Mini Reviews: The Hit, Stay Where You Are & Then Leave, Debutantes In Love

This is kind of a catch up of reviews from some of the brilliant books I read during my blogging break at the end of last year. Let me know if you've read any of these and what did you think yourself!

The Hit by Melvin Burgess

I've never read much of Melvin Burgess' books before although I have heard some good things about Junk. I was a bit unsure myself about reading The Hit. The blurb and idea of the novel sounds interesting, something I was intrigued to read yet it seemed like the kind of gritty, urban genre  novel that I just don't enjoy. However, when I saw this in my local library, I thought it was time to give it a go.

Synopsis: A new drug is out named 'Death'. Everyone is talking about it, many are taking it. It gives you the best feeling, the ultimate high. At the ultimate price. Because you have one week. One week of feeling on the top of the world and then you die.
Adam is tempted. His girlfriend, Lizzie, is on the verge of dumping him, his brother has gone. He thinks he has nothing to lose...but Lizzie shows him otherwise.

Review: One of the things I liked about this book was the gritty, harsh portrayal of England that is so refreshing to see in books that is so rarely seen. It is in interesting concept and something in the rapid evolution of drugs in recent years, that you can imagine happening potentially. This is made realistic as the events of the novel are set in a shadow of revolution and change for the future that are beyond Adam and Lizzie's control. Even though the concept is one is liked for the contemporary feel, at times the action and events within the story seemed far from the realism I was expecting, particularly latterly in the novel making this a book that was ultimately quite hard to read at times. I really disliked Adam and Lizzie and their portrayal was far too stereotypical of how people perceive teenagers. The choices they make are stupid and although in some ways, this may be the point of the book, it just didn't make this book enjoyable at times. However, saying these negatives, I have to admit that I did have that urgency throughout reading to find out what happens in the conclusion for Adam and Lizzie and the ending was a good one. This is an interesting, original book that covers a lot of contemporary and controversial issues in today's society, however, in my opinion it could have been done better.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Stay Where You Are & Then Leave by John Boyne

Synopsis: It's four years since Alfie's dad promised he wouldn't fight in the war, and then the following day broke that promise. Alfie has no idea where his father is, making him think he's on a secret mission.
This is until Alfie is shining shoes one morning at King's Cross for a military doctor when he sees his father's name in some dropped papers. Alfie is determined to rescue his father and bring him home finally.

Review: This was one of the last books I read while I was at Waterstones as a proof and wow, it was worth it!
I opened to the first page expecting another version of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas yet set in the shadow of the First World War, something that would make me cry. Yet I was pleasantly surprised! While there is the child narration that characterises Boyne's most famous work, there is an element of mystery and adventure that runs throughout as Alfie tries to find his father.
There is something so powerful about Boyne's writing as he illustrates a world that is vastly different from now. The narration seems so innocent and simple, yet he makes you read between the lines in a way that is incredibly hard to do in some books aimed at children.
A lot of books set in this period normally go two ways: either they are set trenches and show the harsh reality for the soldiers fighting for their country, or they romantise the First World War a little showing those left at home. This book does neither and show a stark portrayal through the eyes of an intelligent, scared young boy and illustrate the true life of those left behind by the soldiers at war. This is a book that leaves you with all this hope and warmth, surprising for a book set in the shadow of war. Yet, there is the shadow of the Second World War looming that Boyne eludes do where, with a quick calculation, many readers will know Alfie will be in his late 20's by then and probably fighting. This is a brilliant book, and I really, really hope that this gets the attention that is deserves.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Debutantes in Love by Cora Harrison

Synopsis: It's 1924 and Poppy and Daisy Derrington leave for London to start their season as debutantes. As they cannot inherit their father's estate, they need to marry for wealth otherwise they will be left penniless. However, money and marriage is not their primary focus when they arrive in London but rather the cinema, music, jazz, parties and gossip that surrounds them while they are there. Trapped in the traditions of their class, the two girls must decide between duty to their family or the flapper lifestyle of the 1920's.

Review: I was a fan of Cora Harrison's Jane Austen series and loved the first book in the Debutantes series. Historical fiction is a favourite of mine, be it serious or not and it's hard to come by historical fiction that doesn't make me want to vomit with details of gore or that is just plainly well written.
As I read in one Goodreads review, Harrison has a knack of taking a book that looks like a fun read full to the brim of historical detail and yes, you do get that. But you also get adventure and chaos mixed with some hilarious moments, and dashes of culture of the time that create a well rounded and constructed book. I loved all those different elements of this book!
This isn't the best historical fiction book I've ever read but it's a lovely, fun read for a lazy afternoon or on holiday when you do not want something too serious! Harrison shows time and time again how brilliant her writing is and I hope there are more books of hers to come in the future.

 I give it a 4 out of 5



Related Reviews:
Debutantes - Cora Harrison
I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne

Signings coming up in England

One major plus of being a book blogger is finding out about bookish events, especially if they're held at bookshops. The delight on seeing the people behind the book you devoured, cherished and then passed on to all your friends. The sentimentality that your own copy of this book has been signed especially for you. Something you want to have forever. The pictures were you look absolutely horrible but still, nice to have something saying 'Yeah, I was there'. These are the things that make me want to go and meet the author at a lovely afternoon/evening spent in the presence of people who also love them.

After arranging to go the Maureen Johnson evening at Waterstones Guildford (and that not happening - have a look here if you don't know what I'm talking about), I received an email from the lovely Jessica who is in charge of events there. She informed me of the major events coming up at the store in the near future and I was so in AWE of some of them. Like 'How on earth have they got them to come into a signing!?'. Anyway, I think Jess and the team from  Guildford deserve a post to inform, yes YOU, of some of the great events coming up.

Guildford? Where's that? I hear you cry. It's outside London, but not too far. As long as you can get to Clapham Junction, you're hunky dory.
If you want more information, have a look on the Waterstones website (here) or email Jess at events@guildford.waterstones.com.

(Arranged in chronological order)

An Evening with Philippa Gregory
I know! Philippa Gregory! This is the launch of her new book, The Kingmaker's Daughter which is set during the War of the Roses (sadly I know many things about that period from History). She's also be talking about her research, career and all her books overall so for those who have a copy or enjoyed her first Young Adult book, Changeling (on my to-read!) then, I'm sure she'll be happy to sign them too.

WHERE: Holy Trinity Church, Guildford
WHEN: 16th August at 7pm (get in quick!)

A Fan Event with Derek Landy
I've never read any of his book although I'm quite aware of them. We once played the beginning of Skulduggery Pleasant as an audiobook at my old school and it sounded quite interesting. This seems like one for the boys!
Here, Landy will be talking about the whole of the Skulduggery Pleasant as well as launching the most recent book in the series, Kingdom of the Wicked, AND doing a signing. A great way to end the summer holidays!

WHERE: Waterstone's Guildford
WHEN: 13th September at 7pm






And last but not least. This is one event I am so jealous of that I can't attend...

An Evening with John Boyne
Yes. John Boyne. The guy who bought you The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (my review). A book I think every child should read.
I remember this librarian coming in in Year 7 (6th grade) and saying she was reading this book. She said she has told the other class before lunch that she knew what was going to happen. Then, while reading it over lunch, her predictions were very very wrong. This is just...I can't recommend this book enough. So cute, yet so sad.

Copies of this book are being re-released with a different cover as well as many others such as Peter Pan in the new World of Stories collection. This event is for the launch as well as for Boyne to answer any questions and of course, sign your book.
Go. For me. AH, this is one event I would have run to.

WHERE: Waterstones Guildford
WHEN: 30th October at 7pm

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne



Pajamas I know but it was the best size
picture!

I felt like I haven't done a review post in ages but now I have some time to do one, here it is!
I have read this book once before after being recommended it and reading it and probably not understanding it fully. I haven't seen all the movie of it but the bit I have seen - the first hour - was amazing and really went with the book and stayed quite true to it. I don't know what the ending it like for the movie as it was over a series of History lessons and I happened not to be in the last one where they showed that :(

Synopsis: (from the Blurb) The story of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the jacket, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about.
If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno (though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. Fences like this exist all over the world. We hope you never have to cross such a fence.


Review: Okay so a little mean to have a very vague outline of the plot but I wanted those who haven't read this book or maybe even heard of it so get a sense of what the writing is like and how I found the book. That blurb made me pick the book up and buy it.
I love this book. If you read it without hearing/seeing any reviews, you would think 'Oh my god, this is such a kids book, the way it's written is so simple.' and yes, it is written very easy and simply with no vivid descriptions or complicated sentences and a lot of things my English teacher would be shouting at me to not do in my writing but still, that's what makes it so great.

John Boyne has successfully made the writing simple like a nine-year-old boy is writing/speaking it and adding these little sentences such as repeating small things much like a child would do at that age but also keep it in third person and make sense and make it interesting. So it's like a story made for nine-year-olds with a very serious topic behind it.

Set during World War II and in the early 40's, it shows what life was like being in the family of one of the Nazi leaders and favourites of Hitler, much like Chocolate Cake with Hitler was. It's interesting to see the difference between life in Berlin and life at 'Out-With'. That's another thing with the whole nine-year-old thing. Bruno refers to Hitler as 'The Fury' instead of the 'Fuhrer' and then where they live as 'Out-With' instead of, I'm guessing, 'Auschwitz' in Poland. Auschwitz is one of the main and most famous concentration camps of the Nazis which were set up to exterminate all Jews who were seen as racially unpure and would take over the world if not killed. They would be worked to death or gassed on mass if they weren't needed anymore.
At the end of the novel, it poignantly ends with 'Of course all this happened a long time ago and nothing like this could ever happen again. Not in this day and age.' This, I find, is very meaningful. I mean, you suppose we learn about the Nazis so there isn't a repeat in History of this but the Rwanda Genocide? The continuous murders we hear of on the news constantly? 9/11 and 7/7 bombings? Something like that would never happen right?

This book maybe boringly rambles on until leaving the killer punch until the last final pages. The final pages really do hit home and I gasped loudly when I read them, even though I knew about it. It is truly unexpected and unprepared for. If you could read any book this mouth, just read this one - you should love it.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.johnboyne.com/
Pages: 216
Publisher: Random House
Challenges: British Books Challenge, Historical Fiction Challenge
Similar Books: Chocolate Cake With Hitler - Emma Craigie