A fun read for a lazy afternoon. Had a sweet romance, likeable characters and it made me laugh. A bit predictable and unbelievable but I still enjoyedA fun read for a lazy afternoon. Had a sweet romance, likeable characters and it made me laugh. A bit predictable and unbelievable but I still enjoyed it....more
Favourite Quote:"Music. It's not about those things. It's about a feeling. It's about expressing yourself. It's about letting go."
I Rating: 4.5 stars
Favourite Quote:"Music. It's not about those things. It's about a feeling. It's about expressing yourself. It's about letting go."
I have being trying to write this review for days and I am having a hard time trying to sum up what makes Five Flavors of Dumb so special from most other coming of age stories. It could be Piper's believable and heart felt voice or the loveable bunch of supporting characters or the constantly entertaining plot or the wonderful writing. But whatever the reason is I loved it!
John's writing makes you feel like you are there with the characters. And what an awesome bunch of characters to be hanging out with. They would have to be some of my absolute favourites. Piper is just awesome. Strong, witty and inspiring. She isn't perfect, she makes mistakes but she learns from them pretty quick. Then there is Piper's brother Finn. I loved the interactions between him and Piper. It was absolutely hilarious at times and then they would share a really touching moment. I kind of wish I had a younger brother like him.
There is also a little bit of romance in the story that will make you wish your were Piper (and of course swoon all over the place). And awwww the first kiss, so perfect and completely goofy grin worthy. So I suggest not reading that part in a public place like I did!
Music is another important element in the story. It takes you behind the scenes of the music business. I for one am a big fan of stories regarding music and I loved Piper's journey into the music world.
Overall, Five Flavors of Dumb is funny, smart and completely heartwarming. A must read!...more
Favourite Quote:"He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people connect to. And that's what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you."
WOW! I am seriously blown away by how fantastic this book is. I loved Saving June. I am going to try and write a proper review here when all I want to do is go all fan girl about it!
Harper's older sister June takes her life. Harper is devastated and doesn't know why. Her divorced parents decide to split the ashes but Harper isn't about to let that happen. She steals the ashes and runs off on a road trip to California to scatter the ashes across the ocean with her best friend Laney and Jake a stranger that is somehow connected to June.
First up this book is my type of contemp. It is real and honest. It takes you on a journey with these incredible characters. I am so impressed with Harrington's writing. You would never think this is her debut novel. It is clever, gorgeous and full of heart.
Harper, Jake and Laney are believable characters that come alive in the pages. I adored the realistic dialogue between them. It was witty, full of emotion and often humorous. I also like that fact the characters are flawed but still smart and are type of people I would love to be friends with.
Harper is strong and confident in what she believes yet can be afraid to step outside her own comfort zones at times and often doubts how amazing she really is. Laney is her best friend and is a wonderful support person for Harper no matter what. It is the type friendship everybody wants. Now Jake he caused major swooning. He is a bit rough around the edges, is majorly obsessed with music, plays the guitar, sings and has a secret that very slowly unravels.
There is also some delicious romance. I had to go back and re-read those pages over (and over and over and over) again!
Another element I loved about this book is there is loads of music talk. Also playlists at the the end of the book that were mentioned in the story. If you are huge fan of books with music you are going to love this and will want to download all the songs mentioned (if you don't already have them).
Overall, a stunning debut. My favourite road trip book ever. I insist all you fans of realistic fiction give Saving June a read!
Note. I always highlight my favourite parts of a book and as you can see from below I pretty much marked every page!
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