Happy Finch Day! #IAMHERE.

Happy Theodore Finch Day!!!

For those of you who don't know who Theodore Finch is, he is one of the main characters in Jennifer Niven's All The Bright Places. He is a lovely, inspiring, and creative character that teaches someone to learn how to live and love life even though he struggles with that himself. Throughout the story, Finch struggles with mental health and is never fully able to overcome it.

In 2015, I, fortunately, found a group of young adults, like myself, that loved All The Bright Places as much as I do. Together we created a fan account called The Lovelies and today we use it to promote self-love and use it as a safe and creative space for fans. We wanted to create an environment that Finch would have wanted for himself, a place where people could go and were able to appreciate themselves and one another.

Three years ago The Lovelies created the I AM HERE campaign. We asked that people posted an image with All the Bright Places or a positive image with the hashtag #IAmHere. In the novel, Finch leaves marks on the places he visits with "I was here." However, today on Finch Day, we celebrate that we are here and acknowledge that together we can overcome any struggle.

I wish I had the words to tell you how much All The Bright Places means to me, but I will try my best with the words I do know. All The Bright Places truly changed my life and opened my eyes to a world in which I had no idea about. As a person with a lack of knowledge about mental health, it taught me about those around me who are constantly struggling and it allowed me the opportunity to experience a new perspective. Through Jennifer's beautiful writing and beautiful characters, I was inspired to make a change, which is what any great book should do for you, and what The Lovelies are trying to do.

Finch Day is a day that celebrates mental health but also celebrates the power of a fictional character and the importance of literature because beautiful fictional characters and amazing works of art bring some lovely people together to create even more loveliness!

I hope that you celebrate Finch Day by acknowledging that you are here! It is so amazing to be inspired by a book, but it is even more inspiring to actually do something about it. Please share that you are here and acknowledge your ability to overcome your struggles because we all have them.
Please remember that you are never alone and it is okay to reach out for help!

You are wanted. You are loved. You are here.


All the love,
Channy

One Small Thing by Erin Watt

Hello!

Y'ALL I have yet to read an Erin Watt book that disappoints me! I'm not kidding. I received an ARC of One Small Thing and I started it and finished it so quickly. I will be honest, I was quite hesitant about the plot of this book but I AM SO OBSESSED OML!

Summary:
One Small Thing follows Elizabeth Jones or Beth who is trying to get her friends and family to stop calling her Lizzie. Her parents have gone super overprotective since the loss of her big sister, Rachel. Beth's parents have crossed a line in their overprotectiveness. As a way to get back at them, Beth decides to go to a party across town and hook up with a guy. Beth's plan works well and everything until she shows up to school and realizes the boy she hooked up with is the same boy that accidentally killed her sister those short years ago. Even though Beth should hate Chase she can't help but fall for him.

My Thoughts:
One Small thing is very different from all other Erin Watt books. I felt it was much darker than Ella's story even in Paper Princess. There was something about this book that made me cry so hard and love it with everything. What I love most about this story is that each character struggled with something. No one was perfect and everyone had bad things they had to deal with but they all also had good things! Each character was able to come together and help each other out which made me so happy.

Beth is one of my favorite characters in literature ever because she made some poor choices but she is only 17. We all make bad choices when we are young and old! I felt for Beth this whole book. I didn't feel different from her I felt very similar. Beth's parents were irritating me as well. I could feel my own anger in their arguments. I understand her feelings because I felt them too. All Beth wanted was a chance to start fresh and go off to college which is understandable considering her sister and her parents. Her plan sounded good to me but of course, no matter what she did she could never be what they wanted her to be... which was basically isolated.

Now Chase and Beth. I just loved him the whole time. He was never rude or anything. I think he was a perfect gentleman. He cared so much for Beth and tried to keep her away and he was so sorry about Rachel. The entire book he felt that the comments from other students and juvie weren't enough. Chase wanted to redeem himself but he felt like he needed to suffer more than he did. I loved that he never forced her into anything and he was always pushing her away but he wanted her to be okay. To me, he never felt like a criminal, just a boy who was struggling and cared. Plus, Chase had the best advice in the story and I appreciated that about him.

I hated Jeff from the moment he walked in. He is such a loser I can't even begin to start this because I will just rant. Jeff was such a moron and a barf bag. All he did was boss people around and invite himself over. I was done with him when he forced Beth to eat the nachos then he freaking left her at the party. He is a piece of trash and if you know anyone like this getaway or try to get them to see the light because NO ONE deserves to be treated like he treated everyone in this story!


This book though got me out of a big book slump so thank you for sending me this ARC. I loved reading about Chase and Beth. This story is so beautiful, it is more than just a girl falling in love with a criminal...it's about second chances and redemption. It's about not judging a person by their actions and allowing yourself to struggle and finding a way to make your situation better. The scenes in this book were adorable and understandable but they make you appreciate people and that's the best.

Much Love,
Channy

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis

Hi Lovely People,


I haven't read a book this good since 2015 when I read All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. Y'all I love this book so much! It deserves every award and every ounce of love you can give it! This review is going to be so hard to write because I honestly loved it so much and there aren't enough words AHHH!!! 

Summary: 

Evan Panos is struggling to find his place in this world. His Mother thinks that he is a constant disappointment and she makes sure Evan knows that. His Father just remains quiet and tries to make everything up for Evan's Mother's behavior but not much can anymore. Especially when Evan comes back from Bible camp to his best friend looking more attractive than ever before. The good news is Henry has the same feelings as Evan but then there is Gaige who Evan kissed at camp :( Evan is just trying to survive his life while trying to figure out who he is at the same time.

We need more stories like this. I'm still in book hangover from this one. I legit could not put this book down! This story had me wanting more. I had to put it down while I went to practice and it was sad. It was tragic when I finished it and I had to put it down because I felt like I was a part of this world. I was sad to leave Evan and Henry because I felt like I had been through all that they had been and it was odd leaving that place that I was so invested in.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK:

1. EVAN AND HENRY ARE SO ADORABLE 

2. MAKES YOU APPRECIATE PEOPLE AND WHO THEY ARE

3. MAKES YOU AWARE 

4. ITS SO FREAKING CUTE

5. REALIZE WHAT TRUE FRIENDS ARE

6. ITS SO GOOD THAT YOU WILL HAVE BOOK HANGOVER

7. YOU WILL WANT TO READ IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN

8. MAKES YOU BELIEVE IN TRUE LOVE

This book is life changing! 

This was the first book that I read about parental abuse and the emotional restraints it puts on a person. Evan is one of the strongest people I have ever read about. I felt like I was experiencing this with him and I felt completely helpless because I couldn't do anything. Now I feel differently because I did do something; I read this story, and I am aware, and I have been impacted by it.  I will never understand what it is like to live under his roof but I know his story and I appreciate and respect him. I am aware at how uncomfortable it makes people and how the people you trust are the ones that often let you down. I’m so honored to have read Evan’s story and his story has given me something new to think about. You can’t choose who you are and to be in an environment where you are not accepted is cruel. Evan is a character that I believe will be with me for the rest of my life because he has showed me how to be yourself when people don't support you.



I'M SERIOUSLY SO IN LOVE PLEASE GO READ IT AND SUPPORT THE DANGEROUS ART OF BLENDING IN!





Much Love,
Channy

What To Love About What To Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

"It's nice to sit with someone and not have to think about what to say next."

Hello!!

I'm so excited to review What To Say Next! I loved Tell Me Three Things by Julie Juxbaum so when she said she had another book coming out in July I freaked out! Not only was I obsessed with the summary but have you seen the cover? It perfectly captures how I feel about July! Definitely 10/10!

Summary:
Kit has recently lost her father and finds she needs a change in her life. What better way to change than to go sit with the kid who sits by himself, David. David is dorky and smart but has trouble lying. David's older sister, Miney, high school legend, tries to help him fit in but it has been hard since she left for college. When Kit starts sitting at David's table they start to develop a nice friendship that turns into finding the truth in what happened to her father's accident and many milkshakes.


"The world is shitty enough without people being shitty to each other."

What To Love About David:

1. David is the sweetest human in the world. He always says the right things except when he doesn't.
2. He is constantly listening to the best tunes to avoid the noise of high school. He reminds me of Baby Driver (excellent movie go see it!)
3. He writes in a notebook that contains information about many of the students and teachers and who to trust. Personally, I think that is a great idea everyone needs a good journal.
4. He is brutally honest which is refreshing but sometimes too much to handle.
5. He can stand up for himself and for others when he feels it is necessary. He gives fair warning before he kicks butt!
6. He is so passionate that it makes you want to listen- even if you have no idea what he is talking about!
7. I love his sister and his relationship. They help each other be stronger in the world.


What To Love About Kit:
1. Kit is just trying to find herself since the devastating accident.
2. She noticed David before anyone else.
3. She stands up for David when no one else will.
4. Kit isn't afraid to flirt a little.
5. She is a very cautious driver and offers a ride to David even though he has a car! I was crying!
6. She has good taste in guys (as of now).

What To Love About Kit and David:
1. David loves Kit so much and it makes me cry every time. He left her little notes and letters that are beautiful.
2. Kit challenges David to get out of his comfort zone.
3. Their first kiss is probably the greatest moment in history.
4. My favorite part of this story is when they go on an ice cream date and Kit licks David's ice cream cone. I almost had a heart attack.
5. David ran after Kit when she almost had a breakdown in class. They share a perfect spot on the bleachers because of that moment!
6. Their lunch table conversations get me in my feels!

"I forget about the barrier between the inside of my head and the rest of the world."

Honestly, I love this book so much! I'm in love with David and Kit's relationship. I love the idea of helping a friend find a missing piece to a big puzzle. But this book wasn't about finding the cause of the accident, it is about forgiving yourself and learning how to resolve your mistakes. It is about going out of your comfort zone and trying to be your best self in the worst place, high school. I truly believe everyone will love this novel and be able to relate to the cringy moments of high school while understanding loss and learning how to appreciate the different people around you.

Much Love,
Channy