Book Review | Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face. Thirteen Reasons Why is the gripping, addictive international bestseller that has changed lives the world over. It's an unrelenting modern classic.

-Amazon

I must be in the last of the Young Adult book bloggers who had yet to read, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It has become a modern classic on the subject of suicide amongst teens. This novel has taken me through an emotional ride, exposing emotions I had no idea I had on the topic. It is a novel that stays with me.

First off, I think the premise of a person leaving behind tapes explaining why they committed suicide is both fascinating, and partially disturbing. But Jay Asher expertly executes this aspect of the story, raising it to the level of a page turning suspense novel. I found Hannah Baker both frustrating and profound. I loved the authority I sensed in her voice as she 'pulls the strings' in the lives of everyone on her list. At times, especially the beginning to middle of the novel,  I wondered if her reasons for taking her life were valid, but this is where Jay Asher is a clever, clever guy. By the middle to end of this novel, I discovered that, perhaps, Asher wanted me to go there as a reader, only to bring me to the place of truth that no one can gauge valid reasons for someone else. What may come as no big deal to me, may effect someone devastatingly. Each person encompassing Hannah's 13 reasons felt very symbolic of those sides to human nature that we all should be wary of. They are lessons on how not to be lackadaisical  with the people around us, and how our actions affect others. The middle to ending portions of the novel really affected me, as  Hannah spirals downward.

The only portion of the novel that I wasn't as affected by was Clay's character. I sympathized with Clay on some levels, but I found him a bit like a caricature. Almost as if his character, could have been any of the people listed as reasons in this novel. I wanted to sympathize with him more. I also found myself challenged by Hannah's reasoning for having him on the tapes. Clay's story, however, is a wonderful example of how to be more proactive towards those around you, especially those who show warning signs of deeper issues.

Bare in Mind: Thirteen Reasons Why may be triggering for those who suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. It also contains some adult content, profanity, and disturbing scenarios.

Thirteen Reasons Why thrilled, challenged, and rendered me speechless at times. It's a novel that, even after two weeks, I'm still thinking about, and wanting to reread to gain further insight. It makes me wonder how often it is that we never truly understand someone until it's too late. I'm sure that this novel will, and is changing the lives of both those who deal with these issues, and those who observe it in others.

              

I give Thirteen Reasons Why 4 out of 5 cups of Dr. Pepper.

P.S.- If you, or anyone you know is experiencing depression, or thoughts of suicide, please don't believe that no one cares. If you are willing, there are so many people out there who want to support you, love you, and spur you on. I know whatever you are going through feels like it can swallow your world, but I'm telling you that it gets better. And if you're going through bullying, I can totally assure you that you that it gets better. If you need to have a chat with someone, the folks at 1-800-SUICIDE (www.hopeline.com) would love to help you, and show you that there are so many people out there rooting for you!

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid nor terrified because of them , for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

The above is the most real truth I know. God is, and if you let Him, He'll come in and give you a life you never thought you'd ever experience. I say this, not as someone seeking to force Jesus down your throat, but as someone who was bullied, and if it weren't for Him intervening in my life, bringing wonderful people into my life, giving me gifts, and most of all Himself, I have no idea where I would be. If you would like to chat more, please feel free to email me at noveldays {dot} com. 

Book Review | If I Stay by Gayle Forman

The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and the forthcoming Just One Year. 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.

-Amazon

This summer, I hoped to tackle novels that have been so highly recommended that it's a shame it's taken me so long to get to them. After reading Just One Day, I just knew that I would fall in love with If I Stay as well. The premise of having an outer body experience is pretty fascinating, so I thought that the novel would be jam packed with insightful quotes about life, love, and music (as Mia is a cello player, and her parents former punk musicians).  

I found myself drawn into Mia's voice and her interactions with her family immediately during the first chapter. But unfortunately, as the story progresses I found myself becoming a bit bored. I hate this feeling, especially of a writer that I truly love. I wanted to fall in love with this story so bad. I felt for her situation because I know that it is dire, but I wanted more of an emotional connection with Mia, her family, and the other characters. I did love reading of Mia and Adam's relationship, but I wanted more of them as well. I also loved reading about Mia's experiences developing as a cello player, and all the other musical bits of the novel! I'm a sucker for musical bits in any novel! But all around, I found certain parts to be a bit redundant after a while. 

Bare in mind: If I Stay contains profanity, some sensuality, and disturbing scenarios.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman promises a compelling story full of heart, and although I caught twinges of heart, I wanted more. That being said, I'm actually really excited to read the sequel, Where She Went! I remember seeing Where She Went when it released in bookstores, and wanting to purchase on sight, until I realized it's a sequel. I can't wait to delve into that one, and I hope it delivers more of the heart I expected in If I Stay. I'm also looking forward to seeing this adapted into a film, starring the lovely Chloe Moretz!

                                 

I give If I Stay by Gayle Forman 3 out of 5 cups of Chai Tea Latte.

Sugarcube Reviews: Wuthering Heights | CATHERINE | Wuthering Heights Film Adaptation Review

The Bronte sisters are forces within English Literature. Sparks which, until a few years ago, I hadn't experienced. They are writers that I, admittedly, had been running away from. When High School curriculums seek to jam classic authors down your throat, it's the last thing you want to see for a very long time. And then, I found myself in Grad School searching for a novel to critique for one of my dissertations. Desperation, combined with Welsh cozy grasslands, fog, and clouds so swollen you can reach up and drown, Wuthering Heights felt right.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Emily Brontë’s only novel, Wuthering Heights remains one of literature’s most disturbing explorations into the dark side of romantic passion. Heathcliff and Cathy believe they’re destined to love each other forever, but when cruelty and snobbery separate them, their untamed emotions literally consume them. Set amid the wild and stormy Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights, an unpolished and devastating epic of childhood playmates who grow into soul mates, is widely regarded as the most original tale of thwarted desire and heartbreak in the English language.

-Amazon

Wuthering Heights is one of those novels that I find I wanted to really enjoy because of its high gothic romantic quality. I remember loving the writing, and the passionate ferocity of it, to have been written by a Victorian woman. I admire Emily Bronte for her courage to write a pretty overwhelming story, but, unfortunately, I couldn't love the story. Or its characters. Heathcliff and Catherine seem doomed from the very start. And I wanted to sympathize with their challenges, but after awhile, I couldn't even root for them. They start off with a palpable love, and it deteriorates into something overly asthmatic and selfish. What kind of true love destroys even the lives of innocent people around them? I also find it a bit disturbing when I hear people say that Heathcliff and Catherine's love for each other is something to be emulated. Run away from this, guys. Run (The relationship, not the novel)! That said, it should be experienced.

                                     

I give Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte 3 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Catherine by April Lindner

A forbidden romance. A modern mystery. Wuthering Heights as you've never seen it before. Catherine is tired of struggling musicians befriending her just so they can get a gig at her Dad's famous Manhattan club, The Underground. Then she meets mysterious Hence, an unbelievably passionate and talented musician on the brink of success. As their relationship grows, both are swept away in a fiery romance. But when their love is tested by a cruel whim of fate, will pride keep them apart? Chelsea has always believed that her mom died of a sudden illness, until she finds a letter her dad has kept from her for years -- a letter from her mom, Catherine, who didn't die: She disappeared. Driven by unanswered questions, Chelsea sets out to look for her -- starting with the return address on the letter: The Underground. Told in two voices, twenty years apart, Catherine interweaves a timeless forbidden romance with a compelling modern mystery.

-Amazon

It's always very intriguing for me to hear of authors willing to delve into retelling. I was immediately drawn to, Catherine, a Young Adult retelling of Wuthering Heights. For the most part, I felt it a pretty good retelling. I loved that it was set in the grittiest neighborhood in New York City, and had this awesomely rock and roll feel. I do believe that Heathcliff, renamed Hence in this retelling,  would have been a rock star in our time. I thought that Lindner definitely executed Cathy's haunting spirit throughout the novel. The only thing that felt a bit so so, for me, was Chelsea's POV. I found I wasn't as drawn in to her story, as I was Catherine's POV. Truth be told, I liked Catherine and Hence's relationship better than the original. I rooted for them, and enjoyed their journey, and fell heartbroken at the down times.

                                       

I give Catherine by April Lindner 3 1/2 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Wuthering Heights Film Adaptation (2011)

This film adaptation felt like a Sofia Coppola-esque dreamscape, that is told more through atmospheric emotion, than actual dialogue. I recommend this film more to those who read the book, as they will pick up on what's going on quicker than (I believe) one would if you haven't yet read it. The cinematography is gorgeous, what with the wildness of marshland captured. But I hate to say that this movie reminded me why I didn't enjoy the novel. I was, however, drawn to watch to see Kaya Scoledario (the infamous Effy of Skins) star in her first adult role, as well as the fact that they've cast Heathcliff as a man of color (this scored huge points with me, as he is aptly described in the novel). Watch...but prepare to be a bit unsettled. If I had to endure Heathcliff taking his frustration out on poor animals anymore... But if you really loved Wuthering Heights, then you will most likely love this film.

                                       

I give Wuthering Heights (2011) 3 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Bare In Mind: These novels/adaptations depict some sensuality and disturbing scenarios.