You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan // A Nice LGBT Story

You Know Me Well, by Nina LaCour and David Levithan
Publication: June 7, 2016, by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, LGBTQ
Pages: 248
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: ½

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed.
That is, until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way.
When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other—and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more.
Told in alternating points of view by Nina LaCour and David Levithan, You Know Me Well is a story about navigating the joys and heartaches of first love, one truth at a time.

My Thoughts:

You Know Me Well is a book that really actually does know me well: I love books like this, that have a bit of unique substance in it that we can never really find in real YA. Honestly? I enjoyed it so much because an amazing author contributed to the story, and added in his own perspective (most definitely Mark's perspective, which I enjoyed reading more than Kate's), David Levithan. This is a book that I unfortunately was not able to pick up at BEA this year, but was sent it straight to my house a few weeks later from the publisher. This is a two-perspective novel written with the concept of pride and LGBTQ happiness. Our two protagonists, Kate and Mark, both explore their opportunities in the lovely setting of San Francisco (I WANT TO GO THERE NOW) and the Bay Area. And the best thing? They are not in love with each other. Kate is lesbian while Mark is gay, and they both become unexpected friends when in a club one night. 

This was written spectacularly. As always, two amazing YA authors collaborating turns out fantastic. This was poetic, lyrical, and had that interesting use of language that captivated me from the first page. I had a few issues with the plot, momentarily becoming boring at times, but the writing is important for me when I'm reading these kinds of inspirational stories. This seriously is an inspirational story. Although you may not be LGBTQ, it is a story that will make you have pride and look at things from a different perspective. We see two characters striving to get a good ending in the end, wanting to be getting the person that they initially wanted and wished for, and it just turned out pretty great.

We are first introduced to Mark, who is in love with his best friend, Ryan. They both aren't an official couple, but they have had their bright moments when things got better than Mark would ever expect. One night, during Pride Month, they head out to a club, and things get out of control when Mark parties so hard that he stands on top of the bar and goes crazy. He then meets his Calculus seating partner, Kate, and they instantly become friends, both battling their relationship issues together.

"I am looking into Ryan's eyes and I know I am going to take that public kiss, that kiss that would have changed everything, and I am going to fold it up until it id too small to ever be found again" (143).

I really enjoyed reading both sides of the story. I preferred Mark's, as mentioned before, because I normally always prefer to read a guy's side of the story, because men think things and do things differently than us gals do/think. Mark was hilarious, contained every characteristic that David Levithan's characters usually have. I just wanted THE SHIPS TO HAPPEN, TO SAIL. Ryark needed to occur. And then Kate was pretty great too, though I couldn't relate to her artistic personality. Kate is set to go to UCLA for art (very ambitious, am I wrong?) and she's obsessed with her best friend's cousin (I'm pretty sure it was that, it was so complicated to be honest), Violet, who is also lesbian. FOR ONCE WE HAVE A STORY WHERE THE GIRL/BOY DOESN'T TRY TO MAKE THEIR TRUE LOVE GAY. That happens quite often in many books I have read, and it honestly either turns out one way or the other, but Levithan and LaCour just made this so natural.

The whole book was natural. There was nothing absurd or weirdly explained about it. It's teenagers being teenagers, friendship blooming. There is so much buzz revolving around this newly-released story, perfect for Pride Month (which just happened!) and it's definitely worth it. I would say that this is one of the better LGBTQ books out there, because we readers immediately understand, and it doesn't fully have to do with everything gay and rainbow. But it stands with a perfect message that I need everyone to pick up and figure out for themselves. I loved the friendship between Kate and Mark—even though they were boy and girl, not in love with each other, their connection was inevitable, was precious. It's rare for us to explore adventurous friendships these days in novels, but I feel like we just did.

Something that could be debatable is the setting of the book: the timing specifically. This is very fast-paced, and although it's not so relatable in terms of actual reality, I enjoyed the novel anyway. THIS WAS THE PERFECT SUMMER READ. I just want to travel to San Fran and explore and hang out with the cutest friend group ever.

"We grow up and we lose ourselves. Sometimes when my favorite songs are on I have to stop what I'm doing and lie down on my carpet and just listen. I feel every word they're singing. Every note. And to think that in twenty years, or ten years, or five even, I might hear those same songs and just, like, bob my head or something is horrible" (130).

You Know Me Well is a coming-of-age novel that is simply about growing up and friendship, and most importantly: about taking risks. Lately, I've been feeling adventurous, wanting to experience things that my normal self wouldn't want to, and this story by two fabulous authors was really out of the blue for me. With a great setting, interesting (though sometimes un-relatable) characters and beautiful writing, this is the book for this summer and beyond.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is the latest LGBTQ book you have read? Which author's writing do you prefer more: David Levithan or Nina LaCour?

The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry // Not For Me At All

The Love That Split the World, by Emily Henry
Publication: January 26, 2016, by Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 396
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Rating: ½

Natalie Cleary must risk her future and leap blindly into a vast unknown for the chance to build a new world with the boy she loves.

Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start... until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a pre-school where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.
That’s when she gets a visit from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her: “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.
Emily Henry’s stunning debut novel is Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife, and perfectly captures those bittersweet months after high school, when we dream not only of the future, but of all the roads and paths we’ve left untaken.

My Thoughts:

DNF @ 150 pages

I usually do not have a problem with YA that includes characters who time travel. That has been done in Claudia Gray and Erica O'Rourke's work and their work is some of the best I have ever read, in all of Young Adult Fiction. WHAT HAPPENED HERE, MY FELLOW BOOKS AND REVIEWERS? I had a big problem with this book and I just did not want to keep reading after those 150 pages: strict boredom. 

Why do I, as a reader, have to force myself to read a book? For an in-depth review? To recommend/not recommend the book to other readers on Goodreads and on my blog? I do not want to waste my time reading books that are not my kind. The Love That Split the World was one of those. I fell in love with the cover ages before it was released, and I was just really excited to read it. I thought that the Grandmother concept would be different and exciting, but I just felt that Emily Henry has provided readers with a bland story. I do not know if I could pinpoint this one with another book, but I just did not enjoy it as much as I wish I had.

Listen, I liked the fact that our protagonist, Natalie, is Native-American. This provides diversity and it goes so well with what the book is supposed to offer. Supposed to. It was supposed to offer readers a chance and glimpse at what it is like to be at the point of your life where you do not know what is coming next. I am not there yet, so I couldn't relate. Aimee @ The Social Potato's review just summed my feelings perfectly. IT WAS TRYING TOO HARD TO BE NATURAL, INTERESTING. I just did not feel the contemporary, you know? I could not even point whether this is contemporary, fantasy, romance or something in between. I just gave up.

Possibly, if I had been in a different mood, I would have finished this. When my mind began to be distracted by other things (because of how boring this was), I decided that I wanted to move on to my next read. To be completely honest, I do not even remember what this was all about. It is just a girl who is trying to save some guy that an imaginary "Grandmother" told her to save. That's weird, if you ask me.

I have realized that I made a good decision with books (for once, in my life): I DNFed a book that disappointed me. Perhaps it will not disappoint you; there are many positive reviews out there, anyway. Emily Henry writes a little weirdly, if you ask me, but there is a lot of potential for this to be praised with its diversity and interesting heroine. The romance? I do not recall anything special about it. And trust me, I am a romance lover. The Love That Split the World really did split me apart.

What is the last book you DNFed? What was wrong with it? What are some NEW books that feature diversity?

Macbeth by William Shakespeare // Really Good and Dumb, When You Think About It

Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
Publication: 1606 (May 1, 2012, by Sterling Signature)
Genre: Play, Historical, Murder
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

One of the great Shakespearean tragedies, Macbeth is a dark and bloody drama of ambition, murder, guilt, and revenge. Prompted by the prophecies of three mysterious witches and goaded by his ambitious wife, the Scottish thane Macbeth murders Duncan, King of Scotland, in order to succeed him on the throne. This foul deed soon entangles the conscience-stricken nobleman in a web of treachery, deceit, and more murders, which ultimately spells his doom. Set amid the gloomy castles and lonely heaths of medieval Scotland, Macbeth paints a striking dramatic portrait of a man of honor and integrity destroyed by a fatal character flaw and the tortures of a guilty imagination.

My Thoughts:

Macbeth by the great William Shakespeare is such a stupid book, when you really think about it. I remember being young, asking my parents who Shakespeare is, and later asking if his plays were interesting, in their opinions. My dad liked Hamlet, but no one ever said anything about Macbeth. And then I discovered that I would be reading it for English class in tenth grade, and they both admitted that it's dumb. I didn't believe them, because Shakespeare is one of my favourite writers and I love the way he plays with words. And then I actually read this interesting story about greed and pride, and I discovered that they were completely right. Being a tragedy and all, we readers could immediately understand what to expect with this story: Macbeth is a tragic hero, therefore he dies, and others will die too, because of his great tragic flaw. It couldn't have been more dumber—but I was intrigued by this stupidity and the predictability of this great play. In the end, I must say that it was seriously great. 

Many people have issues enjoying/reading books that are required for them to read because of school. I rarely have had that issue, because I find that my English teachers are doing a good job with choosing books for the curriculum that people my age would actually enjoy/relate to. Macbeth isn't totally relatable, as we don't live in a period of time where Canada/America has a king or queen, but we always do undergo these phases of greed or jealousy. This tragic play by Shakespeare explores supernatural aspects in the midst of a time setting of royalty and power in Scotland. 

"See, see, our honour'd hostess.—The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you how you shall bid God yield us for your pains and thank us for your trouble."

It's a simple yet complex plot. Macbeth is a Thane of Glamis in Scotland, being successful in battle and being known as the courageous man in their land. He has a high reputation, and is admired by King Duncan. After three witches approach Macbeth and his friend Banquo and tell him that he will become Thane of Cawdor, and later King, Macbeth strives to make these prophecies come true. Banquo thinks that the witches were all in their heads, being hallucinations, but Macbeth is naïve enough to know that this is no joke. He murders Duncan, and becomes King, of course, keeping a hidden identity as a murderer/assassin. 

Of course, that's the climax moment. As every Shakespearean tragedy, the protagonist (or antagonist, as Macbeth is) undergoes this downfall or deterioration. That was the most interesting part of the play, in my opinion. Although I hated Macbeth's character so much as well as his utter stupidity compared to his kick-ass wife, Lady Macbeth, he was the highlight of the play and I felt that it was very important to pay close attention to his character. I was correct. Throughout the play, even though Shakespeare's use of language is very complex and nuts, compared to your average authors of modern day, or even other playwrights, I was so interested. Thank goodness my teacher did not give my class a pop quiz on who said what line. I would've died of fear.

"What, sir, not yet at rest? The king's abed. He hath been in unusual pleasure and sent forth great largess to your offices. This diamond he greets your wife withal, by the name of most kind hostess, and shut up in measureless content."

Macbeth is not as good as Romeo and Juliet, as I always look forward for some romance in the novels/plays I read, though I really enjoyed it. I felt a tight connection to the characters, and as soon as I realize how much I liked their character, they die. This kind of had the Game of Thrones vibe, I must say. From the start of the play, I had a feeling that I would rate this five stars, but that deteriorated a little in the middle where I couldn't stand Macbeth and his actions. Yes, that was supposed to occur, but it kind of got on my nerves, as intended. 

William Shakespeare always knows how to derive his stories from a perfect setting, well mostly because he was fortunate to have been living in that particular time period as well. No author could mix up a perfect play like this and mould such a good setting into it as Shakespeare has. With the ghosts, witches, royalty and different themes, I was in love.

Macbeth has always been known as a classic, but I definitely see why. I ended up writing a comparative essay on this lovely story and you will find inspiration through this, too, even though it is quite predictable. All in all, there are no other stories like this in the whole world, and even if one does pop up, we will know what the original is. Get ready to love-and-hate this as well as one of the most popular antagonists in all of literary history, Lord Macbeth. 

What is your favourite Shakespeare play? Have you read/watched Macbeth? What do you think of its premise?

738 Days by Stacey Kade // Not Your Typical Abduction Story

738 Days, by Stacey Kade
Publication: June 7, 2016, by Forge Books
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 432
Format: Paperback
Source: BEA/Publisher
Rating: 

At fifteen, Amanda Grace was abducted on her way home from school. 738 days later, she escaped. Her 20/20 interview is what everyone remembers—Amanda describing the room where she was kept, the torn poster of TV heartthrob Chase Henry on the wall. It reminded her of home and gave her the strength to keep fighting.
Now, years later, Amanda is struggling to live normally. Her friends have gone on to college, while she battles PTSD. She’s not getting any better, and she fears that if something doesn’t change soon she never will.
Six years ago, Chase Henry defied astronomical odds, won a coveted role on a new TV show, and was elevated to super-stardom. With it, came drugs, alcohol, arrests, and crazy spending sprees. Now he's sober and a Hollywood pariah, washed up at twenty-four.
To revamp his image, Chase’s publicist comes up with a plan: surprise Amanda Grace with the chance to meet her hero, followed by a visit to the set of Chase’s new movie. The meeting is a disaster, but out of mutual desperation, Amanda and Chase strike a deal. What starts as a simple arrangement, though, rapidly becomes more complicated when they realize they need each other in more ways than one. But when the past resurfaces in a new threat, will they stand together or fall apart?

My Thoughts:

I always do love me some abduction stories. Obviously, not because of the fact that I would want anyone (or any character) to experience what Amanda in the book had, but because my emotions plummet like a waterfall. They seriously do. And for once, an author has experimented the kidnapping/abduction theme by not focusing the story on what happened during the parts where the character was hidden from the rest of the world or the fact that they escaped, but focused on the aftermath instead. Just as the tagline reads, "Love is the greatest escape," Stacey Kade, a new favourite author of mine, focuses this new adult novel on the romance, for sure. 

738 Days' title is basically the number of days that Amanda Grace, our heroine, was abducted for. She came back, escaped, and she says that the reason she kept calm was because of the celebrity poster of Chase Henry in her room of where she stayed. Her story went viral. Even though he has had a bad reputation, Chase Henry, TV show superstar is now famous again because of Amanda's story. His publicist makes him give Amanda a surprise, and she freaks out. The world freaks out. And as they spend more time together... you got it: romance blooms. 

This was the third book I picked up to read that was from BEA this year, and I seriously wanted to love it so much. It turns out that I did. There has been such good word being spread out about this new adult novel of Stacey Kade's, and I was sure that I would love it just as much. Readers spend the whole 432 pages focused on Amanda's PTSD, her personal inner demons, the fact that she is in love with Chase, and even Chase's personal demons. The thing I adored the most was that Stacey focused the story on both of their perspectives because they were equally important characters. Without the other, the book wouldn't have been the same and I cannot imagine what else it could have turned into.

738 Days is raw, explicit with the amount of details and facts given about each of the characters' personalities and how they need each other. I ADORE THE "NEEDING EACH OTHER" PART OF THE STORY. It made my heart skip a beat because the relationship between Chase and Amanda was so strong that I admit, I have never read about such a relationship for a long time. These characters are mature, knowing what they are in for if they decide to take risks, and the maturity makes a stronger relationships. I loved the steamy parts of the story as well; 'twas very entertaining, my romance fans.

"One of the side effects of surviving the worst possible thing to happen to you is that you're left with this new awareness of the world. There's no control, no true safety; it's all random chance. Anything can happen at any time, to you, to the people you love. The world is full of sharp edges, just waiting to hurt you, one way or another" (22-23).

What I truly had mixed feelings about was the drama itself. Fellow readers, Stacey Kade does add this extra dose of drama that could be criticized: everything that had to do with Chase's publicist and how she played a role in the book. I didn't like that Amanda had to undergo an additional situation where she had to look behind her shoulders everywhere she went because of this publicist's envy. Yes, I do get that Chase is famous and all, but it wasn't needed. This wasn't necessary for entertainment. This was a minor fault that showed up once in a while and reminded readers that Chase and Amanda's romance isn't perfect, but flawed instead because there are people in the way of them accomplishing further stages in their relationship.

This is more than just the romance as well. It taught us so much about life, how overcoming difficult times in your life isn't easy for anyone. Chase, of course, didn't have a past similar to Amanda's, dealing with abduction and that personal fear, but he did have a past filled with drugs, isolation, alcohol and reminders that he isn't that person who everyone speculates he is. Their stories intertwined so perfectly that I could just squeal forever and ever. (It's been more than a month since I've read this and I'm still freaking out!)

738 Days is not your ordinary, fluffy, contemporary romance that I would prefer to call "chick-lit." It certainly does not fit any of those descriptions a hundred percent. Instead, it's a story about overcoming your personal demons, looking towards the future and having someone by your side to help you do that. Chase and Amanda both are stunning protagonists who each lead the book in their two directions, intertwining at one point and having all of us want more. The ending was so satisfying, so sweet, and all of our questions were answered, because seriously: this story is not a walk in the park. It's complex, beautiful and everlasting. I feel like Chase and Amanda are still in my head, maturing and continuing their relationship forever. 

*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is a book (YA or not) that has characters dealing with their own personal demons? What are some nice new adult romances that aren't too steamy?

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry // Plays Rule. This One Especially.

A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry
Publication: November 29, 2004, by Vintage (1959 originally)
Genre: Play, Historical
Pages: 151
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 

Indeed Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning drama about the hopes and aspirations of a struggling, working-class family living on the South Side of Chicago connected profoundly with the psyche of black America--and changed American theater forever. The play's title comes from a line in Langston Hughes's poem "Harlem," which warns that a dream deferred might "dry up/like a raisin in the sun."
"The events of every passing year add resonance to A Raisin in the Sun," said The New York Times. "It is as if history is conspiring to make the play a classic." This Modern Library edition presents the fully restored, uncut version of Hansberry's landmark work with an introduction by Robert Nemiroff.

My Thoughts:

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is one of the books that I was required to read this year for English class, and I just expected a nothing-special book about racism and America back in the day. Little did I know that this would be a play, about a family who overcomes differences within them and that the playwright would feature feminism, dreams coming true and just about everything I was looking for in a play that will require me to think, write essays on and have fun reading. Although its title is extremely odd, and I still do not understand why Lorraine Hansberry had decided to give the story of the Youngers this particular title, this ruled. Okay, I do see the reference from the poem, Harlem, but come on. It ain't clear. I totally understand why in the past, many have been interested with this story and how it even became a film.

What was my favourite thing was that this is so relatable. I mean, I was not born in the 1950s, I did/do not have the issues that the Youngers are having, but I just felt this automatic relation to the characters and their dreams during this difficult period of time in South Side Chicago. Before reading, I actually was in Chicago for a book conference, and I did visit the South Side of the city and discovered that that was the setting for the difficulty and poverty that many experienced. Every character of Hanberry's had something to share with readers. This is just a must-read for people looking to read a play, or a beautiful story about poverty, dreams and racism, all mixed in together like a stew. It made me want to cry, laugh and just be grateful for life.

Readers, from the first dazzling scene that spends a lot of time describing the setting of the play, which was the apartment home of the Youngers, are introduced to Walter, the protagonist, Beneatha, his younger sister, Ruth, his wife, Travis, his son, and Mama, the mother of Walter and Beneatha. These characters each have their own dreams and contain a lot of hope, though I will not spoil their aspirations because honestly? That's the reader's job to do. This all begins when the Youngers are awaiting an insurance check for Mama, which was $10 000. This could really change their lives, have them move into a new home, but they soon discover that they, because they are "Negroes," are not wanted. 

"God knows there was plenty wrong with Walter Younger—hard-headed, mean, kind of wild with women—plenty wrong with him. But he sure loved his children. Always wanted them to have something—be something. That's where Brother gets all these notions, I reckon."

This is just a great story. I feel like watching the movie now, taking everything in and really enjoying the story once more. You can't not enjoy Lorraine Hansberry's story. There is so much going on all the time and each character just makes my heart squirm. I couldn't stop reading, and this was definitely the most real play I have read.

I actually got the chance to act a scene out of this particular play, the scene where the Younger family is confronted by Mr. Lindner, a man who is part of a community "welcoming committee" of Clybourne Park, which is the neighbourhood of the home that the Youngers purchased with the insurance money. I played Ruth, and it was spectacular feeling the feelings that the Youngers felt and undergoing a similar to feel to what they had. My group got perfect on that assignment. 

A Raisin in the Sun is a memorable, special read that for some, may seem boring, but for me, was unique and light and beautiful. You will fall in love with this cute group of characters, and you will lie in bed, unable to stop thinking about the social issues presented by the playwright. Lorraine Hansberry, your characters Walter, Ruth, Mama and Beneatha will always stick with me, in my heart. I feel like going to eat a packet of raisins now.

What is the latest play you have read? What is your favourite play of all time?

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris // I Don't Want to Close My Doors Now!

Behind Closed Doors, by B.A. Paris
Publication: August 9, 2016, by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Thriller, Abuse
Pages: 304
Format: ARC
Source: BEA/Publisher
Rating: 

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace: he has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You'd like to get to know Grace better. But it's difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are never apart. Some might call this true love.
Picture this: a dinner party at their perfect home, the conversation and wine flowing. They appear to be in their element while entertaining. And Grace's friends are eager to reciprocate with lunch the following week. Grace wants to go, but knows she never will. Her friends call—so why doesn't Grace ever answer the phone? And how can she cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim?
And why are there bars on one of the bedroom windows?
The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie?

My Thoughts:

B.A. Paris' Behind Closed Doors is the book I have been recommending the most to every person on this planet (ie. all of my friends and teachers, even) and it is the best psychological thriller I have ever read, seriously, alongside In a Dark Dark Wood. I am in love with the quick pacing, messed-up characters (excluding Grace, of course), plot twists, suspense, flashbacks, ending, everything. I'm amazed by it all, and I still, to this day, cannot imagine how Paris was able to construct such an electrifying story that still gives me goosebumps and chills when I think about the sickness of Jack's character and how poor Grace had to deal with it all. This is unbelievably beautiful, remarkable and seriously amazing. WATCH THIS BECOME A MOVIE. I SWEAR. If I was a multimillionaire, had the time, had the education, knew people and actors, I would turn it into a movie by myself, if everyone else was dumb and couldn't do it on their own.

This was the second book I read from BEA this year, and I decided to pick it up during my psychological thriller phase right after. Well, a friend of mine was reading it after I gave her a copy, and she was going nuts. So I decided that it was my turn to experience such a messed-up story. Thankfully I decided to pick it up at that time or else I would have been miserable before I did my exams because I would've not read a good book. I flew by with this in a day and I couldn't stop reading because I NEEDED JACK TO DIE, GO TO JAIL OR ROT. One of the options. I NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. I say that when I write every book review, but with Behind Closed Doors, I am serious. I would have gone psycho if I wasn't able to read the ending and enjoy it as much as I did.

One sentence to describe this psycho story? It's sick. Not in that teenage-boy-slang-way, but in a literal way. It's so messed up that Jack will haunt you at night, and you will be afraid to fall in love. Some authors make falling in love and marrying your true love so beautiful, so real, so easy, but B.A. Paris does the opposite and I seriously now don't know what my future will look like because I don't think I'll be able to trust any man. *looks at my dad cautiously* Hah, no, I'm kind of kidding, but I am still literally scared. I look at the cover of this literary brilliance, and I get scared like that.

I honestly expected this to be an abduction story. I thought that Grace would get abducted or something like that, thrown in a cellar. I wanted to lightly skim through the synopsis so I wouldn't initially make theories and predict how Grace would be able to save herself from this horrifying forced marriage, in a way, so I didn't know what I was coming into. I finished this so quickly, and I wanted to continue reading it forever and ever. Like now, I need to read all of the good adult thrillers: The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, The Good Girl, anything. Just send me psychological thrillers. If you know me well, you'll know that this book falls in my favourite genre of books. I LOVED THIS TO DEATH.

"Go on, go and tell that person over there, or perhaps that one over there, that I am holding you prisoner, that I am a monster, a murderer. But first, look around you. Look around this beautiful restaurant I have brought you to, and think, think about the delicious food you are eating and the wonderful wine in your glass. Do you look as if you are a prisoner? Do I look as if I am a monster, a murderer? I think not. But if you want to go ahead, I won't stop you. I'm in the mood for some fun" (153).

I just wanted to hand you all an example of how sick Jack is. At the same time, I loved him, because without his screwed up personality, the book wouldn't be what it was. Basically, the plot revolves around Grace and Jack, who are a married couple in England. Grace is being held prisoner, unable to be free in the riches of her own home, stuck in a tiny room where she suffers constantly. She has a little sister, Millie, who has Down's Syndrome, and Grace soon discovers that Jack married Grace so he could have a way to get to Millie, who is vulnerable and easy to scare. Grace struggles with herself, and doesn't want her frantic husband to get to her sister, who is currently living in a boarding school. 

The question that lies as you read this book is: how will Grace be able to tell the world that she's being held a prisoner, that her husband is a monster, with someone believing her? You certainly will not guess the answer until the end. That's why I love these kinds of books. The best authors keep it so secretive, so addicting until the last page where there is a hidden message and you need to reread the page over and over again until you completely understand what the author is trying to get at. B.A. Paris is one of those best authors.

I seriously recommend this to everyone, lover of thrillers or not. I am even telling my mom to read this, who rarely reads. You just keep guessing towards the end, and by the end of every chapter, we readers end up thinking that Grace has the chance, that she's able to conquer her battle and finally be able to leave Jack, but then, she doesn't. This proves how us humans are monsters, how there are messed up people wherever you go, and how we must be cautious, how we cannot trust anyone. I have always been told to never trust anyone a hundred percent, and that statement certainly works with anyone, young or old, and even in fiction. 

I FELT SO MUCH PITY FOR GRACE. She is such a sweet, successful young woman, and it hurt me reading about her deterioration because of her husband, and how she was unable to be with her sister, friends, anyone. It killed me inside. This whole book did, and I needed to get into contemporary romance afterwards because this made me so emotional afterwards.






Behind Closed Doors will make you (1) cry, because you'll love Grace's character and only want the best for her and her sister, (2) never want to close your doors again—that's pretty self-explanatory, (3) scream, because of Jack's psychopathic-self and (4) fan yourself, because it's a wild ride and it's so damn good. I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL RELEASE DAY WHERE THE WHOLE WORLD WILL FALL IN LOVE. I feel like re-reading this or finding another psych-thriller to read right now. B.A. Paris, you are my favourite author.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review! Thank you so much!*

What is a recent good psychological thriller you have read? What is your favourite thriller of all time? What are some good thriller films?