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Della Says: OMG!
Don't miss this fantastic debut novel - Keris Stainton is a fabulously contemporary, witty and fresh new voice who teen girls will adore.Della's over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party - but then she discovers her diary has disappeared... When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della's distraught - how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2010
19 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Keris Stainton
22 books522 followersMy mum always claimed that when she lived in America for a year, my dad wrote to her every day and, in one of his letters, proposed. My dad denied this. But when she got home they got married anyway. In 1966 they emigrated to Canada. They'd wanted to go to New Zealand, but it was full.
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which, by all accounts, is very cold. And also hot. But when I was four months old, my parents moved back to the UK.
When I was 18 I moved to London and worked in the music industry (eventually). A few years later I moved back up north. Now I live in Lancashire (which is lovely, particularly when it's not raining... which is about two weeks a year) with my two sons and two guinea pigs. All four are cute and hairy.
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which, by all accounts, is very cold. And also hot. But when I was four months old, my parents moved back to the UK.
When I was 18 I moved to London and worked in the music industry (eventually). A few years later I moved back up north. Now I live in Lancashire (which is lovely, particularly when it's not raining... which is about two weeks a year) with my two sons and two guinea pigs. All four are cute and hairy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 30, 2014
Before I started reading Della Says: OMG! I had Expectations. And I capitalise Expectations because Expectations are a big part of my book reading experience. I see the cover, I read the blurb, I see the title, I read other reviews, maybe I know the author’s online presence – and from these things I start to expect things of the novel.
So first, quickly, my expectations: I was expecting a novel with a big focus on Facebook, texting and IM. I was expecting it to be written for a younger teenage audience. I was expecting it to be a quick, easy and fun read. I wasn’t expecting it to have much depth, but I love fun books, so that’s okay.
Needless to say, Della Says: OMG! was totally not what I was expecting. In a great way.
The focus of this novel was not as much on Della’s missing diary (and there was a small amount of focus on the internet side of things), I felt, as it was on Della growing as a person. Della was a brilliant character – she wasn’t the strongest of personalities, but she wasn’t a pushover either, and she was someone with whom I could really relate. I thought Dan, too, was fantastic, and the relationship between those two was really well-written. And Maddy! Maddy was great. I would have loved to have heard more of her story.
It talks about things like teen sex very honestly (always tactfully, though) and Della is seventeen, so I’d probably recommend this to slightly older teens. I thought Della’s story was sweet, but also a lot more multi-layered than I expected. This was a book I really enjoyed reading – a little snapshot into Della’s life, laugh-out-loud funny and very insightful.
So first, quickly, my expectations: I was expecting a novel with a big focus on Facebook, texting and IM. I was expecting it to be written for a younger teenage audience. I was expecting it to be a quick, easy and fun read. I wasn’t expecting it to have much depth, but I love fun books, so that’s okay.
Needless to say, Della Says: OMG! was totally not what I was expecting. In a great way.
The focus of this novel was not as much on Della’s missing diary (and there was a small amount of focus on the internet side of things), I felt, as it was on Della growing as a person. Della was a brilliant character – she wasn’t the strongest of personalities, but she wasn’t a pushover either, and she was someone with whom I could really relate. I thought Dan, too, was fantastic, and the relationship between those two was really well-written. And Maddy! Maddy was great. I would have loved to have heard more of her story.
It talks about things like teen sex very honestly (always tactfully, though) and Della is seventeen, so I’d probably recommend this to slightly older teens. I thought Della’s story was sweet, but also a lot more multi-layered than I expected. This was a book I really enjoyed reading – a little snapshot into Della’s life, laugh-out-loud funny and very insightful.
April 23, 2012
Loved It! Read In 4 hours! A lot of readers will be able to relate to Della's situation. I liked the characters of Della & Dan and how although everything was going on, they didn't let it effect their relationship and were optimistic throughout the book, i think that's how everyone should act in situations like these. Read it! It will teach you a thing or two...
March 14, 2011
With a mum who’s an ex-model and a big sister who is out-going, crazy and beautiful too it’s easy to feel below par. Della has been putting up with “omg is that your mum?!” for as long as she can remember and sometimes gets it about her sister too. So when her sister has a going-away party Della can’t believe that the cute boy she’s been crushing on since her first day of primary school not only flirts with her but ends up in her bedroom kissing her!
In a state of shock at the party’s events she awakes the next day to find her diary missing. She has a range of suspects, including cute boy, Dan. She thinks of anyone who could have gone in her room and taken it and she’s sure its Dan or his friend, who hates her, Gemima. As the summer goes on however Della finds herself getting closer to Dan and quickly works out that he didn’t take the diary. When certain, very hugely embarrassing diary entries start turning up in people’s pockets, via emails and text messages and even on her parents car Della starts getting really scared. With Dan and her best friend Maddy around to calm her down the piece together the clues and a theory is formed, but Della just can’t understand why.
Ok first of all I loved this book. It was hilarious and so amazingly pure to character. I loved Della, so much; she was just, well, a 17 year old!! I am certain that’s what I was like at 17 and I really do think if I’d read this book back then it would have been my bible! Let’s see, Della likes cute boy, cute boy likes Della, first reaction: HE MUST BE UP TO SOMETHING! That is totally how I would have reacted back then, I would have thought he was just after sex or it was a joke or a bet or something too! I, like Della, had severe lack of confidence… However at 16/17 I was a mega goth so it probably would have been a wind up if a nice cute boy came to ask me out!
The humour elements running through Della says OMG! is brilliant, I loved Della’s parents! They are exactly how I wanna be when I have kids and although Della thought they were embarrassing sometimes you could really tell that she loved them, and thought herself lucky to have such awesome parents, at the same time! I was cringing when her dad was on about condoms though, that was totally wrong but I was howling at the same time. I think some people might be a bit, sceptical about parents like these, thinking that those sorts of parents don’t exist but to be honest, my parents were a very toned down version of this and I know for a fact that one of my friends had parents just like Della’s when I was at college, so they do exist!
Della says is quite obviously a coming of age book, although it is hilarious it deals with such serious issues, but in the same way that 16/17 year olds do, through humour, sarcasm and avoidance! There’s one very serious part of the book where Della refuses to do something, avoids it because she’s scared and I really don’t blame her, I probably would have done the same! I loved that the book tackles things that I have never read about anywhere else, especially female masturbation. I remember that was just something at my school that no one ever talked about and if someone mentioned it all the girls would just be like “ewwww that’s minging!!!” this was evident even in college too, the girls would talk about Ann Summers parties and going in the shops and stuff but we would never discuss the vibrators. I’m happy that that’s gone away with age! I will happily sit and discuss things like that now but I do have one or two friends who are not as open and honest about the whole scene!
The whole first time thing was big in Della says too, and I liked the way it was handled. You see Della experiencing her first kiss, her first date, her first fumble and eventually another big first! I love that the humour was still evident here, making the whole thing a bit more light-hearted, you could tell Della was scared but sure and the humour was there to smooth over the nerves!
The relationships came across as strong the whole way through the book too, Della’s parents quite obviously had a great relationship and Maddy was exactly what every girl needs at that age; a best friend who was there as soon as you needed her, who you were there for and who you know, no matter what, will always be around. I loved that Maddy was Della’s push, the “let’s just go for it” attitude that radiated from her was awesome! But even Maddy, as a kinda background character had her own thing going on and I really enjoyed that, too often you get friends who just have no character of their own but you could tell Maddy was going through some things behind the scenes!
The whole mystery thing of the Diary was a good plot running through the book too. I nearly choked when I realised who had it and I just know that I would have been freaking out if someone had stolen my diary at 16 (and cringing all the way to my room, where I would lock myself in and never come out knowing the things that I wrote in there!) I guess that as the whole story moved on you could tell that Della was gaining life experience and, with the help of Dan, trying to get over the fact that someone had it. I had a hard time working out how old Della was in parts of the book and as it turns out she's 17 but I think that she's a young 17 and this book shows her becoming more mature. I was expecting more of the whole internet thing going on but it wasn't a problem that it wasn't a huge theme of the book. I really enjoyed the part that the internet and facebook played in, teenagers spend half their lives on their computers (trust me, they really do) so it was good to know that the author obviously knew what teenagers were like and featured the dangers of having profiles such as facebook and stuff (i.e. Della talking about hackers and only having friends she knew) I thought that really brought the book into the present.
I gotta add that, after my small rant on Saturday about Rachel Hawkins’ Hex Hall not having any swearing in it, Della says totally makes up for it! It had swearing in all the right places, especially Dan; boys always swear when they don’t know what else to say and this was put across brilliantly by Dan, his response to Della’s diary going missing; “Shit.” – just the right reaction from a guy!
I could totally relate to this book, Della’s crazy thoughts about why Dan wanted to go out with her, her embarrassment of her parents, Maddy’s dilemmas and Della’s worries about her diary being somewhere for all to see. I think the serious issues tackled were so totally in line with the humour and they worked in sync with each other so well. I really loved this book and as I say, if I was 16 again it would totally be my bible!
In a state of shock at the party’s events she awakes the next day to find her diary missing. She has a range of suspects, including cute boy, Dan. She thinks of anyone who could have gone in her room and taken it and she’s sure its Dan or his friend, who hates her, Gemima. As the summer goes on however Della finds herself getting closer to Dan and quickly works out that he didn’t take the diary. When certain, very hugely embarrassing diary entries start turning up in people’s pockets, via emails and text messages and even on her parents car Della starts getting really scared. With Dan and her best friend Maddy around to calm her down the piece together the clues and a theory is formed, but Della just can’t understand why.
Ok first of all I loved this book. It was hilarious and so amazingly pure to character. I loved Della, so much; she was just, well, a 17 year old!! I am certain that’s what I was like at 17 and I really do think if I’d read this book back then it would have been my bible! Let’s see, Della likes cute boy, cute boy likes Della, first reaction: HE MUST BE UP TO SOMETHING! That is totally how I would have reacted back then, I would have thought he was just after sex or it was a joke or a bet or something too! I, like Della, had severe lack of confidence… However at 16/17 I was a mega goth so it probably would have been a wind up if a nice cute boy came to ask me out!
The humour elements running through Della says OMG! is brilliant, I loved Della’s parents! They are exactly how I wanna be when I have kids and although Della thought they were embarrassing sometimes you could really tell that she loved them, and thought herself lucky to have such awesome parents, at the same time! I was cringing when her dad was on about condoms though, that was totally wrong but I was howling at the same time. I think some people might be a bit, sceptical about parents like these, thinking that those sorts of parents don’t exist but to be honest, my parents were a very toned down version of this and I know for a fact that one of my friends had parents just like Della’s when I was at college, so they do exist!
Della says is quite obviously a coming of age book, although it is hilarious it deals with such serious issues, but in the same way that 16/17 year olds do, through humour, sarcasm and avoidance! There’s one very serious part of the book where Della refuses to do something, avoids it because she’s scared and I really don’t blame her, I probably would have done the same! I loved that the book tackles things that I have never read about anywhere else, especially female masturbation. I remember that was just something at my school that no one ever talked about and if someone mentioned it all the girls would just be like “ewwww that’s minging!!!” this was evident even in college too, the girls would talk about Ann Summers parties and going in the shops and stuff but we would never discuss the vibrators. I’m happy that that’s gone away with age! I will happily sit and discuss things like that now but I do have one or two friends who are not as open and honest about the whole scene!
The whole first time thing was big in Della says too, and I liked the way it was handled. You see Della experiencing her first kiss, her first date, her first fumble and eventually another big first! I love that the humour was still evident here, making the whole thing a bit more light-hearted, you could tell Della was scared but sure and the humour was there to smooth over the nerves!
The relationships came across as strong the whole way through the book too, Della’s parents quite obviously had a great relationship and Maddy was exactly what every girl needs at that age; a best friend who was there as soon as you needed her, who you were there for and who you know, no matter what, will always be around. I loved that Maddy was Della’s push, the “let’s just go for it” attitude that radiated from her was awesome! But even Maddy, as a kinda background character had her own thing going on and I really enjoyed that, too often you get friends who just have no character of their own but you could tell Maddy was going through some things behind the scenes!
The whole mystery thing of the Diary was a good plot running through the book too. I nearly choked when I realised who had it and I just know that I would have been freaking out if someone had stolen my diary at 16 (and cringing all the way to my room, where I would lock myself in and never come out knowing the things that I wrote in there!) I guess that as the whole story moved on you could tell that Della was gaining life experience and, with the help of Dan, trying to get over the fact that someone had it. I had a hard time working out how old Della was in parts of the book and as it turns out she's 17 but I think that she's a young 17 and this book shows her becoming more mature. I was expecting more of the whole internet thing going on but it wasn't a problem that it wasn't a huge theme of the book. I really enjoyed the part that the internet and facebook played in, teenagers spend half their lives on their computers (trust me, they really do) so it was good to know that the author obviously knew what teenagers were like and featured the dangers of having profiles such as facebook and stuff (i.e. Della talking about hackers and only having friends she knew) I thought that really brought the book into the present.
I gotta add that, after my small rant on Saturday about Rachel Hawkins’ Hex Hall not having any swearing in it, Della says totally makes up for it! It had swearing in all the right places, especially Dan; boys always swear when they don’t know what else to say and this was put across brilliantly by Dan, his response to Della’s diary going missing; “Shit.” – just the right reaction from a guy!
I could totally relate to this book, Della’s crazy thoughts about why Dan wanted to go out with her, her embarrassment of her parents, Maddy’s dilemmas and Della’s worries about her diary being somewhere for all to see. I think the serious issues tackled were so totally in line with the humour and they worked in sync with each other so well. I really loved this book and as I say, if I was 16 again it would totally be my bible!
January 23, 2012
Della has had a huge crush on Dan since they were both just four-years-old and he gave her a brand new box of crayons (awww!); so when at her sister's going-away party, he starts to show an interest and invites her out, Della is not completely sure what to do but assume that he's just having her on, but after some reassurance accepts his invitation. And then she kisses him. Dan Bailey. Della kisses Dan BAILEY. Everything after is just a blur. (by the way, I didn't mean it was a blur to ME, I meant to Della =D) An exciting blur, though.
All except she hasn't seen her diary since the party. And she can't find it. Anywhere. And then these mysterious (and v. private) scans start appearing in places she would never have expected..like Facebook..and Dan's mobile..
It's obvious somebody has it, but it never really occurred to Della that they could do something like this to her..the worst possible nightmare in your teenage years..but can Della still keep the blossoming romance alive between her and Dan, whilst worrying about all of her precious secrets?
I was expecting a great deal from this novel, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! Della was a fabulous character, such a sweet and innocent teenager, but I have to say my favourite characters were her really down-to-Earth parents; they were really cool and hippy-ish, the kind of parents we only dare to dream of..although pretty much everyone was so lively and animated! Also, I think I kinda fell a little bit in love with Dan..didn't everyone?!
This inspiring, coming-of-age story is full of that weird teenage anxiety we all get (or got), honesty, and reminds us that, next time, we must remember to HIDE our diaries before a party. Della Says: OMG! is a (hilariously) witty and extremely (fantastically!)-written novel. It's being officially released on 6th May 2010, so make sure you either pre-order or buy that beauty as soon as it's out! ;)
All except she hasn't seen her diary since the party. And she can't find it. Anywhere. And then these mysterious (and v. private) scans start appearing in places she would never have expected..like Facebook..and Dan's mobile..
It's obvious somebody has it, but it never really occurred to Della that they could do something like this to her..the worst possible nightmare in your teenage years..but can Della still keep the blossoming romance alive between her and Dan, whilst worrying about all of her precious secrets?
I was expecting a great deal from this novel, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! Della was a fabulous character, such a sweet and innocent teenager, but I have to say my favourite characters were her really down-to-Earth parents; they were really cool and hippy-ish, the kind of parents we only dare to dream of..although pretty much everyone was so lively and animated! Also, I think I kinda fell a little bit in love with Dan..didn't everyone?!
This inspiring, coming-of-age story is full of that weird teenage anxiety we all get (or got), honesty, and reminds us that, next time, we must remember to HIDE our diaries before a party. Della Says: OMG! is a (hilariously) witty and extremely (fantastically!)-written novel. It's being officially released on 6th May 2010, so make sure you either pre-order or buy that beauty as soon as it's out! ;)
August 7, 2010
I’ve been dying to read Della since it was first published back in May, so much so that I finished it in record time (for me that is). And I have to start by saying: I. Loved. It. These are the first three words that spring to mind when I think of Della Says: OMG!
I loved the characters, especially Della’s ability to carry on – I only managed to keep a diary for a short amount of time (wasn’t very interesting – believe me). But I would hate to have anyone read it so for the things that Della was keeping in hers I would have been horrified, not to mention petrified about what would happen next.
And all this when she has just had her first kiss with her long-term crush. At first I though what rubbish timing for her. Having said this if it wasn’t for him and her best friend, Maddy – who just have the best attitudes to the situation ever – I think this could have been a whole different story.
As it is, it’s a heartwarming and funny story which features loving parents. It touches on issues that many YA books simply don’t talk about whilst at the same time not making a big deal out of it – it strikes the perfect balance.
And that’s not to mention how funny it is particularly from the conversations Della has with her parents but also elsewhere – in places I just couldn’t stop laughing and whenever I had to put the book down, I was reading it as soon as I next could.
I can’t finish this review without picking up on my old employer, Bowlplex – Keris managed to perfectly describe the centre, not to mention (the loud) music and wierd lighting. Thankfully for my centre we only had a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights!
Overall Della Says: OMG! is a strong debut novel from Keris and I honestly can’t wait for more.
I loved the characters, especially Della’s ability to carry on – I only managed to keep a diary for a short amount of time (wasn’t very interesting – believe me). But I would hate to have anyone read it so for the things that Della was keeping in hers I would have been horrified, not to mention petrified about what would happen next.
And all this when she has just had her first kiss with her long-term crush. At first I though what rubbish timing for her. Having said this if it wasn’t for him and her best friend, Maddy – who just have the best attitudes to the situation ever – I think this could have been a whole different story.
As it is, it’s a heartwarming and funny story which features loving parents. It touches on issues that many YA books simply don’t talk about whilst at the same time not making a big deal out of it – it strikes the perfect balance.
And that’s not to mention how funny it is particularly from the conversations Della has with her parents but also elsewhere – in places I just couldn’t stop laughing and whenever I had to put the book down, I was reading it as soon as I next could.
I can’t finish this review without picking up on my old employer, Bowlplex – Keris managed to perfectly describe the centre, not to mention (the loud) music and wierd lighting. Thankfully for my centre we only had a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights!
Overall Della Says: OMG! is a strong debut novel from Keris and I honestly can’t wait for more.
August 4, 2015
I loved Della says OMG completely and devoured it in one sitting.
The thing for me that made this book so special was the way in which it portrayed Della and her friends. I loved how perfectly their teenage interactions were captured and how all those feelings of being a teen and going out there and finding that first love were so brilliantly shown.
Della is a brilliant character. She is has all those awkward teenage qualities of feeling like she doesn't fit in because of all those insecurities you carry round at the age of 17 but without realising that actually she is awesome. She speaks her mind and is just generally gorgeous inside and out which just comes out the page so well as you are following her story.
I loved the main premise of the story. Della finds that her diary has gone missing after a party and the person who stole it torments her with it by sending her pages containing her more personal and private thoughts which she is highly embarrassed about especially because she has just started a relationship with the oh-so gorgeous Dan.
All in all a fantastic summer read which I would highly recommend.
The thing for me that made this book so special was the way in which it portrayed Della and her friends. I loved how perfectly their teenage interactions were captured and how all those feelings of being a teen and going out there and finding that first love were so brilliantly shown.
Della is a brilliant character. She is has all those awkward teenage qualities of feeling like she doesn't fit in because of all those insecurities you carry round at the age of 17 but without realising that actually she is awesome. She speaks her mind and is just generally gorgeous inside and out which just comes out the page so well as you are following her story.
I loved the main premise of the story. Della finds that her diary has gone missing after a party and the person who stole it torments her with it by sending her pages containing her more personal and private thoughts which she is highly embarrassed about especially because she has just started a relationship with the oh-so gorgeous Dan.
All in all a fantastic summer read which I would highly recommend.
July 23, 2016
I'd heard a lot about this book from fellow bloggers but for some reason never got round to buying myself a copy. So when Keris kindly offered me a copy I was delighted. I also was not disappointed when I began reading it. I finished the whole thing in a matter of hours as I just couldn't put it down. Keris' characters are beautifully created.
I haven't read a book for a while that has had me turning the pages so quickly. Stainton's writing style really suits the way I read too as it isn't too serious and there's lots of dialogue which I always find livens up blocks of text. The chapters were also of a suitable length, not being too short but also not dragging on.
For a debut novel, the standard of this book is superb. I expected great things and it really is a book you can't miss out on. I loved how modern it was with the text on the train back from Lytham and the Facebook message too. Keris also managed to get straight into the mind of a 17 year old girl - pretty impressive. So if you've not already - buy it and read read read.
I haven't read a book for a while that has had me turning the pages so quickly. Stainton's writing style really suits the way I read too as it isn't too serious and there's lots of dialogue which I always find livens up blocks of text. The chapters were also of a suitable length, not being too short but also not dragging on.
For a debut novel, the standard of this book is superb. I expected great things and it really is a book you can't miss out on. I loved how modern it was with the text on the train back from Lytham and the Facebook message too. Keris also managed to get straight into the mind of a 17 year old girl - pretty impressive. So if you've not already - buy it and read read read.
February 4, 2013
OMG is exactly the right title for this book because Oh My God! Why did I read it? I seem to have read a different book to everyone else. I don't like these people, the only exception is Della's parents - they are hilarious!
I couldn't picture Della - I didn't know how old she was and you don't find out to page 90! She's really immature for someone of 17 years, I thought she was about 14/15 based on her non-existent boobs we discovered on page 5. Her negativity really got on my nerves. This: people are using plain ol' me to get to my drop dead gorgeous mother and sister. Have some self respect. Then it gets worse: once she has a boyfriend she suddenly realised all these negative thoughts have gone away and she has stopped comparing herself to her mum and sister. I'm sorry my dear, you need love yourself before someone else can love you. And having a boyfriend doesn't mean that you life is now complete. Girls, please have larger goals then "getting boyfriend".
Wasted my time with this.
I couldn't picture Della - I didn't know how old she was and you don't find out to page 90! She's really immature for someone of 17 years, I thought she was about 14/15 based on her non-existent boobs we discovered on page 5. Her negativity really got on my nerves. This: people are using plain ol' me to get to my drop dead gorgeous mother and sister. Have some self respect. Then it gets worse: once she has a boyfriend she suddenly realised all these negative thoughts have gone away and she has stopped comparing herself to her mum and sister. I'm sorry my dear, you need love yourself before someone else can love you. And having a boyfriend doesn't mean that you life is now complete. Girls, please have larger goals then "getting boyfriend".
Wasted my time with this.
April 27, 2010
A thoroughly enjoyable story about everyone's worst nightmare - your innermost thoughts and dreams out there for the world to see. Della is a very likeable heroine and I felt for her as her diary was revealed piece by piece in the most excruciating way possible. Her relationship with Dan was sweetly portrayed and had me remembering my own first boyfriends. Keris Stainton doesn't shy away from the more intimate side of Della's blossoming feelings for Dan and I think this makes the book much stronger. The ending was a real surprise but fitted the storyline.
I really recomment this - a perfect summer read.
I really recomment this - a perfect summer read.
July 1, 2010
17 year old Della has liked Dan Bailey since forever. At her sister's going away party, he finally takes some notice of her and asks her out. The morning after the best night of her life, Della realises that her diary has gone missing, ruining her good mood.
Whoever took her diary is using it against her, revealing some of her deepest secret thoughts on facebook and through notes. Dan was the only other one in her room that night but surely it can't be him can it? He seems genuine enough but what does he really see in Della? The things that have been revealed about Della's life have been pretty embarrassing so far but will she be able to figure out who's doing it before it gets much, much worse?
What I thought
This is one of the first YA novels that I have read that hasn't been in the fantasy or paranormal genres so I was slightly worried about what I was going to think of it. Thanks to Rhiana who passed on a copy of this book to me.
I was actually really surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. It is told completely in first person through Della's point of view which really made me connect with her quickly and feel for her because of what she was going through. Della is quite the average teenager with many hang ups about herself and she is far from confident and beautiful. Finally, someone has written a normal teenager. I do hate those teenagers in books who are beautiful and popular but still find something to whinge and moan about. In this book, Della has every reason to feel insecure, not because she isn't pretty, but because her mother and sister get so much more attention than her. This was a part of her character that I could relate to as my sister was always prettier than me and everyone always seemed to like her a lot more.
The relationship between Della and Dan was lovely to discover. I was so happy that Della finally got her chance at happiness and having something that she had wanted for such a long time. The way the two acted around each other, going from awkward to slowly getting more comfortable, really brought back some memories for me. Going out with someone for the first time is nerve wracking, no matter what age you are and I can remember feeling very much like Della did. I can only imagine how scared she was about going out with Dan considering how long she had been obsessed with him for.
Everything about the way that the teenagers in this book were written makes them so believable. There is a fair amount of swearing and as much as some people will moan about this, I think it is a common occurrence in teens in the UK and not using this kind of language would only have made the characters seem like they were in a fairytale. I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under the age of 14/15 though due to some of topics regarding sex as they are somewhat explicit. Again though, normal behaviour when I was 17.
There was a fair amount of comedy throughout the story, especially with Della's parents. Both best friend Maddy and Dan totally loved her Dad and so did I. He wasn't your average teenagers Dad which was what made me love him immediately. At least he wasn't one of those Dads in these kinds of books that think his daughter/s are little angels that don't drink, don't fool around with boys and don't swear. Della's Dad was very realistic.
As for the mystery aspect of the story, I thought I had guessed who was using the diary against Della quite early on but I was wrong. There wasn't many people that it could have been and who I thought it could be was never even mentioned but something about them stuck in the back of my head. I love being kept guessing and being proved wrong because normally I am right about these aspects of a story. Some of the things that were used against Della were so embarrassing that I know I wouldn't have been able to handle it as well as she did. I think if that had been me, I would have demanded to move schools or something.
I was a little disappointed at how quickly the book ended after everything had been figured out. I would have liked for it to have been drawn out a little more or something extra added to the end instead of the way that it was done. This is the only slight problem that I had with the book overall.
Della says: OMG is a must read for older teenage girls and I think that a lot of adults will be able to relate to it in someway. There are quite a few important lessons to be learnt from this book, like not caring what other people think of you and learning to respect yourself which is something I wish I had been like at 17. I will certainly be putting Keris Stainton n my list of authors to read from now on.
Whoever took her diary is using it against her, revealing some of her deepest secret thoughts on facebook and through notes. Dan was the only other one in her room that night but surely it can't be him can it? He seems genuine enough but what does he really see in Della? The things that have been revealed about Della's life have been pretty embarrassing so far but will she be able to figure out who's doing it before it gets much, much worse?
What I thought
This is one of the first YA novels that I have read that hasn't been in the fantasy or paranormal genres so I was slightly worried about what I was going to think of it. Thanks to Rhiana who passed on a copy of this book to me.
I was actually really surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. It is told completely in first person through Della's point of view which really made me connect with her quickly and feel for her because of what she was going through. Della is quite the average teenager with many hang ups about herself and she is far from confident and beautiful. Finally, someone has written a normal teenager. I do hate those teenagers in books who are beautiful and popular but still find something to whinge and moan about. In this book, Della has every reason to feel insecure, not because she isn't pretty, but because her mother and sister get so much more attention than her. This was a part of her character that I could relate to as my sister was always prettier than me and everyone always seemed to like her a lot more.
The relationship between Della and Dan was lovely to discover. I was so happy that Della finally got her chance at happiness and having something that she had wanted for such a long time. The way the two acted around each other, going from awkward to slowly getting more comfortable, really brought back some memories for me. Going out with someone for the first time is nerve wracking, no matter what age you are and I can remember feeling very much like Della did. I can only imagine how scared she was about going out with Dan considering how long she had been obsessed with him for.
Everything about the way that the teenagers in this book were written makes them so believable. There is a fair amount of swearing and as much as some people will moan about this, I think it is a common occurrence in teens in the UK and not using this kind of language would only have made the characters seem like they were in a fairytale. I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under the age of 14/15 though due to some of topics regarding sex as they are somewhat explicit. Again though, normal behaviour when I was 17.
There was a fair amount of comedy throughout the story, especially with Della's parents. Both best friend Maddy and Dan totally loved her Dad and so did I. He wasn't your average teenagers Dad which was what made me love him immediately. At least he wasn't one of those Dads in these kinds of books that think his daughter/s are little angels that don't drink, don't fool around with boys and don't swear. Della's Dad was very realistic.
As for the mystery aspect of the story, I thought I had guessed who was using the diary against Della quite early on but I was wrong. There wasn't many people that it could have been and who I thought it could be was never even mentioned but something about them stuck in the back of my head. I love being kept guessing and being proved wrong because normally I am right about these aspects of a story. Some of the things that were used against Della were so embarrassing that I know I wouldn't have been able to handle it as well as she did. I think if that had been me, I would have demanded to move schools or something.
I was a little disappointed at how quickly the book ended after everything had been figured out. I would have liked for it to have been drawn out a little more or something extra added to the end instead of the way that it was done. This is the only slight problem that I had with the book overall.
Della says: OMG is a must read for older teenage girls and I think that a lot of adults will be able to relate to it in someway. There are quite a few important lessons to be learnt from this book, like not caring what other people think of you and learning to respect yourself which is something I wish I had been like at 17. I will certainly be putting Keris Stainton n my list of authors to read from now on.
June 6, 2011
Della Says: OMG! made me incredibly happy when I read it! I finished it a few months ago and went through it again to write the review and I found myself rereading it! Sweet, funny and witty, Della will definitely make your day and you will want her as your best friend!
Della is an average teenager living in the UK. She is in that No-Man's-Land between popular and complete loser but she's ok with it. Her sidekick best friend Maddy is made of awesome and she helps out Della with that sisyphean quest towards popularity. When Della's big sister Jamie organises a party in their house to celebrate her departure for America for the summer, Della is dressed with nice clothes and she makes out with Dan Bailey, her longtime crush, who seems to be interested in her. What should be one of the best days of her life turns into a horrific nightmare when *gasps* Della's diary is stolen and she receives (very embarrassing) pages of it through Facebook in a stalkerish kind of way. I know, OMG!
Della is a very down-to-earth teenager and has a great personality. I really loved being in her head and seeing her react to the loss of her diary. She is a great friend and very fun to be around. Her budding romance with Dan is wonderfully portrayed, they are adorable together and the moments where they get to know each other are swoon-worthy. I also liked the way Dan sees Della and how it contrasts from the vision Della has of herself. Della wants to take over from her parents' Deli business and run one of her own and it was great to see her liking her summer job running one deli!
The other characters are all well described and great! I *love* Della's parents!
Through the pages of Della's diary which are put in various locations and sent to various people, we go through Della's most personal thoughts and you can't help cringe at some of the situations. But Della is courageous and she goes through this with the help of her friends and Dan. It also touches important themes for teenagers and it gives a great depth to the story. One of them is the relations between family and friends and it was really great to relate to some of the events in the story.
You know I'm a sucker for an interesting background to a story and I loved the Britishness of Della's story and all the popular culture references. I also loved the fact that they seemed to be *gasps* normal teenagers (you know, the kind you were yourself in that grey area between angel and thug).
The book is told from Della's point of view and the general style of writing flows perfectly. I could really feel Della's personality and thoughts rising from the pages and most of the episodes are laugh out loud funny and original.
I can't quite describe this novel, it is a real piece of sunshine. The story is incredibly uplifting and after finishing it I was dancing around and quite horrifyingly singing to cheesy music and having a blast (*cough* I mean, I know a friend who did that - not me, I swear). Della says: OMG! is one of the best contemporary novels I have read recently and by far the funniest and wittiest. Go read it - you won't be able to resist it!
Della is an average teenager living in the UK. She is in that No-Man's-Land between popular and complete loser but she's ok with it. Her sidekick best friend Maddy is made of awesome and she helps out Della with that sisyphean quest towards popularity. When Della's big sister Jamie organises a party in their house to celebrate her departure for America for the summer, Della is dressed with nice clothes and she makes out with Dan Bailey, her longtime crush, who seems to be interested in her. What should be one of the best days of her life turns into a horrific nightmare when *gasps* Della's diary is stolen and she receives (very embarrassing) pages of it through Facebook in a stalkerish kind of way. I know, OMG!
Della is a very down-to-earth teenager and has a great personality. I really loved being in her head and seeing her react to the loss of her diary. She is a great friend and very fun to be around. Her budding romance with Dan is wonderfully portrayed, they are adorable together and the moments where they get to know each other are swoon-worthy. I also liked the way Dan sees Della and how it contrasts from the vision Della has of herself. Della wants to take over from her parents' Deli business and run one of her own and it was great to see her liking her summer job running one deli!
The other characters are all well described and great! I *love* Della's parents!
Through the pages of Della's diary which are put in various locations and sent to various people, we go through Della's most personal thoughts and you can't help cringe at some of the situations. But Della is courageous and she goes through this with the help of her friends and Dan. It also touches important themes for teenagers and it gives a great depth to the story. One of them is the relations between family and friends and it was really great to relate to some of the events in the story.
You know I'm a sucker for an interesting background to a story and I loved the Britishness of Della's story and all the popular culture references. I also loved the fact that they seemed to be *gasps* normal teenagers (you know, the kind you were yourself in that grey area between angel and thug).
The book is told from Della's point of view and the general style of writing flows perfectly. I could really feel Della's personality and thoughts rising from the pages and most of the episodes are laugh out loud funny and original.
I can't quite describe this novel, it is a real piece of sunshine. The story is incredibly uplifting and after finishing it I was dancing around and quite horrifyingly singing to cheesy music and having a blast (*cough* I mean, I know a friend who did that - not me, I swear). Della says: OMG! is one of the best contemporary novels I have read recently and by far the funniest and wittiest. Go read it - you won't be able to resist it!
May 3, 2010
Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.
This novel is without doubt exemplary in terms of its depiction of teenage life. I vastly enjoyed Keris Stainton's accurately portrayed teens, especially the protagonist, Della. I found the train of Della's thoughts as realistic as it could possibly be, and personally, I thought at many points her thoughts and actions would reflect mine exactly, had I been put under the same spotlight. It was so easy to relate to Della's fears and insecurities, her naivety, and her particular tendency to exaggerate and assume the worse.
I love Keris' portrayal of Della's relationship with the people around her. Her tenous relationship with her sister is natural, as is her embarrassment about her ultra-cool albeit slightly strange parents (dare I say!). Her bond with her best friend is unquestionable - I simply adore how Della and Maddy are completely at ease with each other and free to interrogation one another on various subjects. Not to mention that Della's unrequited crush turned requited love with Dan Bailey is honestly cute. The progression of their relationship is well-depicted and Dan's easy, laid-back personality complements with Della's slightly reserved attitude. I especially loved the way Dan brought her out of her shell with his outlook on issues that matter to her.
Which of course leads me on to delight about the characters. Della aside, my favourite character would be her dad - cool, laid-back and a totally fun secondary character, I wish he had more scenes!
I must say however, that the plot was not as mysterious as I had expected. My initial impression was that the book would focus mainly on Della's predicament about her lost diary, but it isn't exactly the case. I would have wanted the tension and mystery to have been built up more and further developed. Having said that, when the plot does focus on the mystery of Della's lost diary, it becomes pretty mortifying - Della's darkest secrets are so embarrassing to be made public, I cringed for her. It actually kept me glued to read more of her horrified reactions.
In retrospect, I believe that the British setting was a very strong factor in making me relate to the book so well. Since most of books I read are based across the Atlantic, Della Says felt closer to home. Honestly, its relativity soared when I saw Primark on the page! Of course, British or not you would surely enjoy this delightful treat!
Della Says: OMG! is a thoroughly enjoyable read which appealed to my inner teen. Really liked it!
This novel is without doubt exemplary in terms of its depiction of teenage life. I vastly enjoyed Keris Stainton's accurately portrayed teens, especially the protagonist, Della. I found the train of Della's thoughts as realistic as it could possibly be, and personally, I thought at many points her thoughts and actions would reflect mine exactly, had I been put under the same spotlight. It was so easy to relate to Della's fears and insecurities, her naivety, and her particular tendency to exaggerate and assume the worse.
I love Keris' portrayal of Della's relationship with the people around her. Her tenous relationship with her sister is natural, as is her embarrassment about her ultra-cool albeit slightly strange parents (dare I say!). Her bond with her best friend is unquestionable - I simply adore how Della and Maddy are completely at ease with each other and free to interrogation one another on various subjects. Not to mention that Della's unrequited crush turned requited love with Dan Bailey is honestly cute. The progression of their relationship is well-depicted and Dan's easy, laid-back personality complements with Della's slightly reserved attitude. I especially loved the way Dan brought her out of her shell with his outlook on issues that matter to her.
Which of course leads me on to delight about the characters. Della aside, my favourite character would be her dad - cool, laid-back and a totally fun secondary character, I wish he had more scenes!
I must say however, that the plot was not as mysterious as I had expected. My initial impression was that the book would focus mainly on Della's predicament about her lost diary, but it isn't exactly the case. I would have wanted the tension and mystery to have been built up more and further developed. Having said that, when the plot does focus on the mystery of Della's lost diary, it becomes pretty mortifying - Della's darkest secrets are so embarrassing to be made public, I cringed for her. It actually kept me glued to read more of her horrified reactions.
In retrospect, I believe that the British setting was a very strong factor in making me relate to the book so well. Since most of books I read are based across the Atlantic, Della Says felt closer to home. Honestly, its relativity soared when I saw Primark on the page! Of course, British or not you would surely enjoy this delightful treat!
Della Says: OMG! is a thoroughly enjoyable read which appealed to my inner teen. Really liked it!
Read
July 8, 2011There has been a lot of flap recently about how violent and dark YA novels are. While those books do exist and are wonderful—I read many of them, there are also plenty of authors writing stories with out a dystopia or post-apocalyptic setting in sight. Keris Stainton is one of them. Her debut novel, Della Says: OMG, is a delightful read for high-school aged and above YA readers and is centered around the very charming, very funny Della.
Her mom is a former model and everyone says her older sister got their mum’s looks, her father is very charismatic and successful (her family owns a string of popular delis) and Della feels a bit left out (a very relatable feeling from what I remember about being a teenager.) After one of the most memorable moment’s in Della’s life, her diary gets nicked (oh yeah, this book is set in Lancashire, located in north west England. I love books set in the UK and all the little “Britishisms” that come with that) and someone aims to use all of Della’s admissions against her. It’s up to Della, her best friend Maddy, Maddy’s boyfriend Sid, his best friend Leo, and Della’s long-time crush Dan to figure out who’s up to no good. They are all faced with some other “normal” teen-aged stuff along the way. Kissing, doing a little more than kissing, and other situations that require not a single paranormal power to solve, i.e. life. Not a very complicated plot, to be sure, but Stainton does a superb job of creating likable, well thought-out characters and letting them fail and succeed as anyone would in real life.
This was a very quick, enjoyable read. I like Stainton’s writing style so much that I’ve pre-ordered her new novel Jessie Hearts NY. If the book had one drawback for me it was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked a little more in regards to the confrontation with the perpetrator, but all in all, this was a very cute, solid debut.
While “darker” YA plays a role in helping some teens see that they are not alone in facing great traumas or tragedies, books like Della Says: OMG allow teens to see that sometimes things out of your control happen, and while it might not be that big of a deal to some, it can be a really big deal to the person it’s happening to, and how you get through it, and who you get through it with, is the important thing.
Reviewed at WhatchYAreading on July 6, 2011.
Her mom is a former model and everyone says her older sister got their mum’s looks, her father is very charismatic and successful (her family owns a string of popular delis) and Della feels a bit left out (a very relatable feeling from what I remember about being a teenager.) After one of the most memorable moment’s in Della’s life, her diary gets nicked (oh yeah, this book is set in Lancashire, located in north west England. I love books set in the UK and all the little “Britishisms” that come with that) and someone aims to use all of Della’s admissions against her. It’s up to Della, her best friend Maddy, Maddy’s boyfriend Sid, his best friend Leo, and Della’s long-time crush Dan to figure out who’s up to no good. They are all faced with some other “normal” teen-aged stuff along the way. Kissing, doing a little more than kissing, and other situations that require not a single paranormal power to solve, i.e. life. Not a very complicated plot, to be sure, but Stainton does a superb job of creating likable, well thought-out characters and letting them fail and succeed as anyone would in real life.
This was a very quick, enjoyable read. I like Stainton’s writing style so much that I’ve pre-ordered her new novel Jessie Hearts NY. If the book had one drawback for me it was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked a little more in regards to the confrontation with the perpetrator, but all in all, this was a very cute, solid debut.
While “darker” YA plays a role in helping some teens see that they are not alone in facing great traumas or tragedies, books like Della Says: OMG allow teens to see that sometimes things out of your control happen, and while it might not be that big of a deal to some, it can be a really big deal to the person it’s happening to, and how you get through it, and who you get through it with, is the important thing.
Reviewed at WhatchYAreading on July 6, 2011.
September 19, 2011
Della’s over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party – but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...
When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della’s distraught – how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets? From Amazon UK
I have had this book sitting on my TBR pile for such a long time, and I really regret not picking it up sooner. Della Says: OMG! Is such a sweet novel!
It's completely believeable, it's a situation any teenager who keeps a diary would die over. You can't help but feel for Della when she realises her diary is gone and excerpts start appearing - especially considering the type of entries that show up. Not only are they personal, but they are likely to cause friction between her and the people in her life, because of things written in anger or changing situations. In some ways, it reminded me of Good Girls by Laura Ruby - although the plots are slightly different, they both involve humiliation through the sharing of things that should have be kept private through new technology. I had the same jaw-dropping reaction to both over how mean people can be.
Although it was pretty bad, I found that Della's relationship with Dan, and the sub-plot of her best friend Maddy's own relationship problems, to be what I was interested in most. Was Dan really genuine? What was Maddy going to do? I think this book really says something about relationships, how the most unlikely of relationships might not be as rocky as you'd assume, and how the strongest of relationships might not be as strong as you think.
There are funny moments, sad moments, and moments of extreme embarrassment, but what I love is the change that came over Della as the story progressed. From the unsure, self-concious girl, to the one who is a lot more confident, Della's story really is wonderful to read. My only negative is that I felt it ended quite abruptly, but overall it was a really sweet, lovely quick read. It would be great for summer reading!
From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog
When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della’s distraught – how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets? From Amazon UK
I have had this book sitting on my TBR pile for such a long time, and I really regret not picking it up sooner. Della Says: OMG! Is such a sweet novel!
It's completely believeable, it's a situation any teenager who keeps a diary would die over. You can't help but feel for Della when she realises her diary is gone and excerpts start appearing - especially considering the type of entries that show up. Not only are they personal, but they are likely to cause friction between her and the people in her life, because of things written in anger or changing situations. In some ways, it reminded me of Good Girls by Laura Ruby - although the plots are slightly different, they both involve humiliation through the sharing of things that should have be kept private through new technology. I had the same jaw-dropping reaction to both over how mean people can be.
Although it was pretty bad, I found that Della's relationship with Dan, and the sub-plot of her best friend Maddy's own relationship problems, to be what I was interested in most. Was Dan really genuine? What was Maddy going to do? I think this book really says something about relationships, how the most unlikely of relationships might not be as rocky as you'd assume, and how the strongest of relationships might not be as strong as you think.
There are funny moments, sad moments, and moments of extreme embarrassment, but what I love is the change that came over Della as the story progressed. From the unsure, self-concious girl, to the one who is a lot more confident, Della's story really is wonderful to read. My only negative is that I felt it ended quite abruptly, but overall it was a really sweet, lovely quick read. It would be great for summer reading!
From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog
July 18, 2011
Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com
Della Says: OMG is probably the dictionary definition for a teen contemporary, with references to Facebook, IM and texting as well as dealing with those issues and fears that we all have as teenagers.
I had massively high expectations for Della, mainly because I read Jessie Hearts NYC a week or so ago and absolutely adored it, so when Della came in the post I was quite uncertain, I was so scared that it wouldn't be as good as Jessie, but my expectations were so high because I loved Jessie!
Did Della live up to my expectations? Yes. I really enjoyed it, I was anticipating it to be a fun, quick, easy read which centered around the loss of the diary and while that was a big part of it, I felt that the central point was more Della's developing relationship with Dan and the lessons that she learns. I was expecting this book to be for younger readers, but it covers some older subject, like first-time-sex and some other older topics, with a few swears here and there though these things are developed very tactfully that it doesn't feel dirty, it feels great to see Della's development.
I loved the character of Della, who is smart and funny and as a teenager just a year younger than I am now, with no powers to speak of, she is so easy to relate. She also has some hilarious moments, which make you cringe and laugh out loud (discovering that boys have nipples!). The character is so believable. I also liked Dan, he wasn't too perfect, he swears and has had sex before and yet he is so sweet and real, I really liked Dan!
I think the ending seemed a little rushed, I think that Della should have confronted the diary thief, but otherwise it all was amazing!
All in all, a book that realistically but tactfully puts across issues that teens can relate to so easily! I loved it!
Find my review for Jessie Hearts NYC Here
Rating: A
Della Says: OMG is probably the dictionary definition for a teen contemporary, with references to Facebook, IM and texting as well as dealing with those issues and fears that we all have as teenagers.
I had massively high expectations for Della, mainly because I read Jessie Hearts NYC a week or so ago and absolutely adored it, so when Della came in the post I was quite uncertain, I was so scared that it wouldn't be as good as Jessie, but my expectations were so high because I loved Jessie!
Did Della live up to my expectations? Yes. I really enjoyed it, I was anticipating it to be a fun, quick, easy read which centered around the loss of the diary and while that was a big part of it, I felt that the central point was more Della's developing relationship with Dan and the lessons that she learns. I was expecting this book to be for younger readers, but it covers some older subject, like first-time-sex and some other older topics, with a few swears here and there though these things are developed very tactfully that it doesn't feel dirty, it feels great to see Della's development.
I loved the character of Della, who is smart and funny and as a teenager just a year younger than I am now, with no powers to speak of, she is so easy to relate. She also has some hilarious moments, which make you cringe and laugh out loud (discovering that boys have nipples!). The character is so believable. I also liked Dan, he wasn't too perfect, he swears and has had sex before and yet he is so sweet and real, I really liked Dan!
I think the ending seemed a little rushed, I think that Della should have confronted the diary thief, but otherwise it all was amazing!
All in all, a book that realistically but tactfully puts across issues that teens can relate to so easily! I loved it!
Find my review for Jessie Hearts NYC Here
Rating: A
August 5, 2015
This is the first book I have completely enjoyed for a very long time. Every page was a joy to read and I couldn’t really fault the book other than it was probably a bit young for me, but hey…I’m a female Peter Pan! I’m never growing up! In all seriousness though, this book was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump. Just a nice normal read with no paranormal beings falling in love with us humans.
Della is your normal sixteen-year-old girl with all those thoughts, worries and doubts girls her age have. Then the boy she has fancied all her school life comes to her sister’s going away party and takes an interest in her. The story centres around their developing relationship, with a sub-plot of Della’s diary going missing and trying to figure out who has it when they start sending her pages or quotes from it.
See, nothing complicated about the story. It was a breath of fresh-air. The writing flowed nicely. Nothing seemed forced. The characters were believable. What I loved most about the characters was the love and support of each other. Sometimes families and friends are there for each other just because they can be. No need for sullenness and ‘get out of my life’ drama from Della only for her to realise at the end they were only try to help her. She knew from the beginning, which made the story even more lovely and warm.
I do have one gripe about the book; it needed more about the diary. That’s all. So I’m giving it full marks. I know it wasn’t the most intelligent, thought-provoking books I’ve read, but as I said before, this book wasn’t aimed at people my age, and this Keris Stainton thoroughly entertained me with this story of Della.
Della is your normal sixteen-year-old girl with all those thoughts, worries and doubts girls her age have. Then the boy she has fancied all her school life comes to her sister’s going away party and takes an interest in her. The story centres around their developing relationship, with a sub-plot of Della’s diary going missing and trying to figure out who has it when they start sending her pages or quotes from it.
See, nothing complicated about the story. It was a breath of fresh-air. The writing flowed nicely. Nothing seemed forced. The characters were believable. What I loved most about the characters was the love and support of each other. Sometimes families and friends are there for each other just because they can be. No need for sullenness and ‘get out of my life’ drama from Della only for her to realise at the end they were only try to help her. She knew from the beginning, which made the story even more lovely and warm.
I do have one gripe about the book; it needed more about the diary. That’s all. So I’m giving it full marks. I know it wasn’t the most intelligent, thought-provoking books I’ve read, but as I said before, this book wasn’t aimed at people my age, and this Keris Stainton thoroughly entertained me with this story of Della.
May 20, 2012
Hilarious and horrifying by turns, with one of the strongest teen voices I've read.
The premise, the title and the cover for this book promise a great fun read and it is certainly that, while at the same time exploring some crucial issues for teens about self-image and dealing with what others think of you. Della's diary pages had me cringing along with her (and pondering the cruelty of the sender - what a thing to do to someone!).
Della is a realistic teen heroine: her lack of confidence in her appearance open the book with a scene about getting ready for a party and it is easy to empathise with her right from the start. This is no glossy US-style high school story with perfect teen specimens bitching despite their perfect lives. I'm sure most teens will find much to identify with in Keris Stainton's brilliantly-executed characters. I've already commented on the authentic nature of the voice and dialogue in this novel, as this is a key part of its realism. Della and the other teen characters sound like genuine contemporary UK teenagers (trust me, I teach 16-19 yr olds), and yet their behaviour, relationships and emotions were able to take me back to being a teenager with ease. Keris has definitely captured something timeless in that period of uncertainty and intensity expertly. I also feel that the treatment of teen sexuality in Della is superbly realistic and it's great to see teens thinking and talking about sex without it being a thinly-veiled morality message. The sweet awkwardness of early romance is also particularly well done here.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this to any fan of teen/YA fiction.
The premise, the title and the cover for this book promise a great fun read and it is certainly that, while at the same time exploring some crucial issues for teens about self-image and dealing with what others think of you. Della's diary pages had me cringing along with her (and pondering the cruelty of the sender - what a thing to do to someone!).
Della is a realistic teen heroine: her lack of confidence in her appearance open the book with a scene about getting ready for a party and it is easy to empathise with her right from the start. This is no glossy US-style high school story with perfect teen specimens bitching despite their perfect lives. I'm sure most teens will find much to identify with in Keris Stainton's brilliantly-executed characters. I've already commented on the authentic nature of the voice and dialogue in this novel, as this is a key part of its realism. Della and the other teen characters sound like genuine contemporary UK teenagers (trust me, I teach 16-19 yr olds), and yet their behaviour, relationships and emotions were able to take me back to being a teenager with ease. Keris has definitely captured something timeless in that period of uncertainty and intensity expertly. I also feel that the treatment of teen sexuality in Della is superbly realistic and it's great to see teens thinking and talking about sex without it being a thinly-veiled morality message. The sweet awkwardness of early romance is also particularly well done here.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this to any fan of teen/YA fiction.
April 16, 2010
Della Says: OMG! is the debut novel from author Keris Stainton, and is a great addition to UK teen fiction. It focuses on Della, a likeable, realistic teenager whose personal diary is stolen from right under her nose. When excerpts from said diary start showing up on Facebook and other public places, she does what everyone in that situation would do: panics.
I enjoyed Della Says: OMG!, and I particularly liked the budding romance between Della and Dan. First relationships can be a scary thing, with so much to worry about, and so much that can go wrong. Stainton shows every side to teen life, and has perfectly captured the mindset of a teenage girl. Readers will realise they're not along when it comes to boyfriend anxiety, and that can only be a blessing in disguise.
I would have liked the book to be a little longer, and for there to be more emphasis on the missing diary. I felt like that plot got slightly overlooked, and I would have loved to see more embarrassing excerpts. I also thought Della figured out who the thief was too easily, though I understand why it played out that way.
Overall, Della Says: OMG! is a fun, light read with some serious stuff thrown in for good measure. Growing up is a hard time in anyone's life, and what makes this book so good is the realisation that Stainton still remembers what those rollercoaster teen years are like. I'm really looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next, and I think she's definitely a writer to watch!
3.5/5
I enjoyed Della Says: OMG!, and I particularly liked the budding romance between Della and Dan. First relationships can be a scary thing, with so much to worry about, and so much that can go wrong. Stainton shows every side to teen life, and has perfectly captured the mindset of a teenage girl. Readers will realise they're not along when it comes to boyfriend anxiety, and that can only be a blessing in disguise.
I would have liked the book to be a little longer, and for there to be more emphasis on the missing diary. I felt like that plot got slightly overlooked, and I would have loved to see more embarrassing excerpts. I also thought Della figured out who the thief was too easily, though I understand why it played out that way.
Overall, Della Says: OMG! is a fun, light read with some serious stuff thrown in for good measure. Growing up is a hard time in anyone's life, and what makes this book so good is the realisation that Stainton still remembers what those rollercoaster teen years are like. I'm really looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next, and I think she's definitely a writer to watch!
3.5/5
April 28, 2015
4.5 Stars
I have been looking forward to reading this book for ages. I loved the idea behind the book – it had me completely intrigued – and I’m pleased to say I really loved it. It was different than I expected it to be but in a really good way – I loved the whole missing diary aspect that we are told about in the synopsis but the book is so much more than that.
The writing is brilliant – very witty and a pleasure to read. All the characters are really well crafted and come across as completely believable. I loved Della – very unassuming and I enjoyed watching her grow. Her family were great and I especially liked her parents – very different in a good way. Her friend Maddy was wonderful and there’s an excellent story surrounding her character that I enjoyed just as much as Della’s. As for Dan Bailey – he is adorable! I have officially developed a new crush! Not only is he (in my mind) completely gorgeous but he is also really kind and sweet and I felt a real connection between him and Della. You can really tell how much he cares for her – and I loved how he helped Della with her problem.
I didn’t find it predictable at all – in fact the ending took me by surprise (although it is possible that I was focusing too much on Dan Bailey and missed the signs!). I loved how the book was really funny but also dealt with real issues and emotions. I think it is safe to say I cannot wait to read more by this author.
I have been looking forward to reading this book for ages. I loved the idea behind the book – it had me completely intrigued – and I’m pleased to say I really loved it. It was different than I expected it to be but in a really good way – I loved the whole missing diary aspect that we are told about in the synopsis but the book is so much more than that.
The writing is brilliant – very witty and a pleasure to read. All the characters are really well crafted and come across as completely believable. I loved Della – very unassuming and I enjoyed watching her grow. Her family were great and I especially liked her parents – very different in a good way. Her friend Maddy was wonderful and there’s an excellent story surrounding her character that I enjoyed just as much as Della’s. As for Dan Bailey – he is adorable! I have officially developed a new crush! Not only is he (in my mind) completely gorgeous but he is also really kind and sweet and I felt a real connection between him and Della. You can really tell how much he cares for her – and I loved how he helped Della with her problem.
I didn’t find it predictable at all – in fact the ending took me by surprise (although it is possible that I was focusing too much on Dan Bailey and missed the signs!). I loved how the book was really funny but also dealt with real issues and emotions. I think it is safe to say I cannot wait to read more by this author.
May 26, 2010
Della Says: OMG! is the incredibly cute and sparklingly funny debut from Keris Stainton.
I really loved Della. She’s such a realistic character who responds to things pretty similarly to the way I do. Wear a dress. Do I have to? Boy of your dreams asks you out. Why? Will he try to humiliate me? Your diary goes missing. Completely freak out. And the bits that were taken from Della’s diary were pretty mortifying. Some of them are the types of things that you’re reluctant to even admit thinking about, let alone have them broadcast. I have to confess that once I’d finished Della Says: OMG! I hid my diary where no one else will ever find it. Ever. And knowing me, I’ll probably forget myself!
Keris Stainton wrote a fantastic cast of supporting characters. Maddy with her boy dilemma; nasty Gemima; Della’s sister, Jamie, who I’d like to know more about and their really funny mum and dad. It’s unusual for a character’s parents to have such a starring role in YA and so I’m really glad Della’s did. The only minor niggle I had with them is how cavalier Della’s dad is about Della and Jamie’s sex/love life. I’m sure that my dad still thinks I’m about ten when it comes to this sort of thing and would never, ever mention it. Is that just mine?
Della Says: OMG! is a quick, fun read and I’m looking forward to reading more from Keris in the future.
I really loved Della. She’s such a realistic character who responds to things pretty similarly to the way I do. Wear a dress. Do I have to? Boy of your dreams asks you out. Why? Will he try to humiliate me? Your diary goes missing. Completely freak out. And the bits that were taken from Della’s diary were pretty mortifying. Some of them are the types of things that you’re reluctant to even admit thinking about, let alone have them broadcast. I have to confess that once I’d finished Della Says: OMG! I hid my diary where no one else will ever find it. Ever. And knowing me, I’ll probably forget myself!
Keris Stainton wrote a fantastic cast of supporting characters. Maddy with her boy dilemma; nasty Gemima; Della’s sister, Jamie, who I’d like to know more about and their really funny mum and dad. It’s unusual for a character’s parents to have such a starring role in YA and so I’m really glad Della’s did. The only minor niggle I had with them is how cavalier Della’s dad is about Della and Jamie’s sex/love life. I’m sure that my dad still thinks I’m about ten when it comes to this sort of thing and would never, ever mention it. Is that just mine?
Della Says: OMG! is a quick, fun read and I’m looking forward to reading more from Keris in the future.
June 17, 2012
I wanted to like Della Says: OMG! BUT I ended up loving it. Most of that is due to Della who starts of so unsure of herself but grows up a lot. I really felt for her, she doesn’t know her place with her family and if Dan’s advances are genuine without coming being full of self-pity.
Della’s relationship with her sister was something I had great empathy with. There is a close line between love and hate but in Della’s case it was just a giant gap. I agree with Maddy, Della’s parents are great. I actually liked all the characters in the story though Maddy’s sub plot didn’t always sit right with me. I even grew quite fond of Dan who was nice without being a waschlappen (wimp).
Considering the length of the book it’s amazing how much Keris Stainton crams in there without losing the entertainment. It’s a book about relationships, not just the boy/girl kind but also about dealing with the things that life throws at you and trusting yourself.
Della Says: OMG! is a really good book. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
Della’s relationship with her sister was something I had great empathy with. There is a close line between love and hate but in Della’s case it was just a giant gap. I agree with Maddy, Della’s parents are great. I actually liked all the characters in the story though Maddy’s sub plot didn’t always sit right with me. I even grew quite fond of Dan who was nice without being a waschlappen (wimp).
Considering the length of the book it’s amazing how much Keris Stainton crams in there without losing the entertainment. It’s a book about relationships, not just the boy/girl kind but also about dealing with the things that life throws at you and trusting yourself.
Della Says: OMG! is a really good book. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
August 25, 2010
I read Della Says: OMG! in one sitting. I very quickly warmed to Della, the central character, and identified with her preoccupations. You see, it may be *cough* years since I was a teenager but I've been there and I remember what it was like and how important some things seemed back then.
I also remember how closely I guarded the fact that I even kept a diary, let alone the extreme lengths I went to in order to safeguard it from prying eyes. All of which meant that, when Della's diary disappears from her bedroom during a party, I immediately felt the panic and terror she feels and was whisked into the book right alongside her.
So, while it may be marketed to teens, don't let this put you off reading it, as it nearly did me. Anyone who either is or has ever been a teenager and/or kept a diary could read this and enjoy a great story, told at a cracking pace and with understanding, warmth and real humour.
I also remember how closely I guarded the fact that I even kept a diary, let alone the extreme lengths I went to in order to safeguard it from prying eyes. All of which meant that, when Della's diary disappears from her bedroom during a party, I immediately felt the panic and terror she feels and was whisked into the book right alongside her.
So, while it may be marketed to teens, don't let this put you off reading it, as it nearly did me. Anyone who either is or has ever been a teenager and/or kept a diary could read this and enjoy a great story, told at a cracking pace and with understanding, warmth and real humour.
February 12, 2011
My.Oh.My. This book is so awesomely hilarious. Della is a very outspoken person. She says what she thinks. I really like that. Dan is a really sweet and honest guy. I'm so relieved that he wasn't the culprit. It would just break my heart if he was. Della's parents are so young at heart. They are really funny and open minded. Maddy is great. It would be awesome to read more about her. Keris did a fantastic job with this book although I do have to admit that I was and still am a teeny weeny bit uncomfortable with the sex thing (maybe mostly due to diff cultures) but I'm really glad to see that Keris is brave enough to talk about it in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2010
I've not read a YA book since... well, since I was a YA! I just plain adored this book. From the first page I felt like 16 years had been swept away and I was a teenager again, relating to Della's life and thoughts. That heart-stopping moment when she finds out her diary's been stolen? I almost shriveled up and died on her behalf. Della is a fantastic character too... her blend of ballsiness and vulnerability was utterly convincing. Must admit though I was rather jealous of her romance with Dan... all that SNOGGING! Swooooon. Conclusion: OMG! MOAR PLS.
July 7, 2010
What a great concept! Can you imagine your diary disappearing, only to appear on Facebook?
But for me the real strength of this book is Della. She's a smart, forthright teenager I couldn't help but connect with -- and giggle along with some of her discoveries (like when she finds out men have nipples, too!). She deals with all the ups and downs of adolescence, but not in the whingy way that has turned me off some YA protagonists. I loved seeing her relationship with Dan develop and grow despite the difficulties they faced. I wish I had a Dan growing up!
But for me the real strength of this book is Della. She's a smart, forthright teenager I couldn't help but connect with -- and giggle along with some of her discoveries (like when she finds out men have nipples, too!). She deals with all the ups and downs of adolescence, but not in the whingy way that has turned me off some YA protagonists. I loved seeing her relationship with Dan develop and grow despite the difficulties they faced. I wish I had a Dan growing up!
May 9, 2010
Touching and authentic. Della's shame and horror when she realises that her diary has gone missing is so well described that it made me feel slightly sick on her behalf. And there's a sweet and honest tale of first love as well. The focus is more on Della's journey to accept that her secret thoughts need not be so shameful after all, than the actual mystery of who is playing evil tricks on her but overall it's a funny, wise and very sweet read.
February 12, 2011
I thought that this book was going to be terrible when I picked it up, but my friend said she'd enjoyed it, so I gave it a go, and it's actually really good. It covers some fairly sensible topics about growing up, being a teenager, but also about life, friends and family. I found it easy to relate to and very enaging. However, it is not a very challenging read,and i managed to finish it in two hours.
May 18, 2011
A great mysterious read, trying to figure out the source of Della's problem. An interesting book that will captivate you, making you want to read and find out who the culprit is, along with her social life. An interesting plot with an unpredictable end.
Della says omg is a recommendation because of her bouncy personality and quest to find a convict. A recent and newly produced book, the time language is perfect for young teens.
Della says omg is a recommendation because of her bouncy personality and quest to find a convict. A recent and newly produced book, the time language is perfect for young teens.
January 11, 2011
It was a breeze reading the book. It was as if the conversations were uttered right in front of me. One of my favourite lines is by Dan who told Della this:
‘Not exactly dancing. You walk like there’s music in your head.’
I don’t know if it’s the right line to use to a girl but it worked for Della.
More here: http://www.booksloveme.com/2011/01/de...
‘Not exactly dancing. You walk like there’s music in your head.’
I don’t know if it’s the right line to use to a girl but it worked for Della.
More here: http://www.booksloveme.com/2011/01/de...
July 1, 2011
This was a great book. It was a great read and I loved how it flowed. I loved the characters, all of them. I loved how Dan and Della's relationship was and i loved how Dan was really truthful and elped her and all. I loved this book all the way through and I will be telling my friends to read it!
5/5 for me!
MJ_Lover xx
5/5 for me!
MJ_Lover xx
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