The Critics

Created by Justin Mark & John Kenneth

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | ★★★★★

This book was just really one roller coaster ride after another. I really, really, suggest that you do not read this review. It is soooo much better going blind into this novel. Otherwise, I will try my best to make this review the least spoilery it can be. Anyways, the novel follows along a dual narrative narrated by both Nick Dunne, an aspiring writer, and the diary entries of Amy Eliot Dunne, the inspiration for a once-profitable children’s book franchise. Nick’s narrative takes place in present Missouri, where he moved to after the news of his mother’s illness. After a string of unusual occurrences back at his house, we discover his wife has gone missing. Meanwhile, the narrative is interwoven with Amy’s diary entries that take place at the time where her and Nick’s relationship first take off.

I can’t help but feel like I’m on a roll. Only two books into the year, and I am rating them five stars. And Gone Girl truly deserves it. I will gladly classify this as the first and best adventure I’ve taken into adult novels. Flynn’s prose in writing two distinctly different characters was utterly remarkable. Not only does this novel keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, but it really keeps you invested into the characters. After watching the movie in theaters without any prior knowledge of the plot, I just had to get my hands on the book. Dare I say that the film was just as riveting and mind-boggling as this novel was. There are just way too many things outstanding about this novel that I can’t say enough.

Some readers online, however, say this book is just overrated. That it does not live up to its hype. Not only do I believe that those statements are vastly untrue, but I believe that this is one of the most well written and deeply thought-out novels ever. The plot, the characters, the twists, it’s all there.

This novel taught me a lot. It taught me a lot about marriage. About the true meaning of love. About staying true to yourself. And also how the way the media loves to just twist things in an attempt to create a juicy story. This novel is just a spaceship waiting for to lift off. I really do recommend this book.

“There’s a difference between really loving someone and the loving the idea of someone.”

SPOILERS BELOW.

Whilst reading this book, I just had to write my thoughts.

29 pages in. The idea of Amy is just intriguing. Her fascination with Nick is jarring. It seems as if she is in love with him at first sight. In her diary entries, she writes herself out as a laid-back, quirky, and colorful woman. However Nick from the present paints her as an overcontrolling, hot-headed wife. It’s crazy to believe that their exciting and lustful relationship transformed into a marriage full of unworthy expectations and broken trust. Their relationship sounds like it’s full of tolerating each other. Amy writes, “Nick pulls me close and smiles that smile again. And before he leans in, he brushes the sugar from my lips so he can taste me.” What happened between that diary entry and the present that initially made Amy see Nick as her superhero, cause Nick to see Amy as his villain. But the most jarring question is, “Where are you, Amy?”

180 pages in. What frustrates me is how suspicious Nick is acting. If he acted as concerned as his inner monologues sounded, you wouldn’t even realize his wife is missing. I know that he cannot fake the love he doesn’t possess for his wife, but Christ at least attempt to seem concerned. Nick says in response to the police, “But my point was, do something. Whatever it is, do something.” I mean, I don’t know Nick. Sometimes doing nothing could be good too. Compared to smiling and taking pictures with bored housewives and shacking up with your young mistress, doing nothing is completely fine.

388 pages in. Throughout the first act, Nick Dunne is painted as this stereotypical wife killer as illustrated by Amy’s diary entries as well as the media. An unemotional man, his actions speak louder than his words. The public perceives him as the enemy and Gillian’s writing makes it so easy to hate him. But by the second act, Amy’s return makes you question yourself. I mean, was she truly the antagonist of the story? She felt like she needed to be a “cool girl” in order to feel seen by her husband. And as soon as she stopped trying, Nick cheated on her. I’m not saying that Amy was right to fake her death, frame her husband, and kill another man to frame him as her captor so she could return, but I guess I can understand that pretending to be someone else for years would make anyone go crazy. The media in itself was also as much of a character as Nick and Amy. Not only was the media quick to judge, but it goes to show how much it can influence a police investigation’s motives. Nick and his lawyer no longer cared about the truth anymore. All that mattered was the public image he set himself out to be. Isn’t the media itself the true villain? because how we are perceived to boast a profitable and juicy story is way more important than the truth, it seems.

last few thoughts. Amy’s return to her husband was the most surprising part of the novel. She fought her way back to him. She killed for him. How much more real can true love get? “I was told love should be unconditional.” Love is what brought you together, what tore you a part, and what brought you back. Love can destroy. Love is a poison. And boy are you and Nick a perfect poison for each other. Just perfect.

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Ready Player One by Ernest Cline | ★★★★★

The novel primarily follows the virtual life of Parzival, an intelligent young boy, as he embarks on the journey in search of James Halliday’s Easter Egg within the virtual world of the Oasis after his death. Alongside the expedition, he meets up with longtime friend Aech, and newfound friends Artemis, Daito, and Shoto in order to achieve the Easter Egg before a selfish company run by a devilish Sorrento gets their hands on it. Each obstacle Parzival faces both help and inhibit his abilities in claiming the coveted prize of the future.

I felt that this was arguably one of the most riveting, adventurous, and dream-inducing novels I have ever read in my entire life. Once you really get your mind wrapped around the plot of this book, you simply just can’t stop; you’re hooked! The world building of the Oasis is truly incredible and just adds to the cemented battle between fantasy and realism that this novel forces you to take upon. Whilst reading, I felt fully immersed and could imagine myself in their world quite simply. Even if you do stop reading this halfway, and picked it up sometime later, you just jump right back in. 

I was born in ’99 so the 80s nostalgia didn’t exactly appeal to my generation, but I still was able to enjoy it! I found it pretty awesome to look back at the references Cline mentioned and hopefully got to know some nifty things about 80s culture. Still, the references did not really impact the novel for me at all, and did get a little repetitive.

After looking through some other reviews online, many said that this novel was very plot-driven and I understand that. Looking back, it had pretty bland character development. Sure, you get to know some of the characters, but you never really connect with them in any way. While the characters could have been explored further, it did not hinder my enjoyment from the book at all. After all, this novel includes one of my favorite quotes of all time.

“You could shove it up your ass and pretend you’re a corndog.” - Wade Watts

SPOILERS BELOW.

Some of my favorite parts of this impressive novel include :

when Wade found the first clue. Truly, it was a riveting experience to finally feel a part of the hunt for the Easter Egg! And only to find another girl there waiting for someone like him was totally unexpected. 

when Wade hacked into Sorrento’s files by acting as a felon forced to work for his virtual debt in order to get into Sorrento’s company. Brilliant. Just brilliantly thought-out. 

the blooming relationship between Artemis and Wade. I thought it was actually believable. Their relationship, although confined by the walls of the virtual world, felt really real. I was most definitely rooting for them to get back together by the end of the novel. 

the ending. The epic battle was, well, epic! As well as Wade and Artemis riding into the sunset in the real world, leaving the Oasis behind just this once. Just sweet. Awesome. Very satisfying!

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My Dilemma With Writing Book Reviews

I love writing. Even more, I love reading. However, I struggle at times to write book reviews because there are so many words to say yet my mind jumbles them up together in this whirlwind of — I don’t know what. Just like that, you see? Writing has never been easy for me, yet it has never really been hard either. I just wish that the words would glide onto paper just as easily as they flow between my teeth. It will always be a struggle, but it is one path worth traveling because the reward at the end of the journey is fulfilling: to see other’s opinions, to experience new perspectives, and to just all around be a part of the community.

However, I feel that writing reviews is just so conflicting. What if you liked the story? yet it was horribly written. For example, many people love Fifty Shades, yet some can acknowledge that the writing itself did not meet expectations. Another example is my experience with James Dashner. The Maze RunnerSeries was thrilling, but looking back at it now, the novel could have illustrated the visuals much mor vividly had the writing been better. Other novels such as the Legend Series, and Allegiant also go into dual narratives. The plot and characters were a joyride; however it was somewhat tedious to tell the narratives a part as the writing was not distinguished well enough between each character’s point of view.

The point I am trying to get across here is that, what if you know the writing is good (Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet, classics, etc.) but the story just was not compelling to you? The conflict is more noticeable when you really do love the story (Fahrenheit 451, Ready Player One, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock) but the writing could have really used some work. Do you rate the book on how much you enjoyed the story, or how well the story is written? If I loved and enjoyed the story, I would slap that 5-star rating on it, possibly regardless of maybe poor writing, or if the writing should have been better. But if I didn’t like the story, yet the writing was superb, I probably would still feel obligated to give it a high rating, even though I didn’t connect with the novel emotionally.

I know that you should use your feelings of the novel and the actual writing and prose of the novel to equally rate your book review. But I feel that, my feelings do matter more than the actual writing. This is my dilemma. Your feelings, positive or negative, about the novel vs. the acknowledgement that the novel is full of actual good or bad writing.

- justin mark

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Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

★★★★☆

Review by Justin Mark

Initially, I came into this novel intrigued by the mystery. “What lies behind the bookcases?” It was a question I was eagerly awaiting to discover the answer of. In some ways, I was satisfied. In a lot of other ways, I was not.

The novel follows Clay Jannon, a young man in his twenties who was previously employed as a marketing designer. Now unemployed, he stumbles upon Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, and begins working as a librarian. Under strict rules, unusual customers, and mysterious circumstances, Clay teams up with his newly-befriended band of highly resourceful friends in order to uncover what mystery lies behind the bookcases.

And what he found was utterly disappointing. In a lot of ways, this novel was similar to my experience with I Am Not A Serial Killer: intriguing plot, deep characters, both ruined by an unsatisfying twist. The problem with these books are that they build up a fantastic foundation leading to a major plot point reveal that falls a part. Here’s to say that I was disappointed by the ending, unfortunately. 

I’m not exactly sure what’s my problem with mystery-related novels, but if the reveal doesn’t end up to be as amazing as the race towards finding the answer, the book begins to fall flat for me. 

Otherwise, I thoroughly very much enjoyed the characters! I felt connected to Clay in the way that I am sometimes awkward in meeting new people, not to mention his obsession with video games at times. Kat and her Google-related skills made me chuckle because of the real-world references at how powerful, yet creepy Google can be. And lastly, Mr. Penumbra’s wise comprehension of dissection of the meaning behind life itself.

All in all, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore was not as gripping as I hoped it be, but Sloan still managed to leave me thinking, “What do you seek in these shelves?” - Mr. Penumbra

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Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

★★★☆☆

Reviewed by: Justin Mark

After nearly a year after I first read this novel, I had decided to re-read Ender’s Game,  not only because I had already watched the movie and had an all new perspective, but I also really wanted to love this book. The first time I read it, I was ultimately lost and uncertain of exactly what had occurred during this novel. I had hoped that during my second time around, things would be different.

And this time was different. When I first read this novel, I remembered about zero of the characters’ names because none of them were compelling enough to remember. However, now I felt that the characters weren’t as plastic and plain as I thought they were this time. The standouts in this novel, were weirdly Valentine and Peter. Their conflicts with Ender and their unlikely friendship bring a lot to the novel in the short amount of time they are mentioned in the novel. I enjoyed these characters a lot more the last time I met them last year.

Otherwise, Ender’s just Ender. Other than his stubborn, yet persevering personality, I didn’t believe he was memorable. However, the ending reveal was a big change for me. I honest to God do not remember reading the ending last year, because the ending flipped me upside down. The reveal broadened Ender’s character from a single-minded, cold commander to a sympathetic, yet relatable young child.

I believe that this novel’s strong points from its compelling Valentine and Peter, to its villainous antagonist Bonzo, has probably make me love this second round a whole lot exhilarating and addicting. But the truth is that, although I liked it a lot more than the last time, I do not love this novel unfortunately. And that’s why I’m keeping the novel at three stars, the same as last year.

Have you ever possessed that feeling that you want so badly to love a book, but you don’t?  I’m beginning to realize I am not a huge fan of fantasy or sci-fi themed novels. But maybe I will read the sequels in time.

But Ender did teach me one thing. He not only proved to us that perseverance can win a lot of things, it’s who we perceive ourselves to be at the end of the finish line is what’s important. We may do things we know is wrong, and become the people we swore not to be. “Perhaps it’s impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretended to be.” And that’s the sad truth.

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An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

★☆☆☆☆

Review by Justin Mark

If you asked me which of John Green’s books was by far the most unbearably boring, possessed the most uninteresting plot, and unrelatable characters, this novel would be the book for you.The main driving storyline in this novel was one of the most pointless I’ve read so far in my book-blogging career.

The book follows Colin Singleton, a depressed prodigy who (unrealistically) has only dated Katherines in his entire life. Throughout the rest of the book, he creates a problematic formula that is supposed to predict the outcomes of relationships to help him cope with his latest Katherine-related breakup.

The rest of the characters and side-plotlines are, sadly, forgettable. To be honest, I came into this novel expecting this story to be deep, concerning a Katherine suffering from personality disorder and how she is coping with “the abundance of katherines”, as it looks by the cover. Instead, I was ripped off into reading a poorly written and poorly developed teen drama about, yet again, another story of loser boy meets pretty girl, who end up living happily ever after by the end of the novel anyways.

Yes, of course, I was very much disappointed and clouded by my expectations of John Green’s novels. However, as I’ve already read all of the novels written by John Green, his plot lines have become repetitive, uninteresting, and downright awfully composed character development. Just because all of your characters are witty and quirky, does not automatically make them likable.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love John Green, but I’ll only love him because of Paper Towns, Fault in Our Stars, and of course my personal favorite, Looking for Alaska. Otherwise, this installment was unmemorable. 

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Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

★★★★★

Reviewed by Justin Mark

I read this novel earlier last year and wrote my own review. I am very much surprised at the feelings I possessed after reading this novel for the second time. Not only was the outcome much different this time around, the whole atmosphere of the novel was completely changed compared to the first time. I am not sure what happened differently, but Fahrenheit 451 sure did burn a mark in my memory.

The novel seemed deeper, and darker. After further analysis, I came to the conclusion that I connected with the themes of desperation, curiosity, and knowledge: themes I had not seen before, for whatever reason. 

Although the characters may still seem as bland as they were before, each one provided new meaning, and further development to the main character Guy Montag’s spiritual evolution. This novel has also taught me to become open-minded. What if the books the government in the book portrays as evil is money, fame, and glory in this life? Could it be that I was going about this wrong way?

Many of my classmates have seen this novel as a victim of bland writing, poor character development, and yes, some of this novel may be just that. But re-read it and delve deeper. I praise Ray Bradbury for this spectacular piece of burning fiction. 

“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn.” 

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The Legend Series by Marie Lu

Reviewed by Justin Mark

I was not able to review Legend, Prodigy, and Champion all individually, but now having been able to read the series as a whole, I believe I am more than qualified to review this crazily-written rollercoaster created by Marie Lu.

Legend ★★★★★

In a world plagued by an infection disease invading the poor sectors while the Republic ravels in its disease-ridden sectors, June and Day, both born on opposite sides of society, cross paths after the death of June's brother, Metias. 

I remember the day I finished this book, because it was the same day I started it. By reading the novel in less than 24 hours, I felt myself immersed into Lu's world of Trials, endless heartbreak, unjustified deaths, and unbelievable plot twists. It was nothing but shock around every single page because it all just too addicting I could not stop.

Initially surprised by the dual-point-of-view set up in Legend, and the rest of the novels, I felt it gave the reader easier ways to connect with both characters and read from each perspective. However, sometimes I caught myself lost sometimes, not knowing for sure whether who I was reading was Day or June because of the similar writing styles.

The world Lu has created, being that of a futuristic and dystopian United States, renamed the Republic, including conflicting nations such as The Colonies and The Patriots have further interested me into today and what-could-be-tomorrow's American culture.

Although it may be a bit too "young adult" for some readers *coughs* John my fellow critic *coughs*, I could not help but fall in love with June and Day, and have my rapidly-beating heart ripped out by the time the novel ended. A truly heart-wrenching experience, this novel was truly a Legend.

Prodigy ★★★★★

After a heart-rambling ending, what follows is more tragedy and turmoil among the relationship that is June and Day. In an attempt to assassinate the newly-elected Elector, they manipulate both the Patriots, Colonies, and the Republic in order to see a light that may or may not longer be there.

This series was always a love story; and that's why this story is so popular. The four-way love rectangle between Day, June, Tess, and Anden not only creates conflict between them all, but also strengthens their core backstories and character development. Not only did I find myself rooting for different relationships at different times, but fell in love with them all for different justifiable reasons. 

There were a few times I got lost in the turmoil, unsure of who was a traitor and who wasn't, but ultimately it almost did not matter due to the strong perspectives laid down by Lu. Day and June brought me back through their thought out character developments.

The best theme that was brought out from this novel and all of the other novels of the series, was the importance of family. June to Metias, and Day to his parents and his brothers, especially Eden brought out the best of each other's characters and showed what love, (not just love between two people but of family) can do to people. 

A sequel that does not at all disappoint, I bow down to Prodigy.

Champion ★★★★★

After months of separation between Day and June, the Republic reunites them once again for the final battle against the invading Colonies at the expense of taking a toll on their already-rickety relationship.

Not only was I sad because of the characters themselves, but because it was finally ending. I could not deny that this has truly been a rewarding experience. It was hard to say goodbye to these character I had been following for nearly a year.

Both Day and June have been strong-willed characters from the start. Both have great instincts, and both are for the greater good. But this time around, I was glad to see them vulnerable and unsure of what to do for a split second. These few moments of vulnerability showed the versatility of both these characters and Lu's writing abilities. 

Day's love for Eden had me wishing for my own brother. Whether it be an older brother who looked out for me even at the expense of himself, or loving a younger brother so much that I'd sacrifice my life for him. It was a touching, and very important part of the book, and I'm so very thankful for having experienced that.

This novel also expressed that villains are not what they seem. Both Day and June, initially, may have been seen as a villains in the beginning of the series, but each have their own reasons for doing what they were doing. Thomas, a more notable villain did not see how wrong were his actions. He believed that all he was enacting were what he was trained to do: all of the Republic, until the bitter end. This could also be said for both Anden and Tess, both villains threatening the relationship between Day and June. And this character development is what brings dimensions to all the characters in the Legend universe.

The ending. I almost do not want to take about it. It honestly broke my heart, unexpected, unforeseeable, unpredictable. But very, very satisfying. It's been a great ride. Thank you so much Marie Lu, the real Champion among us all. And I will now say farewell to the Legend universe; hopefully in preparation for another chapter awaiting us all. :)

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

★★★★★

Reviewed by: Justin Mark

     Let me start off by noting that, for some reason I am noticing, I have not learned much about World War II, Hitler, and the Holocaust in general. As a ninth grader, I intend to learn much more about this important and impacting event from our history as I grow older. With that said, I completely fell in love with this book.

     As with The Book Thief, this novel follows a younger child in the midst of World War II, documenting their adventures in the Holocaust. In The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, we follow Bruno, a naive and innocent young boy. Leaving his hometown, he is sent to live in "Outwith" (Auschwitz), due to his father's promotion who works under Hitler "The Fury (Fuhrer).

     With my knowledge of the Holocaust barely developed just like Bruno, it was simple and easy to connect with him, and perceive through his eyes the unusual and curious happenings occurring in this strange town full of people in striped pajamas and scary uniforms.

    And it is with Bruno that I learned to sympathize and empathize with the people locked beyond the fences. Meet the boy in the striped pajamas. I was deeply, deeply saddened by the end of this novel. I grew to care for the quirky, and clueless Bruno. Nearly throwing the book across the room, I almost wish he could have heard me telling him not to do what he did. But he was a child, he did not know better.

     I will believe in my own ending. Because we have evolved so much since then, I believe that is the only plausible way to get over this deep, yet inspiring novel. 

     P.S. I just watched the movie, and it was spectacular! It conveyed the novel's original story very well. The ending still breaks my heart either way though. :'(

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The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

★★★★☆

Reviewed by: John Opinaldo

     I have a love and hate relationship with this book because nothing really gets resolved but at the same time I enjoyed the writing and characters. After 600 pages of reading this, I was hoping for closure. Something that would at least tie some of the stories together. There was none of that in the last 100 pages. 

     This is my third Murakami book that I've read after Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore. Its similar to Kafka on the Shore in such a way that its like a dream-like sequence with many hidden messages. 

     The Wind-up Bird Chronicle is about a man who is unemployed and spends most of his time looking for his cat and meeting strange women. He is married to a woman named Kumiko but their marriage isn't anywhere near perfect. Throughout the story, we meet people who have the ability to invade a dream and sleep with you in that dream. 

     Yes, the story is odd and requires the reader to analyze. I'll admit, I feel like my interpretation of the symbols and hidden messages isn't really what Murakami intended. However, I think Murakami's intention was to have multiple meanings to his books. 

     If you like enigmatic, surreal, and books with little plot, then this is the book for you. 

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Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

★★★☆☆

Reviewed by: Justin Mark

     Three holiday stories. Three holiday romances. All created by three strikingly different authors. Not feeling up to the holiday season? This book is exactly what you need!

The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson

     To be honest, I had only picked up this book because of John Green, but I must admit that the first story was probably the most well-written of the three! Perky, funny, and original enough to be enjoyed!

     Here comes Jubilee, who must remind you that she hates her name every second, has to stay in a stranger's house following a snowstorm that delays her trip to her grandparents. When she meets Stuart is where this all begins.

     The ending and closure of the story was very satisfying, I must admit! It was a bit corny at times, but what else can you expect from a teen read? I know that this story could have been executed very badly, so kudos to Johnson. Overall, this was the best of the three!

A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green

     It's funny because I initally came into this book, knowing that this would be the 6th (and final of his books) that I had left to read. And boy was it as disappointing as Will Grayson, Will Grayson and An Abundance of Katherines. 

     Tobin and the Duke seemed very one-dimensional, and the ending was purely predictable. Sure, I had some feels during the conclusion, but the "heroes" of the story did not do anything worth mentioning or remembering. I'm almost giving up on John Green; sorry nerdfighters.

The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle

     And here's to the final short story, effectively connecting all three of the stories and tying any loose ends. The heroine of the story "Addie" is a much more believable character, and her small steps towards developing into a less-self-centered young girl were executed well enough.

     Overall, this has been a successful read, and if there were to be any sequels, spin-offs, or prequels to any of the stories, I would most definitely love to see more of Jubliee and Addie. 

     "It's not what the universe gives us that matters. It's what we give the universe."

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I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells

★★★★★

Reviewed by: Justin Mark 

     John Wayne Cleaver, psychopath? or just a kid who's lost his way? Fascinated with dead bodies and serial killers, what exactly could go wrong? In fact, everything. 

     I was very excited going into this book. Instantly, the first page had me hooked. A teenager obsessed with serial killers? Who also works in a funeral home? Seems like a crossover between Six Feet Under and Dexter (which both star Michael C. Hall :)

     Honestly, there were just so many intense moments in this novel that I sometimes had to set the book down, just to catch my breath. Dan Well's vivid and expressive voice he put into the mind of John Cleaver put so much heart and soul into his character that it made me sympathize with him. I screamed and pleaded at John Cleaver because his character was so believable, that I just couldn't help but root for him, which of course, is what any author would want a reader to do -- engage and "live" the story.

   John not only has to battle those who crucify him in the real world, but he must also summon the courage to battle his inner demons that occupy his growing mind.

    However, the "twist" near the beginning-middle of the book seemed to throw me off a bit. Although, it did not slow me down at all! And it shouldn't slow you down either.

    A journey of both perseverance and self- trust. Here's to John Wayne Cleaver.

[theacclaimedcritics-blog]

Hey everybody :) I know it has been awhile! But today marks our one-year anniversary! We just wanted to share this with you because we are indeed coming back. Soon! :)

- Justin Mark and John Kenneth, The Critics

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EVERY DAY

★★★★★

Buy on Amazon

Reviewed by: Justin Mark

     What if you had nothing? You have no parents. You have no friends. You don't even have your own body. The only thing you have are memories; painful memories of living in a different life each day, enjoying every good aspect from each one, only to be pulled away from it the second you'd wake up in the morning.

     I could honestly feel the regret and sorrow of not being able to live a life filled with memories of your own birthday and your own family. I could feel the loneliness of it all, having everyone think your this person on the outside, when on this inside, you are somebody else.

     Meet A. A is neither man nor woman, but a lost soul who fell in love with someone A can't be with. After fighting for a forbidden love that seems impossible to continue, A has to ask him/herself one single question: Is this all worth it?

     This is one of those books that are phenomenally eye-opening and mind-blowing. You can't help yourself but ask, "what if?" What if you were in this situation? 

     I first met Levithan's writing in Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and this novel outshines the latter with both its intriguing, but sorrowful and moving plot, and its believable and characters that you can't help but root for.

     Themes of perseverance, self-acceptance, and mystery shrouds this book and I'd recommend this to anyone willing to take on this journey.

[theacclaimedcritics-blog]

Tagged!

We got tagged by coffeandquills!! Thanks!

RULE 1: POST THE RULES.

RULE 2: ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THE TAGGER SET FOR YOU.

RULE 3: TAG 11 PEOPLE.

RULE 4: LET THEM KNOW YOU TAGGED THEM. 

IF YOU COULD ONLY READ ONE BOOK FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

John | The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Justin | Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK COVER?

John | Night By Elie Wiesel

Justin | The Kill Order by James Dashner

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY AUTHOR, WHO WOULD IT BE?

John | Sylvia Plath

Justin | Ned Vizzini

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY CHARACTER, WHO WOULD IT BE?

John | The Queen of Thorns from A Game of Thrones

Justin | Jonas from The Giver

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A FICTIONAL CHARACTER, AND IF SO, WHO WAS IT?

John | I can’t think of any.

Justin | Sam from The Perks of Being a Wallflower

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE UP-AND-COMING AUTHOR?

John | Ernest Cline

Justin | Rainbow Rowell

WHAT BOOK RELEASE ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

John | The Winds of Winter from A Song of Ice and Fire

Justin | I honestly can't think of one, but Allegiant is coming out soon.

WHAT’S THE LONGEST BOOK YOU’VE EVER READ?

John | One of the A Song of Ice and Fire books

Justin | Divergent at 487 Pages

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK YOU READ IN SCHOOL?

John | Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Justin | The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

HOW MANY BOOKS ARE IN YOUR TBR PILE?

John | Probably over 100

Justin | According to Goodreads, 62.

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[theacclaimedcritics-blog]

MR. PENUMBRA'S 24-HOUR BOOKSTORE

★★★☆☆

Buy on Amazon

Reviewed by: John Kenneth

     Our main character Clay Jannon is finding it difficult to land a job during the recent recession. Immediately, I connected with Clay since it has been difficult for me to land a job as well. He manages to get a job at a bookstore which oddly stays open for 24 hours. The bookstore is run by Mr. Penumbra who is just as bizarre as his bookstore. 

     The beginning of the book was intriguing to me. It was full of mystery and well thought out characters. However, the book plays like a Dan Brown novel. It is a mix of conspiracy and secret societies that I found uninteresting. Do people really dedicate their entire lives to reading nonsensical books? By the third act of the novel, the novelty definitely wears off. I became tired of reading about these characters and the secrets behind the bookstore. I certainly didn't care for the history of fonts but maybe some other readers do. 

    The conclusion felt uninspiring and was lackluster but the book did have some great moments. I especially liked the Google references and tools they used to help solve the mystery. Most of the characters seemed like people I've met before and some felt underdeveloped. 

    Overall, I somewhat enjoyed it. I'm not a big fan of Dan Brown but if you are, maybe you should check this book out. Its a bit more tame than Brown's work though. 

[theacclaimedcritics-blog]

SAVING METROPOLIS

★☆☆☆☆

Buy on Amazon

Reviewed by: John Kenneth

Also Reviewed by: Justin Mark

     I would like to thank the author, Gabriella Gill, for sending me and Justin a free copy of her book. Before I begin my review, I want to point out that my fellow reviewer, Justin, enjoyed this book. His review can be found here.

     There are many reasons why I could not enjoy this book. One of the things that detracted me was the amount of grammatical errors this book had. The author doesn’t punctuate her dialogue correctly. There were too many typos which leads me to believe the book wasn’t read by others to correct any of these cosmetic mistakes. Many might think that this is being a little too nit-picky but if you’re publishing a book, these mistakes should be caught in the drafting and editing process.

      writing style leaves a lot to be desired. Often times, I found the writing not descriptive enough and it lacked variety in sentence structure. I would reference a page number but the book did not contain pages. An example is towards the end of the book where more than half of the sentences in an entire page begins with the word she. " She realized… She was… She almost… She’d walk…She wasn’t…She ran… She turned…She’d find…She could…" I don’t think this is the author’s true potential since all of this seems too rushed.

     The story itself wasn’t something I cared for. I had issues with the lack of explanation to Mo Nightshade’s new powers. Yes, her story was coming to life but why? Hopefully this gets answered in the next books. Also, the characterizations seemed flat and contradicting. Benedict’s father disapproved of film-making many times in the book yet his two kids are enrolled in a fictitious film making school. With a father that stringent, I just don’t believe he would allow his gifted mathematician son to go to a high school focused on film. This is just one example of the many things that I did not enjoy about the book.

     I've been told that this is a planned trilogy so I hope the author takes into consideration what I said. Please note that I’m not a grammar Nazi nor a professional writer. These were just my thoughts and critiques of the book and I hope the next books undergo an editing phase.