Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Paperback; 336 pages

Published by Harry N. Abrams on May 26, 2015 

(First published March 1, 2012)

Rating: 2.5 stars

Summary (Goodreads): Greg Gaines is the last master of high school espionage, able to disappear at will into any social environment. He has only one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time making movies, their own incomprehensible versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics.

Until Greg’s mother forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel.

Rachel has been diagnosed with leukemia—-cue extreme adolescent awkwardness—-but a parental mandate has been issued and must be obeyed. When Rachel stops treatment, Greg and Earl decide the thing to do is to make a film for her, which turns into the Worst Film Ever Made and becomes a turning point in each of their lives.

And all at once Greg must abandon invisibility and stand in the spotlight.

My Thoughts:
Most of the book was really forgettable to me but some of it I did like. The writing style definitely wasn't for me and I didn't particularly enjoy the humor much either. I honestly did enjoy some of the book though but for the most part I felt like I was just reading to fill time rather than to enjoy a story. It didn't engage me the way I wanted to be. I can see how some people would really enjoy this book, and I'm glad that some people do, it just wasn't the one for me. More than once I had considered having to DNF this book but I really hate doing that and it wasn't that I disliked the story, I would just find myself bored from time to time. Overall I'm glad I finished it, but I don't think I'll make an effort to read any more of Jesse Andrews' books.

★★½

Review: Lumiere (The Illumination Paradox #1) by Jacqueline Garlick

Lumiere (The Illumination Paradox #1) by Jacqueline Garlick

Paperback

Rating: 5 stars

Summary (Goodreads): Even in a land of eternal twilight, secrets can’t stay in the dark forever.

Seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth has only one hope left: finding her late father’s most prized invention, the Illuminator. It’s been missing since the day of the mysterious flash—a day that saw the sun wiped out forever over England.

But living in darkness is nothing new to Eyelet. She’s hidden her secret affliction all of her life—a life that would be in danger if superstitious townspeople ever guessed the truth. And after her mother is accused and executed for a crime that she didn’t commit, the now-orphaned Eyelet has no choice but to track down the machine that was created with the sole purpose of being her cure.

Alone and on the run, she finally discovers the Illuminator—only to see a young man hauling it off. Determined to follow the thief and recover the machine, she ventures into the deepest, darkest, most dangerous part of her twisted world.

My Thoughts: 
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This has by no means influenced the rating of my review.

Wow! I found this book really interesting. More so than I thought I would before reading. Eyelet and Urlick are very interesting characters. Eyelet is feisty and pushes at any boundaries placed upon her. When Urlick tells her not to go somewhere or do something, she does it. She doesn't like secrets kept from her, and when she's on a mission, she'll do whatever it takes. Urlick on the other hand gets frustrated with her to no end, but is also fascinated with her. He's keeping secrets from her though, which is never a good thing.

The illuminator, the main focus of the story, really is a mystery. No one knows exactly what it is, but as the story unfolds, you learn more about it and its capabilities. I found all the steampunk elements of this book really interesting and I loved hearing about all the inventions created.

There's also plenty of action and suspense in this book! From running from people trying to catch them to facing the Turned, vapors, and criminals, the outside world away from the main city area is crazy and unpredictable. Every second out there could be the last, and danger lurks around the corner.


Honestly I just really enjoyed this book. It ends on a cliffhanger and now all I want is for the next book to be in my hands!

★★★★★

Hey Guys!

Hey guys! I know I've been completely absent for so long. I don't plan to be super active, but I'd like to get more of my reviews on here, so I'll be updating the ones I have published to my goodreads. I might do a few other things here off and on, but I'm not giving myself any obligations because this blog was originally made to be for fun, and I plan to keep it that way! It's only a bonus if others are able to read it from time to time and enjoy it. Anyway, thanks to those who are still sticking around, hello to anyone who is new since my last post, and hello to anyone new who stumbles upon my little blog! I hope you can find something you like here. 

Until next time!