Saturday, 24 August 2013

Classic Corner: Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?
Unless you didn't already know,Catch 22 is about American bombardier Yossarian set in the 2nd World War. Yossarian is very angry, because not only is the enemy trying to kill him, but so is his "boss," who keeps upping the missions he has to fly. He's caught in a catch 22, if he flies he is insane and doesn't have to, but if he wants to stop flying he must be sane, so has to fly.

Who should read this book?
It's kind of an advanced read, with some really upsetting parts. I think anyone who reads challenging books can read it,but for enjoyability purposes I'd recommend it for 14 and over. If you're younger than that and managed to finish and understand the book then I applaud you! I'm 16 and had some trouble.

How long is this book?
560 pages

Marks
Story Line: 8/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyabililty: 3/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Major Major Major. That guy just needs one big hug. I don't mind that he looks like Henry Fonda- I think MMM is great. Obviously Yossarian and I would have a great cup of tea, and I would tell him that I love him. But he has friends, I feel like Major Major Major needs me more. Oh I forgot the Chaplain! Oh I love him too. No, Major Major Major. I'm making the right decision here.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
 Aarfy. Aarfy. Aarfy.

Question 3. Do you think the flavour deserves to be a classic?
I don't really know if I'm qualified to decide whether any book should be or shouldn't be a classic. However I do think Catch 22 is a completely unique book. Heller has the most interesting writing style that I've ever read, and although I didn't find it completely readable the whole time the fact the writing style was so interesting, I do think it's deserving of it's classic namesake.

Question 4. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twist in the plot?
No-one can know what's going to happen with Catch 22. Although the repitive nature of the book you know the end from the beginning but you also don't. You need to read it to understand what I'm trying to say.

 Favourite Quote:
“They're trying to kill me," Yossarian told him calmly.
No one's trying to kill you," Clevinger cried.
Then why are they shooting at me?" Yossarian asked.
They're shooting at everyone," Clevinger answered. "They're trying to kill everyone."
And what difference does that make?”

Overall: Catch 22 is an absolutely spectacular book. It's the only war book (though if I'm being honest I haven't read many) that mixes humour so well with something so unbelievably tragic. This reminds me of a John Green like talent. It takes about 150 pages until you aretruly immersed into the world of Yossarian which means you might give up on it. My advice: keep going. You won't regret it. 


What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Friday, 23 August 2013

The Underworld, Jessica Sorenson

The Underworld (Fallen Star, #2) by Jessica Sorenson, reviewed by Bronte

Warning, this book may contain spoilers of the first book.

The Fallen Star

What is this book about?
Gemma thought her mind was gone, but she was wrong. And now she is left trying to figure out the truth to what Stephan is planning to do with her and the star, before it's too late. But finding out the truth is hard, especially since Gemma doesn't know who she can trust. There may be only one person who Gemma can turn to for answers, but that means having to go to the one place no one wants to go-The Underworld.

Who should read this book?
If you read The Fallen Star and enjoyed it. It is a fantasy book for young adults.

How long is this book?
390 pages, an average sized book.

Marks:
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 3/5
Enjoyablilty: 3/5
Overall: 13/20

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character has remained the same pot of tea?
I think that Gemma is still a very naïve person that can't see things that are balancing on the end of her nose. However I like the fact that she is more of a stronger heroin and starts to think that people can't push her around like in The Fallen Star so voices her opinion more often, which I like.

Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?
Alex is quite different in that he finally starts treating people with the respect that he didn't give them in the first book. You also find out more of his past with Gemma so you start to feel sorry for him. I also have to put Lalyan in the equation as you see a lot more of him and his character in this book.

Question 3. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?
Probably Stephan and Alex because they are father and son, but completely different and would have a really awkward conversation for reasons that you have to read the book to find out.

Question 4. What book would you prefer to read while drinking tea?
Umm, I'm not sure because I still haven't decided if I hate this series or love it! However there has to be something that is keeping me coming back to read some more!

Question 5. Favourite quote!
'Everyone will hurt you if you let them in'

Overall: Like I said, I still don't know if I love this series or hate it, but I am currently reading the 3rd so there has to be something that I like. I think that the characters are a lot more, alive? In the sense that you find out more about them and they are more expressive so you feel for them more. However there are things that are so plainly obvious to me that I would have thought anyone would be able to solve the mystery, that isn't so mysterious. Saying that, this book had a lot more twists and turns that I didn't guess than the first book.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Sunday, 18 August 2013

Slated, Teri Terry

Slated by Teri Terry, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Kyla's memory has been erased, her personality wiped blank, her memories lost for ever. She's been Slated.
The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance -as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla's mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth? (blurb)

Who should read this book?
Young Adult, dystopian

How long is this book?
439 pages, fairly long

Marks
Story Line: 6/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 14/20

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Ben, he's so sweet (even if he did really annoy me in some places of the book!)

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Kyla's 'Mum'. She's so cold towards Kyla at the beginning and it's mean.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
It's okay although you can see all of the person's face which I don't like on covers.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
Slated is a good title, it's simple.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"It is one thing to ask questions; what do you do with the answers?"

Overall: This book was good, really good. The main character is smart, she worked things out before I did which made the book quite unpredictable, I had no idea where it would go next and this was definitely a good thing. The story line kept me wanting to read on and on and on. The only thing that annoyed me was that I was left with a lot of questions and barely any answers. I know there’s a sequel but the amount of unanswered questions made the book quite confusing in a lot of places, especially at the end where I had little idea what was going on. But I enjoyed this book a lot and definitely recommend it!

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

The Fallen Star, Jessica Sorensen

The Fallen Star (Fallen Star #1) by Jessica Sorensen, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

For eighteen year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. Up until recently, she has been incapable of feeling emotion. And when she's around Alex, the gorgeous new guy at school, she can feel electricity that makes her skin buzz. Not to mention the monsters that haunt her nightmares have crossed over into real-life. But with Alex seeming to hate her and secrets popping up everywhere, Gemma's life is turning into a chaotic mess. Things that shouldn't be real suddenly seem to exist. And as her world falls apart, figuring out the secrets of her past becomes a matter of life and death.

Who should read this book?

I think anyone 12+ can read this book and enjoy it. I think anyone over 20 would find it a little unrealistic, but then it is fantasy. But even for a fantasy book sometimes I still found my self saying 'reeeaally?'

How long is this book?
449 pages, an average size

Marks:
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 3/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 14/20

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Laylen! Because he seemed lovely for the small part of the book that he was in, I wish he was in more. He probably has a lot of interesting stories to tell and he is really funny. However I don't think he drinks tea because he is a vampire.
The Fallen Star (Fallen Star, #1)
Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Well the obvious answer here is Stephan because of who he is, what he is planning and what he does. However I have to consider Sophia and Marco because although they were protecting Gemma, who could possible just blank out someone for 14 years! But then there is Alex who's personality changes like the wind, and he is often mean to Gemma for no reason other than the fact she doesn't understand. I'm pretty undecided on this question.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I think the cover is really cool. How its all white and then the startling violet colour of her eye is boldly put in the centre.

 Question 4a. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twist in the plot?
To be perfectly honest I figured out what was going on quite early in the book, I often questioned how naïve Gemma could get; but maybe if I was in the situation I would struggle to see what was, quite frankly, under her nose. Or maybe I'm just super duper clever in solving the puzzle. Comments to anyone who has read the book, did you figure it out, or am I a detective in the making?

Question 5. Favourite quote!

'I was in love with the lyrics, the rhythm, and the way it could sweep me away to another world.'

Overall: Overall I enjoyed this book. I mean yes, I practically figured it out quite early on and with more and more facts coming out throughout I had to question realistically if Gemma seriously could not see what was happening. However I thought this book was different and the characters well thought out. I would have like to see more of Aislin and Laylen because I liked them. I can see why people would dislike this book, but I can also see how for some people this book is the bee's knees. For me its neither, but I will be reading the sequel.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Monday, 5 August 2013

Our 50th Post!!

Okay, so its the 51st post but who's counting. The laptop, that I like to think likes me as I do it, decided to go all 'I'm not going to do anything you tell me to' on me, so I couldn't do the photos. But I have now: (~Bronte)

So we've been around for 7 months! Whooaa. We have reached the 50th post, which seems quite a mile stone to us; therefore we feel you should know more about us if we're going to stick around some more. Very generic questions, very simple answers so you know how we all roll. Enjoy.

Just drinking our tea
Bronte:
1. Favourite Colour
Red
2. Favourite Food (savoury)
Pasta
3. Favourite Food (sweet)
White chocolate buttons
4. Favourite Season
Winter
5. Favourite Holiday
Christmas! Obviously!
6. Favourite Place in the World
The Lake District
7. Favourite TV Programme
Grand Designs
8. Favourite Movie
Pretending to be cool, or I was anyway...
The Perfect Man
9. Favourite Artist
Taylor Swift
10. Favourite Song
Wake Me Up, Avicii (at the moments) I have no idea what my favourite EVER song is, probably some Christmas song!
11. Favourite Time/Place to Read
In bed, before I go to sleep
12. Favourite Sport
Golf/Rounders
13. Favourite Time of Day
Evening
14. Favourite Book Hero
Augustus (The Fault in Our Stars)
Aww, look at these two cuties
15. Favourite Book Heroin
Tessa Gray (The Infernal Devices)
16. Favourite Book EVER!
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green

Eleanor:
1. Favourite Colour
Purple
2. Favourite Food (savoury)
Mashed Potato
3. Favourite Food (sweet)
White Chocolate Mice
4. Favourite Season
Autumn
5. Favourite Holiday
Christmas
6. Favourite Place in the World
My room, I get homesick pretty easily!
7. Favourite TV Programme
Dance Academy (THE BEST THING EVER, literally)
8. Favourite Movie
The Notebook
9. Favourite Artist (Band?)
Bastille, Bad Blood is my summer album
10. Favourite Song
Too Lost in You, Sugababes
11. Favourite Time/Place to Read
I'll read anywhere. My favourite time to be reading is after exams are over and I don't have to worry about how I'm reading and not revising.
12. Favourite Sport
Just reading...
Swimming
13. Favourite Time of Day
11pm
14. Favourite Book Hero
Percy Jackson
15. Favourite Book Heroin
Katniss Everdeen
16. Favourite Book EVER!
Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes

Izzy:
1. Favourite Colour
 Yellow
 2. Favourite Food (savoury)
Pad Thai with Massoman Curry
 3. Favourite Food (sweet)
Lemon Meringue Pie
 4. Favourite Season
Summer
 5. Favourite Holiday
Christmas is the best by a mile. BY A MILE.
 6. Favourite Place in the World
I was in LA three days ago and absolutely loved it but I think my favourite place in the world is my house, surrounded by family and friends. How soppy am I?
 7. Favourite TV Programme
 Gilmore Girls (I know, it's cancelled. Don't remind me)
 8. Favourite Movie
Clueless, just. A Cinderella Story (w/Hilary Duff and Chad) comes a close, close second.
9. Favourite Artist
Taylor Swift. BUT Hunter Hayes is a recent discovery whom I love.
10. Favourite Song
Right now, I Want Crazy by Hunter Hayes.
11. Favourite Time/Place to Read
In the car or on a train.
12. Favourite Sport
Tennis. I love to watch and play it.
13. Favourite Time of Day
Late Morning
14. Favourite Book Hero
Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower
15. Favourite Book Heroin
Hermione Granger
16. Favourite Book EVER!
Oh man that's not fair at all. Stickin' with an old classic, probably the Harry Potter series. Just because I love them oh so much.

We hope you enjoyed this different post for the celebration of the 50th post. We'll go back to our usual rambling about books and stuff now though.

We're spies.

We have thought of some new questions for our reviews, again in keeping with our tea theme. We will always have 5 questions + an overall, so we will pick which ones we want to answer for that book. Do you have any suggestions for questions you want us to answer?

Saturday, 3 August 2013

Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor and Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Who should read this book?

I think that quite a wide range of people could read this book. It is a young adult romance, but that doesn't necessarily mean that older people wouldn't enjoy it. 15+ though.

How long is this book?

335 pages, an average sized book.

Marks
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
If I am honest with myself there isn't really anyone who I clearly and definitely would want to have tea with. Park would be okay to have tea with as would Eleanor, but I don't really know what I would talk to them about; we have nothing in common really. Maybe because I'm from 21st century England and their from 1980's America.

Eleanor & Park
Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Easy. Richie. Obviously.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
This cover is really sweet and I really like it. Its really simple and doesn't show anything but the back of Eleanor and Park, so we don't judge them; yet we see the most defining aspect of them that makes them them: the fact that they bonded over the music and that that's the only thing that matters.

 Question 4b. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twist in the plot? (New Question)
Other reviews said that the ending was disappointing however even so I could not have second guessed what was going to happen. Some things became obvious as I was reading but I would say that this book wasn't entirely predictable, which is good.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something."
I also really liked the Star Wars quotes, but I thought that would give too much of the book away.

Overall:
Overall I can say that I did really enjoy this book. It is a bit different and not normally something that I would usually pick up; but it had been recommended by a certain person called Izzy, so I read it. I'm glad I did. What I struggled with in this book, which the author and any other person couldn't help, is my complete lack of American 80's trivia. There were lots of references to people, clothing items and various objects and things that I didn't understand. However this didn't detract from my general enjoyment of the whole book because I could get the gist of what Rowell was trying to imply. The ending, for me, was not disappointing. I can see why Eleanor did what she did and it was left open which allows a reader to finish it in effect, which I liked.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?