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!)

Ketchup Clouds, Annabel Pitcher

Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

Fifteen-year-old Zoe has a secret—a dark and terrible secret that she can't confess to anyone she knows. But then one day she hears of a criminal, Stuart Harris, locked up on death row in Texas. Like Zoe, Stuart is no stranger to secrets. Or lies. Or murder. Who should read this book?
A bit more adult than Pitcher's previous novel this probably would have a 12+ rating on it. There are some quite adult themes, while still being written in an easy, readable way.

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

Marks
Story Line: 8 /10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 Stars

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

Aaron. Aaron. Aaron. He is so obviously the definite best. Aaron. Aaron. Aaron. (I'm considering changing my book boyfriend list.)

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

"Zoe" because you're hoping all the way through it turns out to be one mistake. Just a big misunderstanding. You know, "Ho ho ho, you thought I killed someone. Ho ho ho. Ha ha ha." That does not happen. I'm not giving you spoilers here, what Pitcher tells you on the blurb is correct. Which makes you want to throw tea at Zoe (or Pitcher depending on how angry you're feeling.)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

Yeah. It's okay. I'm a fan. It's not a beautiful work of art, but the book is so good, it really doesn't matter.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?

I like the title. I think it's very effective and I've been wanting to read the book for quite awhile. However I think the title "My Sister Lives on The Mantelpiece,"was even better,

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“Let's pretend for just one moment that could actually happen. You close your eyes and I'll close mine and let's dream the same dream across the Atlantic, lighting up the darkness between us. Can you see it, Stu? Can you see us up there, shining in all the black?” 

Overall: This book is not just any children's book. Annabel Pitcher is not just any old kid's writer. I'm hoping that one day she's be a massive writer because her talent deserves to be read. She has had a best-selling novel over here but I don't know if she's big in America or what. I say read this book. It's not perfect, and it may not have the ending you want, or be as romantic as you're hoping. But what do you have to lose? I loved it, I hope you love it too.

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