Paper Towns - John Green

It's hard to believe that little over a year ago, this particular blogger was unaware of the existence of a somewhat well-known and renowned American author named John Green. His first main novel was the astoundingly brilliant Looking for Alaska, one of my favourite books of last year, followed by An Abundance of Katherines, which I must admit, did not rock my world.

Paper Towns is the third young adult novel from this fabulous young John Green. I was a little wary, after being disappointed by Katherines, but need not have worried. Paper Towns is the story of high school student Quentin Jacobsen, who has lived next door to Margo Roth Spiegelman since he was two years old. They were best friends until one day, at nine years old, they discovered a dead body. Now high-school seniors, Quentin is still besotted with the wilful and independent Margo, but they no longer speak. So one night, when she climbs through his bedroom window and invites him to help her in her all-night mission for revenge, Quentin cannot refuse. The night is insane and daring, impulsive and every bit as exciting as Quentin could have hoped, but the next day at school he discovers that Margo has disappeared. However, Margo has left clues for Quentin and his friends to follow, and he soon finds himself on a journey that will change his life.

It is safe to say that Paper Towns is not what I expected. What begins as an adventurous romance soon turns into something quite different. Quentin is the anchor of the story. The main protagonist, it is Quentin's desire to find Margo that drives the plot, and his confusion about her that keeps the reader so involved. He is so normal that it is easy to identify with him. Margo on the other hand, while intriguing, is very hard to understand. She is the enigma, the mystery that is slowly revealed. Paper Towns is witty, warm and magical, touching deeply into the meaning of truth and friendship and what it is to feel hope, despair or love. Although the ending may also not be what the reader expects, it is the journey that makes the story worthwhile.

Brilliant brilliant brilliant! Green will most certainly go down in my book as one of the most astute authors when dealing with characters making that final transition to adulthood.

Other blog reviews:
Bold.Blue.Adventure
Gemini Moon
Ravenous Bookshelf
Stuff as Dreams are made on
Things mean a lot
The Written World

Nation - Terry Prachett

I am writing my last few reviews for 2009 in reverse order, as they are freshest in my mind that way!

Read for: 2009 YA Challenge, Herding Cats II

This is the tale of a wave, one that wipes out every living person in the Nation, a small island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The only survivor of that Nation is Mau, a boy returning home from the challenges of leaving boyhood to accept a new status as man. Trapped at sea in his canoe when the wave hit, Mau returns home to devastation and lost somewhere between being a boy and becoming a man (and thus with no soul), and tries to make sense of what has happened.

However, Mau is not alone. Mau is joined by Daphne, a high class Victorian girl, the only survivor of the ship Sweet Judy, that lies wrecked and broken on the island. Daphne is what Mau refers to as a trouserman, and with the vast language and cultural barriers that divide them, the two survivors attempt to communicate, while of course adhering to Victorian protocol. Soon, the pair are joined by other survivors and with Mau as their (soulless!) Chief, this sad and broken rabble attempt to make a life for themselves.

Nation is a book of questions. Throughout Mau questions everything around him. The reasons for his surviving the wave, Daphne and her strange trouserman ways, the history of his people and ultimately the existance (or not) of their gods. Although imbued with much of the humour one would expect from Pratchett (tree-climbing octopus!), this is quite a serious book, due predominantly to the terrible events caused by the wave, and the spiritual questions posed by our protagonist. I also particularly liked the nods to science and the discoveries and scientists of the era.

The progression of the story after the wave felt slow, and I did not warm immediately to it or to Mau. However, by the time I was in the latter third of the book, it occurred to me that I liked it, a lot more than I thought I would, though perhaps not as much as I had hoped, given the reviews and recommendations. Mau is a delight and his questions are what drive the book and, I am sure, the reader's enjoyment of it. Daphne too comes into her own, transforming from a confused Victorian castaway, to a clever, scientific-minded woman of power, and it is she who uncovers much of the secrets of the Nation. Indeed, the other survivors are so individual in character and voice that it is almost possible to visualise them, and I found myself particularly taken with the unknown woman. My feelings towards latter events in the book are still somewhat conflicted, but as promised (by many bloggers!), the final chapter was truly wonderful. I have a feeling that this tale may haunt me for a while.

One particular passage that stood out for me midway through the book:

"It was a sacred place, and not because of some god or other. It was just...sacred, because it existed, because pain and blood and joy and death had echoed in time and made it so."

I will certainly recommend Nation, especially to fans of Pratchett, though I am aware that it is somewhat different to his other books. And that is perhaps why I will not be rushing out to read much of his other work. I have never loved Pratchett (the measley handful of books I have read that is!) and doubt I ever will, but I appreciate the following he has and hope that, in light of his illness, this very popular and prolific author can continue to entertain the masses for a long while to come. However, if another book appears in a similar vein of storytelling and characterisation as Nation, I might well consider it.

Other blog reviews:
Becky's book reviews
Book Gazing
Books and other thoughts
Medieval Bookworm
Stuff as dreams are made on
Things mean a lot
Valentina's room
The Written World

Graceling - Kristin Cashore

Read for: YA Challenge

Although the first in yet another fantasy series billed for young adults, Graceling would certainly appeal to adult readers. I won't say too much about the plot because, lets face it, you've all read the book itself or other reviews, so you probably know everything you need to.

Set in the Seven Kingdoms, where a small number of people are born with a Grace, or special talent, the book revolves around a feisty heroine, Katsa. Born with a killing Grace, Katsa acts as an assassin for her uncle, the King of the Middluns, and as such, is feared by most of her people. Katsa gets close to noone, except her eccentric cousin, that is until she meets Po, a Graced fighter from the kingdom of Lienid. Searching for Po's kidnapped grandfather, Katsa must travel far across the Kingdoms and come to terms with her feelings towards her own Grace.

Graceling is yet another exciting and entertaining fantasy novel with a strong and interesting female leading character. Although nothing particularly original, the story was gripping and the characters flawed but passionate enough for the reader to become engrossed in their journeys. Yet again, I felt myself drawn to the leading male character, Po, and his burgeoning relationship with the somewhat difficult Katsa. His journey felt slightly less predictable to me, and the development of his character and his relationship with his family was somewhat more intriguing.

A very enjoyable read. I shall certainly be reading the sequel, Fire.

Other blog reviews:
Always Dreaming
Becky's Book Reviews
Books and other thoughts
Em's Bookshelf
Gemini Moon
Medieval Bookworm
Stella Matutina
The Written World

The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness

Read for: YA Challenge

On several occasions recently, I have heard about a book that has received good reviews or hype, only to pick it up and be a little disappointed by the blurb on the back cover. Almost every time it has been a young adult book, that I am slowly moving away from reading, despite the recent flurry caused by my joining the 2009 YA Challenge. Despite this, almost every time I actually read one of these books, the quality of the writing far outweighs the cover blurb and I am forced to remind myself that these are not written by the author, but by the publishing house. It is far better to attempt reading the first few pages of a book, to see if it strikes any accord with me before I decide whether or not to buy/borrow it.

On that note, The Knife of Never Letting Go was no different. And yes, I read it, and oh yes, I loved it. Although off to a slightly lukewarm start, with a character I could not immediately identify with, in a setting that felt all too familiar, Ness soon established his tale as something quite different. Our main character, Todd is a young man on the cusp of adulthood. His home, Prentisstown, is a somewhat backwards town, with a notable difference from own our world. Here, a race of alien beings called the Spackle have introduced a virus that has wiped out all the women, the mothers, daughters, all of them. The men have survived, but the virus has had an interesting effect on them. No man's thoughts are his own. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts all the time, nothing can be kept to oneself. Another interesting side effect of the virus is that they can also hear the thoughts of other animals, though usually more primative and instinctual, such as those of Todd's dog, Manchee.

Although strange to us, this is the world Todd has grown up in, so his entire world is shaken when one day he finds a spot of quiet by the swamp. Soon Todd discovers that many many truths have been hidden from him and nothing is truly as it seems. To say any more about the plot would reveal too much, but suffice to say that the action is perpetual, with few chances to take a breath or pause to absorb the events. The Knife of Never Letting Go is not a happy book. Don't get me wrong, there are laughs here, or rather moments that make you smile, usually concerning the adorably dim Manchee and his affection for Todd. However Ness does not hold back, and his characters are forced to experience the truest darkness of human nature, either by their own hands or others, which creates a rollercoaster ride of emotion for the reader. I was quite exhausted by the end.

I honestly did not expect to find this book live up to its reviews. The plot and opening pages seemed a bit woolly to me, but very little perseverence was required for me to quickly discover the sheer astounding quality of Patrick Ness' writing and storytelling. To call it absorbing or gripping would be an understatement. I loved the concept of Noise, and the allusions to the tremendous dividing line of gender and what that means for society. Again, I cannot say any more without giving the plot away.

Suffice to say, here is yet another book where the blogging world has been right on the button. A fantastic novel, whether young adult or not (this book is quite violent in places), it was not unexpected that I would feel drained and perhaps a little unfulfilled at the end. This is of course because there is a sequel, the Ask and the Answer, which I shall shortly be hunting down at the library, though I'll be lucky to get my paws on a copy!

My message to you dear reader...get out there and read this. It is surely one of the best young adult fantasies I have read in a very very long time.

Other blog reviews:
things mean a lot
Stuff as Dreams are Made on
Becky's Book Reviews

The Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale

Read for: YA Challenge

Read simply because it was written by Shannon Hale, I'll admit that the blurb on the back didn't immediately grab me, seeming to be for younger readers. Trusting Hale's wonderful writing though, I persevered and am so glad that I did!

Our heroine is Dashti, a mucker maid who joins the service of Lady Saren, moments before the Lady is locked away in a tower by her father, for refusing to marry Lord Khasar and betrothing herself to the young Khan Tegus. Saren becomes miserable in her seclusion and Dashti uses all her healing skills to help comfort her. After two and a half years in the tower, with the very real threat of Lord Khasar in the city, the girls make an escape, only to find new challenges and difficulties on their path to freedom.

The story is a lot more complicated that that, but the intricacies of Hale's storytelling are a delight to read, thus I do not want to spoil them for you here. The Book of a Thousand Days is another adaptation of a fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, Maid Maleen. Although clearly based on a fairytale, I also found this story interesting socially and is a classic adventure romance.

Dashti is a lovely character, plucky though resigned to her status and position in society, she is primarily very loyal to her Lady and takes her role very seriously. Tegus is a good lead male character, though with the all important flaws. I found Lady Saren most irritating at first, but her character and the orders she often gives Dashti added a great deal of mystery for me, and I was curious throughout the tale what her motivation might be.

I would recommend it for anyone who loves a good fairytale retelling, or simply a good yarn.

Other blog reviews:

Rhinoa's Ramblings
Becky's Book Reviews

Once Upon a Time in the North - Philip Pullman

Read for: YA Challenge

To continue my short reviews, I'll get straight to the point!

Once Upon a Time in the North is another book set in the world of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. In the same format as Lyra's Oxford, this delightful little hardback is actually a prequel. The story follows aeronaut Lee Scoresby as he meets Iorek Byrnison for the first time.

Unlike Lyra's Oxford, Once Upon a Time in the North captured my interest from the very beginning. The fact that neither Lee nor Iorek were the most important characters in the trilogy actually made the book even better reading. It is often the minor characters that intrigue me and this was especially the case with Scoresby. Very little is revealed about him during the series, aside from his character and friendship with the armoured bear, little is told of his back story. A daring choice of follow up installment, I do not know if this was a particularly big hit or not, although I really enjoyed it. Beautifully packaged, the book also contains a game and some letters from Lyra herself.

Still earmarked with Pullman's excellent literary style, though not bogged down in the religious aspects that were a bit much for some in the later books, Once Upon a Time is an adventure through and through. This would certainly be understood if read with no prior knowledge of the series, though anyone who desires a little more insight into Scoresby's history and the tale of how he met Byrnison, will likely find the story more satisfying. As always, Scoresby's daemon, Hester, is a joy to read about and is most certainly my favourite daemon in the series. Sadly, as is often the case with such novellas, not enough is revealed and the reader is left wanting more.

Where is the Book of Dust I ask?

Other blog reviews:
Rhinoa's Ramblings
Things Mean a Lot
In Spring it is the Dawn

An Abundance of Katherines - John Green

Read for: YA Challenge

After falling in love with John Green's writing in Looking for Alaska, I took the opportunity while visiting the Elliot Bay Book Company in Seattle, to buy both An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns.

An Abundance of Katherines is about Colin Singleton, a high school graduate and child prodigy who has just been dumped by his girlfriend, Katherine. In fact, all Colin's girlfriends have been called Katherine...all nineteen of them. After being dumped shortly after graduating, Colin and his best friend, Hassan, decide to go on a road trip, while Colin continues to work on his Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability. On this road trip, Colin and Hassan find themselves in middle of nowhere Gutshot, where they meet Lindsay, not a Katherine but something very different.

Katherines is a little more daring than Looking for Alaska, while at the same time, very little appears to happen. Although I did not find myself becoming particularly attached to the characters in this book, I did enjoy the writing, particularly the mathematics that pervade the story. I also liked Green's use of footnotes for these mathematical formulae and other amusing tidbits.

Sadly, I did not love Katherines as I did Alaska, but it was a well written book regardless. I would recommend it as an example of John Green's intuituve and insightful writing, although as other bloggers have pointed out, not everyone would consider this book suitable for younger teens.

Other blog reviews:
1 more chapter
Becky's book reviews
things mean a lot
The Written World

Have I missed yours?

What I Was - Meg Rosoff

Read for: YA Challenge

After having enjoyed How I Live Now so much, and after reading Nymeth's review, I picked up my next Meg Rosoff novel, What I Was.

Narrated by our protagonist as an old man, the story is predominantly set in the early 1960s, the year in which he "discovered love". Sent to a school for hopeless cases on the East Anglian coast, the narrator finds little of interest in his daily life, with boring school work, bunkmates and professors that he can't stand, yet no home that he wants to return to. It all changes one day, when on a cross country run, he meets Finn, the boy who lives by the sea, and everything changes. Finn, the mysterious boy who rarely speaks a word, who lives by himself in a small run down cottage on the beach. As far as books go, I loved this more than How I Live Now, even when I didn't think that would be possible. As a story though, this resonated perfectly with me. Child on the cusp of adulthood, searching for something he does not understand, something he does not yet have, nor does he know to want it. Until he meets a boy who has all those things.

And Finn, oh Finn. If it is possible to fall for a character in fiction, I fell for him. Such gentleness and hardness all at the same time. Mysterious, yet longing. Each time when I thought I had come to understand him and his friendship with the narrator, I realised I knew nothing of him. It is Finn that is the heart of this story, and Finn whom we are all searching for or longing to become. And that is the beauty of this story. I don't think I can describe it as well as Nymeth, except to say that there is that line, between wanting to love someone, and wanting to be them, that their life is somewhat superior to your own, and that is explored so delicately here.

How is it that as an adult now, I keep discovering these wonderful, insightful books aimed at teenagers? I am quite envious, having not read anything even remotely comparable at that age. Yes there is a twist in What I Was, and although I knew from other reviews that it was coming, I did not look for it and thus did not expect it. I was somewhat sideblinded, and yet not in the typical dramatic way. This twist is perfectly relevant to the story and ultimately how the reader sees the characters. I long to reread the book now that I am aware of this revelation, and I truly hope that it will add to my enjoyment of the book, rather than detract from it.

Other blog reviews:
Things mean a lot "What I Was is also about how idealizing a person can sometimes keep you from seeing how they really are; can make you miss what's right in front of your eyes. And then who do you love? The person of the construct in your head?"

Have I missed yours?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie

Read for: YA Challenge; Dewey's Books Challenge

Another book that seems to have been subject to all the hype recently, although less so on this side of the pond. I picked it up in the States, after spending some time with a Navajo woman and driving through Flathead and Spokane land.

The Absolutely True Diary is exactly that, narrated by our part-time Indian, Junior, who grows up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. After a disastrous start to high school, Junior requests a transfer to a different school, in a rich, predominantly white town, miles away from his home. He soon discovers that change brings numerous challenges, both at home and at school.

Rather than being a story about an Indian boy suffering the trials and tribulations of life and leaving the rez in order to have a better education, it is more the story of a teenage boy suffering the typical trials and tribulations of life. Two things make Junior stand out from the average American boy. One being that he suffered brain damage as an infant, which affects his speech and has caused some physical problems. The other is that he is Native American, growing up in poverty on the Spokane reservation. Although perhaps it is the latter reason that the book has been so hyped, it is not the only reason to pick up and enjoy this book. In fact, quite the opposite. Sherman Alexie has written a touching tale about a boy trying to find his way in the world, surviving his health problems, bullying and his family's poverty, to obtain himself a good education and possibly a bright future. Yes it is made all the poignant by his ethnicity, but much of the humour comes from the typical teenage mishaps and discoveries.

Having said that, Sherman Alexie has obviously drawn on his deep intimate knowledge of life on a reservation to write a wonderfully humourous and often sad tale which gives us some insight into a world that most Americans know little about. Regardless, this is an amusing and touching tale that will strike a chord with any teenager (or anyone who remembers being a teenager) who has felt like an outsider.

Other blog reviews:
Bold.Blue.Adventure
Becky's Books
You Can Never Have Too Many Books

Have I missed yours?

The Black Tattoo - Sam Enthoven

Read for: 2009 YA Challenge

Bought for me by Rhinoa, this is not a book that I had come across, nor do I think I would have picked it up. Billed as a book with good vs evil, kung fu and vomiting bats, I was intrigued though more than a little wary.

The Black Tattoo is a highly fantastical tale of friendship, family, epic battles and above all...hell. Jack's best friend Charlie is singled out by a mysterious man in the street and encouraged to take a special test, one that would change his life. After this Test, Charlie finds his body covered in a Black Tattoo, a determination to take up his destiny in the way he chooses with an increased and sometimes violent temper.

Perhaps the most interesting facet of this novel was Enthoven's vision of hell. Not what I expected at all, it managed to embody all the creepiness you would expect from hell, yet with a fair amount of humour. Enthoven's vision certainly is not a typical one, but he manages to maintain the suspense right throughout the book, so even at the end, I was not sure who would prevail.

A highly entertaining if a little odd read!

Other blog reviews:
Rhinoa's Ramblings

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Read for: YA Challenge

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is narrated by 'Charlie', the titular wallflower, who begins the novel as a somewhat shy and unpopular high school student. In the form of letters he writes to an unknown reader, the story follows Charlie as he makes friends, experiences love and life and ultimately comes to terms with his own difficult childhood.

A deeply moving coming-of-age tale, Wallflower traverses some difficult topics, including depression, suicide, drug abuse and child molestation. Yet it manages to be a sweet, charming book, with a sensitive protagonist who is easy to care about. An intelligent and honest boy, Charlie is intuitive yet awkward, which makes following his journey all the more meaningful.

Published in a series of MTV novels for young adults, this book will appeal to anyone interested in teen fiction, especially ones that delve into the more challenging aspects of growing up.

Other blog reviews:
Things mean a lot

(have i missed yours)

How I Live Now - Meg Rosoff

Read for: Dewey's Books Challenge, YA Challenge

Meg Rosoff’s acclaimed novel tells the story of Daisy, a teenage American girl who travels to Britain, leaving behind her estranged father and his new family. Sent to stay with her mother’s family in the English countryside, Daisy has to juggle her family problems and eating disorder, while being swept up in a different way of life. She soon grows fond of her eccentric aunt and misfit cousins, especially bonding with the slightly younger Edmund. Everything changes however, when her aunt is out of the country on business. Britain is attacked by some unknown enemy, and left in a chaotic state of war, reminiscent of the country during WW2. The children are left to fend for themselves, providing food and shelter and hiding from the world outside, living and playing in their own little bubble. The war is never far away though, and soon the army arrive, building a base on the farm and separating the children. Daisy is left alone to care for nine year old Piper, and is tormented by her separation from Edmund, with whom she had fallen in love and is determined to find.

Although dealing with war and the delicate subject of love between blood relatives, neither of these is the focus of Rosoff’s story. Rather, they set the scene, and allow the story to follow as it will, through Daisy’s own experiences. She sees some true horror, yet finds in herself a spirit and courage unbeknownst to her.

It is easy to see why this extraordinary book won the Guardian Children’s Fiction award. Rosoff’s writing is remarkable and her storytelling is daring, yet she tackles her subjects with a gentle hand. I can imagine that some readers would be put off by a story that is, in places, quite violent, and that touches on the sexual relationship between two cousins. In Rosoff’s capable hands, this story is a touching one, brimming with emotion, full of beauty and hope. Although I never particularly became attached to any of the characters, the storytelling is so involved that I found myself open-mouthed in horror one minute and holding back tears the next. I'm not sure anything I can say will so this book justice, so you'll just have to read it and make up your own mind.

I for one have been won over by Rosoff’s writing, and will certainly be reading more of her work in the future. A moving read.

Other blog reviews:
A Striped Armchair

1 more chapter

Bold.Blue.Adventure

in Spring it is the dawn

The hidden side of a leaf

Leafing through life

Things mean a lot

Valentina's Room

The Written World

(have i missed yours?)

My Swordhand is Singing - Marcus Sedgewick

Read for: YA Challenge

I remember reading that one particular blogger was very disappointed by this book as the cover suggested to them that it contained a story about samurai. Although perhaps not disappointed, I too thought this book was about samurai until I read Rhinoa's review . However I was undeterred and read it regardless, as I have long enjoyed Sedgewick's elegant style of writing.

My Swordhand Is Singing is an imaginative spin on the vampire/zombie myth based on Eastern European folklore and legend. Set in the forests of seventeeth century Romania, the story revolves around two nomadic woodcutters, the young Peter and his troubled father Tomas. After settling somewhat outside a small village, Peter begins to make a life for himself, only to discover something sinister at work. The dead are rising and Peter finds himself, his father and his beloved Agnes in grave (groan) danger, but some secrets may be much closer to home.

I really enjoyed this story and the legends behind it. Sedgewick is masterful at suspense, unnerving the reader at every turn. This is far from the over the top horror I have seen of late, with Sedgewick invoking the same amount of menace and chill, with the mimimal amount of prose. Having said that, I did find it hard to really care much about the characters. Perhaps Sedgewick was too minimalistic and left some of his characters undeveloped, and thus did not win over this particular reader. Don't get me wrong, I would heartily recommend this story to any fan of horror, suspense or vampire literature, but perhaps the most lasting impression for me was a desire to know more about the legends that inspired this story, rather than the story itself.

An enjoyable read, though perhaps not one that will stick in the mind for long.

Other blog reviews:
Rhinoa's Ramblings

(have you reviewed this book?)

2009 YA Challenge

Yeah I know...I said I wasn't going to join any more challenges but seeing as I'm a huge YA fiction reader, this one is just so perfect for me. So...see J.Kaye's Book Blog to sign up and here are the rules.

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Read 12 Young Adult novels. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

I've chosen a list already, because I want to read these books this year anyway, but this list will grow/change throughout the year!!

1. Ghost Hunter - Michelle Paver
2. The Black Tattoo - Sam Enthoven
3. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing - M.T. Anderson
4. Paper Towns - John Green
5. An Abundance of Katherines - John Green
6. Graceling - Kristin Cashore
7. Checkmate - Malorie Blackman
8. The Once and Future King - T.H. White
9. How I Live Now- Meg Rosoff
10. Nation - Terry Pratchett
11. The Underneath - Kathi Appelt
12. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - E. Lockhart

Enjoy!