Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars

I have just watched Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars. Of course, I am biased in loving the film starring Michelle Trachtenberg (1996 version), but have to admit that anything about Harriet Welsch always gets me in the mood for writing.  When I was younger I even had an A4 notebook marked 'Private' and went out to 'spy' on my neighbours, though I was never as impressive in my tactics as Michelle Tractenberg's Harriet, but she was my inspiration.

Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars includes many of the same characters (though I was deeply unimpressed with 'Golly') with similar attributes, but that's pretty much where the similarities of the films end.  Blog Wars is clearly an attempt to modernize a story that honestly doesn't need it; although in retrospect I will admit that many of the moments of the 1996 stretched the credibility (but I also have to admit that these moments were a large part of the attraction to the film).  I have to say that I went into the film quite cynical, and other than the character of Harriet Welsch I think I'll stand by that.  I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy Jennifer Stone's Harriet and found her to be an irritating teenage girl that struggles with the same problems in life as all other teenage girls.  In Blog Wars she is vying to write the class blog (as opposed to the newspaper) and when her first few posts aren't well-received she decides to 'stretch the truth' by writing about a famous actor whom she claims to know personally (when in actuality he is working with her father).  I have to say I was disappointed with the climax as it wasn't nearly as intense as the 1996 film, and honestly, it implies at the end that Harriet didn't learn her lesson.

Okay, so I wasn't planning on writing a mini-review, or even a comparison between the two films (as I said, I simply get inspired to write by Harriet Welsch), but apparently that's what you're getting today.

Review: Falling Through the World by Rachel Clarke

Title: Falling Through the World

Author: Rachel Clarke

Genre: Fictional/Disability (M.E.)

Author Website

Book Goodreads Page

Overall Rating: 4/5





Falling Through the World is a fictional story of a teenage girl’s plummet into M.E.  While this book is fictional, it is greatly influenced by the author’s own experience of living with M.E.  Personally I feel that this is a book for friends, family and carers of those with M.E. as it gives a clear picture of what it is like to be struck down for no apparent reason, and then have to continue trying to live any kind of life.  As someone with M.E., I found certain parts (particularly towards the beginning) of the novel physically difficult and distressing to read as it brought up some of my own memories; therefore I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone suffering from a Chronic Disability (other than if they wish to read it to advise friends and family of how their own experiences relate to it) as I feel that it could cause unnecessary pain and depression.

As a reader I felt that the prologue was unnecessary as it didn’t add anything to the story, and in fact made me less interested in reading on.  Instead, I believe it would have benefited from an introduction forewarning readers that not only is the case of Sarah (the main character) extremely severe, but that everyone reacts differently, with different symptoms (not all of which are mentioned in the book), to M.E. and I would strongly suggest that any friends or family of sufferers are advised of this. 

There are not many fictional stories about M.E. and this book highlights one of the reasons why not – it is impossible to create an enticing plot about becoming ill, possibly with little hope of recovering.  Any story of this kind is going to be completely character-driven and unfortunately I felt that this is where the book fell flat.  Sarah is an average teenager, who has an average life, with an average family and average friends.  The problem is that she is a generalization of a ‘typical teenager’ and therefore it is difficult to have any feelings towards or about her.  I think this story would definitely have benefited from a little bit more of an introduction, showing what Sarah is actually like – what her hopes and dreams are, what she thinks about  - as this would give the reader some attachment to her and therefore would become more involved in the emotions of what happens to her.

This was true of all the characters, and even to some extent the symptoms of M.E.  As there is no ‘average’ set of symptoms I found this a bit frustrating as I know I will have to explain this to each person I advise to read it; it is something that should have been included in the introduction.  However, I do believe that the emotions that Sarah feels such as loneliness, anger, frustration and guilt, are likely to have been felt at some point with anyone with a chronic disability.

For those of us who need to know these emotions are normal, and for those wishing to understand how M.E. or any chronic disability effects the sufferer emotionally, I would definitely point towards this book.

Overall I felt that, while this isn’t the best-told story, it is a great start towards showing what living with M.E. is like, for those who cannot understand it.  As I’ve mentioned, there are very few novels or stories about M.E., but reading books like this one gives me hope that there will be more on the way.

[I received a free copy of this book with no obligations. I chose to review it here as I felt it would be of use and interest to my readers.  All opinions are my own.]

Other fictional books about M.E. that I recommend:

Verity Red's Diary: A Story of Surviving M. E by Maria Mann 

–Goodreads page

The State of Me by Nasim Marie Jafry 

– my review; Goodreadspage; author website

Review and Giveaway: Tangled Tides

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Karen Amanda Hooper's Website
Karen Amanda Hooper on Twitter

Tangled Tides is a contemporary book about magic and myth, featuring mermaids, sirens, selkies and gorgons, all in a completely new light.  I have to admit that I was expecting a dark twist on the world of merfolk, but I think the story could be interpreted as dark or as a beautiful fairytale.

The story is told in first person through the eyes of the three main characters.  I actually found this a bit of a problem in enjoying the story as I spent a lot of time trying to work out whose voice I was reading, rather than experiencing the story.  While I think it would have been better told in third person, the positive of reading the different character perspectives made each side’s point of view crystal clear and understandable by the reader.

I found this book difficult to read for the first third as I felt it spent too much time telling me about the mer-world, rather than diving into the story.  However, once I was past this point, the story suddenly became so intriguing that I found myself reading for hours, unwilling to pause as I wanted to know what was going to happen.

I would recommend Tangled Tides to anyone who still believes in fairytales or who enjoy discovering different ways of thinking.  At the core, Tangled Tides is a book about a young girl deciding who she is, which the author shows through the different species involved.

Rhemelda Publishers have generously offered a free ebook for one reader.  All you have to do is leave a comment here and you will be entered into the draw.  Open internationally.  Giveaway closes Monday 23rd April 2012 11:59pm GMT

[Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.]

Review: Wicked (book)

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When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil. (Blurb from Goodreads).

When I opened this book I expected the familiar story that I know from the musical – I couldn’t have been more wrong.  The book has so few similarities with the Broadway show that I could count them on one hand. 

Once I had got over the unsure feeling this left me with, I fell in love with the tale woven before my eyes.  Honestly, Oz was brought to life in a way that I didn’t know it needed, holding me in its enchantment and horrors.

Wicked is told through a few different points of view which allows the reader to appreciate the different aspects of the world Gregory Maguire creates and while I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about the language, the very way you read it adds to the experience (I found this completely natural but others have told me that it made it difficult for them to follow the story), bringing you into Oz in a completely unique and incredible effective way.

Personally I can’t gush enough about this book but beware that it is not for you if you like happily-ever-after stories.  This is a gritty tale of politics, racial issues and unfriendly characters that will leave you wanting more tales from Oz.  I’m definitely going to be looking up the rest of Maguire’s books as ‘Wicked’ was exactly the dark-side to The Wizard of Oz stories and I can’t help but be intrigued by that style of storytelling.

Review: Water for Elephants

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Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.

Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival. (Blurb from Goodreads)

I have to admit that when I received this book for Christmas from a Secret Santa, I was a little disappointed.  The cover was a huge turn-off for me as it’s packaged as a romance (I tend to stick to chick-lit when indulging in romance) so I was complete caught off guard by the amazing story that unfolded as I turned the pages.

While there is a romantic plot of sorts, that is not what I will take away from reading this story.  I will remember the details (at times repugnant) and the outlandishness of it all.  And most of all, I will remember the way I was sucked into the often brutal world of train circuses, something that wasn’t even on my radar until this book landed in my lap.  This book reminded me of the power of words, of stories.  And at the heart of it, I was reminded of humanity in so many forms.

I honestly can’t think of anyone who shouldn’t read this book.  I know my world-view will be forever changed from this experience, so I hope you consider adding it to your to-read list (or, even better, buying it or renting it and reading it next).

I realise that I haven’t given you much to go on with this review, but it has truly left me speechless (something that very rarely happens).  To say more would negate from the experience waiting within the pages – an adventure that at times will make you avert your eyes (to no use as the image is printed into your imagination), and at others will keep you up to find out what could possibly happen next (yes, that did happen to me last night, so I am considerably more tired today than perhaps I should have been).  So go, read.  And feel free to share any world-changing books that you think I should read, in the comments.

Review: Monarch (& giveaway)

Nick’s life as a CIA spy should be fulfilling, but it has only given him unhappiness—a wife who committed suicide, and two daughters who resent everything he has become. Now, stuck in the Amazon on the last mission of his career, he must track down Matheus Ferreira, a drug lord and terrorist the U.S. has tried to bring down for years. If he succeeds, he’ll have the chance to start his life over again.

Just when Nick is on the brink of catching Ferreira, he’s framed for a murder that turns his world upside down. His only chance of survival lies in West Virginia where Lilian Love, a woman from his past, owns the secluded Monarch Inn. He’s safe, but not for long…

(Giveaway now closed).

Thrillers are another genre that I don’t read often, but after reading Cinders (read my review here) I just had to find out what MichelleDavidson Argyle had to offer next.  When I heard that it was a thriller I have to admit that I was a little cautious, but after reading it I can safely say there was nothing I didn’t love about this story.

Monarch, to me, isn’t just a thriller – it’s a romance, a mystery, an adventure story with plenty of family issues all cohesively winding together to create a thrilling story.  I wanted to know more about every single character and I have to admit that I often found myself thinking and wondering about them (and sometimes forgetting that they aren’t real people I know!) when I wasn’t reading.

Michelle has seriously upped her game with Monarch – I was constantly trying to work out what was going to happen (and no, I didn’t manage to guess most of the twists and turns) and when I wasn’t reading it, I wanted to be reading it.  She also weaves the imagery of monarchs (a type of butterfly) throughout, giving this thiller a unique undercurrent of threat and hope. 

This is a gripping tale that I highly recommend to anyone wanting to escape reality for a while (it will also put your problems in perspective), in fact, it’s so good that I’ve put it back on my ‘to-read’ list as I miss all the characters (that’s a big deal for me as I very rarely re-read anything) and I just know I’ll be able to delve deeper the next time.

So therefore I say you should definitely read this book.  And I’m even giving away 2 copies of Monarch in my very first blog giveaway!  To enter just tell me about a book you’ve read and enjoyed (it can be something you’ve read recently or something you remember reading in the past) in the comments.  The winner will be picked at random next Saturday (17^th September) at midday (GMT).  For an extra chance to win, tell someone about this competition – it can be on twitter, facebook, your blog, or even your mum – and let me know (again, in the comments).  If you are in the USA you will be entered to win a print copy and if you are anywhere else in the world you will be entered to win an ebook - please let me know in your comment where you are.

If I haven't managed to convince you to read this book, you can read the first two chapters on Michelle's website.

This post is part of the Monarch Blog Tour - check out the other blogs involved for more reviews, interviews and giveaways.

[Disclaimer: I received a paperback ARC in return for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  The giveaway is being run by me but the prize (a copy of Monarch by Michelle Davidson Argyle) is provided by Rhemalda Publishing.]

Review: Notes From Underground Anthology

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I realise that I promised you this review ages ago and I have no excuses (except ending up with more books to read than I can in one go) but here it is finally.

Notes from Underground is an anthology created by The Literary Lab last year.  I knew this would appeal to me as soon as I saw it as the entries were judged completely differently from most competitions.  Instead of writing a piece and submitting it, writers were encouraged to write about their ideas - if they were selected they then had free reign to create what they liked, how they liked.  And I have to say it has made for a very unique anthology.

There are a wide variety subjects and styles so there is bound to be something you enjoy.  Not only that, but it also opened my mind up to different ways of writing what I want to say - from using diary entries, poetry and even including images.  The only downside was that as I was reading it on Kindle, the images (photos, paintings, etc) were all in black and white and perhaps not as clear as in the print copy.

I would strongly recommend this anthology to anyone looking for unique storytelling and especially to writers as expanding our ideas is never a bad thing.

(By the way, submissions for The Literary Lab's new anthology 'Variations on a Theme' are currently open.)

[Disclaimer: I have not been compensated in anyway for this review.  All opinions are my own.]

Review: Red by Kait Nolan

Elodie Rose has a secret. Any day, she’ll become a wolf and succumb to the violence that’s cursed her family for centuries. For seventeen years she’s hidden who and what she is. But now someone knows the truth and is determined to exterminate her family line. Living on borrowed time in the midst of this dangerous game of hide and seek, the last thing Elodie needs to do is fall in love. But Sawyer is determined to protect her, and the brooding, angry boy is more than what he seems. Can they outsmart a madman? And if they survive, will they find a way to beat the curse for good?

I have never been a big fan of the whole paranormal YA genre (especially after reading Twilight), however, after reading and loving Paranormalcy by Kiersten White (my review) I figured perhaps the genre was worth a second look.  That’s how I came to read Red by Kait Nolan and I’m glad I did.

The story is told from two points of view – Elodie (a teenage girl trying to avoid the curse that has been handed down by her mother) and Sawyer (a teenage werewolf) – however, it is clearly Elodie’s story.  The plot is a strange mix of paranormal romance and paranormal thriller yet I found it worked and I wanted to keep reading.  I needed to know who would win out which kept me turning the pages.

My favourite aspect was definitely the emotion and motivation woven through each scene.  The reader is pulled into the characters lives and more than once I found myself flooded with the strong desires which plagued Elodie and Sawyer.

Engaging, with strong characters, my only criticism is that although we are shown Sawyer’s point of view, the majority of it is written in Elodie’s voice.  I found that this disrupted my reading of it a little as it was far too lopsided.  However, I believe the author was right to include Sawyer’s view – I just wish there was more of it.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick escape from the real world.  And if, like me, you haven’t read much of the paranormal genre, I think this is a good place to start.  I know I certainly will be looking into more books by Kait Nolan.

Read the first chapter on Kait's website.

[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.]

Review: Sweet Valley Confidential

I have loved the Sweet Valley books ever since my early teens.  When I felt too old for Enid Blyton (just a phase, a promise you, I'll never be too old for Enid Blyton) it was the Wakefield twins I turned to.  I have to admit I haven't read them all and Sweet Valley University was definitely my favourite section.  But when I saw that another book was coming out, I registered my interest then promptly forgot all about it.  I didn't have any plans to read it, not yet anyway, but when I saw it in the library I couldn't help myself.

In one word, I would sum this book up as shocking.  Not necessarily in content, but simply because of the situation.  It was something that took me most of the book to get used to, and to believe.  For you lovers of SV I'm not going to spoil it for you, but it involves Todd (remember him?).  That's all you're getting, you'll have to read it for more.

The style, for me, felt quite different to the books I remember.  This is in large part due to the fact that it's written in first person (mostly alternating chapters between Elizabeth and Jessica) and there are large sections of flashback to fill us in on the story of the past ten years (actually, it's mostly about an event/events that happens eight months prior to the current story).

Once I'd got used to the much more adult tone, I couldn't put the book down as I just had to know what the hell had happened.  While I did find the events and ending a little predictable (once I'd got used to that major plot point I mentioned above), I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who love the Wakefield twins.  I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys very emotioanl, family-orientated and romantic stories as this book is sure to deliver.

Did you read Sweet Valley growing up?  Who was your favourite?  I love Elizabeth as she was exactly how I wanted to be - what with the excessive reading and writing she did.

Review: Supernaturally

Supernaturally is the second in the Paranormalcy series by Kiersten White (you can read my review of the first one here).  I have to say I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one, and therefore didn't read it as quickly.  Or, at least, not until two thirds of the way through when it suddenly became un-put-down-able.  Evie is the same as we remember her, but now she is realising that the real world she hankered for so much isn't quite as cracked up as she imagined (though she still loves lockers). 

All characters that we met in the first book stay true to who they are and the way they are evolving is entirely believable.  However, I found the new character, Jack, to be quite predictable throughout - one of the reasons I didn't enjoy it so much as it was a little too obvious what has happening.  Jack does put all of Evie's relationships with everyone else in a bit of peril though and I found myself turning the page to find out whether they would work out or not.

Kiersten makes all the paranormal characters her own.  This time including unicorns in the mix as well as a few other new ones.  I found her take on all these creatures highly refreshing and completely unique which means I will definitely be buying the third and final book in this series 'Endlessly' and am looking forward to what she has in store for us next.

[Disclaier: I read this book on Kindle and have not been asked or offered anything to write this review.  All opinions are entirely my own.]

Review: Mollie Makes

I've been hearing a lot about Mollie Makes crafting magazine online lately so I knew I had to check it out.  The other day I picked up a copy from my local WH Smiths, I was really excited as this was my treat for this month.  Each issue has a kit to make, this month's was a felt flower so I got to making it straight away.  I have to be honest and say that I wasn't that impressed with the magazine overall, nor the free gift.  Sure, it was fun to make but the instructions were shockingly lacking and as a stitching newbie I didn't really know what I was doing.  I think I did okay:

 Hanging on the door where it's made it's home.

 I couldn't resist a shot with piglet sporting it.

Okay, so I am really quite proud of it as it's the first crafty thing I've made in a while that doesn't involve cross-stitch or paper.  That takes me on to my main problem with the magazine - it seemed to assume that all the readers are advanced with every craft.  From felt, to embroidery, to crochet, there were patterns (and not that many if we're being honest) but not really many instructions. 

The one thing I did love about this magazine was the colours it used which provided me with plenty of inspiration.  But I think I will only be buying it once in a while if I need the inspiration or the free kit looks especially good.

While we're on the topic, what crafty magazines do you love?

Review: Rango

I didn’t really know what to expect of Rango – in large part due to all the advertising efforts only sharing the minimum information (more precisely letting us know that the voice of Rango is Johnny Depp and that Rango is some lizard/gecko/chameleon thing).  So, to clear up any confusion, the story is about Rango, a chameleon who thinks he’s an actor.  When he finds himself stranded in the middle of the desert, he realises he can become anyone whom he wants to be (and, incidentally, is when he becomes Rango).  When he is made the sheriff of the town of Dirt, however, he discovers that playing the part of a hero, and actually being a hero, are completely different things.

Personally, I found the plot unbelievably predictable, which meant I became bored relatively easily as the plot unfolded.  I found the beginning a little too graphic for my liking but there were a few moments throughout the film where it is impossible not to laugh.  By the end, however, I was just waiting for it to finish.

Overall, I was quite disappointed with the film and it isn’t something I would recommend going to the cinema for (though perhaps you could rent out the DVD when it is released), nor is it a film I expect to watch again.  In fact, the best part of this film is that there is no worry about it being in 3-D, as it is only available in 2-D (a fact that I don’t think makes any difference to the viewing quality other than not having to fork out a bigger fortune at the cinema).

Review: Paranormalcy

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I have to admit I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book as it's a genre I don't read (YA fantasy) and I generally stay away from anything with Vampires in it.  But I love love love Kiersten White's blog and as an avid reader of it I wanted to give it a go.

Now I am completely happy to tell you to GO BUY THIS BOOK.  I received this book in the post yesterday morning - I finished it last nigh.  If that is not enough to convince you then let me tell you, I haven't read a book in one day since the early Harry Potter books.  It just doesn't happen anymore - I have other things to do.  But Paranormalcy made me keep turning the pages until I'd gobbled the whole thing up.

There are no cliches and Kiersten stays well away from any over-done type situations.  Yes, there are vampires and werewolves and mermaids and faeries, but the story isn't about them.  It's about Evie, a 16 year old girl who can see through glamours and therefore it is her job to track down all these 'paranormals' and tag them for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But the main reason I kept turning the page was the writing itself.  Readers of Kiersten's blog will recognize her unique and completely awesome voice shining through.

All I can say is I'm disappointed I'm now going to have to wait for the second and third installments of this trilogy (yet am also so thankful that Evie's story is not finished).  This is a book and an author who we should all be keeping an eye on as I'm sure there are even better things to come from her.