Genre: YA, contemporary

Publication Date: February 25th 2016 by Macmillan Children’s Books

Format: eARC from Pan Macmillan via Netgalley

Best friends Caddy and Rosie are inseparable. Their differences have brought them closer, but as she turns sixteen Caddy begins to wish she could be a bit more like Rosie – confident, funny and interesting. Then Suzanne comes into their lives: beautiful, damaged, exciting and mysterious, and things get a whole lot more complicated. As Suzanne’s past is revealed and her present begins to unravel, Caddy begins to see how much fun a little trouble can be. But the course of both friendship and recovery is rougher than either girl realises, and Caddy is about to learn that downward spirals have a momentum of their own.

(From goodreads.com)

I really enjoyed this book, I’m saying it now. I’ve since read Sara Barnard’s second book and loved that probably even more. It focuses on friendship and trauma and family and it really was a great read. Not that it doesn’t have problems, but it was really difficult to put down.

The principle problem I had with this book was Caddy. Honestly, this would probably have been a five star book without her. I understand unlikeable characters, such as Suzanne’s aunt (others may disagree with me here but her seeing Suzanne as a burden was just cruel after all she’d been through), but Caddy was ridiculous in some parts. She’s jealous of her best friend Rosie and her sister Tarin because her Rosie lost her baby sister when she was younger and Tarin is bipolar. I just cannot fathom how someone can be jealous of either of these things – she wants to be interesting, fine, but does she honestly want either of these things to happen to her? Really?!

Caddy is just selfish and shallow, she provokes Suzanne despite having researched what triggers mean and knowing that she will hurt her. I know there are people in the world who would act that way but I’d bet that they’re in general not nice people, but Caddy is portrayed throughout as a decent human being. It’s kind of confusing. Basically she’s jealous of Suzanne, jealous that Rosie has a new friend, jealous that Suzanne has had something happen to her in her life, regardless of the pain and upheaval it has resulted in. In short, she’s just jealous.

On the other hand, I loved the characters of Rosie and Suzanne, the latter in particular. Suzanne’s story was heartbreaking and painful and about recovery and it was so much more interesting that the main storyline. (Caddy’s life goal was to get a boyfriend. No, she’s not twelve). Rosie was a great character too, a little simple at times, but I felt that it was just the way she is; seeing the good in everything and wanting to do the best for everyone.

So much was happening in this book, with everything linking in places, but I found that I didn’t get confused. Barnard is such a wonderful writer and it was such a compelling read – I just wanted to read on and on and on, regardless of whatever stupid thing Caddy said or thought. It was genuinely such an enjoyable book and I was dragged in by the plot and its fast pace. I’d highly recommend this to any lover of contemporary YA, and Barnard has definitely become an auto-buy author.

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars.

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Publication Date: October 1st 2015 by Orion Children’s Books

Format: eARC Hachette Children’s Group from via Netgalley

My name is Tess Turner – at least, that’s what I’ve always been told.

I have a voice but it isn’t mine. It used to say things so I’d fit in, to please my parents, to please my teachers. It used to tell the universe I was something I wasn’t. It lied.

It never occurred to me that everyone else was lying too. But the words that really hurt weren’t the lies: it was six hundred and seventeen words of truth that turned my world upside down.

Words scare me, the lies and the truth, so I decided to stop using them.

I am Pluto. Silent. Inaccessible. Billions of miles away from everything I thought I knew.

Tessie-T has never really felt she fitted in and after what she read that night on her father’s blog she knows for certain that she never will. How she deals with her discovery makes an entirely riveting, heart-breaking story told through Tess’s eyes as she tries to find her place in the world.

(from goodreads.com)

Annabel Pitcher is one of those authors that I cannot make my mind up about. I adored her first novel, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece (it was one of the first books I reviewed on my blog!) but disliked her second book Ketchup Clouds. I hoped that this would swing me in one direction or the other, but it fell squarely in the middle.

Tess is a teenager, and acts in the normal way that you would expect a teenager to act. She’s just discovered something devastating and obviously she reacts badly to it – anyone would. However it was the writing of this book I struggled with. Tess is a teenager, as I’ve said, but it read as though she were younger, and as a result I struggled with this. Her conversations with ‘Mr. Goldfish’ were juvenile – I know her conversing with a torch is supposed to highlight her isolation, but it was the actual ‘discussions’ that they had which were problematic for me.

The character of Tess was one that I didn’t find myself particularly attached to, either. In fact, I found the side characters (particularly Isabel) to be more interesting. I felt as though Pitcher had tried to include more facts about Tess, but they weren’t really clear and it was difficult to picture her (I recall some mention of her weight, but it wasn’t really developed so I’m not too sure). She was shallow and rash, making impulsive and stupid decisions, again understandable following terrible news, but some of her actions were just unnecessary and I found myself being irritated rather than intrigued.

Then there is the whole sub-plot regarding Mr. Richardson which I felt was just included to make a bit more happen in the book and to up the word count. Whilst it does work in the story, I felt that nothing would truly have been lost if it wasn’t there. Maybe that’s just me though.

However, it was still a cute read and I will be picking up more books by Annabel Pitcher in the hope something will wow me as much as her first book did. It was quick, different and fun, though a little too juvenile for a teenage narrator and I think Pitcher’s style definitely suits a younger character. I would recommend this book, as it portrays the feeling of isolation extremely well and the effect that not knowing who you truly are can have on a person. I did enjoy this book at the end of the day, despite the fact that I’ve focused on the problems that I had with it. The plot was interesting and I did like the majority of the characters – which can make or break a book for me – and it honestly was a pleasant read. Not my favourite of hers, but if you were thinking of reading it, I’d encourage you to pick it up.

Rating: 3 / 5 Stars.

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Publication Date: September 3rd 2015 by Quercus Books

Format: eARC from Quercus Books via Netgalley

It’s the beginning of the summer in a small town in Ireland. Emma O’Donovan is eighteen years old, beautiful, happy, confident. One night, there’s a party. Everyone is there. All eyes are on Emma. 

The next morning, she wakes on the front porch of her house. She can’t remember what happened, she doesn’t know how she got there. She doesn’t know why she’s in pain. But everyone else does. 

Photographs taken at the party show, in explicit detail, what happened to Emma that night. But sometimes people don’t want to believe what is right in front of them, especially when the truth concerns the town’s heroes… 

(From goodreads.com)

This is an important book, no question about it. It holds an important message and focuses on a crucial issue in today’s society. Too many stories have been in the news where a criminal – rapist – gets away with his crime simply because he is “promising” in a certain field.

I’m not going to lie, I did at one point want to stop reading, and if I hadn’t been reading it as part of a book club then it’s likely that I would have done. I’m glad I finished it, as it is such an important book and I do feel as though it should be read, but the main character (Emma) is just so unlikeable. I know this is probably deliberate so that it puts the focus entirely on how she is treated (I mean if she were likeable I know I would have felt sorry for her just because she was nice and people were a bit mean), especially considering the vile way people react to everything that happens. I don’t know, all of the characters being truly vile just made it a difficult read, and not because of the subject matter.

This was a gritty portrayal of rape and the effect it can have, there was nothing ‘nice’ or ‘fluffy’ about it, which was fantastic to see. We see the long and short term effects and how Emma and her family deal with the events and this is why I believe this book to be so important. I have read a couple of books that focus on rape, but none were as hard-hitting, and honest, as this one. It lives up to so many true stories of rape, and obviously these don’t cover everyone and their experience, the true stories I’ve heard are all I (fortunately) have to compare it to. I don’t know how a victim would feel about the portrayal in this book, but a lot of people have praised O’Neill’s depiction, and I hope that counts for something.

I enjoyed the writing in this book too, it was fast paced and interesting. The plot was brilliant, there were so many finely thought-out details which were really well incorporated into the story and worked very well overall. The way the media was brought in – as well as doctors and therapists – really shone a light on all sides of the story and thus highlighted every aspect of Emma’s ordeal and suffering. This made it a difficult read at times, due to some of the things that the characters would say or do, but that’s life and what makes this book so great – you have to face up to these views.

Overall the main issue that I had with this book was definitely the characters as a whole. I couldn’t stand any of them, and I’ve said previously on my blog that if I don’t like the characters I do struggle to like the whole book. However, the way that O’Neill addresses the issue (and crime) of rape, highlights all of the injustice in society, and the struggle that the victim has long after the event truly makes this book a must-read for everyone.

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars.

NOTE: Before you read this review, please be aware that my mum is reviewing this book. I have not read it myself. However, if anyone has any questions I will get her to reply to them etc. I just wanted to make it clear that this is not my review as this type of book is not something I would typically pick up and enjoy (I’d find it way too annoying), so I felt it would be more honest to have someone who genuinely enjoys her writing give the book a review. I have edited it slightly, though my edits in no way change what is being said. This also accounts for the lack of a star rating, as it wouldn’t fit in with my own anyway.

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit

Publication Date: January 28th 2016 by Headline Review

Format: Hardcover sent to me for review by Headline Review via Bookbridgr

On the morning of Lily’s twenty-fifth birthday, it’s time to open the very last letter written to her by her beloved mother, who died when she was eight.

Learning more about the first and only real love of her mum’s life is a revelation. On the same day, Lily also meets Eddie Tessler, a man fleeing fame who just might have the ability to change her world in unimaginable ways. But her childhood friend Dan has his own reasons for not wanting Lily to get too carried away by Eddie’s attentions.

Before long, secrets begin to emerge and Lily’s friends and family become involved. In the beautiful Cotswold village of Stanton Langley, nothing will ever be the same again…

(From Goodreads.com)

I read the latest Jill Mansell novel eagerly and with ease. Having read all of Jill’s previous novels I knew exactly what to expect and wasn’t disappointed.

The main characters are introduced in the first few pages and follow the pattern of those in previous novels : sweet, pretty girl meets handsome, young guy who is made out to be reckless and overconfident but who you know will turn out to be her perfect Mr. Right. (Please don’t tell me this is a spoiler when it’s the basic plot of every single chick lit / romance novel ever written). Other characters are introduced along the way; the usual mix of the ‘too good to be true’ and the ‘blindingly obviously bad’.  The location is idyllic; a quaint little countryside village that is the typical romantic setting. The humour, though not funny enough to make you laugh out loud, is gentle and amusing and will make you smile.  All intertwine to create an enjoyable journey for the reader.

On the minus side, there is nothing to set this apart from any of Jill Mansell’s previous novels. It follows the same pattern and has the same predictable outcome. On the plus side though, the story flows well and the characters develop in a way that can’t help but make you like them, even if you do end up wanting to shout, “why don’t you just talk to one another!”. There’s nothing dark or sinister to give you nightmares and the characters are generally likeable. The twists and turns, although expected, are entertaining. The plot is simple, yet enjoyable.

To sum it up, “You And Me, Always” is sweet, fluffy and utterly predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. A perfect summer read.

Genre: Contemporary, YA

Publication Date: 19th March 2016 by Dundurn

Format: ebook sent to me for review by Dundurn via Netgalley

Hope lives in a small town with nothing to do and nowhere to go. With a drug addict for a brother, she focuses on the only thing that keeps her sane, writing poetry. To escape, she jumps at the chance to attend Ravenhurst Academy as a boarding student. She’ll even put up with the clique-ish Ravens if it means making a fresh start.

At first, Ravenhurst is better than Hope could have dreamed. She has a boyfriend and a cool roommate, and she might finally have found a place she can fit in. But can she trust her online boyfriend? And what can she do after her brother shows up at the school gates, desperate for help, and the Ravens turn on her? Trapped and unsure, Hope realizes that if she wants to save her brother, she has to save herself first.

(From Goodreads.com)

Whether or not this is a truly accurate depiction of drug addiction and the problems that come with it is not something I can comment on. I understand as well that this is one representation of the effects, and that different people will have different problems in their lives as a result of addiction. However, I did enjoy this book and hope for its sake that it is well portrayed, as it felt that way.

I loved how this story focused in particular on the family, and the effects that addiction can have on the other members. It was an interesting take, as many presentations of drug problems focus (understandably) on the addicts themselves, whereas it was good to read something different. I haven’t read a huge number of books that focus on drug problems (I do think I have plenty on my shelves, I just haven’t picked them up), especially in YA, so it was good to see this problem, which is fairly common among young people, the main focus of the book.

Hope was a little annoying throughout, and makes some pretty bad decisions, but overall I liked her for the way she tries to help her brother. As I mentioned, there is a really strong focus on family which is always great to read about. It was mostly her behaviour / actions at school that irked me as they were reckless and downright stupid at times, and they also felt rather unnecessary.

Eric’s parts were heartbreaking and as I was reading them I just felt terrible for him. It really highlights how some people struggle behind closed doors – how terrible things can happen to them – and never say anything. Eric is clearly not a bad character, in spite of the way his parents treat him, and it is awful to think that there are people in Eric’s position without anyone to turn to, who don’t have a Hope in their life.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It wasn’t my favourite, but that doesn’t change the fact that I read it very quickly and it dragged me into the plot. There were so many things happening in the characters’ lives it made for a fairly fast read, with a sprinkling of romance to make it a contemporary (of course). It plays on your emotions and was the first take on addiction I’ve read for a while, and I think it does do a great job at highlighting problems that are perhaps not always put into the spotlight, especially regarding Eric, but Hope as well.

Rating: 4 / 5 stars.

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA

Publication Date: 14th December 2015 by Curiosity Quills

Format: ebook sent to me for review by Curiosity Quills Press via Netgalley

Ella doesn’t remember what it’s like to be human; after all, she’s lived as a doll for thirty years. She forgets what it’s like to taste, to breathe…to love.

She watches the professor create other dolls, but they don’t seem to hang around for long. His most recent creation is Lisa, a sly goth. Ella doesn’t like Lisa. How could she, when Lisa keeps trying to destroy her?

Ella likes the professor’s granddaughter though, even if she is dying. It’s too bad the professor wants to turn Gabby into a doll, depriving her of an education…depriving her of life. 

With time running out and mad dolls on the rampage, Ella questions her very existence as she unearths the secrets buried in her past; secrets that will decide whether Gabby will befall the same fate…

(from goodreads.com)

This book was strange but I actually really enjoyed it. It definitely isn’t an all-time favourite but I’d say it’s definitely worth a read, as it’s unique and short. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Ella has lost her memory, so that the reader can relate to her in the way that neither knows what is going on, as obviously she is a character that you couldn’t normally relate to, being a doll.

I loved this book for how unique it is, I’ve never read anything else quite like it and it was a quirky read too. There’s a lot of mystery involved, as you don’t really find out what is truly going on until towards the end of the story. I did really enjoy this mystery though, it wasn’t overcomplicated, which was perfect as it is a short book and if it had been too complex it would have been too much and potentially overwhelming.

The characters were quite flat, I will say, but then I guess that’s mainly because Ella is a doll and doesn’t really know herself, so there is not a lot of room for development anyway. In fact, she was probably the least developed of them all, though this may seem to be so because her character is quite shallow and simple anyway. Gabby is the best developed, though I still feel as though there was a lot of room for improvement in terms of character in this book. Then again, it was a short book, so it perhaps wasn’t long enough for this to be included.

The plot was really what grabbed me though with this story – as I’ve said it’s very unique – and I did find myself engrossed in the events and wanting to know what was going to happen. Because all that Ella truly understood was what she felt it did mean that I felt her fear, so to speak, and I’d find myself seeing the characters through her eyes due to the way she’d react. I found this was really interesting as it gave the story a very one-sided view but worked to build up the tension and mystery that I particularly enjoyed.

Overall, I would recommend this book. It’s very short and quirky and definitely worth picking up. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, and there were a lot of places where more development was necessary or could have been included, but nevertheless this is a fun read all the same.

Rating: 3 / 5 stars.

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, YA

Publication Date: 14th June 2012 by Dial Books For Young Readers (USA), 7th January 2016 by Egmont Publishing / Electric Monkey (UK).

Format: eARC from Egmont Publishing via Netgalley

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them… until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase’s family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

(From Goodreads.com)

 I feel the need to start with a disclaimer. I’ve read a lot of YA contemporary romances and so I am more critical than I would be of say, historical fiction, of which I’ve read very little. This book is cute, quirky and a perfect summer read, but save it for the time you’re on holiday and want a very cutesy book.

I say this, but I did genuinely enjoy it. It was so cute, there were just a few aspects that I didn’t enjoy. It really was a perfect holiday read (I read it in Barcelona) and for that I appreciate it. However, there were a couple of characters that I truly hated and felt needed hitting around the face with the book – though characters can make or break a book for me. Samantha’s mother and her partner were the most irritating and awful characters I’ve read for a long time, and it did definitely put a downer on the book for me. I couldn’t believe someone could be so terrible. However, I do recognise that the horrible character of her mother is essential for the plot and so I had to accept it.

The romance, however insta-lovey, was absolutely adorable. They were the cutest fictional couple I’ve read about in a long time and I fell in love with them myself. The insta-love did detract from it a bit, though because I read it on holiday I kind of was able to ignore this and just enjoy what I call a ‘fluffy’ story. It did have a bit of depth later on after the ‘accident’ (I’m saying no more because of spoilers), and this turn I appreciated otherwise it would have been constant arguments and not much else.

Leading from this, I found the characters a bit flat, though again, because I knew it would be a cutesy romance I could overlook this. I will admit I found it a bit dull at times but at other points I did feel dragged into the story, especially from about halfway through.

One thing that I did really like about this book was that it contrasted the difference in families by putting two completely different families as neighbours. I really enjoyed this feature as it looks at how those who should be ‘happiest’ aren’t necessarily and vice versa and it made the characters a bit more interesting with their differing family lives.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and it was a fun, adorable, quick read. I’d keep it for summer and holidays, because that’s when I feel this book can truly be enjoyed and its faults overlooked. In all honesty, would I pick up another book by this author? I don’t know, I doubt it. But I won’t say no, because if I want a fluffy contemporary next summer, I know exactly which author I’ll be heading for.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars.

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, YA

Publication Date: 3rd November 2016 by Corgi Children’s / Penguin Random House UK Children’s

Format: eARC from Penguin Random House UK Children’s via Netgalley

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

(from goodreads.com)

This book is more relevant now than it was when it was written; it’s about immigration, both legal and illegal. It’s a beautiful story with a powerful message that is more necessary now than ever before. Relevance made this already powerful book one of the most powerful I read last year.

Nicola Yoon fast became one of my favourite authors when I read Everything, Everything (read my gushing review here). I was so grateful and excited when I received the review copy I cannot explain (I read it straight away, this review is just delayed because of essays and uni), and it did not disappoint. The characters were wonderful and diverse, the plot intriguing but not over complicated, and I loved the format too.

One thing that Nicola Yoon excels at is writing diverse characters. She does it effortlessly – with some authors I find it can be quite forced – and the characters are unique and interesting, and well researched as well. I assume this because they are all very different with their varying backgrounds and thus would have to say that Yoon is successfully portraying different cultures and backgrounds.

Normally, I hate insta-love in novels, though this was, in a way, the premise of this book. However, it felt more genuine, as it is one-sided (I could expand but I’m too close to spoilers as it is, though I’d say this is fairly clear from the first chapter). The love story in this, although cheesy at times (it is a romance though, so I’m not going to complain because it’s to be expected – and it is rather adorable), is lovely and real.

I loved the balance between the characters, the differences that actually brings them together instead of pushing them apart, such as the difference between their interests; one loves science and one loves the arts (I’m fairly sure this says on the back cover). Again, Yoon’s characters are not always the ‘perfect match’ at first glance because they aren’t essentially the same character in terms of interests as I find quite common in books (possibly this is something I picked up on because my boyfriend and I are complete opposites in terms of interests, I don’t know). I feel like the relationships between her characters are real and honest – not forced in any way – and it makes for a much, much more enjoyable read.

There isn’t a massive amount to say about the plot. It’s simple, but wonderful. It only covers a day. That’s pretty much it. However, this short time frame really enabled me to connect with the characters and also understand their mindsets in their situations, especially with Natasha’s impending deportation. I’ve never read a book where the protagonist is facing this situation and thus it was interesting – and heartbreaking – to read about.

Overall I would highly recommend this book, and anything else Nicola Yoon has written / writes. This has made me certain that Yoon is one of my favourite writers, as I loved this just as much as Everything, Everything, and will definitely be picking up any future books by her.

Rating: 5 / 5 stars.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Lgbt, Translated (translated by Victoria Cribb)

Publication Date: 2nd June 2016 by Sceptre (first published October 22nd 2013 in Iceland)

Format: Hardcover copy sent to me for review by Sceptre Publishing via Bookbridgr

The year is 1918 and in Iceland the erupting volcano Katla can be seen colouring the sky night and day from the streets of Reykjavik. Yet life in the small capital carries on as usual, despite the natural disaster, a shortage of coal and, in the outside world, the Great War grinding on.

There, sixteen-year-old Máni Steinn lives for the new fashion – the movies. Asleep he dreams altered versions of them, their tapestry of events threaded with strands from his own life. Awake he hovers on the fringes of society. But then the Spanish flu epidemic comes ashore, killing hundreds and driving thousands into their sick beds. The shadows of existence deepen and for Máni everything changes.

(From goodreads.com)

This book is a short but beautiful read. It’s less than 150 pages, and every word that graces the page feels as though it has been placed there for a reason. Though I did find myself getting lost at times, particularly at the end, this book enchanted me.

I know that this is a translation, so I can’t speak about how it reads in the author’s own words (sadly, the few Icelandic words I recognise are related to volcanoes or glaciers thanks to A level geography), however this reads absolutely wonderfully. The only way I can truly describe my reading experience was that it felt as though I was in a trance. The writing just took me off somewhere else and I felt like I was part of the story. The writing, in my opinion, is what makes this book so special; the plot and characters are good but very simple, but the writing is truly beautiful.

I also adored the setting and time period of this novel (can I even call it a novel as it was so short?!). Back in 2013 I was lucky enough to visit Iceland on a school trip and ever since I have wanted to revisit. It is such a unique country and the descriptions of Reykjavik and other locations were vivid and sharp. Also, it was fascinating as it is set in 1918, yet it barely mentions the First World War, as Iceland wasn’t affected. Instead it concentrates on what was a serious event in Iceland that I knew nothing about; an outbreak of the Spanish Flu. I loved reading about something else from that period, as literature set in those years, in my experience (I could be completely wrong) does have a large focus on the war (not that it’s a bad thing!).

Including LGBT themes in this book made it even more unique, due it being set in 1918. It’s a topic that I find doesn’t usually appear in books set in the early 20th century or before. They were included with respect and without being downplayed, I thought, and it was hard to read at times due to the the treatment people had to face and the way they were forced to behave as a result.

I did get a little confused at the ending, and even though I’ve since read it multiple times to try and work it out, I’m still not entirely sure. However, we’re talking the last page, and the rest of the book definitely made up for my confusion (which quite possibly is down to me either overthinking things or confusing myself, and probably makes perfect sense to anyone else who reads it).

It’s difficult to say a lot about this book as it was so short (definitely not a bad thing at all), but everything seemed to be woven together perfectly and it was such a wonderful story. The character of Máni broke my heart, and though everything was very simply done, it was done in such a way that it spoke volumes.

Rating: 4 / 5 stars.