emilyusuallyreading's reviews
746 reviews

Uglies is by far my favorite of the trilogy, but Pretties is a close second. Following Tally and all of the favorite characters from the first book, Pretties enters a world where Tally has finally fulfilled her dream to become "pretty." However, not everything is as it seems.

Pretties is an interesting mix between dystopia and utopia, creating a world that looks perfect on the outside but is in actuality controlled by a corrupted and cruel government. If you enjoy young adult fiction and want a story that is appropriate, a fast read, and entertaining from the first page to the last, then this trilogy is perfect for you.

Crane writes in extremes, sharing with vividness the brutality of the lower class living in New York in the late nineteenth century. This story shares Maggie's descent into prostitution. She is a young and naive girl growing up in relative poverty and an abusive household. Ultimately, Maggie is left in ruin and tragedy alongside other girls who have nowhere else to turn except for the "crimson legions."

While this story is short and brash, I was impacted by its depiction of the characters. At one point, Maggie approaches a clergyman on the streets in hopes that he will stop to help her, but out of fear for his own reputation, the man wrenches away from her and goes about his way. I was reminded a bit of the story of the Good Samaritan.

Overall, this novella is worth a read. Stephen Crane is best known for The Red Badge of Courage, but his other writings are powerful as well.

My Story is incredibly powerful. Elizabeth shares her story about the nine months she spent in captivity as a thirteen-year-old girl. I read her auto-biography in a single day and by the time I turned the last page, I felt both inspired by Elizabeth's strength as well as encouraged to fight through struggles I face in my own life.

Elizabeth shares with clarity the feelings of shame and worthlessness she experienced after being raped. I most appreciated the fact that she never glorified the abuse that happened to her. If you are looking for a book that shares a bunch of gory details, you will not find that here. Elizabeth instead has chosen to use her story of horror as a source of empowerment to other women who have been abused or gone through trauma. Elizabeth writes with maturity and courage, paving the way for girls trapped in situations of abuse to see themselves as valuable, courageous, and beautiful.

Do I believe it's a sin to use social media or own a closet of clothes or eat a bunch of good foods? No. But I want to stretch myself out of my comfort zone and keep the Lord's heart as my own. Sometimes these material possessions can become necessities, and nothing but Christ should be a necessity in my life.

I took the 7 Experiment over the course of eight weeks during my junior year of college and it changed so much of my perspective on idolatry, consumerism, and materialism.

What I Liked
John Green is a fantastic writer who approaches heavy topics that young adults are searching to understand.

What I Didn't Like
I don't care for the stereotypical prototype of: "This is the best book ever because it's a tragedy about how good, young lovers have to die. And cancer." I'm also not a big fan of making characters adorably quirky and unbelievably intellectual for the fun of having unique characters. Augustus and Hazel (and honestly, every other character in the novel) spoke so formally and quirkily that while they stick out as memorable, they also just made me shake my head in disbelief.

Khaled Hosseini is one of my favorite authors of all times, but this book didn't resonate me in the same way as Hosseini's previous two. The vast time span and multiple characters within this book made it more difficult for me to immerse myself into a character and their plight.

I truly wish I had the opportunity to meet a man like A.W. Tozer. This simple and short book opened my eyes a little more to the depth and passion behind worship. Worth a read.

I certainly learned from this book and came away with a further understanding of the Gospel and what it means. This isn't a book that I would give to someone who does not know the Gospel. This is a book for Christians to delve deeper into knowledge behind our faith.

If you want a Biblical manual on the end times, don't pick up Left Behind. If you want a captivating, entertaining, and slightly terrifying Christian-based novel, this book does not disappoint.

The story itself was harrowing. I stayed awake until the early morning hours after turning the last page, haunted by the fate of the victims of the Florida School for Boys. What a terrible, terrible place.

However terrifying the true stories within the pages might be, the writing of the book itself fell a little flat for me.