Novel Review #1 : Sunshine Becomes You

I bought this book upon its first release back in 2012. And by the epilogue, I fell in love with it over and over again.

I've always been a fan of Ilana Tan's sweet works ever since my first touch on Winter In Tokyo. It was probably a turning point for me who used to be a Teenlit addict. Well, I'm not saying that Teenlit novels aren't good. No. I've honestly read many of them and they're mostly great, even some are beyond. They have interesting plot and unique characters, but the diction had stopped me from reading any. As I grew older, I started to look for something heavier than my usual Teenlit junks, which mostly revolved around teenage life, of course. Then I accidentally read Winter In Tokyo which was such a mind-blowing novel for a middle school student like me. It came with a sweet and smooth story at first, a plot twist in the middle¾which brought me ups and downs like a roller coaster that time¾and a bittersweet ending, wrapped in a proper, gorgeous, and a 'lil cliche diction. Well, the last part is one of the biggest reason why I always love her works.

Ilana's season series are superb. Every installment has its own unique side, and what I especially favor from the tetra logy is how they all are connected. Like, the main character from one book will always have a relation with the other book's main character. But one thing for sure, if you haven't read the whole series and want to start reading them, you gotta prepare your heart for the worst😉

Let's back to the topic. Well, Sunshine Becomes You itself is so far my second most favorite Ilana Tan's work, after Winter in Tokyo. Practically because the latter left me such a deep impression of the author. Nonetheless, Sunshine Becomes You is still a gorgeous book to read. It's the perfect combination of sweetness and bitterness in one package.

Personally, I've got to admit that this novel is quite fast-paced. The earlier chapters will bring excitement as we wonder how a Mia Clark is going to survive with the cold, annoying¾and super rude¾Alex Hirano. Unfortunately, her persistence¾and coffee¾melt down Alex's sturdy wall. Then there goes the addiction. Ilana did a fascinating job at unveiling every little secret Mia has, and before you knew, you'll find yourself drowned in the fluffiest part of the book. It was honestly my favorite, the time when both of them start drawing each other in, how each step they take are perfectly matched. Not to mention how adorable the push and pull game is. The conflict itself actually revolves around Mia Clark and her past, including the disease she's suffered from. Then it reaches its peak when her disease comes to light.

From that moment on, be prepared to cry a bucket. Well, I've warned you. Just a little reminder that I shed tears while reading the last five chapters. Anyway, let's back to the story.

If you're thinking things are going to stay in line after Alex discovered her weakness, you're totally wrong. The situation does get a little complicated after it but after all, they're together again. However, the most tragic part is about to eat you up in a such unexpected way¾well, I did get the hints though. But I truly didn't expect it would really end that way (and I wasn't prepared.) 

As I've said, the last five chapters are such a tear-jerking part. I was actually happy that Mia has another chance to realize her dream, but the fact that it pushed her to the limit got me so emotional. Moreover, it was probably just couple of months after things worked out between her and Alex. She had also found her true love. Can you imagine? Doesn't it feel as if you're far away up to the sky, but in another millisecond, you're thrown away back to the ground and fall with a loud thump? And not only falling, you also crash down. If I were Alex, I don't think I can actually get up again and stand on my own feet. Just...I can't imagine losing someone I truly love forever, when I could only spend a very little, precious time with him.

Mia was Alex's sunshine. And for him to be losing the glow and warm of it should've felt awful. But he was mature enough to finally found his strength and faced the world.

It was the end.

What I can say about the ending is beautiful. This wasn't actually the first sad ending Ilana's novel Ilana I've ever read, so I guess I wasn't hurt as much as I did after reading Autumn in Paris. Aside from it, I truly appreciate how she managed to end this in a peaceful way, despite all the tears she brought us. And one thing I discovered after reading the epilogue was,

True love stays; it remains in your heart even when the one you love is no longer on your side. it is eternal.

Oh and by the way, I was literally searching for the songs mentioned in this book and I was amazed at how nice they sounded when they greeted my ears. And it didn't take long for me until those stayed in my favorite list. They're actually worth to listen to😊

Anyway, I was late to discover the movie of this book and finally got to spare my time to watch it. Awkward. Honestly, I don't know what to say. I really appreciate both of the actors' effort, but it was far from my expectation. I mean, they practically talked just exactly like what's written in the book, but it looked extremely odd for me. I don't know if it's just me, but I would've lied if I say I'm not disappointed. Probably because how I can imagine every scene in my own way and absorb each emotion when I read the book, compared to when I watch the movie. I just couldn't get the feelings I craved for from the book. 


p.s. Sorry for the suwper lateness! I've been caught up in bunch of assignments as well as recovering from cold which surprisingly took more than 2 whole weeks to get rid of. Also, my class was scheduled in several mid term tests earlier than expected so that we'll get less classes in Ramadan. (Oh, Happy fasting!😇) Anyway, I was actually trying to attach photos of the copy I have, but mine looks too shabby so I revoke the idea😅 Thanks for waiting!