All These Things I've Done

"Amazing read"

"Anya Balanchine series is the best!! Other 2 books in the series: In the age of love and Chocolate; and, Because it is my blood. #romance #law_and_crime "

"★★★½ -- <i>All These Things I’ve Done</i> is not what I would call a great literary accomplishment. The author’s writing is somewhat simplistic, but this is partially offset by the fact that it seems like Anya herself is telling her backstory. At least that’s what I assume, given the few side notes scattered throughout the story. When I think back, I feel as if there was a lack of world-building, at least in a memorable way. The society is a dystopian one, where vouchers must be obtained to get supplies and stimulant-containing chocolate and coffee are illegal. However, this is basically backgrounded — the story is about Anya and her family, seeded deep in crime.<br/><br/>While I wouldn’t go all out on praises for the author’s style and world-building, I will say this. Gabrielle Zevin created a fun book. This novel is a quick, enjoyable read. I found the premise interesting, the conflicts Anya had to deal with entertaining, and I enjoyed the characters of Anya and her family and friends. I’d recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction, particularly of a romantic line. At it’s heart, <i>All These Things I’ve Done</i> is a story about a girl — and whether she will do what she wants, or what it is her responsibility as a member of the Balanchine family to do."

"I was impressed with this. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when I picked this up. While the author says this is not a dystopian, it still feels that way. Everything has changed. From things on rations to being illegal because of scarcity (like paper. It's illegal to have it without a permit. Crazy, huh?). And for a lot of girls out there, chocolate being illegal would be a total devastation. <br/><br/>What I loved about this book was the society was a key component, but it wasn't the main focus. The focus was on Anya (aka Annie) and her mobster family legacy. While other books like this one, the people are fighting to get things back to how they should be, this is more focused on the 'Family'. Just like the Prohibition, Anya's family has a way of getting their hands on certain illegal items. Such as chocolate. I was fascinated by this new world and just what it was that Anya was trying to protect her sister and brother from.<br/><br/>I'm going to have to admit, Leo tugged on my heart strings. I latched onto this character and couldn't let go. I am not sure why, but after all that has happened, this one the one character that my mind kept coming back to after the book was finished. This sounds like there will be another, although I've tried to find out from the author web page, I couldn't find anything to confirm it. But the ending left it open to another book. I hope there is another. This was an awesome read."

"Only this one. It started slow but got better! "

"I absolutely love this trilogy. I think this one out of all 3 would be my favorite"