Meet Cute by Various

Meet Cute by Various
Release Date - January 2, 2018

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  224 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of "how they first met" from some of today’s most popular YA authors.

Readers will experience Nina LaCour's beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard's glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon's imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno's story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick's charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants.

This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

The meet cute is an important moment in any rom-com. They are one of my personal favourite tropes simply because they tend to leave you with a smile on your face. They are usually adorable, or hilarious, or overtly romantic. Sometimes they are a combination of the three. The thing about a meet cute is it not only lets the reader (or viewer) know that the love interests  have met, but it allows them to believe in the magic spark that could happen when two people meet for the first time.

Anthologies are becoming increasingly popular. The best ones offer a collection of stories that are equally complimentary to each other, and I feel Meet Cute accomplishes that. They stories are all varied, and look at the premise differently, which allows the reader to look at all the different kinds of meet cutes. Not all of them end in happily ever after, but sometimes the promise of something is just as heart warming.

I am going to highlight just a few of my favourite stories within this particular anthology and why the stood out for me:

Emery Lord's story of two girls flirting and forming a connection while stuck in an airport was easily one of my favourites. I wanted more of these characters. The adorable banter, and use of Marvel character nicknames won my heart, and made it so that I would have happily read another 300 pages of these girls falling in love.

Dhonielle Clayton's story made me even more eager to read The Belles. Her writing is strong, and the story was thought provoking. It was the story I wanted to most discuss and dissect with people after I finished reading it.

Katharine McGee's futuristic look at flirting and 'online' dating was another favourite. It was romantic and highlights chemistry and a connection with someone can take you by surprise.

Katie Cotugno fans will be happy to hear that her short story is reminiscent of her other books. It's another one that I wished was fleshed out to a full book because I enjoyed getting to see these two characters spark.

I feel there really is something for everyone within this anthology. There is bound to be at least one story that you enjoy, and all of them have bright spots within them.

A fun, enjoyable read for those who love anthologies. It's a great book to pick up if you're wanting something light and funny, especially after a darker read. The only downside to this style of story telling is that you're often left wanting more, kind of like a really good meet cute between characters.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

Ashley from Harper Collins Canada sent me this lovely holiday surprise! I am very excited to read Ace Of Shades as it is one of my most anticipated reads of 2018. I am also curious about Here So Far Away after I read the synopsis.

Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer (goodreads)
Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody (goodreads)

A huge thank you to both Harper Collins Canada and Ashley for these! It's made me holiday to be read pile that much more exciting.

What books/bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

cover of Royals by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)

With a royal wedding happening next year I predict that books featuring royalty will be in high demand. Rachel Hawkins newest features a girl whose sister is marrying a prince and it sounds amazing.

It also happens to have a pretty fun cover.  

 

I am really excited to get my hands on this one! I hope it's as cute and fluffy as I am expecting.

TV/MOVIE  

Ocean's 8 Movie Poster

I am so excited about this all female heist team movie! It also has Sarah Paulson, one of my favourite actresses, as part of the cast!

I am so excited to see a trailer and find out more about this movie as the release date gets closer.

What are you obsessed with this week?

A Glass Of Wine At The Movies - My Friend Dahmer

I have something a little different to share on the blog today. It's something that may become a regular thing on here if there is an interest. I was lucky enough to be given the chance to watch a screener of My Friend Dahmer. You may recall I read (and loved) the book just a little while back and was thrilled to be able to review the movie as well.

My Friend Dahmer

Rating: 14A

Director: Marc Meyers

Language: English

Length: 107 minutes

Cast: Ross Lynch, Alex Wolff, Anne Heche, Vincent Kartheiser

Viewing Method: Review Screener

Synopsis: Before Jeffrey Dahmer became a notorious serial killer, he was a shy, alcoholic teen who never quite fit in. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Derf Backderf, this is the true, haunting story of Jeffrey Dahmer in high school.

**received review copy from Mayfair Theatre in exchange for an honest review**

My Friend Dahmer is not your typical true crime inspired film. It has no interest in showcasing the horrific crimes that Jeffrey Dahmer committed. That is just simply not what this story is. It instead offers a dark coming of age story that focuses on who Jeffrey Dahmer was as teenager in an attempt to understand who he became.

This movie is, in a lot of ways, a love letter for fans of the graphic novel that inspired it. Plenty of the scenes are direct recreations of panels within the novel, and they both share a similar tone. The movie being filmed on location (including the Dahmer house) adds something extra to the movie that I feel would have been missing if it had been filmed elsewhere. The setting is almost a character itself and one that makes it all to easy to believe that the warning signs Jeffrey displayed went mostly ignored. The setting also nails the 1970s perfectly. The attention to detail is rather impressive.

Nature versus nurture. It is a question is one that prompts much discussion. This dive into who Jeffrey Dahmer was during the most formative years of his life leads one to wonder if anything could have been changed, or if the crimes could have been prevented. The movie doesn't profess to have the answers. It takes the stance that many things, including something that existed within Jeffrey, made him who he was. It was nature and nurture. The movie, like the novel, doesn't intend for you to sympathize with Dahmer, but it also doesn't portray him as someone that couldn't have been helped either.

Ross Lynch is the, obvious, stand out in the movie. He gives what is sure to be a career changing performance. There is a physical transformation that happens, both in physical appearance and in how Lynch holds his body, that adds another layer to his performance. It is the way he carries himself, with rounded, slouched shoulders and a distinct walk, that are the most evident but there are a bunch of quieter, more subtle choices that are just as effective. He can unsettle with nothing but a vacant stare. It's a chilling, but mesmerizing showcase of Lynch's talent.

The remainder of the cast offer up mostly decent performances. I found Vincent Kartheisers role, even though quite small, to be memorable. It's an important, but not flashy, role. In a movie where everyone will be looking at Ross Lynch's stunning transformation, it is worth noting that the other performances, at times, feel muted in comparison. This works in some cases, but in others it just left me wanting more.

The fact that this teen becomes a man who will go on to kill seventeen people is never far from your mind while you are watching. It is this knowledge that creates the tension that fuels the final minutes of this movie. Fans of the graphic novel will notice some differences to the ending, but the feeling invoked remains the same. It is a turning point that stays with the audience long after the closing credits.

My Friend Dahmer paints a picture of a teen who is lonely, ignored, and uncomfortable in his own skin. It's is all too relatable, and recognizable. It offers an all too human portrait of a monster and that realization may be the most terrifying. It is a movie I'll be thinking about, and discussing, for a long time. It's one I highly recommend if you're a fan of true crime.

My Friend Dahmer's Ottawa premiere is tomorrow night, and is playing exclusively at the Mayfair Theatre for a very limited run. Check out their website for showtimes.

Waiting On Wednesday ..... I Have Lost My Way

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

A powerful display of empathy and friendship from the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of If I Stay.

Around the time that Freya loses her voice while recording her debut album, Harun is making plans to run away from home to find the boy that he loves, and Nathaniel is arriving in New York City after a family tragedy leaves him isolated on the outskirts of Washington state. After the three of them collide in Central Park, they slowly reveal the parts of their past that they haven't been able to confront, and together, they find their way back to who they're supposed to be.

Told over the course of a single day from three different perspectives, Gayle Forman's newest novel about the power of friendship and being true to who you are is filled with the elegant prose that her fans have come to know and love.

I am a huge Gayle Forman fan and I was so excited to hear that she is releasing another young adult book! This one sounds incredible and I am sure it'll be filled with the usual Gayle Forman feels.

It's release is a perfect pre-birthday gift to me. I cannot wait to read this one while eating some birthday cake.

Expected release date - April 1, 2018

2018 Most Anticipated - The Giveaway

Today wraps up the 2018 Most Anticipated event with a giveaway that I am excited about.

There are THREE prize packs to win that will ship internationally.

The items up for grabs are:

- a set of Bonnie and Clyde bookmarks (that I had custom made)
- Lizzie swag donated by Dawn Ius AND a custom art print I had made
- a tea blend that reminded me of Indecent by Corinne Sullivan.

Each of the winners will get a prize pack consisting of all of these goodies BUT the main prize winner will also get a copy of any book featured during the event (winner's choice).

*The non book items will ship as soon as available based on printing and delivery times*

*The book will be ordered via Book Depository and will ship when released*

If you want a chance to win, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. The contest runs until after the holidays as I want to give people a chance to enter during this busy time of year (and I myself am super busy).

Be sure to visit the previous posts for this event to learn all about the great books that were featured. Here is a list in case you needed easy access to it:

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Heart Of Thorns by Bree Barton
Indecent by Corinne Sullivan
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
Lizzie by Dawn Ius
These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch
Ace Of Shades by Amanda Foody
I Stop Somewhere by TE Carter
Side by Side by Jenni L Walsh
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
Royals by Rachel Hawkins
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Save The Date by Morgan Matson

Good luck and I look forward to emailing the winners in 2018!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

This is, obviously, a day late. I decide that since I don't have any new books to showcase that I would post this on Sunday instead!

BOOK

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo (goodreads)

I have wanted a YA novel inspired by  Roman Holiday for a long time now and was thrilled to see this deal announcement.

Pitched as a modern-day Roman Holiday set in Hong Kong, the book follows one fateful day between a K-Pop star who'd like to be anyone else and the charming con-boy she meets, who's looking for a big break to impress his paparazzo father. When sparks ignite, the two must decide if they can risk it all for each other. Publication is set for spring 2019

This is immediately on my must read list for 2019. It sounds adorable, and exactly what I was hoping for from a YA Roman Holiday!

TV/MOVIE

Love Simon Trailer

I have no idea how I have not included this in a Weekly Obsessions post before now, but it some how kept getting left off. This trailer is perfection. It is adorable and sweet and exactly what I wanted from this movie. 

Nick Robinson is a wonderful choice for Simon and I cannot wait to see this love story unfold on the big screen when this releases. 

Jessica Jones Season Two Trailer

I loved season one of Jessica Jones.and have been eagerly awaiting season two. I love this trailer so much! I cannot wait to see what this season has in store and fully plan on binge watching in March!

What are you obsessed with this week?