Solitaire - Alice Oseman

Began reading: 24.3.2015

Completed reading: 28.3.2015

Overall rating: 4.2 stars

Victoria Spring, or Tori as she prefers to be called, is a high school student at Harvey Greene Grammar School (Higgs). She spends her free time blogging and sleeping. She is a typical introverted teenage girl, and doesn’t mind being alone. This all changes when Michael Holden and Solitaire enter her life. Solitaire is an organisation that is claiming to ‘brighten the lives of high school students’ in the county. With Michael Holden’s friendship, Tori must learn to overcome her pessimism and find out what Solitaire is really planning for its followers before it’s too late.

Solitaire is a mix of mystery, realistic, young adult fiction with a hint of romance. This is the second time I have read this novel, but I was super excited about re-reading it. The cover of the book was what caught my attention when I first came across it. It was very pretty, and I love the subtitle: This is not a love story…I never really listened to the whole “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I must admit, re-reading it made me understand what I didn’t catch the first time round.

The first sentence was a great way to begin the story:

I am aware as I step into the common room that the majority of people here are almost dead, including me (p. 3).

Yep, definitely talking about high school.

         

Oseman was only 17 when she wrote the book, and I must say, she did an AMAZING job! I loved the way she introduced the main character:

My name is Victoria Spring. I think you should know that I make up a lot of stuff in my head and then get sad about it. I like to sleep and I like to blog. I am going to die someday (p. 4).

Tori’s introduction sets up her attitude for the rest of the novel. She uses a lot of sarcasm and humour, which I loved! The characters as a whole were great. They were realistic, which made them so much more relatable.

                     

Intertextuality (yes, I used a big word, haha) played a significant role throughout the novel, with references to Harry Potter, Star Wars, Tumblr and Madonna. Again, this made the novel a lot more realistic.

I loved how romance was slowly eased into the plot. It didn’t come out of nowhere. There was no cliché ‘hot guy’ or cheesy lines. Romance didn’t play a major role in the story, which also contributed to the plot being more realistic.

I felt that the plot started really strong, with the whole Solitaire mystery. As the story went on and we learn more about Solitaire, I lost a bit of excitement. I think that the Solitaire aspect of the story could have been improved to make everything more interesting. Solitaire kinda took things a bit too far, which seemed unecessary. Burning down a school… really?

                     

As I mentioned previously, the characters were so realistic. I think that Tori was definitely the character I related to the most. I just didn’t like how she was so bitter to everyone. She refused Michael’s offer of friendship numerous times! I mean, how can anyone be so mean to Michael Holden?! There were times where I just wanted to slap her. BUT I agreed 100% with one of her quotes:

I don’t want people to be worried about me. There’s nothing to worry about. I don’t want people to try and understand why I’m the way I am, because I should be the first person to understand that. And I don’t understand yet. I don’t want people to interfere… (p. 266).

                     

My favourite character was Michael Holden. He is the type of guy I like: adventurous, caring, hilarious and downright adorable. He loves tea, dancing and arguing about books. He isn’t afraid to cry in front of girls, or admit his true feelings. He also has the best quotes:

‘There’s a time and a place for being normal. For most people, normal is their default setting. But for some, like you and me, normal is something we have to bring out, like putting on a suit for a posh dinner’ (p. 62).

My favourite parts in the book were whenever Michael and Tori flirted. For example:

Tori: ’You sound like you’re in love with me,’ I say… 
Michael: ‘There’s no reason why I couldn’t be in love with you’ (p. 164).

                      

I recommend this book to anyone who likes The Perks of Being a Wallflower, If I Stay, The Good Girl by Mary Kubica, and the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Solitaire-ALICE-OSEMAN/9780007559220

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Anything to Have You - Paige Harbison

Began reading: 10.3.2015

Completed reading: 14.3.2015

Overall rating: 3 stars

Natalie and Brooke have been best friends forever. They are total opposites: Natalie is quiet and introverted, while Brooke is outgoing and popular. The world that Natalie and Brooke know is turned upside down one night at a party, forcing the girls to overcome secrets, betrayals and lies to keep their friendship together. The situation is worsened by the fact that Natalie cannot remember what happened to her, or why she woke up the following morning next to Aiden, Brooke’s long-term boyfriend. As their senior year comes to an end, the repercussions of that fateful night threaten to tear the girls apart.

Anything to Have You is a novel that explores how stressful friendships can be, combined with the difficulties and typical arguments that occur during the final year of high school.

I bought this book a while ago, and this is the second time I have read it. Unfortunately, I had pretty much the same reaction to the plot as I did the first time around. It just didn’t keep me interested for very long. The title itself suggests a romance novel; however, I found very little of the story containing any real romance.

                        

Personally, the plot had great potential, but the story was full of clichés including drinking, drugs, typical ‘bad boys’ and sex. Another big cliché was when Natalie’s class was paired off for their final assessments, and she ended up with Aiden.

When she got down the list to Aiden’s name, I found myself almost knowing what was coming. "Natalie Shepherds" (p. 91).

                         

Another issue for me was how unrealistic some characters and situations were. For example, Natalie’s dad: why would he let his only daughter spend a night at a party, and not expect her to get drunk, especially since he knows that Brooke likes parties and boys. *WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* Another unrealistic situation is when Natalie thinks that it’s ok to stop taking contraception, even though she should have, especially after the party.

I did like how Harbison provided me with Natalie’s and Brooke’s points of view. For example, the book provides readers with Natalie’s version of the party first. As the story continues, Harbison provides readers with Brooke’s version of the party. I thought that this was a great idea because it provides readers with two perspectives, instead of one, giving each girl the opportunity to tell their side of the story, and what goes on when the other girl isn’t around.

                   

I didn’t really have a favourite character this time around. The first time I read the book, Natalie was my favourite because she seemed so relatable.

When I talked to people, I felt like I could never think of the right response or anything clever to say. I was fine with people I really knew… But with strangers or acquaintances, I was a mess (p. 30).

However, I realised as I read it this time, that she seemed somewhat stupid. Aiden had started spending more time alone with her, and she thought it was strange, yet she didn’t question him. She obviously knew that he was in a relationship with Brooke, so why doesn’t she tell him that it’s weird for them to spend time together? She even thought to herself,

What was going on with him? It seemed strange that he was trying to hang out with me alone. He’d never done this, really… I knew that him wanting to hang out with me like this was suspicious and unusual (pp. 111-112).

     

Natalie also comes across as mean and ungrateful, so I’d scratch her off my friend list. This scene was sweet, but Natalie just ruined it:

*Eric gives Natalie a bouquet of roses* “Thank you so much,” I said, making sure to smile broadly. According to the faces of every nearby girl, Eric had just done something wonderful. He was a dream of a boy. And all I could think was, What a stupid gesture (p. 105).

       

Brooke was definitely NOT my favourite. She was such an immature, attention-seeking brat! If she was my best friend, I’d probably punch her in the face. I’m just glad that she sorted herself out in the end. My favourite quote from her is:

Love is the one thing that, no matter how much you want it, if it’s not there, there is nothing you can do to get it. No measure of hard work, begging, crying, wanting or needing; nothing in the world can make love happen out of nothing (p. 245).

*faints*

       

I would also punch Aiden, Natalie’s dad and Reed in the face, so they are definitely not my favourite characters. I think Eric and Marcy are the most realistic and nicest characters in the book, so I think they are my favourites.

If you like young adult fiction and romance, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Love, Rosie and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Anything-Have-You-Paige-Harbison/9781743566176

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Daughters of Fortune - Tara Hyland

Began Reading: 27.2.2015

Completed Reading: 7.3.2015

Overall Reading: 4.5 stars

William Melville is Chief Executive of the world-renowned fashion company, Melville. His three daughters are heiresses, and each has their own dark secrets. If they are exposed, these secrets could rip the Melville family apart, and destroy the Melville name. Elizabeth is the eldest daughter: passionate, smart and ambitious. She is an expert at using and manipulating men; and yet, has difficultly gaining her father’s praise. Caitlin is the illegitimate middle child, who struggles to belong in a world of luxury and privilege. Amber is the youngest, and considered to be the wild child. She goes to great lengths to obtain her father’s attention. Attempting to create her own fate, each daughter must learn to manage personal issues and avoid trouble. Family emergencies reunite the sisters, and they must work together to overcome obstacles and keep the Melville empire alive.

Daughters of Fortune is a novel that explores the realistic dramas that both prestigious and regular families commonly endure. The story has traces of romance and tragedy, which keeps the reader wanting more.

I purchased this book a while ago, and fell in love with it instantly. This is the second time that I have read (and loved) the book. A quote in the blurb caught my attention: “…the simple truth is that, no matter how far you go, you cannot escape the claims of family.” This quote is emphasised throughout the book, and underlines the importance of family.

                     

I think one of the most positive features in this book is how each character, no matter how minor their role, has at least a paragraph dedicated to them, which describes their personality, career and intentions in the plot. I felt that not a single character was considered unnecessary. For example, Amber’s agent, Rich, had a few pages that explained his career, his sexual orientation, and his thoughts on Amber:

Even without knowing her history, he could see exactly what she was: an upper-class slut, rich trash, a spoiled brat who would do anything — and anyone — for amusement (p. 304).

Daughters of Fortune also had many plot twists! It has been a while since I first read the book, so I had forgotten many of the plot twists. Therefore, I was shocked when I came across them a second time. These plot twists involved cruelty, revenge, and lives. All I can say is: I didn’t expect such a sweet, compliant person to be so intense and violent!

                    

Hyland’s writing is faultless. Daughters of Fortune is her first novel, which surprised me, immensely! She provided detailed descriptions of all the characters in the book, each unique and interesting. Situations and the character’s surroundings were also described in depth. For example:

*talking about a drug dealer’s house* The cottage itself was at the end of a narrow dirt track, and turned out to be a fifties-style redbrick house with a tiled roof full of gaps. It stood on a patch of grass, which obviously passed for a garden. But instead of flowerbeds there was an upended motorbike waiting to be repaired and a broken swing. It was a stark, empty place. They had passes the nearest neighbourhood several miles back. A few cars were parked to the side and a light shone through net curtains in one of the small windows. But otherwise the cottage was dark and still (p. 254).

      

When I first read the book, my favourite character was Elizabeth Melville. While reading it this time around, I started to understand Caitlin and Rosalind. I think Elizabeth is still my favourite character, as she is the type of woman I’d like to be. Amber remained being the character that I disliked most, haha!  Amber contradicted herself a couple of times, which confused me. As a troubled teenager, she’d constantly say how much of a pushover her mother is, yet she would agree with whatever her friends wanted to do: “Amber nodded. She always agreed with whatever Eva said” (p. 249).

I also liked how the novel followed the characters throughout their lives. The lives of the Melville daughters were tracked throughout the story, as was the lives of the other main characters, including William, Rosalind and Piers. Usually, novels focus on a certain period of a character’s life. So, I found it interesting to read about how the characters faced issues, including buying a house and relationships.

I recommend Daughters of Fortune to anyone who enjoys drama and romance. If you enjoyed films such as Wild Child and The Last Song, then you will enjoy this book. Also, if you like the TV show Mr Selfridge, you will love this book.

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Daughters-Fortune-Tara-Hyland/9781847376961

Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell

Began Reading: 19.2.2015
Completed Reading: 24.2.2015
Overall Rating: 4 stars

Cath and her twin sister, Wren, have enrolled at university and are eager to begin their studies. Cath and Wren are total opposites: Wren’s interests revolve around boys and parties, while Cath prefers to spend her time at home, writing fan fiction. Cath considers herself abandoned when Wren reveals that she does not want to be roommates with Cath and wants to spend time with her new best friend. Cath and Wren must learn to overcome difficulties together, including family issues, assessments and boys, despite their differences. Cath has to understand how to live apart from her closest friend, and deal with her emotional past, whilst avoiding being hurt another time.

There were so many reasons for me to love Fangirl. Firstly, Cath is very relatable! Like her, I prefer to be at home, on my computer, instead of going out. My favourite quote from Cath is:

It’s just that… I don’t like new places. New situations. There’ll be all those people, and I won’t know where to sit — I don’t want to go (p. 39).

Yep, that’s my excuse for wanting to stay home. Cath is also passive and introverted, which is definitely me. Other readers have stated that Cath’s passiveness is irritating, but I think that it adds to her overall personality.

Another reason why I love this book is the humour. Humour plays a recurring role throughout the novel. I love that Levi is like ‘the other half’ of Cath. For me, Wren and Levi make the story more interesting because they are Cath’s opposites, personality-wise. My favourite quote from Levi:

*talking about Wren, and Wren’s boyfriend* "Maybe we should go on lots of double dates," Cath said, "and then we can get married on the same day in a double ceremony, in matching dresses, and the four of us will light the unity candle all at the same time."

"Pfft," Levi said, "I'm picking out my own dress" (p. 409).

(My humour is terrible, I know!)

Speaking of Levi, Rainbow Rowell has made the protagonist fall for a guy who doesn’t meet the expectations of many readers. Usually, the protagonist falls for the most attractive guy/girl on campus (or whatever). In Fangirl, Cath doesn’t replicate the romantic expectations that appear in other books, which is very refreshing.

At first, I didn't enjoy the excerpts from Cath’s fan fiction and Simon Snow books. I felt that they were ‘out of place’. As the story went on, I began to understand the relationship between Cath’s story and Simon Snow’s. It reminded me so much of Harry Potter!

Finally, the descriptions of characters and places are very detailed, which makes me very happy, haha! As I've mentioned before, the amount of detail (or lack thereof) a character or place has been described impacts on how much I enjoy the book. I want to be able to see the characters or situation as clearly as the author does. Rainbow Rowell has done a very impressive job with describing her characters. For example: “His eyes were set so deep, it made everything he said more intense” (p. 65). I really liked the way Cath described Levi’s eyes: “His eyes were warm and baby blue. They made you feel like he liked you better than other people” (p. 233).

Sometimes, I lost the motivation to continue reading. I think it was because something would happen in the story that I didn’t want to happen. For example, the arguments between Cath and Wren. Also, one argument between Cath and Levi seemed a bit unnecessary. I don’t want to spoil the book, so I won’t explain further.

I would have loved to know what happened with the characters. For example, does Cath reunite with her mum? What happens to Nick? What does Levi’s family think of Cath? I think that there could have been a page or two at the end, explaining a bit about what had happened to certain characters in the two months or so of the Fall semester.

My favourite character in this book would definitely have to be Cath! She’s so damn relatable! As I mentioned before, Cath is very introverted and prefers to stay at home, writing fan fiction. I wish my dad could be more like Cath’s. He’s so open and carefree, which makes everyone love him. He would have to be my second favourite character in the book. This book is very good with plot twists! I won’t give it away, but let me just say, Nick’s a jerk!

Recommendation time! I recommend Fangirl to anyone who likes The Fault In Our Stars, as it is a coming-of-age novel. Also, if you like books by Nicholas Sparks or Jodi Picoult, this book is for you.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Fangirl-Rainbow-Rowell/9781447263227

Trust Me, I'm Lying - Mary Elizabeth Summer

Began Reading: 14.2.2015
Completed Reading 18.2.2015
Overall Rating: 3 stars 

Julep Dupree is a second generation grifter, or con artist, studying at St. Agatha’s. The private school costs the students of prestigious families a large amount of money; money in which Julep cannot afford. Julep uses her grifter skills to earn her tuition by charging her clients for her business, as well as calling in favours. When Julep returns from school one day, she finds her apartment ransacked and her father missing. With a gun and a note, Julep seeks the help of her friends to find clues that her father has left for her. Her grifter abilities come into use when she attempts to find her father, and uncover a dark secret about her father’s kidnapper.

Trust Me, I’m Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer is a novel with traces of mystery, action and a hint of romance. Personally, I was excited about reading this book. I love the intensity of the blurb:

I reach in and grab the envelope. As I rip it open, I have this strange sense of doom. I ignore the feeling, but when I pull out the contents, I’m even more unnerved. In one hand, I hold a note: Beware the field of miracles. In the other, I hold a gun.

I’m in love with the theme of espionage, action and drama. I enjoyed reading this book; however, there were some problems with parts of the book that bugged me. Julep had mentioned numerous times that her dad was the best grifter, and he taught her the art of being a grifter. Since Julep is a second generation grifter, I had expected her to be better at the job. However, she had trusted Tyler Richland and some other individuals too soon. Tyler Richland had not seemed to notice Julep before he began spending time with her and this confuses me. Throughout the story, Julep questions herself as to why she includes Tyler in her secret tasks. Therefore, repetition was also an issue for me.

The descriptions of characters were not in detail, which made it difficult for me to stay focused on the novel. For example, Tyler’s appearance was not described until almost halfway through the book. I tend to enjoy books a lot more if descriptions of people and places were in more detail.

Romance is not a focal point in the book, which I was disappointed with. I adore stories about spies which have been mixed with a bit of romance. I suppose that the small amount of romance in this novel creates a sense of emotion towards the end, which worked for me.

I really liked that there was no time lapse between chapters. Most books don’t continue the story immediately at the beginning of a chapter. Usually, there is a certain amount of time that passes before the narrative continues. This usually irritates me, as I don’t have any idea about how much time has passed, or what has happened between each chapter.

The novel was very creative, which kept the plot interesting enough for me to continue reading. There were various plot twists, secrets, lies and betrayals that made the story a whole lot more entertaining. It created mixed feelings, which is what I take pleasure in.

Finally, I really enjoyed the writing itself. There were many quotes that had summarised the emotion in a particular scenario. For example, “Anger is almost always based on fear, and fear is the easiest emotion to manipulate” (p. 267). I had taken a rather motivational quote from the book, which I hope to use in everyday life: “You can’t do anything about what’s already happened. Adapt” (p. 257). It may already be a widely used quote, but I had never heard of it before now. I love it a lot!

Dani was definitely my favourite character! I thought that Julep would be my favourite character, as I usually like the protagonist. I found that Dani was the type of woman I would love to become. She is fiercely protective and loyal, as well as a total badass, haha! In the beginning of the book, she did not seem to be respectable or decent as other characters. Because of this, I think she may be overlooked by other characters, such as Julep’s best friend, Sam. When I came across the GIF below, it somehow reminded me of Dani. Total badass!

Now, it’s time for recommendations! Unfortunately, I haven’t read many books that contain espionage, but I have seen other readers recommend Ally Carter’s Heist Society series. I think I’ll need to read this series, haha. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action and deception with a hint of romance. If you liked Ocean’s Eleven, James Bond or Deceptive Innocence, you will love this book!

Overall, I give Trust Me, I'm Lying a rating of 3 stars. While the book was entertaining in some areas, the majority of the book was a bit of a disappointment. However, I'll be looking out for book #2 Trust Me, I'm Trouble, and hopefully, I'll be able to review that one too! 

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Trust-Me-Im-Lying-Mary-Elizabeth-Summer/9780385744133