Reading Response #4: If I Stay

I decided to bandwagon and read If I Stay. I haven't gotten very far in. I just started it Yesterday, but I've made it far enough to the accident. I imagine most of you know what this book is about, but considering what I've read here's what I know. Mia, is seventeen and she enjoys playing the Cello. She has played since she was eight years old. She has a supporting, loving family and boyfriend and she is very intelligent.

One early morning Mia woke up for school along with her young brother, Teddy and her parents. Her dad is an English teacher at the high school she attends. The news broadcasted that it had snowed and cancelled school for the day. This meaning her father also had the day off so her mother called in to work. They had a family day and went out for a drive and later that night they would've had dinner with her Grandparents. That was until the accident happened. It's very disappointing that I haven't reached any details in what happened to them, but I’m not sure if this was an “accident”. Sadly, her parents passed away and she watched the paramedics bag them up. There isn't very much information released on her brother, but he is alive. Mia's state is alive, but dead. She is in a coma, however, she is watching everything happening as if she were living. No one can see her and she doesn't understand this, but it was very terrifying for her to see her own body lying in a ditch.

This picture is of Mia after the accident watching everything happen outside of her body. I used it because it the most significant part of the book that I have read so far.

"Am I Dead? I actually have to ask myself this. Am I Dead? At first it seemed obvious that I am. That the standing-here-watching part was temporary, an intermission before the bright light and the life-flashing-before-me business that would transport me to wherever I'm going next." (19)

I chose this passage from the book because I tried to see things from her point of view. It stood out to me because it just seems so unreal with everything that’s happened to her and how calm and collected she is.

Reading Response #3: You'll Always Be Mine

Natasha Preston does not fail to keep me in complete agony. This is by far one of the greatest series I have ever read and I recommend it to anyone. Although, the books may be a little deranged. I really like her writing style; she divides the chapters in each characters point of view. I feel like I get to know each character a little better and I can connect with them in a way. Each character has problems and they each have a way with dealing with it, but they all also have understandable reasons for having those problems. Take Clover (Colin) for instance, he is a brutal murderer, but "the kindest and most tender man" you will ever meet. He kills prostitutes because they ruin families and that's how his was ruined. Killing is wrong. However, I do understand why he does what he does and thinks the way he thinks.

           Last book response I left you with a question, "Could it be that they are "in love" or is she too afraid to run away?" They definitely love each other. I'm still trying to find out how this could be myself. Just as a reminder Clover named each of the girls after a flower.

"You'll be with me,” he said. "Was that "you'll" meaning all of us or just me and him? Would he want to find another place with a cellar for the girls? What about my name? Chantelle. It's not a flower." Clover said, " Your name is perfect." as he stroked her arm. "Was I not good enough to be part of his family? Again, why did I care?"  I sense some jealousy in Chantelle. At first I thought she was insane. I’ve learned that everyone she’s ever cared about just left her. Maybe she was desperate for someone to care for her, but that’s really all she wants. I could only see the plain fact that she’s in love with a murderer. Sometimes that’s all anyone can ever understand. We know the main reason as to why something has occurred, not the supporting reasons. I didn’t think I could find ways to connect with these characters, but I definitely have with every single one.

Reading Response #2: You'll Always Be Mine


       In this book I would say I know what's going on half the time. Not only am I confused, but the characters definitely are too. As a reminder, this is the sequel to the book I blogged about previously. The two survivors; Summer and Becca have agreed to make Clover pay for what he's done. The initial idea was to hide weapons in the cellar such as; bats and knives. When the two meet up in the cellar Becca had brought a gun. Summer just wanted him to be as hurt as herself and the girls were, but Becca is seeking for murder.
       Meanwhile, Clover escaped the prison guards in a car accident and tried to find his way back to "his" girls. This man obviously has some psychological issues. Here's what he has to say to Chantelle in the passage, "I'm not a bad person, Chantelle; I just stand up for what I believe in. I'm not one of those people that say one thing and do another. Actions speak louder than words." I chose this passage because it proves that people think differently. To him he believe he does no wrong and good for the world, Chantelle shortly believes it too.
       While searching for them, he comes across another prostitute, Chantelle. Although he is disgusted by her, he does not kill her. He "falls in love" with her, shocker. She does not like her life, she is only a prostitute because she needs the money. That being her reason for her "disgusting ways", Clover agrees to help her by paying for her college funds if she agrees to be with him and live with him. Shortly she finds that Clover isn't the sweet man she thought of him to be. She finds out his past and still stays with him. Could it be that they are "in  love" or is she too afraid to run away? That is a question I will have answered in my next post!