theengineerisreading's reviews
780 reviews

21st read of the year is something I did not expect to read this month and just picked it because of the cover and the blurb that got my attention.

Sarvenaz Tash's Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love is a YA novel that tells the story of Graham Posner, a huge fan of comic books and a self-proclaimed nerd, who secretly crushes on his childhood bestfriend Roxana who is a comic geek as well. The two MCs first met when Graham moved to Roxana's neighborhood eight years ago and he met her, minutes after she asked him about his Hogwarts house. From then, an eternal story of friendship bloomed sharing most things they like from their favorite comics, The Chronicles of Althena, and watching his mom's favorite rom-com movies and doing their own comic series, The Misfits of Mage High. But one day, Graham realized that he may have developed a feeling for his bestfriend and cleverly planned a well-thought scheme on how to confess his feelings for her. But universe is tricky and a series of obstacle hindered his romantic confession only to end up discovering more important lessons of life.

In this novel, I love how the author delved into the reality of life and how sometimes, unexpectedly, we fall in love with the most unexpected people in our life. Graham's story, as I see it, shows the importance of honesty and courage in voicing out what you truly feels inside.

Though this one has a lot of comic reference since 80% of the story happened in New York Comic Con, it helped in painting an enjoyable setting in this story paired with an entertaining storyline. Who wouldn't love comic cons and meeting your fictional superheroes in real life?

Also, I liked how this one ended with a nice picture of reality. No rom-com cheesy lines, no bs. Sarvenaz Tash successfully concluded Graham and Roxana's story with a good bang of what's happening in real life.

Though there are some points in the story where I actually don't agree with the characters point of view on some things related to love and life, it still clicked with the novel's general lesson that is to never seek perfection from someone because no one in this world is perfect.

Rating: 4 stars

Engaging and moving.

This is the type of book I would highly recommend to my future son or daughter or niece or nephew for this presents a more realistic version of the world.

In this book, Nisha and her family has been part of the mass migrating Indian Hindus who travelled from the then-India-now-Pakistan area to India after the British monarchy granted freedom to the Indians. However, top country leaders, including those who represent the Indian Muslim and Indian Hindus, have divided opinion on how to achieve peace and true freedom with some saying that free India be divided into two new countries where one is for the Muslim and one is for the Hindus while others staying true to the united India as there is no need to divide a country after being seized by conquerors for more than two hundred years. But the former decision overpowered the latter and a new country, Pakistan, has been added to the world. This caused the largest mass migration in Earth's history to transpire. With Nisha's family one of the Indian Hindu families who travelled from Mirphur Khas, area in now Pakistan, to Jodhpur in new India to avoid the rising conflict.

I think what made this book a great read is the fact that it paints a new picture of the world before. That there are previous events that made what our planet a stronger version of it is now. Though the main aim of this book is to insist that we have made the mistakes before by letting us be divided by religion, this book is also an informative read with a lot of factual references that made this book enjoyable.

I liked Nisha's character in a way that she is brave in her own unique path. Nisha made us see that sometimes, sticking to what you feel is right can make you do right things. And amid all the hardships she encountered, she remained as steady as a rock and even become tougher.

I also enjoyed reading the supporting characters like Amil whom I think is a representation of a dyslexic person (as per the author's first few chapters' description) and Nisha's Papa and Dadi and Kazi and Rashid Uncle and Hafa and even Sabeen and her newgfpund friend Sumita. Every character in this book felt so perfect in the setting and storyline created by the author herself.

Lastly, if you want to know how I feel about the book in general, well... i absolutely loved it and will highly recommend it to friends who are doing #yarc2019 because this is the historical fiction we need to read to know what happened before. This his-fic version of THUG set in India with a blend of Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower in format will surely make you gasp and nod and symphatize with the characters knowing the journay they had and the sacrifice they made to do something that is not essential in the first place if not for the people who always go with animosity than promoting valies and equality. Ciao.

Rating: 5 stars

'Ugh. This book!'

That's my exact reaction after making it through the final page of this book. I have tracked this book for a long time and managed to snag a copy earlier this month and glad that I finally had a time to read it this weekend as a breather after an intense fantasy adventure.

But this book brought me to a whole new world. I mean, I did not expect to intensely fall in love with this book as the premise promises a sad storyline but in the end, I choked on my expectation and totally loved this one.

The story revolve on a post-chaotic time in Boston when a huge bridge collapse in Tobin quickly hit the news, featuring a sudden accident that blew the entire nation, if not the whole world, with a lot of lives at stake. With five people unknowingly living their normal life only to be fastforwardly switched to a different tone when news broke out that their loved ones are one of those many people who are at the bridge during the time of collapse. In this book by Richard Lawson, five people with unique story, personality, and history managed to enthrall my senses from when I start the first page of the book until the end.

Moving. Yes, this is the kind of book that is overflowing with emotional content. I had a good silent sobs with this book. From Scott and Aimee's heart-wrenching love story to Alexa-Jason-Kyle's one summer long affair that put everything in whirlwind, this book is packed with feels that will make you question every thing you do in your life. Don't forget the sure-fire epilogue of Morgan as well. It's pretty rare to find a book like this which makes you feel so invested on each characters' emotional development, with their unique backstory and convincing characteristics.

Though I find it odd that there was no concrete explanation on the cause of the chaos that is the Tobin bridge collapse, this read is still a fascinating read that will make you feel loved, inspired, angry, and, of course, sad. A perfect way to define what a roller-coaster of emotion is. Ciao.

I am glad that I am part of this generation of book community when every group or collective or race has been given equal chance to be represented through various stories in this modern literature era.

And with this comes my 28th read of the year, and second for this month, which is Adib Khorram's Darius the Great is not Okay. This book has been on my radar since it was published late 2018 and blessed that I was able to snag a copy when our local bookstore went super sale this summer.

This book features the story of Darius Kellner, a half-American half-Persian young adult who has been diagnosed with genetic depression, a mental disorder he inherited from his dad which made him have a way more flexible feeling than usual. With this comes a lot of thoughts, mostly sad thoughts, as Darius manage to survive his daily struggle in the monotonous setting at Chapel Hill High School, a place that tolerates Zero Bullying but also shelters some basic stereotype of Soulless Minions of Orthodoxy. But the fate suddenly turned the table as the Kellners heard the news that their Babou, Ardeshir Bahrami who has been diagnosed with brain tumor, is not getting any better. Then, the Kellners sudden plan to book a flight to Iran happened which, unknowingly, will make Darius' life be changed.

This book is a story of finally finding your identity. Though the character of Darius Kellner has been early established as a Star Trek fan who usually doubts himself and normally calculates interaction with people whom he feel awkward interacting with, Darius' charcter development is still noticeable as he journeyed from being a Chapel Hill High wallflower to being an infamous soccer star in Yazd, Iran. I love how Adib subtly made me feel attached with Darius everytime he experienced something new, from visiting the lands where his roots are really are to finding an unexpected best friend who managed to stay with him through thick and thin.

Also, this book highlights a great story of friendship. I like how Darius and Sohrab instantaneously clicked the moment they first met at Babou's fig garden during the Kellners' first morning at Yazd. Though their connection was challenged along the way, this book goes to show that genuine friendships remain intact whatever storm hinder the path. Darius and Sohrab's friendship made me think how awesome it would be to have a follow-up book featuring our two MCs being successful football star players of both USA and Iran. That would be nice.

I also like how this book introduced me to the wonderful world of Iran. And I also notice a lot of similarity with the Persian culture with ours here in the Philippines. I like the idea of taarofing, or the act of being hospitable to your guests which is commonly practiced and well-noted in most Asian countries. I also feel the same towards family celebration for I was from a big clan and we always tend to have huge celebration especially during Christmas and fiesta. Also, this book highlighted how beautiful and magical the places in Iran are, I like to visit the Khaki Kingdom, the ruins of Persepolis, and stay in Yazd to witness the astonishing architecture of Jameh Mosque's minarets and celebrate with the locals during Nowruz. Ugh.

Lastly, let me stress this out. This book features a main character who suffers from depression and I think that this book is timely and relevant to read during this generation when most people silently battles with depression and anxiety. After finishing this book, it will make you question yourself, when was the last time I asked how my friend was doing with his/her life. Ask your friend. Ask your family. You may not notice but everyone's facing a battle they never talk about. Ask them before it's too late. Ciao.

Rating:4.5 stars

Solo is like a roadtrip, filled with music and stories with your best travel buddies.

Okay, I've been seeing this book since it was published last 2017 and am glad to finally have two copies, a B&N exclusive hardback and a paperback. This is my 32nd read for the year and honestly, this book did not disappoint.

Solo is a book of finding your identity and origin. Our main character Blade, who is a son of rock-and-roll legend Rutherford Morrison, is always seeking a way to have answer for his questions about his dad, his family, and how it seems that everything in his life happens against his choice. That was his take until the life-changing truth was revealed which made him ponder whether he should take a huge decision and jump into the great unknown or stay in the comforts of his Hollywood life with all the unanswered questions going back and forth in his head.

This is another feel-good novel that this generation needs to read. Though this one includes a lot of trigger warning like drug abuse, cursing, suicide attempts, and surface-level racism, the positivity and the general atmosphere of the book balanced it all out. I love the characters expecially Blade and Storm and Joy and how Kwame and Rand developed each of them. But what stood out for me is Rutherford's arc because he deserved that ending.

I am loving books like these that were written in poetry format. It is lyrical, which easily flowed with the general rock-and-roll theme of this book, and entertaining especially the scenes when Blade just arrived in Konko. Wow. The writing style is also commendable, it feels like Kwame and Rand are inside my head painting each scene vividly.

Lastly, I love that this is a #representation book because we're here in the Golden Age and books like these need more attention than ever. Overall, I enjoyed the overall experience an would gladly recommend this book if you need a bookish roller coaster ride. Ciao.

Rating: 4stars

After years of hearing most of my bookstagram mutuals sell how awesome her books are, I finally had the time to venture on my first Victoria Schwab read and here is how it went.

It was a fresh take on monsters versus humans, with a perfect blend of Romeo and Juliet, This Savage Song is an enjoyable read overall.

First things first, the plot is clearly well-thought-out as it greatly convinced me that there is a future world out there where Corsai, Malchai, and Sunai exists. It is the kind of book that provides information without even making you think otherwise because it is cleverly convincing and undoubtedly genuine.

I also took notice of that Romeo and Juliet vibe in the characters of Kate Harker and August Flynn. I like how this one offered a fresh take on the 'dystopian' craze by featuring a story that centered on monsters and how we define the word itself.

Though the main characters has minimal supporting casts, it never lacked on backstories that greatly contributed in making this book a fun and exciting read.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, honestly, and am on my way to reading the sequel already. I just hope this one ends good because with all the monsters and morbid adventures our MCs encountered, I think we deserve a nice conclusion for Kate and Freddie, er, August. Ciao.

RATING: 4stars

One word. Moving.

Glad that I found another gem via requesting this eARC on NetGalley, Internment by Samira Ahmed is a moving novel that will make you see how different the wprld works for those who belong in the broken, beaten, and damned bracket.

Focusing on the story of Layla Amin, a high school Muslim teen who got caught in the cataclysm of Islamophobe-controlled America after electing a racist President who ratified a complete Muslin ban on the land of the Unites States.

I love how the story slowly unravels the pre-state of the chaotic America via Samira's outstanding writing style. How Samira boldly and carefully laid out the reasons why the Muslim ban happened and how the oppression in this world is silently happening in every dark street without the entire globe knowing.

Another plus point for having a strong and cpurageous main character in the name of Layla. I love how badass Layla is and I'm glad I read this is time with the celebration of the International Women's Day. The world need more people like Layla who will continue to stand in front of the enemy and boldly point out the wrongdoings even if it means sacrificing the people you love and worse, undergoing torture under the hands of the enemy.

I think what makes this book stand out, and I'm sure this one will be well-loved by the bookish community, is the fact that this novel speaks nothing but the truth.

Unity. Security. Prosperity.

This is what the Muslim-banning America flaunts as the internment camp's motto. But let me rephrase this one with a greter mantra for the world:

Fight. Resist. Speak Up.

The world needs more books like this and I'm glad that I've got to read this one in advance. Easy 5-star. Can't wait to get my copy of this one.

Here goes the thrilling sequel to the Monsters of Verity Book 1, This Savage Song, and I can say that this book did not disappoint.

In this book, we follow the story of August Flynn and Kate Harker after the truce between the North and South was broken and the real battle between monsters and humans broke out.

I'm in this point where I am not quite sure on how I feel about the book but I do know that I enjoyed devouring this sequel as every chapter was action-packed and the twists were totally unexpected.

Actually, I'm out of words to describe how I enjoyed this duology and the adventures of Kate Harker and August Flynn but let me just say that these novels have a different level of monstrosity that you should never mis out. Ciao.

Rating: 3.5stars

Pride month it is! Hence the selection of reads for June 2019 is everything that is in line with celebrating with the LGBTQ+ community and here is another review for a pride gem.

Leah on the Offbeat has been on my radar since I finished Simon last year and I'm glad that I finally had the time to read it ever since I bought a copy last February.

The story follows the events in life of Leah Burke, Simon Spier's bestfriend, post-Martin Addison era. If you know what that previous sentence means then you're most probably familiar with Creekwood High as well and in this book, Leah's character has been developed into someone still hiding beneath the curtain, still waiting for the right time to confidently flaunt her sexuality.

Though this one follows the same vibe with Simon as both books definitely live in the same universe, Leah on the Offbeat appears more realistic to me somehow. Maybe because I can relate with Leah's sarcasm and take on life. However, I found Leah a little bit stubborn most of the time but I won't highlight that part because that's part of Leah's overall personality development and if you can't love her at her worst then you don't deserve this bisexual, chill drummer at her best.

Overall, the vibe and pace of this book is enjoyable and it is a feel-good contemporary book that ventures on finding your self, your circle of friends, and your special someone. Ciao.

Rating: 4stars

So this one is for all the Molly Peskin-Susos of the world!

This is the last unread Becky Albertalli book in my shelf and I'm glad that I've saved it for last because it is, imo, undeniably the best. I just love everything about Molly Peskin-Suso. Her eminence as a prolific crusher, a self-proclaimed "from-a-distance" lover, and her adorable self-consciousness.

Everything in this book turned out great and Becky, being the queen that she is, made sure that this book has a lot of pride sprinkles evident in all the chapters of this book. I loved that I read this in time of pride month celebration. And though I don't have a twin in real life, I still find the struggle as siblings relatable as most of us experienced it in one point of our life.

Moving on, I love how genius the world-building in this one as everything felt perfect knowing that this is part of the Creekwood High universe. I totally thumbed up with all the representation present in this book, LGBTQ+, body/shape inclusion, and mental health, all perfectly rolled into one.

Every character in this book are distinctly developed and I adore Reid Wertheim especially because he seems totally cool for not giving a shit on what others were thinking about him, remember Mina's remarks on his sneakers? I so totally bought Reid finally being Molly's boyfriend because this couple's ship need to sail far.

I'm not sure why but I definitely will re-read this book because of its feel-good vibe and remarkable storyline so if you loved Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, then you'll definitely love this one as well. To more Cadbury Mini Eggs this time! Ciao.

Rating: 4.5stars