Book Review: The Fragile Ordinary

The Fragile Ordinary by Samantha Young 
*I received an e-arc for free in exchange for an honest review*
Publication Date: June 26th, 2018
Amazon/Goodreads

I am Comet Caldwell.

And I sort of, kind of, absolutely hate my name.

People expect extraordinary things from a girl named Comet. That she’ll be effortlessly cool and light up a room the way a comet blazes across the sky.

But from the shyness that makes her book-character friends more appealing than real people to the parents whose indifference hurts more than an open wound, Comet has never wanted to be the center of attention. She can’t wait to graduate from her high school in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the only place she ever feels truly herself is on her anonymous poetry blog. But surely that will change once she leaves to attend university somewhere far, far away.

When new student Tobias King blazes in from America and shakes up the school, Comet thinks she’s got the bad boy figured out. Until they’re thrown together for a class assignment and begin to form an unlikely connection. Everything shifts in Comet’s ordinary world. Tobias has a dark past and runs with a tough crowd—and none of them are happy about his interest in Comet. Targeted by bullies and thrown into the spotlight, Comet and Tobias can go their separate ways…or take a risk on something extraordinary. 

So I seem to be in the minority that didn't love this book. The Fragile Ordinary didn't have much blatantly wrong about it; I just felt like I wasn't emotionally impacted or invested. So, let's dig into some of my problems and what I thought was done well.

What I liked:

1) The Parent-Daughter Dynamics

Comet's relationship with her parents was complex, heartbreaking, and well-done. Her mom basically ignored her and her dad wasn't much better... and we see all these interesting conflicts arise from this. 

2) Stevie

Stevie - the character who would normally be the villain - was three dimensional and shown as an actual human being. Yes he did some bad things at the end, but I was invested in his story and sad about his ending. His story was also well-done.

What I didn't like:

1) Comet

I just couldn't connect to Comet. She's supposed to be relate-able to readers but it sounds forced. She says things like "I'm such a geek" and in general just seems unauthentically quirky? And this critique is coming from ME (a person who is maybe a little quirky). It's not the quirkiness I have a problem with; it's the less-than-genuine portrayal of it. 

2) The Romance

The romance was lacking. So I didn't care a whit about Tobias and I didn't care if he ended up with Comet. There's a problem there. 

3) The pacing/writing 

I was occasionally bored and I felt like the writing was a tiny bit juvenile. It was easily readable though - I just felt like the plot was slower and kind of bland. 

I mean it looks like I hated this book (I didn't!). I definitely liked parts. I just wasn't majorly impressed. But many people loved it so don't just take my word for it.

Review: The Idiot

The Idiot by Elif Batuman 
Goodreads

Selin, a tall, highly strung Turkish-American from New Jersey turns up at Harvard and finds herself dangerously overwhelmed by the challenges and possibilities of adulthood. She studies linguistics and literature, and spends a lot of time thinking about what language – and languages – can and cannot do. Along the way she befriends Svetlana, a cosmopolitan Serb, and obsesses over Ivan, a mathematician from Hungary.

Selin ponders profound questions about how culture and language shape who we are, how difficult it is to be a failed writer, and how baffling love is. At once clever and clueless, Batuman’s heroine shows us with perfect hilarity and soulful inquisitiveness just how messy it can be to forge a self. 

I picked up The Idiot while in Britain on a summer trip. I had never heard of it before but something inexplicably drew me to it. I then read the synopsis and the blurbs and was sold; it was about a Harvard student and I was going to go see the campus while on a trip to Boston. The book came at the perfect time. Vanity Fair called it "masterfully funny" on the front cover so I thought I was in for a lighter read.

And it was hilarious; there's no doubt about it. There were so many parts that made me laugh out loud. SO many. Batuman, with her dry humor, has quite a talent for unexpectedly witty sentences. And there were so many thoughts of Selin's that resonated with me - so many quotes that I plan to write down and keep somewhere.

However, I really wouldn't classify this as light reading. There's reference after reference to famous literature, art, people etc. Selin is a student at Harvard, and while she is clueless about some things, she is also extraordinarily smart in academic areas. My brain definitely grew a bit after reading this (kind of like how the Grinch's heart grew in the 1966 movie... that's what it felt like) .

Also, while this book was funny, there were parts that were (kind of) depressing. And it wasn't like unbearably dreary stuff; Batuman simply portrayed life as it is - with all its ugliness and sharp edges. And what's amazing is that she doesn't even dwell on many horrible tidbits.

For example, Selin's friend Svetlana (who I found so interesting that I could easily write a ten page paper on her) divulges that she had an eating disorder and, upon finding out, her mother's only response was to tell her there were pills for making her skinny. And then her family continued to harangue her about her weight. Isn't that horrible? And all this information only took up like a small paragraph or two. It's grittily realistic. This is one of many examples of these breathtaking bombs Batuman surprises us with.

Another one of the more realistic (but not fun) parts of the book is seeing Selin struggle. She doesn't sleep, she lives in books, she's judgey etc. (she's going to get a B in Russian maybe... oh no) One of my favorite scenes is when she sees a therapist (I think... or some sort of counselor-type) and he diagnoses her flaws. Although she is still such a lovable character.

Then there's Ivan. Ohhhhhhh, he was one of Selin's worst decisions (and she made quite a few). I knew he was incredibly bad news from the get-go. And Selin discovers what it's like to get her heart broken and it sucks. But their relationship was weirdly intellectual; and their bond was so fascinating.

There's two parts of The Idiot in my mind: Harvard and Hungary. And both of these parts were just jam packed of things. I know "things" is a bad word (too vague) but that's what it felt like: so many people and classes and stories and anecdotes and thoughts. It was so stimulating. The section is Hungary was particularly a roller coaster of new people (which Selin herself comments on).

At the end Selin has less answers than she wanted, but I think she has more answers than she think she has. And, yes, she's still young and frustrated and confused... but please show me a college student who isn't. I'm sorry if I rambled during this review; but I could have rambled on for pages. So I guess you also should be thankful for my attempt at brevity at this late hour?

5/5 Stars 

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm Back!

I'm back from my trip to visit colleges! There were definitely colleges I loved and others that I axed off the list. I have to now start thinking about applying and writing my essays. Isn't that strange?

Sadly, I only managed to read like 2.5 books on my trip. Although, I also journaled everyday, walked a lottttttt, and took notes on prospective schools. So, it was a pretty productive venture.

Here's what I read on my trip:

When Dimple Met Rishi was cute, and I love the author (I stalk her on twitter), but I definitely had a few issues. I'll do a review soon and try to articulate my thoughts.

The Idiot, however, was absolutely amazing. Elif Batuman is an author to watch for sure. I'll definitely have a review for this since I cannot stop thinking about it.

So, what's next? I have my home studio ballet intensive to look forward to (along with the regular 5 days/week of classes all summer), a week-long family trip, college prep and extended essay writing, and hopefully lots more reading!

Ciao!

Where Am I? (+ Travel TBR)

By the time you're reading this I will be on a plane. (And very tired!)

So, for the next two-ish weeks I will be traveling to Boston and England to check out colleges (or *ahem* universities). I'm really excited but a little nervous.

I can't believe I am so close to being an adult. It's absolutely unbelievable... but I am so stoked to check out schools. Therefore, I won't be blogging or replying to comments etc. as much. :(

But, don't worry... with all the planes, trains, and metro rides I'm sure I will be doing plenty of reading!

Here's the books I'm bringing with me: 

Of course, I also have the habit of buying books in the airport and at any and all bookstores I pass by... especially when I'm taking long trips. So I might come back with more than this??

Bye! I'll be back soon :) 

Sarah J Maas Mini Reviews

So, a while ago I wrote this little appreciation post with mini reviews for all of the Maas books out at the time. Well, now there have been more released and I have read them all! Here's what I thought:

A Court of Wings and Ruin
Goodreads

This was an epic, fast-paced conclusion to one of my favorite trilogies. There were lots of amazing parts. However, A Court of Wings and Ruin was still my least favorite addition to the series. Why? Firstly, I felt a disconnect from Feyre and Rhysand. Secondly, I think I loved the second book (ACOMAF) way too much. ACOWAR just didn't stand a chance. What I loved about ACOMAF was how brilliantly plotted and unexpected it was. I felt like ACOWAR was a bit more predictable. And  I know this sounds like I didn't like it... but I did! There were so many iconic scenes. And I still love this world. (I actually generously rated it 5 Stars)



Tower of Dawn 
Goodreads

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I give this all the stars. Tower of Dawn is now a top contender for my favorite Maas book (along with QoS, ACOMAF, and HoF). This book made me love Chaol, who I used to be "meh" about. Also, Nesryn kicked butt and became one of my new faves. And I loved all the new characters in this new setting like Yrene and Sartaq. Don't even get me started on all the amazing, beautiful ships in this book! Plus, I loved all the diversity and rep in this addition. Here's my public service announcement: EVERY Maas fan should read this before the last Throne of Glass book. There is vital info for book seven. *drops mike*


A Court of Frost and Starlight 
Goodreads

Okay. I was disappointed by this book. (It's the first Maas book I've rated less than 4 stars.) ACOFAS felt unnecessary and redundant. There were parts I liked - yes - but they didn't feel critical. The fun parts could have easily been turned into simply a 100 page novella (or 50). I feel like this short 230 page novelette took me longer to read than other books by Maas that are like 700 pages. I'm ready to say goodbye to Feyre's arc/plot line and focus on other characters. I am SO excited for the spin off book/book four though. I loved the sneak peak. Although I'm not a huge Nesta fan so we'll see if I change my mind... (Mini rant: she was such a horrible sister to Feyre.)

My Summer TBR

So I've decided to try to make more banners for the blog with Canva! This is my first attempt so I'll get better...  Anyway, now that it's summer and school is over, hopefully I'll have tons more time to read for pleasure. Here is my TBR:



1) When Dimple Met Rishi 
Goodreads

This sounds so adorable and hilarious; I mean just look at that cute cover! And, if you every have a chance to check out the back cover of the hardcover, please do - it's so comical. Also, I love following the author, Sandhya Menon, on twitter. She's super awesome. In fact, I can't believe I haven't read When Dimple Met Rishi already! I'm bringing it with me this week when I go on my trip to check out colleges and stuff. Perfect airplane read maybe??



2) The Weight of Feathers
Goodreads 

The Weight of Feathers looks like such a beautiful read. I've seen some wonderful reviews so I'm excited to start it! Apparently it has lots of magical realism in it... and I either love or hate books with that element. Hopefully I'll love the magical realism in this one. Also, the author's other book, When the Moon was Ours, has also been on my TBR forever. There's just so many TBR books!

3) Strange the Dreamer
Goodreads

Am I ashamed for having not read this yet? Yes. Very. However, maybe this was a good decision on my part now that we are closer to the release date of Muse of Nightmares? See, I was just being clever and saving past me pain. (Or I just totally forgot to pick this up and was a bad book lover.) Anyway, I know whatever Laini Taylor writes will be spectacularly breathtaking. Her Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy is such a classic.

4) Nevernight 
Goodreads
So apparently this is really dark and gory. And has lots of adult themes. In fact, just go to Kristof's twitter to see how not-summery this book is. Now, you might be asking, Emily why did you put this dark, bloody fantasy about assassins? Well, I just really want to read this big book so I can justify buying the second one. And it had such amazing reviews. (The overall Goodreads rating is like 4.3. Wow.)

So, there we go!!! Well, actually there's like twenty more books on my summer TBR but these four are the ones I feel most ashamed about. And I am determined to read them although I *might* get distracted by new shiny things. We'll see.

The book worm life is hard I tell you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mini Review: Leah on the Offbeat

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli 
Publication Date: April 2018
Goodreads
Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love and senior-year angst.

When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.

So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.

I'm very conflicted over my rating. Parts of this book were amazing and worthy of 5 stars! Other parts I had serious issues with... 

*Spoilers*

What I liked:

1) Simon and Bram (obviously) <3

2) College talk! (Seeing these character going on campus tours while I'm at the same stage in my life was so cool)

3) The Leigh Bardugo and other fandom references (Nina and Inej. My heart!)

4) How the story handles racism (A girl makes a stupid, horrible racist comment after a rejection and this was treated with the levity it deserves. My heart broke for Abby.)

5) I love Leah's mom 

6) The American Girl Store Debacle 

7) I just love Albertalli's writing style and sense of humor

What I didn't like:

1) Leah's treatment of her mom

2) Leah's treatment of Garrett

3) Leah's treatment of people in general 

4) Prom felt very unrealistic. Very romanticized almost? And over dramatic? 

5) Okay... confession time: I just wasn't really feeling or shipping Leah and Abby together at all. This was a major issue considering they're the main focus. 

I'm overall glad this book is out in the world and it's a worthy addition to the Creekwood universe - but it isn't at all comparable to the masterpiece that is Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda.