Beautiful, beautiful. Read. This. Book.
I'm not sure exactly how I came across this book. I don't know why I don't remember that; I usually
do. I do know that within minutes of reading what EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is about, I ordered it. I had to wait a little bit to read it because I was reading something else at the time. That was difficult to do because I was anxious to read Nicola Yoon's first book. I really sounded GOOD.
The book lived up to the hype I'd put on it. In all serious, you NEED to read EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING. For a first book, Nicola Yoon has knocked it out of the ballpark. I started the book around 8:00-ish and finished it right at midnight--of the same day. I could NOT put the book down.
As I was reading Maddy's story, I was struck by how much we neglect to appreciate LIFE--being able to live relatively "normal" lives out in the world--seeing the beauty of God's creation on a daily basis--breathing fresh air--going where we want to go when we want to go (for the most part)--being able to touch, hug, hold, or kiss our loved ones--and so on and so on. Maddy is stuck inside her super-clean home every single day and risks certain death if she so much as steps outside or if someone enters her home without being decontaminated.
Wow. What a horrible way to live, but Maddy takes it all in stride--mostly...until the day her new neighbors move in next door and she is irresistibly drawn to the boy dressed all in black who climbs like a monkey. Now Maddy wants a life beyond her pristine white, CLEAN home and all hell breaks loose as a result....
I was so not prepared for the twist of this story. I pride myself on being able to figure out stories and not being surprised by twists. When I am unable to figure it out, that story/book automatically (typically) becomes one of my new favorite books! And EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is now at the top of my list of all-time favorite books.
I hope I don't ruin it by saying that it's IF I STAY meets FINDING NEMO.....
Seriously. Read EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING.....
About two weeks ago, I learned that Chonda Pierce was releasing a movie called LAUGHING IN THE DARK. It's a one-night showing--Tuesday, October 27--only. Curious about the movie, I did an online search about it and found that she'd also written a book with the same title. I immediately ordered it and began reading it as soon as it arrived.
As usual, Chonda Pierce tackles a difficult subject--depression--with humor, lightness, and hope. I had no idea until I started reading this book that she had dealt with [severe] depression. I have watched Chonda's videos for as long as I can remember and have laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed through every single one. Her story is a true testament to the fact that we never know what the person next to us is going through--just because he/she has a smile on his/her face and/or is laughing doesn't mean that all is well in his/her world/life.
In today's world, "depression" is a dirty word in the context that the people around us don't want to deal with our sadness. Depressed people are difficult people to be around. To those who have never dealt with it, they seem to think that if a depressed person would JUST quit focusing on the negatives in his/her life, he/she wouldn't be depressed anymore. Or the depressed person should JUST pray more...or JUST worship more...or JUST read the Bible more...or JUST get filled with the Holy Spirit...and the list goes on and on.
I've heard it from those around me, "JUST 'get over it'"! Honey, if I could "just get over it," don't you think I would have already?! Who in their right mind WANTS to live in a constant state of sadness--severe depression?!
Chonda's story brings a very serious subject into the light and discusses it laughter, but great tact and the realization that EVEN Christians can have severe depression and we need to be supportive rather than judgmental of those who do.
Thank you, Chonda, for your openness and honesty. I can't wait to see your movie on October 27.
Allen Longstreet's THE GAMBIT is a fast-paced novel full of political intrigue as well as romance and a fascinating plot. As one who is not a big fan of anything political (that's why I only gave it 3 stars--don't hate), it took some doing to get me into this story. Thankfully, it's a really good story with not a LOT of politics. As the back of the book states, 7 different characters tell this inter-twining story, making it more interesting than your average book told from just one character's point-of-view. I admit that I would like to know more of what happened to the other characters in the story beyond Rachel--and Owen. Grey, in particular, is an absolutely fascinating character. If Longstreet chooses to do a sequel to THE GAMBIT, I truly hope he chooses Grey as his major protagonist!
Then again, I do need an idea for National Novel Writing Month 2015 (NaNoWriMo) that begins in about two weeks....! :)
I also need to say that as his first major published novel, Longstreet demonstrates a wonderful, successful future career as a popular--by popular, I mean famous--author. I can't wait to see what he writes next!!! And next....and next.....
My very sweet friend, Kim Ray, told me about Brene Brown's book DARING GREATLY and I immediately bought the book and started reading it. The only reason it has taken me so long to read it is because there is so much that Brene gives the reader to think about! Her book is full of the research she has conducted and the results of her research that all proves that we are much better off in life when we do choose to Dare Greatly and to have the courage to be vulnerable.
After reading a few of the other reviews on Brene's book, I have to admit that the book is a bit of a challenge to read. But it's because she presents a thesis and then proceeds to share several examples to illustrate her thesis. It's challenging because she has so much wonderful information to share and as a reader, I want to absorb everything she's saying and not miss anything!
