REVIEW: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

I really loved Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler!  I thought the story to be utterly sweet and heart-breaking at the same time.  I thought the format to be different and quite clever.  I thought the unravelling of this relationship gone wrong happened at just the right pace and I enjoyed the mystery of what actually happened between the two. 

Yeah, I just really enjoyed these glimpses into these teenage relationship - as a reader, I could relate to the early swoony stages of their romance but at the same time, we're thrown these little snippets of where things went a bit sour.  Why We Broke Up is quite a short story, I really flew through the pages quite quickly and this is helped by the accompanying (gorgeous!) artwork by Moira Kalman.  I thought the illustrations and the tone of the novel complemented each other really well and I couldn't see myelf enjoying the story as much without the pretty artwork! 

The story starts with a box filled with all those bits and pieces that make up a relationship - movie stubs and little notes and stolen sugar from a restaurant.  And together with all of these things is a letter from Min to Ed explaining why exactly they broke up.  I loved that this is how the story is told, both in letter format which makes the narrative feel quite chatty and personal, but also using these objects (with pictures!) to tell a story of this short-lived but quite emotional connection between two people.  We're witness to all the good stuff of getting to know each other's quirks and the introductions of our passions (classic films and basketball) but also to those little moments that don't feel quite right, the comments that are made that make us feel uneasy, that things that were chosen or done or didn't do. 

I really got a sense of the therapeutic value that Min achieves through dissecting this relationship with Ed, going over the things that were done right and wrong.  It was really bittersweet, this walk down all of the good and bad memories with Ed.  It's definitely a walk that I'm glad that I took alongside Min.  I think most of us can relate to this story of short-lived romance followed by heartbreak.  This is a really beautiful book, one I recommend!

REVIEW: The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Review by Kulsuma from sunshine and stardust 

Strange things always seem to happen around Tanya. Though it was easier to explain away when she was younger, now that she’s thirteen, it’s a different story. The truth is that she can see fairies. But that’s not all; they’re evil fairies. They torture her mercilessly if she tries to tell anyone else about them.

Before long, her exhausted mother has had enough of her unexplainable behaviour and sends her to stay with her grandmother at Elvesden Manor. Tanya hates it there because of her grandmother’s frosty personality, but a growing friendship with the caretaker’s son, Fabian, the intriguing story of a strange girl and the unravelling of a fifty year old mystery pull her into a fantastical adventure.

The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison is a great book. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end as it was full of surprises and interesting twists and turns. I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy this book as I haven’t enjoyed other books about fairies I’ve read (apart from Artemis Fowl, of course).

However, Harrison’s fairies were brilliantly imagined and I can’t wait to read more of them. Harrison wonderfully wove plot threads together leading to a dramatic climax. I loved how all the storylines fit in the end like a jigsaw puzzle. I didn’t have any unanswered questions which is very satisfying.

Tanya is a very relatable character. Of course, she is frustrated by her gift (or curse, depending on how you look at it) of having the second sight but ultimately, she wants to learn more about fairies and help others. I liked Fabian because he was always curious which meant that they found out a lot of things but undoubtedly got into danger.

The other characters were very well written, though I do wish there had been more scenes with the fairies and Fabian’s grandfather, Amos. I felt that he was an important character as a lot of the story centred on him. While I could work out some of the characters, I remained suspicious of one or two characters’ motives until the end when all was at last revealed.

I loved Harrison’s writing as I could visualise the manor, the village and the woods very clearly. The villain was horrible and very scary. Though I did figure out some of the plot before the end, there were some great twists still in store for me. I was biting my nails as Tanya at last met the villain. Overall, The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison was a great book and I look forward to reading more of the series.

Fantastic, thank you Kulsuma!

Rebecca from Rebecca-Books (Awesome Women)

I'm so happy to have Rebecca from Rebecca-Books here today talking about awesome women and role models! I've been meaning to reboot my Awesome Women feature for awhile and I'm thrilled that today it is Rebecca sharing her thoughts today!  Please, please do go follow her blog and on Twitter, she is absolutely lovely!

To find out more about Rebecca, please do visit the following websites... 

Rebecca-Books ... Rebecca on Twitter ... Rebecca on GoodReads ... Rebecca on Tumblr 

Can you tell me a little something about yourself?

Well, for starters, I’m Rebecca, aged 17, and living in the lovely, rainy London, England. At the tender age of 15, I started a book blog named Rebecca-Books where I reviewed all the books I read (which were, and are still, pretty constant) as well as sharing my love of books with other people who, well, also loved books.

When I’m not blogging or reading, I work part-time at my local bookshop or I’m at college. I’m currently about to start my second year at college studying English Literature, Media Studies and History. I’m going to university next year (the idea absolutely terrifies me) and hopefully will go into the publishing business when I’m older *crosses fingers*

Did you have a role model growing up?

I’m not sure I had a constant role model really, the most constant was probably Barbie (sad but true...).

Most of the people I looked up to went through phases. I had a Busted stage, Girls Aloud, Steps, S Club 7, Blue Peter – all the good-old British childish influences.

Who do you look up to now?

I don’t think I have one person that I can say ‘That is my role model’. I have people I look up to for different reasons or that I like a certain aspect of them.

Of those, I have quite a few, if I’m honest. I think the main one is Anne Frank. Since I learned of her ‘story’ as such, through the BBC adaptation of her diary a few years ago with Ellie Kendrick, I loved the idea of Anne Frank and felt so sad over what happened in her short life. I mean she died, weeks before her concentration camp was liberated and I always think the ‘what if?’ question whenever I’m reminded of that. I also loved how she was so passionate about writing and passionate about what she wanted to do, even if she was stuck in an attic with people she didn’t particularly like. I would say Anne Frank is probably my main role model, with others mixed in similarly such as Jane Austen, Elizabeth I, Lady Jane Grey... (see the theme of historical figures here).

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ah, I wanted to be so many things. But first and foremost, I wanted to be a trolley dolly, as they put it in England – a stewardess, flight attendant, whatever they call it these days. Not entirely sure why I had this dream job but thankfully, I grew out of that stage. The next career path was being an actress which sparked up in about Year 7 (6th grade) when we got timetabled for a whole proper Drama lesson! I started at a drama school and did Drama for GCSE, LAMDA, everything. It was only really a few years ago I fell ‘out of love’ with Drama especially after I was slated on my performances by my Drama teacher perpetually. I wasn’t as good as I needed to be and wouldn’t have made it to the West End. At all.

Tell me something about the women in your life who have been an influence on you?

The main influence I would say is my grandmother. She is in her 80’s, doesn’t take any medication (all to her friend’s disgust) and acts like she’s still in her 30’s. I love her dearly and it is my one hope that she is still around on my wedding day because I think she would love it more than her own or my parents’ one. She is also so supportive of me and more of a best friend rather than a relation.

Apart from my mother, I would say the only other influence is my old English teacher. My class and I, the top set, entered GCSE English with no idea how to string a decent essay together, also with no confidence in English at all – especially with most of our past teachers being, well, rubbish. Throughout our two years with her, we all learnt so much, both on a teaching and personal level. I actually think she would do anything to help us get where we wanted to be. She praised us and told us off at times but she was never boring. I got two A*’s in English Language and Literature and I don’t think I would have got those with the notoriously bad other top set teacher. It was her really that sparked up the blog. I remember her saying to me when I was confused about the meaning of a poem, ‘If you have a love for something, like she does in this poem, just go for it. Even if you think it’s unattainable. Just do it because you love it.’

Is there a fictional character that reminds you of you?

I re-read ‘The Truth About Forever’ by Sarah Dessen recently and I think the protagonist in that, Macy, is a lot like me. I don’t know how to talk to people sometimes and I always hold myself back from doing new things because I’m scared or I think someone wouldn’t approve – much like Macy. I think I need a bit more of her courage sometimes.

I’ve been told that the main character in Kathleen Tessaro’s ‘Elegance’ is a lot like me. They’re words, not mine. I think it’s because I have piano fingers – although I’m useless at playing the piano.

Which book would you say that every teenager should read and why?

I read a review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky where they (can’t remember who!) said that they wanted to give this to their 12 year-old goddaughter saying ‘Read this. You will need it.’.

After reading it myself, I totally understand that and I wish someone had given me this when I hit 13 with an inscription such as ‘So, teenage years may not turn out like Charlie’s. But look how they deal with the problems’. When I’m the crazy aunt/godmother to someone, this is their 13th birthday present – every teenager should read this (or watch the movie, I guess now...)

If you had any advice for yourself as a teenager, what would you say?

At 17, my adolescence is nearly over really. If I could meet my 12-going-on-13 self, I would advise them to take every chance they have despite what people may think. Oh, and, don’t tuck your shirt in your skirt like in primary school, especially on P.E days. Or go out with your best friend for 2 years – not worth it at all.

Also, I know you will want to read under the table in form time to get away from the boring conversation around you. Just go for it! They’re much more interested in books than you think.

If you could choose to have a girly sleepover with any fictional characters, who would you choose?

Wow, erm, I think if I did have a bookish girly sleepover, it would be a very large one. For starters, probably all the protagonists from Sarah Dessen’s books – especially Macy (The Truth About Forever) and Annabel (Just Listen). Audrey and Victoria from Audrey, Wait! (Robin Benway). Hazel from The Fault in Our Stars (John Green). Throw perhaps Theodore Boone in there (John Grisham), although I have a feeling he would decline the invitation to spend the evening with a load of teenage girls...

Of the issues and concerns that women are faced with today, what's the area you most like reading about?

Ooo...I think I like seeing how women have become the heroines really of children’s/teenage fiction now. Gone are the boy protagonists. Now girls can take centre stage or at least be a main part of the boy’s life e.g. Harry Potter.

Another thing I like reading about is on teenage issues – how girls, and guys, are represented both in literature and overall, in the media. It’s something that annoys me, being a teenager myself and I find the most interesting and am the most passionate about.

Also, I’m a fan of big dystopians so I find it so interesting to read interpretations of what life could be like in the future such as love in Delirium by Lauren Oliver, body image like in Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, pregnancy like in Bumped by Megan McCafferty or curing old age like in The Declaration by Gemma Malley. I like the feeling of inevitability – these are sometimes shockingly similar and it’s good to be a tad prepared at least.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for this interview, Clover! This is such a lovely idea that really got me thinking about the women and role models in my life. Such a nice idea.

On endings

**This discussion post is on book endings and will contain spoilers for Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison, Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles and Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon.  Please do not read any further if you have not read these books and you wish to read them in the future.**

I've read a few books recenty that have really made me think about endings.  I've always wanted to write a post about what I'd like to see more of in YA and by reading these three books makes me certain of at least one thing: I'd like to see more books in which the love interests don't end up together at the end of the book.  Let me put this in perspective with the books I've read lately...

I was really enjoying Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison ... I was convinced by the characters and the romance.  I enjoyed seeing a different conflict here than I'd normally see.  The girl is struggling with the ways in which her religious beliefs (she's Mormon) coincide with her love life and the boy is grappling with the amount of grief he is feeling over the loss of his parents and his desire to reconnect with his passion of diving.  Together they find each other, and their relationship helps heal some of the loneliness and pain that they feel individually.

And sorry to spoil the story for you, but it ends with the pair going their separate ways.  She has been accepted into a prestigious Mormom university that she's been dreaming about going to, and he's finally been able to say goodbye to his parents and gets a dream job in Thailand.  The two realise that what they had was lovely, but their lives are going in two different directions.  And I thought that their choice was lovely and realistic and I couldn't be happier about their decision.  Sometimes, I feel, that certain people come into our lives for just a short period of time and manage to change things for the better.

I find that I don't need to be told explicitly how a story ends to imagine what the characters' lives would be like after the last page.  And for these two I had wonderful daydreams about them finding happiness separate from each other and it still made me happy.  ...And then imagine my surprise and disappointment to learn that this book is the first book in a trilogy.  And the next book concentrates on getting back together and working out the differences in religion and location in order to be together.  AHHHH. Why is it necessary?!

On the same sort of note, there's Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon.  I'm really using the word 'lately' here loosely as I read Dead Beautiful last year.  But I remember being a little skeptical about the book before I started reading it because I didn't know at all what sort of paranormal creature its page would be concealing.  So I went into without knowing much about it.

And I really loved it, I thought it was a beautiful book.  I loved the atmosphere of this creepy boarding school with its outdated rules (no kissing allowed!) and the weird subjects like Latin and horticulture.  It was fun for me to unravel the secrets of this boarding school and the secrets surrounding the paranormal creatures of infest this school.  And at the same time, I thought the relationship between Renee and Dante to be utterly sweet.

I should have realised that this book is the first book in a trilogy, hence the length of detail setting the scene and the characters, but I didn't.  So when in the final moments of the book, Renee kisses Dante in order to save him and in doing so reduces her life to something like 7 years and in return, Dante kisses her back - therefore taking back her sacrifice and in effect killing himself, I cheered.  I thought what a beautiful ending.  And it was romantic and emotional, and I loved the idea of this story ending there.  I thought about Renee moving on with her life and always remembering this great but brief relationship as a teenager at school.  But no.  The story carries on, and I would imagine the two are working on a way to break this curse and be together?  Do I think it's necessary? No.  I prefer the ending that I imagined on my own.


I'm all for love and grand romantic gestures and happily ever after.  But does it always have to be so?  I'll give you one final example of an ending that annoys me no end.

A few weeks ago, I finished the third book about the Fuentes brothers, Chain Reaction Simone Elkeles.  I've always enjoyed Simone Elkeles' stories, but I was never a die-hard fan.  I didn't really like Alex in Perfect Chemistry and the way he kept saying 'mamacita' in a way that made my flesh crawl.  But I still liked the story and was intrigued by it enough to pick up his brothers' stories.

I really liked Carlos and Kiara, I much preferred them as a couple.  And I quite liked Nikki and Luis, even though both felt very similar to Perfect Chemistry.  There's just one thing I didn't like more than anything else... those epilogues.

Let me repeat again, I have no problem at all with happy endings, or with love interests getting together at the end and with that perfect kiss or moment -  but I do feel like some things need to be left to the imagination. 

I don't need to read that Nikki and Luis stay happily together for the next few decades and pop out triplets who're on the hockey team for me to finish the story with a smile on my face.  I can imagine their happy lives without knowing specific sickly-sweet details like that.  Especially if those details are so cheesy and over the top!  Is that just me?

What do you think about these sort of endings?  Would you prefer the romances always to work out?  Do you like epilogues to know for sure how a story or a couple ends?  Give me your opinions in comments, please!

REVIEW: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Review by Carrie from teabelly

Switched is the first book in the Trylle Trilogy from self-publishing ‘sensation’ Amanda Hocking. Hocking sold millions of ebooks before securing a publishing deal, and the paperback is the version I read. While I think what she has achieved is amazing, I also think she’s a good example of why traditional publishing, and
especially a good editor, are still valuable. I don’t know how much has been changed from her original version and the one in book form, but I would guess not much, and this hurts it. While there’s a reasonably enjoyable book here, it needs a lot of work to make it truly good.

Wendy Everly has never felt like she really fits in. When she was six years old her mother tried to kill her, claiming Wendy wasn’t her daughter, and she’s been in an institution since. Wendy was raised by her aunt Maggie and older brother Matt in a loving home, but she didn’t feel like she belonged. Then a mysterious boy appears at her new school and tells her she is different; in fact, she’s a troll. She has the ability of persuasion and so can make people do what she wants them to, and she’s a changeling – she was switched at birth, meaning the woman she believed was her mother was right all along. Wendy follows Finn back to Forening, where the trolls (Trylle) live, and meets her real mother, as well as unexpected duties.

As I said, I found this to be fairly enjoyable. It is a quick and easy read, fast-paced and Wendy is a likable character. If you’re looking for something to just pass the time then this may be a perfect fit. But there’s also a lot that works against it, including that fast pace, since it seems to rush through so many things when it should take its time a little more.

And I did have problems with the writing. It is very ‘tell not show’. As an example:

“Telling Maggie about the dance may have been the worst idea I’ve ever had, and my life is made up almost entirely of bad ideas. I hadn’t wanted to go, but as soon as she’d heard about it, she decided it would be the most fantastic thing ever. I’d never gone to a dance before, but she was so excited about it, I let her have this small victory.”

Couldn’t we have had this conversation fleshed out, so we could have been a part of it? We could have seen how excited Maggie was, rather than just been told. It’s very difficult to get a feel for other characters when things are written in this way. Given that the book is told from Wendy’s point of view we have limited access to other people’s thoughts and feelings. Conversations give us this access, so when they’re described as above we’re short changed. There’s too much of this in the book, and after a while it becomes frustrating.

Then there’s the world building aspect. We’re given trolls as the supernatural being of a story. These are something I haven’t really come across, aside from in fairy tales, so I’d expect a rich history and back story. Instead we’re given a world that is basically ours with some minor tweaks and a people with a bit of magic who aren’t that dissimilar to you and me. Their main traits seem to be having unruly hair, liking to be barefoot and being picky eaters. Also they have anger issues, but this mainly comes across as being bratty. Even the changeling aspect of it is under written, the reason is sort of pointless and very human-like: financial gain. Where’s the mystery? Where’s the magic? It seemed like Hocking wanted to use paranormal aspects but keep the characters pretty. That’s fine, but also extremely dull.

As with all books of this genre there is a romance, and a romance with obstacles. Finn is the love in question, and he’s very dreamy (sorry, ‘foxy’ in this world, and boy did that description drive me mad) and protective but that’s about all you get from him. Part of the problem with believability is how Wendy acts around Finn. It seems she is willing to follow him back to Forening merely because he is hot and lurks around on her window ledge (don’t they always?). She doesn’t ask any questions about where she’s going, and even when she gets there and everyone is expecting her to act in a certain way, she still doesn’t ask questions. At one point Finn says to her ‘Do you realize what you’re giving up?’ No! Because you haven’t told her!

In the end I found the writing too frustrating to truly enjoy the book. I think it’s a shame, because there is enough here to make a decent story, it’s just not executed well. The whole thing feels incredibly rushed, and like a first draft that’s been thrown out there with no revision. It speeds along and everything happens very easily, even the ending feels rushed and wrapped up in a couple of pages, while of course setting the scene for the next book. I won’t be reading the next one based on this, I’m just not intrigued enough. But then what do I know? The woman has sold millions, she must be doing something right.

I find your review incredibly interesting! Thank you Carrie

AHHH! It's my 30th birthday!

I can hardly believe it myself  - but today, I am 30 years old.  It's absolute madness how quickly it feels like that milestone has come around.  I have had an amazing few weeks, with a surprise birthday dinner with friends and a weekend away.  I will be spending today a the Harry Potter studio tour, and honestly, I couldn't be any more excited! I'm sure to have a great time and tell you all about it soon enough. 

But it isn't really a birthday without presents!  And because you, my lovely blog followers bring me such happiness, I thought I'd give something back to you and hold my semi-regular book giveaway. 

Below is a list of books that are available, one winner will win 4-5 books (whatever will fit into a large jiffy bag!). 
International entries are welcome. 
One entry per household please.
You don't have to be a follower of the blog to enter, though that is always appreciated. 
Please leave some way of contacting you (email address/Twitter ID) if you win and also an indication of which books you'd like. 
Winner will be chosen and contacted on Sunday, 29th July.

Good luck!

(Books on my Top Ten Reads of 2012 so far)

Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Real Live Boyfriends by E Lockhart
 Heart-Shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

(Other excellent reads)

Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton
What's Up With Jody Barton? by Hayley Long
Unrest by Michelle Harrison
How to Keep a Boy as a Pet by Diane Messidoro
Scarlet by AC Gaughen
A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
A Swift Pure Cry by  Siobhan Dowd
Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

Also, I would love to know how you spent/planned to spend your 30th birthday!

Books that inspire

Have you ever read a book and then become inspired by its story?  By its characters or by the message or emotion you felt when reading it?  I have.  And more than just being inspired to read more! I'm talking about inspiration that has changed me in some way, changed my focus or way of thinking.  It hasn't happened in awhile, but I think I'm always searching for more inside my books and in my life.  I like feeling inspired and hopeful. 

Here is a small list of books that has inspired me since beginning this blog...

Looking For Alaska by John Green - This was the first book that I read by John Green and it really knocked me on my ass.  I read it at the perfect time, right when I needed to be reminded that people who are unhappy don't need to stay stuck in an unhappy place.  Just like Pudge, I realised that I'd been in a rut in my life, doing the same things over and over, saying the same things, thinking the same things.  I think it can be very easy to do as a stay-at-home mom.  Things became habit and routine and I carried on with things even when I found myself becoming more and more weary of my life. 

So I read Looking For Alaska, felt inspired and decided to make a change.  I figured I too could search for a great perhaps of my own... and while a boarding school out of state WOULD be fun, I settled for making daily changes in my life.  The Doing Things Differently project began.  I've been meaning to recommit myself to the same project again, and I will, just not right now.  I think that even if that first year didn't go exactly to plan and even if I haven't successfully completed my target of an entire month of doing things differently, that at least I'm still TRYING.  I'm doing the best that I can to change things up and do things that are scary and new and different.  I think the lasting effects of this project can be seen in loads of different areas of my life and that can only be a good thing.

Notes From the Teenage Underground by Simmone Howell - I haven't really written much about this book.  Aside from my (glowing) review, I think that not many of you know that this book is the primary inspiration for my Awesome Women series of posts?  I can't quite recall how I first came across this book, Simmone is an Australian writer of YA and I don't see a great deal of reviews for her books.  But something about the title and the cover excited me and I accepted to swap for this book many years ago.  In a happy coincidence, soon after, Simmone Howell appeared with Sarra Manning, Keris Stainton and Luisa Plaja for an absolutely brilliant Chicklish event in London which I was lucky enough to attend.  I went along and I loved listening to Simmone speak, she seems like a really cool lady, very quirky and interesting to listen to. 

But of course, it is her book, Notes From the Teenage Underground that inspired me.  It's the story of a group of girls who have a summer project.  And for that project, one of the girls writes out a script celebrating some awesome historical and more recent women and there's talk of Germaine Greer and other feminism and the whole book has a very arty and creative feel to it.  I absolutely adored every single page of it.  And when I was finished reading it, I was inspired to celebrate awesome women in the only way I knew how - which is through writing about them on this blog.  I hope to continue doing so for many more years to come...

Broken Soup and Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine -  I've written about it before, the way in which reading these two books by Jenny Valentine has inspired me to begin writing again.  It's a fairly big deal for me.  I always thought that I would grow up and write books and when I was in middle school and the early years of high school, I was constantly jotting down story ideas, character sketches, little poems and bits of dialogue.  And then I lost both my floppy disk (remember those!) and my confidence in a very short amount of time. I've been struggling with a huge case of the self-doubts for a long time and only in the very recent past has the idea taken root in my head to possibly start writing again. 

And that is in large part due to the brilliance of the writing in both Broken Soup and Finding Violet Park.  I loved both books very much and I'd love to write something as emotional and raw and honest as either of them.  I do have a main character that sits inside my head as well as some rough details of a story line, but I haven't done much to put these things down on paper.  It's been a slow process, getting back into writing, but I'm not giving up this time. 

Have you ever been inspired after reading a book?  I'd love to hear about it!

Literary birthday wish list

Did I mention that is my birthday soon?  This month I turn *gulp* ...30.  I didn't think I'd be one of those people who wanted to curl up in a ball and cry on their 30th birthday, but I'm not feeling altogether happy about it either.  I guess I just imagined my life differently than it is now.  Anyway. 

I always find the question 'what would you like for your birthday?' to be very difficult.  N very rarely buys me actual books, so I have to come up with a list of not books.  It isn't easy.  Especially because if N and I want things, we usually just buy them.  There's none of this waiting around for the next birthday/Christmas. See. Want. Have. is the usual procedure.  But, I had to come up with something and I thought it might be an semi-interesting post to share with you all? 

First up we have a Mockingjay pin! I completely missed out when Scholastic were sending these out (boohoo!) but I would wear this pin with PRIDE.  Click on any of the images to see links of where to buy these goodies.  And may the odds be ever in your favour.

And on to more badges!  I really want access to more literary badges. Can someone tell me if I'm missing some obvious place for cool bookish badges, please?  I often change the badges on my coat jacket and it is such a great talking point amongst the non-reading people I hang out with.  Plus, how cool are these Fantastic Mr Fox badges, right?

I particularly love this Outsider t-shirt from Out of Print Clothing.  I also love the Charlotte's Web tee AND The Wizard of Oz tee.  I love the idea of more bookish themed clothing. 

I also am desperate for one of these book handbags.  Oftentimes, I'll leave the house and only take with me my two sets of keys and a wallet, so these book-size handbags are a perfect size and HOW CUTE ARE THEY?  I think I prefer The Lorax, but I keep changing my mind...

And then we have the beautiful things to put on my walls!  I've wanted this Literary map of Britian and Northern Ireland for absolutely ages.  I'm also eyeing up the one for the USA as well... I really enjoy looking at the Literary Gift Company's website!

And this The Wizard Of Oz Poster looks incredible! It's the entire story! On a poster! How cute is that? I need it on my walls. They have some other very lovely posters on their website as well, but this is my favourite. 

And finally, this is the one I really, really wanted but I don't see that one listed on the site anymore.  But I do love and really want one of these Limited Edition print by Quentin Blake of a Roald Dahl character.  Preferably of a story I really, really loved (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG) but most any of them would do.  Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl are the epitome of my childhood! 

So that's my shortened list of literary gifts! Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to add?!

REVIEW: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Review by Kulsuma of sunshine and stardust

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is the story of two women in World War II; Maddie is a pilot for the Air Transport Auxiliary and ‘Verity’ works for the Special Operations Executive. Though they come from vastly different backgrounds, they become best friends in a dangerous world. Due to their strong personalities and numerous talents, they prove themselves to be valuable assets in their respective fields.

However, when a flight Maddie pilots goes wrong and Verity is forced to bail, things go from bad to worse. Soon, Verity is caught by the Nazis and horrifically tortured. In time she agrees to tell her story; beginning from when she first met Maddie.

Code Name Verity was a really interesting book because it was so well-researched. I felt like I was there with the characters and I knew how they were feeling most of the time. Though Maddie felt that Verity was so opposite to her and vice versa, they were actually more similar than they knew. They were brave, self-sacrificing and willing to take risks.

The story is divided into two parts. Verity narrates the first half from her prison, writing truths on old recipe cards and music sheets while a guard watches over her shoulder. Her narrative was unusual to read as she wrote about herself in the third person from Maddie’s point of view. Due to this, I learnt more about Maddie and her love of planes than the mysterious Verity. However, this seems intentional. I was continually wondering how Verity could possibly know what her friend was thinking as well as details of conversations Maddie had with other people.

The second half of the story is told from Maddie’s point of view. While I did like Verity’s narrative, Maddie’s felt much faster and full of action. It was great to read from her point of view as I got to see Verity in another light. The questions in the story were finally being answered and I was surprised by how good the climax was; quite unforgettable.

There were some very interesting secondary characters who I would have loved to have read more about such as Anna Engel and Jamie. Wein easily shows the reader how the characters on both sides of the channel feel about the war. Code Name Verity, at its core, is about the undying friendship between two women who go through so much heartbreak. There were some great descriptions, for example, when describing the view outside Maddie’s plane.

Code Name Verity starts slowly and there’s a lot of information about planes, however, once the story got going, I wanted to know how it would end. At times, I found events quite hard to believe, such as the Nazis allowing Verity’s insubordinate behaviour time and again without lasting punishment. This is definitely a book that you have to read and digest slowly as it is an emotional, character-driven story.

Overall, I enjoyed Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. It felt very authentic due to the amount of research that went into the writing of the book. It reminded me slightly of Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Francaise due to it being set partly in wartime France. I would recommend Code Name Verity to those interested in historical fiction, namely World War II, strong female characters and an inspiring story.

Very interesting review, thank you Kulsuma!

My Top Ten Books of 2012 so far

I know everyone's been saying it, but it's true. This year has gone by far too quickly.  That it is already July and therefore 2012 is already half over blows my mind.  When did that happen?

But instead of contemplating the movement of time (and thus how little I've accomplished this year which would lead to crying) today I want to talk about some of my favourite books that I've read this year.  At the time of writing this blog post, I have read 109 books.  And there have been some amazing books that I've read this year.  But I forced myself to pick 10 of the best, and so here they are.

In no particular order...

Heart-Shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne - I love this book so much.  I love that it is a book by a debut author, which just means that there is more awesome to come from Tanya Bryne.  I love that it is a story about a girl who is so clearly broken and has done some terrible things but her story is told in such a sympathetic way.  So even as the reader knows that the things our main character has done is wrong, we can still relate to her and sympathise with all the crap she's going through.  I love how much of the book circles around identity and how important that is.  Emily's entire life and sense of self is called into question suddenly which leads poor Emily down a path of terrible choices and revenge.  I was so wrapped up in this story and the beautiful writing and the emotionally drawn characters that I didn't want to put it down for a second and I was bereft when it finished.  Beautiful story, this one.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - Even though this book hasn't technically been published here in the UK (expected publishing date: 3rd August from MIRAInk) I couldn't not include this book on this list.  It is so addictive to read, once I started, I didn't stop until the early hours of the morning when I'd finished.  These are really my favourite sort of love stories - between two characters that are very broken by other circumstances.  I can understand that and relate and, for me, their story becomes more emotional and impactful to me as a reader because of it.  I loved how both Echo and Noah have their demons to deal with - Noah with the pressures and worries of getting his younger brother back and Echo with her lack of memory for a hugely traumatic event in her life.  And memory issues in stories are something I'm particularly drawn to, especially those concerning a parent.  Seriously folks, look out for this one when it is released! 

Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris - This is the book that got me out of my horrible reading slump earlier in the year.  This book is incredibly exciting and fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense.  I love the 24esque feel of it, with a steady countdown until a major disaster occurs.  And while there is some little niggles with the believeability of the world resting on the shoulders of two teenagers, I was quite happy to suspend my disbelief and just roll with this fantastic story.  I loved the twists and turns of the storyline, but what's more, I loved the characters.  And there are some brilliant characters in Unravelling, from our main character, Janelle, and the stoner boy love interest, Ben.  I also really loved Alex, Janelle's best friend and Janelle's father.  Janelle surrounds herself with some awesome people and I cannot wait to read more about them.  This book lifted me out of my reading slump so wholly and completely and I loved diving into such an interesting story!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - It's not often that I read fantasy novels and after devouring books like Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, I'm left wondering 'why on earth not?!' Rachel Hartman does a wonderful job of building this world in which dragons and human co-habitate not altogether peaceably.  And Seraphina is there, stuck in the middle with her music and her somewhat strange ways.  I love how this book is part mystery, part love story, part political thriller.  But with dragons!  Orma in particular, is my absolute favourite character.  It's interesting to see the dragon's search to discover one's own humanity and also see an outsider's struggles to find a place to belong.  I found this book to be a perfect book for escaping into and losing myself. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - I have still yet to find the words to convey how emotional and beautiful I found this book.  I don't think I'll be reviewing it because I don't think I could anything that hasn't already been said about the book.  I really loved the story and the characters.  I love the nerdiness of some of the observations and the dialogue, even if I didn't find it very realistic coming from the mouths of teenagers.  I really enjoyed the inclusion of a favourite book and author and how the exploration of the fictional characters' lives reflected Hazel's worries about herself and her family.  I loved Hazel and Augustus so, so much I could cry just thinking about them now.  I loved Amsterdam and oh... this book so much.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson - Oh Morgan Matson, how you pull at my heartstrings!  I was a huge fan of Morgan Matson's previous book, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, so I was always going to be excited to read her next book.  So much so, that I never really read what it was about.  And of course, the colourful and cheerful UK cover led me to believe that this would be a nice summer love story... so I was hugely surprised that this book turned out to be so much more emotional and heart-wrenching than I initially expected.  I thought Second Chance Summer started off pretty slowly, but that even in its slow beginning, I was still very much connected to the story and to its characters and found myself instantly tearing up at the slightest of sweet moments between Taylor and her father who is ill with cancer.  I loved that Taylor was able to have her second chances with her childhood crush, with friends left behind and especially with her family.  This is such a beautiful story.

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle - I've become quite the fan of Phil Earle's after writing such beautiful books about trouble teens. Daisy is a character that got under my  skin straight away.  Her vulnerability and her guilt over the deaths of her parents is heartbreaking to read.  She's been through some terrible things, most of which were out of her control and she's taken them to heart and believes herself to be at fault.  And all the emotions of losing loved ones and experiencing traumatic events eventually leads poor Daisy to depression, anxiety and self-harm.  Without the tireless support and patience of Adebayo, Daisy is help to take those small steps towards a happier place.  I loved this book.  It contains four little words that makes me instantly cry: 'it's not your fault.'  I love how raw and emotional and ultimately hopeful this book is.

Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent - I don't think it's possible to say how much I love this series enough times.  I really do love it.  And part of what I love so much is how much my feelings for characters have changed so much throughout the series.  It's been such a roller coaster ride with Nash.  First kind of loved him, then despised him and now I'm feeling sorry for him.  Sabine is another character that I loved to hate at first and now I just plain love her.  And throughout it all is unabiding love for Tod.  Right from the very first time we're introduced to him, he leaped out from the pages and stole my heart.  I love the way things are going with this series and I'm hugely anticipating and dreading the final book in the series. 

Real Live Boyfriends by E Lockhart - Oh no. Oh no, oh no.  This is the reason that I held off reading this book for such a long time.  I am not ready for a world in which there are no more Ruby Oliver books.  I cried like crazy reading this book.  I adore Roo so much (and by extension E. Lockhart!) and I just couldn't handle some of the events of this book.  Even before I started reading I knew that the plural of boyfriend in the title would mean SOMETHING going wrong between Ruby and my preferred boyfriend of choice.  My floods of tears when reading Real Lives Boyfriends just showed me how emotionally connected I am to the characters and to the story.  I have a small stack of other books by E Lockhart waiting for me to read now that I've said my goodbyes to Ruby... hopefully something will fill the hole in my heart.

Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa - I was set on not reading this book.  I thought to myself 'vampires? really? another one? *sigh*' and I didn't ask for a review copy ... but I was still thinking about the book and wondering.  It got worse when I started reading to steady trickle of reviews coming out for it.  And my interest and curiosity won the better of me and I requested a copy on the book swapping site I use. And oh my god, how did I ever doubt Ms Julie Kagawa?! Her Iron Fey series is one of my favourite series of all time and after reading Immortal Rules and loving it to bits, I will know for next time: she can write about absolutely anything and I will want to read it.  I loved Immortal Rules.  I loved how the story changed and built up and I so want to know more about these characters and this world and discover its mysteries! 


Honourable mentions: A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner, Insurgent by Veronica Roth, and A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd.

These are my top 10 books that I've read so far this year, I would love to know yours!

Top holiday destinations

The summer holidays are nearly upon us, and I, along with many, many other people I would imagine, like nothing more than daydreaming of my top holiday destinations.  I thought today I might share some of mine with you all...

Feel free to leave your top holiday destinations in comments please! 

Mexico - There is almost nothing that I would like to do more than to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico.  Is that strange? I can never tell.  I think it would be an amazing experience though.  I think Mexico would be a lovely place to visit anyway, with the Mayan and Aztec ruins and the beaches.  But I would be most disappointed if I was never to experience what it would be like to be in Mexico on Dia de Lost Muertos.  To witness the festival and to spend that time remembering and honouring those that have passed.  I think it'd be memorable anyway. 

Egypt - My sister-in-law and her husband took a cruise down the Nile for the honeymoon several years ago.  I thought it sounded like an awesome honeymoon and was dying to hear all about it.  When she came back, all I got out of her was that I 'would probably have enjoyed it more than her'  What does that even mean?!  I do think I would enjoy a cruise down the Nile and a good exploration of Egypt!  I've always been a little fascinated with the pharoahs and heiroglyphics and the pyramids and I'd love to visit a proper desert.  I think all of that history would be amazing to see.

China - Perhaps you're spotting a theme here, yes?  I think my most wanted holiday spots are places absolutely filled with history and culture.  I love the idea of visiting China.  Seeing the Great Wall, entering the Forbidden City, seeing the terracotta soldiers, sampling the food and just wondering around and soaking up the atmosphere.  I think Chinese New Year would be a crazy time to visit, but as long as I'm dreaming...

India - It wasn't until later in life that I became more and more fascinated by India.  I think it was meeting N, whose family is originally from India.  N has never been, despite his family planning holidays several times as he was growing up.  I'd like to take a tour around all of India, seeing how different the north is from the south.  I'd like to visit the beaches in Goa, the Ganges river, the Taj Mahal and see the everyday sights and sounds of places not quite as touristy as well.  I think will be loud and colourful and an adventure.  Plus, imagine all the yummy food...

Japan - I remember reading Sho-Gun by James Clavell when I was pretty young and absolutely falling in love with Japan.  It seemed like such a magical place and my love for Japan has only grown as I've gotten older.  I'd love to spend as much as I can in Japan, exploring every inch of it.  God, wouldn't that be wonderful? 

And those are my top 5 holiday destinations!  I have many more daydreamy holidays bouncing around in my head.  Look out for European holidays coming soon as well as relaxing beachy holiday spots! 

But for now, please let me know where you'd love to go if money and time were not a consideration!

REVIEW: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

Review by Carrie from teabelly

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber is as fun (and odd) as its title implies. Perry Stormaire is a high school senior preparing for college, playing in his band and trying to get his father to butt out of his life. Then his parents invite a Lithuanian exchange student to stay with them and everything goes to hell. Gobi is quiet and wears strange clothing but Perry tries to be nice to her and help her out with school, and then his mother does the unthinkable and makes him take Gobi to their prom.

Only, Gobi doesn’t really want to go to the prom, and nor is she your average exchange student. She’s actually a highly trained assassin intent on revenge, and Perry is going to be her driver for the night. In his father’s prized Jaguar. Together they speed around Manhattan looking for Gobi’s next target as Perry attempts to get away/keep his family safe.

Each chapter is shaped around an essay question from different universities, and these sort of fit into the theme of the chapter. It’s a clever way of shaping the book. It is a very quick read, both because it’s enjoyable and because it’s fast paced. Once Gobi reveals her true identity you’re off on the ride and it doesn’t really slow down until the end. Both main characters are well fleshed out and there’s a lot of humour even though some quite horrid things happen.

And it’s that last part that leaves me unsure about the book as a whole. My book bills it as an ‘entertaining thriller’ and while I suppose that’s true it’s also quite an odd combination. Perry is 18 years old, Gobi, I believe, is actually 24. She has kidnapped this young man and forces him to drive her around while she kills people. It’s sort of like Collateral for teenagers. But should it be so light and funny? Perry witnesses horrible things, things we see through his eyes, should I be horrified one moment and sort of amused the next? Maybe I should, since it’s supposed to be a fun novel, but it made me a little uneasy. There aren’t really any consequences, when really I think Perry would have been traumatised by much of what he saw.

In the end though, I enjoyed it while I was reading and apparently there’s a follow up book. I’d probably read it to see where the story goes, but I kind of hope Perry isn’t caught up in any more of the madness.

Interesting review, thank you Carrie!

Interview with the Littlest

I remember doing this post with E when he was very little, so I thought it's about time I let the Littlest answer some questions!  Here we go:

1. What is something mommy always says to you?

'I love you'

2. What makes mommy happy?

That I be very nice

3. What makes mommy sad?

If I don't do something like not tidy up.

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?

If you tickle me!

5. What did your mommy like to do when she was a child?

Play! With your toys. Like cars. ..Did you ever have cars when you were little mom?

6. How old is your mommy ?

15. No! 100.

7. How tall is your mommy ?

90 inches tall

8. What is her favorite thing to watch on TV?

Harry Potter

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around?

Read her book

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?

Painting

11. What is your mommy really good at?

Reading a book

12. What is your mommy not very good at?

Laughing (giggles hysterically)

13. What does your mommy do for her job?

Eat your dinner all by yourself (?)

14. What is your mommy 's favorite food?

All kinds of foods, like fish and chips

15. What makes you proud of your mommy?

Watching Cars 2 together

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Lightning McQueen!

17. What do you and your mommy do together?





 Tickle each other, read together, go outside and play baseball

18. How are you and your mommy the same?

I don't know because I'm a boy and you're a girl!

19. How are you and your mommy different?

Because you have a dress on and I don't.

20. How do you know your mommy loves you?

I just guessed!
 
21. What does your mommy like most about your daddy?

Because sometimes Daddy does the cooking

22. Where is your mommy 's favorite place to go?

Legoland