Megan Bright's life starts to fall apart when a tumour is found in her brain, she is diagnosed with cancer, and taken out of school and put into a hos...moreMegan Bright's life starts to fall apart when a tumour is found in her brain, she is diagnosed with cancer, and taken out of school and put into a hospital for ongoing treatment. But Megan is less frightened of potentially losing her hair than losing her friends. Lucky for Megan, in her unfamiliar and clinical new home, she is bombarded by fellow cancer patients who are determined to see that she makes a new one.
Anthem for Jackson Dawes is a little younger than young adult, falling into the 8-12 bracket. It's a typical trait of contemporary children's fiction that the young protagonist goes through inner turmoil and inner change throughout the novel, and that's exactly what Megan Bright is struggling with in Anthem. It's a beautiful, engaging story exploring Megan's teetering relationship with herself and those around her.
Although I am ten years older than Megan Bright, I could easily imagine how it would feel having to stay in hospital for a lengthy amount of time: isolated and lonely. I would, too, worry about whether anyone was going to visit me, and if they did, how our relationship may have changed: you're Sick and they are Well. Anthem for Jackson Dawes is not so much a love story, as a story about human relationships: Megan's relationship with Jackson Dawes, the only teenager in the ward; her loving 95-year-old grandfather; absent father and frustratingly upbeat mother; best friend Gemma, who has an uncanny talent for putting across her views in very few words; and Kipper, a very young, sick child whose real name she does not know. It was lovely to watch each relationship forge, develop, and alter as Megan's difficult experiences shaped her outlook.
Yes, Anthem for Jackson Dawes is sad and heartbreaking and emotional, and yes, there is a girl and a boy, but do not avoid reading it just because you've already read The Fault in Our Stars – it's a very different story and I read it in one sitting. It's also uplifting in it's own way, a story that'll leave you thinking about its characters, and about compassion, long after you've read the last page.(less)
Katie Greene cannot believe that her younger sister Mia killed herself by jumping from a cliff in Bali, even though the coroner concluded it was suici...moreKatie Greene cannot believe that her younger sister Mia killed herself by jumping from a cliff in Bali, even though the coroner concluded it was suicide. Mia had been travelling for six months with her best friend Finn and was meant to be having the time of her life. So why is she now dead? Katie is determined to find out what was going through her sister's troubled mind when she died, so upon discovering Mia's detailed travel journal, she carefully follows her footsteps, heading to sunny California, Maui, Western Australia and then to that fateful last stop on Mia's trip – Bali.
The Sea Sisters appealed to me because it hinted at a compelling familial mystery combined with the excitement of travelling. And I love books about travelling, from road trips across the United States to round-the-world trips and exotic locations. In The Sea Sisters, Mia's travel journal is the element which the rest of the story revolves around, meaning the reader gets a real feel of what it's like to visit each of the places on Mia's trip, from the sound of the waves, the view of barren landscapes and beautiful coastlines, and the taste of local delicacies. I felt like I was not just hearing about these locations, but experiencing them. If one quote from the book could portray the entire tone, it would be 'People go travelling for two reasons: because they are searching for something, or they are running from something.' As The Sea Sisters is narrated by both Mia and Katie, I became completely absorbed in their journey.
And then there's the crazy family drama that pushes the story forward. I have not read a book before where there's so much! Katie was living a safe, normal life in London – sharing a house with Mia after the death of their mother – until her sister decides to go travelling. Months later, after receiving the news of Mia's death, she is propelled into a state of disarray, becoming more like her care-free sister. It was incredibly compelling to read and although I cannot personally relate to sisterly bonds, due to the unique structure of the novel, I managed to get inside the head of both sisters; I was able to see just how complicated a love-hate relationship could get. I enjoyed the foreshadowing, sometimes accurately guessing what was about to happen and sometimes being completely surprised. It's a story of many twists, from betrayal to lies, discoveries to concealment – enjoyable for us, yet cruel to The Sea Sisters' characters.
The Sea Sisters is the first book I read this year while sitting in the sunshine. It's a book you just have to read outside; a contemporary novel set in exotic locations, exploring the complicated bond between sisters. I'd be surprised if it does not make you want to jump on a plane and go elsewhere – although preferably without the drama!
Thank you HarperCollins for providing this book for review!(less)
I will not be posting a full review, but I'd like to say that Paper Aeroplanes is one of the most wonderfully authentic YA contemporary novels I've re...moreI will not be posting a full review, but I'd like to say that Paper Aeroplanes is one of the most wonderfully authentic YA contemporary novels I've read.
Paper Aeroplanes made me think a lot about the differences between UK and USA young adult contemporary. I've found that UKYA is much more realistic and grittier (as, for example, in Before I Die. But maybe it's due to cultural differences and the fact that this is probably much nearer to my own experience – from ready meals to greasy chips – than a idealistic setting in an American high school. Either way, I applaud Dawn O'Porter for capturing the authenticity of teenage life! But I'm not wholly sure it's for me. I'm fairly new to young adult contemporary and I'm more drawn to either the 'really cute' or the 'really sad' and I'd label Paper Aeroplanes as 'really uncomfortably real'. I'm not sure I enjoy real; I wouldn't be a teenager again if you paid me.
Yet I'd suggest that dedicated readers of young adult contemporary fiction should definitely try to check this out because I imagine it's very different to what you've already read.(less)
I'm going to a Geek Girl party this weekend, in which I'll be surrounded by many of my fellow UK book blogging friends, participating in a 'geek quiz'...moreI'm going to a Geek Girl party this weekend, in which I'll be surrounded by many of my fellow UK book blogging friends, participating in a 'geek quiz', playing ping pong, and nibbling on snacks. As I don't particularly enjoy the slightly awkward feeling of attending a book event without having read the book (it feels a bit fraudulent), I decided to pick up Geek Girl. And I'm rather glad I did.
Geek Girl is a fun, quirky roller-coaster I didn't see coming. A super quick read, it's the story of 15-year-old Harriet Manners who goes from milquetoast to model in 60 seconds. You see, Harriet is a certified geek. She knows this because she looked it up in the Oxford English Dictionary sitting on her bedside table. Harriet has one friend (fashionista Nat) and one stalker (even geekier Toby), and everybody hates her. But I couldn't possibly understand why: Harriet's sparkling personality shines through from the very first page – I was hooked.
Geek Girl shows us, if we didn't already know, that people with intelligence and 'unironic enthusiasm' (see: John Green), unfortunately, especially when they are teenagers, can sometimes fall subject to bullying, as Harriet discovers when archnemesis Alexa Roberts cruelly humiliates her in class. But is heading off to Russia to pursue a career in modelling the answer to all of popularity-challenged Harriet's problems?
Aside from our protagonist, Geek Girl is full of wonderful and witty characters, a mix of the eccentric in Ugly Betty and smart and quick-witted in Gilmore Girls. From Annabell, Harriet's pinstripe suit-wearing stepmother and childish, overly enthusiastic father, to her wild fashion agent with a talent for turning any phrase into a charming nickname (How are you, sugar-kitten?). And yet is it uniquely British? Perhaps. I'd love to see whether the humour translates, because it's well worth experiencing. It's delightful and funny and silly, yet you'll learn some fantastic conversation-starters (or -stoppers, depending on who you're talking to) along the way. Did you know that bluebirds cannot see the colour blue?.
Geek Girl is extremely exaggerated, dramatic, and extreme (although not entirely unrealistic as it is partly based on the author's own childhood), but I wouldn't have had it any other way. It's home to a host of articulate, well-constructed characters and is sure to delight geeks and nerd(fighters) alike!
Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this book for review!(less)
I chose The Picture of Dorian Gray to be my first classic of the year because I had seen people talking about it online a lot last year – perhaps beca...moreI chose The Picture of Dorian Gray to be my first classic of the year because I had seen people talking about it online a lot last year – perhaps because of the 2009 adaptation, I cannot be sure – and it made me curious, although I didn't pay much attention to what they were saying. I prefer to begin a book knowing as little about it as possible. Unfortunately, this lead to an amusing assumption that it was a murder mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie. I began the novel and instantly adored its elegant writing and curious plot, but quickly realised it was not what I originally thought it was going to be. Instead, The Picture of Dorian Gray is an eerie Gothic horror story, set in 1890s London!
I also did not know what to expect from the writing, having never read any of Oscar Wilde's work previously, and so I was blown away. I've mentioned here before that I've recently begun to appreciate 'good writing', whatever than may mean, but I do not think I've enjoyed it so much before, and as much as the actual story. It's wonderful. I appreciated every sentence, every passage and highlighted it to death on my Kindle. I felt that the witty yet philosophical approach offered more insight into our three well-educated, upper class protagonists' thoughts – socialites Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton, and artist Basil Hallward – than it probably normally would have. Lord Henry has a particular talent for airing his sexist, classist opinions in a way that's strangely charming. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fascinating concoction of treachery and superficiality mixed with elegance, so the reader ends up enjoying hearing from these characters even thought they are immensely unlikeable.
'I never take any notice of what common people say, and I never interfere with what charming people do.' - Lord Henry
As for the story itself, it's quite simple in a way, as outlined at the beginning of this review, but it's also multi-layered with meaning. I did, however, make the mistake of not reading the book all at once. As it relies heavily on narrative and (sometimes internal) conversation, reading a couple of pages a day on the way to and from work meant that I ended up getting quite lost in the middle of the book. I was reading the eBook and so therefore couldn't flip back quickly to remind myself, although this just means I shall have to re-read it (and it gives me a good excuse to purchase the Penguin English Library edition) – no harm done! However, I loved it when I did manage to grasp what was going on and it all made sense in the end.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a haunting, Gothic novel that combines beautiful writing with a deceptively simple plot. It's a thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable cautionary tale encouraging us not to give too much purpose to art and warns us about the aesthetic ills that society can possess.
'The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.'
This book was read as part of my 2013 Classics Challenge, an attempt to read one classic book per month.(less)
Please note that this review is of volumes 2 & 3 and may contain spoilers, although I’m not sure what constitutes a spoiler having read very few g...morePlease note that this review is of volumes 2 & 3 and may contain spoilers, although I’m not sure what constitutes a spoiler having read very few graphic novels before!
I read Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life back in June and really enjoyed it (much to my surprise!) so when I came across the next few volumes in the library, I had to borrow them even though I really shouldn’t be adding more books to my to-read list. I read both books quickly and would have moved onto the rest if I had them!
It goes from bad to worse in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and the Infinite Sadness. Although Scott is (technically) dating the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, he still has to defeat her evil exes and, by the end of these volumes, there’s three down, four to go. Although I missed the bright, vivid colours of the new hardback editions, I still really enjoyed the story and the black and white artwork, although I’m happy to know that I’m not the only one who occasionally has a little trouble telling the difference between the characters. I have to say that Knives Chau is my favourite character. I think she’s brilliant – funny, quirky, completely mad and over-the-top. It’s always enjoyable when she enters the scene! I also wish that we saw more of Wallace, Scott Pilgrim’s roommate, but perhaps we will in the other volumes?
I normally do not enjoy a lot of action in my books – I like a good balance, and I think that’s what Scott Pilgrim has. I thought that a certain fight in a certain library was hilarious and epic, but I also liked that the fights do not make up the entire story, for example, we find out how Scott and Kim became friends. The fact that the characters have histories and personalities makes it much more enjoyable.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness are a fun continuation of the series and I’ll definitely be borrowing the rest of the series from the library as soon as I can! It has also made me want to check out more graphic novels, such as Lost at Sea and Blankets. Luckily, one of my local libraries has quite a large selection. Maybe I’m a convert?(less)
Jodi Picoult has a talent for talking about harrowing experiences – from child abuse to suicide pacts, murder to school shootings – and forcing the re...moreJodi Picoult has a talent for talking about harrowing experiences – from child abuse to suicide pacts, murder to school shootings – and forcing the reader into the minds of everybody involved. But how is it possible to do this with the Holocaust? As it turns out, very well indeed.
The Storyteller begins with Sage Singer, a young woman dealing – badly – with the loss of her mother in a car crash a few years prior. Sage attends a group created for people dealing with grief and it is there she meets Josef Weber, a quiet old man who, out of the blue, asks Sage to help him die. Why? Because, back in the 1940s, he worked in a concentration camp as a Nazi SS guard.
It is quite astonishing to me that the Holocaust was only 80 years ago; it's really not ancient history. In the last year I've read books that that were published a long time before, but still felt fresh to me. Jodi Picoult almost abandons her trademark style of writing in The Storyteller (you will not find a court case here!) and instead tells a story within a story within a story, which worked remarkably. We're introduced to characters – and their point of view – throughout the story. I became immersed, not confused, as each story progressed and as each piece of the puzzle (because there's always a puzzle!) came together. The Storyteller also respectfully addresses the complicated matter of forgiveness and who really benefits from it.
While reading The Storyteller, I did not discover anything about the Holocaust that I did not already know – it is not meant to serve as a history lesson – but it's the first time I've gotten close to thinking about what it would be like to experience Nazi cruelty first-hand. And it was the first time I thought about what Nazis themselves saw, felt and believed. It is brilliantly told and wonderfully wraps together, while still doing justice to its characters – and the real people who suffered. It's a revealing yet unforgiving story, moving between present life as Sage struggles with what Josef has asked her to do, and Minka's torturous story of life as a young Jewish girl under the Nazi regime.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for providing this book for review!(less)
I read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight early last year and was a little enamoured with it so when I saw This is What Happy Looks L...moreI read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight early last year and was a little enamoured with it so when I saw This is What Happy Looks Like, I added it to my Goodreads shelf before I even knew what it was about. I finally picked it up, spurred on by the lovely weather we had been having (because sunny weather is always the perfect time to read YA contemporary romance), and I was surprised, and a little apprehensive, to discover that one of the main characters – the male love interest no less – was a film star. I thought, 'This isn't how it is meant to go! He's meant to be an ordinary boy!'. But I need not have worried. Graham is very much a normal boy, who just happens to have an extraordinary career, loves sherbet ice cream and spending a whole day reading books.
But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. This is What Happy Looks Like begins when Graham Larkin, international film star, accidentally misses a character from the end of an email address, instead sending a message about Wilbur, his pet pig, to fellow teenager Ellie O'Neill across the other side of the country.
This is What Happy Looks Like is an adorable novel, but it also taps into the serious side of teenage life. Ellie and Graham's lives are not perfect: Ellie cannot afford the education she craves to receive, and the backstory of her elusive Dad will surprise you. Graham is extremely lonely, constantly hounded by paparazzi, and his own family do not know how to act around him any more... 'This is What Happy Looks Like' refers to more than the inevitable romance – to what both Ellie and Graham really want from the rest of their lives, whether together or apart. Yet their relationship is a joy to read about and it develops quickly, although not instantly. There is a mixture of wariness and curiosity, shyness and attraction. It started with honest and funny emails, which luckily we're subjected to throughout the book, but isn't quite so easy once they eventually meet.
This is What Happy Looks Like is a wonderful novel to begin your summer with. And not forgetting that it is set in Maine! Henley is painted as the sort of close-knit town that city people like myself love to imagine they grow up in, like Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow. Jennifer E. Smith's latest novel is a witty romance, told in third person narrative, that'll make you wonder, what does happiness look like?
Thank you Headline for providing this book to review!(less)
Set in 1884, during the forty-seventh year of Queen Victoria's reign, Constable & Toop is a marvellous Victorian ghost story told by a hoard of ex...moreSet in 1884, during the forty-seventh year of Queen Victoria's reign, Constable & Toop is a marvellous Victorian ghost story told by a hoard of extraordinary characters. I knew I was about to embark on something a little different as soon as I opened the book and was confronted with 'Praise', not from press or reviewers, but from famous ghosts: 'I wish I had written this story' says The Ghost of Charles Dickens.
Sam Toop is an undertaker's son and it's all he's ever known. He's used to death, but he cannot possibly get used to his unusual gift - he can see, hear, and talk to ghosts. They constantly plead to be heard and ask for help to accomplish things they can no longer do. On the other side: Lapsewood, a conscientious ghost whose work is unappreciated. Lapsewood is horrified to discover that haunted houses throughout London are losing their ghosts and that a mysterious Black Rot, undetected by humans, is trapping new ghosts and acting as a blockade. And don't mention the terrifying demon hound roaming London's streets.
Before I start to write a review, I sit down and list the main things I enjoyed about a book. But I'm struggling; I want to put everything down. Constable & Toop is full of wonderful, believable characters with colourful personalities. These characters – from Sam, our protagonist, to Clara, the journalist-in-practice daughter of wealthy Londoners – are a joy to read about. They're extremely witty, but the sort of skilful wit that I do not come across often, such as Marquis, who has a tendency to burst into inspirational speeches during inappropriate situations, and the Artful Dodger-esque Tanner who's determined to defy the Bureau. Every character has a fascinating history and although we do not read about them all in detail, each offers us a glimpse into how a character came to be, allowing us to appreciate the richness of the story.
Constable & Toop is a mystery set at a perfect pace, with excellent foreshadowing and impeccable characters. It's almost wasted on children (joking, joking!). Even if you do not usually read children's fiction, you need to pick this up. I sometimes read younger books and wonder if I'd have appreciated them more as a child, but Constable & Toop offers something for all ages. I'd have never understood the subtle references as a child. It tackles mourning, morality, and ethics, but it's not a lecture on good behaviour. It's one of those stories that once finished, you want to pick up and read all over again.
Thank you Hot Key Books for providing this book for review!(less)
Out of the Easy, by the author of one of my favourite books, Between Shades of Gray, was easily one of my most anticipated novels of this year. But i...moreOut of the Easy, by the author of one of my favourite books, Between Shades of Gray, was easily one of my most anticipated novels of this year. But it couldn't be more different from Between Shades of Gray, which just goes to show that Ruta Sepetys is an author to watch. Out of the Easy starts with: 'My mother's a prostitute. Not the filthy, streetwalking kind. She's actually quite pretty, fairly well spoken, and has lovely clothes. But she sleeps with men for money or gifts, and according to the dictionary, that makes her a prostitute.' – so not exactly a paragraph I see often in young adult literature. Out of the Easy, marvellously honest, does not shy away from the gritty New Orleans' French Quarter in the 1950s.
Josie Moraine is a seventeen-year-old part-time bookseller and cleaner at the local brothel, where her erratic mother works. Josie wants nothing more than to get out of New Orleans and attend the elite Smith College in far away Massachusetts, where nobody will know that she's the daughter of a prostitute. But on New Year's Eve, a wealthy visitor to New Orleans, who had entered her bookshop only the day before, is found dead. Josie's ambition takes a knock when she's determined to find out the truth: how did a well-educated, healthy man suddenly die?
New Orleans, as it turns out, is one of the most grandiose locations for stories. It's always a little bit more colourful, vivid, and rich than anywhere else, as in Cate Tiernan's Balefire trilogy. As Ruta Sepetys says, 'New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture, even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.' Yet Out of the Easy does not paint 1950s New Orleans as a perfectly quaint city; the French Quarter is dangerous to those who do not keep out of the way.
Out of the Easy is also a wonderful novel for book lovers. It has an excellent selection of bookish quotations that I'll be sharing on Tumblr, such as 'Shelves without books were lonely and just plain wrong'. Josie lives and works in a bookshop, a childish dream that a lot of us bookish folk had. Josie values literary knowledge, education, and literacy, and we see glimpses of how passionate she is about this throughout the book, as well as from some of the secondary characters.
Out of the Easy is a fantastic novel and one of the best books I have read this year. I'd have liked it to explore the secondary characters a little more, such as Jesse Thierry, the enigmatic young boy who refers to Josie as 'Motor City'; Patrick Marlow, Josie's longtime friend whose father owns the bookshop where they both work; and feisty businesswoman Willie (who, yes, is a little like Wilhelmina from Ugly Betty). Out of the Easy is certainly a different novel and it shows that young adult literature does not have to be 'light'. Read it and you'll be transported to a completely different time, where the uncomfortable is not held back.
Thank you Puffin for providing this book for review!(less)
I'm not too sure how it started, but my mother is on a North Korea kick at the moment, reading books such as Escape from Camp 14. She asked me to find...moreI'm not too sure how it started, but my mother is on a North Korea kick at the moment, reading books such as Escape from Camp 14. She asked me to find her a new one to read and after some research, I came across Nothing to Envy. After reading a few reviews saying that interviews were written as a narrative, and that it was a compelling account of 'what it means to be living under the most repressive totalitarian regime today—an Orwellian world that is by choice not connected to the Internet' and of one of the most reclusive societies in the world (citizens are rarely allowed out, and visitors, if allowed in, see the country only under a strict veneer), I had to read it.
The title is taken from a popular song taught to schoolchildren at an early age, and is familiar to them as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is to us:
Our father, we have nothing to envy in the world. / Our house is within the embrace of the Workers’ Party. / We are all brothers and sisters. / Even if a sea of fire comes toward us, sweet children do not need to be afraid. / Our father is here. / We have nothing to envy in this world.
Dystopian fiction is a favourite mine, so why should a book about North Korea shock me? I read about societies where severe social control is exerted, and lack of individual freedom is widespread, often. But honestly? I never really thought about this country, a country that fits into the definition of 'dystopian society' so well. And what is most shocking is that it isn't just 'history' – people are still murdered or sent to labour camps for attempting to leave the country, or for making a joke about the 'Eternal President', today.
Nothing to Envy follows the enthralling lives of six people who we know eventually defected from North Korea, such as Jun-sang, the son of a wealthy family destined to join the Worker's Party; his girlfriend Mi-ran, from a family ranked much lower in society meaning they must keep their relationship a secret; and Mrs Song, who always followed the teachings of Kim Il-sung so strictly, despite never having enough food to eat, and would never dare to step out of line. I was desperate to know what made these people leave the country they've always been told they're privileged to be born in, and how they escaped. I instead got much more out of the book than this. It is utterly compelling; a fascinating, incredible, brilliant read. I hated having to put it down.(less)
I came across What Katy Did while browsing bookshelves at The Works (and I also bought What Katy Did Next & What Katy Did at School and Little Wom...moreI came across What Katy Did while browsing bookshelves at The Works (and I also bought What Katy Did Next & What Katy Did at School and Little Women & Good Wives, all Wordsworth Classics editions). I knew nothing about What Katy Did, which seems to be a relatively unknown children's classic. I thought it would be similar to books such as Betsy-Tacy and Milly-Molly-Mandy but for a slightly older age group, which it is. At first.
Katy Carr is a spontaneous and playful 12-year-old who is the storytelling queen to her little brothers and sisters – Clover, Dorry, Joanna (also known as John or Johnnie), young Elsie, and baby Phil – because she is the oldest of the six. Mother Carr died when Katy was eight, leaving her in charge of her young siblings. But Katy is always getting into some sort of trouble, whether it's because she has been talking in class or because she has broken a new vase given to her as a gift. She tears her clothes because she's always rushing to be somewhere else, somewhere more fun. Katy is not inconsiderate or malicious, just a little careless! She's a young girl who is full of ambition yet often makes mistakes – although is always a little cheeky about it. I thought Katy was a feisty, stand-out character whose personality really shone through, and I thought the fun childish antics would continue throughout the story, such as playing Kikeri – a game similar to hide and seek – in the dark even though her family has banned the game.
When Katy is involved in an accident, the novel (unexpectedly!) gets a little darker. Katy is left dejected and feeling helpless until cousin Helen, who is unable to walk, pays a visit and offers Katy hope and some much needed advice. And yes, it may be old-fashioned and out-dated advice, but then again the novel is 141 years old! I admired the positive outlook of this unexpected (because I failed to read the synopsis first!) twist. And although I do not feel the accident would have the same impact today, meaning that it's actually even sadder in hindsight, its upbeat attitude meant that I still became wrapped up in Katy's world.
What Katy Did is a delightful children's classic that manages to be charming yet poignant in an unexpected way. I did not expect it to be so moving and the ending wraps up nicely, leading, I imagine, straight onto the next book: What Katy Did Next. If you're looking to branch out into children's fiction and for something a little more unknown, but still worth the read, it's the perfect book. It's full of everything I enjoy about old children's books with but a serious side too. (less)
I am a Lauren Oliver super fan. Delirium and Before I Fall are two of my favourite young adult novels, and Liesl & Po was one of the first childre...moreI am a Lauren Oliver super fan. Delirium and Before I Fall are two of my favourite young adult novels, and Liesl & Po was one of the first children's novels I read as a book blogger. I adored them all - they were like nothing I had read before. Lauren Oliver has a genuine talent for writing beautifully and poetically. I reread her enchanting passages just to experience them again. I stop reading just to share a quote or make a note of it. It's always vivid, colourful, and empathic. It makes you feel something and stays with you long after you've closed the book. The Spindlers is no different.
Although on one hand The Spindlers is a fun (and creepy!) fantasy adventure, it's also about Liza – our protagonist – and her unconditional love for Patrick, her younger brother, that makes her risk her life and strive to save him even though they fight, argue, and irritate each other constantly. Liza's already feeling alone: her parents seem distracted and ignore her, and her favourite babysitter and close friend has left for college. The sudden loss of Patrick – even though he's been replaced by a loathsome doppelgänger – is enough to motivate her to enter the dangerous lair of the Spindlers - Below. They have taken Patrick's soul to feed on. Can Liza bring him back?
The Spindlers struck me as being a perfect story for those who enjoyed Neil Gaiman's Coraline - Liza enters Below through a concealed hole in the wall and discovers a hidden world full of very strange things - rats that dress up in stolen clothing, deadly forests, and little seeds of hope. Everything is described so colourfully, yet is never without a sinister edge. Its dark and spooky atmosphere carries through right until the very end.
The Spindles is an immensely magical novel with love and hope at its heart, the story of an intelligent young heroine, yet it's not all bunnies and rainbows - how about Troglods and Scwags instead?
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for providing this book for review!(less)
I hadn’t heard of The Probability of Miracles until I was sent it to review. I'm not sure how it slipped my YA contemporary radar (perhaps because I r...moreI hadn’t heard of The Probability of Miracles until I was sent it to review. I'm not sure how it slipped my YA contemporary radar (perhaps because I really do not like the US hardback cover, which looks very 80s and not in a good way), but it was just what I was looking for.
I was a little hesitant to begin with because I wondered whether it was going to be a-lesson-in-religion due to its title and because the UK cover reminds me of the In-Between in the movie adaptation of The Lovely Bones. Yet the cover is not heaven, but a concoction of symbols that represent what is so remarkable about Promise, Maine, USA. But I’m getting ahead of myself here.
Seventeen-year-old Campbell has had cancer since she was twelve. Her mother Alicia and younger sister Perry surprise her with a trip to Maine – to a town named Promise, because it is supposedly where miracles happen and is sure to be the key to her cure – Campbell has tried everything else. She’s dying, and she’s accepted it, but her family hasn't. So they leave the fantasy Disney world of Orlando, Florida, where they reside, and head to the east coast to spend the summer by the sea.
The Probability of Miracles is wacky, whimsical, sometimes ridiculous, and always completely eccentric, but never in a way that is ever silly or irritating. It encompasses all of my latest favourite things: young adult contemporary with a splash of romance, road trips, and Maine (if you know me well, you'll know I've been slightly obsessed with Maine ever since I watched the video for Mine by Taylor Swift two summers ago). Although it takes a less conservative and idealistic view of the state, it still sounds pretty damn awesome to me. Its relaxed nature is contrasted with Campbell's hectic home: Disneyland Florida, where she lives among entertainers and is an expert hula dancer.
The Probability of Miracles really is a wonderful novel, full of self-discovery, belief in science and pushing on even though life is unbearably difficult and you end up having a seizure in a supermarket car park. Campbell keeps a Flamingo List (i.e. a bucket list but less senior) with her best friend Lily, which includes 'dabble in some innocent stalking behaviour' and 'experiment with petty shoplifting' in an attempt to be a 'typical teenager' while she still can. Campbell remains strong throughout the novel; she takes chances and experiences new things even though she'd rather be tucked up in bed with Disturbing Behavior or The Sound of Music. Campbell's an interesting protagonist, and I really do mean that. I never, ever got bored of her story.
Although there is a love-interest – Asher, a local boy who has a devastating story of his own – and an awkwardly-developing-but-seriously-adorable romance, this was never the main point of the story for me. I'm still thinking about it after finishing, about the little things that stood out to me and the sentences I read again because they were so hilarious. The Probability of Miracles is an extraordinary, captivating book and one I feel deserves more attention along the lines of Before I Die, The Sky is Everywhere and If I Stay. Do not let the 'fish raining from the sky' or 'purple dandelions' deter you from reading this story, it's all part of its irrevocable charm.
Thank you Razorbill for providing this book for review!(less)
Please note that this review is of volumes 2 & 3 and may contain spoilers, although I’m not sure what constitutes a spoiler having read very few g...morePlease note that this review is of volumes 2 & 3 and may contain spoilers, although I’m not sure what constitutes a spoiler having read very few graphic novels before!
I read Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life back in June and really enjoyed it (much to my surprise!) so when I came across the next few volumes in the library, I had to borrow them even though I really shouldn’t be adding more books to my to-read list. I read both books quickly and would have moved onto the rest if I had them!
It goes from bad to worse in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and the Infinite Sadness. Although Scott is (technically) dating the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, he still has to defeat her evil exes and, by the end of these volumes, there’s three down, four to go. Although I missed the bright, vivid colours of the new hardback editions, I still really enjoyed the story and the black and white artwork, although I’m happy to know that I’m not the only one who occasionally has a little trouble telling the difference between the characters. I have to say that Knives Chau is my favourite character. I think she’s brilliant – funny, quirky, completely mad and over-the-top. It’s always enjoyable when she enters the scene! I also wish that we saw more of Wallace, Scott Pilgrim’s roommate, but perhaps we will in the other volumes?
I normally do not enjoy a lot of action in my books – I like a good balance, and I think that’s what Scott Pilgrim has. I thought that a certain fight in a certain library was hilarious and epic, but I also liked that the fights do not make up the entire story, for example, we find out how Scott and Kim became friends. The fact that the characters have histories and personalities makes it much more enjoyable.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness are a fun continuation of the series and I’ll definitely be borrowing the rest of the series from the library as soon as I can! It has also made me want to check out more graphic novels, such as Lost at Sea and Blankets. Luckily, one of my local libraries has quite a large selection. Maybe I’m a convert?(less)
A World Between Us is an epic romance and historical adventure set during the Spanish Civil War, a period of history I am ashamed to say I knew almost...moreA World Between Us is an epic romance and historical adventure set during the Spanish Civil War, a period of history I am ashamed to say I knew almost nothing about. It was something I certainly hadn't come across before in young adult fiction. I am all for fiction that provide us with an educational experience as well as tell us a compelling story. I think it's essential in books if 'the whole world's inside them' (Cornelia Funke, Inkheart); not talking about history does not mean that it didn't happen.
A World Between Us takes place between October 1936 and April 1939. Felicity, or Felix, as she likes to be known, is training as a nurse, unaware of what impact Fascism will have upon the world, until she meets a young rebel called Nat in the East End of London. Felix is captivated by Nat's relentless passion for justice. During a trip to France with her brother Neville and admirer George, in a fit of unusual spontaneity, she follows Nat to Spain, where she begins her new life surrounded by chaos and war.
Felix is a complicated character. I was frequently frustrated by her inability to make decisions - her inability to choose between the familiar long-time family friend and the mysterious boy who changed her world view. Even at the end (don't worry, I won't ruin it for you!), I'm not entirely sure she fully knows what she wants. Yet I couldn't help but find her to be a convictive character. Felix did something that most of us wouldn't have done - leave her relatively safe, sheltered existence to work in a battlefield, constantly at risk and saving lives. But she's often naive and lacks curiosity, struggling to see the bigger picture, even though her defiance against the Fascists and determination to save complete strangers is unwaning. Throughout the novel, we feel Felix's inner turmoil as she switches between both stances, and it certainly is an eventful journey.
A World Between Us is full of passion and fight - shattering, heartbreaking, and immensely enjoyable. A compelling love story, but one that never takes priority over showing the realities of civil war - the tragic violence and what it's like living in the unknown, showing how life can change in an instant. It's a wonderful addition to the historical fiction genre, a brave tale of triumph over adversity, but never making it look easy, that I hope more writers will tackle.
Imagine living in an alternative universe, but one eerily similar to Nazi Germany. Is this historical fantasy? Historical science fiction? It's like n...moreImagine living in an alternative universe, but one eerily similar to Nazi Germany. Is this historical fantasy? Historical science fiction? It's like nothing I've read before, but that's the thrill of it. Standish Treadwell and his grandfather – Gramps – live in Zone Seven, where outcasts and political anarchists are sent. They have nothing except some scraps of food to get them through the winter and contraband television. We all know about Nazi Germany. But do the citizens in Maggot Moon fare the same?
Maggot Moon is an example of compelling, inventive and truly great storytelling. Although some chapters are only a mere half a page, by the end of the book you've become immersed in Standish's world, and genuinely understand what he has gone through. And what he goes through is horrific. It's a book you'll finish the same day you pick it up. There is no need for overly long and detailed descriptions – Standish lives in a brutal, harsh place where people are blinded by propaganda. There's no time for lyrics and poetry.
You see, Standish also has dyslexia, meaning that people underestimate him. (It also doesn't help that he has one brown eye and one blue eye!). He's intelligent yet perceived to have the mind of a young child, so he's constantly running from bullies – students and teachers alike. And then there's the soldiers – Greenflies – who are the eyes and ears of those at the top of the social ladder, making sure that everybody sticks to the rules. It's set in bleak 1956 where the Motherland want to demonstrate ultimate supremacy and be the first nation to land on the moon. But Standish and Gramps have an inkling that something is not quite right, and are determined to reveal the truth.
Narrated by a unique voice and with a host of characters you cannot help but fight for, the brilliantly haunting and highly compelling Maggot Moon, winner of the 2012 Costa Children's Book Award, is definitely one you won't want to miss!
Thank you Hot Key Books for providing this book for review!(less)
Insignia is one of the most science fiction(y) novels I have ever read. It's a high concept story, action packed, and full of intergalactic fighting w...moreInsignia is one of the most science fiction(y) novels I have ever read. It's a high concept story, action packed, and full of intergalactic fighting with robots, sending fellow classmates viruses (because they have computers installed in their brains, of course), and spending time in playing virtual reality video games that feel incredibly real...
I was so impressed with how detailed, imaginative, and intricate Insignia was. Not just the world-building (which, depending on what mood I'm in, can be hugely important to me), but also each individual character. S.J. Kincaid could've played it safe. Some YA authors (although it is not limited to YA) feel that because they are writing for children and teenagers, they do not have to be as detailed and technical, do as much research, or use much science (at least, make it sound like 'real' science), because children won't care or be interested in it anyway - something I feel very strongly against and believe underestimates young people. I do not feel Insignia does this at all but rather flatters its audience. Sometimes the concepts, information, and jargon could be a lot to take in at once, but the result was that it ended up being an extremely rewarding experience.
I was also very surprised that Insignia was as character-driven as it was plot-driven. I found myself equally as interested in what was going to happen to certain characters (in particular Tom, our protagonist, and Wyatt, a highly talented fellow student with a knack for advanced programming) as I was finding out what was really going on with World War III and the Spire. It is full of incredibly talented, intelligent, witty, and dedicated teenagers. There were some pop culture references that made me feel like I was reading about real teenagers that were just in an unusual situation, and little moments that made me smile, that really captured what it feels like to having fun banter with some close friends.
Although Insignia is part of a trilogy, I feel that it's important to mention that the ending will not leave you frustrated. It can easily be read as a standalone novel and does not end on a cliffhanger, which goes to show that a book does not need an open ending to draw readers back. It is going to make a fantastic movie - the rights have already been optioned - and I have absolutely no idea where the second and third books will take us.
Insignia takes 'boarding school story' to another level; a highlight of its genre. The highly technical World War III set in space, and the remarkable band of young teenagers put at the forefront of the battle, will blow your socks off!
Thank you Hot Key Books for providing this book for review!(less)
Annnnd we're back! Sydney Sage, rule-abiding Alchemist and not-so-secret friend of the Moroi, is once again thrown into the deep end. Sydney finally t...moreAnnnnd we're back! Sydney Sage, rule-abiding Alchemist and not-so-secret friend of the Moroi, is once again thrown into the deep end. Sydney finally tracks down Marcus Finch in an attempt to know whether an Alchemist's life is really her only choice, and is simultaneously under threat from a powerful woman responsible for murdering young witches by stealing their youth. And then there's Adrian Ivashkov.
Bloodlines is just an incredibly fun, addictive and entertaining series, and I was very much looking forward to the third book, The Indigo Spell. We are now halfway through Bloodlines and it's starting to heat up. I mentioned in my review of the last book, The Golden Lily, that I was surprised to find that the series was less paranormal, and more contemporary romance, and that is still, much to my delight, the case. Among the Strigoi, Moroi, dabbling in magic, and a slight amusing Game of Thrones twist, it is really just about a bunch of teenagers attending boarding school, trying not to get into trouble and surviving the drama that is teenager romance. And, at last, Sydney is not exempt from this ordeal.
Sydney Sage is a wonderful character to watch grow. As I have said before, I have absolutely no issue with her being a 'perfect' and near Mary Sue-type character. I do not believe that living recklessly is the only way somebody can be interesting and funny and intelligent – Sydney is all of those! But I did rather enjoy watching Sydney and Adrian get into a few scrapes in this novel, while trying to solve the mystery that is Marcus Finch and the indigo spell, and following up on the tasks that Ms. Terwilliger laid out for them both. I enjoyed the amusing banter between them both, including the constant teasing and compliments given by Adrian. I was never a massive supporter of Adrian in Vampire Academy, although I did like him, but I've begun to appreciate him more and more. He may go a little too far sometimes, but his wit more than makes up for it.
The Fiery Heart, the fourth book in the series, is published November 2013 – I'm glad we do not have to wait too long to find out what happens next (especially after that dramatic ending where everything is thrown into disarray just as Sydney decides she knows what she wants! You are so cruel, Richelle Mead). If you are looking for a series that will enable you to escape, Bloodlines might just be the right choice.
“Adrian shook his head, still smiling. "I've said over and over, I'd do anything for you. I just keep hoping it'll be something like, 'Adrian, let's go hot tubbing' or 'Adrian, take me out for fondue.'" "Well, sometimes we have to--did you say fondue?" Sometimes it was impossible to follow Adrian's train of thought. "Why in the world would I ever say that?" He shrugged. "I like fondue.”
Thank you Penguin Books for providing this book to review!(less)
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