kids book about a gorilla
Holy emotions, batman. This is a kids book, which I read sometimes, but rarely talk about. It was really, really, really sweet and adorable and heartbreaking and I think everyone should read it regardless of age. Many emotions.
And then I found out he was a real gorilla and my heart actually broke.
And then I found out he was a real gorilla and my heart actually broke.
girl dealing with death of uncle she loved(aids) , coming of age, family
This is a hard book to talk about, it was beautiful and heartbreaking and made my heart feel so heavy. I didn't love all the characters but I did like the story and how they all fit together.
bittersweet love story
Really hard to explain what this book is about. Not my favourite of hers, took a bit for me to get into, but overall it was really sweet and lovely. I find that with Moyes' books, she spends more time with one character so I never really identify with the other in the other time period. Just as I start to like them a bit more, it switches back. I am a sappy love story loving girl and this took me 3 weeks to read - not normal for me. Overall it was a lovely book.
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TL;DR - I definitely recommend all 3 of these books. I enjoyed them very much.
How do you get back to normal when you're feeling off?
Ivan...I was contemplating getting this for Kayla. She's a pretty sensitive kid; you think it'll be ok with her?
ReplyDeleteI feel like after "it" happens it takes a really long time to feel normal again. You shouldn't beat yourself up over being unable to shake it. Even now four years later I'll have like moments of panic where I think it's going to happen again. I've just gotten really good at telling my brain to shut up. You still read more books that I ever could in such a short time! And love that you read kid's books! They are the best sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAww I want to read Ivan now... it sounds like such a beautiful story. I can only imagine how you are feeling and it sounds totally normal even if there's no reason for it necessarily. Probably part of it is just the distance :( I hope you are feeling a bit better soon though! Sounds like you read some emotional books too which I know always wreaks a bit of havoc on my emotional state myself ;) I'm hoping to get to that V.E. Schwab series next month - I've heard a lot of you say good things about it and I think I need something a bit different than what I've been reading lately!!
ReplyDeletePS- the things I try to do a lot when I am feeling off: get adequate sleep (if I am tired I am a thousand percent more emotional), take vitamin B12 and vitamin D, and exercise outside (unless it's freezing out). Sometimes it just takes time. Hugs girl!! xo
I had similar feelings about Tell the Wolves I'm Home. Really beautiful but also really sad and a little weird at times - The young girl/older guy thing (even if nothing happens) is a little creepy to me.
ReplyDeleteI hope we can still be friends but I started the first Darker Shades book last month and didn't finish... :-/ I just couldn't get into the world. I realized I like my fantasy more like real life with magic added than a completely new magical world, if that makes any sense. Harry Potter style I guess.
I hope you feel better soon, girl! Take it one day at a time, you are doing the best you can! I am currently reading "The Stranger Beside Me" by Ann Rule. I'm on a true crime kick lately!
ReplyDeleteHang in there, girl! Cut yourself some slack and don't be so hard on yourself. Life is hard, and we just have to deal with it the best way we know how. Always here for you! I've been curious about that JoJo Moyes book, so I think I'll pick it up when I get through all my other library books.
ReplyDeleteTotally added The One and Only Ivan to the TBR so I can read it and then save it for Zoe! I love Moyes and all the books I read of hers but I read the description for this one and decided I may not like it and got some of her others instead. I am still out on whether I would like it or not.
ReplyDeleteI cant even imagine the emotions you are going through on a daily basis. Just know that I am only a text away if you ever need to talk or vent.
Your first paragraph--you know how much I relate to that. I'm here if you need me.
ReplyDeleteTell the Wolves I'm Home has been on my TBR forever. I should move it up.
I guess I'll check out the gorilla book and probably cry...
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up, friend. You're allowed to feel happy and complete, even when those around you are struggling. Being ok helps you to help others be ok. I know you have a crazy-great support system (and lots of bloggers who have your back^^), but if you need anything or a human to vent to let me know :)
I feel you, girl. I didn't have anything happen to someone, but there are things going on and while I've been reading, it's why I can't bring myself to blog/read blogs (unless they're about books, apparently). Take care of yourself!!
ReplyDeleteAdded Tell the Wolves I'm Home to my list!
I had bought Ivan for my nieces but I never read it - I need to tell them to hand it over so I can get all the feels with you.
ReplyDeleteHang in there girl, and things will start to get better! And sometimes you just have not so great reading months, and having a book that takes you a long time to get through will definitely do that to you. I loved Me Before You when I read it last year, but haven't had the chance to pick up another Jojo Moyes book. I'll have to throw The Last Letter From Your Lover onto that list though!
ReplyDeletePerfect description of Tell the Wolves I'm Home.
ReplyDeleteDon't put pressure on yourself to be all JAZZ HANDS LIFE IS GRAND. Our brains get caught on some things for a reason. Give yourself the space and grace to work through it. Hang in there!
I'm sorry you're still have a rough go of it. Sometimes, when I feel that I have to "be better" or happier instead of just allowing myself to feel whatever I feel, I make things worse. It's okay not bounce back immediately, even if things are going really well. Just be patient and kind to yourself. You've got a lot of people ready and willing to be there for you (including me!) and take advantage of their gentle ears. I'm adding Tell the Wolves I'm Home to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteOh friend, I feel you, I'm here for you. I know so much how you feel, minus it. Ive been a mess lately but feel there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You've got this and are incredible, remind yourself that you deserve slack and grace too. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh - I don't know what to tell you ... it definitely takes time to get back to normal. Or at least to a new normal, depending on what it is you're getting through. The first time I was completely thrown for a loop was when my dad passed away and I sank down into some seriously bad juju. That was when I took up running and it's been my go-to lifesaver for when I start sinking again. You have to find what gives you your joy - it's different for everyone and I do hope you find yours. I won't say "soon", because that's different for everyone too. Take care of yourself though.
ReplyDeleteAnd book-related, thank you for still more books for my TBR list ... I'll never get to the end of it but I'll enjoy it while I can! :)
Oh friend, please don't beat yourself up for not feeling back to normal. It just takes time, and even if you don't ever feel exactly the same again, it's OK. I'm here if you need anything. <3
ReplyDeleteI need to pick up The Last Letter from Your Lover when I'm in the mood for that.
Tell the Wolves I'm Home sounds really good. I hope you're feeling more like yourself soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're still having a rough time. I hope you start to feel more like yourself soon as well, but don't beat yourself up for feeling bad either!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently in the middle of A Darker Shade of Magic, but I love it!
-Lauren
I have got to read Ivan now....I think I'll read it with my son after we finish our current read! I just put The Last Letter From Your Lover on my list. I've liked all the Moyes books that I've read. Tell the Wolves has been on my to read list has been on my to read list for years now!
ReplyDeleteHave you read any of Kelly Rimmer's books? If you like Jojo Moyes' other books I think you would LOVE hers.... but be warned, you kind of need tissues for most of them.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm in a funk I usually need to spend time with friends or family to kind of distract myself out of it - or I just need to give myself a little grace to be in the funk and find my way out of it.
That is the most succinct review of Tell The Wolves I'm Home I've read, so THANK YOU for that! I'm not going to run out and get it, but at least I understand what it's about now and I'm intrigued. I have Me Before You by Jojo Moyes waiting for me on my bookshelf so I'll read that first, but you've piqued my interest int his one as well.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your question at the end- there's feeling off and feeling sad/angry/frustrated about things out of your control. If I'm feeling off for no apparent reason, I may write about it in my journal or try to talk it out with those close to me to try to pinpoint why. But if I know the reason, I don't try to get back to normal. I ride it out (which is hard for me to admit because I'm not really a fan of "feeling" sad or uncomfortable things as weird as that may seem). I try to let myself feel it completely and just go through the motions of normal adulting things and let time heal it. I don't know/think this is the best way to handle things, as I often cut myself off from people for awhile, but that's just how I deal. Also, I try not to judge myself too harshly for feeling what I'm feeling for whatever reason I'm feeling it, so try to cut yourself a break! Feeling "off" isn't pleasant, but I feel like sometimes it's necessary and definitely okay, if that makes sense. I'm glad the person at home is doing better though, and I hope you feel better soon!
I'm so adding Ivan to get it and read it for Sheffield. Also, I can't imagine what can possibly going through your mind all the time and the fighting emotions. I'm always here for you if/when you need it. :)
ReplyDeleteThe One and Only Ivan looks very interesting! I've added it to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, girl. I know you're going through a tough time right now. Hang in there.
So sorry to hear that you are still feeling off. Just know we are all here for you!
ReplyDeleteI love JoJo Moyes, but I agree with you on that book. I will read all her books, but I definitely love more than others.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of all of these!
ReplyDeleteLife is hard. Look after yourself!
I'm really sorry you're struggling, it's completely understandable but obviously not fun. For me, when things are off I need to take time for myself to sit with whatever I'm feeling and just let myself feel feelings. Uncomfortable but necessary. Usually I need to be alone, maybe go for a walk, maybe bake, it's different every time. I usually do need to stay off the internet though, that way madness lies.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have many helpful tips because I don't know what will work for you, but being gentle with yourself and doing whatever it takes to get through can't be a bad start. Let me know if I can do anything. I can always source you some more curly wurlys....
I need to read about Ivan. I like to throw a children's lit book in the mix from time to time.
ReplyDeleteTell the Wolves is already on my tbr.
Now...to address your first paragraph. I know how you must be feeling, and I think it is completely normal, valid, and expected for you to be feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. Even now. Take extra good care of yourself. And please let me know if I can do anything.
three weeks to read a book - you sound like me ;) I hope that you start feeling like yourself again soon, or at least better.
ReplyDeleteWell I always appreciate it when you talk about kids books because I help my kids pick out books is always a challenge! So I am definitely writing that one down! As far as getting back to normal. Well. When trauma happens in my life I just keep putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time and living like things are "normal" even though I feel anything but normal. And it just takes a long time for it to feel normal. :/ It also helps to get out of the house and try to make fun new memories with people I enjoy and or love to just help me be present and not take what I still have for granted.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you are struggling. Please know that you are not alone. I know just how you feel. Take it minute by minute. Hope you get back to feeling like yourself soon. I'm here if you need someone to talk to or email with. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad to hear about how you're feeling, but try not to get down about not feeling 'normal' or totally like yourself right now even though it sucks. Which I know is easier said than done... sending you a hug and lots of good vibes though <3 I haven't read The Last Letter From Your Lover yet, but it's definitely on my list so I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI feel you. Last night I was in tears because I can't seem to figure out how to go about the day to day without looming ickiness in the background. I don't want to be consumed by the drama around me. (though our situations are undoubtedly different). It's tough, so hugs! I've been in a reading rut. I think I need to just power through some more books.. and hopefully get to something really compelling that will give me a distraction. I just gave a friend who hasn't read in years The Lunar Chronicles, it's so fun to hear her talk about them! She's speeding through even though she didn't expect to. I love how many people I've convinced to read those... and they've all enjoyed them! hehe XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I felt the same way about Tell The Wolves. It was heavy! And I didn't love some of the characters too.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're feeling in a funk lately girl, I'll be sending you some good vibes!! :) I always want to add all of your "couldn't put them down" book choices to my list!
ReplyDeleteGirl you're still rockin' the reading compared to my pitiful few chapters per night before I pass out. Sending all the *hugs* and love sweet friend <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
You STILL read more books than I have in the last month! I hope that you're back to feeling normal-ish soon... you've got a bunch of things to look forward to and a summertime trip back home. I know that you'll at least feel better then because there's nothing like a trip back home, especially now!
ReplyDeleteI have several JoJo Moyes books on my tbr. I have only read Me Before You and After You. Pam :)
ReplyDeleteBoo for sad books! I mean, I'm glad you enjoyed them but I'm going to take a pass. I need light, happy fluff. Feel better and feel free to email me if you ever want to talk!
ReplyDeleteI really need to read Tell the Wolves. I know I'll love it. I just finished reading Girl You Left Behind and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIs that Ivan book sad? Because it seems like it could be sad. You know how I need my HEA endings. Even in kids' books. ;)
ReplyDeleteKimmi suggested the Ivan book and I considered it. I'd have to see if the library has it.
ReplyDeleteWe've discussed Last Letter. I still feel meh about it. And I still hate that 2nd main character. #bitterpants
I've had the One and Only Ivan on my bookshelf for year! I bought it when I was working at a bookstore actually, yet my heart never lets me pick it up...I think I'm so worried about how sad it's going to be!
ReplyDeleteI also have that JoJo Moyes book on my shelf to read...
And hugs my friend xoxo