Guess Who’s Back?

Back again…Shady’s back, tell a friend

Ehem. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
I am sorry I haven’t posted in… forever, but hear me out. I have been occupied with incessant exams and the extensive studying that this entails. Thankfully these are finally over and I can dedicate an amount of time to this blog again. However, my presence is likely to be patchy due to various engagements though I will try my utmost to get some book reviews up again.

I am currently reading Dead Ends by Erin Lange, only her second novel but by no means anything but AMAZING so far!

 

Having just been re-immersed into the world of fiction I am open to any suggestions or recommendations so please feel free to comment below! Also, please feel free to visit and follow my new tumblr page!

~ Emi

Liebster Award

 

Daduuung! I am so excited to say that I have been nominated by the wonderful We’re All Mad Here, this really made my day.

The Liebster award is an award for up and coming blogs, to promote them and help them get noticed by other people who share their interests. The rules are:

• Link back the blogger that tagged you
• Nominate ten others and answer the questions of the one who tagged you
• Ask ten questions for the bloggers you nominate
• Let your nominees know of their award

The Red Queen (that pseudonym is amazing), asked:

1. Why in the world did you start blogging?
I have always been an avid reader however, not many of my friends share my interest. In fact my bestest friend in the whole wide world scorns reading but that, of course, does not lessen my love for her. As a consequence, it became very difficult to find someone to talk to about the fictional world that I seem to live in these days so I decided to express my thoughts onto the internet and at the same time help people find something to read et voila, c’est ça!

2. Are you a part of any fandoms?
Are you kidding? Of course. So I am guessing you want me to name a few of my favourites? Okay, here we go: Harry Potter (that goes without saying), TID (Team Will), The Hunger Games, John Green, Divergent and the Caster Chronicles. 

 

3. What is your favorite genre?
My ultimate favourite genre would have to be sci-fi. I don’t know what it is I love about the aliens, the sinister apocalyptic concept, but I just do. Despite this, I love to read other genres as well, namely romance, classics and historical fiction.

 

4. Do you judge books based on their covers?
Yup. However, that is not the only thing that I judge a book by, although it may be a factor that leads to me picking it up. You see, if the cover catches my eye then I will pick it up, read the blurb, read a few pages and make a decision, simples. There are books out there with absolutely beautiful covers for example: The Fault in Our Stars, Shadow and Bone and The Goose Girl- to name but a few.

 

5. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done?

hm… now… thats a good question…. I can’t think of a single thing :( Watch this space.

 

6. What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a book blog?

Be yourself. Don’t worry about what others might think, its your blog- there will undoubtedly be someone out there who has the same opinion or the same taste as you, who will appreciate and love you for who you are. Oh and, don’t be mean but everyone on the book community that I have talked to are so kind and generous I don’t think you need to even take note of that last piece of advice. Yep. I am not the best person to go to to give advice :/

 

7. What book made you love reading?

I have loved reading from a very young age and so I find it very hard to single it down to a single novel, however, I am pretty sure it was Fairy Gold by Gwyneth Rees- I am indebted to her.

 

8. What’s your favorite series/book?

No.

I just have too many. If you would really like to know, however, go to my about me page.

 

9. Would you rather never be able to read again or never be able to talk again?

WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THIS?! I should have probably read through the questions before accepting this. Okay… I choose… The former. 

 

10. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one thing what would it be?

A parasol. Just kidding. Oh gosh… dark chocolate.

 

Okay… Time for my questions:

 

1. Do you read before you watch?
2. What is the most recent book to movie adaption that you have watched and what did you think?
3. Do you have any strange reading habits?
4. What is your favourite snack to eat while reading?

5. The weirdest position/ place that you have read a book in?
6. Which fictional world would you most like to live in?

7. What made you want to start blogging?
8. The book that has influenced you the most?

9. Which book could you read over and over again and never get tired of?

10. Book related pet hate?

 

I would like to nominate:

Wait. Sorry- It is quite late here in the UK so I will update this later but for now, I nominate any one of you lovely people out there who is reading this right now :)

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

 The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 444
Publication date: 2009
Series: N/A
Format: UK paperback edition (borrowed from library)
Why I picked it up: It’s been around, both on my to-read list and in terms of hype.

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women – mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends – view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t. ~ Goodreads summary.

First of all, I would like to apologise for the absence of last week’s review- it is really difficult to keep up, with numerous essays accompanied by a ‘dash’ of exams and not to mention the copious amounts of extra-curricular activities when only four weeks into term. Consequently, to make amends to you all I will be posting something a little extra on Sunday. Anyway, onto the novel. The story has been floating around for a while and the movie has definitely helped the novel gain some well deserved publicity, I just don’t know what took me so long to read it- but that’s what I get for being a devout procrastinator :).

The concept of the story is not completely unprecedented but arises a new perspective on domestic servants and also on their mistresses. This novel scatters expectations regarding segregation with the white writer not doing disservice to the black maids but rather to the white bosses. Stockett’s language alters sufficiently to portray the stories and predicaments of each character and gives each character a different voice that helps to communicate their character as well.

Overall, I think that it’s the characters that give the story a real flavour and a real distinct tone. Aibileen is an admiringly conscientious worker who genuinely cares for her boss’ child after having enduring the emotional pain and affliction of leaving several white children behind after they grow up and no longer require her help. Minny may be sassy but she is indescribably loyal and faithful and her doubts are fully reasonable and add a very realistic touch to the novel. And finally on to Skeeter. I think that the aspect that I like the most about her is the fact that she is so determined but is also a realist. She knows that it would be difficult to change the opinion of the whole town but she is willing to try to at least make a difference no matter how small that difference may be. Skeeter is very realistic and relatable: going through heartbreaks, familial issues and exclusion amongst other factors. Oh and also, was it just me who found Mrs Hilly not threatening but rather hilarious?

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little different and inspiring to read about. Trust me, you’ll be glad you picked it up.

Rating: ★★★★★

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

~ Emi

Have you read ‘The Help’? Feel free to comment below…

 

BOOK REVIEW: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrell

 All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrell

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 360
Publication date: 2013
Series: All Our Yesterdays (#1)
Format: UK paperback edition
Why I picked it up: I was one of the winners of the Goodreads First Read thingy magigs.

“You have to kill him.” Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.~ Goodreads summary.

When I received this book in the post I was literally jumping up and down with glee that I, Emily, had actually won something online. I started reading this novel quite late at night, wanting to read the first couple of pages to see what it was going to be like. Never again. I didn’t get much sleep that night.

The writing in this novel is so, so, so convincing- I was pretty scared about the prospect of time travel and how people could use this ‘power’ to their ‘advantage’. The fact that Terrill is able to cover up some major plot holes concerning time travel and hint at some new concepts is truly plausible- not only did this make the novel more authentic but also made it that much more compelling. I say ‘hint at’ because the theory behind the sentient nature of time is largely unexplained although this can be argued with by the fact that Em and Marina, the narrators of the story probably didn’t have an extensive amount of understanding of it as well since it seems like a very complicated concept.

The narrative swaps between Em and Marina- the latter being representative of the past and the former being the future. Em and Marina provide a stark contrast from each other. Marina is very privileged, submissive and naive whereas Em is vindictive, sophisticated and just amazingly hard core to be honest- but then that’s the result of years on the run, I guess. I really liked the relationship between Em and Finn- Finn is so loyal and devoted but it was really sad that if they managed to erase the mistakes made in the past, they would also have to erase their relationship. I think the only thing that really annoyed me about Em and Finn was that, personally,  I didn’t feel that Em reciprocated Finn’s feelings back but that’s a bit harsh considering what she’s been through. Another aspect that I admired was the fact that Em, although she was seeking for revenge, was reluctant to kill the antagonist every time they encountered which made the story more believable and made Em a lot more amiable and relatable- the reason why? Well, you’ll just have to find out for yourself.

Overall, the thing I like most about this novel is that it incorporates so many contrasting themes: from romance to betrayal, from sacrifice to regret. In my opinion the ending leaves a lot of room for interpretation but then that was probably Terrill’s intention.

Rating: ★★★★★

“There are risks, but progress is always dangerous, isn’t it? Most of the time, walls don’t get dismantled brick by brick. Someone has to crash through them.”

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

~ Emi

Team James or Team Finn? Feel free to comment below…

 

BOOK REVIEW: My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

Publisher: Indigo
Pages: 232
Publication date: 2011
Series: N/A
Format: UK 2013 paperback edition
Why I picked it up: I have been intending to read this for a while.

Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a ‘Fresh New Start’. Five years ago his sister’s twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn’t cried in all that time. To him Rose is just a distant memory.

Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago.

When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all.~ Goodreads summary.

This novel has been on my TBR list for a while now and so when I saw it in the bookshop I decided to give it a try and, in hindsight, I am so glad that I did.

The narrative is told from ten-year-old Jamie’s point of view and I thought this was extremely effective in portraying the various issues that have arisen in his life and makes everything so real and tangible yet also quite blunt. Pitcher deals with a lot of profound issues in this novel from divorce and racism to love and friendship and yet even the most complicated of themes have been simplified to the point where it is easy to comprehend and empathise with Jamie.

Jamie was such a likeable character who had gone through many things a ten year old really shouldn’t and I admire his incessant hope, naïvety, innocence and his optimistic view to life which was heartbreaking in the sense that I really didn’t want him to grow up. I absolutely adored Jas and thought that she was such a great sister- she’s been through everything that Jamie has been through and worse- her twin sister died for goodness sake. Nevertheless, although she is only 15, as a consequence to her father being and alcoholic and her mum being out of the picture, she takes care of Jamie’s basic needs and also emotional needs like baking him a cake on his birthday and holds his requirements above her own. She doesn’t complain about it (like I probably would being the teenager self that I am) and does her utmost to give Jamie the life he deserves and that’s what I love most about her. Their relationship is so endearing and sweet that you can’t help but adore it.

Overall, it was quite affecting to read about such a harsh reality and heart breaking to follow the story of such a young boy that has been thrust into such a difficult life but I think after reading this, I view the world from a different perspective and for that I thank Annabel Pitcher- I really do.

Rating: ★★★★★

“Sometimes when I wake up, I forget that she’s gone and then I remember and my heart drops like it does when you miss a step or trip over a kerb.”

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

~ Emi

Did you like this book, do you have any recommendations? Feel free to comment below…

 

BOOK REVIEW: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Publisher: Doubleday
Pages: 480
Publication date: 2001
Series: Noughts and Crosses (#1)
Format: UK paperback edition
Why I picked it up: It’s everywhere to the point that you’d be a fool not to do so.

Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society. 
Sephy is a Cross — a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought — a ” colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum — a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together? 
In this gripping, stimulating and totally absorbing novel, black and white are right and wrong~ Goodreads summary.

My initial reaction (after the flood of emotions and denial) was just sitting there in complete awe. Now I understand why people love this book. Now I understand why people go on and on about it. Now I am one of them. It’s going to be so, utterly difficult to gather and articulate my thoughts partly because every time I think about this novel I cry internally but also because I didn’t get any notes down since it was so intriguing. And what do you do when you are unprepared? You wing it, and that’s exactly what I am going to do.

Malorie Blackman is beyond talented and way past being an intelligent writer. She takes a controversial topic that is ubiquitous and is known to everyone, whether they voice their thoughts on it or not, and adds her own unique twist that makes everyone think twice about their prejudices. The novel takes place a while after slavery has been abolished yet it is clear that the noughts have definitely not regained the rights that they should have- they still have public executions, ugh. That’s just… discombobulating and yet some of it is true- it’s like a history lesson wrapped up in a really intelligent YA novel. The story is written alternating between Sephy’s and Callum’s point of view and I think that that was definitely a factor towards the extent of how much I connected and sympathised for both characters.

Okay, now for the character development. Blackman took my heart and ripped it to shreds, the development was that good. I could relate to both characters although they were from completely different castes in society and were almost like greys to the (excuse the pun) white and black, the right and the wrong. I could relate to Callum’s sense of unfairness- how he wants and has the potential to do so much but just doesn’t have the opportunities but I could also relate to Sephy’s remorse and guilt that she had so much and others had so little. That’s what makes the book so powerful- they are people who want to change society when it refuses to be changed and how Blackman portrays their internal battles as well as those that are political as they continuously try to make things right.

This book doesn’t necessarily has to be interpreted as being solely about race- it has so many other themes: strength, courage, faith and to be understanding amongst so many others. Please, please pick this book up if you haven’t already- you’re missing out.

Rating: ★★★★★

“Love was like an avalanche, with Sephy and I hand-in-hand racing like hell to get out of it’s way-only, instead of running away from it, we kept running straight towards it.”

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

~ Emi

What did you think of the ending? Feel free to comment below…

P.S The lack of recommendation lends itself to the fact that I cannot think of any book that is similar. The premise of this novel is so unprecedented in my reading experience. I guess the sequels could be a recommendation though.

BOOK REVIEW: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Indigo
Pages: 435
Publication date: 04.06.13
Series: The Grisha (#2)
Format: UK paperback edition
Why I picked it up: Ehem… Come on, I think we know why.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.~ Goodreads summary.

At first, I was, admittedly, a little wary of reading this since Shadow and Bone was ineffably compelling and I didn’t want my love for the Grisha world to be diminished in any way. Thankfully, my prejudiced doubts dissipated as soon as I read the first chapter of Siege and Storm since it lived up to its predecessor and did not, in any way, suffer from the “second book syndrome” *inward shudder* that seems to be infecting various YA series. However, before we go on, first thing’s first- those of you who have been living under a rock and haven’t read Shadow and Bone should probably refrain from reading on. Goodbye, I hope I will see you soon. :)

Bardugo’s writing was just as riveting as it was in Shadow and Bone and I thought that Siege and Storm was a bit darker but that just made it even more exciting and magical. The world- building continues to amaze and I was immediately drawn back into the world of Grisha and the associated characters, food, clothes, battles and conflict.

The character development throughout this novel rivals that of its antecedent. Alina is now such a strong character and becomes increasingly powerful as she prepares to fight the Darkling and I admire how although she yearns to attain even more power she is also aware of the consequences that it could have and how it could change her for the worse. The Darkling still holds his status for being, in my opinion, the most complex and mysterious character of the series and I just wish he would be a little easier to hate- the hints of humaneness don’t help although I do find myself annoyed at his invincibility. The Darkling’s presence in this novel is subdued yet he is always there but not there- if you catch my drift. Bardugo also spices things up a bit by the addition of several intriguing new characters- Sturmhond being my favourite. He is calculative, well composed but also unpredictable and lightens the tone of the novel with his wit, charm and humour. At the end of the Shadow and Bone I was rooting for Mal and Alina to be together and it broke my heart that there were so many obstacles that got in the way. I understand why Mal feels so insecure about his relationship with Alina but after a while it got a bit old and I grew tired of his moping. 

All in all, I adore this sequel- in fact, it is probably my favourite so far. The novel is so packed with action that makes it utterly unputdownable and will not disappoint.

Rating: ★★★★★

“The less you say, the more weight your words will carry.”

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

If you liked this, I would recommend:

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

~ Emi

What did you think of the ending? Feel free to comment below…

BOOK REVIEW: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Indigo
Pages: 308
Publication date: 05.06.12
Series: The Grisha (#1)
Format: UK paperback edition
Why I picked it up: It stalked me.

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

~ Goodreads summary.

This review is going to be ineffably difficult for me to write because… I just… I have too many feels. From the first sentence Shadow and Bone enveloped me in the world of Ravka. The pacing started off being extremely fast and it never ever slowed down and when I finished this book I was just left sitting there in complete and utter shock.

Bardugo’s writing is engaging and enrapturing- the language is so vivid and evocative and so it was incredibly easy to visualise the Grisha world. Furthermore, she has the ability to adapt her language to emphasise various moods and tones. The concept of Ravka is so imaginative and unprecedented and I love how the setting of the story has a distinct Russian nuance that shifts the story away from the many fantasies that are based in western Europe. The language and hierarchy took a while for me to get used to, but I appreciated how it accentuated the mysteriousness and the magic that makes Ravka so compelling and intriguing. If you’re still stuck, however, just click here, (her website is amazeballs).

Can we just take a moment to applaud the phenomenal character development that goes on in Shadow and Bone? Bardugo was great at giving adequate descriptions of each character without it being overwhelming and it was so refreshing to see a heroine who was so self-aware and who wasn’t exactly flawless. Alina underwent such a transformation from being insecure and reticent to becoming more defiant and confident and kept her unwavering honesty, loyalty and determination throughout. Mal was loyal, courageous and endearing and, although he admits to it, I think he should have done more to ‘rescue’ Alina. The antagonist of this novel is so compelling and mysterious and had me completely fooled – the plot twist really is a plot twist. He is probably one of the best antagonists that I have ever read about, but I am just going to leave it at that as not to ruin it for you. :)

I cannot recommend this book enough so you’re just going to have to trust me when I say I guarantee you’ll LOVE it. This book tackles various themes and I think Bardugo is a very intelligent and more than capable author and writes in a style that takes the novel beyond being entertaining.

Rating: ★★★★★

““You’re shaking.”
“I’m not used to people trying to kill me.”
“Really? I hardly notice anymore.””

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

If you liked this, I would recommend:

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

~ Emi

What did you think of the plot twist? Feel free to comment below…

BOOK REVIEW: One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern

One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern

Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 469
Publication date: 08.07.13 (First published 01.01.12)
Series: N/A
Format: 2013 UK paperback edition
Why I picked it up: Compelled by my new-found love for Cecelia Ahern novels.

Kitty Logan has lost her way…

As a journalist, she’s spent the past few years chasing the big scoops – no matter the consequences. When she makes a terrible mistake, she finds herself mired in scandal, her career implodes and even her personal relationships are tested to the limits.

At a loss, Kitty finds distraction in a list of one hundred names her late mentor and boss, Constance, has left her. Kitty’s been given one final chance, the most important assignment of her life – to write the story behind the one hundred names as a tribute piece to Constance. As she tracks down the people on the list and tries to work out what connects them, Kitty meets some extraordinary people.

Can these strangers’ stories help her finally understand her own?
~  Amazon UK summary.

After reading Where Rainbows End, I had really high expectations of One Hundred Names and I can safely say that this novel definitely satisfied, if not surpassed, these expectations. One Hundred Names had a very unique plot and was filled with fascinating characters who I loved to read about.

Although the pacing began quite slowly, it picked up very quickly after and I was enraptured by the plot. I love Cecelia Ahern’s writing style, she is so intelligent, funny and observant to many subtleties when creating her various characters. When reading this novel, I found myself constantly smiling to myself as I turned each page which induced my sister’s suspicion and her frequent questioning. I also liked how Ahern was able to explore with the current theme of the media and how a mistake within this can be significantly augmented. The language that Ahern uses is easy to understand, rendering this novel as a light and heart-warming read that is perfect to curl up with and I appreciated how the romance was subdued to a mere sub-plot since it allowed the emphasis to lie on the people that Kitty meets and their personal stories.

I think my favourite aspect of this book was how each character was so carefully developed and so real. Although I had my moments where I was frustrated by Kitty’s self-pity, I now acknowledge the fact that that’s what makes her so relatable because everyone searches for sympathy when they are upset- it’s just how humans are. I loved reading about how Kitty, herself, developed through the story and how she was so determined to redeem herself for Constance. It was also inspiring how Ahern created so many different, engaging characters who led quite ordinary lives, yet their stories were so intriguing in their own way and she was able to weave these together to form the basis of her novel. The one character who I didn’t quite understand was Steve, sometimes he seemed to be a bit of a… well… horrible friend though, to be fair, there were logical reasons behind his attitude and then at other times he made my ‘insides turn to mush’.

I absolutely loved the ending and during the course of reading this book I was constantly guessing what the links between the names were and when I found out, I was surprised but satisfied and I really admire the moral of the story.

Go pick up a Cecelia Ahern novel, come on, I dare you and I can ensure you that you won’t regret it. :)

Rating: ★★★★★

“We all make mistakes, some bigger than others, but none of us is perfect.”

Buy: Amazon (UK | US) | The Book Depository | Waterstones | Barnes and Noble

If you liked this, I would recommend:

Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

~ Emi

Does anyone recommend any of the other Cecelia Ahern novels? Feel free to comment below…