They Lived

I just finished reading 'and they lived' last week, and it left such a warm, fuzzy feeling in my chest! The story revolves around Chase Arthur, a closeted college student who’s also a budding animator, and his unexpected connection with Jack Reid, a charismatic guy who seems to have everything figured out—except, of course, he doesn’t. Their dynamic is so relatable, especially how they navigate self-discovery and first love while dealing with personal insecurities.

The supporting cast adds so much depth too, like Chase’s best friend, Gemma, who’s this fierce, loyal force of nature, and Professor Miyamoto, whose mentorship subtly shapes Chase’s artistic journey. What I loved most was how the characters felt like real people—flawed, growing, and utterly human. It’s one of those books where you miss the characters like old friends after the last page.

The ending of 'and they lived' is this beautifully bittersweet wrap-up where the protagonist finally embraces their flaws and stops chasing perfection. After a whole journey of self-sabotage and pretending to have it all together, they collapse in exhaustion—only for their love interest to show up and say, 'Yeah, I knew you were a mess the whole time.' It’s not some grand dramatic confession; it’s quiet, raw, and so human. The last scene is them sitting on a rooftop, eating terrible convenience store sandwiches, laughing at how ridiculous life is. No shiny epilogue, just the promise that they’ll keep trying. What stuck with me was how it rejects the idea of 'happily ever after' in favor of 'we’ll figure it out,' which feels way more real.

Honestly, I cried at the part where the protagonist burns their old journals. It’s symbolic, sure, but also messy—ashes get everywhere, they cough, and their partner teases them for being extra. That balance of meaningful and mundane is what makes the ending work. It doesn’t tie everything up neatly; side characters still have unresolved arcs, and the main pair’s future is uncertain. But that’s the point. After so many stories where love fixes everything, this one says, 'Love just helps you endure.'

If you loved 'and they lived' for its blend of romance and self-discovery, you might enjoy 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston. It has that same mix of heartfelt emotion and witty dialogue, plus a royal romance that’s impossible to resist. The characters feel so real, and their journey is just as much about figuring out who they are as it is about falling in love.

Another great pick is 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The poetic writing and deep exploration of identity hit similar notes. It’s quieter but just as powerful, with a friendship-turned-love story that lingers long after the last page. For something lighter but still poignant, 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' is a charming coming-of-age tale with a mystery twist.

I just finished 'And They Lived' last week, and wow, what a ride! The story follows Chase Arthur, a college student navigating identity, love, and self-acceptance as a bisexual guy. The big spoiler? Chase finally embraces his truth after a messy love triangle involving his charismatic roommate and a childhood friend. The emotional climax is when he confronts his dad about his sexuality—it’s raw, real, and had me tearing up. The book’s strength is its messy, imperfect characters. Chase’s art major struggles and his tendency to hide behind sarcasm felt so relatable. The ending isn’t fairy-tale perfect, but that’s what I loved—it’s hopeful, open-ended, and true to life. Like when Chase sketches his future without knowing all the details yet.

I adore Chloe Gong's writing, and 'And They Lived' is such a vibrant, heartfelt story! While I totally get wanting to read it for free, it’s important to support authors so they can keep creating amazing works. You might find excerpts or previews on sites like Goodreads or the publisher’s website, but the full book isn’t legally available for free. Libraries often have e-book versions you can borrow, though—I’ve discovered so many gems that way!

If you’re tight on budget, keep an eye out for sales on platforms like Kindle or Kobo. Sometimes, indie bookstores run discounts too. I once snagged a hardcover during a weekend promo! Also, following the author on social media helps—they sometimes share freebies or contests. It’s a win-win: you might score a copy while cheering on their creative journey.

The book 'I Had to Survive' is Dr. Roberto Canessa's harrowing memoir about the 1972 Andes flight disaster, where his rugby team's plane crashed in the mountains. What makes it unforgettable isn't just the survival against impossible odds—freezing temperatures, avalanches, starvation—but the ethical dilemmas they faced, like the agonizing decision to consume the deceased to stay alive. Canessa, then a 19-year-old medical student, became crucial to their survival, using his nascent skills to treat injuries and later trekking for 10 days with no gear to find help.

The story transcends physical endurance; it's about the psychological toll of hope and despair. The survivors formed a pact to tell their story only when they were emotionally ready, which explains why it took decades for this account to emerge. It’s raw, unflinching, and oddly uplifting—how humanity’s darkest moments can also reveal its brightest resilience.

Lost Lives' is a haunting documentary that delves into the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and it doesn’t focus on individual 'main figures' in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a collective memorial—a mosaic of voices and stories from victims, their families, and journalists who documented the conflict. The film stitches together archival footage, news reports, and personal accounts to humanize the staggering loss of life. It’s less about specific protagonists and more about the weight of history, the ripple effects of violence, and the quiet resilience of ordinary people caught in the crossfire.

What struck me most was how the film avoids hero narratives or villain tropes. It’s raw and unflinching, letting the facts speak for themselves. The closest thing to 'figures' here are the unseen narrators—the bereaved parents, the siblings left behind, the reporters who risked everything to tell these stories. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just made by leaders or militants; it’s also shaped by those who endure and remember.