Wonderland

Jan 13, 2011 Melissa (i swim for oceans) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-arcs, contemporary

Jude is your everyday girl next door. She’s lonely, she’s an outcast, and she’s desperate to escape the stigma she deals with only a daily basis in her tiny hometown. Her hope is to escape to a prestigious program in London and rid herself of Churchtown forever, but someone throws a wrench in her plans. When Stella, Jude’s childhood friend, returns, Jude is introduced to a stunning new Stella. She’s charismatic, enigmatic, and just a touch dangerous. She’s everything Jude wants to be. Stella tak...more Jude is your everyday girl next door. She’s lonely, she’s an outcast, and she’s desperate to escape the stigma she deals with only a daily basis in her tiny hometown. Her hope is to escape to a prestigious program in London and rid herself of Churchtown forever, but someone throws a wrench in her plans. When Stella, Jude’s childhood friend, returns, Jude is introduced to a stunning new Stella. She’s charismatic, enigmatic, and just a touch dangerous. She’s everything Jude wants to be. Stella takes her under her wing, and suddenly Jude isn’t so lonely anymore, but when Stella goes from unique to untamed, Jude begins to watch everything around her unravel, and she has to decide how much their friendship is worth.

Wonderland is the US debut of UK author, Joanna Nadin, a talent in her own right. Known for stories like My So-Called Life, The Meaning of Life and The Life of Riley, Nadin is no stranger to contemporary fiction – a genre I usually avoid like the plague. Weaving a dark and haunting plot, characters with ulterior motives, and a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Wonderland is a fantastic addition to the world of contemporary fiction. Complicated and messy, twisted and compelling, this is the story of a teenage girl that finds herself when everything around her begins to unravel and fall apart.

I was actually really surprised by Wonderland. When I committed to reading more contemporary fiction in 2011, I was a bit wary because I keep saying time and again that I don’t find too many deviations to the normal contemporary plot on the market today. Wonderland is darkly compelling. Jude was a character I could relate to from the start – a bit of a loner, a touch awkward, and desperate to escape her cramped hometown to find herself. Her character development through the downward spiral of Stella was intriguing to watch and engaging throughout. Even as a secondary character, Stella propels the story forward, adding that touch of darkness to an otherwise sweet story. I was captivated by the characters and they, in turn, fueled every plot point, keeping it moving at a nice, steady pace.

All in all, Wonderland was a fantastic read and really gave me hope for contemporary fiction. While the terminology was a bit English at times (and therefore confused my very blonde brain), the story was beautiful. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA who enjoy coming of age stories and contemporary fiction. This would probably also be ideal for adults looking for a slim, fast-paced read.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.(less)

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Nov 02, 2011 Bethany rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: angst, contemporary, young-adult

Jude is invisible, Jude is obscure. Her mother killed herself years ago, and all Jude wants is to be like her--beautiful, someone who stands out in a crowd and isn't afraid to be seen. That's not Jude though. But it is Stella. Stella was Jude's friend when they were eight years old, and she moved away, to London, after Jude's father got angry, shouted at Stella to leave. Now she's back, and she's changing Jude's world, changing Jude--making her that peson that has the right comebacks and isn't a...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Christin (Portrait of a Book) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 100in2011, btc-review, dac2011, young-adult, contemporary-fiction

It's fairly rare that I actually end up reading contemporary YA books, but this one, set just outside of London and involving a theatre student, seemed too good to pass up. While the book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, it was still a good read, though at times seemingly more of a psychological portrait than a story.

Jude has never been one to stand out - Jude the Obscure, she calls herself. Always the brunt of her classmates' jokes, stuck in a dreary small-town existence, motherless, Jude's...more It's fairly rare that I actually end up reading contemporary YA books, but this one, set just outside of London and involving a theatre student, seemed too good to pass up. While the book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, it was still a good read, though at times seemingly more of a psychological portrait than a story.

Jude has never been one to stand out - Jude the Obscure, she calls herself. Always the brunt of her classmates' jokes, stuck in a dreary small-town existence, motherless, Jude's one escape is drama. She dreams of going to the Lab in London. There's only one problem - she can't bring herself to mail the application. Enter Stella, stage right. Stella is everything Jude wishes to be: confident, respected, able to stand out and shine. But Stella is also wild and reckless, dragging Jude into schemes that she'd never dream of. Jude feeds on Stella's strength, pushing her limits, unconsciously changing herself. Then Stella disappears for a few days, and Jude has to answer some tough questions. Is Stella really who Jude wants to be? What's so wrong with being herself? And most importantly - who is Jude?

Wonderland was, in a way, more edgy than a lot of books I've read recently. Perhaps that's because it is contemporary, or because so much of it is inner monologue. Either way, the book draws you in from the very beginning, and it goes fairly quickly from there. Jude is a very relatable character - who hasn't felt overshadowed at some point, longed to be someone else, had their nerves get the better of them? Jude and Ed were always so sweet together, which was a refreshing change from the usual intensity of teenage relationships in YA books. Jude's relationship with her father was so sad; it was easy to see how much her mother had been part of her life, and how her mother's death affected her so much. And then there was Stella. Stella with her crazy yet entertaining antics. Stella, whom at times I wanted to slap and at times I wanted to applaud. She kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.

At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story, a teenage girl trying to find her way. Sometimes, Wonderland seemed a bit disjointed, but I think that's the nature of the narrating voice, because this book does come full circle, from prologue to conclusion. I had my suspicious throughout the book, and it was nice to see that I had been right. The story until the ending is perfectly fine, but the ending truly does give it that much more impact.

Wonderland was Nadin's US YA debut, and I think it's safe to say it won't be her last novel. I'll look forward to reading more from her in the future!(less)

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Apr 06, 2011 Between the Covers rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-debut, blog-tour, young-adult, contemporary-fiction

Reviewed by Christin for Between the Covers

It's fairly rare that I actually end up reading contemporary YA books, but this one, set just outside of London and involving a theatre student, seemed too good to pass up. While the book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, it was still a good read, though at times seemingly more of a psychological portrait than a story.

Jude has never been one to stand out - Jude the Obscure, she calls herself. Always the brunt of her classmates' jokes, stuck in a drea...more Reviewed by Christin for Between the Covers

It's fairly rare that I actually end up reading contemporary YA books, but this one, set just outside of London and involving a theatre student, seemed too good to pass up. While the book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, it was still a good read, though at times seemingly more of a psychological portrait than a story.

Jude has never been one to stand out - Jude the Obscure, she calls herself. Always the brunt of her classmates' jokes, stuck in a dreary small-town existence, motherless, Jude's one escape is drama. She dreams of going to the Lab in London. There's only one problem - she can't bring herself to mail the application. Enter Stella, stage right. Stella is everything Jude wishes to be: confident, respected, able to stand out and shine. But Stella is also wild and reckless, dragging Jude into schemes that she'd never dream of. Jude feeds on Stella's strength, pushing her limits, unconsciously changing herself. Then Stella disappears for a few days, and Jude has to answer some tough questions. Is Stella really who Jude wants to be? What's so wrong with being herself? And most importantly - who is Jude?

Wonderland was, in a way, more edgy than a lot of books I've read recently. Perhaps that's because it is contemporary, or because so much of it is inner monologue. Either way, the book draws you in from the very beginning, and it goes fairly quickly from there. Jude is a very relatable character - who hasn't felt overshadowed at some point, longed to be someone else, had their nerves get the better of them? Jude and Ed were always so sweet together, which was a refreshing change from the usual intensity of teenage relationships in YA books. Jude's relationship with her father was so sad; it was easy to see how much her mother had been part of her life, and how her mother's death affected her so much. And then there was Stella. Stella with her crazy yet entertaining antics. Stella, whom at times I wanted to slap and at times I wanted to applaud. She kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.

At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story, a teenage girl trying to find her way. Sometimes, Wonderland seemed a bit disjointed, but I think that's the nature of the narrating voice, because this book does come full circle, from prologue to conclusion. I had my suspicious throughout the book, and it was nice to see that I had been right. The story until the ending is perfectly fine, but the ending truly does give it that much more impact.

Wonderland was Nadin's US YA debut, and I think it's safe to say it won't be her last novel. I'll look forward to reading more from her in the future!(less)

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Jan 26, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book had a great opening. The flash to what is the end of the book draws you in and make you want to know more. Jude, after the song, is struggling to make it through school, without a mother, and at the butt of the Plastics jokes. Just when things are looking terrible, Jude's friend, Stella, reappears seemly out of nowhere. Jude knows that her father and good friend, Ed, will not approve of Stella returning as she always leads to trouble. Stella encourages Jude to do things she never would...more

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Jan 17, 2011 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2.5 stars
Ohhh boy. At first the premise did not intrigue me, but I am more than willing to give books the benefit of the doubt and started it with an open mind. That quickly faded.
The main relationship here is between Jude and her best friend Stella. Without summarizing the plot too much, what annoyed me the most was Jude’s complete and utter lack of personality. She knows and admits this, but it doesn’t make it any less irritating to have to read. The story kind of putters along as we see this...more 2.5 stars
Ohhh boy. At first the premise did not intrigue me, but I am more than willing to give books the benefit of the doubt and started it with an open mind. That quickly faded.
The main relationship here is between Jude and her best friend Stella. Without summarizing the plot too much, what annoyed me the most was Jude’s complete and utter lack of personality. She knows and admits this, but it doesn’t make it any less irritating to have to read. The story kind of putters along as we see this dynamic barely build and hear a lot about Jude’s sucky life.

The big shift was the last 30 pages. No, I won’t spoil them for you, but it shifted everything so dramatically that it has to be mentioned. I’ll start with a basic reaction. HOLY COW, THAT HAPPENED WAY TOO FAST. If I was kidding in the slightest, it wouldn’t be in caps. I would really love to make a pop culture reference to compare it, but if you know the reference, it’ll spoil it completely. That unnamed pop culture reference pulled the same trick but did it masterfully well. This was more on the lines of cheap knock off. Looking back on it, everything led up to what it barely suggested, but it was more of a “wait, what?” moment than a “ahh, that makes sense moment”. I think if had actually taken a bit more time to go into that plot twist it would have made it more believable instead of a strange cop out that it was. I really wish I could say more, but I personally hate spoilers and would not push them on you, dear innocent review reader..

Overall, I got the story. I got what the author was attempting and was kind of okay with it in the end. I’ll admit, she does have a nice style with really gorgeous descriptions, and I even had a few laughs and smiles, etc., but that just wasn’t enough. Personally, I wouldn’t read this again and don’t see the need to buy it. I’m not even sure who to recommend to this book because I don’t think it explored any one issue enough to be about anything other than a girl’s crappy teenage life.(less)

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Feb 25, 2012 Johnp rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: drama, emotional-psychological, female-lead, relationships, 2012

Jude’s life is at a standstill. The invisible girl whose mother is dead, with no friends and the target of all the ‘in’ girls, she is slowly dissolving away. In walks Stella, her friend from long ago. Stella is bold, self-assured and doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her. Stella transforms Jude into a bad girl, doing what she wants when she wants. But there’s more - Stella is also shaping Jude in ways that Jude can’t seem to control. Will Jude break away or turn into someone else altogether?...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Sofija rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book had an EXTREMELY boring start (which lasted for about 3/4 of the book, mind you). The last few chapters is really when it took off, almost too suddenly. The author only gives one or two subtle hints as to who Stella really is before you come to the explosive ending.

What I liked:
The last few chapters tied all loose ends and answered any questions I had. EVERYTHING the author was talking about in the beginning makes sense finally, and you can see the reasons why she wrote the way she di...more

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Feb 25, 2011 Heather from NightlyReading rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is Joanna Nadin’s first YA debut in the U.S. You can bet that there will be plenty of readers watching out for her next book also. Wonderland was just released on February 22, 2011. The book kept me on my seat questioning what would happen next. The cover is fantastic and makes the reader want to eplore the inside of the book.

This story centers around Jude. Jude feels like she is a nothing and that she disappears into the shadows while everyone else is standing in the limelight. The only ti...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Logan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-tour, ya-contemporary

First impressions: Jude and Stella open the book in a Thelma and Louise situation: cigarettes, lipstick, and a car at the edge of a cliff. Can you say "Grab on and don't let go?" I read this book in one sitting, because I just had to know how these girls got there.

Lasting impressions: This book is so well-crafted that although I had my suspicions as to where the story was going, I still couldn't quite believe it when I got my answer. This is one of those books where you have to flip back and rea...more First impressions: Jude and Stella open the book in a Thelma and Louise situation: cigarettes, lipstick, and a car at the edge of a cliff. Can you say "Grab on and don't let go?" I read this book in one sitting, because I just had to know how these girls got there.

Lasting impressions: This book is so well-crafted that although I had my suspicions as to where the story was going, I still couldn't quite believe it when I got my answer. This is one of those books where you have to flip back and read scenes again to see if you really missed it the first time.

Conflicting impressions: The ending is a bit trite and overplayed, but the story was so captivating and well done that I got over it. I mean, there are only so many plots in the world, and if I discarded every new book for having an element done before, I wouldn't be reading very long.

Overall impressions: This book had real heart. I loved Jude and her complicated relationships with her dead mother and distraught father. She feels trapped in her small town, but scared to pursue her acting dream for fear she will end up just like her mother. Her mom was a bright star that faded to nothing when they moved to their small town, and watching the depression wash over her was too much for Jude and her father to bear.

Jude feels ignored and invisible, with few friends and not much going for her...until Stella comes back. Stella was a childhood friend who had pulled Jude out of her shell until she disappeared and moved away. Now she's back, and Jude gets caught up in Stella's whirlwind energy and bad influence. With Stella, Jude starts partying, dressing sexier, and getting interested in boys. When she lands an audition at the prestigious Lab, her dream theater school in London, she and Stella take the train together and Jude nearly blows her chance.

Watching Jude's life get bolder and more outrageous is exciting until you see the scale tip in the wrong direction. When Jude goes to her audition, Stella is no longer the fun friend out to ensure they have a good time, she's an enabler who is controlling Jude's actions and dragging her down. It's heartbreaking to see Jude realize that Stella may not be the best thing in her life. This definitely struck a chord with me - the idea that sometimes your friends can harm you more than help you. Welcome to adulthood, Jude!

This story is quickly paced and full of all the pains of adolescence: first love, wild friends, dreams of grandeur, and absent parenting. Jude rises to the challenges presented by all of these, finding her own voice and strength of spirit to reclaim the hold on her life that Stella threatens to steal from her. Dramatic, harrowing, and real, Jude's tale will definitely make an impression.(less)

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Jun 16, 2011 Laura (The Zealous Reader) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 100-in-2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm struggling to write this review because Wonderland has such a complex plot, I wouldn't want to taint, ruin, or spoil anyone's reading experience with my review. I'm going to veer away from analysing plot logistics and just stick to my favourite parts.

As someone who's pursuing theatre studies post-secondary I deeply empathized with Jude and her confusion about the future. Joanna Nadin perfectly captured the struggle arts students encounter when asked "Are you sure you want to do this forever?...more

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Aug 12, 2011 Lindsay rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA guys & girls who enjoy realistic, teen angst-y fiction

Shelves: realistic-fiction

I read Wonderland because it's on the Tayshas consideration list. It's not the kind of book I would normally pick up for fun, but I did enjoy it. I actually guessed what was going on with Jude and Stella somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of the way through (SPOILER ALERT: they're the same person, Fight Club style!), but then I spent the rest of the book trying to decide if I was really on the right track or not, so I think Nadin did a pretty good job creating a teen angst book with a twist. Actually...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Kat Alexander rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kat by: Got an ARC from Figment

Shelves: good-books-that-make-you-think, most-interesting-style, books-i-own, read-2011, reviewed, arc, figment-review

Reviewed for The Figment Review. 4 1/2 stars.

Definitely the best book I've read this year so far. (But Hawktail, cry the two or three souls who actually follow my reviews, The only book you've read this year so far is Hamlet! I know, I know. Shuddup... Best book I've read in a while...)

Jude the Obscure, Jude the outcast, Jude the washout. Sixteen-year-old Jude, who loves theatre but can't bring herself to post the application to the Lab in London. Jude, who would give anything to get out of her...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Zenia rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's been awhile since I've read a book about alter-egos. So I have to say that I was really hooked from the beginning to the end. Nothing like "Fight Club", obviously (because nothing can compare), but still a good read. It did however go over-the-top (no pun intended) at the end and the conclusion was straight out of a Hollywood flick but since the author makes light of that, it made it ok. No major cliff-hanger here - the reader knows from the beginning that Jude and Stella are one. But watch...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Trish rated it 2 of 5 stars

Oh God! So much teenage angst, I couldn't stand it. I got so tired of listening (I listened to the audiobook) to Jude moan and complain about how pitiful she was and how no one liked her that I just started tuning her out whenever she started to go off. But... I kept listening. And I'm glad I stuck it through to the end of the book. I didn't see the twist coming and, upon reflection, it did make me like the story more. So, I didn't NOT like it and I don't regret the time I invested listening to...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Alyssa rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Ha. Ha.

Shelves: get-with-library, highly-anticipated, 2011-read, i-love-this-cover, mystery-suspense, not-even-okay, really-excited-for, ya-romance, surprised-me, me-and-my-dirty-mouth-review

Sometimes, I feel kinda bad, guys. Not for not enjoying the book, but for featuring this review. Nadin is a fresh face on the YA contemps shelves, and even though this book is ~~total bullshit~~ a miss, Nadin still accomplished publishing across seas in an ocean full of cash-sharks like Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti and Elizabeth Scott.

I feel kinda bad, but then I think about the complete and utter DISASTER that is Wonderland. And then I just feel pissed beyond belief.

Wonderland seems to be a pretty in...more Sometimes, I feel kinda bad, guys. Not for not enjoying the book, but for featuring this review. Nadin is a fresh face on the YA contemps shelves, and even though this book is ~~total bullshit~~ a miss, Nadin still accomplished publishing across seas in an ocean full of cash-sharks like Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti and Elizabeth Scott.

I feel kinda bad, but then I think about the complete and utter DISASTER that is Wonderland. And then I just feel pissed beyond belief.

Wonderland seems to be a pretty innocent addition to literature, even if seemingly a direct copy of, say, Sweethearts. Aspiring actress Jude is abandoned by her best friend Stella around the same time of her mother’s death, but suddenly Stella is back and is totally wreaking havoc over Jude’s broken life. Jude changes into a troublemaking disaster as the course of the book goes on, yet there’s this boy who brings her back to herself and questions all she’s giving up.

Sounds normal, yes? It even sounds like it could be well done, given a proper service. But then Nadin goes and she does this: (view spoiler)[she gives Jude a mental illness. And it ruins everything.

The book was going along fucking fine – well, not fine but still okay I guess – until this little “twist.” This “twist” fucks it all up because Nadin takes mental illness and she does such a discredit to it that I am more than just insulted, I am personally insulted.

We find out that Jude has Multiple Personality Disorder one or two chapters before the end of the book. Nadin drops Jude the second the disorder is established – if you can even consider self-diagnosis official establishment – and leaves no resolution. This tells me that either Nadin simply wanted a twist – which is fucking disgusting, because mental disorders are real-life things that affect the lives of many, wholly – or that she didn’t know how to deal with the illness, which is just as disgusting.

If you want a twist, kill a fucking character. DO NOT USE MENTAL ILLNESS AS A TWIST IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO ELABORATE ON IT OR USE IT FOR ANYTHING ELSE. They are real, and people suffer of them, and to use them like plot devices AND THEN DROP THEM is like taking a bite of an apple in front of starving African children and throwing it out right in front of them. It’s fucked up, cruel and unjust.

If there had been proper build-up to Jude’s illness because indeed Nadin was trying to write a book about mental illness, and if I had for a fucking second even had the chance to consider that Jude had a condition, this issue may have been totally irrelevant to my feelings on the book. But no. Nadin drops Jude off like she’s garbage and makes her find the way on her own. Had Nadin been writing about mental illness – though, I still can’t find out which fucking point she was trying to make about it, or how she was trying to make an impact – she should have backed all this up and brought it to the readers before or within the climax, not after all of it. Because what Nadin did – if you believe that she was writing a book about MPI and not using it as a plot twist – was write a book prior to the action, write a book of meaningless conversations and shit.

WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU WRITE A BOOK ABOUT BEFORE THE ACTION!?

I know people who suffer of mental illnesses. Half the time, I’m worried that I myself suffer depression. To treat such like its dump-able, like garbage, like it’s nothing and means nothing, does nothing, is fucked up. To use it and leave it because you don’t want to deal with it is fucked up.

And if you’re going to write about a mental illness – or any illness for that matter – do some research and write about the life of being stuck with one. Reflect the reality in situations so dire as such. Don’t give us fucking filler.

I encourage books to be written about mental illnesses because I want to know what to do and how to handle it and how difficult it all is. I’d just like it to be done justice, because it is a bigger part of everyone’s lives than some think. (hide spoiler)]

Aside from this HUGE problem – and I have a feeling I didn’t express my thoughts with justice – the pacing was off, the characters were dry, and there were a million clichés. It took me longer to read the 224 pages of this book than it did for me to read Breaking Dawn. It dragged and left my attention behind. The writing was choppy – what was with the three-word sentences? – disorganized and too clingy to Dessen’s style. A flaw within every page, as much as I’d like to say otherwise.

I will now avoid everything with Nadin’s name on it, and I think it’s in your best intentions if you do, too, no matter how tempting a fresh author in the contemporary section may be. (less)

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Mar 07, 2011 Jen Bigheart (I Read Banned Books) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Giving away my copy at zee blog:

I have intentionally not read other reviews because I wanted to be surprised while reading this story. In fact, I tend not to read the entire synopsis of a book so I won't be spoiled. But today, there is no way around a spoil free review. To say, "I called it!" would be an understatement. I knew exactly what the hook was in this book at page 26. Yes, page 26. This may have happened because I watch way too much television, but there you have it. Would this be true...more Giving away my copy at zee blog:

I have intentionally not read other reviews because I wanted to be surprised while reading this story. In fact, I tend not to read the entire synopsis of a book so I won't be spoiled. But today, there is no way around a spoil free review. To say, "I called it!" would be an understatement. I knew exactly what the hook was in this book at page 26. Yes, page 26. This may have happened because I watch way too much television, but there you have it. Would this be true for a teen reader? Would they be able to figure out what was happening so early on in the story? Hm, maybe not. If I take out the hook, I am still not wowed. I know I am supposed to feel sorry for Jude - she is motherless, bullied, and basically misunderstood by everyone that has anything to do with her (which aren't a lot of people). Problem was, I didn't connect with Jude at all. She has one heck of sad story, but I wasn't distracted with her pain to ignore the clues and hints as to where the story was going. Hence, 26 pages.

Stella, Jude's friend that returns, is what kept the pages turning. I wanted to see what kind of train wreck she would turn out to be, what kind of mischief she would stir up. I was definitely not disappointed in that area. To say this character was self destructive would be an understatement. Jude, having no personality whatsoever (she admits this), goes right along with Stella and her wild ways. Jude's father tries to (finally) connect with Jude, but it seems he is too late. Jude is on the fast train to McWrecklifeville.

The setting, quiet village a few hours outside of London, is described in detail, and it's amusing to me to read the language and slang provided. I grew up with a Limey mother so I wasn't thrown off by the jargon. I don't think young readers will have a hard time with it either. Due to some hot and heavy scenes (hot for teacher?), drinking, and language, I would be cautious recommending this to a young teen reader.

2 Stars

Here are some quick thoughts from other readers on the Wonderland Banned Book Tour. I encourage you to follow the links and read/comment on their thoughtful reviews.

"This book has a great opening." ~ Lisa's World of Books

"This book is so well-crafted that although I had my suspicions as to where the story was going, I still couldn't quite believe it when I got my answer. This is one of those books where you have to flip back and read scenes again to see if you really missed it the first time. " ~ Logan E. Turner

"...she does have a nice style with really gorgeous descriptions, and I even had a few laughs and smiles, etc." ~Jennifer D

"Nadin does a great job with the writing; the descriptions are vivid." ~Annette's Book Spot

Thank you Candlewick Press for providing the tour book.(less)

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Feb 22, 2011 E. Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just want to start out by saying that WONDERLAND blew me away. Joanna Nadin‘s writing is flawlessly constructed, the words beautifully pieced together to create a story and a voice that is not only ridiculously readable but impossible to look away from.

That said, WONDERLAND will throw you for a loop. It’s a quiet beach town on the coast of England where most of the townies are poor and where those who aren’t are boarders at the fancy school where Jude is bullied relentlessly by a group of girl...more I just want to start out by saying that WONDERLAND blew me away. Joanna Nadin‘s writing is flawlessly constructed, the words beautifully pieced together to create a story and a voice that is not only ridiculously readable but impossible to look away from.

That said, WONDERLAND will throw you for a loop. It’s a quiet beach town on the coast of England where most of the townies are poor and where those who aren’t are boarders at the fancy school where Jude is bullied relentlessly by a group of girls that she and her best guy friend, Ed, call “The Plastics.” Jude can’t seem to escape her tortured feelings — both from the bullying and the grief of losing her mom years ago. That’s when Stella walks back into her life. Stella was Jude’s best friend when they were younger. Stella was brave and bold, stood up to the mean girls, dared Jude to do things she’d never do. Jude’s dad said Stella was a bad influence, and even if Jude knew she was right, she wanted to be Stella.

With an audition at a prestigious London theatre program on the horizon, Jude is more desperate than ever to change herself, and start anew. She knows there can’t be room in her life for both wild Stella and sweet Ed, and she finds herself torn between her two selves — the person she’s always been with Ed and the person she is trying to be with Stella. It’s not long before Jude knows that she’s in too deep, though, to back away from Stella’s influence. And as with any toxic relationship, there will be consequences whether she stays or goes.

WONDERLAND is unputdownable, a book that keeps you guessing from page one and only reveals its secrets at the very end, just in time for you to close the book and take a deep breath. I absolutely loved every minute of reading WONDERLAND, and am so impressed by Nadin‘s ability to capture the instability of teenage girlhood, of first love, of self-discovery. This is a fast-paced, beautiful novel that is sure to be a hit with fans of Laurie Halse Anderson and Elizabeth Scott.(less)

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Nov 18, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

Jude has always tried to be invisible. Ever since her best friend, Stella, left, Jude tries to avoid any confrontation. Then her drama teacher announces that Jude should apply to the prestigious drama school, the Lab, in London. In the meantime, Jude gets noticed at her current school, and mocked by the cool girls. Drama is the only thing Stella feels she is any good at.

Then, out of nowhere, Stella returns. Stella is everything Jude is not. She's outgoing,...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Jacqueline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen

Another one of those books written in present tense (and everyone who regularly reads my reviews knows I have a problem reading stories in the present tense) that doesn't flow and takes work to get into, but that was so worth it to me! If it wasn't for the lack of flow, I would have given it five stars.

Of course, it was also one of those books that hit a little too close to home leading to tears, not the happy kind. Still a wonderful book, wonderful story, great job by the author!

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May 04, 2011 Stefani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobooks, read-teen

I loved this story. However, to truly enjoy it, you have to just read it. Don't think about it. There is a great twist at the end, but I saw it coming from the beginning (maybe I read a review I don't remember?), which ruined the effect of the book. In the story, it is frustrating that she finds solace with a guy. Can't a girl just cope by herself? Still, a great story of a girl working through her problems, regardless of who she is with.

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Jan 12, 2011 The BookWhisperer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wonderland is a mix of young adult romance and psychological suspense. Jude was a very innocent, and mindful young girl. Sadly, she is trying to survive in a life with the lack of a mother. Since losing her mother it seems she is completely alone; when he father falls to the dangerous grasp of alcohol. At seventeen years old Jude is on the brink of life changing decisions; as they begin to grow overwhelming she finds herself desperately craving the return of her childhood friend Stella. The wild...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Lili rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

I loved this book soooooooo much!
Jude is an average girl who just wants to get out of the boring town and go to London. And her best friend Stella is there to accompany her. But there's one problem. Stella dares, swears and shines and Jude is just Jude. Jude the obscure. She wants to be like Stella.

A heartbreaking, love making, crazy party throwing book about life.
This book is a MUST READ!

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Oct 26, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was gripping, fascinating and amazing! I loved every word of it. It was interesting how he author was able to make it as if Stella were real without giving away until the time was right.

The twist of words, the rhythm the magic! I could read this book 30 times over and never be tired of it. Joanna Nadin is legend and I hope the writes more YA contemporary books.

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Oct 28, 2012 Susan Strayer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

It reminded me of when i worked with women with mental illness and how depressed and screwed up some women's lives were, often because of their own negative behaviors. I had suspicions from the beginning of the story but was still satisfied with how the story pulled me along. I'm not sure if the issue would resolve in real life the way it did in the book.

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Oct 06, 2011 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fiction, read-in-2011

I saw the ending from the prologue, but the writing was pretty darn good, and I thought the logic behind it was more sound than a lot of other books covering this territory this year (and there's been a few). And it's a darker read, which I liked a lot.

Longer review to come.

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Jan 08, 2012 Kristina rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-books

I feel like I would have appreciated this more in middle school, because I saw the twist coming in the first chapter so it made the rest of the book kind of boring. And even if I hadn't figured it out the first 5/6 of the book was boring anyway and Jude was a lame character.

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May 29, 2011 Ally rated it 2 of 5 stars

I just didn't like this book. It was a little odd. Okay, a lot odd. The girl was sixteen and had an evil imaginary friend!!! How can that not be odd? Oh well. Joanna Nadin is still a good writer, I just don't like the plot. =\

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Apr 22, 2011 Porsche rated it 1 of 5 stars

I hated this book. Didn't read all of it.
Wow, there is a lot of lushes in this book. I just read Choker by Elizabeth Woods, so the ending didn't even surprise me one bit. Same central theme. Waste of a book.

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Dec 31, 2010 Andy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books

Joanna Nadin's Wonderland was a surprisingly thrilling book. I picked it up with little expectations, but was blown away with how intense the plot develops throughout the novel. DEFINITELY GREAT READ

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avg rating	preview: Wonderland Goodreads rating: 3.57 (164 ratings)
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