REVIEW: Fall For Anything

FALL FOR ANYTHING
By Courtney Summers
Summary taken from Barnes and Noble:
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?
My thoughts:
Why?
That is the big question that the ones left behind are left to try to answer.
So many are touched by the tragedy of suicide.
It's a tough topic that is handled well by Courtney Summers.
What I loved about this book:
Courtney Summer had created an amazing character with Eddie. She is so easy to relate to-her anger, sadness, and confusion felt so real at times it was painful to read. The rawness of Eddie's grief goes right to the heart and stays there from beginning to end. I've read quite a few mixed reviews on this book and have come to the conclusion that either you will love it or hate it. I'm not sure there is an in between.
What I didn't care for:
I think that the summary and information about Fall For Anything sets the reader up to expect a BIG twist in the story. Based on the twists and turns of other books I have read by Courtney Summers I think I was expecting the story to take a way more darker tone when the character of Culler is introduced to the story.
Although it's a great story I found myself disappointed by the BIG finish-I won't spoil anything here for people who haven't read the book. Aside from that I thought Fall For Anything was a great story.
Would I recommend this story to friends:
Absolutely! But I would warn them that there is some harsh language. And some intense moments that deal with grief.
Probably what I loved the most about this story is that we-the readers get to see Eddie as well as her mom progress through the stages of grief. We see Eddie grow, find hope and maybe peace.
Sometimes there are no answers in suicide and all we are left with are the whys. I would recommend this story to anyone-teen or adult who has dealt with suicide on any level.
Where I got it:
I bought this book at Barnes and Noble Bookstore.

Looking for Alaska

Sixteen year old Miles Halter is seeking the "Great Perhaps". He leaves his Florida home to attend boarding school, Culver Creek, in Alabama. While there he meets a group of fellow students he immediately connects with. His room mate Chip (the Colonel) and the beautiful, complicated Alaska. Together they introduce Miles to drinking, smoking and the fine art of creating the perfect prank.

For the first time in his life Miles feels like he belongs, he discovers the meaning of real friendship and loyalty.
The story is told in two parts-before and after the death of one of the characters. The beginning is a little slow but a few chapters in I was completely commited. Because it's impossible not to care about the characters of this story. As the story unfolds we learn that there are many layers to Alaska, Chip and Miles. The story is told with honesty and humor but also deals with grief and loss.

This is the second novel that I've read by John Green. I love the dialogue between characters, especially the boys. It flows and feels real. He doesn't shy away from complicated issues or try to wrap things up in a neat little package.
This is an excellent read for a boy or a girl. I recommend it for ages 15 and up because of language and sexual situations.

This book is available to check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Elsewhere

I just finished Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin last night.
Liz Hall has died and gone to Elsewhere and she's not very happy about it. On her way to the mall to pick out a prom dress she forgets to look both ways before crossing the street and is the victim of a hit and run accident. She wakes to find herself on board a ship headed for a place called Elsewhere where the aging process not only stops, it reverses. This means that Liz will never have the opportunity to turn sixteen, date, get boobs or get her driver's license.
Liz not only has to learn to adjust to her new life in Elsewhere, she has to figure out how to say goodbye to her old one on Earth.
I really liked Gabrielle Zevin's take on Heaven. The whole idea of aging backwards to birth again was a great twist. And I liked that Liz was not always very likeable. It made her grieving real to me. The story might be a little too complex for younger readers so my suggestion is for ages 14 and up.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you put it down.

We do not have this book in our library but I would be happy to get it for you through Interlibrary Loan.