This is definitely a fantastic book, and if it was on its own, I would probably rate it higher, like a 4. However, when compared to Me Before You, it just doesn't rate as well as far as heart strings being pulled. With that being said, it was a good read- Lou is learning what it means to live with new friends and a surprise left by Will, and her family is still the quirky support it was before. In fact, it reminds me just a little of a cross between the Janet Evanovitch books (think the Grandma vs. Lou's family) and Bridget Jones's Diary. All in all, I don't think the followers of Lou will be too disappointed- it is a good follow up, albeit a fairly predictable one.
Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor (4/5 stars)
The conclusion. Let me be clear, everyone, I do not, do not, read sequels. There isn't enough time with so many other books. With this series, however, I made an exception. And I am glad. I even liked the ending. It wasn't the typical happy or sad ending, and it seemed to make sense; there wasn't a weird twist at the end that came up out of the blue. Not sure how I feel about the added characters, however, hence the 4 stars. But for the most part, a well written, beautiful story about love and war. Read it. Invest in it. Enjoy it.
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau (4/5 stars)
This is a hunger games sister book. However, there is a little more to it than just sadistic people, so that's cool. In the future, after Earth has been decimated to near ruin after war, 4 students from the Great Lakes colony have been chosen to be a part of the testing, where they may become future leaders. However, something sinister lurks. There is a bit of variety through types of testing, and a twist at the end. There is also a mystery as to whether or not she can trust the love of her life, and of course, the love triangle, which seems to be far too prevalent in young adult books. Therefore, only 3 stars.
Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer (3/5 stars)
Issues- all the kids at the boarding school have issues. So, of course there are going to be some twists and turns, which has seemed to become a new genre. Jam and her four friends are in a special class and they each have to face something horrible that needs closure. They are given journals to write their feelings about their issues, and unexpectedly they are transported back to happier days. Some of the kids have incredible stories, but some of them, Jam especially, I question the reality of the other students understanding how "in love" she is. Maybe I'm approaching it as a grown-up, so it could happen. I also had a bit of a problem between the mature nature and then the immature nature of the kids. Oh wait, that is true for teens- I take that last one back :-)