It hits me with the force of a blow: the understanding that I'd rather die than know I might never have a chance to truly, finally, kiss Delilah McPhee. - p. 86 Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Teaser Tuesdays #8
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Showcase Sunday #4
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins (purchased)
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer (purchased)
I didn't get many books this week because I'm trying not to buy or request books as my TBR pile is getting way too big. I ordered these books about two weeks ago so techincally, I didn't buy any books this week. I'm going back to school on August 28th so I won't have as much times on my hands to read. It's my final year of school, though, so I'm happy. Also, I LOVE the UK cover for Between the Lines. It's way better than the US edition (which has just a girl on the cover). My UK edition is so beautiful and I love how the pages are different to normal book pages and the font and colour of the font changes each chapter.
Sorry for not doing my usual memes this week. I am really stressed out and keep forgetting about it but I'm trying to sort that out. Once I go back to school I'll be more on track with things (hopefully).
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Life, Death and Vanilla Slices by Jenny Eclair
Genre: Contemporary/Humour/Chick-lit
Age Group: Adults
Publisher: Sphere
Release Date: 5th July 2012
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 343
Source: Little Brown Publisher
Pre-order: $13 with free delivery
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
When I got this book I was expecting a fun, light read with lots of LOL moments. I was wrong. There was some LOL moments but behind the humour there was a dark, heart-wrenching story of a dysfunctional family.
Poor Jean Collins. She stepped out into the road without looking and now lies broken in hospital. But what distracted her? And why was she carrying a box of vanilla slices, the cream cakes she only ever bought for special occasions? Jean's daughter Anne travels back up north to find out. But her mind is on her teenage sons in London - boys on the brink of becoming not very nice men. What damage could they do in just a few days? (Quite a lot, probably.) Meanwhile there are secrets waiting for Anne and Jean, back at the old family home. Secrets that were buried a long time ago ...Jenny Eclair is celebrated for her unflinching black humour and brilliantly sharp observations. In her extraordinary new novel, she has also created a compelling and heart-breaking family drama that feels as rich and honest as real life. - Book Depository
It is about Anne and her mother Jean. Each chapter is from one of their POVs. I found this really worked because while Jean was in the coma, you were going through her old memories that she was thinking about while in the coma. Anne has two teenage sons and has to leave them behind while she stays in her mother's house and visits her at the hospital each day. You really get inside the heads of both these characters.
Through Jean's chapters you learn what it was like for her to be a young mother and the struggles she went through. You also found out what Anne was like when she was younger. Anne was also remembering her childhood memories with her mother and sister, Jess. In the present day, Anne never mentions a sister Jess, nor does her sons so the mystery of where Jess is now is constantly with you throughout the book.
I found myself feeling sorry for Jean at times and other times, for Anne. Though, there is a lot of humour in it too which I thought was great.
The only thing I would criticize about this book is that occasionally in Anne's chapters it would switch back her son's POV quickly and switch back. I found this annoying and unnecessary since at the end of the book there is a chapter or two from the POV of her son's. I also didn't like how everything was all resolved by the end (I'm not saying it was a happy ending), everything that was a little bit of a mystery to you throughout became very obvious and known at the end. I like some loose ends, though I know most people don't.
If you're looking for some family drama with a bit of humour, this for you!
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Showcase Sunday #3
Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea.
It is an opportunity to show off the books you have recently acquired.
Whether it was purchased, gifted, borrowed or sent for review, you can
display it here.
Books for review:
Life, Death and Vanilla Slices by Jenny Eclair
Come to the Edge by Joanna Kavenna
In Her Shadow by Louise Douglas
The Devil's Cave by Martin Walker
Books purchased:
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Yes, I purchased the entire collection of this series. I had read books 1-9 when I was 10 or 11 but lost/sold/gave away the books (why??). I had a sudden urge to find out the ending once and for all so I decided to see if I could find a cheap set of these books. I found a second hand set on eBay for under €50 (inc. s&h charges) which was great! I am beginning the series all over again and so far I have completed The Bad Beginning. I had forgotten how completely amazing this series is. Despite the fact it is aimed an age group way below my age, I still love and enjoy this series.
Also, sorry for the lack of comments back and/or failing to comment on your MM, TT or SS. I have been really busy with personal things this month. I'll try and be more active from now.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
The Girl on the Stairs by Louise Welsh
Genre: Mystery
Age Group: Adults
Publisher: Hodder
Release Date: 2nd August 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 214
Source: John Murray Publishers
Pre-order: $16 with free delivery
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Jane Logan is six months pregnant and has moved to Berlin to live with her long-term lover, rich banker, Petra. The women's chic new apartment is in a trendy part of the city but Jane finds herself increasingly uneasy there. She conceives a dread of the derelict backhouse across the courtyard and begins to suspect something sinister is happening in the flat next door, where gynaecologist Alban Mann lives with his teenage daughter Anna. Petra believes her lover's pregnancy is affecting her judgement, but Jane is increasingly convinced that all is not well. Her decision to turn detective has devastating results when her own past collides with the past of the building and its inhabitants. A haunting, atmospheric novel from the acclaimed author of The Cutting Room. - Book Depository
This book wasn't what I was expecting. The blurb on the back was a lot more vague than the summary on Book Depository. I was expecting some sort of horror/mystery but what I got was a very dull mystery. It got 3 stars mostly because the characters were interesting and well developed and also the writing was great.
Jane and Petra's relationship was very believable. I knew they were very much in love. I didn't find any element of their relationship to be false or forged. Many people found their relationship to be odd and/or presumed they were sisters so that was realistic to today's society's general regards to lesbian/gay/transgender relationships.
It was very clear of the roles in this lesbian relationship. Petra was out working, gaining income for Jane and the soon to be born child whilst Jane was staying at home which she conveniently found time to 'investigate'. That was one thing I found a little annoying and also stereotypical of the male/female roles in the typical, heterosexual household.
There was a good balance of humor and the dynamics between the main characters and side characters. Overall the characters were very interesting and believable. I found myself engaged with the characters and connecting to them from the beginning.
The character development was great. I liked both Jane and Petra from the beginning but nearing the end I found myself slightly annoyed with Petra. Anna and her father also developed well.
From the beginning it was all very ominous and the suspense and mystery was built up gradually in a very well done manner. Though, I was a bit let down when I found out what the mystery was. I don't understand why Jane would care so much about a seemingly rude and ignorant thirteen year old girl so much! But that aside, the mystery was written appropriately for a mystery novel.
The writing was great. There was a lot of nice descriptions and metaphors which I love. Though, sometimes the metaphors were slightly exaggerated which irked me a little: "She pulled the pink scarf from a drawer and twisted it into a complicated knot." Since when do scarves have complicated knots? Generally it's a simple knot (if you would even call it a knot). I know I'm being picky but there was many more examples I found which I failed to take note of/remember.
The suspense and mystery did not drop for a second in this book. There was always questions being asked and answers but yet there was still more unanswered questions. It kept me guessing throughout.
The ending (the last 20 or so pages) was very fast paced and engaging. I found myself not wanting to put the book down for a second. There was also a great twist at the end too.
Overall I thought this was a decent mystery but it was far too short and lacking in depth. It was too straightforward. Also I found it a little tedious; why was Jane so obsessed with finding the answer to this mystery? Why should she care?
Anyone who likes basic mystery novels should definitely pick this up. (Though, it's no Agatha Christie!)
Thanks to John Murray Publishers (imprint of Hodder) for supplying me this book for review.
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