4.5/5 stars. I finished this book really fast because it was so good and nothing like I expected. I knew that it was going to be a story about AIDS, b4.5/5 stars. I finished this book really fast because it was so good and nothing like I expected. I knew that it was going to be a story about AIDS, but I didn't know that it was told from a child's perspective which - in my opinion - gave the story so much more depth. 14-year-old June is very observant and has the most amazing views on life, but she is also very naive and only gradully realizes what has really been going on with Finn, her beloved uncle who suffers from AIDS. When Finn dies (this happens in the beginning and is no spoiler), June learns more and more of the truth and brings the readers with her on her journey of discovery. I don't think I've ever underlined as many phrases as I did in this book. Every second page there seemed to be a beautiful line or an interesting observation on life, or just a curious anecdote from June's life. I loved it, and these hidden but multiple gems kept my interest peaked. Another thing I fell absolutely in love with was the comfy and safe family life we get in this story. June is loved by her family, and even though she feels secluded from everyone, you can feel the family love through the pages. I loved reading about snowy days with cocoa and late night with Trivial Pursuit. It all added to June's narrative voice and sometimes naive, however curious observations on life. This is a beautiful story about how one person can change your life completely. It is also a story about how AIDS was perceived when the disease first became well-known and acknowledged in the 1980s. If you like stories à la "To Kill a Mockingbird" told from a child's perspective, I cannot recommend this book enough. It definitely took me by surprise and has now become one of my highly regarded comfort reads:)...more
This was perfection! If you have any interest in ballet, which I do, there's a pretty good chance that you'll like this novel. It was written by a forThis was perfection! If you have any interest in ballet, which I do, there's a pretty good chance that you'll like this novel. It was written by a former ballet dancer, and it gives you a rare insight into the ups and downs of being part of this world. Kate and her sister Gwen are both professional ballet dancers in NYC, but Gwen has been ordered home to her parents because of psychological issues, and Kate - out protagonist - is left alone in NYC, right in the middle of a ballet season. I loved getting an insight into this world as well as the techniques of praticing this dance, but most of all I loved reading about the tension between the two sisters. It felt real and honest, and it was fascinating to hear about it from Kate's point of view while being witness to her career, doubts and thoughts. This book was beautifully crafted and I definitely recommend it to everyone. It's one of the best books I've read for some time, and it's definitely the best book I've read about ballet....more
I REALLY love both the time period that this book takes place in - which is the 1920's - but also the magical world that the reader becomes a part of.I REALLY love both the time period that this book takes place in - which is the 1920's - but also the magical world that the reader becomes a part of. I've never read anything like this before......more
What a great book! I started reading it without knowing too much about it (besides that Ariel Bissett loves it), and I was so surprised with how manyWhat a great book! I started reading it without knowing too much about it (besides that Ariel Bissett loves it), and I was so surprised with how many diverse subjects this book deals with! It's been a long time, since I last read a book like this, and I love how Sokrates and his philosophy plays a big role in it:)...more
The best book in the series so far! I loved the so many characters in this book and the way the story develops. And also the cliffhanger in the end! OThe best book in the series so far! I loved the so many characters in this book and the way the story develops. And also the cliffhanger in the end! Only problem I had with it is that most of the book doesn't really deal with the big problem but that comes towards the end;)...more
The ending of this second book was beyond amazing! I'm filled with emotions inside and I need to read the third book NOW!!The ending of this second book was beyond amazing! I'm filled with emotions inside and I need to read the third book NOW!!...more
An AMAZING conclusion to this fantastic trilogy! I have been blown away! I especially love how Veronica Rossi manages to wrap up everything beautifullAn AMAZING conclusion to this fantastic trilogy! I have been blown away! I especially love how Veronica Rossi manages to wrap up everything beautifully, and also all the feelings that these books stir in me. Beautiful!...more
This book was PERFECT! This book was everything I wanted! I went into it not knowing anything about it, because I couldn't seem to get a clue from theThis book was PERFECT! This book was everything I wanted! I went into it not knowing anything about it, because I couldn't seem to get a clue from the synopsis. Now, it is - hands down - one of my absolute favourite books! It reminded me so much of "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger. Even though the story is very different, the writing style, tone of voice and main character are very similar and I loved that about it! READ IT!:)...more
The best way to describe this book is "SO AMAZING"!! I was afraid that it was going to be a fluffy and boring read because the plot didn't sound thatThe best way to describe this book is "SO AMAZING"!! I was afraid that it was going to be a fluffy and boring read because the plot didn't sound that interesting to me, but OH MY GOD! All the emotions and feelings I have inside of me are overwhelming. I especially like Jenny Han's way of creating characters! The only think I didn't like about this book is that I had totally forgotten that it's the first in a series - so I was left with no resolution but A LOT OF emotions inside in the end <3...more
This is one of those books that actually leave me with a smile on my face and a sigh upon my lips when finishing it. This was my second time reading "This is one of those books that actually leave me with a smile on my face and a sigh upon my lips when finishing it. This was my second time reading "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" and I am SO happy that I decided to pick it up a second time, because my view on it now is so much more different from what it was a year and a half ago. Back then, I enjoyed this story for what it was but I didn't love it. This time around, I LOVED it and can't believe I missed so many things the first time around. Basically, what you need to know about this book is that it's an extraordinary piece of work! It's as simple as that! It centers around a day but it takes you on the most amazing journey. It reminds you of being a child because it is written (brilliantly!) from a child's point of view. Neil Gaiman is amazing at capturing the voice and thoughts of a 7-year-old and he made me long for being a child myself. There's nothing bad to say about this story. Simply just read it and let it take you along on the best fictional journey you'll ever go on. This is definitely a journey that I'll be going on several times more in the future <3...more
Sooo many twists, it's unbelievable! I love when a book can surprise me this much:)Sooo many twists, it's unbelievable! I love when a book can surprise me this much:)...more