Quirky
See my review here for Geekerella
Once Upon A Con Book Two
Written by Ashley Poston
Contemporary, Romance, LGBT
320 Pages
Publishing April 2nd 2019
Thank you to Quirk Books
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★★★★★
The Prince and the Pauper gets a modern makeover in this adorable, witty, and heartwarming young adult novel set in the Geekerella universe by national bestselling author Ashley Poston.
Imogen Lovelace is an ordinary fangirl on an impossible mission, save her favorite character, Princess Amara, from being killed off from her favorite franchise, Starfield. The problem is, Jessica Stone, the actress who plays Princess Amara, wants nothing more than to leave the intense scrutiny of the fandom behind. If this year's ExcelsiCon isn't her last, she'll consider her career derailed.
When a case of mistaken identity throws lookalikes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible. That's easier said than done when the girls step into each other's shoes and discover new romantic possibilities, as well as the other side of intense fandom. As these princesses race to find the script leaker, they must rescue themselves from their own expectations, and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.
Attending the popular culture event is an institution for Imogen Lovelace, Starfield enthusiast and creator of the online campaign to save Amara, the female heroine of the popular franchise. The online petition amassing thousands of signatures. Attending the convention with her brother Milo and parents Kathy and Minerva, Imogen intends to campaign for the Starfield sequel and intermingle with convention aficionados, including internet friend and artist Harper Hart.
Jessica Stone is an award winning actress reprising the role of Amara, the princess of Starfield. Darien Freeman has portrayed the immortalised Prince Carmindor to acclaim and Jessica, a target of internet abusers dissecting her credentials, her appearance and the comparison to the original Princess Amara. Jessica isn't interested in reprising her character in the Starfield sequel, despite the online campaign gathering momentum and in a moment of resentment, Jessica discards her script at the convention as the narrative is disclosed on social media.
The alternating narrative accompanies Imogen Lovelace and Jessica Stone, two dissimilar young women colliding through happenstance at the Excelsicon event. Aesthetically, Imogen and Jessica are interchangeable, Jessica is suffocating under the expectations of the Starfield fandom and Imogen is the creator of the Save Amara campaign. Imogen is answering questions on a Starfield character panel at the convention, successfully mistaken for Jessica and uses the opportunity to lend voice to her online campaign. Reluctantly, Jessica allows Imogen to covertly assume her convention appearances, chaperoned by manager Ethan Tanaka as Jessica investigates the saboteur who has obtained her script.
Excelsicon is atmospherically exhilarating, in particular the assiduous Artists Alley and African American artist Harper Hart, Starfield merchandise designer. Believing that Jessica is Imogen, Jessica and Harper are developing a gentle friendship and endearment and Imogen in her capacity as Jessica, despite her frustration, is developing an attraction to Ethan, Jessica's confidant and assistant. The Princess and The Fangirl is a celebration of diversity and friendship. Platonic love, attraction, same gender relationships, parental relationships and memorable acquaintances. American Asian, African American, gay and lesbian, vibrant, diverse and inclusive characters.
Popular culture enthusiasts can create a wonderfully inclusive environment as experienced at Excelsicon but also discloses the negative and antagonistic factions that engage in online abuse and harassment. Jessica Stone reprised the character of Amara in the successful Starfield franchise. On social media she is taunted, abused and degraded rather than being exposed to the inclusive environment. It also touches upon creators and unpaid labour, the acknowledgement of the prejudice against black women in film, sexual assault and also challenging the inequality of female actors within the industry as Jessica is harassed and Darien Freeman, celebrated.
The Princess and the Fangirl is categorically enchanting. A whirlwind of effervescent and charismatic characters, diversity and inclusiveness, challenging stereotypes and societal adversity. A gentle romance and tender friendship, creating one of the loveliest contemporaries you're likely to discover this year. Absolutely, positively recommended wholeheartedly.
Excelsicon is atmospherically exhilarating, in particular the assiduous Artists Alley and African American artist Harper Hart, Starfield merchandise designer. Believing that Jessica is Imogen, Jessica and Harper are developing a gentle friendship and endearment and Imogen in her capacity as Jessica, despite her frustration, is developing an attraction to Ethan, Jessica's confidant and assistant. The Princess and The Fangirl is a celebration of diversity and friendship. Platonic love, attraction, same gender relationships, parental relationships and memorable acquaintances. American Asian, African American, gay and lesbian, vibrant, diverse and inclusive characters.
Popular culture enthusiasts can create a wonderfully inclusive environment as experienced at Excelsicon but also discloses the negative and antagonistic factions that engage in online abuse and harassment. Jessica Stone reprised the character of Amara in the successful Starfield franchise. On social media she is taunted, abused and degraded rather than being exposed to the inclusive environment. It also touches upon creators and unpaid labour, the acknowledgement of the prejudice against black women in film, sexual assault and also challenging the inequality of female actors within the industry as Jessica is harassed and Darien Freeman, celebrated.
The Princess and the Fangirl is categorically enchanting. A whirlwind of effervescent and charismatic characters, diversity and inclusiveness, challenging stereotypes and societal adversity. A gentle romance and tender friendship, creating one of the loveliest contemporaries you're likely to discover this year. Absolutely, positively recommended wholeheartedly.
Written by Tommy Wallach
Contemporary, Coming of Age, Romance
Expected Publication March 1st 2016
384 Pages
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia via Netgalley
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★★★★★
"Was this story written about me?"I shrugged."Yes or no?"I shrugged again, finally earning a little scowl, which somehow made the girl even more pretty."It's very rude not to answer simple questions," she said.I took out my pen and wrote on my palm.I can't, I wrote. Then, in tiny letters below it: Now don't you feel like a jerk?Parker Santé hasn't spoken a word in five years. While his classmates plan for bright futures, he skips school to hang out in hotels, killing time by watching (and sometimes stealing from) the guests. But when he meets a silver-haired girl named Zelda Toth, a girl who claims to be quite a bit older than she looks, he'll discover there just might be a few things left worth living for.
Parker Santé sits in the lobby of the Palace Hotel, watching the elite go about their day and waiting for the prime opportunity to take advantage of an untended bag or in this case, a purse. Zelda is eating alone, sadness etched upon her beautiful features and at odds with her mane of silver hair. She's carrying a stack of crisp notes that Parker now has his eye on, writing in his journal while waiting for her to leave. But his snatch and grab isn't as simple as he thought. He has a stack of cash, but has left his journal behind. With his name and address inside the cover.
Parker hasn't spoken a word in over five years and communicates through his journal, having been diagnosed with Psychogenic Aphonia and losing the ability to speak after his father passed away. Zelda happened upon the hotel to wait for a phone call, a call that may possibly end her life. She lives for the promise of giving away what money remains and freeing herself by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. In an act of kindness, she decides that Parker will be the recipient of her small fortune, spending it together under the guise that Parker won't squander his life away and will apply to college to perfect his writing ability.
Zelda plans to have the ultimate teenage experience, shopping, parties and liberating Parker from his own life. A boy who chooses not to live and a young woman who is ready to die, sometimes all we have is one another and believing that anything is possible.
Zelda was an incredible character. Wise beyond her seemingly teen years, she's cultured, intelligent and speaks with an old Hollywood grace that charms those in her presence. Loaded with a bundle of cash and awaiting a phone call that will change her life before she takes her own, she is determined to share in a typical teen experience of shopping, partying and discovering the world again through Parker. Magical and whimsical, Zelda is one of the most selfless characters you'll ever have the pleasure of reading. Although she and Parker are worlds apart, I loved the bizarre yet tentative friendship they shared, which sadly felt a little more like a dependency than a romantic connection. The romance wasn't particularly needed, but nor did it take away from the magic that was Thanks For The Trouble.
There is something incredible realistic about the characters Tommy Wallach creates, they're flawed, often insecure but most importantly, readers can relate to them on some level. Parker chooses not to speak and deals with his own grief internally. He's not looking to be rescued and certainly isn't looking for a whirlwind romance but is enamored by Zelda and her tall tales. It was lovely and woven with a touch of whimsy, completely unexpected but incredible nonetheless.
Parker hasn't spoken a word in over five years and communicates through his journal, having been diagnosed with Psychogenic Aphonia and losing the ability to speak after his father passed away. Zelda happened upon the hotel to wait for a phone call, a call that may possibly end her life. She lives for the promise of giving away what money remains and freeing herself by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. In an act of kindness, she decides that Parker will be the recipient of her small fortune, spending it together under the guise that Parker won't squander his life away and will apply to college to perfect his writing ability.
Zelda plans to have the ultimate teenage experience, shopping, parties and liberating Parker from his own life. A boy who chooses not to live and a young woman who is ready to die, sometimes all we have is one another and believing that anything is possible.
Thanks For The Trouble is absolutely lovely, cynical and sarcastic, but so wonderfully written and emotional. Written in the same vein as John Green, it tells the story of Parker who hasn't spoken for over five years since his father passed away. He'll do just about anything to avoid school, where he feels misunderstood and his silence is taken as a sign of antisocialism. From the moment they'd first met, Parker and Zelda form an instant attraction. He has segregated himself from his peers, while Zelda has lost her zest for life. Together they'll rediscover that life is truly worth living through one remarkable weekend.Kelly's Thoughts
"Young people feel things so deeply, don't they?" she said quietly, almost to herself. "Everything's happening for the first time."
There is something incredible realistic about the characters Tommy Wallach creates, they're flawed, often insecure but most importantly, readers can relate to them on some level. Parker chooses not to speak and deals with his own grief internally. He's not looking to be rescued and certainly isn't looking for a whirlwind romance but is enamored by Zelda and her tall tales. It was lovely and woven with a touch of whimsy, completely unexpected but incredible nonetheless.
Beautifully written, honest and enchanting, Thanks For The Trouble was an engaging and immersive read. Buy it, read it and love it.The final verdict
Written by Emma Mills
Contemporary, Sports, Romance
Published in Australia January 15th 2016
272 Pages
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia
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★★★★★
Rarely is a novel ever so utterly perfect that I've fallen in love from the very first page. First and Then was nothing short of immaculate and one of the loveliest contemporaries I've ever had the pleasure of reading.Devon Tennyson wouldn't change a thing. She's happy watching Friday night games from the bleachers, silently crushing on best friend Cas, and blissfully ignoring the future after high school. But the universe has other plans. It delivers Devon's cousin Foster, an unrepentant social outlier with a surprising talent for football, and the obnoxiously superior and maddeningly attractive star running back, Ezra, right where she doesn't want them, first into her P.E. class and then into every other aspect of her life.
Pride and Prejudice meets Friday Night Lights in this contemporary novel about falling in love with the unexpected boy, with a new brother, and with yourself.
UTTER. PERFECTION.
It follows the story of Devon, the girl, not the luncheon meat. She's an only child with doting parents and no real direction throughout her senior year of school. Then fourteen year old Foster comes to stay. Oh Foster, he was such a breath of fresh air. Adorably naive and so incredibly lovely, he's been abandoned by his mother and taken in by his aunt and uncle to restore a sense of normalcy and family. Since his father died, life with his neglectful mother has left him unemotional and mentally absent. It takes a significant part of First and Then for Devon to finally accept Foster as a part of her newly formed family unit but their relationship although tentative, was beautiful to watch them both grow as individuals and as new siblings.
Hello Ezra Lynley. Ezra is the golden boy of football and a new recruit, seemingly untouchable yet takes an interest in Foster in the shared physical education class along with Devon. Although Foster is oblivious, the tension between Devon and Ezra is delicious and he begins helping Foster learn the basics of touch football and the two form a close bond. I know nothing about American football but First and Then didn't delve too deeply into the technical side of the sport thankfully, but more so the team comradery and etiquette of the game.
The bond between Ezra and Foster began as a worship type relationship and although beyond the college scouts and attention, Ezra is never comfortable with the admiration. He isn't the typical high school senior and is determined not to let his status define him. He's quiet, reserved and gives off a tortured impression. It's Devon who is yet to fall under his spell, she's in love with her best friend in Cass, who as the storyline moved forward really surprised me and I felt I never truly had a sense of who he was beyond how Devon had seen him.
The underlying storyline of acceptance and learning to trust was beautiful and lovingly written. I laughed, I cried and was utterly smitten with First and Then and in particular, Foster. Not often does a book come along that makes you feel how special it is to delve into the fictional worlds of authors, First and Them made me feel giddy as I turned the final page and gave me one hell of a book hangover.The Final Verdict
Kelly is still swooning over the loveliness of First and Then. But Kelly is sick of talking about herself in the third person.
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Written by Lauren Oliver & H.G. Chester
Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure
Published October 8th 2015
368 Pages
Thank you to Hachette Australia
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★★★★
Roll up! Roll up! Fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events brace yourselves for an adventure of a lifetime. Witness the freaks, wonders and oddities at the Dime Museum. Tread the path of the four extraordinary children who live there...The book is about, among other things, the strongest boy in the world, a talking cockatoo, a faulty mind reader, a beautiful bearded lady and a nervous magician, an old museum, and a shrunken head.Blessed with extraordinary abilities, orphans Philippa, Sam, and Thomas have grown up happily in Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. Philippa is a powerful mentalist, Sam is the world's strongest boy, and Thomas can squeeze himself into a space no bigger than a bread box. The children live happily with museum owner Mr. Dumfrey, alongside other misfits. But when a fourth child, Max, a knife thrower, joins the group, it sets off an unforgettable chain of events.When the museum's Amazonian shrunken head is stolen, the four are determined to get it back. But their search leads them to a series of murders and an explosive secret about their pasts.
In one of the last dime museums in the world, Dumfrey's Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities and Wonders can now add the shrunken head of Chief Ticuna Piranha to the list of marvels, a treasure purchased from a dusty old antique store in the hope of bringing patrons back to the museum. But with the shrunken head supposedly comes a curse, made evident by an audience member found to have plunged to her death only hours after viewing the show. But she isn't the only one.
In a string of strange accidents, murders and foul play, it'll be left up to orphans Pippa, Sam, Thomas and new resident Max to follow the clues to find not only the stolen shrunken head, but the killer who is determined to frame Mister Dumfrey. Everywhere the amateur detectives turn, reporter Bill Evans is on the case with his sensationalised headlines and campaign to slander the museum at every opportunity. As the body count starts mounting and the threat of being placed into foster care, Pippa, Sam, Thomas and Max will need to find the stolen shrunken head and the killer before he strikes again.
Kelly's Thoughts
I haven't always had the best author reader relationship with Lauren Oliver. I enjoyed her Delirium series, but both Before I Fall and Panic were books that I had so many issues with. Her new foray into middle grade with The Curiosity House series is a complete success and I enjoyed every moment. There is something so utterly lovely about a well written and adventurous middle grade series and installment one, The Shrunken Head, shows exactly why the young and young at heart are enamored by the genre. It follow the story of three orphans in twelve year old Sam, Pippa and Thomas who are about to be joined by new resident Max. The four children have extraordinary abilities and are among the headline acts at Dumfrey's Dime Museum, but business hasn't been as prosperous of late and without the shrunken head, they will be forced to close.
The storyline although character driven, also features an old world charm to the New York location. Dime Museums were popular during the middle Nineteenth century as a form of entertainment for the working class. Most were little more than trickery in order to give patrons a cheap thrill, which also seems to be the case with Mister Dumfrey, with the exception of the four children of course.
One of the main aspects that also draws me into reading middle grade are the illustrations. Whether it just be chapter pages or full page illustrations, it only adds to the magical reading experience and The Shrunken head was no different. The monochrome illustrations scattered throughout were absolutely lovely, I especially loved the imitation performer advertisement posters. So lovely and vintage.
Even being a longer middle grade read, the storyline is not only wonderfully written but well paced. A mixture of old world charm, mystery and cheekiness that middle grade and early young adult readers will be enchanted by.
the final verdict
The Shrunken Head is a brilliant first installment in what will no doubt be an incredible new middle grade adventure series. Mixing old world charm and a motley crew of weird and wonderful characters, it's wonderfully written and the mystery will thrill and delight readers with it's sense of fun and lighthearted humour. Perfect for older middle grade or primary school readers and early young adult readers alike. I can't wait to for the next installment in The Curiosity House series. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kelly is currently reading Madame Tussaud's Apprentice and contemplating dying her hair bright red like a deranged rooster.
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A Jack Mason Adventure Book Five
Written by Darrell Pitt
Middle Grade, Adventure, Steam Punk
Published August 26th 2015
256 Pages
Thank you to Text Publishing
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★★★★
Book One Review
Book Two Review
Book Three & Four Reviews
As the dark clouds of another war loom, Jack, Scarlet and Mr Doyle travel from grimy streets of London to neon-bright metropolis of Tokyo.They’re on a mission for the British government: to locate the Kusanagi sword, an ancient relic believed to have magical powers. If they can find the sword, the Emperor of Japan promises to keep the peace between his nation and the allies.But in Tokyo, they soon discover that the Nazis are after the sword, too. And they will stop at nothing for world domination, putting the team’s lives in terrible danger.
Now fifteen years old, Jack Mason has been travelling the world with his mentor and guardian Ignatius Doyle, the famous and eccentric detective who had rescued Jack from the orphanage he was placed in after his parents both passed. Along with his fellow protégé Scarlett, the trio are off to the bustling downtown Tokyo where invention is coming along in leaps and bounds. While investigating a case of a missing ancient sword on behalf of the British government, Mister Doyle is invited to be the keynote speaker at the Darwinists symposium with an international field of experts in innovation. But finding the sword will be no easy task, with the Nazi hunters determined to find the sword and wield it against the world.
With their lives in terrible danger, the Darwinist League on the verge of collapse and an old friend who seems to have his own agenda, this is one mission that even Jack may not be able to complete.
With their lives in terrible danger, the Darwinist League on the verge of collapse and an old friend who seems to have his own agenda, this is one mission that even Jack may not be able to complete.
Kelly's Thoughts
I've adored the Jack Mason Adventure series, it's a brilliant middle grade read that blends mystery, steampunk and a touch of humour that preteen and early teens will absolutely adore. Over the course of the series, we've seen the lonely orphan Jack rescued from a children's home and taken in by the eccentric and well travelled detective Doyle. It's there in which Jack meets the illustrious Scarlett Bell, the daughter of an international businessman who the detective has also taken under his wing while her father is away. Their dynamic was lovely, detective Doyle as a father figure to the two teens, readers seeing both Jack and Scarlett grow into well developed and intelligent young adults, now both fifteen years of age. The series is set in a world powered by steam, where the trio travel from their London home around the world solving international crimes.
A modern day Nancy Drew, Scarlett is an incredible young woman, a voracious reader and advocate for women's rights. I loved her quiet determination. Detective Doyle is incredibly eccentric and charming, giving the impression of incompetence when nothing could be further from the truth. He carries an endless supply of lint covered cheese in his pocket and has a story about a former case for every situation. He's kind and treats the two young protégés as if they were his very own. His character is consistent and added comedic relief that children will really enjoy.
In The Lost Sword, we see both Jack and Scarlett grow as individuals and not unlike Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and The Olympians series, see our two young trainee detectives realise that they have feelings for one another beyond the close friendship the two now have. It was such a lovely storyline to see Jack come to terms with how he felt about Scarlett. The main storyline involving the Darwinist League introduces readers to new inventions beyond those powered by steam. Most were outrageous, like sea transportation inside of a whale which was not only bizarre, but brings to the front line a discussion about animal cruelty, even fictionally. I just couldn't imagine it.
Overall, it felt a little too busy. Too many new inventions and innovations introduced and the storyline of the missing sword was lost within the new world. I loved exploring the brilliantly bright lights of Tokyo during the steam age and the world building once again was brilliant, especially for a middle grade title.
In The Lost Sword, we see both Jack and Scarlett grow as individuals and not unlike Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and The Olympians series, see our two young trainee detectives realise that they have feelings for one another beyond the close friendship the two now have. It was such a lovely storyline to see Jack come to terms with how he felt about Scarlett. The main storyline involving the Darwinist League introduces readers to new inventions beyond those powered by steam. Most were outrageous, like sea transportation inside of a whale which was not only bizarre, but brings to the front line a discussion about animal cruelty, even fictionally. I just couldn't imagine it.
Overall, it felt a little too busy. Too many new inventions and innovations introduced and the storyline of the missing sword was lost within the new world. I loved exploring the brilliantly bright lights of Tokyo during the steam age and the world building once again was brilliant, especially for a middle grade title.
the final verdict
Although not as engaging as previous series releases, The Lost Sword was an innovative finale for the middle grade audience. The series is fantastically written and instills a sense of wonderment and adventure in readers who will adore seeing Jack's character growth. Why hasn't this series been optioned for film or television rights? It would make for the ideal children's series with it's wacky and endearing characters and outlandish adventures.
I adored it and it's only furthered my love for middle grade.
Written by Patrick Ness
Fantasy, Contemporary
Expected Publication August 27th 2015
352 Pages
Thank you to Walker Books Australia
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★★★★☆
What if you aren't the Chosen One?The one who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?What if you're like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week’s end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.Even if your best friend is worshiped by mountain lions.
Seventeen year old Mikey isn't the hero who saves the world. He isn't expected to. Mikey is one of the Others, the bystanders within his strange little town where where the supernatural reign and the world rests upon the shoulders of the Chosen Ones. But his life is complicated enough as it is. His mother is a State Senator, neglecting her family for that of the community she serves. His father an alcoholic, his sister a reformed anorexic and Mikey himself suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder, finding himself stuck in loops in which is becoming increasingly harder to break. He's in love with childhood friend Henna, although too scared to tell her and his best friend is a gay, Jewish God of Cats, his feline admirers following him about town.
The latest crisis to hit the teen community comes in the form of the hipster kids being killed, pillars of light and glowing blue eyes in the night. But akin to the vampire plague that swept through years earlier, it's the Chosen Ones that need to deal with the prophecy, hipster kids affectionately known as The Indies. For Mikey and his friends, they just want to graduate without the school being burnt down. A group of ordinary teens living within an extraordinary town, and this is their story.
Kelly's Thoughts
Ever wondered about the secondary characters within our young adult fantasy and dystopian novels? The adults or the teens who aren't tasked with saving the world? This is their story. Mikey and his group of friends are ordinary teens who have seen it all, the paranormal descending upon their town and helpless to stop the pending apocalypse. The Chosen Ones are the kids known as The Indies, teens who segregate themselves from the school community and are named as uniquely as themselves.
But The Rest of Us Just Live Here isn't about those who save the world, it's the teens who are trying to live their life within the extraordinary town. Real teens that struggle with issues such as obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, workaholic and alcoholic parents, and having a new kid suddenly arrive within only six weeks left until graduation. The concept is completely bizarre and the storyline allows readers glimpses of the pending doom that is set to strike their town. But life goes on for the Others, those who are usually restricted to background characters while someone else saves the world.
Without a doubt, Patrick Ness is a phenomenal author and this may possibly be his best work to date. It's intelligent, quirky and still addresses real issues such as mental illness and substance abuse such as alcoholism. The cast of characters is diverse, which is what readers have come to expect from Patrick Ness. It reads as a subtle swipe at the young adult tropes that irritate what most readers take issue with, the Chosen Ones, the town that seemingly turns a blind eye to paranormal invasion, clueless adults and when you're one of the Others, how life continues on and no matter what's going on around you. Your own issues are still as important than the world coming to an end.
Without a doubt, Patrick Ness is a phenomenal author and this may possibly be his best work to date. It's intelligent, quirky and still addresses real issues such as mental illness and substance abuse such as alcoholism. The cast of characters is diverse, which is what readers have come to expect from Patrick Ness. It reads as a subtle swipe at the young adult tropes that irritate what most readers take issue with, the Chosen Ones, the town that seemingly turns a blind eye to paranormal invasion, clueless adults and when you're one of the Others, how life continues on and no matter what's going on around you. Your own issues are still as important than the world coming to an end.
The Final Verdict
Beautifully imaginative, The Rest of Us Just Live Here is an exploration of those who aren't meant to save the world, but the bystanders who create their own storyline. Patrick Ness is a phenomenal author, who can enchant, enthrall and entice readers to believe in the impossible. Bizarre, incredible and utterly captivating.
Written by Sophie Kinsella
Contemporary, Mental Illness, Comedy
Published June 1st 2015
288 Pages
Thank you to Random House Australia
RATING ★★★★★
Audrey can't leave the house. she can't even take off her dark glasses inside the house.Then her brother's friend Linus stumbles into her life. With his friendly, orange slice smile and his funny notes, he starts to entice Audrey out again, well Starbucks is a start. And with Linus at her side, Audrey feels like she can do the things she'd thought were too scary. Suddenly, finding her way back to the real world seems achievable.Be prepared to laugh, dream and hope with Audrey as she learns that even when you feel like you have lost yourself, love can still find you...
Fourteen year old Audrey lives with a debilitating social disorder, unable to venture outside except to visit that of her therapist. The mere thought of social interaction causes Audrey to spiral into a wild panic, her dark glasses a coping mechanism as to avoid eye contact for those around her, including her immediate family. But life hasn't always been so exhausting, an incident leaving Audrey shaken and watching not only her schooling, but her former friends slip away. No one truly understands Audrey's illness, what it feels like to be imprisoned inside your own thoughts. Not her overbearing, suspicious mother who lives all their lives according to The Daily Mail, older brother Frank who plans on becoming a professional gamer, or her quiet and reserved father, who dare not disagree with his wife. Audrey is being held captive by fear, but desperately longs to escape and to feel normal again. Who knew that hope would come knocking in the form of Linus.
Fifteen year old Linus is a part time actor, part time student and full time gamer, sharing the same grandeur of winning an online gaming championship as Frank. But according to The Daily Mail, hours of playing computer games per week destroys young minds and while Frank is in their mother's line of fire, Audrey and Linus begin a tentative friendship consisting of pocket notes and shoe contact. Any interaction is seen as a positive breakthrough for Audrey after her ordeal.
Linus may not understand her illness, but he inspires something in Audrey that forces her out of her comfort zone and begin to live again. The fear starts to dissipate and Audrey realises that Linus represents a future she so desperately needs. To be free of her illness and learn to live and love again.
Finding Audrey is a fun and lighthearted romantic comedy, that follows the story of Audrey who is suffering from an anxiety disorder. Audrey is aware of the reader, which only heightens her story and allows us into her debilitating world. An incident has left Audrey catatonic with fear at the mention of interacting with those outside of her immediate family, instead the fourteen year old retreats to her darkened den where she watches the Shopping Network to relax. But Audrey shares her story with the entire Turner family, each playing a role in her recovery, even if indirectly. Audrey's mother is hilariously overbearing, with her life revolving around a newspaper. Handy home tips? The Daily Mail. Parenting advice? The Daily Mail. Your son shows signs of a gaming addiction? The Daily Mail. Throughout the storyline, we see her obsession with freeing older brother Frank from the oppression of video games, against his will. Their scenes together were laugh out loud funny, so unexpected from a book addressing mental illness and lifted the mood making it a lighthearted read.
MY THOUGHTS
Finding Audrey is a fun and lighthearted romantic comedy, that follows the story of Audrey who is suffering from an anxiety disorder. Audrey is aware of the reader, which only heightens her story and allows us into her debilitating world. An incident has left Audrey catatonic with fear at the mention of interacting with those outside of her immediate family, instead the fourteen year old retreats to her darkened den where she watches the Shopping Network to relax. But Audrey shares her story with the entire Turner family, each playing a role in her recovery, even if indirectly. Audrey's mother is hilariously overbearing, with her life revolving around a newspaper. Handy home tips? The Daily Mail. Parenting advice? The Daily Mail. Your son shows signs of a gaming addiction? The Daily Mail. Throughout the storyline, we see her obsession with freeing older brother Frank from the oppression of video games, against his will. Their scenes together were laugh out loud funny, so unexpected from a book addressing mental illness and lifted the mood making it a lighthearted read.
The budding romance between Audrey and Linus was absolutely lovely. He challenged her, but was patient and didn't fix her per se, but aided in her recovery and gave Audrey the means to venture out of her comfort zone. Realistically, mental illness takes much more than a weekly therapist and a love interest to recover, but I appreciated Finding Audrey for it's entertainment that never failed to make me laugh, value rather than realism. I loved the Turner family unit, they were far from perfect, but such a strong presence in Audrey's life. Four year old Felix was positively charming. He's the only person that Audrey felt at ease with, and was able to take off her glasses and not face the fear of judgement. Each character had their own district personality that jumped off the pages, reducing me to fits of laughter between heartwarming moments. I absolutely adored it.
THE VERDICT
Wonderfully written, lighthearted and incredibly funny. Sophie Kinsella's first foray into young adult is nothing short of a brilliant success. Laugh out loud funny, you'll fall in love with the Turner family and their quirky brand of joy, hope and acceptance. Pure entertainment with a sense of fun, this is one book you'll want to read again and again.
By Jandy Nelson
Contemporary
Expected Publication June 1st 2015
432 Pages
Thank you to Walker Books Australia
Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff dives and wears red, red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways... Until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else, an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.
Twins Noah and Jude have always been inseparable and share a special bond. Noah is the quiet sibling, preferring to spend his days lost in his artistic talent. Jude likes to surf and socialise while lost in the pages of her late grandmother's bible, a God in which she refers to as Clark Cable. Both siblings connect through their artistic expression, something both parents encourage. Where Jude has a loving and close bond with their father, Noah is left on the outer and often directs his anger towards the man that seems to forgotten he has a son. But through Noah's raw and incredible talent, he finds a special bond with his mother, visiting museums and inciting a friendly competition between the two siblings with the hope of both being accepted into the school of fine arts.
Noah dreams of becoming an artist, finally being accepted by a community that doesn't resort to targeting him for being gay. But in a heartbreaking and devastating set of events, Noah and Jude's world is torn apart, their once close relationship withering as a result of the aftermath. Now Jude and Noah are shells of their former selves. Noah has is now the social twin, opting to spend his time with Jude's former friends, while Jude has retreated to the safety of her Grandmother's bible and living life with care and precautions.
Their relationship is strained and it will be Jude that will do the unforgivable. Noah is no longer painting and has lost his zest for life. Once two halves of a whole, they'll need to move mountains to reunite once more... Or stone sculptures from a man who knows what life is like to have loved and lost.
I can't even begin to describe how lyrical and utterly beautiful I'll Give You The Sun is. Told from dual points of view, siblings Noah and Jude are best friends, companions and share a special connection that only twins share. Until it all falls apart. Before their world is torn apart, Noah is the quiet twin, bullied by two local thugs who suspect Noah may be gay. His only saving grace is Jude. Jude is the golden child in the eyes of their father, she loves to surf and has always been the bright and lovable tomboy. Until recently. Their mother has taken a keen interest in Noah's artistic talent and Jude begins to lash out. Vying for her mother's attention has lead Jude down a dangerous path... But the roles have reversed and Jude is now withdrawn and relies on superstitions and fate to guide her through life.
Throughout the pages, we see the stark differences between both siblings in current day and before the event that ultimately drove them apart. The flow between the character development and regression was stunning, siblings who are ultimately fighting their own battle in what could also be classed as an intricate coming of age. What ultimately drew me into the storyline is the writing. The Sky is Everywhere was stunning, but I'll Give You the Sun is simply phenomenal. It's lyrical beauty is wondrous.
Never have I encountered a contemporary so utterly lyrical. I inhaled it's beauty and devoured it. This is the year of the young adult contemporary and I'll Give You The Sun is by far one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Noah dreams of becoming an artist, finally being accepted by a community that doesn't resort to targeting him for being gay. But in a heartbreaking and devastating set of events, Noah and Jude's world is torn apart, their once close relationship withering as a result of the aftermath. Now Jude and Noah are shells of their former selves. Noah has is now the social twin, opting to spend his time with Jude's former friends, while Jude has retreated to the safety of her Grandmother's bible and living life with care and precautions.
Their relationship is strained and it will be Jude that will do the unforgivable. Noah is no longer painting and has lost his zest for life. Once two halves of a whole, they'll need to move mountains to reunite once more... Or stone sculptures from a man who knows what life is like to have loved and lost.
MY THOUGHTS
I can't even begin to describe how lyrical and utterly beautiful I'll Give You The Sun is. Told from dual points of view, siblings Noah and Jude are best friends, companions and share a special connection that only twins share. Until it all falls apart. Before their world is torn apart, Noah is the quiet twin, bullied by two local thugs who suspect Noah may be gay. His only saving grace is Jude. Jude is the golden child in the eyes of their father, she loves to surf and has always been the bright and lovable tomboy. Until recently. Their mother has taken a keen interest in Noah's artistic talent and Jude begins to lash out. Vying for her mother's attention has lead Jude down a dangerous path... But the roles have reversed and Jude is now withdrawn and relies on superstitions and fate to guide her through life.
Throughout the pages, we see the stark differences between both siblings in current day and before the event that ultimately drove them apart. The flow between the character development and regression was stunning, siblings who are ultimately fighting their own battle in what could also be classed as an intricate coming of age. What ultimately drew me into the storyline is the writing. The Sky is Everywhere was stunning, but I'll Give You the Sun is simply phenomenal. It's lyrical beauty is wondrous.
He floated into the air high above the sleeping forest, his green hat spinning a few feet above his head. In his hand was the open suitcase and out of it spilled a whole sky of stars.Noah's point of view is more romantic and whimsical, he paints within his own thoughts and sees his world as brushstrokes waiting to be painted. Where Jude's feet are firmly planted on the ground, she's the logical thinker, who now is lost within superstitions and her grandmothers old bible that she lives by as a self help book. It also explores grief, first love, sexual orientation and navigating the period between child and adulthood.
"For the sun, stars, oceans, and all the trees, I'll consider it," I say, knowing she'll never agree. She knows how badly I want the sun and trees. We've been dividing up the world since we were five.
THE VERDICT
Never have I encountered a contemporary so utterly lyrical. I inhaled it's beauty and devoured it. This is the year of the young adult contemporary and I'll Give You The Sun is by far one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
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