Your Perfect Year

Lovely Read Overall I loved this book. It was a lovely read. I enjoyed it especially because it fit with my own newly adopted views on life. Maybe that is why I was pulled to read it at the moment. I gave it 3 stars because the conclusion felt rushed and thrown together. I am sure some of the story also got lost in translation. I am not sure how I came across this book either. It was a free read or some sort of deal I am sure. Nevertheless, I am glad I read it and am intrigued by the thinking of a view of the things left in the diary. Now I will set out on my new year with plans of more spontaneity and a more positive outlook.

Honestly, I don't really where to start with this one. Let me just say this was probably one of the worst books I've ever read in my life. I apologize to the author, I'm sure she worked very hard on this book, but it just wasn't it. For starters, I'll start with the main characters. Oh, man… The main characters… First, we have Hannah. She's described as a dreamer, a very upbeat, very positive person who always tries to find the good things in any situation. I found her to be extremely annoying, self-centered, out of touch with reality, at times, and overall, just not that likeable! I couldn’t connect with her in any level. (view spoiler)[She got mad at her boyfriend when he was able to help her with something because he was bedridden and feeling (and looking) really bad. And of course, she expected him to help her the very next day. (hide spoiler)]And to add to all those lovely characteristics, she tries to impose her thoughts and decisions on other people.  And then we have Jonathan… Oh, boy. Imagine the typical rich, white male who has always lived in his mansion. His daily problems consisted of checking for misspellings in the daily newspaper - which he would always point out with an email to the editor - and complaining for the littlest things to the town hall. Oh, and his prejudice… Is un-freaking-believable. Even towards older ladies. Just read this: "She gave him a cheerful grin. Jonathan was rather shocked to find that this small, shriveled woman's mind was as sharp as honed blade. Amazing! Was she on medication for it? Or did Daphne [Daphne’s her dog] keep her in good mental shape?". Regarding the plot, it’s too predictable and at the same time is too unbelievable. Every stars align for them to not meet each other in a way where everything would be resolved too fast. (view spoiler)[For example, he stops going for his morning run -  which he had been doing in the same route and for the last few decades or so - in the same day Hannah needed him to pass through there to find out what happened to her boyfriend. And these types of situations happen a lot. (hide spoiler)] Of course, this is a romance so the idea that destiny always plays its part to brings us some happiness at the right time is beautiful, but this was so overdone that’s it’s just not believe nor entertaining. I would love to point out good parts of the book, but honestly I can’t even remember anything. My mind is just clouded by all the bad stuff. (view spoiler)[The only character that I actually liked was Simon… and well… He died so this whole book could happen. Just another reason for me to want him to live. (hide spoiler)]

I enjoyed this book, there might have been some parts that were lost in translation, but I think that is probably a common thing with translated books. I adored the idea of giving someone a diary with motivational things, and tasks to do. Might steal this as a Christmas present idea one day. The fact that there is a romance blooming at the end, really was just an added extra.

Took awhile to get into but loved the twist at the end!

Interesting premise and development of story. This is a lighter read, but it will make you think about life - what's important and how we should live day by day. Quick and enjoyable.