A Review of the Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I have recently read The Fault on Our Stars by award-winning author and vlogger John Green. Although released in early 2012, the book has recently become very popular, especially among young adults.

In short, this book is about a girl named Hazel who has terminal cancer. She meets another cancer sufferer through a hospital support group, a boy called Augustus Waters. They bond over thier joint love of a cancer themed book called An Imperial Affliction and go on a journey to find the author, who has become a recluse after finishing the book mid-sentence. While on this journey they experience the usual teenage emotions of love and heartbreak, while also dealing with the effects of thier illness (Augustus is already one leg down).

What I liked the most about this book, foremost, was the fact that although both of the main protagonists were suffering from it, this was not a cancer book. It was simply a situation in which the themes of love, death and loss were explored, which is what I personally liked the most about this book. The use of quotes is also used alot, which I think really added to the character development, as they say you can tell a lot about a person by their favourite quotes. 

My favourite character is Augustus and I think this is because *SPOILERS* his death really summarised what the book was about. Hazel didn't want to hurt anyone with "her emotional shrapnel" however by witnessing the death of Augustus, who was in remission, she really has to think about what  it will be like when she is gone and what she wants to leave behind. Augustus is also very witty and humorous, which brings a bit of light to quite a dark book. We also get the impression that his jokes area way of coping with the effects of the cancer as he says "Seriously, don't even get me started on my hot bod. You don't want to see me naked, Dave. Seeing me naked actually took Hazel Grace's breath away."  We also learn that he is just like a normal teenager in terms of his emotions and insecurities.

My only criticism of this book, and one which many people have highlighted, is the fact that both main characters seem to deliver a lot of perfectly timed and well- articulated speeches. However, the reason this bothers me is not because it makes Hazel and Augustus seem less like 'real' teenagers, but the fact that it can drag on a bit. I'm not saying that the dialogue isn't beautifully written, but some parts of it could have been summarised using half as many words. This is a minor criticism though, and I thought the way Green described augustus death was very beautiful without being cheesy and cliche.

In conclusion I really enjoyed this book, and took a lot away from it. Be warned, people have been known to get very emotional when reading this book, so have a packet of tissues at the ready. A very interesting read, although I think i'll go for something with a bit more action next time.

Age Rating: 12+
Star Rating: 3.5 /5 stars

Author's website: http://johngreenbooks.com

Author's Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/vlogbrothers

A Review of Witch Child by Celia Rees

I have  been reading Witch Child be Celia Rees, a book set in the time of persecution of witches, and strict Puritans. The plot opens with Mary, a young woman, watching her grandmother being murdered for witchcraft. She is then swept away by a glamorous woman, who turns out to be her mother. She is getting out of the country, as her husband is a wanted man, however, before she leaves she gives Mary to a Puritan community setting sail for America. The journey there is rough, but setting up a new life in a wild country is even harder. Mary makes friends with some local native Americans, however tensions are running high in the isolated community, and before long accusations are rife.

At the beginning of the book we are told that these are all diary entries that have been found in an old quilt, which makes the story seem even more exciting. I found this book really interesting, and somehow really connected with the characters (even the mean ones). This plot is really engaging and manages to mantain the sense of reality of a historic novel, while also having the drama of a fantasy/ adventure.

What made the book so easy to relate was the descriptions of characters and their personalties. One of my favourite characters from this perspective was Elias Cornwell. When he is first introduced to him we are told he is "young, but stands with his shoulders hunched like an old man". Also, his " pale hands fluttered over the Bible pages like spiders". To me, these short extracts create a very detailed image of this man, and what his personality is like. I did not find much I didn't like in this book, however it does end very abruptly, and left me wanting a sequel so badly! However, this did add to the drama of the book, and was one of the elements that made it so exciting.

 On the first read, some of the language was slightly confusing, as it is set in the mid- 17th century, however you soon pick it up. What I think was most successful in this book was the atmosphere created. The witch trials in the book are based on Salem, and I really think a tense, isolated and later frantic atmosphere is developed. It pulls you in, and even the I started to feel anxious as more and more people were accused. This book was brilliant, and definitely worth more than one read!

Age Rating: 11+
Star Rating: 5/5 stars
Author's Website: http://www.celiarees.com
Witch Child mini site: http://www.witchchild.com

A Review of Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

I have recently started to read Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes, and as I have really enjoyed it so far I thought I should share my view of it. It follows the story of a man named Stephen Wraysford. The story is first set in early 19^th century France, as Stephen stays with a French family while learning more about the textiles production trade. He soon falls in love with Isabelle Azaire, the wife of the textiles factory owner, and head if the household he is staying in. Despite only knowing each other for two months, Isabelle and Stephen run away together to set up a new life in the French countryside. However, after only a few months, the relationship breaks down, and the story then skips to 1916, and follows Stephen’s journey through the war, and his relationship with the tunnellers who detect enemy diggers planting bombs.

I have really enjoyed reading this book, as it brought a new perspective to my knowledge of the war. I had never really heard about the tunnellers, and found their job and hat they had to go through very interesting. The book was historically accurate, as well as having a good plot, and the love-story element made it even more gripping. It also reminded me that very single soldier who signed up, or died, had a life before the war, and had his own story. It also reminded me that none of them were prepared for the scale of death which occurred, or the longevity of the battle.

My favourite character is Stephen Wraysford, who also happens to be the main character.( This may or may not have been aided by the wonderful Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of him in the BBC adaption.) He is certainly not perfect, and he seems slightly awkward and cold. This however makes him seem more real, and shows a very skilled use of character development. These flaws are what make him seem real, so real that I forget he is only fictional, and feel like I could have a conversation with him right now.

 It is also now easy to see how so many soldiers suffered mental health problems, as their surroundings, and what they had to go through everyday was so horrific.

However, what also hit me was the fact that some kind of normal life existed beyond this, and many people did not even know about such conditions. “There were things he thought he might never see again, signs that life had persisted outside the narrow inferno of his existence… there was grass that was still green, that had not been uprooted. There was blossom in the trees.” Apart from this quote showing this, it also displays the beautiful narrative style used throughout the book, which has made it an extremely rewarding read.

One or two points which I have not enjoyed as much, but have not detracted from the overall book: I found the plot to be quite slow in some places, which meant I started to skim read certain chapters of the book. (This means I end up skipping out important details). Also, particularly when the book is set in the war, quite a few characters are introduced, who are not developed further, and do not especially effect the plot, but just end up confusing me. However, this may have meant to show how quickly friends/acquaintances can disappear in a war, in which case it was very effective.

 Overall I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to anyone, even if this is not a genre or subject you are particularly interested in, as it is still a very beautiful love story

Age rating: 14+

Star rating: 4.5/5 stars

Author's website: http://www.sebastianfaulks.com

Here is the trailer for the adaption:

A Review of 1Q84: Books One and Two by Haruki Murakami

This month I am reviewing 1Q84, by Haruki Murakami, and although I have a few chapters to go, I thought I would share my thoughts with you anyway.

The concept of this book is set in 1984 and based around two characters: Tengo and Aomame. They shared a powerful experience during childhood, however their lives have been drawn apart and they have not seen each other in many years. Despite this fact, they still think about each other, and hope that one day they can meet again. A series of events, including Tengo ghost-writing a book that becomes a bestseller, and Aomame murdering a man in his hotel room lead them to think they have now entered a new world: 1Q84. The realisation that a powerful force called the "Little People" is trying to tear them apart leads to heartbreaking decisions.

I have written a very short summary of this book as it is very hard to write about the plot without wanting to put in little details that would make it far to long! This book is quite big, as Books 1 and 2 came together, and I think that it is probably better to buy them this way as otherwise I think the narrative would be disjointed. The most powerful technique I think the writer uses is having two writing styles for the different characters, however still retaining his unique narrative, something I think is even harder once it has been translated from Japanese. for a large book, the suspense and character development is kept up very well throughout, which cannot be said for all big books. I am a fan of Murakami's style, as he uses very to-the-point language, something which I rather enjoy. Murakami also manages to write a convincing love story, while still incorporating sci-fi and fantasy elements without it feeling to cheesy. That is also another point I would like to make. Even if you have never read a fantasy, sic-fi or romantic book before, Murakami manages to keep the balance, so I feel fans of every genre will find something here for them, including action.

Some points I think could have improved the book, starting with the dialogue. In some parts of the book, dialogue between characters I found to be slightly disjointed and awkward. I do however appreciate this may be because the book has been translated from Japanese. Another point that has become more apparent towards the end of the second book is that some details/actions of the characters are just a bit... weird? Perhaps it is just not my genre, however it may not be for you either, if you like your plots clean-cut.

I really enjoyed this book, and it has in fact been a rewarding read. Book 3 is definitely on my Christmas list! Although this is a long read, it is very rewarding and small touches like little quotes above every chapter ("No Matter How Far Away I Try to Go") makes me think this book will stay with me long after I finish it. It is however, definitely for older readers, and also would just like to stress the fact it is quite long, so if you find it hard to concentrate on books over 600 pages this one is definitely not for you (it has 803). All-in-all, I am very happy with this book, and would definitely recommend Murakami's short stories for anyone looking for something lighter, or of the same genre.

Age rating: 14+
Star rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended: http://www.murakami.ch/hm/bibliography/bibliography_elephant_vanishes.html
Authors website: http://www.murakami.ch/main_1.html

Thank you for reading!

A Review of The Card Turner by Louis Sachar

I am reviewing The Card Turner by Louis Sachar, and the main reason I picked it up is because I really enjoyed Holes, also written by Sachar, however this book is quite different to Holes, while still containing a gripping plot and well developed characters.

The main protagonist is Alton, a normal teenage boy who is just trying to get on with his life. For his whole life it has been drummed into him that blind Uncle Lester is his favourite great-uncle, but the only contact Alton has with him is through awkward phone conversations. When Lester requests that Alton come and help him play bridge,  Alton is unsure, however his mother reminds him that not only is Uncle Lester old and blind, he is also very rich, so it wouldn't hurt to keep on his good side.

At first, Alton wishes he hadn't come, but after meeting Lester's attractive young bridge protege Toni, decides to stay. On his journey as Lester's cardturner Alton discovers a family secret that entwines his and Toni's family together, while also learning how to play bridge.

I really enjoyed this book, as it introduced to me the game of bridge, while wrapping it up in an amazing story. I do not think this book was written exclusively for people who want to/play bridge. I still only have a shaky knowledge of the game, and when there is a bridge game, or excerpt talking about bridge, there is an option to just skip and read a summary. I thought this was a very good idea as complicated details can often make people zone out. The bridge details aside, the book was very good. I found Alton's narrative very engaging as Sachar uses a colloquial tone. I thought that there was a good balance between description and speech. I found the relationship between Alton and Uncle lester very interesting as at first he is forced into calling Uncle Lester, however, by the end of the book, he is actually his favourite uncle.

Age rating: 11+
Star Rating: 4/5

A Review of Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

I am reviewing Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy. It is not the type of book I would usually read, but it was reccomended by my sister and I'm quite enjoying it.

The book is about a girl called Stephanie who inherits a whole house from her dead uncle. While spending a night there by herself, she is saved from an evil monster bya skeleton called Skulduggery Pleasant. She begs to come with him on his adventures as a detective, and he agrees. The book so far has been a whirlwind of action, and I have learnt about Given names, chosen names, Elementals, Adepts and much more.

I am halfway through this book, but it has already gripped me. As I have said, it is not the genre of book I would usually choose, however I'm glad I did. It has already introduced to me two strong characters and shown a solid plotline, and the Landy's style of writing is very easy to read.

The opening of the story could have been, I think, a bit stronger. It lacked the kind of fluidity that attracts the reader, although the pace of the book pickd up a few pages in. Aft reading Harry potter and Twilight, I wasn't sure if I really wanted to read another fantasy book aimed at children/teenagers, and I was slightly sceptical about this book when I saw hat the heroine was a young teenager named Stephanie. However, this book I found as a breath of fesh air, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for smoething slightly different, but still in the same genre as Harry Potter/Twilight.

I would rate this book ( so far) as 3/5 stars, and I would reccomend it to boys and girls aged 8-14

A Review of Spilled Water by Sally Grindley

I am reviewing Spilled Water by Sally Grindley. This book is, I think, amazing and has become one of my favourites.

It is set in China and about a young girl called  Lu Si-Yan. She lives happily with her mother,father and little brother in thier village. Although they are not rich, all she has to worry about is her grumpy uncle. Then her father dies, and everything changes. Her uncle takes her away and sells her to a rich family. Her new mistress Mrs Chen, at first she seems very nice, giving Si-Yan a makeover, and buying her new clothes, but soon she discovers Mrs Chen plans to imprison her until she is old enough to marry Yemou, the Chen's disabled son. Si-Yan is distraught, but with the help of old Mrs Hong and the nice young cook Xiong Fei she manages to escape. She goes on a journey that ages far beyond her years, but will she ever find her mother again?

This book was extremely good, and one of the best parts of it was the pure description. What made it convincing however was the amount of research had gone into the story and the accuracy of it. This book is based on the true story of hundreds of young girls in China who have been cast out by thier families because they are not male. The plot was exciting but not unbelievable and I really connected with the main character. The ending was sad, beautiful and uplifting at the same time, leaving the reader able to imagine themselves what happened next.

I really didn't have anything about the book that I thought could be improved. It was amazing and i would recommend it anyone of any ange. I would rate this book 5/5 stars.