Ok, so this book is a classic? One of the most censored and one of the most studied pieces of literature?
2/5
The repetitive colloquial opinionated prose of this book just irritated me.
I persevered and learnt very little, I suppose, if we studied it back at Leonard's with Mrs GB I might have enjoyed it once we got into depths of metaphors and such but on a basic reading it was quite pathetic and definitely wont be one I recommend.
EDIT: I can't believe how dismissive I was, I will read it again I promise and I just hope second time round I'll feel more like the other Nerdfighters. I stand by my first impression atm though.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
I should have written this review two weeks ago when I actually finished this fantastic book.
I powered through this one, it was great and I cannot wait to read the sequels.
5/5
There was just something so very compelling about the characters of Katniss and Peeta and even small characters like Rue.
It was one of those books that you pick up and don't want to stop reading because it just gripped your attention and barbs of plot caught and kept you considering even when you were busy doing something entirely different.
I shall read this again I'm sure, at some point.
I powered through this one, it was great and I cannot wait to read the sequels.
5/5
There was just something so very compelling about the characters of Katniss and Peeta and even small characters like Rue.
It was one of those books that you pick up and don't want to stop reading because it just gripped your attention and barbs of plot caught and kept you considering even when you were busy doing something entirely different.
I shall read this again I'm sure, at some point.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Looking For Alaska - John Green
This is the third time I've read this. It was the first of John's books I read and even though I shouldn't have favourites, this is probable the one I like least...
Actually, that's a lie, I love them all and the first two times I read this book it made me cry buckets.
I finished this one this morning though and didn't.
I adore John's writing but having JUST read Paper Towns the similarities between Margo and Alaska stand out. Both with their mysterious ability to not be understood complexly (Margo) and fully (Alaska).
They leave both the guys (Q and Pudge) searching, completing mysteries and solving clues.
I adore this book.
4/5
I'm going to start the Hunger Games!
:D
Actually, that's a lie, I love them all and the first two times I read this book it made me cry buckets.
I finished this one this morning though and didn't.
I adore John's writing but having JUST read Paper Towns the similarities between Margo and Alaska stand out. Both with their mysterious ability to not be understood complexly (Margo) and fully (Alaska).
They leave both the guys (Q and Pudge) searching, completing mysteries and solving clues.
I adore this book.
4/5
I'm going to start the Hunger Games!
:D
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Paper Towns - John Green
I didn't cry this time but maybe that is because I'm too tired.
Maybe that is because I'm not the same person I was last December.
But this book is amazing.
It is hard for me to review it though because there are so many things I thought of mentioning while I was reading it and right now they're not all coming back to me.
Firstly, I started this book on the day I got here to University because I knew I would feel homesick and reading a familiar book always stops that from feeling as bad.
I can escape into their world.
I chose PT because it was one of the 13 books I brought (well I brought 18 but cookbooks, the dictionary and text books don't count) but also because I'd only read it once before. Many references from it are already included in my life because of the vlogbrothers. I have songs about this book on my mp3 player.
One of the best parts about John's writing is that I can hear the metre of his voice as I read, hear his enunciations. Also, his use of metaphor is amazing and the way he weaves his themes/motifs into the text, such as the windows and mirrors.
He is both funny and serious and creates characters and situations that have little quirks that make them seem real.
Basically, one of my favourite books ever.
Thanks John.
Maybe that is because I'm not the same person I was last December.
But this book is amazing.
It is hard for me to review it though because there are so many things I thought of mentioning while I was reading it and right now they're not all coming back to me.
Firstly, I started this book on the day I got here to University because I knew I would feel homesick and reading a familiar book always stops that from feeling as bad.
I can escape into their world.
I chose PT because it was one of the 13 books I brought (well I brought 18 but cookbooks, the dictionary and text books don't count) but also because I'd only read it once before. Many references from it are already included in my life because of the vlogbrothers. I have songs about this book on my mp3 player.
One of the best parts about John's writing is that I can hear the metre of his voice as I read, hear his enunciations. Also, his use of metaphor is amazing and the way he weaves his themes/motifs into the text, such as the windows and mirrors.
He is both funny and serious and creates characters and situations that have little quirks that make them seem real.
Basically, one of my favourite books ever.
Thanks John.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Misery Guts - Morris Gleitzman
I haven't read a full book in ages. I feel terrible about this.
I decided to pick up a short one that was on my "haven't read but own" pile and so I read this one.
It's ok, it's sweet, it's a definite child's book.
It's about a child trying to cheer up his parents and fish and chips.
2/5 for me right now but if I was much younger maybe a 3.
I decided to pick up a short one that was on my "haven't read but own" pile and so I read this one.
It's ok, it's sweet, it's a definite child's book.
It's about a child trying to cheer up his parents and fish and chips.
2/5 for me right now but if I was much younger maybe a 3.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson
By far the strangest book I've read in a very long time.
Coving drugs, spiritualism and burn victims this love story is pretty insane.
The historically intertwined stories were by far the best part but this is not a book I will ever forget reading.
It was given to me by Mrs. Abbiss because she's kind like that and she had finished with it and it suits the type of psychologically odd books she reads.
4/5 for generally compelling me to finish it.
Coving drugs, spiritualism and burn victims this love story is pretty insane.
The historically intertwined stories were by far the best part but this is not a book I will ever forget reading.
It was given to me by Mrs. Abbiss because she's kind like that and she had finished with it and it suits the type of psychologically odd books she reads.
4/5 for generally compelling me to finish it.
The Kissing Gates - Mackenzie Ford
This book belongs to Hazel as it was bought for her for her Birthday but she finished it while we were on holiday so I took it up and got it read within two days of trains and boats.
I'd heard about it and it had been recommended a few times by people on the Ning so I was looking forward to it.
Well, it did NOT disappoint.
It was not the typical war text that we discussed during our Synoptic lark last year and it would have been really good to have a variety of quotations for that paper actually.
It covered the ideas of spies, blood transfusions, war wounded, German speaking English, English speaking Germans, Switzerland (which was quite coll because that's where I was while I was reading it!) and the average family in London and job/relationship problems.
It was told through letters/diaries/memoir and was just superb.
4.5/5.
:D
I'd heard about it and it had been recommended a few times by people on the Ning so I was looking forward to it.
Well, it did NOT disappoint.
It was not the typical war text that we discussed during our Synoptic lark last year and it would have been really good to have a variety of quotations for that paper actually.
It covered the ideas of spies, blood transfusions, war wounded, German speaking English, English speaking Germans, Switzerland (which was quite coll because that's where I was while I was reading it!) and the average family in London and job/relationship problems.
It was told through letters/diaries/memoir and was just superb.
4.5/5.
:D
Girl With A Pearl Earring - Tracy Chevalier
This book was a historical story passed off as a novel. Quite clearly written in the hope someone would see enough allure and potential to make it into a film. Which they did.
I haven't actually seen the dramatisation of it but I can only imagine it is better than the book as it seems it's very visual because it really just was another one of those huge descriptions and 3 plot points.
That said it was a reasonably good read, especially on trains when your concentration was split and distracted by the things around you anyway.
3.5/5.
I haven't actually seen the dramatisation of it but I can only imagine it is better than the book as it seems it's very visual because it really just was another one of those huge descriptions and 3 plot points.
That said it was a reasonably good read, especially on trains when your concentration was split and distracted by the things around you anyway.
3.5/5.
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
This one I bought for £3 in hmv because it looked reasonably good and money was for once burning a hole. I really felt the urge to buy something and a reasonably priced book was the outcome.
I ploughed through this one despite the very strange nature of the story and how quickly you are plunged into the story.
From the beginning you are told enough to know what went on but never the full story and little bits and points of view and facts emerge.
I thought it was pretty fantastic although not the story type I'd usually pursue it was still gripping and rather well constructed.
A 3.5/5.
I ploughed through this one despite the very strange nature of the story and how quickly you are plunged into the story.
From the beginning you are told enough to know what went on but never the full story and little bits and points of view and facts emerge.
I thought it was pretty fantastic although not the story type I'd usually pursue it was still gripping and rather well constructed.
A 3.5/5.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster
I've been putting this off for far too long. I actually finished this book on the 7th of August and it's now the 27th!
Anyway, reasons for reading this book were that it was mentioned by both Alex Day and Ashley within a few days and their combined enthusiasm was enough for me to look at it sat there on my shelf and say:
"Sure it was not even worth finishing last time you tried but you're about 8 years older now, try again."
So I did actually finish it this time although I cannot rant and rave about it being worth reading.
Sure it made me giggle and I was pretty impressed by the word play and the ideas that were fitted into such a short story that is easily aimed at children BUT it was just not enjoyable.
I just found myself reading it for the sake of reading and not because I wanted to see what happened.
Therefore I shall give it a mere 2/5.
Anyway, reasons for reading this book were that it was mentioned by both Alex Day and Ashley within a few days and their combined enthusiasm was enough for me to look at it sat there on my shelf and say:
"Sure it was not even worth finishing last time you tried but you're about 8 years older now, try again."
So I did actually finish it this time although I cannot rant and rave about it being worth reading.
Sure it made me giggle and I was pretty impressed by the word play and the ideas that were fitted into such a short story that is easily aimed at children BUT it was just not enjoyable.
I just found myself reading it for the sake of reading and not because I wanted to see what happened.
Therefore I shall give it a mere 2/5.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
The Host - Stephenie Meyer
Right, I'd like to get this straight.
I enjoyed Twilight, the whole saga, I really actually liked Breaking Dawn, I thought it was the sort of faerie tale ending that that fantasy series deserved.
So when this Host book malarky was reduced in Asda a few weeks ago I thought I'd give it a go even though I'm not actually the biggest fan of Ms Meyer's form of writing.
Her conflicts never go anywhere because she is too worried about who they might offend and she managed to use the word repugnant 6 times in the entire book.
FIND OTHER ADJECTIVES.
It took till the last 4 or so chapters for me to actually be at all interested in what might happen and in a 600 and something page book that's a bit pathetic.
2/5
I enjoyed Twilight, the whole saga, I really actually liked Breaking Dawn, I thought it was the sort of faerie tale ending that that fantasy series deserved.
So when this Host book malarky was reduced in Asda a few weeks ago I thought I'd give it a go even though I'm not actually the biggest fan of Ms Meyer's form of writing.
Her conflicts never go anywhere because she is too worried about who they might offend and she managed to use the word repugnant 6 times in the entire book.
FIND OTHER ADJECTIVES.
It took till the last 4 or so chapters for me to actually be at all interested in what might happen and in a 600 and something page book that's a bit pathetic.
2/5
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
The Bermudez Triangle - Maureen Johnson
Oh goodness, I finished this book this morning before I got up and should really have reviewed it then but I've left it once again till later.
I feel lately, although I've started books, I've still not had the passion to finished them.
Anyway.
I give this one 3.5/5.
It was sweet and quick and fun and quirky.
I really like the way Maureen writes when there is something Very Important you can tell because she emphasises it with Capital Letters.
I think with any other author this would irritate me but I know it's because that's how she is in her blogs and tweets and such like.
The book didn't really have an end though, it was hopeful but not succinct.
I might read it again but not in a hurry.
I feel lately, although I've started books, I've still not had the passion to finished them.
Anyway.
I give this one 3.5/5.
It was sweet and quick and fun and quirky.
I really like the way Maureen writes when there is something Very Important you can tell because she emphasises it with Capital Letters.
I think with any other author this would irritate me but I know it's because that's how she is in her blogs and tweets and such like.
The book didn't really have an end though, it was hopeful but not succinct.
I might read it again but not in a hurry.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Boy Meets Boy - David Levithan
This book means so much to me. You wouldn't understand.
It isn't really the content of it more than the bits of my life that link to it.
I'm not sure what year it was. I suppose I was in year 8, aged 13, (after note actually I must have been 14 because I had a mobile) we were at Salt's Mill with the family. They have an amazing bookshop there and each time we go I always spend ages looking at every book on the shelves because it's a different sort of system to somewhere like WHSmiths or Waterstones that have more "best sellers". Well, the 'rents always go to look at the design shop bit at the other side of the restaurant and I was drawn to this book. It was the hearts on the front and I read the blurb and was intrigued.
By the time I was found, sat on a chair at the edge of the shop, I was half way through and addicted.
I begged Mum to buy it and finished it in the car on the way back to Grandad's.
I fell in love with every character. The writing was fantastic. I felt connected to this ridiculously idealistic world where Levithan tries to make a complex and simplistic world all at once.
Possibly 2 years after this I lent this book to David, I thought he'd enjoy it, not just because he's gay but because it was a great shortish book that just made me feel good when I read it.
I only ever saw David at cadets and not long after I lent him the book he had a fall out with his Dad and moved further south to live with his Mum.
I never saw that copy of the book again but I never forgot it.
I kept thinking I'd lend it to Ross all through the last few years, this time because, yeah he's gay and two because he rarely reads and I wanted to share a beautiful book with him.
Last weekend Hazel went to a fayre thing and one of the stalls had this book for, I think, 10p.
Whatever it was as soon as she gave it to me when I got home I felt so happy. Haze knew how much it would mean to me to have one of my favourite books back. Making it even more personal and amazing.
To the actual text itself.
Reading it this morning was a completely surreal experience; both the same and different to the first time.
Back then I couldn't put it down, I read and absorbed and loved it. Same this time, but now I see that it's simplistic but greatly metaphorical.
This guy adores to manipulate language with short, sharp ideas and sentences, the way I sometimes write and more like thinking. A gradual personality is shown and I adore it.
With some books authors seem to only want to tell the story, not really bothering to craft. Now, despite loving Horowitz he is a key player of this style, it doesn't ruin them, no, I still really enjoy them but for a completely different reason.
Similarly over explanation of surroundings or details is horrible, it's one of the things that really really annoyed me about the Twilight saga. Meyer is just so faffy and keeps describing things to a crazy unreasonable degree. For her it isn't all beautiful metaphors either.
Levithan gets the balance perfect I think.
I know it isn't strictly allowed to give 6/5 so I'll give it a 5/5 and a BONUS mark for becoming a book that is so much a part of me.
I also realise this is the most in-depth review I've given so far and it was great to do so, this is what I planned to do when I set up this blog but I've not really got around to it yet.
:)
It isn't really the content of it more than the bits of my life that link to it.
I'm not sure what year it was. I suppose I was in year 8, aged 13, (after note actually I must have been 14 because I had a mobile) we were at Salt's Mill with the family. They have an amazing bookshop there and each time we go I always spend ages looking at every book on the shelves because it's a different sort of system to somewhere like WHSmiths or Waterstones that have more "best sellers". Well, the 'rents always go to look at the design shop bit at the other side of the restaurant and I was drawn to this book. It was the hearts on the front and I read the blurb and was intrigued.
By the time I was found, sat on a chair at the edge of the shop, I was half way through and addicted.
I begged Mum to buy it and finished it in the car on the way back to Grandad's.
I fell in love with every character. The writing was fantastic. I felt connected to this ridiculously idealistic world where Levithan tries to make a complex and simplistic world all at once.
Possibly 2 years after this I lent this book to David, I thought he'd enjoy it, not just because he's gay but because it was a great shortish book that just made me feel good when I read it.
I only ever saw David at cadets and not long after I lent him the book he had a fall out with his Dad and moved further south to live with his Mum.
I never saw that copy of the book again but I never forgot it.
I kept thinking I'd lend it to Ross all through the last few years, this time because, yeah he's gay and two because he rarely reads and I wanted to share a beautiful book with him.
Last weekend Hazel went to a fayre thing and one of the stalls had this book for, I think, 10p.
Whatever it was as soon as she gave it to me when I got home I felt so happy. Haze knew how much it would mean to me to have one of my favourite books back. Making it even more personal and amazing.
To the actual text itself.
Reading it this morning was a completely surreal experience; both the same and different to the first time.
Back then I couldn't put it down, I read and absorbed and loved it. Same this time, but now I see that it's simplistic but greatly metaphorical.
This guy adores to manipulate language with short, sharp ideas and sentences, the way I sometimes write and more like thinking. A gradual personality is shown and I adore it.
With some books authors seem to only want to tell the story, not really bothering to craft. Now, despite loving Horowitz he is a key player of this style, it doesn't ruin them, no, I still really enjoy them but for a completely different reason.
Similarly over explanation of surroundings or details is horrible, it's one of the things that really really annoyed me about the Twilight saga. Meyer is just so faffy and keeps describing things to a crazy unreasonable degree. For her it isn't all beautiful metaphors either.
Levithan gets the balance perfect I think.
I know it isn't strictly allowed to give 6/5 so I'll give it a 5/5 and a BONUS mark for becoming a book that is so much a part of me.
I also realise this is the most in-depth review I've given so far and it was great to do so, this is what I planned to do when I set up this blog but I've not really got around to it yet.
:)
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Bridget Jones's Diary & Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason Omnibus - Helen Fielding
So I finished the first half of this a while ago and didn't know whether to post it as a separate book but as it's an omnibus I thought I'd just do both at once.
Even though I've been off school for actually ages I still haven't managed to spend nearly enough time just reading.
I feel I should carry a book with me everywhere to read on the bus and such, BUT I actually cannot afford the bus and should get the exercise by walking to town. That means no need for book times and more need for music.
This would be solved with an abundance of mp3 based books but I don't have them.
ANYWAY, onto the review.
3/5
Really I quite enjoyed this book even though bits of it were actually uncomfortable to read because of the cringey actually scary real-life-y-ness of it.
It was clearly easy reading but nice simple trashy reading.
When I saw the film, what, 5 years ago I really did not enjoy it but the book redeemed itself!
Well, now that's over I have a pile about 100 deep to plough through!
Even though I've been off school for actually ages I still haven't managed to spend nearly enough time just reading.
I feel I should carry a book with me everywhere to read on the bus and such, BUT I actually cannot afford the bus and should get the exercise by walking to town. That means no need for book times and more need for music.
This would be solved with an abundance of mp3 based books but I don't have them.
ANYWAY, onto the review.
3/5
Really I quite enjoyed this book even though bits of it were actually uncomfortable to read because of the cringey actually scary real-life-y-ness of it.
It was clearly easy reading but nice simple trashy reading.
When I saw the film, what, 5 years ago I really did not enjoy it but the book redeemed itself!
Well, now that's over I have a pile about 100 deep to plough through!
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
The Machine Stops - E.M. Forster
Though I read this online (is that allowed?) I think these three short chapters count.
I read it a few days ago because Ashley suggested it to me.
4/5 for general creepiness and foreboding.
I'm now free of school and I hope my reading intake is going to increase dramatically!
I read it a few days ago because Ashley suggested it to me.
4/5 for general creepiness and foreboding.
I'm now free of school and I hope my reading intake is going to increase dramatically!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Quidditch Through The Ages - Kennilworthy Whisp
The other of the two Harry Potter books released for Comic Relief years ago.
I enjoyed reading it, it was sweet. I don't have much to say about it but wanted to record the fact that I have indeed read it.
4/5
I enjoyed reading it, it was sweet. I don't have much to say about it but wanted to record the fact that I have indeed read it.
4/5
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them - Newt Scamander
When I first got this in 2001 I barely read it, skimmed it and read various fairly entertaining passages but this time I read it cover to cover.
I love the world of Harry Potter.
4/5
I love the world of Harry Potter.
4/5
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom - Loius Sachar
Mum bought this book and said it was worth reading.
I'm a fan of Louis Sachar, have been since I read Holes and LOVED it, then read Small Steps and rather enjoyed that.
This book is for much younger children but its simplicity is lovely.
The story is sweet and has a good ending.
It seems like it would be good for young children to learn about each other.
3.5/5
I wouldn't read it again though, it isn't complex enough to forget what happens or to be as entertaining a second time round.
I'm a fan of Louis Sachar, have been since I read Holes and LOVED it, then read Small Steps and rather enjoyed that.
This book is for much younger children but its simplicity is lovely.
The story is sweet and has a good ending.
It seems like it would be good for young children to learn about each other.
3.5/5
I wouldn't read it again though, it isn't complex enough to forget what happens or to be as entertaining a second time round.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
War Game - Michael Foreman
Mum brought me this book home from her school because it works as one of my Synoptic English War Literature texts.
It was a story about some friends who were involved in the Christmas game of football in WWI.
It was sweet, the best bit being that it was interspersed with actual propaganda posters.
3/5
It was a story about some friends who were involved in the Christmas game of football in WWI.
It was sweet, the best bit being that it was interspersed with actual propaganda posters.
3/5
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing. Volume 1: The Pox Party - M.T. Anderson
Well this book intrigued me when I saw it on the shelf one time I was on a shopping trip with my friends at the Metro Centre.
We were in a reduced book shop and this book was only £2.
A bargain for something with such high production values (artfully ripped pages to add a diary scrapbook effect) and a hardback novel at that.
I almost didn't buy it but I cannot resist a bargain and, with money burning a hole in my purse, and a desire to read it, I thought why not.
A few weeks ago this book surfaced near the top of my "to read" pile and around the same time it was mentioned by John Green as one of his top YA book recommendations.
I have to give it 4.5/5.
It is written from the point of view and in a time that I have never read about before and in a contextually accurate prose that is highly interesting.
I really want to read the next instalment and recommend this book enthusiastically.
We were in a reduced book shop and this book was only £2.
A bargain for something with such high production values (artfully ripped pages to add a diary scrapbook effect) and a hardback novel at that.
I almost didn't buy it but I cannot resist a bargain and, with money burning a hole in my purse, and a desire to read it, I thought why not.
A few weeks ago this book surfaced near the top of my "to read" pile and around the same time it was mentioned by John Green as one of his top YA book recommendations.
I have to give it 4.5/5.
It is written from the point of view and in a time that I have never read about before and in a contextually accurate prose that is highly interesting.
I really want to read the next instalment and recommend this book enthusiastically.
Friday, 17 April 2009
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
Oh gosh.
It's all over.
Again.
5/5.
Maybe next time I read it I'll review it properly.
It was a distraction as is this though and I mustn't let myself.
It's all over.
Again.
5/5.
Maybe next time I read it I'll review it properly.
It was a distraction as is this though and I mustn't let myself.
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling
I was sure I'd posted a review when I finished this last weekend.
I clearly didn't.
5/5
(this was added in later when I realised)
I clearly didn't.
5/5
(this was added in later when I realised)
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Random Acts of Heroic Love - Danny Scheinmann
Another book recommended to me by my Psychology teacher.
She seems to have a good taste in books because this one was pretty fantastic.
Without giving too much away it has a great mix of two stories one modern day and one in WWI.
There was some great quotations I can use for my Synoptic paper too.
I think it is about 4.5/5.
Perhaps because it took me so long to read.
I'm gutted that I wont really be able to read much now till after my exams because I could use my time better.
The pile of books to read is mounting and I promise this blog will get better after June 16th.
:)
She seems to have a good taste in books because this one was pretty fantastic.
Without giving too much away it has a great mix of two stories one modern day and one in WWI.
There was some great quotations I can use for my Synoptic paper too.
I think it is about 4.5/5.
Perhaps because it took me so long to read.
I'm gutted that I wont really be able to read much now till after my exams because I could use my time better.
The pile of books to read is mounting and I promise this blog will get better after June 16th.
:)
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Double Cross - Malorie Blackman
Well the end of this book will probably be marked forever with my tear.
Oh gosh, I've not been so compelled to finish a book for a good long time.
In comparison with the last book I read this one wins hands down.
Unbelievably good writing.
You don't just read the words you end up living them alongside Tobey and Callie-Rose.
The beauty of the language stands out.
"sparkled like a giggle"
"Life was too precious to be so fragile. Or maybe life was precious because it was so fragile."
Oh dear, I don't know what else to say about it. 5/5 and it was great. I will read it again. When I buy Knife Edge and Checkmate to fill my collection.
I remember seeing Noughts and Crosses at the theatre.
I'd love to see this one acted.
:D
Oh gosh, I've not been so compelled to finish a book for a good long time.
In comparison with the last book I read this one wins hands down.
Unbelievably good writing.
You don't just read the words you end up living them alongside Tobey and Callie-Rose.
The beauty of the language stands out.
"sparkled like a giggle"
"Life was too precious to be so fragile. Or maybe life was precious because it was so fragile."
Oh dear, I don't know what else to say about it. 5/5 and it was great. I will read it again. When I buy Knife Edge and Checkmate to fill my collection.
I remember seeing Noughts and Crosses at the theatre.
I'd love to see this one acted.
:D
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Necropolis - Anthony Horowitz
After a massive break from reading because of school work I've been taking time off from the internet instead so that I can try and get more sleep.
To relax my mind before bed I decided that reading for fun (as I used to do every day and have missed) would be great.
Without rereading the first 3 in the series I slipped easily back into the narrative of this book. I love AH's stories. They're always full of action and complexities, twists and turns.
But I have to say that in the technicalities he isn't that good of a writer.
This might be because I've spent the last two years being very very critical of writing. I'm aware that it is more effective to show not tell and he seems often to write "Scar did this" or "Pedro looked lost". Which is OK and gets the meaning across but it wouldn't hurt to alter the style a bit.
Mind you I give this book a good 4/5 and am eager to read the 5th and final instalment and I will probably read them all again before then too.
I hope to read a lot more soon so keep an eye on this. It should get better.
To relax my mind before bed I decided that reading for fun (as I used to do every day and have missed) would be great.
Without rereading the first 3 in the series I slipped easily back into the narrative of this book. I love AH's stories. They're always full of action and complexities, twists and turns.
But I have to say that in the technicalities he isn't that good of a writer.
This might be because I've spent the last two years being very very critical of writing. I'm aware that it is more effective to show not tell and he seems often to write "Scar did this" or "Pedro looked lost". Which is OK and gets the meaning across but it wouldn't hurt to alter the style a bit.
Mind you I give this book a good 4/5 and am eager to read the 5th and final instalment and I will probably read them all again before then too.
I hope to read a lot more soon so keep an eye on this. It should get better.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Journey's End - R.C.Sherriff
For English this year we have a 3 hour Synoptic paper about all sorts of texts to do with WWI.
This one is a short play which I found particularly dull.
I could hardly find one good quotation that made me actually want to analyse it at all.
I think I found ten mediocre ones.
Well, at least I read it rather than blagging.
I doubt I'll ever read it again.
This one is a short play which I found particularly dull.
I could hardly find one good quotation that made me actually want to analyse it at all.
I think I found ten mediocre ones.
Well, at least I read it rather than blagging.
I doubt I'll ever read it again.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
Oh gosh, this is the first book in '09 to make me cry and is strangely appropriate because today is Holocaust memorial day.
I LOVED the way it was written, the snippets and insights and doodles.
Thanks go to everyone who ever recommended it, especially the Nerdfighters and to Maddy who bought it for me as a Christmas present.
Very very good.
:)
(edit: actually 'Perfect Match' made me cry too...)
I LOVED the way it was written, the snippets and insights and doodles.
Thanks go to everyone who ever recommended it, especially the Nerdfighters and to Maddy who bought it for me as a Christmas present.
Very very good.
:)
(edit: actually 'Perfect Match' made me cry too...)
Sunday, 18 January 2009
The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.K.Rowling
Well this book was a really pleasing read despite it's shortness.
I really loved the annotations and explanations thrown in by Dumbledore and how through this we heard more about past goings on at Hogwarts.
I also loved how it referenced "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and also mentioned such things as attempts at Drama in Hogwarts and its actual place in the Wizarding world. I hope that some even more accurate fanfics can spring up now this information is available. I indulge in some here and there but much prefer if they actually fit into known facts.
This book was one of my Birthday presents and only took last night to read.
I really loved the annotations and explanations thrown in by Dumbledore and how through this we heard more about past goings on at Hogwarts.
I also loved how it referenced "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and also mentioned such things as attempts at Drama in Hogwarts and its actual place in the Wizarding world. I hope that some even more accurate fanfics can spring up now this information is available. I indulge in some here and there but much prefer if they actually fit into known facts.
This book was one of my Birthday presents and only took last night to read.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Perfect Match - Jodi Picoult
A deep and complex novel about a mother who is a prosecution lawyer whose son has been molested. She doesn't want her son to get hurt further and puts herself in a very precarious position.
I found this book difficult to read as I was rather upset by the events involved but overall I think it was a worthwhile endeavour.
Thanks to Mrs Holroyd who lent my mother and I this book.
I wouldn't re-read it but it was OK.
I found this book difficult to read as I was rather upset by the events involved but overall I think it was a worthwhile endeavour.
Thanks to Mrs Holroyd who lent my mother and I this book.
I wouldn't re-read it but it was OK.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Dibs (In Search of Self) - Virginia M. Axline
This endearing book was recommended to me by my Psychology teacher as a good read.
I read it over the 2/3/4th of January and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It follows a small boy on his exploration of being recognised as a person I suppose.
It is written in such a way that you connect with the story.
Very good indeed.
I read it over the 2/3/4th of January and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It follows a small boy on his exploration of being recognised as a person I suppose.
It is written in such a way that you connect with the story.
Very good indeed.
The real Sex Kitten's Handbook - Val Sampson
I wouldn't have chosen this book for myself.
Ross bought it for me for my Birthday and I received it and read it on the 1st.
It's OK I suppose for what it is but I'm not really a fan of non-fiction, especially the advice sort.
Sorry.
Ross bought it for me for my Birthday and I received it and read it on the 1st.
It's OK I suppose for what it is but I'm not really a fan of non-fiction, especially the advice sort.
Sorry.
Explanation
What this is all about.
I used to keep a log of what I was reading because we were told to in English.
I stopped doing that in year 10 when it wasn't compulsory but I miss having a log of everything I read, especially when I borrow books from friends or the library.
So I have decided to keep a blog of books I've read once I finish them.
I thought about backtracking a bit but I've decided that I'll just start from the beginning of 2009.
Thanks.
I used to keep a log of what I was reading because we were told to in English.
I stopped doing that in year 10 when it wasn't compulsory but I miss having a log of everything I read, especially when I borrow books from friends or the library.
So I have decided to keep a blog of books I've read once I finish them.
I thought about backtracking a bit but I've decided that I'll just start from the beginning of 2009.
Thanks.
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