Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
An interesting sequel in that it doesn't directly follow the main character from the first book and instead evolves into a story where new characters become more main. It continues the same themes of familial love and while it has a somewhat unique plot, I still have the same criticisms about its "too convenient" plot devices - seems like everyone ends up conveniently related/connected somehow in order to illustrate the theme. (Especially when you consider the events of the first book, these serendipitous connections seem unrealistic for a single group of people to experience.) I also don't think this story is as tightly woven as the first - by adding more characters and a broader plot it became less concentrated on one character and one situation, which isn't a bad thing (there are no loose ends), but makes less impact overall. Like "Love Walked In" it's a fluff read, but enjoyable.
could not finish. lost interest. figured out plot, moved on to more engaging summer reads
I love her two books: they are good "peopley" stories even tho many people would say they're too positive, presenting a sense that the world is a good place. She reminds me of Barbara Kingsolver.
Ha! Reread it. . . May 24ish, 2014. Still enjoyed it! VERY readable.
Ha! Reread it. . . May 24ish, 2014. Still enjoyed it! VERY readable.
All of the makings of a light, easy beach read, but I struggled to get through it. Not enough charachter development and not enough substance. It's a shame that I didn;t care for the book, I love the cover.
Enjoyable, well-written intertwining stories revolving around a couple who
move into a new neighborhood. Thought the author described some of the subtleties of friendship extremely well.
move into a new neighborhood. Thought the author described some of the subtleties of friendship extremely well.
Thanks to a friend who gave me Love Walked In a few years ago, Marisa de los Santos is on my favorite author list (based on 2 books). I love stories that give a glimpse into the lives of seemingly real characters with real life drama. These characters are unique, human, and just real. Things for them are not perfect, but the book is about how they deal with those problems. Sure, the epilogue has a happy ending, but it's also not an ending. That's the thing about books and movies - they're not the whole existence of the characters. It's a snapshot. For most of us, if you "end" our stories at just the right time then we'd all have a happy ending too. But our lives are filled with chapters, maybe even our own books, that offer a glimpse into who we are. That's what I like about people watching. I like wondering what is going on in this slice of their life. That is what this book does. I love that the narrator changes from one chapter to the next. Each character with their own set of challenges and the thoughts behind them that are raw and real.
A perfect sequel to Love Walked In. I didn't know anything about it when I picked it up - didn't know that it was going to have the same characters and pick up a short while after Love Walked In ended. I was surprised, but so glad to see my favorite characters return. This book is so so different from Love Walked In, but just as good. My one critique about Love Walked In was that the characters were all a little too perfect. Nothing can be THAT good. This book excels where LWI didn't. The main characters, both new and old, are by no means perfect. Some of them are even quite dis-likeable. But Marisa de los Santos love for all her characters, her understanding of them, helps you to love them all too. She has an unbelieveable understanding of how a variety of people work (what motivates them, what holds them back, and how they cope with fear and loss) and so she can shape them and mold them into something real and tangible. And they make wonderful company. Belong to Me touches and moves me, and as with Love Walked In, I was so sad for it to be over. In short, I loved it.
The title of the book is mentioned throughout the book, roughly six times; leading the reader to fully understand the title in all of its glory.
I immediately fell in love with the characters all over again, and began to get to know new ones as well. From Cornelia and Teo to Piper and Kyle, and even Dev and his mom, Lake. The book is written in a way that shows different perspectives - Cornelia's, Piper's, and Dev's. It was incredible how I went from hating a character such as Piper to loving her by the end of the book. I think Marisa De Los Santos has a way of doing that with most of her characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed! Being that Clare is no longer a main character, we see little of her aside from her encounters with Dev, when she comes to visit Cornelia and Teo. Their relationship, as 13 year olds, is quite extraordinary. It is extremely easy for them to talk, because in Dev's word, Clare is like "truth serum." It is obvious that their relationship turns into something more than friendship.
This time the author focused less on movies like she had in the first novel, and more on the characters and their story - more on the reality of the situation. I thought that was great, but yet again, I still had trouble getting through the first chapter.
The book touches on every type of topic from cancer and 9/11 to miscarriages and young love. I'm telling you there is something in this book for everyone, and I feel as though every one can relate. It left me with thoughts, "I've been in her shoes before" or "I know exactly how he feels." Everyone has problems of their own, but that doesn't make them any smaller or without worth. In one instance, Cornelia discusses life changing events and how a miscarriage could be so minimal in comparison to the 9/11 events.
The love between Teo and Cornelia continues in this book, and it makes my heart ache. I feel as if reading about their love is like eavesdropping or peeking in and looking at something sacred.
There is an unbelievable turning point in the book, that I feel like I knew all along, but of course I won't spoil that for anyone. It's towards the end though, so even if you are having trouble reading the book, keep reading! De Los Santos throws her readers a curve ball!
So read it, and keep reading... it's a book you're sure to fall in love with.
"There is a limit. There is a limit to what can be taken away" (pg 84).
Interesting take on familiar themes of dislocated families, children seeking absent/unknown parent. The child is boy genius 13 year old Dev. His solo mum Lake moves the two of them to a town a long way from San Francisco. Also recently moved to the town are Cornelia and Teo, escaping the stress and pressure of New York City. The third narrator is Piper, who is a bit like a Queen Bee and take an instant dislike to Cornelia. She is also very involved in the care of her best friend Elizabeth who is dying. So interesting plot, some characters more believable than others, but overall it was too long and I don"t rate it highly.
Another "love story" by Marisa de los Santos. I was surprised to start the book and realize it is a loose sequel to Love Walked In, de los Santos' first book, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it immensely. I found parts so funny I laughed out loud (for at least a full minute) and so sad I cried a few tears. The mark of a great book for me! Marisa knows how to take a variety of characters and situations and pull them all together in the end.