Scan barcode
vicki_cosy_books's reviews
428 reviews
Drawing with Light by Julia Green
4.0
I picked up Drawing With Light after reading a very positive review and being intrigued by the blurb on Amazon. I'm very glad I did as from the gorgeous cover to the beautiful story inside, this book is an absolute joy.
Emily has been brought up by her father and stepmother Cassy, after her Mother, Francesca, left when she was a baby. She has no memories of her mother, but as her family changes from the one she is used to and a teacher compares her photography work to the mysterious Francesca, she starts to feel a desperate need to find her mother. With a first person narrative, Julia Green gets the voice of a confused 16 year old just right. For the most part Emily is shy and quiet and mature, but occasionally the feelings of jealousy and abandonment erupt, making her a very real but likable character.
The developing relationship with Seb is beautifully written, filled with all the anxieties and worries of first love. It has that heart pounding intensity that will surely have anyone sighing dreamily, but at the same time doesn't shy away from the painful and awkwardness of a brand new relationship. Both Seb and Emily are written with flaws, but it's these flaws that make them all the more appealing and believable.
The way Julia Green writes is almost poetic at times. The way she describes things, such as the trees Emily loves photographing for example, is wonderful. Drawing With Light is a reference to Emily's photography and I think it's a beautiful and clever way to think about it.
This is truly a lovely book. It isn't really the kind of book that will have you gripped. The blurb on the back of the book suggests there is more of a mystery surrounding Emily's mother than there really is. But it's not the mystery or secret that the book is about. It's about a young girl coming of age and needing to find herself. It's about family and first love and working out who you really are. I didn't find it to be a book I couldn't put down and raced towards the end, more a comfy and cosy read I looked forward to savouring.
Emily has been brought up by her father and stepmother Cassy, after her Mother, Francesca, left when she was a baby. She has no memories of her mother, but as her family changes from the one she is used to and a teacher compares her photography work to the mysterious Francesca, she starts to feel a desperate need to find her mother. With a first person narrative, Julia Green gets the voice of a confused 16 year old just right. For the most part Emily is shy and quiet and mature, but occasionally the feelings of jealousy and abandonment erupt, making her a very real but likable character.
The developing relationship with Seb is beautifully written, filled with all the anxieties and worries of first love. It has that heart pounding intensity that will surely have anyone sighing dreamily, but at the same time doesn't shy away from the painful and awkwardness of a brand new relationship. Both Seb and Emily are written with flaws, but it's these flaws that make them all the more appealing and believable.
The way Julia Green writes is almost poetic at times. The way she describes things, such as the trees Emily loves photographing for example, is wonderful. Drawing With Light is a reference to Emily's photography and I think it's a beautiful and clever way to think about it.
This is truly a lovely book. It isn't really the kind of book that will have you gripped. The blurb on the back of the book suggests there is more of a mystery surrounding Emily's mother than there really is. But it's not the mystery or secret that the book is about. It's about a young girl coming of age and needing to find herself. It's about family and first love and working out who you really are. I didn't find it to be a book I couldn't put down and raced towards the end, more a comfy and cosy read I looked forward to savouring.
After the Party by Lisa Jewell
5.0
I am a huge fan of Lisa Jewell’s books and have been excited about this one for quite a while. After The Party is a sequel to Lisa’s debut novel, Ralph’s Party, published in 1999, and I was certain I had read it. However, I had it muddled with ‘Thirty Nothing’ for some reason, and as it happens Ralph’s Party turns out to be the only book by Lisa Jewell that I haven’t read! Even worse, I ordered Ralph’s Party at the same time as ordering this new book, but something went wrong with the order and it never appeared! Happily, this makes not a jot of difference whatsoever, and I was still able to enjoy After The Party immensely.
The book begins with Jem and Ralph separated, and Ralph due to collect the children for his time with them. Only he doesn’t show up and it’s clear something is very wrong. Rather than being annoyed, Jem is concerned and its here the book goes back twelve months to chart the breakdown of their marriage. Jewell describes the resentment and complexities within the relationship with such realism it’s scary.
I have to say I connected with Jem immediately. At times I felt I was reading about myself, and how my marriage was affected after the birth of my daughter. Every thought and feeling Jem expressed was one I had felt too, in particular her feelings when Ralph leaves to go to California and finding it easier being alone than with someone you resent for not helping. This was something I very much related too, and felt slightly amazed that someone had captured those feelings exactly, its not something I ever really talked about yet obviously something felt by many.
But as much as I related to Jem, I was glad that Jewell didn’t choose to just make this book about her. In alternating chapters we hear from both sides, and I was also able to feel sympathy for Ralph. I guess as a woman who really understood what Jem was going through, it would be easy to dislike him, but I couldn’t. As Jewell presents his thoughts and feelings, it’s clear that both have issues and rather than talking to each other, they bury them and allow them to grow into deep resentment. There is fault at both sides, and the journey to realise that is simple, but deeply emotional.
There are few other minor characters within the book, but even these are both vivid and believable. I loved LuLu, Jem’s sister. Actually, I want a sister like her; she’s full of love and reason and her interactions with Jem were lovely, as well as providing some lighter moments. Joel, the single dad who Jem befriends is an interesting one. He provides an air of mystery and is slightly sinister, as I felt straight away something wasn’t right with him.
Lisa Jewell clearly has a great understanding of relationships, and this is what makes the book so compelling and engrossing. I doubt anyone could fail to see a little of themselves in Ralph or Jem. Because they are written with such honesty and sincerity, I began to care for them both very much, and really wanted to just scream at the pair of them ‘what are you doing to each other?’, all the while rallying for them both. There are things that both characters do that are unlikeable, but at the same time completely understandable and so absolutely human.
After The Party is a strong emotional read, which made me sad and angry at times, but also has a lot of heart-warming and hopeful moments too. Lisa Jewell’s writing flows so beautifully it’s easy to get swept up in and I had my nose glued to After The Party for the best part of two days. I’d highly recommend this book, even if you’ve never read Ralph’s Party as I haven’t and I still absolutely adored it. Five stars easily given and Lisa Jewell remains my favourite author in this genre.
The book begins with Jem and Ralph separated, and Ralph due to collect the children for his time with them. Only he doesn’t show up and it’s clear something is very wrong. Rather than being annoyed, Jem is concerned and its here the book goes back twelve months to chart the breakdown of their marriage. Jewell describes the resentment and complexities within the relationship with such realism it’s scary.
I have to say I connected with Jem immediately. At times I felt I was reading about myself, and how my marriage was affected after the birth of my daughter. Every thought and feeling Jem expressed was one I had felt too, in particular her feelings when Ralph leaves to go to California and finding it easier being alone than with someone you resent for not helping. This was something I very much related too, and felt slightly amazed that someone had captured those feelings exactly, its not something I ever really talked about yet obviously something felt by many.
But as much as I related to Jem, I was glad that Jewell didn’t choose to just make this book about her. In alternating chapters we hear from both sides, and I was also able to feel sympathy for Ralph. I guess as a woman who really understood what Jem was going through, it would be easy to dislike him, but I couldn’t. As Jewell presents his thoughts and feelings, it’s clear that both have issues and rather than talking to each other, they bury them and allow them to grow into deep resentment. There is fault at both sides, and the journey to realise that is simple, but deeply emotional.
There are few other minor characters within the book, but even these are both vivid and believable. I loved LuLu, Jem’s sister. Actually, I want a sister like her; she’s full of love and reason and her interactions with Jem were lovely, as well as providing some lighter moments. Joel, the single dad who Jem befriends is an interesting one. He provides an air of mystery and is slightly sinister, as I felt straight away something wasn’t right with him.
Lisa Jewell clearly has a great understanding of relationships, and this is what makes the book so compelling and engrossing. I doubt anyone could fail to see a little of themselves in Ralph or Jem. Because they are written with such honesty and sincerity, I began to care for them both very much, and really wanted to just scream at the pair of them ‘what are you doing to each other?’, all the while rallying for them both. There are things that both characters do that are unlikeable, but at the same time completely understandable and so absolutely human.
After The Party is a strong emotional read, which made me sad and angry at times, but also has a lot of heart-warming and hopeful moments too. Lisa Jewell’s writing flows so beautifully it’s easy to get swept up in and I had my nose glued to After The Party for the best part of two days. I’d highly recommend this book, even if you’ve never read Ralph’s Party as I haven’t and I still absolutely adored it. Five stars easily given and Lisa Jewell remains my favourite author in this genre.
My Single Friend by Jane Costello
I haven’t read any of Jane Costello’s previous books, but My Single Friend caught my eye and I thought it looked like a light, cute and fun read. And that’s exactly what it is!
Lucy is an adorable character and I liked her straight away. The exaggerating she does on her dates is outrageous but hilarious! I wanted to scream stop now! at her before she went too far, but each new ‘embellishment’ lead from one lie to another ending up cringe worthily funny. One particular scene had me roaring with laughter, as I could absolutely see it happening in real life too. I think what is so funny about Lucy is that there is something recognisable in her. We’ve all wanted to make ourselves seem more interesting or talented at times, and we’ve probably also been caught out once or twice too, though granted there are probably few as extreme as Lucy! We know Lucy needs to just be happy and ok with just being her self and so she becomes immensely appealing.
I also really liked Henry (I wish I had a friend like him!) and enjoyed the relationship between the two. In particular I liked the frequent flashbacks to their childhood. This gave a real sense of depth and history between them and made their friendship all the more believable. It also gives us more of an insight, as to begin with, their adult relationship seems all one sided and the feeling is that Lucy may just be taking advantage of his good nature.
As well as these two fabulous main characters, there’s also a host of other minor characters that, despite playing a smaller role in the book, have their own little stories. Lucy’s mum really interested me. Rather than the slightly ridiculous and shallow middle class stereotype, often reserved for the role of main character’s mother in this genre, she’s down to earth, hard working and slightly resentful. I thought that even though she played a very small role in the book, she was solid and authentic. I really liked her, and could see beyond the huge chip on her shoulder.
My Single Friend isn’t the most original book out there. I knew before I even started how it was going to end, but the journey there is fun and with enough twists to make me wonder if I would be proved wrong after all. Jane Costello’s writing is easy, entertaining, funny and engaging. I thought the beginning was a little on the slow side, but after a few chapters the pace really picked up and the pages flew by. I was worried that Lucy’s interest in Henry’s appearance would make this really shallow, but the message I got from the book was more about not realisng what you have until it’s gone. It ticks every box for a great girly read and is ideal for by the poolside, lazy weekends or when you just want to read something fun and light. I’d certainly recommend it and will look out for more from Costello in the future.
4.0
I haven’t read any of Jane Costello’s previous books, but My Single Friend caught my eye and I thought it looked like a light, cute and fun read. And that’s exactly what it is!
Lucy is an adorable character and I liked her straight away. The exaggerating she does on her dates is outrageous but hilarious! I wanted to scream stop now! at her before she went too far, but each new ‘embellishment’ lead from one lie to another ending up cringe worthily funny. One particular scene had me roaring with laughter, as I could absolutely see it happening in real life too. I think what is so funny about Lucy is that there is something recognisable in her. We’ve all wanted to make ourselves seem more interesting or talented at times, and we’ve probably also been caught out once or twice too, though granted there are probably few as extreme as Lucy! We know Lucy needs to just be happy and ok with just being her self and so she becomes immensely appealing.
I also really liked Henry (I wish I had a friend like him!) and enjoyed the relationship between the two. In particular I liked the frequent flashbacks to their childhood. This gave a real sense of depth and history between them and made their friendship all the more believable. It also gives us more of an insight, as to begin with, their adult relationship seems all one sided and the feeling is that Lucy may just be taking advantage of his good nature.
As well as these two fabulous main characters, there’s also a host of other minor characters that, despite playing a smaller role in the book, have their own little stories. Lucy’s mum really interested me. Rather than the slightly ridiculous and shallow middle class stereotype, often reserved for the role of main character’s mother in this genre, she’s down to earth, hard working and slightly resentful. I thought that even though she played a very small role in the book, she was solid and authentic. I really liked her, and could see beyond the huge chip on her shoulder.
My Single Friend isn’t the most original book out there. I knew before I even started how it was going to end, but the journey there is fun and with enough twists to make me wonder if I would be proved wrong after all. Jane Costello’s writing is easy, entertaining, funny and engaging. I thought the beginning was a little on the slow side, but after a few chapters the pace really picked up and the pages flew by. I was worried that Lucy’s interest in Henry’s appearance would make this really shallow, but the message I got from the book was more about not realisng what you have until it’s gone. It ticks every box for a great girly read and is ideal for by the poolside, lazy weekends or when you just want to read something fun and light. I’d certainly recommend it and will look out for more from Costello in the future.
Showbiz Sensation by Tamsyn Murray, Lee Wildish
5.0
Harriet Houdini is a bunny with attitude. Finding her way from the pet shop to her new owner Susie, and her family, she amuses and entertains readers with her hilarious observations and antics. The mutual dislike between Harriet and Susie's dad (nicknamed Evil Edward or EE for short by the cheeky little rabbit) makes for great comedy, especially as EE comes off the worst time and time again. Harriet will appeal greatly to children as she outwits the grumpy grown ups, and will have them in fits of giggles.
My five year old daughter is at an age where she is reading a little bit for herself, but still thoroughly enjoys being read to. We've been venturing away from our usual picture books recently and trying out books in the 5-9 age range. I have noticed that sometimes books with more complex stories and texts are at times difficult to read aloud well, but this isn't the case for Stunt Bunny. The writing and pace makes it effortless to slip into the characters and an absolute joy to read aloud. Harriet's cheeky attitude and evil magician The Great Maldini were both fun and a breeze to get into. I enjoyed reading this to my daughter as much as she enjoyed listening.
With it's well paced, snappy sentences and short chapters this is also a wonderful book for children who are confident enough to read alone. I like how Tamsyn's writing doesn't patronise or speak down to the younger reader. Harriet is conspiratorial in her narrative and I think children will enjoy and appreciate the more 'grown up' tone. It's also one that will appeal to both boys and girls alike, and an excellent book for the more reluctant reader too. I'd also like to mention the brilliant and funny illustrations by Lee Wildish which feature regularly throughout. My daughter loves stopping to look at pictures as we read, and these were nicely detailed and really helped to bring the characters to life.
Tamsyn Murray is a natural story teller with a fresh, humorous and original style which works equally as well for children as it does for teens. Stunt Bunny is fun, clever, mischievous, fast paced and exciting and children will just want to devour the story. It had both my daughter and myself laughing out loud! If you know a child aged between 5-9 years old then this is the ideal book gift for them and an absolute must for any little readers book shelf. We can't wait for the next installment due for release February 2011!
My five year old daughter is at an age where she is reading a little bit for herself, but still thoroughly enjoys being read to. We've been venturing away from our usual picture books recently and trying out books in the 5-9 age range. I have noticed that sometimes books with more complex stories and texts are at times difficult to read aloud well, but this isn't the case for Stunt Bunny. The writing and pace makes it effortless to slip into the characters and an absolute joy to read aloud. Harriet's cheeky attitude and evil magician The Great Maldini were both fun and a breeze to get into. I enjoyed reading this to my daughter as much as she enjoyed listening.
With it's well paced, snappy sentences and short chapters this is also a wonderful book for children who are confident enough to read alone. I like how Tamsyn's writing doesn't patronise or speak down to the younger reader. Harriet is conspiratorial in her narrative and I think children will enjoy and appreciate the more 'grown up' tone. It's also one that will appeal to both boys and girls alike, and an excellent book for the more reluctant reader too. I'd also like to mention the brilliant and funny illustrations by Lee Wildish which feature regularly throughout. My daughter loves stopping to look at pictures as we read, and these were nicely detailed and really helped to bring the characters to life.
Tamsyn Murray is a natural story teller with a fresh, humorous and original style which works equally as well for children as it does for teens. Stunt Bunny is fun, clever, mischievous, fast paced and exciting and children will just want to devour the story. It had both my daughter and myself laughing out loud! If you know a child aged between 5-9 years old then this is the ideal book gift for them and an absolute must for any little readers book shelf. We can't wait for the next installment due for release February 2011!
Scarlett Dedd by Cathy Brett
3.0
I was very intrigued by this book. It sounded really fun and the illustrations inside were fantastic. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to my expectations and I found it a little difficult to read.
It begins well enough. Scarlett is a pretty typical teenager- self conscious, shy and completely embarrassed by her very strange parents. She's a misfit at school and apart from her handful of Emo friends, doesn't fit in at all. Desperate to avoid a school trip she decides to make herself ill to avoid going. Just a little sick would do, put Scarlett accidentally kills her whole family with poisonous mushrooms. So far the book is pretty funny, I liked Scarlett's despair at her frankly bizarrely weird parents and could sympathise with her about not wanting to go on the school trip.
However, after the families death, when they become ghosts, I started to struggle with this book. I've never read a book with amazing illustrations like Scarlett Dedd and while they were fantastic, for me the story suffered because of them. I think this is just down to personal taste and many people will appreciate the humour of Cathy Brett's writing. I on the other hand prefer more character development which was lacking in this book and I didn't feel I was able to connect with any of the characters at all. The plot seemed a little jumpy and vague at times and I really wanted more than I got from it. I was also pretty disturbed by some of Scarlett's antic's where her friends were concerned once she is dead!
Another problem I had was with the text layout on some pages. It doesn't stick to the usual format and there are almost blacked out pages, pages where the text goes round in circles etc. I struggled to actually read some of it so skipped these pages and they didn't really work for me.
The book is littered with blog post written by a dead Scarlett as well as entries from a chat room for the deceased. I thought these were a very clever touch and I liked reading Scarlett's blog which did make me giggle. Cathy Brett's take on the afterlife is certainly unique and quirky. I can see why lots of people would love Scarlett Dedd, especially reluctant teen readers. It's very different to anything else out there. With a ton of fantastic illustrations it isn't as text heavy as other books and can easily be dipped in and out of and Brett's writing is witty and fun.
I really wanted to love Scarlett Dedd but sadly it just fell a bit flat. While I appreciate the wit and genius artwork (also by Cathy Brett) in the end I concluded that this style of book just wasn't for me.
It begins well enough. Scarlett is a pretty typical teenager- self conscious, shy and completely embarrassed by her very strange parents. She's a misfit at school and apart from her handful of Emo friends, doesn't fit in at all. Desperate to avoid a school trip she decides to make herself ill to avoid going. Just a little sick would do, put Scarlett accidentally kills her whole family with poisonous mushrooms. So far the book is pretty funny, I liked Scarlett's despair at her frankly bizarrely weird parents and could sympathise with her about not wanting to go on the school trip.
However, after the families death, when they become ghosts, I started to struggle with this book. I've never read a book with amazing illustrations like Scarlett Dedd and while they were fantastic, for me the story suffered because of them. I think this is just down to personal taste and many people will appreciate the humour of Cathy Brett's writing. I on the other hand prefer more character development which was lacking in this book and I didn't feel I was able to connect with any of the characters at all. The plot seemed a little jumpy and vague at times and I really wanted more than I got from it. I was also pretty disturbed by some of Scarlett's antic's where her friends were concerned once she is dead!
Another problem I had was with the text layout on some pages. It doesn't stick to the usual format and there are almost blacked out pages, pages where the text goes round in circles etc. I struggled to actually read some of it so skipped these pages and they didn't really work for me.
The book is littered with blog post written by a dead Scarlett as well as entries from a chat room for the deceased. I thought these were a very clever touch and I liked reading Scarlett's blog which did make me giggle. Cathy Brett's take on the afterlife is certainly unique and quirky. I can see why lots of people would love Scarlett Dedd, especially reluctant teen readers. It's very different to anything else out there. With a ton of fantastic illustrations it isn't as text heavy as other books and can easily be dipped in and out of and Brett's writing is witty and fun.
I really wanted to love Scarlett Dedd but sadly it just fell a bit flat. While I appreciate the wit and genius artwork (also by Cathy Brett) in the end I concluded that this style of book just wasn't for me.