The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)

Title: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

Pages: 448

Published: Jun 4th 2017
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd


I can often feel that when a book comes out and gets all the praise and all the attention I’m forced to read it. Not that I’m not already interested - because I was very tempted to read this book - but as if it’s forced on me and then I become reluctant to. So although I kept dumbing into this book I repeatedly decided not to buy it. Until I came to the point where I had one book in the ‘buy one, get one half price’ deal, with a gift card I wanted to spend and no other book in the deal that I was yearning to read this one second. So I turned to the whole shelf dedicated to The Hate U Give and thought “fine, you’ve got me”.

This book is FANTASTIC! It’s absolutely raw and open and deep, every feeling is laid out to the reader and it’s honest and out there. The book is written so beautifully. It’s funny, sad and heartbreaking. It’s a well written YA book, with a good story and strong characters. It was highly enjoyable but also gave some food for thought. Such a reading experience.

The authenticity in the language of this book is so well executed. I am a Swedish white woman living in England. I have not grown up in 'the ghetto'. And although I went to an international school for three years, I lived in an area where the majority of the population consisted of white Brits. So, because of where I’ve lived all my life, up until University life, I have not had the chance to be really exposed to the language that is used in The Hate U Give and even though I was very unused to reading a book with such new use of vocabulary or slang words it was very interesting and quite honestly, quite cool to read. It really gave a new reading experience and felt truly authentic. 

Her voice is heard, by me and all the other readers out this. This book has to be read, by everyone. It covers such an important subject that everyone, American or not, white or black, boy or girl, man or woman should read. Although improved over the years, racism is such an important issue in all countries all over the world and not only between black and whites. It’s about time a book was written about this issue and for our young adults as well. Our generation must bring over a change, and for the better.

I am lost for words. Everyone should read this book. What is important to understand is that although this is a story with fictional characters set in a fictional surrounding it does not mean that what happens is not true. This book has been written because similar events have taken place in the past. It’s important to understand that this is a real issue and not mistake it for a fictional plot device by the author. It is only the medium the author has used to reach the audience, a YA book.

Plot Summary:

Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs.
The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community.
It could also get her killed.

Favourite Quote:

"Daddy once told me there's a rage passed down to every black man from his ancestors, born the moment they couldn't stop the slave masters from hurting their families. Daddy also said there's nothing more dangerous than when that rage is activated."


My Rating:

9/10


Other Books by Angie Thomas:

On the Come Up

PUSHING THE LIMITS by KATIE McGARRY (2012)

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Pages: 392
Published: Jul 31st 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen


I got this book for free on iBooks as book of the week and at first I only read now and ten because I'm not really a fan of eBooks. But then I started reading it more often, when I had nothing to do. Like, when I was in the car on my way home (cause I can't carry around a book all the time in my already super heavy bag) or when I was waiting for mum or friends. And then I read it like crazy, even at home. It was a real page turner.

The emotions of the characters were all over the place and it was interesting to read a book that was both from a girl's and a boy's point of view. Both Echo and Noah are having such hard times in life and their problems are capturing ones. It's not the cliche, falling for the dangerous boy (yes, that part is in it too, but that's not the point). Echo has suppressed a memory about a night with her bipolar mum that almost killed her and is trying to remember. After Noah's parents' death he and his younger brothers were split up and now he's fighting to win custody over them. Admits all of this they do fall in love, and yes it's lust. But it is a lot about caring and understanding and trust.

Plot Summary:

They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me.

I can't remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. they said therapy was supposed to help. They didn't expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who'll listen. The only one who'll help me find the truth.

I know ever kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules? A brave and powerful novel about loss, change and growing up, but most of all love.

Favourite Quote:

"I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for Karma to hate me this much" - Echo

My Rating:

8/10

Total page turner, and some serious emotions, but not

There are more books in these series where the books focus on other characters each time.

Other books in these series:

Pushing the Limits (Noah and Echo)

Breaking the Rules (Noah and Echo)

Crossing the Line (Lila and Lincoln)

Dare You To (Ryan and Beth)

Crash into You (Isaiah and Rachel)

Take Me On (Hayley and West)

MIN TYP BRORSA by JOHANNA LINDBÄCK (2010)

Title: Min Typ Brorsa (My Sort Of Brother)

Author: Johanna Lindbäck

Pages: 268

Published: Dec 2010

Publisher: Rabén & Sjögren

Language: Swedish

This is such an enjoyable Swedish young adult about a girl and a boy who start having feelings for each other after their single parents move in together. It's sweet, funny and a little bit heart wrenching. You hope for something you know will never be but the journey there is absolutely wonderful. Writing this review makes me want to reread it because it's so sweet and innocent. Highly recommend for all the Swedish speakers out there as a light romantic read, whether it be a summer or winter read. It's so cute. Absolutely love what these characters go through and their relationship.

Plot Summary:

Celebrating New Years with Mum's new guy isn't exactly what Nina dreamt of. And that Mum talks about the fact that internet-Thomas has two sons exactly in Nina's age isn't helping. But New Years turns out to be better than Nina could've imagined. Thomas's sons are pretty alright. Especially the one...

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books by Johanna Lindbäck:

Min Typ Brorsa (My Sort Of Brother)

Tänk Om Det Där Var Jag (Imagine If That Were Me)

Välkommen Hem (Welcome Home)

En Liten Chock (A Small Shock)

Som Om Jag Frågat (As If I've Asked)

Saker Som Aldrig Händer (Things That Never Happen)

Lite Ihop (A Little Together)

Kanske Ihop (Maybe Together)

Karta För Förälskade och Andra Vilsna

Jan Svensson (Jan Svensson)

Vi Måste Sluta Ses På Det Här Sättet (We Need To Stop Seeing Each Other Like This)

HOLD BACK THE STARS by KATIE KHAN

Title: Hold Back The Stars
Author: Katie Khan
Pages: 304 (hardcover)
Published: Jan 6th 2017
Publisher: Doubleday


This book was given to be for free as an ebook via NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are honest and my own and I do not intend to offend anyone or claim that my opinions are right. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this prior to the release date.

This book had such an intriguing cover that just shouted Young Adult Contemporary and I got the feeling that the star filled cover may just be pretty. Turns out I was wrong. The cover is very literal. Carys and Max are stuck in space with only 90 minutes left worth of oxygen to live and while they try to save themselves they also express their feelings and the reader finds himself going back in time to Carys and Max's time together on earth.

I didn't finish this book. It took my ages to try to get into it and in the end I managed to get through 40% of the book but had to put it down. I wasn't enjoying it at all and I didn't look forward to sitting down and reading it. I aim to finish all the books I receive from NetGalley but I couldn't make myself do it. I never bonded with the characters and even though it was a very character dependent narrative I didn't feel like they truly blossomed and it truly bothered me.

I didn't really see the point of the narrative. Here are two people stuck in space with 90 minutes to live and they look back at their life together. As tragic as and emotional this sounds I couldn't be less interested. I only felt like I was intruding on their moment together.

Furthermore what truly bothered me was that I couldn't decide on which genre this book belonged to. It felt like it was written young adult/new adult but the characters were in their 20s which confused me. It is clearly set in the future Europe where it has been improved and people live and move to different Voivodes during their lives for different jobs but don't appear to have a say in where they're going. Love is banned until the age of 30 ish when one is meant to consider having children. Seeing as Carys and Max are also in their 20s but out alone in space (Max with very little education in the astronaut field) this gave me a strange feeling that it was a sic-fi book but it was so clearly a love story and it didn't give me the epic sic-fi/fantasy feeling. I was confused and this battle was going on in my head while reading. I felt like it wasn't giving me enough context to the world they were living in and it left me hanging, uneasy.

Despite this there were few odd moments when the narration on the book kept me reading and it had nothing to do with plot and characters but simply impressive authorship and talent. Similar to Kazuo Ishiguro who had me reading 'The Remains of the Day' even though I was uninterested in the plot. Even if I was unimpressed by the characters and the plot I would have liked to see more of this and if Khan had been able to grasp my attention more often I may have given this book another try.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me as I could not immerse with the plot and felt constantly confused. I hope others get a different, more positive reading experience.

Plot Summary:

Carys and Max and ninety minutes of air left.

None of this was supposed to happen.

But perhaps this doesn't have to be the end...

Adrift in space with nothing to hold onto but each other, Carys and Max can't help but look back at the well-ordered world they have left behind - at the rules they couldn't reconcile themselves to, and a life to which they might now never return. For in a world where love is banned, what happens when you find it?

- GoodReads

Favourite Quote:

'First love can break you. But it can also save you'

My Rating:

2/10

This is the first 2 I have ever given a book and it breaks my heart.

LETTERS TO THE LOST by BRIGID KEMMERER (201

Title: Letters to the Lost

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Pages: 393

Published: Apr 4th 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury

I got this book from WHSmith as it was buy one get one free with the Zoella Book Club. I didn't get the whole Book Club set but got this one together with 'After the Fire' by Will Hill. I couldn't help myself, they looked like such good summer reads.

I was in the middle of reading the Percy Jackson books and although I truly wanted to finish the series I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to read Letters to the Lost so I simply took a break and how long did it take me to read this book? One day. ONE DAY. I was hooked.

The idea behind this book itself is so original and clever. Who thinks of something like this. Naturally I was sat there the whole book knowing more than the characters (dramatic irony!!) because it was written from both Juliet and Declan's point of view. I loved this layout and it kept my interest going the whole way through. The letters and the two different perspectives allows to the reader to know more about the characters. I know Juliet through herself, through Declan's point of view and through the letters she writes. I don't think I've ever connected so much with characters and they are so deep, so three diminutional - so real.

Although I cannot say that I have gone through any of what Juliet or Declan has gone through (I have not lost a family member) I can say that I truly value the opportunity to write to someone I trust. It may be over text and it may not be anonymous, but Cemetery Girl's and The Dark's openness with each other reminded me of a friend I know I can talk to and that hit deep. 

But the book wasn't just deep and understanding, it was funny and it made me laugh. And it's a happy ending. In a way it's a happy story with just so many memories of pain. But it's their journey to getting better.

Minor Spoiler! This book has one kiss. One kiss and it's at the very end. There are no hot scenes or declarations of love, yet it's one of the truest love stories I have ever read. And I was so nervous through it all, so excited, but my head didn't scream "KISS HER!" This love was deeper than that and evolved from something more personal than just boy needs girl. Is this a fluffy romance? Yes, to an extent. But you won't get the romantic first date. You'll get something much more exciting.

Plot Summary:

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only thing that helps Juliet cope.

Declan Murphy is the kind of tough guy you wouldn't want to cross. But while on community service doing landscaping at the local cemetery, he is haunted by ghosts of his own past.

When Declan finds a letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon he is sharing his pain with a perfect stranger... Except they're not strangers, and when real life inter fears with their secret life of letters, Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

Favourite Quote:

"I didn't know you could feed a baby Thai food" - Declan

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Brigid Kemmerer:

Storm (Elemental #1)

Spark (Elemental #2)

Spirit (Elemental #3)

Secret (Elemental #4)

Sacrifice (Elemental #5)

Elemental (Elemental novella)

Breathless (Elemental novella)

Fearless (Elemental novella)

Strife

More Than We Can Tell

A Curse so Dark and Lonely

HÄR LIGGER JAG OCH BLÖDER by JENNY JÄGERFELD (2010)

Title: Här Ligger Jag och Blöder (Me On The Floor, Bleeding)

Author: Jenny Jägerfeld
Pages: 252

Published: Sep 17th 2010

Publisher: Gilla Böcker

One of my all-time favourite Swedish YA contemporary. This follows Maja and her relationship with her mum, for her mum has disappeared when Maja goes to visit her and she's the only one who doesn't care about the fact that Maja's sawed off half her thumb - by accident. Everyone else seems to worry about her missing thumb and in the midst of her disturbance about her mum and her dad's hurtful emails she meets Justin, who makes her forget.This story is so relatable sometimes that it hurts. I found myself crying plenty. Maja's parents are separated and unawares they both hurt Maja in their own way. It's a book about emotions and love. After having read this book I asked mum to read it, for several reasons. Because it's just such as a great and entertaining book, but also because it's emotional and it really puts certain feelings into words. You don't have to have parents living hours away from each other, having sawn off half your thumb, wear crazy and amazing clothes or show up uninvited to parties to be able to relate to Maja's story. This book is clever and hurtful in the way it's written and cleverly understanding.

I'd like to think that Jägerfeld's background as a child psychologist may have a role in how well she seems to understand her own character and how it gets young teenagers like myself. I read this when I was around 15 and it still feels accurate.

I know the title has scared people off, for it may refer to self harm which is still a tough subject to cover, but it's more of a hyperbole or a metaphor for Maja's feelings. If anything, you'll learn on the first page that she's bleeding because she's sawn off the tip of her thumb by mistake during DT, and if anything, it's quite humours. This book is available in English which makes me so happy cause it means you can get your hands on it on Amazon here.

Plot Summary:

High School outsider Maja would never hurt herself on purpose as her dad, teachers, and class mates seem to believe Can't a person saw off the tip of her thumb without everyone starting to worry? That is, everyone except Maja's mum, who seems to have disappeared of the face of earth.
- Goodreads

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Jenny Jägerfeld:

Här Ligger Jag och Blöder (Me On The Floor, Bleeding)
Jag Är Ju Så Jävla Easygoing (I'm Just So Fucking Easygoing)
Hål i Huvudet (A Hole In My Head)
Brorsan Är Kung! (Brother is King!)

Het
The Space In-between

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by JOHN GREEN (2012)

Title: The Fault In Our StarsAuthor: John GreenPages: 313Published: Jan 10th 2012Publisher: Dutton Books


Like everybody else I love this book. It's sad, happy and everything in between. It made cry and laugh, but then again, I'm really emotional when it comes to books.
Maybe I got super excited about the book because everyone was talking about it so much. But it wasn't extraordinary, except it is, because it's so... ordinary, believe it or not. (This is probably not making any sense whatsoever). Two young adults with fairly normal lives, except they're not normal, if you know what I mean. They presents it as if it is. This is life, and it's not changing, and it's like for me and I've never really known anything else. It's their relationship that makes it so extraordinary, and I love it. I LOVE IT.
John Green has somehow managed to understand and teenage girl with lung cancer. And I can't say if he's succeeded or not because I don't know what that's like, but he seems to have managed quite well cause we're all sitting here crying.
It is not the best book I have ever read because there are some serious books I'm addicted to but it truly is a wonderful book about friendship and love and life it self.

Plot Summary:


The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring and funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.
Despite the timor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.


Favourite Quote:


'That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt.' - Augustus Waters

My Rating:
9/10
It truly is an amazing book. But if I gave every book a 10, I wouldn't be able to keep my absolute favourite book apart.

Other Books by John Green:

Looking for Alaska
Paper Towns
Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with David Levithan)
An Abundance of Katherines
Turtles All the Way Down

SIMON & SOPHIE by EMMA GRANHOLM (2008)

Title: Simon & Sophie

Author: Emma Granholm

Pages: 224

Published: Mar 14th 2008

Publisher: Alfabeta Bokförlag


This book was purchased as part of a module I would study in Swedish while living in England.

This book is a classic popular girl meets bullied boy, they become friends, they fall in love etc. It was predictable. I knew the ending after having read the back of the book. But it wasn't so much about the excitement about how it was going to end. It was more of a feel good book, a light romantic read about friendship and love. Not too complicated, yet a message about standing up for the people you love.

It is not a book I highly recommend, it won't blow your mind, but it's sweet and innocent and enjoyable.

Plot Summary:

"For fuck's sake!"
Simon shouts out loud when he sees that Sophie is about to move into the neighbouring house. Sophie isn't just the school's best looking and most popular girl, she's also made sure that Simon is bullied. Is he not even to be free of her when he's at home?!
During the Easter holidays - when Sophie is alone and bored - she goes over to Simon's house. He's at first both surprised and irritated, but soon realises that Sophie is different than when in school. One evening she tells him something she hasn't had the courage to tell anyone before. But what's it going to be like when school starts again?
- back of Book*

My Rating:

7/10

Other Books by Emma Granholm:

Simon & Sophie (Simon & Sophie)
Ett Nytt Liv På Köpet (A New Life in the Bargain)
Liv & Lovisa (Liv & Lovisa)
Sjutton År och Skitsnygg (Seventeen and Hot as Hell)

*translated by me

JAG ÄR TYVÄRR DÖD OCH KAN INTE KOMMA TILL SKOLAN by SARA OHLSSON (2012)

Title: Jag Är Tyvärr Död Och Kan Inte Komma Till Skolan Idag (I'm Unfortunately Dead and Can't Come to School Today)

Author: Sara Ohlsson

Pages: 298

Published: Feb 21st 2012

Publisher: Gilla Böcker
Language: Swedish


The title of this book gave me the impression that this book would perhaps be about mental illness or issues and taboo subjects that have become a popular category in YA contemporaries. However, this was misleading. The book was simply: boy breaks up with girl, girl is sad, girl tries to get him back with jealousy, she starts sleeping with several other people and when he finally asks for her back she's moved on. It was not a fluffy YA romance either. I constantly felt that Olivia just felt sorry for herself and then made loads of mistakes that she later regretted. I did not however feel sorry for her, call me unsympathetic. I completely understood her situation, and I didn't have an issue with how she was dealing with it either. I understood that she was hurt and I don't blame her. But I felt like there was far too much self-puttying and I grew tired of it.

I like when characters that are meant to be good make mistakes that hurt other people because it shows that they are human. It makes it easier to bond with them. But Olivia, I grew angry with. I think in all her self pity she didn't consider other people's feeling at all and I got sick of her. I felt like this pattern was repeated over and over again throughout the book and it wasn't leading anywhere until suddenly on the last page she decided that she was fine with being single. The structure just didn't make sense.

I didn't get a lot of feeling for her friends or the boys she was together with. Whether that was intentional or not I don't know but her friendships with girls were vague and no focus was put on it at all.

The one thing I really did like was Olivia's friend Thor who threw in funny comments, despite his annoyance at lack of sex and snogging. I was very satisfied that the two of them didn't get together as it would have ruined the respect I had for that relationship. However, I don't think he was given enough pages and so much more could've been gained from his character. He had such potential.

Altogether I did enjoy a light Swedish read, but I didn't feel like I gained anything from it.

Plot Summary:

I realise that I have been lying naked, and close to him, warm and drowsily happy. And while I  had giggled by his tickling breath, he's been thinking that he no longer wants to. 
Olivia is dumped. John no longer wants to be together and and she doesn't understand how she is possibly going to survive alone. Who is she without John, without the perfect relationship? Is she really one of those who only kisses the one she loves? Or is it as easy as Danijel says that you should laugh when you're happy, scream when you're angry and sleep together when you're horny?

My Rating:

4/10

Other Books by Sara Ohlsson:

Ingen Normal Står i Regnet och Sjunger (No One Normal Stands In The Rain and Sings)
Het (Hot)

DET HÄNDER NU by SOFIA NORDIN (2010)

Title: Det Händer Nu (It's Happening Now)

Author: Sofia Nordin

Pages: 248

Published: Sep, 2010

Publisher: Rabén & Sjögren
Language: Swedish

I haven't read a massive amount of LGBTQ books but this was the first book within the genre and one of my favourite Swedish YA contemporaries. It follows the popular girl Stella who has a crush on her best friend Sigrid, but she's afraid of ruining their friendship by telling her.

In desperation to forget her feelings for Sigrid she begins a relationship with Sigrid's brother, who has a thing for her, but she feels extremely uncomfortable. As her feelings for Sigrid develops Sigrid gives hints of her feelings for Stella and their path to a relationship is sweet and truly addictive to read about. Although Stella to be the confident girl in school, with boys yearning for her, she is not the confident in this relationship. Sigrid is the one who breaks the ice, the one to make the moves and move the relationship forward while Stella is insecure and worried that Sigrid might not approve of her feelings.

I enjoyed this books so much and I can't say how much I wish t was available for a larger audience. It's only available in Swedish, but I couldn't wish for a book to be translated more than this one. One of my all time favourites.

Plot Summary:

Stella is one of those that girls want to be friends with and boys want to date. Stella, however, only wants Sigrid. But how is she going to pick up courage to make a move on her best friend in that way? What if she tries and Sigrid never wants to be friends anymore?

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Sofia Nordin:

En Sekund i Taget (One Second at a Time)
Spring Så Fort Du Kan (Run as Fast as You Can)
Som Om Jag Vore Fantastisk (As if I was Fantastic)
Natthimmel (Night Sky)
Gå Sönder, gå hel (Break Apart, Be Whole)
Atomer (Atoms)
Förlåt Elina (Sorry Elina)
Snöstormen (The Snow Storm)
Äventyrsveckan (The Adventure Week)
In the Wild
Svag Is (Weak Ice)

GILLA HATA HORAN by JOHANNA NILSSON (2012)

Title: Gilla Hata Horan (Like Hate the Whore)

Author: Johanna Nilsson

Pages: 176

Published: Aug 22nd 2012

Publisher: Pocketförlaget
Language: Swedish


A very light read which won't take you more that a day. It covers a very important topic of cyber bullying. In this book a Facebook side is made and called 'Hate the Whore' in recognition of a girl in school who is in turn bullied on this side. People encourages students to Facebook Like this page. It is a truly awful situation and it really gets to you. This situation also has an impact on a friendship and school life. Depressing in its topic but very important to bring up.

Plot Summary:

Jonna and Gloria are 15 years old and best friend. They're not particularly popular, but at the same time not bullied. But then they go along to a party and get to dance with Robin, the hottest, coolest guy in school. He seems to think they're totally okay, even cute. It's almost to good to be true. And it is. Mean comments are written on Gloria's blog and on Facebook a Hate the Whore-side is made. Gloria feels so low she starts to cut herself again. Jonna has to do something. She can't allow it to get worse for Gloria. She decides to give them a taste of their own medicaid, because online anything can happen. Who's a whore now?
- back of book

My Rating:

7/10

Other Books by Johanna Nilsson:

Gilla Hata Horan (Like Hate the Whore)
Hon Går Genom Tavlan, Ut Ur Bilden (She Walks Through the Painting, Out of the Picture)
De i Utkanten Älskande (Those Loving in the Outskirts)
Rebell med Frusna Fötter (Rebel with Frozen Feet)
Gå Din Väg men Stanna (Go Away But Stay)
Konsten Att Vara Ela (The Art of Being Ela)
Flickan som Uppfann Livet (The Girl Who Invented Life)
Om Hundra Dagar Ska Jag Dö Så Satans Vackert Att Du Vill Följa Med (In a Hundred Days I Will Die So Fucking Beautifully that You'll Want To Come With Me)
Janis Den Magnifika (Janis the Magnificent)

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by STEPHEN CHBOSKY (1999)

Title: The Perks of being a Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Pages: 213

Published: Feb 1st 1999

Publisher: MTV Books and Pocket Books

You know when you go into a book shop and you find people like you. That like the same books as you. Well, funny story. I was at Windsor's Waterstones and standing in front of the YA section I picked out 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. So I stood there, looking for a second book, when this girl started talking to me. Maybe a year older than me. We got carried away talking about books and when I asked for a book she recommended she pointed to the second copy of 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' on the shelf. Standing there with my copy in hand she laughed. I don't remember which book I ended up buying apart from 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' but I got Stephen Chbosky's book and I loved it. 

When I recommended this book to my friend she said she didn't like to read books about characters that were mentally awkward. I was about to flip. NOOOO!!! It's not like that. He's just a little socially awkward.

I absolutely love this book because it just explains... everything! He explains the feelings all of us are feeling as teenagers (well, I've felt them sometimes and I think, or hope that you agree because otherwise it means it's just Charlie and me, and I don't think that's meant to be). But he explains things we go through, feel, understand. I want Charlie to be my friend!! I want to be his friend! He's so likeable, loveable. I don't really know how to praise this book without flipping out. If you haven't read it you just have to take my word for it.

IT WILL UNDERSTAND YOU!!

Plot Summary:

Charlie's not the biggest geek in high school, but he's by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent, yet socially awkward, Charlie is a wallflower, standing of the threshold of his life whilst watching everyone else live theirs. As Charlie tries to navigate his way through uncharted territory - the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends - he realizes that he can't stay on the sidelines forever. There comes a time when you have to see what life looks like from the dance floor.
- as on the book cover

Favourite Quote:

'You can't just sit there and put everyone's life ahead of yours and think that counts as love'

And all the other amazing quotes:
'We accept the love we think we deserve'
'Love always, Charlie'
'And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.'
'This moment will be just another story someday.'

'Why do I, and everyone I love, pick people who treat us like we're nothing?'
'You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand'
'Enjoy it. Because it's happening.'

My Rating:

10/10

Don't miss out on the film staring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. I think the film is great. The one thing I noticed the most was that in the book Sam has long hair and Emma Watson has short hair in the film. Now I happened to see the film before I read the book and Charlie doesn't comment on her hair until the end so I kinda (like many others) imagined Sam with Emma's short hair all the way through the book. Otherwise, I quite enjoyed the film. The point (trying not to spoil anything) of Charlie's discomfort throughout the book is explained much better and clearer in the book. In the film I was left hanging guessing. Assuming. Anyways. I think it would be better if I reread and then watched again and I'll make a review then.

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES by MALORIE BLACKMAN (2006)

Title: Noughts and Crosses

Author: Malorie Blackman
Series: Noughts and Crosses #1
Pages: 479

Published: Aug 8th 2006

Publisher: Corgi Childrens

I read this book while in Florida, and despite spending a whole week at Disney World, morning till evening, I finished this book in no time. This book was on a list of books recommended for summer reading when I was fourteen and having heard loads of good comments about it from class mates and teachers I had to get it.

This book is so incredibly strong and filled with important topics such as racism, politics, pregnancy, kidnapping, attacks and parent relationships. Every teenager should read this book. It is set in a world with a "colourless underclass" and a "dark-skinned ruling class". However, they are simply referred to as noughts and Crosses. It is a sort of Romeo and Juliet story where Callum (nought) and Sephy (Cross) cannot be together but it much more politically dangerous than a classic Shakespeare play.

The book runs over a couple of years (which was new to me as I felt like a lot of young adult books take place over a few days to a few months. The reader gets to grow up with Callum and Sephy and go through all the time they spend together (and apart). It's written from both people's point of view so the reader truly gets a deep understanding for what is going on and if anything it makes it even more heart wrenching.

Highly, highly recommend this for both teens and adult. I made my mum read it. Due to the ending of this book, I had a hard time continuing with the rest of the series. I did start Knife Edge but didn't get through it unfortunately. I almost believe that Noughts and Crosses works well as a stand-alone and that is almost the way I view the story. However, there may be more important points to be brought up the sequels and I will not judge books that I have not read. With other words, this book is part of highly rated series but it is perfectly fine to read on its own.


Plot Summary:

Callum is a nought - a second-class citizen in a world run by the ruling Crosses...
Sephy is a Cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country...
In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't ,mix. And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together? They are determined to try.
And then the bomb explodes...
A gripping, stimulating and totally absorbing novel set in a world where black and white are right and wrong.
- back of book

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books in this Series:

Noughts and Crosses (Noughts and Crosses #1)
Knife Edge  (Noughts and Crosses #2)
Check Mate  (Noughts and Crosses #3)
Double Cross   (Noughts and Crosses #4)
An Eye for an Eye  (Noughts and Crosses novella)
Callum  (Noughts and Crosses novella)
Noughs and Crosses Graphic Novell

Other Books by Malorie Blackman:

Pig Heart Boy
Boys Don't Cry
Hacker
The Stuff of Nightmares
Thief!
Noble Conflict
The Ripple Effect (Doctor Who)
Dead Gorgeous
A.N.T.I.D.O.T.E.
Cloud Busting
Tell Me No Lies
Chasing the Stars
Love Hurts
The Deadly Dare Mysteries
Dangerous Reality
Trust Me
Hostage
Operation Gadgetman!
Jon for Short
Unheard Voices
Shining On

BEAUTIFUL BROKEN THINGS by SARA BERNARD (2016)

Title: Beautiful Broken Things
Author: Sara Barnard
Pages: 430
Published: Feb 25th 2016
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books UK

I got this book as part of Zoella's book bundle from WHSmith, hence the change in cover. When I went to Sweden for five days with my friend (who also got the bundle) she chose this book while I chose 'Carry On' by Rainbow Rowell. Halfway through the trip, when we had both finished our respective books, we switched and I read 'Beautiful Broken Things' by Sara Bernard. I therefore ended up crying on the plane home at midnight.

This book covered a good subject and I think it was good that it wasn't all about boys but rather friendship and family. It brought up things in teenagers everyday life such as drinking, parties, school and grades, parents, and, sex. However, no matter how good the subject of plot was, I felt that the characters were week at points and I easily got upset or angry at them.

To begin with, the protagonist Caddy got extremely annoying at moments. I could understand her feelings, but they did not excuse her actions. She cared more for how much she was allowed to know than what Suzanne actually wanted to tell her (Suzanne's own secrets). She had no respect for other people's personal space or lives but rather what rights she had in knowing. Suzanne was a troubled person and in need of love, but she also had no respect for the trouble she caused others (even if she apologised for it). Rosie seemed to be the only sane person to stay out of everything, but she also got ridiculously angry and behaved immaturely.

The ending however was really good. I was very nervous by the climax and I even had to put down the book at moments. I also think it was resolved well and I was satisfied with the outcome. 

I think, generally this was a good Young Adult book (since I don't read many contemporaries I don't have loads to compare to) but I don't think it was close to some of the really good ones I've read. I didn't laugh or cry as much as I've done in other books. I was moved, but it did not have as much impact on me as any other book. However, if you are up for an easy read about friendship and loss then this book is good.

Plot Summary:

Caddy and Rosie have always been inseparable. But that was before Suzanne.
Now Caddy wants to be more than just the quiet one. She wants something to happen.
I was brave...
Suzanne is trying to escape her past and be someone different. Someone free.
She was reckless...
But sometimes downward spirals have a momentum of their own.
We were trouble...
And no one can break your heart like your best friend.

My Rating:

6/10

At moments I felt like I was ranting more at the characters than actually enjoying the book. 

Other Books by Sara Barnard:

Beautiful Broken Things
A Quiet Kind of Thunder

Goodbye, Perfect

Fierce Fragile Hearts

Floored