The 10pm Question - Kate De Goldi

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

Tuesday Top Ten: Books that I read because of another Blogger

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

This week's theme is BOOKS THAT I READ BECAUSE ANOTHER BLOGGER RECOMMENDED IT

1. Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher - I saw reviews upon reviews about this one, raving about it, giving it normally around 4 or 5 stars. So when I saw it in Oxfam for £1.99, I bought it. And...didn't like it that much. It is now making the rounds of my friends who also want to read it - at least I get my moneys worth that way.

2. Candor - Pam Bachorz - This book intrigued me mostly because of the cover that was so interesting and weird. When I read a raving review on The Bookette amongst others, I thought it was a type of book I would enjoy so I was thrilled when my library had it in. It was, erm,  average. I lent it to my friend and she too agreed. 

3. Matched - Ally Condie - Matched was one of 'those' books. The ones that soar throughout the blogosphere. EVERYONE READS IT AND REVIEWS IT, either making it sound like the best literature ever made because they received it from the publishing company or those that although too received a free copy, made it sound not that appealing. Sometimes in the middle. So I tried it, again a library read. It was alright, but nothing special. 

4. You Against Me - Jenny Downham - I read Before I Die before I started blogging and to be honest, wasn't a great fan at all. I found it rather boring while others apparently cried. So, when others who had agreed with me, tried this one and liked it, I thought it was worth a try. WRONG. The amount of reviews I have read when people have loved loved LOVED it and I'm sitting there thinking 'it wasn't that great...' 

5. If I Stay - Gayle Forman - So far, this is one of the only blogger recommendations I have actually agreed with. This started popping up last year when there was news of a movie in the making. So I gave it ago and loved it. One of the best books I have read for a few years. I love the fact that there is a sequel and I have now bought my own version of this book. I know that some don't think it that great, but this time, I agree with the bloggers.

6. [Going to read soon] When you Reach me - Rebecca Stead - I have this awaiting my reading on my bookcase behind me right now. Again, I have seen reviews that mostly like it so I thought I could be good. And Rebecca? Hello, I have to try this one....

9/11

I have seen so many memorial posts on the blogosphere today, I thought that I should say something like I did last year.

Today, ten years ago, was the day the Twin Towers fell and the beginning of something very new and frightening, not only for America, but for the world. Before hand, people would happily go on a plane to their chosen destination, knowing they would get there safe and sound with the ever spoken motto - 'Aeroplanes are the safest way to travel'. It's something I always keep with me when I fly.
But ten years ago, that all changed and so the decade of this new unknown sense of something so new and yet so terrible entered everyone's minds from then on. I do think of that day when I fly too, knowing that it became the beginning of, not the end, but of a new different type of terrorist era.

On the day itself, I don't remember it. I was 6 years-old at my primary school, literally a 5 minute walk from my home. I had just started Year 2 (first grade) and the sense of being so grown up had risen. I don't remember a thing of the day. But my parents tell me that they had to turn the channel in the evening on the TV because I got upset by the pictures. Me, a 6 year-old watching these horrific images on TV, so innocent. No-one should have seen them, on TV or even live. I know some may say 'Well that's bad parenting making your young daughter watch something like that'. Actually, no. They did it because they knew it was history.
I can't remember a time where the threat of terrorism hasn't hung in the air and life shouldn't be like that. From then on, something else was added for the future generations to worry about. Something that should be so free and safe.

The last week I have watched many documentaries showing the events of 9/11 with utter amazement. In some ways, I want to have been there. To seen it from a distance, witnessed the horror of it all first hand. But then, I know those that this day is so SO real to them, they probably wish they were away from it on: an onlooker.
I remember going to Florida in the October, about a month afterwards. Everyone looked warily at each other, no-one was innocent. I had a fabulous time there, but my parents said everyone looked at us, British - foreign, as if we were the terrible people who did this ten years ago. In England this could equally have happened but it did seem strange especially as Britain has helped America so many times.

I have visited Ground Zero, about two years ago when I first went to New York. I don't think people appreciate the huge area that the towers occupied, it's MASSIVE. I am so grateful and happy to know that it won't be wasted space, that something will become of this rather sacred area really. When I went on the Staten Island Ferry that goes past Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty, you can see a definite gap in the huge towers that you can only imagine it being there. To me the Empire State Building rains supreme in New York's tallest building but in many others, it will forever be the Twin Towers. The Statue of Liberty has witnessed many things - immigration, planes, high seas, a plane landing right by it in the Hudson - but the Twin Towers might have been the most shocking and poignant of them all. The World Trade Centre may not live on in infrastructure yet, she does, as do many other lucky ones.

However, life must go on and although it is safer now, it is not completely gone. The 9/11 victims did not die in vain, but to be remembered by everyone around the globe and to be as a symbol that we are never safe. Also, they have shown for us to be wary and knowledgable of these things that can struck at any point in life.
Everyone thought it was over. I know I did.

But then, they struck again.

Six years later in a place so so close to home.


What about you guys, where were you and what do you think?

On my Bookshelf (9) - MEGA edition

This meme is inspired by the similar meme, 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren

I know I haven't done this for a while, but recently, I have received quite a few books. So here they are:

Bought: 

- Beautiful Days - Anna Godbersen - I have been raving about this on the Tuesday Top Tens, but I am so happy to have pre-ordered this book (came out on 6th September), looking forward to reading this.

- Wither (#1) - Lauren DeStefano - I ordered this as it was half price and I have seen so many good things about it, this looks amazing and has a beautiful front cover.

Won:

- Girl, Missing - Sophie McKenzie from a review poster as part of the British Book Challenge hosted by The Bookette

- Arabella - Georgette Heyer from a competition hosted by Stephanie from Books are a Girl's Best Friend

So these arrived this morning together which I was incredibly excited about. Thank you to both of you for sending these books. 

However, I found much more than I expected when opening the package from The Bookette, I found a lovely note...

Some postcards and bookmarks from most authors I like...

And the best of all, Harry Potter bookmarks with lovely pictures on relating to the books. Thank you again Becky from The Bookette! I love this package. 

AND FINALLY, I have a new thing for this week. I got my Prize giving books. I asked you a couple of months ago for suggestions for it and the other day I actually got the books so I thought that I would tell you guys the books in a very new and special way...I HOPE THIS WORKS:

(Sorry for all the hand actions near the beginning...I was nervous and excited)

- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (I have now realised that the Daphne is like the one from Scooby Doo - did not know it was spelt like that...) 

- A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness *smiles brightly*

Thanks again and have a good week :)

Film Review: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Starring: Asa Butterfield (Nanny McPhee), Zac Mattoon O'Brien, Vera Farmiga (Up In The Air), David Thewlis (Harry Potter), Shelia Hancock, Rupert Friend (The Young Victoria)
Made in 2008 by Miramax Films (US)
Filmed in various locations around Hungary
Directed by Mark Herman
Based on a novel by John Boyne

This is one of 'those' movies. You know the type, the one movie you've wanted to see for a LONG time because you have a connect for it (I love the book, is my connection) but you've never seen it, so when you do see it, it's SUCH a relief. Yeah, that one.

We watched this movie at the end of term as part of History, just before we left as we were studying the Nazis and I was thrilled. We spent a lesson and a half watching most of it and were going to finish it in our last ultimate lesson, which I was also excited about for a number of reasons:
a) I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE
b) I was so curious about how they finished the movie, as in the book if you've read it, it suddenly stops.
c) Erm, movie instead of a lesson, hello, this is like heaven for us.

But, I had a school council meeting. Joy. So, I rushed to the end of the lesson to see the end and found they'd finished it and were raving about how sad/good/amazing the end was. Double joy. And that's how I left it. So when I saw this on BBC2 the other day, I had to tape it for later watching especially with niffy recording that stores in the TV. YAY. And...the outcome? I love this movie.

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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is harrowing. It is ultimately sad but has many uplifting parts especially as you know Bruno helps sparkle the life of a Jewish boy. Most of all, this movie seems too real in places.
There was times when you will want to cry or laugh or look away or do all them completely together.
Considering how hard this must be to adapt without discriminating against anyone and making it much like the book but not too similar, the makers of this movie have done a spectacular job. The movie never falls flat, always keeping you guessing, waiting, wondering for the next think in Bruno's life.

From early on, there are glimmers of the underlining problems that we all know too much about: the Nazis, the Holocaust. These continue right until the end when everything is so clear and shocking that you cannot speak for a few minutes when the credits start rolling in.
Until the end, this movie is about a little boy, ignorant to the world around him with an indoctrinated sister and family. Only him and his mother read between the lines of everything surrounding them to discover the truth, and they don't even get near the entire complete truth.

Rupert Friend as the rather scared Lieutenant Kotler - I quite
like him though.... 

The characters were amazingly well played and most were much how I imagined them. Bruno was perhaps more curious and inquisitive than I imagined, much more like an innocent boy in this than the novel. I started to care for the mother as she realised gradually what she had let herself fall into and how she fought this - knowing it was wrong and standing up, even though she knew she could be killed. This was played out more I think than in the book, but I liked this. The father was also excellent at being both loyal to his country and his family. However, being played by David Thewlis (Professor Lupin in Harry Potter), I was almost expecting at any moment for him to pull out a wand and 'Patronus' the Nazis. However, it was nice to see him in a more serious different role to the one that recognised him.
The only actor that annoyed me with their likeness from book was the character of Shmuel. The actor, Jack Scanlon, was good at playing such a hard character but nothing like the Shmuel I imagined while reading. He seemed much younger than the age of 8, when in the book, he seems older beyond his years to Bruno.  It just seemed a little unrealistic to me.

The best part? The ending. I don't feel ashamed to say, I cried. Which I normally don't in movies or books. It is so sudden, and you know what is going to happen and want to shout desperately 'NO!'. I won't reveal it but it is some of the best cinematography I have seen in a while, since Inception. Just, wow. I am so surprised this film did not win more films.

It really is a a powerful movie, showing what should and shouldn't have happened. But most of all, it is a message for the next few generations of how we can re-kindle with others; how innocent and vulnerable we can be. Why shouldn't Bruno talk to Shmuel when they are the same age exactly? This, and more, really shows the barriers society makes us have sometimes. Everyone should watch this movie. And learn.

My Review of the book of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

College and a new found relative.

College starts tomorrow. *shivers*
My time on the internet and just in general not doing or thinking much ends.
Am I scared?

HELL YEAH.

Tomorrow, at college, I am going to be in a new massive school, with lots of unknown judgemental people that I'll have to make friends with and call my teachers by their first name. And start the gruelling two years of A levels which, if I thought GCSE's were too hard, I am going to die with these.
Oh and the subjects I'm doing? You know, essay based ones. TOO MUCH WRITING ALREADY.

But the good thing is I get to go by train every single morning and afternoon which I love to do. So I might get some reading done if I'm not talking to anyone. And the building where the college is, is quite old so it's like going to a big old grand house for school every single day. That is pretty cool. Anyway, I'll let you know how I get on.


In other news, I found out today that I'm related to an Australian family of actors called the Edgertons. Joel and Nash Edgerton are the actors, and they're like my second/third cousin. How I found this out?

MY mother saw the name on the side of a bus and recognised it. Funny, huh?
And 'Joel' is in the remake of The Great Gatsby (which I am studying this year in English Literature) with Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher and Leonardo Di Caprio. So this is one family member I am happy with being related to....

BOOKCASE AND CAKE.

So my parents have finally realised that I am a serious book fan and that I had book piling up on my IKEA bookcase by the minute. So I GOT ANOTHER ONE!
Another lovely birch wood (the wood of my desk & wardrobes so all matching!) IKEA 'Billy' bookcase with three shelves on the condition that I get rid of my ancient CD rack that we bought in France when I was like 7 and put them on the bottom shelf of the new bookcase.
Although that takes up precious book space, I need to stop buying books or I'll end up bankrupt, so I thought it was a good negotiation. Oh and the other condition...that I bake them a cake, which I have just completed.(Victoria sponge if you're wondering).
Here are some pictures of theee bookcase:

So on the top shelf are series, then, random stand alone books, and then CD's. On the top of the bookcase are library books.

This is my old one, nice and tidy...NOTICE SARAH DESSEN ON FIRST SHELF.

And what about the cake...

Cooking in the oven. 

Me in my lovely apron complete with slipper socks, Beatles shirt and leggings.

The successful cake....

The not so successful cake...this is going to be the bottom layer.

So that's it! I am quite happy with my progress today in baking. The first egg exploded but I did the next two perfectly, without any shell escaping in to the bowl. Something I have never done before...

Tuesday Top Ten: Sequels, Sequels, SEQUELS!

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

This week's theme is Sequels that I am DYING to read soon.

1. Theodore Boone: The Abduction - John Grisham - I read the first in this series only a couple of weeks ago and swiftly found out that my friend had also read the first and second in the series and she, herself, is dying to talk to me about what happens. I better read this one soon...

2. The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards - I PRE-ORDERED THIS AND STILL HAVEN'T READ IT. The CAPS say enough. 

3. Where She Went - Gayle Forman - SAME FOR #2. 

4. Crossed - Ally Condie - Although, I'm not a mega wave-the-flag fan of Matched, the first book, I would like to know what happens next. Also, the cover is preeetty and blue and did I mention pretty? Oh and I want her to go for Xander. Ky's pooey. 

5. Beautiful Days - Anna Godbersen - I only got this the other day and whoa, I screamed in excitement (no joke). I got this BEFORE ANYONE ELSE I KNOW OF. So I was slightly excited...

6. Now - Morris Gleitzman - After saying to myself that I didn't mind if I read the sequels to Once or not, it seems like I AM. This looks so interesting and a nice round up to a great series so far with the perspective from Felix's granddaughter - I take it it's after WWII now. 

7. Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend - Cora Harrison - WHY ARE HARDCOVERS SO EXPENSIVE. I am longed to read this one since I finished I was Jane Austen's Best Friend. Yet the paperback comes out some time next year, can I wait that long?  

8. The Last Little Blue Envelope - Maureen Johnson - For those that have read this and reviewed, well, IT'S NOT COME OUT IN THE UK YET. Or if it has, I haven't seen it! It's showing up on Waterstones and Amazon but yet, no bookie in shoppie. Urgh, books can be stressful sometimes...

KINDLE.

So for those of you who don't follow me on Twitter or didn't see my mention of this subject at the end of Nessie's birthday post because you were marvelling at the amazing Candy Mountain cake, I got something in the mail the other day when I got home...

 A KINDLE.

Oh yes. I have been talking about one for a while now, so when I mentioned it the other week just before my results, I never thought anything would happen. In fact, it did.
My parents bought me the 3G version as a present for my results, which I am  thrilled about! It's so beautiful.

I haven't downloaded many books yet and I'll probably use it more on holiday, but the ones I have downloaded are great (Note: The free ones are the ones I have downloaded...)

So here are some pictures I took of it in my excitement....

So I got a lovely navy (my favourite!) cover to go with it which was around £6.99 so when it's in a bag, it looks like a journal. 

THE SUEDE IS SO FLUFFY AND SOFT.

It's weird for me, that it never truly turns off, but that may be me....

Yeaaah, the free ones...

So I love my new Kindle! :)

Then - Morris Gleitzman (#2)

*SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ ONCE*

When I finished the review for the first book in this series, Once, I said that I would look out for the rest of the books in the series. However, after going to my nearest town - no HIGH STREET (I never go there because it is so small and has a crap selection of books in the library), I would this one, waiting for me.
WOW, didn't realise I would find it THAT quickly. So...I picked it up.

Synopsis: The book starts where the previous one left off after they have escaped. They are two runaway kids in the middle of Nazi-occupied Poland who would shoot them straight away, no questions asked. Soon, they find shelter with a nice, older woman and start to build a family and change their lives. But then, the Nazis come.

Review: When I say it starts where Once left off, I mean it. I starts literally seconds afterwards and is a nice bridge from the old one. If you have not read Once, you could read this one, although they do ever so often refer to past events. I think it's better if you did though, you have a total understanding of the pain and suffering they went through, and the back story of how they met one another.
Felix is Jewish, and was sent to an orphanage by his parents so to protect him from being killed. Zelda's parents, although were Nazi loyalists, were shot dead by them and tried to burn the house down to kill Zelda. However, Felix saved her and she stayed with him.

This is a harrowing, sad, depressing book, that always keep you guessing and wondering. Once was like this but also had comical and happy moments mixed in. Whenever things start to look up for Felix, his whole world gets destroyed all over again. There are twists and turns like a roller coaster and some of the best literature is displayed in this book, it should of won so many more prizes. You never expect anything that happens.

Felix was, once again, a delightful protagonist and I really felt for him, especially latterly. He seems to start having a good time and then, everything is crumbled down. He's a good guy and just wants to protect everyone but himself. I know, the events are not true for just one person in this time, but it makes you really think, through Felix, the horrible, vile times Jewish people had under Nazi rule. Morris Gleitzman makes you think over and over again in your mind, the simple question: Why? WHY? Just, why.
Something we may never know.
I said in my review for Once that Zelda annoyed me. A lot, especially with her constant 'Don't you know anything?' ERM, NO WE DON'T. Anyway, that lovely line was in this book too, BUT not as much and I actually started really connecting with Zelda too, especially when she became a different person - Violetta (I really like that name actually). Zelda is also only six years-old when Felix is ten. It's strange how she seems so grown up and honestly, I thought she was the same age as Felix until said. It's disgraceful how much she had been through just at that age, and many other real people too.

Once again, Gleitzman has started each chapter with the name of the book and ended it the same way - which is so original. At the end, Felix is suddenly so overcome by emotions that he does something completely out of character and quite frightening. However, once he is reminded of his past, he goes back to his old self again.
This book is very different to Once. Instead of kind of setting the scene and introducing characters, it focuses more on other aspects of life in Poland at that time. We see rationing, the Hitler Youth, the SS killing squads and many other social and cultural details. I think I preferred this book to the first and definitely enjoyed it more because of this.

This book is very harrowing and makes you feel very uncomfortable frequently. You are constantly on the edge waiting and knowing what may happen. Events happen sometimes so quickly, you don't realise that you've just read around 10 pages. This is worth a read for anyone that read either Once or just loves this period of history. It may be about younger children, but this book is for any age - but warning, you may cry.
Verdict: A definite read, but I would read Once first before you move onto this. If you didn't like Once, keep going - it's worth it.

I give it 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.morrisgleitzman.com/
Pages: 183
Publisher: Penguin
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

Related Posts:
Book #1: Once
Book #3: Now
Book #4: After