kate_brauning's review
5.0
A hopeful, charming, wonderful read. Insightful and thoughtful, this is one I'll read again.
reyes_sf's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.5
Some of the stories were ok, most of them were meh, and Bardugo's was exceptional (as usual). The one thing I loved through the whole book was diversity: hetero couples, gay couples, people with mental illnesses, a lot of different ethnic backgrounds⦠and you know how some 'diverse' characters feel completely forced into the story? This was not the case at all! Every story ran smoothly without mentioning every two minutes how cool it is that they include a minority! If we get more books like this hopefully the days of having to mention diversity or its lack thereof in my reviews will be over soon :) Now, onto the stories.
Head, scales, tongue, tail (Leigh Bardugo) - 5 stars - beautifully written, this story was lovely and magical. Bardugo can do no wrong.
The end of love (Nina Lacour) - 3 stars - this was my first Nina Lacour. I liked the writing, the story was ok and the (lesbian!) couple was cute but the band of hipster 'misfits' was too cool for me, I didn't really connect with any of them.
Last stand at the Cinegore (Libba Bray) -2 stars - A zombie horror with a bit of high school romance and the ever-present dysfunctional family story. Weird.
Sick pleasure (Francesca Lia Block) - 1 star - way too serious for this kind of anthology. Probably the most realistic, but it was not what I was looking for when I picked this book.
In 90 minutes turn north ( Stephanie Perkins) - 2 stars - North and Marigold's story was one of my favourites in the Christmas anthology so when I started to read this I was like yay! And then I was like why?? It's cute in the end but it was not as funny as it wanted to be and coupledoom because of miscommunication annoys the hell out of me, so 2 stars for this one.
Souvenirs (Tim Federle) - 4 stars - this was bittersweet, funny and super cute! And I'm giving it an extra star for depicting a gay kid with a nice, cool family for once :)
Inertia (Veronica Roth) - 2 stars - oh boy.. I was going to give this 1 star if only because I'm annoyed at the unfulfilled potential, but that wouldn't be very fair, would it? My first problem is that for a story that was supposed to be very emotional, it left me completely cold, I felt 0 connection with the MC and I think it's because Roth's writing is too aseptic for me - she's saying pretty things, but I don't get any feelings from them at all. My second problem is that as the story progressed it turned into a mess, there were just too many things happening and most of them were completely unnecesary in my opinion.
Love is the last resort (Jon Skovron) - 4 stars - this reminded me of those old Hollywood romantic comedies full of misunderstandings, it was cute and silly and I enjoyed it immensely! :)
Good luck and farewell (Brandy Colbert) - 2 stars - a girl in mourning meets a boy in mourning and insta-love ensues.
Brand new attraction (Cassandra Clare) - 2.5 stars - only because I loved the Dark Carnival, the actual love story was pretty meh.
A thousand ways this could all go wrong (Jennifer E Smith) - 3.5 stars - very sweet! this one deals with mental illness too but it does it in a matter-of-fact, optimistic way that is very refreshing. Plus the couple was uber cute :)
The map of tiny perfect things (Lev Grossman) - 3 stars - I loved both the idea and the MCs (Mark is probably my favourite character in the whole book) but although it started out really well, in my opinion it didn't hold up, mostly because of the lack of a decent explanation for the whole time anomaly thing.Β
Head, scales, tongue, tail (Leigh Bardugo) - 5 stars - beautifully written, this story was lovely and magical. Bardugo can do no wrong.
The end of love (Nina Lacour) - 3 stars - this was my first Nina Lacour. I liked the writing, the story was ok and the (lesbian!) couple was cute but the band of hipster 'misfits' was too cool for me, I didn't really connect with any of them.
Last stand at the Cinegore (Libba Bray) -2 stars - A zombie horror with a bit of high school romance and the ever-present dysfunctional family story. Weird.
Sick pleasure (Francesca Lia Block) - 1 star - way too serious for this kind of anthology. Probably the most realistic, but it was not what I was looking for when I picked this book.
In 90 minutes turn north ( Stephanie Perkins) - 2 stars - North and Marigold's story was one of my favourites in the Christmas anthology so when I started to read this I was like yay! And then I was like why?? It's cute in the end but it was not as funny as it wanted to be and coupledoom because of miscommunication annoys the hell out of me, so 2 stars for this one.
Souvenirs (Tim Federle) - 4 stars - this was bittersweet, funny and super cute! And I'm giving it an extra star for depicting a gay kid with a nice, cool family for once :)
Inertia (Veronica Roth) - 2 stars - oh boy.. I was going to give this 1 star if only because I'm annoyed at the unfulfilled potential, but that wouldn't be very fair, would it? My first problem is that for a story that was supposed to be very emotional, it left me completely cold, I felt 0 connection with the MC and I think it's because Roth's writing is too aseptic for me - she's saying pretty things, but I don't get any feelings from them at all. My second problem is that as the story progressed it turned into a mess, there were just too many things happening and most of them were completely unnecesary in my opinion.
Love is the last resort (Jon Skovron) - 4 stars - this reminded me of those old Hollywood romantic comedies full of misunderstandings, it was cute and silly and I enjoyed it immensely! :)
Good luck and farewell (Brandy Colbert) - 2 stars - a girl in mourning meets a boy in mourning and insta-love ensues.
Brand new attraction (Cassandra Clare) - 2.5 stars - only because I loved the Dark Carnival, the actual love story was pretty meh.
A thousand ways this could all go wrong (Jennifer E Smith) - 3.5 stars - very sweet! this one deals with mental illness too but it does it in a matter-of-fact, optimistic way that is very refreshing. Plus the couple was uber cute :)
The map of tiny perfect things (Lev Grossman) - 3 stars - I loved both the idea and the MCs (Mark is probably my favourite character in the whole book) but although it started out really well, in my opinion it didn't hold up, mostly because of the lack of a decent explanation for the whole time anomaly thing.Β
hyebitshines's review
4.0
I think this is one of my favorite book covers-- it's summer yellow and one of my low-key favorite things to do while reading was searching for the characters. Whoever the illustrator is, I <3 you and the attention to tiny details.
Since reading [book: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories|20309175], I've read a few more anthologies and short stories (translation: I finished one anthology of short stories and essays, like two days ago), and I realize how mind-boggingly difficult it must be to put together a coherent anthology of short stories written by different authors. You'll obviously have different writing styles, story arcs, quirks that are easy to devolve into a confusing mess. However, I thought Stephanie Perkins and all the contributing authors made magic, creating this tangible summer-ness to the book: nostalgic, hot, bittersweet, and all too short. [book: Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories|25063781] takes its place above [book: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories|20309175] and it's not just because I'm a summer baby.
Also, Stephanie Perkins gets a bow-down for bringing back Marigold and North. At first, I really though she was going to rip out my heart with a hit of reality I don't need and leave at least one summer heartbreak in the anthology, but no, I vouch that you can trust Perkins with your heart. Seeing them again also made their romance more than just a holiday fling (hah), which was cleverly and realistically centered as their central conflict.
Fav Favs: Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail by Leigh Bardugo, In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins, Inertia by Veronica Roth
Reeaallly eh's: Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Block, Brand New Attraction by Cassandra Clare
AS A WHOLE THOUGH, BEAUTIFUL WRITING (no, like seriously), BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERS YOU WANNA HUG/SHAKE AT THE SAME TIME, AND ALL THE SUMMER FEELS <3
Since reading [book: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories|20309175], I've read a few more anthologies and short stories (translation: I finished one anthology of short stories and essays, like two days ago), and I realize how mind-boggingly difficult it must be to put together a coherent anthology of short stories written by different authors. You'll obviously have different writing styles, story arcs, quirks that are easy to devolve into a confusing mess. However, I thought Stephanie Perkins and all the contributing authors made magic, creating this tangible summer-ness to the book: nostalgic, hot, bittersweet, and all too short. [book: Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories|25063781] takes its place above [book: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories|20309175] and it's not just because I'm a summer baby.
Also, Stephanie Perkins gets a bow-down for bringing back Marigold and North. At first, I really though she was going to rip out my heart with a hit of reality I don't need and leave at least one summer heartbreak in the anthology, but no, I vouch that you can trust Perkins with your heart. Seeing them again also made their romance more than just a holiday fling (hah), which was cleverly and realistically centered as their central conflict.
Fav Favs: Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail by Leigh Bardugo, In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins, Inertia by Veronica Roth
Reeaallly eh's: Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Block, Brand New Attraction by Cassandra Clare
AS A WHOLE THOUGH, BEAUTIFUL WRITING (no, like seriously), BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERS YOU WANNA HUG/SHAKE AT THE SAME TIME, AND ALL THE SUMMER FEELS <3
lispylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect binge read!!.
Loved all of the short stories!! Each story has a great ending so you're not too disappointed about not getting more.
Loved all of the short stories!! Each story has a great ending so you're not too disappointed about not getting more.
jennfgarcia's review
5.0
After reading all of the stories, Inertia was definitely my favorite. Great mix of love stories from a wide variety of authors.
abigailrosalynn's review
5.0
So amazing!!! I wish I had taken notes on each story, but since I'm definitely going to reread this, I'll do it then! I loved it, this and My True Love Gave To Me have given me a love for short stories!
vonniv_'s review against another edition
3.0
Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail by Leigh Bardugo: 3/5. Appreciated how summery the story was, but I still had a lot of trouble getting through it and the end left me unsatisfied.
The End of Love by Nina LaCour: 5/5. Incredible, that's all I have to say. Probably my favorite story.
Last Stand at the Cinegore by Libba Bray: 2,5/5. Good, but scared the shit out of me.
Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Block: 2,5/5. The characters were confusing, and the story left me with a sad feeling.
In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins: 5/5. One of the cutest stories I've ever read.
Souvenirs by Tim Federle: 1,5/5. Appreciated the diversity, didn't appreciate the story.
Inertia by Veronica Roth: 2/5. Lots of trouble getting through this one. Giving two stars because of the relationship between the two characters.
Love Is The Last Resort by Jon Skovron: 2,5/5. Characters were nice. Some moments weren't quite as nice.
Good Luck and Farewell by Brandy Colbert: 5/5. Favorite story along with The End Of Love. Everything was beautiful.
Brand New Attraction by Cassandra Clare: 1/5. Everything went too fast. Also, don't appreciate the step cousin love.
A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong by Jennifer E. Smith: 4/5. Such a great story.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman: 3,5/5. Loved the story.
The End of Love by Nina LaCour: 5/5. Incredible, that's all I have to say. Probably my favorite story.
Last Stand at the Cinegore by Libba Bray: 2,5/5. Good, but scared the shit out of me.
Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Block: 2,5/5. The characters were confusing, and the story left me with a sad feeling.
In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins: 5/5. One of the cutest stories I've ever read.
Souvenirs by Tim Federle: 1,5/5. Appreciated the diversity, didn't appreciate the story.
Inertia by Veronica Roth: 2/5. Lots of trouble getting through this one. Giving two stars because of the relationship between the two characters.
Love Is The Last Resort by Jon Skovron: 2,5/5. Characters were nice. Some moments weren't quite as nice.
Good Luck and Farewell by Brandy Colbert: 5/5. Favorite story along with The End Of Love. Everything was beautiful.
Brand New Attraction by Cassandra Clare: 1/5. Everything went too fast. Also, don't appreciate the step cousin love.
A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong by Jennifer E. Smith: 4/5. Such a great story.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman: 3,5/5. Loved the story.
thaictaff's review
4.0
It took me longer than I expected to finish this book, I wanted to keep reading it but I kept thinking about other stuff and organizing other things instead of just sitting down and reading it. I love Stephanie Perkins so I was really excited going into this.
Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail by Leigh Bardugo: I loved it! Leigh is one of my favorite writers and I love her style. Even with all the cuteness it still had her essence in it and I enjoyed so much. β (5/5)
The End of Love by Nina Lacour: Not really memorable but still cute. β (3/5)
Last Stand at the Cinegore by Libba Bray: The characters were super adorable and even with the weird parts I loved! β (4.5/5)
Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Black: Really not my thing! β (1.5/5)
In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins: As I said before, I love Stephanie and this totally did not disappoint! I haven't read My True Love Gave to Me yet, so I went into the book to read Stephanie story after I finish this and I absolutely loved. β (5/5)
Souvenirs by Tim Federle: Not the best but not that bad either. β (2.5/5)
Inertia by Veronica Roth: I enjoy Veronica's ideas for stories but her executions of it are so poorly to me, her writing style and the way she develops the story really isn't my thing. β (2/5)
Love is the Last Resort by Jon Skovron: So fucking adorable! β (5/5)
Good Luck and Farewell by Brandy Colbert: It was nice and cute, kind of average but enjoyable. β (3.5/5)
Brand New Attractions by Cassandra Clare: I'm not sure how I feel about Cassie's writing anymore but this was nice. β (4/5)
A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong by Jennifer E. Smith: LOVED IT! I've only read one of Jennifer E. Smith but I definitely want to read more, I like her style from what I've seen so far. β (5/5)
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman: Didn't really got into this one, it was kind of whatever to me to be honest. β (1.5/5)
Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail by Leigh Bardugo: I loved it! Leigh is one of my favorite writers and I love her style. Even with all the cuteness it still had her essence in it and I enjoyed so much. β (5/5)
The End of Love by Nina Lacour: Not really memorable but still cute. β (3/5)
Last Stand at the Cinegore by Libba Bray: The characters were super adorable and even with the weird parts I loved! β (4.5/5)
Sick Pleasure by Francesca Lia Black: Really not my thing! β (1.5/5)
In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins: As I said before, I love Stephanie and this totally did not disappoint! I haven't read My True Love Gave to Me yet, so I went into the book to read Stephanie story after I finish this and I absolutely loved. β (5/5)
Souvenirs by Tim Federle: Not the best but not that bad either. β (2.5/5)
Inertia by Veronica Roth: I enjoy Veronica's ideas for stories but her executions of it are so poorly to me, her writing style and the way she develops the story really isn't my thing. β (2/5)
Love is the Last Resort by Jon Skovron: So fucking adorable! β (5/5)
Good Luck and Farewell by Brandy Colbert: It was nice and cute, kind of average but enjoyable. β (3.5/5)
Brand New Attractions by Cassandra Clare: I'm not sure how I feel about Cassie's writing anymore but this was nice. β (4/5)
A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong by Jennifer E. Smith: LOVED IT! I've only read one of Jennifer E. Smith but I definitely want to read more, I like her style from what I've seen so far. β (5/5)
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman: Didn't really got into this one, it was kind of whatever to me to be honest. β (1.5/5)