Book Review #255 - The Awakening (Darkest Powers #2) by Kelley Armstrong

You don't have to be alive to be awakened.

Chloe Saunders is a living science experiment--not only can she see ghosts, but she was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. She's a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control, which means she can raise the dead without even trying. Now Chloe's running for her life with three of her supernatural friends--a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch--and they have to find someone who can help them before the Edison Group catches them.

Or die trying.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I didn't like this book as much as the first one. As I can't really pin point why that was it was probably because I read it over Christmas and so it took me longer to read than usual.

 

 

The only thing that I liked in this book more than the first was the location. The first one is only set in Lyle House whereas this book was set with them on the run so there was more variety.

 

 

The characters all developed to a degree. More so than some. Derek came out of his shell a bit and Tori's background was revealed.

 

 

There was less focus on their supernatural powers in this book and more on them being chased by the Edison Group which I would have liked to have seen their powers develop more.

 

 

I am excited to read the final book in the trilogy so all the unanswered questions will finally be answered.

 

 

 

Book Review #254 - Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon

He wants to save the world.

His parents want to destroy it.

When your parents are supervillains, it’s hard to have a normal life. In the past two days, Joshua’s parents have tried to destroy the world, the houseplant has threatened to kill him, and his body has started doing weird stuff. Really weird stuff. Then his parents give him a book to help explain his new Gyft. It turns out Joshua has a superpower, just like them. But he doesn’t have to use it for evil, right?

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

I received this book for review from Hardie Grant Egmont Australia.


I really enjoyed this book. I found the whole superhero/supervillian concept really unique and refreshing.


There were enough plot twists that made the book not entirely predictable but for the most part it was pretty straight forward.


I liked Joshua as the protagonist. He was a little immature at times but you can forgive him for that because he was a likeable character. 

Book Review #253 - A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest



On the evening of Sofia Claremont's 17th birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

 

 

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.

 

An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

 

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I received this book for review from the author. The author's website can be found here. You can also buy on Amazon here.

 

 

Given that this book was under 100 pages I was always going to finish it pretty quickly, but the fast paced plot also helped.

 

 

I really liked Sofia as a character although I would have liked more development.

 

 

I thought that Derek was the most developed character in the book which was probably why he was the character I connected to the most.

 

 

I really liked the idea of the island which protects vampires and am looking forward to seeing how this is used in future books.

 

 

Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I cannot wait to read the second book.

Book Review #252 - Twists and Turns by Matthew Mitcham

People kept remarking on how they were surprised that a gold medal and fame hadn't changed me. I always responded, 'Why would I change? Being me is the easiest person to be.' I was lying. It wasn't. At the Beijing Olympic Games, he made history with an unforgettable dive, the first to ever score perfect tens from all four judges, and won gold for Australia. Grinning with pride from front pages around the world, there was no hint of the personal demons that had led this supremely talented young dynamo to quit diving less than two years before. Joyously out and proud, Matthew was a role model for his courage both in and out of the pool. Yet the crippling self-doubt and shadow of depression that had plagued him all his life forced him into premature retirement, at one point reduced to circus diving to earn money. Even after Beijing and being ranked No 1 in the world, those closest to Matthew could not guess that beneath that cheeky, fun-loving exterior he was painfully aware of how easily it could unravel. In the lead-up to the London Olympics, when injury threatened his hopes, he will have to find the strength again to balance his striving for perfectionism with the fear of his self-doubt taking hold again. Told with the honesty and courage he is admired for, Twists and Turns is an inspiring story of a true champion, in and out of the pool.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, I only decided to pick this book up from the library as I have a general interest in diving.

 

 

I also wasn't expecting the amount of issues that he has encountered throughout his life. From his drug use to self-harm and depression this book had a lot more depth than I was expecting.

 

 

This book really showcased the pressure he was under to perform and more importantly the pressure he put on himself.

 

 

I found all the pictures really interesting especially the ones about the London Olympics.

 

 

 

 It was good to see that his sense of humour came through in his writing especially in the captions under the photos.

Book Review #251 - Who Could That Be At This Hour? (All the Wrong Questions #1) by Lemony Snicket

Before you consider reading "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you curious about what is happening in a seaside town that is no longer by the sea?

2. Do you want to know more about a stolen item that wasn't stolen at all?

3. Do you think that's any of your business? Why? What kind of person are you? Really?

4. Who is that standing behind you?

My Rating: 4/5

I received this book for review from Hardie Grant Egmont Australia.

 

 

 

This book is completely different to the Series of Unfortunate Events series which is probably why I liked this as much as I did.

 

 

The only thing I didn't like about the Series of Unfortunate Events was that it gets repetitive and I don't see how this series could do that.

 

 

 

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that at times it felt like there were chapters missing, especially at the very beginning and also at the very end.

 

 

This book had a lot of interesting characters from the husband and wife cops to the cab driving kids.

 

 

It will be interesting to see if any characters from the Series of Unfortunate Events make an appearance in this series.

Book Review #250 - The Eyes of the Desert Sand (The Chrysalis Chronicles #1) by Edwin Wolfe

How many parents would believe their thirteen year old son who told them that two vampires and a hooded stranger had tried to abduct him? Strange thing is, young Ethan Fox is convinced his parents, George and Betsy do believe him. Could it have something to do with the mysterious poem he wrote in his sleep? Or maybe it has something to do with his past, the past he cannot remember before his eighth birthday. Something strange is afoot, and it is about to turn Ethan’s world upside down.While vacationing with his parents, to get away from the crazy events of the previous two weeks, Ethan encounters a young girl named Haley Hunt who he is strongly drawn to… and the feeling is mutual. Together, Ethan and Haley are lured to The Residence, home of the Caretakers, an organization of intelligent beings sent to earth to nurture the human race and protect them from un-earthly influences.Armed with special abilities, including the power to evolve any earthly creature, the Caretakers take in their unexpected guests. They have been watching young Ethan Fox, and are curious as to why the Grimleavers, their mortal enemy on earth, would want to abduct a young human child. Together, Ethan and Haley journey to magical worlds, make new friends, and help the Caretakers unravel the stories greatest mysteries. Along the way, they learn that the Caretakers have been here since the beginning of human history and have played a key role in shaping human lore. In their world, vampires, werewolves, trolls, and even Medusa herself really do exist but have been kept hidden from the human world around them. Ethan is the key as they ultimately discover the Grimleavers true intentions, to unlock the four portals to the elemental worlds of the Chrysalis.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I received this book for review from the author. The author's Goodreads page is here.

 

 

This book starts off slow but once the world building is over it really accelerates in pace.

 

 

I could definitely see the influence that Harry Potter had on the author. This was evident throughout the entire book.

 

 

I really liked the friendship between Ethan and Haley. I thought their personalities worked well together.

 

 

 

This book was a great platform to set up the rest of the series. It blends the science fiction and fantasy genres really well.

 

 

I would have liked more character development especially Ethan and Haley. There were some interesting secondary characters that stood out, but a few of them did blend together.

Book Review #249 - Proximity (Proximity #1) by M.A. George

Dr. Palta Capal would be a typical American career woman…if only she were human.

She has found her calling in this world as a physician. It’s an ideal outlet for her compassionate spirit...and unearthly healing powers.

Palta may spend her nights rereading Jane Austen novels, but she deliberately avoids pursuing her own love story. Human men—attractive as they may be—inevitably grow old and wither, leaving her to grieve in solitude. Frankly, no one has seemed worth the torment.

Enter Eric Moran, the intensely attractive and enigmatic new coworker on the scene. With his quiet confidence and warm smile, he manages to draw Palta’s attention. Little does she know that he, too, holds a secret…one that will propel them both into an escalating collision of two worlds.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I received this book for review from the author. The author's Goodreads page is here. You can also find the author's website here.

 

 

Not being the biggest fan of the whole Science Fiction genre, this book really surprised me. I never expected to like this book as much as I did.

 

 

I thought that it started off slowly but the last third is so action packed it makes up for it.

 

 

Although I didn't particularly love any of the characters, I did like them all as a whole as I thought they bounced off one another really well.

 

 

I would have liked to have learnt more about Aeron because what was learnt about him was interesting. It also would have been good to have heard some of the story from his point of view.

I am looking forward to the next book so I can see how the cliff hanger gets resolved. I am also intrigued how Palta goes at discovering her roots.

Book Review #248 - Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

"Last Night I Dreamt I Went To Manderley Again." So the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter remembered the chilling events that led her down the turning drive past ther beeches, white and naked, to the isolated gray stone manse on the windswept Cornish coast. With a husband she barely knew, the young bride arrived at this immense estate, only to be inexorably drawn into the life of the first Mrs. de Winter, the beautiful Rebecca, dead but never forgotten...her suite of rooms never touched, her clothes ready to be worn, her servant -- the sinister Mrs. Danvers -- still loyal. And as an eerie presentiment of evil tightened around her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter began her search for the real fate of Rebecca...for the secrets of Manderley.

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

I read this book as part of my 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die challenge. This is by far the best book I have read so far off that list.

 

 

I really did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I knew very little about this prior to reading which I think was the ideal way to go. There were a number of plot twists at the end that I never saw coming.

 

 

The only thing I didn't really like about this book was that you never find out the protagonists name. It didn't stop me from connecting to her or anything, I just thought it was weird to not know her name.

 

 

My favourite part of this book was the setting and of Manderley in particular. The descriptions used were vivid and I could picture it clearly. Manderley had the presence of a character.



I am not sure whether I liked Maxim or not. He was power hungry and quite arrogant at times. I thought that he took advantage of the protagonist at times.


Given that Rebecca is dead the entire novel it is amazing of how much of a presence she still has throughout.
 

 

 I didn't know this was a mystery before reading but that was a pleasant surprise as I really enjoyed that aspect.

Book Review #247 - Mage's Blood (Moontide Quartet #1) by David Hair

Most of the time the Moontide Bridge lies deep below the sea, but every 12 years the tides sink and the bridge is revealed, its gates open for trade.

The Magi are hell-bent on ruling this new world, and for the last two Moontides they have led armies across the bridge on 'crusades' of conquest.

Now the third Moontide is almost here and, this time, the people of the East are ready for a fight ... but it is three seemingly ordinary people that will decide the fate of the world.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

I received this book for review from Pan MacMillan Australia.


Given that this is one of the longest books I have ever read I can't believe I finished it in only two days.


The book starts off slowly and I was confused at first with the geographical layout and the amount of characters that were continuously being introduced.


However, once I was able to distinguish between the characters it sped up in pace and I found it more free flowing.


The book can be graphic at times with sex and violence and so would not be something I would recommend for younger readers.


The book ended with so many cliff-hangers (especially Elena's) and so I can't wait to read the second book The Scarlet Tides.

Book Review #246 - Forgotten by Cat Patrick

With the intrigue of "Memento" and the romance of "The Time-Traveller's Wife", "Forgotten" is the perfect YA novel.

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I can only find two negatives with this book. The first is that I found it a bit confusing to begin with. With her only remembering her future and not her past.

 

 

The only other negative thing was the pacing. It felt like everything happened in the last 50 or so pages. Even then it wasn't fully resolved.

 

 

The main character London was an intriguing character and she develops slowly throughout the book. I did find her annoying at times but the majority of the time I did like her.

 

 

Luke had the potential to be a great character but there wasn't much depth to him and so I found it hard to connect with him.

Book Review #245 - Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2) by Jeff Kinney

Whatever you do, don't ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn't want to talk about it.

As Greg enters the new school year, he's eager to put the past three months behind him ... and one even in particular.

Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out ... especially when a diary is involved.

 

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

After reading this book I have to say that Rodrick is by far my favourite character.

 

 

I found this book a lot funnier than the first one. I had seen the movie prior to reading but I found that didn't impact me at all whilst reading even though I knew the ending.

 

 

There were heaps of funny moments in the book that were not included in the movie which surprised me. Although I did enjoy the movie it didn't compare to the book.

 

 

 

I would have liked to have seen more of Rowley as he was my favourite character from the first book but enjoyed seeing the sibling rivalry between Greg and Rodrick.

Book Review #244 - Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters #1) by Kelly Keaton

A dark and lush paranormal romance set in a richly reimagined New Orleans--now in paperback Ari can't help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can't be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.Her search for answers uncovers a message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know what she's running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of "her."

Ari won't stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

 

 

My Rating: 3/5

 

 

This book was completely different to what I was expecting. I had no idea it was about mythology. This wasn't a bad thing, it just wasn't what I was expecting.

 

 

I found the first half of the book quite confusing. The world building was the most confusing. The reason for this was because there wasn't enough depth or description.

 

 

I really liked the second half of the book as it was action packed and very interesting.

 

 

I didn't like Ari at first, but by the end of the book I felt like I was starting to connect with her. Her relationship with Sebastian came from nowhere. There was no build-up or anything prior to them getting together.

 

 

My favourite part was the ending and so I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Book Review #243 - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he thought he was destined to live.

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

Although I had heard nothing but positive things about this book, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.

 

 

This was a very enjoyable read. Once I started reading, I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it down. I ended up reading it in a few hours and in one sitting.

 

 

Junior was a very unique character. In fact, the whole book was full of unique characters. Rowdy reminded me of a character from a John Green novel.

 

 

Since I'm Australian, I don't know too much about Indian culture or life on a reservation and so I found that aspect really interesting.

 

 

Overall I thought this book blended humour with emotion. I can understand why some people think this should be banned but I also feel like everyone should get a chance to read this, because it is really good.

Book Review #242 - Lullaby (Watersong #2) by Amanda Hocking

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I received this book for review from Pan MacMillan Australia. It is the sequel to Wake.

 

 

After reading Wake last month and really enjoying it, I had high expectations for Lullaby. Whilst I didn't like it as much as Wake I still liked how the story progressed.

 

 

Harper was a character from Wake that I didn't connect to as much as I wanted. Although she is the dominant character in this book so it was easier to connect with her.

 

 

Gemma is still my favourite character and so I can't wait for the third book Tidal so I can find out her fate.

 

 

As for the male characters, I really liked Alex in Wake but he was barely present in Lullaby. And Daniel, I just don't like at all for some reason.

 

 

There was less action than in Wake which is probably why I didn't like it as much.

Book Review #241 - Rockoholic by C.J. Skuse

She's got it bad, and he ain't good -- he's in her garage?

"I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me..."

Gonna have to face it: Jody's addicted to Jackson Gatlin, frontman of The Regulators, and after her best bud Mac scores tickets, she's front and center at his sold-out concert. But when she gets mashed in the moshpit and bodysurfs backstage, she's got more than a mild concussion to deal with. By the next morning, the strung-out rock star is coming down in her garage. Jody -- oops -- kind of kidnapped him. By accident. With a Curly Wurly candy bar. And now he doesn't want to leave.

It's a rock-star abduction worthy of an MTV reality series...but who got punk'd?!

 

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I went into this book with low expectations, probably because the premise sounds pretty unrealistic.

 

 

Jody was a character that I warmed up to as the story progressed. At first I didn't like her as she was really selfish and too obsessed with Jackson.

 

 

This book was full of characters that I really loved like Jody's grandfather and Mac's baby sister Cree.

 

 

The only character that I never really liked was Jackson. I can sympathise with his reasoning but he wasn't a very nice person at all.

 

 

The plot was really original, fast paced, light and fun. I also think this book would make a good movie.

 

 

I really liked the pop culture references used. They varied from E.T to One Direction.

Book Review #240 - The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank's remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit. In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annex" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.

 

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

 

I have owned this book since June and was only recently inspired to pick it up after watching the film Freedom Writers.

 

 

There were times when this book felt more like fiction than non-fiction and this was probably due to the quality of Anne's writing.

 

 

Before reading this book, I thought this would be a very dull and depressing read whereas I found it really funny at times. Anne was a really good writer for her age.

 

 

I think what makes this book as much of a classic is that it reads as if it could have been written by a teenage girl of any era whilst it also sheds light on the brutal reality of the situation she had to live through.
 

 

This book was slow paced at times, but I was never bored. This is the first historical biography I have read and didn't really expect to love it as much as I did.

Book Review #239 - Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl #1) by Cecily von Ziegesar

Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep--sometimes with each other.

S is back from boarding school, and if we aren't careful, she's going to win over our teachers, wear that dress we couldn't fit into, steal our boyfriends' hearts, and basically ruin our lives in a major way. I'll be watching closely...

You know you love me,
gossip girl

 

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

I have never seen the TV show that is adapted from this book so I entered into the Gossip Girl world for the first time.

 

 

The first thing I found was that it was a lot trashier than what I had expected.

 

 

There were a lot of main characters and it took me to the end of the book to connect with all of them.

 

 

The only problem I had with this book was that it lacked depth. There were more descriptions about what the characters were wearing or eating rather than the characters themselves.

 

 

Also, considering this book is set in New York a lot more could have been done with it.

Book Review #238 - Shadow Hills (Shadow Hills #1) by Anastasia Hopcus

After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make sense of her sister's sudden demise and the cryptic dreams following it, Phe abandons her bubbly LA life to attend an uptight East Coast preparatory school in Shadow Hills, MA -- a school which her sister mysteriously mentioned in her last diary entry before she died.

Once there, Phe quickly realizes that something is deeply amiss in her new town. Not only does Shadow Hills' history boast an unexplained epidemic that decimated hundreds of its citizens in the 1700s, but its modern townies also seem eerily psychic, with the bizarre ability to bend metal. Even Zach -- the gorgeous stranger Phe meets and immediately begins to lust after -- seems as if he is hiding something serious. Phe is determined to get to the bottom of it. The longer she stays there, the more she suspects that her sister's untimely death and her own destiny are intricately linked to those who reside in Shadow Hills.

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

This book was unlike anything I had previously read before. The plot was entirely unique and the paranormal aspect was the most intriguing part.

 

 

The characters were all likeable. I didn't absolutely love any of them but they were well developed and relatable.

 

 

I really liked the idea of Phe's sister's diary having clues about Shadow Hills but I just thought that a lot more could have been done with it.

 

 

There were a lot of questions left unanswered at the end of the book and so I can't wait to read the next book. I am also interested in the Phe's powers that she developed at the end of this book.

Book Review #237 - The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1) by Kelley Armstrong

 

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.

All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost - and the ghost saw me.

Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? it's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House...before its skeletons come back to haunt me.

 

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

I read this first time in 2010 and loved it. Rereading it now I loved it even more. Now that it is fresh in my mind I can read the rest of the series.


Although Chloe was a great protagonist, I wouldn't say she was my favourite character. I think that all the characters were all that well written that I can't choose between any of them.


I loved all the plot twists in this book and couldn't believe how many of them I had completely forgotten about especially the big backstabbing at the end.


I started reading this book the second I woke up last Friday and had finished it by dinner that night which was good because it took me a week to read it back in 2010. 

Book Review #236 - The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Since his debut in 1951 as The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield has been synonymous with "cynical adolescent." Holden narrates the story of a couple of days in his sixteen-year-old life, just after he's been expelled from prep school, in a slang that sounds edgy even today and keeps this novel on banned book lists. It begins,

 

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. In the first place, that stuff bores me, and in the second place, my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything pretty personal about them."

 

 

 

His constant wry observations about what he encounters, from teachers to phonies (the two of course are not mutually exclusive) capture the essence of the eternal teenage experience of alienation.

 

 

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

I had pretty low expectations for this book as I am never usually able to even finish classics.

 

 

I didn't like this book at first as I found it slow and boring, but once Holden left Pencey I found the book picked up.

 

 

I related to Holden a lot, and for a character driven novel this was very important.

 

 

There were parts of the book that reminded me of the movie Remember Me especially the relationship between Holden and his sister.

 

 

I didn't like the ending that much as I felt it ended too abruptly. Also I feel like this is a book that I am going to love it more every time I re-read it.