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beaktastic's review against another edition
3.0
'Among Others' is the story of a teenage girl from Wales called Morwenna Phelps, or Mori for short. Mori is no ordinary teenager, she and her twin sister Mor are able to see fairies and use magic, like their mother. Except their mother is evil and the twins decide they must stop her at all costs. In their attempt to stop her however, Mor was killed and Mori is left with a crippling injury in her leg that forces her to use a cane. Mori flees Wales to find her father who left when she was a baby, and 'Among Others' tells Moris tale after this, as she's sent to boarding school and attempts to deal with the magic, but also to come to terms with Mor's death.
'Among Others' is an interesting book. It's told from Mori's perspective through diary entries, and I think style really works to tell Mori's story as months pass in the novel and both her daily activities and her thoughts are recorded.
For the most part the book is your average, teenage boarding school story, detailing life at Arlinghurst (the school) and when Mori comes home for the holidays and such, as well as the usual teen dramas that come with it (eg. boys). But woven throughout is magic, and Mori spends a great deal of time wondering about magic and it's effects. Walton uses a different kind of magic system in this book which is really intriguing, whereby there's no magic spells or incantations, and things don't just magically happen, but rather events conspire to make things happen. For example, she might use magic to make a bus come around the corner when she wants it to, but events along the way will make the bus come at that time, if you get what I mean. It's more coincidental magic really. I couldn't decide however if the magic and the fairies that Mori spends so much time talking about would end up being real or not, and if I wanted them to be real or not.
Mori herself is an interesting character, but I just couldn't really get behind her or like her too much. On the one hand she is incredibly independant and strong-willed, and I love her story. But on the other hand, she just seemed really childish to me a lot of the time, but other times would suddenly grow up and be a teenage girl before reverting to her more child-like persona. I mean, she spends a lot of time thinking fairies and the way writes and the things that happen to her made me think of her as being no older than like 12. But then later on she reminds the reader that she's 15 and I just don't quite remember being like that at 15. And there are moments when she is shown to definately be this grown up 15 year old, doing things with boys (or at least thinking about it). Sometimes it was really disconcerting, for example at one point like halfway through the book she was thinking her usual thoughts about magic and stuff, then all of a sudden just off-handedly mentions that she then masturbated while thinking about a boy, and I just read it and was like, "wtf?!". It was just jarring.
But on the other hand, over the course of the book, Mori does grow up. This book is another one of those books which is essentially a 'coming of age' tale. And I feel that the more adult Mori seems to be more present in the latter half of the book, which I suppose reflects her personal journey which sees her growing up and accepting Mor's death.
I found it quite hard to get really into the book however, or feel gripped to know what was going to happen next, and I do think that some threads were kinda left abandoned at the end (although some were really quite unimportant overall), and that the ending part was really rushed. I mean, I can see how we're supposed to think that Mori just carried on living and that some stuff would carry on after the books ended, but it all just seemed a bit rushed and over quickly and in a bit of a cliched manner.
Mori also spends a lot of time reading science fiction books and talking about them, and while that was nice and interesting, I felt Walton made a lot of references to science fiction texts and stuff, and it sometimes felt that the reader might be missing out on something if they hadn't read all or most of the hundreds of books mentioned, although it would make a good list of books for anyone wanting to read more science fiction/fantasy! I did like the irony that Mori hates fantasy books, and yet that's what her story is basically.
Okay, I seem to have rambled a lot!
Overall, I thought the book was interesting, and got more interesting as it went along, but I felt that there was just something missing from it and Mori could be quite jarring personality wise at times. I felt that the main plotline got quite buried, and it was only at the end really that I was able to go "Oh, it was about her growing up and dealing with Mor's death" which I feel should maybe have been more obvious earlier on, but looking back I can see hints of it earlier on. Overall, a good book, but not great.
'Among Others' is an interesting book. It's told from Mori's perspective through diary entries, and I think style really works to tell Mori's story as months pass in the novel and both her daily activities and her thoughts are recorded.
For the most part the book is your average, teenage boarding school story, detailing life at Arlinghurst (the school) and when Mori comes home for the holidays and such, as well as the usual teen dramas that come with it (eg. boys). But woven throughout is magic, and Mori spends a great deal of time wondering about magic and it's effects. Walton uses a different kind of magic system in this book which is really intriguing, whereby there's no magic spells or incantations, and things don't just magically happen, but rather events conspire to make things happen. For example, she might use magic to make a bus come around the corner when she wants it to, but events along the way will make the bus come at that time, if you get what I mean. It's more coincidental magic really. I couldn't decide however if the magic and the fairies that Mori spends so much time talking about would end up being real or not, and if I wanted them to be real or not.
Mori herself is an interesting character, but I just couldn't really get behind her or like her too much. On the one hand she is incredibly independant and strong-willed, and I love her story. But on the other hand, she just seemed really childish to me a lot of the time, but other times would suddenly grow up and be a teenage girl before reverting to her more child-like persona. I mean, she spends a lot of time thinking fairies and the way writes and the things that happen to her made me think of her as being no older than like 12. But then later on she reminds the reader that she's 15 and I just don't quite remember being like that at 15. And there are moments when she is shown to definately be this grown up 15 year old, doing things with boys (or at least thinking about it). Sometimes it was really disconcerting, for example at one point like halfway through the book she was thinking her usual thoughts about magic and stuff, then all of a sudden just off-handedly mentions that she then masturbated while thinking about a boy, and I just read it and was like, "wtf?!". It was just jarring.
But on the other hand, over the course of the book, Mori does grow up. This book is another one of those books which is essentially a 'coming of age' tale. And I feel that the more adult Mori seems to be more present in the latter half of the book, which I suppose reflects her personal journey which sees her growing up and accepting Mor's death.
I found it quite hard to get really into the book however, or feel gripped to know what was going to happen next, and I do think that some threads were kinda left abandoned at the end (although some were really quite unimportant overall), and that the ending part was really rushed. I mean, I can see how we're supposed to think that Mori just carried on living and that some stuff would carry on after the books ended, but it all just seemed a bit rushed and over quickly and in a bit of a cliched manner.
Mori also spends a lot of time reading science fiction books and talking about them, and while that was nice and interesting, I felt Walton made a lot of references to science fiction texts and stuff, and it sometimes felt that the reader might be missing out on something if they hadn't read all or most of the hundreds of books mentioned, although it would make a good list of books for anyone wanting to read more science fiction/fantasy! I did like the irony that Mori hates fantasy books, and yet that's what her story is basically.
Okay, I seem to have rambled a lot!
Overall, I thought the book was interesting, and got more interesting as it went along, but I felt that there was just something missing from it and Mori could be quite jarring personality wise at times. I felt that the main plotline got quite buried, and it was only at the end really that I was able to go "Oh, it was about her growing up and dealing with Mor's death" which I feel should maybe have been more obvious earlier on, but looking back I can see hints of it earlier on. Overall, a good book, but not great.
maddoxx's review against another edition
5.0
I swear, this book changed my life. It was such an extraordinary, eye-opening thing to read and I can't even explan why. This book is an experience that maybe not all will understand, that some might be weirded out by... but if it falls into the right hands it can change a person.
kbhenrickson's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was a love letter to science fiction and fantasy, libraries, and interlibrary loan, and, as a librarian who loves science fiction and fantasy, I was totally on board with that. I often found myself relating to the main character, especially how important books are to her and some of the ways that she thinks about her life. Even though there was not a lot of action, I did not find the story boring at all and was sad to see it end. The narrator of the audiobook definitely made the story even better, in my opinion, so I would recommend this for listening - though I did wish I also had a paper copy so I could keep track of all of the book recommendations!
hummelhimmel's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
s_h_a_r_i's review against another edition
4.0
I kept hoping that this book would turn out to be more sophisticated than it was - what if she's an just imaginative maladjusted teen, and the fairies are all in her head? Maybe her mother isn't a witch, just a bad mother? Was it possible that she's just so eaten up by guilt for the accident that claimed her sister's life that she imagines seeing her with the fairies and attempts suicide?
But no. Apparently the fairies are real, mother is a crazed witch, and the guilt, while real, is converted into healing and personal growth.
This book was more enjoyable as an introspective piece, thoughts on the things that we possess and possess us. And of course - on books and reading, which was fun, as a former teenaged bookworm.
But plotwise, I felt the book was too slow - not enough happened other than us reading about Morwenna's many visits to bookstores, libraries, and book clubs, and the "big showdown" with the crazed witch mother was rather disappointing, felt tacked on, and was too short to make me care about any personal triumph it represented.
But no. Apparently the fairies are real, mother is a crazed witch, and the guilt, while real, is converted into healing and personal growth.
This book was more enjoyable as an introspective piece, thoughts on the things that we possess and possess us. And of course - on books and reading, which was fun, as a former teenaged bookworm.
But plotwise, I felt the book was too slow - not enough happened other than us reading about Morwenna's many visits to bookstores, libraries, and book clubs, and the "big showdown" with the crazed witch mother was rather disappointing, felt tacked on, and was too short to make me care about any personal triumph it represented.
luyc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Even though the plot felt like an afterthought, this book was delightful and enjoyable. It does an amazing job as a slice of life, conjuring up a time and place that feels deeply real, and it really does evoke feelings of magic. I kept thinking something more was going to happen, but honestly I would have happily read years of Mori's diary entries.
moietmoi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
calfon's review against another edition
5.0
Glorious coming of age story with a teenage protagonist who can see fairies and has magical abilities. It is also a tribute to books (especially science fiction/fantasy) and libraries. Weird and wonderful. I loved it and it made me nostalgic for my teenage self.
thetofuterror's review against another edition
I read the first half of this book, and I can't take any more. I want to love a book that talks so much about loving books, but it's so boring. Nothing actually happens. A teenage girl goes to a boarding school, spends a lot of time at the library and the bookstore, and drops a few hints about something interesting that happened to her once. Why couldn't the book be about the interesting events?
Since the author constantly references Tolkien, the following is a sample of "The Lord of the Rings" if it were written in the style of "Among Others."
Day One:
My name is Frodo. I'm going to spend the next ten pages telling you all about my distant relatives.
Blah blah blah...
Ten pages later: Don't worry, you don't need to remember any of those people, because they're not relevant to this story. But these pages aren't going to fill themselves! Incidentally, I love run-on sentences, and I hate periods, so get ready for a lot of commas.
Day two:
One time, I met a wizard. He was brill. That reminds me, I went to the library today. Believe it or not, the librarian likes books and encourages kids to read. Here is a list of all of the books I found, and several of the books I've read lately.
Ten pages later: I think that's all of the books I've read lately. Have I mentioned Ursula le Guin and Tolkien yet? I definitely like them. They're brill.
Day three:
One time, I threw a ring into a volcano. It's a pretty interesting story. Speaking of stories, I really like Tolkien and Ursula le Guin. Here's another list of all of the books I read today, as well as a vast sampling of books I've read in the past. I can't figure out why I don't have any friends when all I do is read books and write endless journals. Magic is pretty neat, or totally evil. OMG, I totally can't decide. Brill. Tolkien. Le Guin.
OK, I'm done. Hopefully this sample has spared you from spending any time reading this book.
Since the author constantly references Tolkien, the following is a sample of "The Lord of the Rings" if it were written in the style of "Among Others."
Day One:
My name is Frodo. I'm going to spend the next ten pages telling you all about my distant relatives.
Blah blah blah...
Ten pages later: Don't worry, you don't need to remember any of those people, because they're not relevant to this story. But these pages aren't going to fill themselves! Incidentally, I love run-on sentences, and I hate periods, so get ready for a lot of commas.
Day two:
One time, I met a wizard. He was brill. That reminds me, I went to the library today. Believe it or not, the librarian likes books and encourages kids to read. Here is a list of all of the books I found, and several of the books I've read lately.
Ten pages later: I think that's all of the books I've read lately. Have I mentioned Ursula le Guin and Tolkien yet? I definitely like them. They're brill.
Day three:
One time, I threw a ring into a volcano. It's a pretty interesting story. Speaking of stories, I really like Tolkien and Ursula le Guin. Here's another list of all of the books I read today, as well as a vast sampling of books I've read in the past. I can't figure out why I don't have any friends when all I do is read books and write endless journals. Magic is pretty neat, or totally evil. OMG, I totally can't decide. Brill. Tolkien. Le Guin.
OK, I'm done. Hopefully this sample has spared you from spending any time reading this book.
sarahrheawerner's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Just wow. Reading this book felt like coming home to myself -- there's no other way of putting it. I've never identified with a character (the protagonist, Mori) so much.
The main character's twin sister has passed away in the climax of a battle between good and evil... and we come in as readers to witness the aftermath.
This book is like nothing I've read before. It's a gently told tale that takes place just as the dust begins to settle, just as Mori's life begins to morph and change with the absence of her sister.
It's also a beautiful homage to the love of books and reading. Throughout this novel (narrated diary-style), we get unique insights into not only Mori's thoughts and actions but what she's reading as well. Mori loves sci-fi, and I love the way Ms. Walton has woven books (and the reading, processing of, and discussing them) into the story.
It's unique and very much unlike any other fantasy you've read. I urge you to give it a try. I for one can't wait to read it again.
This review originally appeared in episode 034 of the Write Now podcast on sarahwerner.com.
The main character's twin sister has passed away in the climax of a battle between good and evil... and we come in as readers to witness the aftermath.
This book is like nothing I've read before. It's a gently told tale that takes place just as the dust begins to settle, just as Mori's life begins to morph and change with the absence of her sister.
It's also a beautiful homage to the love of books and reading. Throughout this novel (narrated diary-style), we get unique insights into not only Mori's thoughts and actions but what she's reading as well. Mori loves sci-fi, and I love the way Ms. Walton has woven books (and the reading, processing of, and discussing them) into the story.
It's unique and very much unlike any other fantasy you've read. I urge you to give it a try. I for one can't wait to read it again.
This review originally appeared in episode 034 of the Write Now podcast on sarahwerner.com.