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Lone Star
From the author of TULLY and THE BRONZE HORSEMAN comes an epic new romantic saga - heart-wrenching and passionate, this compelling story of love lost and found will stay with you forever...
Falling in love was the easy part...
Chloe is weeks away from college when she embarks on a grand European adventure with her boyfriend and two best friends. Their destination is Barcelona, with its promise of romance and mystery, but first they must detour through the historic cities of Eastern Europe to settle an old family debt.
As they traverse the unfamiliar landscape of the post-Communist world, Chloe meets a boy on a train who is going off to war. Johnny carries a guitar, an easy smile - and a lifetime of secrets.
As the trip becomes a treacherous journey into Europe's and Johnny's darkest past, it threatens to shatter the bonds holding together four lifelong friends.
From Riga to Treblinka to Trieste, Chloe must face the collision of her deepest desires with the future she thought she wanted.
Praise for Paullina Simons:
'Prepare to have your emotions wrung so completely you'll be sobbing your heart out one minute and laughing through your tears the next' Company
'She's done it again. Just like in THE BRONZE HORSEMAN, I turned the last page, fell down and cried Helena, Goodreads
'This heart wrenching love story will have you sobbing as you follow a group of friends on a life affirming journey' Sophie Whitfield, CultureStreet.com
Falling in love was the easy part...
Chloe is weeks away from college when she embarks on a grand European adventure with her boyfriend and two best friends. Their destination is Barcelona, with its promise of romance and mystery, but first they must detour through the historic cities of Eastern Europe to settle an old family debt.
As they traverse the unfamiliar landscape of the post-Communist world, Chloe meets a boy on a train who is going off to war. Johnny carries a guitar, an easy smile - and a lifetime of secrets.
As the trip becomes a treacherous journey into Europe's and Johnny's darkest past, it threatens to shatter the bonds holding together four lifelong friends.
From Riga to Treblinka to Trieste, Chloe must face the collision of her deepest desires with the future she thought she wanted.
Praise for Paullina Simons:
'Prepare to have your emotions wrung so completely you'll be sobbing your heart out one minute and laughing through your tears the next' Company
'She's done it again. Just like in THE BRONZE HORSEMAN, I turned the last page, fell down and cried Helena, Goodreads
'This heart wrenching love story will have you sobbing as you follow a group of friends on a life affirming journey' Sophie Whitfield, CultureStreet.com
656 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
179 people are currently reading
2583 people want to read
About the author
Paullina Simons
47 books5,371 followersPaullina Simons was born in Leningrad, USSR, in 1963. At the age of ten her family immigrated to the United States. Growing up in Russia Paullina dreamt of someday becoming a writer. Her dream was put on hold as she learned English and overcame the shock of a new culture.
After graduating from university and after various jobs including working as a financial journalist and as a translator Paullina wrote her first novel Tully. Through word of mouth that book was welcomed by readers all over the world.
She continued with more novels, including Red Leaves, Eleven Hours, The Bronze Horseman, The Bridge to Holy Cross (also known as Tatiana and Alexander), The Summer Garden and The Girl in Times Square (also known as Lily). Many of Paullina's novels have reached international bestseller lists.
Apart from her novels, Paullina has also written a cookbook, Tatiana's Table, which is a collection of recipes, short stories and recollections from her best selling trilogy of novels, The Bronze Horseman, The Bridge to Holy Cross, (also known as Tatiana and Alexander) and The Summer Garden.
After graduating from university and after various jobs including working as a financial journalist and as a translator Paullina wrote her first novel Tully. Through word of mouth that book was welcomed by readers all over the world.
She continued with more novels, including Red Leaves, Eleven Hours, The Bronze Horseman, The Bridge to Holy Cross (also known as Tatiana and Alexander), The Summer Garden and The Girl in Times Square (also known as Lily). Many of Paullina's novels have reached international bestseller lists.
Apart from her novels, Paullina has also written a cookbook, Tatiana's Table, which is a collection of recipes, short stories and recollections from her best selling trilogy of novels, The Bronze Horseman, The Bridge to Holy Cross, (also known as Tatiana and Alexander) and The Summer Garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
April 28, 2017
'Lone Star' is a beautiful coming of age story, brought to us by the same author that gave us 'The Bronze Horseman'. It tells the story of a group of teenaged friends from Maine that set out on a European adventure before they begin college. I enjoyed this story immensely.
However, I couldn't help but to keep comparing it to Ms. Simons' better-know work, 'The Bronze Horseman'. In contrast to that epic story, 'Lone Star' fell noticeably short, despite being great in and of it's own accord. In so many ways, it isn't a fair comparison to make. They are different types of stories and, let's face it, not many books will ever measure up to the greatness of 'The Bronze Horseman' in my mind. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but to compare them.
That being said, I loved the way that Ms. Simons was able to capture the essence of youth in this story. More often than not, I find that teenagers are either portrayed as mini-adults or pre-teens. Accurately capturing the behaviors and emotions of this age group seems to be particularly challenging for many authors. This is probably because their emotions and maturity levels are all over the place. Regardless, I thought that Ms. Simons did a great job of selling these characters as believable teenagers. The one exception to that would be Johnny Rainbow, which I'll get to later.
Told from multiple points of view, this story follows Chloe, her best friend, Hannah, and their boyfriends as they travel eastern Europe. Barcelona is their destination, but to gain permission to go on this trip of a lifetime, Chloe had to agree to a few conditions set by her grandmother. She must lay flowers on the grave of her grandmother's one-time lover, who was murdered by the Nazis in WWII.
Along the way, the four meet another young American traveler. Johnny Rainbow is an incredibly charming young man that seems to be an expert on getting around Europe. He repeatedly crosses paths with the other young travelers and insinuates himself into their group. It was clear that he had eyes for Chloe. The only person that seemed unaware of this was Chloe's oblivious boyfriend, Mason.
Johnny was a pivotal character in this story. I always had a strong distrust for him, even as he seemed to do everything perfect. In fact, that was probably it. He was just too damn perfect. Like me, Blake was suspicious of Mr. Perfect right from the start.
Aside from his overwhelming charm and charisma, I had a hard time believing that he had done everything that the author would have us believe. At nineteen, he had traveled Europe, making connections virtually everywhere that they were going. He had also been accepted to some very prestigious schools, and promptly been kicked out. He had a band and performed in the US. He was a street performer and a tour guide. Whatever the topic may be, Johnny was an expert on it. Want to go somewhere? He's already been. Etc., etc. I just found him to be a little too accomplished for a nineteen year-old boy.
Despite not buying into Johnny completely, I still found myself lost in this story. I loved Chloe and as she began to fall for Johnny, I fell for him also. Their story was reminiscent of naiveté, youth and summer flings. It was sweet and innocent and earth-shattering all at the same time.
Meanwhile, I loved Blake also. While I can't say that I ever grew especially attached to Mason or Hannah, I adored Blake. He was always the steady friend that could be counted on. He was kind and responsible, even while being taken for granted.
When their trip ends, the relationships between these friends are forever altered. Some will grow closer. Some will grow apart. Hearts will be broken. I even cried.
The ending is not necessarily the way that I had envisioned, but I thought it was fitting. In fact, I'd say that it worked out perfectly. Sure, it was kind of sad...but it was kind of beautiful also. I especially liked the tie-in to the characters from 'The Bronze Horseman' at the end. That was a really nice touch.
Overall, I thought that this was a fantastic love story. It was sweet and incredibly touching. It may not be the huge, epic romance that 'The Bronze Horseman' is, but it is still a wonderful story.
However, I couldn't help but to keep comparing it to Ms. Simons' better-know work, 'The Bronze Horseman'. In contrast to that epic story, 'Lone Star' fell noticeably short, despite being great in and of it's own accord. In so many ways, it isn't a fair comparison to make. They are different types of stories and, let's face it, not many books will ever measure up to the greatness of 'The Bronze Horseman' in my mind. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but to compare them.
That being said, I loved the way that Ms. Simons was able to capture the essence of youth in this story. More often than not, I find that teenagers are either portrayed as mini-adults or pre-teens. Accurately capturing the behaviors and emotions of this age group seems to be particularly challenging for many authors. This is probably because their emotions and maturity levels are all over the place. Regardless, I thought that Ms. Simons did a great job of selling these characters as believable teenagers. The one exception to that would be Johnny Rainbow, which I'll get to later.
Told from multiple points of view, this story follows Chloe, her best friend, Hannah, and their boyfriends as they travel eastern Europe. Barcelona is their destination, but to gain permission to go on this trip of a lifetime, Chloe had to agree to a few conditions set by her grandmother. She must lay flowers on the grave of her grandmother's one-time lover, who was murdered by the Nazis in WWII.
Along the way, the four meet another young American traveler. Johnny Rainbow is an incredibly charming young man that seems to be an expert on getting around Europe. He repeatedly crosses paths with the other young travelers and insinuates himself into their group. It was clear that he had eyes for Chloe. The only person that seemed unaware of this was Chloe's oblivious boyfriend, Mason.
Johnny was a pivotal character in this story. I always had a strong distrust for him, even as he seemed to do everything perfect. In fact, that was probably it. He was just too damn perfect. Like me, Blake was suspicious of Mr. Perfect right from the start.
Aside from his overwhelming charm and charisma, I had a hard time believing that he had done everything that the author would have us believe. At nineteen, he had traveled Europe, making connections virtually everywhere that they were going. He had also been accepted to some very prestigious schools, and promptly been kicked out. He had a band and performed in the US. He was a street performer and a tour guide. Whatever the topic may be, Johnny was an expert on it. Want to go somewhere? He's already been. Etc., etc. I just found him to be a little too accomplished for a nineteen year-old boy.
Despite not buying into Johnny completely, I still found myself lost in this story. I loved Chloe and as she began to fall for Johnny, I fell for him also. Their story was reminiscent of naiveté, youth and summer flings. It was sweet and innocent and earth-shattering all at the same time.
Meanwhile, I loved Blake also. While I can't say that I ever grew especially attached to Mason or Hannah, I adored Blake. He was always the steady friend that could be counted on. He was kind and responsible, even while being taken for granted.
When their trip ends, the relationships between these friends are forever altered. Some will grow closer. Some will grow apart. Hearts will be broken. I even cried.
The ending is not necessarily the way that I had envisioned, but I thought it was fitting. In fact, I'd say that it worked out perfectly. Sure, it was kind of sad...but it was kind of beautiful also. I especially liked the tie-in to the characters from 'The Bronze Horseman' at the end. That was a really nice touch.
Overall, I thought that this was a fantastic love story. It was sweet and incredibly touching. It may not be the huge, epic romance that 'The Bronze Horseman' is, but it is still a wonderful story.
April 8, 2017
I finished this book yesterday and needed some time to decompress before I sat down to write a review. I have read a handful of amazing books this year but this left me with such a book hangover that I feel very swept up in my thoughts right now, very little of which I can tell you because I don't want to spoil anything for those who are going to be reading this. I went into this knowing only two things: the title and the author. Knowing the author's name was enough for me.
Simons is the writer of my favourite story, The Bronze Horseman. I have read those three books, plus her cookbook, as well as her first book, Tully. I have been hesitant to read any more of Simons' books because her books are not always easy to read. Her writing is beautiful but her stories and characters are sometimes frustrating because she does not take them in the direction that I want them to go, which I completely respect, but as a reader this creates a tumultuous reading experience. In the end, it's all worth it, but the journey itself is a tough one. Her characters are flawed and make decisions that make you want to shake them. I can still picture myself sitting in my living room after finishing Tully four years ago and just staring ahead thinking, "WTF Paullina?" unable to move on.
Lone Star was a little different from her other books that I've read. The poetic, lyrical writing was ever present, and so were the flawed characters, but it seemed to move along at calmer pace. Some may think that this story is too long and detailed. For me, I enjoyed this right from the beginning. Simons took her time laying things out meticulously for us: the character growth, the settings, the history, the family dynamics, the small town everyday details, the romance. She doesn't rush things and when done right, I love a good, long story.
As a reviewer, I have a bad habit of wanting to rate books as I read. I am constantly thinking, "This is a 4 star book. This is a 3 star book." At about 20% when Simons' introduced different POVs, it threw me off a little and I started questioning my enjoyment of it. I had to give myself a 'talking to' and say, "Hildy, let this whole story unfold before you make any judgements." I was not wrong and will give that same advice to you. The last half of this book had me glued, so much so that I was reading in Marshalls while waiting for my sisters-in-law to try on clothes. I couldn't put it down. When I was finished, I needed to talk about this for hours with my friend Nicole from For the Love of the Bronze Horseman. I went back and reread a lot of it and found so much deep meaning that I didn't completely grasp my first time through. To me, that's the sign of a good book, when you can reread it and discover new, enlightening things.
I highly recommend this for people who have read and enjoyed The Bronze Horseman series. The characters in this book start out in their late teens but this story doesn't present itself as a 'teen' book. There is so much more to it than young romance.
Simons is the writer of my favourite story, The Bronze Horseman. I have read those three books, plus her cookbook, as well as her first book, Tully. I have been hesitant to read any more of Simons' books because her books are not always easy to read. Her writing is beautiful but her stories and characters are sometimes frustrating because she does not take them in the direction that I want them to go, which I completely respect, but as a reader this creates a tumultuous reading experience. In the end, it's all worth it, but the journey itself is a tough one. Her characters are flawed and make decisions that make you want to shake them. I can still picture myself sitting in my living room after finishing Tully four years ago and just staring ahead thinking, "WTF Paullina?" unable to move on.
Lone Star was a little different from her other books that I've read. The poetic, lyrical writing was ever present, and so were the flawed characters, but it seemed to move along at calmer pace. Some may think that this story is too long and detailed. For me, I enjoyed this right from the beginning. Simons took her time laying things out meticulously for us: the character growth, the settings, the history, the family dynamics, the small town everyday details, the romance. She doesn't rush things and when done right, I love a good, long story.
As a reviewer, I have a bad habit of wanting to rate books as I read. I am constantly thinking, "This is a 4 star book. This is a 3 star book." At about 20% when Simons' introduced different POVs, it threw me off a little and I started questioning my enjoyment of it. I had to give myself a 'talking to' and say, "Hildy, let this whole story unfold before you make any judgements." I was not wrong and will give that same advice to you. The last half of this book had me glued, so much so that I was reading in Marshalls while waiting for my sisters-in-law to try on clothes. I couldn't put it down. When I was finished, I needed to talk about this for hours with my friend Nicole from For the Love of the Bronze Horseman. I went back and reread a lot of it and found so much deep meaning that I didn't completely grasp my first time through. To me, that's the sign of a good book, when you can reread it and discover new, enlightening things.
I highly recommend this for people who have read and enjoyed The Bronze Horseman series. The characters in this book start out in their late teens but this story doesn't present itself as a 'teen' book. There is so much more to it than young romance.
March 31, 2015
Ladies and gentleman stand up and applaud. Paullina Simons... Take a bow.
She's done it again. Just like in The Bronze Horseman, I turned the last page, fell down and cried. My heart hasn't ached like this over a book in a long time. I don't even have the words to describe it. This woman is incredible. No one writes LOVE like she does. She doesn't just write it, she creates love so strong on her pages it makes you feel she invented the word love. What did I know about love before picking up a Paullina Simons book? Nothing. She is a genius.
I can't wait to read it all over again.
She's done it again. Just like in The Bronze Horseman, I turned the last page, fell down and cried. My heart hasn't ached like this over a book in a long time. I don't even have the words to describe it. This woman is incredible. No one writes LOVE like she does. She doesn't just write it, she creates love so strong on her pages it makes you feel she invented the word love. What did I know about love before picking up a Paullina Simons book? Nothing. She is a genius.
I can't wait to read it all over again.
December 17, 2015
"What words do you use to express the inexpressible?"
That's how I'm feeling right now about this book. I can't even express how much I loved it. All I'm going to say is this. I have a lot of friends that LOVE The Bronze Horseman series and Paullina Simons work as much as I do. To all of you, you absolutely need to read this book as soon as you can and then we can talk. I cannot wait for this moment.
Do not weep, Johnny says. Life is beautiful.
I LOVE YOU JOHNNY RAINBOW.
1st read July 3-6, 2015
2nd read July 7-10, 2015
3rd read July 21-29, 2015
4th read Dec. 10-17, 2015 audiobook
This was my third read of this book and I'm even more in love. I fall deeper and deeper in love the more I read. I have no words.
That's how I'm feeling right now about this book. I can't even express how much I loved it. All I'm going to say is this. I have a lot of friends that LOVE The Bronze Horseman series and Paullina Simons work as much as I do. To all of you, you absolutely need to read this book as soon as you can and then we can talk. I cannot wait for this moment.
Do not weep, Johnny says. Life is beautiful.
I LOVE YOU JOHNNY RAINBOW.
1st read July 3-6, 2015
2nd read July 7-10, 2015
3rd read July 21-29, 2015
4th read Dec. 10-17, 2015 audiobook
This was my third read of this book and I'm even more in love. I fall deeper and deeper in love the more I read. I have no words.
April 1, 2018
3 raspado. Vaya por delante que no es un mal libro, pero tras la trilogía del Jinete de bronce -que he leído este mismo año y se ha convertido en una de mis lecturas favoritas de todos los tiempos- me esperaba mucho más de este viaje y de su autora. Aunque su prosa sigue siendo maravillosa, no me acaba de convencer su uso de las voces en este libro, no he conseguido empatizar con su protagonista femenina -solo Blake y Johnny Rainbow me han llegado al corazón y eso que la autora los maltrata sin piedad- y, sobre todo, no me gusta que no sea consecuente con el destino que decidió ella misma para este último personaje en una obra anterior. Llega a ser un tipo al azar y esta reseña sería diferente y la puntuación, mayor. Y a pesar de que el final final me ha parecido muy bonito, me ha sabido a poco.
Me quedo con la visión de la vida de ese personaje maravilloso que es Blake, "La vida es como pasear por un prado. A veces, llueve", y la selección musical e intensidad, como la de una estrella fugaz, de Johnny.
Me quedo con la visión de la vida de ese personaje maravilloso que es Blake, "La vida es como pasear por un prado. A veces, llueve", y la selección musical e intensidad, como la de una estrella fugaz, de Johnny.
February 8, 2017
Veamos, es un libro bastante gordo y me lo he leído en nada (está noche no dormí demasiado jejeje) así que significa que me ha enganchado, mucho. No había leído nada aún de esta autora (ya, ya lo sé el Jinete de Bronce me espera...) y debo decir que si forma de escribir me gusta. Es una historia muy bonita, con un final de esos que lees con el alma en tensión incluso sabiendo lo que va a ocurrir, porque lo sabes. Los protas son apenas unos niños que quieren dejar de serlo, quieren sentir que son adultos antes de entrar en la universidad, quieren vivir, sentir, viajar..., y mientras hacen todo eso también descubren que hacerse adulto significa enfrentar los errores, la decepción, la pérdida, asumirlo y seguir caminando. Me declaro fan absoluta de Blake, desde el principio. Me parece un personaje tan vital, tan optimista y encantador en esa verborrea imparable, que me enamoró desde las primeras hojas. El romance es pasional, a veces, porque conforme la historia avanza vamos descubriendo que la locura y la pasión del primer no dura siempre, y que llega un momento en qué quizá ese arrebato alocado y visceral no es lo quieres, no es lo que necesitas.
¿Tanta maravilla y no se lleva el top 5 estrellil? Pues no, porque es demasiado largo, en algunas partes de la novela se excede en cosas que no necesitas para comprender a los personajes, o se pasa demasiado tiempo dando vueltas a lo mismo, pero las ganas de seguir la aventura de estos chicos te hace seguir. Por otro lado, creo que me estoy haciendo mayor, porque la edad de los protagonistas me parecía demasiado escasa para ciertas cosas, especialmente la de Johnny, creo que le faltan unos 4o5 años más, para mi gusto, para poder sentir realmente todo ese bagaje que arrastra. Y he echado de menos un epílogo, cosa que normalmente no me pasa, pero aquí el cuerpo me pedía un poquito más de ellos, de saber si ella será abogada, florista o ambas cosas, si se queda o se va, compartir un momento más entre ellos, saber que siente él después de todo.
Con todo esto, creo que seguiré leyendo a Paulina Simons, seguro
¿Tanta maravilla y no se lleva el top 5 estrellil? Pues no, porque es demasiado largo, en algunas partes de la novela se excede en cosas que no necesitas para comprender a los personajes, o se pasa demasiado tiempo dando vueltas a lo mismo, pero las ganas de seguir la aventura de estos chicos te hace seguir. Por otro lado, creo que me estoy haciendo mayor, porque la edad de los protagonistas me parecía demasiado escasa para ciertas cosas, especialmente la de Johnny, creo que le faltan unos 4o5 años más, para mi gusto, para poder sentir realmente todo ese bagaje que arrastra. Y he echado de menos un epílogo, cosa que normalmente no me pasa, pero aquí el cuerpo me pedía un poquito más de ellos, de saber si ella será abogada, florista o ambas cosas, si se queda o se va, compartir un momento más entre ellos, saber que siente él después de todo.
Con todo esto, creo que seguiré leyendo a Paulina Simons, seguro
April 5, 2015
First up, it took until about the 20% mark for this book to grab me. Up until then was 'oh no, it's going to be a dud', and I was feeling very disappointed as I always look forward to novels by Paullina Simons. However, Lone Star ended up delivering the goods.
Fans of previous works such as Tully and The Bronze Horseman Series will really enjoy Lone Star.
I giggled, I got teary, I was shocked, I wanted to hit characters over the head due to sheer frustration and annoyance - all signs of a good novel.
There is a surprise treat in Lone Star, but I can't say anymore than that as I don't want to give anything away. Just read it and you will see what I mean.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers Australia for the chance to read and review.
Fans of previous works such as Tully and The Bronze Horseman Series will really enjoy Lone Star.
I giggled, I got teary, I was shocked, I wanted to hit characters over the head due to sheer frustration and annoyance - all signs of a good novel.
There is a surprise treat in Lone Star, but I can't say anymore than that as I don't want to give anything away. Just read it and you will see what I mean.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers Australia for the chance to read and review.
January 16, 2017
*Puntuaría a este libro por partes de la siguiente manera:
Es un libro muy largo (668 páginas): a las primeras 300 páginas las puntuaría con 2 1/2 estrellas porque la novela no avanza, es lenta, confusa y no tiene rumbo; a las 100 siguientes las puntuaría con 3 estrellas, la novela encuentra -por fin- su voz y la trama se perfila; a las 268 últimas páginas las puntuaría con 4 estrellas.
De mi extrañísima y surrealista puntuación (no sabía sino cómo hacerlo) se puede deducir que me ha parecido una novela muy desigual. Lo que es una verdadera pena porque Paullina Simons escribe increíblemente bien y si consigues llegar al final de la novela, final con el que estarás más o menos de acuerdo, si una cosa queda clara es la elegancia de esta autora y su innata capacidad para emocionarte con unos párrafos.
Mi mayor problema con "Páginas de viaje" no ha sido sin embargo el número de páginas o la irregularidad de la misma, ha sido que no entiendo por qué la protagonista, Chloe, tarda tanto en descubrir la realidad (realidad que es evidente enseguida) y no entiendo por qué la señora Simons nos lleva por este camino. Entiendo el papel que pretende que desempeñe Johnny, lo entiendo, pero creo que aquí la señora Simons ha sido cruel innecesariamente y que podría haberle dado más voz y más "sangre" a Blake pues, en mi opinión, es un protagonista al que esconde sin justificación. Creo que Blake se merecía más páginas, en especial al final, y que no era necesario que Johnny quedase dibujado de esta manera. Es injusto para ambos.
La historia es muy bonita, es una historia de superación y de crecimiento personal, y al mismo tiempo podría haber sido una grandísima historia de amor.
Es un libro muy largo (668 páginas): a las primeras 300 páginas las puntuaría con 2 1/2 estrellas porque la novela no avanza, es lenta, confusa y no tiene rumbo; a las 100 siguientes las puntuaría con 3 estrellas, la novela encuentra -por fin- su voz y la trama se perfila; a las 268 últimas páginas las puntuaría con 4 estrellas.
De mi extrañísima y surrealista puntuación (no sabía sino cómo hacerlo) se puede deducir que me ha parecido una novela muy desigual. Lo que es una verdadera pena porque Paullina Simons escribe increíblemente bien y si consigues llegar al final de la novela, final con el que estarás más o menos de acuerdo, si una cosa queda clara es la elegancia de esta autora y su innata capacidad para emocionarte con unos párrafos.
Mi mayor problema con "Páginas de viaje" no ha sido sin embargo el número de páginas o la irregularidad de la misma, ha sido que no entiendo por qué la protagonista, Chloe, tarda tanto en descubrir la realidad (realidad que es evidente enseguida) y no entiendo por qué la señora Simons nos lleva por este camino. Entiendo el papel que pretende que desempeñe Johnny, lo entiendo, pero creo que aquí la señora Simons ha sido cruel innecesariamente y que podría haberle dado más voz y más "sangre" a Blake pues, en mi opinión, es un protagonista al que esconde sin justificación. Creo que Blake se merecía más páginas, en especial al final, y que no era necesario que Johnny quedase dibujado de esta manera. Es injusto para ambos.
La historia es muy bonita, es una historia de superación y de crecimiento personal, y al mismo tiempo podría haber sido una grandísima historia de amor.
April 29, 2017
Bloody hell, where to start....First wipe the tears obscuring my vision and blow my snotty nose! TMI? Yeah, maybe... This story is a unravelling, meandering surprise; it doesn't take you at all where you'd imagine and it's 'HEA' is heartbreaking.
I have read a lot of books in my life, more books that I will ever remember, all my life I have read. I was the little girl in the corner reading when all my friends and cousins were playing, I was the one reading rather than dating; so many authors, so many books. While absorbed in their pages these books, have transformed my reality and taken me to places that are difficult to come back from. Paullina Simons is responsible for writing one of 5 books I will remember on my death-bed. No matter how many books I read between now and then,The Bronze Horseman will always be in my top 5 books. I bring this up because it is clear that, just like me, no matter how many books Ms Simons writes The Bronze Horseman isn't a book she finds easy to let go......Barringtons keeps whispering to be heard, somehow. But I get ahead of myself.
There were times when this book dragged a bit, (for example the build up to the European trip) and may be a tad longer than needed. It has mutli POVs, which for once I didn't hate, all four friends have very distinctive voices and Simons' characters are as finely drawn as ever:
I spent the last quarter of the book straining every hopeful fibre in me that this book would go where I wanted it to. I kept thinking."This can't be a stand alone, there isn't enough pages left to get the ending I need.' And that is always the best kind, isn't it? An ending which comes as a surprise, not a complete one, not a blindsiding; more like, a walk in an childhood neighbourhood where there is the possibility of bumping into an old crush. But it's still a surprise when it actually happens. Hints, breadcrumbs are scattered along the path that you either pick up or not....a whisper you try to block out.
Lone Star isn't the book I thought it was going to be, it was so much, much more; better. One of the best books I've read this year, and I've read over a hundred.
I have read a lot of books in my life, more books that I will ever remember, all my life I have read. I was the little girl in the corner reading when all my friends and cousins were playing, I was the one reading rather than dating; so many authors, so many books. While absorbed in their pages these books, have transformed my reality and taken me to places that are difficult to come back from. Paullina Simons is responsible for writing one of 5 books I will remember on my death-bed. No matter how many books I read between now and then,The Bronze Horseman will always be in my top 5 books. I bring this up because it is clear that, just like me, no matter how many books Ms Simons writes The Bronze Horseman isn't a book she finds easy to let go......Barringtons keeps whispering to be heard, somehow. But I get ahead of myself.
"There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate;
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
And for a hundred visions and revisions."
T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
There were times when this book dragged a bit, (for example the build up to the European trip) and may be a tad longer than needed. It has mutli POVs, which for once I didn't hate, all four friends have very distinctive voices and Simons' characters are as finely drawn as ever:
Chloe and Mason and Hannah and Blake. Two couples, two brothers, two best friends. A short girl, a tall girl, and two brawny dudesQuirky, individual and so bloody funny:
"Did anyone else help you with your bags?"But Johnny Rainbow is....well, just marvellous. Abso-fucking-lutely marvellous.
“Do you mean pack them? Or carry them?”
The lady pinpointed her contemptuous gaze on Chloe. “Just answer the question, young lady.”
“I want to. I just don’t know how to.”
“What don’t you get? Did anyone help you with your bags?”
“Pack them or carry them?” Mason helped her to carry them. Hannah helped her pack. Not just Hannah, but her mother and father, and Blake threw in a notebook, damn it. If it weren’t for his notebook, she could’ve kept her umbrella.
“Oh my God, I can’t do this today,” the lady said. “Either. Or.”
“No,” said Chloe, sweat running down her aching back.
The woman looked ready to punch Chloe in the head.
A sharply inhaling Chloe despised him from the moment he slid open the door, smiling widely, and stepped inside to look for a seat. He was not only tall and had to bend his head to fit through the glass door, but he carried with him a crapload of stuff, enough shit to warrant his own cabin. Besides the oversized green duffel and a backpack, he wore a bulky leather jacket and a pretentious black beret. And on his back, to top it all off, was a guitar. Chloe nearly groaned. A guitar!I've read 'bad boys' till I'm blue in the face; I think I may even be in a Bad Boy book group somewhere, somehow. This 'bad boy' isn't....that; I mean technically I suppose that's how you'd describe him, (tattoos, singer, secrets) but there isn't anything about Johnny that you've read before, characteristically there's not a cliché in sight. I loved him.
I spent the last quarter of the book straining every hopeful fibre in me that this book would go where I wanted it to. I kept thinking."This can't be a stand alone, there isn't enough pages left to get the ending I need.' And that is always the best kind, isn't it? An ending which comes as a surprise, not a complete one, not a blindsiding; more like, a walk in an childhood neighbourhood where there is the possibility of bumping into an old crush. But it's still a surprise when it actually happens. Hints, breadcrumbs are scattered along the path that you either pick up or not....a whisper you try to block out.
Lone Star isn't the book I thought it was going to be, it was so much, much more; better. One of the best books I've read this year, and I've read over a hundred.
May 22, 2016
I am stunned, I am speechless and I am overwhelmed by this book! I have to say reading this book was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my bookish life. There is one part in this book that made me completely numb, I mean literally, I was physically not able to feel my arms and legs for a minute. My heart was racing so fast to figure out what just happened while my hands shook, and then I was filled with the warmest and the most satisfying emotions I have ever felt!
The story is about four friends (two couples) travelling to Eastern Europe before they start adulthood. They meet Johnny Rainbow on the train to Riga; a guy who is so care-free but who also carries the whole world on his shoulders.
I have to say this book is not easy to read, especially when it talks about Second World War and the concentration camp, BUT there is so much more to this book then you can imagine! Paullina once again did it for me. This book hands down is one of my all time favourites, right behind The Bronze Horseman. There is just something about Paullina's writing that leaves you aching, leaves you wanting more, leaves you weeping for the characters but also leaves you with the warmest heart.
I need sometime to recover from this book, this is simply amazing and a masterpiece again by Paullina Simons.
The story is about four friends (two couples) travelling to Eastern Europe before they start adulthood. They meet Johnny Rainbow on the train to Riga; a guy who is so care-free but who also carries the whole world on his shoulders.
I have to say this book is not easy to read, especially when it talks about Second World War and the concentration camp, BUT there is so much more to this book then you can imagine! Paullina once again did it for me. This book hands down is one of my all time favourites, right behind The Bronze Horseman. There is just something about Paullina's writing that leaves you aching, leaves you wanting more, leaves you weeping for the characters but also leaves you with the warmest heart.
I need sometime to recover from this book, this is simply amazing and a masterpiece again by Paullina Simons.
October 25, 2016
My heart is so full and bursting right now I seriously can't even think.
I'm in love.
Ok..I'm ready to review...
DON'T READ THIS REVIEW...DON'T READ ANY REVIEWS...JUST READ THE F*CKING BOOK!!!!!
Trust me...I trusted my friends and it was the best advice. Once your done...go nuts...read every review...but you won't be able to, because your mind and heart will have just exploded!!!!
I FEEL so much right now...so much...READ THIS BOOK. You'll thank me later...once you're able to talk to people after your amazing book hangover. (In the best possible way)!!! I already feel badly for the next book I read.
I'm in love.
Ok..I'm ready to review...
DON'T READ THIS REVIEW...DON'T READ ANY REVIEWS...JUST READ THE F*CKING BOOK!!!!!
Trust me...I trusted my friends and it was the best advice. Once your done...go nuts...read every review...but you won't be able to, because your mind and heart will have just exploded!!!!
I FEEL so much right now...so much...READ THIS BOOK. You'll thank me later...once you're able to talk to people after your amazing book hangover. (In the best possible way)!!! I already feel badly for the next book I read.
April 30, 2017
Oh my heart.
4.5 ......The writing was amazing, I mean, it's Paullina Simons. There's parts of it that were so beautiful. And I got a little taste of the history I fell in love with in TBH series. Johnny Rainbow made this story.
4.5 ......The writing was amazing, I mean, it's Paullina Simons. There's parts of it that were so beautiful. And I got a little taste of the history I fell in love with in TBH series. Johnny Rainbow made this story.
March 25, 2018
Durante la lectura no me ha apasionado en ningún momento, pero el final ya ha sido de traca, los siento Paulina, pero esto ha sido infumable, lo único que se salva es Blake, y ni con su final he quedado contenta.
June 22, 2015
Paullina Simon’s “Lone Star” is a conundrum. Its packaged as one thing but its really another thing altogether. Its touted as an “unforgettable love story” but its really a coming of age story. There is a love story in it, but its not really the one you think it is. Chloe Divine is 18 and about to embark on a European adventure with her boyfriend and close friends before she starts college. While in Europe she meets Johnny Rainbow, a fellow American with a golden voice and a mysterious past. He becomes the catalyst that sparks all 4 friends to re-examine their relationships to each other. (There is a spoiler here about the ending of the book). Most readers seem to see this as a straight (albeit tragic) romance story between Chloe and Johnny. But I don’t think that at all – its actually Chloe’s story and while she does indeed have a love affair with Johnny which colours her years afterwards, the story is really about Chloe figuring out who she is, who is the woman she wants to be and then ultimately, who her true beloved is. In fact, I found Johnny to be the least likeable character in the book – I seem to be among the minority in thinking this – but he is not the hero here. He’s basically unreliable and dishonest. He’s a charmer sure but a broken one. The scenes between Chloe and Johnny are actually the least interesting parts of the book. He’s handsome, charismatic, talented – we get that. But Chloe, did you not notice his shaking hands and bloodshot eyes? Did you not see how all his “friends” were slightly shady and criminal? Chloe did you not see? And she doesn’t. She falls for him, gives herself to him, waits for him and finally grieves for him. And that is really the story – not the romance – but what was going on around her and next to her before and after her love affair.
The real hero of the book (if you want to categorise it as a love story with a hero), is really Blake – Chloe’s oldest and dearest friend. It is Blake’s (initially) unrequited love for Chloe that gives a tender thread to the story. He alone among the travellers sees Johnny for what he is. And while I found Johnny to be a slightly superficial character, it was Blake that really gave the story depth. He was basically all Johnny was not – honest, kind, down to earth. Thank God I read the ending half way through the book because once I knew that there was a good ending for Chloe and Blake – I could relax and just skim over the really annoying bits with Johnny in it.
Despite my aversion to Johnny, there were a few things that I thought were interesting to think about in relation to his character. And here is a major spoiler for his identity ….. So he is actually Anthony Alexander Barrington III – as in Alexander’s (from “The Bronze Horseman”) grandson. It shouldn’t really be too much of a surprise because there are clues all the way through the book and some not very subtle at all. And also, who else would he be? So knowing this, I think its interesting to think about why Ms Simon wrote Johnny the way she did. Because, lets face it, even if you liked Johnny as a character – you have to admit he’s a tragic figure – he’s an addict – he’s broken – on some level he probably realises that his days are numbered. Rather than choosing life, he, as Chloe says, “chooses nothing”. And yet, he looks like Alexander, apparently is as much a child prodigy as Alexander was. He too has an alcoholic mother and a distant father. Why then does Johnny become who he is despite having “almost every gift”? Why does Alexander in the struggle of a ruined Soviet Union become the best of himself but Johnny in the free and golden America become less of what he is? I can’t help but think Ms Simons is saying something here about choice and destiny, perhaps also about the empty hole in the middle of an abundant world. And while I think I may have liked Johnny more as a character if this had actually been his story and these ideas were fleshed out a bit more, I’m not particularly wanting to read a book about the unravelling of the promise that was Johnny. That would be too sad and I like Paullina Simon’s happier books the best.
I did though enjoy “Lone Star” – I liked the Johnny bits the least and the beginning and the ending the most. Her writing was as always, unique and emotive. She has a knack of putting words together that you have not seen before but yet seem so fitting, so right in how she uses them. From “dusty death” to “breathless darkness”, her prose always seemed to sparkle in just the right way. It was nice to finally read another Paullina Simons story that did eventually end up on a lighter tone than her more recent books.
The real hero of the book (if you want to categorise it as a love story with a hero), is really Blake – Chloe’s oldest and dearest friend. It is Blake’s (initially) unrequited love for Chloe that gives a tender thread to the story. He alone among the travellers sees Johnny for what he is. And while I found Johnny to be a slightly superficial character, it was Blake that really gave the story depth. He was basically all Johnny was not – honest, kind, down to earth. Thank God I read the ending half way through the book because once I knew that there was a good ending for Chloe and Blake – I could relax and just skim over the really annoying bits with Johnny in it.
Despite my aversion to Johnny, there were a few things that I thought were interesting to think about in relation to his character. And here is a major spoiler for his identity ….. So he is actually Anthony Alexander Barrington III – as in Alexander’s (from “The Bronze Horseman”) grandson. It shouldn’t really be too much of a surprise because there are clues all the way through the book and some not very subtle at all. And also, who else would he be? So knowing this, I think its interesting to think about why Ms Simon wrote Johnny the way she did. Because, lets face it, even if you liked Johnny as a character – you have to admit he’s a tragic figure – he’s an addict – he’s broken – on some level he probably realises that his days are numbered. Rather than choosing life, he, as Chloe says, “chooses nothing”. And yet, he looks like Alexander, apparently is as much a child prodigy as Alexander was. He too has an alcoholic mother and a distant father. Why then does Johnny become who he is despite having “almost every gift”? Why does Alexander in the struggle of a ruined Soviet Union become the best of himself but Johnny in the free and golden America become less of what he is? I can’t help but think Ms Simons is saying something here about choice and destiny, perhaps also about the empty hole in the middle of an abundant world. And while I think I may have liked Johnny more as a character if this had actually been his story and these ideas were fleshed out a bit more, I’m not particularly wanting to read a book about the unravelling of the promise that was Johnny. That would be too sad and I like Paullina Simon’s happier books the best.
I did though enjoy “Lone Star” – I liked the Johnny bits the least and the beginning and the ending the most. Her writing was as always, unique and emotive. She has a knack of putting words together that you have not seen before but yet seem so fitting, so right in how she uses them. From “dusty death” to “breathless darkness”, her prose always seemed to sparkle in just the right way. It was nice to finally read another Paullina Simons story that did eventually end up on a lighter tone than her more recent books.
April 2, 2015
One reads Paullina Simons novels for many reasons: for the way she deftly weaves history into her stories; for the people she brings to life on the page and indeed into your life; for their existential angst; for the talent she has of making even the bland beautiful; for her breathtaking prose; and, above all else, for her love stories that you want to make your very own.
While Lone Star was a slow build, Johnny Rainbow and Chloe Divine are two such lovers.
Johnny has the promise of Paullina’s greatest male heroes: the incomparable, moralistic Shura, and the you-just-can’t-keep-a-good-man-down Spencer O’Malley. And on that note, this is the Paullina Simons book I most enjoyed since Girl in Times Square.
Chloe is a 17 year old young woman, itching to leave home and spread her wings. She took me back to being 17, when my grandmother was still alive with her fervent hopes for me. She took me back to travelling alone by Eurail through Eastern Europe in my early twenties, through Zagreb and Prague and East Berlin just after the wall came down. There was a little bit of Tania in Chloe, a little bit of Lily, but mostly a whole lot of Chloe - sensible, sentient and sensuous.
Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. What a package with his swagger and his voice, his bravura and his unmissable looks. In him I saw the youthful long-haired Bono’s unadulterated magnetism. He had Eurasian soccer star, David Silva’s striking features, Matt Corby’s raw talent and Art Garfunkel’s pureness of voice - all combined with the rebellion and mystery of Jimmy Morrison. On top of this, his European WWII historical knowledge nearly equalled that of Antony Beevor’s. As I said, quite a package.
Lone Star is a whirlwind tour with five teenagers - two of them brothers dating two best friends, the fifth a tag-along troubadour - as they come to the first make-or-break turning point of their adult lives, except for the modern minstrel. Johnny seemed to have lived many lives already but was still caught in his own make or break spiral. We traverse through some of Europe’s least visited yet gilded cities, through the horror of Hitler and the treasures of Trieste it Italy.
I found the characters in Lone Star to be complex and likeable, unlike Gina and Harry in Paullina's last book, Bellagrand, who, while complex, were at times unlikeable and infuriating, Harry in particular. For me Esther was the shining light in that book and while there are layers of heartache in Lone Star, it did not reduce me to tears the way Esther’s last agonising conversation with Alexander did in The Bronze Horseman prequel.
The sadness has crept up on me now that I’ve finished. I’m torn over the ending, or, to be more precise, reeling by what came before. I wanted it to be otherwise. A good read and a good ride while it lasted. Not quite in the league of my all time favourite books of Paullina's but still full of many of the things I love about her writing. 4.5 stars.
While Lone Star was a slow build, Johnny Rainbow and Chloe Divine are two such lovers.
Johnny has the promise of Paullina’s greatest male heroes: the incomparable, moralistic Shura, and the you-just-can’t-keep-a-good-man-down Spencer O’Malley. And on that note, this is the Paullina Simons book I most enjoyed since Girl in Times Square.
Chloe is a 17 year old young woman, itching to leave home and spread her wings. She took me back to being 17, when my grandmother was still alive with her fervent hopes for me. She took me back to travelling alone by Eurail through Eastern Europe in my early twenties, through Zagreb and Prague and East Berlin just after the wall came down. There was a little bit of Tania in Chloe, a little bit of Lily, but mostly a whole lot of Chloe - sensible, sentient and sensuous.
Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. What a package with his swagger and his voice, his bravura and his unmissable looks. In him I saw the youthful long-haired Bono’s unadulterated magnetism. He had Eurasian soccer star, David Silva’s striking features, Matt Corby’s raw talent and Art Garfunkel’s pureness of voice - all combined with the rebellion and mystery of Jimmy Morrison. On top of this, his European WWII historical knowledge nearly equalled that of Antony Beevor’s. As I said, quite a package.
Lone Star is a whirlwind tour with five teenagers - two of them brothers dating two best friends, the fifth a tag-along troubadour - as they come to the first make-or-break turning point of their adult lives, except for the modern minstrel. Johnny seemed to have lived many lives already but was still caught in his own make or break spiral. We traverse through some of Europe’s least visited yet gilded cities, through the horror of Hitler and the treasures of Trieste it Italy.
I found the characters in Lone Star to be complex and likeable, unlike Gina and Harry in Paullina's last book, Bellagrand, who, while complex, were at times unlikeable and infuriating, Harry in particular. For me Esther was the shining light in that book and while there are layers of heartache in Lone Star, it did not reduce me to tears the way Esther’s last agonising conversation with Alexander did in The Bronze Horseman prequel.
The sadness has crept up on me now that I’ve finished. I’m torn over the ending, or, to be more precise, reeling by what came before. I wanted it to be otherwise. A good read and a good ride while it lasted. Not quite in the league of my all time favourite books of Paullina's but still full of many of the things I love about her writing. 4.5 stars.
August 4, 2017
Lo increíble de los libros de Paullina Simons es que te destrozan y luego una frase o acción une los pedazos. Mientras la experiencia de lectura es única e inolvidable.
Es que todavía no puedo creer el desenlace de la historia y no es que me enoje, pero tampoco evitó que me sintiera demasiado triste que hasta escribiendo estas palabras mis ojos se empañan. Eso es lo asombroso de esta autora y pesar de que gran parte del libro pensaba que era menos intenso si lo comparaba con El jinete de bronce y El sueño imposible -otros que ya he leído- pero ahora entiendo que todo me fue preparando para el final. El capítulo final fue arrebatador.
Me duele pensar el sufrimiento de Tania y Shura y de Anthony. Aquí yo rumiando la angustia que habrán sentido personajes literarios, si has leído la trilogía El jinete de bronce y los quieres como yo, entenderás por qué. Y claro, me emocione muchísimo cuando aparecieron y cada que Johnny hablaba de sus abuelos yo estaba con una sonrisa inmensa debido a la devoción hacia ellos. Queriendo saber más. Más. Más.
En gran parte estaba intentando (como Chloe) descifrar el enigma que representaba Jhonny y su pasado. Con su encanto, su melodiosa voz, su interminable conocimiento de la segunda guerra mundial (aportado y de primera mano por su abuelo), su incesante temeridad.
Y al principio era Blake que llego a contagiarme su energía e hiperactividad, característica que me recordó un poco lo que soy. Y obvio, después que aparece Rainbow entendía su renuencia y enojo que hasta me parecía gracioso porque era fácil notar el porqué de esas emociones.
Lo bueno es que fue desde el punto de vista de los cuatro, Chloe, Hannah, Blake y Mason, pude conocerlos un poquito más y hacer más ameno este viaje de sus vidas a través de las páginas.
Lo he disfrutado mucho. Me alegra que -casi- todos de alguna manera tuvieron su final feliz. Incluida Hannah. Los personajes me parecieron simpáticos, sencillos, agradables de leer. Yo a ojos cerrados recomiendo los libros de esta escritora.
La vida de Johnny no ha sido en vano. Ha dejado una huella permanente en todos aquellos que lo amaron. Incluso desgraciado, Johnny ha logrado encontrar la manera de llenar de sentido infinito la vida finita de Chloe. Le ha dejado a Blake. Llenó su vida hasta desbordarla y, al quedar vacía, le entrega a aquel que más la ama.
Es que todavía no puedo creer el desenlace de la historia y no es que me enoje, pero tampoco evitó que me sintiera demasiado triste que hasta escribiendo estas palabras mis ojos se empañan. Eso es lo asombroso de esta autora y pesar de que gran parte del libro pensaba que era menos intenso si lo comparaba con El jinete de bronce y El sueño imposible -otros que ya he leído- pero ahora entiendo que todo me fue preparando para el final. El capítulo final fue arrebatador.
Me duele pensar el sufrimiento de Tania y Shura y de Anthony. Aquí yo rumiando la angustia que habrán sentido personajes literarios, si has leído la trilogía El jinete de bronce y los quieres como yo, entenderás por qué. Y claro, me emocione muchísimo cuando aparecieron y cada que Johnny hablaba de sus abuelos yo estaba con una sonrisa inmensa debido a la devoción hacia ellos. Queriendo saber más. Más. Más.
En gran parte estaba intentando (como Chloe) descifrar el enigma que representaba Jhonny y su pasado. Con su encanto, su melodiosa voz, su interminable conocimiento de la segunda guerra mundial (aportado y de primera mano por su abuelo), su incesante temeridad.
Y al principio era Blake que llego a contagiarme su energía e hiperactividad, característica que me recordó un poco lo que soy. Y obvio, después que aparece Rainbow entendía su renuencia y enojo que hasta me parecía gracioso porque era fácil notar el porqué de esas emociones.
Lo bueno es que fue desde el punto de vista de los cuatro, Chloe, Hannah, Blake y Mason, pude conocerlos un poquito más y hacer más ameno este viaje de sus vidas a través de las páginas.
Lo he disfrutado mucho. Me alegra que -casi- todos de alguna manera tuvieron su final feliz. Incluida Hannah. Los personajes me parecieron simpáticos, sencillos, agradables de leer. Yo a ojos cerrados recomiendo los libros de esta escritora.
July 28, 2016
CONSIGLIO DEL MESE DI LUGLIO: Rachel79
UN GIORNO DOVRAI SCEGLIERE DAVVERO TRA CIò CHE CREDI DI DESIDERARE E CIò CHE DESIDERI SUL SERIO. ALLORA CAPIRAI COS'è L'AMORE.
Ho appena finito di piangere. Non pensavo potesse essere così travolgente questo libro.
Nella prima metà però, ho avuto sentimenti contrastanti. Ho amato e odiato leggere di questi quattro ragazzi, amici da una vita, che dopo il diploma decidono di andare a fare un viaggio in Europa. Quattro amici/ fidanzati (Chloe, Hanna, Mason e Blake) che durante questo viaggio metteranno tutto in discussione e si metteranno in discussione. Tutto procede quasi tranquillo, e in questo tempo conosciamo e scopriamo ognuno di loro. il tutto contornato da luoghi storia e persone dell'Europa dell'Est e..di altri tempi. Anche se forse procede troppo tranquillo. Ed ero frustrata. Frustata perché questi quattro, ragazzi intrappolati nelle loro scelte sbagliate, hanno continuato ad andare avanti così, senza pensare alla possibilità di poter cambiare le cose. Ma ad un certo punto incontrano Jhonny un ragazzo giramondo...che li spinge ad affrontare la realtà. Gli insegna che non è mai troppo tardi per cambiare le cose, per ritrovare se stessi e seguire la propria strada.
Da dopo questo incontro il libro procede alla velocità della luce. E' come se fosse saltata una bomba e scombussola tutto. Trascinandomi così in un vortice di emozione, tanto che non sono riuscita a fermarmi se non all'ultima pagina. Bello, romantico e struggente. Un libro che parla di amore, amore per i figli, per i genitori, per gli amici, per la vita. Splendido davvero. E la fine? oh mio cuore! Finalmente hai trovato pace!! Chloe tesoro con i tuoi tormenti mi hai stritolato il cuore per quasi tutto il tempo!
Stupendo anche perché...no non spoilero. Se avete letto anche la trilogia del Cavaliere d'inverno, e conoscete la Simons dico solo..Leggetelo, anche se magari all'inizio potete trovarlo un pò "tirato per le lunghe", voi continuate, perchè sapete già dove lei vi può portare.
Grazie Rachel per avermelo consigliato.
UN GIORNO DOVRAI SCEGLIERE DAVVERO TRA CIò CHE CREDI DI DESIDERARE E CIò CHE DESIDERI SUL SERIO. ALLORA CAPIRAI COS'è L'AMORE.
Ho appena finito di piangere. Non pensavo potesse essere così travolgente questo libro.
Nella prima metà però, ho avuto sentimenti contrastanti. Ho amato e odiato leggere di questi quattro ragazzi, amici da una vita, che dopo il diploma decidono di andare a fare un viaggio in Europa. Quattro amici/ fidanzati (Chloe, Hanna, Mason e Blake) che durante questo viaggio metteranno tutto in discussione e si metteranno in discussione. Tutto procede quasi tranquillo, e in questo tempo conosciamo e scopriamo ognuno di loro. il tutto contornato da luoghi storia e persone dell'Europa dell'Est e..di altri tempi. Anche se forse procede troppo tranquillo. Ed ero frustrata. Frustata perché questi quattro, ragazzi intrappolati nelle loro scelte sbagliate, hanno continuato ad andare avanti così, senza pensare alla possibilità di poter cambiare le cose. Ma ad un certo punto incontrano Jhonny un ragazzo giramondo...che li spinge ad affrontare la realtà. Gli insegna che non è mai troppo tardi per cambiare le cose, per ritrovare se stessi e seguire la propria strada.
Da dopo questo incontro il libro procede alla velocità della luce. E' come se fosse saltata una bomba e scombussola tutto. Trascinandomi così in un vortice di emozione, tanto che non sono riuscita a fermarmi se non all'ultima pagina. Bello, romantico e struggente. Un libro che parla di amore, amore per i figli, per i genitori, per gli amici, per la vita. Splendido davvero. E la fine? oh mio cuore! Finalmente hai trovato pace!! Chloe tesoro con i tuoi tormenti mi hai stritolato il cuore per quasi tutto il tempo!
Stupendo anche perché...no non spoilero. Se avete letto anche la trilogia del Cavaliere d'inverno, e conoscete la Simons dico solo..Leggetelo, anche se magari all'inizio potete trovarlo un pò "tirato per le lunghe", voi continuate, perchè sapete già dove lei vi può portare.
Grazie Rachel per avermelo consigliato.
December 1, 2016
Existe manera de describir lo que se siente cuando se lee a Paullina Simons? Cuando se leen las ultimas 3 palabras de sus libros?
Un tren por encima.
A quien aun no leyó reviews de esta historia NO LO HAGA. Si no sabes de que va mas que lo que dice la sinopsis, perfecto quedate con eso, y ponte a leer.
No puedo decir mas, no me salen las palabras y creo q no hacen falta; quienes sintieron por Tatia y Shura lo mismo que yo, entenderán el poder de las palabras de Paullina.
A Paullina, GRACIAS, MUCHAS GRACIAS!
"..la vida es maravillosa"
Un tren por encima.
A quien aun no leyó reviews de esta historia NO LO HAGA. Si no sabes de que va mas que lo que dice la sinopsis, perfecto quedate con eso, y ponte a leer.
No puedo decir mas, no me salen las palabras y creo q no hacen falta; quienes sintieron por Tatia y Shura lo mismo que yo, entenderán el poder de las palabras de Paullina.
A Paullina, GRACIAS, MUCHAS GRACIAS!
"..la vida es maravillosa"
June 3, 2016
para muy fans de paullina simons ;) Por la edad de los personajes y la trama podía ser YA o NA, pero hay un guiño tan impresionante al jinete de bronce que me emocionó. Me ha gustado mucho!!!!
March 27, 2018
Vaya por delante que soy muy muy fan de la trilogía El jinete de bronce y que hasta casi casi el final iba a dar a Lone Star entre dos y tres estrellas pero no se merece más de una y estoy siendo generosa.
[Como no voy a reseñar este libro en el blog me permito hacer una reseña más extensa aquí. Menos mal que hace un par de días que lo terminé y no lo reseño en caliente porque es tan grande el cabreo que pillé cuando que no sé qué tipo de reseña habría hecho 😂].
Empecé a leer este libro con muchísimas ganas porque en mi altarcito particular y en mi estantería 5 Gandys Superplus están los tres libros de El jinete de bronce en un puesto destacado. La escritura de Paullina Simons se mete dentro de mis venas y me emociona como muy pocas lo han logrado. Por eso no entiendo qué se le pasó por la cabeza a la hora de escribir este libro, que parece directamente escrito por otra persona. Esa prosa extraña y emocionante que conocemos de ella aquí se convierte en algo sin sentido que parece más fruto de un porro supremo que de una escritora que transmite como nadie los sentimientos y las sensaciones a través de las palabras.
Lone Star es una especie de road movie literaria, una viaje destinado a cambiar la vida de sus protagonistas y hacerles pasar de la adolescencia a la vida adulta a golpe de tren y de experiencias. Suena bonito, verdad? Pues no lo es, al menos no para mí. Para mí ha sido un libro al que no he logrado engancharme por más que lo he intentado, sobre todo por la extrañísima narración porrera (diferentes puntos de vista pero unos en tercera persona y otros en primera, y luego un narrador omnisciente cuando Paullina cambiaba de porro, debe ser), las actitudes incoherentes e incomprensibles de algunos personajes y el casi nulo atractivo de los personajes (donde hay que incluir a la protagonista -y si no conectas con el personaje principal vamos mal-). Únicamente me han gustado Blake (al que me parece que trata injustamente) y Johnny Rainbow (y antes que hablar de él me callo porque estoy mucho más guapa 😂).
Como os he dicho ni la historia me llegaba a enganchar ni sentía especial simpatía por la mayoría de los personajes pero bueno, al final no puedes evitar acabar picándote y leyendo con más interés para ver con qué nos va a sorprender Paullina Simons. Y en este aspecto Paullina nunca decepciona, tiene el bate de béisbol preparado para arrearte con él cuando menos te lo esperas, cosa que siempre es una putada pero que si eres como yo, de las que disfrutas con el sufrimiento lector, agradeces. Aquí, no, aquí te cae como un jarro de agua fría y te hace pensar que qué necesidad había de meterte un libro como este para al final hacer eso. Pero no es este hecho lo que me ha hecho bajarle la puntuación (ya que, al fin y al cabo, es decisión de la escritora llevar la historia por el lugar que más le apetezca). Es otra cosa la que me hace pensar que o bien este libro se lo ha escrito alguien o lo ha escrito sin ganas o no es una escritora capaz de respetar a sus lectores ni a su propia obra. No voy a spoilear por lo que no voy a poner nada en concreto pero lo mínimo que pido cuando leo es que, si se va a relacionar una obra con otra previamente escrita y publicada, la conexión resulte coherente y lógica, no que se hable de alguien y ya se nos cuente su destino para escribir en un libro posterior sobre ese mismo personaje y pasarte por el forro de los ovarios lo previamente escrito y publicado para darle un destino totalmente distinto, además, por supuesto, de que haya fallos en las fechas y blablabla, consecuencia de no se capaz de mirar tu propia obra para que todo case. Si Paullina ha considerado que era algo maravilloso destinado a que nos salieran estrellitas por los ojos que sepa que conmigo ha pinchado en hueso pues me parece algo totalmente innecesario y destinado a hablar muy mal de ella como escritora. Es algo intolerable y ciertamente muy muy muy cabreante. Por eso le doy a este libro una estrella y porque Goodreads no me deja ponerle menos, porque ha sido una lectura que me ha hecho cabrearme supremamente. No sé si volveré a leer un libro de ficción de Paullina Simons aunque, por supuestísimo, seguiré adorando El jinete de bronce como la suprema maravilla que es.
Y esta, queridas mías, es mi reseña reposada y no cabreada 😂😂😂.
[Como no voy a reseñar este libro en el blog me permito hacer una reseña más extensa aquí. Menos mal que hace un par de días que lo terminé y no lo reseño en caliente porque es tan grande el cabreo que pillé cuando que no sé qué tipo de reseña habría hecho 😂].
Empecé a leer este libro con muchísimas ganas porque en mi altarcito particular y en mi estantería 5 Gandys Superplus están los tres libros de El jinete de bronce en un puesto destacado. La escritura de Paullina Simons se mete dentro de mis venas y me emociona como muy pocas lo han logrado. Por eso no entiendo qué se le pasó por la cabeza a la hora de escribir este libro, que parece directamente escrito por otra persona. Esa prosa extraña y emocionante que conocemos de ella aquí se convierte en algo sin sentido que parece más fruto de un porro supremo que de una escritora que transmite como nadie los sentimientos y las sensaciones a través de las palabras.
Lone Star es una especie de road movie literaria, una viaje destinado a cambiar la vida de sus protagonistas y hacerles pasar de la adolescencia a la vida adulta a golpe de tren y de experiencias. Suena bonito, verdad? Pues no lo es, al menos no para mí. Para mí ha sido un libro al que no he logrado engancharme por más que lo he intentado, sobre todo por la extrañísima narración porrera (diferentes puntos de vista pero unos en tercera persona y otros en primera, y luego un narrador omnisciente cuando Paullina cambiaba de porro, debe ser), las actitudes incoherentes e incomprensibles de algunos personajes y el casi nulo atractivo de los personajes (donde hay que incluir a la protagonista -y si no conectas con el personaje principal vamos mal-). Únicamente me han gustado Blake (al que me parece que trata injustamente) y Johnny Rainbow (y antes que hablar de él me callo porque estoy mucho más guapa 😂).
Como os he dicho ni la historia me llegaba a enganchar ni sentía especial simpatía por la mayoría de los personajes pero bueno, al final no puedes evitar acabar picándote y leyendo con más interés para ver con qué nos va a sorprender Paullina Simons. Y en este aspecto Paullina nunca decepciona, tiene el bate de béisbol preparado para arrearte con él cuando menos te lo esperas, cosa que siempre es una putada pero que si eres como yo, de las que disfrutas con el sufrimiento lector, agradeces. Aquí, no, aquí te cae como un jarro de agua fría y te hace pensar que qué necesidad había de meterte un libro como este para al final hacer eso. Pero no es este hecho lo que me ha hecho bajarle la puntuación (ya que, al fin y al cabo, es decisión de la escritora llevar la historia por el lugar que más le apetezca). Es otra cosa la que me hace pensar que o bien este libro se lo ha escrito alguien o lo ha escrito sin ganas o no es una escritora capaz de respetar a sus lectores ni a su propia obra. No voy a spoilear por lo que no voy a poner nada en concreto pero lo mínimo que pido cuando leo es que, si se va a relacionar una obra con otra previamente escrita y publicada, la conexión resulte coherente y lógica, no que se hable de alguien y ya se nos cuente su destino para escribir en un libro posterior sobre ese mismo personaje y pasarte por el forro de los ovarios lo previamente escrito y publicado para darle un destino totalmente distinto, además, por supuesto, de que haya fallos en las fechas y blablabla, consecuencia de no se capaz de mirar tu propia obra para que todo case. Si Paullina ha considerado que era algo maravilloso destinado a que nos salieran estrellitas por los ojos que sepa que conmigo ha pinchado en hueso pues me parece algo totalmente innecesario y destinado a hablar muy mal de ella como escritora. Es algo intolerable y ciertamente muy muy muy cabreante. Por eso le doy a este libro una estrella y porque Goodreads no me deja ponerle menos, porque ha sido una lectura que me ha hecho cabrearme supremamente. No sé si volveré a leer un libro de ficción de Paullina Simons aunque, por supuestísimo, seguiré adorando El jinete de bronce como la suprema maravilla que es.
Y esta, queridas mías, es mi reseña reposada y no cabreada 😂😂😂.
July 25, 2016
He leído libros bonitos pero este sin duda se lleva el primer lugar, una de mis mejores lecturas del año.
Quiero un Blake en mi vida
Quiero un Blake en mi vida
September 12, 2016
Johnny Rainbow. I have no words, Paullina, I bow to you!!!
October 19, 2016
"It's never too late to be what you might have been"
"You should always protect the things you cannot do without"
"Human beings spend their lives infusing finite things with divine significance, with infinite meaning"
As with any Paullina Simons book, there is so much more to the story than just the words on a page. Her writing is brilliant and she weaves together a journey you could never have expected but would take again in a heartbeat. With this book, what begins as a dream trip for four life-long friends after they graduate high-school turns into something none of them were prepared for and it alters their lives forever.
I've only read The Bronze Horseman trilogy by PS, but I know from those books, that she has her stories well planned out, they build over time and none of the pages is just filler - everything is important. I knew to read everything carefully and pay attention yet I still missed important details .. and, to me, that is what makes for a fantastic book on the first read .. you _want_ to go back and re-read to see what you missed the first time .. and it becomes a phenomenal book with each subsequent reading (and there will definitely be a lot of those!).
I won't re-tell the story here .. you need to read it for yourself .. but I will say that PS's books are captivating. Whether it's her phrasing, the subject matter, the emotions she is able to make you feel, the characters you come to love .. everything about her books. They should not be missed.
"You should always protect the things you cannot do without"
"Human beings spend their lives infusing finite things with divine significance, with infinite meaning"
As with any Paullina Simons book, there is so much more to the story than just the words on a page. Her writing is brilliant and she weaves together a journey you could never have expected but would take again in a heartbeat. With this book, what begins as a dream trip for four life-long friends after they graduate high-school turns into something none of them were prepared for and it alters their lives forever.
I've only read The Bronze Horseman trilogy by PS, but I know from those books, that she has her stories well planned out, they build over time and none of the pages is just filler - everything is important. I knew to read everything carefully and pay attention yet I still missed important details .. and, to me, that is what makes for a fantastic book on the first read .. you _want_ to go back and re-read to see what you missed the first time .. and it becomes a phenomenal book with each subsequent reading (and there will definitely be a lot of those!).
I won't re-tell the story here .. you need to read it for yourself .. but I will say that PS's books are captivating. Whether it's her phrasing, the subject matter, the emotions she is able to make you feel, the characters you come to love .. everything about her books. They should not be missed.
March 17, 2018
Este livro foi a minha estreia com esta autora.
Gostei de acompanhar a viagem destes adolescentes e com eles viver os seus amores e desamores, amizades e zangas.
Com este livro fiquei também a conhecer mais pormenores de fatos que se passaram durante a 2ª guerra mundial.
Foi uma leitura muito interessante.
Gostei de acompanhar a viagem destes adolescentes e com eles viver os seus amores e desamores, amizades e zangas.
Com este livro fiquei também a conhecer mais pormenores de fatos que se passaram durante a 2ª guerra mundial.
Foi uma leitura muito interessante.
September 6, 2019
5 Lone Star tears!
I don’t feel like this book gets enough hype or talked about like it should, but if you are a The Bronze Horseman Series fan then seriously, this should not be missed.
I will never get over this story and all the complexities in it... “Don’t weep for me, life is beautiful.” ~Johnny Rainbow ~
I don’t feel like this book gets enough hype or talked about like it should, but if you are a The Bronze Horseman Series fan then seriously, this should not be missed.
I will never get over this story and all the complexities in it... “Don’t weep for me, life is beautiful.” ~Johnny Rainbow ~
December 17, 2016
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
What have I being doing all my reading life that I haven't read a book by Paulina Simons before now. I've just finished Lone Star by Paullina Simons and it pretty much finished me too. I'm blown away. By feels. All the feels. Blown away, into a lake of feels, and drowning fast in them.
Five Things I Loved about Lone Star by Paullina Simons
The Eastern European setting:
It’s not your typical destination for a tour of Europe and I absorbed every aspect of it. The exotic food, the chaotic travel system, the chilling holocaust camps, the lingering influence of the Iron Curtain; I gobbled up all the details and made a mental note to add some of these counties to my travel bucket list.
The relationships:
Chloe, her best friend Hannah, and their boyfriends, Blake and Mason (who are brothers) are on a tour of Eastern Europe to fulfil Chloe’s grandmother’s wishes. The tangled connections between them grow even more complicated as they spend the tour in each others pockets. None of couples seem well matched and lots of secrets lie dormant. Just waiting for the right moment to float to the surface and explode with messy consequences.
The bad boy:
As if the relationships above weren’t convoluted enough, enter Johnny Rainbow. A boy so wrong, that he is right. Chloe falls instantly for his charm (can’t blame her, so did I!). He is quick tongued, full of knowledge and talks a good talk. I saw his bad points just as clearly, but his good-humoured swagger won my heart. But best of all is that he is not the typical bad boy that you read about. He is unique. He is Johnny Rainbow and he shines bright.
Those Feels:
Yes capital F! The feels are going to get you. I found the book built slowly, but I cared so much about the characters that when THINGS happened; I bawled! A crescendo of feels just rocked though me. Now that’s how you write a love story.
Difficult to categorise:
I love that this book doesn’t fit neatly into any genre. It features young characters but it’s not really YA. It’s crammed with historical facts but it’s not historical fiction. It’s full of travel info but it’s so much more than just a road trip book. There is a romance but it’s more about life and destiny and daring to risk it all.
Final Though
Overall this is one of favourite books of the year. I grabbed the audiobook in the library, as I thought it would be a great way of trying out this author. And now The Bronze Horseman is pushed way up my to-be-read pile as I need to read more Paullina Simmons books real soon. Like yesterday soon!
Who should read Lone Star by Paullina Simons?
I’d highly recommend this to you if you like messy relationships, intense romances and fancy a virtual trip around Eastern Europe. I’m finding it hard to compare it with other books, as it feels so unique so I’m just going to say if you like wonderful, intricate and messy characters then give it a shot. And think Outlander type romance.
What have I being doing all my reading life that I haven't read a book by Paulina Simons before now. I've just finished Lone Star by Paullina Simons and it pretty much finished me too. I'm blown away. By feels. All the feels. Blown away, into a lake of feels, and drowning fast in them.
Five Things I Loved about Lone Star by Paullina Simons
The Eastern European setting: It’s not your typical destination for a tour of Europe and I absorbed every aspect of it. The exotic food, the chaotic travel system, the chilling holocaust camps, the lingering influence of the Iron Curtain; I gobbled up all the details and made a mental note to add some of these counties to my travel bucket list.
The relationships: Chloe, her best friend Hannah, and their boyfriends, Blake and Mason (who are brothers) are on a tour of Eastern Europe to fulfil Chloe’s grandmother’s wishes. The tangled connections between them grow even more complicated as they spend the tour in each others pockets. None of couples seem well matched and lots of secrets lie dormant. Just waiting for the right moment to float to the surface and explode with messy consequences.
The bad boy: As if the relationships above weren’t convoluted enough, enter Johnny Rainbow. A boy so wrong, that he is right. Chloe falls instantly for his charm (can’t blame her, so did I!). He is quick tongued, full of knowledge and talks a good talk. I saw his bad points just as clearly, but his good-humoured swagger won my heart. But best of all is that he is not the typical bad boy that you read about. He is unique. He is Johnny Rainbow and he shines bright.
Those Feels: Yes capital F! The feels are going to get you. I found the book built slowly, but I cared so much about the characters that when THINGS happened; I bawled! A crescendo of feels just rocked though me. Now that’s how you write a love story.
Difficult to categorise: I love that this book doesn’t fit neatly into any genre. It features young characters but it’s not really YA. It’s crammed with historical facts but it’s not historical fiction. It’s full of travel info but it’s so much more than just a road trip book. There is a romance but it’s more about life and destiny and daring to risk it all.
Final Though
Overall this is one of favourite books of the year. I grabbed the audiobook in the library, as I thought it would be a great way of trying out this author. And now The Bronze Horseman is pushed way up my to-be-read pile as I need to read more Paullina Simmons books real soon. Like yesterday soon!
Who should read Lone Star by Paullina Simons?
I’d highly recommend this to you if you like messy relationships, intense romances and fancy a virtual trip around Eastern Europe. I’m finding it hard to compare it with other books, as it feels so unique so I’m just going to say if you like wonderful, intricate and messy characters then give it a shot. And think Outlander type romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2015
I'm going to borrow a phrase that came up in a conversation while discussing this book which I feel does a pretty good job summing up this reading experience and that is, this is a 4-star book with a 5-star experience. I have no problem giving this book a 5-star rating. The fact that it had me waking up to read in the wee hours of the morning and has left me with a 2-day long book hangover is enough to earn that rating. Since finishing the book, I've had to revisit several parts of the book and the rereads have been even more wonderful than the first time through. Any time you can find a book that is worth a reread, let alone one that you can enjoy more with the reread, you've got something special.
That said, I struggled with this book for the first third. I wasn't loving the characters. I was frustrated with them and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend another 400 pages with them. I'm so grateful that I had Hildy, my real life BFF and my virtual Book Boss to help me through my doubts. Not only was she able to give me the proper push to keep me going, but she provided wonderful images to spark my imagination! Not sure if it was the encouragement or the right timing, but almost immediately after our discussion, I found that the story really started to take off and my interest grew and grew.
Those who love The Bronze Horseman series will find a lot to love in this book. The characters are complex and sometimes frustrating. You will simultaneously love them and want to smack them. There is history and emotion and mystery and a sense that there is something that you are missing. In hindsight, the early chapters that I found a little slow were necessary to the rest of the story. (I should have trusted Paullina more.) She is a craftsman (craftswoman?) with her writing and I was repeatedly blown away with how she can say in one sentence what it takes others a paragraph to say. Perhaps it's a bit ironic to say that in a 627 page book that she is economical with her words, but I feel it's true. She has carefully laid out this story and now that I've read this book for the plot, I will enjoy rereading to better appreciate her language and the nuances I have likely missed.
That said, I struggled with this book for the first third. I wasn't loving the characters. I was frustrated with them and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend another 400 pages with them. I'm so grateful that I had Hildy, my real life BFF and my virtual Book Boss to help me through my doubts. Not only was she able to give me the proper push to keep me going, but she provided wonderful images to spark my imagination! Not sure if it was the encouragement or the right timing, but almost immediately after our discussion, I found that the story really started to take off and my interest grew and grew.
Those who love The Bronze Horseman series will find a lot to love in this book. The characters are complex and sometimes frustrating. You will simultaneously love them and want to smack them. There is history and emotion and mystery and a sense that there is something that you are missing. In hindsight, the early chapters that I found a little slow were necessary to the rest of the story. (I should have trusted Paullina more.) She is a craftsman (craftswoman?) with her writing and I was repeatedly blown away with how she can say in one sentence what it takes others a paragraph to say. Perhaps it's a bit ironic to say that in a 627 page book that she is economical with her words, but I feel it's true. She has carefully laid out this story and now that I've read this book for the plot, I will enjoy rereading to better appreciate her language and the nuances I have likely missed.
April 22, 2015
Chloe Divine has dreamed for years of going to Barcelona with her best friend Hannah after they graduate from high school. However, her plans have been complicated by their boyfriends brothers Blake and Mason declaring that they want to go with them and the fact that her parents won't let her go unless they go via Eastern Europe to visit family in Latvia and lay flowers in Treblinka where her grandmother's parents died. Although this doesn't appeal as much as going straight to Barcelona, Chloe and her friends are swayed by her grandmother offering to pay for their trip. Right from the start nothing seems to go right with their trip and after they meet a handsome stranger called Johnny Rainbow the friends soon find themselves squabbling as secrets rise to the surface which threaten to undermine their relationship.
The book is somewhat longer than it needs to be as it was a bit of a slow boiler and took me a while to engage with it. However, once Johnny Rainbow showed up, the story suddenly stepped up a level as the friends started to interact with him and become more individual characters, rather than the amorphous bunch of typical high school kids they had been up until then. Johnny is a great character, beautiful and magnetic but ultimately flawed and tragic and he made the book for me. Paullina Simons invents great male characters and writes beautiful love stories and parts of this are as good as her best. 3.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review
The book is somewhat longer than it needs to be as it was a bit of a slow boiler and took me a while to engage with it. However, once Johnny Rainbow showed up, the story suddenly stepped up a level as the friends started to interact with him and become more individual characters, rather than the amorphous bunch of typical high school kids they had been up until then. Johnny is a great character, beautiful and magnetic but ultimately flawed and tragic and he made the book for me. Paullina Simons invents great male characters and writes beautiful love stories and parts of this are as good as her best. 3.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review
September 13, 2016
PER FAVORE DITEMI CHE QUESTA NON E' LA STESSA PAULLINA SIMONS DI THE BRONZE HORSEMAN MA UNA CHE NE HA PRESO IL NOME E I PERSONAGGI, GRAZIE.
Davvero, io mi rifiuto di pensare che sia la stessa persona.
Questo libro è insulso, ma veramente, veramente insulso.
Lo spunto dal quale parte, in realtà, non è nemmeno male: un viaggio per l’Europa, ma in mezzo alla tragica storia che l’ha colpita, argomento tanto caro alla Simons (a quella originale, per lo meno).
E invece… NULLA DI NULLA.
Il problema alla base sono i personaggi: quando hai personaggi stupidi, infantili e che non sanno stare al mondo, non puoi pretendere di tirare fuori un buon libro.
Dire che non ce ne sia uno che abbia sopportato è dir poco.
Chloe si lamenta per la metà del tempo, mentre per l’altra metà tradisce il suo ragazzo con un altro tizio.
Johnny… Io non ho proprio capito che tipo di persona Johnny dovrebbe rappresentarmi. Un drogato che nasconde a tutti le sue abitudini e che non sa smettere. Ma il messaggio in tutto ciò?
Il collegamento con la sua famiglia mi ha fatto venire la pelle d’oca: come rovinare dei personaggi fantastici.
Hannah… Dio, si salvi chi può. Dovrebbe essere illegale un personaggio del genere. Antipatica come poche, se non è al centro del mondo potrebbe morire, tant’è che se qualcuno non sta pensando a lei diventa improvvisamente il suo nuovo peggior nemico, per cui deve subito riportare l’attenzione generale su di sé, cosa che fa, ovviamente, lamentandosi.
Praticamente Hannah non capisce nulla, né di ciò che vuole dalla vita, né di quello che sta facendo. Però si lamenta di tutto.
Entra di diritto nella mia top 3 dei personaggi femminili più odiati di tutti i tempi. E con tutti i romance insulsi che ho letto non è così facile, lo giuro…
Mason… Mason tra tutti è il personaggio che mi ha urtato meno. Ma per un semplice motivo: per tutto il libro non ha fatto niente. È un personaggio apatico e nel romanzo risulta di sfondo.
Infine Blake. Allora, io non so quali fossero le intenzioni dell’autrice, ma questo personaggio ha qualche rotella fuori posto, c’è poco da fare. Come minimo ha qualche tendenza bipolare.
Mi spiego: per la prima metà del libro è il personaggio più felice al mondo: “che bella Riga!” “O mio dio guarda questo!” “O mamma c’è un cane!” “Questa persona l’ho appena conosciuta ed è già il mio bff” Aspetta, mi stai dicendo che ho quasi 20 anni e non 3? Io non l’avrei mai detto…
Da metà libro, ovvero da quando conoscono Johnny, invece, diventa la persona più musona, triste ed incazzata del secolo. Qualsiasi cosa succeda, lui si incazza (con Johnny.Spesso a ragione ma questa è un’altra storia…).
Come potete vedere, questi personaggi non sono il massimo, anzi…
Per quel che riguarda i posti visitati…
… Quest’immagine è l’unico modo in cui riesco a spiegare quello che ho provato leggendo la parte del viaggio, che in realtà mi interessava tantissimo. (Abuso di quest’immagine, lo so. Ma a volte è proprio l’unico modo che ho per spiegare lo schifo che ho letto)
In pratica:
Questi arrivano a Riga: uno si lamenta di Riga, uno vuole visitare una cosa sola, che ovviamente non visiteranno, l’altro si lamenta del tempo, l’altro è contento che sono a Riga, ma che bella Riga! Eccetera eccetera. Io, invece, di Riga ne so esattamente come prima.
Poi si passa ai campi di concentramento. E qui potete moltiplicare l’immagine sopra per 100mila. O forse di più.
Allora: ne visitano uno solo, Treblinka, ma se ne parla per circa mezza pagina. Per il resto vi sono pagine e pagine di personaggi che si lamentano per il tempo, perché sono lì, perché devono camminare, perché devono lamentarsi se no potrebbero non arrivare a sera, perché sì.
Poi si nomina Aushwitz, ma loro dicono che non hanno voglia di visitarlo. Avessi avuto davanti questo branco di idioti, li avrei presi tutti a mazzate.
Poi, si va a Trieste. Grazie al cielo a questo punto ci siamo liberati dell’intera compagnia (Blake, Hannah e Mason), almeno c’è meno gente che si lamenta.
Ma di Trieste non possiamo sapere nulla dato che questi due passano il tempo in camera a scopare come ricci.
Poi, grazie al cielo, il viaggio finisce: non so se sarei riuscita a sopportare altre lamentele in giro per l’Europa.
Ovviamente questo viaggio ai personaggi non lascia niente. Solo Chloe scopre qualcosa: il sesso.
Comunque vorrei far notare che questa voleva a tutti i costi andare a Barcellona, invece ha girato mezza Europa (lamentandosi) e Barcellona non l’ha vista.
Il finale del libro è completamente no sense. Io non l’ho per nulla capito, per cui non mi metto nemmeno a commentarlo.
AAA: cercasi qualcuno che ha capito il perché di questo finale (o del libro in generale) che non abbia nulla di meglio da fare che mettersi a spiegarmelo, grazie.
Infine vorrei dire due parole sullo stile. Proprio due di numero, ma non posso saltarle.
Carissima autrice che ho stabilito non essere la vera Simons, ok l’alternanza dei quattro personaggi, ci sta, ma perché cavolo tre voci narranti sono in prima persona e quella di Chloe è in terza persona (ma con narrazione interna)?? Volevi urtarmi ancor più di quanto non avessi già fatto con il contenuto del libro?
Attendo urgentemente una risposta, grazie.
In conclusione, di questo libro non posso salvare nulla: è un libro insulso, con personaggi più che pessimi ed una storia che non sta né in cielo né in terra con tanto di finale no sense, cosa che rispecchia pienamente alcune scelte stilistiche.
Sconsigliato a tutti, ma soprattutto a chi, come me, aveva adorato la storia di Tatiana e Alexander
Davvero, io mi rifiuto di pensare che sia la stessa persona.
Questo libro è insulso, ma veramente, veramente insulso.
Lo spunto dal quale parte, in realtà, non è nemmeno male: un viaggio per l’Europa, ma in mezzo alla tragica storia che l’ha colpita, argomento tanto caro alla Simons (a quella originale, per lo meno).
E invece… NULLA DI NULLA.
Il problema alla base sono i personaggi: quando hai personaggi stupidi, infantili e che non sanno stare al mondo, non puoi pretendere di tirare fuori un buon libro.
Dire che non ce ne sia uno che abbia sopportato è dir poco.
Chloe si lamenta per la metà del tempo, mentre per l’altra metà tradisce il suo ragazzo con un altro tizio.
Johnny… Io non ho proprio capito che tipo di persona Johnny dovrebbe rappresentarmi. Un drogato che nasconde a tutti le sue abitudini e che non sa smettere. Ma il messaggio in tutto ciò?
Il collegamento con la sua famiglia mi ha fatto venire la pelle d’oca: come rovinare dei personaggi fantastici.
Hannah… Dio, si salvi chi può. Dovrebbe essere illegale un personaggio del genere. Antipatica come poche, se non è al centro del mondo potrebbe morire, tant’è che se qualcuno non sta pensando a lei diventa improvvisamente il suo nuovo peggior nemico, per cui deve subito riportare l’attenzione generale su di sé, cosa che fa, ovviamente, lamentandosi.
Praticamente Hannah non capisce nulla, né di ciò che vuole dalla vita, né di quello che sta facendo. Però si lamenta di tutto.
Entra di diritto nella mia top 3 dei personaggi femminili più odiati di tutti i tempi. E con tutti i romance insulsi che ho letto non è così facile, lo giuro…
Mason… Mason tra tutti è il personaggio che mi ha urtato meno. Ma per un semplice motivo: per tutto il libro non ha fatto niente. È un personaggio apatico e nel romanzo risulta di sfondo.
Infine Blake. Allora, io non so quali fossero le intenzioni dell’autrice, ma questo personaggio ha qualche rotella fuori posto, c’è poco da fare. Come minimo ha qualche tendenza bipolare.
Mi spiego: per la prima metà del libro è il personaggio più felice al mondo: “che bella Riga!” “O mio dio guarda questo!” “O mamma c’è un cane!” “Questa persona l’ho appena conosciuta ed è già il mio bff” Aspetta, mi stai dicendo che ho quasi 20 anni e non 3? Io non l’avrei mai detto…
Da metà libro, ovvero da quando conoscono Johnny, invece, diventa la persona più musona, triste ed incazzata del secolo. Qualsiasi cosa succeda, lui si incazza (con Johnny.
Come potete vedere, questi personaggi non sono il massimo, anzi…
Per quel che riguarda i posti visitati…
… Quest’immagine è l’unico modo in cui riesco a spiegare quello che ho provato leggendo la parte del viaggio, che in realtà mi interessava tantissimo. (
In pratica:
Questi arrivano a Riga: uno si lamenta di Riga, uno vuole visitare una cosa sola, che ovviamente non visiteranno, l’altro si lamenta del tempo, l’altro è contento che sono a Riga, ma che bella Riga! Eccetera eccetera. Io, invece, di Riga ne so esattamente come prima.
Poi si passa ai campi di concentramento. E qui potete moltiplicare l’immagine sopra per 100mila. O forse di più.
Allora: ne visitano uno solo, Treblinka, ma se ne parla per circa mezza pagina. Per il resto vi sono pagine e pagine di personaggi che si lamentano per il tempo, perché sono lì, perché devono camminare, perché devono lamentarsi se no potrebbero non arrivare a sera, perché sì.
Poi si nomina Aushwitz, ma loro dicono che non hanno voglia di visitarlo. Avessi avuto davanti questo branco di idioti, li avrei presi tutti a mazzate.
Poi, si va a Trieste. Grazie al cielo a questo punto ci siamo liberati dell’intera compagnia (Blake, Hannah e Mason), almeno c’è meno gente che si lamenta.
Ma di Trieste non possiamo sapere nulla dato che questi due passano il tempo in camera a scopare come ricci.
Poi, grazie al cielo, il viaggio finisce: non so se sarei riuscita a sopportare altre lamentele in giro per l’Europa.
Ovviamente questo viaggio ai personaggi non lascia niente. Solo Chloe scopre qualcosa: il sesso.
Comunque vorrei far notare che questa voleva a tutti i costi andare a Barcellona, invece ha girato mezza Europa (lamentandosi) e Barcellona non l’ha vista.
Il finale del libro è completamente no sense. Io non l’ho per nulla capito, per cui non mi metto nemmeno a commentarlo.
AAA: cercasi qualcuno che ha capito il perché di questo finale (o del libro in generale) che non abbia nulla di meglio da fare che mettersi a spiegarmelo, grazie.
Infine vorrei dire due parole sullo stile. Proprio due di numero, ma non posso saltarle.
Carissima autrice che ho stabilito non essere la vera Simons, ok l’alternanza dei quattro personaggi, ci sta, ma perché cavolo tre voci narranti sono in prima persona e quella di Chloe è in terza persona (ma con narrazione interna)?? Volevi urtarmi ancor più di quanto non avessi già fatto con il contenuto del libro?
Attendo urgentemente una risposta, grazie.
In conclusione, di questo libro non posso salvare nulla: è un libro insulso, con personaggi più che pessimi ed una storia che non sta né in cielo né in terra con tanto di finale no sense, cosa che rispecchia pienamente alcune scelte stilistiche.
Sconsigliato a tutti, ma soprattutto a chi, come me, aveva adorato la storia di Tatiana e Alexander
August 14, 2015
Great writing,plot and description.The book was all about teaching you about traveling and the interesting facts of Latvia.The book at first looked pretty drama free but two hundred more pages and this book was full of drama.Chloe was not an interesting character and did not have a special element and so did most of the characters.If I could describe them in one word though it would be:
Chloe:Naive
Hanna:Responsible(and a little selfish)
Blake:Fun
Mason:absent-minded
Johnny:mysterious
I loved the drama and I started liking the characters though it took me a long time.The process was very slow though,it could have been two hundred and ninety pages no need for six hundred but with all this descriptions it gave a spark to the book,a bigger picture to you about the places they were at and that existed in Latvia and everything else.Also,when I read a book with many pages I feel that I have lived much more stuff with the characters than when I read a shorter book.
Other than that,I loved the ending,though I kind of feel bad,but I love those endings that(this might be a spoiler so don't read it if you have read the book and are planning to)are happy but not quite.So,I loved it.I loved Blake,too,he was my favorite from the start.
What annoyed me most was that this author had two writing styles:the descriptive but general one,she talked about colors and love and philosophy,and her personal one,a kind of historical high schoolish best friend style.
She mixed them pretty often but that's not what annoyed me most.What annoyed me most was that she sometimes put POVs and mostly didn't and when she went to Chloe's POV she didn't write in first person but in third.
Overall this book was a very good but slow and kind of putting off kind of book,but it was a fun read and I would perhaps think about reading Paullina Simons again.(by the way,how do you pronounce her surname?Sai-mons or see-mons?)
Rating:3.5 stars.
Recommend:To people that want to learn more about Latvia,people that want a book with holidays,friendship,drama and love.I would not consider this young adult so that would be a reason of you not liking her books if you're a young adult.
Chloe:Naive
Hanna:Responsible(and a little selfish)
Blake:Fun
Mason:absent-minded
Johnny:mysterious
I loved the drama and I started liking the characters though it took me a long time.The process was very slow though,it could have been two hundred and ninety pages no need for six hundred but with all this descriptions it gave a spark to the book,a bigger picture to you about the places they were at and that existed in Latvia and everything else.Also,when I read a book with many pages I feel that I have lived much more stuff with the characters than when I read a shorter book.
Other than that,I loved the ending,though I kind of feel bad,but I love those endings that(this might be a spoiler so don't read it if you have read the book and are planning to)are happy but not quite.So,I loved it.I loved Blake,too,he was my favorite from the start.
What annoyed me most was that this author had two writing styles:the descriptive but general one,she talked about colors and love and philosophy,and her personal one,a kind of historical high schoolish best friend style.
She mixed them pretty often but that's not what annoyed me most.What annoyed me most was that she sometimes put POVs and mostly didn't and when she went to Chloe's POV she didn't write in first person but in third.
Overall this book was a very good but slow and kind of putting off kind of book,but it was a fun read and I would perhaps think about reading Paullina Simons again.(by the way,how do you pronounce her surname?Sai-mons or see-mons?)
Rating:3.5 stars.
Recommend:To people that want to learn more about Latvia,people that want a book with holidays,friendship,drama and love.I would not consider this young adult so that would be a reason of you not liking her books if you're a young adult.
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