toward the truth.”
“The mathematical order i“For the professor, there was no shame in admitting you didn’t have the answer, it was a necessary step toward the truth.”
“The mathematical order is beautiful precisely because it has no effect on the real world.”
Fascinating, riveting, and very touching. It makes me want to take an entrance exam because I feel like I will ace it after reading the book. I learned so much about numbers. Learning Math has never been this fun, entertaining, and enlightening. This is the first time in my life that I have fully come to appreciate the beauty of Math. How come none of my teachers made learning this good?
Kidding aside, this book has been one of the most satisfyingly inspiring novels I’ve read. Its simple and honest language is a comfort to read. The linear and yet layered and meaningful plot is although a lot of times heartrending, is also heartwarming and very touching. I did shed a few tears. It’s definitely a must read. ...more
I find the author very thoughtful. His motivations in putting together what would be a bestselling book were very noble and because of his optimism, II find the author very thoughtful. His motivations in putting together what would be a bestselling book were very noble and because of his optimism, I sometimes forgot that this was a man just a few months into his deathbed. That’s why in retrospect, not once did his writing make the book painful and sad to read. It was actually very inspiring and informative. I have just recently read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson and it was as if Mr. Pausch lived his life according to the principles in that book. He was the exact example of a man who didn’t sweat the small stuff and lived a rather fulfilling life.
Some of my favorites from the book:
“Just because you’re in the driver’s seat doesn’t mean you have to run people over.”
“Instead of saying it’s not fair, say let’s saddle up and ride.”
“The worst ideas can have silver linings if you look hard enough.”
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
“Whether you can or can’t, you’re right.”
“It’s not how hard you hit, it’s how hard you get hit and keep moving forward.”
“One thing that makes it possible to become an optimist is to have a contingency plan when all hell breaks loose.”
“Don’t complain, just work hard.”
“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you can offer.”
“If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered.)”
This is certainly not a book for everybody, especially not for parents who take parenting very seriously. But this is definitely the book for me. Ms. This is certainly not a book for everybody, especially not for parents who take parenting very seriously. But this is definitely the book for me. Ms. Katie Kirby is my people. Hurrah for Gin is laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish, including the ‘About the Author’ page. Finally, there is someone who has written her unfiltered experiences in raising two little boys who are three years apart and she expressed almost all of my thoughts exactly but super hilariously. The stick drawings are downright outrageous, I love them!
P.S. Her husband’s writing contribution in the book is quite precious.
Here are some of my favorite excerpts from the book:
“Kids, it turns out, are total lifejackers.”
“Ninety-percent of parenting is actually just winging it.”
“The parallels between playgroup and an episode of The Walking Dead are pretty uncanny if you stop to think about it.”
“When you have children, there is not a lot of ‘me’ time. What we have now is ‘us time’ because we come as a package deal. And that’s okay because I love being a mom.”
“If you can’t afford it, don’t sweat it.”
“There is no point in threats that you don’t follow through on.”
“You see I’m not always there for them, and even when I am, sometimes I suck at parenting them. But sometimes their dad sucks too…and hey even the kids themselves suck quite a lot of the time. And sometimes or often, depending on the day, we all roll around in a great big ball of suckiness together. But it matters not because we love each other, and love always (at least 97% of the time) overrides suckiness.”
“Whoever knew that the most important life lessons would fall from the mouth of babes? My kids can’t see my flaws, they see beauty as it should be seen, from the inside and out.”
“I’ve learned to prioritize and place value on my limited free time.”
“There are so many ways my kids are enriching my life and making me feel like a better person. They are teaching me things all the time. I get to act like I’m eight years old again. I can eat ice cream every day. They also keep me grounded, they are refreshingly honest. They are my sidekicks, my confidence builders, my pick-me uppers, my everything.”
“There will always be people looking down on me but it matters so much less because I know my boys are always looking up. I am their best girl in the whole world and suddenly I can’t really think of much else that’s important.”
“Being cheerful and grateful is nice but it can also be exhausting. Allow yourself to take a break from being nice and enjoy wallowing in your own misery once in a while. When you have had enough of wallowing, try bubble wrap.”
“Life is too short to be doing things you don’t enjoy. Learn how to say no to people."
“There is a lot to be said for rejecting the draw of grandeur and just enjoying the freedoms that come with being utterly average. “ ...more
It’s a book with the best of intentions, quite a unique one containing trancripts of the author’s conversations with her therapist. Perhaps, the genreIt’s a book with the best of intentions, quite a unique one containing trancripts of the author’s conversations with her therapist. Perhaps, the genre it is categorized under is misleading and perhaps, there’s something lacking in the execution but I still am very appreciative of everything that was shared in the book. Most of the author’s learnings and realizations aren’t really something new but it is oddly reassuring to know that she goes/went through the same thoughts and feelings I go/went through. This is the reason why reading and writing are really powerful tools to communicate and help one another.
“The only way for me to become a better person is to go my way little by little, as tedious as that can be. To delay my judgment, to not force myself, to accept the countless judgements and emotions that pass through me.”
“Books never tire of me. And in time they present a solution, quietly waiting until I am fully healed. That’s one of the nicest things about books.”
“A life with no modifiers, hoping there will come a day when we all feel good about ourselves regardless of modifiers.”
“Togetherness means altruism, and altruism is what saves us from selfishness. Others are bound to be moved by the fact that you want to be with them, that you want to understand them, that you can’t do without them.” ...more
I can’t believe it has come to this point, that I had to read a book like this. I always thought I was one of the most positive people out there but tI can’t believe it has come to this point, that I had to read a book like this. I always thought I was one of the most positive people out there but then the pandemic happened, and then my dad died, and then my sister had a massive stroke, and then I went through post-natal depression, and then Matthew Perry died, and now this book.
I’m glad I did read the book though. It’s so readable, part-novel, part-memoir, part-journal, it’s quite liberal and creative that those who aren’t into memoirs or self-help will also find this an easy read.
Some of the gems I was able to note:
“It was, in part, through reading and writing that I found a kind of salvation from the dark.”
“Time heals.”
“The tunnel does have light at the end of it , even if we aren’t able to see it.”
“Words, just sometimes, can set you free.”
“I think life always provides reasons not to die, if we listen hard enough.”
“Minds have their own weather systems. You are in a hurricane. Hurricanes run out of energy eventually. Hold on.”
“Hang on in there. Life is always worth it.”
“But there is a difference between liking books and needing them. I needed books.”
“If there is a way out, a way that isn’t death itself, then the exit route is through words.”
“Books. They were, in and of themselves, reasons to stay alive.”
“One cliche attached to bookish people is that they are lonely, but for me books were my way out of being lonely.”
“The world is increasingly designed to depress us. To be calm becomes a kind of revolutionary act. To be happy with your own non-upgraded existence. To be comfortable with our messy, human selves, would not be good for business.”
“Instant gratification. Constant distraction. Maybe to be truly in tune with the modern world means anxiety is inevitable.”
“To be selfless, while being mindful, seems to be a good solution, when the self intensifies and causes us to suffer. Being good feels good because it makes us remember that we are not the only person that matters in this world. We all matter because we are all alive. And so kindness is an active way in which we can see and feel the bigger picture.”
“How to stop time: kiss. How to travel in time: read. How to escape time: music. How to feel time: write. How to release time: breathe.”
“Turning life into a desperate race for more stuff is only going to shorten it.”
“Yet nothing is more freeing. To accept your smallness in the world.”
“You don’t need the world to understand you. It’s fine. Some people will never really understand things they haven’t experienced. Some will. Be grateful.”
“Read anything you want. Just read. Books are possibilities. They are escape routes. They give you options when you have none. Each one can be a home for an uprooted mind.” ...more
I am at a point in my life where the title resonates so much with my experience. Life as of late has been one huge inconvenience. It's mainly why I deI am at a point in my life where the title resonates so much with my experience. Life as of late has been one huge inconvenience. It's mainly why I decided to finally read this and because I knew I could count on Kristan Higgins for a good laugh and for that matter, a good cry too.
Simple lines that are so hilarious, I was honestly laughing out loud which is a rarity for me these days.
"Idiotic phrases floated to me on the breeze- Let's unpack what you said and What do you think it means?"
"Are you finished soothing the souls of the self-obsessed?"
Genevieve cracked me up. I love the character exploration. Each character is significant. I love the different POVs. It was very refreshing. A family saga covering four generations featuring women as mothers and daughters and men as fathers and sons. The scope of presentation on this subject is amazing, relatable, and just so profound. It touches on the cycle of life and how our choices affect our whole lives....more
Very smoothly written and engaging to read. Ms. Ruth Ware’s writing talent is increasingly becoming better and better with every new book she publisheVery smoothly written and engaging to read. Ms. Ruth Ware’s writing talent is increasingly becoming better and better with every new book she publishes. You can never tell what kind of thrilling read you’ll read next. Her books belong to what I would consider literary thrillers. Her writing is not only addictive, it’s also beautiful. I was able to empathize with the characters which I find a rare occurrence for me with a lot of thrillers. To me, this is like the better “We Were Villains.” A dark academia thriller I am completely on board with....more
I have realized the reason I love Emily Henry's books is the rawness and honesty of her stories and her characters. This is her fourth adult rom-com aI have realized the reason I love Emily Henry's books is the rawness and honesty of her stories and her characters. This is her fourth adult rom-com and I am very glad that she hasn't failed my expectations so far. Harriet being trapped with Wyn, her ex fiance, in a vacation with their friends is quite the predicament considering they could not admit that they are no longer engaged.
The Then and Now point of view makes the story even more relatable. I could really understand Wyn's pain. Losing a father can certainly derail your life, your plans, your dreams and being in a committed relationship truly entails a lot of sacrifice. It may also mean one of you giving up their career or doing something else as a compromise just to be together.
I have to admit this is probably the cheesiest of all Emily Henry's books and I must say my least favorite and yet it still merits four stars. That's how good Ms. Henry is. ...more
An excerpt from the book says, "all books are predictable and unique," just like Every After Summer which to me is both familiar and new. I find it veAn excerpt from the book says, "all books are predictable and unique," just like Every After Summer which to me is both familiar and new. I find it very comforting.
The story is realistic and relatable. The chapters are short and very easy to get into and I don't just mean the writing. I also mean the connection of the characters with each other, the setting, the nostalgia, the time span shifting between the present and the summer the characters met as teens, the development of each character. It's a book that you would want to savor but at the same time, you could not read fast enough....more
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