Maybe Someday

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Rating: 1 out of 5

Pages: 384

Date Started: 15 November 2022

Date Finished: 22 November 2022

I had high hopes for this book based on its reviews and ratings, especially as it was part of the Hoover series I was eager to explore. The story introduces us to Sydney, a twenty-two-year-old with what appears to be a great life—college, a steady job, a loving boyfriend, Hunter, and the companionship of her best friend, Tori. However, her world shatters when she discovers Hunter's infidelity, leaving her at a crossroads. Sydney becomes entranced by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge, who captures her attention with his passionate guitar playing on his balcony. Likewise, Ridge finds something compelling about Sydney. Their paths inevitably cross, and they discover a mutual need for each other. Regrettably, this book stands as one of the longest I've ever read in terms of sheer boredom. The narrative felt unending, and the story lacked clear direction or purpose. It seemed to meander without a discernible plot or a sense of progression. Despite the anticipation of a gripping tale, it felt like the story was not going anywhere. Perhaps someday, I might forget that I read this book, but I certainly won't forget the lesson it taught me about choosing to continue a book that doesn't seem to be leading anywhere substantial. In the world of literature, there are too many captivating stories waiting to be discovered to invest time in one that fails to engage and enrich the reader.

Favorite lines from the book:

• A life of mediocrity is a waste of a life.

• You only miss the idea of him. You weren’t happy with him even before you found out he was cheating. You were only with him because it was comfortable. You just miss the relationship, but you don’t miss Hunter.

• Imagine walking into your first day of school to the realization that there is actually a way to communicate.

• You know, most things people say when they’re drunk are more accurate and honest than the things they say when they’re sober.

• I never realized how powerful desire could be. It consumes every part of you, enhancing your senses by a million.

• Desire is easy to fight. Especially when the only weapon desire possesses is attraction. It’s not so easy when you’re trying to win a war against the heart.

• I’m convinced that people come across others in life whose souls are completely compatible with their own. Some refer to them as soul mates. Some refer to it as true love.

• People try to bottle up their emotions, as if it’s somehow wrong to have natural reactions to life.

• Brennan told me the only time he’s aware of his own heartbeat is when it’s quiet and he’s being still. That’s not the case for me, because it’s always quiet in my world. I’m always aware of my heartbeat.

All That's Left Unsaid

Author: Tracey Lien

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Rating: 3 out of 5

Pages: 304

Date Started: 7 November 2022

Date Finished: 14 November 2022

I'd long wanted to read this book, initially drawn in by its catchy title and the recommendation it received on Amazon. The narrative follows Ky Tran as she returns to Cabramatta, Australia for her brother Denny's funeral. Ky is shocked to discover that her parents declined an autopsy, leaving the circumstances of his death shrouded in uncertainty. All that is known is that he was killed in Lucky 8, where he attended a graduation celebration. Despite a multitude of people present at the restaurant, no one witnessed the incident, and the police have yet to identify a suspect. Ky embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery and seek closure with those around her. While this book is categorized as a mystery, it leans more towards being a cultural exploration than a traditional mystery. The author adeptly delves into themes such as the drug culture, racism, the clash of cultures between Vietnamese parents and their children, and the intricate dynamics within families and friendships. The story begins in detail, but its pace slows considerably at a certain point. One of the book's notable strengths is the portrayal of the cultural differences and conflicts between immigrant parents and their children. It effectively delves into teenage friendships and the complications that arise from familial issues and child abuse, capturing the intricacies of these relationships. Despite the author's skillful writing style, the book falls short in creating a true sense of mystery surrounding Denny's death. The narrative meanders, circling without arriving at a definitive point or providing a substantial resolution. While the story has elements of closure, it also leaves several loose ends, particularly regarding the mystery behind Denny's murder. In sum, this book offers an insightful exploration of cultural themes and family dynamics but may leave readers wanting more in terms of the central mystery's development and resolution.

Favorite lines from the book:

• We are poor too, but we never go hungry.

• If I get the depression and kill you, it will be because of this music! You're making everyone sad with your miserable music! Cut it out!

• Cockroaches were dirty and drawn to filthy homes. Crickets were friendly and neighbors who would only move into clean houses.

• Just because we are not perfect doesn't mean we are bad!

• Our parents fled authoritarian shit. Don't confuse a regime with a country and its people.

• She thinks the bigger the Buddha, the better the chances of your brother reincarnating into something good.

• Yeah, we're all selfish, but we gotta be.

• You can't be there for everyone. You can't be everything to everyone. People will make their own choices, no matter what you do.

Without Merit

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Rating: 1 out of 5

Pages: 385

Date Started: 2 November 2022

Date Finished: 6 November 2022

This book left me with mixed feelings. While it explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal struggles, it did so in a manner that felt quite convoluted. The characters and their actions often left me perplexed, making it challenging to truly engage with their stories. The family at the center of the narrative, with their unusual living situation and strained relationships, seemed almost unreal. Additionally, the introduction of certain characters and subplots, like Luck, raised more questions than they answered. Throughout the book, I found myself waiting for a significant twist or revelation, only to be left somewhat unsatisfied. The story's length and pacing could have been streamlined, as it often felt like it was meandering without clear direction. That said, Colleen Hoover's writing style remained engaging, which kept me reading to see how the story would ultimately conclude. While this book may not be my favorite of Hoover's works, it still presents a narrative that delves into the intricacies of family and relationships, even if it sometimes loses its way in the process.

Favorite lines from the book:

• Out of all the places we could be, we’re right here. At the same time.

• No one in this family notices my presence or my absence. They would all notice Honor’s. But I was born second, which just makes me a faded copy of the original.

• My spontaneity and refusal to weigh the consequences of my decisions are my two favorite things about me.

• Not every mistake deserves a consequence. Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.

• I wonder if this is what death is like. Just . . . nothing.

• So many people dream of living in a house with a white picket fence. Little do they know, there’s no such thing as a perfect family, no matter how white the picket fence is.

• Tuqburni is used to describe the all-encompassing feeling of not being able to live without someone. Which is why the literal translation is, ‘You bury me.’

• You don’t get to decide what your life means to anyone else.

• I found out that depression doesn’t necessarily mean a person is miserable or suicidal all the time. Indifference is also a sign of depression.

• Maybe that’s the root of a lot of family issues. It isn’t actually the issues people are hung up about for so long. It’s that no one has the courage to take the first step in talking about the issues.

• It annoys me when people try to convince other people that their anger or stress isn’t warranted if someone else in the world is worse off than them.