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Dieu me déteste
New York, hôpital Hilltop. Richard Casey aura bientôt 18 ans. Comme tous les adolescents, il voudrait faire la fête, draguer, s'envoyer en l'air, tomber amoureux, danser, fumer, boire, et tout recommencer.
La différence, c'est que Richard sait qu'il ne fêtera jamais ses 19 ans. Il est un peu plus pressé que les autres et, pour vivre fort, il lui faut déjouer les pièges de tous ceux qui préféreraient le voir vivre un peu plus longtemps. Heureusement, Richard a de la ressource, du courage et un solide sens de l'humour. Alors il va ruer dans les brancards. Et si Dieu le déteste, il est prêt à rendre coup pour coup.
Vous n'êtes pas près d'oublier Richard Casey, comment il mena une révolution contre le corps médical, se glissa dans les draps de la jolie fille de la 302, réussit une évasion périlleuse avec la complicité d'un oncle dysfonctionnel, évita de tomber sous les coups d'un père vengeur, et joua finalement son destin au poker, dans un des plus beaux bluffs jamais montés contre le sort.
La différence, c'est que Richard sait qu'il ne fêtera jamais ses 19 ans. Il est un peu plus pressé que les autres et, pour vivre fort, il lui faut déjouer les pièges de tous ceux qui préféreraient le voir vivre un peu plus longtemps. Heureusement, Richard a de la ressource, du courage et un solide sens de l'humour. Alors il va ruer dans les brancards. Et si Dieu le déteste, il est prêt à rendre coup pour coup.
Vous n'êtes pas près d'oublier Richard Casey, comment il mena une révolution contre le corps médical, se glissa dans les draps de la jolie fille de la 302, réussit une évasion périlleuse avec la complicité d'un oncle dysfonctionnel, évita de tomber sous les coups d'un père vengeur, et joua finalement son destin au poker, dans un des plus beaux bluffs jamais montés contre le sort.
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
113 people are currently reading
2518 people want to read
About the author
Hollis Seamon
13 books56 followersHollis reads, writes, cooks, and gardens in Kinderhook NY. She teaches writing and literature at the College of Saint Rose in Albany NY and the MFA in Creative Writing Program of Fairfield University, Fairfield CT.
Her newest novel, SOMEBODY UP THERE HATES YOU, is one of the inaugural YA books to be published in Fall 2013 by Algonquin Young Readers. Her collection of short stories, Corporeality, was publsihed in January 2013 by Able Muse Press.
Her newest novel, SOMEBODY UP THERE HATES YOU, is one of the inaugural YA books to be published in Fall 2013 by Algonquin Young Readers. Her collection of short stories, Corporeality, was publsihed in January 2013 by Able Muse Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 534 reviews
December 4, 2013
For people who liked The Fault in our Stars, but wished it was terrible.
September 17, 2016
Okay, first and foremost, I get the comparisons to The Fault in Our Stars. Two kids, both dying of cancer. Yadda, yadda, yadda. If you've read both books, you'll see that that's where the comparisons should end. In The Fault in Our Stars, most of the story takes place in the real world. In Somebody Up There Hates You, the majority takes place in hospice care. If you know anything about serious illness, you'll know that there is a severe difference between hospice care (one month to live, evidenced in SUTHY) and a support group (evidenced in TFiOS). Truthfully, I really admire John Green's work. However, I know that the short story that Seamon expanded upon to create SUTHY was actually published in 2009, long before Green's TFiOS was published (January 2012). The world of literature is extremely subjective, so I won't get into my personal opinions of quality, in terms of either book. My main caution to others is this: why does one book have to be bad and the other good? Can't they both be well-written, both be enjoyable? I didn't really enjoy Green's book, but I did enjoy Seamon's--however, those two opinions are singular. I didn't like or dislike one book any less or more because of my experience with the other. I think if someone looks at this book and dismisses it based on a halfhearted read-over of the synopsis, I believe that they are doing themselves a disservice as a reader.
July 10, 2013
If only this book had been about more than just two teens dying to end the curse of virginity. Literally.
Unfortunately, the book only has one the one driver, and wondering when and how the two dying kids would meet under the sheets was not enough.
17 year old Ritchie is in hospice. So is 14 year old Sylvie. And like the mythical last man and woman on Earth they want to have sex. The hospital personnel think their budding romance is "cute."
The characters are underdeveloped, From Richie, who sounds like an adult trying to pretend to be a teen, to Sylvie with a mind as one-track as his. There is Sylvie's always drunk and belligerent father, Richie's good-hearted mother currently ill so she is not allowed to visit even though he is in hospice, and hospital employees who conspire to take the dying boy out for Halloween so he can get drunk and meet loose women. These employees are all shocked when the teen romance goes farther than they expected.
I forced myself to continue reading all the way to the end, hoping things would get better and the story become something more. Didn't happen. None of the character's felt real. Okay, a seventeen year old boy wanting to have sex is real, but he never became anything more than the dying bag of adolescent hormones. There is an ending scene that I think is supposed to show that he has matured, but it falls flat.
Unfortunately, the book only has one the one driver, and wondering when and how the two dying kids would meet under the sheets was not enough.
17 year old Ritchie is in hospice. So is 14 year old Sylvie. And like the mythical last man and woman on Earth they want to have sex. The hospital personnel think their budding romance is "cute."
The characters are underdeveloped, From Richie, who sounds like an adult trying to pretend to be a teen, to Sylvie with a mind as one-track as his. There is Sylvie's always drunk and belligerent father, Richie's good-hearted mother currently ill so she is not allowed to visit even though he is in hospice, and hospital employees who conspire to take the dying boy out for Halloween so he can get drunk and meet loose women. These employees are all shocked when the teen romance goes farther than they expected.
I forced myself to continue reading all the way to the end, hoping things would get better and the story become something more. Didn't happen. None of the character's felt real. Okay, a seventeen year old boy wanting to have sex is real, but he never became anything more than the dying bag of adolescent hormones. There is an ending scene that I think is supposed to show that he has matured, but it falls flat.
May 27, 2015
Reseña completa: http://sabiouswords.blogspot.com/2014...
Es inevitable comparar este libro con 'Bajo la misma estrella' pero resultó que gracias a él descubrí porque el libro de John Green no me gustó tanto. AAATO tiene algo que BLME no, y es la crudeza real que una enfermedad terminal implica. Acá no se trata del amor entre dos enfermos de tragedia divina porque la naturaleza no los deja vivir (aunque si hay romance) se trata de sobrevivir y de lucha, de que en verdad es un milagro que los protagonistas puedan vivir un día mas. Aún estoy entre el 4 y el 3,5
Es inevitable comparar este libro con 'Bajo la misma estrella' pero resultó que gracias a él descubrí porque el libro de John Green no me gustó tanto. AAATO tiene algo que BLME no, y es la crudeza real que una enfermedad terminal implica. Acá no se trata del amor entre dos enfermos de tragedia divina porque la naturaleza no los deja vivir (aunque si hay romance) se trata de sobrevivir y de lucha, de que en verdad es un milagro que los protagonistas puedan vivir un día mas. Aún estoy entre el 4 y el 3,5
October 26, 2014
*2.5*
Pues no. No me pareció mala (no creo que lo sea), pero sinceramente no me gustó. Digamos que entre más que sea una buena o mala novela, es una historia (y un personaje) que no va conmigo, ni con mi nivel de tolerancia.
El título es lo más interesante de la novela, y al principio lo desarrolla más o menos bien. Sin embargo, luego todo se vuelve un enrevesado de hormonas y deseos de un chico moribundo por perder la virginidad (bastante cliché), todos sus pensamientos giran en torno a estarse muriendo y al cuerpo de las mujeres, y la posibilidad de tener sexo en los próximos días. Cosas como esa logran estresarme mucho y crearle un gran rechazo a la historia por muy interesante que sea. Porque era interesante, todos las ocurrencias de Richard lo son, y eso fue lo curioso, que esta historia nunca logró aburrirme pero sí desesperarme.
Creo que Hollis Seamon debería expandir más su criterio de las relaciones entre hombres, no todas son puramente rudas, llenas de indiferencia o de máscaras de frialdad, como intenta reflejarlo con Richard y su tío. Creo que en ese aspecto fue muy parametrada e incluso demasiado prejuiciosa.
Algo que me gustó mucho fue el conjunto de dibujos que hizo el tío de Richard, junto con un final bastante bizarro y hasta sobrenatural. No sé si aquello es un factor que contribuya o perjudique a la historia, pero sí que es bastante extraño.
Pues no. No me pareció mala (no creo que lo sea), pero sinceramente no me gustó. Digamos que entre más que sea una buena o mala novela, es una historia (y un personaje) que no va conmigo, ni con mi nivel de tolerancia.
El título es lo más interesante de la novela, y al principio lo desarrolla más o menos bien. Sin embargo, luego todo se vuelve un enrevesado de hormonas y deseos de un chico moribundo por perder la virginidad (bastante cliché), todos sus pensamientos giran en torno a estarse muriendo y al cuerpo de las mujeres, y la posibilidad de tener sexo en los próximos días. Cosas como esa logran estresarme mucho y crearle un gran rechazo a la historia por muy interesante que sea. Porque era interesante, todos las ocurrencias de Richard lo son, y eso fue lo curioso, que esta historia nunca logró aburrirme pero sí desesperarme.
Creo que Hollis Seamon debería expandir más su criterio de las relaciones entre hombres, no todas son puramente rudas, llenas de indiferencia o de máscaras de frialdad, como intenta reflejarlo con Richard y su tío. Creo que en ese aspecto fue muy parametrada e incluso demasiado prejuiciosa.
Algo que me gustó mucho fue el conjunto de dibujos que hizo el tío de Richard, junto con un final bastante bizarro y hasta sobrenatural. No sé si aquello es un factor que contribuya o perjudique a la historia, pero sí que es bastante extraño.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2013
Cancer books. Man, they are all over the place these days, aren't they. It seems as though you can't peruse any shelf of any book store without finding at bunch of cancer books. YA is littered with cancer books. Now don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily mind, it's just that a lot of these books are about the exact same thing: dying kid dealing with Feelings. There are few variations in these stories.
Okay, I'm coming across as insensitive. I'm not trying to, it's just that when you read as much as I do it's difficult to not get bored when fictional characters die of cancer, especially when very few authors try to bring something new to the this particular table. I feel as though many authors who write about this subject are hardly trying anymore. Cancer, death, that's the stuff that rips out your guts and reduces you to a pathetic heap on the floor—who wouldnt cry, amirite? So, yeah, I often avoid these books because I know it's going to be so Tragic, rife with emotional porn, and it's like I've already read each YA cancer book—many a time—I've already cried for each poor kid that didn't get to grow up. So, yeah, even though it's sad it also is boring. And manipulative.
All that said, Somebody Up there Hates You is a breath of fresh air. Sure, Richie, our unfortunate protagonist is dying of cancer, in a hospice no less, but he doesn't spend a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. It seems as though, even though Richie doesn't say as much—quite the opposite actually—that he's at peace with his much-too-early demise. like he's just waiting for his time to come, raising a little hell in the meantime. He plays an inappropriate prank, swears at people, sneaks out of hospice, gets drunk, gets a little high, hooks up, hooks up again (with someone else), gets punched (a lot), and maybe even discovers he has a heart (I'm not telling).
And sure, Richie makes a bunch of mistakes, causes quite a bit of trouble, but you know what else he does? He spends a lot of time worrying about others, not himself. He worries about his mother, about how she's dealing with everything, about her health. He starts to understand how everyone has some sort of tragedy to deal with in their lives—not just kids dying of cancer but everyone. He does a whole lot of growing up during his last few weeks in hospice.
No, this book didn't make me cry, didn't even get teary-eyed, but perhaps that is what I love most about it. This book doesn't force you to that breaking point where all you want to do is donate all your money to Saint Jude's and all your hair to Locks of Love while you bawl your eyes out. Rather, SUTHY paints a picture and invites you to to gaze upon it, to think about it and to come to your own conclusions. And not once have I felt like a soulless baby-eating monster for not crying over this book.
Sure, I've got a few minor bones to pick with SUTHY—it was sort of difficult to get into at first—but I appreciate it nonetheless. 4 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, I'm coming across as insensitive. I'm not trying to, it's just that when you read as much as I do it's difficult to not get bored when fictional characters die of cancer, especially when very few authors try to bring something new to the this particular table. I feel as though many authors who write about this subject are hardly trying anymore. Cancer, death, that's the stuff that rips out your guts and reduces you to a pathetic heap on the floor—who wouldnt cry, amirite? So, yeah, I often avoid these books because I know it's going to be so Tragic, rife with emotional porn, and it's like I've already read each YA cancer book—many a time—I've already cried for each poor kid that didn't get to grow up. So, yeah, even though it's sad it also is boring. And manipulative.
All that said, Somebody Up there Hates You is a breath of fresh air. Sure, Richie, our unfortunate protagonist is dying of cancer, in a hospice no less, but he doesn't spend a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. It seems as though, even though Richie doesn't say as much—quite the opposite actually—that he's at peace with his much-too-early demise. like he's just waiting for his time to come, raising a little hell in the meantime. He plays an inappropriate prank, swears at people, sneaks out of hospice, gets drunk, gets a little high, hooks up, hooks up again (with someone else), gets punched (a lot), and maybe even discovers he has a heart (I'm not telling).
And sure, Richie makes a bunch of mistakes, causes quite a bit of trouble, but you know what else he does? He spends a lot of time worrying about others, not himself. He worries about his mother, about how she's dealing with everything, about her health. He starts to understand how everyone has some sort of tragedy to deal with in their lives—not just kids dying of cancer but everyone. He does a whole lot of growing up during his last few weeks in hospice.
No, this book didn't make me cry, didn't even get teary-eyed, but perhaps that is what I love most about it. This book doesn't force you to that breaking point where all you want to do is donate all your money to Saint Jude's and all your hair to Locks of Love while you bawl your eyes out. Rather, SUTHY paints a picture and invites you to to gaze upon it, to think about it and to come to your own conclusions. And not once have I felt like a soulless baby-eating monster for not crying over this book.
Sure, I've got a few minor bones to pick with SUTHY—it was sort of difficult to get into at first—but I appreciate it nonetheless. 4 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2015
3,5/5
Ce n'est pas un coup de cœur mais j'ai trouvé les personnages singuliers, uniques et tous extraordinaires dans leur genre.
Ce livre n'a absolument rien à voir avec Nos Etoiles Contraires malgré un contexte légèrement similaire.
Ce n'est pas un coup de cœur mais j'ai trouvé les personnages singuliers, uniques et tous extraordinaires dans leur genre.
Ce livre n'a absolument rien à voir avec Nos Etoiles Contraires malgré un contexte légèrement similaire.
August 2, 2014
*0.5 star rating*
DNF @ 80 pages.
This was probably one of the worst books I've ever read. No doubt about it.
I hated it. "The new The Fault in Our Stars?" Haha, yeah right. This is a childish book with no sense of anything that makes you want to bawl because it was so bad. That's what the book really was fully.
I saw this book as fantasy, especially because of the writing. I understand that it wasn't, but the writing was so bad that it made everything seem like a joke and a dream. This was about Richie and Sylvie, who are both dying of cancer. (Wow! There's a TFIOS comparison!) They're basically just living their lives until they die, and that's it.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... That's how I was left from beginning to end.
I didn't see any point in this book. The writing was hideous, the characters were horrible, and the plot was all over the place. I'd seriously give this book a 0 star rating if I could. It's perhaps the worst book I've ever read.
I don't feel like giving a rant here, so I'm going to do a tiny recap, and then end this with a huge blow to a horn.
I disliked this at page 15. The writing was slow and messed up, and everything was slow-paced and scattered. I think that this book and its premise just wasn't for me. I felt like everything was disorganized and messed up. The idea of death was so wanted and looked forward for!
Richie and Sylvie were so... bland. I didn't like them from the start, and if I kept on going, I guess my hate for them would increase even more.
Overall, I don't recommend this book at all. #SorryNotSorry
DNF @ 80 pages.
This was probably one of the worst books I've ever read. No doubt about it.
I hated it. "The new The Fault in Our Stars?" Haha, yeah right. This is a childish book with no sense of anything that makes you want to bawl because it was so bad. That's what the book really was fully.
I saw this book as fantasy, especially because of the writing. I understand that it wasn't, but the writing was so bad that it made everything seem like a joke and a dream. This was about Richie and Sylvie, who are both dying of cancer. (Wow! There's a TFIOS comparison!) They're basically just living their lives until they die, and that's it.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... That's how I was left from beginning to end.
I didn't see any point in this book. The writing was hideous, the characters were horrible, and the plot was all over the place. I'd seriously give this book a 0 star rating if I could. It's perhaps the worst book I've ever read.
I don't feel like giving a rant here, so I'm going to do a tiny recap, and then end this with a huge blow to a horn.
I disliked this at page 15. The writing was slow and messed up, and everything was slow-paced and scattered. I think that this book and its premise just wasn't for me. I felt like everything was disorganized and messed up. The idea of death was so wanted and looked forward for!
Richie and Sylvie were so... bland. I didn't like them from the start, and if I kept on going, I guess my hate for them would increase even more.
Overall, I don't recommend this book at all. #SorryNotSorry
April 23, 2017
Just saw I forgot to rate this one.
This was recommended to me by one of the (German) publisher sales representatives with the words "You know how John Green is so popular with his the fault in our stars book? This is for those wanting more..."
As I love TFIOS I picked this up right away and started reading. And then I waited for it to get good. After 1/3 I started to wonder IF it would get better - at a bit over 50% I gave up.
I didn't care at all for any of the characters. I missed the light humor and the hard reality I loved so much in John Greens book. I just didn't get sucked in at all - I was bored and quite frankly found the main characters rather annoying....
This was recommended to me by one of the (German) publisher sales representatives with the words "You know how John Green is so popular with his the fault in our stars book? This is for those wanting more..."
As I love TFIOS I picked this up right away and started reading. And then I waited for it to get good. After 1/3 I started to wonder IF it would get better - at a bit over 50% I gave up.
I didn't care at all for any of the characters. I missed the light humor and the hard reality I loved so much in John Greens book. I just didn't get sucked in at all - I was bored and quite frankly found the main characters rather annoying....
October 31, 2014
Una mirada mas cruda del cancer que narra las experiencias en la etapa terminal de la enfermedad, como era de esperarse, me rompió el corazón
Reseña Completa: http://bastvilard.blogspot.com/2014/0...
Video-Reseña: http://youtu.be/v2sa6rHuV_g
Reseña Completa: http://bastvilard.blogspot.com/2014/0...
Video-Reseña: http://youtu.be/v2sa6rHuV_g
February 21, 2015
Recuerdas cuando en "Bajo la misma estrella" Hazel dice: Este no es un libro sobre cáncer, porque los libros sobre Cáncer son una mierda.
Pues precisamente son deprimentes, difíciles y no sabes como sentirte mientras lees. Este libro no tiene NADA que que ver con TFIOS, es una historia completamente distinta, lo único es que este chico tiene Cáncer. La historia transcurre en un piso para enfermos terminales, ahi esta Richard, que conoce cada detalle de ahí, por todo el tiempo que lleva. Nunca supe exactamente cual era el tipo de cáncer porque él podía hacer de todo. Es un libro triste porque aunque te ríes, sabes lo triste de la situación. Lo mejor es que el protagonista también lo sabe y como el dice: yo les doy esperanza a los demás, pero yo no me creo las cosas que digo!
Pues precisamente son deprimentes, difíciles y no sabes como sentirte mientras lees. Este libro no tiene NADA que que ver con TFIOS, es una historia completamente distinta, lo único es que este chico tiene Cáncer. La historia transcurre en un piso para enfermos terminales, ahi esta Richard, que conoce cada detalle de ahí, por todo el tiempo que lleva. Nunca supe exactamente cual era el tipo de cáncer porque él podía hacer de todo. Es un libro triste porque aunque te ríes, sabes lo triste de la situación. Lo mejor es que el protagonista también lo sabe y como el dice: yo les doy esperanza a los demás, pero yo no me creo las cosas que digo!
March 23, 2021
I read this in 2020 but forgot i did, that’s how memorable it was. i normally don’t give 1 star reviews but i legitimately hated this book. the main character was horrible and you want to feel sympathy for him but like he keeps doing horrible things. SPOILER (if you plan on reading this which i advise not to tbh) the ending was literally two teens dying because they lost their virginity. if the plot was more than that, i maybe would’ve liked it better.
September 5, 2017
Un libro peculiar. Me ha sorprendido durante toda la lectura, nunca sabía que encontraría en la página siguiente y es que el protagonista es muy especial, sarcástico como ninguno y sin pelos en la lengua. ¡Larga vida al rey Ricardo!
January 5, 2018
Richie was such a fun character to read. Even though he knew he was dying, he still lived everyday to the fullest. So did Sylvie.
At first, I had thought that this book seemed so much like The Fault In Our Stars. Two teenagers, suffering with cancer fall in love.
But it's not. Because Richie and Sylvie already know they're going to die. That's why they're in the hospice. And yet they fall in love.
My favorite part though, was the ending. Because the author did not tell us whether they die or not. In a way, they're both still alive. And that's a happy ending, isn't it?
Oh and I also loved how the author didn't go into the technical (medical?) details of their illness. I'm glad Richie thought it'd be too boring for us to read, because he was absolutely right.
I picked this book up on a whim, but I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
At first, I had thought that this book seemed so much like The Fault In Our Stars. Two teenagers, suffering with cancer fall in love.
But it's not. Because Richie and Sylvie already know they're going to die. That's why they're in the hospice. And yet they fall in love.
My favorite part though, was the ending. Because the author did not tell us whether they die or not. In a way, they're both still alive. And that's a happy ending, isn't it?
Oh and I also loved how the author didn't go into the technical (medical?) details of their illness. I'm glad Richie thought it'd be too boring for us to read, because he was absolutely right.
I picked this book up on a whim, but I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
October 7, 2024
This is another YA, this time about a 17 year old kid in hospice. He meets a 15 year old and there is a romance and some other shenanigans. It is cute and entertaining, but not very believable and overall pretty predictable. It reminded me a bunch of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and I probably would have rated this higher if it didn't feel so much like it was already done.
January 10, 2018
Capaz que es poco ponerle tres estrellas a un libro después de reirme tanto (como hacía mucho que no lo hacía) con un narrador, pero el final no me terminó de convencer del todo >.<
August 4, 2013
Review originally posted at YA Love
I was hesitant to read Somebody Up There Hates You because its main character, Richard, has terminal cancer. I don’t do well with “cancer books.” Hollis Seamon’s debut, however, was worth stepping out of my comfort zone.
This may not be the case for everyone, but Somebody Up There Hate You didn’t make me overly emotional while reading. Sure, a couple scenes made me teary, but I never actually cried. And I teared up over the most unexpected scenes. For instance, there’s a scene that involves a nurse getting Richard a can of Coke, and Richard realizes that the nurse bought it for him. I couldn’t believe it made me teary, but it did. I actually think I laughed more than I teared up.
Speaking of that nurse, who’s name is Edward, I love his character. He and Richard have a strong relationship even though it’s a nurse/patient relationship. It’s obvious that both characters care for each other. I’m sure if I were in Edward’s position I would grow attached to Richard as well. What I like most about Edward is that he really takes on the role of responsible adult, but he also knows when to bend a little and help Richard when he needs it.
Something about Somebody Up There Hates You that I liked but also think needs a little work is the addition of characters throughout the story. Edward is a constant character, so I felt like I knew him pretty well by the end, or as well as I could get to know a secondary character. We meet a few different secondary characters that stick around for a couple chapters, but then they’re gone and we don’t “see” them again. I enjoyed the chapters with Richard’s uncle, but once those are done he doesn’t return. There are reasons why he doesn’t return, but it still felt like there were loose ends to tie up. He served the story to add some excitement to Richard’s life and that was about it. Most of the secondary characters added to the story mostly seem like they were included to make things conveniently work out for Richard and/or add some excitement to his life and to the story. I enjoyed it, but I would have appreciated it more if more was offered.
Another piece that left me feeling conflicted is all the drama towards the end of the book. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil anything, but a lot of it felt over the top. Emotions run high in the hospital, especially in hospice, but the scenes become a little dramatic. I’m sorry that I’m not explaining this well. I was having a hard time figuring out how I was going to put it into words when I was reading it and now that I’m done, I’m still having a hard time. Again, I still enjoyed these parts, but I shook my head a little while reading them.
I don’t know if I’d recommend this to middle school students. Richard is a teenage boy and therefore thinks about sex pretty often. There are even a few sexual scenes that might be questionable for middle school students. I have no issues with my high school students reading this, but if you’re working with middle school students I recommend reading this first. I do want to add, however, that the scenes are not grotesque. One of the scenes towards the end is written quite well, actually. I’m confident that plenty of my guys in class will connect with Richard and enjoy Somebody Up There Hates You.
Hollis Seamon has written an entertaining debut. I think fans of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, Ned Vizzini’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story, and Gae Polisner’s The Pull of Gravity will enjoy Somebody Up There Hates You. Richard has a unique way of looking at life and a solid voice. I’m looking forward to reading more of Seamon’s books.
I was hesitant to read Somebody Up There Hates You because its main character, Richard, has terminal cancer. I don’t do well with “cancer books.” Hollis Seamon’s debut, however, was worth stepping out of my comfort zone.
This may not be the case for everyone, but Somebody Up There Hate You didn’t make me overly emotional while reading. Sure, a couple scenes made me teary, but I never actually cried. And I teared up over the most unexpected scenes. For instance, there’s a scene that involves a nurse getting Richard a can of Coke, and Richard realizes that the nurse bought it for him. I couldn’t believe it made me teary, but it did. I actually think I laughed more than I teared up.
Speaking of that nurse, who’s name is Edward, I love his character. He and Richard have a strong relationship even though it’s a nurse/patient relationship. It’s obvious that both characters care for each other. I’m sure if I were in Edward’s position I would grow attached to Richard as well. What I like most about Edward is that he really takes on the role of responsible adult, but he also knows when to bend a little and help Richard when he needs it.
Something about Somebody Up There Hates You that I liked but also think needs a little work is the addition of characters throughout the story. Edward is a constant character, so I felt like I knew him pretty well by the end, or as well as I could get to know a secondary character. We meet a few different secondary characters that stick around for a couple chapters, but then they’re gone and we don’t “see” them again. I enjoyed the chapters with Richard’s uncle, but once those are done he doesn’t return. There are reasons why he doesn’t return, but it still felt like there were loose ends to tie up. He served the story to add some excitement to Richard’s life and that was about it. Most of the secondary characters added to the story mostly seem like they were included to make things conveniently work out for Richard and/or add some excitement to his life and to the story. I enjoyed it, but I would have appreciated it more if more was offered.
Another piece that left me feeling conflicted is all the drama towards the end of the book. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil anything, but a lot of it felt over the top. Emotions run high in the hospital, especially in hospice, but the scenes become a little dramatic. I’m sorry that I’m not explaining this well. I was having a hard time figuring out how I was going to put it into words when I was reading it and now that I’m done, I’m still having a hard time. Again, I still enjoyed these parts, but I shook my head a little while reading them.
I don’t know if I’d recommend this to middle school students. Richard is a teenage boy and therefore thinks about sex pretty often. There are even a few sexual scenes that might be questionable for middle school students. I have no issues with my high school students reading this, but if you’re working with middle school students I recommend reading this first. I do want to add, however, that the scenes are not grotesque. One of the scenes towards the end is written quite well, actually. I’m confident that plenty of my guys in class will connect with Richard and enjoy Somebody Up There Hates You.
Hollis Seamon has written an entertaining debut. I think fans of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, Ned Vizzini’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story, and Gae Polisner’s The Pull of Gravity will enjoy Somebody Up There Hates You. Richard has a unique way of looking at life and a solid voice. I’m looking forward to reading more of Seamon’s books.
January 23, 2015
This past year, my reading has taken a turn towards books about people dying with cancer. Without intending to read that type of book, they keep popping up, and when a book says read me, well I leap in and see what it has to offer. This one blew me out of the water.
Ok, so don't laugh here, but the first thing I thought of when I finished this novel was Star Trek. Yes, it is a novel about a kid in a cancer hospice living out his last few days, and no there's not a Borg, Klingon or Vulcan in sight...but it reminded me of the Kobayashi Maru test, where Kirk has to take a test that is a no win situation, and the idea is to see how one reacts or acts in the face of certain death. This is what Richy is facing in this novel, does he simply accept that "Somebody Up There Hates You" and peacefully wait for the end, or does he chose to live in spite of his diagnosis.
This novel pulls at your heartstrings a half dozen ways from Tuesday, the writing is bold, but more importantly its honest. The cast of characters bring to life the strength, the weakness, and the complete meltdown's of two families trying to cope with their very young children dying with cancer. From Sylvie's Dad drinking his pain away, to Richy's Mom making every effort to keep her son safe so she does not have to face his end.
This one hit home for me, mainly because its message is a positive one, without being preachy. Richy is not trying to tell you how you should prepare for your end, he's just a kid trying to have a life before his time runs out. I felt the book was beautifully written and told from Richy's POV it fits with your typical 17 year old boy. He's a bit of a rebel, he's in love with the girl next door, even if the door is in a cancer hospice, he loves his mom, and feels the responsibility of being the man of the house, and most of all he's a scared child facing something that would terrify most full grown adults.
One thing that stood out for me, and I can't tell you if the author even intended this, was the choice of name for the main character, Richard. Several characters refer to Richy as "my liege" or "my lord" and on Hallowe'en he's even seen wearing a paper crown, and using a blanket for a robe...and I immediately thought "Richard the Lionheart", who even before becoming King had a reputation for being a brave warrior; I thought "this kid's name is a perfect choice, because his bravery shines as he battles the disease inside him"
So, that's my take on "Somebody Up there Hates You". I loved it, and would love to read more from this author. Its due out late September, and in Canada is published by Penguin, so if you get chance to pick it up, I say go for it. It's one of those books that just makes you think, and makes you realize how precious our time on this planet is.
Ok, so don't laugh here, but the first thing I thought of when I finished this novel was Star Trek. Yes, it is a novel about a kid in a cancer hospice living out his last few days, and no there's not a Borg, Klingon or Vulcan in sight...but it reminded me of the Kobayashi Maru test, where Kirk has to take a test that is a no win situation, and the idea is to see how one reacts or acts in the face of certain death. This is what Richy is facing in this novel, does he simply accept that "Somebody Up There Hates You" and peacefully wait for the end, or does he chose to live in spite of his diagnosis.
This novel pulls at your heartstrings a half dozen ways from Tuesday, the writing is bold, but more importantly its honest. The cast of characters bring to life the strength, the weakness, and the complete meltdown's of two families trying to cope with their very young children dying with cancer. From Sylvie's Dad drinking his pain away, to Richy's Mom making every effort to keep her son safe so she does not have to face his end.
This one hit home for me, mainly because its message is a positive one, without being preachy. Richy is not trying to tell you how you should prepare for your end, he's just a kid trying to have a life before his time runs out. I felt the book was beautifully written and told from Richy's POV it fits with your typical 17 year old boy. He's a bit of a rebel, he's in love with the girl next door, even if the door is in a cancer hospice, he loves his mom, and feels the responsibility of being the man of the house, and most of all he's a scared child facing something that would terrify most full grown adults.
One thing that stood out for me, and I can't tell you if the author even intended this, was the choice of name for the main character, Richard. Several characters refer to Richy as "my liege" or "my lord" and on Hallowe'en he's even seen wearing a paper crown, and using a blanket for a robe...and I immediately thought "Richard the Lionheart", who even before becoming King had a reputation for being a brave warrior; I thought "this kid's name is a perfect choice, because his bravery shines as he battles the disease inside him"
So, that's my take on "Somebody Up there Hates You". I loved it, and would love to read more from this author. Its due out late September, and in Canada is published by Penguin, so if you get chance to pick it up, I say go for it. It's one of those books that just makes you think, and makes you realize how precious our time on this planet is.
March 19, 2021
En cuanto lo vi me enamoré, si, fue amor a primera vista, me encantó la portada, y el título me llamo muchísimo la atención, cómo no iba a hacerlo, tremendo título pretencioso: Alguien Allá Arriba te Odia, en cuanto leí la sinopsis estaba convencida que el libro me gustaría, me puse a buscar y leer reseñas obviamente sin spoilers para ver que les había parecido el libro a otras personas, había algunos a quienes el libro había encantado y otros no tanto, luego me topé con videos de booktuber que prácticamente “endiosaban” al libro, lo ponían por las nubes, entonces decidí leerlo y formarme mi propia opinión, lamentablemente el libro no supo colmar mis expectativas, simplemente no funciono para mí.
Narra la historia en primera persona el Increíble Chico Agonizante: Richard Casey “Richie”, un chico de 17 años con cáncer que vive en una sala de enfermos terminales, donde también habitan otros personajes extravagantes entre ellos una chica de 15 años: Sylvie.
Richard con personalidad desenfadada, sarcástica y a veces algo obscena vive al máximo el tiempo que le queda de vida (y cuando digo al máximo es al MÁXIMO), mientras lidia con el síndrome de AAATO (Alguien Allá Arriba Te Odia).
Quizá la mezcla de elementos tales como adolescencia y cáncer nos lleve a pensar en “Bajo la misma estrella”, pero no, “Alguien Allá Arriba Te Odia” es un libro totalmente diferente, en mi opinión sólo se parecen en que los dos tiene dos chicos con cáncer fin.
Con un lenguaje algo crudo y a algunas escenas cómicas, Hollis Seamon nos trae una historia muy fácil y rápida de leer, yo lo leí de un solo tirón en unas cuantas horas, y aunque no me aburrió me resulto muy predecible, y no logré engancharme totalmente a la historia, ni sentir empatía por los personajes (y no creo que sea porque tenga una piedra donde debe ir el corazón muajajajaja, sino porque el desarrollo y descripción de los personajes no lograron convencerme), respecto al final que en definitiva fue lo único que no se me hizo predecible, simplemente me desconcertó, no me agrado que tuviera un final tan inverosímil. Hubiera preferido un final ya sea autoconclusivo o no, pero más realista.
¿Saben? Pienso que es un diagnostico bastante bueno ¿no creen? Para mí, para Sylvie y para cualquiera de nuestra edad que termine aquí o en lugares similares, despu��s de lo que en nuestros obituarios pronto se describirán como “una valiente batalla contra la/el… (llene el espacio en blanco)”
Porque, ¿de qué otra manera explicarían lo que nos pasa? El síndrome de AAATO es la única maldita respuesta lógica.
Reseña disponible también en mi blog :) http://sumandohistorias.blogspot.pe/2...
Narra la historia en primera persona el Increíble Chico Agonizante: Richard Casey “Richie”, un chico de 17 años con cáncer que vive en una sala de enfermos terminales, donde también habitan otros personajes extravagantes entre ellos una chica de 15 años: Sylvie.
Richard con personalidad desenfadada, sarcástica y a veces algo obscena vive al máximo el tiempo que le queda de vida (y cuando digo al máximo es al MÁXIMO), mientras lidia con el síndrome de AAATO (Alguien Allá Arriba Te Odia).
Quizá la mezcla de elementos tales como adolescencia y cáncer nos lleve a pensar en “Bajo la misma estrella”, pero no, “Alguien Allá Arriba Te Odia” es un libro totalmente diferente, en mi opinión sólo se parecen en que los dos tiene dos chicos con cáncer fin.
Con un lenguaje algo crudo y a algunas escenas cómicas, Hollis Seamon nos trae una historia muy fácil y rápida de leer, yo lo leí de un solo tirón en unas cuantas horas, y aunque no me aburrió me resulto muy predecible, y no logré engancharme totalmente a la historia, ni sentir empatía por los personajes (y no creo que sea porque tenga una piedra donde debe ir el corazón muajajajaja, sino porque el desarrollo y descripción de los personajes no lograron convencerme), respecto al final que en definitiva fue lo único que no se me hizo predecible, simplemente me desconcertó, no me agrado que tuviera un final tan inverosímil. Hubiera preferido un final ya sea autoconclusivo o no, pero más realista.
¿Saben? Pienso que es un diagnostico bastante bueno ¿no creen? Para mí, para Sylvie y para cualquiera de nuestra edad que termine aquí o en lugares similares, despu��s de lo que en nuestros obituarios pronto se describirán como “una valiente batalla contra la/el… (llene el espacio en blanco)”
Porque, ¿de qué otra manera explicarían lo que nos pasa? El síndrome de AAATO es la única maldita respuesta lógica.
Reseña disponible también en mi blog :) http://sumandohistorias.blogspot.pe/2...
March 6, 2014
Al igual que todo el mundo, apenas leí la sinopsis de este libro se me vino a la mente “Bajo la misma estrella”, pero además de los adolescentes con cáncer, NO TIENEN NADA QUE VER el uno con el otro.
En este libro nuestro narrador es Richard, un adolescente que esta resentido con el gran jefe de arriba por tenerlo atado al hospital y a una silla de ruedas.
Y como todo adolescente, el Rey Ricardo tiene muy presente una cosa, el sexo. Puede que el chico se esté muriendo pero su libido aun esta vivito. Lo mismo que su sarcasmo ante todo lo que le pasa en la vida.
Como personaje, Richard me ha gustado bastante pues como ya dije es un adolescente y no puede dejar de ser sarcástico, necio, bruto y cachondo xD
Y como narrador es excelente pues no deja que la historia se haga tediosa ni lenta. Además que de que logra hacernos reír hasta eN las situaciones más lamentables.
¿Saben? Pienso que es un diagnostico bastante bueno ¿no creen? Para mí, para Sylvie y para cualquiera de nuestra edad que termine aquí o en lugares similares, después de lo que en nuestros obituarios pronto se describirán como “una valiente batalla contra la/el… (llene el espacio en blanco)”
Porque, ¿de qué otra manera explicarían lo que nos pasa? El síndrome de AAATO es la única maldita respuesta lógica.
El gran problema para Richard (además de su inexistente vida sexual) es que es un adolescente atrapado en un pabellón para adultos. Todo lo que le rodea está diseñado para el disfrute de los últimos días de personas mayores y no hay nada que un adolescente de su edad pueda disfrutar (ni porno en la sala de estar, POR DIOS xD)
Así que Richard va a buscar como disfrutar él solito, aunque su débil cuerpo no logre hacer mucho.
Y además de la historia de Richard, conocemos a todos los habitantes del pabellón. Esta la señora en coma, los dos ancianos y Sylvie, quien a la edad de 15 años ha caído en las garras del cáncer pero del cual está decidida a salir.
Tengo que decir que Sylvia es un gran personaje con una personalidad bastante ruda. Casi tan ruda como su padre el dragón.
No se preocupen por mí. Todo estará bien. Diablos, la verdad es que, por cualquier lado que lo vean, tanto Sylvie como yo estaremos bien. Lo Juro.
Y, bueno, en realidad es todo lo que tengo que decir.
Cambio y fuera.
Y a pesar de que el libro está lleno de momentos tristes la autora ha sabido llevarlos muy bien, tanto que al final es imposible no sonreír con la historia de Richard.
En este libro nuestro narrador es Richard, un adolescente que esta resentido con el gran jefe de arriba por tenerlo atado al hospital y a una silla de ruedas.
Y como todo adolescente, el Rey Ricardo tiene muy presente una cosa, el sexo. Puede que el chico se esté muriendo pero su libido aun esta vivito. Lo mismo que su sarcasmo ante todo lo que le pasa en la vida.
Como personaje, Richard me ha gustado bastante pues como ya dije es un adolescente y no puede dejar de ser sarcástico, necio, bruto y cachondo xD
Y como narrador es excelente pues no deja que la historia se haga tediosa ni lenta. Además que de que logra hacernos reír hasta eN las situaciones más lamentables.
¿Saben? Pienso que es un diagnostico bastante bueno ¿no creen? Para mí, para Sylvie y para cualquiera de nuestra edad que termine aquí o en lugares similares, después de lo que en nuestros obituarios pronto se describirán como “una valiente batalla contra la/el… (llene el espacio en blanco)”
Porque, ¿de qué otra manera explicarían lo que nos pasa? El síndrome de AAATO es la única maldita respuesta lógica.
El gran problema para Richard (además de su inexistente vida sexual) es que es un adolescente atrapado en un pabellón para adultos. Todo lo que le rodea está diseñado para el disfrute de los últimos días de personas mayores y no hay nada que un adolescente de su edad pueda disfrutar (ni porno en la sala de estar, POR DIOS xD)
Así que Richard va a buscar como disfrutar él solito, aunque su débil cuerpo no logre hacer mucho.
Y además de la historia de Richard, conocemos a todos los habitantes del pabellón. Esta la señora en coma, los dos ancianos y Sylvie, quien a la edad de 15 años ha caído en las garras del cáncer pero del cual está decidida a salir.
Tengo que decir que Sylvia es un gran personaje con una personalidad bastante ruda. Casi tan ruda como su padre el dragón.
No se preocupen por mí. Todo estará bien. Diablos, la verdad es que, por cualquier lado que lo vean, tanto Sylvie como yo estaremos bien. Lo Juro.
Y, bueno, en realidad es todo lo que tengo que decir.
Cambio y fuera.
Y a pesar de que el libro está lleno de momentos tristes la autora ha sabido llevarlos muy bien, tanto que al final es imposible no sonreír con la historia de Richard.
August 22, 2013
I think I knew I was going to dislike Richard from the beginning because he always repeats himself by saying, "see" or, "okay?" or "right". It took all my strength not to jump into the book and punch him in the face. Hollis Seamon could have made this a killer book with such a sad and serious topic but instead she failed to do so. I was left underwhelmed and very upset with all the characters. And not in a good way.
Writing a realistic contemporary novel there has to be a realistic relationship between the main character and most likely the love interest. Unfortunately, the romance in Somebody Up There Hates You feels more like a fairytale than something that could happen in real life. Richard and Sylvie are already 'together' when the novel starts with little hints and snippets of how they met but not a full explanation of how they became so close and became a couple. There isn't much if any character building either. All of the characters feel extremely stiff and are boring and I couldn't connect to any of them. Another thing that I really disliked about this novel is the fact that everything is all over the place. The relationship between Richard and Sylvie, Richard's life, all of it. Instead of reading one story I felt like I was reading ten different ones that randomly popped up out of nowhere. During many parts of the book I was left confused and uncertain about what I was reading.
One thing I did like about the book though, is the relationship between Richard and Edward. It is so cute because they depend on each other so much, whether they know it or not. I also liked Edward because he reminds Richard a lot that everyone has problems and that he's not the only one going through a shitty time which I think everyone needs to be reminded from time to time.
Somebody Up There Hates You isn't actually a story about a teen with cancer and how he fights through it. It's more of a story about two teens going through a crappy time and having sex before they die. That's about it. I recommend this only to people looking for a light read. Don't let the summary fool you, it's not heart-wrenching nor is it moving.
February 28, 2015
Reseña completa: Alguien Allá Arriba te Odia
AAATO nos da una visión muy cruda y real de lo que significa vivir con cáncer para un adolescente. A este libro se le compara constantemente con Bajo la Misma Estrella, pero creo que el único punto de relación entre estos libros es que los protagonistas son dos adolescentes con cáncer. Hasta ahí. Siento que en este libro nos adentramos mucho más en el mundo de los pacientes que padecen cáncer, ya que logramos conocer la mecánica de una sala para pacientes terminales, vemos el gran trabajo que deben hacer los enfermeros, y el gran sufrimiento que padecen los familiares. Como mencioné, es una versión mucho más cruda de la típica historia de cáncer en adolescentes, ya que tenemos una perspectiva directa de un mundo lleno de sufrimiento y dolor, donde la muerte es algo inminente y esperar por ella es el día a día.
Algo que me encantó de este libro fueron sus personajes, ya que todos me parecieron muy reales y auténticos, especialmente los dos protagonistas. Sentí una conexión muy especial con Richard, porque tiene una percepción muy particular de la vida y la muerte. Logré identificarme mucho con su personalidad, y esto permitió que disfrutara mucho el libro Por su parte, el personaje de Sylvie me encantó, ya que no es una chica moribunda que espera a que suceda lo peor, sino que es alguien con esperanzas para su futuro, que sueña y que no tiene tapujos a la hora de hablar del sexo, la muerte y la vida. La madre de Richard es completamente encantadora, llena de amor por su hijo y que se niega a aceptar que la muerte pronto le va a llegar. Y así tenemos una lista larguísima de personajes que se lograron ganar un lugar muy especial en mi corazón, desde los enfermeros, hasta la familia de Richard.
El romance en este libro se me hizo muy tierno y conmovedor. La historia de amor entre Sylvie y Richie me encantó porque se notaba que era un amor puro, y a pesar de que puede parecer un poco apresurado, estos dos se entienden de una forma espectacular que me llegó al corazón. No es un romance cursi ni ridículo, es muy real y enternecedor.
AAATO nos da una visión muy cruda y real de lo que significa vivir con cáncer para un adolescente. A este libro se le compara constantemente con Bajo la Misma Estrella, pero creo que el único punto de relación entre estos libros es que los protagonistas son dos adolescentes con cáncer. Hasta ahí. Siento que en este libro nos adentramos mucho más en el mundo de los pacientes que padecen cáncer, ya que logramos conocer la mecánica de una sala para pacientes terminales, vemos el gran trabajo que deben hacer los enfermeros, y el gran sufrimiento que padecen los familiares. Como mencioné, es una versión mucho más cruda de la típica historia de cáncer en adolescentes, ya que tenemos una perspectiva directa de un mundo lleno de sufrimiento y dolor, donde la muerte es algo inminente y esperar por ella es el día a día.
Algo que me encantó de este libro fueron sus personajes, ya que todos me parecieron muy reales y auténticos, especialmente los dos protagonistas. Sentí una conexión muy especial con Richard, porque tiene una percepción muy particular de la vida y la muerte. Logré identificarme mucho con su personalidad, y esto permitió que disfrutara mucho el libro Por su parte, el personaje de Sylvie me encantó, ya que no es una chica moribunda que espera a que suceda lo peor, sino que es alguien con esperanzas para su futuro, que sueña y que no tiene tapujos a la hora de hablar del sexo, la muerte y la vida. La madre de Richard es completamente encantadora, llena de amor por su hijo y que se niega a aceptar que la muerte pronto le va a llegar. Y así tenemos una lista larguísima de personajes que se lograron ganar un lugar muy especial en mi corazón, desde los enfermeros, hasta la familia de Richard.
El romance en este libro se me hizo muy tierno y conmovedor. La historia de amor entre Sylvie y Richie me encantó porque se notaba que era un amor puro, y a pesar de que puede parecer un poco apresurado, estos dos se entienden de una forma espectacular que me llegó al corazón. No es un romance cursi ni ridículo, es muy real y enternecedor.
August 24, 2015
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
MY THOUGHTS
Somebody up there must hate me because they let me read this book.
I hate writing negative reviews for a book. I hate coming across books that I just don't like, but I did not like this book AT ALL.
The entire plot of this book is basically a horny teenage guy, who happens to have cancer, trying to get into the pants of the only girl his age in the hospital. That's it. There is nothing more to this book besides that.
When I read a book, I like to read a book with an actual plot, not a book about a horny teenage. Yes, he's a teenage guy, a lot of teenage guys are like that! But can't we have an actual plot? Or even something else happening besides two teenagers' quest to lose their virginity? (Yes, the girl actually encourages this!).
Another thing I would like to mention is the "conflict". One main conflict is Sylvie’s, the girl, dad. Her dad does not like our main character, not a bit, and our main character is constantly complaining about him and fighting with him. Richie, our main character, also doesn't seem to understand why Sylvie's dad doesn't like him and is endlessly frustrated that her dad keeps preventing Richie from sleeping with Sylvie. Hmmmmmmm...why in the world would her dad not like Richie?
Maybe it's because Richie keeps trying to have sex with Sylvie!
I think that would piss any father off!!!
IN CONCLUSION
Okay, I'm definitely not a fa of this book. I really wish I gave up on it (I NEVER give up on books!) and I was tempted to, but it was so short that I decided to go through with it.
I do not recommend this book and I apologize for the rant.
MY THOUGHTS
Somebody up there must hate me because they let me read this book.
I hate writing negative reviews for a book. I hate coming across books that I just don't like, but I did not like this book AT ALL.
The entire plot of this book is basically a horny teenage guy, who happens to have cancer, trying to get into the pants of the only girl his age in the hospital. That's it. There is nothing more to this book besides that.
When I read a book, I like to read a book with an actual plot, not a book about a horny teenage. Yes, he's a teenage guy, a lot of teenage guys are like that! But can't we have an actual plot? Or even something else happening besides two teenagers' quest to lose their virginity? (Yes, the girl actually encourages this!).
Another thing I would like to mention is the "conflict". One main conflict is Sylvie’s, the girl, dad. Her dad does not like our main character, not a bit, and our main character is constantly complaining about him and fighting with him. Richie, our main character, also doesn't seem to understand why Sylvie's dad doesn't like him and is endlessly frustrated that her dad keeps preventing Richie from sleeping with Sylvie. Hmmmmmmm...why in the world would her dad not like Richie?
Maybe it's because Richie keeps trying to have sex with Sylvie!
I think that would piss any father off!!!
IN CONCLUSION
Okay, I'm definitely not a fa of this book. I really wish I gave up on it (I NEVER give up on books!) and I was tempted to, but it was so short that I decided to go through with it.
I do not recommend this book and I apologize for the rant.
September 9, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
NetGalley ARC – Thank you NetGalley : )
When you’re a teenager spending what is assumed to be your final month of life in a hospice ward, it’s just a given that you must be a member of the SUTHY Club. What other explanation can there be for 17-year old Richie and 15-year old Sylvie to be dying? Somebody up there must hate them, right? Just because they’re supposed to be dying, doesn’t mean that can’t live a little until their time is up. Follow Richie and Sylvie as they come of age in not-so-typical surroundings.
I love “YA for Grown-Ups”. You know what I mean, right? The main characters are kids but you don’t feel like a weirdo while you’re reading the book because these kids are dealing with serious issues. As an ARC, you just never know what you’re getting into, so I can’t even begin to describe how pleasantly surprised I was by “Somebody Up There Hates You”. If you’re not a fan of the “kid speak that is totally unbelievable because they sound too smart/grown up/whatever”, you’ll be able to find some fault with this book. Me? I like the smart and sassy youngins who have a bit too much of a foul-mouth and a bit too unrealistic vocabulary. Plus, these kids are DYING so would why would they bother to reign in their behavior/language? At only 250-some pages, this book is a breeze to get through and, although the subject matter is heavy, I only cried a little bit.
NetGalley ARC – Thank you NetGalley : )
When you’re a teenager spending what is assumed to be your final month of life in a hospice ward, it’s just a given that you must be a member of the SUTHY Club. What other explanation can there be for 17-year old Richie and 15-year old Sylvie to be dying? Somebody up there must hate them, right? Just because they’re supposed to be dying, doesn’t mean that can’t live a little until their time is up. Follow Richie and Sylvie as they come of age in not-so-typical surroundings.
I love “YA for Grown-Ups”. You know what I mean, right? The main characters are kids but you don’t feel like a weirdo while you’re reading the book because these kids are dealing with serious issues. As an ARC, you just never know what you’re getting into, so I can’t even begin to describe how pleasantly surprised I was by “Somebody Up There Hates You”. If you’re not a fan of the “kid speak that is totally unbelievable because they sound too smart/grown up/whatever”, you’ll be able to find some fault with this book. Me? I like the smart and sassy youngins who have a bit too much of a foul-mouth and a bit too unrealistic vocabulary. Plus, these kids are DYING so would why would they bother to reign in their behavior/language? At only 250-some pages, this book is a breeze to get through and, although the subject matter is heavy, I only cried a little bit.
November 9, 2015
**Spoiler**
No me gusta leer libros sobre chicos con cancer cuya unica meta en la vida es quitarse la virginidad y ya -.- ¿Es neta?
En serio eso es lo unico que piensan los chicos de esa edad? Sin importar que tengan cancer o no?
Se que en "Bajo la misma estrella" llega a pasar algo similar pero no confundan, en TFiOS no se trata solo de eso.
Este libro se desarrolla en el area terminal de un hospital, no solo para chicos con cancer, tenemos otros personajes que tmb ya están en estado terminal pero por otras causas.
El chico principal se llama Richard y ok, si me gustó que al chico le valiera que tuviera cancer y que peleara porque lo dejaran ser un chico de su edad, hasta el comienzo me gustó, donde acaban de hacer una "travesura" por ser visperas de Halloween, pero con forme fui avanzando y fui conociendo mas al personaje me desesperó mucho ._.
Además que onda con las pistas del tío? pensé que sería algo complicado y que esa sería la gran aventura del libro pero no, solo unas cuantas frases y ya?
Y luego el papá de Silvye, es muy entendible su carácter por todo lo que está pasando en su familia, no me gustó que se burlara tanto de el Richard.
En fin, no me gustó el libro, byes.
No me gusta leer libros sobre chicos con cancer cuya unica meta en la vida es quitarse la virginidad y ya -.- ¿Es neta?
En serio eso es lo unico que piensan los chicos de esa edad? Sin importar que tengan cancer o no?
Se que en "Bajo la misma estrella" llega a pasar algo similar pero no confundan, en TFiOS no se trata solo de eso.
Este libro se desarrolla en el area terminal de un hospital, no solo para chicos con cancer, tenemos otros personajes que tmb ya están en estado terminal pero por otras causas.
El chico principal se llama Richard y ok, si me gustó que al chico le valiera que tuviera cancer y que peleara porque lo dejaran ser un chico de su edad, hasta el comienzo me gustó, donde acaban de hacer una "travesura" por ser visperas de Halloween, pero con forme fui avanzando y fui conociendo mas al personaje me desesperó mucho ._.
Además que onda con las pistas del tío? pensé que sería algo complicado y que esa sería la gran aventura del libro pero no, solo unas cuantas frases y ya?
Y luego el papá de Silvye, es muy entendible su carácter por todo lo que está pasando en su familia, no me gustó que se burlara tanto de el Richard.
En fin, no me gustó el libro, byes.
April 26, 2014
Book #40 Read in 2014
Somebody Up There Hates You by Hollis Seamon (YA)
This is so much more than a cancer book. Richard (main character) is written in such a way that his voice is so true to life. Richard is in hospice and so is Sylvie....and both are teenagers. They try to retain some sort of normalcy with their budding romance but that creates more problems for both them and their families. The secondary characters (the harpy, Edward, Richard's mother, uncle and grandmother) are interesting and bring even more depth to the book. I could see this book being called a grittier The Fault in Our Stars...and I mean that as a compliment. Add to this that the author is 1. local and 2. was my Honors English 101 professor at college and that just completes the package. I highly recommend it.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Somebody Up There Hates You by Hollis Seamon (YA)
This is so much more than a cancer book. Richard (main character) is written in such a way that his voice is so true to life. Richard is in hospice and so is Sylvie....and both are teenagers. They try to retain some sort of normalcy with their budding romance but that creates more problems for both them and their families. The secondary characters (the harpy, Edward, Richard's mother, uncle and grandmother) are interesting and bring even more depth to the book. I could see this book being called a grittier The Fault in Our Stars...and I mean that as a compliment. Add to this that the author is 1. local and 2. was my Honors English 101 professor at college and that just completes the package. I highly recommend it.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
March 25, 2016
I was taken aback by how much this book affected me. I didn't expect it to have such a strong hold on me, but truthfully I was drawn in from the very beginning. Richard is sarcastic and witty, which makes the book hold an amusing tone for the most part. However, Seamon has no problem reeling you in with laughter, and making sure you're attached and dedicated to these characters, only to make them absolutely break your heart. When it comes down to it, these are young adults who are facing horrifying situations, and it's impossible not to feel for them on some level. To say I wasn't an emotional wreck when I closed this book would be a blatant lie.
PS. I'm not going to associate this in any ways with TFIOS because truthfully I never thought about the similarities and differences between the two.
PS. I'm not going to associate this in any ways with TFIOS because truthfully I never thought about the similarities and differences between the two.
March 21, 2020
TWO MANIX PIXIE DREAM GIRL TROPES????? TWO??? jesus this was one of the whitest, most hetero books i have ever read. highkey sexist-themed despite the incessant declaration of such "fierce" women richard has in his life. jesus almighty. what the hell was the point of kelly-marie's character other than to suck his dick off, be sexually objectified, then body-shamed and bullied by ms sylvie.... oh my god.
May 25, 2017
I thought the book was pretty slow at first, but it got pretty interesting after a while and it was pretty funny to like I really love how the book began with I shit you not xD i dont know why thats funny to me I am just weird xP. Dont judge me xD. But overall I would say it was a good book.
April 15, 2014
Un pabellón de enfermos terminales, dos adolescentes que a pesar de estar enfermos quieren vivir al máximo, sin duda un libro muy entrañable, es de esos que se quedan en tu corazón.
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