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The Spinster Club #3.5
...And a Happy New Year?
Evie, Amber and Lottie are having a new year party to remember.
For the first time since leaving college, all three girls are back together. It's time for fun and flirting, snogs and shots.
(And not tears or tantrums or terrible secrets)
Because everything's going great for these girls - Spinster Club for ever! Right?
For the first time since leaving college, all three girls are back together. It's time for fun and flirting, snogs and shots.
(And not tears or tantrums or terrible secrets)
Because everything's going great for these girls - Spinster Club for ever! Right?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
About the author
Holly Bourne
26 books5,435 followersHolly started her writing career as a news journalist, where she was nominated for Best Print Journalist of the Year. She then spent six years working as an editor, a relationship advisor, and general ‘agony aunt’ for a youth charity – helping young people with their relationships and mental health.
Inspired by what she saw, she started writing teen fiction, including the best-selling, award-winning ‘Spinster Club’ series which helps educate teenagers about feminism. When she turned thirty, Holly wrote her first adult novel, 'How Do You Like Me Now?', examining the intensified pressures on women once they hit that landmark.
Alongside her writing, Holly has a keen interest in women’s rights and is an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health problems. She’s helped create online apps that teach young people about sexual consent, works with Women’s Aid to spread awareness of abusive relationships, and runs Rethink’s mental health book club.
Inspired by what she saw, she started writing teen fiction, including the best-selling, award-winning ‘Spinster Club’ series which helps educate teenagers about feminism. When she turned thirty, Holly wrote her first adult novel, 'How Do You Like Me Now?', examining the intensified pressures on women once they hit that landmark.
Alongside her writing, Holly has a keen interest in women’s rights and is an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health problems. She’s helped create online apps that teach young people about sexual consent, works with Women’s Aid to spread awareness of abusive relationships, and runs Rethink’s mental health book club.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
July 3, 2019
1.) Am I Normal Yet ★★★★★
2.) How Hard Can Love Be? ★★★★★
3.) What's A Girl Gotta Do? ★★★★★
*.) ...And A Happy New Year? ★★★★.5
--------------------------------------------------
*CRYING BECAUSE I LOVE THESE GIRLS SO MUCH AND IT'S ALL COME TO AN END AFTER SUCH AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY*
2.) How Hard Can Love Be? ★★★★★
3.) What's A Girl Gotta Do? ★★★★★
*.) ...And A Happy New Year? ★★★★.5
--------------------------------------------------
*CRYING BECAUSE I LOVE THESE GIRLS SO MUCH AND IT'S ALL COME TO AN END AFTER SUCH AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY*
October 25, 2016
“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
----Elbert Hubbard
Holly Bourne, an English bestselling author, pens yet another exciting, soul-touching and enlightening contemporary tale, ...And a Happy New Year? which is the final book from Bourne's bestselling young adult series, The Spinster Club. Lottie, Evie and Amber is back again after leaving for their respective colleges for Amber's house New Year's Party. This novella is a complete joy ride filled with laughter, good humor, tender love and also with few secrets and heartbreaks. And this book is the best way to say goodbye to our favorite teenage characters who rocked the whole series for the past two years with their journeys and adventures in a grown up world.
Synopsis:
Evie, Amber and Lottie are having a new year party to remember.
For the first time since leaving college, all three girls are back together. It's time for fun and flirting, snogs and shots.
(And not tears or tantrums or terrible secrets)
Because everything's going great for these girls - Spinster Club for ever! Right?
Amber has planned to throw a New Year's party at her house as her father and her siblings are away. So Amber has invited all of her friends, including her two bffs, Evie and Lottie, while the later is enjoying supposedly enjoying her life in the big city of her dreams in London. But Amber is hiding away a big secret from her best friends, although her boyfriend has insisted her on telling the truth to Evie and Lottie, Amber fears that it might ruin their friendship. Lottie is all set to go back to her hometown, especially she is all excited to see her long-distance relationship boyfriend on New Year's eve, also not to mention she would get to see her two lovely best friends. But Lottie too is holding back the truth about her life in London and in college, and also about her ignorant boyfriend, and she is sure that her friends do not need to know the truth about her not-so-happening life in London. Evie is the only one who isn't too excited to leave her mentally sick boyfriend to attend a party to meet her bffs, but the problem is her friends do not know the truth about her mentally sick boyfriend. And spilling the truth might make her friends judge about the relationship and Evie is not yet ready to hear the truth. So what happens when these three girls meet after such a long time with so many secrets? Does it really leave the question mark after wishing "Happy New Year" to one another.
This is the final book from the series and the fans of the series gets to say a proper goodbye to their favorite characters, Amber, Evie and Lottie who made this whole series an exciting whirlwind adventure through friendship, feminism and love. This book is bound to leave a sweet lasting impression in the minds and hearts of the loyal and devoted fans. This book is exclusive for the Spinster Club girls and readers who have been following the journey for the past two years, so if any one plans to read this novella, then they must grab the previous three books to get an insight on the character's development through the three stories of their lives.
The author's writing style is fabulous, really crisp and intense that will easily make the readers feel the emotions and the tension of the real-life social drama, eventually that will keep the readers hooked into the story till the very end. The narrative is absolutely free-flowing and is laced with hilarious yet sarcastic dialogues and often with evocative ones that will make the readers contemplate with the voices of the each and every characters. The pacing is really fast, as the story moves swiftly through the point of views of Lottie, Evie and Amber respectively.
The characters from this novella are well developed and are laced with enough realism to make them look believable in the eyes of the readers. The main characters, Amber, Evie and Lottie, has grown up a lot in this novella through ups and downs and challenges from the previous three novels and in this novella, their maturity reflected through their demeanor. The characters have evolved so despite of their indifferences they have learnt to comprehend with the negative situations and that will make the readers respect them a lot. Even the supporting characters are extremely charming and pleasing to read about their trauma and indifferences.
The author has addressed the problem of mental health quite sensitively through lots of understanding and compassion that will make the readers contemplate the real pain of mental illness from their hearts. Feminism plays a background role in this novella but the center stage is taken by the importance and value of true bond of friendship, that is depicted with not only realism but also with lots of emotions.
In a nutshell, for me, I would like to revisit this whirlwind and compelling journey of Amber, Evie and Lottie more than once, as it is hard to let them go, and it is a must read for the fans of The Spinster Club series. So its a wrap for Amber, Evie and Lottie, but they will stay forever in the hearts of their fans.
Verdict: A highly absorbing, sensitive and soul touching novella.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publisher from Usborne Publishing for giving me an opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
----Elbert Hubbard
Holly Bourne, an English bestselling author, pens yet another exciting, soul-touching and enlightening contemporary tale, ...And a Happy New Year? which is the final book from Bourne's bestselling young adult series, The Spinster Club. Lottie, Evie and Amber is back again after leaving for their respective colleges for Amber's house New Year's Party. This novella is a complete joy ride filled with laughter, good humor, tender love and also with few secrets and heartbreaks. And this book is the best way to say goodbye to our favorite teenage characters who rocked the whole series for the past two years with their journeys and adventures in a grown up world.
Synopsis:
Evie, Amber and Lottie are having a new year party to remember.
For the first time since leaving college, all three girls are back together. It's time for fun and flirting, snogs and shots.
(And not tears or tantrums or terrible secrets)
Because everything's going great for these girls - Spinster Club for ever! Right?
Amber has planned to throw a New Year's party at her house as her father and her siblings are away. So Amber has invited all of her friends, including her two bffs, Evie and Lottie, while the later is enjoying supposedly enjoying her life in the big city of her dreams in London. But Amber is hiding away a big secret from her best friends, although her boyfriend has insisted her on telling the truth to Evie and Lottie, Amber fears that it might ruin their friendship. Lottie is all set to go back to her hometown, especially she is all excited to see her long-distance relationship boyfriend on New Year's eve, also not to mention she would get to see her two lovely best friends. But Lottie too is holding back the truth about her life in London and in college, and also about her ignorant boyfriend, and she is sure that her friends do not need to know the truth about her not-so-happening life in London. Evie is the only one who isn't too excited to leave her mentally sick boyfriend to attend a party to meet her bffs, but the problem is her friends do not know the truth about her mentally sick boyfriend. And spilling the truth might make her friends judge about the relationship and Evie is not yet ready to hear the truth. So what happens when these three girls meet after such a long time with so many secrets? Does it really leave the question mark after wishing "Happy New Year" to one another.
This is the final book from the series and the fans of the series gets to say a proper goodbye to their favorite characters, Amber, Evie and Lottie who made this whole series an exciting whirlwind adventure through friendship, feminism and love. This book is bound to leave a sweet lasting impression in the minds and hearts of the loyal and devoted fans. This book is exclusive for the Spinster Club girls and readers who have been following the journey for the past two years, so if any one plans to read this novella, then they must grab the previous three books to get an insight on the character's development through the three stories of their lives.
The author's writing style is fabulous, really crisp and intense that will easily make the readers feel the emotions and the tension of the real-life social drama, eventually that will keep the readers hooked into the story till the very end. The narrative is absolutely free-flowing and is laced with hilarious yet sarcastic dialogues and often with evocative ones that will make the readers contemplate with the voices of the each and every characters. The pacing is really fast, as the story moves swiftly through the point of views of Lottie, Evie and Amber respectively.
The characters from this novella are well developed and are laced with enough realism to make them look believable in the eyes of the readers. The main characters, Amber, Evie and Lottie, has grown up a lot in this novella through ups and downs and challenges from the previous three novels and in this novella, their maturity reflected through their demeanor. The characters have evolved so despite of their indifferences they have learnt to comprehend with the negative situations and that will make the readers respect them a lot. Even the supporting characters are extremely charming and pleasing to read about their trauma and indifferences.
The author has addressed the problem of mental health quite sensitively through lots of understanding and compassion that will make the readers contemplate the real pain of mental illness from their hearts. Feminism plays a background role in this novella but the center stage is taken by the importance and value of true bond of friendship, that is depicted with not only realism but also with lots of emotions.
In a nutshell, for me, I would like to revisit this whirlwind and compelling journey of Amber, Evie and Lottie more than once, as it is hard to let them go, and it is a must read for the fans of The Spinster Club series. So its a wrap for Amber, Evie and Lottie, but they will stay forever in the hearts of their fans.
Verdict: A highly absorbing, sensitive and soul touching novella.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publisher from Usborne Publishing for giving me an opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
July 7, 2021
I am sad, but c’est la vie. Messy and realistic 😕
December 2, 2018
2.5 stars
This book felt a little bit odd to me, it felt like I was reading about other characters and I didn't really recognize my favourite girls from the Spinster Club. The ending was the only part in true Spinster Club style and I was so happy to read that everything was going to be okay. Even though I didn’t feel the need for this short story I’m happy to have read it and to now know what the girls are up to.
This book felt a little bit odd to me, it felt like I was reading about other characters and I didn't really recognize my favourite girls from the Spinster Club. The ending was the only part in true Spinster Club style and I was so happy to read that everything was going to be okay. Even though I didn’t feel the need for this short story I’m happy to have read it and to now know what the girls are up to.
March 6, 2022
I have really enjoyed Holly Bourne's Spinster Club feminist series about three English friends.
The first three books focussed on each of our Spinsters, Evie, Amber and Lottie who are friends in college in their home town around an hour outside of London. Each have their issues and crosses to bear, but their 'Club' helps them get through all their difficult times, mostly. And here they are three months after heading off to University or wherever, but they are no longer close, either physically or as friends. This novella is a fine conclusion to their story, it's not all happy ever after for any of them, and on New Years Eve, it all seems to be falling apart.
I have loved the issues raised throughout, Ms Bourne is excellent in bringing things up in interesting and often humorous ways. Good stuff, so sorry to leave the young women, I'll miss all three of them.
The first three books focussed on each of our Spinsters, Evie, Amber and Lottie who are friends in college in their home town around an hour outside of London. Each have their issues and crosses to bear, but their 'Club' helps them get through all their difficult times, mostly. And here they are three months after heading off to University or wherever, but they are no longer close, either physically or as friends. This novella is a fine conclusion to their story, it's not all happy ever after for any of them, and on New Years Eve, it all seems to be falling apart.
I have loved the issues raised throughout, Ms Bourne is excellent in bringing things up in interesting and often humorous ways. Good stuff, so sorry to leave the young women, I'll miss all three of them.
November 3, 2016
[4.5] I WANT MORE. I NEED MORE. WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO END?! :-(
If you're looking for a book that portrays female friendships in the most honest and real way, the Spinster Club books are the one.
If you're looking for a book that portrays female friendships in the most honest and real way, the Spinster Club books are the one.
December 20, 2017
Buddy read with Emer.
This isn't my first rodeo with a Holly Bourne book, and I've previously expressed with the likes of Am I Normal Yet?, What's a Girl Gotta Do? and It Only Happens in the Movies how much I love Holly Bourne's stance on feminism, friendship and mental health. However, after having read so many of her novels (including this, and her adult debut How Do You Like Me Now?) you begin to pick up on things: on flaws, repetition.
And all these flaws and repeated plot lines / character qualities are all present in ...And a Happy New Year?.
I don't know whether it's me just getting fed up with seeing the same things in all of Bourne's books (one dimensional or shitty ass male characters, crappy parents, etc) but this seemed to have lost it's spark. What I was hoping for was these girls, who have lost each other, to come back together on New Years and discuss their futures MATURELY and to know that just because you might not talk / see each other everyday doesn't diminish your friendship. Instead all I got was tears, more tears, tears, more tears, screaming, shouting, pointless POV chapters, stupid side plots that weren't properly fleshed out (three/four different side plots wrapped up insufficiently) and then a somewhat resolution at the end where the girls ended up on the same bench that they started at . . . yet, despite everything, I didn't really feel like the characters had changed.
This just relies too much on the other books to give it heart, and for me at least, that failed.
____
Oh how I do want to see how Lottie's interview with Cambridge turned out...
This isn't my first rodeo with a Holly Bourne book, and I've previously expressed with the likes of Am I Normal Yet?, What's a Girl Gotta Do? and It Only Happens in the Movies how much I love Holly Bourne's stance on feminism, friendship and mental health. However, after having read so many of her novels (including this, and her adult debut How Do You Like Me Now?) you begin to pick up on things: on flaws, repetition.
And all these flaws and repeated plot lines / character qualities are all present in ...And a Happy New Year?.
I don't know whether it's me just getting fed up with seeing the same things in all of Bourne's books (one dimensional or shitty ass male characters, crappy parents, etc) but this seemed to have lost it's spark. What I was hoping for was these girls, who have lost each other, to come back together on New Years and discuss their futures MATURELY and to know that just because you might not talk / see each other everyday doesn't diminish your friendship. Instead all I got was tears, more tears, tears, more tears, screaming, shouting, pointless POV chapters, stupid side plots that weren't properly fleshed out (three/four different side plots wrapped up insufficiently) and then a somewhat resolution at the end where the girls ended up on the same bench that they started at . . . yet, despite everything, I didn't really feel like the characters had changed.
This just relies too much on the other books to give it heart, and for me at least, that failed.
____
Oh how I do want to see how Lottie's interview with Cambridge turned out...
August 19, 2020
I LOVED the previous books in this series but this lacked for me. I felt a lot of it was pointless drama and characters getting drunk and talking about sex. It just didn't own up to the rest of the series in my opinion. The POV switches were also not my favorite, Evie was my favorite character so changing POVs bothered me. The portrayal of friendship I really enjoyed. Just to show that friends do split apart and that growing apart is sad- it will be alright. That you may reconnect in the future, etc. I still loved the writing style, most of the characters and it was fast and engaging.
January 16, 2017
Originally posted on A Frolic Through Fiction
RATED 4.5/5 STARS
WHYYYYYYY?!?
Curse and bless you, Holly Bourne, for bringing this series into existence. Though let’s lean much more towards the “blessing” side of that, because c’mon. This series is everything.
Within 200 pages this book broke me. It made me swell with happiness, and yet cry six times. It infuriated me. It made me want to hug Evie so hard and become best friends with her (I have a particular soft spot for her. Part of the Evie Defense Squad since Jan 2016).
I really loved this novella. I had so many questions about what came after the Spinster Club trilogy, and having this book settled things for me. Though not necessarily what I was hoping for in terms of plot, it’s certainly realistic, and honestly I think that’s more important than anything.
This book represents so much. Friendship. University experiences. Feminism. Mental Health. Relationships. Being passionate about the things you love. And with so many, if not ALL of those topics resonating with me, I can’t help but hold this book on a pedestal and proclaim to the world that they should read it.
And still, it’s quite an open book. I can still imagine them going off and taking the world by storm, no matter what comes their way. And I can imagine myself right along with them, not allowing myself to be talked down, aiming for what I want, friends close by and wotsits in hand.
This book means so much to me. This entire series means so much to me. My favourite contemporary series of all time, thinking of the trio of friends makes my heart swell, and the story itself brings me so much motivation. I’m so glad I randomly picked the first book up, all those many months ago.
Note: Trigger warnings for OCD and Anxiety
February 12, 2020
5 stars for the nostalgia, because I bloody loved everything about this book! I'm also constantly on a Christmas mood, which is why I picked this up in the first place, and that never happens to me!
I adore Evie, Amber and Lottie and revisiting their characters was exactly what I needed. I am so grateful the author did not attempt to sugarcoat their lives, friendship and romantic relationships and rather gave us characters we already cherish, but are flawed. I mean, the girls were a mess! But then again, who isn't?
What mostly resonated with me: The consequent of adulting, how friendships are affected, how one has to find a balance between the life they want to pursue and the life they already have. Trying to get the best of both worlds will not work forever, so make a life with all of what you want, love and need.
I adore Evie, Amber and Lottie and revisiting their characters was exactly what I needed. I am so grateful the author did not attempt to sugarcoat their lives, friendship and romantic relationships and rather gave us characters we already cherish, but are flawed. I mean, the girls were a mess! But then again, who isn't?
What mostly resonated with me: The consequent of adulting, how friendships are affected, how one has to find a balance between the life they want to pursue and the life they already have. Trying to get the best of both worlds will not work forever, so make a life with all of what you want, love and need.
August 3, 2020
Why am I crying???😭
January 19, 2019
Suurimman osan kirjasta mietin, että miks ihmeessä tää kirja on pitänyt edes kirjoittaa? Tuntui turhalta. Mutta sitten koitti loppu ja tunsin taas ihan kamalaa haikeutta näitä hahmoja kohtaan. En saa lukea heistä enää mitään uutta. Miten selviän😭 Onneksi kirjat ovat kuitenkin omassa hyllyssäni, niin voi palata tyttöjen seuraan aina kun siltä tuntuu.
January 1, 2017
So this was the first book I read in 2017! I stayed up till midnight to read this because I thought it would be fun to ring in the new year in my world at the same time as the girls in here rung in there new year. After the amazingness that the other three books held I was sooooo excited to read this installment. I thought I'd love it, that it would make me happy, and it would be the perfect end and finish to what is (was now?) one of my favourite series of all time. WELL HAHAHAHA GUESS HOW WRONG I WAS YOU GUYS. Here's just a few quick list thoughts on how I felt about it:
- First reaction upon finishing the book was: W.T.F. BECAUSE WTF WAS GOING ON HERE.
- I know this is technically only a novella but it's 224 pages long!! 224 PAGES LONG IS AN AVERAGE BOOK SIZE. Definitely long enough not to drag out the story over stupid, stupid, stupid shit THAT JUST DIDN'T NEED TO BE THERE OR GONE OVER OR BROUGHT UP.
- Evie, Amber and Lottie, who used to be my precious babies, TURNED INTO BITCHY AWFUL ARSEHOLES. I'm specifically talking Amber here, who's behaviour and attitude during the whole book made me nauseous. Of the three girls, I think Amber is my least favourite but just because I didn't love her as much as Evie and Lottie didn't mean I didn't like her! But jesus, Amber was so nauseating in here I could not actually read her chapters without wanting to throw something.
Lottie was so disappointing and annoying but I felt she was only that way because the other two had let her down. Reading Lottie's POV made me SO sad as she's only a pale shade of the girl who was such a bright rainbow throughout the whole trilogy but especially in her own book.
Evie... I don't even know... she felt like a piece of cardboard tbh. I would've felt more sorry for her but I was so frustrated that of ALL the girls, Evie who is so sensitive to other peoples emotions didn't pick up on Lottie's unhappiness.
- EVERYONE IN HERE WAS A TERRIBLE FRIEND BASICALLY AND IT MADE ME SAD.
- WHAT was up with the relationships in here??? Kyle made me mad, I was so frustrated that we didn't see more of Ollie, and Will????? HEY MATEY I NEED ANSWERS.
I found sooooooo many other problems with this book but I'm too tired, angry and sad to list them.
I was so angry when I finished this book but most of all I'M sad. Sad that this book has ruined and tarnished my love and regard of the other three books. That I so desperately don't want to feel this way but I KNOW I'll never be able to read any of the three books again without remembering how awful this installment was.
I'm sad. Angry. Most of all sad. It was a REALLY shitty way to ring in the new year and I'm so pissed off that my first read of 2017 was an awful one.
My advice: Read the other three books in the series!They are so good, words don't begin to describe them! But really approach AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR? with caution because it wasn't a happy experience for me.
- First reaction upon finishing the book was: W.T.F. BECAUSE WTF WAS GOING ON HERE.
- I know this is technically only a novella but it's 224 pages long!! 224 PAGES LONG IS AN AVERAGE BOOK SIZE. Definitely long enough not to drag out the story over stupid, stupid, stupid shit THAT JUST DIDN'T NEED TO BE THERE OR GONE OVER OR BROUGHT UP.
- Evie, Amber and Lottie, who used to be my precious babies, TURNED INTO BITCHY AWFUL ARSEHOLES. I'm specifically talking Amber here, who's behaviour and attitude during the whole book made me nauseous. Of the three girls, I think Amber is my least favourite but just because I didn't love her as much as Evie and Lottie didn't mean I didn't like her! But jesus, Amber was so nauseating in here I could not actually read her chapters without wanting to throw something.
Lottie was so disappointing and annoying but I felt she was only that way because the other two had let her down. Reading Lottie's POV made me SO sad as she's only a pale shade of the girl who was such a bright rainbow throughout the whole trilogy but especially in her own book.
Evie... I don't even know... she felt like a piece of cardboard tbh. I would've felt more sorry for her but I was so frustrated that of ALL the girls, Evie who is so sensitive to other peoples emotions didn't pick up on Lottie's unhappiness.
- EVERYONE IN HERE WAS A TERRIBLE FRIEND BASICALLY AND IT MADE ME SAD.
- WHAT was up with the relationships in here??? Kyle made me mad, I was so frustrated that we didn't see more of Ollie, and Will????? HEY MATEY I NEED ANSWERS.
I found sooooooo many other problems with this book but I'm too tired, angry and sad to list them.
I was so angry when I finished this book but most of all I'M sad. Sad that this book has ruined and tarnished my love and regard of the other three books. That I so desperately don't want to feel this way but I KNOW I'll never be able to read any of the three books again without remembering how awful this installment was.
I'm sad. Angry. Most of all sad. It was a REALLY shitty way to ring in the new year and I'm so pissed off that my first read of 2017 was an awful one.
My advice: Read the other three books in the series!They are so good, words don't begin to describe them! But really approach AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR? with caution because it wasn't a happy experience for me.
November 2, 2016
"Be still my beating loins."
Ahh! I cannot believe this series has actually come to an end. These girls are my life and soul. These girls have helped me decide who I am, who I want to be and where I want to go. These girls have influenced me and have made me cry. These girls have made me giggle during dark days and these girls have introduced a whole new chapter in my life that has yet to be written.
Breathe. In. Out. Breathe. In. Out.
This was the perfect ending to the Spinster Series. The magnificent ending that has created the closure we all need in order to say goodbye to these three gorgeous girls: Amber, Lottie and Evie.
Holly Bourne has done a freaking magnificent job of writing the most beautiful ending based on a New Year's Eve party. And we all know they go HORRIBLY wrong. Especially when relationships are concerned.
Evie has been going through a tough time with her OCD and anxiety but has come through stronger and hasn't relapsed. She's making her way through uni on her own and her little love bubble with Oli has been going so well. But of course it was the Earth's way of saying:
"You're too happy. Let's play."
So what happens? Oh yeah. The world tips Evie upside down and she lands flat on her bum. This is the best way I can describe how Evie felt during the New Years party. I felt so sorry for her and yet felt so sorry for Oli. I will honestly say that I can't even begin to imagine how horrible and god awful it must be to be, to continually be fighting the demons inside your own head, to hear your own voice thinking the worst and then felling guilty about it afterwards.
Amber however, always makes me laugh, her sarcastic tone and her way of thinking is just so human and natural. But she was fighting a losing battle and once her secret came to light and her two best friends found out, I was pulled into one of the most heartbreaking fights I've ever read. I wanted it to be all over. I wanted them to be friends again, to be the Spinster Club again.
In addition, Lottie never fails to cheer me up. She is the one character I can relate to most. Being at a uni where everyone hates her and feeling alone is one of the struggles that most teenagers and young adults have felt at least once in their lifetime. And to read that Lottie had been through all of this, even though I truly felt for her, it felt nice to know that I was not the only one who could feel this way. But even more, I found myself giggling and yet crying at the heartbreak and beautiful moments that Lottie went through in this novella.
I will say lastly that I will miss these girls terribly. They have been a real inspiration to me to start my own Spinster Club and when I find the right people, I will not hesitate to form a group to take on the world, but for now, I'll be doing it solo. I will be fighting the causes for sexism and I will be calling out acts that go against feminism.
That's right. I want to help change the world, hopefully alongside Holly Bourne and may other feminists out there and I hope one day we will all change the world for the better.
And when people give me funny looks because I want to be called a spinster, to hell with them!
GO SPINSTERS!
Five stars, Holly Bourne. Your books are amazing.
Ahh! I cannot believe this series has actually come to an end. These girls are my life and soul. These girls have helped me decide who I am, who I want to be and where I want to go. These girls have influenced me and have made me cry. These girls have made me giggle during dark days and these girls have introduced a whole new chapter in my life that has yet to be written.
Breathe. In. Out. Breathe. In. Out.
This was the perfect ending to the Spinster Series. The magnificent ending that has created the closure we all need in order to say goodbye to these three gorgeous girls: Amber, Lottie and Evie.
Holly Bourne has done a freaking magnificent job of writing the most beautiful ending based on a New Year's Eve party. And we all know they go HORRIBLY wrong. Especially when relationships are concerned.
Evie has been going through a tough time with her OCD and anxiety but has come through stronger and hasn't relapsed. She's making her way through uni on her own and her little love bubble with Oli has been going so well. But of course it was the Earth's way of saying:
"You're too happy. Let's play."
So what happens? Oh yeah. The world tips Evie upside down and she lands flat on her bum. This is the best way I can describe how Evie felt during the New Years party. I felt so sorry for her and yet felt so sorry for Oli. I will honestly say that I can't even begin to imagine how horrible and god awful it must be to be, to continually be fighting the demons inside your own head, to hear your own voice thinking the worst and then felling guilty about it afterwards.
Amber however, always makes me laugh, her sarcastic tone and her way of thinking is just so human and natural. But she was fighting a losing battle and once her secret came to light and her two best friends found out, I was pulled into one of the most heartbreaking fights I've ever read. I wanted it to be all over. I wanted them to be friends again, to be the Spinster Club again.
In addition, Lottie never fails to cheer me up. She is the one character I can relate to most. Being at a uni where everyone hates her and feeling alone is one of the struggles that most teenagers and young adults have felt at least once in their lifetime. And to read that Lottie had been through all of this, even though I truly felt for her, it felt nice to know that I was not the only one who could feel this way. But even more, I found myself giggling and yet crying at the heartbreak and beautiful moments that Lottie went through in this novella.
I will say lastly that I will miss these girls terribly. They have been a real inspiration to me to start my own Spinster Club and when I find the right people, I will not hesitate to form a group to take on the world, but for now, I'll be doing it solo. I will be fighting the causes for sexism and I will be calling out acts that go against feminism.
That's right. I want to help change the world, hopefully alongside Holly Bourne and may other feminists out there and I hope one day we will all change the world for the better.
And when people give me funny looks because I want to be called a spinster, to hell with them!
GO SPINSTERS!
Five stars, Holly Bourne. Your books are amazing.
November 1, 2016
A great ending to such a perfect series! It was so nice to see what happened to Evie, Amber and Lottie after the end of What's a Girl Gotta Do? (and to finally find out where Lottie went to university). I just really wish this book had been longer - I knew before buying it that it was a novella, but I do think it could have benefited from being longer than it was.
Full review (and some cosy, wintry photos) on the blog!
Full review (and some cosy, wintry photos) on the blog!
December 31, 2017
I totally missed the opportunity to read this just before NY last year, and I wasn't letting that happen again. I loved ...And a Happy New Year?! It was a pleasure to reacquaint myself with the Spinster girls, and this novella was such a great end to an already wonderful trilogy.
For me, every year from now on is going to be the Year of the Spinster.
For me, every year from now on is going to be the Year of the Spinster.
December 26, 2016
A bit like Pretty Little Liars: 5 Years Forward in the way it had built everyone up to their happy ending, only to wreck things for the sake of drama, but by the end I was pleased that the girls got to live their lives happily, even if it meant losing and rediscovering their friendship.
Want to read
July 4, 2017#SundayYAthon
5 Words:
5 Words:
February 7, 2017
What better way to end 2016 than by reading . . . And a Happy New Year? I adore the Spinster Club girls – Amber, Lottie and Evie – and I read all three books in the series last year, so it just seemed right. In this festive novella, we hear from each of the girls as they struggle with the events of the past year: broken friendships, new university lives and old boyfriends (that is, except Kyle, because Kyle is American and adorable and perfect). It's Amber's new year's party and the first time they've hung out together since leaving college – and they all have a secret. But how long can they keep secrets from their best friends – even if it might tear them apart for good?
. . . And a Happy New Year? was a wonderful end to the Spinster Club trilogy. It wasn't as light-hearted as I thought it would be (gosh, being a first year at university is hard), but I love Holly Bourne's energetic, relatable writing and admirable feminist characters (I'm a cross between Amber and Evie, if you ask me). If you're looking for some fun yet important UKYA, pick up this trilogy!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
. . . And a Happy New Year? was a wonderful end to the Spinster Club trilogy. It wasn't as light-hearted as I thought it would be (gosh, being a first year at university is hard), but I love Holly Bourne's energetic, relatable writing and admirable feminist characters (I'm a cross between Amber and Evie, if you ask me). If you're looking for some fun yet important UKYA, pick up this trilogy!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
Read
December 16, 2018Kiva mini-jatko Normaali-sarjalle, mutta kolmen varsinaisen osan rinnalla tämä kyllä kalpenee. Amber, Evie ja Lottie kokoontuvat uudenvuodenbileisiin, joissa viina virtaa ja hauskaa on. Paitsi että jokaisella on jotain mielen päällä ja tunne, ettei kaikki ole kohdallaan enää ystävyydessä.
Kokonaisuutena Normaali-sarja on ihan mahtava! Toisaalta ihan kiva, että tällainen pieni jatkopala vielä tuli, mutta ilmankin olisi ollut ihan hyvä.
Kokonaisuutena Normaali-sarja on ihan mahtava! Toisaalta ihan kiva, että tällainen pieni jatkopala vielä tuli, mutta ilmankin olisi ollut ihan hyvä.
February 14, 2022
A kind thank you to Penguin Random House SA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5
"𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚐��𝚛𝚕𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚘'𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚘, 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚞𝚜𝚙 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜. 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚝, 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 - 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚎𝚝, 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎."
The Spinster Club comes to an end in this novella, giving the reader a glimpse into Evie, Amber and Lottie's lives after college. I felt somewhat sad knowing that it is now over. I became attached to the trio and found qualities that I liked in all of them. This is a quick read taking place on New Year's Eve; with the countdown until the New Year celebrations only hours away.
Instead of celebrating a new year, Evie, Amber and Lottie deal with new situations that will change their lives in the coming year. There are laughs, arguments, tears and hugs. I'm not ready to say goodbye yet, I've loved the journey with The Spinster Club and will definitely miss their banter. A book on their lives after the new year would be great. I would love to see how Evie, Amber and Lottie are doing.
I feel like hugging the trio, to me they feel like friends and I'll forever remember them. A section 'Best Bits' is included; putting Evie, Amber and Lottie in the spotlight and highlighting their best moments. This gives me nostalgia and makes me miss them even more. After a journey filled with friendship, loyalty, disappointment, feminism and love, The Spinster Club's chapter has closed. What a story!
"𝙳𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚏𝚏 𝚒𝚗 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝."
3.5
"𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚐��𝚛𝚕𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚘'𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚘, 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚞𝚜𝚙 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜. 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚝, 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 - 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚎𝚝, 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎."
The Spinster Club comes to an end in this novella, giving the reader a glimpse into Evie, Amber and Lottie's lives after college. I felt somewhat sad knowing that it is now over. I became attached to the trio and found qualities that I liked in all of them. This is a quick read taking place on New Year's Eve; with the countdown until the New Year celebrations only hours away.
Instead of celebrating a new year, Evie, Amber and Lottie deal with new situations that will change their lives in the coming year. There are laughs, arguments, tears and hugs. I'm not ready to say goodbye yet, I've loved the journey with The Spinster Club and will definitely miss their banter. A book on their lives after the new year would be great. I would love to see how Evie, Amber and Lottie are doing.
I feel like hugging the trio, to me they feel like friends and I'll forever remember them. A section 'Best Bits' is included; putting Evie, Amber and Lottie in the spotlight and highlighting their best moments. This gives me nostalgia and makes me miss them even more. After a journey filled with friendship, loyalty, disappointment, feminism and love, The Spinster Club's chapter has closed. What a story!
"𝙳𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚏𝚏 𝚒𝚗 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝."
October 11, 2018
Hauska, aito ja nopealukuinen! Kyllä Bourne vain osaa. On jännä, miten näinkin tiiviiseen ja viihteelliseen YA-pienoisromaaniin mahtuu näin paljon havaintoja. Haikean tunnistettava.
November 5, 2016
Another version of this review can be found here
Received in exchange for an honest review from Usborne Publishing.
It's the Year of the Spinster!
The Spinster Club series follows the journey of Evie, Amber and Lottie in what's undoubtedly one of the most trying periods of their respective lives. We meet each of them in the three books as they deal with whatever life throws at them, while also being fiery advocates of feminism. In this novella, we meet these three girls as they get together for the first time since they leave college. Are things the same between them? Are they the same as before or have they changed beyond recognition? We find out all this and more in ...And A Happy New Year? as the Spinsters meet up at Amber's epic New Year party.
The story is told in the POVs of Evie, Amber and Lottie, and if you thought they were each relatable and fan-freaking-tastic n their respective books, you have no idea just how awesome it is to read in alternating narratives of all three of them in one book. They each have very distinct voices, so it was a very welcome, refreshing change. Sitting down and picking this book was the best thing I did in so long- it made me feel instantly nostalgic and I absolutely loved being in their heads.
We left Evie, Amber and Lottie in their books wanting to know more about what's in store for them in the future, and in this Spinster Club special, we get to know all about them. How Evie is coping with her OCD, how Amber is faring in her long distance relationship, how Lottie is managing to hold onto her feminist beliefs as she adapts to a new environment- we get to catch up that happened to this trio as we spend the time leading up to the New Year with them. The author's writing is as fabulous as ever and the intense, crisp narration helped the story to flow along at a comfortable pace.
The characters are just the same as ever- but oh, how they've changed! Sprinkled with ample drama, secrets and twists, this book certainly had me glued to its pages. We meet Kyle, Oli and Will again, and they each surprise us in their own way. Not all the surprises were welcome though- I still haven't recovered from certain things which I will not mention but, oh, will you look at that. ONE OF MY SHIPS HAS SUNK!!! Let's just pretend my heart is not in pieces and have some cheesy snacks, shall we?
Apart from my sunken ship which we'll never mention again, this story was just perfect. We see how time takes its toll on even the strongest friendships, and we see how they get through everything together...OR DO THEY? This beautiful, beautiful book is simply a must read if you're a fan of the Spinster Club series, and if you haven't read this brilliant series already, what are you even doing with your life?
This series will always be one of my most favorites. Evie, Amber and Lottie taught me a lot, they helped me grow as a person and were such fun people to be with. I'm just not ready to say goodbye to these fantastic characters yet and I downright refuse to accept this as an end to this series. I need more, more, MORE, please!
Thank you for bringing these girls into my life, Holly Bourne! They will always be with me. Always.
The story idea: 4/5
The realization of the story: 5/5
The characters: 5/5
The cover: 5/5 (I simply adore the cover to bits!)
Enjoy factor: 5/5
Final Rating: 5/5
Received in exchange for an honest review from Usborne Publishing.
It's the Year of the Spinster!
The Spinster Club series follows the journey of Evie, Amber and Lottie in what's undoubtedly one of the most trying periods of their respective lives. We meet each of them in the three books as they deal with whatever life throws at them, while also being fiery advocates of feminism. In this novella, we meet these three girls as they get together for the first time since they leave college. Are things the same between them? Are they the same as before or have they changed beyond recognition? We find out all this and more in ...And A Happy New Year? as the Spinsters meet up at Amber's epic New Year party.
The story is told in the POVs of Evie, Amber and Lottie, and if you thought they were each relatable and fan-freaking-tastic n their respective books, you have no idea just how awesome it is to read in alternating narratives of all three of them in one book. They each have very distinct voices, so it was a very welcome, refreshing change. Sitting down and picking this book was the best thing I did in so long- it made me feel instantly nostalgic and I absolutely loved being in their heads.
We left Evie, Amber and Lottie in their books wanting to know more about what's in store for them in the future, and in this Spinster Club special, we get to know all about them. How Evie is coping with her OCD, how Amber is faring in her long distance relationship, how Lottie is managing to hold onto her feminist beliefs as she adapts to a new environment- we get to catch up that happened to this trio as we spend the time leading up to the New Year with them. The author's writing is as fabulous as ever and the intense, crisp narration helped the story to flow along at a comfortable pace.
The characters are just the same as ever- but oh, how they've changed! Sprinkled with ample drama, secrets and twists, this book certainly had me glued to its pages. We meet Kyle, Oli and Will again, and they each surprise us in their own way. Not all the surprises were welcome though- I still haven't recovered from certain things which I will not mention but, oh, will you look at that. ONE OF MY SHIPS HAS SUNK!!! Let's just pretend my heart is not in pieces and have some cheesy snacks, shall we?
Apart from my sunken ship which we'll never mention again, this story was just perfect. We see how time takes its toll on even the strongest friendships, and we see how they get through everything together...OR DO THEY? This beautiful, beautiful book is simply a must read if you're a fan of the Spinster Club series, and if you haven't read this brilliant series already, what are you even doing with your life?
This series will always be one of my most favorites. Evie, Amber and Lottie taught me a lot, they helped me grow as a person and were such fun people to be with. I'm just not ready to say goodbye to these fantastic characters yet and I downright refuse to accept this as an end to this series. I need more, more, MORE, please!
Thank you for bringing these girls into my life, Holly Bourne! They will always be with me. Always.
The story idea: 4/5
The realization of the story: 5/5
The characters: 5/5
The cover: 5/5 (I simply adore the cover to bits!)
Enjoy factor: 5/5
Final Rating: 5/5
April 1, 2019
This may be biased, but I am deeply in love with Holly and the spinsters. The way these girls grab a hold of me everytime I pick up one of their books is unimaginable. I understand the world so much better ever since I was introduced to them and I have grown as a person, as a woman and as a feminist.
It is New Year's but whether the coming 365 days will turn out to be happy remains to be seen because, sadly, the girls have grown apart a bit over the minor distance that uni - life has put between them.
Lottie isn't quite as happy as she seems when she brags about London and struggles with herself and the way things didn't fall into place like she expected. Similarly, Evie finds herself in a relationship that takes a tall on her because, if she admits it to herself, she is not quite healthy yet. It is questionable whether she ever will be "normal". And Amber, well our darling seems to be the luckiest person in the world theoretically. Reality does look quite different. The three haven't been able to convine their worries to one another - might this be the end of The Spinsters?
Huh, weird review, right? Howbow you read the book, lass?
It is New Year's but whether the coming 365 days will turn out to be happy remains to be seen because, sadly, the girls have grown apart a bit over the minor distance that uni - life has put between them.
Lottie isn't quite as happy as she seems when she brags about London and struggles with herself and the way things didn't fall into place like she expected. Similarly, Evie finds herself in a relationship that takes a tall on her because, if she admits it to herself, she is not quite healthy yet. It is questionable whether she ever will be "normal". And Amber, well our darling seems to be the luckiest person in the world theoretically. Reality does look quite different. The three haven't been able to convine their worries to one another - might this be the end of The Spinsters?
Huh, weird review, right? Howbow you read the book, lass?
December 3, 2016
My favourite Spinster Club girls are back. But, everything is all wrong. Each girl is in bother, but time and distance has separated the gang, and they are not sharing their woes. I got frustrated, but it's a very real stage after school. The best of friendships are tested.
This book is different to the others in the series as it has alternate points of view for each girl. Which worked really well, as the jumping around added another note of discord. As did the countdown to midnight. We are counting down with trepidation as we can see it all falling apart.
Overall I really enjoyed this. It's nice to catch up with the gang. And to realise that life goes on for them, with good days and bad days. And lots of love for each other to pull them through.
This book is different to the others in the series as it has alternate points of view for each girl. Which worked really well, as the jumping around added another note of discord. As did the countdown to midnight. We are counting down with trepidation as we can see it all falling apart.
Overall I really enjoyed this. It's nice to catch up with the gang. And to realise that life goes on for them, with good days and bad days. And lots of love for each other to pull them through.
December 31, 2019
Oh my, I've missed these girls.
January 30, 2021
Honestly, I loved all three of the Spinster Club books, but I’m super disappointed with this one.
October 7, 2018
4- tähteä
Olen suhtautunut usein melko skeptisesti trilogioiden jälkeen julkaistuihin lisäosiin ja vielä varsinkin niin sanottuihin väliosiin. Onko tarinaa vielä pakko jatkaa, kun trilogioissa yleensä päätös on jo taputeltu? Otin kuitenkin ilolla vastaan tämän erikoisosan, joka jatkaa Holly Bournen vahvasti feministishenkistä Normaali-trilogiaa.
"Kivoja juttuja ei tapahdu uudenvuodenaattona. Uusivuosi ei tarkoita kivoja juttuja. Se ei tarkoita uusia alkuja tai elämän parhaita iltoja tai sitä, että menetetty suuri rakkaus etsii sinut käsiinsä juuri kun lasketaan sekunteja vuoden vaihtumiseen kertoakseen, että on tehnyt kamalan virheen kun on jättänyt sinut." (Amber, s. 10)
... Ja onnellista uutta vuotta? kokoaa Evien, Lottien ja Amberin vielä kerran yhteen, kun Amber (suosikkini näistä kolmestaa) järjestää uudenvuodenbileet kotonaan yhdessä amerikkalaisen poikaystävänsä Kylen kanssa. Amberia jännittää, miten kaikki tulee menemään, sillä hänellä on salaisuus, jota hän ei ole vielä uskaltanut paljastaa muille kolmikon jäsenille. Se tulee musertamaan muut. Kyle on ihanana tukena ja kannustajana, kun hermostunut Amber odottelee ystäviään juhliin.
Eviellä on vaikeuksia päästä juhliin, sillä hänen poikaystävänsä Oli ei haluaisi päästää tätä mihinkään. Oli on toipunut aiemmin pahoista mielenterveysoireistaan, mutta nyt ne olivat tulleet takaisin aika ajoin, eikä Evie oikein tiedä, mitä tehdä. Ystävilleen hän ei ole rohjennut kertoa. Eviellä on myös hyvin tympeitä ajatuksia Olia kohtaan, vaikka hän kuinka yrittää ymmärtää poikaystäväänsä. Pääseekö Evie juhliin ollenkaan? Hän rakastaa Olia hirmuisesti, mutta haluaisi tavata ystävänsä juhlissa.
"Miksi sä olet niin hyvä tässä?"
"Missä?"
"Siinä ettet saa mua tuntemaan itseäni häiriintyneeksi paskiaiseksi."
PAHA AJATUS
Koska en sano, mitä oikeasti ajattelen... (Oli & Evie, s. 43)
Lottie on antanut ystävilleen sen kuvan, että hänellä menee tosi lujaa Lontoossa, eikä hän ole sen tähden ehtinyt pitää yhteyttä. Todellisuus on kuitenkin eri. Kämppäkaverit eivät ole oikein ottaneet Lottieta huomioon, vaan kyräilevät hänelle, ja poikaystävä Will on käyttäytynyt oudon torjuvasti. Lottie pitää yhä yllä feministiajatuksiaan, kuinkas muutenkaan, mutta onko Will sittenkin kyllästynyt hänen siihen piirteeseen, johon alussa rakastui? Lottie päättää juoda itsensä Amberin bileissä känniin, ja sillähän ei luonnollisestikaan ongelmat helpotu, vaan ilta huipentuu melkoisen ihmissuhdesotkujen vyyhtiin.
Will nostaa katseensa, ja sydämeeni sattuu. Minulla on ollut häntä ikävä. Minulla on todella ollut häntä ikävä. Rakastan hänen pientä naamaansa. Vaikka se näyttääkin vittuuntuneelta, tai ehkä minä vain kuvittelen. (Lottie, s.61)
Vaikka kirjan lopussa on surullisia tunnustuksia ja päätöksiä, tyttöjen ystävyys syvenee entisestään - tai juuri siitä syystä. Kirja kokoaa mukavasti tyttöjen tarinat yhteen ja on mukava lukuvälipala 170 sivun pituudellaan. Välillä tarina intoutuu ehkä liikaakin draamailuun, joka saa minut pyöräyttelemään silmiäni. Kirjan loppuun on koottu lisämateriaalia, kuten kirjailijan haastattelu ja vanhojenpiikojen parhaat palat, suosikkihetket jne.
Olen suhtautunut usein melko skeptisesti trilogioiden jälkeen julkaistuihin lisäosiin ja vielä varsinkin niin sanottuihin väliosiin. Onko tarinaa vielä pakko jatkaa, kun trilogioissa yleensä päätös on jo taputeltu? Otin kuitenkin ilolla vastaan tämän erikoisosan, joka jatkaa Holly Bournen vahvasti feministishenkistä Normaali-trilogiaa.
"Kivoja juttuja ei tapahdu uudenvuodenaattona. Uusivuosi ei tarkoita kivoja juttuja. Se ei tarkoita uusia alkuja tai elämän parhaita iltoja tai sitä, että menetetty suuri rakkaus etsii sinut käsiinsä juuri kun lasketaan sekunteja vuoden vaihtumiseen kertoakseen, että on tehnyt kamalan virheen kun on jättänyt sinut." (Amber, s. 10)
... Ja onnellista uutta vuotta? kokoaa Evien, Lottien ja Amberin vielä kerran yhteen, kun Amber (suosikkini näistä kolmestaa) järjestää uudenvuodenbileet kotonaan yhdessä amerikkalaisen poikaystävänsä Kylen kanssa. Amberia jännittää, miten kaikki tulee menemään, sillä hänellä on salaisuus, jota hän ei ole vielä uskaltanut paljastaa muille kolmikon jäsenille. Se tulee musertamaan muut. Kyle on ihanana tukena ja kannustajana, kun hermostunut Amber odottelee ystäviään juhliin.
Eviellä on vaikeuksia päästä juhliin, sillä hänen poikaystävänsä Oli ei haluaisi päästää tätä mihinkään. Oli on toipunut aiemmin pahoista mielenterveysoireistaan, mutta nyt ne olivat tulleet takaisin aika ajoin, eikä Evie oikein tiedä, mitä tehdä. Ystävilleen hän ei ole rohjennut kertoa. Eviellä on myös hyvin tympeitä ajatuksia Olia kohtaan, vaikka hän kuinka yrittää ymmärtää poikaystäväänsä. Pääseekö Evie juhliin ollenkaan? Hän rakastaa Olia hirmuisesti, mutta haluaisi tavata ystävänsä juhlissa.
"Miksi sä olet niin hyvä tässä?"
"Missä?"
"Siinä ettet saa mua tuntemaan itseäni häiriintyneeksi paskiaiseksi."
PAHA AJATUS
Koska en sano, mitä oikeasti ajattelen... (Oli & Evie, s. 43)
Lottie on antanut ystävilleen sen kuvan, että hänellä menee tosi lujaa Lontoossa, eikä hän ole sen tähden ehtinyt pitää yhteyttä. Todellisuus on kuitenkin eri. Kämppäkaverit eivät ole oikein ottaneet Lottieta huomioon, vaan kyräilevät hänelle, ja poikaystävä Will on käyttäytynyt oudon torjuvasti. Lottie pitää yhä yllä feministiajatuksiaan, kuinkas muutenkaan, mutta onko Will sittenkin kyllästynyt hänen siihen piirteeseen, johon alussa rakastui? Lottie päättää juoda itsensä Amberin bileissä känniin, ja sillähän ei luonnollisestikaan ongelmat helpotu, vaan ilta huipentuu melkoisen ihmissuhdesotkujen vyyhtiin.
Will nostaa katseensa, ja sydämeeni sattuu. Minulla on ollut häntä ikävä. Minulla on todella ollut häntä ikävä. Rakastan hänen pientä naamaansa. Vaikka se näyttääkin vittuuntuneelta, tai ehkä minä vain kuvittelen. (Lottie, s.61)
Vaikka kirjan lopussa on surullisia tunnustuksia ja päätöksiä, tyttöjen ystävyys syvenee entisestään - tai juuri siitä syystä. Kirja kokoaa mukavasti tyttöjen tarinat yhteen ja on mukava lukuvälipala 170 sivun pituudellaan. Välillä tarina intoutuu ehkä liikaakin draamailuun, joka saa minut pyöräyttelemään silmiäni. Kirjan loppuun on koottu lisämateriaalia, kuten kirjailijan haastattelu ja vanhojenpiikojen parhaat palat, suosikkihetket jne.
May 18, 2020
TW: vomiting, discussions of OCD and agoraphobia
After absolutely loving the last installment of this series I quickly bought this novella to round out the series. I honestly sort of wish she hadn't written this one; it's not awful, it just doesn't feel like the same series. I'm not sure if it's because it's so short that everything feels rushed or that we jump a year (quite a significant year by the sounds of things) and don't get to experience any of the changes with the girls, just the fall out.
There just seemed to be a lot of drinking and vomiting and crying and not much else. Each chapter jump character and then jumps back slightly at the start of each chapter to catch you up on what that character has been doing for those two seconds we weren't with them. It felt quite jarring if i'm honest and it threw me off slightly with the writing.
I would have loved if these were three separate stories focusing on each separate character so we could actually see their journey. It was just so focused on the girls and their issues with their boyfriends, whereas the others have been more focused on the friendship groups and the issues that each girl has been facing.
I don't know, there was just something missing for me with this one and it didn't have the same tone for me.
After absolutely loving the last installment of this series I quickly bought this novella to round out the series. I honestly sort of wish she hadn't written this one; it's not awful, it just doesn't feel like the same series. I'm not sure if it's because it's so short that everything feels rushed or that we jump a year (quite a significant year by the sounds of things) and don't get to experience any of the changes with the girls, just the fall out.
There just seemed to be a lot of drinking and vomiting and crying and not much else. Each chapter jump character and then jumps back slightly at the start of each chapter to catch you up on what that character has been doing for those two seconds we weren't with them. It felt quite jarring if i'm honest and it threw me off slightly with the writing.
I would have loved if these were three separate stories focusing on each separate character so we could actually see their journey. It was just so focused on the girls and their issues with their boyfriends, whereas the others have been more focused on the friendship groups and the issues that each girl has been facing.
I don't know, there was just something missing for me with this one and it didn't have the same tone for me.
July 2, 2018
De serie had een mooi en goed einde voor de serie. Maar als er nog een novella van een van mijn favoriete series ooit is, dan moet ik die natuurlijk ook lezen!
En het was heerlijk. Ik vind het mooi hoe Holly Bourne er een half jaar overheen laat gaan qua tijd in dit boek. En dat ze laat zien dat vriendschappen niet altijd blijven hoe ze waren. Dat is mooi, dat is echt.
Waarom dit boek geen 5* heeft gekregen zoals de andere delen wel? Het gaat hier dan wel over de meiden, maar ik steek niet iets nieuws op over feminisme. En dat vind ik jammer, want die combinatie van lezen over de vriendinnen en iets opsteken is nou precies wat ik zo geweldig vind aan deze serie. Maar Holly Bourne schrijft geweldig goed en leuk over vriendschap dus de 4 sterren zijn ook wel echt verdient op dat gebied!
Toptip trouwens: alle ebooks van deze serie zijn spotgoedkoop. Op westerhofboeken.nl zijn de gewone delen zelfs maar €3,32! Op bol.com is het ook niet veel hoor, €4,02. Maar in ieder geval is mijn boodschap dus: weinig geld, probeer dit!
En het was heerlijk. Ik vind het mooi hoe Holly Bourne er een half jaar overheen laat gaan qua tijd in dit boek. En dat ze laat zien dat vriendschappen niet altijd blijven hoe ze waren. Dat is mooi, dat is echt.
Waarom dit boek geen 5* heeft gekregen zoals de andere delen wel? Het gaat hier dan wel over de meiden, maar ik steek niet iets nieuws op over feminisme. En dat vind ik jammer, want die combinatie van lezen over de vriendinnen en iets opsteken is nou precies wat ik zo geweldig vind aan deze serie. Maar Holly Bourne schrijft geweldig goed en leuk over vriendschap dus de 4 sterren zijn ook wel echt verdient op dat gebied!
Toptip trouwens: alle ebooks van deze serie zijn spotgoedkoop. Op westerhofboeken.nl zijn de gewone delen zelfs maar €3,32! Op bol.com is het ook niet veel hoor, €4,02. Maar in ieder geval is mijn boodschap dus: weinig geld, probeer dit!
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