Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I read this book 8 months ago. It is about a boy who falls in love with an outsider who happens to sit beside him on the school bus. The girl has to deal with an abusive step father and the boy has to find his own masculine identity.

Yes it was a depressing book. I just remembered that the main lesson was beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if the love is pure, people truly care and respect each other.

-EssSee

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

Yes, this book is in stores on July 24 but I entered a contest on Emily's facebook page....and won an advance copy!  Thus I read the book already.  I don't want to spoil this one for anyone since not many got the chance to take a look yet.

Let me just state that this book is more about mother daughter relationships than romance.  I think most readers will get nostalgic as they read chapters that illustrate the daughter's side of the story because she is just 18 years old.

By the way, first loves do really impact us.  They are the first thing that really struck us hard and paves the path we first step into when we follow our hearts.  Does that make sense?

-EssSee

Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James

This book annoyed the heck out of me.  Christian Grey scares me.  But his beauty and composure in front of regular people reminds me of my crush.  I was annoyed by the fact that Anastasia placed this man on a pedestal and unfortunately, I've done that with my crush too.  It negatively affects self-esteem but it's uncontrollable.  I was very proud of Anastasia for leaving him at the end.  Sorry, huge spoiler of the first book there.  Anyhow, I want to do the same.  Not that I'm with my crush but I am still very much not over him. I want to be.  I want to work on myself.  Because liking him, I feel like I'm not good enough for him nor someone like him.  He never disrespected nor infuriated me.  He has not done the same to her.  Why I like this story so much more than Twilight was that it was more true to human emotions.  Some may be confused why I compared this to Twilight is because it's originally fan fiction of it.  I can't wait for this movie :P

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I realized Sophie's characters are all essentially the same.  Girly, smart and stupid.  That's why I like her books.  They are a light read.  No thinking, just relaxing.  Is that really bad?

I read this book so long ago, I really forgot the characters' names!!!  I just remember it was unrealistic of her to do that dance/sing to distract an Asian business man in the beginning but if that was real, that girl got guts!

No way is this smart business man falling for the weird stupid girl.  Don't they find them just stupid in real life?  If this were true, these business men are stupid too.  No?

I'm so over this book.  Fifty Shades of Grey next!!!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Wow, it's been awhile.  My apologies.  So, this book has been very hyped up since the movie.  Yes, I'm one of those people, who read the book because it was made into a movie.  Anyhow, when I first saw the trailer, I thought it was weird and stupid.  However, when I read the book bits by bits, I got very excited and kept rewatching the trailer.  There was even one part I cried during the read: it was when Rue died and Katniss placed flowers around  her body. 

Anyhow, if I was Katniss, I would realize my feelings.  How can you not know if you like someone or not?  To be honest, I think her heart belongs to Gale but her guilt traps her with Peeta whom I like more because of the actor in the movie hahaha.
If I was Gale, I would tell Katniss my feelings before she left to the Hunger Games.  What if she died?  And I didn't say anything....my life would be left with regret.
If I was Peeta, I would have shut my mouth about having feelings for Katniss.  I know it would make the game much more complicated.  Isn't that obvious????

Jeez, I can't wait for the movie.  Right after crying cuz of it, I will watch 21 Jumpstreet.  That is where the party is at!  Whattt?

♥ EssSee

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Let's be honest, this book is a little too long.  It's around 500 pages.  That's more than half the bible!  Oh well, the story is important.  I love the fact that everyone had two sides.  Some you can see more than others, but nevertheless, two. 
If I were Skeeter, I'd be depressed about Stuart.  Number one, there doesn't seem to be any chemistry.  The only reason there was something going on is that Skeeter had a low self-esteem and she couldn't believe that someone as "popular" as Stuart would have a thing for her.  However, Stuart needed a rebound.  So, I'm glad they didn't end up together---she deserved someone better.
If I were Aibileen, and while I got threatened by Hilly for stealing, I'd confront Elizabeth and say she's a coward, always listening to Hilly.  Doesn't she have a mind of her own?
Then, there's the strong but soft Minny.  I don't know how to be in her place.  If someone was to physically abuse me, I wouldn't stay with them. 
All my answers are obvious and simple, but life just isn't that case.
Did anyone see the movie?  I did, and I loved it.  Stuart was really handsome!  I couldn't believe it was Piz from Veronica Mars.  He looks way better with short hair =)
EssSee♥

Stories I Only Tell My Friends By Rob Lowe

Every chapter of this book drew me in.  The name dropping and the art of destiny were what sparkled in the book.  As an average person who gossip about celebrities (pathetically), I care how these people suddenly blow up in fame.  And Rob Lowe's autobiography told his story and how it was all in the stars.  It was so great to read how he met Sean Penn and the Sheens.  The intro on The Outsiders was spectacular because the snippets of Patrick Swayze made me want to cry.  I miss that guy.
Rob's struggles in life such as partying too hard was inexcusable.  He knows it too but he somehow excused himself from his mistakes.  When reading his reasons of bad choices, I was first annoyed but I understood this human condition.  We can't always remind ourselves of how much a screw up we are.  If we do, we would never move on, have a new start and make good choices.  Though I felt Rob did not really take blame for the things he done, he did accept the consequences and I think God noticed.  Rob's blessed life is a result of how he worked on redeeming himself.
I suggest everyone to read this book.  It was a quick read and makes you take a look of the whole picture.
♥EssSee