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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
It started out *painfully* slow; so, stick with it. Once the switch flipped, I had a hard time putting it down.
Tamara Goodwin has always had anything and everything she’s ever wanted in life. At 16, you could say she’s rather spoilt. Not only is she a spoilt brat but she’s also incredibly ungrateful and doesn’t seem to respect her parents. Until one day, her dad kills himself. It turns out Tamara and her mother are so much in debt that their fabulous house has had to be reposessed. Tamara and her mother move down to Kilsaney to stay with Tamara’s Aunt Rosaleen and Uncle Arthur. Whilst there Tamara happens upon a locked book in a travelling library. When the book is finally opened, Tamara is shocked. It seems to be fore-telling what will happen tomorrow…
I am a huge Cecelia Ahern fan and I count PS, I Love You as one of my favourite books ever. Her books are incredibly well written and each book has their own magic sparkle. As I mentioned in my When Rainbows End review, Cecelia is a fairytale author for grown-ups. The Book of Tomorrow does not disappoint. First off I have to mention the stunning cover. It’s presented in hardback and is purple and gold. The gold shimmers in the light and the cover looks like an actual book. It’s not a chick-lit-type cover it’s actually like a real proper book. Upon opening the hardback the back of the hardback page as well as the page next to it is gold and looks incredibly nice. The back of the book is the same. Mine also has a diary-style ribbon peeking out that you can put in as a bookmark. It’s incredibly well-presented and is a huge shoo-in for Book Cover of the Year!
Now onto the book itself. The first paragraph tells us that to read this story we have to suspend belief. Easy peasy for me. I want to be swept away into Cecelia’s magical world. Tamara herself says that if it wasn’t happening to her there is no way she’d believe it. I believe her; she isn’t the type. From then on the book is told from Tamara’s point-of-view, which is what makes the story, as it gives us a great insight into how Tamara’s life has changed. I love the whole focal point of the book being about a magical diary that can tell you what’s supposed to happen tomorrow. I thought it was an incredible storyline for Cecelia to take and I thought she worked it perfectly. It takes a while to get to the actual diary but believe me, I was soon hooked. I couldn’t wait to find out what the diary had in store for Tamara and I couldn’t wait to see how she would alter the day if she felt like it.
As I said, it takes a while to get to the book, around 100 pages or so. Maybe less. But first we learn about how Tamara has ended up in a gatehouse next to Kilsaney Castle. It’s interesting and really builds everything up for when she eventually finds this fabulous book. The best thing for me, before the discovery of the book, was Sister Ignacious entering the fray. I thought she was a fantastic addition to the book. That’s what got me hooked as I knew there was something about her that she wasn’t telling Tamara, as we find out later on in the book.
At first, and for a long while after, Tamara comes across as an incredibly selfish and incredibly ungrateful brat. For me, though, that adds to her charm. I’m a teenager myself so can sort of relate (except I don’t have millions of pounds like Tamara did!). You’re always reading how spoilt and selfish children are when they’ve had everything handed to them on a plate so I could get into the mind of Tamara and understand why she was the way she was. Yes it was her decision to act like that but having everything from her parents didn’t exactly help the cause. The thing for me though is Tamara acknowledged she was a bit of a cow and since she’s only 16 I liked that. She acted the way she did because she knew she was doing it – it was purposeful. She does eventually come around to the life she now has to live but she still has her prickly moments. I thought Cecelia tapped into the mind of a 16-year-old well and I loved Tamara. I didn’t expect to, but I did.
There are other characters in the book, of course, and as I’ve said I loved Sister Ignacious. I liked how easily she and Tamara spoke and I also liked the fact she didn’t judge Tamara or mind when Tamara was a bit prickly. She took it in her stride. For a nun, she seemed rather relaxed and I liked her for it. Tamara’s mother is another main character in the book although for the most part she’s comatose in her bedroom and hardly spoke a word. Tamara’s Aunt Rosaleen and Uncle Arthur play a huge part in the book – bigger than you’ll ever think – and I admit I hadn’t a clue what was coming. I didn’t really like Rosaleen I thought she was far too nosey (says me, who is also incredibly nosey) but I liked Arthur and thought he had hidden depths. As it turned out they both had hidden depths and that plot twist surprised me. There are a few other minor characters including a secret person living in the bungalow attached to the gateway where Tamara and co. are staying. Rosaleen insists it’s her mother but Tamara thinks differently. There’s also Marcus, he of the travelling library, who I thought was going to be a bigger character than he was. Finally there’s Weseley, a friend Tamara makes whilst in Kilsaney. I liked him and thought it was nice Tamara finally had a friend!
One of the other major parts of the book was not a character but a castle. So much happens at Kilsaney Castle, a lot of which is unravelled as the book goes on, and it sound like a magnificent building. The descriptions of Kilsaney Castle are excellent and I was right there with Tamara, exploring the “tree towns”, exploring the Castle and wandering the grounds. Cecelia is great at describing the surroundings her books are set in and she did another great job here. I could imagine where the castle was located and could easily imagine being there with Tamara which isn’t something I can usually do but Cecelia just describes it so well I couldn’t help but imagine being there.
There are a few other storylines floating around the book, particularly with how secretive Rosaleen seems and just how comatose Jennifer (Tamara’s mother) is. All is unravelled in time leading to a rather explosive conclusion. I had an inkling about some of the things revealed but definitely not about the biggest revelation that comes. Believe me, it’ll blow your socks off. As well as putting everything into perspective. It all slots into place rather nicely, I must say.
Cecelia Ahern really is a fantastic writer and The Book of Tomorrow is on par with PS, I Love You in terms of just how great it is. You may have to suspend your beliefs to read the book but believe me, it will be worth it.
I am a huge Cecelia Ahern fan and I count PS, I Love You as one of my favourite books ever. Her books are incredibly well written and each book has their own magic sparkle. As I mentioned in my When Rainbows End review, Cecelia is a fairytale author for grown-ups. The Book of Tomorrow does not disappoint. First off I have to mention the stunning cover. It’s presented in hardback and is purple and gold. The gold shimmers in the light and the cover looks like an actual book. It’s not a chick-lit-type cover it’s actually like a real proper book. Upon opening the hardback the back of the hardback page as well as the page next to it is gold and looks incredibly nice. The back of the book is the same. Mine also has a diary-style ribbon peeking out that you can put in as a bookmark. It’s incredibly well-presented and is a huge shoo-in for Book Cover of the Year!
Now onto the book itself. The first paragraph tells us that to read this story we have to suspend belief. Easy peasy for me. I want to be swept away into Cecelia’s magical world. Tamara herself says that if it wasn’t happening to her there is no way she’d believe it. I believe her; she isn’t the type. From then on the book is told from Tamara’s point-of-view, which is what makes the story, as it gives us a great insight into how Tamara’s life has changed. I love the whole focal point of the book being about a magical diary that can tell you what’s supposed to happen tomorrow. I thought it was an incredible storyline for Cecelia to take and I thought she worked it perfectly. It takes a while to get to the actual diary but believe me, I was soon hooked. I couldn’t wait to find out what the diary had in store for Tamara and I couldn’t wait to see how she would alter the day if she felt like it.
As I said, it takes a while to get to the book, around 100 pages or so. Maybe less. But first we learn about how Tamara has ended up in a gatehouse next to Kilsaney Castle. It’s interesting and really builds everything up for when she eventually finds this fabulous book. The best thing for me, before the discovery of the book, was Sister Ignacious entering the fray. I thought she was a fantastic addition to the book. That’s what got me hooked as I knew there was something about her that she wasn’t telling Tamara, as we find out later on in the book.
At first, and for a long while after, Tamara comes across as an incredibly selfish and incredibly ungrateful brat. For me, though, that adds to her charm. I’m a teenager myself so can sort of relate (except I don’t have millions of pounds like Tamara did!). You’re always reading how spoilt and selfish children are when they’ve had everything handed to them on a plate so I could get into the mind of Tamara and understand why she was the way she was. Yes it was her decision to act like that but having everything from her parents didn’t exactly help the cause. The thing for me though is Tamara acknowledged she was a bit of a cow and since she’s only 16 I liked that. She acted the way she did because she knew she was doing it – it was purposeful. She does eventually come around to the life she now has to live but she still has her prickly moments. I thought Cecelia tapped into the mind of a 16-year-old well and I loved Tamara. I didn’t expect to, but I did.
There are other characters in the book, of course, and as I’ve said I loved Sister Ignacious. I liked how easily she and Tamara spoke and I also liked the fact she didn’t judge Tamara or mind when Tamara was a bit prickly. She took it in her stride. For a nun, she seemed rather relaxed and I liked her for it. Tamara’s mother is another main character in the book although for the most part she’s comatose in her bedroom and hardly spoke a word. Tamara’s Aunt Rosaleen and Uncle Arthur play a huge part in the book – bigger than you’ll ever think – and I admit I hadn’t a clue what was coming. I didn’t really like Rosaleen I thought she was far too nosey (says me, who is also incredibly nosey) but I liked Arthur and thought he had hidden depths. As it turned out they both had hidden depths and that plot twist surprised me. There are a few other minor characters including a secret person living in the bungalow attached to the gateway where Tamara and co. are staying. Rosaleen insists it’s her mother but Tamara thinks differently. There’s also Marcus, he of the travelling library, who I thought was going to be a bigger character than he was. Finally there’s Weseley, a friend Tamara makes whilst in Kilsaney. I liked him and thought it was nice Tamara finally had a friend!
One of the other major parts of the book was not a character but a castle. So much happens at Kilsaney Castle, a lot of which is unravelled as the book goes on, and it sound like a magnificent building. The descriptions of Kilsaney Castle are excellent and I was right there with Tamara, exploring the “tree towns”, exploring the Castle and wandering the grounds. Cecelia is great at describing the surroundings her books are set in and she did another great job here. I could imagine where the castle was located and could easily imagine being there with Tamara which isn’t something I can usually do but Cecelia just describes it so well I couldn’t help but imagine being there.
There are a few other storylines floating around the book, particularly with how secretive Rosaleen seems and just how comatose Jennifer (Tamara’s mother) is. All is unravelled in time leading to a rather explosive conclusion. I had an inkling about some of the things revealed but definitely not about the biggest revelation that comes. Believe me, it’ll blow your socks off. As well as putting everything into perspective. It all slots into place rather nicely, I must say.
Cecelia Ahern really is a fantastic writer and The Book of Tomorrow is on par with PS, I Love You in terms of just how great it is. You may have to suspend your beliefs to read the book but believe me, it will be worth it.
Despite having some doubts about whether this was a book I would enjoy (I was one of the few who wasn't all that impressed by PS I love you), I was surprised to find myself hooked from the very first page. The book is told in the first person, from 16 year old Tamara and I have to say I think Ahern got this character spot on. Tamara is spoilt and used to having her own way, and risked being an unlikable character, however I loved the way she was dry and sarcastic about herself and her lifestyle and I was easily able to sympathise with her.
I also found Tamara's aunt, Rosaleen to be a well-written character. I picked up quickly on a sinister side to Rosaleen, but for the life of me, I couldn't work it out. In fact, there's a huge family secret at the centre of the book that had me turning the pages and completely unable to put it down, so much so that I finished it in one night. I'd taken it into the bath and became so absorbed that before I released I'd been in over an hour and a half and the water was freezing! I'd recommend not starting this book on the bus or you may just miss your stop!
I do have a small criticism of the book, in that at 319 pages it was just too short! The first 100 pages are where we learn about Tamara, her father and family and move to the sticks. From finding the book it felt a little rushed. The book of tomorrow gives a magical element to the book, but i thought this wasn't maybe explored enough...I'd have loved a bit more about that.
While I don't think Cecelia Ahern is the greatest writer, she certainly provides a fast paced and fascinating narrative in this book. It's been a while since I became so involved in a story; I really couldn't put it down. Some people might find huge holes in the story and need to dissect it, but I think this is definitely one you need to just enjoy for what it is. It's an easy read, with a gripping and original story and tackles love, betrayal, family secrets and bereavement and manages to be sad, funny, suspenseful, captivating and magical. I highly recommend Cecelia Ahern's The Book Of Tomorrow...just make sure you have a few hours to spare when you begin, as I guarantee you won't be able to put it down!
I also found Tamara's aunt, Rosaleen to be a well-written character. I picked up quickly on a sinister side to Rosaleen, but for the life of me, I couldn't work it out. In fact, there's a huge family secret at the centre of the book that had me turning the pages and completely unable to put it down, so much so that I finished it in one night. I'd taken it into the bath and became so absorbed that before I released I'd been in over an hour and a half and the water was freezing! I'd recommend not starting this book on the bus or you may just miss your stop!
I do have a small criticism of the book, in that at 319 pages it was just too short! The first 100 pages are where we learn about Tamara, her father and family and move to the sticks. From finding the book it felt a little rushed. The book of tomorrow gives a magical element to the book, but i thought this wasn't maybe explored enough...I'd have loved a bit more about that.
While I don't think Cecelia Ahern is the greatest writer, she certainly provides a fast paced and fascinating narrative in this book. It's been a while since I became so involved in a story; I really couldn't put it down. Some people might find huge holes in the story and need to dissect it, but I think this is definitely one you need to just enjoy for what it is. It's an easy read, with a gripping and original story and tackles love, betrayal, family secrets and bereavement and manages to be sad, funny, suspenseful, captivating and magical. I highly recommend Cecelia Ahern's The Book Of Tomorrow...just make sure you have a few hours to spare when you begin, as I guarantee you won't be able to put it down!
Usually, there's a lot to learn from a book by [a:Cecelia Ahern|7116|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1404703770p2/7116.jpg]. Normally, it's about loving people, making time for what's important etc. From that perspective, this book was a disappointment. It felt like she was trying to tell me that every family has a secret, whether we like it or not.
This book was slow and it wasn't until I reached page 100 that the story really started, and it still wasn't the most fast paced book. I felt like the book had too many pages and not enough words to fill them out. It could've easily been a book of 250 pages! I don't like 100 pages of introduction! This just isn't good enough, was whe busy when she wrote this one?
Okay, okay, it wasn't all bad. It's just that I'm pretty excited about her other books. I loved [b:Where Rainbows End|714985|Where Rainbows End|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356455784s/714985.jpg|3423015], [b:The Gift|4279056|The Gift|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1286019892s/4279056.jpg|4326592] and especially [b:P.S. I Love You|366522|P.S. I Love You|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392344536s/366522.jpg|2742631]. I think the main problem for me was that it was a book by Ahern. If I hadn't known that when I started reading it, I might have liked it better.
This book was slow and it wasn't until I reached page 100 that the story really started, and it still wasn't the most fast paced book. I felt like the book had too many pages and not enough words to fill them out. It could've easily been a book of 250 pages! I don't like 100 pages of introduction! This just isn't good enough, was whe busy when she wrote this one?
Okay, okay, it wasn't all bad. It's just that I'm pretty excited about her other books. I loved [b:Where Rainbows End|714985|Where Rainbows End|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356455784s/714985.jpg|3423015], [b:The Gift|4279056|The Gift|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1286019892s/4279056.jpg|4326592] and especially [b:P.S. I Love You|366522|P.S. I Love You|Cecelia Ahern|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392344536s/366522.jpg|2742631]. I think the main problem for me was that it was a book by Ahern. If I hadn't known that when I started reading it, I might have liked it better.
Wow really great book. Interesting premise and twist. Tamara was a realistic character, and i must admit it has been hard for me to find a female lead that hasn't annoyed the crap out of my lately. Definately worth the read!
My mum recommended this book to me after I told her that I'd started reading Cecelia Ahern. It was interesting in terms of the mysterious book that predicts the future and had the wonderful characterization that draws you in and keeps you hooked from the first page, however, things felt bit flat for me in this one. This is down to no fault of the writing, I just didn't find many of the characters likable.
Normally this isn't the type of book I'd read (i.e.: anything with "after the death of so and so" in the blurb), but I was too curious about the diary. It turned out to be a very intriguing read, with an unexpected twist in the end.
Tamara starts off as an unbearably obnoxious character, so much so that it took some optimism to get through her awful attitude at the earlier chapters, but she eventually grows and turns this into a satisfying, yet ironic story.
Tamara starts off as an unbearably obnoxious character, so much so that it took some optimism to get through her awful attitude at the earlier chapters, but she eventually grows and turns this into a satisfying, yet ironic story.
Yet another beautiful piece of writing by one of my favourite authors, Cecelia Ahern. If you're a loyal fan of her works as I am, 'The Book of Tomorrow' will serve as another opportunity for a suspension of reality. The magic of the novel lies in "a diary that writes itself" about events which will take place a day ahead of reality - a diary of tomorrow. Isn't the concept just brilliant?!
Think about it: If you know what is happening tomorrow - every single event that will take place in your tomorrow - will you change it all? Will you rewrite your own future and change your destiny? I'd tell you that even after reading the story, I cannot give a definite answer. Perhaps the future should never be placed in our hands, literally, at all. I don't know... I really don't.
That's the beauty of the plot, in my opinion. Cecelia has carved a believable main character, Tamara Goodwin, spinning us into her web of reality completely. It forces readers to enter Tamara's world, fully immersed to discover who Tamara truly is. Through stages of grieving over the loss of her father, her family and her identity, Tamara experiences a magnificent rebirth. Once again, another work by Cecelia Ahern that reminds me of the invincible human spirit. It's incredible really, how our minds shape the way we cope with the harshest truths of reality.
*thumbs up*
Think about it: If you know what is happening tomorrow - every single event that will take place in your tomorrow - will you change it all? Will you rewrite your own future and change your destiny? I'd tell you that even after reading the story, I cannot give a definite answer. Perhaps the future should never be placed in our hands, literally, at all. I don't know... I really don't.
That's the beauty of the plot, in my opinion. Cecelia has carved a believable main character, Tamara Goodwin, spinning us into her web of reality completely. It forces readers to enter Tamara's world, fully immersed to discover who Tamara truly is. Through stages of grieving over the loss of her father, her family and her identity, Tamara experiences a magnificent rebirth. Once again, another work by Cecelia Ahern that reminds me of the invincible human spirit. It's incredible really, how our minds shape the way we cope with the harshest truths of reality.
*thumbs up*