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candyc0at3d · 8 years ago

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Th1rteen R3asons Why: Prepare to Be Obsessed.

SPOILERS AHEAD. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

I thought for this recap/review I would stick to the theme with 13 reasons of my own.

13 reasons why I LOVED (or Not Loved) THIS SHOW (and BOOK)

The Loved List

1. The Cast - Katherine Langford (Hannah) is amazing (some Aussie pride over here!) and I feel she does total justice to the lead character, she made it completely believable and relatable. I also loved seeing Ross Butler (Zach) in another role, as I already love him as Reggie in The CWs Riverdale! Only wish we could’ve seen more of him. It’s always an honour to have Kate Walsh (Hannah’s mom) grace the screen, I’ve been a fan since Private Practice. I felt that all the cast were perfectly chosen and brought their characters stories to life in a magical way. I couldn’t imagine any of the roles with another actor. They were amazing and a great fresh young cast who I am sure will soon be taking Hollywood by storm!

2. The Narrative Format - I absolutely LOVE Jay Asher’s narrative concept for this story. The tapes, the voice, the whole idea and concept just adds to the whole kind of ‘thrilling’ feeling which perfectly suits the haunting story of Hannah Baker. I think it’s an extremely unique narrative and it works so well with this particular theme and topic by adding so much more depth and emotion to the story. I don’t reckon that such an important and serious theme could’ve been addressed half as well or as appropriately with any other narrative. It worked perfectly together.

3. The Storylines - The storylines are all fabulous. The book and main storyline about the suicide of Hannah Baker and what lead her to her decision is something I think is extremely important to tell in today’s society with teen depression and cases of teen suicide scarily on the rise and being one of the leading causes for teen death. It’s haunting, it’s honest, it’s raw, and most importantly it’s so damn real. Also the individual story for each ‘character’ / ‘tape’ / ‘episode’ are so incredible. Each character has their own unique storyline of how they fitted into Hannah’s life and became a part of her final decision. Most of the stories were exceptionally well suited to their respective character , but some of them left me sad as I really expected more from those characters (especially Zach & Justin but more on them later). Having said that though, it was all fitting to the main story, and wouldn’t have been the same otherwise.

4. The Characters - All of the characters were relatable and wonderfully portrayed. One of my favourite characters was Zach - mainly because he is played by Ross Butler, but I honestly think he was one of the nicer guys and I really feel like Hannah could’ve come to a different outcome if she’d given him more of chance instead of just brushing him off - but I do also understand she had her reasons for reacting the way she did. I really enjoyed watching each character’s story unfold through out this series as they each had an extremely unique and definite personality, and story. Justin was a character I also enjoyed as I could really feel his pain, and I think he was not a bad guy, but his life lead him to make a couple of bad decisions himself. Everyone has their own demons that they’re battling against and I think that this show perfectly portrays this how all of us are dealing with our own personal issues which cause things to work out the way they do. (I love how the show focuses on each of the characters and also explores the aftermath of how listening to the tapes affected each of their lives (whereas the book only really concentrates on Clays thoughts as he is listening to the tapes and doesn’t really give us much background into the other characters, the show really gives us insight into each of their personal lives and their relationships with one another).

5. The Interweaving - I also loved seeing in the show how each of the characters were connected to one another and how their relationships are affected by the demise of Hannah. Of course all of them have played some part in her final decision and it’s heartbreaking for them to realise the consequences of what they had done, even though for most of them it was unintentional. They now also become connected by all their secrets as the 13 of them are now fully aware of the secrets of each other and they have to work together to try and keep Hannah’s accusations and their guilt from going ‘public’ which they’re all afraid the ‘stand up, good guy’ , Clay might do - as even Hannah admits - ‘one of these things is not like the others’ and Clay in a sense doesn’t really belong on the list - but I guess Hannah feels she owes him a kind of explanation.

6. The Acting - The acting is mostly brilliant in this show. I have to give special recognition to the actor Justin Prentice in this segment as I think he did a phenomenal job. Justin Prentice played the character of ‘Bryce Walker’ who is basically the ‘villain’ of the season, he is pig headed and absolutely disgusting , typical jock type guy with less than ZERO respect for women (and his friends) who thinks his money can buy him out of any problem and get him whatever he wantes. He honestly had me HATING him at the end of this show, and I had developed kind of a personal vendetta against him wishing he’d been the one who was dead in Hannah’s stead. Only a few days later I was watching an interview (13 reasons why: beyond the reasons - special available on Netflix under trailers and more) and I realised - ‘Crap. Like he’s (Prentice) a hot, genuinely cool guy. Bryce is just a character.’ He explained how hard it was to bring this character to life. It was a real challenge as it would’ve I’m sure hit a few nerves and touched on a LOT of raw emotions, and sensitive issues. So major props to him for creating such a believable character!

7. Tony & His Mustang - Tony, played by Christian Navarro, is like half the reason to love this show. Man, Tony is just so effortlessly suave and sexy (but sorry ladies - he’s gay!) and he just happens to continuously appear at the right place and at the right time. I love his kind of mysterious, guardian angel aura that portrays on the show as he follows Clay around and supports him as he tries to get through listening to the tapes. Not that he needs another reason to be sexier but he drives and adores his vintage, red MUSTANG! Dayum! (I’m not sure if I loved Tony or the ‘Mustang’ more to be honest haha) …. He was a major part of the shows success and It wouldn’t have been half as incredible without him in it.

8.The Messages- I think that all in all the message that this show tells is one of EXTREME importance : It needs to be heard. It raises awareness of a very important issue which should not be hushed out and kept silent. It’s a shout out to a number of groups too. To Depressed Teens : SILENCE IS NOT STRENGTH!!! PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE. OPEN UP TO SOMEONE. If you’re thinking sad, depressive and suicidal thoughts, don’t keep them bottled up inside your mind, speak about them, say them out loud, admit your feelings don’t hide them away from those around you. People can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on inside your head. Some one will always be willing to listen. You just have to speak to the right person. To Teenagers (Humans) in general : DON’T BE AN A**HOLE. You never know how what you do may affect some one and slowly be chipping away at their identity. Be kind. Show Respect! and LISTEN. Read between the lines, be there for people, and provide a ‘safe space’ and an opportunity for them to reach out. Don’t ignore subtle hints! Take EVERYTHING seriously, let them know they are loved. Let them know you CARE! To Adults , Parents and Councellors. Be PRESENT. Be AVAILABLE. Don’t undermine their feelings. If something is troubling them - it’s troubling them for a valid reason - don’t make them feel silly, or like they are over reacting. If they are upset they HAVE THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO FEEL THE WAY THEY DO. Help them overcome it, help them deal with it and remember: the worst thing you can tell someone who is hurting is to ‘MOVE ON’. Their emotions are ALWAYS justified - don’t disrespect their feelings by minimising them. To EVERYONE - whatever we say or do can affect someone else in ways we could never know or imagine. Pay attention to how you treat others!

The Not so Loved List

8. The Sexist Themes - I really was affected by the sexism portrayed especially as it’s not just a show and / or story - this is happening IN REAL LIFE. Boys today (and I’m sorry for generalising here, I admit I know it’s not all of you, I know there are still stand-up, genuine gentlemen somewhere out there, they just happen to be the exception rather than the rule these days) have such a little, if any respect for the female body. In this show particularly, it’s as if the girls are viewed as a trophy or a plaything and nothing more - they are not treated as respected, independent, strong individuals - but rather they (girls) are expected to just be taken advantage of allow the boys to ‘take’ their own pleasure from them ( I say this because of two separate rape incidents within this story where the girls did NOT give consent and yet the boys went ahead anyway taking advantage of the vulnerability). Girls are viewed a prize or possession something which can be owned and just because they ‘have the hottest ass’ or the ‘best lips’ now every guy has the ‘right’ (sarcasm here) to just grab the ass, or make out with her whenever he feels like it. It’s absolute rubbish. Any guy who thinks like this is madly flawed in his reasoning - under NO CIRCUMSTANCE should a girl EVER BE TOUCHED UNLESS SHE HAS GRANTED HIS PERMISSION TO DO SO. (And the same goes for guys! Girls shouldn’t throw themselves over them unless the attraction and desire is MUTUALLY acknowledged). It’s a two way thing and BOTH PARTIES involved should have an EQUAL say! Mutual respect is important in any relationship. It doesn’t take much longer to take the time to say, ‘this is what we’re about to do? Is that okay with you?’ make them feel secure and supported.

9. The Teenage Stupidity - I was horrified once again by the realisation that this is how teenagers actually treat eachother. More than just in the book or series this is REAL LIFE. It’s so sad to think about how stupid, and naive and unintentional actions can have such harsh, and permanent consequences. I am so glad I am no longer in high school right now - if I had to see these things going on around me I’d be crushed. When did our generation become so cruel? so uncaring? This is not the kind of future we want to raise our kids into .. is it? Let’s get some respect and healthy relationships back into fashion. Let’s raise our girls to be strong, confident, loving and trusting and our boys to be protective, caring, kind and respectful. We are the future and it starts with us! Let’s not just ignore overlook the seriousness of these issues. BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD, have a little chat with the (WO)MAN in the MIRROR!

10. The Selfishness - There are more than one areas where I felt selfishness could’ve been avoided and Hannah’s story could’ve had a different outcome. First instance is with the other characters - each of them performed selfish actions (Alex selfishly wrote the list to make himself feel better and get his revenge on Jess, Ryan selfishly published Hannah’s private poem, Bryce, Marcus and Tyler all used Hannah to selfishly satisfy themselves in their own ways). Second instance is Hannah herself - she was extremely selfish in her final decision. Suicide is a selfish choice, and a selfish action. I know it may sound cruel and harsh - but it’s true. When you decide to take your own life, it’s something you want to do to end your pain because you feel that you can’t go on with life anymore. But do you stop to think about those who are left behind? After you’re gone - they’re the ones who will be left struggling with the aftermath, with a hole in their hearts and an emptiness in their life because of what you CHOSE to do. It’s always a choice. Another interesting point brought out in the special is that suicide of a friend / classmate can affect people so much that it often drives another person to suicide. (As happened in this show when Alex also shoots himself in the end). It’s heartbreaking for those left behind, and do you really want to make your loved ones suffer a pain worse than what you yourself has been going through? Especially if you haven’t really given them the chance to help you overcome what ever it is you are facing.

11. The Lack of Support - I was especially disappointed in Hannah’s parents, Mr. Porter and Hannah’s “Peer Communications” class and teacher. All of these groups had a chance to support / help Hannah. She tried to talk to her parents, but because they were so worried about the business all the time, she felt like she would only be burdening them unnecessarily, she thought she was strong enough to do it without them, and they were too distracted to notice that she was going through some really rough things. They didn’t make themselves available and Hannah didn’t feel like she could talk to them. Hannah made a reach out to her ‘Peer Communications’ class in the anonymous discussion bag with a note about suicidal thoughts but the class laughed it off, and thought it was some one looking for attention, the teacher didn’t realise it was actually a cry for help (but in all fairness Hannah refused to come forward - so what was she expected to do?). Hannah however did come forward and try to reach out to Mr. Porter, the school councellor, after she was raped by Bryce and what did he tell her ‘If she didn’t want to report it, or confront him, Bryce would be leaving the school in a few months and her best option was to ‘move on’.’ What an absolute disgrace!! It’s no wonder he became the 13th Reason why! She said in so many words that she just ‘Wanted life to stop’ but he didn’t take her seriously enough and that same day she went home and did what she felt was the only thing she could.

12. Clay - I found myself getting annoyed with Clay ALOT through out the series (he was a little less irritating in the book) … He felt like a weak, pointless character other than being the one to deliver the contents of the tapes to us. I felt like he didn’t have much depth, or wasn’t all to interesting to watch. He was trying to fight the tapes instead of just listening to them and getting the full story for Hannah. Luckily Tony (the hero of the story) was there to set him straight at every turn. I do like the fact that Clay stood up to Mr. Porter at the end as he so wisely said ‘It’s got to change. The way we treat each other.’ I did also respect that he was probably the only guy spotlighted in the series that didn’t try to take advantage of Hannah.

13. Hannah’s Choice(s) - This may seem a little unfair and I know Hannah had her reasons for her final choice, and I understand why she felt like she had to do what she did, I do, but I also think that there were a few instances where she could’ve made a different choice and all in all this could’ve lead to a very different outcome for her. In a sense I feel that she set herself up for failure. She made choices which allowed her to justify her decision. One mistake I think Hannah made was not giving Zach a chance, I might be wrong here, and maybe he would’ve used her like all the other guys, but he seemed genuinely concerned for her after Marcus’ stunt! She made him look like a fool in front of everyone and then expected him to stand up for her when she ‘tried’ to call out for help? Maybe if she’d just given him a chance and opened up to him when they were in good standing he might have been able to hear her cry for help and respond accordingly. Another missed opportunity was that with Clay - when they were making out at the party she asked him to stop she felt the hurt from all the accusations against her reputation up until that point. He listened, he respected her , he stopped. He was confused, he asked her what was going on, she could’ve broken down and opened up to him then, but what did she do? She pushed him away. She chased him out. If she’d opened up to him, if they’d begun a relationship, she could’ve regained her self-respect and she wouldn’t probably have found herself in a shady situation with Bryce. Bring me to her third mistake NOT REPORTING BRYCE, yes she blamed Mr Porter for telling her ‘move on’ but she did not want to report it or confront Bryce- she didn’t want to see him again. She could’ve and should’ve reported him. She had witnessed Bryce previously rape a barely conscious Jessica (and Justin had seen too) and if she’d paired up with them they could’ve taken him down and found peace. But Jessica didn’t even know, Justin covered for Bryce and Hannah never told Jessica the truth or confronted either of them until the tapes. If she’d spoken sooner, the outcome could’ve been a different one.

Anyways an AMAZING story completely haunting, gripping and thought provoking! Definitely recommended!!! Even the points on my NOT SO LOVED LIST made the story what it is - and I wouldn’t have changed a single thing - as if Hannah’s story were any different it wouldn’t leave such an important lesson for every single one of us!

#thirteen reasons why

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candyc0at3d · 8 years ago

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Author Spotlight : Liane Moriarty * The Last Anniversary *

Another amazing story told by the endlessly talented Liane Moriarty. I am honestly a LIFELONG fan and CANNOT wait for her next book, as I have now read all of her works to date. ( There is only one I haven’t read, but unfortunately due to personal beliefs, I won’t be reading it ). Please, Liane. Bring out another book SOON! Before I go INSANE. It’s only been a couple of days, and I am already in withdrawal mode - nothing else seems quite exciting enough to be a satisfying read right now!

So ‘The Last Anniversary’ is Liane Moriarty’s second book (published in 2006). It’s a very interesting unique story.

* Mild Spoilers Ahead * (Although nothing linked directly to the main plot twist)

So this story is all set on a mystical and mysterious, family only owned and resided SCRIBBLY GUM ISLAND. It focuses on 70 year old unsolved mystery of ‘Enigma’ (the baby who’s parents mysteriously went missing) .... 70 years later the family is growing tired of secrets and cover ups. Exactly what happened on that fateful day 70 years ago?

It follows the current family which are all gloriously intertwined and the interesting ‘non-family’ member, Sophie, who inherits a property on Scribbly Gum Island much to the surprise, excitement (for some) and dismay (for others) of the Scribbly Gum family.

Once again Liane Moriarty is able to delicately discuss some deep seated topics of interest and controversy such as postnatal depression, divorce and LGBT discovery.

It was an excellent read and the end was still somewhat surprising, and although slightly more predictable than some of her other suspenseful novels, I still didn’t guess the exact right outcome!

So seeing as this marks the END of my Author Spotlight on LIANE MORIARTY here is my personal ratings of her current books (from least favourite to favourite)

6 - THE LAST ANNIVERSARY is a fantastic read. The only reason I reckon it is my ‘least favourite’ is because, well honestly, I’d read a lot of Liane’s books by this point (as this was the last) and as with Big Little Lies, the other stories just found a way to reach to me on a personal level more so than this particular story. Also, it took me about half the book to get into it as I was a little confused by the narrative and all the various characters trying to remember and figure out the connections. Still excellent though, lovely characters and would definitely recommend it to any fan of a little mystery.

5 - BIG LITTLE LIES this was the first of Liane’s books which I read, and I have to say I did enjoy it, and thought it would be one of my top contenders but after reading the others, they just seemed more impacting to me personally. It is an excellent read, and I do also love the narrative of this story and the fact that you’re kept guessing through out the story as to who actually wound up dead. A great and surprising ending.

4 - WHAT ALICE FORGOT I loved loved loved ALICE. She’s an awesome character, and it was really entertaining following her journey through this story. It was also contained some twists which were not the usual, predictable storylines although still not super ‘shocking’ outcomes. All in a all a really enjoyable and entertaining read and fantastic narrative. (They’re making a movie of this one at the moment too! So I’m really looking forward to that!)

3 -THREE WISHES I found the characters extremely entertaining and enjoyed the unique narrative explored in this story. I was also taken by relationship between the sisters and enjoyed the family dynamics throughout. I also enjoyed how REAL this story was and the fact that it was true to life without fairytales and happy endings.

2 - TRULY, MADLY, GUILTY I loved this one almost as much as my Number 1 favourite. The characters again were fantastic, and the story was deep and thought provoking. It’s a true story of over coming tragedy and realistically discovers the way we all react differently in times of stress and duress.

1 - THE HUSBANDS SECRET was by far my favourite!! I loved the interconnection of the characters, and this one definitely had the best twists and surprises (IMO). The characters were all awesome and relatable and the story was touching. I’m still thinking about it weeks (and other books) later and WISH I could forget it so I could just read it again. It definitely has me slightly obsessed.

Except for my NUMBER ONE choice (The Husband’s Secret) - it’s not only my #1 Liane Moriarty story - but I think it’s my 2nd favourite book OF ALL TIME. (MY #1 is Pride and Prejudice. Sorry , Liane. I LOVE YOU, but JANE AUSTEN will always have my heart.) .... The rest we’re pretty hard to pick in order, if I’m totally honest these 6 books all fall into my TOP 10 Favourite Books ( which I have read to date) ....

Other title’s in my top 10 most memorable reads include The Broker - John Grisham (not too sure why, I just always remember enjoying this read) Make Me - Lee Child (My #3 FAVE!!.... It’s seriously the most amazingly, gripping, twisting read!!) Me Before You - Jojo Moyes ( Fell in love with Will and Lou)

Definitely recommend any of these above mentioned stories in a HEARTBEAT!! So if you’re ever stuck for a book to pick, check out one of these titles. <3

xoxo

#literature #reading #liane moriarty #john grisham #lee child #jojo moyes #make me #me before you #the broker #i love reading #author #fan #reviewer #give me more books

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candyc0at3d · 8 years ago

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The Key Jar - Unlocking Relationships.

I recently found this amazing blog discussing the concept of ‘The Key Jar’ which allows us to UNLOCK information about our loved ones, the article I read was specifically related to children, but with a little tailoring these questions can be used to unlock information and emotions in any relationship (family, romantic or just plain friendship.)

I thought that before going ahead and using these topics of discussion with my preschool class, I’d take a crack at answering them myself.

( The original article can be viewed here : http://momastery.com/blog/viral-posts/ )

My answers can be read below should you wish to continue reading this personal BLOG.

What was your fist thought when you woke up today? “Why do I have to do this?” haha

What are you most afraid of? ... Being separated from my family, and losing those I love.

What do you want to accomplish by your next Birthday? .... Be in a relationship.

If you could be famous for one thing, What would it be? .... Acting, definitely acting! Stage or screen - I’d love to work on some of those productions.

Whats you favourite word right now? ... ‘Caliente’ , it’s spanish, and like it’s meaning, it sounds HOT!

What do you love about yourself? .... I can’t answer this. Uhm? There’s always room for improvement right? Physically and emotionally. I don’t LOVE anything about myself, but I don’t hate myself either, I LIKE myself the way I am. I’m comfortable with who I am, and don’t need validation from other people. #lovemeorleaveme

What is something that’s hard for you? ... Right now. The most difficult thing is being separated and out of contact with some of my best friends and living half the world away from each other. I miss them every day.

Describe your perfect day .... My perfect day would include an early morning bush walk to a waterfall or something, spending time with friends, doesn’t really matter what we do, beach, movies, shopping, as long as we’re together, d and ending it all with a delicious pizza and a bottle of red wine.

I’ma leave it there for today, but I’ll be continuing a series with some further questions in time. (Maybe with more in depth themes and discussions). So if this is something of interest to you feel free to follow along as I explore these concepts and unlock pieces of myself.

#relationship #self evaluation #self development #self exploration #sense of self

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candyc0at3d · 8 years ago

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Author Spotlight: Liane Moriarty * Three Wishes *

I completed this Liane Moriarty book earlier this week, and I have to say I was once again impressed by her incredible story telling abilities. Three Wishes is a little bit different from the previous Moriarty books I’d read, and I had to bear in mind that this was her first published book (in 2004). So of course, her writing has come even further with her most recent books (Big Little Lies and Truly Madly Guilty, both of which were just amazing amazing!!).

Three Wishes is a little more humorous, and slightly more light hearted than the darker themes of it’s successors. It’s of course still dealing with issues and tragedies but not in a dark, murderous tone as we find particularly in The Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies.

The characters in this story are so completely loveable - well, that applies to at least 99% of the characters hehe.

I love the family dynamics which are touched on in this particular book, and the relationships between the sisters which I adore, having always wished for a sister of my own.

I also enjoyed the narrative from different perspectives and people telling stories about the triplets (in interval chapters) about things they’d seen and noticed them when in public at different time trough out their lives.

* Mild Spoilers from here on in - but I’ll try not to spoil any major plot lines*

Three Wishes focuses on a set of TRIPLETS! And boy are their lives and relationships exciting and dramatic. Two of them, Lyn and Cat, are identical blondes and the 3rd, Gemma is the fraternal red head.

The drama of this story starts with their annual, triplets only, birthday celebration which ends in arguing and an emergency trip to the hospital. Again, Moriarty holds to the element of surprise and she keeps the identity of the victim and the perpetrator unknown to the reader until near the end of the story. So which triplet is left with a fondue fork stuck in her pregnant belly? and which of her sisters got angry enough to throw it in there? .... We’re kept guessing (and yes the guesses continually change) through-out the story.

The great thing about the characters is that once again all of them have a possible motive. So who started the argument?

Cat is struggling as her whole life is crumbling around her, she is desperate for a baby, and finds out that her husband has been cheating on her.

(Excuse me for a minute here, while I just go off on a little rant)

I really feel for Cat through out the story as she is nothing but a good wife, and she just can’t come to terms with the fact that her loving husband would, or could, be unfaithful. I honestly don’t blame her, and I get really angry myself thinking about this. I personally believe that there is NEVER a reason to be unfaithful, and if you’re in a situation where you think you might be unfaithful, or get feelings of such, then you should keep your parts in pants , and be a man (or woman) enough to wait until you’re first able to break off your current relationship. It’s a disgusting thing to me, infidelity, and ( this story also proves my long time opinion) that it is not something that should be forgiven - because, in my opinion, if you forgive some one for cheating once, and allow them to get away with it and face no consequences - it’s human nature that OBVIOUSLY they’re going to try and get away with it again. I mean of course they will think, “They were okay with it, They’ll be okay with it again” .... No siree. You cheat on me once - you know where to find the door. As the saying goes Fool me once the shame is on you , but fool me twice ....

(Right, thanks for bearing with me , Rant OVER)

Then there is Lyn she is the orderly, under control one of the sisters but she is facing some own demons of her past too, and although she is cool and collected on the outside, and her family (husband, daughter and even step daughter) is a model family... is she really all together inside?

Last, but not least, is Gemma. Gemma is the fun loving, care-free, not one to settle down spirit. She hasn’t held down a relationship since her fiancè died before the wedding. But was she truly crushed by his death? ... Despite being loose tongued, and unable to keep a secret .... it turns out Gemma has been keeping the biggest secret of all.

It’s a great read, and a thoroughly enjoyable story. I like that fact that Moriarty doesn’t go out of her way to make her stories a ‘happily ever after’ because that is not how life works anyway. Her characters once again are raw, real and relatable.

#three wishes #liane moriarty #literature #story #review #triplets #infedility

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candyc0at3d · 8 years ago

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“There were moments she thought she might survive and there were other moments when she would catch herself thinking about her life as if it was a party she couldn’t wait to leave”

Liane Moriarty Three Wishes (via missjodi3)

#liane moriarty #three wishes #literature #quotes #life #philosophy

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candyc0at3d · 8 years ago

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Author Spotlight: Liane Moriarty *Truly, Madly, Guilty*

“One of the few authors I’ll drop anything for. Her books are wise, honest, beautifully observed.” - Jojo Moyes (Author of ‘Me Before You’), another of my favoured authors.

I chose this quote off the cover of the book as it perfectly mirrors by sentiments about the writing of Liane Moriarty. It is so very accurate of her astounding use of characters and intertwining storylines.

Truly, Madly, Guilty is once again nothing short of absolute brilliance. I LOVED every second of this story, and it really had me choked up and seemed to get me emotionally more so than the other books I’ve read by Moriarty.

I may have possibly mentioned this in one of my previous reviews but one thing I absolutely love is the way that Moriarty is able to make her characters so REAL. Everything about their life and the events they are facing in the story is REAL and this makes her works extremely gripping, touching and relatable because what these families are going through could happen to ANY ONE OF US, at ANY GIVEN TIME. Despite the fact that her works are fictional, they feel real, and touch on very real issues as well ranging from commonly faced issues like managing careers, marriage and parenting to more rare, yet important issues such as domestic violence, struggles with pregnancy and IVF treatment, mental health (things such as PTSD and others which are not coming to mind right now.) She so cleverly touches on these issues and raises awareness of them in the most beautiful way. The relationships between the characters are real and raw, and not these fantastical fairytales with the perfect marriage, perfect family and perfect friends who live happily ever after. Also the way various events and issues impact these relationships are so eye opening and go show that it’s not about what you go through, it’s about how you deal with it that determines how you come out on the other side.

Warning: There might by some MILD spoilers ahead. I will try not to ruin any of the major surprise twists and outcomes of the story, as the mystery and twists through out are what make it so damn brilliant.

This incredibly gripping thriller all begins at ‘an ordinary barbecue, on an ordinary day,’. Three families get together for a barbecue . . .

Vid and Tiffany are the hosts of the barbecue and neighbours to Erika and Oliver, they have a daughter named Dakota.

Clementine and Sam are a family with their two cute young daughters, Holly and Ruby.

Erika and Oliver are a loving couple without any children.

The spontaneous barbecue starts of well, and the couples are having a fantastic afternoon, until a disaster strikes which will change their lives and relationships forever.

After the disastrous afternoon, each person that was present seems to blame themselves as they struggle with the fall out of what happened that fateful day. It tests relationships, individual strength and familial bonds as they come to terms with the event and try to get their lives back on track.

It’s masterfully staggered, and brilliantly written from various perspectives. Once again, the twists keep coming through out the story and no detail is left unexplained.

This book is definitely an excellent read. ‘The Husband’s Secret’ is still my favourite so far, but ‘Truly, Madly, Guilty’ is now sitting on par! I would LOVE to see this made into a movie or TV series too!

Definitely worth every second of the read, and one of those books, that I once again makes me wish I could just forget the story so I could start reading it and enjoy it all over again.

I’ve already invested in my 5th book by Moriarty, and my next read, and review will be on her book, ‘Three Wishes’.

#literature #brilliance #thriller #suspense #liane moriarty #author #novelist #novel #review #truly madly guilty #worth the read

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