Having just finished this book (quite literally) I still have tears trickling down my cheeks as I am typing. Why? Oh, only because this book truly was one of the most AMAZING books I have ever read, or perhaps that I read it in two days because it was so unputdownable.(this is because I had to sleep. If I were a superhuman who needed no sleep, I would be posting this yesterday...wait....I would have posted this yesterday.) And did I forget to mention the DEEP and COMPLEX characters with their HEART-WRENCHING stories? Seriously, this book is probably the most emotional read ever. EVER. And I adored every single page of it, and implore you to buy it/borrow it/whatever and read it! Because in doing so, you are reading one of the best books in the face of this planet. Seriously.
As is usual for my posts, I am not about to go into tiny detail as to the plot of this story. To do so would, quite frankly, ruin it for anyone who does go on to read it and I am not about to be the nasty person who spoils such a sensational story. The main two characters are Louisa "Lou" Clark and William "Will" Traynor. (Yes, another book where the amazing male main is called Will. There must be something amazing about this name!) Lou is from a working class family living in a small town which she has never left. With her bubbly nature and slightly odd fashion sense, Lou is not the 'adventurous' sort. She has a boyfriend of 7 years called Patrick (who is what can only be described as a total fitness freak) and she lives at home with her parents, her Grandad, her sister and her nephew. She had been working in the little local teashop, The Buttered Bun, but as the story starts we learn that this has just closed. Lou needs a job to support her family.
The other character, Will, was once an extreme sport loving, never sit still, successful business man who was invloved in a life changing motorcycle addicent which has left him in a wheelchair, paralysed from the chest area down. He is dependant on at least one carer for everything (feeding, medication...he can't even use a toilet) and loathes his now joyless life. His mother applies for a 'bouncey' and 'bubbly' happy person for a term of 6 months to care for Will in the day (as a way of preserving his mental health) and as good money is offered Lou takes the job, despite having no prior experience in this field.
What Lou and Will do not know, is that after the first few awkward weeks (Will is sarcastic and rude and Lou struggles to contend with this) a frienship, no matter how odd the cirumstances, will develop and change both their lifes forever.
I now make an emotional plea to everyone who reads this post; please read Me Before You. It is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read, and it is stuck in my heart. Jojo Moyes has once again hooked me with her deep characters, her addictive style and her truly amazing storyline and I already know that this will be a book I read time and time again, never failing to be wowed. This isn't one of those 'well that was nice' books; it was a 'woah that was a breath taking story, pass the tissues, that is going to stay with me forever' book. I just feel stupid that I had never read it before!
This book is for older readers, due to upsetting content (the accident left Will paralysed for life; not exactly the happiest of topics) but gets a full five- wait. This book deserves more than five stars. In fact, no amount of stars can convey its brilliance! Ok, Me Before You is worth a whole galaxy of stars; have you realised that you simply must read this insanely good book yet?!
On a slightly more serious note; this book was amazing. Truly, scarily, insanely and ridiculously amazing. Please do read, and leave a comment below with your own opinion. Happy reading, from RedHead :)
NOTE: You do not have to be a member of Blogger to comment on my blog, so please do comment! (am I stating the obvious? Apologies if I am!)
ANOTHER NOTE: They might be making a film of Me Before You! Yay! Hopefully they won't ruin it; a good film adaptation of this amazing story could be brilliant!
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Classics Challenge Update; A Tale of Two Cities
Hey there! It just occurred that I should add my latest classics read to the challenge update, and this time I was inspired to read this book because I read The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare. Will and Tessa adore this book, and make several references and quotes to it, so I decided to read it and see for myself if it was worth the adoration. I can honestly say that it was one of the best literary decisions I ever made!
A Tale of Two Cities is a classic by good old Charles Dickens, perhaps more famous for Oliver Twist and the like. Written in Victorian times, the book itself is a historical novel for it's day, telling a story set in the era of the French Revolution in the century before Dickens time! So there you have it; Victorians enjoyed historical novels too!
The two cities in the title are London and Paris; the latter being far more turbulent than the former. We follow the story of a group of main characters, whose lives are completely changed by the events of the French Revolution in ways that will change everything forever. There is Dr Manette (slightly insane due to imprisonment in the Bastille, but a good man who was believed to be dead by his daughter), Lucie Manette (the Dr's daughter who all her life has been cared for by a Miss Pross after thinking she was an orphan all those years), Mr Lorry (the good friend of the Manette's who generally aids and assists them), Charles Darnay (the mysterious Frenchman who was on trial, but was found innocent by his amazing lawyer) and Sydney Carton (the amazing lawyer who seems dark and forbidding.)
Along with several other significant characters, the story of these peoples lives spreads out over the book, changed and affected by the growing unease in France. After marriages, murders, love in vain and unswerving loyalty, the revolution finally kicks in, tearing apart France with the help of the horrific Guillotine.
The plot twists and surprises are so amazing and so shocking that you will, like me, wonder how such an amazing book could have been written in the Victorian era! I cannot describe the plot in any further detail, for fear of giving away seriously crucial information and ruining it for anyone who wants to read, but I cannot say enough how truly amazing and moving this book was. I cried; a lot.
Also, for a little bit of fun whilst reading, look out for where the word 'damn' has been written as
'd--m' because it was an awful swear word in Victorian times. Heehee!
If you're wondering 'should I read this classic' I say YES!!!! It gets a full fabulous five stars from me, and a plea that you read and comment with whether you enjoyed it or not. NOTE: Sydney Carton has since been added to my list of best book characters EVER, so why don't you see if he makes your list? Happy reading, from RedHead :)
A Tale of Two Cities is a classic by good old Charles Dickens, perhaps more famous for Oliver Twist and the like. Written in Victorian times, the book itself is a historical novel for it's day, telling a story set in the era of the French Revolution in the century before Dickens time! So there you have it; Victorians enjoyed historical novels too!
The two cities in the title are London and Paris; the latter being far more turbulent than the former. We follow the story of a group of main characters, whose lives are completely changed by the events of the French Revolution in ways that will change everything forever. There is Dr Manette (slightly insane due to imprisonment in the Bastille, but a good man who was believed to be dead by his daughter), Lucie Manette (the Dr's daughter who all her life has been cared for by a Miss Pross after thinking she was an orphan all those years), Mr Lorry (the good friend of the Manette's who generally aids and assists them), Charles Darnay (the mysterious Frenchman who was on trial, but was found innocent by his amazing lawyer) and Sydney Carton (the amazing lawyer who seems dark and forbidding.)
Along with several other significant characters, the story of these peoples lives spreads out over the book, changed and affected by the growing unease in France. After marriages, murders, love in vain and unswerving loyalty, the revolution finally kicks in, tearing apart France with the help of the horrific Guillotine.
The plot twists and surprises are so amazing and so shocking that you will, like me, wonder how such an amazing book could have been written in the Victorian era! I cannot describe the plot in any further detail, for fear of giving away seriously crucial information and ruining it for anyone who wants to read, but I cannot say enough how truly amazing and moving this book was. I cried; a lot.
Also, for a little bit of fun whilst reading, look out for where the word 'damn' has been written as
'd--m' because it was an awful swear word in Victorian times. Heehee!
If you're wondering 'should I read this classic' I say YES!!!! It gets a full fabulous five stars from me, and a plea that you read and comment with whether you enjoyed it or not. NOTE: Sydney Carton has since been added to my list of best book characters EVER, so why don't you see if he makes your list? Happy reading, from RedHead :)
Monday, 29 April 2013
The Infernal Devices
Magic is dangerous- but love is more dangerous still...
When 16 year old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria , something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by-and torn between- two best friends and quickly realises love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Hello all! Sorry for no posts and contact with you all on this blog, but now I can make it all up to you by telling you all about this startling brilliant triology by the wonderful Cassandra Clare. Yep, this trio is the perfect set of books for me; victorian London, dark magic, a brave heroine and lots of romance with *swoon* gorgeous boys. Oh, and did I mention the brilliant plot, amazing character depth and grabbing writing style? Yes, if you don't read this triology you are, in honesty, seriously missing out and being a bit stupid!
Tessa Gray is an orphan with a frightening ability to change into someone else as long as she is in possession of an object of theirs. Coming to London on the request of her brother Nate, Tessa is stunned when she is instead imprisoned by the Dark Sisters who want to use her abnormal talents. Tortured and told nothing, Tessa suffers for days until being told she will have to marry 'the Magister'. Shortly afterwards, a handsome 17 year old Shadowhunter Nephil called William Herondale burst s in, deciding to save her even thoughTessa assumed he meant harm and hurled a jug at him.
Soon Tessa becomes wrapped in the world of the Nephilim, her talent helpful to them and their promise to help Tessa find Nate in return being the start of a bond between Tessa and her new Nephil friends. Finding attraction and friendship in both mysterious, bookworm Will and ill, kind Jem Tessa struggles with a difficult love triangle over the three books.
Amongst fighting demons, searching for Nate and the truth as to what she really Iis and why she can change, Tessa finds familial friendship amongst the fearless yet friendly Shadowhunters.
I will not explain any more regarding plot, because it will just ruin it for any potential reader, but I cannot say enough how truly outstanding these books are. I laughed (Will is the best character for me; gorgeous, funny and so well read he hads a quote for any situation!), I cried and I found no fault in Cassandra Clare s wtiting of these fabulous books. It recieves a full five shiny golden stars for brilliance in plot, characters and non put downability and if you do choose to read them I can promise that you will too aadore them. Cassandras other series, The Mortal Instruments (the Infernal Devices are a prequel to these) is being released as a film in August, but their is hope that the Infernal Devices will too be made into a cool film! The screenplay is in progress and they are finding a director, so fingers crossed! Please do comment and share your, hopefully adoring, thoughts in the comments and tell me which boy you prefer! I am a Will supporter myself, so in his gorgeous immortal words, 'Never trust a duck'. Enjoy, please comment and happy reading! From RedHead
When 16 year old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria , something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by-and torn between- two best friends and quickly realises love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Hello all! Sorry for no posts and contact with you all on this blog, but now I can make it all up to you by telling you all about this startling brilliant triology by the wonderful Cassandra Clare. Yep, this trio is the perfect set of books for me; victorian London, dark magic, a brave heroine and lots of romance with *swoon* gorgeous boys. Oh, and did I mention the brilliant plot, amazing character depth and grabbing writing style? Yes, if you don't read this triology you are, in honesty, seriously missing out and being a bit stupid!
Tessa Gray is an orphan with a frightening ability to change into someone else as long as she is in possession of an object of theirs. Coming to London on the request of her brother Nate, Tessa is stunned when she is instead imprisoned by the Dark Sisters who want to use her abnormal talents. Tortured and told nothing, Tessa suffers for days until being told she will have to marry 'the Magister'. Shortly afterwards, a handsome 17 year old Shadowhunter Nephil called William Herondale burst s in, deciding to save her even thoughTessa assumed he meant harm and hurled a jug at him.
Soon Tessa becomes wrapped in the world of the Nephilim, her talent helpful to them and their promise to help Tessa find Nate in return being the start of a bond between Tessa and her new Nephil friends. Finding attraction and friendship in both mysterious, bookworm Will and ill, kind Jem Tessa struggles with a difficult love triangle over the three books.
Amongst fighting demons, searching for Nate and the truth as to what she really Iis and why she can change, Tessa finds familial friendship amongst the fearless yet friendly Shadowhunters.
I will not explain any more regarding plot, because it will just ruin it for any potential reader, but I cannot say enough how truly outstanding these books are. I laughed (Will is the best character for me; gorgeous, funny and so well read he hads a quote for any situation!), I cried and I found no fault in Cassandra Clare s wtiting of these fabulous books. It recieves a full five shiny golden stars for brilliance in plot, characters and non put downability and if you do choose to read them I can promise that you will too aadore them. Cassandras other series, The Mortal Instruments (the Infernal Devices are a prequel to these) is being released as a film in August, but their is hope that the Infernal Devices will too be made into a cool film! The screenplay is in progress and they are finding a director, so fingers crossed! Please do comment and share your, hopefully adoring, thoughts in the comments and tell me which boy you prefer! I am a Will supporter myself, so in his gorgeous immortal words, 'Never trust a duck'. Enjoy, please comment and happy reading! From RedHead
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Phanto,m of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Finally I have got around to posting my review on this simply AMAZING book! Some people have already commented on the Classics Challenge post about this wonderful read so it's clear many of you already know and love this thrilling and emotional story. Just to clarify; this is about the BOOK not the amazing musical!
The story starts in the Paris Opera where we learn that the Opera House is haunted by the 'Opera Ghost' who frrightens the ballerinas and plays tricks on the owners. He always sits in Box 5, attended by Madame Giry and always demands he is paid money every year. The opera house, we learn, is being handed to new management and the new owners do not want to pay a 'ghost'. The story goes on, trouble caused by the lack of payment and a new star emerging from nowhere; Christine Daae, who sings like an angel and attracts much applause from the audience when she performs in the place of the former diva who flounced off. One memeber of the audience is Raoul, the Viscount de Chagny.
As Raoul wishes to meet Christine again after so many years (they were childhood friends) he hurries to her rooms backstage. But outside the door he hears not only Christines voice, but a mans too. A voice that is alluring and soft, and voice so full of music it reminds Raoul of the Angel of Music, a promise made to Christine by her Father that and Angel of Music would come to her when he died. Christine, on being confronted by Raoul, says that there was no one there.
Other dramatic events folow on. When the Ghosts demands are not met that Christine should play the lead in the Opera Faust and that Box 5 remains his own, Carlotta (the old diva) loses her voice and the chandelier plummets to the ground. Then by far the strangest event occurs; the disappearance of Christine Daae!
This review does not go into the mystery surrounding the 'Opera Ghost', or the 'Phantom' as he is more commonly known due to the musical. This is because the events surrounding him are so exciting and key to the plot twists that any information would ruin the story for you!
The Phantom of the Opera is not a light easy read, nor is it a positive smiley story. It is a tale of obsession, murder, a tormented person due to their looks and the redemptive power of love. I won't lie; I will always wish the ending was somehow different, for in many ways this is Beauty and the Beast without the happy ending. However, this story is also one the most amazing and powerful books I have ever read and would seriously recommend it to anyone and everyone. I cried, I jumped and I thought about this book for days after I finished it.
This book is especially good if you buy/borrow/download a version that has references and notes on the unclear parts to the story like all the references to famous people and places of the time (this book is actually French and has to be translated into English) and a little prior history of the story and Gaston Leroux.
There is only one message to all readers of this blog that I can possibly think of; read this book! You will be amazed!
Five shiny golden stars (is it possible to go higher? Maybe SIX!) and the age rating OLDER READERS for perhaps upsetting themes and content.
Happy reading, please comment! From RedHead
The story starts in the Paris Opera where we learn that the Opera House is haunted by the 'Opera Ghost' who frrightens the ballerinas and plays tricks on the owners. He always sits in Box 5, attended by Madame Giry and always demands he is paid money every year. The opera house, we learn, is being handed to new management and the new owners do not want to pay a 'ghost'. The story goes on, trouble caused by the lack of payment and a new star emerging from nowhere; Christine Daae, who sings like an angel and attracts much applause from the audience when she performs in the place of the former diva who flounced off. One memeber of the audience is Raoul, the Viscount de Chagny.
As Raoul wishes to meet Christine again after so many years (they were childhood friends) he hurries to her rooms backstage. But outside the door he hears not only Christines voice, but a mans too. A voice that is alluring and soft, and voice so full of music it reminds Raoul of the Angel of Music, a promise made to Christine by her Father that and Angel of Music would come to her when he died. Christine, on being confronted by Raoul, says that there was no one there.
Other dramatic events folow on. When the Ghosts demands are not met that Christine should play the lead in the Opera Faust and that Box 5 remains his own, Carlotta (the old diva) loses her voice and the chandelier plummets to the ground. Then by far the strangest event occurs; the disappearance of Christine Daae!
This review does not go into the mystery surrounding the 'Opera Ghost', or the 'Phantom' as he is more commonly known due to the musical. This is because the events surrounding him are so exciting and key to the plot twists that any information would ruin the story for you!
The Phantom of the Opera is not a light easy read, nor is it a positive smiley story. It is a tale of obsession, murder, a tormented person due to their looks and the redemptive power of love. I won't lie; I will always wish the ending was somehow different, for in many ways this is Beauty and the Beast without the happy ending. However, this story is also one the most amazing and powerful books I have ever read and would seriously recommend it to anyone and everyone. I cried, I jumped and I thought about this book for days after I finished it.
This book is especially good if you buy/borrow/download a version that has references and notes on the unclear parts to the story like all the references to famous people and places of the time (this book is actually French and has to be translated into English) and a little prior history of the story and Gaston Leroux.
There is only one message to all readers of this blog that I can possibly think of; read this book! You will be amazed!
Five shiny golden stars (is it possible to go higher? Maybe SIX!) and the age rating OLDER READERS for perhaps upsetting themes and content.
Happy reading, please comment! From RedHead
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Classics Challenge Update; Phantom of the Opera and Sense and Sensibility
Hello all readers and Classics Challenge followers! So far this New Year is looking promising in my battle to read more classics, with one completion and a new book started already!
The classic I have recently read (and will post about shortly) was a book I didn't even know existed in any other form than a stage show and from there a DVD. But no, it turns out that the infamous 'Phantom of the Opera' was indeed a book first.
Just a little background on the book at it's author will hopefully motivate you to read until I get around to publishing a full post on the story. The Phantom of the Opera was written by the frenchman Gaston Leroux and has been translated into English several times, so perhaps it is better to use it's real, French title; Le Fantôme de l'Opéra. It was written in 1910 and wasn't actually very popular at the time! The story is one of obsession, music and the redemptive power of love, often demanding the reader to think carefully as to what is insanity and what is the mark of a tormented, abused person. This book is captivating from start to finish and if you are like me you may find yourself puzzling over it long after you have read the last page. This is a definite must-read with teary moments, but a better, more detailed review of this amazing story is to follow soon!
The classic I recently started and adore is the well-know, much loved Sense and Sensibility by the wonderful Jane Austen. Having seen the film many times and loving the characters; Elinor with her reserved character and Marianne who makes a drama out of anything and everything, I just had to read it. So far, so good! On completion a review will follow!
If you wish to read along with me, see details of the classics already read on other Classics Challenge posts and feel free to leave recommendations and comments in the comments section below.
Happy reading! From RedHead :)
The classic I have recently read (and will post about shortly) was a book I didn't even know existed in any other form than a stage show and from there a DVD. But no, it turns out that the infamous 'Phantom of the Opera' was indeed a book first.
Just a little background on the book at it's author will hopefully motivate you to read until I get around to publishing a full post on the story. The Phantom of the Opera was written by the frenchman Gaston Leroux and has been translated into English several times, so perhaps it is better to use it's real, French title; Le Fantôme de l'Opéra. It was written in 1910 and wasn't actually very popular at the time! The story is one of obsession, music and the redemptive power of love, often demanding the reader to think carefully as to what is insanity and what is the mark of a tormented, abused person. This book is captivating from start to finish and if you are like me you may find yourself puzzling over it long after you have read the last page. This is a definite must-read with teary moments, but a better, more detailed review of this amazing story is to follow soon!
The classic I recently started and adore is the well-know, much loved Sense and Sensibility by the wonderful Jane Austen. Having seen the film many times and loving the characters; Elinor with her reserved character and Marianne who makes a drama out of anything and everything, I just had to read it. So far, so good! On completion a review will follow!
If you wish to read along with me, see details of the classics already read on other Classics Challenge posts and feel free to leave recommendations and comments in the comments section below.
Happy reading! From RedHead :)
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Poppy's War
Happy New Year everyone! If you're looking for something new to try out this year I recommend reading a new genre. If you're bored of the usual adventure or rom com, why not try this genre of historical romance? Here is an amazing book that sums up this genre in every way possible; Poppy's War by Lily Baxter.
The book starts in turbulent 1939, when thirteen year old Poppy Brown is evacuated to Dorset to escape the threat of bombing in London. Picked out of a ragged bunch of children on a station platform by the wealthy Mrs Carroll, Poppy is thrust into a scary new environment of a big country manor with servants and strict rules. Poppy finds little sympathy from the harsh servants, who begrude the fact that she is given nice clothes and good food, and the Carroll family don't even acknowledge her most of the time. Soon Poppy meets Guy, the kindly son of the Carrolls, and to Poppy's anguish, his lovely fiancee Amy who takes Poppy under her wing.
Follow Poppy's turbulent life as she survives the death or her famiy, befriending land girls, working as a nurse and being in love with a man who is never going to see her as more than the friendly little girl from London.
This book is, quite simply, amazing. The story covers such a wide range of events and problems and people, but still remains a dramatic, lovely and thrilling read. I read this book in a day, simply because once I picked it up I could not stop reading it. Poppy is an amazing character, full of mystery and emotion, and even when you think you know her Lily Baxter throws in a plot twist and enthralls you all over again.
When the book ended I cried, simply because it was so lovely. Poppy's War is a full five shiny stars, and quite simply a MUST READ. I loved it, and it is now one of my favourite books!
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