This is how I kill someone. That is a hell of a first line. That is said by one of the main characters, Alex who knows more than you think. She also happened to be my favorite because she is the definition of brutally honest. Mindy McGinnis writes three different point of views as if she is three different people herself. I loved how her prose was merely poetry in disguise. Peekay isn’t her real name, but when she got dubbed the Preacher’s Kid in elementary school, it stuck. Jack is who all the other guys want to be; Jack is the athlete, in line to be valedictorian, and dating the hottest girl in school. Alex hides in the shadows, it was safer for everyone else that way. But, then Peekay and Jack noticed her and wouldn’t give up. Unexpected connections are made and their lives all change. In different ways because eventually it all collapses, in a scene I promise you won’t predict. As much as the novel stressed me out, I loved the feeling. Unquestionably, it is a worthwhile read. The author keeps you wanting to light the pages on fire the whole way to the end.
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Gretchen starts. She hasn’t gone back to school after she was attacked. She’s okay now, except for she doesn’t usually leave the house, hates crowds, and gets panic attacks. Her biggest coping skill is solving calculus equations. Phoenix enters, and I wasn’t sure why they were connected. He and his brother escaped gang activity in El Salvador. But, they are separated now. And he is just trying to keep his head down. They keep each other going. I love the writing, and it is hard to read without rooting for the two. Marie Marquardt writes two things so accurately it’s hard for me to believe they aren’t real because I’ve seen it done badly so many times. Gretchen has panic attacks and other forms of PTSD and anxiety. Phoenix misses home but knows he can never go back. He points out funny cultural differences that Americans have from him- and it is always spot on! Maybe the book hits close to home because I relate to the characters so much, but that is what makes the best read, right? Intense and meaningful, but well balanced with humor and sweetness. Complete recommendation from where I'm standing. The over all affect made me hate the system and want to change things, but also realize that the little things count. All successes have value. The original came out 2004 and made up most of my childhood. I watched it again and again. Violet Parr continues to be my role model- scratch that- a goddess- scratch: everything I aspire to be. Okay, maybe not really, but her character development throughout the movie was impressive. I liked most of the women in this film. Ellen/ Elastigirl was saving the day, Velma was jaw dropping as always, and Frozone's wife even got a line! I enjoyed the fact that the most notable government official in the movie was "The Ambassador," a woman who stood strong even as her life and job were in peril. Don't get me started on Void, a newly introduced superhero who was adorable! She fangirled over Elastigirl, and anyone in any fandom could completely relate to the giddiness. My favorite scenes were the one about baby Jack-Jack because the mom is away saving the day nowadays, and dad is kind of overwhelmed. Hm hmm... who's the real super hero now Mr. Incredible? One sequel I'd say may just live up to it's original. My favorite scenes that sounds very odd out of context: baby Jack-Jack fighting a raccoon. It is crazy cute! They may have added one since I saw it in theaters, but strobe, flashing lights are in multiple scenes (where the characters are hypnotized), so, just a warning I wish I'd had! I am out of words to describe how intense this book was to me. So, this might get long. Jeff Garvin may have written out of my diary, if I kept one. I listened to the novel on audiobook, narrated by Tom Phelan and think he did a phenomenal job and fit the character completely. Riley is entering junior year at the local public school, partly a publicity stunt for their father's campaign as conservative congressman, and partly post-disaster. As in, hell at their old Catholic school, leading up to a suicide attempt and then hospitalization. So, yeah, there's a start. Riley is genderfluid, and gets harassed even without being out. They make two friends, but the real way they express them selves is through their anonymous blog. Where they reach thousands of people astonishingly fast because their words are so raw. I connected with this character on my levels. From mental health, a topic that is hard to find realistically and not in a damaging perspective, to gender identity and the conflicts that come with it. It is YA and, therefore, has it's share of drama that adults might find boring (maybe, I'm not sure), but I want to shout the messages and themes it shares from the rooftops. If you, yourself, or anyone you know is anywhere on the spectrum of genderfluidity, I highly recommend this book. Riley explains the nuances and struggles within it in an enjoyable way. This may be my new favorite book. Ever. I totally cried. And screamed. Multiple times. And laughed, and... do I have to go on? This should be your next read (or listen!) and make sure to drop the title to friends. Wow, that sounded really sponsored? It wasn't. Have a gay day! I would like to give out a few trigger warnings for mentions of suicide ideation, moments of panic attacks, and fairly graphic assault (don't worry there is a happy ending to it all). |
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