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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
So here we are children, this is the book that started my love for Marchetta. It started out a bit slow for my interest but by the end of it I was rooting for all the characters to get their happy ending. There was a bit of a grungy appeal to the main character and her friends, but my heart was won over in the perfect synchronization of flashbacks and current events.
I've seen that several people would agree with me about the first 100-ish pages being hard to understand or get through...but read closely when i say that it is COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY WORTH IT! This book is so hard to put into words that would do it justice without spoilers. I cried more than I expected to and I cursed myself for falling in love with Jonah Griggs.
Definitely pick this book up and embrace the world Marchetta so easily creates. Just be sure you have tissues nearby and give yourself some time to mull over the layers of the novel.
I've seen that several people would agree with me about the first 100-ish pages being hard to understand or get through...but read closely when i say that it is COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY WORTH IT! This book is so hard to put into words that would do it justice without spoilers. I cried more than I expected to and I cursed myself for falling in love with Jonah Griggs.
Definitely pick this book up and embrace the world Marchetta so easily creates. Just be sure you have tissues nearby and give yourself some time to mull over the layers of the novel.
Title: On the Jellicoe Road
Author: Melina Marchetta
Main character: 4/5
Taylor was a dynamic and rich character. Although she and I are very different, I was able to connect with her because the basic needs and human desires were the same, as well as how she reacted to many of them. Initially I wasn't sure if I would like Taylor as a character, but she grew on me throughout the book. Marchetta's writing shone brilliantly in her ability to create a flawed and struggling character without turning off the reader or making them bored/annoyed.
Secondary characters: 5/5
Wow, I absolutely loved the secondary cast of characters. Each of them were richly detailed and beautifully rounded; everyone from the original Five to Jonah Griggs, Santangelo, Raffy and Ben. The problem is that because the novel is written in first-person, several characters who seem interesting are left slightly one-sided until the very end, when Taylor finally sees them for what they actually are and then finally, so can the reader.
Writing style: 4/5
I'm so glad that I pushed on with this story. The opening seemed like it wasn't going to be my type of plot or writing style, but it continued to improve throughout the story. Another problem with the beginning was that we were thrown right into the action and I was completely confused, but it cleared up as we learned more and more. Marchetta's writing style is descriptive and gorgeous without being over the top, and while most of the time I prefer action oriented writing, I found that Marchetta's style didn't put me off and in fact I enjoyed the beautiful details. Another fun part was the fact that I was laughing in the middle just because of the random quirks of the characters or just so caught up in what was happening.
Plot: 5/5
Wow, I think the plot was one of the showstoppers. I guess this ties together with writing style though because you need an incredibly skilled writer to pull off this kind of interwoven plot with so many small and intricate details that all work together. The territory war was the first thing that drew me in and from there I was caught up in the emotional and strategic warfare between these kids and what it meant to them. From there, Marchetta continued to make the plot more complex and broad, weaving in little details throughout the whole story to make it deep and meaningful.
Ending: 4.5/5
Gorgeous. My only knock was that it was a little drawn out, but it really explored what had happened and what it meant in the fullest detail. All the loose ends were tied up without it having to state facts (subtlety is another bonus point on Marchetta's writing style), and I'll admit I was sobbing at the end.
Cover: Probably one of my only knocks on the book, I wasn't a huge fan of the cover. Looking back, it makes sense but it didn't immediately draw me into the book.
Rating: 9/10
Author: Melina Marchetta
Main character: 4/5
Taylor was a dynamic and rich character. Although she and I are very different, I was able to connect with her because the basic needs and human desires were the same, as well as how she reacted to many of them. Initially I wasn't sure if I would like Taylor as a character, but she grew on me throughout the book. Marchetta's writing shone brilliantly in her ability to create a flawed and struggling character without turning off the reader or making them bored/annoyed.
Secondary characters: 5/5
Wow, I absolutely loved the secondary cast of characters. Each of them were richly detailed and beautifully rounded; everyone from the original Five to Jonah Griggs, Santangelo, Raffy and Ben. The problem is that because the novel is written in first-person, several characters who seem interesting are left slightly one-sided until the very end, when Taylor finally sees them for what they actually are and then finally, so can the reader.
Writing style: 4/5
I'm so glad that I pushed on with this story. The opening seemed like it wasn't going to be my type of plot or writing style, but it continued to improve throughout the story. Another problem with the beginning was that we were thrown right into the action and I was completely confused, but it cleared up as we learned more and more. Marchetta's writing style is descriptive and gorgeous without being over the top, and while most of the time I prefer action oriented writing, I found that Marchetta's style didn't put me off and in fact I enjoyed the beautiful details. Another fun part was the fact that I was laughing in the middle just because of the random quirks of the characters or just so caught up in what was happening.
Plot: 5/5
Wow, I think the plot was one of the showstoppers. I guess this ties together with writing style though because you need an incredibly skilled writer to pull off this kind of interwoven plot with so many small and intricate details that all work together. The territory war was the first thing that drew me in and from there I was caught up in the emotional and strategic warfare between these kids and what it meant to them. From there, Marchetta continued to make the plot more complex and broad, weaving in little details throughout the whole story to make it deep and meaningful.
Ending: 4.5/5
Gorgeous. My only knock was that it was a little drawn out, but it really explored what had happened and what it meant in the fullest detail. All the loose ends were tied up without it having to state facts (subtlety is another bonus point on Marchetta's writing style), and I'll admit I was sobbing at the end.
Cover: Probably one of my only knocks on the book, I wasn't a huge fan of the cover. Looking back, it makes sense but it didn't immediately draw me into the book.
Rating: 9/10
I feel like I should have liked this a lot more than I did. Part of the problem is I took way too long to read it, and I feel like I would have given it 4 stars if my own pacing was on point. Melina Marchetta is definitely an excellent writer and this has a dreamy quality I really liked, and some themes I can definitely appreciate. But whyyyyy so much information about the territory wars? It just seemed kind of pointless and it took WAY too long for the plot lines to intersect. And why was there a random FIRE at the end? I also didn't find Taylor all that likeable and it was hard to understand the motivation behind her actions. I do really appreciate the dreamy nostalgia in regards to Narnie and her group of friends, and there are some great things here, but the pacing didn't really work for me. I definitely think if one doesn't emotionally connect with something in a story it's not going to have the intended effect. I'm sure if I were to read this at another time I would appreciate it more but that's probably not going to happen. It was just OK for me you guys, though I'd still recommend it to the right reader.
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
I used to love this book when I was teenager and it would be my go to YA book to recommend to everyone; however, as years went on, I could no longer recall the story. So I decided to re-read my old favorite, as an adult, to see if it was just as good as I remembered. And minus a couple minor elements of the story seeming a bit more iffy to me now that i’m older, the magic of the book remains.
I remember my favorite thing about the books were and still are the beautiful friendships. One of my favorite lines I used to love the most was: "These people have history and I crave history. I crave someone knowing me so well that they can tell what im thinking." Coming from a family without traditions or close bonds, I deeply resonated with that longing. It’s something I craved as well, and it made the story all the more impactful.
Now, almost 15 years later, I moved across the country to live where i’ve always wanted and creating my own history with the friends i’ve made here. I have people who know me well enough that they can tell what i’m thinking. And it’s beautiful.
Ok, enough sappiness….all in all this book is an easy read that tells the story of two generations/ two groups of friends that come together in an overlapping history of family, love, sacrifice, loss, friendship, and acceptance. Would highly recommend as a teenager and would still highly recommend now
I remember my favorite thing about the books were and still are the beautiful friendships. One of my favorite lines I used to love the most was: "These people have history and I crave history. I crave someone knowing me so well that they can tell what im thinking." Coming from a family without traditions or close bonds, I deeply resonated with that longing. It’s something I craved as well, and it made the story all the more impactful.
Now, almost 15 years later, I moved across the country to live where i’ve always wanted and creating my own history with the friends i’ve made here. I have people who know me well enough that they can tell what i’m thinking. And it’s beautiful.
Ok, enough sappiness….all in all this book is an easy read that tells the story of two generations/ two groups of friends that come together in an overlapping history of family, love, sacrifice, loss, friendship, and acceptance. Would highly recommend as a teenager and would still highly recommend now
I started reading Jellicoe Road about two weeks ago. I got through the first 122 pages. I was drawn in, I was curious and plotting out the characters. I was caught a little off guard at first in the two stories being told. So when I put the book down I kept thinking about it. I wasn't able to pick it up again until last night. I read from about 2:00 am until 5:30 am. I couldn't stop. I complete understand why it won the Printz this year. I loved this book. Sometimes after reading an especially moving and amazing book, I will hold it for a few minutes after I finish. It is my way of thanking it. I don't do this with many books, maybe a few dozen or less in all of my years reading. I thanked this book last night.
Jellicoe Road is such a beautiful and haunting story. It is so full of tragedy and loss and hope and love. I felt the characters heartbreak, their sadness, I also felt there joy. When Taylor describes the joy she sees on Webb's face I smiled with him. I hope anyone who was on the fence about reading it, gives it a try, I don't think you will regret it.
Jellicoe Road is such a beautiful and haunting story. It is so full of tragedy and loss and hope and love. I felt the characters heartbreak, their sadness, I also felt there joy. When Taylor describes the joy she sees on Webb's face I smiled with him. I hope anyone who was on the fence about reading it, gives it a try, I don't think you will regret it.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars. This is a really good story. The first 100-150 pages is a bit confusing, but as the story continues, you get bits and pieces of more and more info where it all starts to come together. Had I not read all the reviews of how fantastic the story is, I would have maybe given up after 100 pages. I'm glad I kept reading. I can't really explain what the story is about because I don't want to give anything away. All I can say is that if you choose to read this book, know that it all comes together, and it truly is a great story.
Boricuan Bookworms- Book Reviews
If there's a book in this world that I would have regretted putting down before finishing, it would be this one. On The Jellicoe Road and I started off pretty badly. I had borrowed this book from the library 2 months before and never got motivated to finish it. When I realised my due date was coming up, I decided to pick this up. It was terribly confusing at first, and I honestly could not be any more bored by the story.
I didn't understand the correlation between the two stories that were being told at the same time. I couldn't separate what was real and what was fake. (Helpful hint: Some parts of the story are Hannah's manuscript. If you're reading the ebook then it means that the parts completely italicized are the manuscript. The rest is Taylor's story).
However, Melina Marchetta had a beautiful and surreal way of writing. You couldn't help but feel as if you were in Jellicoe Road and walking through the forrest and climbing the trees. It makes me want to visit Australia even more than I already do.
Also, no matter how confusing the alternating chapters are, in the end the author brings them together and honestly breaks my heart in the process.
I will not lie to you and tell you that it was easy reading this book. Taylor was annoying and selfish at times. She was standoffish most of the time and her "devil may care" attitude will get on your nerves once you start warming up to the side characters. You may think the story is slow, and yes, I won't lie. It is a pretty slow story. However once the manuscript and Taylor's life intersect, that's when I was passing the pages as fast as I could.
I formed an emotional attachment to everyone in this book (yes, even Taylor once I got to know her). I sighed and swooned over Jonah Griggs and the Brigadier. I cried my eyes out while following Taylor on this journey.
I think that this is one of those books that it is perfectly acceptable to re-read if you had a bad relationship with it at first. You’ll be sure to fall in love with it.
Overall, while it had a shaky start and a questionable main character, this book presents two stories and brings them together in a very poetic and feel-inducing way. It’s a book I’d re-read any day.
If there's a book in this world that I would have regretted putting down before finishing, it would be this one. On The Jellicoe Road and I started off pretty badly. I had borrowed this book from the library 2 months before and never got motivated to finish it. When I realised my due date was coming up, I decided to pick this up. It was terribly confusing at first, and I honestly could not be any more bored by the story.
I didn't understand the correlation between the two stories that were being told at the same time. I couldn't separate what was real and what was fake. (Helpful hint: Some parts of the story are Hannah's manuscript. If you're reading the ebook then it means that the parts completely italicized are the manuscript. The rest is Taylor's story).
However, Melina Marchetta had a beautiful and surreal way of writing. You couldn't help but feel as if you were in Jellicoe Road and walking through the forrest and climbing the trees. It makes me want to visit Australia even more than I already do.
“I live on the Jellicoe Road. Where trees make canopies over-head and where you can sit at the top of them and see forever.”
Also, no matter how confusing the alternating chapters are, in the end the author brings them together and honestly breaks my heart in the process.
I will not lie to you and tell you that it was easy reading this book. Taylor was annoying and selfish at times. She was standoffish most of the time and her "devil may care" attitude will get on your nerves once you start warming up to the side characters. You may think the story is slow, and yes, I won't lie. It is a pretty slow story. However once the manuscript and Taylor's life intersect, that's when I was passing the pages as fast as I could.
I formed an emotional attachment to everyone in this book (yes, even Taylor once I got to know her). I sighed and swooned over Jonah Griggs and the Brigadier. I cried my eyes out while following Taylor on this journey.
I think that this is one of those books that it is perfectly acceptable to re-read if you had a bad relationship with it at first. You’ll be sure to fall in love with it.
Overall, while it had a shaky start and a questionable main character, this book presents two stories and brings them together in a very poetic and feel-inducing way. It’s a book I’d re-read any day.