Review of: Passion – Jude Morgan

Published: May 2005 – Headline Review

Exploring the lives of three Romanticism writers through the eyes of the women who knew them – from Byron to Shelley to Keats, Morgan captures their stories with a new light in an innovative and original way.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

As said above, the story is original and captivating - the varying narrative perspectives make it hard to read at times, especially due to the shifts between whose commentary the specific page is, yet the length of the novel demonstrates the quality with which Morgan had to write with in order to capture the true essence of such inspirational people.


This piece of historical fiction combines fact with tragedy, and tragedy with love – Jude Morgan surpasses himself in this novel with great intensity throughout, presenting these three great writers in a fresh way.

Review of: Before I Die - Jenny Downham

Published: October 2008 – Black Swan

Similar in some ways to ‘If I Stay’, ‘Before I Die’ follows the story of Tessa as she sets out to fulfil her own <i>bucket list</i> after being told she has terminal cancer.

My Rating: 2 out of 5

A deeply moving novel, but reduced slightly by an inability to truly connect with Tessa, despite the first person narrative. The items on her list are quite stereotypical, with sex, drugs and law breaking, which although are reasonable when taking into account her age and what she may miss out on, yet it takes away from the originality that would have made this book so much better.


Having said this, Downham finds a way to highlight the true nature of a disease that has taken over Tessa, in such a way that it approaches a horribly realistic subject to teenagers, enabling them to understand what it must be like.

Review of: Message in a Bottle – Nicholas Sparks

Published: November 2007 – Sphere

A letter written to “my dearest Catherine” washes up on a beach where Theresa Osborne is on holiday; Sparks takes you on her journey as she sets about uncovering who wrote this mysterious letter and the funny and emotional events that follows upon the discovery.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

Once more, Sparks writes with a level of eloquence that is rare to find – taking you through a range of emotions that some novels fail to do, but doing so in a way that makes the plot both original and utterly believable.


The novel’s intricate development from grieving lost loves to finding innocent loves makes for a splendid read, however, it was slightly predictable and at times the actions of the characters strayed from how they had been developed, then again, we all do stupid things with regards to love. However, it did not <i>wow</i> me to the extent of some of Sparks’ other books – perhaps due to the rather promiscuous circumstances or something else.

Review of: Great Expectations – Charles Dickens

Published: May 1992 (Wordsworth Classics) – Wordsworth Edition Ltd

‘Great Expectations’ follows the story of an orphan named Pip, as he transitions from a boy who is full of ‘great expectations’ to a man – entwining fate, mystery and unrequited love.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

It is a novel that is emotional at times, yet still has resonance in today’s society, whilst giving an insight into nineteenth century life as an orphan. Despite this interesting and inventive plot, it felt as though Dickens was trying too hard with descriptions (although reminiscent of Victorian writing and the origins of the novel in different publications) making some areas pass too slowly.


The tension that builds up throughout makes this novel a great read for someone who is a fan of Dickens, however, it may be too much for some who tend to enjoy an easier read. The characters are mainly loveable with your views on them changing all the while to keep your mind always on the go. The characters, ultimately, make the story the success it is today.

Review of: Looking for Alaska – John Green

Published: July 2006 - HarperCollins Children's Books

Bored of his life at home, Miles Halter persuades his parents to allow him to study at Culver Creek Boarding School - a move than makes his life far from mundane.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Whilst this book may be labelled as a children’s novel, I think it would suit almost any age – the plot is relatable to most teenagers. The prospect of growing up, experiencing first loves, alcohol mixed with drugs, mystery, pranking – yet it is much more than that. From humour to water filled eyes, it takes you on a journey through the unknown, through Miles (a guy obsessed with learning the last words of people), as he meets one Alaska Young (a girl trying to escape her own labyrinth). Along with a wider range of characters that combine the excitement of college life with the unpredictability of young lives, Green’s narrative talent takes you to a new world, full of the tension and heartache that some people experience growing up.


This heart-breaking and tear-jerking novel is definitely worth a read, whether you end up loving it or not, it is truly (in my opinion) a true literary masterpiece.

Review of: Generation Dead – Daniel Waters

Published: July 2008 - Simon & Schuster Children's

Generation Dead's plot revolves around Phoebe, a goth, who has a crush on a guy who is dead, in an area where teenagers are no longer staying dead, instead coming back as zombies.

My Rating: 1 out of 5

A book full of fantasy, in this case zombies – a strange concept that brought me to read this book, but something was missing. Granted there are the problems about love and such, it is just that there are no true solid foundations, no concrete events, so much so that it seems as it is missing a key ingredient in making the story work – passion. Not the love passion, the passion that I feel you need to drive the characters, a passion for the characters themselves. The characters are quite one-sided with not much going for them in terms of liking them - they fail to have energy, making the dialogue somewhat limp and the story drag on just that bit too long.


For me, it did not inspire me or in fact generate that much reaction – it was a read that filled time when I was bored, but nothing more - I don’t feel like I need to read the next one (Kiss of Life). Disappointing considering how much I normally love this genre – the plot was fine and had slight structure yet even this was let down by the narrative.

Review of: A Walk to Remember – Nicholas Sparks

Published: November 2007 - Sphere

Beginning in 1958 with a moody, rebellious Landon Carter, who gets stuck with performing in the Christmas play alongside the angelic Jamie Sullivan, who makes him promise not to fall in love with her, much to his amusement. Yet, when fate intervenes, there's not a lot he can do to stop himself.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite authors and this book managed to exceed my expectations. Whilst expecting a normal, run of the mill romance, I was instead left with a book that is full to the brim with sheer and pure emotion, highlighting the innocence of young love. The twist in the story’s plot is heart-breaking and tear-jerking, whilst the narrative has the power to knock you off your feet – even if you dislike emotional books, I sincerely and definitively suggest with all my heart that this is the one that you NEED to read – the clarity with which Sparks writes and the effect that it has on everything, even the way you look at life, is enough to make this one of the best books that I have read.


Seen through the eyes of Landon Carter, the teenage rebel, it is easily accessible to guys who have truly and utterly found their true love. After all, ‘A Walk to Remember’ makes you believe that, no matter your age, or your appearance, or your aspirations, true love exists, it is just a matter of finding that someone.

Review of: Dead Until Dark – Charlaine Harris

Published: June 2009 – Gollancz

The story of Sookie, a cocktail waitress, with a peculiar "disability" in the form of reading minds. Reading all minds but Bill's - a vampire who does not have the best reputation.

My Rating: 2 out of 5

After True Blood was made into a TV series, I thought I would see what the books were like – I was severely disappointed. Whilst the characters are loveable and the plot is gripping, the writing style was not particularly amazing, but it was partially saved by the dark and exhilarating nature of the story. It combines humour with a serious undertone – it combines love with hatred – it combines reality with fantasy. However, at the end of the day, it addresses an issue that is often cast aside – prejudice and discrimination.


Whilst you are involved in the novel, I was left pondering and wanting more – to actually feel as if I was part of the novel, if that makes sense. In short, to me, it was just a grown up version of Twilight, with darker elements, but still simple and left more questions than were answered (I know that it is part of a series but it did not convince me enough to look at more – yet).

Review of: Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

Published: May 1992 (Wordsworth Classics) - Wordsworth Editions Ltd

Wuthering Heights depicts the story of Heathcliff, an orphaned gypsy who falls love with a girl in a higher class, yet a girl who loves him back. Once he loses her, he seeks revenge on her family for the rest of his life.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Wuthering Heights – the classic novel depicting true love, lost love and every love in between – the intelligence and power with which Emily Bronte writes makes this novel, allows the reader to feel the emotions and experience the love between Cathy and Heathcliff, after all as is said within the novel, “I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!'” The use of the dark and foreboding hero along with the stubborn heroine makes for a fiery mix of action and passion, with their similarly flawed characters making amazing fiction – unnatural perhaps for this era of writing. It may be because of these characters that it has become so successful; Bronte does not correct or empower them, she merely lets the reader make of them what they will, leaving the pair at the mercy of the reader. It moves away from the traditional romance stories, dragging the reader deeper and deeper into the story, yet instead of ruining it like has happened before, it merely intensifies the success and impact it has had on many generations gone and many generations still to come.


Of course, Wuthering Heights would not be Wuthering Heights without Joseph – the stubborn and cruel servant, who adds a slight humour to the novel through Bronte’s use of a strong Yorkshire accent, making him virtually impossible to understand unless read out loud. The wilderness of the Yorkshire Moors and the wilderness of the two main characters makes for a ageless classic that people will always love, even when they cannot see why they like Cathy and Heathcliff’s dark personas and why they truly make the story.

Review of: American Wife – Curtis Sittenfeld

Published: July 2009 – Black Swan

American Wife tells the story of Alice Blackwell, the husband of the US president – it documents her life, and what events made her who she is, including a childhood love and an adult courtship – the novel is helped tremendously by the dynamic and interesting character of Alice, a character whose actions are surprising and unpredictable.

My Rating: 2 out of 5

It takes many elements from the life of Laura Bush, yet explores them in such a way that you feel as if Alice is real and her full story did exist. This intricate use of history makes the novel more original and believable than ever, as it has a definitive structure upon which to base it. Also reinforcing this believability is heightened by the grounded life of Alice – a small town librarian who loves to see smiles on the children’s faces for whom she creates pieces of art, this element by Sittenfeld brings the reader closer to the plot as it is revealed that the First Lady of the story is just a small town girl, with a normal upbringing.


It may at times be long winded and stray from the point, but it is saved by the excellent craftsmanship within some of the chapters, as it demonstrates the true nature of humanity – that we all have flaws and we have all made mistakes, no matter how great we are. The character of Charlie Blackwell, despite depicting the president, left a lot to be desired – in my opinion, Sittenfeld failed to truly develop his character, leaving you wondering the true extent of his impact on Alice’s life, but also leaving him slightly worn and as if he never truly grows in character throughout the novel.

Review of: Dreams From My Father – Barack Obama

Published: June 2008 - Canongate Books Ltd

Demonstrating where the foundations are for his life and politics, this beautifully crafted memoir by Obama strikes many chords – an honest representation of growing up as an African-American, it shows the trials and tribulations that he faced, making him who he is today.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

The complaint that drags the rating down slightly is the pace of the novel – at some points, it can be quite dull and slow, yet those that I feel were more important were short and abrupt – granted it may be representative of what is more prominent in his own life, but for me, this reason is why the book felt, at times, to be more of a chore than a pleasurable experience.

It is definitely one of the best written pieces by a politician – giving you the opportunity to gain an understanding of the events that have carved their political ideas. Even if you do not necessarily like politics, this piece is more of the problems facing the African-American community in the US at the time, and even now.

Review of: The Other Hand – Chris Cleave

Published: February 2009 – Sceptre

‘The Other Hand’ follows the story of two women, where fate collides to bring both tragic and emotional events, yet one that shows the story in such a believable manner. They are once more reunited two years later in difficult circumstances and must, together, make a choice that will change both of their lives.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Chris Cleave – the author of ‘Incendiary’ – brings the story to life in a way that keeps some elements secret, intriguing the reader as it unravels, keeping the reader involved. The cruelty and civility make for a book that is thought-provoking with a high impact, yet it would not be so effective without the character of ‘Bee’ – Cleave develops her character to such a degree that you fully empathise for her, whilst still reserving details to the point where you are forced to understand the true nature of her life.


A great read that leaves you wanting more, yet is extremely emotional – whether you have read Cleave’s previous book or not, you are sure to find at least one element that you can realise is truly believable in this highly original novel.

Review of: Who is Mr Satoshi? - Jonathan Lee

Published: July 2010 - William Heinemann Ltd

My Rating: 3 out of 5

Lee’s debut novel is enigmatic in many ways; from the character to whom the novel takes its name to the uncovering of the mystery in the novel. 'Who Is Mr Satoshi?' is gripping and engages the reader from page one - centred around the narrator, a photographer dealing with the death of his wife and mother, the novel adds suspense from the beginning with more and more questions being raised over the true identity of Mr. Satoshi. Jonathan Lee gives just enough information to enable an understanding of the story, yet leaves just the right amount of detail out to leave you wanting to know just that little bit more, fuelling you through.

A thrilling read for everyone - keeping you on the edge of the seat for the entire ride and giving a genuinely great experience, however, to me, it leaves little to be desired, not truly enabling you to ‘fall’ into the story.

Review of: If I Stay - Gayle Forman

Published: May 2009 - Doubleday Children's Books

Gayle Forman brings to life the character of Mia, a seventeen year old cello player, who is stuck between choosing to go to college or stay with her boyfriend, Adam. Yet, on a snowy day, a tragic event occurs that forces Mia to make a different and more serious decision that will affect everything in her life.

My Rating: 2 out of 5

A deeply emotional and moving book, which captivates the reader within a matter of pages, however, the story is over in a matter of pages (at just over 200), I felt as though Forman missed the opportunity to fully develop the characters to the ultimate degree, perhaps reducing from the true effectiveness that a storyline like this could have had – whilst it did make me cry (and the simplicity of it made it so), it is slightly repetitive, yet still transports you to the action with its intricate use of language.


Well worth the read, despite the negative – a journey that proves to be emotional yet extraordinarily powerful.

Preview Chapters of: Paranormalacy

HarperTeen have just given a link on Twitter to nine preview chapters of Paranormalacy by Kiersten White - I can't say much more than I AM IN LOVE! It is pretty amazing to be so blunt. I can barely fault it and just want to read the whole book now!!!

Review of: The Anatomy of Ghosts – Andrew Taylor

Published: September 2010 – Michael Joseph Ltd.

Set in 18th century Cambridge, specifically Jerusalem College, a place haunted by ghosts, especially by one Mrs Whichcote, who died through drowning – it is up to John Holdsworth to set it right, or risk the continuation of the ghostly haunts.  As author of the controversial 'The Anatomy of Ghosts', Holdsworth is asked to clear the name of Frank Oldershaw, who is now deemed as ill after having said he saw Whichcote's ghost in the grounds, yet Holdsworth has his own ghosts to deal with.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

Whilst the novel flows well and allows the reader to experience the true realms of a society that has long past, yet is brought back to reality within this novel, it lacks a certain quality –due to the fact that the characters are unlikeable, all set upon personal gain.

It is not something that I would normally pick off the shelf, yet I feel like I would definitely want to read more books from Taylor.
Having said that, Taylor manages to bring out every element of the era and society, thus making it a well-written piece that I recommend to everyone who is interested in history, but also for first-time readers of Andrew Taylor.

Review of: Zero History by William Gibson

*Book from Waterstones Cardholder Scheme*

Published: 7 September 2010 by Viking (UK), Putnam Adult (US)

Author: William Gibson

From Waterstones:
Former rock singer Hollis Henry has lost a lot of money in the crash, which means she can't turn down the offer of a job from Hubertus Bigend, sinister Belgian proprietor of mysterious ad agency Blue Ant. Milgrim is working for Bigend too. Bigend admires the ex-addict's linguistic skills and street knowledge so much that he's even paid for his costly rehab. So together Hollis and Milgrim are at the front line of Bigend's attempts to get a slice of the military budget, and they gradually realize he has some very dangerous competitors. Which is not a great thought when you don't much trust your boss either. Gibson's new novel, set largely in London, spookily captures the paranoia and fear of our post-Crash times.

My Rating: 4 out of 5


Gibson's new novel is once more highly successful; combining and linking particular elements from his previous books, it demonstrates the impact of the current economic climate in a way that is easy to understand, yet the way in which it is written allows you to forget the serious undertone to an interesting plot.
 
Unlike some novels, Zero History is focused within contemporary and, therefore, highly relatable settings (in this case, London), allowing you as the reader to experience someone else's life and troubles within a believeable timeframe and within understandable circumstances.
 
The narrative itself has a slight poetic feel to it, heightening all your senses - the words flow with a certain clarity, driving the novel through the less interesting sections in this intricate but original novel that I hope will be just as successful as Gibson's previous novels, Pattern Recognition and Spook Country.

Preview of: Lights Out In Wonderland - DBC Pierre

*Preview chapter for Waterstone's Cardholders*

From Waterstones:
"Gabriel Brockwell, aesthete, poet, philosopher, disaffected twenty-something decadent, is thinking terminal. His philosophical enquiries, the abstractions he indulges, and how these relate to a life lived, all point in the same direction. His destination is Wonderland. The nature and style of the journey is all that's to be decided. Taking in London, Tokyo, Berlin and the Galapagos Islands, "Lights Out In Wonderland" documents Gabriel Brockwell's remarkable global odyssey."

Set to be published on 2nd September 2010, Lights Out In Wonderland has a rather quirky beginning, with a series of inscriptions - "Per els somnis d’una nit (Tns: For a night of dreams)" to "If your ethical model defeats you, change the model" and a poem with witty humor. The first chapter highlights the  turbulent state of mind of Gabriel, a "bad poet", who is basically intent on killing himself, yet doesn't really want to because he has nothing to show for his life - no identity. The seriousness of the situation is lightened by the clever humour and quirky annotations.

The plot sounds highly interesting, especially when accomodating for views of the preview chapter - definitely seems to be worth a read when it comes out.

Ray Connolly is "doing a Dickens"

You may well ask how an author can do a Dickens, who financed the publishing of the well-loved classic, A Christmas Carol - it's simple. Yesterday, Guardian.co.uk posted a piece by Ray Connolly, author of 'Love Out Of Season', has decided to go it alone in publishing, by posting his new novel, The Sandman, chapter by chapter on his website.

I think it is a truly good project, that could help to transform how first time authors can get published - do it yourself.

Original Article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/aug/12/publishing-book-online-ray-connolly

(from http://www.rayconnolly.co.uk/index.asp)

Review of: Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

Published: April 2008 (Oxford World’s Classics Edition) – Oxford University Press

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" – perhaps some of the most poignant and well-known words in English Literature history. Following the story of Elizabeth Bennet as she experiences a certain Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic which still has the same impact today – the essence of the story has continuous resonance as pride and prejudice gets in the way of love.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Pride and Prejudice is one of the few books that I find enjoyable over and over again – a book full of quirky humour and well-written chapters that leaves you wanting more and more. It does not just focus on romance – it is not the slushy lovey-dovey stuff that can suffocate – it is elegantly crafted, I highly recommend it and I am sure that it will continue to be a great success.

I actually cannot recommend it enough, if you have to read a few key books - this has to be to the top of your list. Even guys! I love it and, if you are anything like me, I am sure that you will enjoy it just as much.

Follow Friday (1)

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Preview of: Bright Young Things - Anna Godbersen

Set to be published on October 12th (US), the second preview chapter (third if you count the prologue) has just been released at The Luxe.

Set in the "roaring, romantic, dangerously tempting twenties", I must say, from the preview chapters, this looks like a bestseller AND it is only the first in a series of four - it looks elegantly written, with a real insight into such an influential era. It has a vibrancy and positive vibe just from the first few chapters, so I cannot WAIT for this to be released in the UK!

From GoodReads:

"Bright Young Things is the first in an epic four-book series about three teenage girls finding their way in the glittering metropolis of New York City and the glamorous mansions of Long Island. It’s 1929 and Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey have escaped their small Midwestern town to chase big dreams and even bigger secrets. In New York, they meet Astrid Donal, a flapper who has everything she could ever want, except for the one thing Letty and Cordelia have to offer—true friendship. Set in the dizzying summer before the market crash, against the vast lawns of the East End and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls will find romance, intrigue, and adventure."

First Post!!!

Looking around the internet, I discovered the lack of teenagers who are posting reviews on books - so my question - how are we meant to know what books to read, what books suit us rather than for people who are older - so I decided to begin this blog to write my reviews, of books that are old and books that are new. From all-time classics, to modern reinventions, to the new classics being published today. I am looking to experience a wider range of genres to be normally reviewed for teenagers and young adults, so whilst it may begin narrowly, I am hoping it will extend to incorporate a wide range of tales and novels.

I will post a review for every book, whether I like it or not. Whilst I don’t expect to have many followers, this is basically a means of posting reviews for something I am passionate about, and to relay that passion onto other people. I will try and post at least once a week, but I do still go to school so at times (i.e. around exams), they may be scarce, so I apologise in advance.

I will also comment on random literary news - such as competitions, newly released covers, what I'm most looking forward to, etc. So enjoy!

Review of: Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse - Kaleb Nation

Published: September 2009 by Sourcebooks Inc.

Published in 2009, Bran Hambric is the debut novel of author Kaleb Nation, creator of http://www.twilightguy.com/ and http://www.kalebnation.com/ – the first in the series, it follows the story of a young boy of six, who is found within the walls of a locked bank vault with no memory of how he got there, or in fact any of his past. Living in a city where the art of magic is illegal, he discovers that his mother (whom he cannot remember) created a deadly curse and a curse that revolves around him.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Bran Hambric has a well-crafted plot, with excitement and action present throughout, giving a positive vibe to a novel with its basis grounded within fantasy – Nation writes with a talent that is hard to find, bringing together humour and creativity at just the right degree, creating a novel that is truly a pleasure to read. There are so many twists and turns that give the book a real energy that, as the reader, you can't help but take on yourself.

I think the series can only get better with the characters being continuously developed and enhanced in meaningful and interesting way – a novel that leaves you wanting more and eagerly awaiting the next edition – ‘The Specter Key’.