Review: No and Me by Delphine de Vigan

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: Hardcover
Released: March 1st, 2010
Grade rating: B+/A-


Amazon summary:

Lou Bertignac has an IQ of 160 and a good friend called Lucas who gets her through the school day. At home her father cries in secret in the bathroom and her mother hasn't been out of the house properly for years. But Lou is about to change her life - and that of her parents - for good, all because of a school project she decides to do about the homeless. Through the project Lou meets No, a teenage girl living on the streets. As their friendship grows, Lou cannot bear that No is still on the streets when she goes back home - even if it is to a home that is saddened and desolate. So she asks her parents if No can come to live with them. To her astonishment, her parents - eventually - agree. No's presence forces Lou and her parents to finally face the sadness that has enveloped them. But No has disruptive as well as positive effects. Can this shaky, newfound family continue to live together?

Review:

No and Me is a touching story about friendship, and what it means to stand by someone when they have no-one else to turn to. It's well written and easy to get caught up in, making it a must-read novel for 2010.

Lou is a charming narrator, and is one of the best I've come across in recent teen fiction. She's far too old for her age, yet innocent when it comes to boys, kissing and other parts of growing up that inevitably play on the teenage mind. She has a kind heart and good intentions, and though she has family problems of her own, she never lets them detract her attention away from No. She really is the best friend you could have, and I loved her.

No, on the other hand, took me a bit longer to warm to. I couldn't figure out what her intentions were, and whether she was just exploiting Lou's kindness. It turns out she wasn't, and by the end of the book, I was rooting for her like you wouldn't believe. Being homeless sounds like hell, and the fact that she coped with it is an achievement in itself. Of course, she had help in the form of Lou and her friend Lucas, and I dread to think where she'd have ended up without them.

Delphine de Vigan's story really appealed to me, with its portrayal of a family in crisis, life in Paris and one girl's unwavering determination to set a stranger's life back on track. It's heartbreaking and hopeful, and leaves you with the knowledge that there are still exceptional people in the world. You just have to be in the right place at the right time to find them.

US Vs. UK: Ash Covers

US // UK

The UK cover is my favourite here, hands down. It's so magical and pretty, and even nicer in person -- it's all shiny and reflective. I do like the US cover, but I think it looks too dark. The title font is lovely though, and I would be intrigued if I saw it in a bookshop.

Well done to Hodder UK for this cover, it's one of my top covers of 2010 so far!

Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Format: Trade paperback
Released: March 4th, 2010
Grade rating: A+


Amazon summary:

They say that when you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that's not how it happened for me. Sam Kingston is dead. Except she isn't. On a rainy February night, eighteen-year-old Sam is killed in a horrific car crash. But then the impossible happens: she wakes up in her own bed, on the morning of the day that she died. Forced to live over and over the last day of her life the drive to school, skipping class, the fateful party she desperately struggles to alter the outcome, but every morning she wakes up on the day of the crash. This is a story of a girl who dies young, but in the process learns how to live. And who falls in love... a little too late.

Review:

I've been trying to write this review for weeks, but have had a hard time putting my thoughts into words. I could just say that Before I Fall is amazing, fantastic, a groundbreaking debut. It's all of these things, yet so much more. You know when you read a book, and you're left speechless at the end, like you're in sensory overload? That was what happened to me when I read Before I Fall. I was a complete mess, left reeling like Sam's end had been my end, like her thoughts and feelings had been my own. It's a powerful feeling, though completely unprecedented.

Before I Fall made me wish I was a writer. It made me wish I could arrange sentences that would mean something to people, and maybe even change how they live their life. Not many books do that for me, but when they do, they cast their spell on me and stay in my head forever. Sam's story did more than that -- it made me realise that life is precious, and that every single choice we make has an effect. We might not see it, but it's there. Our decisions have the ability to alter someone's path, or someone's self perception. We have to think about what we do, how we treat others and what one wrong turn can lead to.

Sam's whole journey is filled with regrets and what ifs. Her story is tragic, yes, but it's also redeeming. How many of us wish we could relive a day, maybe do something differently, or take something back? It's a dream we'll never experience, but for Sam it's her reality, even her nightmare. She has a second chance, and she has to use it to fix the trouble she caused, and the people she hurt along the way. I didn't like Sam at first; I thought she was horrible, stuck-up, and not someone I'd ever want to know. Lauren Oliver warned me of this before I started the book, so I was prepared to hate her. What I wasn't prepared for was how much she'd change, and how much she'd speak to me and my way of life.

I'm a naturally shy, quiet person: I don't take risks, I don't try many new things, and I worry about situations I have no control over. Lauren has shown me that life's too short to worry about what might happen in the future, and that once it's gone, it's gone. I've made a conscious effort to live a little, and not focus on the negatives of everything. For that I owe her a huge thanks, because it's something I've struggled with for a long time. On a personal level, this book is everything I've needed, and I hope sharing my thoughts can make someone like me open their eyes to new experiences.

To put it simply, just buy this book. Meet Sam, cry with Sam, and live with Sam. Then go out and do something new. Even if you only say hi to someone outside your circle, or drive a different way to work, it's a step in the right direction.

Author Interview: Carmen Reid

Carmen Reid is the author of the teen Secrets at St Jude's series, as well as many adult chick-lit books, including the Personal Shopper series. Thanks, Carmen!

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When did you first decide you wanted to write for a teenage audience?

I was keen to write for younger children (as I have two of those!) but my publishers twisted my arm slightly to think about a teen audience. Once I started delving into all those repressed memories I found it was very enjoyable getting in touch with my inner teen. I really love the four St Jude’s girls and hope readers will enjoy their ups, downs and adventures just as much as I do.

Is the St Jude's series based on any of your own boarding school experiences?

Yes lots! The school is very like the one I went to – all girls and quite old-fashioned, with girls straining to rebel at all times. Many of the stories are based on things that happened, or were said to have happened or could have happened! But what goes on in a St Jude’s book is a lot more exciting that real boarding school, where there might only be one interesting event in a whole term. Also, I spent four years at boarding school and I never had a close group of friends until my final year, so maybe I’m creating the gang of friends I’d like to have had.

Do you have any embarrassing school stories you can share with us?

Oh so many: the outfits, the terrible haircuts for starters! I remember a group of us boarders going out to see an 18 film when we were about 14. We got caught because a few days later, the housemistress grilled one of the group about the film we said we’d gone to see. It was deep trouble and deep humiliation all round. Everyone in the whole house knew about it and it was just so embarrassing. So whenever Tom Cruise or Risky Business crops up, my toes still curl. It’s an awful film by the way!

The St Jude's series often reminds me of a modern day Mallory Towers. Were you a fan of these books when you were younger?

Thank you! Lots of people have very fond memories of Mallory Towers. Funnily enough, I didn’t read the series when I was young, but I was a huge Famous Five fan. I found six well-read Chalet School books lurking in my old bedroom, but I can hardly remember anything about them, except that everyone had to speak French on certain days of the week!

Did you base any of the St Jude's characters on yourself?

I think all the girls have some of my traits. I was very swotty like Min; grew up in the countryside with parents swinging from one money worry to the next, like Niff; I had a brilliant boyfriend, like Gina, and I currently live in Glasgow, like Amy! When you’re breathing life into characters, you can’t help but draw on your own experiences.

Do you have a preference when it comes to writing for adults or teenagers?

Oooooh. Good question! To be honest, I really enjoy all my writing. Switching between the two audiences and the two styles keeps life very interesting for me.

Can you tell us anything about book four, Rebel Girl?

The two big storylines for Rebel Girl concern Dermot and Gina (will they or won’t they break up? Ouch!) and Amy and her Dad. Niffy’s going to have a terrible, soul-destroying haircut (I’ve been there!) and Min... wait a minute! I’ve already given away more than I meant to. You’ll have to wait till July to find out more!

If the St Jude's series was ever made into a film, which actors would you like to see bring your characters to life?

Now this question is just impossible! If St Jude’s is ever made into a film, I will be too busy dancing on the rooftops to worry too much about who is going to land the parts. It would probably be best for some young, unknown people to step in and shine. Years ago, I remember watching Bend It Like Beckham and thinking ‘wow, those two girls are so fantastic, they are going to be really famous.’ And yes, Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra are now mega-stars!


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Related links:

• Carmen's site: Carmen Reid.com
• UK publisher's site: Random House
• My reviews: New Girl / Jealous Girl / Drama Girl / How Not to Shop

Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback
Released: April 1st, 2010
Grade rating: A


Amazon summary:

In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.

Review:

I've been looking forward to Hex Hall for months, ever since I first heard about it. I don't know why, but I just had a feeling it would be good. And wow, is it good!

Rachel Hawkins does a fantastic job of bringing her incredibly likeable characters to life, and even makes you feel sorry for those not-so likeable ones. After all, it's not their fault they're the bitchy clique on campus, hell-bent on making Sophie's life a living nightmare. Every school has girls like Elodie, Anna and Chaston, and if you've seen Mean Girls, you'll know what I'm talking about!

Witch Sophie and vampire Jenna are a great duo, and I loved getting to be part of their lives at Hecate 'Hex' Hall, a big old school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. They get to meet different types of people, make new friends and live with others who understand exactly what their life is like. Everything should run smoothly, right? Wrong!

As if it's not enough to be a teenager and different, they're also being hunted by several different organisations, all of which are out for blood. Add to that a strange ghost in a green dress, several student casualties, and a crush on the resident warlock hottie, and things for Sophie get very complicated. On the subject of Mr. Warlock, AKA. Archer Cross [insert *swoon* here], I'm going to have to own up and admit that he completely hooked me. He's a no-nonsense bad boy who can raise one eyebrow -- by the first frown, I was a goner.

Hawkins has a brilliant story on her hands here, not to mention a selection of characters to envy and a setting reminiscent of Harry Potter. Hex Hall will appeal to so many readers, I can't even begin to list them, or I'll be here all day. It's a debut novel with style and attitude, and I was sad when I finished it. Lucky for me, there's a sequel on the way, so let's all form an orderly queue!

In My Mailbox #60: New Books This Week

In My Mailbox idea from Kristi @ The Story Siren, and all links take you to Amazon.


This week was ace! I got some great books, met Charlaine Harris, and watched the new Eclipse trailer a ridiculous amount of times. Enough said! :)

For review:

• The New Brighton Archeological Society: The Castle of Galomar by Mark Andrew Smith & Matthew Weldon (Thanks Mark!)
  

• The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees

• Captivate by Carrie Jones

• Demon Strike by Andrew Newbound (Signed - thanks Andrew!)

• Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (Read it and LOVED it!)

• Inside My Head by Jim Carrington

• The Island by Sarah Singleton

• Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

• Ondine by Ebony McKenna

• Tumtum and Nutmeg: A Seaside Adventure by Emily Bearn

• The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan

Bought:

• Major Crush by Jennifer Echols

• The Thief/Walking the Walls World Book Day book by Sophie McKenzie/Chris Higgins

Gifts: (From Carla - big thanks matey!)

• A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

• Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman

• Ash by Malinda Lo

Happy reading, everyone!

Review: Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Paperback
Released: May 20th, 2008
Grade rating: A-


Amazon summary:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same. Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide. Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade. Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills. And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

Review:

I love Ellen Hopkins. LOVE her. I've never met her, and I doubt I ever will, but her writing speaks to me in a way that not many other books have. Her raw honesty and poetic talent never fails to amaze me, and I become completely enthralled in her stories. I end up blocking everything out until I've finished the whole book, because I just can't bear to put it down, even for five minutes.

Impulse hooked me, shocked me and frustrated me. I wanted to know the characters myself, so I could talk to them, and try to make things better. The more I learnt about them, the more I realised they couldn't all be helped, and that some lives are, thanks to past traumas, ultimately irreparable. The ending left me reeling, and I admit, I didn't like it. I mean, I liked it, but I didn't want it. Not like that.

Although I've never ever experienced anything like Conner, Tony and Vanessa have, I still understood them and all their thought processes. They're very different people, but all have one commonality: the desire to die. For various reasons they all tried, and failed, to commit suicide, which led to their meeting at the Aspen Springs psychiatric hospital. They formed unlikely bonds, some of which will last for life, and found comfort in each other's tragic stories and backgrounds.

To me, Impulse isn't about suicide. It's about love, hope and overcoming a lifetime of unavoidable guilt and self-doubt. The outcome of these character's stories may not be what you want, or need, but it's real. Ellen Hopkins tells the truth, and in doing so she gives teenagers everywhere a voice, along with a reason to ask for help.