Take a photo of a barcode or cover
littlebirdbooks's reviews
468 reviews
WAGs at the World Cup by Alison Kervin
3.0
Now, I love the WAG series and I’m disappointed in the fact that I think this was the last installment. Also, out of the three books I felt that this was the weaker one which is a shame as it’s a bit of a bad way to end such a brilliant series. Just because it was the weaker one doesn’t mean that it isn’t an enjoyable book. Far from it, it’s an easy going read with some humour (although not as much as the other two) and it still has some kind of drama.
At the beginning of the book we learn that Dean has got a spot working for England. As the “deputy assistant, second-in-command, to the assistant defence coach”. Which many people won’t find particularly exciting but to Tracie the position doesn’t matter to her. To her, her husband is part of the England Squad which means she will be closer to the “wonder WAGs” (Coleen, Alex, Abbey, Victoria, Cheryl). Now, for those who have read the past couple of installments would know that Tracie isn’t the one to be subtle or keep her mouth shut. So when the FA tell her not to tell anyone about Dean’s job… She just can’t help but tell everyone she knows. Not only this but, she just so happens to be doing a T.V Pilot shows for a channel she’s helping to set up.
Now she makes an absolute fool of herself and it manages to become a YouTube sensation. Due to this she is sent to South Africa ahead of the World Cup with her friend Mich, her daughter Paskia-Rose (who is now 16) and her assistant Shiraz. There she tries to keep a low profile like she is told to. That is, however before she is asked to do live T.V interviews and becomes involved in a charity to help the poor.
As it gets closer to the World Cup WAGs start to arrive which is when she meets Rosie. She is the girlfriend of one of the best players in the England team, Dio. Despite being a “WAG” she isn’t up to Tracie’s standards. Tracie instantly becomes friends with her and takes Rosie under her WAG wing. Much to Dio’s disappointment. Rosie goes on and on how she loves Dio but all is not what it seems. Which shows that girls shouldn’t be taken in by a lot of expensive presents!
As the days go on Dean keeps getting promoted until he is England’s coach. Tracie becomes more involved with the charity and there’s not as much drama as there have been in the past two novels or, like I mentioned, as much humour. This book is kind of set in the future and optimistically shows England winning the World Cup on penalties against Germany. We can all hope, eh? Haha.
Despite some of the problems with the… Well… Lack of story, it was a great read but it didn’t live up to the standards of the other two which was a shame as I was so excited to buy it! Oh well, it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read but it wasn’t the best.
At the beginning of the book we learn that Dean has got a spot working for England. As the “deputy assistant, second-in-command, to the assistant defence coach”. Which many people won’t find particularly exciting but to Tracie the position doesn’t matter to her. To her, her husband is part of the England Squad which means she will be closer to the “wonder WAGs” (Coleen, Alex, Abbey, Victoria, Cheryl). Now, for those who have read the past couple of installments would know that Tracie isn’t the one to be subtle or keep her mouth shut. So when the FA tell her not to tell anyone about Dean’s job… She just can’t help but tell everyone she knows. Not only this but, she just so happens to be doing a T.V Pilot shows for a channel she’s helping to set up.
Now she makes an absolute fool of herself and it manages to become a YouTube sensation. Due to this she is sent to South Africa ahead of the World Cup with her friend Mich, her daughter Paskia-Rose (who is now 16) and her assistant Shiraz. There she tries to keep a low profile like she is told to. That is, however before she is asked to do live T.V interviews and becomes involved in a charity to help the poor.
As it gets closer to the World Cup WAGs start to arrive which is when she meets Rosie. She is the girlfriend of one of the best players in the England team, Dio. Despite being a “WAG” she isn’t up to Tracie’s standards. Tracie instantly becomes friends with her and takes Rosie under her WAG wing. Much to Dio’s disappointment. Rosie goes on and on how she loves Dio but all is not what it seems. Which shows that girls shouldn’t be taken in by a lot of expensive presents!
As the days go on Dean keeps getting promoted until he is England’s coach. Tracie becomes more involved with the charity and there’s not as much drama as there have been in the past two novels or, like I mentioned, as much humour. This book is kind of set in the future and optimistically shows England winning the World Cup on penalties against Germany. We can all hope, eh? Haha.
Despite some of the problems with the… Well… Lack of story, it was a great read but it didn’t live up to the standards of the other two which was a shame as I was so excited to buy it! Oh well, it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read but it wasn’t the best.
Open House by Jill Mansell
5.0
Another week gone another book read. This time it was Open House by Jill Mansell. I’ve never read one of Jill Mansell’s books before and to be fair it did take me a few chapters before I got into it but I’m glad I stuck at it! The whole book is wonderfully written. The characters are lovable too! Which always helps.
The story centre’s around two characters. Petronella “Nell” O’Driscoll and Hetty Brewster. They’re best friends and the story shows both of their lives at the same period of time. Nell finds herself working for the Earl of Kilburton (Marcus) who she used to have a crush on and love. He remembers her from their teenage years and discovers he still has some kind of feelings for her - fantasising about her most nights. Throughout the book I found myself wanting the couple to be together without any complications, but being a book that was highly unlikely. Near the beginning of the book you hear of Ben and his heartbreaking tale of how he became a resident at a nursing home, Nell is torn between Ben and Marcus. Both of which she loves.
Hetty on the other hand has a teenage daughter and her husband has recently left her for a glamourous writer (Vanessa) who is a complete cow. The writer produces books on her and her boyfriends (Tony - Hetty’s ex husband) active sex life. Everyone who reads the book assumes that they have the best relationship and they have everything going for them. However, Tony is fed up with the fact he has diets thrusted upon him and he always has to perform to “olympic standards” in the bedroom. So he sneaks back to Hetty who seems surprisingly happy to have him back. But it’s not because she wants him back. Oh no, she wants revenge.
The book has a wonderful balance of drama and humour. There are lots of characters that you love to hate who then grow on you. Despite all the twists and turns in the story. There is a lovely heart warming ending which will leave a smile on your face. This is truly an amazing book.
The author, Jill Mansell, is a lovely woman too. She has time for her fans and is extremely talented - you must check her out!
The story centre’s around two characters. Petronella “Nell” O’Driscoll and Hetty Brewster. They’re best friends and the story shows both of their lives at the same period of time. Nell finds herself working for the Earl of Kilburton (Marcus) who she used to have a crush on and love. He remembers her from their teenage years and discovers he still has some kind of feelings for her - fantasising about her most nights. Throughout the book I found myself wanting the couple to be together without any complications, but being a book that was highly unlikely. Near the beginning of the book you hear of Ben and his heartbreaking tale of how he became a resident at a nursing home, Nell is torn between Ben and Marcus. Both of which she loves.
Hetty on the other hand has a teenage daughter and her husband has recently left her for a glamourous writer (Vanessa) who is a complete cow. The writer produces books on her and her boyfriends (Tony - Hetty’s ex husband) active sex life. Everyone who reads the book assumes that they have the best relationship and they have everything going for them. However, Tony is fed up with the fact he has diets thrusted upon him and he always has to perform to “olympic standards” in the bedroom. So he sneaks back to Hetty who seems surprisingly happy to have him back. But it’s not because she wants him back. Oh no, she wants revenge.
The book has a wonderful balance of drama and humour. There are lots of characters that you love to hate who then grow on you. Despite all the twists and turns in the story. There is a lovely heart warming ending which will leave a smile on your face. This is truly an amazing book.
The author, Jill Mansell, is a lovely woman too. She has time for her fans and is extremely talented - you must check her out!
Love Letters by Katie Fforde
5.0
Usually when I read books, I think they’re great/amazing/fantastic and it’s because they are. But some books go beyond that. This one went beyond that. I first picked up this book because it was recommended and cheap in Sainsbury’s. I saw adverts about it which sparked my interest. When I first started reading it I got distracted by another book and left it for a while. I finally managed to pick it up again and I am so glad that I did.
The main character is Laura, quite shy, likes a quiet life and loves her books. I can totally identify with this character. Which helped me get into the story even more. She worked in a bookstore which had to be closed down (right at the beginning) and then was thrusted into organising a Literary Festival with people she didn’t even know. It was all terribly exciting and Laura didn’t like terribly exciting (and for that matter neither do I haha).
Everybody wants the elusive Dermot Flynn to come to this festival and Laura was misunderstood and people thought she actually knew him. Even when they did understand that she didn’t in fact know him she still had to travel to Ireland to get him to turn up. What she hadn’t expected was to fall madly in love with him!
There are many times in the book when you think “will they, won’t they?” My stomach was turning just with the thought that she wouldn’t be willing to listen to him or open up and tell him how she felt. All the way through the book I knew that this could be my favourite as long as it has a happy ending. And luckily for me. It did. I would have been gutted if it had a unhappy ending because that would have ruined the book and wouldn’t have suited the book at all.
This book is a must read.
The main character is Laura, quite shy, likes a quiet life and loves her books. I can totally identify with this character. Which helped me get into the story even more. She worked in a bookstore which had to be closed down (right at the beginning) and then was thrusted into organising a Literary Festival with people she didn’t even know. It was all terribly exciting and Laura didn’t like terribly exciting (and for that matter neither do I haha).
Everybody wants the elusive Dermot Flynn to come to this festival and Laura was misunderstood and people thought she actually knew him. Even when they did understand that she didn’t in fact know him she still had to travel to Ireland to get him to turn up. What she hadn’t expected was to fall madly in love with him!
There are many times in the book when you think “will they, won’t they?” My stomach was turning just with the thought that she wouldn’t be willing to listen to him or open up and tell him how she felt. All the way through the book I knew that this could be my favourite as long as it has a happy ending. And luckily for me. It did. I would have been gutted if it had a unhappy ending because that would have ruined the book and wouldn’t have suited the book at all.
This book is a must read.
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
5.0
I read one extract and that was it I was hooked I had to know what was going to happen. So, on Saturday I went out to the local shopping centre and went into Waterstones. I went into a small panic when I couldn’t find it - luckily I was looking on the wrong shelf.
I started the book on the following Monday and finished it today (Wednesday). It was so hard for me to just put it down. I read it on the way home from school, at break, before school, after school - basically whenever I had a chance to. The book was centered round one family. The mother was a drunken slag if you want me to be honest. The eldest is Lochan, second eldest Maya (just 13 months apart) then there’s Kit who’s 13 (who constantly picks fights, stays out late, does drugs, drinks…) then there are the youngest of the lot Tiffin and Willa. Where there mum is always out with her boyfriend drinking or working Lochan and Maya have to act as the parents.
Lochan and Maya grow very close. At the time Maya didn’t realise that she was falling for her brother (or so we thought) but Lochan did. Eventually they tell each other and start a secret relationship. They always try and spend time alone together which includes skipping school. Lochan wants to wait to do anything serious with Maya because the risk of getting caught was too much - neither of them wanted to risk the family being split up. For the kids sake. However, when they do make the most of an opportunity neither of them thought that they would get for a long time it takes a horrible turn for the worst which gives the book a chilling ending. Which I actually predicted.
The only way I really predicted this was because one day I just couldn’t resist the urge to flip through it and grasp whatever clues I could get of the ending. Even though I kinda knew what was going to happen when I read it (this morning before school) I couldn’t help but cry. It was just so emotional. Due to the themes of the book you know that there wasn’t going to be a happy ending but you just get to love the character’s and you want things to work out for them. Just a shame that it didn’t.
Absolutely thrilled that I have finally read this book. It didn’t disappoint. I can’t think of any other author that would be better to write about something as deep as this. Having read her other books about a young musician developing depression and a cynical, depressed teenager moving from one foster home to another; I knew that she would know how to tackle a subject such as this.
This is a must read.
I started the book on the following Monday and finished it today (Wednesday). It was so hard for me to just put it down. I read it on the way home from school, at break, before school, after school - basically whenever I had a chance to. The book was centered round one family. The mother was a drunken slag if you want me to be honest. The eldest is Lochan, second eldest Maya (just 13 months apart) then there’s Kit who’s 13 (who constantly picks fights, stays out late, does drugs, drinks…) then there are the youngest of the lot Tiffin and Willa. Where there mum is always out with her boyfriend drinking or working Lochan and Maya have to act as the parents.
Lochan and Maya grow very close. At the time Maya didn’t realise that she was falling for her brother (or so we thought) but Lochan did. Eventually they tell each other and start a secret relationship. They always try and spend time alone together which includes skipping school. Lochan wants to wait to do anything serious with Maya because the risk of getting caught was too much - neither of them wanted to risk the family being split up. For the kids sake. However, when they do make the most of an opportunity neither of them thought that they would get for a long time it takes a horrible turn for the worst which gives the book a chilling ending. Which I actually predicted.
The only way I really predicted this was because one day I just couldn’t resist the urge to flip through it and grasp whatever clues I could get of the ending. Even though I kinda knew what was going to happen when I read it (this morning before school) I couldn’t help but cry. It was just so emotional. Due to the themes of the book you know that there wasn’t going to be a happy ending but you just get to love the character’s and you want things to work out for them. Just a shame that it didn’t.
Absolutely thrilled that I have finally read this book. It didn’t disappoint. I can’t think of any other author that would be better to write about something as deep as this. Having read her other books about a young musician developing depression and a cynical, depressed teenager moving from one foster home to another; I knew that she would know how to tackle a subject such as this.
This is a must read.
Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother by Claudia Carroll
4.0
I have no idea where to begin with this. I picked this book off the shelf as I thought it would be an interesting read and I was completely correct. I was on a trip to Alabama and when I was in the hotel room I'd pick it up and then find that I couldn't even put it down!
I always loved Fairytales and all the Disney Princess films. Although sometimes when a story is linked to Cinderella it's the classic evil step family and in the end Cinderella gets her Prince Charming and it's pretty textbook stuff. This on the other hand was incredible! Nothing that I was expecting!
When we start the novel we're introduced to Jessie Woods and her dad. She tells us of her love of fairytales. On the outside she has everything the dream life of being the most popular TV personality with the perfect job; perfect boyfriend; perfect friends and her step family cut out of her life. Everything she has always wanted. She has the lifestyle that she loves but can hardly afford it, however that's not the only problem that she has. When a, what seems like, innocent offer came her way when she was live on TV how could she say no? What would be the harm in it? Well. She lost everything and wound back up on her step family's doorstep.
When we first met her step family I took an instant dislike to them and I couldn't blame her for cutting them out of her life. Joan was vile and her daughters Sharon and Maggie weren't that much different. Forced to stay in the garage it didn't seem like Jessie could do anything to stop it. Until one night when Joan said something that actually made Sharon think and ask for Jessie's help. After a while a relationship blossomed between them which I thought was nice, although it wasn't all smooth. Maggie was a much tougher cookie to break and person to win over. Jessie was often left alone with her whilst Joan was out with her secret (and very unusual) business deals and "wine tasting".
When Jessie became a huge success she blocked most of her old life out, including everyone that was in it. She left her best friend Hannah and replaced her for Emma and completely forgot about Steve (even though he was on the scene a lot once she came back). I really liked Steve's character he was so nice and warm. Like a brother to her (and she even mentions that at some point). He was there for her all the time. I thought that they were going to get together as soon as they got close, but of course that didn't happen as no book runs that smoothly.
There was a couple of twists in the book and there was a huge one towards the end that I hadn't seen coming even though there was a hint to it. I loved the way Jessie faced it too. A lot of things in this book made me smile. The things that stick out the most were the conversations that Sharon and Jessie would have. I would have given the book five out of five however I would have liked to have at least one chapter of where a certain couple were together properly. Although the ending was pretty amazing, the simplicity but the punch it had was very nice.
All in all this was a fantastic read and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even those who might be a bit weary at first of it being a fairytale spin off.
I always loved Fairytales and all the Disney Princess films. Although sometimes when a story is linked to Cinderella it's the classic evil step family and in the end Cinderella gets her Prince Charming and it's pretty textbook stuff. This on the other hand was incredible! Nothing that I was expecting!
When we start the novel we're introduced to Jessie Woods and her dad. She tells us of her love of fairytales. On the outside she has everything the dream life of being the most popular TV personality with the perfect job; perfect boyfriend; perfect friends and her step family cut out of her life. Everything she has always wanted. She has the lifestyle that she loves but can hardly afford it, however that's not the only problem that she has. When a, what seems like, innocent offer came her way when she was live on TV how could she say no? What would be the harm in it? Well. She lost everything and wound back up on her step family's doorstep.
When we first met her step family I took an instant dislike to them and I couldn't blame her for cutting them out of her life. Joan was vile and her daughters Sharon and Maggie weren't that much different. Forced to stay in the garage it didn't seem like Jessie could do anything to stop it. Until one night when Joan said something that actually made Sharon think and ask for Jessie's help. After a while a relationship blossomed between them which I thought was nice, although it wasn't all smooth. Maggie was a much tougher cookie to break and person to win over. Jessie was often left alone with her whilst Joan was out with her secret (and very unusual) business deals and "wine tasting".
When Jessie became a huge success she blocked most of her old life out, including everyone that was in it. She left her best friend Hannah and replaced her for Emma and completely forgot about Steve (even though he was on the scene a lot once she came back). I really liked Steve's character he was so nice and warm. Like a brother to her (and she even mentions that at some point). He was there for her all the time. I thought that they were going to get together as soon as they got close, but of course that didn't happen as no book runs that smoothly.
There was a couple of twists in the book and there was a huge one towards the end that I hadn't seen coming even though there was a hint to it. I loved the way Jessie faced it too. A lot of things in this book made me smile. The things that stick out the most were the conversations that Sharon and Jessie would have. I would have given the book five out of five however I would have liked to have at least one chapter of where a certain couple were together properly. Although the ending was pretty amazing, the simplicity but the punch it had was very nice.
All in all this was a fantastic read and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even those who might be a bit weary at first of it being a fairytale spin off.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
5.0
I read this book as part of my GCSE English Literature course and I enjoyed every minute of it. Sometimes when you study books in school they're not very good and sometimes you can lose interest quite quickly. This one, however, kept me gripped. I think it's better to read a book like this in school because there are so many clever things you wouldn't necessarily pick up on if you were reading it yourself. The parallels; the light symbolism; animalistic quailities; foreshadowing. I could easily devour this book in one sitting. I think that this book is the type of book that you can read over and over again and still find something new. Something that you've missed. There's so much depth in this book.
At the start you meet the two protagonists George and Lennie. George looks after Lennie as Lennie is a little simple. He may be simple but you shouldn't underestimate him when it comes to his strength, even worse because where he is simple he doesn't understand his own strength. The relationship that these men had was very interesting as this book was set during the times of the recession and it was very much a "dog-eat-dog" world. Men tended to look after themselves, not each other. Throughout the book you're told of their dream, the one thing that kept them going (especially Lennie being able to tend to his rabbits).
You meet a lot of interesting characters as you read the book. There's Candy and his dog (which has a teary scene); Curley who is evil but get his comeuppance in quite a fitting way; Slim who is seen as the God on the ranch, even though you will find that there really is no place for God there; Curley's Wife who is seen as nothing but trouble by the other guys on the ranch and then there's Crooks who is the black stable buck who is ignored for most of the book and just gets a mention until the fourth chapter. Crooks is ignored because he's black however Lennie doesn't understand the prejudice and talks to him regardless, he even gets another character to talk to him and even stand up for him.
Before George and Lennie went to the ranch George told him to come back to where they were if he got into trouble, as Lennie sometimes got them into trouble in other towns. He also told him to stay away from characters like Curley and Curley's Wife because he didn't want them getting him into something he wouldn't be able to get out of. He reinforces this by saying if he does something bad he won't be able to tend the rabbits. This was his only way to tell if he had done something right or wrong - whether he got to tend to the rabbits. It was upsetting when Lennie would be taunted or teased whether by his own mind or other characters. This book isn't meant to be a happy one, it's one that makes you stop and think and realise what it was like then.
Steinbeck's writing and subtle views scattered in this book is so powerful when you see it. He is an amazing author which you really learn to appreciate when you study it. Sometimes it was hard to believe that he had put all of the meanings in the book intentionally, simply because they were so vast and thought provoking. Despite it only being six chapters long and on the surface it looks like a simple book it is very rewarding once you've read it. I couldn't wait to get to the ending! I never wanted to put it down! I loved a lot of the characters and even felt sympathy for Curley's Wife when you learn about her beginnings and that she too had a dream.
This entire book is about survival, society and dreams with a powerful, emotional end.
At the start you meet the two protagonists George and Lennie. George looks after Lennie as Lennie is a little simple. He may be simple but you shouldn't underestimate him when it comes to his strength, even worse because where he is simple he doesn't understand his own strength. The relationship that these men had was very interesting as this book was set during the times of the recession and it was very much a "dog-eat-dog" world. Men tended to look after themselves, not each other. Throughout the book you're told of their dream, the one thing that kept them going (especially Lennie being able to tend to his rabbits).
You meet a lot of interesting characters as you read the book. There's Candy and his dog (which has a teary scene); Curley who is evil but get his comeuppance in quite a fitting way; Slim who is seen as the God on the ranch, even though you will find that there really is no place for God there; Curley's Wife who is seen as nothing but trouble by the other guys on the ranch and then there's Crooks who is the black stable buck who is ignored for most of the book and just gets a mention until the fourth chapter. Crooks is ignored because he's black however Lennie doesn't understand the prejudice and talks to him regardless, he even gets another character to talk to him and even stand up for him.
Before George and Lennie went to the ranch George told him to come back to where they were if he got into trouble, as Lennie sometimes got them into trouble in other towns. He also told him to stay away from characters like Curley and Curley's Wife because he didn't want them getting him into something he wouldn't be able to get out of. He reinforces this by saying if he does something bad he won't be able to tend the rabbits. This was his only way to tell if he had done something right or wrong - whether he got to tend to the rabbits. It was upsetting when Lennie would be taunted or teased whether by his own mind or other characters. This book isn't meant to be a happy one, it's one that makes you stop and think and realise what it was like then.
Steinbeck's writing and subtle views scattered in this book is so powerful when you see it. He is an amazing author which you really learn to appreciate when you study it. Sometimes it was hard to believe that he had put all of the meanings in the book intentionally, simply because they were so vast and thought provoking. Despite it only being six chapters long and on the surface it looks like a simple book it is very rewarding once you've read it. I couldn't wait to get to the ending! I never wanted to put it down! I loved a lot of the characters and even felt sympathy for Curley's Wife when you learn about her beginnings and that she too had a dream.
This entire book is about survival, society and dreams with a powerful, emotional end.
I Heart Hollywood by Lindsey Kelk
3.0
I enjoyed the book, although some of the characters (such as Jenny and Angela) frustrated me at times as they seemed to take a lot of things that they had for granted. I thought James Jacobs was an interesting character to add to the mix and I liked the twist in his personal life in the end. Although, thinking about it. It didn't make that much sense and there was so many more things that the twist could have been. Ones that fitted a little more into his bad boy reputation too.
I liked the humour that was in this book that just made you feel a little happier reading it. Some of the things that the girls came out with was quite funny. Now she's in a new place there were new characters added into the mix (like I mentioned above) and to be honest I wasn't fussed with all of them. At the end of the day Alex was my favourite character in the last book and he was going to be in this book too. He had every right to be off with Angela when things started to emerge from the press. Joe was a strange new character, he's quite deceiving so I'd watch out for him if I were you!
I would have liked the interview that Angela did with James to be in the book somewhere, even if it was just an addition at the end like "Angelas's Guide to LA". I thought that would have been interesting as I would have liked to have seen how her first interview would go (even though it was really baring all by the end of it).
I enjoyed the story as I liked the plot, however some of the characters felt like hard work most of the time (especially Jenny when she was drunk). If you liked the first book then you will like this one, if not then I think you may struggle to get into it.
This is very good book to read if you just want a weekend of easy reading. Like I did.
I liked the humour that was in this book that just made you feel a little happier reading it. Some of the things that the girls came out with was quite funny. Now she's in a new place there were new characters added into the mix (like I mentioned above) and to be honest I wasn't fussed with all of them. At the end of the day Alex was my favourite character in the last book and he was going to be in this book too. He had every right to be off with Angela when things started to emerge from the press. Joe was a strange new character, he's quite deceiving so I'd watch out for him if I were you!
I would have liked the interview that Angela did with James to be in the book somewhere, even if it was just an addition at the end like "Angelas's Guide to LA". I thought that would have been interesting as I would have liked to have seen how her first interview would go (even though it was really baring all by the end of it).
I enjoyed the story as I liked the plot, however some of the characters felt like hard work most of the time (especially Jenny when she was drunk). If you liked the first book then you will like this one, if not then I think you may struggle to get into it.
This is very good book to read if you just want a weekend of easy reading. Like I did.
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
2.0
My opinion of this book changed a lot whilst I was reading it. I eventually came to the conclusion that whilst it was an interesting plot it wasn't portrayed very well.
In the book we see Courtney Stone appear as Jane Mansfield in Jane Austen's England. She doesn't know how she got there or why she is there. The only way she recognises where she is, is through her love of Jane Austen's novels. She is a huge fan of them and reading "Pride and Prejudice" is the last thing she remembers doing before she finds herself in Regency England.
At first I could understand her urgency to get back to her normal time, however after a while her moaning about it tended to bore me a little. She doesn't remember anything of Jane's life even though she is her. Only little memories come to her randomly throughout the book. She also appears to have the same skills as Jane even though she doesn't know how to do them in her normal life (such as sew and dance). She doesn't even remember who Mr. Edgeworth is and what he had done to offend her. The whole novel was about her trying to find out about Jane's life and who the people are in it.
Now, even though the story had a fantastic plot idea, I didn't really like it. By the end of it I still was pretty clueless about a few things. I didn't like the ending either. It was just very blunt. What I would have liked to have seen was a chapter in the past as Jane and a chapter in the present as Courtney. We actually only ever see one chapter of her as Courtney explaining to us what happened to her the day or the month before she found herself in England. I would have liked to have seen more of it. I would have liked to have seen what was going on in her own life whilst she was in Jane's. When she meets the fortune teller it is implied they have swapped bodies however that is never confirmed. There isn't even a chapter at the end of the book to show us Courtney even got back.
There were many short chapters that make up this book, as I mentioned this did make the book easier to read as sometimes it was a little dry. However due to this it actually made the book longer than it should have been, even though it was relatively short as it was. Despite some interesting parts and the fact there was a lot of mystery in it, I didn't find the book hard to put down. The book was quite slow moving, which I think is mostly down to the fact there were many short chapters in it.
There was also quite a lot of pointless things in it too. Like when she meets Jane Austen, it didn't fit and their conversation was extremely stupid on Courtney's part. Then there was the scene with Andrew Emery and the less said about that the better! It was quite ridiculous although it did make me giggle a little.
I don't think I'll be picking this book up again.
In the book we see Courtney Stone appear as Jane Mansfield in Jane Austen's England. She doesn't know how she got there or why she is there. The only way she recognises where she is, is through her love of Jane Austen's novels. She is a huge fan of them and reading "Pride and Prejudice" is the last thing she remembers doing before she finds herself in Regency England.
At first I could understand her urgency to get back to her normal time, however after a while her moaning about it tended to bore me a little. She doesn't remember anything of Jane's life even though she is her. Only little memories come to her randomly throughout the book. She also appears to have the same skills as Jane even though she doesn't know how to do them in her normal life (such as sew and dance). She doesn't even remember who Mr. Edgeworth is and what he had done to offend her. The whole novel was about her trying to find out about Jane's life and who the people are in it.
Now, even though the story had a fantastic plot idea, I didn't really like it. By the end of it I still was pretty clueless about a few things. I didn't like the ending either. It was just very blunt. What I would have liked to have seen was a chapter in the past as Jane and a chapter in the present as Courtney. We actually only ever see one chapter of her as Courtney explaining to us what happened to her the day or the month before she found herself in England. I would have liked to have seen more of it. I would have liked to have seen what was going on in her own life whilst she was in Jane's. When she meets the fortune teller it is implied they have swapped bodies however that is never confirmed. There isn't even a chapter at the end of the book to show us Courtney even got back.
There were many short chapters that make up this book, as I mentioned this did make the book easier to read as sometimes it was a little dry. However due to this it actually made the book longer than it should have been, even though it was relatively short as it was. Despite some interesting parts and the fact there was a lot of mystery in it, I didn't find the book hard to put down. The book was quite slow moving, which I think is mostly down to the fact there were many short chapters in it.
There was also quite a lot of pointless things in it too. Like when she meets Jane Austen, it didn't fit and their conversation was extremely stupid on Courtney's part. Then there was the scene with Andrew Emery and the less said about that the better! It was quite ridiculous although it did make me giggle a little.
I don't think I'll be picking this book up again.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
4.0
My school's French teacher leant me this book as she thought that it might interest me and I must say that this certainly did!
I liked the fact that hardly any of the books characters didn't have a name because really there was only one character that was actually there the whole way through. All of the other characters were only mentioned once the protagonist had moved on.
I thought the plot of the story was really good, it had a clear direction the whole way through and everything that had a mention was come up against. However when it said a "fatal encounter with The Alchemist" I thought that he would be evil and try something with the boy but he didn't. I also love the way it ended, it was a happy ending. I would have liked to have seen more of Fatima but I like the way that they left it, with hope for them both.
The whole book was about self discovery and I think that my favourite character was the King of Salem. Even though he only appeared once in person I thought he was a great character. I thought some of the things that he said were very philosophical and thoughtful (well most of the book ways).
With a book with a summary that this did I thought that it would be a complicated read and hard to get into, however I was wrong. The book was written very simply but it had so much content in it. It was really easy to swallow. The only thing that I would like was if that the book had chapters in it rather than just "Part One", "Part Two" and an "Epilogue". Even though all of those parts were in the right places I would have liked it if it was divided up a little more.
I really enjoyed this book and am considering looking for more by this author however I'm not sure yet.
I liked the fact that hardly any of the books characters didn't have a name because really there was only one character that was actually there the whole way through. All of the other characters were only mentioned once the protagonist had moved on.
I thought the plot of the story was really good, it had a clear direction the whole way through and everything that had a mention was come up against. However when it said a "fatal encounter with The Alchemist" I thought that he would be evil and try something with the boy but he didn't. I also love the way it ended, it was a happy ending. I would have liked to have seen more of Fatima but I like the way that they left it, with hope for them both.
The whole book was about self discovery and I think that my favourite character was the King of Salem. Even though he only appeared once in person I thought he was a great character. I thought some of the things that he said were very philosophical and thoughtful (well most of the book ways).
With a book with a summary that this did I thought that it would be a complicated read and hard to get into, however I was wrong. The book was written very simply but it had so much content in it. It was really easy to swallow. The only thing that I would like was if that the book had chapters in it rather than just "Part One", "Part Two" and an "Epilogue". Even though all of those parts were in the right places I would have liked it if it was divided up a little more.
I really enjoyed this book and am considering looking for more by this author however I'm not sure yet.
The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
5.0
Wow. Simply wow. I have just finished this book and I'm in awe. For a long time I've been debating whether I should read this or not. My Godfather bought it for me for Christmas and I couldn't wait to pick it up. I had heard nothing but good things about this book and I can see why.
Straight away I was rushing to finish the book I was reading just so I could get stuck into this. From the very first chapter I was hooked. I liked Tamara and thought she was a typical spoilt teenager, but that wasn't a bad thing. I really liked the character the whole way through and when she was frustrated I was frustrated because I would have done the same. Being around the same age as her, I was able to see her point of view easily. However the way it was written I think that anyone that reads this would be able to understand where the girl is coming from.
You only hear about her glamourous life, there's not a chapter where you're living in that life. When we meet her, her dad has just committed suicide and her and her mother have lost everything. Tamara hates everyone patronising her and the fact that her mum seems to be shutting herself off from the world and the only reason anyone can give her is that she's "grieving". However, Tamara can sense that something else is wrong but no one else can seem to see it.
When they lose everything they go to live with her Aunt and Uncle, I took a disliking to her Aunt pretty much from the off. I just thought she was a suspicious character and was hiding something. She seemed too sweet and caring. Well, that's what you're lead to believe. All is revealed to you at the end. All the confusion and secrets throughout the whole book and showed to you at the end and ties up all the loose ends which is great as some books don't tend to do this.
For Tamara there seems to be a couple of love interests, one is just slightly mentioned, one she gets even closer to and I think I would have liked it if they remained friends and the other she was close to throughout, despite the strange start when they first meet. I think I'm pleased with the way it turned out though. There's always just a hint of something happening and then you're just left to think which is nice because then it can end the way you want it too.
My favourite character (besides Tamara) would be Sister Ignatius. She's such a calm and caring character who knows more than she suggests she does. She doesn't lie for any malicious reasons but for the same as Tamara's mum, again you learn all at the end. I also love the Diary. I think that was a great idea for a story I really do. I would also have to love one like that myself. Who wouldn't?
All in all I think that this is an amazing book. I love all the twists and drama towards the end! All the characters were great and all portrayed really well. I had goosebumps at the end of the book. I also thought the entry at the end was a great way to end it. Although I would like to have found out what happened to one character in the end, I'll have to re-read in case I missed anything! Would love to pick this book up again.
Straight away I was rushing to finish the book I was reading just so I could get stuck into this. From the very first chapter I was hooked. I liked Tamara and thought she was a typical spoilt teenager, but that wasn't a bad thing. I really liked the character the whole way through and when she was frustrated I was frustrated because I would have done the same. Being around the same age as her, I was able to see her point of view easily. However the way it was written I think that anyone that reads this would be able to understand where the girl is coming from.
You only hear about her glamourous life, there's not a chapter where you're living in that life. When we meet her, her dad has just committed suicide and her and her mother have lost everything. Tamara hates everyone patronising her and the fact that her mum seems to be shutting herself off from the world and the only reason anyone can give her is that she's "grieving". However, Tamara can sense that something else is wrong but no one else can seem to see it.
When they lose everything they go to live with her Aunt and Uncle, I took a disliking to her Aunt pretty much from the off. I just thought she was a suspicious character and was hiding something. She seemed too sweet and caring. Well, that's what you're lead to believe. All is revealed to you at the end. All the confusion and secrets throughout the whole book and showed to you at the end and ties up all the loose ends which is great as some books don't tend to do this.
For Tamara there seems to be a couple of love interests, one is just slightly mentioned, one she gets even closer to and I think I would have liked it if they remained friends and the other she was close to throughout, despite the strange start when they first meet. I think I'm pleased with the way it turned out though. There's always just a hint of something happening and then you're just left to think which is nice because then it can end the way you want it too.
My favourite character (besides Tamara) would be Sister Ignatius. She's such a calm and caring character who knows more than she suggests she does. She doesn't lie for any malicious reasons but for the same as Tamara's mum, again you learn all at the end. I also love the Diary. I think that was a great idea for a story I really do. I would also have to love one like that myself. Who wouldn't?
All in all I think that this is an amazing book. I love all the twists and drama towards the end! All the characters were great and all portrayed really well. I had goosebumps at the end of the book. I also thought the entry at the end was a great way to end it. Although I would like to have found out what happened to one character in the end, I'll have to re-read in case I missed anything! Would love to pick this book up again.