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angelacher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
lavendermarch's review against another edition
5.0
Very good. 5 stars. I liked Delilah and Oliver's relationship, although they did seem to fall in love very fast. Not quite insta-love, but still. I think that in the next book, which I just started reading, Edgar will have to come back to the real world. I also think that Oliver will go back, and Delilah will fall in love with Edgar. Just my speculations, though.
pepe_pepe's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
Between the Lines is a really unique story. It's about Delilah finding out that she can interact with a character from a fairy tale, which is called Between the Lines itself, and that the person in question wants to get out.
This book had dual POVs, which was really effective. Sometimes, I am hesitant in reading more than one POV, but in this case it couldn't have worked out better. It also alternated with the story in the book, the fairy tale which the character is from, which was a really good switch-up. This book made me think a lot, trying to twist my mind around how it all worked out.
The book also had illustrations and silhouette drawings, which made it more interesting. Also, with each POV, there was different coloured text, which could have been distracting but instead was refreshing to see from all the black text of other books.
Overall, a very enjoyable and unique read, with likeable characters and relatable situations. Excited to know there is a second book, which will hopefully be as good as this one.
Between the Lines is a really unique story. It's about Delilah finding out that she can interact with a character from a fairy tale, which is called Between the Lines itself, and that the person in question wants to get out.
This book had dual POVs, which was really effective. Sometimes, I am hesitant in reading more than one POV, but in this case it couldn't have worked out better. It also alternated with the story in the book, the fairy tale which the character is from, which was a really good switch-up. This book made me think a lot, trying to twist my mind around how it all worked out.
The book also had illustrations and silhouette drawings, which made it more interesting. Also, with each POV, there was different coloured text, which could have been distracting but instead was refreshing to see from all the black text of other books.
Overall, a very enjoyable and unique read, with likeable characters and relatable situations. Excited to know there is a second book, which will hopefully be as good as this one.
kosmond's review against another edition
2.0
I was so looking forward to reading this book, and had high expectations. Maybe that's what I did wrong. Never expect the unexpected. Mrs Picoult is known for her stories and her ability to tell a story. She is my favourite author, with her talent for writing and creating an unforgettable story. Unfortunately, this didn't happen here. I'm not quite sure what role she had in writing this book, but it didn't seem like she had any. There was nothing in Between The Lines that was screaming Jodi Picoult.
I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either. Delilah, the main character was a young girl that I could relate with on some levels. She loves books, and live books. She brings characters to life (literally, in this book!), she lives the stories. Other than those points, I had a hard time with the characters. There wasn't much development with any of them, or between any of them before they fell madly in love and that was unfortunate. I just didn't get it. What I did get, and enjoyed were the different point of views, and the illustrations throughout the story. Both these aspects added a little something to the book.
There was a quote in Between The Lines, "An author makes a house, the reader makes it a home" (quoted from ARC, do not quote me on this) that I loved! It is so true and it really hit home for me. I've said things like that before, that the author is the one to tell the story and it is up to us, as readers to make it more. So to see that this quote was in this book, it was awesome.
In the end, Between The Lines was missing a lot for me. The story just didn't come alive for me, the characters didn't so anything for me. And the writing wasn't what I expected. I was really looking forward to reading this highly anticipated YA novel written by Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha Van Leer, but it fell flat for me.
I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either. Delilah, the main character was a young girl that I could relate with on some levels. She loves books, and live books. She brings characters to life (literally, in this book!), she lives the stories. Other than those points, I had a hard time with the characters. There wasn't much development with any of them, or between any of them before they fell madly in love and that was unfortunate. I just didn't get it. What I did get, and enjoyed were the different point of views, and the illustrations throughout the story. Both these aspects added a little something to the book.
There was a quote in Between The Lines, "An author makes a house, the reader makes it a home" (quoted from ARC, do not quote me on this) that I loved! It is so true and it really hit home for me. I've said things like that before, that the author is the one to tell the story and it is up to us, as readers to make it more. So to see that this quote was in this book, it was awesome.
In the end, Between The Lines was missing a lot for me. The story just didn't come alive for me, the characters didn't so anything for me. And the writing wasn't what I expected. I was really looking forward to reading this highly anticipated YA novel written by Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha Van Leer, but it fell flat for me.
aejohnson85's review against another edition
4.0
I was excited to receive this Advance Reader Copy through Goodreads First Reads! Between the Lines is Jodi Picoult's first YA book, co-written with her daughter.
I was drawn to the book as I am a huge fan of fairy tales and the idea of characters coming to life was intriguing. The story is told through three point of views - Delilah (in the real world), Oliver (the fairy tale prince trapped in the story) and the fairy tale itself (aptly named Between the Lines).
Delilah is a fifteen year old outcast who would rather read than do anything else. She finds herself drawn to a fairy tale and the main character, Prince Oliver, who had also lost his father at a young age.
Prince Oliver is trapped within the pages of the fairy tale, forced to replay the story over and over again each time the book is opened. He wishes to find a way out of the story and into the "real world." What I found most interesting was the idea of the characters living on the pages even when the book is closed - however, the characters are not exactly the same as they are when playing their parts in the fairy tale - Oliver is NOT in love with Seraphima, the mermaids are not boy crazy, etc. This reminded me a bit of Toy Story - the idea that they have a life of their own when we're not looking.
Eventually Delilah notices something has changed within the illustrations of the book and is able to converse with Oliver. What follows is their attempt to get Oliver to the real world so that they can have their happily ever after.
This book is very sweet and also quite humorous at times, especially with the fairy tale characters (loved Frump and Socks!). I thought it was cute that Picoult played a bit with the readers as well, with Oliver suggesting that Delilah was naive to think that characters stop existing just because she closes the book. He questions how does she know that she's not part of a book and that someone could be reading her story - a cute little joke between Picoult and the reader.
Between the Lines was a thoroughly enjoyable read. My ARC copy had gorgeous black and white sketches of scenes from the fairy tale and I am quite eager to see what the final illustrations will look like! If you're looking for a good YA read with a relatable main character, make sure to check out Between the Lines.
I was drawn to the book as I am a huge fan of fairy tales and the idea of characters coming to life was intriguing. The story is told through three point of views - Delilah (in the real world), Oliver (the fairy tale prince trapped in the story) and the fairy tale itself (aptly named Between the Lines).
Delilah is a fifteen year old outcast who would rather read than do anything else. She finds herself drawn to a fairy tale and the main character, Prince Oliver, who had also lost his father at a young age.
Prince Oliver is trapped within the pages of the fairy tale, forced to replay the story over and over again each time the book is opened. He wishes to find a way out of the story and into the "real world." What I found most interesting was the idea of the characters living on the pages even when the book is closed - however, the characters are not exactly the same as they are when playing their parts in the fairy tale - Oliver is NOT in love with Seraphima, the mermaids are not boy crazy, etc. This reminded me a bit of Toy Story - the idea that they have a life of their own when we're not looking.
Eventually Delilah notices something has changed within the illustrations of the book and is able to converse with Oliver. What follows is their attempt to get Oliver to the real world so that they can have their happily ever after.
This book is very sweet and also quite humorous at times, especially with the fairy tale characters (loved Frump and Socks!). I thought it was cute that Picoult played a bit with the readers as well, with Oliver suggesting that Delilah was naive to think that characters stop existing just because she closes the book. He questions how does she know that she's not part of a book and that someone could be reading her story - a cute little joke between Picoult and the reader.
Between the Lines was a thoroughly enjoyable read. My ARC copy had gorgeous black and white sketches of scenes from the fairy tale and I am quite eager to see what the final illustrations will look like! If you're looking for a good YA read with a relatable main character, make sure to check out Between the Lines.
dariadanley's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.5
Oh my gosh that was one of the cutest things I've ever read!
I read "Off the Page" back in 2015ish. I didn't know it was a sequel at the time. I never had the inclination to read the first book until recently, and I was glad I did.
The story, although telling a fairytale, has a very fairytale feel to it. Delilah is the ideal early 2010s main character. She doesn't fit in, she doesn't like dresses, and she's a loner. Pieces of her still ring true for every teenage girl, regardless of the time they grew up. She's relatable to her core.
Oliver is as good as fiction, no wonder she fell for him.
This book had an innocent overtone that was very appropriate, but not too much to be juvenile. Anyone could enjoy this work, regardless of age.
As a typical teenage experience, the parent is vilified even if they're doing their best. While the archetype is old by now, I understand it since every teenager feels as though their parent is against them.
This book invoked all the beautiful fuzzy feelings that come with cute and cheesy stories. I loved it from start to finish.
I read "Off the Page" back in 2015ish. I didn't know it was a sequel at the time. I never had the inclination to read the first book until recently, and I was glad I did.
The story, although telling a fairytale, has a very fairytale feel to it. Delilah is the ideal early 2010s main character. She doesn't fit in, she doesn't like dresses, and she's a loner. Pieces of her still ring true for every teenage girl, regardless of the time they grew up. She's relatable to her core.
Oliver is as good as fiction, no wonder she fell for him.
This book had an innocent overtone that was very appropriate, but not too much to be juvenile. Anyone could enjoy this work, regardless of age.
As a typical teenage experience, the parent is vilified even if they're doing their best. While the archetype is old by now, I understand it since every teenager feels as though their parent is against them.
This book invoked all the beautiful fuzzy feelings that come with cute and cheesy stories. I loved it from start to finish.
lizann82's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jesspeachee's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit, I kinda skimmed over the fairy tale chapters a bit. I couldn't help it, after the first two they were so dull and boring and i just wanted to get to the interactions between Oliver and Delilah. Kinda feel bad for the irl clone, sure it was his idea but I think he got the short end of the stick. I mean doing the same thing over and over again. I hope for his sake not too many people open the book after that.
lelemontgomery's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it so much, I read this book once a year because its so good. Highly recommend it!!
[2023]
Once again totally loved it and had to read it again this year because I love this fairy tale so much. Definitely would read it again or listen to the audiobook instead because this has potential
[2023]
Once again totally loved it and had to read it again this year because I love this fairy tale so much. Definitely would read it again or listen to the audiobook instead because this has potential
quenchgum's review against another edition
2.0
After anxiously awaiting this year's new Picoult book, I was pretty bummed to see that it was a YA novel, filled with pictures and a fairy-tale plot, and half-written by somebody that didn't write as gloriously as my favorite author of all time, ever.
AND YET.
It wasn't all that bad. It was pretty damn good, actually, for what it aimed to be. It's a story for teenagers--falling in love for the first time, coming to accept and love yourself despite your flaws. With that said, nothing of significant importance was imparted to me upon my quick read of this at Barnes and Noble today (a comfy seat in the cafe, a large Hot Chocolate and I wiped this bad boy out). It didn't pack anywhere near the amount of punch that Jodi's best novels sometimes do, but it was sweet. I laughed out loud a few times--to the disapproval of my Cafe neighbors--and read my sister full paragraphs that I thought were cute. But that's about the extent of it.
AND YET.
It wasn't all that bad. It was pretty damn good, actually, for what it aimed to be. It's a story for teenagers--falling in love for the first time, coming to accept and love yourself despite your flaws. With that said, nothing of significant importance was imparted to me upon my quick read of this at Barnes and Noble today (a comfy seat in the cafe, a large Hot Chocolate and I wiped this bad boy out). It didn't pack anywhere near the amount of punch that Jodi's best novels sometimes do, but it was sweet. I laughed out loud a few times--to the disapproval of my Cafe neighbors--and read my sister full paragraphs that I thought were cute. But that's about the extent of it.