5 Books to make you Cry

The first book that comes to mind when you think of tearjerker books is, of course, the extremely popular John Green book: The Fault in our Star. So after reading that book, you cried. But it wasn't enough, and you want more. Well, here I am to recommend more books to make you tear up!


1. Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life. Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go. But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life.

This book is pretty similar to TFioS. There's a kid dying of cancer but before he dies, he wants to 'mend the broken fences in his life'. And so begins his journey to do it. And of course there's the love interest who also had to 'suffer emotionally' (if you know what I mean) at the ending of the book. So in short, if you're looking for books with cancer kids to make you cry, this one is for you.


2. Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

"My name is Sam. I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead." 
Sam loves facts. He wants to know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghosts and scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And because he has leukaemia he wants to know the facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer. "Ways To Live Forever" is the first novel from an extraordinarily talented young writer. Funny and honest, it is one of the most powerful and uplifting books you will ever read. 

Another book with a kid with cancer but this time, it's told in a child's perspective. Sam is an eleven year old boy but because of leukaemia, his life is cut short. Despite that, he is very positive in his outlook on life and decides to do a bucket list for he passes on. I quote him: “There's no point having wishes if you don't at least try to do them” Innocent yet heartwarming, you should definitely try it, even if its written in an eleven year old's pov. 


3. All Fall Down by Sally Nicholls

A deadly contagion races through England...
Isabel and her family have nowhere to run from a disease that has killed half of Europe. When the world she knows and loves ends forever, her only weapon is courage.
The Black Death of 1349 was the deadliest plague in human history. All Fall Down is a powerful and inspiring story of survival in the face of real life horror.

From the synopsis, you can already tell that it's a story about a deadly plague. It's sad, it's heartbreaking, it's awful that many people had to die. Our main character, Isabel, was caught in the midst of this plague and had to witness the horrifying deaths of people she knew and did not know all around her. What else can be more heartbreaking than that?

4. The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

Anna and Abel couldn’t be more different. They are both seventeen and in their last year of school, but while Anna lives in a nice old town house and comes from a well-to-do family, Abel, the school drug dealer, lives in a big, prisonlike tower block at the edge of town. Anna is afraid of him until she realizes that he is caring for his six-year-old sister on his own. Fascinated, Anna follows the two and listens as Abel tells little Micha the story of a tiny queen assailed by dark forces. It’s a beautiful fairy tale that Anna comes to see has a basis in reality. Abel is in real danger of losing Micha to their abusive father and to his own inability to make ends meet. Anna gradually falls in love with Abel, but when his “enemies” begin to turn up dead, she fears she has fallen for a murderer. Has she?

At first glance, it doesn't seem like a book that would make you want to snatch up some tissues to soak up your tears. Sure enough, it isn't a story of dying kids, but of kids with psychological problems. And if you're thinking that it's the typical 'bad boy and good girl helps each other' plot, you're wrong. Right off from the start, they did not have an easy friendship. It's dark, it's twisted, but you'll crave for it all the same. Personally, it was a hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. I got frustrated, I got angry, and then I wanted to bawl my eyes out like a baby. And after the lost page was turned, this was how I felt:



So yeah. Try it.


5. Champion by Marie Lu

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion? 
June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position. 
But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything. 
With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

What made me tear up was the ending. It's more of a dystopian thriller book to be honest, but OMG THE ENDING. 



It's not a tearjerker book but yeah. I suggest starting the trilogy right from the first book because then, you'll get to understand and empathize with the character more. When you reach the end of the end of the trilogy YOU WILL NOT REGRET BECAUSE IT WAS THE BEST DECISION OF YOUR LIFE.

 

Top 3 Childhood Favourite Books

As a child, I used to read many, many books to the extent that my parents had to ban (yes, I said ban, no joke) me from going to the library, Nevertheless, I still borrowed books from the school's library, not like they could stop me.

Anyways, throughout my entire childhood, I've encountered some ah-mazing books that I still love until now and today, I'm gonna share them with y'all!

1. Driftwood by Cathy Cassidy

Hannah and Joey have been best friends for ever. Joey's parents love rescuing things and making them beautiful – their house is full of things made from driftwood, old glass and shells from the beach. Which is why the scraggy kittens the girls find in a bin at school end up living there. And when Paul moves in as Joey's foster brother, everyone thinks that maybe he needs rescuing too. But nobody knows quite how badly. At first, it's great – Hannah's brother befriends Paul, and the four of them hang out together. But then things start to go wrong. Paul is being bullied. Subtly at first – but quickly it gets dangerous. People aren't like driftwood or abandoned kittens and Hannah doesn't know how to rescue him. Paul doesn't want to be rescued – but with help, he can find a way to save himself.

I reread this book a numerous times and guess what? I still loved it a lot. Although it is a middle grade book (some might consider this as 'Young Adult' but personally, I find that it is more suitable to be categorized under middle grade), the story conveyed is really moving. Long story short, it's about the differences a person has and that no matter how weird he might be, we should accept them as who they are. Somehow, I could relate a little to the story because tbh, I have to say that I'm a little like Paul. I am different from most of my peers so much that sometimes they just ignore me. Because I'm obviously like not the normal girls who like to talk about kpop stars or gossip about stuff.
Um, ok, I'm getting a bit personal but now you know why I adored this book tremendously. Sometimes you relate to stuff and just love it how it 'understands' you, y'know?

2. Ruby Parker Series by Rowan Coleman


This is just the first book of the entire series. Couldn't find a pic of the entire series tho.

To cut the long story short (ooo my second time using this phrase haha), it's about a girl Ruby Parker who shot to fame from being a soap star. Click here to learn more about the book.

Cute. Fluffy. Hilarious. These are a few words to describe the book. Also, this was my first Young Adult book so obviously I loved it. (I mean, first impressions y'know? My first impression of the YA was a positive one so that was how I came to know about YA). Truth to be told, this book was the first book with a kissy scene I've ever read so 10 year old me was like

   

But at the same time:


Tat pervy face tho *inserts laughing crying emoji*

3. Changeover by Margaret Mahy 

When her little brother seems to become possessed by an evil spirit, fourteen-year-old Laura seeks the help of the strangely compelling older boy at school who she is convinced has supernatural powers.

The synopsis found at Goodreads do not do this book justice. After the first glance people are gonna be like



And then they'll probably dismiss the book and-- NO PEOPLE IT'S A CRIME TO JUST DISMISS LIKE THAT.

It does sound like a stereotype from the synopsis but I assure you, it's much different than you might think. The atmosphere created is dark, deliciously sensual, mysterious with a tinge of ever present evil. The plot? Totally different from your typical paranormal YA books. It is creepy but it just arouses your curiosity somehow. I'm terrible at describing, but I think you should give it a go. Totally worth it.

So yeah! This is the end. I have many more favourites but I have completely forgotten about the title and the author. :(

The Little Newsletter [#1]

Although I've been MIA on my blog for a long time, doesn't mean nothing is happening in my life. Even though I've mentioned before that I'll be posting when I feel like it, I can't help but feel that it's a complete waste to have nothing on my blog for months so here it is, a biweekly/monthly thing I can post!

Nah... Just kidding.

1. I've been chosen to perform a solo piece for my orchestra!

Seriously, I've never expected that I'll be selected to perform a solo piece. There are peeps in my section that are just as ah-mazing at erhu (a chinese fiddle) and... aaaand dayum, I'm the chosen one. I can't get over it. My seniors are really nice to let me perform for the exchange program and I'm just sitting going all

2. Freaking Examinations

Le absolute joy.

That's all the interesting stuff that's happening in my life. Such a colourful life.

2015 Updates

Sup diggity dogs! (that line came from dan though XD)

If you haven't noticed, I haven't been posting regularly. I mean, once in a few months doesn't count as regular, does it?

That's because:

1. Blogging is very time consuming. Especially for people whose foundation in English is not exactly impressive. Like me.

2. Reading takes up lots of time and I don't have a lot of it nowadays. *sad face* Life in secondary school is just pure hectic mess.

3. This blog is for reading and the two combination is just too time consuming. So there you have it, in case you might be wondering why I go MIA so frequently in the recent months.

BUT that doesn't stop me from reading though. I plan to read 35 books this year (WHAT? That's unacceptably too little!) which is significantly much lesser compared to the previous two years. Like I said, it's because of school. 

Because of these reasons, I've decided to post only when I feel like it and when I have the time. And by that, I'm most likely going MIA again for months. So... Happy reading I guess?

Ciao!

Vi

Top Ten Books in 2014: Young Adult

Although I didn't read half as many books as I did last year, I have to say I did came across more books that I loved a lot this year. So even though I've read less than 50 books this year, I enjoyed nearly every one of them and it'll take me a while to think up of one I really dislike a lot. Anyways, in no particular order, here are the top ten books I've read in 2014!

***

• There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones 

I usually avoid the what I like to call 'depressed-over-loss-of-family-but-since-we-have-this-awesome-and-hot-male-protagonist-everything-becomes-rainbows-and-sunshines' sort of books mainly because they're unrealistic most of the time. But a girl immune to a rock star's charm? Totally my cup of tea. I fell off the bed laughing at Finley's snark.

• In The Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken (and TDM and NF. It's a trilogy, they count too)

Admittedly, it was a really thick book and I skipped pages several times, I really enjoyed it.  Twists and turns at every corner, and Bracken has this way of writing that makes the book 'unputdownable'.

• Between the Spark and the Burn by April Genevieve Tucholke

It's April Genevieve Tucholke after all. Everything deserves 100 stars.

• Magnolia by Kristi Cook

<--- this award goes to Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden

It's like Romeo and Juliet, but the reverse. Still swoon-worthy though, no doubt.

• Starbreak by Phoebe North

Mmm, aliens can be more than a friend too.

• Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Ignifex is not a beast. He is utterly alluring and charming and strange and beguiling and mysterious and attractive and enticing.

• The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Politics are usually not my cuppa tea, but the whole book screams genius from the cover to the plot and I  l o v e  it.

• The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

If you like to experience emotional torments of happiness, frustration and depression, The Storyteller is for you. 100% feels guaranteed.

• Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

Laini Taylor has this gift of writing that doesn't makes you see words but feel them. I bet she could write a trashy story but I'll still love it.

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Aria and Perry's relationship is probably one of the most realistic ones I've ever read. They actually understand each other and accepts as who they are and I think it's pretty sweet. The world building and secondary characters were really good too.

Reading Updates

Hey there! I'm back!

During the many weeks of absence (on my blog), I am pleased to announce that I have recovered from my reading slump! Here are the books I've read in August and September so far:







And because of that, I caught up with my reading challenge! Although I'm still a dozen books behind schedule. Speaking of which, my goal is to finish 60 books this year although if you've noticed, I initially planned to finish 100 books at the beginning of the year (to see 2014 resolutions, click here). Well, what can I say? I didn't expect life as a secondary student to be that tough.

Looking back at the resolutions and goal I planned for blogging at the start of the year, I realized I simply haven't manage to accomplish anything. This isn't because I've lost interest in blogging, it's because blogging takes up a lot of time and I haven't got much of it ever since I began secondary school. I contemplated on starting a new goal for this year but what's the point? Three quarters of the year have flown past. Time flies fast.

Anyways, I've gotta go. Hopefully after exams, I'll have more time to blog and join in the blogosphere. Happy reading!
  

Review: Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3) by Leigh Bardugo

The Description:

The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

My Thoughts:

THAT ENDING. THAT FREAKING ENDING. *screams* THAT JUST RUINED MY ENTIRE LIFE.

The whole book was going so well and then BAMZ.  All the grand and intricate plot went down the drain because of THAT ENDING. *screams in utter frustration and desperation*  Why?? Why such an ordinary, common and predictable ending? Couldn't it have been more unique like maybe Mal died and somehow the Darkling married Alina or SOMETHING? Why that? WHY?

I'm not even kidding when I say I didn't want to do anything after reading that book. The ending just ruined me completely. The whole thing was going so, so well until... *sobs* until... THAT ENDING. *sobs sobs* Why? TELL MEH. My heart is hurting over that and I don't ever think it'll be healed. Damn time. If it could, maybe time would rewind and another ending could be written? But no. It's impossible. Surely not improbable.

Alina, it'll be all your fault if my friends think I'm so moody and snappy. Why did u do that? I can't forgive you for that. *screams hoarsely*

Okay... Okay... *breaths in and out* I'll cheer myself up by thinking of all wonderful and praise-worthy things before... *breath hitches* that. The characters were awesome, they were wonderfully developed especially the secondary ones *smiles at thought* And Mal wasn't so annoying. Although I still dislike him. *scowls* Nikolai was up with his sass as usual, zipping one-liners. I can't say I like Alina much, but she's still tolerable as the main character. Leigh is wonderful with plotting as usual (I disagree with that ending, though. Why that when you crazy plotting skills?), always planting surprises and twists and unexpected timings. All these probably would have added up to 5 stars IF NOT FOR THAT ENDING.

That ending just disappointed me really bad and it affected my overall liking for the book. Endings are really important. If you have a really great storyline but an unsatisfying ending, I'm sorry but it won't work out. Knowing how well it went for the first and second book, the conclusion to the third book doesn't quite meet the expectations. It was just so anti-climatic and once again, sounding like a spoilt tape, it was extremely disappointing. Everything I hoped that would not happened, happened. To be honest, the ending affected my liking for the whole trilogy.

So maybe I'll just watch Dan, or Caspar, or Joe, or whichever YouTuber until I stop mourning. Maybe I'll also write another more fabulous ending in that time and hopefully, forget about about the miserable ending.

To wrap it up, I loved Ruin and Rising, but the ending just left me really heartbroken with disappointment. Should you try Ruin and Rising? Well, if you liked the first two books (which you should definitely try), you may not want to try this unless you're prepared for disappointing ending. If you're those kind that love the typical heroes win, villians lose kind of thing, you'll probably love it. But I don't. So there.

Review in gif:

Me at the ending of R&R. Still mad about it. Ice creams didn't help either.

Rating: 3.75/5 Stars

Full rant (about the ending) to come.