Underworld - Meg Cabot

Judul : Underworld #2
Penulis : Meg Cabot
Series : Abandon Trilogy
Penerbit : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Tahun : 2013
Tebal : 336hal
ISBN : 978-979-22-9290-9
Sinopsis :

Lanjutan Abandon Pierce Oliviera belum mati. Tidak kali ini. Pierce Oliviera dibawa oleh John Hayden ke alam yang temaram, tempat jiwa-jiwa yang berpulang menunggu sebelum bertolak mengarungi perjalanan akhir mereka: Underworld. John mengatakan itu demi melindungi Pierce dari kaum Fury yang bertekad membalas dendam pada cowok itu. Tetapi mungkin John punya rencana lain. Dan meski menyadari dirinya mungkin aman di Underworld, Pierce tahu orang-orang yang dikasihinya di luar sana terancam bahaya. Bisakah Pierce meyakinkan John untuk melepaskannya demi menyelamatkan seorang anggota keluarganya? Dan apakah harga yang diminta John ternyata terlalu tinggi bagi Pierce?

Review :

Underworld, itulah tempat Pierce sekarang tinggal bersama John, dewa kematian. Pierce dilarang kembali ke dunia manusia sejak neneknya sendiri berniat membunuhnya. Sejak dikuasai Fury, neneknya diam-diam mengatur cara untuk membunuh cucunya sendiri Pierce. Kaum Fury sudah lama mengincar John, mencari-cari cara untuk menyakitinya. Setelah mengetahui Pierce adalah orang yang paling berarti untuk John, mereka pun mengincarnya.

Berada di Underworld menjalani keabadian bersama John bukanlah hal yang sulit untuk dilakukan karena Pierce mencintai lelaki itu. Tapi Pierce selalu rindu dengan ayah, ibunya, juga Alex sepupunya. Bukan hanya itu, kali ini Pierce malah mengetahui bahwa Alex mungkin berada dalam bahaya dan Pierce ingin membantunya. Tapi untuk dapat membantu sepupunya, Pierce harus kembali ke dunia manusia, dan itu berarti resiko untuk dikejar kaum Fury terbuka lebar.

"Bersama John tidak terasa salah. Satu-satunya yang terasa salah adalah saat aku mencoba membayangkan hidup dalam dunia yang di dalamnya tidak ada dia." - Pierce

Kalau di buku pertama cerita tentang John tidak begitu dijelaskan, di buku ke-2 ini penulis mengungkap masa lalu John juga dengan tokoh-tokoh baru di Underworld. Semua karakter cukup menyenangkan kecuali nenek Pierce yang memang dikuasai kaum Fury, dan Alex yang sangat menyebalkan dan cenderung kekanak-kanakkan. Selain itu, this book isn't bad at all. Karena ini trilogy, semoga di buku terakhir ada happy ending.

Rating : 4/5

Buku Pertama :
Abandon - Meg Cabot

Schooled - Layken's poem on Slammed by Colleen Hoover

I got schooled this year.

By everyone.

By my little brother. . .

By the Avett Brothers. . .

by my mother, my best friend, my teacher, my father,

and

by

a 

boy.

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, 

and undeniably in love with.

I got so schooled this year.

By a nine-year-old.

He taught me that it's okay to live life

a little backward.

And how to laugh

At what you would think

is unlaughable.

I got schooled this year

By a band!

They taught me how to find that feeling of feeling

again.

They taught me how to decide what to be

And go be it.

I got schooled this year.

By a cancer patient.

She taught me so much. She's still teaching me so 

much.

She taught me to question.

To never regret.

She taught me to push my boundaries,

Because that's what they're there for. 

She told me to find a balance between head and heart

And then

she taught me how. . .

I got schooled this year

By a foster kid.

She taught me to respect the hand that I was dealt.

And to be grateful I was even dealt a hand.

She taught me that family

Doesn't have to be blood.

Sometimes your family

are your friends.

I got schooled this year

By my teacher

He taught me

That the points are not the point,

The point is poetry. . .

I got schooled this year

By my father.

He taught me that heroes aren't always invincible

And that the magic 

is within me. 

I got schooled this year

by

a

boy.

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly,

and undeniably in love with.

And he taught me the most important thing of all -

To put the emphasis

On life.

This is one of many poems that Colleen Hoover wrote on her novel Slammed. This one is my favorite and it's just amazing. There is a deeper meaning and the lines are definitely mind blowing. Read my review on Slammed here : Slammed - Colleen Hoover

Slammed #1 - Colleen Hoover

Title : Slammed #1
Author : Colleen Hoover
Series : Slammed Series
Publisher : Atria Books
Published on September 18th 2012
Synopsis :

Falling in love can feel like poetry. Or it can feel like a slam to the heart. Colleen Hoover’s romantic, emotion-packed debut novel unforgettably captures all the magic and confusion of first love, as two young people forge an unlikely bond before discovering that fate has other plans for them. Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken becomes the rock for both her mother and younger brother. She appears resilient and tenacious, but inside, she's losing hope. Then she meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome twenty-one-year-old whose mere presence leaves her flustered and whose passion for poetry slams thrills her. Not long after a heart-stopping first date during which each recognizes something profound and familiar in the other, they are slammed to the core when a shocking discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart. Only through the poetry they share are they able to speak the truth that is in their hearts and imagine a future where love is cause for celebration, not regret.

Review :

After Layken's dad passed away, her mother decided leave Texas. Along with her nine years old brother Kel, they moved to Michigan. When they arrived at their new house, Kel already made friends with Caulder, their neighbor whom is the same age with Kel. While moving their things out to the house, Layken meets Caulder's brother Will. They instantly fell head over heels for one another. But it's doesn't last long, because apparently Will is Layken's teacher at her new school. There are many risks that it has, and who will be put first, second and third? Is it family, job or Layken? 

I sort of have a love-hate relationship with Will. As a teacher and only brother to Caulder, he did a great job because it ain't easy to raise a kid while he is supposed to chase his dream. But for love problems, he sucks so bad. However, I'm forever loving guys who kiss foreheads instead of lips in a certain moment. So yeah, I forgive you, buddy. 

"Whatever burden it was that she was carrying around, I wanted to carry it for her." - Will

Apart from the love between Layken and Will which by the way is complicated as hell, it's a beautiful story. I noticed that Will said 'That's not a good idea' more than once or twice. I tried not to count but even if I don't count it, I still feel the words come up once and again which is a bit disturbing. But again dude, I forgive you.

It's a heart touching story between Layken and her mother. I feel so connected with them and their stories. To stories that they've gone through since her dad passed away, I couldn't put into words how sad I am. Layken's mom is my favorite. Her words are very inspiring and just like all mothers will do to their daughters, she encouraged Layken, being her friend when she needs it, and taught her how to be strong and caring.

This book is so much more than just the love between a teacher and student. It's also about family, life and death. What I love more about this book is the poems. There is two or three poems that I skip in the beginning, but as soon as I read Layken's and Will's, I was mesmerized. The author doesn't only write a novel but poems as well. Those are all great poems and have deep meaning inside.

"Question everything. Your love, your religion, your passions. If you don't have questions, you'll never find answers."

Rating : 4/5

Bidadari Bidadari Surga - Tere Liye

Judul : Bidadari Bidadari Surga
Penulis : Tere Liye
Penerbit : Republika
Tahun : 2008
Tebal : 365hal
ISBN :
Sinopsis :

Bidadari-Bidadari Surga bercerita tentang pengorbanan seorang kakak (Laisa) untuk adik-adiknya (Dalimunte, Ikanuri, Wibisana dan Yashinta) di Lembah Lahambay agar adik-adiknya dapat melanjutkan pendidikan mereka, meski ia harus bekerja di terik matahari setiap hari, mengolah gula aren setiap jam 4 pagi serta dimalam hari menganyam rotan, meski pada dasarnya keempat adik-adiknya tersebut berasal dari darah yang berbeda dengan dirinya. Satu sisi Laisa digambarkan sebagai kakak yang galak dan tegas, mengejar-ngejar adiknya yang bolos sekolah dengan rotan dan ranting kayu. Di sisi lain, kontradiktif dengan fisiknya yang gempal, gendut, berkulit hitam, wajah yang tidak proporsional ditambah dengan rambut gimbal serta ukuran tubuhnya yang tidak normal, lebih pendek, Laisa sesungguhnya tipe kakak yang mendukung adik-adiknya, rela mengorbankan diri untuk keselamatan ‘dua anak nakal’ Ikanuri dan Wibisana dari siluman Gunung Kendeng, serta mati-matian mencari obat bagi kesembuhan adiknya Yashinta yang diserang demam panas hingga kejang pada suatu malam.

Review : 

Terlahir berbeda dari keempat adiknya, Kak Laisa tahu benar bahwa dia bukan kakak kandung mereka. Tapi tak pernah sekalipun kak Laisa malu berada didekat adik-adiknya. Justru sebaliknya, Kak Laisa selalu menjaga mereka dan membimbing mereka layaknya seorang kakak pada umumnya. 

Bagi Kak Laisa, bertubuh gemuk dan pendek serta berambut gimbal tak jadi masalah, asal adik-adiknya tidak seperti dia. 

Bagi Kak Laisa, tidak menikah pun tak apa, asal keempat adiknya menikah dan berkeluarga.

Bagi Kak Laisa, hidup susah bukanlah akhir dari segalanya asal bekerja keras dan bertekad kuat, tak ada yang tak mungkin.

Maka dari itu Kak Laisa begitu keras pada adik-adiknya, Dalimunte,Ikanuri, Wibisana, & Yashinta. Dan tak jarang Kak Laisa akan memukul mereka terutama Ikanuri dan Wibisana yang terkenal sering bolos sekolah dan suka bermain. Bukan karena kejam, tapi semata-mata untuk mendidik mereka. Kak Laisa selalu berpesan pada adik-adiknya untuk baik-baik bersekolah karena setiap sen dari uang sekolah mereka adalah hasil upaya ibu mereka bekerja banting tulang di ladang setiap hari. 

"KAU ANAK LELAKI DALIMUNTE!" Anak lelaki harus sekolah! Akan jadi apa kau jika tidak ssekolah? Pencari kumbang di hutan sana seperti orang lain di kampung ini? Penyadap damar? Kau mau menghabiskan seluruh masa depanmu di kampung ini? Kau mau setiap tahun hanya makan ubi gadung setiap kali hama belalang menyerang ladang? Hah, mau jadi apa kau, Dalimunte?"

Hasil didikan kak Laisa selama ini tak sia-sia. Keempat adiknya telah sukses dalam bidangnya masing-masing. Namun ketika mereka selangkah demi selangkah menggapai mimpi mereka, Kak Laisa tetap berada di tempat yang sama. Dia bahkan tak pernah bermimpi karena terlalu sibuk memikirkan mimpi adik-adiknya.

"....., suatu saat nanti kalian akan melihat betapa hebatnya kehidupan ini.... Betapa indahnya kehidupan di luar sana. Kalian akan memiliki kesempatan ini, yakinlah.... Kakak berjanji akan melakukan apapun demi membuat semua itu terwujud..." - Kak Laisa

Beranjak Dewasa 

Disela kesibukan masing-masing, mereka mendapatkan sms yang berisikan hal yang paling tidak mereka inginkan untuk terjadi. Isi pesannya mengabarkan bahwa Kak Laisa mengidap kanker stadium IV. Ia bisa pergi kapan saja. Dan mereka diharapkan untuk pulang melihatnya.

Kak Laisa adalah seorang figur yang dapat menjadi panutan bagi siapa saja. Sifatnya yang keras namun tak egois dan amat menyayangi adik-adiknya patut diacungi jempol. Dalam hidupnya, Kak Laisa selalu mengalah pada adik-adiknya. Mengalah untuk berhenti sekolah demi Dalimunte, mengalah - menyerahkan diri sepenuhnya kepada harimau yang siap menerkam demi menolong kedua adiknya, dll.

Betapa indah dan mulia kasih yang dicurahkan Kak Laisa seumur hidupnya. Tak peduli paras dan bentuk tubuhnya yang dianggap kurang sempurna bagi kebanyakan orang, kak Laisa memiliki hati bak bidadari-bidadari surga. Buku yang ditulis dengan hati akan menyentuh hati semua masyarakat. Buku ini adalah salah satunya. Great book!

Rating : 4/5
PS : Terima kasih pinjaman bukunya, Putri :)

Bound Together - Eliza Jane

Title : Bound Together
Author : Eliza Jane
Synopsis :

Seventeen-year-old Zoey needs an escape from some personal drama, like her mom’s depression and taking care of her four younger siblings. She finds the perfect distraction in a frenemies-with-benefits arrangement with irritatingly hot football captain, Matt, during their class trip to Paris. There’s no chance of falling for someone whose only ambition in life is to stay in their hick town and one day take over his parent’s tire store. But far from home and personal responsibilities, his cocky grin and easy attitude start to grow on her as they explore the seductive city of Paris together. Once they’re back at home, Zoey finds herself texting him for a secret rendezvous whenever she needs an escape. Though she’s been explicitly clear she’s using him for one thing, whenever Matt picks her up, he acts more like it’s a date-date rather than a backseat playdate –making sure she has eaten, or stopping to color with her little sister before they go out. Despite her best efforts at keeping their arrangement physical only, Zoey begins to realize – with fear and disgust – that she’s falling for him. When things fall apart with her mom, letting Matt see her real life takes more courage than she has – but if she’s brave enough to let him, he might be just the one person who can help.

Review :

Zoey is the oldest child in her family. At the age of seventeen, Zoey is supposed to have fun with friends, go to party, and dating. But she couldn't do any of that because she needs to take care of her four younger siblings. Zoey herself already feels like a mother to them. Their parents are still alive but they barely act like one. Her mother has depression and her father works all the time. However, all Zoey needs is a time to herself. And a class trip to Paris will certainly help her to forget her duty even just for a while. Not to mention  she's paired with football captain Matt to their assignment. 

To be honest, I don't even know if I will ever like Zoey. I do understand how hard it is to take over her mom's responsibility, do the housekeeping, look after her brothers and sister like her own children, but Zoey is very judgmental and seems to take things lightly. She doesn't want to get emotionally involved with anybody, not with her best friend or to any guy in her school. I feel bad for Matt because he is such a nice guy and he has a thing for her and it's certainly more than friends with benefit. Although they had issues with their own families but it's good to see how each character has developed their personalities.

Well, although the cover is quite promising but I'm disappointed with the story. Details and conflicts are a bit confusing. But I do like the interaction between Matt and Zoey. There's one that cracks me up the most.Zoey thought Matt wanted to kiss her while they were eating at the restaurant, so. . . .

"Parker, please - we're in public."
He pressed his lips together, suppressing a laugh. "I wasn't going to kiss you, Zoey." he whispered, leaning in towards me. His amusement on his face slowly fell when realized what I meant. "I was just trying to tell you that you have a piece of spinach in your teeth."

Rating : 1/5