Book Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand (Unearthly Book Three)

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THE DETAILS:
Pages: 448
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Release Date: 01/02/2013
Publisher: Harper Collins
I bought it with my own money.

THE DESCRIPTION:
The past few years held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner ever could have anticipated. Yet through the dizzying high of first love to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she could no longer deny was that she was never meant to have a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seemed like the best option, so she’s headed back to California—and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must choose her fate once and for all.

THE REVIEW:
'Boundless' by Cynthia Hand is the third and final book in the 'Unearthly' trilogy. If you have not read any of the books in this series I suggest that you Click Here to read my review of the first novel 'Unearthly'. I really enjoyed the first two books of the trilogy, so as you can guess I had pretty big expectations for this one. This book turned out so much differently than what I could have ever imagined and I really enjoyed it too.

It has been so long since I read the second book 'Hallowed' that I almost couldn't remember what had happened. I was quite a few chapters in (I'm thinking somewhere between a third and a quarter of the way) when I finally remembered everything that had happened. I had received the first two books in the series as free review copies from the publisher and I wasn't able to get the third copy from them because of a shortage, so I waited for it to come out. Then I put off purchasing the novel (I like to wait for things to go on sale), And I put off reading it because I decided to ditch my fantasy TBR in favor of contemporary books and tv shows. In between reading 'Hallowed' and 'Reading 'Boundless' I managed to watch all of the seasons of Charmed and Gilmore Girls. I also discovered the Stephanie Plum book series and I added a heap more Variety to my blog. Long story short; A lot of stuff happened between now and then, And I am glad that I have still been able to read this book and figure it out.

At the start Clara is off to college. She has already been on holiday to Europe. She doesn't have a clue what she wants to do when she leaves. I really liked that Clara was undecided because I like that someone who is mostly angel, has a realistic human problem to deal with. I think a lot of people will be able to relate and I appreciate a fantasy character that can deal with multiple issues that aren't all romance/fantasy related.

In this novel the angelic characters all delve further into the idea of their purpose and focusing on their vision. They all continue to question the idea of their purpose, And debate how much being part-angel should affect their lives. Christian and Clara both seem convinced that they should be together because of what they see in their visions, but Clara still can't get over Tucker. I am not going to tell you who she chooses. No spoilers here.

There was more information about the characters "world" in this story which I always enjoy. I am kind of hoping for a spin-off or something because I want to learn more about the Triplare and the limits of their powers and the black wings and the grey wings... I really think the ideas behind this series are just so intriguing and original. Not that I have read many angel books to compare it to.

I predicted one thing that would happen in the novel. Everything else seemed to surprise me. I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen and when I got closer to the end I thought there wouldn't be enough pages to fit an ending. I got closer to the end and I was fairly sure it was over and I didn't like what was happening. I couldn't believe I had read three books, just to end it there. And, then unexpectedly the ending changed in a BIG way.

Overall, I think this book deserves 5 out of 5 stars, but not a favourite. I really enjoyed the story and I felt like everything turned out the way it should have in the end. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy, but isn't a fan of those typical paranormal romances (like Twilight). This book has definitely made me want to read more in the Angel sub-genre.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Release Date: 12/04/2012
Publisher: Orion
Got it from Mum for Xmas.

THE DESCRIPTION:
Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.

THE REVIEW:
This book has been out for a little while. I had heard a few good things here and there, but I had too many books to read already, so I just never got around to buying it. I received a copy of 'Fangirl' for review last year and really liked it. Then, a couple months before Christmas came I saw a really good review for this (sorry I can't remember which blog, so I can't share the link) and I wrote it on my wishlist straight away. I ended up getting the novel for Xmas and it's the 2nd book I have picked up to read in 2015. On Sunday night I thought I would pick it up and read a chapter before bed. At 2:00AM I was still reading 'Eleanor & Park', debating whether or not to put the book down and go to sleep already. I did eventually put the book down and get some much needed sleep, And, finished reading it the next day.

Firstly, can I just say that this is probably the quickest I have read a book in such a long time. Once upon a time, if you were looking for me, you'd find me stretched out on my bed reading. I still enjoy reading, but I find that I have to remind myself that I actually own books. I found 'Eleanor & Park' to be so addictive and I thought that switching between the POVs of Eleanor and Park in such small sections kept my attention.

I really enjoy Rainbow Rowell's writing and I couldn't help giggling at some of it. I found both the characters to be really easy to like and thought they were very realistic. From the outside cover, this book might seem like it's just some teen romance, and it is, but it is also a lot more than that. Usually when characters get in arguments or don't act very confident I can get a little annoyed with them, but in 'Eleanor & Park' I felt like I could understand the characters so I had no qualms with the way they acted.

This book was not just about first loves and young love, but it also covered some deeper topics. Things like meeting your parents expectations, judging people, being kind to others, family, gender roles and domestic abuse. I thought it was really interesting to see the differences between Eleanor and Park's home life and to see how the characters reacted to finding out some of these differences. I think this book will make a lot of people feel grateful for what they have and reconsider what they say about others.

The novel was also set in the mid-eighties which I thought was pretty cool, because I have a lot of eighties movies and music. I did "get" most of the references as far as music was concerned, but I had no clue what they were talking about when they discussed comics. If you aren't into any of those things, I don't think it should really matter. Maybe 'Eleanor & Park' will be introducing hoards of young people to The Cure and The Smiths...

Here is one of my favourite quotes from the book:
"She couldn’t repay him. She couldn’t even appropriately thank him. How can you thank someone for the Cure? Or the X-Men? Sometimes it felt like she’d always be in his debt. And then she realized that Park didn't know about the Beatles."

I was a little thrown off by the ending. I don't want to give too much away in regards to the ending, but, it was a bit of a "What?!" moment. I am cool with the ending now, I think. I just thought I would mention it, so you kind of know to expect a "What?!" ending. If you read on a little further, Rainbow explains the ending...

As far as the cover is concerned, I am not really into it. I get that it matches the story perfectly, and I think it's NICE. However, there is nothing about it that is overly inviting and the cover definitely isn't what encouraged me to pick this up. I know covers aren't supposed to be everything, but if it's going to be the thing that helps a reader decide what to buy then  it's definitely important...

Overall, I think this book deserves a 5 out of 5 and a favourite. I think it's a great read and I would recommend it to a lot of different people. I think I liked this more than 'Fangirl' and I can't wait to read more buy this author! Also, I hope she writes a sequel to this one...

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Book Review: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 296
Genre: Adult Fiction, Magical Realism
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date: 21/01/2014
A Christmas Present from Mum.

THE DESCRIPTION:
The first time Eby Pim saw Lost Lake, it was on a picture postcard. Just an old photo and a few words on a small square of heavy stock, but when she saw it, she knew she was seeing her future.

That was half a life ago. Now Lost Lake is about to slip into Eby’s past. Her husband George is long passed. Most of her demanding extended family are gone. All that’s left is a once-charming collection of lakeside cabins succumbing to the Southern Georgia heat and damp, and an assortment of faithful misfits drawn back to Lost Lake year after year by their own unspoken dreams and desires.

It’s a lot, but not enough to keep Eby from relinquishing  Lost Lake to a developer with cash in hand, and calling this her final summer at the lake. Until one last chance at family knocks on her door.

Lost Lake is where Kate Pheris spent her last best summer at the age of twelve,  before she learned of loneliness, and heartbreak, and loss. Now she’s all too familiar with those things, but she knows about hope too, thanks to her resilient daughter Devin, and her own willingness to start moving forward. Perhaps at Lost Lake her little girl can cling to her own childhood for just a little longer… and maybe Kate herself can rediscover something that slipped through her fingers so long ago.

One after another, people find their way to Lost Lake, looking for something that they weren’t sure they needed in the first place:  love, closure, a second chance, peace, a mystery solved, a heart mended.  Can they find what they need before it’s too late? 

At once atmospheric and enchanting, Lost Lake shows Sarah Addison Allen at her finest, illuminating the secret longings and the everyday magic that wait to be discovered in the unlikeliest of places.

THE REVIEW:
If you have been reading my blog for a while you will know that I am a big Sarah Addison Fan. I was so excited when I got this book for Christmas. I ended up tossing another book aside and picking this one up instead. I felt like this book was the perfect summer holiday read and just like all the other Sarah Addison Allen books I have read; I wished there was more...

To me picking up a Sarah Addison Allen book is like reuniting with an old friend. The writing style is so familiar and charming that I find it really easy to get into, And really difficult to put down. While reading 'Lost Lake' I ended up staying up a lot later than usual one night because I just needed to find out what happened.

The main character was Kate, yet there are chapters dedicated to telling the story of many of the other characters. Usually this would annoy me as it stalls the main story line, however Addison Allen's characters can be likable  and I am intrigued by their pasts. If the characters have done anything wrong or have unfavorable traits, you are usually positioned to understand why and like them regardless.

Kate was the sort of character that the daydreamer in all of us could probably relate to. She has a good heart, but she's a little lost. The Lost Lake was a bit of an adventure and and escape for her. This was the "last holiday" for Kate and the other characters. I would love to go about all the other characters and my thoughts on them, but then my post would probably end up as long as the actual book.

The book had the usual Sarah Addison Allen element of Magical Realism, which is probably my favourite thing about her novels. Rather than writing about small town mythology or family secrets, the author chose to write about big events that changed peoples lives and caused these unexplained happenings. There was also a lot of talk about signs in this novel. It seemed to me that the characters had already made up their minds before the sign and the sign just served the purpose of reassuring them.

Lost lake was also about friendship and the family that you choose to be surrounded with. Eby treated her friend Lissette like a daughter and Wes like a son/grandson. The guests who stayed at Lost Lake were old friends that stayed at the lake every vacation like it was tradition. The people of Suley all valued the Lake and treated Eby like an old friend.

Overall, I think this book deserves 5 out of 5 stars and a Favourite. I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to pick up her next book when it comes out early this year. I highly recommend 'Lost Lake' and all the other Sarah Addison Allen novels to anyone who will listen (or read) !

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Book Review: 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 459
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Australia Release Date: 01/04/2014
Original Release Date: 10/09/2013
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
RRP:  $16.99
Received from publisher for review.

THE DESCRIPTION:
Cath and Wren are identical twins, and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She would rather bury herself in the fan-fiction she writes where there's romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.

 Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realizing that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible ...

MY THOUGHTS:

I can't remember if my review request for this on Netgalley was accepted or not (I haven't been on Netgalley in a long time), but if it did, then I am a complete idiot for waiting all this time (As you can see there is quite a difference in AUS and USA release dates) to read something so awesome. I had heard that this book was good before reading it, however it was the title and the premise that intrigued me the most. Obviously there are many of you in the USA or other places that might have already read this novel, but it doesn't come out till Tuesday for us Aussies. As usual it's going to be a spoiler free as-much-as-it-can-be-without-becoming-vague review.

Meet Cather. Cather is a serious fangirl who loves to write. She is obsessed with the fictional 'Simon Snow' series and has all the paraphernalia to prove it. I think a lot of people who participate in a fandom of any kind and at any level will appreciate this book. Cather compares the book with the movie, wears fandom t-shirts, struggles to justify her obsession with her roommate and thinks of Gemma T Leslie (the author of the 'Simon Snow' books) as a kind of god. I know that some of you bookworms will concur that these things are all too easy to relate to. And, a smart move on the behalf of Rainbow Rowell because creating a protagonist that readers can relate to is definitely the first step in creating a darn good piece of fiction.

Cath is also a little anti-social and can get anxious about little things. She doesn't want to ask stupid questions, so she avoids it completely even if that means she hardly ever leaves her dorm room. She has some interesting perspectives on different aspects of life and while she can crack some witty jokes she often gets a little puzzled over some things because she seems to have reserved the "general knowledge" department of her mind for Simon Snow and friends. Now surely I'm not the only blogger who can relate to that.

While Cath is at university to take advanced writing classes she constantly finds herself back in her dorm room writing fan-fiction about Simon Snow instead of working on her actual projects for class. Cath is quite good at fan-fiction and she has a lot of followers waiting on her every word. Cath begins to find out the hard way that she does have to learn to put her fandom aside at times to work on more important things, and, that creating an original work can be more complex than she had originally thought.

Cath's family is a little messed up. Okay, little is an understatement. Cath, her twin sister Wren and their father have all suffered since the girls' mother left. It just goes to show what a huge impact abandonment can have on a family and that it can still affect them many years later. Rowell lightly skims the surface of issues relating to living with a person who has a mental illness and the effects of binge-drinking and alcoholism.  I also feel like the names Cath's mother chose for the girls is almost symbolic of her feelings towards them. (Sorry if that doesn't really make sense. I promise it will once you read the book)Cath and Wren's feelings regarding the 'Simon Snow' books also show us that the books have at times been there for Cath and Wren the way  that their mother couldn't.

Wren and Cath are identical twins that can be told apart by haircuts and a pair of spectacles. Wren and Cath used to be close, but this year they are beginning to drift apart. In one way it is a good thing, because Wren was definitely dominant and Cath leaned on her too much. Though I do feel sorry for Cath and understand why she is so dependent.

And now meet Levi. Levi is Cath's roomate Reagan's ex. Levi and Reagan are just friends and they study a lot together. Cath meets Levi on her first day at college and she's not really sure of him. Over time Cath begins to learn what a sweet guy Levi is and that he would do anything for anyone. He is a bit of a "Farm Boy" and to her surprise; a complete opposite to Cath. In this book the relationships do get you to question what "love" is. Even though Levi is not Cath's first boyfriend it definitely seems like he is.

Levi also has some issues with reading. He can read, but he doesn't feel like he really absorbs any of the information. I kind of love that the author included this because I sometimes feel this way about some non-fiction/technical things. If it's not in simple terms sometimes the words just fly over my head and I always thought that that was due to a lack of concentration, but maybe it's just not always the best way to be taught. And, I liked that this was addressed in a book about writing and reading because it's a small reminder that not everyone is good at reading and that we shouldn't take our ability to read for granted.

As for the writing... I absolutely adored Rainbow Rowell's writing style. This novel was told in third person which took me a little while to get used to because I haven't read one of those for a while! I fell in love with Rowell's quirky characters and storyline. I felt like she captured all of the awkward bits perfectly and that the story was totally quotable. There were also plenty of awesome references - nerds rejoice! And, also loved the excerpts of Simon Snow stuff.

Here is one of my favourite parts:
"When she looked back at Levi, he was dancing, too. Exactly the way she would have imagined him dancing if she'd ever tried. Too long and too loose, running his fingers through his hair. (Dude. We get it. Extreme widow's peak.) His eyes were absolutely gleaming with mirth. Putting out light."

Overall I rate this 5 out of 5 stars and a FAVOURITE. I feel like I have discovered reading all over again after reading this and this is definitely something I would pick up again soon if I didn't have a TBR pile that was bigger than me. This feels like nothing I have ever read before. I wish Rainbow Rowell would make the Simon Snow books a reality so that I could read them.
I am wishing for a sequel to 'Fangirl'.
I am wishing for a t-shirt that says 'Team Levi'.
I am wishing for a movie adaptation.

(I guess I will just have to start with the rest of Rainbow Rowell's books and see how I go with those first. That's usually what I do once I fall completely head over heels for fiction. )

What can I say. The perfect book for the bookish girl.

Also... I recommend this to pretty much anyone unless you hate Young-Adult fiction with female protagonists.

I apologise for any spoilers, overly vague notes or ranting that eluded my ever-not-so-clever editing eye.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

P.S. Did you Know that there is a whole heap of 'Fangirl' Fangirls out there in the big wide web? (Probably Fanboys too...) And, that some of them make Fan-art and/or write Fan-fiction. That's a special kind of inception, that is. Check out Rainbow Rowell's Pinterest Account to see coffee cup artwork, comic strips, edited photos and even nail art inspired by this awesome novel, created by fans of 'Fangirl'.

Book Review: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines Book 4)

INFO:
Pages:
Genre:
Release Date:
Publisher:
Received from Publisher for Review

THE SYNOPSIS:
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

MY THOUGHTS:
I wasn't as excited to read 'The Fiery Heart' as I usually would have been with any other installment of the great 'Bloodlines' series. My reasons for this vary between a very intimidating TBR I have had looming over me, various other tasks I have been wanting to accomplish and the weird "hype" for this novel. In ordinary circumstances I would have wanted to read this book as soon as I got it.

When I say "weird hype" I am talking about the youtube trailers. They are not the best quality book trailers I have ever seen and whenever I saw one, the words 'over dramatic teenage vampire soap opera' sprang to mind. The book trailers had me expecting that Sydney and Adrian would finally be together and it would be love-letter soppy with a hint of Adrian drama. I was going to be majorly disappointed in Richelle Mead if she did this to the series. Luckily  it turns out that the book trailer was the only thing that was over-dramatic and that the novel didn't stray too far from the rest of the series.

When I finally got around to reading 'The Fiery Heart' I did enjoy it, but I just didn't have the time to dive into it completely and finish the book right away. I haven't read much this year or last year, so my reading pace at the moment is not really anything to judge this novel by. 

As for the actual writing... Richelle Mead has written this one differently by alternating POVs between Sydney and Adrian (well, at least I don't remember her doing this in the past...) I liked this because I thought it was nice to see things from Adrian's Point-of-View for a change. Adrian and Sydney are both making big changes and Adrian is growing up a lot. It was nice to see. Not because anyone should have to change themselves for someone, but because it was making them into better people. 

I also noticed that Richelle Mead likes to use the word "crushing" a lot.  Well maybe not a lot but once a writer uses a word in a way i wouldn't expect, more than say 2 times, I remember. sorry, I can't help it...

Like all of the other books there was the shock factor. In the 'Bloodlines' books the "enemy" can come from a very unexpected source. There was also a pretty equal measure of human and vampire drama, which (if you have read any of my other fantasy reviews you will know) I love this in YA Fantasy fiction. It just goes to show that if you are buying a book for your teenage sibling, relative, daughter or even yourself that it's not going to be completely removed from the real world. There are always lessons that can apply to real life and messages in the text to be thought about.

The un-conventional 'Bloodlines' family continues to grow and evolve during 'The Fiery Heart'. We also have a few small reunions and some introductions. As usual I don't want to spoil too much here, but I just feel like it makes the whole Bloodlines/Vampire Academy world so much more realistic. 

I also thought that Sydney's personality has changed considerably along with her beliefs during the series. And, it made me start to wonder how deep the connection between personality and beliefs go. 

And finally, that ending! Why do I continue to engage in these relationships with series that just leave me on a cliffhanger?

Overall, the usual 5/5 stars  for a Richelle Mead book. It was all feeling kind of mediocre until that cliff-hanger! And, now I guess I will just have to wait for the next sequel as patiently as I can... Please tell me I don't have to wait until next year! Also, if you have not read 'Vampire Academy' or 'Bloodlines' I definitely recommend it, unless you hate vampire books.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Book Review: 'The Elite' by Kiera Cass (The Selection #2)

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 323
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult Dystopian
Release Date: 23/04/2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Bought Online.
2nd book in 'The Selection' series
Click Here to read my review of the 1st book.

THE BLURB:
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Timesbestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

MY REVIEW:
If you have read my review of the first book in the series 'The Selection' you will know that 'The Elite' was definitely a highly anticipated book for me. I was however a little apprehensive because I was worried that (like most sequels) this would be a bit of a disappointment. While I can't say that I loved this book as much as the first one, I can say that I am still hooked and definitely can't wait to find out what happens in the third installment of 'The Selection' series.

I don't know if this is just me and my busy schedule (you know: all those hobbies), but I feel like I have come across a whole heap of slow reads lately. I didn't really start anything that made me want to read like a crazy person during the last year and this book just happened to be one of those. The pace definitely sped up a bit toward the end and I don't know if that was just sheer determination to finish the book or if it was actually starting to get interesting.

In this book we learn about how the competition isn't just a competition of Maxon's heart or a higher status and money. Each of the girls are auditioning for a position and will have duties if they are to become princess. It wasn't all organizing parties and making speeches either. The girls had to stand by and witness some horrible things. So this book definitely does continue to push the message that royalty isn't as pleasant as we all think it is, but I definitely think this is overly amped up by the dystopian environment.

We also learn that the kingdom itself has many horrible secrets. I liked the idea of this because it reminds me of all the conspiracy theories about the government that exist in real life. And, we start to question one of the rebel groups motives. Are they really as evil as they are made out to be? Though towards the end of the group a rebel group attacks and it's a tad gory. I couldn't seem to keep up with which group was attacking though. I felt like they needed distinguishing colours or something.

I was not a fan of the America and Aspen's secret romance in this book. It seemed pretty conclusive in the end of the first book that America was not going to be giving Aspen any second chances and that she was going to focus on the competition. The girl could not make up her mind though and she kept flitting from one to the other, having arguments, And, getting extremely jealous when either of them spent time with another.

Overall, I think this deserves 3.5 out of 5 stars. I still want to read the next book, but I don't have high hopes for it. I think this book was pretty interesting, but it felt like America had too many obstacles to overcome (some of them self inflicted)  that there was just too much going on for me to want to pay attention for too long.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Book Review: Epic Fail by Claire Lazebnik

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 309
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: August 2011
Bought it on: Kindle

THE BLURB:
ill Elise’s love life be an epic win or an epic fail?

At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you. Case in point:

As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school—not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.

As the daughter of the new principal, Elise Benton isn’t exactly on everyone’s must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise’s beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince’s best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl on campus. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long. 
Synopsis from Goodreads

MY REVIEW:

Lately I seem to have found myself in a bit of a contemporary reading phase and I remembered that I had this book stored on my kindle and it looked cute... 'Epic fail' is a retelling of the 'Pride and Prejudice' story we all know so well and a book that I thought would be a fun quick read. I didn't expect much more from it though.

As far as retellings go this was pretty well done. Most of the characters fitted the same bill and they were easy to recognise as their names started with the same first letter as the Jane Austen version. Each character seem to perfectly suit well, except for the mother of the girls as I thought she acted a little too intelligent compared to the old mother in the original story. I just couldn't picture this woman being a principle, but then again retellings aren't necessarily the same as the original, but I just liked the original so much...

This tale was set in LA and Derek's parents were famous, which makes sense in this story as there wasn't really another way for there to be such a difference in wealth like there was in the original story. I know that many people will find it far fetched. The thing about Derek was that I couldn't quite picture the modern Mr Darcy. I couldn't help it, but throughout the whole novel I was thinking of this guy clad in Victorian gear while everyone else was clad in mini dresses and board shorts...

As far as the actual story telling went I found that I really enjoyed it. There were some funny parts and even though the story was really cheesy at times it was one of those novels that actually makes you feel so I liked that about it. You can rewrite a great story, but you still have to do a good job to make it at least half convincing.

My main problem with the story was that there didn't seem to be much of a reference to the title (unless I missed it) and even though the title pretty much explains itself I think it would have tied in so much better. Secondly, I thought the ending was a bit anti-climatic. I thought maybe they got together too quickly? and, I don't know it just panned out there wasn't really any huge declaration of love like I was expecting...

Overall, I think 4 out of 5 stars. It was entertaining, but I was really disappointed by the ending. It you like Jane Austen retellings or other contemporary novels I think you''d enjoy this, but I wouldn't encourage you to have it in your high priority end of you TBR or anything...

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines # 3)

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 401
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Release Date: 12/02/2013
Publisher: Razorbill, Penguin
RRP: $19.99
Received from Publisher.

THE BLURB:

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. 

Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch – a former Alchemist who the organisation denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus's help, Sydney realises that the group she's been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her growing magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realises that her only hope is to embrace her special blood – or else she might be next.

Forging her own way is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain – and following her heart – she'll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

MY REVIEW:
I was so excited when I received 'The Indigo Spell' in the mail. As much as I was enjoying my current reading book, I wanted it to be over quickly so that I could catch up on the lives of my favourite characters. As always I was very pleased with the latest installment of vampire drama and cannot wait for the next book to come out - It's probably only like a whole year away!

The most important thing for most people who read these novels is the amount of Syndrian involved. Was there any Syndrian? And, I know it sounds sappy of me to think of that aspect of the novel so highly, but it seems like Richelle Mead just keeps on putting it off. There was a bit - I will tell you that much and it was very different to anything I could have imagined, but it was still believable (as much as it can be believable in a world filled with spirit dreams and magical tattoos). For those who don't know what Syndrian means:
1. It means Sydney and Adrian and the moments they have together
2. Why are you reading this? If you don't know who they are I strongly recommend that you go read this 'Vampire Academy' Review or this 'Bloodlines' Review.

 Another thing Mead's readers have been waiting on is Sydney to finally question some of her beliefs. She did question her beliefs more than I would have thought possible. A new problem now arises as Sydney wonders if she is losing herself as well as her beliefs. It makes you wonder more about your identity/personality and how those things are affected by your values.

In nearly every review I've ever done of a novel by this author I've repeated myself by saying how I was surprised by some of the things that happened. This novel was no different. There were some things that seemed like obvious clues that Sydney didn't pick up on, but it turns out they weren't really leading anywhere anyway. And, yet there were other things that I didn't notice and at the end of the book saying to myself "What? No, I didn't think so... really?"

I think the character development really shows in 'The Indigo Spell'. There were a few situations that showed just how much maturity the characters had gained. It's nice to read a series where the reader not only learns more about the character, but witnesses the characters growth. Jill especially showed more maturity than she has previously.

Another interesting thing I've noticed about this series is the meaning of family. In these novels it isn't the biological family that is the most important, but the family that the character surrounds themselves with. I imagine it is going to be very sad if/when Sydney loses her field job. I really like the unconventional family environment in these books because I agree with it. I love my parents and my sister, but my mother has friends that are more like family to me than some of my biological aunties are.

There are so many messages hidden in 'The Indigo Spell'. As well as the usual vampire politics and racial or political messages that are part of any of Mead's vampire books 'The Indigo Spell' was about learning to save yourself, learning to speak your mind, and learning that expectations don't always match up to reality. I felt like these messages were shown differently to how they usually would.

Overall, 5/5 stars and a favourite. I can't wait to see what happens next. If you haven't already read these I strongly recommend the 'Vampire Academy' series and the 'Bloodlines' series.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Book Review: What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 342
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy/Sci-fi
Release Date: 01/10/12
Publisher: Harper Collins
Received book from publisher
RRP: $19.99

THE DESCRIPTION:
Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

THE REVIEW:
I requested 'What's Left of Me' based on nothing more than a book trailer and a synopsis. I really liked the idea that two people lived in-side the same body, sometimes fighting for ownership and this novel definitely didn't disappoint. 'What's Left of Me' is Kat Zhang's first novel and the beginning of 'The Hybrid Chronicals'.

Both of the characters in this book were very likable, but different to each other. Addie didn't like to stand out and was always trying to be good. She didn't want to harm anyone or be harmed and I liked that about her. Eva was a bit more out-spoken and reminded me a bit of Dr Brennan (on 'Bones' TV Show). I think that it's important for this kind of story for both characters to be likable.

The story-line in this novel wasn't fast paced, but there were questions that entered my mind that made me want to read more. I wanted to know more about hybrids, more about the characters and more about what was going to happen to them. This was a typical-first-novel kind of book, but I did enjoy what I read and I am excited to find out what happens later on in the series.

I think a few readers will be annoyed with the book because of it's lack of romance/humor. The novel remind me an awful lot of 'Bloodlines' in that regard as foundations are laid down in this book, but nothing overly exciting has happened yet and no sort of resolution has really been reached.

I think many readers - before actually reading the book - are going to think that this sounds too much like 'The Host'. Yes, there are an awful lot of similarities, but the books are not to be mistaken for each other. The reason for Melanie and Wanda to share the same body in 'The Host' is due to an alien invasion, but in 'What's Left of Me' Addie and Eva are born into the same body. The novels take place in vastly different settings; Melanie/Wanda are mostly living underground in 'The Host', whilst Addie/Eva spend most of 'What's Left of Me' hanging out in a clinic. I think having read 'The Host' first definitely made this novel an interesting experience. It's interesting how the two different story worlds handle the issue and what crazy (sometimes conflicting) ideas can these different authors come up with.

One thing I really enjoy about these types of novels is that the characters can see how the government manipulates the characters. It means a whole lot of drama and secrets. And, it makes you question your own government/authority.

Overall, I think this novel was fairly well written and worth 5/5 stars. It's not a novel that I would be in a hurry to read again (so no new favourites today). If you enjoy books with a bit of a Sci-Fi touch, then I'd definitely recommend this to you.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Review: Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz (Blue Bloods #3)

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 288
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Originally Released: 31/10/2008
Publisher: Atom
Bought this book online.

THE DESCRIPTION:
For the Young, Fabulous and Fanged. All is never what it seems. Schuyler Van Alen s blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins?

 The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom. Romance, glamour and vampire lore collide in the highly anticipated third book in best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz s Blue Bloods series.

MY THOUGHTS:
After really enjoying 'Masquerade' I decided to forget my reading list (sometimes I think I shouldn't even bother writing one) in exchange for some more 'Blue Bloods' drama. While I did really enjoy the book, I'm not sure that it was good enough for me to post-pone other reading plans.

This book seemed to be a whole lot less exciting than 'Masquerade' and I don't know why. I seemed to be reading at a much slower pace this time around. I did have a lot less time to be reading, but I figured that an exciting book would mean that was not a problem. I guess it didn't help that the story starts at a point where it feels like I missed something. Like the whole last book and a half were building up to this moment that the author decided to skip past, the characters act like it's no big deal (at first) and then Schuyler has a small flashback to help us understand. Talk about starting off on the wrong foot!

Some major stuff did happen this time. Like really major stuff. And, that was great because It did feel a little like the first two books were lacking in the action department. And, it's a whole lot of consequences-first-explanations-later which was awesome because I think a lot of readers will relate to situations where they make mistakes and learn the lessons after it's too late.

There was a bit of sugar-coating where social issues are concerned too. This novel gets you thinking about who you can trust and about whether people who do bad things are really at fault (is there a bigger problem like black-mail or mental illness that caused them to do something horrible?). This time Melissa de la Cruz got it right (In the first novel of the series, the sugar-coated issues were pretty laughable).

Overall, I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. Because, the book ends on sort-of a cliff-hanger I would love to delve into book four, but after it took me so long to get through the first two thirds of 'Revelations' I've decided to get back into my review books and give Schuyler and her friends a rest.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Review: Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz (Blue Bloods #2)

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Release Date: May 2007
Publisher: Atom
Purchased online.

THE BLURB:

Preparations are under way for the ball of the century. But as any true Blue Blood knows, it's the after-party that counts. And the cunning Mimi Force is getting ready to make sure her masquerade ball is the place to be for the Young, Fabulous and Fanged. 

But Schuyler Van Alen has more on her mind than fancy dresses, even if her crush Jack Force, is sure to make an appearance. She's getting closer to finding out what's been preying on the young vamps - and discovering the deadly secrets hiding under the masks. . .

Rich with glamour, attitude and vampire lore, this second instalment in the Blue Bloods saga will leave readers thirsting for more.

MY REVIEW:
I wasn't "in love" with the first 'Blue Bloods' book, but I thought it had some promise and purchased 3 more books from the series after reading it. I'm really glad, that I bought these books, because the second book 'Masquerade' was just sooo good! And, now I'm thinking that I will change all of my reading plans to fit in some more vampire drama.

As I mentioned last time there is some really interesting Mythology to this series. 'Masquerade' delves further into the Mythology and History behind the Blue Bloods and really gets your mind working. On the surface 'Blue Bloods' looks like a series about daft spoiled rich girls and their vampire heritage, but really it's so much more. The girls may be catty, but they are smart. There are so many aspects to the story and the 'Blue Bloods' world that you have to actually use a bit of brain to make sense of it all.

At first, I started to see a fair few similarities between 'Blue Bloods' and 'Vampire Academy'. Silver bloods seemed to have a lot in common with Strigoi, A mark on the neck was a little like the tattoos given to Damphir and Oliver's role reminded me a little of the alchemists. However, there are a fair few differences too. These vampires are reincarnated, they are prissy socialites, they can do black magic and a half blood is unheard of. Really, the tale is very original. The few similarities aside, the 'Blue Bloods' girls aren't just vampires, but they are fallen angels, magical practitioners and wealthy high-society school girls.

While it isn't unusual for girls in fantasy books to have their own emotional dramas I thought that 'Masquerade' took it to a whole other level. The novel (written in third person) shows the reader what three of the characters (a different character per chapter) are getting up to. And, the girls not only have the romantic dramas or the family dramas, but they have more dramas in the school/friend department than usual.  There is a fair bit of jealousy displayed and acted upon.

Really, I think the socialite aspect of the story allows a cross-over for fans of different genres. It's a great way for fantasy readers to be introduced into the world of scheming socialites or for fans of 90210 (or the likes of) to get into vampire fiction. And, the three characters we focus on (Mimi, Schuyler and Bliss) are so different that everyone should be able to identify with a character, or identify with the feeling that the character has in regards to another character.

The reincarnation aspect of the book is probably the most confusing. The past plays a big part in the present with 'Masquerade'. Some people are only too interested in repeating the past, while others want a change. People who usually wouldn't be friends or lovers are, because of who they were in their past life. A good thing about this book though, is that there is a little character map of the main characters in the back, just so you can understand a little better; who is who. It also means that there is a bit of vintage evident in the fashions worn by Mimi, because she holds onto her past life the most.

As far as being a sequel, 'Masquerade' is a big improvement on 'Blue Bloods'. It's a lot more exciting, there is  more character growth, there is more drama, we learn more about the Silver Bloods... And, it was just so good, that I would reread it, and that I have contemplated running out and buying every other novel/novella in the series...

Overall, I really, really liked it. 5/5 stars and a favourite. I am so excited to see what happens next that I have once again abandoned the order in which I stacked my TBR pile. If you weren't sure about the first novel and you weren't planning on reading any more of the series I seriously recommend book two, because it may just change your mind!

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 215
Genre: Teenage Fiction, Contemporary
Release Date: May 2012
Publisher: Headline

Bought it online.

THE BLURB:
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Imagine if she hadn’t forgotten the book. Or if there hadn’t been traffic on the expressway. Or if she hadn’t fumbled the coins for the toll. What if she’d run just that little bit faster and caught the flight she was supposed to be on. Would it have been something else - the weather over the Atlantic or a fault with the plane?

Hadley isn’t sure if she believes in destiny or fate but, on what is potentially the worst day of each of their lives, it’s the quirks of timing and chance events that mean Hadley meets Oliver...

Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it.

MY REVIEW:
'The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight' by Jennifer E. Smith promises a quick, fun, romantic and inspiring contemporary read. While some of the reviews I've seen did question the ending, most of them did depict the story to be fabulous. I agree; what a great story! My only issues were small ones, and really, it's nice to read a book that's so good you have to go all knit-picky to find issues.

Hadley was an interesting character. I felt like I really didn't know her, but it wasn't in a bad way. It wasn't that the author hadn't been descriptive enough or anything like that, It was just her. She was like a sister or a cousin that you'd have a hard time buying birthday presents for. At first I thought she seemed a little bit bratty, but after a while I understood why she had a grudge against her father and her father's fiance. I could see how both parties saw things differently in their fight.

I liked how the story progressed. At the beginning everything is Black/White, but as we move further on there are all these other shades and viewpoints from where we can see the issue. Everyone had their reasons for what they did, as logical or illogical as they may be. There are definitely a few messages ingrained in the story and a few other things for the reader to think about.

My favourite thing about this story is that it runs for 24hrs. I thought there was something magical about that and the fact that it ended at midnight. I also really enjoyed the descriptions in relation to time; how time was going slow, how it felt like it was going fast. And, I liked that Hadley thought about her path could of changed had she done something else that morning...etc. She was aware that it was because of fate, but also that she does have some control over her destiny.

One thing I wasn't sure about in this novel was the title, 'The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight'. I think "Love at first sight" is such a finicky term. I think everybody takes a bit of warming up to. Even if you do instantly like them, I think it would take a while for it to progress into love.

The main issues I had with the story were the uncertain ending and the format of the flashbacks. I thought that the ending seemed uncertain because the characters didn't really confirm that they were going to try and see each other again, they just went on about some statistics that they could possibly meet again which worried me; I wanted to know for sure that they would be together. What bothered me about the flashbacks was that there wasn't any real introduction to them or a difference in the fonts. I would get myself confused thinking I was reading about Oliver (He) when "He" was actually Hadley's father.

Overall, 5/5 stars. It was a very quick, fun read that will make you laugh and cry. I wouldn't call it fluff, but I think a few fantasy readers may view it that way. I think Morgan Matson fans will enjoy this one.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Review: Witches of The East End by Melissa de la Cruz

THE DETAILS:
 Pages: 272
Genre: Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Release Date: 21/06/2011
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Purchased Online.

THE BLURB:
"Move over, zombies, vampires, and werewolves, and make way for witches. Melissa de la Cruz, author of the best-selling Blue Bloods series, ably sets the stage for a juicy new franchise."
--Entertainment Weekly

The three Beauchamp women--Joanna and her daughters, Freya and Ingrid--live ordinary lives in mist-shrouded North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. All three are harboring a centuries-old secret: They are powerful witches forbidden to practice magic. But right before Freya's planned wedding to wealthy Bran Gardiner, a mysterious and attractive man arrives in town and makes Freya question everything. When a young woman turns up dead, it soon becomes clear to all three that it's time to dust off their wands and fight the dark forces working against them.


With a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, mythology, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.
"A bubbling cauldron of mystery and romance." --People
"In her first novel for adults, the author . . . lets her repressed sorceresses rip." --The New York Times

THE REVIEW:
Before I had even read anything by this author 'The Witches of East End' was being released. There were  rave reviews everywhere about how good it was, but how you really need to understand how the world of Melissa de la Cruz works for it to make more sense. After reading just one 'Blue Bloods' novel I decided to give this book a try.

I was a little unsure of this book thanks to all of the references that they were using in other reviews and advertisements for it. I don't know how many times I had heard that it was like a mixture of 'The Witches of Eastwick' (movie) and 'Sex and The City' (show). This did not comfort me. I didn't really like either, and was glad to find that the book didn't really resemble THAT.

'The Witches of East End' follows the lives of three witches. Like the stories and the plays before it, there are three, they are related, And, they all resemble different aspects of the female life, at least at the beginning. As much as I like the idea of the three witches, rather than just one or two, I didn't appreciate that we had to follow the story of each one. I understand that at the end of the book nothing would have made sense without those other two stories, but out of the three Beauchamp women Ingrid was the only one I liked (at the beginning at least). Freya and Joanna both took a bit of warming up to.

One thing I loved about this book was it's small town-ness. I loved the idea of a small coastal town that was hidden away, hard for tourists to find. I liked that everyone new everyone. I guess anyone can half win me over with a small-town setting...

I wasn't into the sex aspect of the book, I don't know if it's just me (I generally don't appreciate sex scenes in novels; I prefer everything to be behind doors that the author doesn't let me into), but it was one of those things that could have ruined the novel for me.  I guess it was to be expected, because 'Blue Bloods' could be a little suggestive for a YA novel. The first part of the novel seemed to be all about the sex lives of some of the characters (including the mayor), but thankfully the novel is more about the actual story line as we get further into the story. This is also one of the reasons, I would have preferred for the story to be just about Ingrid.

The mythology of it all was very original. Like the vampires in 'Blue Bloods' books the witches are reborn again and again as different people, but they have memories of their past lives. The big mystery/problem in the novel and the mythology behind that too, was very well done. It was the sort of thing, where I couldn't actually guess what was going to happen next.

The story-line was very enthralling. I wanted to know what was going on, I wanted to know, I wanted to know... And, I wasn't sure that I was going to find out everything before the book ended, but I did, And, I still got an interesting ending. Not exactly a cliff-hanger, but a new discovery, a new problem. And, guess what? I want to know, I want to know, I want to Know....

Overall, I think this book is definitely a 4.5/5 star book. If it wasn't for the sex, I'd probably give it 5 stars, but that's probably just me and my personal taste. If you like the 'Blue bloods' books or books about witches than I think you will enjoy this. Can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel!

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Review: 'The Perks of Being A Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky

 

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 232
Genre:Young Adult/Adult General Fiction
Release Date (this edition): September 2012
Originally Released:1999
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
RRP: $19.99
Received from Publisher.

THE DESCRIPTION:   Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it.

Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix-tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

MY REVIEW:
'The Perks of Being A Wallfower' by Stephen Chbosky is a novel that is highly praised. I had high expectations because of this, and my expectations were not only met, but left for dead, when I discovered that this novel goes much further than and "indie" (as much as I hate the term) teenager-finding-his-way-in-life, coming-of-age novel. It's actually about real issues!

At the beginning of the novel Charlie is just starting high-school. He's quite naiive socially, but is also wise beyond his years. He can seem needy at times, he succumbs to peer pressure and he notices a lot of other stuff that other people don't notice. They call him the wallflower, because of his ability to stand back and take it all in. I think Charlie is a very likeable character, regardless of some of the questionable things he does or tells us about. I'm sure that a lot of readers will relate to his reading habits, introversion and ability to observe.

The novel is written in an interesting format; a series of letters addressed 'dear friend', we are not told who this friend is, but we go along with it anyway. I normally don't like books written in Diary entry or letter form, but I really liked Charlie's "voice" and so I went along with it anyway. There is also a poem and some cute little lists that made me laugh. The book definitely isn't for any middle-graders though. Some scenes did remind me a little of the 'Puberty Blues' tv series.

There was a point in the novel where it just got so depressing that I had to put it down. Charlie was at a bit of a low point and he kept writing about everyday things that people think about that are horrible and making them feel even worse. At that point I was ready to put the book down for something of a much more cheerful nature, but after watching a cheerful movie I persisted.

I also can't believe this was a banned book. It has a lot of good lessons and messafes as far as family, friendship and serious issues are concerned. Yeah, sure there are a few choice words and a few graphic memories, but they all serve a greater cause.

Overall, I think this book was great. It was a fantastic read, despite the dreary bits. I give it 5/5 stars, but not a favourite and recommend it to people who like to read books about serious issues and people finding their way in life.

 Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie