Lucy Powrie
I was shocked when, in my top set English class, more than a half of the people in it said that they didn’t enjoy reading and didn’t do it often. So that got me thinking: what does a good book need to include to interest people and keep them reading?
Here is my list of things:-
- A good beginning- I like to be straight in on the action. If I’m not hooked on the first chapter, I doubt I will be hooked on the whole book and want to read on.
- Good characterization- If you don’t like any of the characters, how will you feel apart of that story world? How will you feel the character’s feelings?
- Good settings- I find that if I can’t imagine the world I’m stepping in to, then I’ll never be able to enjoy the novel I’m reading. I love to be able to dream about settings afterward, imagining things that happen there daily, and if I can’t visualize it then I’ll never be able to do that!
So here goes!
I’d heard some great things about this book and was really looking forward to reading it. I was wondering how this book would ever live up to my expectations, but it did! Stephanie Perkins has a way of leading you through the book, making you want to read more and more. I actually finished this in half a day. I loved every moment of it!
The characters are so lovable! Our main character, Anna, is out of her depth in Paris, not knowing the language and any of the people at her new school. I think she handled it very well; I wouldn’t have been able to cope the way she did! For most of the book I loved her, but there were moments when I could have slapped her, if I’m honest. Some of the things she did were just so cruel!
And now for the fangirl moments! Etienne St. Clair. *deep breath in*
Stephanie Perkins has created a simply divine love interest. I don’t come across many boys in books that make me fall on my knees, but Etienne St. Clair did exactly that! There were a few little things that annoyed me about him, but I could see why these things happened and forgave him instantly.
The other characters in the book are really great too! I loved Mer, and Josh made me laugh.
I really loved the plot as I love books set in boarding schools! I’d never read a book set in Paris like this one and it was really refreshing to get a change of scenery: normally my head is in either Britain or America!
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy reading the romance in this book as nowadays there are so many books with romance featured in them that are written poorly; you can never be sure if the book you’re picking up is going to be worth buying, or borrowing.
I can say that this book lived up to all my expectations. I’d even say that it was higher than my original expectations. I think I might try the authors other books as this one was written beautifully, and hopefully I’ll enjoy them just as much!
MY RATING: 5/5
Has anyone else read this book? What did you think?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait until October when the second one is published, as I shall be straight down to my local bookshop to buy it!
RATING: 5/5
Aren’t you all lucky today? We’ve got an interview with Kyra from Blog of a Bookaholic!
1. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview! First of all, what gave you the idea to create a book blog?
Its a pleasure, I’m happy to be here! I decided to create a book blog because my friends and family were sick to death of hearing me ramble on about books that I had recently bought and read, so one day I decided to create Blog of a Bookaholic and I’m so happy I have because now I can chat to other book-lovers the whole day. 🙂 I also created it so I can share my reviews, thoughts and opinions on books I have recently read.
2. If you could be the author of any book, which book would it be?
One word: D.I.V.E.R.G.E.N.T. Divergent is simply stunning! The author creates such a chilling vision of the future as well as having a kick-butt heroine and an amazing plot! 🙂
3. If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I’m not actually sure…I have lots of thoughts floating around for writing a book but not a set idea. It would definitely be a Young Adult book though. 🙂
4. Any inspiring words of advice for people who want to start a book blog?
Yep! 😀 Before you start your blog, read other blogs and get a good idea what content your blog should have, how to write a good review, rating system etc, instead of just delving straight into book blogging, like I did! >.< Also, don't immediately want to write amazing reviews because it takes lots of practice writing a really in-depth review. The way I write reviews has changed drastically the last couple of months! :)
5. Do you prefer books or e-readers, and why?
Books. Physical books. I have a kindle and I seriously love reading on it, but there’s just something about holding a real book in your hand. Hearing the whispering of the pages as you flick them, gazing at the cover…also when reading a real book it holds my attention more. 🙂
Thank you so much for interviewing me, Lucy! I had a great time answering the questions! 🙂
You should all go check out Kyra’s blog now:
blogofabookahlic.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for doing the interview Kyra! And I’ll also be doing an interview on her blog so look out for that! 🙂
Lucy
XOXO
I’m mad for the Stonewylde series, I really am. I’ve met the author and have read the books about one hundred times! This is the fifth and final book in the series, published on 18th October.
The Outside World clamours at the wrought iron gates, and the evil alliance within Stonewylde threatens to destroy everything.
With the new business and their relationship in tatters, Yul and Sylvie find their once-beautiful world has been desecrated by the dark forces.
But Stonewylde is as old as the hills themselves, and the landscape endures. Leveret has discovered her true calling and is determined to lead the community back to the golden age of magic and prosperity.
As the enchanting tale of Stonewylde draws to its end, Sylvie finally realises why she was brought here and Yul understands his true destiny. Whilst Leveret sees exactly what lies ahead for Stonewylde …
Nina Bawden CBE was born on 19th January 1925 in Ilford, Essex. Her mother was a teacher and her father a member of the Royal Marines. During World War II she was evacuated to Aberdare in Wales aged fourteen. Maybe this was where she got the inspiration for her novel, Carrie’s War (review coming soon). She attended Somerville College in Oxford where she gained a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
From 1946 to 1954 she was married to Harry Bawden. They had two sons: Nicholas and Robert. She later married Austin Kark. Together they had a daughter, Perdita, who died in March 2012. Austin died in 2002 in the Potters Bar rail crash, where Nina was also injured.
Her first children’s book was The Secret Passage, published in 1963. A lot of her 55 books have been made in to BBC children’s programmes.
On 22nd August 2012, Nina died at her home in north London, aged 87.
I’m sure that such a talented and well-known writer will be sadly missed in the literary world.
I don’t think anyone will be able to write quite the same as Nina Bawden. She really was a talented writer.