Regretting You

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5

Pages: 363

Date Started: 3 April 2022

Date Finished: 6 April 2022

With all the hype I read about Colleen Hoover in 2021, I have decided to read all her books. This was my second book by the author.

The story follows the mother and her teenage daughter, Morgan, and Clara. A typical teen relationship that goes through a love-hate pattern. Morgan had Clara when she was just 17 and gave up on her dreams to raise Clara. Both Clara and Morgan have very strong personalities and clash often. A tragedy strikes the family and they put their differences aside to make things work. The story goes through Morgan's teen phase and how she clashes with Clara's teen years.

I liked all the characters in the book. Morgan is a mother trying to protect her daughter; Clara, a typical teen always thinks her mother is stopping her from doing things. The supporting characters were portrayed well too. Miller and his relationship with his grandfather are sweet and sarcastic. Jonah, although heartbroken, tries to make peace between the mother and the daughter.

When I finished the book, I felt it was way longer than necessary. The story was captivating, but I felt it could have been reduced by at least 50 pages. The author is convincing when it comes to the struggle of relationships between parents and teens. The challenges of teens of being free, yet being grounded and the fear of parents for their kids have been written thoughtfully. I felt the story was simple and consistent. There were no unexpected turns either. When I read the first chapter, I guessed what the plot might be, but thought the story stretched more than it should have.

Favorite lines from the book:

• People who make mistakes usually learn from them. That doesn't make them hypocrites. It makes them experienced.

• Life doesn't play favorites.

• Jealousy can make a person do some shitty things.

• Sometimes you have to walk away from the fight in order to win it.

• Chromophobia is a persistent and irrational fear of color.

• Grown-ups might not have their shit figured out any more than we do. They just wear more-convincing masks.

• I wonder if humans are the only living creatures that ever feel hollow inside.

• Grief is a beast, but it’s also a great excuse.

• I’ve never hated watermelon Jolly Ranchers. I only saved them because I knew they were your favorite.

• Clara isn’t struggling because Chris is no longer here. She’s struggling because he’s never coming back. There’s a difference.

Ikigai

Author: Hector Garcia Puigcerver

Genre: Self-Help

Rating: 3 out of 5

Pages: 20

Date Started: 4 April 2022

Date Finished: 4 April 2022

I had heard a lot of good reviews about this book from my friends and I was curious to see what the book was about. I also had gotten the book from the library a long time ago, and somehow missed the chance to read it!

The people of Japan believe that everyone

has an ikigai – a reason to jump out of bed each morning. And according to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa – the world’s longest-living people – finding it is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life. Inspiring and comforting, this book will give you the life-changing tools to uncover your personal ikigai. It will show you how to leave urgency behind, find your purpose, nurture friendships, and throw yourself into your passions. (Excerpt from Goodreads)

This was an audiobook, and I really liked the way the book is narrated. I liked the concept and the message of the book. Although the book talks about longevity, the concept of living fully and living a meaningful life is captivating. Though some of the points were repeated from the others I have heard, I felt that the filler points about tai-chi, yoga poses, and exercises were not necessary.

Favorite lines from the book:

• It is not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.

• When you have a clear purpose, no one can stop you.

• Happiness is always determined by your heart.

• The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

• Rituals give us clear rules and objectives, which help us enter a state of flow.

• To live a long time you need to do three things: exercise to stay healthy, eat well, and spend time with people.

A Man Called Ove

Author: Fredrik Backman

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pages: 337

Date Started: 29 March 2022

Date Finished: 3 April 2022

Fredrik Backman's "A Man Called Ove" is a heartwarming and emotionally charged tale that delves into the life of a grumpy and seemingly unpleasant old man, Ove, who finds himself thrust into unexpected situations that gradually change his perspective on life. Ove is undoubtedly a standout character, capturing the hearts of readers with his complex personality. He's gruff, principled, and fiercely honest, and his journey is one of transformation and self-discovery. As readers, we not only witness Ove's evolution but also come to understand the deeper layers of his character, revealing a man with a big heart hidden behind his rough exterior. Parvaneh, Ove's lively and determined neighbor, is another character who stands out and plays a pivotal role in the story. Her ability to see past Ove's grumpiness and recognize his true intentions brings a refreshing dynamic to the narrative. She represents the message of the book beautifully – that there is good in everyone, no matter how they may appear at first. The book's emotional depth takes readers on a roller coaster, evoking both laughter and tears. It skillfully explores themes of loneliness, connection, community, and the capacity for change. Ove's unique perspective provides valuable insights into the human condition, reminding us to look beyond the surface and find the good in people. Fredrik Backman's storytelling is exceptional, striking a balance between humor and heartache, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with readers. Ove's story is not just about one man but is a reflection of the broader human experience. The novel's engaging and humorous narrative style ensures that readers are captivated from start to finish. In summary, "A Man Called Ove" is a beautifully written and emotionally rich novel that delivers a profound message about the human capacity for change, the importance of community, and the beauty of finding good in unexpected places. Fredrik Backman's storytelling is a testament to his talent, and this book is an absolute must-read.

Favorite lines from the book:

• You miss the strangest things when you lose someone. Smiles. The way she turned in her sleep. Even repainting a room for her.

• Of all imaginable things he most misses about her, the thing he really wishes he could do again is to hold her hand in his.

• They say the brain functions quicker while it's falling.

• If cats have nine lives, this one is quite clearly working its way through at least the seventh or eighth of them.

• You only need a ray of light to chase all the shadows away.

• A time comes in every man's life when he decides what sort of man he is going to be. Whether he is the kind who lets other people tread on him, or not.

• If you can't depend on someone being on time, you shouldn't trust'em with anything important either.

• But Sonja wouldn't have been Sonja if she had let darkness win. "We can busy ourselves with living or with dying."

• Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it's often of the great motivations for living.

• Something inside a man goes into pieces when he has to bury the only person who ever understood him. There is no time to heal that sort of wound.

• Love is a strange thing. It takes by surprise.