Book Review: hello (from here) by Chandler Baker and Wesley King

hello (from here)

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hello (from here) 〰️

I’m a little unsure how to rate this book. It was slow to begin with but slowly got better over time. Though for a romance, this book was a bit depressing (primarily because of the time it takes place in). 

This book was published during COVID-19 and occurred during the first big spike of the pandemic. While I read this in 2023, this book felt a little too… fresh. I’m not sure of the right word. We read romance stories that take place in other big world historical events like WW2, but the COVID-19 pandemic is too close to home and feels too soon. The world was challenging for a while, and I don’t know if people want to relive that wound so early. Having had COVID-19 myself (thankfully a milder version), I didn’t really need a reminder of all the craziness we all lived through in recent years. 

Covid-19 aside, the book itself was a bit depressing. I mean, I get it. A lot of people died or were sick, and many other tragic things happened during 2020. But for a romance book, I wasn’t expecting it to be this dark. I will say, though, that Jonah’s anxiety was done really well, and I love the LGBTQ+ rep that was treated so normally. But there were a lot of things that made this book a downer. It works for the time it takes place in, but yeah. I was hoping for some extra cute lockdown moments. We had some, but then they got depressing again.

I also really hated the font. I don’t blame the authors on this one, though. I blame the publisher’s poor choice in font selection. It worked for the texts we see, but it’s super ugly for the main story.

I think this book would be better if I had read it a few years from now as opposed to the world finally returning to somewhat normal. I’m not sure I would feel any different about it, as, again, lots of depressing things, but I think I would have enjoyed it more in a few years regardless. 

It’s not bad. It’s not super good. It’s alright. I think if you’re in the right headspace, however, you should give it a go.

Book Review: As Far As You'll Take Me by Phil Stamper

As Far As You'll Take Me

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As Far As You'll Take Me 〰️

This is the second book by this author that I've read, and I love Stamper's writing style. I love the story he wrote. And I love how he writes about mental health in queer teens. Mental health is super important, and it's a subject we need to destigmatize. Stamper is doing his part on the matter. It shows you that eating disorders and other mental health issues aren't just for girls or adults. It can happen to anyone.

I love the travel aspect of this story. At the time of finishing this book, Corona has been around for nearly three years and I, like many others, miss travelling. In a way, reading this book felt like I was in Europe alongside Marty. It's mentioned in the author's note at the end that Stamper has been to the places mentioned in the book. He did his research as the sites felt realistically described. I've been to Europe but none of the countries mentioned (yet!). But I felt like I have been there now, thanks to the author.

The story itself was a whirlwind of emotions. I could tell Megan was toxic and that something was off with Pierce since Marty met him. I love how Marty grew as a character by the end. His journey felt believable.

I also love the inclusion of so many queer characters. I'll never object to that.

I am glad Stamper also brings up the issue of outing someone before they are ready to come out. Especially in small towns. No one should be forced to come out. This whole issue was handled exceptionally well, in my opinion.

All in all, this was a great read. Not a cute romantic one like I thought it was going to be (though there were some moments), but a great read nonetheless.

Book Review: Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan

Verona Comics

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Verona Comics 〰️

Boy Dugan really puts you through the emotional rollercoaster with this book, eh?

I loved this book from start to finish, as with all the other books by this author. Each character was so unique and well written. Especially Ridley. As someone with anxiety, I can say this was spot on. His character was extremely well done (to the point where I felt anxious and sad along with him). I loved his unique narrating style, and it fit his character perfectly. I also loved reading Jubilee's perspective. Both were just equally entertaining. And I love all the queerness that surrounds both these characters.

This book deals heavily with some serious mental health issues and I think it handled it very well, especially at the end when Ridley finally seeks the right help and treatment he needs. Because of this I think this makes the book an important read. I will say, however, that because of how well Ridley is written and the way his character deals with mental health, perhaps put off reading this book until you are in the right head space. Yes this book is a cute romance, but the darker aspects of it may trigger some unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Aside from the great characters and talk of mental health, I love the meet-cute of Jubilee and Ridely. I love how they still call each other Peak and Bats even after knowing each others real names. I love how supportive they were of each other. They were just a really cute couple to fall in love with. I wish them both a happy ending (even if they are fictional characters).

All in all, this was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

Book Review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Wow. Simply, wow. Quite possibly the best book I've read all year, and I've read a lot of good ones this year.

This book is not only an exemplary read, but I think a necessity. How it handles such deep and important subjects all while telling an excellent story is amazing. A must-read for anyone struggling with mental health. (And a must-read for anyone, really).

Now this book is by no means a cure for depression, but the way it handles mental health is so well done. I think it's important to read this book. Plus, we got some LGBT+ rep and we always love that.

Haig had me at the very first line. It's so hard to have the first line of the book be the hook that keeps you reading. I admit I get into books really easily and that the first line usually isn't what gets me, it's the first few pages and such, but Haig manages to snag you with the book opening line and keeps you going straight until the end.

The Midnight

Library

by Matt Haig

The concept of the Midnight Library is genius. I love that there is a place between life and death (purgatory perhaps?) where you can see all the possibilities of lives you could have lived if you had made different choices in your life, be it small or large. And yes, the library is different for everyone who finds themselves in this state, but the concept is brilliant nonetheless.

Honestly, if you are looking for a great read that also makes you think more about how precious your life is, this is the book for you. You won't be disappointed. With engaging characters and all its possibilities, you'll never want to put it down. Loved it from start to finish. And I also love how it came full circle.

I can't say enough praise for this book so do yourself a favour and pick up a copy today and form your own opinion. After all, life is about our own choices and how we live with them.

Mental Health: In Writing and Life

So, if you didn't already know, I've become much more active on my social media lately. I'm also working on this website to bring more awesome content (which will go live soon). And while I've been keeping people in the loop over on FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter, I realized I haven't yet updated my blog with all the juicy info. 

So as a quick update, my manuscript is with my editor (and I should get to see all those glorious edits sometime this week!) Yet what does one do while their main manuscript is in the hands of their editor? Start writing a novella to SOUTH! It will be called BRIDGE. I plan on writing a sequel to SOUTH, called MIRROR. And while I have the general idea of MIRROR in mind, it still needs a lot to have fleshed out before I can start writing it.

So, for the past few weeks I've been planning out and thought dumping the ideas for BRIDGE. I even started writing BRIDGE, and I gotta say, I'm super stoked about this novella. I also really love this new character I'm introducing, Kaci Miller. This novella will primarily focus on Minami and her new roommate, Kaci, shortly after the events of SOUTH. And yes, AJ will still be there. Although it will be a while before anyone can get to read this novella because SOUTH is still in the works.

As a side note, all names, SOUTH, BRIDGE, and MIRROR, are symbolic as well as literal and they were chosen for a reason.  

Now that we got that quick update out of the way, I want to address something that is important to me, mental health. I cannot stress the importance of mental health enough. If your body is in need of rest, you rest until you feel rested.

I've been feeling very creative for a while now, getting back in the writing grove while juggling a full-time job and a busy social life. But said life had me so busy that I burned out to the point where was staring to feel unwell due to my lack of sleep. And no, nothing is wrong. I’m just literally just living life to the fullest and I keep forgetting my body doesn’t like too much excitement for extended periods of time.

My body was in dire need of a recharge and man I wasn't feeling so good last week. I overworked myself because I didn't want to miss a beat doing ALL the things in Korea. But I drained myself to the point where I was physically not well and mentally drained. I spent a lot of time recovering, mostly chilling and watching YouTube, and while I didn't get anything creative done, my mind rested and in turn, the creative juices came back.

Also important, once you start your road to recovery, take baby steps. Don't jump back in full force or you're going to be right back where you started. I wrote about 500 words Monday and 300 or so yesterday. And today I took the time to jot down plot ideas. Not as much as I usually do, but it felt good all the same and small doses is better than nothing at all and feeling like you got hit by a truck and left with a mentally dazed mind.

I must say, the mental break did me wonders. Now I'm back and feeling much better and my mind is not on auto pilot anymore. I can get back to writing and posting and stuff.

So yeah. Look after yourself. Even if you're living life to the fullest, remember to take a breather so it can all sink in. You'll enjoy life even more that way.

Take care!~