Book Review: "The Last Letter from Your Lover" by Jojo Moyes

Today's review is coming straight from my bed. I'm feeling under the weather today, so I'm using it as time to relax and get back out there again tomorrow. Also, my bed would have missed me if I had gone to work, and we really can't have that..can we?

That being said, today's review is of:

This is via Goodreads.com: "It is 1960. When Jennifer Stirling wakes up in the hospital, she can remember nothing-not the tragic car accident that put her there, not her husband, not even who she is. She feels like a stranger in her own life until she stumbles upon an impassioned letter, signed simply "B", asking her to leave her husband. 

Years later, in 2003, a journalist named Ellie discovers the same enigmatic letter in a forgotten file in her newspaper's archives. She becomes obsessed by the story and hopeful that it can resurrect her faltering career. Perhaps if these lovers had a happy ending she will find one to her own complicated love life, too. Ellie's search will rewrite history and help her see the truth about her own modern romance."

A friend of mine asked if I wanted to join her book club, and this was the first book we read. Meeting with the girls to discuss the book made me super geek out, and I loved it. I definitely want to continue book club.

As for my thoughts on it - I loved it. The characters are interesting, the scenery is from another era (one of glitz, heroics and glamour), and it's both relatable (we all want our own happy ending) and believable. Jojo is a fantastic writer. I haven't disliked anything yet.

I found myself immersed in the whole scene and also totally caught off guard at the twists. Which, is nothing new - I'm always so wrapped up in a story (whether it's a book, tv show or movie) that I almost never know the ending - unless it's something totally stupid and cheesy. Those I guess pretty soon after starting.

But that's the beauty of both books I've read of Jojo's (this and "Me Before You" - read my review of that HERE!) - she does romance and carries you off into this world where you know everything is going to work out EXACTLY how you think it will and then BAM, it changes. Don't fret though, my friends, it does work out. Just maybe not how you want it to..ala "500 Days of Summer".

1// “She didn't talk about it: if this past year has taught her one thing, it is to live in the present. She immersed herself in every moment, refusing to cloud it by considering the cost. The fall would come - it always did - but she usually collected enough memories to cushion it a little.”  

I realize that saying that I like a quote that screams "THIS GLASS IS HALF FULL ALWAYS" probably isn't the best way to start, but - what I see from it is this: there will be crashes. There will be bumps and bruises and times when you can't breathe. But, you're never far from light. From good times, from things that make you alive. That's all. And it gives you that extra push to find your way back again. If you choose to do so.

2// “He talked to her in the way that people tell lifelong secrets to fellow passengers in railway carriages: an unburdened intimacy, resting on the unspoken understanding that they were unlikely to meet again.” 

Isn't that the truth? Sometimes strangers know the most lovely things about you - the things you're afraid to tell other people..because the only way you disclose them is if you're never going to see that person again. Because that's safer than being vulnerable. But then again, all it takes is one person..

3// “I was once told by someone wise that writing is perilous as you cannot always guarantee your words will be read in the spirit in which they were written.” 

So much truth. So much.

1. Jojo Moyes knows how to write a story. Plain and simple.

2. It has something for..most people. Romance, intrigue, well written characters, travel.

3. And definitely read if you're a "Mad Men" fan. I can so picture John Hamm as the husband, and January Jones as Jennifer - but I can't picture "B". Not yet. I'll have to get back to you. Anyway, it's set in the same time period. So if you enjoy that, I'd definitely recommend.

C

At the Movies: Thoughts On "How To Be Single"

Hi there friends! I had every intention of getting things accomplished tonight, but I'm in a weird headspace after a super long day at work. So, I thought I'd talk about "How to Be Single" instead!

Let's get right to it:

1// It really has no plot or character development.

I mean, if you're going to this movie for Oscar winning performances, you're out of luck, my friends. BUT, there are some fabulous comedic presences: Rebel Wilson, Damon Wayans Jr, Anders Holm (hey boy hey), Jason Mantzoukas (who plays a weirdo so SO well), and Colin Jost (my favorite part of Weekend Update!). So, just go for the fun of it, okay?

2// I don't understand everyone's facination with Dakota Johnson.

Or Dakota Fanning according to my best friend..who couldn't remember her name. I find her awkward and boring. Also, she has an odd hair cut:

Is she 10? Maybe it's the 50 Shades of Grey thing, but I don't get it.

3// Leslie Mann does crazy so SO well.

She plays Dakota's big sister - who, after delivering babies for a living decides she needs her own - she uses a sperm bank and finds true love whist pregnant. And the boyfriend is totally cool with said crazy pregnant lady (who says a million times that you shouldn't call a pregnant woman crazy..which, for some reason I know to be a true thing) and said baby (the man, who is like 10 years Leslie's junior) actually says "who wouldn't want to stay home all day and hang with a baby?! I never have to work again". The theater literally erupted in "aww's"..it was cheese ball.  I mean, who could have predicted that plot twist? Everyone, the answer is everyone. I really don't think it would happen in real life. Like at all.

4// Why is there always a kooky best friend?

Rebel plays Dakota's "side kick". Or the other way around, I can't exactly tell. And I sat there wondering why there always has to be this outrageous personality next to the shy, hipster girl?! (there's always a hipster girl too..) Why can't people have real personalities? Why can't they both be chill and have a good personality and be funny? They don't have to be outrageous all the time, Hollywood. So, quit it.

5// The ending is real life.

You're sitting there for two hours and guessing every single plot twist (is it really called a twist outside of horror movies? Get back to me...) and then it lays it on you. She doesn't end up with the dude. Or, in her case, the three dudes vying for her attention in the movie. She ends up (*SPOILER ALERT*) finding something she's passionate about (hiking the Grand Canyon) and going to do it..because, early on in the movie, she exclaims that there are too many things she says she wants to do but never does.

And that's where I am in life. Choosing the solo adventures - or trying to - because that has to be better than doing nothing your entire life. It has to be.

Why you should see it:

1// Rebel Wilson.

2// It kind of gives you one side of being single. The side that's featured in brilliant cinematographies such as "He's Just Not That Into You", "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve". If you like that kind of thing.

3// Girl power. Rebel, Leslie and Dakota are there for each other in every situation and say what needs to be said, even if it's hard to say. That's important in friendships.

4// And cute boys. You know I'll always let you know when there are cute dudes in films ;)

There you have it, amigos. Not the cinematic masterpiece of our age, but if you're wanting something fun to do on your girls night out - I'd go for it. It'll make you laugh, and make you thankful for your solo time. Because, no matter how much I hate other people saying it - being single isn't always the worst. And it's beneficial in being a real adult. Finding out who you are alone is something someone can never take away from you.

C

Book Review: "Carry On" by Rainbow Rowell

Oh, hey. It's been a while, hasn't it? Life has taken over. I haven't stopped reading though - and this one is just my latest love.

Courtesy of Goodreads.com: "Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters."

Sheesh, Rowell sure knows how to write a story..am I right, or am I right? I'm right, obviously. 

Simon Snow is actually a play on the Harry Potter world - and was first mentioned in her other book, "Fangirl" (read my review HERE!) Simon is the obsession of the main character in that lovely story, and I think there was so much cry for Simon's story to be told that Rainbow felt she had to write it. (I'm speculating here..)

First, I loved it. I listened to it instead of read - which, I highly recommend because the voice actor was also awesome - and I was wrapped up in it within 30 seconds. Her characters are bright, funny, thought out, and maybe a little cliche - but never boring. 

It's an adventure, a love story, a comedy - with a touch of darkness in it - so something for everyone. It takes a minute or two to get into (as some great ones do..) but it flies high from then on. You'll love it..promise.

1// “You have to pretend you get an endgame. You have to carry on like you will; otherwise, you can't carry on at all.” 

Teenage melodrama at it's best, ladies and gentlemen. I think it's a great reminder though, for those young adults who read it. So many "kids" these days are having a hard time with their lives, and knowing that you get past this part of life is literally everything. That it gets better.

2// “He’s a book full of footnotes brought to life. He’s a jacket made of elbow patches.” 

The word swoon comes to mind..I love when people talk about other people like this. In ways you don't even think make sense..but you find yourself curled up in them. They feel good. They make you smile.

3// “You have too many friends,” she’ll say. “I’m pretty sure that’s not possible. And, anyway, I wouldn’t call them all ‘friends.’” “There are only so many hours in the day, Simon. Two, three people—that’s all any of us have time for.” “There are more people than that in your immediate family, Penny.” “I know. It’s a struggle.” 

That one just makes me laugh. Penny (Simon's best friend. The Hermione to his Harry.) is hilarious. She's spunky, smart and annoying as hell. I loved her. I loved this part of her story. #thestruggleisreal

4// “And sometimes holes want to get bigger, but Baz was wrong—sometimes they just want to be filled.” 

There's this whole scene where they're talking about areas in England where the Voldemort type character, the Insidious Humdrum (which, I still think is a terrible name), sucks out magic..anyways, I won't reveal anything - but they're talking about holes. How the creation of these holes disrupt life and create chaos. And it gets you thinking about how your react to holes in your life. How each time something creates a hole, you don't go looking to open it up more - you look to fill it. With another person..with another feeling..another high. I think your character and who you are as a human determines the type of thing you fill it with. It reveals more about your character than most things do. It gives you a sense of what's important. Some just want to be filled..

I've heard plenty of reviews that say its just "bad Harry Potter fan fiction". And they would be one opinion, the wrong one. I think it's difficult to open yourself up to something as a Harry Potter fan - you don't want to damage how it makes you feel, etc..and I totally get that. I sat there intently listening the entire time, and mostly forgot it's basis on Hogwarts, Harry and the whole deal..because Rowell is that good. She's that good at creating something, and I think it's worth it for you to read it. Give it a chance and get back to me..

I'll wait.

C

Monday's Mixtape: BOWIE.

The world lost a great musical icon Sunday. 

And it only seems right that this mixtape is all things David.

1// Space Oddity

The man invented glam rock - and killed it. Or as the kids say, he slayed it.

2// Let's Dance

This one just makes me want to dance. I mean, it's totally the point, but the poppy melody and the funky sound always makes me want to stand up and dance.

3// As the World Falls Down (from "Labyrinth")

You can't talk about Bowie without talking about "Labyrinth". The 1986 movie tells of a young girl who wishes for her baby brother to disappear. She is to solve a labyrinth and get the baby back from David Bowie, who plays goblin king, Jareth. 

If I'm being totally honest though, it creeped me out just a bit. Loved it, and we watched it about a million times in my high school art class (my teacher was practically obsessed), but yeah..it creeped me out.

4// Lazarus 

The last music video he put out before his death. It's creepy, and odd, and visually stunning. All of the things I know David to be. People are also saying it foretold him not surviving his cancer. I don't know if that's true, but it's one last send off. And he does it well.

5// Heroes

It's probably very cliche that this is my favorite song of his, and yet, I don't care. I think it's so beautiful and it's only right that it be anyone's favorite.

So goodnight Goblin King.

Goodnight Ziggy Stardust.

Goodnight David Jones.

You will be missed.

C

Book Review: "Why Not Me?" by Mindy Kaling

So, it turns out that I may not be done with this challenge - the 25 memoirs before I turn 26..because, I'd most likely consider Mindy's new book a memoir of sorts. I just may not complete the challenge before I turn 26. How about I give myself til the end of 2016..that might be easier. Anyway, we'll talk about that later.

From Goodreads.com: "In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it’s falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you’re constantly reminded that no one looks like you.

Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who’s ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to. And those who’ve never been at a turning point can skip to the parts where she talks about meeting Bradley Cooper."

First, I made the grave mistake of reading and not listening to the audio book of her first book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?". Listening to this one in the car had me laughing out loud, cringing at some parts and scoffing in others. It brought the whole thing to life. I think I enjoyed it more hearing her read not only the book, but give background information along the way. You also get to hear B.J Novak (Mindy's real life bff) in parts. He's entertaining as well. 

Second, as I said, I laughed a lot. I also cringed a lot. And scoffed quite a bit. Mindy's brand of comedy makes me like her and dislike her at the same time. It really just depends on what she's talking about at the current moment. 

I really enjoyed her story of dating a White House Press Secretary (I think that was his title) and enjoying a behind the scenes look at the life and times of the President. And her commencement speech for Harvard Law (for the most part) towards the end of the book.

I did not enjoy her thoughts on her two weeks in a sorority. I have to keep reminding myself that I had a different sorority experience than most, but it really does sort of bug me when people have narrow views of what a sorority is, how it's run, and the whole "pay for friends" thing. When you aren't fully in something, you don't know what you're talking about.

I admire Mindy's confidence and her brassy attitude, but I also think she should mind what she says. At least some of the time. 

1// “I will leave you with one last piece of advice, which is: If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And if you don’t got it? Flaunt it. ’Cause what are we even doing here if we’re not flaunting it?” 

This is one that I really laughed at, but it's also a bit thought provoking. It kind of goes along with the old saying "if you don't love yourself, no one else will". I think everyone has days (weeks, months, years) where they aren't 100% in love with who they are (which is totally fine), but we forget that we're it. We're the only one of us..and why shouldn't that be celebrated?

2// "But my secret is: even though I wish I could be thin, and that I could have the ease of lifestyle that I associate with being thin, I don’t wish for it with all of my heart. Because my heart is reserved for way more important things.”  

I wish this was my thought process on more than one occasion. In fact, I wish that was my very first instinct. It's not, most days..but, at the end of the day, I do know there are more important things. And that's what my heart is really, truly super obsessed with..not the pounds or the curves or the way my jeans don't fit some days. It really isn't that important. 

3// “Work hard, know your shit, show your shit, and then feel entitled. Listen to no one except the two smartest and kindest adults you know, and that doesn't always mean your parents. If you do that, you will be fine.” 

You will.

I don't think you should read it. I think you should listen to it, number one. It'll make the whole thing a lot more enjoyable. Think of it as "me time".

Second, I think you should read it because it's funny. Because Mindy says things you aren't willing to say yourself, and she (although this is really not that true) is a real person. She isn't going to give you bullshit, and I like that about her. 

It's a short book that keeps you interested and gives you something to chuckle about during the day..what more could you want? In fact, maybe save it for a summer, read by the beach read. That sounds really nice.

C

At the Movies: Best of 2015 + some runner ups!

Friends, I love "Best of.." lists. I love countdowns. I love the feeling of "man, this list is awful..BUT I HAVE TO FIND OUT WHAT'S NUMBER ONE!" - when I could most likely just Google it. And ten bucks says I'll most likely disagree with whoever decided number one was number one. So, instead of disagreeing..I complied my own list this year. My favorites - not in any particular order. Let's get started!

1// Star Wars: The Force Awakens

You're probably all like "uh, duh..I knew you were going to put that first.." - and well, you'd be right. I actually had a whole post planned for this movie, and went to Boston for Christmas (another post I will eventually do), and sort of forgot to.

Things I liked: 

1. the leads - John Boyega and Daisy Ridley are adorable, new faces and seem to genuinely be excited to be in the Star Wars franchise. So likable.

2. HAN SOLO. But, obviously..again. He's my number one crush of the century. Such a babe.

3. the comedic timing. JJ Abrahams likes his "action comedies", and The Force Awakens didn't shy away from that.

Things I didn't like:

1. Adam Driver being serious. If you see him in anything else, he's the biggest goofball. It's just a bit unnerving. Although, I did like his portrayal..I just was expecting him to make fart noises behind someones back or something.

2. It followed a bit to closely to the original stories. I don't know if this is a set up to the next part, or if they're just going to pick material from the originals. We shall see.

3. A certain characters death..in which I decided I hate JJ Abrahams. 

2// Creed

You can check out my full review HERE! - but just know..I LOVED IT. Michael B. Jordan is spectacular and super attractive. Sly is funny and he STILL has it. It fit in perfectly, albeit the 2015 style of it, with the others and I can't wait to see another. Oh, I'm definitely hoping they make another! *crosses fingers*

3// The Hunger Games Mockingjay Pt 2

I did not think I'd like this one as much as I did. I am always a little hesitant to see movies made from my favorite books, but I think that Francis Lawerence (the director), J-Law and the rest of the crew made it possible for me to enjoy one of those books-to-movies movie.

Things I liked:

1. J-Law and Josh Hutcherson's chemistry. In real life, I think Jennifer would end up with Liam Hemsworth, but Jen and Josh love each other..you can tell. The final scene..*sigh*

2. It stayed fairly true to the book.

I didn't like:

1. Finnick and Prim. But that's more Suzanne Collin's fault. I'm still mad at her for it.

4// The Martian

I also did a little review on this movie, which you can see HERE! 

My favorite parts had to have been the casting and the comedic side of the story.. From Matt, to Kate Mara, to Chiwetel Eijofor - everyone is solid. It's always a bit of a struggle when directors cast a bunch of huge, huge names together, but this one definitely doesn't disappoint.

And I wouldn't have had nearly as much fun on Mars alone for years as Matt did, but he kept his sanity by his sense of humor. This movie would have been a complete ass kicking without it.

The only thing I didn't like that the man with a family went back into space like that. I mean, come ON. After all of that and you STILL went back? You're crazy.

5// Inside Out

Pixar always does a good job. I haven't been disappointed in much of anything they've put out, but this one has to be one of my favorites. I actually saw it twice in theaters, I liked it that much.

I liked:

1. The characters/the actors they chose as voices. I mean, y'all know my love for Amy Poehler goes far and wide, but Mindy Kaling as Disgust? Lewis Black as Anger? Phyllis Smith as Sadness? Awesome. Every single one.

2. The positive message that while you can have emotions and let things out - there's still a time to learn to control the emotions. To beat them sometimes. And to just ride them other times. Kids need to know that.

I didn't like:

1. Well, I cried during the part where she lets her imaginary friend go..that was tough. I never had an imaginary friend, but love that that leaving your life is always hard.

6// McFarland USA

A powerful, powerful story of "it's not alway who you are, but what you become". Small town runners find their true potential in their running coach, played by one of my absolute favorites, Kevin Costner. It made me smile and cheer and laugh and cry. I loved it.

7// Jurrassic World

Straight up, I saw this because Andy Dwyer is my dream man. And I stayed because the movie was awesome.

8// The Intern

If I had to choose a favorite movie of the year, (and this may surprise you) but it definitely would be this one. Catch my full review HERE!

I liked:

1. Robert and Anne's chemistry. I really want them to be best friends in real life. Someone tell me they are..that's my wish for 2016.

2. The rest of the cast. A motley crew of characters - seasoned vets, new up and comers and some I've never seen before - but it mixed well and I don't think they dropped the casting ball once.

I didn't like:

1. Anne's husband. But you'll really have to see the movie to see why.

2. That it ended. I need a copy ASAP.

9// The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials

Another review that I did this year - you can catch it HERE! 

I liked:

1. Dylan O'Brien

2. Dylan O'Brien

3. Dylan O'Brien

Oh, you thought I'd say something else? No. Sorry. I'm..not sorry. And honestly, the only thing that I really didn't like was that they sort of strayed from the book. No, they definitely did stray. It was quite different. Not necessarily in a bad way - because I think it's a solid second effort (nothing like boring Insurgent..which, you'll see, didn't even make my list), but it's different. 

10// Cinderella

When I was going through the list in my head, I was like "WHERE'S MY ROMANCE?" I didn't just add Cinderella as my romance (to round out the list). I thought it was beautiful, clever, and just the right touches to be a Disney classic. I was never really a fan of Cinderella (the original from Disney), because I was true to Beauty and the Beast, but this one converted me a bit. Especially the part where her mother said "have courage and be kind." That rung through my little head all year. 

Well, that's that. My favorites for the year. I did, though, have a few that didn't quite make the list, but I still really enjoyed. My runner ups include:

1. American Sniper

Bradley Cooper's performance was pretty powerful. Even with that fake baby.

2. Furious 7. 

I actually did a review on it - which you can check out HERE! My love for Fast and the Furious movies is big time. I just liked a few a little bit more than it this year.

3. Pitch Perfect 2

I liked it. And then I really didn't. It was incredibly funny - especially with the Green Bay Packers - I just didn't get into it as much as the first one. The first one trumps the second in every way. Except in the Green Bay Packers category.

4. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Another that I wrote a little something about. You can read it HERE! I think it's the best Mission Impossible movie so far, and I can't say enough good things about it - but like with Furious 7, I just liked a few movies a bit more.

And with that, I can't wait to see what 2016 holds in the world fake babies, super hunks, fast cars, Disney princesses and a galaxy far, far away...

C

Book Review: "Etta and Otto and Russell and James" by Emma Hooper

I'm going to be real honest with you all. I stopped my 25 before 26 memoir/biography challenge. I made it through 11 books - some I really enjoyed and some that weren't my favorite. I stopped..because I was bored. I needed something else to read besides adventures other people have had. Maybe I'll read 25 before the end of 2016..who knows. I just know that it wasn't something I was enjoying any longer, so I thought stopping would be easier. At least for now.

And with that, I bring you:

From Simon and Schuster.com: "Eighty-three-year-old Etta has never seen the ocean. So early one morning she takes a rifle, some chocolate, and her best boots and begins walking the 3,232 kilometers from rural Saskatchewan, Canada eastward to the sea. As Etta walks further toward the crashing waves, the lines among memory, illusion, and reality blur.

Otto wakes to a note left on the kitchen table. “I will try to remember to come back,” Etta writes to her husband. Otto has seen the ocean, having crossed the Atlantic years ago to fight in a far-away war. He understands. But with Etta gone, the memories come crowding in and Otto struggles to keep them at bay. Meanwhile, their neighbor Russell has spent his whole life trying to keep up with Otto and loving Etta from afar. Russell insists on finding Etta, wherever she’s gone. Leaving his own farm will be the first act of defiance in his life.

Moving from the hot and dry present of a quiet Canadian farm to a dusty, burnt past of hunger, war, and passion, from trying to remember to trying to forget, Etta and Otto and Russell and James is an astounding literary debut “of deep longing, for reinvention and self-discovery, as well as for the past and for love and for the boundless unknown” (San Francisco Chronicle). “In this haunting debut, set in a starkly beautiful landscape, Hooper delineates the stories of Etta and the men she loved (Otto and Russell) as they intertwine through youth and wartime and into old age. It’s a lovely book you’ll want to linger over” (People)."

I found this little one in the Half Price Book's clearance section - I go there from time to time and choose books that sound "okay". That way, if I don't like them, I only spent 2 dollars at the most. This one surprised me. 

Beautiful and heartbreaking. That's really my thoughts on it. It talks of memories, of loss, of adventure, and of finding. Finding yourself, finding a new world..I mean, it's one that I just think you have to read to understand. And quite possibly, have to do to understand. Have to decide what's best for you, maybe at the risk of someone else - and then live with the consequences.

It broke my heart, but it also brings home something that I've been thinking about as this year ends - deciding. Trying. DOING. Something that I don't do. I live in fear. I crouch in the corner and pretend that my little life is all I'm destined for. And that's not true. A life worth lived isn't little at all - even if you're not a daredevil or someone in the spotlight. 

In 2016, I don't want to live in fear. I know everyone makes these big life changes and doesn't follow through with them all the time - that's what December becomes. But it isn't even about that for me. It's more about becoming the person that I already am..but with less chains. Less holding back. And I'm looking forward to it. Terrified, I am..but hopeful.

1// "We're all scared, most of the time. Life would be lifeless if we weren't. Be scared, and then jump into that fear. Again and again. Just remember to hold on to yourself while you do it."

A reinforcement of what I just said above. Choosing to live within the fear. To go at it, guns blazing - or even just one step at a time. But the choice is to go at it. That's what I choose. What I'm going to choose.

2// "If we're doing we're living and if we're living we're winning, right?"

I'm pretty sure that one is on an inspirational poster somewhere. Or the Rock said it. Either of the two. In all seriousness though, we all like to win. We all like to do something. And if we're making effort, there's no loss in that. Doing something is always better than nothing. And in life, you can't exactly do nothing. No one's given that luxury.

Read it for the sole purpose that it is wonderful. The characters are beautiful and very vulnerable. They've known each other since childhood and are forced to confront each relationship at once - something they've never had to do. Read it because it's original. It's ending - equal parts "throw the book against the wall and scream WHAT THE HELL" and "oh. I don't know what to think about that" and "that's not how I thought it would end, but sweet..I liked it" - will leave you with questions, but also questions answered. Adventure, unending love, coyotes, and the wildness that life hurtles at you - this one has it all. I definitely recommend it.

C