Book Review: An Anonymous Girl: A Novel- Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen-Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Hello dear Readers,

My book review of n Anonymous Girl: A Novel by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.

Title: An Anonymous Girl: A Novel

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: January 8, 2019

Language: English

Paperback: 384 pages
Meet the Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

The next novel of psychological suspense and obsession from the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us

Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she’ll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.

Question #1: Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?

But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking…and what she’s hiding.

Question #2: Have you ever deeply hurt someone you care about?

As Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what in her life is real, and what is one of Dr. Shields’ manipulative experiments. Caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.

Question #3: Should a punishment always fit the crime?

From the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us comes an electrifying new novel about doubt, passion, and just how much you can trust someone.

My Thoughts

The Wife Between Us, Hendricks and Pekkanen previous book was one of my favorite books of 2018. As soon as I saw a new book was being published I knew I had to read it. Even though I absolutely loved The Wife Between Us but in my opinion An Anonymous Girl was even better. 

In all honesty, I am still thinking about this book , that is how good it is. Every minute, every word is worth the time you spend on it. The characters, the plot, the setting, all of it makes this book a marvelous read. It kept me intrigued, invested in the characters and what I loved the most was that unexpected ending and all the suspense leading to it. I was fascinated how the authors managed the dual POV, going back and forth between the two main characters, the amount of detail they put into it without being boring or adding unnecessary story lines. I also loved how the subjects of morality and honesty are explored, a very different take from other books which is what makes this book so unique and interesting.

An Anonymous Girl, an addictive, intriguing thriller that I recommend and cannot wait to read more book from these Authors.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wendy

Book Review: Once Upon a River: A Novel by Diane Setterfield-General/Women's Fiction

Hello dear Readers,

Below my book review of Once Upon a River: A Novel by Diane Setterfield.

Title: Once Upon a River: A Novel

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Genre: General/Women's Fiction
Author: Diane Setterfield

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: December 04, 2018

Language: English

Hardcover: 480 pages
Meet the Author: Diane Setterfield
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

“One of the most pleasurable and satisfying new books I've read in a long time. Setterfield is a master storyteller...swift and entrancing, profound and beautiful.” —Madeline Miller, internationally bestselling author of Circe and The Song of Achilles

“A beguiling tale, full of twists and turns like the river at its heart, and just as rich and intriguing.” —M.L. Stedman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Light Between Oceans

“This is magical, bewitching storytelling...High prose expressed with rare clarity, story for the unashamed sake of story, a kind of moral dreaminess…well, the list continues to grow.”—Jim Crace, National Book Critics Circle winner and author of Being Dead and Harvest

From the instant #1 New York Times bestselling author of the “eerie and fascinating” (USA TODAY) The Thirteenth Tale comes a richly imagined, powerful new novel about how we explain the world to ourselves, ourselves to others, and the meaning of our lives in a universe that remains impenetrably mysterious.

On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the river Thames, an extraordinary event takes place. The regulars are telling stories to while away the dark hours, when the door bursts open on a grievously wounded stranger. In his arms is the lifeless body of a small child. Hours later, the girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or can science provide an explanation? These questions have many answers, some of them quite dark indeed.

Those who dwell on the river bank apply all their ingenuity to solving the puzzle of the girl who died and lived again, yet as the days pass the mystery only deepens. The child herself is mute and unable to answer the essential questions: Who is she? Where did she come from? And to whom does she belong? But answers proliferate nonetheless.

Three families are keen to claim her. A wealthy young mother knows the girl is her kidnapped daughter, missing for two years. A farming family reeling from the discovery of their son’s secret liaison, stand ready to welcome their granddaughter. The parson’s housekeeper, humble and isolated, sees in the child the image of her younger sister. But the return of a lost child is not without complications and no matter how heartbreaking the past losses, no matter how precious the child herself, this girl cannot be everyone’s. Each family has mysteries of its own, and many secrets must be revealed before the girl’s identity can be known.

Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, the beginning of this novel will sweep you away on a powerful current of storytelling, transporting you through worlds both real and imagined, to the triumphant conclusion whose depths will continue to give up their treasures long after the last page is turned.

My Thoughts

To me Diane Setterfield is one of the best writers I have ever read. The Thirteenth Tale is one of my all time favorite books. I without a doubt believe her writing is stunning, magical. I remember after finishing The Thirteenth Tale I could not stop wondering how any person could write like that. When I saw there was a new book coming I knew I needed it. I was so happy to read something new from the author and even thought I knew there was a big chance it was not going to be the same as The Thirteenth Tale but could not help but hope it would be as good as it. 

Things I like, the unique and characteristic writing style, so neat and beautiful, all the different elements, you can not put this book in one box because I could see a little bit of mystery, magic, fantasy and some felt like reading a historical fiction and that for me shows the capability on the authors' side of combining different elements, however, the things I did not like, the later at the same time caused some confusion, from the beginning it was a slow start for me, I could never get on board with the story, I kept waiting for that "wow" moment that was going to speed up the pace for me but unfortunately never happened. I really hate to say this but the story never captivated me, could not connect with it nor the characters, this was just not the story for me.

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.


Wendy

Book Review: A Dream Called Home: A Memoir by Reyna Grande-Biographies/Memoirs

Hello dear Readers,

Below my book review of A Dream Called Home: A Memoir by Reyna Grande.

Title: A Dream Called Home: A Memoir by Reyna Grande

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Biographies/Memoirs

Author: Reyna Grande

Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: October 2, 2018

Language: English

Hardcover: 336 pages
Meet the Author: Reyna Grande
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

From bestselling author Reyna Grande—whose remarkable memoir The Distance Between Ushas become required reading in schools across the country—comes an inspiring account of one woman’s quest to find her place in America as a first-generation Latina university student and aspiring writer determined to build a new life for her family one fearless word at a time.

When Reyna Grande was nine-years-old, she walked across the US–Mexico border in search of a home, desperate to be reunited with the parents who had left her behind years before for a better life in the City of Angels. What she found instead was an indifferent mother, an abusive, alcoholic father, and a school system that belittled her heritage.

With so few resources at her disposal, Reyna finds refuge in words, and it is her love of reading and writing that propels her to rise above until she achieves the impossible and is accepted to the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Although her acceptance is a triumph, the actual experience of American college life is intimidating and unfamiliar for someone like Reyna, who is now once again estranged from her family and support system. Again, she finds solace in words, holding fast to her vision of becoming a writer, only to discover she knows nothing about what it takes to make a career out of a dream.

Through it all, Reyna is determined to make the impossible possible, going from undocumented immigrant of little means to “a fierce, smart, shimmering light of a writer” (Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild); a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist “speak[ing] for millions of immigrants whose voices have gone unheard” (Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street); and a proud mother of two beautiful children who will never have to know the pain of poverty and neglect.

Told in Reyna’s exquisite, heartfelt prose, A Dream Called Home demonstrates how, by daring to pursue her dreams, Reyna was able to build the one thing she had always longed for: a home that would endure.

My Thoughts

I did not know about this author until one day when I was at my local library reading through the new non fiction titles on display that I saw A Dream Called Home. Only took seeing it was a memoir and reading a little bit of the book description for me to take it home. I started reading it and after a few pages I knew I needed to own it, to have it on my shelves. I regret about not knowing of Reyna Grande's books sooner because now that I have read A Dream Called Home and being 150 pages into The Distance Between Us I can say without a doubt I love her writing, her voice and the stories she shares with us the readers. One of my favorite writers now for sure. 

A Dream Called Home is a beautifully written, honest, transparent memoir. This is actually the thing I like the most about Reyna's writing, she does not sugar coat things, even the most painful and not pretty aspects of her life she tells them with such honesty that you cannot help but sympathize, to understand that what she went through was real, and even though people are not always willing to put on display the darkest moments of their lives but I love how Reyna does it and to me that adds a lot of value, respect and credibility to her story. Of course Reyna also shares her achievements as a college student, all the people who helped her and encouraged her to not give up on her dream of being a writer, how she somehow always tried to help her family as much as she could, having her first baby, and meeting who is now her husband, her struggles but also the rewards on her writing career as such signing her first book deal. All these plus all the no so good moments makes this book in my opinion a masterpiece of a Memoir. 

Wendy

Book Review: All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir by Nicole Chung-Biographies/Memoirs

Hello dear Readers,

Below my book review of All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir by Nicole Chung.

Title: All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir by Nicole Chung

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Biographies/Memoirs

Author: Nicole Chung

Publisher: Catapult
Publication Date: October 2, 2018

Language: English

Hardcover: 240 pages
Meet the Author: Nicole Chung
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

Named a Best Book of Fall by The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, TIME, Elle, and more

"This book moved me to my very core. . . . [All You Can Ever Know] should be required reading for anyone who has ever had, wanted, or found a family―which is to say, everyone.” ―Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere

What does it mean to lose your roots―within your culture, within your family―and what happens when you find them? 

Nicole Chung was born severely premature, placed for adoption by her Korean parents, and raised by a white family in a sheltered Oregon town. From childhood, she heard the story of her adoption as a comforting, prepackaged myth. She believed that her biological parents had made the ultimate sacrifice in the hope of giving her a better life, that forever feeling slightly out of place was her fate as a transracial adoptee. But as Nicole grew up―facing prejudice her adoptive family couldn’t see, finding her identity as an Asian American and as a writer, becoming ever more curious about where she came from―she wondered if the story she’d been told was the whole truth. 

With warmth, candor, and startling insight, Nicole Chung tells of her search for the people who gave her up, which coincided with the birth of her own child. All You Can Ever Know is a profound, moving chronicle of surprising connections and the repercussions of unearthing painful family secrets―vital reading for anyone who has ever struggled to figure out where they belong.

My Thoughts

In reality, the only thing I have in common with the author is to have been born premature. Other than that, I was never separated from my family. I was raised in a home, with my mom, dad and two brothers. I never felt I did not belong to the place I grew up in or was not equal to the people around me. I felt inferior in other ways such as never feeling I was pretty enough or popular enough, feeling socially awkward or being to shy, things that could never compare to what Nicole went through. 

However, now that I live in a country different than the one I was born and raised and the current state of our political and social world, I can at least have a better understanding of why it was difficult for Nicole, not only the been adopted part but the growing up not looking the same as the majority of people around her, the racism, the differences, the eagerness to feel equal, to know she belonged, all the judgment from society. Reading Nicole's story was so fascinating. The reason I say this is because is always encouraging for me to read other people's stories on how they overcame the most difficult situations in their lives. Too many lessons you can learn and apply to your own life. 

I loved the honesty and openness on Nicole's words. The way she tried to find herself and her born family in the simplest things of her daily life. How she is brave enough to share with us the readers her story, no matter how hard and raw and cruel the reality of it is. I felt so happy when we discovered she finally got in touch with her born family and how the relationship with her sister starts building up and how that helps her to have some sort of healing as well as meeting her born father. Also, the relationship between Nicole's own daughter and her and how they both start laying the path to know more about their Korean roots and culture. 

All You Can Ever Know, a powerful, deep, moving and unforgettable memoir.

Wendy

Book Review: I'll Be There for You: The One about Friends by Kelsey Miller-Entertainment/Nonfiction

Hello dear Readers,

Below my book review of I'll Be There for You: The One about Friends by Kelsey Miller.

Title: I'll Be There for You: The One about Friends

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Genre: Entertainment/Nonfiction
Author: Kelsey Miller

Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Publication Date: October 23, 2018

Language: English

Hardcover: 304 pages
Meet the Author: Kelsey Miller
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

A Bustle Book to Know in October

An InStyle 10 Books You Won't Be Able to Put Down This October

SIX FRIENDS THAT BECAME A FAMILY.

A TELEVISION SHOW THAT BECAME A PHENOMENON.
Today, Friends is remembered as an icon of ’90s comedy and the Must See TV years. But when the series debuted in 1994, no one anticipated the sensation it would become. From the first wave of Friendsmania to the backlash and renaissance that followed, the show maintained an uncanny connection to its audience, who saw it both as a reflection of their own lives and an aspirational escape from reality. In the years since, Friends has evolved from prime-time megahit to nostalgic novelty, and finally, to certified classic. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe have entered the pantheon of great television characters, and yet their stories remain relevant still.

I’ll Be There for You is a deep dive into Friends history and lore, exploring all aspects of the show, from its unlikely origins to the societal conditions that amplified its success. Journalist and pop culture expert Kelsey Miller relives the show’s most powerful moments, sheds light on its sometimes dated and problematic elements, and examines the worldwide trends that Friends catalyzed, from contemporary coffee culture to the wildly popular ’90s haircut The Rachel. Taking readers behind the scenes, Miller traces the cast’s rise to fame and untangles the complex relationship between the actors and their characters. Weaving in revelatory interviews and personal stories, she investigates the role of celebrity media, world-changing events and the dawning of the digital age—all of which influenced both the series and its viewers.

I’ll Be There for You is the definitive retrospective of Friends, not only for fans of the series, but for anyone who’s ever wondered what it is about this show—and television comedy—that resonates so powerfully. 

My Thoughts

Thanks to the Instagram book community for posting about this book. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it. Friends is my all time favorite TV Show. I can watch it over and over and over again and never get tired of it. 

I love and will always love the show but the feeling I got while reading this book was this is a raw eye opener on the show in general, the characters and all things surrounded it during the ten seasons on air. I don't mean this in a bad way but I don't think I will ever be able to watch the show again without inevitably thinking or remembering all the details described in here. Things that I personally would have not noticed, care about or think of otherwise. 

What I loved how the beginnings of the show are told, about how each actor/actress got to be one of the Friends, how strong their friendship really was off camera. How it is mentioned which episodes are the most powerful because it makes you think about it and also it is good to see how other people share the same feelings about the show, how it was/still is a sort of comfort, escape or just a way to go back to that period of time, the 90's, which for lots of us will always be the best time ever. What I did not like, I did not want the book to end, but oh well, again, will it ever be enough when it come to Friends? Don't think so. 

Thanks you Netgalley and the Publisher for the free Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wendy

My First Translation Work was Published

Hello dear Readers,

I am so sorry for not being here that much lately. Life and work happen and sometimes is harder to keep up with everything but luckily I have still managed to get lots of reading  and writing done, which I will be sharing my recent reads and what I am planning for NaNoWriMo 2018, on a new blog post later.

For now, just wanted to share with you some exciting news, again, sorry for being late with the announcement but never too late.

Last year I had the opportunity to work with Author Kerr-Ann Dempster and helped her translating one of her published works, The Reluctant Sacrifice, from the english language to the spanish language. An amazing experience which I will always be grateful to her for such opportunity.

El Sacrificio Imposible (The Reluctant Sacrifice) is a young adult, paranormal romance, which tells us the story of Aubrey who has to jump from body to body to survive and ultimately despite her love for Joshua try to escape from him and the sacrifice she is being forced to go through in order to save the people from Aramith.

You can find Kerr-Ann to know more about The Reluctant Sacrifice and the next book in the series and her other works here: https://www.kerr-ann.com/

Available for purchase on Amazon only.

Link to Amazon for English Edition: Paperback and Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Sacrifice-Aramithians-Book-ebook/dp/B013LNYP3A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538947085&sr=8-1&keywords=the+reluctant+sacrifice

Link to Amazon for Spanish Edition: Paperback and Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Sacrificio-Imposible-Los-Aramitianos-Spanish-ebook/dp/B07GN1276F/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538947166&sr=8-1&keywords=el+sacrificio+imposible

Title: El Sacrificio Imposible 

Genre: YA, Romance

Author: Kerr-Ann Dempster, Wendy Esquivel (Translator)

Publication Date: August 31, 2018

Language: Spanish

Paperback: 313 pages

Book Description

Siglos atrás, la rivalidad entre hermanos destruyó Aramith. Como castigo, los perdedores fueron despojados de su Inmortalidad y condenados a vivir en la Tierra, consumidos en la vejez y enfermedades. Pero aún hay esperanza. 

Si un niño Shaw, nacido el día doce del mes doce ofrece su alma en un sacrificio público, los Exiliados serán perdonados y recibidos de vuelta a casa en Aramith. Aubrey Shaw es esa niña, pero morir por los Exiliados no está en su lista de tareas pendientes. 

Usando su don de Jumper, Aubrey se muda de un cuerpo a otro para escapar de los cazadores despiadados que cambian de forma física. Sin embargo, mudar de piel no es suficiente. No cuando Joshua, su mejor amigo, convertido en cazador, se empeña en arrastrarla al altar. 

¿EL AMOR DE AUBREY SERÁ SUFICIENTE PARA QUE JOSHUA CAMBIE DE PARECER? ¿O tendrá que confiar en el desconocido afligido, que aparece de la nada envuelto en mentiras y secretos? Hacerlo significa renunciar a Joshua, pero apostar por el amor de Joshua podría hacer más que romper su corazón. PODRIA MATARLA.

Wendy

Book Review: When the Lights go Out: A Novel- Mary Kubica-Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Hello dear Readers,

My book review of When the Lights go Out: A Novel by Mary Kubica.

Title: When the Lights go Out: A Novel 

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Author: Mary Kubica

Publisher: Park Row

Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Language: English

Paperback: 336 pages
Meet the Author: Mary Kubica
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

A woman is forced to question her own identity in this riveting and emotionally charged thriller by the blockbuster bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica.

Jessie Sloane is on the path to rebuilding her life after years of caring for her ailing mother. She rents a new apartment and applies for college. But when the college informs her that her social security number has raised a red flag, Jessie discovers a shocking detail that causes her to doubt everything she’s ever known.

Finding herself suddenly at the center of a bizarre mystery, Jessie tumbles down a rabbit hole, which is only exacerbated by grief and a relentless lack of sleep. As days pass and the insomnia worsens, it plays with Jessie’s mind. Her judgment is blurred, her thoughts are hampered by fatigue. Jessie begins to see things until she can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what she’s only imagined.

Meanwhile, twenty years earlier and two hundred and fifty miles away, another woman’s split-second decision may hold the key to Jessie’s secret past. Has Jessie’s whole life been a lie or have her delusions gotten the best of her?

My Thoughts

Even though I did not dislike the book but it was not my favorite either and that ending really did not help. 

I was intrigued at the beginning, psychological thrillers told from different points of view and with that wave of suspense as soon as you start them, plot twist and an unexpected ending but I found it to be very slow pace and I lost interest at times. Although I liked the premise and enjoyed the start but unfortunately not the best thriller I have read. 

Thank you Netgalley and Park Row for the advanced free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wendy

Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover-Biographies/Memoirs

Hello dear Readers,

Below my book review of Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover.

Title: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Biographies/Memoirs

Author: Tara Westover

Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: February 20, 2018

Language: English

Hardcover: 352 pages
Meet the Author: Tara Westover
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University

Book Club Pick for Now Read This, from PBS NewsHour and The New York Times 

“A coming-of-age memoir reminiscent of The Glass Castle.”—O: The Oprah Magazine

“Tara Westover is living proof that some people are flat-out, boots-always-laced-up indomitable.”—USA Today

“The extremity of Westover’s upbringing emerges gradually through her telling, which only makes the telling more alluring and harrowing.”—The New York Times Book Review

Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills” bag. In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged metal in her father’s junkyard.

Her father distrusted the medical establishment, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when an older brother became violent.

When another brother got himself into college and came back with news of the world beyond the mountain, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. She taught herself enough mathematics, grammar, and science to take the ACT and was admitted to Brigham Young University. There, she studied psychology, politics, philosophy, and history, learning for the first time about pivotal world events like the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

Educated is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a tale of fierce family loyalty, and of the grief that comes from severing one’s closest ties. With the acute insight that distinguishes all great writers, Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one’s life through new eyes, and the will to change it.

My Thoughts

Not only one of the best books I have read in 2018 but in my life.

Tara, and whoever decides to tell their story publicly, I have always found that to be brave, honest. It is not just about what you decide to tell but how you tell it, and in the case of Educated, Tara does a fantastic job at telling her story. 

This book made me sad, angry, frustrated, in awe at times but also happy, made me laugh, gave me hope, and made me think about my life and about humans and the world in general. I think when an author can make you feel this way, all these emotions and feelings by telling their story, that is when you realize how powerful and the impact a book can have in your own life. That is how I feel about Educated. 

I love Tara's writing, the pace, the way she tell us about her life and all the difficulties she faces, how as she does we the readers also try to make sense and understand why all those things are happening to her. I was so fascinated and intrigued as to how things were going to turn out, by this story in general. Some things in life you never think of or that can happen until you read about them, and I absolutely appreciate the author's work on sharing her life experience, a very difficult one, but her openness and honesty about it makes this book a masterpiece.

Educated, a must read.

Wendy

Book Review: All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover-New Adult/Contemporary/Romance

Hello dear Readers,

Below my book review of All Your Perfects: A Novel by Colleen Hoover.

Title: All Your Perfects: A Novel 

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Genre: NA/Contemporary/Romance

Author: Colleen Hoover

Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: July 17, 2018

Language: English

Paperback: 320 pages
Meet the Author: Colleen Hoover
Buy Me: Amazon

Book Description

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends with Us—whose writing is “emotionally wrenching and utterly original” (Sara Shepard, New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars series)—delivers a tour de force novel about a troubled marriage and the one old forgotten promise that might be able to save it.

Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.

All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people?

My Thoughts

I have read Colleen Hoover before and have enjoyed and loved her books. Of course I was excited to read All Your Perfects. One hundred pages into it I could see why it was said this was her best work yet. In terms of her writing style development it is, and I still think it is, however, in terms on how the subject of infertility is treated and presented, it was a complete disappointment for me. 

Reason I said that is because it was so painful and frustrated at times to go through the pages. I could never connect with the characters. As much as I wanted to like the book, to somehow connect, relate with these two people, with all they go through, that never happened. Some of the key events in the book were not treated with the seriousness I would have expected. Some of the dialogues between Graham and Queen felt like they did not care. The excuses or justifications they give each other for their behavior or why they did what they did felt almost childish at times and that irritated me a lot. I kept on reading in the hopes that the ending was going to bring some sense but except for this thing that happens towards the end that actually made me cried, the story, the characters, the dialogues, never felt real to me. Except for the writing being better than her last book, but this book did not make it for me.

Wendy