chelsloukelly's reviews
300 reviews

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

5.0

5/5: ‘A List of Cages’ is a Young Adult, Contemporary by Robin Roe; lion-hearted characters Adam and Julian, precious foster brothers, are reunited after five years. Whilst spending time together Adam realises Julian is keeping secrets regarding his Uncle behaviour, and sets out to assist his ‘little brother’ wherever possible. The novel is exquisite in providing heart-wrenching scenes throughout; an emotional journey, about abuse. Each character is detrimental for the plot, and creates the perfect ambiance for the novel. Also, Adam has ADHD which is a condition uncommonly represented in novels and this was a unique twist to the story, whilst it did not hinder it in any form. The whole story is realistic and presents the plot in true-nature; the theme of love amongst friends is heavy and is used as a tool for acceptance and support - I adore this novel.

The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire by Phil Lester, Daniel Howell

3.0

3/5: ‘The Amazing Book is Not on Fire’ is a Young Adult, Non-Fiction by Daniel Howell and Phillip Lester; YouTube Vloggers’ Dan Howell (previously, ‘Danisnotonfire’) and Phil Lester (‘AmazingPhil’) explore their extraordinary life together – from childhood, to present day. The novel is personal but, intertwines elements of comedy that brings laughter for all readers; each chapter pinpoints various information and/or events about ‘Dan and Phil’, providing continuous moments of entertainment. I listened to the novel via Audiobook, of which was narrated by the duo – unabridged - enhancing the down-to-earth nature of the pair. Growing up, these internet influencers had a significant impact on my teen-years; the pleasant read reintroduced and provided heart-warming memories of my time in the ‘Phandom’. Reminiscing about the connection between the fans and content creators. Though not a sophisticated read, the simplicity is enjoyable and highly-entertaining. Overall, a quick and unique read – I highly recommend the Audiobook too.

In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park, Maryanne Vollers

4.0

4.5/5: ‘In Order To Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom’ is an Ageless-based, Biological Memoir by Yeonmi Park; following the childhood of Yeon-Mi Park, the events described depict the hardship of being a North Korean citizen - a mental; physical; and emotional battle. Yeon-Mi is the epitome of an inspiration, and the definition of a resilient human-being. I cannot begin to fathom the experience. An educational masterpiece, worthy of every award; a defector biography that brings light to the isolated nation - providing insight into the political nature of the country. I highly recommend reading, however, heavy topics including: rape, and death are presented, be cautious - 5/5.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

5.0

5/5: ‘The Astonishing Color of After’ is a Young Adult, Magical-Realism Contemporary by Emily X.R. Pan, intertwined with Magical Realism; half-Asian Leigh Chen Sanders travels to Taiwan to finally meet her maternal Grandparents. Leigh believes that when her Mother died by suicide, she transformed into a bird. In searching for the red-winged bird, Leigh uncovers untold family secrets, all whilst in the process of grieving. As a debut, Emily X.R. Pan excelled in breaking the stigma surrounding Depression and Suicide; Mental-Health is the main subject matter, integrated with bereavement. The writing is exquisite, fully immersive, and beautiful. Learning Chinese and Taiwanese culture through the characters was a unique feature and executed successfully. Alternating between past and present using real-life and magic, drew out raw emotions of the characters. It is a long, progressive story though, I find this necessary. Trigger warning, this novel is extremely challenging; as someone suffering with Depression, the condition is represented realistically – overall 5/5.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

4.0

4/5: ‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda’ is a Young Adult, LGBT+ Contemporary by Becky Albertalli; Simon Spier is a sixteen-year-old, hiding his sexual identity under the persona of ‘Jacques’ to speak with ‘Blue’ – Simon’s unidentified emailing partner, whom Simon's relationship with deepens into a heartwarming romance. A classmate discovers Simon’s secret and begins blackmailing him, fearful of his exposure, and the privacy of Blue, he follows the demands of the classmate. The novel focuses on the hardship and struggles of LGBT+ themes in a High School environment; with a simple plot, and no unnecessary plot twists, the importance and validity of sexual representation is realistic. Simon is a genuine character, who felt real. I recommend reading this book, with tea and some Oreos.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

4.0

4.5/5: ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ is an Adult-based, Contemporary by Gail Honeyman; set in Glasgow, Scotland we follow thirty-year-old Eleanor Oliphant, an individual whom leads a repetitive, and lonely life. As we navigate the strict schedule of Eleanor’s life, we learn about her social-struggles and anxieties (debated whether Eleanor is Autistic); upon meeting Raymond Gibson, the confinements of the routine are shattered. No cliché romance is visible, promoting the strong friendships between Eleanor and Raymond, in overcoming the new-found 'cancer' in society – loneliness. The underlying mental-illness brings to light raw emotion and the effects on the older generation. Gail Honeyman’s debut novel is outstanding; I look forward to any further work.

A Beautiful Mind, a Beautiful Life: The Bubz Guide to Being Unstoppable by Lindy Tsang

4.0

4/5: 'A Beautiful Mind, A Beautiful Life: The Bubz Guide to Being Unstoppable' is an Ageless-based, Biographical Self-Help by Lindy Tsang; intertwined into personal accounts of Lindy Tsang’s life; she begins educating readers’ to change their perspective on life, for the greater good. An insight into the natural world of being beautiful as a unique being, with capabilities to shape life positively, whilst speaking about the unfathomable, and unacknowledgeable truths of life. In 2011, I stumbled upon ‘Bubzbeauty’, and has been mainly an avid watcher of 'Bubzvlogz', Lindy is unquestionably a significant part of my personal 'growing-up'; continuously educating about the importance of grasping opportunities, and moulding them to make myself happy. This book shall be a reminder to always think, and live positively; I will undoubtedly re-read sections of the book that corresponds with my concurrent struggles.

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King

4.0

4/5: ‘Everybody Sees the Ants’ is a Young Adult, Magical-Realism Contemporary by A.S. King; Lucky Linderman is the recipient of Nadar McMillan’s relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far; he did not ask for his dysfunctional life. King is distinctive and smart, his accessible writing shines in this powerful novel about learning to cope with the shrapnel life throws at you, and then taking a stand against it. this is a very serious novel and it deals with very serious issues. The bullying that Lucky suffers is horrible and even though he says he is ok – making him not exactly the most reliable of narrators – it is clear that he is not. There is not only a degree of stress and fear but also of deep trauma. There are things he doesn’t say, not even to himself. He repeats that he is not suicidal and the mere fact that he repeats that constantly is quite telling. Above all though, there is Lucky’s frustration with his parents and their inability to stand up for him, not even a little bit. Although their parents obviously believe he is being bullied, their inaction or even the fact they won’t listen to him and discuss the problem is unsettling. The beautiful thing here though is the way that the author humanises these adult characters making it plain that bullying is something that befuddles everybody. His parents don’t act because they don’t love him or don’t care about Lucky, they don’t act because they don’t know what to do. This book explores the fact that there are no easy answers and no parenting manual – their most accessible suggestion is to get on with life and get through it until it gets better. Which brings us back to Lucky himself: he fully understands the idea that eventually it will get better – he can see that, and he believes that. Unfortunately, that does nothing to him now. He needs it to be better right now or else he won’t make it. Eventually, there is a realisation that sometimes there isn’t anything anyone else can do and all you have is yourself. With the help of new-found friends and even his family, Lucky finds the strength to stand up for himself the best way he can. The ending might be a bit too neat and perfect but is so full of the compassion and the warmth that the characters needed that I allowed myself to give a pass to some of the more problematic aspects (like for example, what happens to Nader). Plus, bonus points for incredible pieces of dialogue (the “asshole” one being a favourite). Overall, an excellent novel – Insightful!

Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson

1.0

DNF/5: ‘Where the Dead Sit Talking’ is an Ageless Based, Realistic Contemporary by Brandon Hobson; Sequoyah (?), a 15-year-old Cherokee Teen, becomes the foster child of Harold and Agnes Troutt, a middle-aged couple already fostering 13-year-old George and 17-year-old Rosemary. Hobson creates a smart, dark novel surrounding adolescence, death and rural secrets set in late-1980s Oklahoma. Hobson’s narrative control is stunning, carrying the reader through scenes and timelines with verbal grace and sparse detail. Far more than a mere coming-of-age story, this is a remarkable and moving novel. Unfortunately, I simply lost interest after impending University deadlines and haven’t felt the need to pick it back up. I hope to return to this novel at another date, as the plot-line is intriguing – Cultural!

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

3.0

3/5: ‘Finding Audrey’ is a Young Adult, Mental Health Contemporary by Sophie Kinsella; Audrey Turner has a serious Anxiety Disorder which affects every part of her life: relationships, appearances, trust. Due to a traumatic bullying situation which remains a mystery, it left Audrey unable to leave the house. Kinsella delivers a message about Depression and Anxiety Disorders in a comical, light-hearted way, whilst still managing to breakdown Mental Illnesses for those unsure about them. Under the guidance of thoughtful Dr. Sarah, Audrey begins to deal with her inability to make eye contact—or even to leave the house—by crafting videos of her quirky, near-farcical family, a nifty narrative device that especially shows off her “twitchy” mom. Sections of the novel are transcripts of the videos Audrey makes. Audrey's brother Frank is determined to win an online gaming championship with his team, in spite of their mom's frenetic attempts to remake the family based on newspaper advice—which, sadly for Frank, includes giving up computers. Complicating this is the fact that Frank's team includes sensitive Linus, who delicately, tenderly navigates Audrey's vividly portrayed roadblocks. As their relationship blossoms, Audrey gains both strength and courage. The one criticism I have is that simply having a boyfriend is unlikely to cure an individual of Mental Illness and this needs to be addressed. The counterpoint, however, of absurd humour against Audrey's uncertain progress toward healing, graphically depicted in her appealing and slightly ironic first-person voice, is compelling. Since the nature of the bullying is never fully revealed, it can readily represent the experiences of other victims. It's only as of the narrative approaches its conclusion that the true source of the dysfunction in Audrey's family is revealed: all of them have become victims in myriad ways. A simplistic and sweetly styled contemporary – Tragicomedy!