Movie Review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Please note: This review was written several months ago and originally published in my university's newspaper.

Sequels are precarious. Most fans are looking for a sequel that develops its own, special charm while also maintaining the original film's appeal. Some fans are simply seeking another round of entertainment. When it comes to Matthew Vaughn's "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," I was one of the latter fans. I imagine anyone expecting something fresh from this sequel will be disappointed, as it contains gobs of similarities to its predecessor. Probably too many similarities. However, "The Golden Circle" is still a wildly entertaining film and, personally, that's all I was really looking for.

"The Golden Circle" is an action/comedy that throws us into the happenings of a secret UK spy agency called Kingsman. Once again, we're following Eggsy, a young, formerly-rough-around-the-edges member of Kingsman. Everything seems to be golden for him: he has saved the world, become a hotshot spy, and started dating a Swedish princess. Too bad an isolated, sadistic drug lord named Poppy has other plans for him. She gathers intel on Kingsman and does everything she can to destroy the organization, forcing Eggsy to travel to the U.S. and join forces with an agency called Statesman to defeat Poppy.

There are a handful of plot decisions that I don't agree with. Without giving anything away, there is an event in the beginning that feels like a cheap way to get the plot rolling. There are also a few major conflicts throughout that could have easily been avoided with any sort of logic or communication. The major issue, though, is that the villain plotline is practically identical to that of the first movie: a wealthy, eccentric mogul of some sort has created a large-scale hostage situation. While I don't mind most of the similarities and rehashing done throughout this film, this one does bother me. I want to see the spies facing obstacles they've never quite encountered before. Instead, they've already conquered a situation just like this one, so it's hard to feel impressed.

Honestly, though, I'm willing to overlook those grievances, because this movie is so much fun. It is absurd and cartoonish while also being intense and interesting. There are predictable moments, but for the most part (especially during the action scenes) I was never entirely sure what to expect next from this film. "The Golden Circle" never fails to take dramatic turns I could never imagine, and that's what makes this film so engaging.

What I enjoyed most about this film was the characterization and the emotional aspect. While I still feel like we could delve deeper into these characters, I felt like we got to know most of them much better than we did in the first movie. We got to know what drives some of the characters. We got to see weaknesses. We got to see their strength. We dug deeper and it made them stand out to me much more.

Though it isn't a perfect sequel, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" is a delightful, engrossing experience, and left me feeling nothing but content when I left the theater.

My rating:

4/5

Movie Review: Kingsman: The Secret Service

Please note: I wrote this review several months ago and it was originally published in my university's newspaper.

I’m not particularly fond of action movies. Typically, when I am watching an action movie, it loses my attention and I struggle to become invested in the characters. That said, “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” directed by Matthew Vaughn, took me by surprise. A combination of action and whimsy makes for a thoroughly enjoyable film!

“Kingsman” introduces us to Eggsy, a street kid with an ugly home life and a penchant for legal trouble. After one especially messy situation, he unknowingly calls on a secret spy organization known as Kingsman. He competes with other, more qualified peers to become a member of the organization. Meanwhile, a wealthy technology mogul devises a nefarious plan to defeat Kingsman and take over the world.

To put it plainly, this movie is downright fun. Between the characters’ banter and the often-over-the-top circumstances, I couldn’t help but be entertained. 

I really respect the fight scenes in this movie, because Vaughn manages to find an ideal balance of work and play. The characters accomplish major feats of violence while also maintaining an element of humor, which prevented even me from getting bored by the punching.

My favorite facet of the plot was the competition. I was rooting for Eggsy to prove his worth and join the ranks of Kingsman. It was fascinating to see what kind of mental games the higher-ups were playing and the physical peril the characters wound up in.

When it comes to characterization in this film, I have mixed feelings. I was able to sympathize with Eggsy and my heart broke for his situation, but he was the only character I felt like I got to know on any sort of personal level. That’s not to say I didn’t connect to any of the other characters, but, frankly, when I think about the other characters we’re introduced to throughout the movie, I realize we either don’t learn anything about them, or they become caricatures instead of people. I enjoyed the characters—there is a smorgasbord of different, interesting personalities present—but, overall, they lack a level of depth that could have bumped this movie up to the next level. The underlying absurdity woven throughout the film works with most aspects of it, but the characters were just short of being believable.

Despite how I feel about the characters, this movie really kept me engaged. “Kingsman” certainly had me on my toes. My jaw fell open multiple times as I was watching, because I was never quite prepared for any of the events that were taking place.

I am eager to watch the sequel, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Hopefully we will further explore the characters and the secrets of Kingsman, because a movie as delightful as this one deserves an even more dynamic sequel.

My rating: 

4/5

Movie Review: A Dog's Purpose

Please note: I wrote this review over a year ago and it was previously published in my university's newspaper, The ArkaTech. 

I am a cat person through and through. I like dogs well enough, but I never thought I wanted to watch a movie from a dog's perspective. The only reason I agreed to watch Lasse Halstrom's “A Dog's Purpose” (based off of W. Bruce Cameron's book of the same name) is because my canine-loving friend was having a bad day. I didn't want to enjoy the movie and I certainly didn't want to weep throughout seventy-five percent of it, but alas! My wants were irrelevant in that dark theater. Halstrom presents a maelstrom of feelings with this one, and, of course, adorable dogs.

As the title implies, “A Dog's Purpose” is about a dog named Bailey searching for his purpose in a large, confusing world. We get to see several of Bailey's lives—which means we get to see several of his deaths as well—and follow along as he serves loyally as each owner's side, with a delightful voice over to let us know what's going on inside Bailey's head.

It seems like a fairly simple story, and in some ways it is. I won't deny that this film has cliché and predictable moments, but that doesn't mean it is without complexities. For a large portion of the film, Bailey grows up alongside Ethan, a little boy who saves him from dying of dehydration in a hot vehicle. Bailey is Ethan's best friend; the two go everywhere together. As Ethan enters his teen years, his life becomes more complicated—with his family, with girls, and with sports—but Bailey loves him unconditionally. This is one of the most heart-warming friendships I've ever witnessed in film, and I became much more invested in it than I care to admit. When their time together comes to an end, I lost any composure I was maintaining. I couldn't collect myself, either. Each new death Bailey experienced tore me to pieces all over again.

As much as I loved Bailey's life with Ethan, I thoroughly enjoyed his other lives as well. We get to see a nice diverse cast of characters and lifestyles, from police drug dog to lonely girl's comfort animal. It was precious to see the different ways this dog affects the people he loves. Also, the variety of dogs were all just incredibly cute and worthy of many loving sighs.

While it's admittedly strange to go on a journey of self-discovery with a dog, Halstrom manages to make it poignant and insightful. I think it would be quite challenging not to be charmed by this movie—trust me, I tried. If, for whatever reason, you need a good cry, this is probably the film you want to turn to. I experienced a lot of emotions throughout, but I left the theater feeling genuinely joyful and satisfied.

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
(Letters to the Lost #1)
Published: April 4, 2017 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: I won an ARC of this novel in a giveaway. All opinions stated in this review are 100% my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 
Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

I'm so mad at myself for putting this novel off for so long. I really enjoyed one of Kemmerer's previous books, so this book hit my "highly anticipating" list the moment I heard about it, but it took me seven billion years to make the (incredibly) smart decision and start in on this gem. And, what do you know, the moment I started reading, I couldn't stop. I guess good things really do come to those of us who wait.

Letters to the Lost is a book about grief and guilt, but it's also about healing and connecting to those who are still here. As a self-proclaimed piece of macabre garbagio, I'm always enraptured with YA books that explore death, and Letters to the Lost does so in a way that is gutting and honest. There are some truly thought-provoking discussions throughout this novel and some very sharp observations about grief.

It was fascinating to watch the two protagonists, Juliet and Declan, develop a relationship through these anonymous letters, and every time they interacted face-to-face without knowing who the other person is, my heart began to thump quite erratically in my chest. It was the best kind of anticipation and anxiety. I really connected with both of these characters. While I found their decisions and attitudes to be quite frustrating at times, it was hard to stay mad at them. They had depth and complexity and horrible revelations and tremendous growth. I also really admire the way they help each other heal, but not in a way that's unhealthy. Not in a "Someone loves me so I can love myself" kinda way. These two characters understand each other and they push each other.

But even better than the romance is the BROMANCE in this book. Declan and his best friend Rev have one of my favorite bromances (and, really, friendships in general) in the history of YA. Their love for each other is so pure and selfless and unconditional. It's obvious from the very beginning that they would do literally anything for each other at any time. And there are never any cracks about them being gay for each other, which is important. While I don't think homosexuality is ever offensive, I think it is crucial to portray a beautiful male friendship as exactly what it is without gender expectations muddling things. I NEED MORE AUTHORS TO TAKE NOTES.

My singular complaint for this novel is that I wish we got to see a little bit more of Juliet and Declan being all happy and kissy together, but that's just a personal complaint because I like to read romance.

With this novel, Kemmerer has gifted the world a poignant and engaging story. The moment I finished this, I could not wait to pick up the sequel so I could get more of these characters.

My rating: 

4/5

Movie Review: The Greatest Showman

Please note: This review was written weeks ago and previously published for my university's newspaper The ArkaTech. 

As a person with a profound fondness for musicals, circuses, and Zac Efron, I suspected before even buying a ticket that Michael Gracey's "The Greatest Showman" would be a hit for me, which was a mostly-accurate assumption. In a lot of ways, this film imbued me with a shining delight. There were a few aspects, however, that I found to be distinctly underwhelming.

"The Greatest Showman" is a largely-fictional biopic of P.T. Barnum, a 19th century showman and circus owner. It is the classic rags-to-riches story. As a young boy, P.T. Barnum falls in love with a girl of higher social stature, and though her parents make every effort to keep them apart, they find each other again when they are older. Barnum promises his bride, Charity, that he will take care of her and give her a good life. As the years progress, Barnum grows increasingly dismayed by their poverty, thus forming his show of curiosities, recruiting the outcasts of society from their time period. The movie is punctuated by pop musical numbers that I haven't been able to stop listening to in days.

If I had to assign a single word to describe this movie, it would be "sensational," which I'm sure would please Barnum's character, as that is what he strove for in his own show. The visuals are absolutely stunning, the musical score is energetic, the choreography is compelling, and the narrative is heartwarming. It was a pleasure to sit back and witness the sensation, to see dreams come true right in front of me. When I left the theater, I was beaming and already aching to watch the movie again.

The film was not without flaws, though. Unfortunately, it fell flat in one very important area: characterization. The actors put on an incredibly convincing performance, so I was still able to become emotionally invested in all the characters, but the only dynamic character present is Barnum. His tough background, his aspirations, his flaws—they're all laid out for the viewers to see, and the same cannot be said about any other character in the movie. The so-called curiosities that Barnum has selected to star in his show are arguably the most fascinating aspect of the film, but they are underutilized. We hardly get to know them, and we don't witness much growth from them. Their presence provides little more than fodder for Barnum's emotional journey.

There is also a major subplot in the movie that was nothing but a waste of screen time. The romance between Barnum's assistant Carlyle and a trapeze artist in the show is rushed and unnecessary. While it does demonstrate the racism and toxic attitudes of the time, that could have been achieved in a more economical way. Instead of squeezing in another romance when there is already a much more developed, complicated one unraveling, I would have liked to see the other plotlines expanded.

"The Greatest Showman" took my breath away, but upon deeper inspection, this film suffers from the same problem for which Barnum's shows were criticized: It's an illusion. It appears brilliant and dazzling, but it lacks a certain substance. Gracey tried to cram too much into one hour and forty-five minutes. Even still, "The Greatest Showman" is a charming cinematic experience that I absolutely ate up despite all of my critiques. While it might not be the greatest show, it certainly makes an impression.

4/5

Lefty Lowdown: Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally

Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally
(Hundred Oaks #8)
Published: July 4, 2017 by Sourcebooks Fire
Source: I received an eARC of this book for free from the publisher via Netgalley. All the opinions stated in this review are my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 
Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat.

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

Real talk: I'm not, like, a fan of this series. I've read 3 of the books and I got them all for free. I thought the other 2 books I've read were merely okay, nothing I'd spend money on. However, I enjoyed Coming Up for Air a lot. This novel managed to give me the fluffy, romantic fix I needed, along with depth and characters I ended up becoming very invested in.

In this installment, we're introduced to Maggie, swimmer of pools, eater of many foods, and kisser of nobody. She has spent so much of her time being focused on swimming and qualifying for the Olympics, that she never took the time to think what she could be missing. Until now. Until she realizes that she's off to college soon and she's never even kissed a boy. She doesn't want to go to college completely inexperienced, so she asks her hot, swimmer, best-friends-since-they-were-kids best friend to show her the ropes a lil bit. He's wary at first but eventually agrees and things get STEAMY and COMPLICATED and I loved it. They're relationship was absolutely wonderful! Of course, it's friends-to-lovers so it's destined to be great. You can tell how much they genuinely care about each other and respect each other.

They were great characters on their own, too. While I'm not a swimmer, I could really relate to the conflicts Maggie struggled with, whether it be issues with ex-friends or comparing her success to others'. And Levi was just honest and caring and he makes some mistakes but you can tell he feels so bad about them and if I were to ever have a daughter, he's the kind of boy I'd want her to date.

This novel also deals with topics like bullying, double standards for men and women, and females owning their sexuality! It really has some wonderful messages in it, and it's a quick, light read! I really do recommend this one to contemporary fans! Even if you're not into sports or you haven't read any of the other books in the series. This one can be read completely on its own!

My rating: 

4/5 stars

Lefty's Lowdown: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Looking for Alaska by John Green
(standalone)
Published: March 3, 2005 by Speak
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:
Before. 
Miles “Pudge” Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (Francois Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then. . . .

After. 
Nothing is ever the same.

A lot of people have dubbed this their Favorite John Green Book. This is the 3rd book I've read by him and the only title I can really give it is A John Green Book. I liked it a lot--as expected, Green does some really wonderful things in this novel. But, again, that's expected. Because it's A John Green Book, and you kind of know what you're getting before you crack it open. I've been procrastinating this review because I didn't know exactly what I wanted to say. I didn't (and still don't) know how to express that I found this book to be enjoyable on so many fronts and also underwhelming in other aspects. 

For me, the main appeal was getting to the "After" section. While I was pretty sure I knew what happens (because it's an old book and there are spoilers), I still wanted to see what changed and how it changed the characters. I was correct about the Big Event but it still hit me right in the stomach. But then it got kind of boring. I hate that that's the case because we have these teenagers trying to figure out grief, trying to figure out how to move on from tragedy and yet not move on at the same time. But by that point, the book had lost its appeal. I'm not sure why--I'm usually into introspection, but it became a little too much of solving a mystery everyone knows is unsolvable, I guess. It just felt sluggish at the end, and I put the last 20 pages off for almost an entire day because there was nothing tethering me to the story anymore. 

So what DID I like? In typical John Green style, the characters were a delight to read about. They are all above-average intelligence, having an existential crisis, and not even close to acting their age. It's like a formula with John Green, but you can't help but be swept away by the characters. Pudge, who is fascinated by people's last words. The Colonel, who has an incredible memory and cherishes loyalty. Alaska, who reads a ton and plans pranks and has mood swings. It's an intriguing cast and I admire the little quirks that John Green gives his characters. The life he gives them. The depth he gives them. 

What really differentiates John Green from other YA writers, though, are the ideas he brings to his fiction. Other people talk about death and dying and the meaning of life in their books, but not, from what I've seen, at the levels John Green does. Like I said, these characters are all basically having an existential crisis throughout the novel...but, like, SAME. I think, eventually, we all start to question what it mean to die and how that effects what it means to live. I just do it more than most people, so some of the sentiments in this novel were so very real to me. And I like that, I appreciate it, because it's hard to find someone else who has the same questions I do and is open about it. But at the same time, it caused me a lot of anxiety when I was reading it for that same reason.

Essentially, if you like John Green, you're definitely going to like this book, because it's so much like his others. If you don't like his other work, you're not going to like this one. HOWEVER! If you've yet to hop on board the John Green train, I'd say you should at least try. Looking for Alaska has depth and darkness and discovery. It has character that, while you may not love them, you'll most likely be charmed by. Yes, in some ways I was underwhelmed, but in other ways, I was wowed by John Green's talent.

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Vicious by V.E. Schwab
(Vicious #1)
Published: September 24, 2013 by Tor
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: 
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

This book has received SO MUCH hype and I was thrilled when BookTube-A-Thon gave me an excuse to read it. While I did like it a lot, I didn't fall in love with it the way some people did. I think part of that may be due to the fact that I read it for a read-a-thon and therefore was more concerned with finishing it than savoring it. Because this is the book you need to savor. You need to luxuriate in the gorgeous writing and complex characters, and I didn't give myself the chance to fully appreciate the beauty of this book.

This was my first ever Victoria Schwab book, and I'd gone in with high expectations for the writing, as everyone raves about how beautiful it is. I will say, I was not disappointed in that regard, but I was surprised. It's not beautiful in the way I expected it to be. It's not lyrical and poetic and bursting with these artsy metaphors. Instead, Schwab wields words like a paintbrush, gracefully filling our minds with vivid images and sucking us into the story & characters. And I just think it is so funny that everyone talks about the beauty of this book when there is so much stabbing and shooting and killing.

Another thing that really makes Vicious stand out is the unique execution of a tired premise. At its core, Vicious is about two college kids who gain super powers. It's an idea that's been written countless times, right? Not like this. Schwab makes it feel fresh and new, like you've never read anything like it before. It was fascinating to see Victor and Eli, the two main characters, unravel how people develop these super powers, and even more interesting to read the ways they try to acquire powers themselves. My favorite part was, by far, the flashbacks to their college days as their mindsets and their relationship developed and changed.

Now, I don't think it's fair to discuss Vicious without mentioning the characters. It's kind of a daunting task, talking about these characters, because there is so much that could be said. Eli and Victor are complex and well-developed. Schwab brings the concept of heroes and villains into question, as well as intentions vs. actions. It's all kind of a giant mindfuck because you think you know who is the villain and who is the hero, but then your brain just gets completely scrambled because NOPE. You know who thinks they're the villain and who thinks they're the hero, but it's all so fantastically twisted. I have to say, I ended up really rooting for Victor, who is the protagonist. I didn't agree with all of his methods, and I didn't think he was a particularly great guy, but that's kind of the point. Humans are messy and selfish sometimes, but that doesn't make them evil. Victor was just kind of doing the best he could, in my opinion, and I love the fatherly role he begins to play for Sydney, a young girl he meets and adds to his team.

What prevented me from falling head over heels for this book, though, was the pacing. I found the novel to be a bit slow sometimes. I think a major part of that was all the jumping from character to character. There's a ton of perspective shifting and I understand why it was done, but it just got to be a bit exhausting sometimes. There were some parts that I just would have liked to stay in one person's head.

Vicious is such a complicated, intricate book, and even though I've written quite a bit already, I feel like I have not even come close to doing it justice. It is a dark, twisted book that will really make you think about the nature of humanity and right and wrong. It's truly a brilliant piece of literature and I now understand why everyone speaks so highly of it.

4/5 

Lefty's Lowdown: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
(standalone)
Published: April 14, 2011 by Dutton
Source: Received in a trade

Summary from Goodreads: 
Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

After being wowed by Fangirl, I vowed to read everything by Rainbow Rowell. Let me tell you, Attachments did not disappoint me. This book is clever, addicting, and different. 

I'll admit, I had a few problems with this novel when I was reading. In the beginning, I thought Lincoln was a bit too mopey for my tastes, but I did respect how realistic and (even though some might not like to admit it) relatable his character was. Socially awkward, stuck in a job he hates, and living with his mother again, Lincoln was definitely stuck in a life slump. In a way, his transformation almost reads like a coming of age novel (even though he's almost 30). All in all, though, he was a good guy and I really enjoyed reading about him once he starts getting his life together. 

The other problem I had was that the ending felt very rushed. This whole novel builds up to Lincoln and Beth meeting in person, so the way things went down when they finally did meet was not what I was anticipating. I just thought what took place was a bit strange, and I could feel myself reading with furrowed brows. 

Aside from those two things, though, I thought this book was brilliant! I just adored getting to know Beth and Jennifer exclusively through their emails back and forth with each other. They were so much fun and so so so clever! Their emails were definitely my favorite part of the novel. In the beginning, when I wasn't so much vibing with Lincoln's narration, I found myself eagerly awaiting their email exchanges. You know Rowell is doing something right when she gets me super invested in these two characters through just emails! 

I also think it is really neat that this book deals with the turn of the century AKA the Y2K debacle. I'm a bit too young to remember the panic that centered around this event, so it was so cool to see it in a book, and to read about the transition into a more technology-driven era. 

Despite minor issues, this book had me really hooked, and feeling very happy by the end of it. I love that Rainbow Rowell's books leave me with this deep-seated feeling of contentment when I finish the last page (NOT ELEANOR AND PARK THO). Anyway, this book was quick, addicting, and super enjoyable! 

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler
(standalone)
Published: July 19, 2016 by Simon Pulse
Source: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

Summary from Goodreads: 
Harper Anderson always believed she belonged somewhere more glamorous than her sleepy Northern California suburb. After all, how many water polo matches and lame parties in Bobby McKittrick's backyard can one girl take? That's why Harper is beyond ecstatic when she lands her dream internship as a dating blogger at the elite teen magazine Shift. Getting to spend the summer in New York City to live her dream of becoming a writer? Harper's totally in.

There's just one teeny, tiny, infinitesimal problem: Apart from some dance floor make-outs, Harper doesn't have a lot of - or, really, any - dating expertise. In fact, she might have sort of stolen her best friend's experiences as her own on her Shift application. But she can learn on the job...right?

From awkward run-ins with the cute neighborhood dog-walker to terrifying encounters with her crazed editor, from Brooklyn gallery openings to weekends in the Hamptons, Harper finds out what it takes to make it in the Big City--and as the writer of her own destiny.

 The second I read the description for this book, I was so pumped. And then I got approved, and it took all my self control to wait until it was closer to the release date to read this one. It sounded like it was going to be a delightfully fun, chick-flicky book that takes place in NEW YORK CITY *heart eyes* And I was right! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Stampler's debut!

Okay, so it appears that I am a major hypocrite because in one of my recent reviews I talked about how much I hate when conflict is created because a character lies ("So, one of my least favorite plot lines in YA is the whole "Oh, I regret lying about something but it's too late to tell anyone the truth because that will just make things worse." NO NO NO. Maybe it's because I'm an honest-to-a-fault type of person, but I just think this trope is stupid and unnecessary." - Me). However, that is kinda the premise of this novel. Harper applied to the #1 teen magazine using a very personal story from her best friend's life. Not only is she hired under false pretenses, but she doesn't tell her best friend that she's exploiting one of her darkest secrets. But for some reason, it just works in this novel. 

Clumsy, inexperienced, socially awkward Harper is obviously in over her head with this magazine and desperate to prove herself. It's not what I would do, but I get it. And I don't think she's a bad  person for it. In fact, I actually liked her quite a bit. She's pretty relatable, and she's just a little bit misguided. She experiences a lot of growth by the end of the novel, and  I was really satisfied where her character ended up. 

Now let's chat boys, shall we? I don't want to say too much about them, because there is sort of a love triangle in this book. I'm typically not too irritated by love triangles, and I don't think this one was annoying or anything. And it wasn't really the main focus of the story, so that's a plus. Anyway, the boys. So, the whole time, it's clear who the "right" guy is and who is just being a fuckboy. And the "right" guy is adorable. There's a meet-cute that involves dogs, so, like, you KNOW romance is going to occur. Mr. Right is really kind and supportive and I really liked him.

Other things I adored were the NYC adventures (seriously, SO FUN!! And now I just wish I were in New York even more), female friendships, and the super engaging and clever writing. I was really hooked! I know Stampler was/is in the industry she was writing about, but that doesn't detract from the fact that it felt super authentic! It didn't read like someone barely managing to keep up with the times. My only complaints would be that it's pretty predictable (though, I'm still happy with the way things wrapped up. It felt like a shiny ribbon conclusion, but not TOO shiny), and I just wish there was a little bit more depth in the secondary characters. 

Either way, this book was a fantastic quick, light, & feel-good read. It definitely lived up to my expectations and I definitely recommend it if you're in the mood for a fun, rom-comish contemporary! 

4/5 stars!

Top Ten (3) Favorite 2016 Releases So Far

Soooooo...turns out I haven't read a ton of 2016 releases. I've just been more in to backlist titles, I guess. And a few of the 2016 releases I've read haven't been that spectacular, so I have only THREE 2016 releases that really knocked it out of the park for me.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman
Published: February 9, 2016 by Simon Pulse
MY REVIEW - 5 STARS

Summary from Goodreads:
Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything. This is their story.

Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he’d begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to Curaçao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England?


From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn to each other, they’re trapped by society and their own circumstances. Faced with an impossible choice, they must decide to chase their dreams and go, or follow their hearts and stay.

Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell

Published: February 2, 2016 by Simon Pulse

MY REVIEW - 5 STARS

Summary from Goodreads:
For as long as she can remember, Gwendolyn Allister has never had a place to call home—all because her mother believes that monsters are hunting them. Now these delusions have brought them to London, far from the life Gwen had finally started to build for herself. The only saving grace is her best friend, Olivia, who’s coming with them for the summer.

But when Gwen and Olivia are kidnapped by shadowy creatures and taken to a world of flesh-eating sea hags and dangerous Fey, Gwen realizes her mom might have been sane all along.

The world Gwen finds herself in is called Neverland, yet it’s nothing like the stories. Here, good and evil lose their meaning and memories slip like water through her fingers. As Gwen struggles to remember where she came from and find a way home, she must choose between trusting the charming fairy-tale hero who says all the right things and the roguish young pirate who promises to keep her safe.

With time running out and her enemies closing in, Gwen is forced to face the truths she’s been hiding from all along. But will she be able to save Neverland without losing herself?

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Published: May 3, 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
MY REVIEW - 4 STARS

Summary from Goodreads: 
Andie had it all planned out.


When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.

Important internship? Check.

Amazing friends? Check.

Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks).

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.

Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected.


And where’s the fun in that?

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE 2016 RELEASES SO FAR? WHICH RELEASES ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?  

Lefty's Lowdown: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
(standalone)
Published: May 4, 2010 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: purchased

Summary from Goodreads: 
Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.

 I feel like a broken record, spouting over and over again how marvelous Morgan Matson is. But you shoukd blame Matson, not me--it's not my fault Matson has never disappointed me. Not with the other books I've read by her, and not with this one. Morgan Matson set a high standard by putting the word "epic" in the title, and while I don't know that I'd actually describe this novel as epic, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour has so, so, so many special qualities that make it absolutely wonderful.

I've said it before, I'll say it again: Morgan Matson is a master of characterization. She has a way of creating interesting, flawed characters that you can't help but root for. Such was certainly the case for Amy and Roger. Amy is struggling to deal with her father's death, and blaming herself for it. Her brother is in rehab. Her mom has been in another state for a month. She's lonely and she's completely broken in the beginning. And Roger begins the trip broken-hearted and idolizing some beautiful, bitchy girl. But they both grow so much over the course of the novel, and it is just an amazing transformation. Matson also has a knack for creating mmorable secondary characters, like Bronwyn and Lucien, who flash through the story and leave their mark on me and the other characters. Her characters are always an absolute delight to read.

Now, I, personally, am a sucker for road trip stories. Probably because I live in a perpetual state of wanderlust. And this is one of the most interesting road trips I've ever read about. I loved reading about the different stops they made, especially considering all of the stops were personal. What's incredible is that Matson has actually made this trip a few times, so all the details are not only accurate, but vivid. I felt like I was actually on the trip myself.

My absolute favorite part of this novel, though, are all the inserts. There are receipts, brochures, photographs, and more. It's just so cool! It makes it feel more realistic, and it adds something special to the story that you don't find in a lot of road trip stories. Also, THE PLAYLISTS. Matson always makes sure that music is a huge part of her novels, and, as an avid music nerd, I just adore that. In this novel, she makes actual playlists that have little doodles on them and funny alternate titles. Those playlists and inserts are what really stole ,y heart.

Although this book deals with grief, loss, familial issues, and other serious subjects, it is a fabulous summer read that will leaveyou feeling good. It has humor and kissing and diners. This is not your typical road trip story. It's better, I assure you.

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
(standalone)
Published: May 3, 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: purchased

Summary from Goodreads: 
Andie had it all planned out.

When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.

Important internship? Check.

Amazing friends? Check.

Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks).

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.

Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected.

And where’s the fun in that?

Morgan Matson has done it again, y'all. I saw this book at the store on May 3rd and knew I needed to buy it, not even realizing it was the release date, and I'm, like, 99.9% certain that was fate or destiny or serendipity. Matson has wiggled her way deeper into my nerd heart with this dynamic tale of summer memories, friendship, dorky romance, and dogs. 

Okay, I'll admit, when I first delved into this novel, I was getting slightly nervous that I wouldn't love it as much as I loved the only other novel by Morgan Matson that I'd read (Since You've Been Gone) because it started out fairly slow. Before I knew it, though, it was 6:30 am and I was obsessed with the characters. 

I could dedicate full paragraphs to each character because that's how well Matson develops them, but I'll (try to) keep it brief. Andie, the Type A protagonist, is used to playing it safe. She has so many walls, she doesn't even realize when she's blocking something off. A summer of instability shakes her up, though, and her walls begin to crumble. She makes some stupid decisions, but she grows a lot. I related to her a lot. The love interest, nerdy fantasy author Clark, is everything to me. I'm currently wishing he was real. And dating me. He wears Doctor Who shirts and writes books and is beyond socially awkward at times. What more could I possibly ask for????? He experiences a ton of growth too. I'm not even kidding...Clark is boyfriend goals. The other characters (Palmer, Toby, Bre, Tom, and her father) are all wonderful characters to read about, and they all contributed something special to the book. 

Other wonderful parts of this novel: the realistic friendships, the family dynamic, and the dog walking, to name a few. On top of that, the summer atmosphere was the perfect book to kick off my summer vacation. I loved the feeling of fun summer nights with friends and memories and first love. Summer vacation just isn't the same in college, so this novel brought back pleasant feelings. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. The writing was great, the characters were all a pleasure to read about, and the feels were definitely there. I think the only thing keeping this from being a five-star knockout would be the length. It was 500+ pages. I enjoyed reading every single one of those pages, but I'll admit it could have been a little more exciting. I think fans of Matson will love this novel and will recognize the aspects of Matson's writing that are so wonderful in her other books. 

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

In Honor by Jessi Kirby
(standalone)
Published: May 8, 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads: 
Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn’s celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn’s last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn . . . and ruggedly good-looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences? 

 So I've finally read it. This book has been on my TBR for years, so when I saw a used copy at Hastings for cheap, I was all over that like gravy on potatoes. I'd heard really good things about In Honor and I've had pleasant previous experience with Kirby, and I was not disappointed this time around. In Honor was by no means an amazing, force-everyone-I-know-read-this-book book, but it is a sweet road trip story imbued with emotion and discovery.

I'll tell you all right here, right now: I cried by the second chapter. The novel opens with Honor at her older brother Finn's funeral, and you can tell how close they were and how heartbroken Honor is now that he's dead. I have two older brothers, both of whom I am very close with, so I was immediately hit with every feeling ever. As the novel progresses, we learn even more about their relationship and how much Finn was willing to sacrifice in order to make his sister happy. It kinda crushed me and made me want to call up my brothers to tell them how much I appreciate them.

I also found the perspective of this novel really interesting. Honor's brother was a marine killed in action. We're taught to really respect every member of the military because they have sacrificed so much to fight for our freedom, but Honor has a hard time appreciating the military when it killed her brother. She is juggling hurt feelings, confusion, and anger that her brother would just leave her for (what seems to her like) no good reason. I just think that we don't get that perspective that often in YA especially.

Obviously I connected with Honer, seeing as she made me cry so easily, but I definitely found her a bit annoying and immature. I can't put my finger exactly on what it was, but she acted like a giant brat sometimes and I couldn't help but wonder if she was a sophomore in high school instead of a girl who is supposed to be at her college orientation. She grows a lot by the end of the novel, though, and realizes that it's time to grow up and take some responsibility, which I really liked.

The other main character in this novel is Rusty, who I liked a lot while reading, but now, only 3 days later, I've become rather indifferent toward. I know that a lot of people are saying he is supposed to be based off of a Friday Night Lights character, but I've never actually watched that, so he reminded me a lot of Wade Kinsella from the show Hart of Dixie, whom I am head over heels in love with. He was definitely arrogant and not much for vulnerability, but when he let his guard down, it was hard not to like him. I just wish I got to know him more. We do learn a lot about him, but I just feel like I didn't get this complete image of him. Same goes for many of the other characters, such as Lilah and even the dead brother Finn.

The writing, of course, was beautiful. Jessi Kirby has a way with words! And I adore the ending. It's one of those that aren't quite tied up in a pretty little bow, but also not super ambiguous and leaving you hanging.. There was also one tiny scene that really tied the whole story together.

Although this book was not perfect, it was still a very enjoyable read. If you're a fan of contemporary, this is one you don't want to miss. There's emotion and an Impala (and if someone tries to tell me Kirby is not a fan of Supernatural, I will not believe them) and vortexes, which is a pretty cool combination.

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
(The Chemical Garden #3)
Published: February 12, 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Summary from Goodreads:
Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.

With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.

Holy crap. It's so hard to write a review for the last book in a series without repeating everything I've already said about the previous books or discussing spoilers. I know everyone won't agree with this, but I found Sever to be a satisfying conclusion to The Chemical Garden series. 

I'll admit this book wasn't as exciting as the previous one, Fever. It got off to a slow start, but then, all of a sudden, I was hooked. I read 70% of the book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I think Sever is by far the most interesting book in the series. There are so many bombs dropped--literally and figuratively. I accidentally read a few spoilers beforehand, but I was still shocked when certain events took place. Another thing that I really liked about this one was that we were finally offered an explanation into the dystopian world and Vaughn's mind. I'll be honest, the worldbuilding isn't flawless. It's not all that intricate, and there are holes, but I found it sufficient enough. There were no glaring errors that got on my nerves or anything. Then again, worldbuilding is not really my focus when I'm reading. 

This is also the first book in the series in which I felt a real emotional connection. I actually cried a little in this book! In the past two, I had a hard time feeling connected to any of the characters, but something shifted in this book. Gabriel was basically not in the book, and I have to say, I didn't miss him at all (his ending is one of the only ones I'm not particularly fond of). I did, however, really enjoy Linden's presence in the novel. I wasn't exactly sure how to feel about him before this novel, but he really won my heart in Sever. He was going through a lot and he had a hard time processing the reality of the world he lives in. But the way he cared for Cecily and Rhine, even though she wronged him in so many ways, was adorable. I can't say any more on my feelings about Linden without revealing spoilers, but know that I loved him. 

We get to know two new characters in this novel, both of whom I enjoyed. It took two and a half books but finally it happened. We got to meet twin brother Rowan in the flesh. Some people didn't like him, but I did. The way he interacted with Rhine just made my heart happy. Maybe it's because I have always been super close with my brother, but I just adored how much he obviously cared for his sister. Then there is Reed, Vaughn's way less maniacal brother. I loved him a lot too. He is a unique one, that's for sure. Maybe he isn't great with people, I could tell how much he ended up caring about Rhine, Cecily, Bowen, and of course Linden. I wish we got to know him a little better, but I loved the way this story ended for him. 

Everyone grew so much over the course of the series. Cecily...Cecily. She has come so far from the first novel, and I hate the she had to experience so much tragedy and was forced to grow up so quickly, but she is such a dynamic character and never dull to read. Rhine is so much stronger and much more independent. In this final novel, I felt like I finally connected to her. She finally let herself feel something other than sorry for herself.  

I'm so glad I read this series. With beautiful, gorgeous, completely stunning writing, and a seemingly hopeless world, DeStefano has gifted us a dystopian story that stands out from the rest of the pack. I really enjoyed this final installment. I didn't like everything that happened in it, but I think it ended the way it needed to, and it left me with a fluttery feeling as I closed the book. I'll miss these characters and this world. It was a good run, and I can't wait to read anything else DeStefano graces us with. 

Rating:

4/5

Lefty's Lowdown: Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
(The Chemical Garden #2)
Published: February 21, 2012 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Source: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:
Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

*WARNING: This review may contain slight spoilers for Wither*

This may be the unpopular opinion, but I have to say--I liked Fever much more than I liked its predecessor. This book had all the great elements that Wither had (interesting premise, gritty settings, lovely writing), only I found it more exciting. 

My biggest complaint with Wither (if you haven't already, you can read the review I posted for it yesterday) was that I didn't feel like enough happened. Fever certainly doesn't have that problem. The pacing is much better in the second novel, so it was way more exciting. There was way more external action and complications. I had trouble putting the book down because I needed to find out what was going to happen next.

Now let's talk settings. We follow Rhine and Gabriel as they make their way to Manhattan to find Rhine's brother after having escaped the Mansion. However, they run into a slight complication when they get taken against their will into a carnival-like brothel. They're forced to be intimate with each other in front of spectators, and they spend a lot of time in a drug haze, Maybe I'm weird, but I love reading about this kind of thing, especially in YA. DeStefano does an excellent job capturing the creepy, gritty atmosphere without being gross or too explicit as to the happenings of the brothel.  We also get another taste of impoverished Manhattan, and one of the orphanages there. All of these things were just so incredibly intriguing to me and I loved reading about them. 

But here is the thing that bothered me the most--and it bothered me in Wither as well. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. I like Rhine as a narrator, I've enjoyed seeing her development, I've been hardcore rooting for her...but I can't say I feel a huge connection to her. I kept puzzling over why this could be, but I think I figured it out. I think it was hard to connect to her because she's so focused on herself. That may not seem like it makes sense, but I want to know more about her in regards to the other characters, I don't think we see enough of her feelings in that aspect, which in turn makes it hard to connect with/get to know the other characters as well. The number one thing that pissed me off while I was reading is that Gabriel is supposed to be such an important character, but we don't get to know him AT ALL. It's like he's just a person there for Rhine's benefit--to go on this journey with her, to help her make realizations about herself, to take care of when she's sick. We get almost zero insight into his feelings, and it makes him such a flat character. 

Despite any peeves I had while reading, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Lauren's writing is extremely engrossing! I can't wait to find out how the series ends!

Rating:

4/5