Rucy Ban

First I should say that the cover is a bit racy compared to what actually takes place within the pages of the book. It more talk than action which I'm totally fine with.

I tried not to use too many spoilers and especially didn't want to give away the major crux of Kari's story, so the reader can learn that for themselves.

Kari is in a predicament that does happen to young people a lot in real life. They find themselves trapped in a difficult situation and believe that their either at fault or they have no one to help them get out of it. They see their situation as hopeless and are probably embarrassed. One thing Kari had was a loving mother she could go to for help and support. But Kari thought her mother was already too overwhelmed with her recent divorce and decided to deal with it on her own.

Kari was young and naive and was clearly being taken advantage of. She did not realize that the young man, Eddie was clearly breaking the law and she has grounds for reporting his intimidation's. I'm not sure what a good title for Eddie would be but I will use Sociopath. Before they're found out, Sociopaths are always loved by all and Eddie was no exception. He even had the good looks so Kari probably didn't have any chance of avoiding his charms.

I liked Kari's relationship with her mother, it wasn't perfect but her mother was very honest and open with Kari about life. It just goes to show that you cannot completely prepare you children for every aspect of growing pains and teach them how to deal with the trials they might face especially the exploitation from the users and abusers out there.

I keep thinking that maybe Kari's mom should have instilled in her no matter what you can come to me with anything. Or maybe Kari should have been taught that having sex with a guy because she was worried he might leave her if she doesn't is not the way to go. But then I feel bad because in no way what happened to Kari was her fault or for that matter her mother's.

No surprise Kari developed trust issues and became introverted. Kari's run in the Eddie happened really early in the story so I didn't get to see her personality but she did remark that she was more outgoing before. Later Kari made some friends and reluctantly decided to trust a really sweet guy who became her boyfriend and a fun side of her emerged due to these new relationships. I liked her good-natured ribbing of Neil and Nalini. I also had some laughs at her ramblings and eccentric reactions to embarrassing moments which led to more embarrassing moments.

Kari had very powerful people in her life and she was so clueless about the power and 'fame' of her friends. I thought that was so cute and it shows how unaware she was about the world outside. I think most of this had to do with the spirit crushing experience she had to face right at her entry into adulthood. She figuratively locked herself away from life. I kept wishing she would tell her mother but I was so happy she met the people she did.

This story might have been about the exploitation of Kari by Eddie but within this coming of age story we find a sweet love story and how life can place good people in your life who are there for you when you most need them. I would have loved to learn more about the legal issues Kari and her friends faced and maybe more about Neil and his mother Agnas. There were obviously some past issues there besides her current health issues. I loved Nalini and thought she was the perfect friend to come into Kari's life and at the right time, both her and Agnas actually.

All My Life captured reality in this compelling story of the pains of growing up, persevering through difficult times and how good it is to have supporting friends and family who got your back.… (mais)

In the beginning I loved this story… even up to the last chapter. The characters were wonderful, unique and there were things going on in life for them all. I loved the conflict, the sworn off men and trying to fall in love and trust another without him knowing her secret. This was certainly a vision at a modern world. The story read with eases and gradually pulled in to their world and THEN…….the ending happened solved all the conflicts in about three pages! Oh my gosh… It was as if the writer got tired of the story and wanted to move on to another. The pace throughout the story was amazing and wonderful and the ending slammed down on me without telling or explaining it. This author has wonderful talent and I am in hopes that her next writing won’t be so choppy and quick in the end.… (mais)

** book given to my by Rucy Ban in exchange for an honest review **

Alright, first of all, I don't really have the habit of writing reviews. Not because I don't want to share my opinion of a book, but it's just hard for me to describe how it made me feel. Either I loved it, I hated it, or I was left somewhere in between.

'All My Life' was a 'somewhere in between'-book. It was nice, but that's about it. I had a feeling like everything happened so fast, while not really getting to know the characters.
I didn't feel a connection with the book, which I was really hoping to have. I was looking forward to this read and I guess that was my problem; I was expecting too much out of it.
But don't get me wrong, it do was a nice book, but unfortunately, just not for me.… (mais)