Kate
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Posts posted by Kate
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I'm currently reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt. My friend told me it was amazing but to be honest I'm finding it a bit of a slow read. Yesterday I finished Jenny Colgan's The Good, The Bad and the Dumped, which I was reading alongside The Secret History as it was a quick, light-hearted book.
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Addition: Review e-book from Netgalley<br data-mce-bogus="1">
Genre: Young adult, fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Synopsis:
Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.Unless he can earn a soul.To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.Review:
This is number four in the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa - and although perhaps not as good as the others, still a great read. I have been waiting what seems like an age for this book, and squealed when I received an email telling me it was available from Netgalley. This time the book is written from Ash's point of view, not Meghan's and we follow his story - barely getting a glance at what was happening in the Iron Realm. At the end of book three Meghan banishes Ash for his own safety - as fey he can't survive in the Iron Realm. Yet he made her a promise: to be her knight. He loves her and is determined to keep this promise and the only way to do that is to become human. There is only one way to do this - go to the End of the World and complete the tasks. With the aid of Puck, Grim, the Big Bad Wolf and a seer, Ash sets off; but will he succeed? And if he does, will Meghan still love him?
I really enjoyed this book - although I missed Meghan. She does feature in the story, but not heavily. We walk with Ash and only glimpse Meghan and her world occasionally. I found this book to be more graphic and gory than the others - there seems to be more bloodshed in this adventure. Yet the book was exciting and fast paced. There doesn't seem to be a dull moment in this story - once one foe is defeated, another seems to come along quite quickly. There is a lot of energy in this book which kept me hooked.
All the way through this series I have been Team Ash - and that didn't change in this book either. It was nice to get a better look at Ash, although at times that was a touch heartbreaking. One trial he has to go through is examining his conscience and relieving everything he had ever done - all the hurt he had caused people. There were a few incidents described and it was sad that Ash is not the perfect prince I imagined him to be. This was an honest portrayal though and we saw his struggle with the anger and hate that come from being part of the Unseelie Court.
I loved Puck as well. Although I was always rooting from Ash, I loved that Puck stuck around and was there to help Ash because he loved Meghan so much. He is funny and kept me entertained throughout the book. There were other characters I liked too - Grim is fabulous. He is sarcastic, clever and I love how when trouble arises he vanishes! The Big Bad Wolf was entertaining too - I enjoyed the attitude between him and Grim.
There is a big surprise halfway through the book that I wasn't expecting. It added to the book and Ash's torment and made for some great reading! I won't add in a spoiler but suffice to say - it was good and added another dimension to the story.
There were a couple of things I didn't like about the book - I missed Meghan - she is a key character and we didn't see a lot of her - and Kagawa's writing seemed different - simple and sometimes not completely engaging. However, the good completely overthrows the bad, and this is a great read and a great instalment to this series.
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First I stopped at a secondhand bookshop, the English lit section was a mess as usual so I took off my coat and got comfortable and went through all the books and organised and put them in nice piles
Good girl! *pats on head*
- Jerome K. Jerome: Three Men on the Bummel (haven't read the first novel yet, but had to get this because it was in English)
- Terry Pratchett: Witches Abroad (it's so rare to find any English copies of Terry Pratchett novels that I just had to get it)
I really enjoyed Three Men on a Boat, I must read this one!
I love Terry Pratchett! I hope you enjoy it!
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I remember first seeing him in Taxi, Kylie. It's a great old TV show you should try and find if you get a chance. It's too bad that Conaway had so many struggles in life with addiction.
Last night I watched my favorite film of all time, Bottle Rocket
. I listened to it with commentary on this time - Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson are silly together!I've never seen Bottle Rocket - what is it about?
Last night I watched The King's Speech - very good!
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I'm catching up with The Apprentice!
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for everyone who has lost their mojo 
I think mine is planning a holiday too, have hardly read a thing in the last two days! In other bookish news I've been playing about with all the apps for books on my iphone, have been trying out some of the catologing ones!
Have you found any good apps?
I'm reading Sarah Dessen's This Lullaby. It isn't as good as her others but I'm enjoying it anyway
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Addition: Review book, paperback Genre: Young adult, chick lit
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
This is the diary of Remy Louise Bennet, age 17-1/2. Remy Louise Bennet has one goal in life - to be a WAG. And as every true wannabe WAG knows, there are rules. One: pretend you don't know he's a footballer. Two: Don't get drunk (or he won't trust you while he's off on pre-season tour). Three: Never dispute a thing his mum says (they worship their mums). When Remy starts dating Netherfield Park Rangers' Robbie Wilkins (not Premiership, but good for starters), it seems like all her dreams have come true. Or have they? Remy soon realizes that being a WAG isn't all it's cracked up to be, that Robbie's balls aren't quite so golden...and that maybe there are smarter dreams to pursue. Michelle has already participated in workshops with The Reading Agency up and down the country, promoting literacy among teenage girls and encouraging them to aspire beyond the WAG myth. Michelle is an ex-EastEnders star, chart-topping pop diva and popular TV celebrity.I was sent this book by publisher's Walker Books UK. It is written by Michelle Gayle - ex-Eastender and WAG. Walker Books say:
"The ex-WAG, actress and singer has now turned her hand to storytelling as part of her mission to empower young girls and remind them that there is more to life than bagging a boyfriend. Shocked to hear that 2/3 of teen girls’ career plans involved marrying a footballer, Michelle set out to write a book that provided a realistic view of being a WAG without judging or patronising the girls she was writing for. The result is an honest, stylish and sassy reminder that marrying a footballer doesn’t always mean a happily-ever-after ending and that it’s far smarter to pursue your own career than to rely on Prince Charming."
This story follows Remy - a 17 year old who, with the help of her older sister Malibu wants to marry a footballer. Malibu has rules and guidelines for this and on the first night they go out Remy meets Robbie. He seems interested in her and she is happy to be pursued. We see her at work - a beauty salon - and at home. We watch how Malibu dates a footballer; and someone she has as a back up, Boring Roger. The story follows several months of Remy's life, as things fall apart at home, get serious with Robbie and the decisions she makes in life.
This book is written in diary form. I didn't find this a problem as most entries were fairly long. The language is simple and easy to follow. I didn't feel challenged by this book but that was OK. It was a gentle and quick read.
I found this book quite addictive. Although the storyline is not amazing - to be honest it is simple and fairly predictable - I was hooked. I read this book in about half a day. I didn't mind the characters, although both Remy and Malibu were fairly shallow. They made for good reading however. I was intrigued, I wanted to know what was going to happen to them. I was a little disappointed with how Malibu's storyline ended - it was unfinished but she settled for the seemingly shallow life of a WAG. Remy did end up with a nice man, but he too was a footballer. It felt like the message Gayle was sending was that once you are in that life, you can't escape.
I know Gayle was a WAG and that she wanted to write this book to let girls know how life really is for WAGs, but to be honest it felt quite stereotypical: spending lots of money and cheating, controlling, angry footballers. It didn't feel like there was a lot of insight into this world - and for some, the idea of living in a huge house with endless money will appeal to them. I'm not sure that Gayle has achieved her aim of warning girls of what this life is like.
I have rated this book 3 out of 5 because to be honest, it isn't that good but it I was hooked. I was intrigued and my attention was held throughout the book. I developed an empathy for Remy and what is going on with her family and the life she got sucked into. This was a quick read and I think will appeal to teenage girls.
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Good to have you back, Kate!
Like you said, there's plenty of time to catch up, and in my opinion, you haven't exactly been slacking so far, you've read loads! What's The Love Verb by Jane Green about, I haven't heard about it before?It is about a family where the older sister is seriously ill. The story follows the family as they deal with this, support her and get on with their own lives. I really enjoyed it.
Ooh that's interesting. I had no idea she'd turned her hand to writing. What was it like? I see you only gave it 3 out of 5 so I'm guessing not fantastic?
It isn't amazing. I was entertained but it was a quick and easy read - fairly predictable and simple really
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Twilight with my Mum!
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Here is where I am up too:
January
1. Jill Mansell: Take A Chance On Me (1st Jan) 4/5
2. J. J. Johnson: This Girl is Different (10th Jan) 4/5
3. Elizabeth Noble: The Way We Were (24th Jan) 4/5
4. Sophie Kinsella: Remember Me? (28th Jan) 3/5
5. Larry Peterson: Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes (28th Jan) 4/5
6. Debbie Macomber: Knitting Diaries (29th Jan) 4/5
February
7. Rachel Hore: A Place of Secrets (10th Feb) 4/5
8. Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont: Beauty and the Beast (11th Feb) 4/5
9. Debbie Macomber: Marriage of Inconvenience (12th Feb) 3/5
10. Louis Sachar: Holes (20th Feb) 4/5
11. A. A. Milne: When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six (24th Feb) 4/5
12. Kristan Higgans: My One and Only (27th Feb) 3/5
March
13. Audrey Penn: The Kissing Hand (23rd March) 4/5
14. Audrey Penn: A Pocket Full of Kisses (23rd March) 4/5
15. Audrey Penn: A Kiss Goodbye (23rd March) 4/5
16. Audrey Penn: A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Racoon (23rd March) 3/5
17. Terry Pratchett: Making Money (26th March) 4/5
18. Deborah Bruss: Big Box for Ben (28th March) 4/5
19. Paul Cotes: Tim and the Iceberg (28th March) 3/5
20. E. D. Walker: The Beauty’s Beast (29th March) 4/5
21. Audrey Penn Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully (29th March) 4/5
22. Ginger Churchill: Wild Rose’s Weaving (29th March) 3/5
April
23. Jackie Morse Kessler: Rage (2nd April) 4/5
24. Debbie Macomber: Stand-in Wife (13th April) 3/5
25. Danny Scheinmann: Random Acts of Heroic Love (20th April) 3/5
26. Harlon Coben: The Woods (30th April) 5/5
May
27. Jane Green: The Love Verb (3rd May) 4/5
28. Anita Shreve: A Change in Altitude (11th May) 3/5
29. Katie Fford: Love Letters (14th May) 4/5
30. Neil Gaiman: Coraline (18th May) 4/5
31. Michelle Gayle:Pride and Premiership (20th May) 3/5
Not as many as last year but plenty of time to catch up!
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I have just finished reading Pride and Premiership by Michelle Gayle. I was sent it as a review book. It was OK. It is the dairy of a 17 yr old wannabe WAG. I would give it 3 out of 5 - easy and quick read. Predictable storyline but overall it was an entertaining read
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Wow I am so impressed with your TBR list! Good luck! My OH likes Lee Child so I'll tell him you enjoyed Killing Floor
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We have QI on. This one is very old - Alan has long, curly hair!
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My aim for this year is to read 100 books again, and I'm pleased to announce I have got off to a great start!
1. Jill Mansell: Take A Chance on Me
Cleo Quinn doesn't have a great track record when it comes to men, but now Will's come along she's optimistic. Handsome, attentive and an absolute gentleman when it comes to her questionable cooking skills, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her childhood adversary, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting Cleo as if he'd never been away.But life never goes to plan, does it? Johnny isn't the only one stirring up trouble and, for Cleo's family and friends, all kinds of sparks are starting to fly. If you think you can put the past behind you, think again...
This is good fun chick-lit, an easy romance but fairly predictable. That said, I read 400 pages in one day so I can happily give this book 4 out 5
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Yesterday I finished What They Didn't Teach Me in Sunday School by Rob Parsons and this morning I read Butterflies in May by Karen Hart
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Again, I forgot to update this. I have read 125 books this year, and here are the final thirty:
96. Jane Eagland: Wildthorn
97. Catherine Chisnell: Descending
98. Julie Kagawa: The Iron Daughter
99. Julie Crabtree: The Crepe Makers’ Bond
100. Max Lucado: A Cast of Characters - book 100!
101. Mathias Malzieu: The Boy with the Cuckoo-Clock Heart September
102. Terry Pratchett: Thud!
103. Alison van Diepen: The Oracle Rebounds
104. Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book
105. Jack Hywel-Davies: Baptised by Fire
106. Lindsay Faith Rech: It Started With a Dare
107. Nicholas Sparks: Dear John
108. Andrew Wilson: GodStories
109. E. M. Forster: A Room With a View
October
110. Bill Hybels: To Busy Not to Pray
111. Roald Dahl: James and the Giant Peach
112. Terry Virgo: God’s Lavish Grace
November
113. Terry Pratchett: Wintersmith
114. Noel Piper: Do You Want a Friend?
115. Eleanor H. Porter: Pollyanna
116. Sarah Dessen: Someone Like You
117. Julie Kagawa: The Iron Queen
118. Jackie Morse Kessler: Hunger
119. Katie Fford: Practically Perfect
120. Ben Elton: Meltdown
121. Katherine Howe: The Lost Book of Salem
122. Philip K. Dick: The Father Thing
December
123. Amy Holder: The Lipstick Laws
124. Nicholas Sparks: Safe Haven
125. Rob Parsons: What They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School
As you can see, there were some months I read hardly anything. I'm 20 books shy of last year's total, but I put that down to the fact I know work. Either way, good year all round
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We've put Jumanji on. Good film!
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Here is my review:
Rating: 5/5Synopsis:
No witnesses, no evidence, no body: Star psychologist Viktor Larenz’s twelve-year-old daughter, Josy, who had suffered from an inexplicable illness, has vanished under mysterious circumstances during a visit to her doctor, and the investigation into her disappearance has brought no results. Four years later, Viktor remains a man shattered by this tragedy. He has retreated to a remote vacation cottage on a North Sea island, where a beautiful stranger named Anna Glass pays him a visit. She claims to be a novelist who suffers from an unusual form of schizophrenia: all the characters she creates for her books become real. While writing her most recent novel, Anna has been tortured by visions of a little girl with an unknown illness who has vanished without a trace, and she asks Dr. Larenz to treat her. Viktor reluctantly begins therapy sessions with the stranger, but very soon these sessions take a dramatic turn as the past is dragged back into the light. What really happened to Josy? Do Anna’s delusions describe Josy’s last days? And is Larenz a danger to himself and others?Therapy is an absolutely gripping psychological thriller, an intelligent, fast and furious read that will stay with you for a long time after you have followed Viktor into the depths of his own psyche, and have figured out who Anna Glass really is.I received this book as part of a bookring, and I loved it! This is not the sort of book I generally read and was therefore apprehensive about whether or not I would like this book. As it happened, I thought it was incredible.
Dr Viktor Larenz is a renowned psychologist, but when we meet him he is strapped down in a mental hospital because of the mysterious events that happened to his daughter and the effect they had on him. Josy, his daughter had been suffering from a disease the doctors couldn't diagnose when she goes missing. One minute she is in the waiting room, the next she has vanished. The search for her has revealed nothing, and distraught Viktor goes to stay a cottage on a remote island. It is there he meets Anna Glass. She is a patient wanting his help, because what she writes about in her novels then comes true. And she has created a story about a girl who goes missing. Is this girl Josy? Can Anna help Viktor find Josy?
The plot and pace of this book were exceptional. I had no idea what the twist was going to be. Every time I thought I had it sussed, something happened which meant my theory fell through. Fitzek keeps you guessing right up to the end, and the suspense and drama make for a great read. Strange things happen, and the atmosphere is built dramatically and well while Viktor is on the island - especially as Anna keeps appearing from nowhere, then disappearing, then being armed and so on.I found the descriptions of the island easy to grasp, and as I sit here writing this review I can still picture the cottage and the events that went with it.
I was convinced by the characters and draw into the story. I felt so sorry for Viktor and everything that ails him in this story. It seemed like at every turn he was defeated but he seemed to keep going. I found Anna fascinating. She was odd, her stories raised questions and led me down the wrong road and kept me gripped the whole way through.
I can't think of a bad thing to say about this book. I didn't guess the twist, but it was very good and satisfying. I lent this to my Mum and she read it in a day and loved it too. Although this is completely different to my usual genre choices, I really enjoyed this book and was glad I picked it up. It is fast paced, it is exciting and it is a great story. I will be looking out for more books by Fitzek - I really hope more get translated. This is a must-read book.
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I finished The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa and loved it! I'm now reading Hunger by Jackie Morse Kesslar. A third of the way through and thoroughly enjoying it
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Addition: Review e-bookGenre: Young adult, fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Synopsis:
My name is Meaghan Chase.I thought it was over.That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.This time, there will be no turning back.This is the third book in the Iron Fey series, and like the other two, I loved it ♥ Once I had started reading it, I could not stop. At the beginning of this book Meghan is in exile from Nevernever because she chose to follow her heart, and her love, Prince Ash, who had been exiled for falling in love with her. Together they are in the human world, happy and alone. Until they are attacked by iron fey. They are quickly summoned back to Nevernever and receive a pardon, on the condition they take down the iron fey and the false iron king. This they agree to, and quickly war is on the cards, and Meghan has to battle and win, as being half-human she is the only one who can withstand the iron.
This book was amazing. Right from the start there was action. War and battles run throughout the book, making it exciting and fast paced. This book is different from the others in that this time Ash has given himself to Meghan, whereas before he was hiding his love. Their story and relationship flows alongside the story but this isn't a problem, especially as after most love scenes along comes Puck with some sarcastic remark.
The imagery in this book is incredible. The descriptions of the faery land is beautiful, and it is so easy to picture this world. This is a fantasy book with dragons, dwarfs and gremlins but the way Kagawa writes makes it very accessible and I was transported from my chair to this world and quickly forgot it was make-believe.
The characters are great. I love Meghan. She is strong and determined. She didn't give up and always did what was best. Puck made me laugh the whole way through. There were some touching moments with him but mainly I just enjoyed his wit and humour. My favourite character, as before was Ash. Strong, silent, brooding, and so easy to fall in love with! I'm easily Team Ash! I loved seeing a whole new side to him in this book, where he let his feelings for Meghan show. Grimalken the cait sith is great. He is exactly how I imagine cats would be if they could talk. Arrogant and only around when it benefits them! Together they make a great team.
I was intrigued by the ending and the role Meghan has taken on. I like the twist, it will change the direction of the story which is great. The epilogue and the suspense is already killing me! After the great battle I was almost in tears but this new spin has made me excited already!
This is classed as a young adult book but I loved it. I empathised with the characters, I was gripped the whole way through and I just loved it. There was action, fantasy, imagination and a bit of romance and it made for an extremely satisfying read. I cannot wait for book four!
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120 pages into New Moon by Stephenie Meyer - I want to read it to finish it - but I'm quite annoyed by this book - last year I picked it up to try and read it and stopped 200 pages in. So I'm trying to force myself to finish it even though I pretty much hate pages 120-200 (at least) lol.
Why do you hate it?
I'm reading The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa, I have a review copy and I love it!
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Addition: AudiobookGenre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
In James Patterson's blockbuster series, fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare--this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb--now her betrayed and greatest enemy--that her purpose is save the world--but can she?This is the first James Patterson book I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I listened to it - and did not want to turn it off or for it to finish. The story follows Max, a girl who has the ability to fly. They have to lie-low as they are being chased by the Erasers - a group of people who want to see the end of the flying children. However, Max and her gang get caught hiding in a tree, and Angel, the youngest is taken. Now Max has to keep calm and rescue her. But what she uncovers on the way is shocking.
This book is full of imagination, adventure and excitement. I found the chases and the flying the best bit. I liked how Patterson used the time in the sky for the characters to sort their minds out - and sometimes the views were great to read about. Along with the ability to fly, they can also run exceptionally fast. One scene that stays with me is where Max takes on a couple of men who are attacking a girl. Because she can move much quicker than anyone else, she leads the men away from the girl - saving her. Max gets wounded but the girl and her mother are more than happy to look after her because of what she did, and a friendship is formed.
Max is like that through a lot of the book - caring, reckless and a great friend. I think that is why I liked her so much. She looks after Angel, who is only six, and when she is taken she does everything she can to rescue her. She is sensible and clever, and works so well in her gang. She lets everyone use their abilities the best they can and she was a delight to read.
This is a young adult book, although I really enjoyed it. This is the first in the series, and I hope to read them all. The story is exciting and fast-paced and I thoroughly recommend it.
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This review does contain spoilers!!!Addition: Review e-book
Genre: Female, young adult
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
As the “oracle of dating,” Kayla is supposed to have all the answers about love and relationships. She’s supposed to have the perfect relationship. But now that Jared is “taking a step back,” Kayla feels like a total fraud.So the expert on dating starts taking her own rebound advice—and some from her friends—and stops moping around. Yeah, there are other possibilities out there—including the beyond-cute French foreign exchange student she’s showing around town. But when controversy erupts about the Oracle’s advice, Kayla is sent reeling once again. Will anything work out for her this year? Yet when her friends start seriously needing the Oracle, Kayla begins to focus on what really matters: Viv, Sharese, Amy and Ryan, her trueblue buds. And suddenly, everything starts making sense again…This is the sequel to The Oracle of Dating, and I was excited when I saw this book because I really enjoyed the first one. I received this book from netGallery.
This is a book about a girl called Kayla, who is sixteen and writes a blog all about relationships. She has currently been dating the guy of her dreams, Jared. However, he doesn't get the art scholarship he is desperate for and believes that it is because his focus has been on Kayla and not art. Therefore, he dumps her. The Oracle is now heartbroken, which on the bright side gives her something new to write about. As does the fling she has with the gorgeous French student who comes to stay at her home on an exchange visit. Things are good again until she realises that the fling was just that - two weeks of fun, and when her blog is attacked. Her attentions turn, her life gets hard, and she finally relies on her friends. Her life gets better, her blog gets more hits, and her love life could be turning itself around once more when Jared starts finding reasons to see her again.
This book was fairly predictable. The ending did not come as a shock but I was glad that Jared came to his senses and pursued Kayla again - and that she followed her heart and they got back together. I felt sorry for Kayla when out of the blue Jared ended the relationship; and to be honest I wasn't happy with his reason. I really felt for her and her pain. I can't help but like Kayla, although sometimes I found the storyline a little unbelievable. It was a bit too convenient that just after she was dumped her mother organised for a hot French student to come and stay. You could tell that he was only interested in a two week romance but I still found myself feeling sorry for Kayla when again she got dumped.
I thought it was interesting that van Diepen chose to write that Kayla's blog faced some harsh criticism. I guess that would be the case if you were to advertise, and I think the way Kayla dealt with the situation was well written. I do find it hard to believe that a teenage girl who had only one boyfriend would be quite so knowledgeable about love and heartbreak - and also that she would be giving out advice to her older sister and her friend - both of whom were in the their twenties. However, none of these criticisms spoilt the book.
I liked the characters. Like I said, I found Kayla enchanting and really felt for her when she got her heartbroken. I loved how her friends acted and rallied around her. They seemed realistic and well written. The storyline is easy to follow and it did not take long to read this book. I was entertained and I enjoyed this book a lot. This would be a good comfort read for any female, whether in their teens or not. Although I was not surprised with the outcome, I liked it and I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked, however predictable. This is very readable and I recommend it.
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That is gorgeous Kell!
Kate's 2012 Reads!
in Past Book Logs
Posted
My aim this year is 50 as I'm probably too busy to hit 100! I am participating in a few challenges too:
2012 E-Books Challenge hosted by Workaday Reads
British Books Challenge hosted by The Overflowing Library
Why Buy the Cow Challenge hosted by The Unread Reader
2012 TBR Challenge hosted by The Misadventures of the Super Librarian
Goodreads 2012 Challenge
My 2012 reading looks like this:
Aim: 50
Actual: 3
January 2012
1. Sophie Kinsella: Six Geese A-Laying (1st Jan) 3/5 – free Amazon e-book
2. Tracy Marchini: Effie at the Wedding (1st Jan) 3/5 – free Amazon e-book
3. Katie Fforde: A Perfect Proposal (2nd Jan) 4/5 – Kindle edition