If I Stay AND Where She Went

I have read a few books since last posting. One of which, is a sequel to the first. Here is my report on both books!

 

Title/Author(s): If I Stay... Where She Went, Gayle Forman

Genre: Fiction 

Year of Copyright: 2010 & 2012

What is this book about? 

The first book is about a very talented teenage cellist, Mia, whom resides unconscious in a hospital bed due to a serious car accident that took both her parents as well as younger brother. She is unconscious, but tells her story of her love of music, family, and boyfriend, Adam. The book is all about the choice she has to stay in the world, or die. 

*SPOILER ALERT*

She stays. Which leads into the next book!

Where She Went picks up a few years later when Mia is becoming quite the popular musician graduating from Julliard early an about to embark on a very prestigious path, playing all over the world. She tells her story of what happened in the years leading up to her accomplishments after the accident, but we also hear from Adam, the boyfriend from "If I Stay," whom also has become quite the heartthrob and famous rock musician. The book goes back and forth with each chapter, both reliving what happened between them and the relationships and friendships they've had since Mia's accident.

Share a favorite part: 

First I will say that Where She Went is, in my opinion, much better than it's prequel. I'm also a sucker for happy endings so that probably had a lot to do with it :P My favorite part of the first books, however, was the beginning courtship of Adam and Mia. The story there is typical (cute guy notices nerdy, quiet, music girl), but very cute as Mia's parents welcome him into the family. My favorite part of the second book happens when they both come together for a night of reminiscing, remembering, and sharing the true feelings they had when they parted ways after the accident.

What did you like the most?

I liked that the first book jumped from the goings on in the hospital in one chapter to Mia recalling her life before the accident int he next chapter. It kept the story alive and not slow. Also, I like that the second book had both points of view when it came to storytelling. You get inside both character's heads. 

What did you like the least? 

I guess if I had to pick, I'd say that at some points I just wanted to read more about one point of view or one scene more than a chapter. It did keep the stories alive, but it was so frustrating at times to have to switch back to the accident, or (in the second book), back to that other person's point of view.

Describe this book in 3 words: Cute, Teenage-y, Sad

What was the overall message, you think, the author is trying to give? 

That you have a choice to live and to try to make your life the best life you can... As well as not give up on the people that truly love you and that you love.

Do you recommend this book?

Sure, if you don't want a serious read. These passed the time wonderfully! A good bed time read.

NETFLIXOHOLISM

Recently, new shows as well as new episodes and new movies have become available on Netflix...

SOoooooo...

Reading has been postponed until all the shows of Gilmore Girls, the West Wing, How I met Your Mother, Sherlock, and others to which I am not comfortable sharing here... OK, Vampire Diaries, (are you happy?!) are watched. Maybe other shows that I stumble upon the way.

And what I am calling this phase of brain frying is, "Netflixoholism." It's a thing. Deal with it.

Also, I'm sure to get sick of my computer sooner or later so when Gone Girl becomes available (seriously, there are like 50 people ahead of me on the wait list), I will surely pick up words again :)

Until then, give this Netflixoholic a break!

Banished

Title/Author(s): Banished: A Memoir, by Lauren Drain with Lisa Pulitzer

Genre: Non-Fiction 

Year of Copyright: 2013

What is this book about? 

This book is about a young woman (Lauren Drain) whose family joined a religious group called the Westboro Baptist Church (well known for their messages of hate while picketing soldiers' funerals as well as other events around the country) when she was 15 years old. After being apart of this community for several years, Lauren, is kicked out and ex-communicated from her family and friends. This is about her life in the Westboro Baptist Church.

Share a favorite part: 

The climax of the book, when her life is drastically changed by the banishment from the community, was my favorite part of the book.

What did you like the most?

I enjoy reading memoirs so it was all very interesting to me to read people's stories and try and understand the relationships and treatment given to the protagonist. 

What did you like the least? 

The fact that there is a group (so well versed with the bible and very well educated outside of their religion) spreading hate messages and seeing themselves as so unbelievably superior to everyone else in the world. There are about 70 of these people who think they are the only ones in the entire universe that will be saved and are going to Heaven... It's pretty disgusting how much they're lacking of love and compassion.

Describe this book in 3 words: Resilient, Infuriating, Interesting 

What was the overall message, you think, the author is trying to give? 

She is trying to give an understanding of the religion where she spent several years of her life. From what I understood, she's not trying to be bias, just tell the truth. This group is so well educated that they can argue anything and are ready for any opposition (I mean most of the adults are lawyers so that makes sense).

Do you recommend this book?

I don't know... if you are opened to becoming extremely annoyed with some of the views the author writes about, then by all means, read it. However, if you aren't big on these types of books where people have extreme beliefs, then I don't recommend it. I am interested in stories like this because of the culture shock people go through once they are out in the real world. It amazes me how strong a person becomes when they have no other choice.

Unplanned

Last week, Agnes and I spent a couple of days at Paul's parent's house while Paul had work in the city. I didn't bring the book I was reading at the time, so I skimmed their book shelves. This book grabbed my attention right away and before long I was engrossed in this woman's story. It took me a day and a half (just enough time to not have to take it home with me) to read and I am glad I did! Come check it out: 

Title/Author(s): Unplanned, Abby Johnson

Genre: Non-Fiction 

Year of Copyright: 2011

What is this book about? 

This book is about a woman named Abby Johnson and the path she takes in becoming the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Bryan, Texas (an abortion clinic). After witnessing and assisting an actual abortion (8 years after starting work for Planned Parenthood), she decides to leave and immediately join a pro-life group called Coalition for Life. Many prayers and losses of babies' lives preceded her conversion, even two of her own children. 

Share a favorite part: 

My favorite part of this book is the call from God to have her pray outside the same clinic she had walked into work and had been the director of every day. 

What did you like the most?

I like the layout of the book and how it starts with the turning point and then backtracks all the way to where she was first approached for volunteering at the same clinic she was going to direct.

What did you like the least? 

Honestly, there isn't a particular part or aspect of the book I don't like. I was never bored or disinterested. The whole story was beautiful, sad at times (and I cried), and very moving. 

Describe this book in 3 words: Moving, Heart-wrenching, Real

What was the overall message, you think, the author is trying to give? 

She is trying to share the realities and truth behind Planned Parenthood and the horrors of abortion. There are many lies and over-exaggerations about the Planned Parenthood organization and that's one of the reasons why this book was written, to fight it with the truth and not create more lies. This book doesn't make her out to be a hero. In all honesty, she has taken many lives by counseling women with the choice of terminating their pregnancies and killing innocent babies. She aborted two of her pregnancies. This book is about the truth to Planned Parenthood and the focus they have on making money by scheduling more abortions  than what they said they would do, "To try and prevent as many abortions as possible by giving women options for birth control and health care."

Do you recommend this book?

Absolutely! I read it in one and a half days so it's a quick read. It's a great book!