The Waiting Tree - Lindsay Moynihan

The Waiting Tree - Lindsay Moynihan

First, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

After having finished this book, I'm still a little unsure as to how exactly I feel about it. It was touching, yes, and a bit gritty, but there was just something about it that keeps nagging at me. I don't know if I could really name it.

I really enjoyed how sadly realistic Simon's life was, and the fact that this wasn't a book that just focused on his sexual preference. We know that Simon is gay, but that isn't the only primary focus. Instead the story focuses on the lives of four struggling brothers who are learning how to deal with adulthood and the many obstacles that block their paths. One is stuck in a bind that he feels he must deal with right away and with no nonsense. Another is being held back from his dream. The third is persecuted for being homosexual and the last is mute. If this weren't already dreadful enough, the four of them were recently orphaned by the death of their parents. This is the story of how they went about picking up the pieces of their lives after this tragedy. 

It was a beautiful story, very gritty and full of character, and extremely emotionally driven. Seriously, there are emotions all about, which was something that I truly enjoyed with this book. Most people talk about how depressing it was, but to me that wasn't what defined it. To me, it was very honest and telling, especially the "depressing" parts. The author did a wonderful job in weaving a story that made me feel for the characters. My heart really went out to them, especially Simon. 

He was so brave, especially when so many people were against him. He was also very generous and caring, as is shown in his relationship with his twin brother Jude. Ah. Simon was a wonderful main character, and I would just seriously love to give the author props for writing him so. It's not too often when the main character ends up being my favorite, which was the case here.

Overall, The Waiting Tree was a wonderfully touching book that really warmed my heart. It was a quick read, but always kept me wondering what was going to happen to whom. It really knows how to draw you in and make you sympathize with the characters and their gritty and realistic lives. Truly, if you're looking for a beautiful read that isn't just another "gay" or "depressing" book, then I suggest that you pick this one up. 

☆☆☆☆/5

Recommend?: If you want something quick and touching to read. 

Five touching and fantastic movies that I think everyone should see.

Hosted by Myself.

These are movies that really touched my heart. If you've have the fortune of seeing them, then all the better. I believe that they really are wonderful movies.

1. Pay It Forward

2. Secondhand Lions

3. It's Kind of a Funny Story

4. Good Will Hunting

5. Forrest Gump

6. The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Oh wow. I actually went over the limit this time. 

Seriously though, if you haven't seen these movies, please go watch them. They might not do to you everything that they did to me, but I hope that you'd still think of them as nice when you're done.

Harry Potter Moment of the Week

Hosted by Uncorked Thoughts.

Favorite moment from Book One.

Just picking any particular moment from any of these books is going to be exceedingly difficult, seeing as I could probably gush about all of it. Though, I suppose if I absolutely had to pick a specific part from Sorcerer's Stone, then I'd probably have to go with the part where the trio go through all of the obstacles to get to what they thought would be Snape and the Sorcerer's Stone. (My other choice would have been the meeting on Platform 9 3/4) I remember being so fascinated with this bit as a kid, and even now it intrigues me. The idea was nicely thought out and funfunfun to read about. It especially gave my young brain a spin when I found out that each teacher had been responsible for one of those obstacles. 

Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun.

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

I don't know if a lot of these books are necessarily light, but they're definitely ones that bring me a lot of joy.

1. Harry Potter series - J.K. Rowling

Whenever I feel like I've been away for too long, I'll pick up book one and revisit the Wizarding World. It's loads of fun, even when it breaks my heart.

2. The BFG - Roald Dahl

It's one of my favorite children's books, and it still fills me with wonder every time that I read it.

3. The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot

I wish that I owned this series, but checking it out from the library will have to suffice. It's probably one of the funniest and most endearing series that I've read. I feel that Mia and I are alike in many ways, so reading about her life is always loads of fun. I laugh every time.

4. The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster

This one is just so much fun to read. I feel that if you've read it then you'd understand. 

5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

This book is another fun one that I've grown quite fond of. It's always an interesting re-read.

6. Just Listen - Sarah Dessen

It's my favorite Dessen book, and is one of the first romance books that I turn to on my bookshelf. It's not too overbearing, but it is really wonderful. Owen Armstrong, my friends.

7. A Series of Unfortunate Events series - Lemony Snicket

Whenever I feel like I need something interesting and fun, or more V.F.D. in my life, I'll pick up this series. 

8. It's Kind of a Funny Story - Ned Vizzini

Not all of it is light, but overall the story warms my heart and makes me smile.

Other than these, nothing else comes directly to mind. Notice how most of these are children's books/series. (:

Five favorite video games.

Hosted by Myself.

This post is coming a few days late due to a sudden increase in social activities that I wasn't predicting to happen. I should have just queued it. Ah well, here it is then.

1. Spryo the Dragon

I always feel nostalgic for this game. Which makes the fact that my copy and my friends' will no longer play all the more depressing. If it weren't so expensive online, I'd buy myself a new copy. Spyro will forever be a favorite.

2. Crash Team Racing

As a child I was also a huge fan of the Crash Bandicoot games, this one in particular. I don't remember why exactly. Perhaps because it was one of very few games that I could actually beat my little brother at.

3. Kingdom Hearts

I remember when these games first came out, and my brothers were snubbing it and saying that it probably wasn't any good. I remember renting it from Blockbuster, back when it still existed and was a weekly thing in my household, and playing it forever until I had to go to bed. My brothers happened to notice how interesting and fun it was and eventually had to get it for themselves. We've all been fans ever since.

4. Her Interactive Nancy Drew computer games.

Okay, so it's very difficult for me to pick a favorite from the entire series. This was my first ND game, and I haven't forgotten anything about it. Years ago my Mum picked it up from the store and gave it to me as and Easter gift. It took me a year to get through, but I enjoyed every minute of figuring it out. I might have been about eleven then. Eight years later I still enjoy them.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up

This one is a bit out there, but it is a recent favorite. I adore the Ninja Turtles and have for quite some time now, and this game, while violent is a lot of fun for me. It's also another game that I can beat my little brother at. Yes, it's a huge accomplishment.

Harry Potter Moment of the Week.

I've put this off far too long. Since I'm a HUGE fan of Harry Potter, I'm finally jumping on the bandwagon and committing to this meme. I'm truly sorry that it's taken me this long.

This meme is hosted by Uncorked Thoughts.

Favorite newspaper in the series.

I see that everybody else has already chosen The Quibbler, but I think that it really is one of the better choices. Not only is it informative, but it's quirky and colorful and entertaining, and if I were in the Wizarding World, I'd most definitely never be caught without my own copy. 

Granted, I'd probably also read The Daily Prophet, as well as Witch Weekly and even Which Broomstick? but they'd all probably come after The Quibbler. 

John Lennon

“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” 

― John Lennon