Rebecca-Books

Author Interview: Mary Pauline Lowry

2012-02-16T11:08:00.002Z

This is the first ever post on a new feature called 'The 5 Questions' where I ask authors 5 of the same questions about their new book.

Today, I have Mary Pauline Lowry, author of The Earthquake Machine, to answer a few questions about her new book.

1) How did you come up with the idea for The Earthquake Machine?

When I was 15 years old I climbed out my bedroomwindow and ran away from home. My adventure took me all the way to Matamoros,Mexico. I always wondered what it would have been like if I had traveled deeperinto the interior of Mexico.

THE EARTHQUAKE MACHINE tells the story of a 14year old girl who runs away while on river rafting trip in Big Bend NationalPark. She swims across the Rio Grande River to Mexico and travels all the wayto the state of Oaxaca. I wanted the novel to feature a female protagonist on awild adventure. I want women and girls to be inspired to live life fully andtake risks.
Luckily for me, I have amazing and sweet parents who are nothing like Rhonda's parents in The Earthquake Machine. But my mom did take me to Mexico a lot when I was a little girl. Somehow just by writing, I came up with the idea of a 14 year old girl named Rhonda who runs away while on river rafting trip in Big Bend National Park. She swims across the Rio Grande River to Mexico and travels all the way to the state of Oaxaca. I wanted to write a novel about a brave and brazen young American girl experiencing Mexico for the first time.

2) What did you enjoy writing most about in the book?

In the book there is a group of Mexican womenbandits who dress up like men in order to rob people. They know in a machismoculture they won’t be taken seriously as criminals unless people think they aremen. It was really fun and delightful to write about female outlaws.

3) Describe the book in a sentence.

The book tells the story of an American girl whoruns away to Mexico and “passes” as a Mexican boy while she searches for herfamily’s gardener who has been deported.

4) What advice would you give to future writers - both writing andpublishing wise?

First I would urge writers to set a time to write everyday. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time at first. Even 15 minutes will do. Iwould also encourage young writers to NEVER show their work to anyone theydon’t trust completely to be encouraging. This is crucial in the early stagesof writing.

The publishing industry is changing sorapidly—with the advent of ebooks and the success of self-publishedauthors—that the advice I would give writers now regarding publication isTOTALLY different than the advice I would have given five years ago. I’ll haveto quote the author SETH GODIN who says that now that it’s possible toself-publish and have your books widely accessible to readers through theinternet, “only you can say no to yourself.”

Five or ten years ago, agents and editors could“say no” to an author and the author would have no other options. Those daysare over now.

5) What are you working on next?

I have written another novel that hasn’t been released yet called THEGODS OF FIRE that is based on my personal experiences as a forest firefighter.The book has been optioned for film. I wrote the script and there is a directorattached to the project. But I’m working on a small script revision so that thescript can go out to actors. It’s super fun!

Thank you to Mary!

Bio:
Mary Pauline Lowry has worked as a forest firefighter, screenwriter, open water lifeguard, construction worker, and advocate in the movement to end violence against women. Due to no fault of her sweet parents, at 15 she ran away from home and made it all the way to Matamoros, Mexico. She believes girls should make art, have adventures, and read books that show them the way.

THE EARTHQUAKE MACHINE is being published on 1st March 2012.

Exciting News: The Five Questions

2012-02-14T12:48:00.001Z

This blog has been going two years on Friday - scary stuff really especially as I'm two years older than my original 15 year old self that started Rebecca-Books (did I ever say sorry for the totally NOT original name?)

Anyway, to honour my two years in the blogosphere, I am started a new feature here on Rebecca-Books where authors will answer five of the same questions (they will change over time, I promise!) about their latest book.
WHY? Well, I get a lot of emails from authors/publishers asking to review their book and I want to help them, but well, at college, there is LITERALLY no time after school to read for myself, let alone someone relying on me to read and review. So this feature is for those authors which I'm interested in but I don't have enough time to read their book.

I hope you all enjoy these interviews. This is kind of a trial run to see what happens but I would love for this to be incredibly popular so let anyone know if you think they would be interested - you will be my best friend for life, I mean it.

Schedule:

16th February - Mary Lowry, author of THE EARTHQUAKE MACHINE

23rd February - Meredith Zeitlin, author of Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters

3rd March - Amy Lignor, author of The Angel Chronicles

Notes to Self - Avery Sawyer

2012-02-13T16:59:00.001Z

Sometimes when authors/publishers ask me to review a book of theirs, I find myself thinking that this is wrong. I guess it's because before blogging (and partly during blogging), I just a normal person reading constantly that HAD to wait for all the best, upcoming, great books to come out in England, instead of America. Which sucks.

But now, even though when I find myself saying 'Yeah sure!' to a review request, it feels still weird and slightly wrong. But then I get to find books that I probably would never have known about and it helps me to love blogging and what I do.
This is one of those books. I felt bad saying yes to this interesting sounding book but then, I start reading and I feel so glad I said yes.
Blogging rules sometimes.

Synopsis: One windy night at the end of summer in Florida, two teenage girls climb up a roller coaster. Two fall down. Only one wakes up.
That one person is Robin who after a traumatic brain injury, she tries relearn who she is and find out what happened that night in order to try and help Emily, her best friend, wake up.

Review: This is one short read, I can tell you. But boy, is it intense.
The book starts with just before the fall and much like Robin, the narrative jumps to when Robin wakes up. From then on, we, and Robin, are trying to find out her past and more importantly, the accident itself where something is nagging Robin that if she remembers, it will save Emily. This all happens in a series of flashbacks throughout the book which piece together all our questions ending in the ultimate and last flashback - the fall.

I liked how Sawyer didn't reveal everything straight away to us - it made it a much more interesting read. I would say this story is unique, because in some ways I think it is especially the way it is done. But there are a lot of books out there that reminded me of this one while reading - Speak and If I Stay to name a few.

This book takes some time to break in. At first, while reading, I didn't like it at all - I got annoyed at Robin and I found the hospital scenes disturbing and uninteresting. Not a good mix, I assure you. But when Robin finally gets out of hospital and starts to try and find out what happened, the story suddenly lifts up. The thing about Robin is that she is someone I could relate to.
So I haven't broken anything, had concussion or hurt in any way part of my brain, I felt and understood what she was going through. For me, her point of view is written like a typical teenager and the problem of her not remembering anything was linked with other teenage 'tragedies' such as not sure if you like a guy and people being mean to you at school. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick or I totally lost the whole point - but that's what I felt. I related to Robin because her injury was linked with things I have gone through in my teenagehood.

Robin, I thought was going to be annoying. I feel bad saying this but I get annoyed when something happens to the protagonist and they whine on and on about their problems. I would be the same, I know, but still. Surprisingly, Robin wasn't. She got on with her life and I liked the determination to find out what happened on that night. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that Robin was a great narrator and I liked her character and the way she just got on with everything after the accident.

The writing was easy to read and flowed really well. There are a lot of chapters for such a short book and almost act as episodes. Despite this, the narrative was never snappy or broken up, it all flowed into a wondering book very well. Because of the episodes, it became very visual in my head while reading and I can totally imagine this as a movie in the way it is written.
Although I thought the opening could have been better, the ending...well, let's say that some may expect it happening, I did not. I had already made my decision on what happened at the end but this was changed completely.

Now, my problems. Wow, Josie is a total bitch and the way the people treat Robin when she returns to school, wow, that is harsh. At times I felt that the story seemed a little...dramatised. Like the way people treated Robin at school - yes it happens but I don't think it would have been that bad especially as they know about her brain injury. Another example is Susan (I won't reveal why) but I was like 'Seriously? That's a bit too coincidental. It was like Sawyer wanted to get the mother out of the story so introduced her.

NOTES TO SELF tackles multiple issues that teenagers have to deal with as well as the ultimate and tragic problem of brain damage - something we all fear and hope will never happen to ourselves and those around us. Avery Sawyer has successful created a book where people can somehow relate to Robin, even though she is in a rare situation. The writing and characters craft this book into something that I think most people would enjoy at any age. With the length of this book, I think everyone should read this book - even if it isn't totally perfect.
Verdict: I would give it a go - but I don't think it is everyone's cup of tea.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.teashopgirls.com/
Pages: 107
Publisher: Self
Challenges: None

Don't worry, I'm here and now aged 17...

2012-02-12T13:42:00.002Z

So I know I've been a bit silent for a while - not my own doing I assure you.
I've been incredibly busy with a lot of coursework, work and just generally doing things so I haven't had much time or thought to post, sorry...

The most important thing that's happened for me in my absence is my birthday last Monday.
It's weird because before then, 16 seemed like SUCH a young age, like I didn't feel 16 anymore. But now, I'm 17 and that just seems even weirder. I mean, I'M 17. I CAN DRIVE?! I'm 18 next year? I'm going to be more of an actual adult?!

For those who are in their late teens, you'll understand much more than those that aren't. I'm still getting used to the fact I have a choice to learn to drive or not.
For my birthday, I got the only thing I truly wanted...an iPhone. It was needed, my last phone was dying a painful death slowly and I was close to throwing it on the train tracks on my way to college.
With getting an iPhone (I now understand why people depend on their phones now) I got the essential apps for a teenager: Twitter and Facebook. So you followers will be seeing me tweeting pictures much much more. YAY :)

That's kind of it. I'm having a tea party tonight to celebrate my birthday and the start of my last year of being a true child. I'm here, don't worry.
Comment however and as much as you like, I read every single one and I check every day.

Patrick Ness Signing

2012-02-05T16:58:00.003Z

Firstly, can I say that I love Foyles. Seriously have a passion for that bookstore.
I do have a special love for Waterstone's but wow. Foyles.

The Patrick Ness event was at Foyles in Central London and while browsing the shelves in the Fiction section beforehand, I kept finding all these books that I know about that I am desperate to read BUT CAN NEVER FIND. Like the whole Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, I want to read these American books but I don't have access to them here in England. But THEY'RE ALL IN FOYLES. That's where they keep them!
Sorry. Moving on.

Anyway, I went to a signing with Patrick Ness and other authors in July 2010 and loved it as my first favour of a book signing (Click here for my post on that).
I know he does a lot of signings so I was keeping an eye out for any ones in London. I live on the outskirts of London so it only takes 20/30 minutes to get to the Central London. However, despite LIVING HERE, he does a lot of book events for festivals in places like Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh - not so close to London.

So you can imagine my surprise and excitement when I found out he was launching the paperback of A Monster Calls at Foyles in...Central London. I reserved tickets within a day and was ready to go.

So on the 1st February, I went up to London after college and went to this event...with my dad (only person available to accompany me - he didn't mind - he found it entertaining). The event was incredibly interesting and it was great to find out about how Patrick Ness writes and thinks of his books. Jim Kay, the illustrator for A Monster Calls was also there and I found him equally interesting to hear what he had to say about his extraordinary drawings.

The stage - the frames hold the drawings from the book by Jim Kay

After the interview and a few questions from the audience, Patrick Ness and Jim Kay started to sign the books from those in the audience. It's funny because in the queue when I was watching the people taking pictures, gushing over how much they love the book/drawings, I could tell which ones were bloggers, which ones just love books and especially Patrick Ness and those who would later write a story on the event. Exhibit A: the lady who was in front of me asked me to take a picture on her iPhone with both Patrick Ness and Jim Kay and I thought to myself as I pressed the shutter button 'I bet she's a blogger'. The next day whilst browsing Patrick Ness' Twitter, I found her photograph with him, followed the link to her own Twitter page and *dun dun dun* found her blog link. Off the subject but it was just funny to look at people and know what they're going to do afterwards.

Anyway, back to the event. I am nervous when I am by myself talking to people I don't really know personally. So an author and illustrator aren't exactly the scariest people alive, it's still weird talking to them thinking 'They write/draw?' I don't know, authors to me don't look like authors.

Patrick Ness asked me if I'd read the book (which I hadn't...yet) and I said no but that I'd read his other books and thought this was justification to come. So he replied he was glad I liked his other books and hope I enjoyed my evening. And that was it.

I liked that he appreciated my appreciation for him. I really like it when authors are modest.

Jim Kay had a equally thrilling conversation with me (I make my point that I don't know how to speak to authors/illustrators). He asked me how I was and excused his inky hands. I found them quite funny actually, the ink looked more like pen ink that print ink so it looked like he should be Patrick Ness...
His drawings are stunning I admit, I love a certain picture of a clock - it's just so detailed and looks to real on paper.

So that was my signing with them. It was a great, funny evening. I really love books. And authors. And Foyles...

Please ignore my lovely red face - it was a bit hot in there &
had been awake since 6.30am

The paperback of A Monster Calls comes out the 2nd February 2012.

Click here for Patrick Ness' website.

Click here for Jim Kay's website

Click below for the links to my reviews of the Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness

- A New World (#0.5)

- The Ask and the Answer (#2)

- Monsters of Men (#3)

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

2012-02-05T16:11:00.001Z

This is one of those books that English bloggers and readers have to deal with, book wise. I first saw the rave for this book last year when it was very BIG on the blogosphere. I read review upon review - all by American bloggers - and fell in love with the sound of this book. However, there are certain books in America that well, stay there. And living in England with all these great books not avaliable is a little annoying.
Considering this, imagine my excitement when I finally have access to a copy. My friend was reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, quite openly in my English class. When I go to sit next to her to talk, I see this book and gush about how much I loved John Green. After our ramble on how much we loved Paper Towns, my friend then said 'I also have this book too, it's very good' and puts out Dash & Lily's Book of Dares.
I'm not quite sure what or how I said it but I think it came out like 'OH MY GOD, I REALLY WANT TO READ THAT BOOK. PLEASE CAN I BORROW IT, PLEASE?!' Looking back, not the politest thing I could have said but I got my point across and she gave it to me, happily. Ah. I love her right now...

Synopsis: 'I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.'

Whilst browsing through his favourite book store, Dash comes across a red Moleskine notebook, and so begins the book of dares as Dash gets to know the girl behind the notebook. Lily places her red Moleskine notebook, waiting for the right guy to come along and find it and accept her dares. But is Dash the right guy? Will they just continually keep passing clues to places in New York City? And what will happen when they finally meet?

Review: This book is one of those that is just a little different to anything else I have read. For starters, rarely do you see two authors of one book, like David Levithan and Rachel Cohn. Additionally, there are few books out there that contain dares that bring you, as a reader, to different parts of a major city, such as New York. And mainly, I hardly ever read books where at the end I'm like 'I wish these people were real'. This is such a realistic book, everything seems like it COULD happen and by the end, my friend and I agreed that we wished Dash and Lily were real people because...well, I'd want to know them.

As you can tell, I loved the characters of Lily and Dash - both I found interesting to read about, although for some unknown reason I preferred David Levithan's (Dash) chapters more. The other minor characters didn't just fade into the background after a while or were normal, boring people themselves. No, they were all very unique and different and all had an original spark so it never felt like they were two characters depicted the same way. My personal favourite was Boomer, as I'm sure many people would say. I just COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING. He was absolutely hilarious. Another favourite was Boris - the dog. There's a scene where he runs off and, without revealing too much, ah, you'll be in stitches, I was laughing so much.

One of my only problems with this was the language, especially for David Levithan's (Dash) chapters. Dash has a lot of knowledge and loves words and books. To put it finely, I had no idea what he was talking about half the time and I'm surprised Lily did understand him. My advice: keep a dictionary with you for his chapters because I guess you might need it.

Apart from that the language was vivid, especially in the key scenes in New York. I went to New York in October time when they were getting ready for Thanksgiving so I understand the craziness of Macy's and FAO Swartz. I can see the tourist traps in Central Park and Times Square. I can see the attraction of an unknown book store or pub. All of which visited in this book. The places are described incredibly well that even if you hadn't been there, anyone can get a feel for the atmosphere if you were there. I loved that about this book.

The romance could be a little bit more, personally. Conversely, I did feel that feeling where you want to shout at them 'KISS ALREADY!' which Dash and Lily both feel themselves. However, I think if there was this full-on romance, the book wouldn't haven been as good. The point is they meet under these strange and original circumstances where romance has to develop, you don't just feel this straight away. Being the age of Lily and Dash, I totally understood both their viewpoints on love and previous relationships. What they say may seem petty or 'too-grown-up' for them, but being a teenager, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have got it spot on - these are the feelings and thoughts teenagers have while in relationships.

Overall, this book is wonderful. You get taken into the narrative straight away and keep this engagement with Lily and Dash and actually really get to know them and want them to get what they want. This book is incredibly original - one that cannot be copied. I would recommend this to anyone for the great writing, plot and characters. This is a book that will make you smile.

Verdict: You'll love it - but remember a dictionary.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.rachelcohn.com/rachel-david/

Pages: 260

Publisher: Ember - an imprint of Random House

Challenges: None

Vice & Virtue - Veronica Bennett

2012-01-30T18:45:00.001Z

I first saw this book on a Goodreads newsletter and was drawn to the cover straight away, mostly because of the unusual title and tagline.
I have heard of Veronica Bennett before having read her book Cassandra's Sister many times from the library before.
So by finding out that she had released another book, I was intrigued. And again, so when I noticed a copy in my local library (they are real fans of Veronica Bennett aren't they?!), I snapped it up and ran over to join my friend.
I must admit, I was a little worried about this book. Example A: the cover - it was too pink for me and Example B: although I liked the story, Cassandra's Sister, it is far from being my favourite and the last time I read it, I didn't enjoy it THAT much.
So when starting this book, my expectations were hardly high - which is probably a good thing.

Synopsis: The year is 1700, London. A city so crowded and unregulated, it is easy to slip away and become someone else. Much like Aurora finds herself having to do. After the death of her father and being the oldest child, she has to marry for wealth. So when Edward Francis comes and proclaims his love for her with a great fortune - although in poor health - she cannot refuse. But that night, she finds out his secret to marrying her. Here she enters a world of deceit, lies, etiquette and murder.

Review: I'm not quite sure about this book. I cannot say I absolutely loved this book, because I didn't. But then I didn't completely detest this book either.

The concept is interesting. Aurora comes from a rather lower class family, who has only really made their money from her mother's business. She is the eldest daughter of 3 girls, so she needs to marry well in order to help her mother and younger sisters. However, Aurora is clever, witty and knows what is morally right so she isn't JUST going to marry anyone. Until really Edward comes along and she feels she is forced into marrying him because of a deathly illness. Great plan, right? She marries a man who, although she does not know him, is in love with her from afar and marrying him will please him, and then when he does die, she will have her own fortune and estate which she can live on for the rest of her life - sounds a good idea, even if she doesn't love him, right?
Well. I won't spoil it but basically, Edward marries Aurora, not only because he really does love her, but because he wants her to become someone else, 'Miss Drayton', get into the upper class society and become friendly with a certain family in order to find the truth out for him about his father's last deed. So, not such a great idea now.

I think it is the concept that drew me in, as well as knowing of this author before. The story itself is well thought out and becomes almost like a mystery that you desperately want to find out the truth of. However, once this novel gets started, it really starts to take shape. The beginning I found was lacking something, although I was intrigued, like Aurora, from the first sentence, I wasn't totally interested or wanting to know the whole story straight away. It isn't really until Edward reveals his secret that I was like 'Whoa - where is this going?'. The story does go on to be better than the beginning and the ending really rounds the book off well.

The characters themselves are delightful and add to the treachery and deceit that fills this novel. Every single character in this novel has a secret or something in them that they mostly hide until the very end. For Aurora, this is her marriage to Edward - as an example. The characters of Celia and Joe were well...you, as a reader, kind of start wanting them to be your friends because they seem so perfect (although Celia is way too whiny and demanding at points). Joe, well, if you wanted a guy that every girl swooned over although he is a bad boy, this is your man. The way Bennett describes him is so vivid.
Aurora herself was a lovely voice to listen to. She was clever and not silly like Celia but she was also girly and as a female myself, I enjoyed her descriptions of the luxury and clothing. Edward, at the beginning, I was positioned not to like him that much but by the end, I got used to his nature.

Although, ultimately, this is a historical book, there is also hints of mystery and romance. The mystery is not THAT great really. Although I wanted to find out the truth, I wasn't put on edge constantly (although the culprit at the end is rather surprising, I must say, the person is found out halfway through so it's not very mystery near the end). The romance was underplayed and displayed nearer the end of the book, but because of the situation for it, it was done perfectly and subtly.

Now we come to why I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the concept, the romance and mystery but I didn't totally love this book. Why? Well, like I found Cassandra's Sister, this was just flat. I felt no strong emotions, I did not have an attachment for Aurora nor did I feel on edge in the mystery or romance. I just didn't feel anything at all.
This book is good for the different aspects that make up most novels but ultimately, when it comes to the book as a whole, it is just flat. I would recommend this book to anyone will an interest in mystery/romance/history. You will enjoy it but it won't be your favourite.
Verdict: Good book but not one to be remembered.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.veronica-bennett.com/
Pages: 224
Publisher: Walker
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

Blogging Resolutions 2012

2012-01-29T20:04:00.001Z

Okay, so I know this is a little over due but I have just remembered/had time/thought about writing this post.
Cast your mind back to the beginning of January (I know, that DOES seem ages ago).
I created a post entitled 'Create my Blogging Resolutions'. The subject? I got my followers to fill in a form telling me what they enjoyed, did not enjoy or wanted from my blog this year.
Basically....these are the results.

1) 'What website do you take the covers of books from?'
Well...I am a bit bad really. If I haven't disclaimed that they are my own photographs that I have taken, they are normally from a Google Images search. I don't really know how else I can do this but if you type the name of
the book in question onto Google, the picture I use is normally the 1st or 2nd one.

2) 'You tend to be soft on judging books. Even when you have issues, most books get at least 3/5, which is better than 50%, even though what you say sounds worse'
If I'm honest, I totally agree and I'm aware of that. I am like this because I feel bad to give a book a 1 or 2 if there was some aspect that I did enjoy.
RESOLUTION: I will try to be as honest with my marking of the book out of 5 as I can. If I really slag a book off, then it will now be definitely around a 1/2 instead of the real lowest being around 3. Most books I review are around 4/4.5 but I will really think about whether they are this high also.

3) Style of Language: 'could be more proper'
I know I know - this is something I am bad at. When writing essays at college, I absolutely hate it because I prefer to write more casually, and when you have a blog where YOU decide everything - it's like talking to my best friend sometimes with the language.
RESOLUTION: I will still be casual with my language but I will make sure I am not either rambling, going off on a tangent or sound like I'm talking to my mum.

4) 'You could individualise the layout a bit, and modernise it, if you like. Make it reflect your personality though. Are you a flowery person, then add romantic little curlicues. Are you a straightforward kind of person, make things have straight corners, and a simple color scheme. The blog is an extension of you, let it show!'
As you would have noticed if you are a regular follower, I have changed the layout already (I hope you like it!) I find designing on Blogger difficult so I usually end up with something plain.
RESOLUTION: I have been looking at tutorials on how to improve the look of a blog from others that are more expert that me. I am also in the process of making a header at the top with the name, Rebecca-Books like normally seen on blogs (If you have any tips or hints, please tell me!!)

5) 'There's a lot of boxes, and the boxes I find cute, but there's so many of them that it doesn't look pretty anymore. If you could collect some of the items on a new page instead, maybe that would help.'
Hmm...the sidebar has always been a problem for me. But I think it was the old layout that used boxes for every single item added to the sidebar - it does look different now.
RESOLUTION: I will look at what I do and don't need on the sidebar and see if I can put the images on a different page instead e.g. the challenges.

6) 'I love the reviews being collected on one page because I can look up specific ones without needing to hunt through your posts. On the other hand, if your blog had a search function, that would be handy too - not just to look for reviews, but also other things you post about.'
Can I just say I love you whoever wrote this comment - you are my favourite person right now.
RESOLUTION: There is a way to search the site on the Blogger bar right at the top of the page. But I know you can add a Search widget, so I shall include it on my sidebar.

I also love the person who wrote 'AMAZING!!' for what they thought of my blog in general. You Rock.

So what do you think? Do you have anything else to add that you think should be improved? Do you agree/disagree?

Tuesday Top Ten: Most Anticipated Book Adaptations of 2012

2012-01-24T18:07:00.002Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week is a FREEBIE so I decided to do this one which was a past 'Top Ten Tuesday' topic before I joined the programme. Also, sorry for missing so many of these, I have been quite busy recently with college work and keep forgetting about these on a Tuesday!

These are just the ones I'm looking forward to. If you would like a full list for the year 2012, click here :)

1. THE HUNGER GAMES

Needless I say anymore? I love this book, I love the idea and I am so looking forward to seeing it being adapted for the screen.

2. Mirror, Mirror & Snow White and the Huntsman

I'm surprised they're releasing two big Hollywood movies about the same book around the same time. Both of these set to be amazing and very different from one another. Snow White is such a lovely adaptable story so it will be interesting to see how each movie tells the story.

4. Les Miserables
Okay, so this hasn't actually been made yet but it is supposed to be released in 2012. I mean Amanda Seyfrield, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter - all in one movie? I'm there.

5. THE GREAT GATSBY

Filming finished. Teaser photographs. AH I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE. It's annoying because I'm studying this novel now but it is will be released in December after my exam. But I shall be dragging my friends to go and see this. This looks set to be amazing. And my cousin is in it!

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Emma Watson. Just. Emma Watson.
This book was..erm...interesting when I read it and as Stephan Chboksy is directing this film as well, it could still be...erm, interesting. AH EMMA WATSON.

7. Great Expectations
After watching the BBC adaptation of this Dicken's book, I fell in love with this story - I mean, Havisham, Pip- oh Pip. Recently I found out that they is going to be a Hollywood version of this novel starring Helena Bonham Carter as Havisham- so, watch this space.

VIII - H.M.Castor

2012-01-22T12:47:00.000Z

Henry VIII is someone I think no-one could live without knowing, especially here in the UK. I am actually studying him in History right now. As my teacher asked what do we know about Henry, we replied in an unplanned unison : 'He had six wives' and then burst into laughter.

But yes. Henry did have six wives. And yes, two were beheaded, two were divorced, one died and one survived, as the song goes. He fathered three children - Edward, Mary and of course, Elizabeth I - another monarch that no-one could live without knowing of.

So this was why I was interested in this book. After reading the back cover, the writer pronounced that this was her interpretation of Henry. It is true, a man whose father had fought in civil war and the fact, Henry was technically not supposed to be king (he was Henry VII's second son, his brother Arthur died before succession) - how did he grow up to be this ruthless, beheading, wife and son wanting man?
That is essentially was H.M.Castor explored.

Synopsis: The story follows Hal, a young, handsome, gifted youth who after overhearing some prophecies, believes he has been chosen by God to be King. Soon events unfold that lead to this becoming true. But he is haunted by the facts of his family's bloody past and once, he rises to power, he will do anything to make them go away and to secure his throne like those before had not - even if it means cruelty of murder. This is H.M.Castor's version of Henry VIII - Destined for greatness, tormented by demons.

Review: Wow. Just, erm, wow.
The last couple of days I have been incredibly ill, like 'I am not moving from this bed' ill. So one of the only forms of entertainment was reading and boy, when you have a gripping novel like this, it is easy to spend 3 hours reading continuously.

Like I said above, I know a LOT about Henry VIII, like probably the rest of the country, and more recently, the period of history leading up to his reign. Before his reign, as it is referenced to, there was the War of the Roses, a civil war in England that was basically caused by 'over-mighty nobles' or plainer, some nobles who had a lot of power and influence getting annoyed at the king and trying to overthrow him. This was an unsettling time for England with the chop and change of about 3 different kings. It only ended when Henry VIII's father, Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth and went on to secure the dynasty and prevent another civil war in the future.

Having just learn all that in History for my exam last week, it was so refreshing to read it in this book, knowing exactly who and what their referring to. I think it just showed that this lady really did her researching and this book is throughout wonderfully detailed, but simple to understand the events of the time.

One thing I, of course, do not know about Henry VIII is his personality. We can guess from the palaces and paintings that he was extravagant, ruthless and, well, fat. But H.M.Castor has cleverly shown us her Henry, a man who HAS to be these things in order to achieve what he wants desperately: Empire and Sons. She hasn't tried to copy others or do the most accepted view of him. She hasn't tried to be clever and complicated about his character. She simply charts how he came to power and how this affected his behaviour. I liked this simplicity and I was never perplexed by his actions and the narrative she includes. With Henry being renamed Hal, she shows that this is could be anyone, that he is not the conventional Henry VIII but one of the potential characters he could have been - if that makes sense.

The writing is both descriptive and imaginative. There are times when she becomes a true writer and writes some beautiful things. At times, I could vividly imagine the narrative with the elaborate dresses and rooms, his behaviour and felt his desire for an Empire and Sons. At other times, Castor sums up the events or the thoughts at the time in a sentence rather than a paragraph as other writers do.
There is seriously nothing I can fault about this book. I found the battle scenes a tad boring but that is just me, and they do not drag on and on for chapters, like many other Historical Fiction books do.

Hal as a protagonist was interesting and was so engaging to see the change in him from being a boy to being a fully grown male king and of course the turn to ruthlessness. The contrast between the man we leave at the end of the book from the beginning is quite significant so there is a definite character change in this book. Although the story is centred around Hal, we also get a favour for his relationship and the personalities of his close family, including his wives. We see Anne Boleyn as this manipulative woman, Catherine of Aragon - a lady I started to really like and the struggle of Hal deciding whether to put his future son or his love first. The kindness and innocence of Jane Seymour, Hal's famous disgust to Anne of Cleves, the deceit and two faced Katherine Howard and the perfect, careful, caring wife of Katherine Parr - the wife I am so glad lived on after reading.

In short, this book is brilliant, jam-packed of historical detail, research and true events. Castor has shown Hal well, made him a unique character in the shoes of Henry VIII's. This book has a wonderful pace and tone where, as a reader, I felt a mixture of emotions for the characters - hatred, fear, happiness - everything. Although Hal is Henry, I felt like I was becoming him too when I read this. The ending is by far perfect for me and I anticipate anything else by this marvellous writer.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in Tudors or history iin general - no, I would recommend this to anyone. An example of the detail involved? After finishing this book and going back to college, I was the only one to get full marks in test on Henry VIII, thanks to this book.
Verdict: Just read it, I bet you enjoy it.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.hmcastor.com/
Pages: 391
Publisher: Templar
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

Death Comes to Pemberley - P.D.James

2012-01-16T20:17:00.000Z

So I am a sucker for things associated with Pride and Prejudice - modern takes, inspired by her works mostly. However, I have never read a book that continues the story of her books. In fact, I think it is mostly because I think she would turn in her grave, cringing at people imitating her and trying to add things that, in her mind, never happened.
However, this book fell into my hands.
Working at a book shop, I see what is popular with people and this one was. I learnt that P.D.James is a well known, celebrated crime writer who has won awards and when I saw this copy in my college library, I decided to give it a go, I mean, I love takes on Pride and Prejudice and a mystery with Wickham - seeing the relationships of Elizabeth and Darcy and Jane and Bingley - that is like my ideal book, maybe...

Synopsis: The year is 1803 and both Elizabeth and Jane have been married for exactly six years. With two healthy sons, a stable relationship and Jane very nearby, Elizabeth is comfortable and happy with the life she chose. However, this is all threatened when, on the eve of Pemberley's annual ball, a chaise appears in the middle of a storm, carrying Lydia, their sister, shouting that her husband, Wickham, has been murdered. Suddenly, there is a race to find the truth and the tranquil of Pemberley is ruined. Who is the killer and what other dark secrets are there underneath the niceties?

Review: When I got this book, I had a look on Goodreads to see what people said as I knew little about it. There have been rather mixed reviews, admittingly mostly negative ones. But I decided to go on and read this as I thought it might be interesting and different to read.
Oh lord, is all I can say. I enjoyed parts of this but as it took me a month to read and I just...I don't really know what to think if I'm honest. This is one of those book that starts amazing...and then gets worse and worse until the end where it's uplifted again - you can tell that authors work on the opening and closing chapters.

Okay, so I'll take you chronologically. The book starts on the eve of the annual great ball of Pemberley, done in honour of the late Mrs Darcy where Elizabeth and Darcy are enjoying an evening with Jane and Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
To start off with, I thought I was going to really enjoy this book. From the first chapter, I felt I was being immersed in a the world of Jane Austen all over again, the writing done similarly (yet in a more modern way), the detail and world of the Pemberley really coming alive. I enjoyed the mystery of finding the body and killer, that intense wonder that all good mystery novels normally hold for the reader - I felt that.
However, after this, it started to go down hill.

I cannot say that I despised this book - it was enjoyable in some areas. However, overall, this book...just wasn't for me. The narrative became very slow and cumbersome and started to really drag on.
There were so many characters introduced, I lost touch with how they were and their relationship to the other characters - it got confusing. There was evidence people find that is never mentioned ever again in the story. And the climax of the trial ends abruptedly, 'saving the day' in the nick of time. A character died in the middle and impacts the rest of the story - and I have no idea who that person is.
All these things I felt I was expected to know - like I could read the author's mind. I can tell you, if I didn't know anything about Pride and Prejudice, I would have found this difficult to understand.

This book anticipated and intrigued me and I can understand the reasons for the bad reviews. I know this one is a rather negative one but I just did not enjoy this book at all. I don't know, maybe you will - but I just didn't.
The personalities of the characters we know so well vanished. Darcy was the most less arrogant, proud man I have seen and god, he was a boring point of view. Elizabeth lost that spark and independence so many people love about her character - this book just has that unique, special touch completely missing.

Overall, this book disappointed me and was tedious to read, and for me, it was kind of a waste of time I thought when I ended. What I did enjoy though about this book was the weaving in of the facts of Pride and Prejudice that really echo this story. Any cliffhangers you felt from that book are half answered in this one. This is a very modern take on such a classic novel and to be honest, if I was Jane Austen right now, I would be turning in my grave. P.D.James adds a note at the beginning that she thinks Austen would not have approved of this book - I totally agree.
Verdict: I didn't like it but that doesn't mean no-one should read it.

I give it a 2 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/pdjames/
Pages: 291
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Challenges: BBC

Book Adaptations 2012

2012-01-16T19:03:00.001Z

Last year, I created a list of Book Adaptations of 2011 (click here). I decided to create another list for this year. I shall be adding to this when and where I hear about any more this year.
I love book adaptation and there are so many on this list I want to see (HUNGER GAMES!) so when I see them, I'll write a review for you guys if you're deliberating on seeing the movie.
Enjoy!

January:
13th - War Horse (starring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch)
27th - The Descendants (starring George Clooney, Judy Greer)

February:
10th - The Woman in Black (starring Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Shaun Dooley)
17th - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn)

March:
16th - Mirror, Mirror (adaptation of Snow White) (starring Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer)
23rd - The Hunger Games (starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth)

April:

May:

June:
1st - Snow White and the Huntsman (starring Kristen Stewart, Charlie Theron, Chris Hemsworth)

July:
3rd - The Amazing Spider-Man (starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone)
20th - The Dark Knight Rises (starring Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy)
27th - Dr.Seuss' The Lorax (starring Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White)

August:
3rd - Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (starring Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Steve Zahn)
17th - The Borne Legacy (starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz)

September:
7th - Anna Karenina (starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Emily Watson)

October:
26th - Skyfall 007 (starring Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith)

November:
16th - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2 (starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Launter)

December:
7th - Les Miserables (starring Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Jackman)
14th - Life of Pi - (starring Suraj Sharma, Tobey Maguire, Gerard Depardieu)
19th - The Hobbit (starring Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom)
25th - The Great Gatsby (starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton)

Also this year:
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower - release date not set yet
- The Bell Jar
- The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
- Great Expectations

Video: The Joy of Books

2012-01-15T19:47:00.004Z

My friend posted this video from YouTube on Facebook and after watching it, I loved it and thought it was something very special and done amazingly. I just look at and think of how many hours must have gone into this - I kind of want to do it myself...

Enjoy and remember There's Nothing Quite Like a Real Book

On My Bookshelf (13)

2012-01-15T18:33:00.003Z

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren (I don't have a Mailbox...)

Quite a big few weeks of books actually...I cannot complain!

Bought:

Enduring Love by Ian McEwan - for English Literature class

My Sister Lives On the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher - in the Waterstone's sale; I have been wanting to read this for so long.

The Radleys by Matt Haig - Again, I have been intrigued to read this for a while. It will be my first paranormal book actually...

AND... *DRUMROLL*

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green - I was given the heads up about him signing the first 150K copies for Waterstone's by a friend who works there also. When I went in yesterday, I saw it and kind of swooped over to the shelf and grabbed one in a crazy rush. People did look at me weirdly...

So, it is also signed. And as I looked at all the books on the shelf to see which was in the best condition (I know I'm not the only one), I noticed that this was the only copy that the signature was in purple ink.

His pen must have run out...

Borrowed:

Vice & Virtue by Veronica Bennett - this was borrowed from my local library but I had heard about it before on Goodreads. This is Veronica Bennett's latest book and having read one of hers before, Cassandra's Sister, this should be good.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - I have desperate to read this for AGES. But I could never find a copy, due to it another one of those books that I only saw in America (grrr.) Anyway, talking to my friend (Yes, you Emma!), I don't think she quite realised my wanting to read this book so when she produced it from her bag, I kind of shouted at her desperately 'I will be your best friend if you let me borrow that' or something like that...oh dear.

That's it! What books did you receive this week?

My week has been a little hectic...

2012-01-14T20:13:00.002Z

This week has been a little hectic since I returned to college.
I had an exam yesterday, my first ever A level exam...and well, I don't particularly want to think about it but let's say I doubt I passed it.

On Monday afternoon, I have my other exam for January, which is History. I am incredibly scared especially as I'm only half way through teaching myself the syllabus (long story).

So yes. I am a neglecter of the blog and yes, thank you 'Anonymous' for that comment on how awful I am at blogging and should just shut the blog down, I so appreciated it and felt happy for the rest of the day all in the comfort of knowing what I already knew. Thanks. So much.

Moving on, I have many new books on my bookshelf and the fact, I've been working in a book store the last month, book are far from rare in my life. I have found a girl in my English Literature class who shares passions for the same sort of books (e.g. she is a MASSIVE John Green fan - oh yes!) which helps.
College is hard, and I know it isn't going to get any easier.

With the pressure of a blog as well, sometimes I wonder why I do everything.
But fear not my followers, this blog will NOT be closing down any time soon, nor will I abandon it.

Rebecca shall be back soon with more books than ever

Have a lovely week :)

Create my Blogging Resolutions

2012-01-02T19:48:00.000Z

I follow many a blog and I always look at many of them and think 'I wish my blog looked or felt like that'

That may be my personal opinion but I'm never sure if what I'm doing suits everyone or if I'm being confusing or annoying. So, I decided to have a survey.

This survey is just a list of things I am concerned about on Rebecca-Books and would like to address...but not quite sure how. I want to know what my followers actually think about what I do and what I think is good/bad. If you all say, 'Nothing needs to be changed', I will stop worrying - but don't just put that to shut me up because I want to help YOU have a nicer, better experience when visiting.

This is completely anonymous, if you want to put your name at the end, fine, but I'm not making you, because I wouldn't want to.

BE HARSH. I mean it. I want to you to just go for it instead of beating around the bush. If my reviews, for example, annoy you, tell me! Tell me why they annoy you and how I can improve on them.

Don't feel you have to fill in every field, fill in one or all of them, I don't mind. I just want as many people as possible to fill this in for my own personal feedback. This is like my blogging resolution. What you want through this form will be implemented by 2013 - I promise.

THANK YOU!

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2011 Challenges in Review

2012-01-01T16:05:00.001Z

Challenges are great - and irritating. I don't take them too seriously but it is annoying when you're 1/2 books away from your goal. Here is how I did in the challenges I was in, in 2011:

COMPLETED

I aimed to read around 10 books in the YA Historical Fiction this year. I, however, managed 17 and knocked off 3 to-reads for this genre. Click here to have a look at the books I read.

I am also competing in this in 2012 so have a look here for the sign-up post on how to get involved if you're interested.

COMPLETED

I aimed on this challenge to read 9-12 books all by British Authors. And? Well, I managed 20 overall, which I am very pleased about! I also managed to 5 more books off my to-read list by doing this challenge. Click here to have a look at the books I read.

Again, I am also competing in the 2012 version of this challenge. Click here to see my sign-up post.

INCOMPLETE

I tried so hard to read 50 books in the year of 2011, but failed by TWO BOOKS. Nonetheless, I am proud that I read more books than last year (43). I blame my exams in May/June for it...and Wicked - that was such a long book...

Favourite Books of 2011

2011-12-31T13:24:00.001Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's that time again this year! December for bloggers is the time to reflect on what we've read and think about the books we would like to read in the new year...and what books we want on our present lists!

This the second year that I have done one of these, it's so nice to know that this blog is still going strong. It's been an amazing year and I hope I'll be doing another one of these this time next year. If you want to have a look at the one for 2010, click here.

On the Books of 2011 page, I added my favourite book of that month and this is an end of year round up of my all time favourite books of this year. Enjoy!

January: A Song for Summer - Eva Ibbotson

This is the first book of 2011 I read and it is one that has stuck with me for the rest of the year. It is incredibly beautiful and powerful to read and I think it shows the essence of Eva Ibbotson's great writing skills.
I also read another one of Eva Ibbotson's - This Morning Gift. Which although it was good and enjoyable, for me, it just didn't suit my tastes and I found it a little boring. Eva Ibbotson's plots can be quite complex but this book and The Secret Countess are ones that are more simple and much more enjoyable.

Review | Goodreads

February: Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

This is one of those books where you're not sure whether it's going to be good or not. I mean, it was an interesting concept but I read so many bad reviews for this before I started.
And until about halfway through, I thought it was so-so. This book has some of the most well thought-out and most original characters I have ever read in Audrey, Victoria and Jonah. The plot is fast and keeps you interested without being too fast paced. It has an interesting storyline and one, although it's never happened to me, I could relate to. Although there is a lot of swearing, like on every page, this book creates a fun, musical atmosphere that is so enjoyable and optimistic to read. You can tell I enjoyed it as I read it in only a few days.
Review | Goodreads

March Part 1: Chocolate Cake with Hitler - Emma Craigie

This was an extraordinary book, one that I remember frequently and really got me interesting in the whole story of Hitler's last days. This has a lovely range of characters in an interesting and intriguing setting. You can see how much research and detail has done into this novel and it has, although a horrible, shocking ending to the main story, a look at the different characters mentioned and how they spent the rest of their lives. This is a book that makes you reflect on life and how experiences like this can change you.

Review | Goodreads

March Part 2: The Legacy - Gemma Malley

Yes, I couldn't choose which one to have that month so I chose two. The Legacy was a book I waited for, for what seemed like ages. I had read the first two books in the trilogy, The Declaration and The Resistance and loved them - but they left so many things unanswered to I was itching for the library to have this book in. And it did - finally. This was my first dose of dystopian fiction and I loved it, from the characters of Peter and Anna to the plot to the interesting twists and turns that line the whole series. Gemma Malley, for me, is a genesis.

Review | Goodreads

April: I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison

I admit I was dubious of this book when I saw the title and cover, something stopped me buying it until it was in the sale. But I absolutely loved it. The characters are amazing and really reflect the characters of Austen's best loved book, Pride and Prejudice. The plot, language, descriptions, characters, romance was just spot on and this instantly became my favourite book after reading. I'll looking forward to reading the next in the series, Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend (yes, I am dubious of the title still) which I'm waiting for the paperback version before buying.

Review | Goodreads

May: Looking for Alaska AND July: Paper Towns - John Green

Okay so there were two John Green novels at the top for 2011 but I thought I'd combine them.
Looking for Alaska was interesting and gave me a nice introduction to John Green in general. This was a great book with interesting characters, a great plot and a lovely setting. It isn't a perfect novel, I thought the second half of the novel was nothing special but for me, the first half made this book.

Review | Goodreads

Paper Towns was a much better read for me than Looking For Alaska. The plot and characters were much better and I don't think I've EVER laughed so much when reading a novel. This book had me in stitches on every page, some of my favourite quotations come from this.
Great book, I would recommend it to anyone.

Review | Goodreads

June: Girl with a Pearl Earring - Tracy Chevalier

I was introduced to this book by a friend of mine, she wanted me to read it thinking I would enjoy it. And boy, did I. It's quite interesting when you get behind an idea like a painting. I loved the original setting and characters that accompanied it.
Although this is a fiction book, I liked the idea that it could be real and that the story could have happened. So glad I read this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction or this movie.

Review | Goodreads | Movie Review

July: The Roman Mysteries: The Man from Pomegrantate Street - Caroline Lawrence

The Roman Mysteries was a series I started reading when I was in Year 4 (3rd Grade) and have read it over and over since. This year marked the end of the main series with the release of the final book in the series.
I loved it and it is my favourite of the whole series. This series is aimed at children 9-12 but is still amazingly interesting for a 16 year-old like me.
They have some great characters with vivid descriptions and lots of twists and turns throughout. The ending was perfect and a great end to the books that filled my childhood.

Review | Goodreads

August: Theodore Boone - John Grisham

I've always known about John Grisham, in fairness, who hasn't? But this was a nice way to be introduced to his writing and interesting with him branching on to teenage fiction. Theodore Boone is such a unique person with a life which is quite...nice. I would love to be him for a day.
There's something very different about this mini-series of books which makes you want to read them and read them.

Review | Goodreads

September: The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards

I absolutely fell in love with Eve Edward's writing and characters in her first novel The Other Countess. This year saw the release of the next two in the series, The Queen's Lady and this one, The Rogue's Princess continuing following the male Lacey's falling in love. Soppy, but she does it so well.
The Other Countess is my favourite so far but this one is close behind with moments I laughed out loud and moments I had tears in my eyes. She really is an author to watch eagerly.

Review | Goodreads

October: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

There is always that book where you seem like the last person to finally get around to reading it and then, when you do, you think 'Why on earth did I not read this one before?'
The Hunger Games is the case here. I borrowed the book from a friend after my close friends were always saying 'Rebecca, you have a blog about books, why have you not read it?!'
This is one of my favourites, the characters, plot and setting are all so unique and something incredibly different. I am so looking forward to the movie version in 2012.

Review | Goodreads

November: Wither - Lauren DeStefano

This is another case where I wondered why I hadn't read it yet. I bought this book in the summer because I loved the cover (sad but true I'm afraid). This is an amazing book with lots of morals we don't think about challenged.
For me, the thing that clung to me was the descriptions and DeStefano's beautiful writing. This is an incredible book that stays with you.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, Fever, released in February!

Review | Goodreads

December: Saving June - Hannah Harrington

This was my first Netgalley book and I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy it at all. In fact, I really enjoyed it and I realised that this is the kind of book I truly like.
There are many faults that annoyed me but ultimately, this book reminded me so much of Sarah Dessen's work. The continuous change of location and the look at Harper's judgements about those around her constantly changing really interested me. One of the most surprising reads that I enjoyed indeed.

Review | Goodreads

Notable Mentions:
- Bright Young Things - Anna Godbersen
- Once - Morris Gleitzman
- Lia's Guide to Winning the Lottery - Keren David
- Where She Went - Gayle Forman

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

On My Bookshelf: Christmas Edition (12)

2011-12-30T16:26:00.001Z

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren (I don't have a Mailbox...)

As Christmas has just past, I, of course being a book lover, got quite a few books in my stocking. So here they are (all links lead to Goodreads):

For Christmas:

These were from my best friends.
- The World of Downton Abbey - Downton Abbey is my ALL TIME FAVOURITE SHOW on TV at the moment, closely followed by Doctor Who. If you haven't watched it, I would certainly recommend it. It's like a cross between Upstairs, Downstairs and Hollyoaks - soap-ish but not too soap-ish - and in period costume.
- Elegance by Kathleen Tessaro - this is from my friend Tijana who describes me as elegant. I appreciate it, but when I look at my clumsiness, I cringe, so yeah, maybe a little. ANYWAY, when she read this book, she was reminded of me so wanted to get it for my birthday - but couldn't find it. And now I have it! It looks great and you never know, it may stop my clumsiness.

These are from my parents and grandmother.

- Anne Frank Remembered by Miep Gies - the thing that interested me about this book was that it was written by Miep Gies who has more of an insight into Anne Frank than most people. This seemed an interesting novel to read and I'm quite looking forward to this one.

- Velvet by Mary Hooper - I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS FOR THIS ONE. Finally.
- An Abundance of Katherines by John Green - To add to my John Green collection, this looks really good and my mum was even like 'Oh I might read this one, this looks funny'

Bought myself:

After my parents couldn't find the Hunger Games trilogy box set I had put on my Christmas list, I bought them myself with my own money and a discount so happy days. I love these new covers, they're so simple and unique.

So here are The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay - The Hunger Games Trilogy

What about you guys? What books did you get for Christmas?

End of Year Book Survey

2011-12-29T12:36:00.000Z

I saw this last year but didn't jump on the wagon but decided this year that I would. This is a meme hosted in the month of December by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner - one of my favourite blogs.

Anyway, all you have to do is answer the questions she has created with your favourite books of 2011, and then you can add your post to Jamie's answers with the Mr.Linky. Click here for more details.

1. Best Book You Read In 2011?
Okay, this is hard. I mean, I don't know if I can pinpoint one.
So I'm doing the great idea of Jamie's method to answer this question.

YA American author: Theodore Boone - John Grisham
YA English author: The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards
Dystopian: The Legacy AND The Hunger Games
Adult: Girl With A Pearl Earring
Historical: I was Jane Austen's Best Friend

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?
Wicked by Gregory Macguire - my friends and I love the musical and my friends love the book so I thought I would try it out. Warning for potential readers: If you've seen the musical, avoid this book at all costs. Haven't seen the musical? Fine, go ahead, read away.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?
Saving June by Hannah Harrington - I did not think I would enjoy this book but surprisingly, I did!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?
Erm...probably with my job at a bookstore, I recommended The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Hunger Games SO MANY TIMES.

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?
Probably a cross between The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, the Once, Then, Now series by Morris Gleitzman and the Theodore Boone series by John Grisham - all very good.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?
OH, so many!
Erm, Robin Benway, Emma Craigie, Cora Harrison, John Green, Suzanne Collins - so many!

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
An Education by Lynn Barber was a very different book for me. It is a biography and although I'm interested in the movie of this, I felt so uncomfortable and bored by just reading about her life - I don't know, I just realised that I don't enjoy biographies

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?
Let's face it. It has to be The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?
Probably The Legacy by Gemma Malley. I read the first two in The Declaration series in quick succession so I really was hungry to know what happened next, especially as this was the final book in the trilogy. And it was the best, I think.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?
I am one of those people that judge a book by its cover, so covers make me want to read a book more. I think Wither has to be one - it is so beautiful and I bought the book without knowing what it was about BECAUSE of the cover. Another favourite of mine is the cover for The 10pm Question.

11. Most memorable character in 2011?
There have been so many but the one I think of quite often is Flavia from The Roman Mysteries.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?
Hands down - A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson. Such a beautiful book that I have thought of often throughout the year.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?
I think Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Andersen had a huge impact on me. I mean, I am quite thin and have been called anorexic before, and I know at least 3 girls who want to lose weight but are thinner than me. It made me think about how we all obsess about weight but what if you couldn't control that obsession...if I'm honest, that thought really scared me.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?
*in a quiet voice* The Hunger Games...

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen: One shall be married, one shall be famous and one shall be dead'

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?
Meg Cabot needs to be in my life a bit more: Teen Idol

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!
Okay so at one point in Saving June, I was like 'Where the hell did this come from?'
The END of Candor - I did not see that coming, I forced my friend to read it so I could talk about it...
The Hunger Games - OH MY LORD THE END.
Where She Went - AHHH THE END AHHH.

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011?
There are so many I have discovered this year. I love Amy's blog, Nessie's, Audrey from Holes in my brain - sorry, but there are so many I love, they are the main ones I can think of right now.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2011?
If I'm honest, I don't have a favourite at all. They are are such fun writing and reviewing.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
Probably the one about Our World. I was looking at the terrible weather and just how the world was at the moment. I still can't remember what spurred me to write that.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?
There have been a few I must admit and to be honest, I don't know if I can pin one out, sorry.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
I got to meet Malorie Blackman with my friend in the summer and that was great meeting the person you've always known about since I was a child.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
AH. So many moments, this year has been amazing blogging wise. I think one of my favourites was when Caroline Lawrence saw the Childhood Faves of Tuesday Top Ten. Another is meeting so many new bloggers and becoming great friends with Amy and Nessie - it's weird I've only known them less than a year, it seems so much longer. Another favourite moment of mine was the guest posts that I did this year, my favourite being the one of Amy's blog on why I love books. It's so great to apart of this amazing blogging world.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
Views: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - not one I would have thought
Comments: I think it was my post about Eva Ibbotson, a year after her death - that really made me happy.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
Sadly, there are quite a few. The reviews I posted in late November on Wither, New World, Perks of Being a Wallflower and Where She Went got no comments and I worked hard on those in the middle of a rough time. Oh well, I can't win everything.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
So many book blogs for one. Erm, I would say another discovery was Netgalley! AH, A-MAZ-ING. I never would have read Saving June without it - no absolute way.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
Well. I completed my Historical Fiction Challenge where I aimed for 10 books and read 17 (WHOO!). Then, I also completed the British Book Challenge to read 9-12 books and overall, read 20 (AGAIN WHOO!).
My only regret is I aimed to read 50 books this year and there is only a couple of days left of 2011 and I'm read...48. I know, so disappointing. I blame my GCSE's.

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen - hands down.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?
The next book in the Chemical Garden series, Fever. Then, also the paperback version of Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend, continuing from I was Jane Austen's Best Friend.

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?
Get 100 followers and have people comment frequently. If that happened this time next year, I would be one happy lady.

Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler

2011-12-28T19:46:00.003Z

In July 2011, this book and 'Slaughterhouse-Five' were banned from school libraries in Missouri. However, they were brought back into the library but with heavy restrictions in September. Their reasons, I hear you cry?

'Books that fail to meet the age-appropriate threshold for language, violence, sexuality and drugs, alcohol and tobacco -- including the two in question -- would be available at school but housed in a secured section of the library. But, they could only be checked out by a parent or guardian.'

It was also said that this book does against the values and beliefs of the Bible- so needs to be banned? I find it ridiculous personally, however, I understand the reasons, after reading, why it could be censored. These issues are dealt with in the novel, but so do about 20 other YA books I could mention, and none of them are less or more graphic than TWENTY BOY SUMMER.
So where did I require my copy of this book? Well, ironically, my college library...

Synopsis: When Anna and her best friend, Frankie are getting ready for the best summer ever on holiday with Frankie's parents at Zanzibar Bay in California, they make a challenge. Twenty days in a beach town is the perfect opportunity to meet one boy a day, then, Anna has a pretty good chance to have her first summer romance. Although Anna light-heartedly agrees, there is something she hasn't told Frankie. She's already had her first romance the summer before with Frankie's older brother, Matt - who tragically died a month later. As the girls set off on their trip and the challenge starts, Anna has to find a way to tell Frankie before she finds out herself.

Review: I don't quite know what to say about this novel. There were moments I loved, moments I didn't but by the end of this book, I connected with it and started to get into Anna and Frankie's lives, relationship and feelings.

The crazy idea of a guy every day for twenty days on a holiday sounds ludicrous I guess. That was my first reaction when I saw the blurb. Okay, I agree it is very...teenage girl-esque, this is a typical teenage fiction book for girls about guys, love and summer. However, although upon the surface there is this, how do I put this...frivolous plot, there is a deep underlying context where Anna has to deal with both her and Frankie's grief while watching her best friend go off with a load of guys while she's still hung over with Matt. I guess the situation our protagonists are in is hardly something you see often in real life, but like all fiction, this book looks at 'What If?' All teenage girls play games or have challenges like the one in TWENTY BOY SUMMER, I should know, I am a teenager. But when you pronounce the challenge, such as this one, no-one really expects someone to go along with it but has the type of secret Anna has combined with it. It's something that really makes me think about when I ask people about things, or talk about things.
For example, I know a few of my friends have crossed the teenage line where they may have had or done things associated with sex, I know that. But when you start talking about this kind of thing, there are people who may equally have done this but do not wish to talk about it. These are the people I think about now when I say things, where they've been in that situation before.

The writing is something that Ockler has to be merited on. She writes well with the occasional time where I had to re-read a sentence to understand - something I hate. She is very lyrical and I loved the constant references to the sea which makes this a real summer beach read book. Some reviews I have read talked about Sarah Ockler's wit and laugh out moments and yes, there were a few times which I found entertaining but personally, I did not find it THAT funny at all. The antics and outings Anna and Frankie had were entertaining and there was no moment, however, that I found boring.

The characters are fantastic. And this book really reminded me of SAVING JUNE by Hannah Harrington with the protagonist, love interest, someone dead, the frivolous best friend, California - it really did remind me of that book. I felt, like some other bloggers, that Frankie's past character was lost a little with the past memories of Matt and Anna. Anna talks a lot about how Frankie has changed but as a reader, I didn't quite understand that she had as I never saw a clear image of the old Frankie. Matt became that perfect boy character, the one most readers come away wanting to know personally. For me, Anna was an interesting voice that I enjoyed reading about. She wasn't too 'out there' but wasn't too reserved with herself and her feelings.
One problem that I found was with Anna's love for Matt and Sam. I liked Sam as a character and I understand the attraction Ockler makes Anna and the reader have for him. But. Anna says she has liked Matt for about six years before something finally happens and for me it showed that this relationship was built on being best friends from childhood, then, liking him. However, it seemed like the minute Anna set eyes on Sam, she was in love with him straight away which seemed the complete opposite to her attraction to Matt. I know this was done purposefully, but to me, it seemed a little weird.

The romance and overall plot in TWENTY BOY SUMMER is well done. It brings the essence of a conventional teenage novel but adds a psychological look at the effects of Anna's type of grief for someone who she loved but no-one else knew she did. It is interesting and enjoyable to read, despite the few flaws. Anna and Matt as characters I think make this book, especially with the way it was written by Ockler. This book reminded me of so many novels I have enjoyed like THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE or SAVING JUNE.
This is a book I would recommend for people who enjoy this type of fiction. I would have liked to see more of Frankie's past rather than Matt and Anna's, but overall, this is a book I think I'll remember and smile at.
Verdict: If you don't enjoy those typical teenage girl reads...avoid!

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://sarahockler.com/

Pages: 290

Publisher: Little Brown Young Readers

Challenges: None

Job, Future Posts and Books

2011-12-28T15:15:00.001Z

Sorry for the lack of posting, I've been busy celebrating Christmas and working.

So, yes, news! I have a job, my first ever paid job. And guess where at?

A book shop! Yes, I have a Christmas job at Waterstone's which is like the main book shop company in England. There are lots of branches and I work in my local one in Richmond - a place where a lot of stars live because it's very affluent and so close to Ealing, Shepperton and Twickenham Film Studios. Which is great.

I'm mostly on the till or helping customers to find books, but it's still great fun and I get along with everyone I work with well. I'm leaving this week sadly, it was only for over Christmas but it was still a great experience.

On another subject, I have an army of posts to be posted after I have completed my English essays - sorry they take a higher priority. They are:

- 'Twenty Boy Summer' by Sarah Ockler review
- On My Bookshelf - Christmas presents
- End of Year Bookish Survey, hosted by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner
- Top 10 Favourite Books of 2011

Have a lovely week and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T18:25:00.001Z

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas tomorrow and get all those lovely books you wanted.

What will be happening next week?
I have a top ten book list of 2011 coming up and I'll do an 'On My Bookshelf' showing the books that I got for Christmas.

Have fun!

2012 Historical Fiction Challenge

2011-12-23T10:28:00.002Z

Again, I am participating also in the YA Historical Fiction Challenge, hosted again by YA Bliss. All you have to do is choose either Level 1, 2 or 3 which aims to read a certain amount of books and are documented on a public place, like a blog, after being read throughout 2012. If you would like to join yourself, click here

It is a great challenge and something I enjoyed in 2011. As I read a lot of historical fiction, I'm going for Level 3 - 15 Books. I read 16 historical fiction books in 2011 so this could be quite easy for me.

Here are some possible books that might appear:
1. A Company of Swans - Eva Ibbotson
2. Velvet - Mary Hooper
3. Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend - Cora Harrison
4. Beautiful Days - Anna Godbersen
5. Magic Flutes - Eva Ibbotson

My List:
1. VIII - H.M.Castor

Tuesday Top Ten: Books for Santa to bring (or my parents to buy)

2011-12-20T21:35:00.001Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's topic is Books that I wish for Santa to bring

1. Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend - Cora Harrison - I have been waiting for months after reading the last book I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - I think I deserve a chance to read the sequel where apparently, I am told, exciting things happen...

2. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour - Morgan Matson - Yes, I am the only YA blogger not to have read this yet...

3. Will Grayson, Will Grayson - John Green - Another to add to the John Green collection. So looking forward to this one.

4. Hunger Games trilogy - Suzanne Collins - I've read the first in the series, but I thought as my mother was pestering for a Xmas list, that, instead of pestering also my friends to lend me copies, why not knock two birds with one stone and get my mother to buy it for me?!

5. Velvet - Mary Hooper - Been waiting for months for Christmas so I can put this one my Christmas list...

6. Anne Frank Remembered - Miep Gies - I saw this when I was looking for my Prizegiving books and thought it sounded so interesting, especially as I love The Diary of Anne Frank

7. An Abundance of Katherines - John Green - again, to add to the whole John Green collection.

8. My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece - Annabel Pitcher - I wasn't sure about this book when it first came out but at the bookstore I work at, it's recommended and popular so I think I might give it a go.

Guest Post about my bookshelves!

2011-12-14T18:34:00.001Z

Last month, I volunteered to take part in Kirsty from The overflowing library 's weekly feature, Bookcase Showcase.
It is a feature I read myself, as I am so curious to see what books other people have on their shelves, sad but true. So, I was delighted when she said I could.

Anyway, while I was in Berlin (details will come...) over the weekend it was published and yes, I just realised.

Check it out, it's pretty weird seeing your bookshelves on the internet, that's NOT your blog. Kirsty is a lovely person and I love her books, especially with the amount of British books she features. She's also holding the 2012 British Book Challenge that Becky from The Bookette hosted this year.

So, check it out here and tell me what you think :)

Top Ten Tuesday: Gifts I want to give as presents

2011-12-13T18:30:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's topic is Gifts I would love to give the people I know as presents

1. Wonders of the Universe - Brian Cox - This was a space series about how the world works on BBC over the last couple of years and was a huge hit over here. My friend absolutely loves this series and she has the other book Wonders of the Solar System so it would be great to get her this to complete the collection.

2. The whole Princess Diaries series- Meg Cabot - Nessie, Nessie, Nessie. She's all I think about when I think of Meg Cabot as she LOVES her as much as I do. So, Nessie, this is your virtual Christmas present :)

3. Sarah Dessen books - on the blogging friends note, this would be for Amy. She loves a lot of the books I like, especially the romantic contemporary ones YET she has not experienced the wonder that is Sarah Dessen (as far as I know) so this is her virtual Christmas present - my favourite Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever.

4. A signed Patrick Ness book - when I met Patrick Ness a couple of years ago, my friend Tijana desperately wanted to come with us but alas, she was away when we went to meet him so she now has a book that simply says 'Sorry I couldn't meet you! Patrick Ness' which is a little bit sad I think anyway.
Anyway, I would give (if I could) a signed Patrick Ness book with the man himself giving it to her. Wow, that is one ideas I hadn't thought of until now...

Saving June - Hannah Harrington

2011-12-12T13:10:00.001Z

I required a copy of this novel through Netgalley (which is an amazing site by the way) where I was sent the Kindle edition in return for a review.
Now, why was I draw to this book? I don't quite know, I think it was because it sounded interesting and like the type of contemporary fiction I enjoy.
This is another one of those road trip music novels that are around the blogosphere at the moment, I know I've seen at least three reviews for this book already, so have a look around, but I think the opinions of this book are quite similar to mine...

Synopsis: Harper Scott's older sister, June, has always been the perfect one, the one that did everything right and their divorced parents loved the most. One morning, Harper goes into the garage to find June dead in the back seat of her car, a pill bottle in her hand, a mix CD playing on loop as she killed herself. But why, she was so perfect in Harper's eyes? And how come no-one saw it coming? When Harper's parents decide to spilt the ashes, Harper takes matters into her own hands and steals the urn, planning to travel to California, a place June always wanted to visit, and spill the ashes into the Pacific Ocean.
Now, enters Jake Tolan, a bad-boy with a slight obsession with music which he sees can get you through anything. He seems to have no connection with June but still insists on joining them on the road trip across America. With his charming but annoying personality, this may be something that Harper needs on the road to recovery. But when things start to go to plan, Jake reveals his own secret that if told, would turn Harper's life around again

Review: This is, well, quite a novel. I read this within about 10 days, despite a busy week with lots of work and then, going to Berlin over the weekend. This novel had me hooked from start to finish, and I think a lot of people would agree with me.

Before I get into depth, this book is not perfect in any way, I mean I gave it a 4.5. It has faults that I will explain more but overall, it comes across for me as the type of book I love and considering this is Hannah Harrington's debut novel, it is pretty damn good. I mean, I've read Sarah Dessen's debut and to be honest, it's not that fantastic compared to her latest stuff. No author has a debut that is absolutely amazing - until now obviously.

First, the faults before I go off on a ramble about the good things. When I first started reading, I thought this was going to be boring, repetitive, done before. But it wasn't until they actually started the road trip and things started hotting up that it got majorly interesting. To start, Harper is quite boring and whiny, she shows a lack of emotion towards her sister and I didn't even process and take notice to the first meeting with Jake. So, I started off quite disappointed and already planning my next book to read. UNTIL.
Suddenly, it got interesting, exciting, sad, happy, cheerful, funny - EVERYTHING! Harper was interesting and I really connected with her voice. Her grief towards June became evident and I loved following her journey both to California and with herself changing, it made some great reading.

The characters of SAVING JUNE are very Sarah Dessen-type characters. For me, this was like the next best thing to Sarah Dessen and throughout I was constantly reminded of Dessen's characters and plots. The book that strikes me as most like this book is The Truth About Forever and Just Listen. Jake reflects Wes and Owen so much with his secrets, his mysterious, cool self as well as his passion and excitement for music. Laney reminded me instantly of Kirsty from TTAF with her fun loving attitude, drama queen and carefree self. Laney is a great character and was so funny and enjoyable to read about. Jake was someone you just wish you could be friends with. He comes across quite alone, but he is very compassionate and understands all the problems the trio deal with throughout the narrative. Harper is extraordinary, I thought she was going to be the typical mopy, exasperating girl who goes on and on about her dead sister. Yes, this is how people react to this kind of problem, but it's not great literature, honestly. She was strong, independent and liked how she was straight and didn't beat around the bush.
The trio work so well with each other and created some lovely moments that really reflected what relationships are like.

The story and writing itself is well planned out and shows the problems that might occur if you did do this kind of thing. Harrington explores teenage issues at ease and by the end of this novel, there are so many morales that many will take away with them. She talks about sex, alcohol, death without hesitation and with the amazing combination of characters, this becomes a book where you learn, enjoy and imagine the world she has created, that is quite realistic. She also makes you feel so many things towards the events and Harper, there is something quite original in her writing.
Another thing that confused me. Okay, so you're driving across America, yet their parents were not after them, they stopped off SO MANY times to do things that added to the adventure of the book. It's not a huge problem and I understand this was all to add to the plot but erm, in real life, I'm not sure this would happen.

The book is quite amazing and I loved the adventure the reader follows of Harper, Laney and Jake as they change and we discover more about each other and themselves. The romance that is in this will make any teenage girl, like me, shout 'Aww!' at the book MANY times, there is so much tension and subtle hints that when it happens (yes, I am not saying who....), it is so amazing and written so well. It is in a such unexpected moment.
I really did enjoy this book, despite a few faults. I would recommend this to anyone that loves Sarah Dessen of contemporary romance books, this is especially for you. I haven't read a romance book quite like this in a while. If Hannah Harrington keeps it up like her debut, she could be quite successful.
Verdict: Sarah Dessen fan? You must read this!

I give it a 4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://hharrington.livejournal.com/
Pages: 336
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Challenges: None

Other similar books on road-trips and music you might like:
- 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson
- Paper Towns - John Green
- Amy and Roger's Epic Detour - Morgan Matson (REALLY want to read this)

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for allowing me to read this.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite childhood books

2011-12-06T20:57:00.000Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

**Sorry for my lack of posting on Top Ten Tuesday, just been quite busy recently!

This week's theme is my Favourite Childhood books

1. The Roman Mysteries - Caroline Lawrence - I discovered this series in Year 4 (3rd Grade) and fell in love with the setting, the characters and just the way it was written. Sadly, the series came to an end recently, but when now I enjoy them as much as I did 8 years ago.

2. Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie - Needless I say anything else? I used to feel so grown up reading this bedraggled copy from the library that was falling apart. I think I started to love second hand books from then....

3. Charlotte's Web - E.B.White - I used to be so scared of Charlotte...

4. I Want My Potty! - Tony Ross - Okay, so I may be the only person who remembered this kid. But I laughed so much at this book, it was my favourite. I still have it somewhere in my wardrobe. But I loved this kid because she was an only child like I am and somehow, I loved her...don't ask.

5. Six Dinner Sid - Inga Moore - oh my god...I loved all animals ESPECIALLY cats and I loved stories involving animals, so I remember when my nan borrowed this from the library for me, I wanted it permanently in my home, so my mum went out and bought one. Actually, you can still get this book, I saw it in Waterstone's when I was working.

6. Jacqueline Wilson books - Ahhh. Okay, one thing for those who have NO IDEA who this woman is or don't like her. I think every girl who is in their late teens now from England, so was born in the 90's like me, will have read at least 3 of Jacqueline Wilson's books. She is like the queen of children's books. When I think of my childhood, when I was about 7/8/9, I think of this woman. She is amazing, I would recommend her to anyone, she writes such vivid stories about anything and everything, loved her...

British Books Challenge 2012

2011-12-02T20:57:00.001Z

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!

Yes, it's the time where every book blogger considers what challenges to participate in and this year, again, I am going to take part in the British Books Challenge, this time hosted by the lovely Kirsty at The overflowing library.

This challenges aims you as many books by British authors as you can, something I find very easy as I live in the country.
I think this is a great challenge especially as sometimes people perhaps don't realise that some famous books are written by British people, they are mostly seen as by American authors.

If you would like to join yourself, have a looky here

Here are some books I am going to try and FINALLY read this year (links to Goodreads):
1. A Company of Swans - Eva Ibbotson
2. Magic Flutes - Eva Ibbotson
3. Velvet - Mary Hooper
4. The Killables - Gemma Malley
5. Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro
6. My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece - Annabel Pitcher
7. A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness
8. Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend - Cora Harrison

Here are the completed books by British authors (links to reviews):
1. VIII - H.M.Castor

Looking back at NOVEMBER

2011-12-01T20:33:00.000Z

November was a weird month. I felt like I was reading a lot but I only read two books, as well as two texts that I'm doing in class at the moment.
I also had a bit of a blogging slump. I just didn't know what to write and had so much work on that I just left it thinking, hey, when I have something to write, I'll write it. As you can tell, nothing came. Anyway, here is a link up for November if you missed anything.

Reviews:

The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette - Carolly Erickson

Wither - Lauren DeStefano

Memes:

Tuesday Top Ten: Outside my comfort zone

Tuesday Top Ten: Unread books that are still sitting on my bookshelf

On my Bookshelf (11)

Other:

HUNGER GAMES TRAILER

Musing on life in general

Thanksgiving
Updated Review Policy page

Guest Posts:

Why I love Books on Amy's blog, I Love Smilies and Books

Wither - Lauren DeStefano (#1)

2011-12-01T18:00:00.000Z

As soon as I saw the cover for this book, I was attracted to it instantly. The beautiful dress, the shapes and just the overall, old fashioned yet modern feel the cover gave me. It is one of those book where I did judge a book by its cover - but who can blame me with THAT cover?!
I love the circles that point out the details that define the story - the ring, the caged bird and on the back, the low hourglass - AH, I love it!

So after reading review upon review on the blogosphere with bloggers raving about this book, I decided this was excuse enough to buy it on Waterstone's to read - a couple of months on, I have and boy, am I glad I bought this partly over cover lust...

Synopsis: Set in the future, the world has done disastrously wrong. After several decades of genetic manipulation, a deadly virus has swept across the human race where men die at 25 and females at 20 and the world now only consists of North America, the other continents uninhabited. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped to marry men near their death date to procreate the human race. 16 year-old Rhine Ellery is blackmailed and kidnapped, sold and married to a man near the end of his life amongst two other young girls, Jenna and Cecily. Even though her new husband is kind to her, Rhine is desperate to escape the beautiful but prison-like mansion - especially because of Linden's cruel and creepy father. With the help of Gabriel, an assistant she becomes attracted too, Rhine attempts to break free - in the little time and freedom she has.

Review: This was quite a hard book to review so sorry if my words don't formulate well. Ask me in the comments below...
WITHER has something that I think most books lack. It is original and different in characters, plot, setting and even genre. Dystopian books normally leave you exhausted, wanting more. And also, I cannot wait for the next book in this series, I'm not exhausted at all. This book has a slower pace, but not too slow so I am reading ahead wondering what I'm being built up to. But I liked it - it was interesting.

I think the thing that brings people's attention (no, not the cover, but it's beautiful isn't it?) is the topic that this book deals with. No-one likes dying or even dying young. I am 16 going on 17. For me, that sounds older but I know I'm still young and have many decades ahead of me. But then I put myself in the place of Rhine who is MY AGE. She has four years until she dies. What a horrible feeling...that in four years, I too would be dead or ill, gently going out this world, when in reality I have no idea what I will be like or even doing in four years time. The situation the characters are in really makes the reader think and I think it will make you value your life a little bit more.

Regarding the characters, I found I became attached to them in different ways. You learn everything about them and more. I came away hating Vaughn and Cecily while sobbing over Jenna, feeling sorry for Linden and whooping on Rhine. I know this is how I was supposed to feel, but the fact that this is only the first book, it feels like I've been reading about these characters for a while. For Jenna, I became very attached to her and I liked how she saw right through this world from the start. Cecily...oh my. She is annoying, yes, but then you kind of feel sorry for her innocence in such a place and how she WANTS to have babies at like 13. This book is a lot about growth, and for me, she grew up the most and quickest.
Rhine as a voice was great and she reminded me of myself. She is very observant and looks deeper into things other than on the surface. While I read about the lavish lifestyle, the luxury of it all - somewhere I dream of staying - I always had this nag of something wrong about it all, much like Rhine does. I mean, this is a 300-page book, something can't be right.

WITHER is not one of those book where you are on the edge of your seat every minute. But then it's not a book you can sit back and relax with. Actually, the whole idea of the situation of Rhine and her world is quite terrifying and when you hear about cures for cancer etc, you kind of think 'What is this did actually happen?'. There are some disturbing parts in it, especially the beginning which hits you instantly. You find out the world she lives in, and it stays with you throughout reading and beyond. The beginning plunges you as a reader into the depth of the story, which I liked as well, DeStefano didn't beat around the bush on what she was trying to create, there is no airy fairy lyrical language, just plain words that create this extraordinary world.
The thing I found with the world created was that it felt very old fashioned and proper, when it's set in the future with huge technological advancements. It contrasts well and makes it have something very different from normal dystopian books.

Lauren DeStefano, herself, writes well, but not like in some reviews, beautifully. On many occasions, I had to re-read a sentence to understand and well polished novels shouldn't be like this, for me anyway. Her ideas and the imagery behind her writing is amazing, I could imagine every single moment of Rhine's life before and after the kidnapping. Actually, while reading, I kept constantly analysing the imagery and language like in an English Literature essay, it was so in depth and you can tell that it is a well thought out complete story. This is classed partly as a romance book and yes, it is. There is romance for the main character, both forced and not forced. Gabriel is someone every reader, like Rhine, learns to love. I agree with some reviews that there is a lack of real romance in this book but as there is two more books and after reading the ending, you may understand why the romance is perhaps played down a bit.
I enjoyed this book a lot, I liked the alternative view on the future that every dystopian brings. This writer isn't afraid to talk about taboo like issues such as sex, kidnapping and pregnancy or to kill and create more characters. I shall not say who, but someone dies in this book, and I don't think I've ever read a death scene with that kind of language, imagery and emotion. This is the kind of scene that makes reading a book worthwhile.

The book overall, was amazing. Just, wow.
I have seen a few negative reviews around the blogosphere and I think I understand why. Yes, there is the language thing I mentioned but also, this kind of book is not everyone's cup of tea. If you loved the Hunger Games where there is action every minute or when you're on the edge of your seat, you will probably dislike this book.
It is original though and outlines a world that is far too similar and possible in our society today. Rhine provides a glorious, youthful voice and although I would have liked a bit more romance, I think the relationships created are realistic and great to read. So, there is two more books, but I have absolutely no idea what will happen in them. For now anyway, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a bit of romance or dystopian. It is so worth a look.
Verdict: Great read but if you love action all the way through a book, I'd give it a miss.

I give it a 4.5 out 5

The second in this trilogy, Fever, comes out 16th February 2012

Author's Website: http://www.laurendestefano.com/ & http://thechemicalgardenbooks.com/wither/
Pages: 358
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Challenges: None

The Perks of being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000Z

This is a book that has always interested me, as has for others. It is always a book that is named, never written about or seems to be read - well for me anyway.
After a school friend reading it and then, hearing about Amy reading and enjoying it, it started to interest me more and more. It wasn't until I walked into my college library did I finally see this book in the flesh - in the Banned Book Week section that my library had created.
This book is in the Top 10 books in the world to be banned. And from reading it, I can see why with the casual references to drugs, sex, alcohol, suicide and wait for it - being gay. Although this may cause people to be clicking the return button already from this review, wait. I could name a few books that address these issues and are not as banned as this one book - it's merely because it is all contained in this one 200-page odd book that adults - sorry - run the other way in fright. However - maybe teenagers actually like it. So TAKE THAT (I so thought of the band then...)

Synopsis: Charlie is starting high school as a freshman - alone. His best and only friend has gone and he is thought weird, geeky and socially awkward by his peers. This is until he is befriended by some seniors who take him under their wing and introduce him to the life of a typical teenager: relationships, love, drugs, alcohol and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Review: This is quite an...unusual book. I don't quite know how to put this review really.
Charlie is an interesting character. We start by knowing nothing and end with knowing not everything. His narrative is told through one sided letters by Charlie to a person he reveals he heard people talking about at his high school and thought he looked like a nice guy who wouldn't mind him sending him letters. Annoyingly, we never find out who this guy is.
Charlie starts of by having a lot of short sentences, like basic Year 1 language. I did this, I did that etc. But by the end of the novel, I found he wrote more freely and I almost enjoyed his writing. This book is not one where you can admire the vivid descriptions or be amazed by the choice of words. It is like Chbosky is saying 'Here's the story with no added crap. Like it or not'. Very different approach, but I liked this way. There was no metaphors and stupid representations of things you have to think yourself. It was just simple a story that could happen to a teenager.

Now, after reading some reviews on Goodreads, this book is thrashed down with a stick a lot. I admit, this is like putting a teenager in a book and adding every possible thing that could happen to a them in these years at once, but seriously, you know who you are, that does happen. I know a few people who have experienced all these things. Just because it is in a book doesn't it mean everything is fictional.
Charlie was a likeable character I guess, although I found his naivity a tad annoying after a while. He just let people do things! The other characters were also great especially Sam and Patrick, the two seniors that befriend Charlie. There is this interesting, different relationship with all of them and things happen that would never be looked at in other YA novels which I liked. The other characters added a unique spin to this novel, each very original and typical of any teenager. Charlie seemed much younger than he was, just 16, my age.

Any readers of the book will sympathise with Charlie, especially if you are around his age. I remember being socially awkward myself, not quite sure what was the right or wrong thing to say in reply, how to talk to guys in a more mature, less playful way and how to arrange events without insulting anyone.
This really is a novel that anyone going or have gone through teenage years will understand and relate to, as well and feeling bad for Charlie. His sister and brother are no help, so with only two people much older than you for help, I think I would be like Charlie in that situation.

This is just something about this book that made me not love it, but not hate it either. I liked the references to the various books, which have also been banned (ha! Like Chbosky knew!) and the characters developing relationships. These are the things that made me enjoy the book. I think the main thing that made me not like this was the fact we never know what is wrong with Charlie, or who this person the letters are being sent to. I mean, if I'm going to read your book, you need to tell me these things, and there's not going to be a sequel, so do it now!

This book is strictly a more advanced read. It is complicated and I can see why it is one of the most banned books for the content, so be warned, this isn't a real YA book although it deals with that age range. The book provides a unique portrayal of teenage life that although, may seem unrealistic, I can assure you it is quite well done. It was interesting reading about Charlie and how he was accepted. There are many things about this book that I didn't like, the ending, the writing, Charlie himself at points. This book which everyone has heard of is nothing like you expect and will surprise you I think too. Although a slightly disappointment, it was very original and does stand out and is for any fans of John Green.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

This book is being made into a movie for release in 2012, written and directed by Stephen Chbosky himself starring Logan Lerman (Charlie), Emma Watson (Sam) and Ezra Miller (Patrick). See here for more details

Author's Website: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Stephen-Chbosky/1843916
Pages: 213
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Challenges: None

Some books that also contain the issues addressed in this book:
- Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher - suicide
- Diving In - Kate Cann - sex
- Pretty Things - Sara Manning - drugs, alcohol, sex

The New World - Patrick Ness

2011-11-30T11:47:00.000Z

As some of you know, I am a fan of Patrick Ness. He is one of my favourite authors and I even met him last summer at a book signing (See here).
For those of you who have NO IDEA who this man is. Well. He wrote the Chaos Walking trilogy, considering of The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer & Monsters of Men, which are all pretty big over here in the UK. He also recently penned A Monster Calls which was based on a plot summary by the late YA author, Siobhan Dowd, who died of cancer a few years ago. This book is winning a lot of awards at the moment. Haven't read it yet, but it's supposed to be good.
Anyway, this book is the prequel to the Chaos Walking trilogy which features Todd and Viola looking to help the future of Prentisstown and find out the truth. They are an amazing set of books and I would recommend anyone to read them, they're long but they are worth every word.

Synopsis: In this short story prequel to the Chaos Walking trilogy, this story details Viola's past life, of which readers know little about. It shows her journey to the New World and what events occurred just before she meets Todd in The Knife of Never Letting Go.

Review: My reason for getting this book was largely because...it was free. It is a free e-book available at all good online bookshops, such as Amazon and Waterstone's. Firstly, I would say you don't have to read the Chaos Walking series to understand it, it just means some of the events that happen are a surprise for you, as these events are mentioned in the trilogy. So, no spoilers really for the book series.

The story is told from Viola's point of view, about their descent to the New World with flashbacks over their long journey from the ship, her past life and how they were picked to go. The book is set before anything in the Chaos Walking series happened so it is a clean slate, for those (like me) who can't remember everything that happened in that series.
Being a prequel, having read the series before, you know what happens ultimately because we know from reading the series. But there are still surprises and a side to Viola I had never seen before or learnt of in the books. It is worth reading if you have read the series, it does show this other side to her relying on her parents and wanting desperately to get away from them.

This book is written in the style of typical Patrick Ness which I love. Those short sentences followed by a beautiful description where you just read and read and then. WHOA. Big shock that you're not expecting. As the ship is descending, I was so focused. I read this on an 11 hour flight from San Francisco to London so I was tired and supposed to be asleep but I woke up so much when reading the last 10 or so pages. I felt the fear, the excitement, the anticipation of Viola as the events happened with a sadness as I has knowledge of what happens when they do reach ground. Through this sequel, I could see the future Viola that Todd and I love mixed in with this unusual side to her.

My only problem was I would have liked it to be a big longer. Okay, so I'm bias as I have a love for Patrick Ness' books but I would have liked just a couple more pages. Just until she meets Todd perhaps, even end it on that. With all that excitement, sadness and anticipation, I, and Viola, felt throughout, the way it ending just kind of 'happened'. I pressed a button on my Kindle and it was the end. I think that was the point as I was left there, thinking of what happens afterwards. And it is sad but knowing the end of Viola's story, it is also happy and I appreciated her as a character more.

This book can be read by anyone but enjoyed differently. I think for non-Chaos-Walking-readers it will be surprising and perhaps these readers will enjoy and anticipate it more. For readers such as me, this is still enjoyable and you get incredibly involved in Viola and her situation and enjoy reading of her past life, but I think these readers will be expecting more than they get - if that makes sense. Patrick Ness has once again produced a short story that is so exciting and hides every secret until the last possible minute. Oh. I love Todd and Viola...I loved this insight into her life, while knowing her future. Very original.
Verdict: May be a disappointing ending for some, but it's worth every word you read.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5

The New World is available only in e-book form from all online book sellers. I got mine from Amazon.

Author's Website: http://www.patrickness.com/
Pages: 24
Publisher: Walker
Challenges: BBC

Where She Went - Gayle Forman (#2)

2011-11-29T20:50:00.000Z

When I found out, not long after reading the first book in this mini-series If I Stay, that there was going to be a sequel, I knew it was one of the books of 2011 that I WOULD be buying.
If I Stay is such a sad yet slightly uplifting and hopeful book. I ended it thinking that there are a world of possiblities out there and with the scary thought that truly, we never know what will happen in the future. It's a weird thought really.

This review contains SPOILERS for those who have not read IF I STAY

Synopsis: It's been three years since Mia's accident. And three years since she walked out of Adam's life. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other. (Goodreads.com)

Review: This review is going to be hard to write, hence my lack of reviews in the last week (Sorry!). So I'm just kind of going to write all my thoughts about it in the hope that it makes sense.
This book is now set around Manhattan, New York where Adam is visiting and Mia lives after following her dream at Julliard. Mia is now a professional cellist player, about to embark on a world tour. And Adam, now in one of the most successful rock bands in history and living in Hollywood with his famous actress girlfriend.
So a little bit different from when we last met this couple in If I Stay.

If I Stay was beautiful, it really is and reading that kind of literature can make people feel emotions that they wouldn't necessarily have in reality. So, of course, Where She Went is going to have to live up to the last book. And, well, for me, it did not succeed the greatness that is If I Stay.

Differently from its predecessor, Where She Went is all from Adam's point of view and is mainly set around his feelings, thoughts and emotions. Adam was a nice guy in the last book, cute, good looking - the perfect boyfriend. The one that MANY women have loved and wanted to be real, so much.
I knew before reading, that Adam was going to take a bit getting used to. And I was right.
He starts off narrating so whiny. So much. Everything is wrong. This didn't start off on a great note, because he started to frickin' annoy me. Look, Adam, I know she was the love of your life, the one you loved for the first time and she walked out in a very horrible way, BUT SERIOUSLY? THAT MUCH WHINING AND IT'S 3 YEARS LATER?! urgh.

On that note, don't think that this book is awful compared to If I Stay. I liked the thought of finding out the aftermath of such a horrific accident, the straits on their relationship and how Mia felt after waking up, the only family member left. All of this you get from this novel. It is like a bridge telling readers that yeah, they're not together but their lives are doing alright. UNTIL.
The moment they meet each other is probably the most awkward situation you will ever think of. I know I'm glad I'm not Mia or Adam, a lot. I liked the way that after they met, it was like their relationship was kind of starting over with new people, I think it would be like that a lot for people in a situation like this.

Learning about the past three years is done through Gayle Forman's technique of flashbacks which we heavily featured in If I Stay. Where She Went seems like a completely different book and feel to the previous, but ultimately, it is exactly the same with something putting a strain on their relationship, the flashbacks, the characters and the writing.
AH. The writing. Gayle Forman is up there in the chart of best writer writers. Like you have writers that are good because of the plot and characters but Forman is a true writer. She makes you feel everything that Mia and Adam are feeling. I felt awkward, sad, annoyed, heart broken all within 200-odd pages! This book is heart wrenching, and Forman is the only writer to make me have tears while reading a book. This one included. It is just such lyrical, contemporary, beautiful writing.

This book is not perfect. It has flaws and I like not all fans of If I Stay will enjoy it as much as others. I know it is very different from what I expected.When you first start to read, you think the lovely characters of Adam and Mia have done, but really, deeply, they are still there and blossom out again throughout.
The writing again makes this book and makes you feel these impossible things.
The ending is just...I could not have put the ending better myself. It is a perfect ending to a delightful series and although, it may be obvious now, it is still beautiful and surprising. It does just suddenly happen. Although, there is sadness of the events that have happened, the book is full of optimism and anticipation which might leave readers shouting at the book for a certain thing to happen, you can sense the atmosphere and thoughts without it even being narrated to you.
The book has flaws but it also has some of the most delightful characters, plot, emotions and writing you will ever experience and Adam's whiny tone (urgh) is kind of overshadowed. For some reason, I do feel disappointed but overall, it is a worthwhile read. Go on - read it!
Verdict: Read If I Stay first, otherwise you will have be ultra confused.

I give it a 4 out of 5

My Review for If I Stay
Note: There have been rumours for the past year about an adaptation of this series but it is classes as 'in development' by IMDb

Author's Website: http://www.gayleforman.com/
Pages: 260
Publisher: Doubleday
Challenges: None

Quick Post: Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T20:08:00.001Z

Happy Thanksgiving to any American readers in the blogosphere right now.

I hope you have/had a great day :)

The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette - Carolly Erickson

2011-11-19T16:12:00.000Z

The cover opposite is not the same as the copy I have but I prefer this one, especially the dress. This book...I have never seen it before in shops. Merely, I'm not looking in the right place or they don't sell it in England as my copy is a US edition.
In May, my best friend gave me a paper bag full of five books in return for three of my own to read. She finished mine very quickly but I, being the book blogger of the pair of us, haven't finished her selection. Yet. This is the second to last one and after being confused about what book to pick from my to-reads, I chose this because...I feel bad I haven't read it yet for her.
I have always been interested in the French Revolution knowing few details behind the event. Most of what I learn was from Sally Garner's series that featured The Red Necklace and The Silver Blade that was set at this time. So apart from the basics and loosely knowing who Marie Antoinette was (I mean, who hasn't heard of her?!), I had completely no idea.

Synopsis: On the night before she dies, one famous lady leaves an old diary that charts her years from youth in Vienna, being mistress of Versailles and Queen of France, and then, her downfall of the bloody, humiliating French Revolution. This book the events that led to Marie Antoinette's death from being an innocent, young girl.

Truth: The book is all around the life of Marie Antoinette who was the last Queen of France. She was renowned for her over spending on clothes, furnishings and jewels, as well as her many lovers. In 1789, the French people started to rise up against the aristocracy in France for this over spending while doing nothing for the country. Soon the Crown has no money and Marie Antoinette and her family were living in poverty themselves. In 1793, the Parisians had had enough and abolished the role of King, forming a new council to run the country, much like Parliament in England. This led to thousands of aristocrats being killed and latterly, the King himself and Marie Antoinette. She was killed via the guillotine on 16th October 1793, two weeks away from her 38th birthday.

Review: Any reader of this book will feel a variety of emotions when reading. It is heartbreaking, funny, enjoyable, disgusting and disturbing within a few hundred pages - but that's just the start of this book.

When I was ~~forced~~ told to read this by my friend, I was a little bit wary. It looked like it would be one of those boring, lecturing books which drone on and on about a newly discovered diary by a group of professors. WRONG.
This book is a personal, imaginative account of the life of Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France from her teenage years to her death. It's quite amazing really how the book covers so much time within just under 400 pages. This is due to the fact that, blimey, she didn't keep a continuous, daily diary and this annoyed me. We would be going along, her apparently pregnant and then suddenly, its 6 months later and she's rattling on about something that to me HAS NOT HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK. I understand that you need to cover the whole time but I think it would have been better to maybe cover the last 15 years of her life maybe or the period of the French Revolution.

As it is in diary form, this book feels quite intimate and I did feel like I was getting to know another version of the Marie Antoinette I had learnt about. We always see her as this horrible, selfish, spoilt figure but this book showed me that, yes she is all these things in some sense, but also she has to be because she is the Queen. I saw this more innocent side to her where she is forced for seven years to try and have a child. We see the utter love she has for her children, two of which died before herself. We see the desperation she has when the heir to the throne is seriously ill and her complete devastation when she finds out her miscarriage was a boy. It really does show another, realistic side to this women, one I think I believe more.
The French Revolution, at least here in England, is seen as a good thing, although bloody - it was needed to save France itself. But again, this book turns that conception on its head, showing that they were literally doing all they could to save their people.

Carolly Erickson describes this novel as 'historical entertainment' which is exactly that. I remember in the acknowledgements at the end of 'I was Jane Austen's Best Friend', Cora Harrison said that she always wonders if a historical book based on real people is entirely true. This was my thought in this one. Sadly, a fair chuck of the events we read about in this book are made up - the author's imagination, as well as some of the characters - obviously the main ones were real people. This is a shame really, this could be a brilliant different interpretation of Marie Antoinette's life but it makes me think that the things that I deem her not as bad as she is mostly perceived, such as giving out bread at the gates of Versailles, weren't real actions. They may be but this has cast doubt in my mind. For me, if you're writing about someone like Marie Antoinette, you need to keep to the truth for the whole time, mostly, especially if they're the protagonist!

The writing was fluent and easy to read. I did enjoy her writing and the vivid descriptions of what was happening around her, this book does make that ultimate connection with the reader and Marie Antoinette, I did get to learn a lot about her, whether it is true. The lady herself was an interesting voice and her views and thoughts changed interestingly throughout the book, especially when she turned into a 'woman' once she was married. I really got a feel for the life she was living.
The characters themselves showed a lot and I can see why the monarchy failed to help the French - they literally had no idea what their life was like. There is always that character you want to hit with a fish. That is Amelie in this book. I do not get this woman. One minute she is all over the Queen and then the next trying to get her killed - all because she was friends with Amelie's husband?! She just started to annoy me so much, especially with Marie Antoinette whining on about her yet not doing anything about it. What do you expect?

Overall, this book is unique and provides another viewpoint on an important, historical figure that has been known for centries. This book made me appreciate her more and the monarchy in general. I understand the reasons for the French Revolutation and while few true events are included, it was refreshing to have this major historical event from the monarchy's eyes. This book is very graphic in places on gore and blood and a horrible description latterly of one of Marie's trusted friends being killed - I felt very sick afterwards. This book is not for the faint hearted or those who are obsessed with historical accuracy. This is a good book - just not amazing.
Verdict: For older readers who have an interest in this period of history and want to find out more. This is not a critical look at her life but a finally positive portrayal of this interesting lady.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/carollyerickson
Pages: 341
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffen
Challenges: Historical Fiction

Try also for details on the French Revolution:
- The French Revolution Series by Sally Gardner (The Red Necklace, The Silver Blade)
- Book #3, Den of Thieves, in the Cat Royal series by Julia Golding

Tuesday Top Ten: Books on my bookshelf that are collecting some lovely dust

2011-11-15T17:32:00.001Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books that are STILL on my bookshelf, unread, crying, weeping and collecting rather a lot of dust...

I would say Hunger Games but I don't have a copy...NEED to read the next two...

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han - I know I know...I BOUGHT THIS OVER A YEAR AGO. Why have I not read it? I aimed to do it over summer from the title, but NO?! Right, NEXT YEAR I SHALL.

2. What Happened to Goodbye - Sarah Dessen - First one to buy it in Waterstone's...why Rebecca? *walks way in shame.*

3. Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro - Believe me, the contiuous reviews I see on the blogosphere and slowly eating away at my bookcase and myself. This shall appear soon I promise...

4. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak - Bought for the GCSE's? REBECCA THAT WAS 6 MONTHS AGO. Enough said. URGH.

5. The King's Speech - Mark Logue - For this one, I am trying to find the right time...which was going on holiday...which didn't happen. Sorry 'bout that....

6. Wither - Lauren DeStafano - New addition to my bookcase but it is getting some dust on it...

7. The Welsh Girl - Peter Ho Davies - SEVEN YEARS TO FIND A COPY OF THIS BOOK and I shall haven't read it...again I promise I shall but it's taking time at the moment.

Sorry, doing this quickly on the way to my coursework...

HUNGER GAMES OFFICIAL TRAILER.

2011-11-14T18:33:00.001Z

HUNGER GAMES HAS HOOKED ME. I found out about the first airing of the official trailer for the movie adaptation being aired on Good Morning America today, but I forgot about it!

Anyway, here it is. AMAZING. I cannot wait until next March.
Enjoy and tell me what you think :)

On My Bookshelf (11)

2011-11-13T15:56:00.001Z

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren (I don't have a Mailbox...)

- Sorry about my negativity from the post earlier...

Bought for the Kindle:
- Hazel by Julie Hearn - sounds so interesting, and I hope I enjoy it. I've heard this is the best out of her books out at the moment, and the fact I bought it for £1.99 - worth it.
- The Mediator: Love you to Death by Meg Cabot - come on, this is Meg Cabot who has never failed to disappoint me. And it was 99p in the Kindle Rainy Day Reads Sale. BARGAIN.

And this was the view out of my window when I went upstairs to take the photos above. So pretty, you can just about see the sun on the horizon. This photo really reminds me of winter.

Blogging and just a general musing on life.

2011-11-13T10:23:00.001Z

It's the 13th November and I feel like blogging is taking a huge back step in my life. For the first time, ever. Even through my GCSE exams in May/June, blogging was always present and I never left it alone even for a couple of days. Okay, so maybe it affected my grades but boy, (not boasting...) I still did well. Three A*'s and seven A's. That cannot be too bad.
I'm in my third month of college and loving it, I feel rather free to do what I want, whenever I want. The teachers don't press you but have the attitude that if you listen, you pass, if you don't - not their problem. It is so refreshing not having to sit in a class where you know that someone will be naughty. Someone will swear loudly. Someone will be sent out - or worse. SO nice.

As I have mentioned before, I have had a lot of work. In the half term when I went to Las Vegas for the week, I had:
- Classics exam questions
- Media Coursework - write three essays analysing magazines
- English Lit essay on Death of a Salesman (one of the most boring plays I have read. Disappointed in Arthur Miller...)
- Write a newspaper article on Banned Book Week
- History essay on War of the Roses

I'm not complaining. I don't mind getting homework and I understand that it has to be done, it's just...I am so bad at writing well and formally. I sit back and read over my essay for History and cringe. What has happened to me over the summer? I have two A*'s in English - how the hell did I get them? Okay, so I may be being hard on myself, but I honestly think I cannot write as well as I would like. I want to be a journalist, but that career seems to be seeming more unlikely at the moment. I don't want sympathy, that is not what this post is for. It is to get this all of my mind and just sort myself out.

I just feel that I have nothing to blog about and it is taking me much longer to read books. I don't know what to think really.

It's not only academically. Some of my friends do not like me - I know that. They all meet without me. Yes this sounds petty for a sixteen-year-old but I don't think people quite understand the effect it has. There was this girl at my old school who everyone thought was so weird. But I was friendly with her until she started to blame me for the comments and rumours about her. I didn't want to be seen with her, true, but I still cared about her as a friend should. We're not that good friends any more and she has said and done things I shall never forget because it hurt me.
But that's not the point. She was excluded from a lot of things, even things I organised, without a second thought. She'll never find out, she won't care. We can make up an excuse if she does ask. But I never quite realised how much it would hurt her because of course, she would find out - I didn't know the hurt because it had never happened to me.
It's such an awful feeling, always like the odd one out. And I do the majority of the time. I can name only about maybe a dozen people where I never feel this. A dozen seems a lot, but really, it's not enough to rely one all the time. I know I'm not the prettiest flower in the bed, I know I come across very intelligent and perhaps pretentious. But I also know people walk all over me to get what they want and that I find it hard to talk to people I'm not that friendly with. I'm not popular and I don't particularly want to be but I would at least like people just to like me, like anyone would.
All I'm saying is that next time you don't invite someone you're quite close to because they're weird, no-one likes them, they're a party-pooper. Think again. You might be hurting someone very badly. VERY very badly. Because you only experience this unique feeling when it happens to you. And it's not nice at all.
Maybe it's a teenage thing, or perhaps it's just human nature. Oh well, I'll get over it.
Thanks if you read this far.

Tuesday Top Ten: Book I read that were outside my Comfort Zone

2011-11-08T16:52:00.001Z

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books that were outside my comfort zone while reading (whether I liked them or not)

1. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Andersen - this book is incredibly hard to read for anyone I would say. I know that people mostly choose books such as Twilight and Hunger Games but...this. I didn't quite know what it was about, but well...it is a sad book basically. And quite harrowing.

2. A Child called 'It' - Dave Pelzer - I read this in Year 8 and although I never finished it, I think it has stayed with me since.

3. The Declaration - Gemma Malley - this was my first dystopian so I did not quite know what to expect. The violence, sadness and just all the deception that goes on in the background was interesting and had me rooting for Anna. So glad I read this though.

4. Dreamland - Sarah Dessen -this book addresses the issue of domestic violence. It's hard watching it on TV or even in reality but it's also hard to read about it and know exactly what victim is thinking emotionally. This book is different to Sarah Dessen's usual writing, but I still loved it.

Another Quicky one.

2011-11-03T17:27:00.000Z

Just a quick post on the way to Microsoft Word for Media again.

I have guest posted on Amy's blog, I Love Smilies and Books, about why I love reading so much. Amy is a great blogging friend of mine, so it would be great if you checked it out.
This is kind of a return favour after she guest posted on here in August on the Summer themed week with her Favourite Summer Reads, which I hoped you all enjoyed.

Check it out here.

I love guest posting you know. One of my favourite things about blogging.
So, a reminder, that if you want a guest poster for your own blog, then letta me know either by Twitter or email :)

Over and Out
*hovers over Word icon*

Quick Update and thoughts on Banned Book Week!

2011-11-02T08:44:00.002Z

Sorry quick update.

I have this BIG Media essay/coursework thing due in on FRIDAY, so I won't be posting for the next couple of days, hence my lack of posting this week too. So, leave, track me down, run away - do whatever but you want me to fail coursework for this blog? Sorry, my school work comes first and foremost...some of the time.

Also, I'm writing an article for the newspaper on Banned Book Week which I know was prominent in the blogosphere, so let me know for your thoughts on censorship, banned books, any examples of banned books and what generally you think about the whole issue. Muchly appreciated.

Over and out.

I'm Baaaack :)

2011-10-30T20:05:00.001Z

I'M BACK. Okay, so I didn't advertise that I was going away apart from if you stalk me on Twitter (slightly scary thought there...) but I did. And I didn't go just anywhere. Well, it's a place which takes 11 hours flight from where I am right now.
This is a place I have wanted to go to in my whole sixteen years - finally my parents got the hint:

Own Holiday Snap

Yes, the one and only Las Vegas - or Sin City. It is an interesting place I must admit with the cheap tacky buildings mixed with some lovely hotels that I would seriously think about living in if I could.
Now, for those that live in America, you will know that Obama visited Las Vegas to do some talk on housing.

Oh yep. Well, I'm sitting in a traffic jam trying to get back to The Strip, which looks onto the airport. Suddenly, we see this huge line of about five black cars. Then, a bigger one, a couple of police cars, an ambulance and then another black car bringing up the rear. This was indeed Obama. I kind of feel privileged to see him (even if far away and not quite face to face) but still. This guy runs a country, which is pretty cool. And personally (sorry if I offend anyone but I am English and don't know EVERYTHING about this guy), I quite like him.

Sorry - anyway. That was my highlight of the week as well as seeing the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam which are both equally breathtaking. Absolutely stunning and beautiful. I never knew America could be this beautiful and natural. I mean, I've only been to the tourist states really - LA, New York, Florida - so this was such a surprise. It really reminded me of Spain or the south of France. I can't describe how amazing it looks without you seeing it live.

I didn't stay in the BIG hotels or anything, just a quiet apartment that we rented at the back of The Strip. I did however do every single free thing in the hotels and have a look around - from volcanoes, dancing fountains, moving statues and even lions - Las Vegas has, well, a lot of entertainment. I loved it there, it was so lovely there and there is always something you can be doing.

Here are some pictures I thought you might enjoy:

Hoover Dam from above

Grand Canyon

New York New York hotel

Casino at Caesar's Palace...

Fountains at the Bellagio

Me improvising with the camera at the Las Vegas sign

Have a great week! :)

Eva Ibbotson: a year on

2011-10-20T18:20:00.001+01:00

Last August, I discovered the author that is Eva Ibbotson.
I had heard her before and seen a few of her younger aged books in libraries and book shops frequently. I started by reading The Secret Countess, a beautiful story centred around the ending of the Romanov's and the low, middle and high class of English society in the 1910's. Anna is a wonderful girl and someone I wanted to meet and even aspired to as a character.

I, then, proceeded to read A Song for Summer which ended the year 2010 for me. This is when I realised. I remember the day I was going the review for it earlier this year. I typed the name in Google, just to see if there was an author's website to add to the review. There wasn't. But then, I saw further down the page a link to an obituary by The Guardian (an English newspaper). It was in this moment that I realised that the author I had come to love after two books - had died.
And this was the first I heard of it.

Eva Ibbotson died a year ago today, aged 83. She was a mostly children's writer in England and eventually, the world. She wrote numerous children's books that won several prizes each with it.
The books that teenagers my age have fallen in love with again recently, were first published in the 1980's as adult books. Recently, they have been re-published, just before her death where they became so much more popular.

Her writing is one like no other. I like to read all sorts of books, Young Adult or Adult Fiction. But I find with Young Adult, it can be too unrealistic, or too different and young. When with Adult Fiction, it tackles more adult issues which sixteen year-old's don't want to think about right now. Eva Ibbotson's books provided a view in to a world of writing where they address us 'Young Adults' in a mature way that we can easily understand. Her writing provided vivid descriptions of foreign places such as Austria and war time London.

I can't believe so few have heard of this author, but for me, she should be remembered for making so many stories for us to read, regardless of our age. I know her stories, the ones I have read so far, will never quite leave me and I hope to pass them on to the generations to come.

Top Tuesday Top Ten: Books whose Titles or Covers made me buy it

2011-10-18T18:58:00.003+01:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books that I bought just because it had an amazing cover or title

1. Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher - I liked this sound of it too and saw a lot of good reviews for it on the blogosphere BUT NEVER SAW THE ACTUAL BOOK ANYWHERE. So, when I went into work at Oxfam and found it on the shelves, I picked it up, looked at the cover and then casually crept it under the counter to buy later.
I love the cover. Book definitely not so much.

2. Shadow Web - N.M.Browne - I had seen this repeatedly in the library, but never bothered to pick it up. However, when I did finally one day. I saw the cover and rushed over to the counter already getting my purse out. (You can see a theme of rushing here...)

3. The Other Countess - Eve Edwards - Now, Waterstones don't do this offer any more but they used to do a 3 for 2 offer on selected books. Anyway, I have two books in my hand and like ever I ramble through the shop, suddenly, sharply (alliteration, anyone...), turning when I see the bright orange sticker and then normally rambling back again when I see it's not a book I am interested in.
This one I saw and was interested though. I had fallen in love with Historical Romance books again after reading The Secret Countess (Eva Ibbotson). This cover is gorgeous. So gorgeous. I mean THAT DRESS. I WANT IT. So, this was me free book :)

4. The Luxe - Anna Godbersen - You see my reaction to the dress on the front of The Other Countess? This was pretty much the same but with a screech when I saw it FINALLY in my school library.

5. Wither - Lauren DeStefano - I HAVE A THING FOR BEAUTIFUL DRESSES ON THE FRONT OF BOOKS...also Wither? Intriguing...

6. The Sky Is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson - Wow. That was my reaction when I saw this book in the shops (and stared at it for about two weeks). It was a journal, not a book. It was bound, with amazing photographs and poems in there, and written on the loveliest paper. I was in love with this bound book. YOU WANT SOME PROOF? Click here, oh and here and I think the review shows lastly my love.

* I was so mad when I wrote this...I have just done two hours of Media homework/coursework so my brain was scrambled.

Film Review: Pride and Prejudice (2005)

2011-10-16T15:36:00.000+01:00

Starring: Keira Knightley (The Duchess), Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day), Donald Sutherland (Going to be in the new Hunger Games), Matthew McFadyen (Spooks), Rupert Friend (The Young Victoria), Brenda Blethyn (Atonement), Talulah Riley (St. Trinians), Carey Mulligan (An Education), Jena Malone (Sucker Punch), Simon Woods (Cranford), Kelly Reily (Sherlock Holmes), Tom Hollander (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Made in 2005 by Focus Features (US)
Filmed in various places in England
Directed by Joe Wright
Based on novel by Jane Austen published in 1813

L-R: Jena Malone (Lydia), Carey Mulligan (Kitty), Keira Knightley (Elizabeth),
Rosamund Pike (Jane), Talulah Riley (Mary)

It is universally acknowledged that Matthew McFadyen (who plays the one and only Mr Darcy) doesn't quite match the Darcy from the 1995 mini-series version of this book: Colin Firth. This maybe because of my particular likeness for Colin Firth since seeing him in The King's Speech but you know...he's well liked mostly because of the Mr Darcy role. Having seen some of the episodes of the 1995 version (and admittingly, I have the DVD of it - HEY. Don't judge. It was a joke birthday present), this version, ten years on, focuses much more on the cinematography of the film rather than the raw emotions like in the 1995 series.

There are some beautiful images from the start that both represent feelings and events that happened in the book, but also to just make it a really nice movie to watch. It is slow, I admit, especially for non-Pride and Prejudice fans or non-Keira Knightley ones too as she is featured heavily in this lovely movie.

I, however, like her, especially as she was born and bred around my area (as well as Bend It Like Beckham, which she featured in, being filmed around my town). So obviously, she is a personal favourite movie star of mine.

This movie shows clearly the events in Pride and Prejudice as well as adding a slight modern look to the film although keeping with the traditional manners, dress and formalities of 18th Century England. There is some lovely scenes where the characters do not have to tell you how they're feeling, you just kind of know. In short, this movie's best strength is the way in which it has been filmed - it is utterly beautiful.

The acting is also not too bad. Keira Knightley shows both the attractive and clever sides to Elizabeth Bennet although when she is angry, it isn't Knightley's best moments beauty wise. I also found her take on Elizabeth rather moody at points, a tad like Darcy is known to be.

Matthew McFadyen was a great Darcy and clearly showed that change from maintaining pride to loving Elizabeth, it was like a truly completely different Darcy. The other actors also reflected their characters personalities in the novel well with the amusement we find between Mr and Mrs Bennet and Lydia's innocence and stupidity of being a giddy young teenager. Carey Mulligan as Kitty was a very different role from perhaps we see her doing now, being a big Hollywood actress.

For me, the perfect choice for character was Rosamund Pike as Jane. Jane is supposed to be absolutely beautiful, in and out. Comforting. Everyone's favourite character and elegant. In the 1995 version, Jane is hardly any of these. Pike was a good choice for Jane. She became the Jane I see in my head when I read anything to do with Pride and Prejudice.

Overall, this film was full of amazing actors and actresses. It was shot beautifully and captured the essence of the 1700's and the world of Jane Austen. It was like stepping back in time...even though there are a few movie mistakes.

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (#1)

2011-10-16T12:02:00.002+01:00

Okay, so I know this review is probably WAY long overdue. I don't know why but when the Hunger Games came out and then, the hype around them, I was never interested in them. This is the type of book I like, but something made me not want to.
Maybe I was just being 'indie' (I use that term lightly) and didn't want to join the hype train for this series of books. Actually, I was with my friend Joey when she saw the copy of the last one in this series, Mockingkay, screamed and then ran to the till in Waterstones, her purse already in hand.
I laughed but even after her influencing other of my friends to read it, I still didn't read it AND I'M THE ONE WITH THE BOOK BLOG. So, when I heard there was going to be a movie which I knew I'd probably be taken to, I thought this is it. I'm going to read them.
And then I mentioned it and my friend then gave me his sister's copy of the first book and I knew it was kind of time to finally read it. Dramatic I know, but when I started reading it never felt forced, although it sort of was on my friends part. Anyway, before I bore you, I have no unthinkable excuse why I never read this book before and WHAT THE HELL HAVE I MISSED?! *runs off happily*

Synopsis (if you've been living in a cave): Annually, the Hunger Games are held at the Capitol, the capital of the future North America: Panem. Two tributes, a girl and a boy, aged between 12 and 18, come from the twelve different districts to compete. Only one can win. However, there is only one rule: kill or be killed. Tributes battle to kill one another to get the ultimate prize: survival.
Sixteen year-old, Katniss Everdeen, from District 12 - the poorest and less likely to win of all of Panem, takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games. But in the wilderness of the outskirts of District 12, Katniss has learnt how to survive, hunting has become second nature. Will she win or will she fall like so many others before her?

Review: My first reaction after reading this book: WOW. Just...wow. Also, firstly, I am SO sorry Suzanne Collins that I didn't read this book and hopefully the whole series sooner because erm, why Rebecca did you put them off so long? This review is basically going to be me rambling how amazing this book is, I can not think of any negatives to be honest. And the end...oh the end, I had tears. Oh my god, just wow. I am such a idiot for putting them off. Oh and Peeta and Katniss, oh. And oh the end. And oh.

Okay. Sorry, gushing over. This book is one of those books I think will be around for a while. I mean, they're making a movie of the series! So it has to have stuck out in the bookish world.

I have read a lot of dystopian since I discovered the genre, but nothing was quite up to scratch as this one. This has (I'm going to say it again...) everything you could want in a a few hundred pages. I don't quite know how Suzanne Collins does it. When we entered the arena, I think, around the 200 page mark, I thought 'How is she going to make time past so 23 tributes die while making it entertaining, funny and interesting with all readers rooting for Katniss? But she does it. And she does it well. The antics that happen within the Hunger Games arena are so engaging and portray a side of humanity we rarely see: the fight for survival.
Something about Katniss' whole situation brings out this cruel raw emotion in me. I mean, Katniss is sixteen. That's my age and I don't think I'd be ready to do what she does in this book. Or any Hunger Games for that matter. The thought of some day dying makes me cry and disappointed of the days where I haven't appreciated living. How would anyone feel to enter a place where you know that the odds are in favour of you probably dying? And these guys are teenagers as young as twelve. It's a sad, disgusting thought to think of in the future.
So why the Hunger Games? Why did Panem just decide to kill 23 young people every year? There is a reason and I don't know whether to share it or not. If you want to know, email me, I think that's fair.
The reason is stupid really and unreal for us but I can see why the Capitol would make the Hunger Games to avenge.

Now, Katniss. I love the name for starters. I loved Katniss' voice throughout the novel and she became a part of the book I think would not be complete without her. She is young, less strong that she may seem but the Hunger Games matures her within the first hundred pages of the book. Then, Peeta.
While reading this, my Hunger Games fan friends kept saying 'Oh Peeta, he's so cute' while I sat there thinking 'Erm, really? Not seeing it'. Until one moment. And then I understood everyone's love for Peeta and the whole love triangle with Gale (although he doesn't feature heavily in this book) and him. The Hunger Games provides a cast of characters so diverse, original and entertaining, that you enjoy this book more. The writing slows down and speeds up in the appropriate places and makes you feel so many emotions in the space of a dozen pages. This book is an emotional roller coaster to read for both Katniss and yourself.

Suzanne Collins, pretty unknown before this book was released, has created this amazing world of Panem and gives a possible insight to what our world could become with the continuation of war. She successfully hints future events (I only know from reading synopsis of the two other novels) and put me as a reader on edge so much, you are practically screaming for their survival as the pages turn. And the end. Wow. The end is cruel, truthful, happy, heart breaking and just...I don't know how to describe it as it kind of jumped on me as I started to think of what to write for this review. This book is, ultimately, perfect and I cannot praise it enough.
Verdict: Every young adult should read this book. I haven't read a book this good in a while.

I give it a 5 out of 5

The next two book are released already, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. The Hunger Games movie is due to be released April 2012.

Author's Website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/ and http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/
Pages: 454
Publisher: Scholastic
Challenges: None

The Braces are off.

2011-10-11T17:47:00.001+01:00

On the 11th June 2008, I got fitted for braces. I was a tall thirteen year-old approaching Year 9 - the BIG year of SATS and GCSE options - and having already gone a semi-serious operation in the April where I had been put to sleep and couldn't even talk for 3 days.

I've never been too fussed about them since. While my friends hide them away, I just got on with life regardless of my braces. Because of this, I think the majority of my friends and family cannot imagine me without them, especially newer friends.

I was forecasted to have braces for 2 and a half years. That turned into 32 months, then soon approaching 3 years. It seemed like they would never go, I would live with them forever.
Until a couple of months ago in a passing comment to my orthodontist, I mentioned I hated them by now and just wanted them off. Before I knew it she was going into a long spiel that I should contact my dentist, do this, go book an appointment. It looked like I was finally having them gone.

This morning I woke up earlier than I should have gone. The idea for the last two months seemed unreal that I, Rebecca, would be getting her braces off. It still now feels like a dream that I'm going to wake up and poof. They're back.
So I got ready, had breakfast, brushed my teeth, got into the car and drove to the orthodontists with my mother. Suddenly, I was in the chair. Suddenly, I was being asked to open my mouth, close it, bite together, open again. Suddenly, there was clipping somewhere rather close, a little pulling and then. Oh.

The thing I have been wanting so desperately for months, happened without me realising. I had my braces off. FINALLY.

The next part of the more hideous of the whole experience: cleaning my teeth and getting the glue off with numerous spinny tools that weren't too pleasant at all.
Anyway, around 20 minutes later, I was done.
The nurse handed me a tissue and glass of water and a mirror. I look at myself in the mirror first.

I have blood and moulding (for the retainer) smouldered around my mouth, mascara smudged under my eyes and let's just say, it was not the most attractive moment of my life. But then I opened my mouth and smiled. AND I LOOKED SO DIFFERENT. I hardly recognised myself, I feel like a new me.

For those who have braces or getting them soon, go through the pain, just live with it. When you do finally get them off, it will be the best day of your life so far.

(That is not food in my braces, it was just the light - honestly!)

Tuesday Top Ten: Books I wish I could read again for the first time

2011-10-11T14:21:00.002+01:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books that I wish I could read again for the first time not knowing what was going to happen

1. Any Sarah Dessen books - I have read them all so the thrill of her writing and plots has started to fade slightly, although I still need to read her newest books, What Happened to Goodbye

2. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne - when I first read this book, I didn't quite know what to expect. I didn't understand the blurb and people had said how harrowing this book is. After re-reading this book this year, I realised that this is true and I want this confused, afraid self to read it now, not entirely sure what is going to happen until it hits you.

3. Shadow Web - N.M. Browne - one of my favourite ever books, this book makes me laugh, cry, smile, be angry. I want those emotions first hand, not knowing when I need to feel them.

4. The Declaration series - Gemma Malley - I haven't re-read this but I liked reading the series throughout slowly understanding what Longetivity was and wondering why Anna and Peter were going to do next, would they live? WOULD THEY FINALLY KISS?

5. The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness - I haven't read this book in years but I know when I do, despite not remembering what happened, I won't be able to help thinking of what happens in the future two books.

Now - Morris Gleitzman (#3)

2011-10-09T12:37:00.002+01:00

*There may be SPOILERS for those who have not read Once or Then*

Now is the final book in this phenomenal trilogy. After reading Once and Then in quick succession, I didn't think Now would be easy to find as it's not the book in this series I see the most. So when I walked into my local library and found it SITTING ON THE FRONT DESK, I knew I should get it out to read. Which I did.
For all you Morris Gleitzman fans or fans of this series so far, this is very different to any of the other books in this series.

Synopsis: ONCE I didn't know about my grandfather Felix's scary childhood. THEN I found out what the Nazis did to his best friend Zelda. NOW I understand why Felix does the things he does. At least he's got me. My name is Zelda too. This is our story.
(From the blurb of the book)

Review:
Okay, this is incredibly hard to write so this is going to just be a low-down really.
When I first read the blurb of this book, I thought what Felix was 'doing' was fighting against the Nazis violently like we see him doing at the end of Then. Although, thinking back now, I realise that this is so unlike the Felix we have got to know over this trilogy.

Now is the last instalment in this series and also acts as a shocking reminder that the events we describe as disgusting and morally wrong are still happening today and will be around for future generations. The event this book focuses on is the fires in the Australian outback in February 2009 as well as modern day bullying.

Gleitzman makes you feel so many emotions - fear, anger, joy, pity - it is a roller-coaster of a ride to read and could leave you feeling anything, depending on how you read it. This book for me wasn't up to the mark as it's predecessors' but it still had Gleitzman's excellent writing and wonderful characters, mostly new.
The story is told from twelve-year-old Zelda, the granddaughter of Felix, the young boy in the previous books. It is set in modern day Australia. Zelda was named in honour of Felix's best friend during the Holocaust when he was a similar age to his granddaughter. Her legend lives on through the generations in Felix's family and of course, the locket which is still present in this book.

Felix is the Felix I love - however, he is eighty years-old. However, there are still traits of the wonderful Zelda who we know was killed in the previous book. We learn about what happened to Felix after Then although nothing is ever revealed about Zelda's grandmother which I thought a little weird. It may not be relevant to this story but I would have liked to know about her.

As Morris Gleitzman writes at the end, you don't have to read this books in order although I would recommend it as you get a total feel for young Felix's journey.
The descriptions in this are far different the rest of the trilogy which I preferred. Zelda started off to annoy me and I wanted Felix's voice again, although she grew on me. The ending is the best I could possibly think of for this series and really highlights what life is about: surviving. I have learned so much from this series of books as they give you a high powered glimpse into this period of time that we wish humanity could forget. However, the horrible things that the Nazis did so mercilessly to Jewish people is still rife today. The bullying described by Zelda that she experiences, and some I have experienced myself, is still harsh and disgusting. Although, bullying in this sense is not as bad as what the Nazis horrifically did to the Jews, the book shows that bullying is strong in all past, present and certainly future. Perhaps it is a humane thing to do.

This book I know will always stay with me in the future and although Felix is not a true character, those that were very much like him and risking their lives at such an age will always be heroes to us.
Verdict: This has been an amazing series. If you haven't read it yet, don't fret, start with Once and prepare a box of tissues.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Review for Once
Review for Then

Author's Website: http://www.morrisgleitzman.com/
Pages: 167
Publisher: Puffin from Penguin
Challenges: BBC

Tuesday Top Ten: Books which were MINDBLOWING at the end

2011-10-04T20:24:00.003+01:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books that leave my mouth hanging open and unable to speak.

(Sorry, short again - was in the middle of some homework when I thought of this...)
The sentences after the books listed are my reactions to the ending

1. The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness - Reaction: What the... oh my god, oh my fricking god.
2. The Ask and the Answer - Patrick Ness - I hate you Mayor.
3. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne - *Silence.*
4. The Diary of Anne Frank - I think if I remember at the end of this one I started crying and then got up and went about my business.
5. Then - Morris Gleitzman - Oh. Why kill them? I hate the Nazis. Go Felix.

Sorry, for my short rendition of this post, I shall be back fully next week.

Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking trilogy into a movie!?

2011-10-03T17:39:00.001+01:00

Okay, so I'm casually going on to Patrick Ness' Diary because I do a lot to check if there's a signing in London for me and my crazy-obsessed-with-him-but-still-not-meet-him friend. AND THIS IS WHAT I FIND.

YES. I KNOW.

THE CHAOS WALKING SERIES (The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer, Monsters of Men) are being made into movies but none less than the Hunger Games makers themselves.

Personally, I don't quite know what to think. This is great and whatever, but well, will it ruin the magic and danger of these books that a lot of us readers will love? Will it be absolutely amazing and we well all wonder why we worried? I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO BE WORRIED OR HAPPY.

Anyway, well done Patrick Ness - they deserve this kind of recognition and I WILL be going to see all three movies regardless of if I agree with the making of them or not....Nice surprise for a boring Monday.

On My Bookshelf (10)

2011-10-02T12:50:00.001+01:00

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren
(I don't have a Mailbox...)

Bought:

- Across the Universe - Beth Revis (£2.00 in a charity shop)

- Othello - William Shakespeare (for college)

- Death of a Salesman - Arthur Miller (for college)

- The Great Gatsby - F.Scott Fitzgerald (for college) - Wanted to read this for a long time so glad I am studying!

Borrowed:

- The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

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So, I was walking past the British Heart Foundation charity shop which I had to walk past nearly every day when I worked at Oxfam over the summer. In the window, I had noticed that they have some good books such as the whole series of The Luxe by Anna Godbersen. So, I'm walking past here to get a bus and for some reason, I am drawn in. I don't know why because normally I don't have a desire to go in there. But this day, I did.

I have a quick look round the accessories before I settle at looking at the books, seeing the normal books that I used to put out all the time in Oxfam, you know, The Da Vinci Code, The Other Boleyn Girl - those sorts of MEGA popular books everyone has. Before I stumble across a copy of Across the Universe. A books I have never seen in a charity shop before.

Before I know, I am at the till and handing a £2 coin over to the girl and walking out with it in a bag. It wasn't until I was on the bus going home, that I realised this is an 'Uncorrected Bound Proof'. I have no idea if I'm meant to have it or not but for some reason, I know I'm going to enjoy looking for the spelling mistakes...

So I only got the books of Othello and Death of a Salesman a week ago BUT ALREADY THEY ARE COVERED IN WRITING (like shown below). Normally I hate writing in books, but when it's English Literature, you kind of have to. At first, rather sadly, I felt a bit rebellious writing in a book. The feeling wares off. Quickly.

Othello

Death of a Salesman

What about you? What books did you get? Do you like writing in books? Do you have any uncorrected proofs?

The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards (#3)

2011-10-02T12:06:00.001+01:00

*There may be some SPOILERS for those who haven't read the first two books The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady*

When I found out in about April 2011 that there was going to be a third book in this series now named The Lacey Chronicles, I knew I had to get it and read it as soon as possible. So I pre-ordered it as it was half price and it was delivered over at the end of August, a couple of days before the release day. I was rather happy really. Due to commitments to other things, this is the first chance I've had to read this book and BOY, IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. Warning: I will be gushing on how much I love this book.

Synopsis: A chance encounter finds Kit, actor and illegitimate brother to the Lacey brothers, falling hopelessly in love with the charms of a rich merchants daughter, Mercy. Who is also a Puritan. The match is doomed. A vagabond marrying a merchant's daughter - and a Puritan - it cannot be. As Mercy starts to call equally for Kit as well, she knows that she might have to renounce her family name and leave home. Will she choose duty over her heart? Suddenly, Kit is caught is a dangerous web, one which could be fatal.

Review: For avid readers of the Lacy Chronicles, we know that we were introduced to Kit in Book 2 of this series, The Queen's Lady, as a close friend of Milly Porter, who is consequently good friends with Lady Jane (now James Lacey, the middle brother's, wife - she was focused on in Book 2) Milly Porter goes on to marry Diego, a servant of the Lacey family. The brothers found out that Kit was their illegitimate brother and let him into the family as if his illegitimacy was non-existent.
This book focuses on this mysterious Kit that we have been only recently introduced to and his search for love, like his previous two brothers. From reading this, I can tell that some will not enjoy it as the format is rather similar to the previous two books although with different people and the central theme of the theatre, but I personally like this consistency. I know that I am going to probably enjoy it and this type of 'historical romance' books have become my favourite.

Saying this, when I first started the book, I was doubtful if I would enjoy it completely. I was actually rather worried when I started the book, as for me the beginning was...well, average, as I think I wrote about the intro in The Queen's Lady. The lengthy passage on Mercy thinking herself sinful started to annoy me. The long description of Kit's debut and then, being 'purified' was, although a little bit more interesting, not anything up to the standards Eve Edwards has placed herself. Now, before any readers that LOVE these series, as do I, start throwing insults at me for saying this - wait.
Then, we hit the moment when they meet and suddenly, I was falling in love with Edwards' writing all over again, like I have twice before. I could feel the excitement in the room they were in, the emotions of Kit and Mercy - everything. Every time I read Eve Edwards' books, I fall into this historical paradise which I hardly want to leave in a hurry.

Here, again, we have old and new characters. Will, James and especially Tobias all feature in this book and help Kit along the path to try and marry Mercy; Ladies Ellie and Jane are also in it briefly. Milly and Diego are also featured briefly. For new characters, we are introduced to Mercy's family - her strict, uptight father, John; her siblings, Faith and Edwin - both more Puritan and well behaved than the younger Mercy; her jolly aunt, Rose and the hilarious character of her Grandmother Isham - who for me made the comedy in this book. They all have a part to play in getting Mercy and Kit together. All of these are interesting characters that you will enjoy. Kit and Mercy play engaging protagonists, although Kit's humour favoured me more.

The great thing about these books are they are always so detailed historical wise. I learnt so much about the world of theatre (useful as I'm reading Othello in English Literature) and being a Puritan (by the way, apparently Rebecca is a Puritan name...). The language, although not quite so '1600's' as Shakespeare is, the language uses odd sentences and words that wouldn't be used nowadays but makes it so it is still easy to understand. The bit which I smiled at the most was the casual references to big events and characters that we all know about in modern day. Kit is in the same theatre company as William Shakespeare himself who is bursting at the chance to write - 'The company was still a little in shock that something so good could come from rural Stratford' (Page 252). And a mention of 'the what-his-name Marlowe' which really shows you what people those days must have thought of these normal seeming guys. Who knew they would be remembered four centuries later?

This book really shone out for me and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters of Mercy and Kit are incredibly entertaining and it's lovely to see their relationship flower and personalities deepen into characters that I would love to meet. The romance once again is there in force but not too sensual to offend anyone, you can tell deeply that they do truly love each other. The book is one of the best of 2011 so far and coming home every day this book from college, I just wanted to snuggle up and go back to the wonderful world of the Lacey's, Let's hope, there are some more coming soon. Keep up the good work, Edwards.
Verdict: The beginning is a tad rocky, but the book as a whole makes up for it.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Review of The Other Countess
Review of The Queen's Lady

Author's Website: http://eve-edwards.co.uk/
Pages: 256 (also includes first chapters of The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady)
Publisher: Razorbill, Penguin
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

Tuesday Top Ten: Books I want to Re-read

2011-09-27T17:58:00.005+01:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books I am DESPERATE to re-read sooon

(This might be a short post as I'm about to cook my dinner...)

1. Shadow Web - N.M.Browne - I read this every year, and hasn't entered my Read 2011 list yet so this needs to be whacked out soon.
2. The Roman Mysteries series - Caroline Lawrence - Having started studying Classical Civilisation recently, I'm really in the mood for some Roman books. I'm literally sitting in class like 'I know this! Thank you Roman Mysteries!'
3. The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen - LOVE THIS BOOK.
4. Before I Die - Jenny Downham - I am not a Jenny Downham fan, I put my hands up for that but I read this book a long time ago and I don't think I fully understood it, so would like to give it another go.
5. The Diary of Anne Frank - I could read this anytime.
6. The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose - Mary Hooper - My first Mary Hooper book, and I haven't read it in YEARS.
7. The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness
8. Broken Soup/Finding Violet Park - Jenny Valentine - There are so many critisms about Jenny Valentine but I quite like her, so I want to re-read this to try and find out why people are saying these things.
9. Elsewhere - Gabrielle Zevin

The Anonymous Commenter who made my day.

2011-09-26T19:51:00.000+01:00

So I come in from college grumbling because the Media assignment that I spent 2 HOURS of my Sunday on, I had done completely wrong and it's due in tomorrow. JOY.
Anyway, not the subject here. I log on to the computer after a quick chat with my nan (she is looking after me at the moment which means AMAZING FOOD) and a cuppa and I go on Blogger. Straight away, I know.
So I look at a couple of posts, a review of 'The Luxe', a couple of fashion posts, log on to Facebook, say hi to my friend I saw 30 minutes earlier and then, click on the comments section of Blogger, mostly expecting nothing.

I am serious. After 6 months of no comments when I started, I do not expect comments on the blog at all so when I get them I am thrilled. REALLY thrilled. So when I saw I had a new comment, I was happy especially about my new Kindle.

So I'm reading it, trying to get a piece of food out of my braces while doing so (harder than it sounds) and then I just stopped. Still.

My nan thought I'd fallen asleep, I was so still.

And then, I let out this huge 'Awww' that I normally reserve for cute cuddly animals.

I had the loveliest, most gorgeous comment I have EVER received. Serious. This is what it said:

I also got a Kindle for my birthday and love it to bits. Plus, I have been looking for a not overly expensive case, and have now found one thanks to this post. :D

Also, may I say, I love your blog! I have a whole new list of books that I must try from it, and please keep this blog running, it is truely amazing! :)

Signed Anonymous. So basically, the point of this post? I want to say a MASSIVE thank you to whoever wrote this comment because it literally MADE MY DAY. Made my month actually.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am not obsessive over comments like some but it's comments like this that make me keep blogging even when it's tough to write something about a book I hated. So when bloggers complain about what their doing, it annoys me so much because they don't even realise what a great thing it is.

Thanks guys.

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead

2011-09-25T10:19:00.000+01:00

I have seen this book around often on various places: the blogosphere, bookshops, the library. But for some reason, I was always a bit dubious about reading it - I have no idea why and still don't. Weird.
This book mostly caught me because of the name of the author. I hardly a name of Rebecca by an author so it was a pleasant surprise to find one in the YA section.

Synopsis: Living in a big city can be scary sometimes, especially if the city in question is New York City. For Miranda and Sal, best friends, they have grown up knowing their way around the dangerous neighbourhood. But then this safety starts to unravel. Sal gets punched randomly by a kid on their way home and starts avoiding Miranda. The key to the apartment in emergencies is stolen. Nothing is stolen but a pair of shoes. No evidence is left but a scrap of paper with a note addressed to Miranda asking her to write a story. Soon, she finds more and she starts to realise that the sender is hinting at something tragic to happen. But what and how can Miranda stop it?

Review: This book seems to be quite innocent and basic from the outside, looking at the cover - but it isn't. It is much more complicated and bigger a plot than that.
Firstly, the cover. To an outsider, it means probably nothing. A few pictures randomly on the blocks. Well, actually, when you read this book, you will discover these little illustrations mean things for this book, which I really liked. Like finding out the secrets to the cover - why it is like that. Covers are great things to have and I know I 'judge a book by its cover' a lot. But sometimes, publishers just go neutral so you have no idea what a book can hold.

The book itself is a fantastic read to come across. I wasn't expecting much, however. After a series of reading books recommended by bloggers and not liking them at all, I wasn't expecting this one to be a good read - but it intrigued me. This book is not perfect - it has some flaws, but it is a delightful read (and unexpected for me) and even though, writing quite simply, it is a book I would recommend to anyone.

One thing that makes it is the mystery and deception of these letters Miranda continuously receives. I had ideas on who the sender was at the beginning - and was half right. The thing about the notes is they get more confusing and suspicious every time - and vague. Your mind is constantly churning wondering what on earth they could be leading up to and then, when you get to the event, you (and Miranda) understand what it all means. However, if I had received these notes, I would FREAK OUT especially in a city like that where I have already been burgled. Except, Miranda doesn't, or if she does, it doesn't seem like she cares much at all. It's a little unreal I think, but doesn't ruin the book for me.

The characters also credit the book, and the different relationships Miranda has with these various people. My personal favourite was Sal's mum, who made some hilarious remarks and is worried for everyone instead of themselves. She is good friends with Miranda's family and they live on the floor downstairs so she is in the book quite often, making these comments. I DID not like Julia or Annemarie, even though they become Miranda's friends. They were just too posh, too unlike the protagonist, too bitchy! They are the type of people I would have stayed clear of.

Like I said, and someone told me on the comments section, this book is aimed mostly for those in fifth grade to about eighth grade (Year 6-9) so being in 'eleventh grade (Year 12)', I am probably the wrong person to be reviewing this book. The language is simple and there are rarely elaborate descriptions but it is a fun, lovely novel and a novelty after studying books that are more complicated.
There is this childish, innocent element of time-travel which, for me being a Doctor Who fan, was interesting to read about as many books avoid this kind of subject. The spacey element runs throughout the book and is incorporated in the ending, making it very different again. Although the ending wasn't as great as the rest of the book, it is very unique to this book and I can see why they would put it in this age range.

Talking about space - there is something I didn't realise until about 70% into the book. *SPOILERS - JUMP IF YOU WANT TO KNOW*

The book is set in 1979, even though it gives the impression of now. Maybe I didn't notice some clues but this hit me straight, I didn't even realise. I found this extremely clever, and after reading the book until the end, it gives this impression of looking back from an older Miranda.

*IT'S SAFE NOW* This is not a long book, but at the right length. There is a series of plots happening that eventually all interlink, making this an interesting and adventurous type of novel. It is quite cute really.
Overall, this book left a lasting impression on me and made me think about an alternate side to life and the possibilities the future can be technology wise. This book is a gem of a novel, one that you could easily walk past. Try it, even if you're not into simple language - you might be pleasantly surprised.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/
Pages: 197
Publisher: Andersen Press
Challenges: Historical Fiction

Tuesday Top Ten: Books I feel as though everyone has read BUT me

2011-09-20T17:29:00.000+01:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is Books I feel as though everyone has read BUT me

1. The Twilight series - Stephanie Meyer - URGH, don't get me started. It has been nearly three years since the Twilight and vampire revolution took off and I have yet to read these series of books. WHY? Because I think the idea of having something like a vampire in a book is stupid and only popular because of Twilight. Twilight was around before the movies so why the sudden urge for some sparkly vampire to fall in love with? I am not sad I haven't read these books as I know the story anyway from those that have so I don't think you'll be seeing this book around here any time soon.

2. The Hunger Games series - Suzanne Collins - This does anger me however. It's been around a year since the final book came out in these amazing series and now there is talk of a movie. I am yet to decide whether to see the movie then read or vice versa.

3. The Uglies series - Scott Westerfeld - one of the oldest YA series going in the 21st Century - I know. But I just haven't seen them around in libraries etc. I can't help it...I can't...urgh.

4. Where She Went - Gayle Forman - Like I say in most of these Top Ten thingy's - I SHALL READ IT AT SOME POINT SOON.

5. Jane - April Lindner - I have never seen this book. Ever. Not in the flesh, where is everyone gettting their copies (actually, I can guess that question).

6. Divergent - Veronica Roth - Well, £10.99 for 300 pages - bit much so I'm waiting for it to come into the library. It looks absolutely amazing though, looking forward to reading it.

7. Across the Universe - Beth Revis - I was one of the first bloggers to know about this and it always haunts me when I go in bookshops but because of my phobia of not buying books without knowing what they are going to be like in my opinion, I am yet to read this one. I think it's going to be a library one.

Theodore Boone: The Abduction - John Grisham (#2)

2011-09-18T17:10:00.001+01:00

*SPOILERS IF NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK*

After reading the first book in this interesting series, when I found out there was a second by my also-addicted-friend, I jumped for joy. I was sad that the ending of the first book just ended without a reason, but now I know why!
My copy of this book is not as nice as the picture (left), it has some nice bright neon orange that would have put me off otherwise. DO NOT FEAR THIS BOOK. Read it, but read Theodore Boone, the first book beforehand to enjoy the true pleasure these books provide.

Synopsis: Theodore Boone is back with another adventurous case to solve! His best friend, April, goes missing mysteriously in the middle of the night from her bedroom without a trace - no-one knows where she could be. As the police hit dead-ends and a body is discovered in Strattenburg's river, it is up to Theo to use his extensive legal knowledge to find out the truth and find his best friend before it is too late. Will he find her? Is the body hers though?

Review: I really love Theodore Boone. He is a cracking character with a lot of charisma and intelligence and he is just so cool. Okay, so not hip cool maybe but I would want to be his friend - he seems like my kind of person.
It is not entirely clear how long has passed between the first book and this one. However, there is the mention at the end of the Duffy trial starting again in six weeks time, so I would say about two or three weeks has gone. There are references to the previous book but this could also be read as a stand-alone novel, which is nice if you aren't into reading sequels which I know some people aren't.

This book isn't so much a legal drama as Theodore Boone was. It is more about the life of Theo and his relationships with everyone around him, as well as the implications of something that happens rarely: abduction. I know there have been some pretty big stories in the past but soon I think abductions will become a thing of the past, thankfully. As well as showing how the police department would work and their procedures in a situation like this, this book outlines what you should and should not do if it was your friend/family member. I guess it would be the same procedures in England but without knowing much about this area, I cannot say if John Grisham has explained the confusing details of it like he did with the legal system in the first book.

The writing was still amazing and flowed really well which made me not realise how fast I read the book (four days) which is a record probably for me especially for this size of book. I felt like I was going back to these old friends when I read about the good old characters, it was like returning to another world really, a friendly one. Theo is as always my favourite and will be always. His parents and Ike (his uncle who helps him a lot) were just the way they were in the last book which was good. The only problem with that was in the last book, after being separated and not seeing each other much, Theo's parents and Ike seemed to get along and work together and even said (or it seemed obvious to me from reading) that they would get closer as they are family. In this book, that didn't happen. There was still the awkwardness when Ike's name was mentioned and the mood that they didn't want to be associated with him but felt Theo should know him. It just felt a little strange to me. At the end of this one, it felt the same as it did at the ending of the previous one so it will be interesting to see that relationship continue.

April was mentioned and introduced in the first book but like I said, hardly worth an introduction in the previous as she was only in it briefly as she was in the middle of a divorce for her parents. That 'divorce' was hardly mentioned in this book so I presume that it never happened or in middle of happening. I'm serious - in The Abduction, nothing was said about it! April is, although not in this one much either, complicated and we learn more about her and her weird relationship with Theo in this book, as well as her family.
Last time, I thought Theo seemed younger than his thirteen years but this time, he felt much older. He never seems to me, to be a true thirteen year-old.

At the end of this book, I didn't feel deflated, I felt EXCITED. Why can the next book be out now? There is going to be a third book (Source) but will be released the middle of next year, so we have at least 6 months to wait. BOO! The end links to the first with a reference to the last one, and is left on a slight cliffhanger, but not one where you will ponder on and on and get on John Grisham's nerves with amount of emails you sent demanding to know what happened.
Overall, this book was far better for me and more well rounded and readable than the first book, it really has showed that John Grisham can be successful at writing YA and Adult books well and I think the next one will be one of the most anticipated of 2012. What will happen next for the great Theodore Boone?
Verdict: Ignore the funky cover, read it. But I would recommend to read the first book, Theodore Boone, first - there's an extract from it at the end of this book.

I give it a 5 out of 5

My Review for the first book of this series, Theodore Boone

Author's Website: http://www.theodoreboone.com/
Pages: 217
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Challenges: None

London Fashion Week

2011-09-18T15:51:00.002+01:00

So I was in London this weekend. Nope, not because of London Fashion Week, but to see some friends of the family who were staying in London - we only found out about London Fashion Week a week ago.
So in homage to the fact that I felt so out of place everywhere with all these attractive girls tottering around in high heels with passes while I go along in jeans, we went to Somerset House, the beautiful gallery where they host London Fashion Week - in the rain and took some pictures.

Okay, no - I did not see Vivenne Westwood or Henry Holland or some other bizarre name, but I did see a lot of well dressed people and press which helped me learn about this world that I may enter in the future. THEY ALL LOOK AMAZING. Totally not fair and I felt even more out of place there.
The only famous person I saw was Gok Wan entering one of the venues in a rather bright red shirt which...didn't suit him. Oh and Carrie from a fashion blog I follow WishWishWish being photographed. If you see any photos (I am keeping a look out) of some boringly dressed girl in the background wearing a purple hat - that was me!

It's a lovely outside area and so peaceful with just everyone milling around, having conversations, taking photographs. There was a real feel of a buzz around the area and being the first time I've been there inside or out for London Fashion Week, I am so glad I went. I can really see why they are the hottest tickets in town.

I got to pick up some free magazines/newspapers they were giving out about the Saturday day of London Fashion Week (seen below)

I didn't go to any of the shows or see anyone amazingly famous like Kate Moss but it was a lovely experience.

In the fashion stakes, I got some shoes because my plain black ones are dead and have a mouth (sole is peeling away) I have named him Mr Shoe, and no-one has found Mr Shoe funny yet...I do though.

Above: Shows, £28, Urban Outfitters

Film Review: Girl With the Pearl Earring

2011-09-16T19:02:00.000+01:00

Starring: Scarlett Johansson (The Other Boleyn Girl), Colin Firth (The King's Speech), Cillian Murphy (Inception), Tom Wilkinson (Shakespeare in Love), Anna Popplewell (The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe)
Made in 2003 by Lion Gate Films in the UK
Filmed in London, Luxembourg, Amsterdam (Netherlands), Belguim
Directed by Peter Webber
Based on a novel by Tracy Chevalier

Ever since reading the novel version, I have wanted to see this film, having known the film before the novel. Also, I knew of the film early on, especially after watching the first modern St. Trinians where they steal the actual painting the book/film are based on ('Oh my god! You want us to steal Scarlett Johansson?!'). So when I came across a MASSIVE DVD section in the library at the college and found this, I had to get it out for the weekend.

The film was overall well done. It was filmed beautifully and really fulfilled what I expected. This is a stunning adaptation of the novel, there plots that are included are done to the best they could and it felt like I was watching Girl with a Pearl Earring, not just a version of it. Although I love adaptations of books, sometimes they can ruin the whole feel of a novel for me because of the film. I think many would agree with me. This, however, didn't do that. I feel I can still read the book, healthy in the knowledge that my mind can either revert to this when I think of what is happening in my mind or create a complete new version.

Scarlett Johansson was the best choice as Griet, although so me she spoke little, she was just as I imagined Griet and looked so much like the girl we all see in the painting, hence Chelsea's comment from St Trinians. She came across a lot like her world was spiralling out of control because of her innocence that every character plays on in good and bad ways for her.
Colin Firth as Vermeer, not something that I would have necessarily have chosen, but I guess I can see Colin doing the moody painter look, like he kind of has in other roles. His relationship with Griet was well played too and showed simply that they wanted to, you know, get together but they knew deep down they couldn't. - it is such a complicated relationship and they live together knowing that and Griet knows she can ask him things that she would know dare to ask his wife.
And the plus of Vermeer? It's Colin Firth. Yes, he's 50 but you know, I like him...hmm...

Anyway, there were a few surprise castings that I did not know where in it. Number One: Anne Popplewell. She is the oldest daughter of Vermeer's family, and doesn't exactly have a speaking role. Just kind of walks around a bit and helps Griet once or twice. Number Two: Cillian Murphy from Inception. I was like 'Hey, it's you!' He played Pieter, Griet's kind of lover. He was annoying much like I find his character in the book, so persistent. So yeah basically he did a good job!

I loved how the colours of the headscarf are so vivid nearer the end for the painting, they are so beautiful and contrast dramatically with Griet's normally plain life and really shows what paint can do to make it so real and life-like.
The only things that annoyed me in a bad way against the book was that they took out a lot of characters and events that were so great and important to the plot like Griet's sister dying, her seeing her brother, the awkward dinners with her family and Pieter. These things were great in the book and I can see that maybe not needed but it would have been great if it was a true good adaptation rather than a half hearted one. And Cornelia. She was way too young and pretty.
Also, a lot of the events just you know, kind of just HAPPEN, without a build up or anything which is unusual in those type of films really.

This is a great and true adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's Girl with the Pearl Earring and should have won more awards. With its star-studded cast and beautiful filming, this is really one I would watch again and recommend others to do so too.

My Review of the novel, Girl with the Pearl Earring

College rambles.

2011-09-15T17:49:00.001+01:00

So college isn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's nice to have so much more freedom, be in a more relaxing relationship with the teachers and do basically your own thing. It is very different from secondary school, but better.
I've met some lovely people already too, some of which I've become friends with already, as well as hanging out with my old ones too. The only people from my old school is my group, so although outnumbered, we're closer too. I thought I'd give you a schedule of my day:

6:40am: Wake up, drag myself out of bed (I am not awake really by the way), choose something decent to wear and go downstairs.
7:00am: Watch TV and eat my breakfast while making a quick coffee to somehow wake me up.
7:25am: Go upstairs and brush my teeth, put make-up on, get generally ready to go.
7:45am: LEAVE THE HOUSE. In the morning, I walk to the train station which for me, crowned the most fastest walker, it takes me about 15/20 mins to get there, it's about a mile away. I do that because the public transport is so unreliable and it's a nice start when walking with an iPod in.
Around 8am: I get there to the train station, put my ticket through the machine and walk down the corridor to the platform. I HATE THAT CORRIDOR THAT LEADS TO THE DIFFERENT PLATFORMS. There are lots of pigeons that live on the ledges so you don't know when a pigeon is going to come out and either poo/fly into you/or just fly around and look scary. I HATE IT I TELL YOU.
8:10am: Train comes. I have to get this train or I am LATE. It's packed. Always, and you feel like you're not going to get on at all. It's annoying because people push to the front to get on and then don't move when they do to let others on. Poo them.
8:30am: Get to my destination and walk around the corner to the college.
8:45am: Lessons start. If we looked at today, I had History first which was AWKWARD. Because our class just doesn't talk. They stare at the teacher like 'Oh hey, we're in a lesson??' and the teacher ANSWERS HER OWN QUESTIONS. And keeps looking at me like 'PLEASE answer my question!' I am the answerer of the class. You know there's always one.
We get homework. Boo.
9:40am: Second lesson. English Literature with the most angry teacher. She just is permentantly annoyed with a angry voice constantly. It reaaaally annoys me. We start reading Death of a Salesman. More Homework. Booo.
10:35am: BREAK. I chill out with some people at the grassy area at the front.
11am: Third lesson. MORE ENGLISH LITERATURE. With a different teacher who I LOVE. She is lovely. We start looking at Othello and link the story together. MEGA confusion.
11:55am: IT'S LUNCHTIME. I go to a sandwich place with my friend and get a sub with some chicken and cheese and salad. Very yummy. Then, I hang out with some friends in the sun by this fountain. Then, walk back to the college.
12:55pm: Fourth lesson. Media Studies. We have a sub and just kind of chat and find out the meaning of some funny looking spelt words.
1:50pm: I'M FINISHED FOR THE DAY. We have another break and then I had to the library to get some homework done.
3pm: I go home and get home around 4pm. Normally it's like 5:30pm on a normal full day.

SO there you go. I really am enjoying my time there studying English Literature, Media Studies, History and Classical Civilisation. It's great fun and so much freedom!

The 10pm Question - Kate De Goldi

2011-09-14T17:54:00.002+01:00

I have been putting this review off for a couple of days which is slightly unlike me really. My reasoning? I just don't know my final judgement about what I thought, did I like it, what I thought about the different aspects of the novel.
'BUT REBECCA, YOU REALLY WANTED TO READ THIS BOOK' and yes, I did. I'm just not sure about it at the moment, hopefully writing this review will help.

Synopsis: Frankie is just one of those people who worry a lot, perhaps obsessively. Everyone around him carries on untroubled by worry, apart from his Ma who listens and answers his questions every night at 10pm before going to sleep to help him. But soon, a new girl arrives at school who is not afraid to hold back with a wild and interesting past. Suddenly, Frankie's careful, controlled world is unravelling and leaves one ultimate question of all. Will he ask it though?

Review: First things first, I love the cover. I mean, LOOK AT THAT DRAWING. It is so beautiful and colourful and really one of the reasons I picked up this book. It made me drawn to it, want to find out what that meant. I mean, I wouldn't associate 'The 10pm Question' with a bird, so it was an interesting thing to put on the front.

Now, to the novel. This is a very fun and quirky book to read but has a lot of deeper subtext underlying problems with the characters. Frankie is twelve years-old, the 'baby' of the family. Frankie was a good protagonist and had a very interesting voice. At first he seems like a normal boy of that age, but as the novel progresses, you start to realise certain things about him, for example, his extend of worrying constantly over certain things. I mean, everyone worries right? I know I do, but soon you realise that this is serious and that his visits to his Ma every night have a purpose. The '10pm Question' is a very important thing for dear Frankie.

Frankie has, also, a very VERY weird family. First, there is his Ma, who does something (trying not to, you know, reveal everything here if you decide to read this) that you don't really realise until they address it in the novel. Then, his father, 'Uncle George' as they call him. I thought he had no father because he was never mentioned but then kindly Sydney asked 'Why do you call your father Uncle George?' (THANK YOU GAL). Continuing, there are the Aunties, a trio of fat, elderly ladies who looked after Frankie a lot as a child and are actually his great aunts. Lastly, there are his older siblings, Gordana (she is female...) and Louis who both play the typical older sibling role of trying to completely ignore him. I liked Gordana, she seemed to care for Frankie deeply and of how he felt but put on the traditional teenage stance of not and branding him a freak.
And his friends weren't much better in the weird stakes. His best friend really is Gigs, who is a cricket obsessed boy who makes the duo quite comedic and outrageous. It was him that made me laugh, especially in his expressions and their exchanges in the made-up language of Chilun. Kate de Goldi kindly told us the translation in brackets next to the name which really added to the effect that it was as if Frankie was talking to you, telling you the story. It was like his own personal translation to you as a friend.

So, the bottom line. Frankie has a weird life which should make this a very quirky original novel. WRONG. Here comes skipping in Sydney (Yes, she was born there...) who although to me normal, although a tad aggressive, has a very rocky and turbulent background and family which develops throughout and we find out more about it, as does Frankie. I liked Sydney, she again was quite quirky, but was really useful in the book for filling in the gaps in Frankie's life by constantly asking questions as one of her personality traits. It helped.

The writing was good, with a mixture of the simple language of everyday people and descriptions. There was, for me, little 'laugh out loud' moments, but there was a couple of times where you have to crack a smile, mostly from the lovely Gigs and occasionally Frankie. These things are mostly for small objects or just a certain way the sentence was phrased so might not be unanimous funny wise.
My favourite part and favourite character? The Fat Controller and the in-depth description of Frankie's reaction to her catching a rat. Oh yes. This is Frankie's cat, if you wonder. Here was the part where I did actually laugh so much:

"The day began in the worst possible way. Twice. First, it begun at 3.49am, when the Fat Controller jumped through Frankie's bedroom window with a rat and proceeded to do a presentation juggle on the floor in front of his bed ... and accompanied by The Fat Controller's very peculiar deep-throated miaow of triumph ... But removing The Fat Controller wasn't easy since she became ferocious and most uncooperative if her hunting celebrations were interrupted."

I think I was in tears by the end of the chapter. Sad, I know, but I just found this part hilarious. The Fat Controller for me, MADE the book complete. Without her, I would not have enjoyed this book.

Overall, this book holds some great unique characters and interesting situations. It is nice to have it set in Northern New Zealand instead of the conventional setting of America or England. There are many quirky features of the book but there is something vital missing that makes you not quite love it as much as you may want to. I would recommend this book because of it's originality and comedic moments but beware, you may not love it.

Verdict: Could be an amazing novel, but not quite there. Good try though.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/writers/degoldikate.html

Pages: 245

Publisher: Templar Publishing

Challenges: None