Review: Midnight Sun

 

 Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

 

Grade: 3 stars

Audience: Young adult/ Nostalgic adults

 

 Synopsis: 

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

My thoughts: 

Let me preface this by stating that I LOVED Twilight back in the day. That was probably this books saving grace in my opinion. I was a book reviewer back in the days of the Midnight Sun leak. We were all just devastated over it and many of us banded together, refusing to ever read what had been leaked in solidarity for Stephanie Meyer. Maybe if this novel had actually been able to come out all of those years ago I would have had a very different experience reading it. Maybe I am no longer in a place where I can enjoy this type of story but in total honesty, I was incredibly disappointed.  

This was a lengthy novel, like the rest of the series. I was so excited to dive into Edward's head, to see things from another perspective. It turned out that I didn't enjoy being in his head. It just felt so off. It took the story I had fallen in love with and flipped it on its head. I get that was the point but I just felt uncomfortable with it. It emphasized how absolutely crazy Bella was. It made her choices feel even more absurd. And the pace.... oh the pace.... For someone who can think so quickly, getting through Edward's head felt exhausting. Quite often I felt like he was just talking in circles. 

The best part of this book was the last 150 pages. It took me 2 weeks to feel motivated to read the majority of the book but I flew through that last portion very quickly. I remember the first book wasn't super fast paced but I don't remember pages and pages where I could basically zone out and not really miss much. If it weren't for those final chapters this would have been a 2 star read for me.

 

I hate to feel so judgy about everyone's beloved Twilight, but this made it clearer to me why there were people that disliked it so strongly back when they first came out. Am I glad I read it? Sure. Will I read it again? Nope. If she writes the rest of the books from Edward's perspective will I read them? Yes, but I won't preorder and will likely wait until I can get them from the library. 

By the Time You Read This I'll Be Dead

By the Time You Read This I’ll be Dead

Julie Anne Peters

Hyperion

$16.99

January 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: heavy (self-violence)

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she’s determined to get her death right. She starts visiting a website for “completers”— www.through-the-light .com.

While she’s on the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, uncovering a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she’s not on the Web, Daelyn’s at her private school, where she’s known as the freak who doesn’t talk.

Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she’s waiting to for her parents to pick her up. Even though she’s made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won’t give up. And it’s too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life…isn’t it?

My Thoughts:

Let me start by saying this book broke my heart. It had me in tears at a couple parts. For someone so young to feel that way is just horrid. It made me stop to think about the girls at my school who just need someone to reach out. Being teased and bullied is hard. I know from personal experience (a story for another day). I think this is a great curricular read for middle and high school students.

The plot was great. It was very developed and could really sway your emotions. I cried, I laugher, I wanted to scream. This girl was the kind of girl I want to be friends with. Not the suicide part, but she is seriously smart. The thoughts that girl has are amazing!

The end of this book confused me. There was no real conclusion. You are left to wonder what happened. If you happen to read this Julie, I would be very interested in what you think happens.

I recommend this book for all teens. Its an important read.

Jumping Off Swings

Jumping off Swings

Jo Knowles

Candlewick

$16.99

August 2009

FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any way for reviewing this book.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 15/20

Total grade: 90% A

Sexual content: above moderate

Violence: mild

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: mild

Swearing: high

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Ellie has sex with boys who make her feel wanted and beautiful and then never call again. Even seemingly decent Josh, a virgin, leaves right after their tryst and never speaks to her again. It turns out the condom "slipped off" and she gets pregnant. The next nine months are narrated by four characters—Ellie, Josh, and their best friends, Corinne and Caleb. Ellie's and Josh's families are filled with stock dysfunction—from Ellie's shrill, uptight mother and perfect-on-the-outside home to Josh's washed-up, hard-drinking father and hapless mother. The plot of this novel is tired, but Corinne and Caleb, at least, are mercifully convincing and thoughtful. Each, of course, comes from a stable family. Caleb's single mother is the novel's moral center.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this fun novel. It handled a delicate issue in a way that was amazing. The issue of teen girls having sex because they want to feel love is real. The girls who do that are often labeled sluts. This book made me realize how difficult the girls have it. This was an important book to read. The choice Ellie made is not easy but I feel it was important to the story.

Ellie was an incredible character. I loved how self wise she became. Josh pissed me off. He needed to grow up and actually take some REAL responsibility. As for Ellie’s friends… I want them as my friends. They were awesome.

I recommend this book to all teen girls.