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A review by vicki_cosy_books
The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
5.0
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!