John Greene has found a new fan in me. Out of sheer curiosity, I purchased his book entitled The Abundance of Katherines because I fancied its simple but chic cover and was interested with the novel's overview at the back. I just wanted a light read to pull me out of stress once in a while and fortunately, this book was what I was looking for exactly. It is humorous, witty, and romantic. It has different characters that are imbued of unique attributes that apparently show their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the scenes and settings were cool to imagine.
In terms of style, the writer used modern and slang language which was a great advantage since most readers nowadays prefer words that aren't highfalutin and which they can easily relate to. Aside from this, the attributes of the characters can clearly be recognized through their way of speaking, providing each their own voice. Colin, the main focus of the novel, was narrated colorfully and comically that you get to empathize and connect with him emotionally.
A page-turner, the book taught me that while their is a scientific explanation behind almost every phenomenon on Earth, in love, there's none. Colin, who was raised from being a child protege to an awkward, hopeless romantic teenager, worked hard on his mathematical equations that would predict how a relationship would end between couples. He formulated this through his past 17 relationships with girls who happened to have the same name - Katherine. However, to his dismay, his prediction of a failed relationship with his new and current girlfriend, Lindsey, didn't transpire, justifying that his formula was erroneous and unsuccessful.
In the middle of the story, I could perceive the rising of action probably because I already felt the tension between the engaging characters. The book simply put to test how these fictional beings interact and communicate with one another despite their contrasting behaviors. Take for example Colin and Hassan. these two best of friends are sometimes like belligerent cats and dogs. Hassan, a happy-go-luck, the-hell-I-care kind of guy, used to pick on Colin, a definitely serious lad when it comes to every aspect in his life. Due to this opposing attitudes, Colin would get irritated and impatient towards Hassan's jokes that the former finds foolish. There was this unforgettable moment wherein Colin, thinking he had enough of Hassan's silliness, blurted out his anger towards his bestfriend. Taken aback, Hassan replied with utmost honesty - an unexpected persona which was unimaginable of him. This was the time the happy-go-lucky dude took a backseat as he unearthed his straightforward perception about Colin's view of life.
We can obviously observe in the novel that the characters, despite their strengths, have hidden insecurities that disguise who they sincerely are. Just like Lindsey, a lady who was unpopular and a victim of bullying back in her highschool, altered her image after finishing such academic level. She became a one attractive woman any guy can easily fall into. That is why she took this opportunity to be attached to "another Colin", a once popular school jock in her highschool days. Being with "another Colin", who incidentally has a similar name with our main protagonist, makes Lindsey feel beautiful and important.
I guess this awesome and fun read reflects society in such a way that people tend to change who they really are just to fit in the community where they belong. They begin to fabricate their entire facade, either psychologically or physically, just to put the missing pieces back of their person-hood back into whole. Unfortunately though, some don't change for the better. Rather, they let their past hurts, angst, and regrets mold their future, engaging them to pernicious situations such as an unfruitful relationship with others and a destructive involvement towards their environment.
Nevertheless, the understanding and love we receive from those who truly care and appreciate us makes us feel vital once more, realizing that at times, we are also the first ones who judge ourselves negatively. That said, we must accept and embrace our real identity plus the scars time has procured us. Maybe this is the first step for us to be more open to others and not get easily affected by those who belittle us.
A page-turner, the book taught me that while their is a scientific explanation behind almost every phenomenon on Earth, in love, there's none. Colin, who was raised from being a child protege to an awkward, hopeless romantic teenager, worked hard on his mathematical equations that would predict how a relationship would end between couples. He formulated this through his past 17 relationships with girls who happened to have the same name - Katherine. However, to his dismay, his prediction of a failed relationship with his new and current girlfriend, Lindsey, didn't transpire, justifying that his formula was erroneous and unsuccessful.
We can obviously observe in the novel that the characters, despite their strengths, have hidden insecurities that disguise who they sincerely are. Just like Lindsey, a lady who was unpopular and a victim of bullying back in her highschool, altered her image after finishing such academic level. She became a one attractive woman any guy can easily fall into. That is why she took this opportunity to be attached to "another Colin", a once popular school jock in her highschool days. Being with "another Colin", who incidentally has a similar name with our main protagonist, makes Lindsey feel beautiful and important.
I guess this awesome and fun read reflects society in such a way that people tend to change who they really are just to fit in the community where they belong. They begin to fabricate their entire facade, either psychologically or physically, just to put the missing pieces back of their person-hood back into whole. Unfortunately though, some don't change for the better. Rather, they let their past hurts, angst, and regrets mold their future, engaging them to pernicious situations such as an unfruitful relationship with others and a destructive involvement towards their environment.
Nevertheless, the understanding and love we receive from those who truly care and appreciate us makes us feel vital once more, realizing that at times, we are also the first ones who judge ourselves negatively. That said, we must accept and embrace our real identity plus the scars time has procured us. Maybe this is the first step for us to be more open to others and not get easily affected by those who belittle us.
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