Hi Guys,
January's BOOK OF THE MONTH: 'The Help' by Kathryn Stokett
The Help is based in Mississippi, 1962 and tells the story of 3 women living in a town named Jackson. The ladies, two of which are maids (Aibileen & Minny) tell their story and tales of life when racial discrimination was a common occurrence and the third lady, Skeeter, is a budding writer who intends to break tradition and publish accounts of the ladies such as Aibileen & Minny. The tension between the characters as they go against the grain, meet in secret and suffer the consequences of telling their tales is astonishing.
I tried to drag the book on and on because I didn't want to leave the characters behind- isn't it funny how you become attached to some but not others?! Does anybody else find this?
I missed the release of 'The Help' in the cinemas- did anyone see it? I am hoping to watch it as soon as it comes out on DVD. If you have already seen the film I would still urge you to read this book and recommend it to others also, Stockett tells such an incredible and moving story and it is not one to miss!
Anne Cassidy is an author known to many teenagers- I actually discovered her a while ago and met her when she did a talk at my school. I bought a few of her books but never picked one up until last week. 'Love Letters' by Anne Cassidy is not as well known as other titles such as 'Looking for JJ' but I really clicked with the lay-out and story line.
Love Letters is a fast-pased book and follows the life of Vicky who receives a few love letters- mistaking the admirer as her best friend's brother she is over the moon but when Vicky starts to realise who the real secret admirer really is she is less than pleased. Taking matters into her own hands Vicky creates sticky situations if she is to present her case to anyone else... will she ever be taken seriously?
The story is jolting and is no doubt based around many experiences young women and men go through all around the world- if nothing else this book is an eye opener to situations out there that you may never believe would happen and really questions the meaning of relationships and trust.
If I was to score it out of 10 I would give the title 7/10 because I couldn't put it down but was slightly disappointed by the ending and slightly freaked by some of the plot!
'Before I Die' by Jenny Downham is an intense story about a young girl named Tessa struggling to cope with cancer, she creates a list of goals she wants to achieve when she realises she only has a matter of months left to live. Tessa experiences pain, anger, betrayal and honesty and this story follows her journey through it all, alone and with her family and friends; prepare for some tears and a few giggles along the way!
Downham has been able to express such a serious and painful subject with dignity and respect and allows the reader to follow a beautiful and emotional tale. This book isn't just for teenagers, it is for everyone.
Hope you enjoy these selections and branch out next time you are in a bookshop!
Happy Reading,
Ellie xx
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Sunday 1 January 2012
New Year Reads!!
Hello Everyone,
This year my new year’s resolution is to actually update my blogs.. and to read more than 65 books- my total for last year.
The first I want to tell you about is one I am currently reading with my sister and is called The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. The story is gripping and really powerful, I will let you know my full review once I have finished reading the whole thing. So far... the main character is Princess Anidori who has a connection with animals and a deep routed passion for horses however once she turns 16 she has to leave her village to marry a prince in another town (whom she has never met) and with jealousy rife in the travelling party she comes into conflict and danger. The Independent describes the book as a 'masterpiece' and it also has a lovely cover... definitely one to pick up this year!
Cecelia Ahern is another of my favourite authors, for Christmas I was lucky enough to receive her new book 'The Time of My Life' and hope to sink my teeth into that one soon but for now a lovely tale she wrote a few years back is 'The Gift' which explores magical possibilities, families and friendships- a truly lovely tale. Ahern is a very talented writer and is well worth reading her well known 'P.S. I Love You' which has been made into a film but is a beautiful read. Others I enjoy include 'Where Rainbows End', 'The Book of Tomorrow' and 'A Place Called Here'.
If you fancy an emotional read 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is excellent, already a movie, the book explores in so much more depth and detail the awful torment of rape on a family and the afterlife of a victim, the second in the collection is called 'Lucky' and is based on the true ordeal of Sebold- both are an interesting and powerful read.
I may be putting my neck on the line here but I think MY BOOK OF 2011 is 'North of Beautiful' By Justina Chen Headley, a tale that truly touched me. This book was so inspiring and has so many messages in it for every reader- I would recommend this wholeheartedly.
The plot centres around a teen girl named Terra Cooper who was (according to her) unfortunately blessed with a port-wine stain (birthmark) across her face. The novel explores her carefully laid plans being ruined, family tensions and the pressure to be perfect but also a reader can expect to enjoy romance and the meaning of true beauty- A MUST READ!!
I wish you all a Happy & Healthy New Year- Keep Reading,
Love Ellie xx
This year my new year’s resolution is to actually update my blogs.. and to read more than 65 books- my total for last year.
The first I want to tell you about is one I am currently reading with my sister and is called The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. The story is gripping and really powerful, I will let you know my full review once I have finished reading the whole thing. So far... the main character is Princess Anidori who has a connection with animals and a deep routed passion for horses however once she turns 16 she has to leave her village to marry a prince in another town (whom she has never met) and with jealousy rife in the travelling party she comes into conflict and danger. The Independent describes the book as a 'masterpiece' and it also has a lovely cover... definitely one to pick up this year!
Cecelia Ahern is another of my favourite authors, for Christmas I was lucky enough to receive her new book 'The Time of My Life' and hope to sink my teeth into that one soon but for now a lovely tale she wrote a few years back is 'The Gift' which explores magical possibilities, families and friendships- a truly lovely tale. Ahern is a very talented writer and is well worth reading her well known 'P.S. I Love You' which has been made into a film but is a beautiful read. Others I enjoy include 'Where Rainbows End', 'The Book of Tomorrow' and 'A Place Called Here'.
If you fancy an emotional read 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is excellent, already a movie, the book explores in so much more depth and detail the awful torment of rape on a family and the afterlife of a victim, the second in the collection is called 'Lucky' and is based on the true ordeal of Sebold- both are an interesting and powerful read.
I may be putting my neck on the line here but I think MY BOOK OF 2011 is 'North of Beautiful' By Justina Chen Headley, a tale that truly touched me. This book was so inspiring and has so many messages in it for every reader- I would recommend this wholeheartedly.
The plot centres around a teen girl named Terra Cooper who was (according to her) unfortunately blessed with a port-wine stain (birthmark) across her face. The novel explores her carefully laid plans being ruined, family tensions and the pressure to be perfect but also a reader can expect to enjoy romance and the meaning of true beauty- A MUST READ!!
I wish you all a Happy & Healthy New Year- Keep Reading,
Love Ellie xx
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