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ladybirdrobin's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't have high hopes before reading this novel based on the numerous poor reviews I read. But now that I have finished it, I am a bit baffled on the lack of imagination the overall readers seem to grasp.
This is not a typical Jodi Picoult novel. In fact, it is in an entirely different category. This is a YA novel--not adult fiction, and I think that many of the negative reviews come from a dissatisfaction that the novel is not a typical adult Picoult novel.
Anyone who has ever been enchanted by a fairy tale could fall in love in with this book. It has many of Picoult's descriptive writing qualities in the setting of a simple, romantic, fantasy world.
Not only is the plot unique but the chapters keep you hooked and begging for more. Unlike other reviewers, I don't believe the font deterred my interest in this novel at all. Just like the text reads, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and I'm pretty sure that a font shouldn't be a valid reason to impede on the overall meaning of the novel.
Likewise, I don't believe the authors were trying to start a political argument over "feminist mermaids". Once again, this is a YA novel! Some readers have taken the authors' words and construed them in a way that I feel is much deeper and different than their meaning was meant to be. The message a reader should understand is that mermaids are simply fine with being themselves and being independent. Anyone who reads any more into this should realize that, after all, this isn't a court scene to be analyzed like Picoult's adult novels.
I found this book to be fascinating, imaginative, and one of a kind. Anyone who has read a wide range of YA fiction should appreciate this well developed story. This story premise may be different from the regular storyline that Picoult fans may be expecting, but it's no worse (maybe even better) than her traditional novels if you open your imagination.
This is not a typical Jodi Picoult novel. In fact, it is in an entirely different category. This is a YA novel--not adult fiction, and I think that many of the negative reviews come from a dissatisfaction that the novel is not a typical adult Picoult novel.
Anyone who has ever been enchanted by a fairy tale could fall in love in with this book. It has many of Picoult's descriptive writing qualities in the setting of a simple, romantic, fantasy world.
Not only is the plot unique but the chapters keep you hooked and begging for more. Unlike other reviewers, I don't believe the font deterred my interest in this novel at all. Just like the text reads, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and I'm pretty sure that a font shouldn't be a valid reason to impede on the overall meaning of the novel.
Likewise, I don't believe the authors were trying to start a political argument over "feminist mermaids". Once again, this is a YA novel! Some readers have taken the authors' words and construed them in a way that I feel is much deeper and different than their meaning was meant to be. The message a reader should understand is that mermaids are simply fine with being themselves and being independent. Anyone who reads any more into this should realize that, after all, this isn't a court scene to be analyzed like Picoult's adult novels.
I found this book to be fascinating, imaginative, and one of a kind. Anyone who has read a wide range of YA fiction should appreciate this well developed story. This story premise may be different from the regular storyline that Picoult fans may be expecting, but it's no worse (maybe even better) than her traditional novels if you open your imagination.
jadee113's review against another edition
3.0
This book was exactly what I needed to get out of my slump. It was light, fun, and pretty predictable. I have to admit I felt a little childish reading it, but in a positive way. As charming as it was, I did want a little more depth to Oliver & Delilah's relationship, I found myself getting a little queasy over all the lovey-dovey talk. This being my first Jodi Picoult read, I do want to read more of her "grown" books. Overall a super cute read that doesn't take anytime to get through(plus the illustrations and text colors are to die for!)
joyousreads132's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know how much input Jodi had on this book, but if Samantha did majority of the writing, then I say, well done. I don't care what everyone says, Samantha's writing is still a hundred times better than some of the authors out there. The plot is ingenious, clever and highly imaginative. The mother and daughter duo truly cooked up a story that will push readers to stretch their imagination.
Have you ever wondered what the characters of the book you just read do when you finish reading? Well, nothing of course. The book has ended. It's over. FINITO. But what if that's not really the case? Have you ever wondered how tedious it is to be saying and doing the same things over and over like some Groundhog Day nightmare? And what if there was a way to leave the fantasy and they're able to come to life? I've never really given it much thought until I started reading this book.
I have to admit that it threw me off at first, but a few pages later, it wasn't so confusing as I'd thought it would be. Basically, there are two stories running at the same time; the fairy tale and behind the scenes of the fairy tale. And in the backdrop of the story is Delilah McPhee - a teen who primarily lives in her head. It's hard not to blame the girl when her real life doesn't really offer her much. She's a loner and to some, a loser. Typical teenage angst, you say? No. Not really. Her struggles are pretty mild compared to some novels with the same theme. She just couldn't fit in. But the other kids left her well enough alone. Unfortunately, that is her problem. The loneliness. So why wouldn't she take the company of a book instead of real people? Things got weird when, as if by playful illusions, the prince in the book started conversing with her.
You'd think that this novel would be a mess, considering all the stories that are going on at the same time. But it's not. I didn't have a hard time separating the real story from the fairy tale. Like I said, I don't know how big of a contributor Jodi was, but I'm guessing she had a lot of input in the direction of where the story should go. So it was a surprise to me when I'm a little disappointed by how some of the elements to the story were sort of left frayed and un-seamed. Oliver was supposed to be gutless, having not been bestowed the gift of courage. But I don't know, he seemed pretty gutsy to me. Sure he used his smarts with every challenges he faced but it still showed plenty of bravery just to even attempt to save the princess. Edgar was a random character who ended up being the hero. It didn't make sense to me that after all of what Oliver and Delilah have been through, it turned out that they weren't the one who'd be able to save themselves after all. I don't know, I thought that this could've been handled in another way. Ultimately, the ending became a rush job because of the insertion of this character.
VERDICT: Over all, I think Between the Lines would be an appropriate MG read. In fact, I think my daughter, who's ten, would be probably enjoy this. Regardless of my complaints, I maintained that this book is highly entertaining and unique. I just wish that we're able to see how Oliver and Delilah's fairy tale ends though.
Have you ever wondered what the characters of the book you just read do when you finish reading? Well, nothing of course. The book has ended. It's over. FINITO. But what if that's not really the case? Have you ever wondered how tedious it is to be saying and doing the same things over and over like some Groundhog Day nightmare? And what if there was a way to leave the fantasy and they're able to come to life? I've never really given it much thought until I started reading this book.
I have to admit that it threw me off at first, but a few pages later, it wasn't so confusing as I'd thought it would be. Basically, there are two stories running at the same time; the fairy tale and behind the scenes of the fairy tale. And in the backdrop of the story is Delilah McPhee - a teen who primarily lives in her head. It's hard not to blame the girl when her real life doesn't really offer her much. She's a loner and to some, a loser. Typical teenage angst, you say? No. Not really. Her struggles are pretty mild compared to some novels with the same theme. She just couldn't fit in. But the other kids left her well enough alone. Unfortunately, that is her problem. The loneliness. So why wouldn't she take the company of a book instead of real people? Things got weird when, as if by playful illusions, the prince in the book started conversing with her.
You'd think that this novel would be a mess, considering all the stories that are going on at the same time. But it's not. I didn't have a hard time separating the real story from the fairy tale. Like I said, I don't know how big of a contributor Jodi was, but I'm guessing she had a lot of input in the direction of where the story should go. So it was a surprise to me when I'm a little disappointed by how some of the elements to the story were sort of left frayed and un-seamed. Oliver was supposed to be gutless, having not been bestowed the gift of courage. But I don't know, he seemed pretty gutsy to me. Sure he used his smarts with every challenges he faced but it still showed plenty of bravery just to even attempt to save the princess. Edgar was a random character who ended up being the hero. It didn't make sense to me that after all of what Oliver and Delilah have been through, it turned out that they weren't the one who'd be able to save themselves after all. I don't know, I thought that this could've been handled in another way. Ultimately, the ending became a rush job because of the insertion of this character.
VERDICT: Over all, I think Between the Lines would be an appropriate MG read. In fact, I think my daughter, who's ten, would be probably enjoy this. Regardless of my complaints, I maintained that this book is highly entertaining and unique. I just wish that we're able to see how Oliver and Delilah's fairy tale ends though.
espykes's review against another edition
5.0
This was a very good read that kept me reading. At many times I was on the edge of my seat with this book. I can't wait to read the sequel!
quierocafe's review against another edition
4.0
This book I flew through just because the writing was simple but the story was very very cheesy. I enjoyed getting through it just bc I understood the main character. Because I was just like her when I was 15
mshirey97's review against another edition
5.0
Delilah is a girl who doesn't fit in. Eating lunch in the library she finds a fairy tale story hidden in the back shelves and is enchanted by it. The main character can relate to her life, and she falls in love with a fictional character named Oliver. But everything changes when Oliver can talk to her through the pages of the fairy tale. Now she's desperate to help him escape his story and come into her world.
I <3 this book it was so addicting!
I <3 this book it was so addicting!
olgastravel's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cammmiam's review against another edition
2.0
QUICK TAKE: A pleasant enough read, but I did not consider it to be anything special; definitely for the younger audience of YA books.
I think what bothered me most about this was that Delilah did not do much of anything besides speak to Oliver through the pages of her book. Did she have a personality? All that was noteworthy about her was that she broke the kneecap and nose of a cheerleader on two separate occasions on accident. The connection to Oliver was also a bit strenuous since she relates to his book since he lost his father, but Oliver the character does not even have a father to know. Needless to say, I did not believe in the romance at all.
The ending came off a bit deus ex machina-ish as well. The illustrations throughout the story were great though!
I think what bothered me most about this was that Delilah did not do much of anything besides speak to Oliver through the pages of her book. Did she have a personality? All that was noteworthy about her was that she broke the kneecap and nose of a cheerleader on two separate occasions on accident. The connection to Oliver was also a bit strenuous since she relates to his book since he lost his father, but Oliver the character does not even have a father to know. Needless to say, I did not believe in the romance at all.
The ending came off a bit deus ex machina-ish as well. The illustrations throughout the story were great though!