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’.