Book Review: “Point of Retreat” by Colleen Hoover

I was thinking of writing another poem as a way to review this book, but what it comes right down to it, I could only think of two words. Butterflying AWESOME!! 🙂

“Point of Retreat” is a smooth transition from “Slammed”, and this time, we are guided by Will’s point-of-view. Lake’s mother Julia becomes the inspirational element of the story.  After she dies, Will and Lake’s love for one another is tested as they continue to spiral down life’s hardships. Julia’s wisdom and unconditional love follow Lake and Will on their bumpy, yet loving journey. As her final gift, Julia (posthumously) gives the couple a vase filled with handmade folded stars containing advices and lyrics about life and love. Julia instructs them to take a star whenever they run into rough patches and boy do they!

For starters, Will’s ex-girlfriend Vaughn comes into the picture again. Will neglects to tell Lake that he and his ex, the girl who deserted him after his parents passed away, have a class together, shit hits the fan. Lake begins to question Will’s love for her. It’s no secret that they share a common bond of parental deaths and taking care of their brothers, but what would have happened to them if those similarities didn’t exist? Would Will still have loved Lake for her? Will takes matter into his own hands and decides to fight for what’s right for him.

We are introduced to some new characters like Sherry and her daughter Kiersten, who live on the same street as Lake and Will. Kiersten is the same age as Kel and Caulder and adds a comical, upbeat relief to the story, thanks her constant nosiness and various choice of words.

This book surpassed all of my expectations for this series, and the best part is that there’s another one coming out this year!! This is probably the most beautiful, tender love story I have ever read. However, the story is not just about love. It also centers on a lot of themes of responsibility and maturity. The unusual family unit built around the story tugs your heart. Colleen Hoover is a natural for making her characters come alive. Her writing style is simple yet powerful. She keeps you hooked every chapter. Page after page, I felt as if I was in the same room with them.

I guess that’s the joy of being an avid reader because you get to live vicariously through the characters. That’s something not to be ashamed of.

 

Book Review: “Slammed” by Colleen Hoover

I would like to preface that I have never written a book review as a poem before. I decided to give it a try after being inspired by this novel. So please be kind. *Sigh* Here goes nothing. 🙂

A friend told me about a book she read.

She told me that I should read it,
She told me that I would like it,
She told me that she loved it.

A friend told me about a book she read.
I was immediately hooked,
I read the story in my bed,
After quickly downloading it to my Nook.

The novel is pure poetry,
It’s about young love, literally,
Two people paving their way through life’s winding paths,
Each immensely attracted to the other half.

18-year-old Layken Cohen trades Texas for winter hell,
Losing her father six months ago, a new chapter begins,
She moves to Michigan with her mother and brother Kel,
Because mom supposedly got a new job offer.

Upon arrival, Lake meets a new neighbor,
Good-looking, 21-year-old Will Cooper,
His parents are six feet under,
His world revolves around his little brother, Caulder.

Lake and Will form an intense chemistry,
They attend a poetry slam on their first date,
Not your typical poetry, but it’s entertaining,
They share a lot in common, which is great.

Kel and Caulder become the best of friends,
Lake’s mom suddenly leaves for unexplained errands,
Lake becomes kindred spirits with a girl named Eddie,
Not her real name, but she’s not too shabby.

Lake and Will’s relationship is blocked from the start.
Truths and secrets appear from the dark,
They try hard to keep themselves apart,
Patience pries delicate strings from your heart.

At first, the story parallels Sylvain Reynard’s Gabriel series,
Only because of the nature of the characters, really.
Deeply not just an emotional love story,
It’s about surviving life’s unexpected intricacies.

Colleen Hoover did me proud, simple yet powerful,
I could not put the damn Nook down,
I laughed, I cried,
I love when characters come alive.

A friend told me about a book she read.
A book so emotional and so sweet,
Anxious to read what happens next,
Pardon me, but it’s time for Point of Retreat.

 

Book Review: “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Lisa Mondello

Move over, Mariah! This book is now taking center stage!

The best way that I can describe this book is that it warms your heart and soul like a bowl of creamy, warm tomato soup. Though I finished this 200-page piece after Christmas, it was a great holiday story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a story about love, family, and giving back. The plot was simple. Lauren Alexander was a struggling single mom with a 6-year-old daughter named Kristen. One night, they go to the mall so that Kristen can tell Santa what she wants for Christmas.

Of all the presents Kristen can ask for, the only thing she tells Santa (a.k.a: Kyle Preston, a local real estate developer) is that this Christmas she wants a daddy.

Kyle Preston is definitely a selfless person and hearing the little girl’s plea makes him and the reader’s (including yours truly) heart melt. This leads a chain of events that makes everyone’s wish come true.

I loved the story though my only gripe is that there were times where I felt the author went a little fast in scenes. Nonetheless, Lisa Mondello did a great job in bringing Kyle, Lauren, and Kristen to life. The spirit of the holiday is not about the gifts. It’s about the exemplary of love to one another. I highly recommend reading this book near a Christmas tree.