If anyone was keeping along with my updates for this book, I'm sure you've seen how dang invested I became from the very beAlrighty, where do I begin?
If anyone was keeping along with my updates for this book, I'm sure you've seen how dang invested I became from the very beginning. I've never had a book hold me at such intense interest for all 500 pages. I am at a loss of words when trying to express how thoroughly I enjoyed this one.
Rebecca Yarros' writing truly was amazing. It helped follow along and get drawn into the story with such ease. The length of the chapters down to the way she'd ended each one, was perfect. I mean, a better point to make would be: what was not perfect? Nothing. Literally. The tensions, chemistry, relationships, friendships, family, world-building, mystical creatures, the school—oh G-d, I could go on for far too long. OH oh! And, although some things were a little predictable (just the way things have to be when you want the story to go on), the way Yarros got to those predictable plots is what I really enjoyed. Nothing really felt overly easy to reach.
Even battle scenes that lasted 20 pages had my eyes glued to the page; which I would admit would usually get me a little bored after awhile. But these didn't! I don't know what else to say.
I am fan-girling so hard on this one.
And Xaden, of course, ah!
”There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence."
Weak. Me. I am. More so from the context of this quote, but either way—weak.
The last death in the novel had my eyes watering. Yeah, that one was painful. I was not prepared to lose one of my favourite characters. I am still so upset.
The first death, too. Honestly. Maybe I didn't cry, since we didn't have much time at all to form any emotional connections, but my heart wrenched.
And the last page? Goosebumps. I heard there's a twist at the end, so truthfully, I was theorizing for quite awhile. Considering my reaction, no, I had not guessed it. It's like I was gaslighted by Yarros. Rude. But also, great. Thanks. Loved it. Give me more. Never stop. Anyway,
To summarize, every second of my free time was spent reading this. I have never read a thicker book this quickly. Midterms? Who cares about those when one is too invested in Fourth Wing. I studied, of course, but my mind was elsewhere. The Harry Potter school setting meets the dangers of The Hunger Games with the addition of mythical creatures, and boom—we've got ourselves Fourth Wing. I think I will be one of those crazy people who stands in long ass lines at five o'clock in the morning to get their hands on the newest release in the series (for the next four books planned, at least). I am kidding. Maybe. Not.
If I were to imagine a dream novel, this one would come incredibly close to being everything I would ask for. I recommend absolutely every person who is even remotley interested in fantasy to give this one a try.
A note regarding Fourth Wing being everywhere one turns their head to: books (or any media, really) that receives insane amounts of hype tends to drive me away from ever giving it a try. For instance, the Squid Game; that TV show gained so much popularity so quickly, that I never even cared to give it a shot. Though, for some unexplainable reason I felt differently towards this book in this instance; I cannot explain what it was, but I have never been happier about giving something a try. I have never believed anything to deserve as much popularity as this book has gained.
And I hope that means something to those who are still on edge about it, or annoyed about seeing it everywhere. I've been you, but this one really is worth it (in my opinion)....more
I added this to my 6-stars shelf before I even finished the book. That's how good this was.
I don't mean this with any direspect to religious individuaI added this to my 6-stars shelf before I even finished the book. That's how good this was.
I don't mean this with any direspect to religious individuals, but to deliver the point home I must say, this book is the quivalent of a bible to me. I will keep a copy around at all times. I will go back to it, reread chapters, reread annotations, annotate some more, etc. I will be glued to this novel until the end of time. It goes where I go. It will serve as a reminder and a guide for everything I am working towards.
Anyway.
I took my sweet time with Can't Hurt Me. It took me multiple months to finish it and I'm glad it did. By doing so, I was able to digest the information Goggins was spitting out and let it marinate. With each chapter and each journal reflection, I was learning to apply his mindset into my own. Once I felt as though I was ready for more, I opened the book and kept going. I naturally let the information build on top of itself; maximizing the retention.
No book has ever single-handedly positively (understatetment) affected my life and influenced my mind to this extent.
I understand the stigma around self-help books, but this just does not fit into it. It just doesn't. It reads like a mentor is personally speaking to you from experience. It reads like he is genuinely trying to save more human lives from living a life full of misery, emptiness, and softness (comfort). And I do truly believe that it is his intention.
Thanks Goggins for being you, sharing your story, stepping into the spotlight with social media, and continuing to change many lives. I cannot imagine a timeline in which I had not read your books, listened to your podcast features, and looked up to you as my role model....more
Aaaaaa, I've been waiting for this moment for awhile now. Highly enjoyed this series in my elementary school years; one of (or potentially even the fiAaaaaa, I've been waiting for this moment for awhile now. Highly enjoyed this series in my elementary school years; one of (or potentially even the first) english book I had read. This series holds so much nostalgia for me; nonetheless, it is truly gripping and interesting – even though it was published for a younger audience.
The art by Kazu is beautiful– to the point that I am hunting down the Harry Potter 10th anniversary books designed and illustrated by him. The story is interesting, has layers, has drama. I can see why I fell in love with this years ago. In fact, I may be falling in love with it all over again now.
It read like a Netflix show; gave me Gossip Girl vibes. It was incredibly easy to binge read and got me out of my readiWell, this was a rollercoaster.
It read like a Netflix show; gave me Gossip Girl vibes. It was incredibly easy to binge read and got me out of my reading slump (I think) (I hope).
I'm not usually big on romance novels, but I think the non-cheesy plot of this one kept me on edge. It's an incredibly toxic plot. Oh Gosh. I felt so much pain for Magnolia, it's insane. I'm going through my own similar sting right now, so reading this definitely f*ked me over a little bit. So maybe watch out for that if you're not in a great place in your love life right now either. Otherwise, it's fun and it catches you. Easy to become invested in.
Someone mentioned the characters lack personality - that could definitely be validated. The entire book is hyper-focused on the same thing with very minimal subplots of other ongoing things. But I think it's just that sort of novel; a Netflix show in written form, I'm telling you.
As long as you know what you're expecting, I could recommend this one.
Such a simple story, yet it holds so much wisdom; meaning. I truly believe each individual roaming the earth should read this. The drawings are absoluSuch a simple story, yet it holds so much wisdom; meaning. I truly believe each individual roaming the earth should read this. The drawings are absolutely adorable, and even touching. I seriously fell in love with the characters. The horse may have been my favourite.
I promise you'll take at least one thing away from this.
"What is the bravest thing you've ever said?" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse.
"Asking for help isn't giving up," said the horse. "It's refusing to give up."
What? Absolutely nothing could've prepared me for what this novel held. It was nothing like the first two, I'd say. This one was filled with Holy shi-
What? Absolutely nothing could've prepared me for what this novel held. It was nothing like the first two, I'd say. This one was filled with destruction, pain, death, war, confusion, betrayal.. loss.. Man. I'm just at a loss of words.
Spoilers below: (view spoiler)[I have to document the moment that made me cry. When Katniss came back to her empty house (not home) at the Victor's Village; her mom gone, Prim dead. When she found Buttercup, and started tossing pillows at him, yelling, all to finally face the truth of her biggest loss.. Prim.. I cried with her. I really felt it all, with her. That was so painful.
Next, the deaths and losses that hurt most. Finnick. My boy :( There was so much character development surrounded around him, it broke me to read that one line - where Katniss describes what she sees as the three mutts decapitate him. I refuse to let him go. I so strongly wish he could've gotten a different ending. He deserved so much better; to meet his son with Annie. I will start crying again.
Rue. Her memory keeps getting brought up over and over within the series, and I'm glad. Rightfully so. She shall not be forgotten. What a pure soul.
Boggs. Always looked out for Katniss. Put her first, even at his last couple of breaths. Ah man. So sad he had to face such a tragic death. Good man.
Prim, obviously. Knowing Katniss has done everything and anything to protect her for three novels straight, and this is how it happened.. Ah. That poor, pure, young, vibrant, and caring soul. She was so young. She had so much ahead of her. She contributed to the safety and health of so many, yet couldn't help herself. Pain. Again, that scene with Katniss and Buttercup at the house - pain.
Not a death, but Gale. He had a temper, sure. But it hurt to see him and Katniss be separated by hate and war, rebellion. All that went down with Peeta, as well. I understand these are years of painful events Gale had to endue, but it broke my heart to see how distant and broken their relationship became once the war ended. He really just remained in District 2, huh.
Peeta. I know he became better towards the very end of the novel, but we spent majority of it seeing him project and hijacked, so he sort of remained that way in my mind. I mourned him, and the way he loved Katniss the entire novel. Their ending was very cute. Painful, of course. But cute. They had two littler ones.. how adorable. Odd? Sits weird. Probably just because there was 300+ pages of pain and destruction, and 5 of happiness. I can't seem to feel that happiness. Maybe it doesn't exist. Maybe they don't feel it either. Maybe it isn't a happy ending, but only seems like it on paper;
leading me to my point of discussion - the end. Katniss picked Peeta. Or is it purely because Gale picked him for her? I will never know, I guess. This doesn't worry me though, truthfully. It just feels really odd; rather empty; with how things worked out. All of it feels sad and hopeless. How does Katniss endure everything she had, and come out of it with a purpose and newly found meaning? I genuinely don't think, if I were her, that I would be able to. It amazed me to see that she hadn't found a way or decided to act on her thoughts of ending her life. Man, just.. I mean, good for her. Good for Peeta. But, how? I don't know how. I feel like Bojack Horseman right now (to those who watched it, you get it) - how is there a way out, after everything that happened? Is this the biggest lesson of the novel? That even when all things go against you; dump a lifetime of trauma on you; kill and threaten every person you love, every single thing you enjoy; even after all of it.. there is still light at the end of the tunnel?
Disclaimer: I am highly emotional due to just having read the book. Everything is so fresh. My views may change the longer I sit on it. But the pain will not. (hide spoiler)]
Oh my God. The ending??? What have I just read.. This took such a turn. I can’t even focus on writing a proper review. I’m just so shook.
The second boOh my God. The ending??? What have I just read.. This took such a turn. I can’t even focus on writing a proper review. I’m just so shook.
The second book is powerful. There are so many underlying themes; the rebellion.. Just, wow. Suzanne Collins outdid herself. This is actually insane. Speechless. Call me dramatic but damn.
Also, it’s so emotional?? What a rollercoaster going through all of this with Katniss.
I need to collect my thoughts and write a proper review ...more
Everything about this book is perfection; from the storyline to the character development. I adored every moment. Though, the moments that physically Everything about this book is perfection; from the storyline to the character development. I adored every moment. Though, the moments that physically pained me, leaving a tight feeling in my chest, were not as great. The death, the twists.. the ending of the games.. hmmm; emotional, suspenseful, heart wrenching - couldn’t ask for more.
This was a reread from a couple of years ago, and I definitely took a larger emotional kick the second time around. I’m looking forward to rereading the second novel in the series, as well....more
This entire novel was executed in such a beautiful way. From the very first page, I was glued to it. Not a single momI don't even know where to begin.
This entire novel was executed in such a beautiful way. From the very first page, I was glued to it. Not a single moment of boredom.
I sit here, staring at the screen, and I feel speechless. I don't even know what to write; it's as if my brain is racing with far too many thoughts, analyzations, and emotions that I am unable to slow it down enough to even ponder on a singular thought.
I don't think I can make this one spoiler-free, I will discuss random things that come to mind regarding (likely) the plot; so watch out, spoilers ahead!
(view spoiler)[Okay, well, obviously.. Theo. You see, the twist itself isn't what got me so spellbound? It was rather the execution. The way Alex Michaelides led us to believe the two timelines were actually one. That was genius; actually, literally, absolutely, genius. Oh my G-d.
It's funny, because I had a quick passing thought of "Oh what if Theo, the main character, killed him. That would make for a good thriller novel," so in a way one would be disappointed that they 'guessed it;' yet, when I reached that chapter of Theo entering the house, putting on his black mask and gloves.. I put my book down and stared at the page. I simply had to pause. I am very content I was at home, the public wasn't ready for my reactions.
What I'm very unsuccessfully trying to word here, is that this book is really more than just the plot twist. It's just incredibly written. Immensely twisted. So many quotes I wanted to annotate (in hindsight, I wish I had); so much symbolism.
The very end, Theo sitting in the chair by the window, looking up at the white clouds drifting past;
"Finally, they had opened–it started to snow–snowflakes were falling outside. I opened the window and reached out my hand. I caught a snowflake. I watched it disappear, vanish from my fingertip. I smiled. And I went to catch another one."
What? He smiled? 'And I went to catch another one'? Am I crazy or is this a twisted way of demonstrating his insanity. It's as if Theo cannot help himself (literally), but help another person (and also figuratively). Or at least, he thinks he's helping. The snowflake vanishing, just like Alicia? Who will be the next snowflake; his next victim? Kathy?
Also, the constant talk of the clouds. Remember when Professor Diomedes talked about knowing when it will snow, and Theo lacking belief. Mentioning later, that he was wrong. Is this foreshadowing? Was he mentioning him being wrong about more than just the weather?
Am I looking into this too much? I cannot stop. So many questions.
To add, he's aware of his lack of remorse; he makes it very apparent. He almost understands what he's doing. It's so twisted. A psychotherapist who clearly wants to help people, but does he? He mentions he wanted to go and 'help' Alicia and see her through following the murder, but Alicia mentions he comes back to haunt her. Who is right? In a way, he does haunt her. But is he doing it purposely?
It almost seems like an accident, the murder. Theo says he didn't know she would kill him, but her past being a direct trigger to this situation led to Gabriel's murder? I just.. (hide spoiler)]
My brain is such a mess. If anyone is reading this review, I am sorry it is so poorly written. It is as disordered as my thoughts.
(view spoiler)[Oh, and before the reveal of Theo's involvement in the murder, why does he mention Gabriel looking so familiar while he was with Kathy? Where has he seen him prior to the murder? It seems like a loose-end. Unless I missed something.
I also noticed, the last couple of pages, Kathy reminded me a lot of Aunt Lydia. And in some ways, a lot of Alicia as well; at least, of her earlier representation. Kathy's silence, lack of emotion. It seems to follow Theo around. What does that symbolize? Did he silence Alicia and Kathy both? Though, the play in reference, talks about the grief and betrayal of one you love sentening you to death. Meaning, Gabriel silenced Alicia, not Theo, right?
Oh! And, of course, at the very end Theo says,
"So we continue our game of ‘Let's pretend.’ I seem to do a lot of pretending, these days–for a lot of people, including myself. Which is why I'm writing this, I suppose. An attempt to bypass my monstrous ego and access the truth about myself–if that's possible.”
Oh, okay, so now we're reading Theo's diary? Is that it?
He also mentions his attempt to bypass is monstrous ego, huh. He is psychotic, afterall. What a twist to the story. A psychotic psychotherapist. Nice.
Clearly, I'm very confused. Very positively and happily confused, though. I wish to explore all of this (entire novel, really) with a highlighter and a pen. (hide spoiler)]
Regardless of my disarray, the main takeaway is that I'm very impressed. I feel as though there are a lot of different connections between the characters, the timelines, and within the overall plot. There are little things, and bigger ones I'm sure I've missed. I think the only way I could make said connections is to re-read it (and heavily annotate it), knowing what I do now. That is definitely the plan for the foreseeable future.
Can't wait to be blown away by this novel, all over again.
- Um, yeah, I’ll need a minute. Or two.
This was incredible. An easy 5 star rating–rtc...more
I cannot stop crying. I don't cry easily. But GOd, this has just touched me in every single way possible. Holy actual f-, this is such a beautiful beaI cannot stop crying. I don't cry easily. But GOd, this has just touched me in every single way possible. Holy actual f-, this is such a beautiful beautiful read. My heart is drenched and broken. I am one of the lucky few who get to experience this sort of love towards a person in my life, and having the (mentioned) experienced emotions towards my own partner just made this hit on an incredibly deep level for me. I think I need weeks to recover. I just, holy- I don't know. It's too fresh I probably shouldn't be writing this review right now. But PLEASE READ THIS.
To the better written portion of this review: I had absolute minimal knowledge of greek mythology, so I won't lie and say this was easy to get into - it was not. Had to get through 40% of the book before reading comfortably, and I am so happy I did it. But also not, because I am now broken for eternity. Although, it is a good price to pay for having read this. I'll stop mumbling, this is beautiful and likely one of the best written novels you'll ever read (or at least, that I have ever read); so please do yourself a favour and read it. Cry it. Feel it. DO it....more
I really really liked this. Loved, this. The way this novel has awakened the fantasy-loving beast in me.. I literally stayed up until 4am for two consI really really liked this. Loved, this. The way this novel has awakened the fantasy-loving beast in me.. I literally stayed up until 4am for two consecutive days, insane. I could not put this book down.
The novel is overflowing with drama. So many twists. So many cliff hangers. So much going on. The world is so so cool. My brain was happy. What a fun fun read. And the cliff hanger at the end too?? Jaw drop. I mean, to be expected. But I cannot wait to pick up the second book of the trilogy.
Ah, I adored this. I truly highly recommend it. 5 stars....more
This. This, this. Ahhhhh. This is engraved into my heart. I rely on the library for books, but this one I will purchase, definitely.
It has been weeksThis. This, this. Ahhhhh. This is engraved into my heart. I rely on the library for books, but this one I will purchase, definitely.
It has been weeks since I have finished this book, and I cannot stop thinking about it. One way or another, it comes back to me. I believe this is such an important read. It covers the topic so beautifully, providing a perspective, a possibility that I had never previously imagined. Whenever I go through a though time, I refer back to this.
The message of this book is what makes it a 5 star. The story, of course, is beautiful as well. But the comparison of society to generational guidance and how they influence and shape our views is astonishing. I am in absolute 'aw' of this author. Forever thankful to Matt - for sharing this masterpiece with us. This one will not leave my consciousness until the end of days....more
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