The Comeback Season, Jennifer E Smith

The Comeback Season by Jennifer E Smith reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

The last place Ryan Walsh should be this afternoon is on a train heading to Wrigley Field. She should be in class, enduring yet another miserable day of her first year of high school. But for once, Ryan isn't thinking about what she should be doing. She's not worried about her lack of friends, or her suffering math grade, or how it's been five whole years since the last time she was really and truly happy. Because she's finally returning to the place that her father loved, where the two of them spent so many afternoons cheering on their team. And on this -- the fifth anniversary of his death -- it feels like there's nowhere else in the world she should be. And of course, a boy is involved.

Who should read this book?

Anyone who has previously loved the work of Jennifer E Smith, or is a big fan of the Cubs. Sarah Dessen fans will love the work of Jennifer E.Smith

How long is this book?
256 pages, quite a short book.

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

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Ryan was a really interesting character to read about. Like most teen novels she came with her own big bag of problems. However usually as the reader, you feel you know a lot about your protagonist and she's just closed off with the people they interact with. For some reason I almost felt like Smith created a character who was closed off from everyone including the reader. I'd quite like to have tea with Ryan just to get to her open up.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Sydney. She may become a "better" person but she annoyed me for the large majority of the book and I don't let go of my grudges that quickly.


Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
For a photo cover, I'm tempted to say I like this cover. It's actually really sweet. Smith doesn't have me converted that easily though.


Question 4. What do you think of the title?

 I really like the title "The Comeback Season," and obviously it has a double meaning in the book which I like. It's not as good as "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight," but to be fair to Smith I think that's my favourite book title of all time.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
“Hi,' he says.
'Hi,' she says back, and then to her great surprise, she begins to cry.
'You know,' Nick says as he hands her a tissue from the bedside table,' for all this talk about how you don't cry, you sure are sprouting a lot of water.”
Overall: For a really, really simple book I didn't quite get the ending. If what I think is happening, what Smith seems to suggest, I'm not a very happy young lady. However, Smith's writing is again one of my favourite things to read and reminds me most of what I love about 3rd person writing. I am getting so excited about "This Is What Happy Looks Like." Only another month to go! (At time of writing- March 2nd)

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

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?

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.

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?

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, Annabel Pitcher

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Ten-year-old Jamie hasn't cried since it happened. He knows he should have - Jasmine cried, Mum cried, Dad still cries. Roger didn't, but then he is just a cat and didn't know Rose that well, really.
Five years on, it's worse than ever: Dad drinks, Mum's gone and Jamie's left with questions that he must answer for himself. blurb

Who should read this book?
This book can be read by children as well as adults because, despite a quite grown up theme, it is funny and relatable to readers who are just entering the YA bracket.

How long is this book?
221 pages, a fairly short book

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

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. Which character would you most likely to have tea with?
Sunya was definitely my favourite character. It's always nice when you find a child (even if she's fictional) who doesn't care what others think of her.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Probably Jamie's Mum, although I can't say why because I don't want to ruin the plot.


Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I quite like the cover of this book on the edition that I read. I like the drawing of the girl, even though I'm not exactly sure what she is supposed to represent (I'm guessing the dead sister, Rose, but I'm not certain) And I like that the title and cover fit nicely together.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I really like long titles (just as I like one-worded titles) and so love this one. It really does make you stop and pick it off the shelf, simply because the title is so different and eye catching.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
“In fact she was quite bad and according to Jas she was naughty at school, but no one seems to remember that now she is all dead and perfect.”

Overall: I enjoyed this book because it was something a bit different. The narrator is lovable and explains things in a way that really emphasises his feelings towards what is taking place in the novel. The book is emotional and brings up some quite controversial themes yet it will be able to reach a much younger audience, which just adds to the cleverness of the book.

What did you think of this book? What's your book blog called? (If you have one!)

Breathe, Sarah Crossan

Breathe by Sarah Crossan, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Oxygen levels have fallen due to deforestation and now, years later, people live in the Pod; a huge structure which has oxygen pumped into it. Society is divided into Premiums, who can afford enough oxygen to live a normal life, and Auxiliaries who can barely breathe each day.

Three teenagers end up outside of the Pod with only two days worth of air. Outside, they begin to wonder if their government back home has been telling the complete truth...

Who should read this book?
This is a young adult book, for anyone who enjoys dystopian/vaguely post-apocalyptic novels

How long is this book?
372 pages

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

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
I'd say Jazz, she's a nine year old girl in the rebel group and her outlook on life is pretty amusing so it would be quite funny having a cup of tea with her, I think.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Quinn because it's so obvious that his best friend likes him yet he fails to notice. Pffft, boys.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I like the colours on the cover because purple is my favourite colour, it's quite an eye catching picture and it looks very science fiction.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I really like titles that are one word long so I think Breathe is a really good title. And it makes sense that the book would be called this with the low oxygen levels outside, etc...

Question 5. Favourite quote!
 "I cough and cough and before long the cough turns into panicked pants. I'll die here."

Overall: I sometimes find that characters in dystopian books can be quite unlikeable and boring but I really liked the characters in this book. Alina, Quinn and Bea were all interesting to read about, which made the book a lot more enjoyable. Although I wouldn't say this is my favourite dystopian book, the plot is exciting and fast paced and it's worth reading.

What did you think of this book? What should we review next?

Stolen: A Letter to my Captor, Lucy Christopher

Stolen: A Letter to my Captor by Lucy Christopher, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
It happened like this. 
I was stolen from an airport. 
Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. 
Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. 
And he expected me to love him. 
This is my story. 
A letter from nowhere. –the blurb

Who should read this book?
This is a YA book.

How long is this book?
301 pages

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?

There isn't a character in this book that I would like to have tea with and this is just because there are only really two characters we get to know throughout the book. While Gemma is a great character and I admire her strength (in her situation I’m pretty sure I would just break down and cry all of the time) I don’t think I really want to sit down and have tea with her because there isn't really anything that interesting about her.

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

It’s obvious to anyone who has already read this book that Ty really needs someone to throw a lot of tea at him. Fine, I get that he has his reasons for kidnapping Gemma and everything but I seriously do not get how taking a sixteen year old girl could be right in any way. I’m a sixteen year old girl and just the thought terrifies me.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

Hmm, I’m not too sure about the cover of the edition that I read. The butterfly is pretty but it’s nothing particularly special or eye catching.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I think Stolen is actually quite a good title for this book. It fits what the book is about and works well for the story.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“How long will you keep me?” I asked.

You shrugged. “Forever, of course.”

Overall: I had my last GCSE exam earlier today and so I got this book out of the library as a beginning to a summer of lots and lots of reading (I also borrowed Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, as this is another book I have been planning on reading for a long time) After starting the book, I literally did not stop reading it until I had reached the end. The whole book is one long letter from the main character, Gemma, to her captor and as I don’t normally pick up books written in letter format I was surprised at how engaging this book was. Although the story line becomes a bit slow at times, the book is not divided into chapters and this makes it extremely fast paced. I had to keep reading in order to reach the end and find out how Gemma would end her letter because I was just as conflicted as she was about Ty. I really recommend this book just because it’s different and so unlike all the books I read at the moment.

Do you have any requests for reviews? And are there any books you highly recommend? 

Dying to Know You, Aidan Chambers

Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?
Karl, aged seventeen, is hopelessly in love. But the object of his affections, Fiorella, demands proof, and poses him a series of questions regarding his attitude to the many sides of love. But Karl is dyslexic, and convinced that if Fiorella finds out, she will think he is stupid, and unworthy of her, and leave him.

So Karl asks a local writer to help him construct his replies - and an unlikely, but extremely touching, friendship develops between the two men. They both come to learn a great deal about about life from a very different perspective, and when an act of violence shatters their calm, they find their respective appraisal of life shifting in profound ways (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?
I found it in the "Teen Fiction" section of the Waterstones I was in however I think adults could read this book as well.

How long is this book?
288 pages

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

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Karl. Mostly because he's such a sweetheart in the books and I just want to hug him whenever he says anything.

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

Fiorella. My gosh this girl bugs me for the entirity of the novel. I think Chambers wants me to find her annoying but her character hit a really raw nerve with me, mostly becuse she reminded me of me at my most annoying and pretentious.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I did not get it at first, but one your half way through the novel you realise why the cover s important and relevant. I like how simple it is, and it caught my eye among the jungle of books in the teen section.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I may be wrong but I think this is a Fiorella quote (Dying to Know You) which puts me off it a bit. It makes sense, but I think something to do with art would have been more appropriate and different to other books.

Question 5. Favourite quote! 

"You remember that experiment with iron filings and a magnet the science teacher did at school when you were of an age still easy to amaze? You remember the iron filings, which where scattered like a mess of dust on a sheet of paper suddenly formed into clean strong patterns when the magnet was placed in the middle of the mess...?

Overall: I really enjoyed this book, the writing was beautiful. However I felt like the climax came a bit early and from there on out it was just a downwards spiral. Not to say this book wasn't enjoyable, it was. However I much preferred Chambers work in "This Is All: The Pillow Book Of Cordelia Kenn," which is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever had the fortune of reading.

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

Why We Broke Up, Daniel Handler

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?
This book is the story of Ed and Min who fell in love and then broke up. But why did they break up? Min leaves Ed a box of artifacts from their relationship, and meanwhile tells us the story of their break up.

Who should read this book?
Anyone, though I'd say it was a 12+.

How long is this book?
About 350 pages, but the writing is big and there are pictures so it's not a long book.

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

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Min is so smart and witty. She's that girl you read about and wish you were because most of her one liners are hilarious. Plus she knows exactly the best way to get revenge on a boy. It may seem slightly melodramatic to give a boy a box of their relationship, but I wish I had the balls to do it, don't you?

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Annette. She's a horrible, catty bitch. Is that bad? I think this blog is supposed to be a bit PG, but you have no idea how much I hate her.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
It's really nice. I like drawings on the cover. Plus it's not a photo on the cover. THREE CHEERS FOR DAVID AND MOIRA.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?
I like Why We Broke Up, as it's (obviously) a theme repeated throughout the book which I like, though it does constantly remind you that these two are not getting back together which I think is sad because at the beginning you love them as a couple. She's obviously been taking some lessons from Taylor Swift haha.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
“I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing this letter, the whole truth of why it happened. And the truth is that I goddamn loved you so much.” 

Overall: 
I loved David Handler's writing, the short, snappy sentences reminding me a bit of John Green in Looking for Alaska. I thought the pictures really did add something quite special to the book, and added to the experience, especially since I haven't had pictures in a book for awhile. The ending wasn't quite as tied together as I would have liked, or wasn't quite as neat as normal Young Adult. It didn't have any wow factor for me, but I definitely liked the writing style.

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

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

In this futuristic world, at the age of 16 everyone is made pretty. This means that everything is equal, which results in no more wars, arguments or unhappiness. The world of the Pretties is perfect. Tally can't wait. But her friend, Shay, realises that the operation doesn't just make you Pretty, and she would rather escape to somewhere you stay individual. Tally is given a choice, either find her friend and turn her into the "police," or never turn Pretty at all.

Who should read this book?

Like so many dystopian novels, Uglies is aimed at teenagers. Yet, like dystopians, Uglies isn't rude and contains no swearing but has a plot which can be enjoyed (and admired) by adults.

How long is this book?

425 pages an average to long book.

Marks

Story Line:   8/10
Well written:    3/5
Enjoyability:   3/5
Overall:  14/20

Star Rating: 3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Definitely Dr Cable. I mean, it would be the most terrifying experience of my life, yet she's so evil in a totally awe inspiring way. You get the feeling, she truly believes she is doing the right thing as well which is interesting and a brilliant development by Westerfeld.

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

Tally. While screaming, "GET SOME PERSONALITY PLEASE." Westerfeld created such awesome characters in David and Shay that Tally sort of faded into the background, when it was her story. I hope her character is developed for the rest of the books

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I think it's eye-catching. I want to hug Westerfeld that he didn't put a photo on the front. I'm sorry, I just don't deal well with photos on covers. It bothers me way too much. ANYWAY, Westerfeld appeased me with this cover and I'm a big fan.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?

I like the title. It's short and to the point, and sets him up for the next three in the series. Yet I think the competition of dystopion novels is fierce and for me titles such as, "Divergent," and "The Hunger Games," just make me slightly more interested.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

"What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful."

Overall:

I cannot fault Westerfeld in the originality of his ideas. As an aspiring authors of sorts the idea behind this book made me seething with envy, and green is not my colour. Lovers of dystopian will adore this book with every fibre of their being. I, as I've made very clear, am not the biggest dystopian fan, and as I often find, I thought the main character was underdeveloped. However, Westerfeld managed to make this better by having very interesting secondary characters. If you love dystopian, read this book, and even if you don't, I'd say read it. It makes you realise the importance of the complete originality of your being.

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

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, reviewed by Izzy

What's this book about?

"Every year Isabel spends a perfect summer at her family friends' house. There's the swimming pool at night, the private stretch of sandy beach . . . and the two boys. Unavailable, aloof Conrad - who she's been in love with forever - and friendly, relaxed Jeremiah, the only one who's ever really paid her any attention.

But this year something is different. They seem to have noticed her for the first time. It's going to be an amazing summer - and one she'll never forget . . ." (Puffin website)

Who should read this book?
Teenage girls, on the beach. Not something you should read if you want meaningful quotes, and it won't be one of those books which makes me cry.  Though, you will want to read the next two, because let's be honest, you need to know who she ends up with.

How long is this book?
288 pages, a short, to medium length book.

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

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

This is a toss up between Susannah and Jeremiah. Susannah because I imagine having tea with her would just make you feel amazing. She'd probably compliment you loads and loads, and you would just leave feeling super good about yourself. Also once you read it, there will be obvious reasons why you need to have tea with Susannah. Jeremiah, because I have a thing for the underdogs of the story.

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

Belly. I know she had SUCH a difficult life. Three boys are in love with her, and she's so beautiful. She enjoys complaining about this all the time as well. Look if I had three boys chasing after me then I wouldn't be complaining about how this was the "first time they'd ever noticed me." I'd just be enjoying myself. (Not in that way, dirty minds.)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

The originial cover I wasn't a fan of because I really don't like photos on covers however the version I had I liked. To say I loved it would be an over- exxageraion but it's quite pretty.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?

I like the title, I think it's interesting. Though I find the idea of turning pretty, and then suddenly boys liking you slightly, annoying. Frustrating. Sending out the wrong message in some way? Maybe I'm being over the top.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“Would you rather live one perfect day over and over or live your life with no perfect days but just decent ones?”  - Best "would you rather" ever.

Overall: I feel like this review has been too negative so far so I need to put this out, I enjoyed this book. It's gorgeous, fun, light-hearted and completely all consuming. It has its set backs, as no book is perfect and there are better books in the world. I'm still going to read the next two though.

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