Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Title: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Authors: John Green and David Levithan
Publication: April 5th 2011, Speak
Format: Trade Paperback, 310 pages
Source: Borrowed from Joemar! (Thank you so much!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | iBooks | Kobo | National Book Store / Fully Booked (PH)

SYNOPSIS:

Will Grayson, meet will grayson

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two strangers cross paths. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, culminating in heroic turns-of-heart and the most epic musical ever to grace the high school stage.

Misfit Review:

I had always been soooo fascinated with getting to read Will Grayson, Will Grayson when I first saw it in my local bookstore's shelves. It was even before I got obsessed with John Green novels and barely knowing David Levithan's works. It was also around that time that I was scared to hoard books because my Dad wasn't a fan of me buying any. Fast forward to a couple years and I got to borrow a friend's copy. Fast forward to a few months and I read it and all of my fascination was given what I really, entirely needed.

The book talks about two Will Grayson's that happen to meet in a sex shop and the encounter binds them somehow unusually. As we progress towards the book, we are given a full on access to the worlds of both Will Graysons and how delicate or grave both of their situations are.

“Maybe there's something you're afraid to say, or someone you're afraid to love, or somewhere you're afraid to go. It's gonna hurt. It's gonna hurt because it matters.”

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Top Ten Books That Should Be In Your Beach Bag

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where, each week, a Top Ten list is posted based on a particular topic.

Now for someone like me who lives at the other side of the world, summer is almost officially over and it sorta sucks but I've made the most out of it in my book. Anyway, since there are some of you who will still go out to the beach since you are on "that" side of the world, I'll give you some recommendations on what should be on your beach bag this summer. Or for those who just finished their summer, something to still read so that you can prepare... I really dunno if I made any sense but here's the Top 10!

1. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I haven't read this book yet but I have been seeing a lot of good reviews lately so kudos! Anyway, why should you have it in your beach bag? It's a story about a girl who works with her family as fishers and housecleaners that make the people in the island they live in, happy. Then everything turns around when she doesn't want to do all that stuff anymore and goes into a summertime adventure. I think that it also involves surfers...

2. Divergent by Veronica Roth

If you like dystopian novels and  would love to see some real action going on to spice up the summer, then bring a copy of Divergent along with you. Coz even at the beach, BOOKWORMS CANNOT BE CONTROLLED! Hahaha! See what I did there?

3. The Catcher in The Rye by J. D. Salinger

A short read that would have you thinking for hours what the heck is going on in Holden Caulfield's head. Plus he's unusually sexy. So, if you want to stay out from the crowd, just put on some sunblock, lay down and chill with this book.

4. It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

I am still mourning his death. Please. Anyway, this book is a "REVEAL THINGS TO ME" kind of book. It packs a punch, saying that you are not the only person who is better at something. Humility works and while on summer break, at the beach, read this book and you might consider changing a few things about yourself or maybe appreciate others around you more.

5. Every Day by David Levithan

Love is a powerful thing, yeah? Well, A is a wonderful character and sensitive and just. I suggest you bring this to the beach so you'd be asking to be carried around after because you cannot get over the beach. Way to extend laziness by making people do things for you during the summer.

6. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

The title itself suggests enough but what sets it apart is that it brings a feeling of appreciation for the people around you and that life is not just built upon hate or friendships that can never be mended. A totally awesome read to cry upon while dilly-dallying in the beach.

7. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

I keep on suggesting somehow sad books to you for the summer huh? Well, E&P is sorta no different but what's wonderful with this novel is that through pain, you have someone who you can always lean on for support and that no matter how big your difference is towards each other, friendships can always be built upon a bond, so never be afraid. Maybe while you roam around the beach, you can make friends with random people. What an awesome time.

8. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Still, a very suggestive title, this book focuses on Belly and how her summer changed with her recent visit at Cousins Beach. The book sorta takes you into this place where chances are, someone will always take notice of you and that love is a sneaky little thing. Find a beach that can bring you either a Jeremiah or Conrad :)

9. Summer at The Short Bus by Bethany Crandell

Again, a suggestive title for the summer, this book teaches us that the most unusual of friendships are the strongest that you'd ever have. I haven't read the book yet, but I will have Miss Bethany Crandell on my interview list, so watch out for that!

10. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Controversy during the summer? This is a must-read. If you like gripping, intriguing and pretentious stories, then go for something out of the ordinary rather than just the sweet romance-y stuff. It's about a forbidden love between siblings and it's one of the most dysfunctional things I might have grasped over. I have a copy of it but have yet to read it. It's gonna get rainy here on our place, so I guess the mood is much more fitting, but at the beach, it is also too perfect!

And there you have it! I hope that you have enjoyed this week's topic! Leave comments below and tell me what you think of this list or what books you'll have on your summer bag! I'll see you on Tuesday!

Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn (2011)

Title: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Author: David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
Publication: Oct. 11, 2011, Ember
Format: Paperback, 260 pages
Source: Borrowed from schoolmate! (Thanks Joemar!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | iBooks | Indie Bound | National Book Store & Fully Booked  (PH readers) |

Synopsis:

"I've left some clues for you.

If you want them, turn the page.

If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please."

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a cosmic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Misfit Review:

Funny, romantic and slightly delusional. That was basically the first thought I had when I was reading the book. There were instances were I just couldn't help but laugh and at times feel like they've bummed themselves out too many times. It's probably just part of the deal.

But because of it, he seemed to be the best part of Christmas so far. I wanted to keep them all for myself.

Stacking The Shelves #1: THE VERY FIRST TIME!

Stacking The Shelves is a feature hosted by Tynga’s Reviews where bloggers share what books (both physical and digital) they received, won, bought, and borrowed.

This is my first, ever Stacking The Shelves episode! I really wanna thank Tynga's Reviews for thinking of this wonderful feature!

To be honest, my shelf is not a pretty sight to see. It's just an old study table used as a mock bookshelf. I ain't rich folks, I wish I was. But I have some wonderful collections of books that I wanna show you!! YAAAAY!

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan (2006)

You never know that short encounters would lead to a much bigger prospect if you don't take a leap of faith. 

Title: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Author: David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

Publication: 2006 (Orig. Pub), Random House Inc., 2007

Source: Own Copy, Trade Paperback (Got it from Diana for Christmas! Thank you Diana!)

Format: Paperback, 183 pages

Buy it on: Amazon | National Book Store

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Synopsis: 

It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, who’s just walked in to his band’s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York City—and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.

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Misfit's Review:

I absolutely loved this book! Hands down to David Levithan and Rachel Cohn for a wonderful collaboration of another HE SAID/ SHE SAID type of novel. I like it when characters have their own perspectives in a book or a point of view for those who understand that better. It gives us a better sense of the characters' selves,  the background of their lives, why they turned out like that. 

What's wonderful about the way they wrote each point of view, is that their back stories are glimpsed, but is enough to give the readers a sense of kinship. And it is just a 183 page novel! I think for something so short, it delivered well. 

Now let's talk characters. Nick is the awkward, lanky guy, who plays bass and is trying to avoid his ex-girlfriend because he's ultra- sensitive and wants to move on but has a hard time doing it. He's adorable! I dunno. At first, you'd find it annoying that he's actually so obsessed with the thought of his ex but then you'd understand afterwards and you'd cheer him on anyway when it came to Norah.

Then, there's Norah. The cute, slap in your face, insensitive chick, who just wants to be loved like most people, but is afraid that the relationship she might enter again, may lead to her once failed relationship. I really love Norah and her wild imagination and how she really wants to have a good relationship with Nick. 

One thing that concerned me about the book is the language. Though the writing style is something I commend, censorship for kids who may have had the time to grab this from a bookshelf, may be necessary. I don't really mind the use of curse words that may have dominated an entire page, lets say, page 95??? 

But in all goodness of writing and story wise, NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST, is the one of the most, fun, well-rounded books I've read. Decent? I'm old enough to take it...

Warning: Children of the universe, you may wanna consider finding another YA to read, unless you're 15 or 18, you're good.

Rating:

Thanks again for reading this review!!! Have fun commenting! (hopefully) 

Book Review: The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan (2004)

(Hopefully, there are no harsh reactions to any of my reviews. Thank you.)

I was lucky enough to receive something special that day. My uncle sent me some money which I didn't expect. I asked him for it a few weeks back, but he wasn't replying, until one day he sent me a message saying that he sent me some cash. I headed to a pawnshop after finishing up enrolling for my second semester at school. Afterwards, I headed to the bookstore and grabbed the books that actually spoke to me while I was there. One of which is the book I'm going to be reviewing now.

I agree Agnes!!! IT REALLY IS!!!

There are a couple of books that I've read where I would actually be too attached to a character or be drawn in by a scene in a page. I would be lying if I said that I never thought Jace was real or that Sherlock Holmes could actually be my dad! And with this book, The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan, I ended up noticing the same symptoms... that I've become too attached to  the characters, that each line they spewed out, either hurt or made me extremely happy. A book that actually took me to endless possibilities.

Hey Boyfriend!

Hey Dad!

The Realm of Possibility revolves on the stories of 20 teens, each with a voice, all of which are intertwined with one another or at least aware of each other's existence. The main story focuses on a gay couple-Daniel and Jed-who are in a verge of celebrating their first anniversary. But as I said, there are 20 people in the story, all of which are catered with different scenarios. There are five chapters, and each chapter consists of four people who tell their story. I noticed stories on heartbreak, moving on, self-consciousness, weakness, pain, suffering, falsity, longing, regret, discrimination and of course, everyone could not live without the LOVE bit. You could never go wrong with it.

Photo Credits to YA LOVE Blog

I fell in love with each character of the story, though some of them are way too hard to understand-why they actually go through what they are going through. But through these characters and stories, I felt a piece of myself with them, that I've actually at some way, felt the same way as they did, maybe not as much but definitely a speck of there somewhere. I believe this is one of David Levithan's amazing superpowers! He is a total genius for me! He was able to draw me in to every situation. He made me laugh, cry, angry and all of those emotions mixed into a bundle of something that you actually could not explain. I would like to call it FEELS... BOOKNERDS, back me up here!