Sunday, March 04, 2012

Review: Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick



3.5 stars

Six months after she loses her mom, Holly is cold and emotionally numb. This is her senior year and she just doesn’t care anymore about her life. Then she does the unthinkable: she loses her virginity to Paul, the popular guy she barely knows.

Assuming this to be one-night-stand, it’s a great shock for Holly when Paul persists on seeing her. Paul belongs to popular crowd and he already has a long-term girlfriend, a really sweet girl named Saskia. It seems strange that he even pays attention to Holly. At first, it’s easy to ignore Saskia and the guilty feeling of sleeping with somebody’s boyfriend. But then Holly becomes friends with Saskia, and eventually she realizes that the price she has to pay for her recklessness is too high.

When I first picked the book, I assumed that Nothing Like You is gonna be a light read. Boy, was I ever wrong. Nothing Like You is a sad book about overcoming grief and loss of a significant other. Yes, Holly does make bad decisions, yet I feel like I can understand the reasons. Her mother’s death has changed Holly, and she will never be the same Holly from junior year.

It breaks my heart that Holly seems to respect herself less. She is loved and cared by so many people but she just can’t feel that. Holly’s relationship with Nils, her one and only guy friend, is something that I hoped would be the one to heal her heart. Throughout the book, I kept hoping that Holly will come to her senses and realize that her world hasn’t shattered yet. And she will get better because time will heal every wound.

He tugged at my hair. “How come you never get sad, Holly? I think it’s weird you don’t ever get sad.”

“I do get sad.” I stood, dusting some dirt off my butt. “Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.” 

I rate this book: 
Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation. 

16 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good book! I like the concept of it, dealing with loss. I haven't been reading anything deep lately, so I might pick this one up! Fabulous review, thanks for telling us about this book. I hadn't heard of it before your review!

    [Sorry about the deleted post, I messed up on something. :p]

    -Aneeqah @ The Brain Lair

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    1. Thank you, Aneeqah! This is such a sad book but I like it! This is a short book but it plays with your emotion. I hope you'll love this book too, Aneeqah! <3

      It's okay, I'll just delete the first comment! :D

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  2. I've never heard of this one, but I like the cover! Your always introducing me to new books. I love it! =)

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    1. I'm so glad that I introduce you to some new titles, Amanda! I hope that my reviews make you interested to read the books! <3

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  3. Aw, I love that quote at the end! This sounds like such a moving read - thanks for even putting it on my radar. I can't believe I hadn't heard of it before. Awesome review, Hilda! :)

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    1. Thank you, Sam! This is a sad read but I really enjoyed it! I didn't even mean to read this book, I just can't stop reading when I skimmed the first chapter LOL! I hope you'll love this book too! :D

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  4. I haven't heard of this book but I'm curious after your review! It seems like Holly is a narrator I can sort of relate to but also may feel a bit frustrated by her. The quote at the end is really great, it makes me want to read the book. I think I might give it a shot. Lovely review, Hilda!

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    1. I admit that I did feel a bit frustrated by Holly! She's a very real character and there were so many times I shook my head in disbelief! I hope you're gonna love this book, Elena! Thank you! <3

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  5. Oh, it sounds so amazing. And sad. Dealing with loss is never easy and it sounds like the concept is introduced beautifully here. The quote at the end- so poignant! And that poignancy is captured in the cover as well! Great review, Hilda! I reeallyy want to read this now!

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    1. Thank you, Ajoop! I hope you'll give this book a go, I'm pretty sure you're gonna love this book (tell me if you don't enjoy this book, I'll recommend you another sad book lol!). The quote grabs me instantly too, it's so sad that most of the time we can't see things beneath the surface. I hope you'll enjoy this book too, Ajoop! :)

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  6. This reminds me a lot of The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. (One of my favorite books ever.) It's so true that people tend to make horrible decisions while dealing with grief - not that losing someone justifies reckless behavior, but it's certainly understandable. I don't have problems connecting with such heroines either.
    Wonderful review, Hilda!
    Maja @ The Nocturnal Library

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    1. Oh, I've been wanting to read the book since forever! The blurb doesn't sound like the one I'm going to love, but if you love the book, I sure will give it a try! Plus, everyone seems to adore the book very much! <3

      People sometimes do bad decisions when they're in grief, and I like it when the heroines finally able to escape from the black hole! It seems like a representation of hope! <3 Thank you, Maja! :)

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  7. Thank you for your great review, Hilda! :) I usually try to avoid sad books, but Nothing Like You sounds like one I would enjoy.

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    1. Your welcome, Giada! It would be awesome if you love the book too! For some strange reasons, I love sad YA, but only if it's accompanied with happy ending! ;)

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  8. Oh, Hilda, if only your reviews could stop being so amazing -- then maybe my TBR pile wouldn't be so over-packed! x) I just LOVE sad books. That may sound strange because you wouldn't think a person would like to cry so much, but I find that ones that manage to wedge themselves deep enough into your heart are the best. :) And this one sounds so amazing and touching and sweet!

    Beautiful review, Hilda! <3 :)

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, Mimi! Your reviews always manage to get me on the edge of my seat too! Books and movies that make me shed tears always have a spot in my heart too! This is a gripping read and if you decide to read this book, I SO can't wait to read your review, Mimi! <3

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