Book Quotes: the sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Book Quotes are posts dedicated to the wonder of writing. There are books you read and you just know that it has pieces of wisdom within it, buried right there in the words.  Here are the ones I'm documenting. (***Which means that if you have NOT read this book yet, there is a potential for spoilers!)

the sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson

"Nice," I whisper in her ear as she hugs me like a bear even though she's built like a bird. "Way to bowl down the gorgeous new boy." She cracks up, and it feels both amazing and disconcerting to have someone in my arms shaking from laughter rather than heartbreak.

******

the Sam Shepherd play

Fool For Love

where her bookmark will never move forward.

I've read it for her twice now,

always putting the bookmark back

where it was when I finish--

it kills me

she will never find out

what happens

in the end.

******

"Your mom was born like this, practically flew out of the womb and into the world. From day one, she was running, running, running."

"Running away?"

"Nope, sweet pea, never away, know that." She squeezed my hand. "She was always running toward."

******

But what if I'm a shell-less turtle now, demented and devastated in equal measure, an unfreakingbelievable mess of a girl, who wants to turn the air into colors with her clarinet, and what if somewhere inside I prefer this? What if as much as I fear having death as a shadow, I'm beginning to like how it quickens the pulse, not only mine, but the pulse of the whole world. I doubt Joe would even have noticed me if I'd still be in that hard shell of mild happiness. He wrote in his journal that he thinks I'm on full blast, me, and maybe I am now, but I never was before. How can the cost of this change in me be so great? It doesn't seem right that anything good should come out of Bailey's death. It doesn't seem right o even have these thoughts.

******

Bailey loved both Toby and me so much--he and I almost make up her whole heart, and maybe that's it, what we were trying to do by being together, maybe we were trying to put her heart back together again.

******

Life's a freaking mess. In fact, I'm going to tell Sarah we need to start a new philosophical movement: messessentialism instead of existentialism: For those who revel in the essential mess that is life. Because Gram's right, there's not one truth ever, just a whole bunch of stories, all going on at once, in our heads, in our hearts, all getting in the way of each other. It's all a beautiful calamitous mess.

******

Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes part of you, step for step, breath for breath. I will never stop grieving Bailey because I will never stop loving her. That's just how it is. Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other. All I can do is love her, and love the world, emulate her by living with daring and spirit and joy.

******

Something occurs to me then. "Toby," I say, tentatively, mustering my nerve. "You must be pretty used to ring an only child..." My voice starts to shake. "But I'm really new at it." I look out the window. "Maybe we..." I feel too shy all of a sudden to finish my thought, but he knows what I'm getting at.

"I've always wanted a sister," he says as he swerves into a spot in the tiny parking lot.

******

You can chop the Victorian novel to shreds with garden shears but you can't take it out of the girl.

******

I try to fend off the oceanic sadness, but I can't. It's such a colossal effort not to be haunted by what's lost, but to be enchanted by what was.

I miss you, I tell her, I can't stand that you're going to miss so much.

I don't know how the heart withstands it.

A few blog-related things

>I don't know why I hadn't before, but I finally activated feedburner! I've switched all the codes in my RSS button as well as the 'subscribe via email' option - but I have no idea if any of it works! I also don't know if it affected anyone who has already been subscribing by email, so I am sincerely hoping it is all fine and that you receive this post in your inbox! If you are an email subscriber, could you be so kind as to comment and let me know if this is sent to you? It'll ease my worry :) Merci beaucoup!
Updated: Hooray, thanks so much to Heather and Rallu for letting me know everything works fine - you girls are the best!

>I am woefully behind on responses to comments. I've been messing around this week with some behind-the-scenes coding on the blog and trying to get my darn reply/threaded comments working, but so far no success on that front. I think I'm going to have to switch back to a blogger template so I can get that working. But anyhow, I promise I am not ignoring anyone who has been so amazing as to comment and/or follow this week! I'll return all this weekend while I catch up, and I really appreciate all the love!

>Slow reading week as lots of work-related things and real life-related things have been happening. But it'll all balance out sooner than later and regular reviews will be forthcoming.

Happy weekend, all!

PS. I don't remember who asked me a bit ago, but the Blog Title font in my header isn't actually a font - it's my real handwriting! I used a stylus and the Penultimate app on my iPad to whip up a few things: the signature below, any star graphics in reviews, line break stars like above, and the writing in my header are my own drawings or handwriting.

Review: Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Sloppy Firsts (Jessica Darling #1) by Megan McCafferty
Three Rivers Press, 298 Pages

Released: August 28, 2001

“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again.

-------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

"You can only be in a bad mood for so long before you have to face up to the fact that it isn't a bad mood at all; it's just your sucky personality."

I'm really glad everyone kept recommending the Jessica Darling series, because I quite enjoyed Sloppy Firsts! I was a bit scared since I didn't immediately get into the book, but by page 50 I knew I was hooked.  Jessica Darling is such a hilarious, sorta-cynical dramatic. It definitely reminded me a bit of my own high school experience: the stress and rumors and insecurity and omg what did that means were absolutely spot on.

I liked how Megan McCafferty addressed all aspects of Jessica Darling's life: friends, school, after-school activities, family.  A lot of YA novels I've read seem to brush by some of those categories and I feel like there's a hole in the plot or a deliberate avoidance just to make the novel work out.  Not so with this one: I felt like I knew all of Jessica's life and could see how all of it was intersecting together and influencing the other.

How much Jessica missed Hope was also handled really well and very real, in my opinion.  As a Navy brat, people moving away or even myself moving was the norm. It was never a guarantee who would be back in school with you next year, and it was almost a given that someone's shelf-life at school was 3 years.  Hope's absence was pronounced and done quite well. Perhaps the only thing I missed was hearing Hope's side of the story and how she felt going to a new place with all new people and leaving behind her best friend - of course it's not her story so I can't hold that against Megan McCafferty, but it would be nice (maybe it will show itself more in the future books?) to know.

Also, Marcus Flutie and that poem?  Yes please.  If only boys I knew were that sexy in high school.

a very solid 4 Stars / 5

TGIF (4) and Follow Friday (3)!

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Alison and Parajunkee that spotlight two blogs and allows bloggers to link up and meet other fabulous bookish friends and share the Following love.

This week's spotlight blogs are: Omnom Books and Progress and Procrastination

And the question of the week is:

Define what characteristics your favorite books share. 

Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

You know, I'm not really sure what similar characteristics there are between all my favorite books...I don't notice if it's strong heroines or obnoxious manly love interests. I know I have a type of Book Boys I quite like: that quiet, strong sorta-sensitive-but-still-gruff man (see: Sean Kendrick in Scorpio Races).  But that doesn't necessarily mean I'll always like the book or it's exclusive to that type. (I adore Cricket in Lola and the Boy Next Door, and I would never use the word "gruff" to describe him.)

I think the main thing is if the characters are relatable and real. I have problems when characters are too stereotypical or weak (cough *BELLA* cough...I've gone through some pretty bad heartbreak, but I don't shut down for months and have blank pages in my life).  If I feel like the character is written poorly or created in a certain way just to have a function in the book (a literary manipulation, in a way), then I'm almost immediately turned off.  I need to feel as though a character could be me. Even if I've never been in a situation like the book plot or even fathomed it, I still need to feel as though the character is sensible and that every motivation makes sense.

What about you? Leave your link in my comments and I'll come check it out!

And I'd love to return a follow :)

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by Ginger at GReads! This week's discussion is:

Book Appeal

When you're browsing goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

Truthfully, the cover plays a major part: the colours, the fonts, any pictures or the general style. I know we all say "you can't judge a book by its cover" - and of course that's true, there are plenty of novels I loved that I was not crazy about the cover (Looking For Alaska, as an example). But I'm a designer and editor by nature; since 2003 I've had a hand in designing hundreds of pages, newspapers, magazines, websites, newsletters...the list goes on. I know how easily a different font can change the entire tone of a presentation, and it's spilled over into my book decisions.

So obviously, when sites don't post covers or don't have a cover yet, it's difficult for me to give it my attention unless it's an author I've already heard of or if I've been directed to it. I will at least skim and look for some key words that catch my interest.

In terms of reviews, I'm more apt to read any if it seems to be split into manageable portions and paragraphs to be read, or if there are sections - basically, if it looks organized, I'll give it a shot. I get lost when there are tons of links, or mass paragraphs that have every other word linked to different websites. It's like a sensory overload when it's just TEXT (unbroken paragraphs and mile-long sentences) - all those words and letters blend and blur to me.

However, I do trust my friends' opinions. If I really like the blogger or the taste of a blogger, then I'll read their writing/review/suggestions, even if s/he is guilty of all the aforementioned.

What grabs your attention? Leave a link and I'll come check it out!

Book Blogger Love-A-Thon

Katelyn had the brilliant idea of spreading love beyond just our significant other or friends during this February: a Book Blogger Love-A-Thon! Basically, an entire day devoted to showing fellow book bloggers tons of love!  Via their blog, twitter, Facebook, absolutely any avenue.  How fabulous is that?! I've only been a book blogger for 5 weeks (January 1 was my "official" launch of the blog) and already I'm blown away by this community. It is seriously the most accepting and friendly group I've ever had the pleasure and honor to be a part of - so I'm definitely looking forward to having a day giving my thanks to the book bloggers I love and finding more amazing ones, too!

Here's some direct info from her post:

Who: Anyone and everyone can sign up just as long as you remember to keep it friendly! I would like it if you had a place to post stuff so having a blog is required (I don’t think anyone without a blog would try to sign up for a Blog Love-A-Thon but sometimes you can never be too careful!)

What: A Blogger Love-A-Thon! This will be a day full of commenting on blogs, following blogs, tweeting about blogs, thanking blogs, sharing the word about awesome blogs, telling another blogger how freaking awesome they are, the list goes on and on. Basically it will consist of fun posts, mini challenges, lots of commenting, and perhaps a giveaway or two! I do not have a full schedule completely detailed out yet but I will be e-mailing it to everyone who hopes to participate. Since I am a simple person and like to keep things that way, it will most likely be a fairly easy-to-follow schedule!

When: February 17th 2012 at 12:00 a.m. EST until February 18th 2012 at 12: a.m. EST. I understand that life gets in the way which is why I am not putting in major time restrictions on how long you have to actually be participating! If you can only do it for 12 hours, then do it for those 12 hours!

Where: Twitter, blogs, Facebook! All of your posts will be on your blog but OF COURSE links are welcomed on Twitter and Facebook!

Why: I doubt any of you were asking this question but just in case, it is because there are SO MANY book bloggers that I love! I want to take this opportunity to tell them how much I appreciate all the time and energy they put into their blogs. I know this is hard work and we have all had that moment of feeling like “is there anyone even paying attention to what I’m saying?”  I just really hope that a day like this will be good to lift the spirits of book bloggers everywhere! (There I go sounding all cheesy! I am sure I’ll be regretting my wording in about 2 hours but oh well, it gets the point across!)

If you're interested in participating (and I sure hope so!), head over to her post here and read how to submit your link.

Review: the sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson

the sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Dial Books (a Penguin imprint), 272 pages
Released: March 9, 2010

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

I try to fend off the oceanic sadness, but I can't. It's such a colossal effort not to be haunted by what's lost, but to be enchanted by what was.

I miss you, I tell her, I can't stand that you're going to miss so much.

I don't know how the heart withstands it.

I'm unsure how to review this book because there are really only so many ways I can call it brilliant and beautiful and wonderful.  This book is...it's everything. 

It's been awhile since a book made me cry and clutch at it, but here it is: I wept. I carried this book with me everywhere as I paced around the house, reading it and trying to slow down to savor and process.  I could feel Lennie's grief just emanating off the pages, her feelings of loss and being so lost and confused and searching for meaning among everything.  When I first read the book jacket I kind of assumed I'd be mad at her (like Sarah) for turning to Toby since he was her dead sister's boyfriend, y'know? But it's so beautifully crafted and makes so much sense that I felt proud of Lennie when she knew it was wrong and started resisting - something I have no idea if I'd be strong enough to do if I was in her position.  

This entire novel is just...beautiful. It's emotional and poetic and filled with such wonder and is so heartfelt and raw that I can't tell you fast enough how much I want the entire world to read it and know its beauty.  It's so well-written; Jandy Nelson's words just pop off the pages and paint the brightest, most evocative pictures. I feel like I know Joe Fontaine, can see his flailing hands and lightbulb-wattage personality.

I don't know what else to say. Just trust me when I tell you I recommend this more than anything right now, that you will never regret letting these words and this story come into your life.

5 Stars / 5

and millions more!