The first was Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.
I have to admit, I didn't think I'd like this book. It's an interesting mix of contemporary and...I don't know...paranormal, I guess? But it definitely reads like a contemporary, which isn't usually my cup of tea. (I did, however, love this book.) The protag, Sam, is easy to dislike (at first) but extremely believable, and knowing what was coming at the end was kind of heartbreaking, because by the time the end came you were like, "Nooooo!". Mostly because of Kent. Oh, Kent<3 Yeah, sorry for being vague, but I don't want to give anything away if you haven't read it :)
This is a book I wish I could have read in high school. The bullying is so authentic, and Lauren gets the point across without being preachy. I like to think it would have changed the way I thought about people in high school.
Random fact: The protag and her friends always get the same coffee from Dunkin' Donuts every morning--hazelnut with extra cream--and after reading that I decided to try it. OMG, so good. I get it every day now! Do books ever make you try something new like that?
The second book I read was Divergent by Veronica Roth.
I will describe this book in three words: Holy world building!
I love books that can transport me to another place that feels so real, I almost believe it exists after I put the book down. This was that kind of book.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I was in, I was IN. I loved that Tris renamed herself. I loved seeing her transform. I loved the whole Dauntless atmosphere, even though it was scary. And I loooved Four<3! But that's a give-in, isn't it?
I'm super excited for Insurgent!
Have any of you read these books? What did you think?
Divergent is a great read! Before I Fall is on my TBR list. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVED Divergent. Really loved it. Can't wait till Insurgent comes out :)
ReplyDeleteboth of those books are AWESOME. Lauren Oliver is such an amazing writer... if you haven't read Delirium by her, do it.
ReplyDeleteand Divergent... oh how I love thee... I plan to reread it right before Insurgent comes out. CAN"T WAIT!
YES. Loved both Before I Fall and Divergent. I'm not really into contemporary either but I totally loved Before I Fall. It made me think twice about contemporary. I actually liked it more than Delirium, which is dystopian.
ReplyDeleteI've also recommended Divergent to like everyone I know, lol. Loved it. Also my bf's nickname is Cuatro so I found it really funny that the love interest's name was Four.
BEFORE I FALL is one of my all-time favorite books. Like you, I wasn't super enamored with the premise....it just didn't catch my eye. However, I'd heard so many good reviews that I decided to give it a try. I loved it. I loved the flawed characters, the gradual transformation, and the realism of her protagonist's voice. Such a great read....I'm hoping to start DELIRIUM soon.
ReplyDeleteAs for DIVERGENT, I read it last summer. Enjoyed it, but not quite as much as everyone else seems to have....it was a fun read but not a book that really stayed with me. Still, if I have time I'll definitely check out the sequel.
OK. I have had Before I Fall on my list for a long time. I just need to get it. I know I'll love it. Oh, and I am STOKED for Insurgent.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved both of those books! I love Lauren Oliver's writing style...so very hypnotic and literary while delivering a wonderful story. DIVERGENT was a super fun read and loved the world building!
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