Top Ten Most Unique Books We've Read

A Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by BrokeandBookish. This week, the most unique books we've read.

Bronte:

1.Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, definitely. Its just so different to any other love story that I have ever read, but its so unique in the best way possible! Loved it.

2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This is because I think that it is based on something real that is not often written about. I mean, most people don't have an odd face but many have something else that makes them different or 'not perfect' which is really relatable, but not often available to read about - therefore I loved its unique and utterly brilliant story line.

3. Matched by Ally Condie. Its a very different dystopian style book that makes it stand out from others of its kind.

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. I love this book, and the film for that matter just because it is so unusual. Charlie is such a wonderful character that I loved reading about.

5. Before I Die by Jenny Downham. I think it was such a unique way or portraying what a girl would be feeling if she was dying from cancer and only had a few months to live. Perhaps a little more realistic than others.

6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I have never read anything like it since really. Its just so perfect.

7. Angel by L.A.Weatherly. It is different to most paranormal books i.e. its not all about vampires and werewolves.

8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Such a wonderful story that has the 'you will never forget it' aspect.

9. The White Giraffe by Lauren Oliver. This was a childhood favourite of mine and I just loved it - it was actually the book where I discovered my love for reading.

10. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I loved this story and thought that it was so fascinating that it was actually based on a true story, and that it actually happened. Its interesting to see that period through the eyes of a child.

 

Before I Die, Jenny Downham

Before I Die by Jenny Downham, reviewed by Eleanor

Author:

Publisher: David Fickling Books

Pages: 327

Buy this book: Amazon

Rating: 4 stars

What is this book about?

Tessa has just a few months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests and drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It's her Before I Die list. And number one is sex. Starting tonight. Released from the constraints of 'normal' life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Her feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and the powerful, bittersweet first love she finds with the boy next door - all are painfully yet beautifully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out. (goodreads)

Who should read this book?

There are some scenes of a certain nature in this book, making it very much young adult and not a pre-teen book. But a very good young adult book.

1. Would you like to have tea with the protagonist? No.

2. Would you fall for the main love interest? Hmm, no.

3. Would you want to strain the main antagonist? YES. I'm going to go all metaphorical and say that I take Tessa's leukemia as the antagonist. Straining it would be great.

4. Were the characters three dimensional? Yes.

5. Would you like to have tea in a cafe in England? Sure.

6. Do you like this author's flavour of writing? Yes.

7. Was this writing strong or weak? It's strong writing. Short sentences are used to show the message of the story -our lives are a series of moments.

8. Was the ending to your taste? I don't want to ruin the ending (although it is rather obvious!) but I will say that yes the end is sad. But it's perfect too.

9. If this cover were tea, would you drink it? No.

10. Favourite Quote?
"Life is made up of a series of moments, each one a journey to the end."

Overview

It may just seem like another cancer book, but Before I Die isn't just 'like another' anything. It's emotional and thought provoking and real. You start and cannot put it down until you have reached the last page and can barely read it through tears. And that's all there is to say. This book is beautiful.