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bekaaaah's review
5.0
This book. This book broke my heart. It broke it and then slowly stitched it back together again. Iām sitting here crying and laughing because this story gave me so many feels I donāt know how to handle it. This book, you guys. This is fiction at itās very best.
Fourteen-year-old Cameron Tate is being shipped off to yet another foster home, but this time itās different. This time the foster home holds dark pain and dangerous secrets. But itās also the house where he meets fellow foster kid Shaye McCormick. Shaye is sixteen-going-on-sixty. Her short life has been filled with unimaginable sorrow. But things get a little better, day-by-day, the moment she meets Cameron. They quickly form a beautiful friendship at a lake near their home, a lake they call the end of the world. Can two broken souls mend together and find peace within each other?
āSome people dream of becoming doctors or artists or veterinarians or teachers. I dream of the day Shaye laughs without stopping, and when she does, it will be only to take a breath before starting over again.ā
To be honest, Iām sitting here wondering how I should word this review because I want to give this book justice. It was so completely different from anything Iāve read. Sure Iāve read āabuseā stories that broke my heart, but it was so much more than that. Nothing like this gut-wrenchingly raw and beautiful story that was so brilliantly told. Thereās something especially beautiful about a book with the ability to make itās way into a readerās heart and create a little corner in which to stay. That is what The End of the World does.
Incredibly insightful about the workings of the human heart, the author gives us a story to be remembered and cherished. Shaye and Cameron were beautiful characters with beautiful flaws. I fell in love with them almost instantly, and couldnāt put the book down for the life of me. The story is told in three parts at three different stages of their lives. It tackles the hardest subjects, but does it in a way that isnāt graphic. I laughed, cried, yelled, and cried some more. I literally am sitting next to a box of tissues at this very moment. I canāt believe this is the first book Iāve read from Amy Matayo. It definitely wonāt be the last.
I could say so much more about my overflowing feelings for this book, but I donāt want to overwhelm you all so I think the best thing I could say is just to READ IT NOW. Emotionally harrowing, yet somehow genuinely uplifting -- The End of the World is the best Iāve read in a very long time. It even makes my all-time favorite list. This story of how two broken kids fell into a friendship and love so genuinely beautiful -- itās one that will stay with me.
*I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
See this review and more on my blog: http://www.willbakeforbooks.com/2016/02/review-the-end-of-the-world-by-amy-matayo/
Fourteen-year-old Cameron Tate is being shipped off to yet another foster home, but this time itās different. This time the foster home holds dark pain and dangerous secrets. But itās also the house where he meets fellow foster kid Shaye McCormick. Shaye is sixteen-going-on-sixty. Her short life has been filled with unimaginable sorrow. But things get a little better, day-by-day, the moment she meets Cameron. They quickly form a beautiful friendship at a lake near their home, a lake they call the end of the world. Can two broken souls mend together and find peace within each other?
āSome people dream of becoming doctors or artists or veterinarians or teachers. I dream of the day Shaye laughs without stopping, and when she does, it will be only to take a breath before starting over again.ā
To be honest, Iām sitting here wondering how I should word this review because I want to give this book justice. It was so completely different from anything Iāve read. Sure Iāve read āabuseā stories that broke my heart, but it was so much more than that. Nothing like this gut-wrenchingly raw and beautiful story that was so brilliantly told. Thereās something especially beautiful about a book with the ability to make itās way into a readerās heart and create a little corner in which to stay. That is what The End of the World does.
Incredibly insightful about the workings of the human heart, the author gives us a story to be remembered and cherished. Shaye and Cameron were beautiful characters with beautiful flaws. I fell in love with them almost instantly, and couldnāt put the book down for the life of me. The story is told in three parts at three different stages of their lives. It tackles the hardest subjects, but does it in a way that isnāt graphic. I laughed, cried, yelled, and cried some more. I literally am sitting next to a box of tissues at this very moment. I canāt believe this is the first book Iāve read from Amy Matayo. It definitely wonāt be the last.
I could say so much more about my overflowing feelings for this book, but I donāt want to overwhelm you all so I think the best thing I could say is just to READ IT NOW. Emotionally harrowing, yet somehow genuinely uplifting -- The End of the World is the best Iāve read in a very long time. It even makes my all-time favorite list. This story of how two broken kids fell into a friendship and love so genuinely beautiful -- itās one that will stay with me.
*I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
See this review and more on my blog: http://www.willbakeforbooks.com/2016/02/review-the-end-of-the-world-by-amy-matayo/
meganericson's review
5.0
Amyās characters drew me in from page one. Format-wise, the book bounces back and forth from Cameron and Shayeās voices.
I think every one of us has known a Shaye. From the outside, her life choices are questionable. Why on earth would she do that? Why does she let men treat her that way over and over again? I wanted to scream at her the whole time, but Amy helps you understand her flaws. She made me want to go back in my life and hug all those Shayes Iāve known.
The wiser-than-his years Cameron is the sensitive type that hides his demons well. He may be the charmer at the party, but can withdraw at a moment's notice.
Iām not exactly sure why, but I was surprised about what this book is not: A preachy story crafted to throw light on the plight of foster care in America.
I was delighted about what this book is: A universal story about two people bound together by impossible circumstances. Three sections criss-cross you through their lives in foster care, college life and then young professionals.
Amy handles many deep and dark issues with such gentleness and grace. You know what happens but nothing is graphic or in-your-face. The focus is placed on the story of two people and their unbreakable bond.
This book was one of those couldnāt-put-it-down, read-into-the-wee-hours-of-the-morning kind of books. My best advice is READ IT NOW! You wonāt regret it.
Note: I was provided with an advanced readerās copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I honestly loved it. #crossmyheart
I think every one of us has known a Shaye. From the outside, her life choices are questionable. Why on earth would she do that? Why does she let men treat her that way over and over again? I wanted to scream at her the whole time, but Amy helps you understand her flaws. She made me want to go back in my life and hug all those Shayes Iāve known.
The wiser-than-his years Cameron is the sensitive type that hides his demons well. He may be the charmer at the party, but can withdraw at a moment's notice.
Iām not exactly sure why, but I was surprised about what this book is not: A preachy story crafted to throw light on the plight of foster care in America.
I was delighted about what this book is: A universal story about two people bound together by impossible circumstances. Three sections criss-cross you through their lives in foster care, college life and then young professionals.
Amy handles many deep and dark issues with such gentleness and grace. You know what happens but nothing is graphic or in-your-face. The focus is placed on the story of two people and their unbreakable bond.
This book was one of those couldnāt-put-it-down, read-into-the-wee-hours-of-the-morning kind of books. My best advice is READ IT NOW! You wonāt regret it.
Note: I was provided with an advanced readerās copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I honestly loved it. #crossmyheart
csheehan72's review
3.0
Kind of a darker romance. Two abused kids growing up and figuring things out.
readfineprint's review
5.0
A family is unconditional love, protection, and a lifelong connection that can't be broken. The End of the World is a story of two people finding a family against all odds.
The hard parts of this book are made even more tragic when the voice in the back of my head reminded me, "This is real. This story takes place every day." I hate the fact that I identified with the couple at the beginning who forced Cameron from their beautiful home because they had hit a rough spot. Sadly, that couple had no idea that their "rough spot" was smooth compared to the issues their foster child was facing. I didn't want to, but I identified with that couple because I know how hard it is to help someone at the risk of your own family's well being. I was encouraged to be brave in this area and help others even when it feels like too much.
But this book is a lot more than an examination of good versus bad foster parents, though that is definitely an aspect. This book is about releasing pain and finding hope, releasing hate and finding love. We watch Shaye realize that even completely shattered lives can be mended. We watch Cameron never give up in the pursuit of who he loves.
I love how it ended. I cried.
The hard parts of this book are made even more tragic when the voice in the back of my head reminded me, "This is real. This story takes place every day." I hate the fact that I identified with the couple at the beginning who forced Cameron from their beautiful home because they had hit a rough spot. Sadly, that couple had no idea that their "rough spot" was smooth compared to the issues their foster child was facing. I didn't want to, but I identified with that couple because I know how hard it is to help someone at the risk of your own family's well being. I was encouraged to be brave in this area and help others even when it feels like too much.
But this book is a lot more than an examination of good versus bad foster parents, though that is definitely an aspect. This book is about releasing pain and finding hope, releasing hate and finding love. We watch Shaye realize that even completely shattered lives can be mended. We watch Cameron never give up in the pursuit of who he loves.
I love how it ended. I cried.
mindboggld's review
5.0
This book... amazingly insightful and heartfelt. I fell in love with the characters, the story, the mystery of the house, the plot... all of it. It's great when you find a book that really gets you emotionally invested and this one did. I wanted to scream at a character or I'd find myself really understanding Shaye's motives. I laughed out loud, I got frustrated, I cried a bit, I felt.... stuff...
I admit that I've read most of Amy's books and I've really enjoyed them, but this book... it's just on a different level. It goes deeper, it hit me harder emotionally, and there were times I would have like to have had Amy beside me so I could ask her what the heck did she think she was doing making me feel these feelings! ;) It was a great read - the best I've read from this author so far. Highly recommend!
I admit that I've read most of Amy's books and I've really enjoyed them, but this book... it's just on a different level. It goes deeper, it hit me harder emotionally, and there were times I would have like to have had Amy beside me so I could ask her what the heck did she think she was doing making me feel these feelings! ;) It was a great read - the best I've read from this author so far. Highly recommend!
alangmaack's review
5.0
Amy Matayo takes you on journey with Shaye and Cameron through their experience with the foster care system, some of the darkest parts of that system, and what it looks like to live life after the fact. From the introduction that leaves you hanging and guessing where the story is headed as you read the rest of the story, all the way to the epilogue, Matayo draws you into their lives and leaves you wanting to know more of the story. Shaye and Cameron form a bond of friendship that is so strong that no matter what happens in their lives, they are always drawn to one another and always seek the best for the other person, sometimes to the detriment of their own happiness.
This story is not for the faint of heart. Matayo writes about real things that happen in the foster care system, and doesn't shy away from the hardest things. But through it all, this story shows how strongly love can bring healing and hope and happiness for the future.
This story is not for the faint of heart. Matayo writes about real things that happen in the foster care system, and doesn't shy away from the hardest things. But through it all, this story shows how strongly love can bring healing and hope and happiness for the future.
booksoneveryshelf's review
5.0
Iām going to be blunt: I was so excited for the opportunity to review this book, without realizing that it isnāt Christian based. There is a bit of mild cursing, the characters donāt believe in God and live their lives as such, though there are no graphic details. This being the case, the rating and my review reflect my opinions of this book, with the focus on the authorās talent and the bookās merits, rather than the fact that its characters donāt share my personal beliefs.
Iāve read a couple of Ms. Matayoās books and finished both of them with the assurance of what a fantastic writer she is and as this book ended, Iāve not been more sure of that. I honestly have no idea how Amy ever finished writing this book. Her writing is as beautiful as the tale this book tells is dark and painful. She drew me in from the very first page and I literally read almost all day, immersed in this story of brokenness and pain, but also light and hope. Both Shaye and Cameron have horrifying stories to tell. But even in the midst of their pain, there is hope in unexpected places.
The story follows Shaye and Cameron as they work to survive abuse and neglect as teenagers, then as they try to pick up the broken pieces as young adults. Amyās writing is so bold and straightforward. She pulls few punches with this book, but rather lets them fly right at your heart. Mine broke more than once as I read and just kept reading, hoping for the characters to find healing and peace, amidst all of the heartbreak. Amyās unique writing style allowed me to connect with both and Shaye and Cameron, which I loved, but also hated just a bit. Because I felt their pain, too. I hurt when they hurt and this book brought me close to tears more than once. I felt as though I knew both of them almost inside and out. Their story came to life in vivid color and I oftentimes felt as though I was right there with them, living through the worst life has to offer. Despite their heartache and the darkness we are shown, at itās heart, this is a story of redemption and healing. There is the reminder that even the midst of shattered lives and hearts, there is light and hope. Thatās why I continued reading and kept cheering the characters on. Because of that little light of hope that never went out, even when all seemed lost.
I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light read to pass the time. This book shines a light on very difficult topics and your heart will probably break for the characters, but regardless I donāt regret reading it and I imagine itāll be sticking in my mind for quite a while. The best books do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Iāve read a couple of Ms. Matayoās books and finished both of them with the assurance of what a fantastic writer she is and as this book ended, Iāve not been more sure of that. I honestly have no idea how Amy ever finished writing this book. Her writing is as beautiful as the tale this book tells is dark and painful. She drew me in from the very first page and I literally read almost all day, immersed in this story of brokenness and pain, but also light and hope. Both Shaye and Cameron have horrifying stories to tell. But even in the midst of their pain, there is hope in unexpected places.
The story follows Shaye and Cameron as they work to survive abuse and neglect as teenagers, then as they try to pick up the broken pieces as young adults. Amyās writing is so bold and straightforward. She pulls few punches with this book, but rather lets them fly right at your heart. Mine broke more than once as I read and just kept reading, hoping for the characters to find healing and peace, amidst all of the heartbreak. Amyās unique writing style allowed me to connect with both and Shaye and Cameron, which I loved, but also hated just a bit. Because I felt their pain, too. I hurt when they hurt and this book brought me close to tears more than once. I felt as though I knew both of them almost inside and out. Their story came to life in vivid color and I oftentimes felt as though I was right there with them, living through the worst life has to offer. Despite their heartache and the darkness we are shown, at itās heart, this is a story of redemption and healing. There is the reminder that even the midst of shattered lives and hearts, there is light and hope. Thatās why I continued reading and kept cheering the characters on. Because of that little light of hope that never went out, even when all seemed lost.
I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light read to pass the time. This book shines a light on very difficult topics and your heart will probably break for the characters, but regardless I donāt regret reading it and I imagine itāll be sticking in my mind for quite a while. The best books do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
mnehrig's review
5.0
This book quite literally fell in my lap. I loved that I had not heard anything about this book prior to reading it, as it allowed me to read with a completely open mind. From the moment I finished the first chapter, until I read the final page, I was enthralled. Amy's writing style is easy to follow, yet captivating.
While the overall content has the potential to be a trigger for some, it was presented in such a way as to demonstrate healing.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story demonstrating God's redemption.
While the overall content has the potential to be a trigger for some, it was presented in such a way as to demonstrate healing.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story demonstrating God's redemption.
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