Book Review: An Abundance of Katherines

"Nothing was happening, really, but the moment was thick with mattering."

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I must admit that An Abundance of Katherines was probably my favorite John Green book only second TFIOS. Probably because it wasn't nearly as heart-breaking as his others, and also because I'm a sucker for a real nerd, which Colin is. 

Colin Singleton has dated 19 Katherines, and after the 19th Kathreine dumps him, his best friend, Hassan, decides it's time to take an impromptu trip to get over the latest break-up. Colin, defeated by his break-up and his slow realization that he will never accomplish anything incredibly grand, has a hard time adjusting, until he realizes that there are greater things than becoming famous for something. When Colin and Hassan meet Lindsey Lee Wells in Gunshot, Tennessee, both of their lives become forever changed. 

An Abundance of Katherines is witty, intelligent, and entertaining. There are moments of sadness (but not heart break- thank you, John Green), utter happiness, anger, and confusion. Like all of John's books, I found myself gasping out loud, texting lines of the book to my friends, and laughing at the utter nonsense of Colin. I probably related to Colin so much because he seemed exactly like all of the boys I hung out with in high school- ridiculously smart, full of random knowledge, and a bit socially awkward (what's not to love?!). Lindsey, like any other girl in John Green's novels, is exciting, fun, and essentially the kind of person I want to be in life. She's spunky, but incredibly kind, witty, but totally sympathetic. Hassan adds another degree of lovability to the novel as the self-proclaimed "fat-kid" who doesn't do much more than watch Judge Judy. Together, the three of them make quite a team. 

Another excellent read from our favorite, John Green. 

Love always,

Ems

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

"We had to forgive to survive this labyrinth. There were so many of us who would have to live with things done and things undone that day.... but we can't know better until knowing better is useless."

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John Green, regardless of how many times he enjoys ripping out the hearts of his readers, leaving them totally immobile on the floor because of something his characters do in his novel, is by far one of my favorite modern authors. 1. I love that you can tell it's John Green the moment you start reading. 2. I love that he and his brother Hank make Vlog Brothers 3. I love that he loves to use lists in all of his stories and 4. I just want to be his friend. 

I went into Looking for Alaska not really knowing what to expect. I had read The Fault in our Stars (which if you haven't read that, stop reading this and go pick it up and start reading-seriously- go) and loved it. Well, my dad was sending me to Kingman for two days and he got me there by bribing me with books. So I finished off my John Green collection #bestideadever and thus, I began Looking for Alaska. I was about half-way done before I even left for Kingman and finished it on the first day there. Once again, John sucked me in on a whirl-wind adventure that I couldn't put the breaks on. 

John Green, as a male, somehow writes about girls amazingly well. Every heroine he creates, I want to be. They are fierce, clever, beautiful (always curvy), and your best friend. Alaska Young is no different. You instantly want to be her best friend and join in all her crazy plans. She is one reckless child, but who doesn't love a little bit of recklessness, right? The story follows as Pudge moves to a boarding school and becomes part of Alaska's group of friends- the misfits of the school. They enjoy epic pranks, smoking, and essentially, breaking any rules they can. They act like they're in college when they're only in high school, and it's great. In the end, tragedy strikes, and they must all reevaluate their lives and what they've learned together. This book, like all of John Green's novels, will make you laugh out loud, cringe, and bawl your eyes out before throwing the book across the room and cursing John Green for breaking your heart (not kidding). 

I will forewarn any of my more tender-hearted readers: cursing is abundant in this novel, as is sex, drug use, and drinking. Regardless, I loved it. Just letting you know. 

Love always,

Ems