Something Out of Nothing

Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Songs for this Book: Drift Away by Move Out West, Everywhere by Michelle Branch, Only Fooling Myself by Kate Voegele,  Please Don't Go by Barcelona (duh!)

This book was equal parts charming, breathtaking, frustrating and heartbreaking. The writing its self was really lovely. The grammar, at times, left something to be desired, but it didn't distract too much from the story. Harper and Callum are intoxicating narrators. Their voices are so strong and both so witty and real. This is just one of those book that no one will ever really get until they read it themselves. I could give you a very lengthy summary of this story and let you know how it all plays out but there is some kind a poetry to the words in this story that really make you fall in love with it.

Harper and Callum are two lost souls failed by the foster system. Having turned 18 they have been kicked to the curb. One fateful day they find each other instantly feel as though they have found a missing piece of themselves. Callum takes Harper under his wing as he has been on his own a little longer than her. Each night fighting for a bed to sleep on. These two seem to have to worst luck ever, with robbery, stalkers, arson, brooding hidden love, and a knack for always getting interrupted at critical moments. But together with dear friends along the way they form a big misfit family. More family than either of them has ever had.

 I must say, the beginning is my favorite, when these two first meet there is such an innocence to their relationship, but they grow some much as characters as the book progresses over several years. Its the young innocence that pulls you in and the growth and maturity of themselves and their relationship that keeps you turning pages.
Its honestly a great read, its indie label is a bit off putting to some, as I was at first, but It will make you laugh and smile and wave your arms around in anguish, and if you're anything like me, you will love every word of it.



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The Only Thing We Have to FEAR is FEAR Itself.

Fear by Michael Grant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Songs for this Book: Dark Horses by Switchfoot, I Will Follow You into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie, Bullet Believer by The Bigger Lights

And just when I was starting to like her...
Wow this book was a total game changer. It felt to me like this book just breathed new life into all the characters. They ally just seemed a little... Different. And mostly in a good way. Sam seemed to finally figure out his place in this new world, while Astrid seemed to lose a part of her, yet I liked this new Astrid so much better that whiney Astrid the faithful genius. I liked badass, independent, do what she wants Astrid. Even Caine was growing on me. King Caine seemed to know his place and was almost a just ruler. I'm excited to see how his character develops even more.
Fear seemed to me to have the most character/relationship development in all if the books, and it really worked. Needless to say big things are happening In the FAYZ and it's all shaping up to be an epic showdown to the finale. Grant has rekindled my love (and utter hatred) for these kids and I can't wait to see how it all goes down.



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Belong. Long To Be.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Songs for this book: Over You by Miranda Lambert, Concrete Girl by Switchfoot, Back to the Start by The Summer Set



The pages of this book are laced with sadness. An it is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. Sometimes it makes me cry, and I can't tell if it's because I am so saddened by it or if it is just so beautiful I can't handle anymore. I can't put my finger on it but every word I read about Webb and Tate and narnie give me chills and I this feeling some where between being wonderstruck and utterly disheartened.
You know how in "Because of Winn-Dixie" they describe the candy as melancholy? This book is like that. You don't know how such a thing and elicit such an emotion but you know that it does, and something about this unknown feeling is so beautiful that you can't contain you emotions and you cry. Those candies made people cry, the irony being how can something as sweet and good as candy make a person cry? In this case the irony is how can something do basic as symbols in a page stir such strong emotions in a person?
I can't say I know the answer or that I ever will but I'm glad I know enough to ask the question because the feeling I get reading this book is something that will stay with me forever.



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