How They Met and Other Stories by David Levithan Review

 In the UK, February is the month of Valentine's Day and LGTB History Month, so what better way to celebrate both than to read a romantic LGTB book?! Although, I must admit, I didn't realise that most of the stories in this book had a running theme of sexuality and identity until I started reading it. But it was a happy coincidence. It also made me realise that I hadn't read many books with gay characters as protagonists, so that was something I really enjoyed.
This book is a book full of mini love stories. As the title suggests, the main theme is about how the different couples meet. Each story was completely different to the last, offering up different genders, sexualities and ethnicities. I've never read David Levithan's books before, but heard a lot of great things, and I must admit, he writes each character with authenticity. Despite what the cover would have you to believe, not every story is a happy romantic one. Some were about heartbreak, loss and unrequited love, but these stories were just as interesting to read as the happy ones.
One of my favourite stories is about a young couple that meet on an aeroplane. They're sitting next to each other and are reading the same book! I've always fantasied about making a friend that way. One of the main criticisms I have with this book, however, is that some stories seemed underdeveloped in comparisons to others. But after reading the prologue, I realised that some of these stories date back to when David was in secondary school. He used to write love stories for his friends as Valentine's day presents, and these are the stories that are featured in the book. It is obvious to see how his writing style has developed and improved over time.
Overall, this book is a very enjoyable read. I really liked all of the different characters and perspectives David offered up. However, some stories seemed underdeveloped, and sometimes it was hard to imagine characters fully until half way into the story as their gender was not addressed straight away. A very lovely read none-the-less, and if you're looking for a sweet collection of YA stories, then I'd recommend this one. 
Favourite Quotes:
"We'd said we'd keep in touch. But touch is not something you can do from a distance. Touch is not something you can keep as soon as it's gone, it's gone.  We should have said we'd keep in words, because they are all we can string between us - words on a telephone line, words appearing on a screen."
"The minute I knew I was in love was the minute when there was no question about it."
"You have to believe there are kisses and laughs and risks worth taking." 

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Book Haul #1

This week I went a little crazy at the Waterstones and Amazon sale... But honestly, who can resist 20% off and 'buy one, get one half price' deals?! Girl gotta buy herself some books when they're on sale! And now that I have a lot more books in my possession (and absolutely no more available book space to store them) I thought I'd write my first haul post!

1) How They Met and Other Stories by David Lavithan

In my last post, I mentioned that I wanted to read a love story this month, for obvious lovey-dovey reasons. I ended up getting some really great suggestions from you all on Twitter, so thanks for that. (Definitely going to be reading The Choice by Nicholas Sparks later on in the year, thanks to Emma Louise's suggestion.)

However, when I saw this book, I couldn't resist it. It's a collection of stories about love and how different couples have met. I've been recommended David Lavithan through the blogging community, and I'm really looking forward to reading his work for the first time.


2) Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Lavithan 

Another David Lavithan book (let's hope I enjoy his writing!) I picked this up as I wanted to read more John Green books. He has made quite a name for himself, and I really enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars, so thought that this would be a good one to read next as it seems completely different to TFiOS.

It's about two strangers who share the same name and become unlikely friends. There was also mention of a musical in the blurb, which appeals to the former-drama student in me. This book promises to be funny and heartwarming, something that I come to expect from John Green.


3) The Pig That Wants to be Eaten by Julian Baggini

Is it wrong to eat the pig that wants to be eaten? Julian Baggini asks that, and lots of other moral dilemmas in this book. I'm really looking forward to reading this as I have always been intrigued by moral philosophy, and would always play the "would you rather..." game at school.

There are 100 thought experiments in this book, that might change the way you think about certain topics and debates. I'm intrigued to see if it wavers my beliefs and ideas. I think this will be a very interesting read.


4) The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk 

I was suggested this book and JJJRH by Gary Vaynerchuk by my boss last week. (I start my new job as a social media assistant on Monday, by the way!) And I'm really looking forward to reading this book because Gary Vaynerchuk is a very inspirational character (Seriously, Google him!) He is an expert on social media and how businesses should use it to engage with their audience.

Through social media, he humanises his brand, rather than using social media to sell his product, he uses it to connect and engage with people. The Thank You Economy is all about how we interact with each other on social media, and how communication is drastically changing due to the internet.


5) Jab Jab Jab Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk 

The second Vaynerchuk book on the list, I actually finished this book last night and will be writing a review very soon (keep your eyes peeled). This book was very beneficial to me as I'm currently learning the ropes of social media for my new job. But I think it'd also be really helpful for bloggers to read to as it gives you ideas on how to interact with your readers. It's a great tool for anyone who is trying to open up/run their own business, but also people who are just looking to expand their network.

There are loads of really colourful examples, and Gary writes in such a way that is easy to understand, funny and engaging. It completely opened my eyes to how badly some brands are using social media. Social media is still so new, and it's so important to learn how to use it to the best of its ability.



I'd love to know whats in your book pile and if, like me, you also brought a hell of a lot of books this week!


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