Michelle

*Takes book off the shelf, and adds to the charity pile!*

It was this short blurb which made me pick up this book, but it was the level of writing which had me reading it over the course of just two days. Although this is apparently classified as a YA novel, I would say it’s more than suitable for us older readers as well. I have to say, being in the YA section, and stating that Tori disintegrated, I was a little concerned that it would stray into the realm of paranormal fantasy, considering it’s popularity, but I’m glad to say it didn’t. In fact, the ending goes into the sci-fi realm, which was surprising, but actually worked. It’s a risky twist, and not necessarily needed, but it certainly adds a fast moving finish, and the way it’s written means it just seems to make sense. Plus, it may not actually be quite what it seems…. The main part of the story, however, deals with Alison’s experience of her apparent mental health issues, and her breakdown. She spends much of her time in a psychiatric unit for younger people, where she meets some interesting, varied characters. All the time though, we are encouraged to question our perceptions and judgements. Alison herself is a fascinating character, very well written, and rather loveable. Even within her unusual circumstances, she experiences friendship, betrayal and even love – but all done in a subtle way, rather than teenage angst. Overall, this is a book which brings something a little different to the YA market. It’s multi-layered and well written. It was great to read, but more importantly has stayed with me, and even grown in my estimation. Highly recommended, unless you feel the sci-fi twist is not for you.. although I’d still say give it a try!

I think you'll find all is much calmer and pleasant now. It's amazing what trouble a few people can make.

My review of Blood Red Road by Moira Young...

The date for Torchwood has finally been confirmed, July 14th 9pm BBC1. How many are planning to watch, and how do you feel about the heavy American influence.. do you think it will change it too much?

Well, I went with Ultraviolet.. and finished it yesterday! It's a hard one to review, because I don't want to give too much away, but I think some may not like the conclusion. The part about Tori disintegrating made me think it would have a supernatural slant, with Alison having some sort of special power, but I'm glad to say it didn't go that way. Instead, it's more of a sci-fi ending. However, I personally think it was done well, and it works. The majority of the book however, concerns Alison herself, trying to deal with her apparent breakdown etc. It was in the teen section, but I think any age would enjoy it. It does deal with friendship, betrayal, first love etc, but all in a subtle way - there's no sparkly vampires in this one! Alison herself is a great character, and I got caught up in the whole story. Recommended, as long as you're not totally against the sci-fi twist.

I agree - I read Room quite early on, when I knew nothing about it, and I did really enjoy it. But, once things get hyped, I think you expect too much.

Laura, it's 8pm for us in the UK.

I went into WHSmiths today, and somehow came out with four books! One is for Amy, so I have three to choose from. The problem is, they all look good, and I don't know where to start! lol Forgotten by Cat Patrick Red Riding Hood by Blakley-Cartwright and Johnson (which I may actually put last) Ultaviolet by R.J.Anderson I'll also soon be writing my review of Blood Red Road by Moira Young, which I didn't think as great as some others do.

Oh.. I think I forgot to mention Stories, a collection of short stories which I think quite a few people on here would like - http://bcfreviews.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/stories-edited-by-neil-gaiman-and-al-sarrantonio/

My review:

You do need to be in the right mood for them - they're not exactly deep and meaningful, but they're easy to read and fast paced.

Oh dear, what a sad, neglected thread! Let me see... first, as promised, Ministry of Pandemonium: I wanted to take some time to consider how I felt about this book.. and I'm afraid I left it too long to give details. I have been left with some definite impressions though. The general idea is an interesting one, a ministry of people who help the deceased come to terms with what's happened to them, and then pass into the afterlife. At the same time, there are demons who are also after these ghosts/souls.. although it's never clear why. I enjoyed Ben's character - a teen trying to deal with school, bullies, a sick divorced mum, and now a new strange role. There's also some really good humour dotted throughout. My concern is that the author doesn't seem sure which age group he's really aiming at. Parts of the book are 'nicely' written, whilst others try to nudge into the teen horror market - it needs to be one or the other. For teens who are fed up with the usual paranormal romance, it gives something a little different - but I don't think it's as good as it could have been. I have some more reviews on the blog: The Land of Painted Caves A Discovery of Witches House of Silence Prisoner of the Inquisition The Amulet of Sarmakand - Graphic Novel I've also just listened to The Hunger Games, even though I've read it previously, and it was good to revisit. I've just started Catching Fire as an audio book (also read before) and also a Dean Koontz book - What the Night Knows. I've also been listening to some Orson Scott Card - I've done Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, and Ender's Shadow, and I'm near the end of Xenocide. It's hard to describe how I feel about these books.. I certainly had criticisms of Ender's Game as I read it, but it had some sort of hold on me, and has stuck with me. It has the feel of a classic sci-fi book that all sci-fi readers should try at some point. The ones following it have a different feel, but I'm still enjoying them in their own way. Again, I can only recommend that sci-fi readers should give them a try, as it's hard to know who will or won't like them. Helpful, huh?! Finally, I saw Darren Shan's Lord Loss on the charity table at work, and decided I was just in the mood for it. And I was right.. I'm whizzing through, and have just ordered the next two in the series.

Oh - I missed it! I'll have to catch it on the 'on demand' thingy over the weekend.

Kell, I just said that!

I'm sure it's been said that it's not a book. I think the idea of a role playing game sounds more likely. Whatever it is, it's simple but clever marketing ploy!

Someone has just posted on facebook that Channel 5 are showing this from the beginning - I guess from your comments it's worth trying?

Just to say, there are a few similar threads merged here.. in case it doesn't seem to flow quite right.

Linda has just made this one available for the kindle, and it's only £1.90.

Another vote for the Wimpy Kid books

I do agree that both collections seem a little young for a 9 year old. Do you know if he's already a keen reader, or needs some encouragement?