The Giver / Lois Lowry

My friend, Heidi, kindly contributed this review. Please leave her a comment.

Summary - In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy.

Review - The Giver was one of the first books to really get me thinking. We read it in Middle School, but I have read it many times since then. The book makes you think in the beginning that a world with no pain and no stress from making choices might be a good world to live in, but Jonas and the reader soon find out that taking away choice takes away the ability to be an individual. I love the way this book makes you think. As a teenager, it introduced many new ideas and even now, as an adult, I find new things to consider each time. I haven't read it in a while, and now, thinking about it, I'll probably have to reread it.

I really love the parts with The Giver and Jonas. I like their conversations and when Jonas gets the memories. I really feel for both characters. Jonas, for having to endure the pain and grief, and The Giver, for having to give away the good memories and having to inflict the bad ones on Jonas. I also really enjoy Jonas' family dynamic and hearing about this world that is so strange and controlled. I mean everyone get a bike when they're 8, I think that's the right age, how boring is that. You'd know every step of your life. Nothing would be a surprise, except what job you would get, but you wouldn't get to choose. There is so much to discuss, so I'll end here.

Published: 1994
Format: Paperback, pages
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Origin: USA
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There is a movie version of this title that is projected to be released in 2011. David Yates, who also directed Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is currently attached.

Interview

In a very cool twist of events - I have been interviewed. David Wu who is records a series of Fringe-based parody songs had a talk to me about podcasting, blogging and Sarah Dessen this week.

If you'd like to check it out, click here.

Booking Through Thursday (1)

What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love? Why? And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?

I am one of those individuals that finds it almost impossible to correctly remember lyrics, even if I have heard them a million times. But I am going to give it a shot -

Josh Radin/Schuyler Fisk (Paperweight) - Every line in this song is perfection but here's the section I really love as I think it depicts the joy and the rose tinted glasses you wear when you are in love.

Every word you say I think
I should write down
Don't want to forget come daylight

Adele (Chasing Pavements) - the lyrics just struck me immediately with this song. Not only that but Adele is enormously talented and her whole album is sublime.

Lynyrd Skynyrd (Freebird) - C'mon it's a classic. I think we've all felt the impulse to change the one we love. Maybe we should stop. (It was hilariously used this week on FNL as a wedding march).

Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you'll never change.
And this bird you can not change.

Kelly Clarkson (Because of You) - This song makes me teary every single time I hear it. Every lyrics has resonance to a person in my life. I know that it might be a little mainstream for some people but I truly believe that Kelly feels every lyrics too.

Looking for Alibrandi Movie

Synopsis - With three generations of strong-willed women, life is never dull around the Alibrandi household. Inter-generational conflict, the sometimes uneasy adaptation of cultural traditions to new environments, changing boundaries for women, love, maturity and self identity are all explored through Josie (Pia Miranda), Christina (Greta Scacchi) and Nonna Katia's (Elena Cotta) volatile and complex relationships.

Josie's world is split between her home and family in inner western Sydney and her school, a prestigious private Catholic girls' school in the eastern suburbs. Here, under the watchful eye of headmistress Sister Louise (Kerry Walker) she and her friends from the wrong side of town negotiate the taunts of the ruling in-group, led by Carly Bishop (Leanna Walsman), the Anglo-Australian princess. Josie's desire to be a part of the privileged world of middle class Australia is at odds with her chaotic, unconventional home life - and with her own strong and individualistic spirit.

Her confusion is heightened by her first experiences of love, in which she finds herself torn between the handsome, high achieving private school boy John Barton (Matthew Newton) and the scruffy, non conformist Jacob Coote (Kick Gurry).

And then she suddenly has to negotiate a relationship with a third man - Michael Andretti (Anthony Lapaglia), the father who she has never met.

When I heard that a movie version of Looking for Alibrandi was going to be made back in the late part of the 90s, I was ecstatic as well as filled with dread. What would happen if my favourite novel was completely bastardised into something that in no way resembled the quintessential novel of my youth? I think that is a valid fear, many of us have seen film version of our beloved books and it's been traumatising. But I was able to breathe a huge sigh of relief when I discovered that the author, Melina Marchetta, was writing the screenplay.

Some of you may not be familiar with the book (if so read it now) and some of you may not have realised that there is a film version. Regardless, know that this tale has been guarded well. There are many things to love in this movie. Whether Pia Miranda's vibrant, vulnerable and biting Josie, Greta Scacchi's very restrained performance as Christina or Italian actress, Elena Cotta's powerhouse performance as Katia - you will love the Alibrandi's as realised on film.

Then there are the boys. Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace) plays Michael Andretti, the father Josie never knew and he's charismatic and emotive. Miranda and LaPaglia even look related and their shared scenes are delicate, powerful and never compromising. Kick Gurry's Jacob (above)was a concern, he wasn't what I envisoned but his line delivery and his ability to make me both love and hate him demonstrates his innate understanding of that character. Matthew Newton gives a wonderfully understated and intuitive performance as the repressed dreamboat, John.

There is not a weak link in the chain here and you'll find yourself swept along with the magic that is Marchetta's story. There are wonderful scenes that one won't forget; Josie contentedly smiling as she hears her father snoring, the bedroom fight (if you read the book you'll know what I am referencing) and her grandmother's confession.

I love the book and I love this movie. When the movie credit were rolling, back in 2000, I was focused on what wasn't in the movie - the dance dress was wrong, there were character's merged, scene's missing. Now I look at it as a honest, loyal representation of a much beloved novel. I would like to make special mention of two things. 1) Kerry Walker was exactly as I envisioned Sister Louise and I loved her for it and 2) the letter exchange scene is bordering on sublime.

Film's trailer:

Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight / Nick Earls & Rebecca Sparrow

Summary - Joel would prefer to get through his final year of high school without Cat Davis or his mother's faux Spanish boyfriend and just hang-out with his best-friend Luke.Cat Davis has an annoying best-friend, an even more annoying little brother, and a deep abiding hatred of Joel Hedges.

Due to an unfortunate incident involving a leaking pen and suspected outbreak of Bird Flu, Joel and Cat are forced to sit next to each other in Extension English. To make matters worse, and to their mutual horror, they are paired together for a tandem story writing assignment.

What ensues reveals a lot about how smug teenage boys are and what teenage girls really think. No, wait – it's about a sane female and an insane male. It's about revenge and mistaken identity.

Review - I very briefly mentioned this novel in my review of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. I did this because I think this novel is a better representation of what two YA authors, of different genders, can achieve together. The narrative here is strong and yet generally light in tone. It is evident that there was planning involved in the direction of the narrative and thus each chapter contributes to drawing the story along as well as the growth of each character.

Joel and Cat have a past history that comes back to haunt both of them when they are forced to work together on a tandem narrative assignment. This is a great method of storytelling as our characters are forced (like their author counterparts) to collaborative on a graded story. Joel wants to write about a spy with the emphasis on action and gun fire whereas Cat wanted to evoke the genteel nature of Jane Austen. Needless to say, the dynamics are explosive.

Each author does a fabulous job at depicting a well rounded character, complete with compelling home lives filled with strange and loveable minor characters. We truly get to know Joel and Cat as individuals, as well as their families. Their banter is quick, organic and flows like an absolute dream. Not only that, it's humorous as all heck and I found myself laughing out loud at several points during the one sitting in which I demolished Earls and Sparrow's words.

I am not going to discuss the plot as many surprises are revealed as the story unfurls. What I can say is that it is vastly enjoyable read with a distinct Australian voice. Bec and Nick should be heartily commended on this novel. It has set the bar for collaborative, alternating-perspective writing projects for me. If you have the chance, hunt this novel down, it will be worth it.






Published: 2007
Format: Paperback , 252 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group
Origin: AUST
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Penguin Author Profiles: Rebecca - Nick
Nick Earl's Official Website
Rebecca Sparrow's Official Website
An extract
Interview - text
Interview - video
Penguin Q&A - Rebecca - Nick

SDD Podcast

Some of you might know that I do an accompanying podcast for my other blog, the Sarah Dessen Diarist.

I have just uploaded the first episode for The Truth About Forever where I discuss my thoughts on the first six chapters of the novel.

You can hit the following link to hear it, right click and download it or alternatively subscribe over at iTunes. I have already covered Lock and Key and This Lullaby.

Download here

WoW / A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

'Waiting on' Wednesday - A Small Free Kiss in the Dark / Glenda Millard

From Allen & Unwin:

Skip's an outsider, a quiet observer. He draws pictures to make sense of the world. He's never fitted in. So he takes to the streets. Life there may be hard, but it's better than the one he's left, especially when he teams up with old Billy. Then come the bombs which leave little Max in his care, and also Tia, the sad dancer, with her sweet baby, Sixpence. Scavenging for food, living on love and imagination...how long can Skip's fragile new family hold out as war grips the city?

Beautiful cover and a really sweet title. I have no idea what to expect but I can't wait to read it.

Teaser Tuesday / January 13

So I am a day behind....sue me.

What are Teaser Tuesdays all about?

* Grab your current read
* Let the book fall open to a random page
* Share 2 "teaser" sentences from the page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* No spoilers! Just teasers :)

Current book - Ransom my Heart / Mia Thermopolis (Meb Cabot).

Random page - the one with the receipt stuffed in it.

Teaser sentence -

"When was she going to learn to keep her mouth shut?"

Hey, when did this turn into a life lesson! Sadly, it seems I (or should I say the salesperson) picked the wrong page because there were no thrilling sentences in that selection.

Bookapalooza

I spent a hour in the city today. I hit up both Dymocks and Borders and was surprised that the former had the better selection of YA novels. I was not surprised to find that neither had any David Levithan books in stock. I tried to order one but again no stock in their entire company? You have got to be kidding me? His 'Kill the Vampires' speech popped into my head and I murmured a few choice words and censorship under my breath as I paid for the books I did find.

And what were these books....
Ransom my Heart - Mia Thermopolis with help from Meg Cabot
Grief Girl: my true story - Erin Vincent *
The Transformation of Minna Hargreaves - Fleur Bale *
Hope was Here - Joan Bauer
Hatchet - Gary Paulsen
Red Spikes - Margo Lanagan * (I didn't get the cool cover to the left though_
The Red Shoe - Ursula Dubosarsky *

Only the first of these is a new release, the rest have been on the shelves for awhile. I am excited to get acquainted with some Aussie/New Zealand authors (*) though. Having been in a trashy novel funk for a few years when I was living in the country, I am excited to see what I have been missing.

Hatchet I read many years ago and am contemplating as a class text later in the year. But am wondering if that is too stereotypical a novel to choose? Hope was Here is a Newbery Honour Book and has fabulous cover art. I can't wait to churn my way through it.

Award winning books are sometimes a quandry. Like often the Oscar winner for Best Movie is about as interesting as Katie Holmes with or without Tom Cruise. That's why I like the Cybils and Inkys, they choose books that people like to read and more importantly, covet. I have sought out books on the Cybils short-list this fortnight and was pleasantly rewarded. Winning an award is a honour but sometimes I wonder what political mumbo-jumbo is going on behind the scenes to decided the recipients. I don't have this fear with the Inkys or Cybils at all.

I also bought a huge blue bag with the words - J'en connais un rayon - on it. Australia is outlawing plastic bag use as of May 2009 and it was one of the more attractive, reusable shopping bags I have seen. The problem is ... I can't read French. Can someone please tell me I am not declaring my worship of the pig goddess, Elsbeth!

Vague comment of the day - For those in the know, I considered two of the titles of these books as a good sign for the title of the project we are working on.

Breaking Dawn / Stephenie Meyer

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life—first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse—seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever? Goodreads

Review - So I was unfortunately exposed to a range of plot points prior to receiving the book on Monday. I was not a happy camper. That being said I deliberately read it in one sitting so no one else could do it to me.

Lots of people are disappointed in the book as a whole. Reading the amazon.com reviews is a nasty experience and I hope that Stephenie Meyer avoids that site like the plague, no one needs to be that nasty in summarising their thoughts on a book (no matter how justified). This is someone’s work.

I am going to dot point the parts of the book that I enjoyed or connected with:

1. The honeymoon - I liked the whole bruises/feathers impact of their first time together. I loved hearing that Edward has discussed it with his father and brothers, I always thought he was so self-contained that it hadn’t occured to me that he’d be nervous too.

2. Rosalie - now this is contentious. She is a prickly son of a gun but her motivations were very clear - envy. That being said she would die for Bella and Edward’s child. I also loved the repartee between Jacob and herself. I loved that she got a lot more featured time in this novel and that Bella thought to call her from Rio de Janeiro.

3. Alice - the doubt of her own gift in regards to Bella’s child was great. I loved that the werewolf clouding was the only thing that could give her respite when in proximity to Bella. It would be horrible for Alice to actively avoid her best friend in this time and Jacob made it possible. I loved Alice’s role in the back end of this book too.

4. Bella - apart from the glorious happiness, I liked the way Meyer showed the progression from bratty teen to mature mother, the evolution from human to vampire. Bella grew in many ways not just in her genetic makeup.

5. Book 2 - I liked that Meyer decided the have part of the book from Jacob’s perspective. Do I think she wrote a boy’s point of view accurately? Not particularly, it was the weaker written part of the book. That being said, I liked the plot points of this section the most. This was my favourite segment of the book and it makes me even more eager to read Midnight Sun.

6. Imprinting - the whole concept was explained with Quil so I find is amazing that people found it disgusting. Jacob’s feelings for the child (I refuse to write that abysmal name) were pure of heart and intention. Bella and Jacob’s attachment to one another was all that child, that her presence as an egg in Bella’s ovaries was the reason Jacob was unable to let go until the child was born. This has got to annoy Jacob/Bella fans but to me it made sense.

7. The details presented upon Bella’s transformation to vampire, her acclimatation to her new strengths was amazing to read.

Now for the negative aspects that I took me away from the book:

1. The whole birth scene - it went way too long. It was writtten well but it could have been edited down significantly. I kind of object to the fact that we don’t have a fully formed sex scene but I do have to read every gory tale about the baby breaking Bella’s spine, pelvis and ribs.

2. Edward - where was he really? His role was minimal in this book and that disappointed me. I loved seeing him carefree and treating Bella as an equal but he wasn’t in the book enough.

3. The whole idea that the Cullens will stay in Folks, that Charlie “kinda” knows and that everything is a-okay. Everything in life doesn’t have it’s place, there needed to be some more messiness to the resolution of Bella and Edward’s life together. There were no deaths, no real sacrifices and Bella got everything she wanted. I think this is what people objected to the most. Most people in life know that this isn’t realistic, she made the tough choice knowing there would be definite repercussions and their weren’t any really. She adjusted to vampire life in a snap, was able to control herself, was able to see and sort of explain to her father and also have a baby. There was too much that fell into place.

4. Too much about new vampire characters that I didn’t care about. Focus on the one’s we know and love. Poor Jasper, Emmett and even Esme got very little time in this book and that disappointed me greatly. I really don’t care about the Denali sisters or nomadic vampires, give me more of the characters I love.

5. Folks Tribe - the teens that we knew from the first three books are non-existant in this book. I am sure most of them would’ve wanted to contact Bella after the honeymoon, reported quarantine or not. It annoyed me that so many relationships set up in novels 1-3 were disregarded.

6. Reneesme - quite possibly the ugliest name in history. Why couldn’t they have gone with Carlie? It was just a plot point to get to the Nessie joke, which still didn’t make it worth it. I find this child in no way near endearing as the author clearly intended. This child is a freak. I find it disturbing that she engenders such faith and loyalty in vampires when all I could think was of the movie, Children of the Corn. I love the connection she has with Bella and also her power, which made sense but I didn’t like her.

7. Bella’s power and the final showdown - too much of a poor man’s X-men for me. The conclusion to the war that was rising was tame, tepid and anitclimatic. I objected to Bella’s all emcompassing power, ridiculous.

Lastly - can someone explain to me why, as a human, Bella was so atune to blood? Was it due to Reneesme being in her body as an egg?

I enjoyed this book. Any book that completes a book series is going to be contentious because people want different things. That’s why movie trilogies often disappoint people. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows disappointed me, in part, as Rowling similarly felt the need to roll up everything nicely in the epilogue. Threads can be left hanging.


Published: 2008
Format: Softcover, Way too long
Publisher: Little Brown
Origin: USA

The Hunger Games / Suzanne Collins

My first guest reviewer, Leiah, is taking the reins on this novel. Make sure to leave her a comment!

Summary - Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Leiah's Review - Katniss Everdeen has not had an easy life. Not very many people in District 12 have, but hers, as well as her mother and little sister, Prim, has been exceptionally difficult. This tale set in the future of a post-revolutionary United States documents the annual event known as "The Hunger Games". As an aftereffect of the aforementioned revolution, each of the now 12 districts must send a boy and girl to the Capital to serve as a tribute in this "last one standing, wins" battle to the death, which of course is televised live into every home. The Capital is all-knowing, all-seeing, and an environment that is completely foreign to Katniss. How Katniss even ends up going to The Hunger Games is something that speaks to her character. When her little sister is selected to be half of the tribute from District 12, Katniss does not hesitate to volunteer to go in her stead. She takes care of those she loves without regard to her own safety. The illegal hunting and black-market trade she has been doing for years with her partner, Gale, to ensure that her family doesn't starve was just the first step in Katniss' anti-government stand. How she navigates her way through the treacherous battle field of the Games, in the first installment in Collins' planned trilogy, shows how a quick-mind and a pure heart can be live savers.

This book came to my attention as a recommended read to TwilightMoms from Stephenie Meyer. I have not been a big reader of young adult fiction for many years, since I was a young adult, but based on the positive reception it received by other TMs, I gave it a go. I am so glad I did. Being introduced to Katniss and her world was not only enjoyable, but thought provoking. As technology, media obsession, and demand for instant gratification in all areas of our lives increases ever so steadily, we are becoming desensitized to images of the suffering and need of others. The shock of something so heinous as The Hunger Games and the deaths of the contestants being seen as a form of entertainment for the masses is Collins' platform to show where this path could eventually lead. Political and moral commentaries aside, the story is a well-written tale that will take readers on an adventure with a heroine that they will come to love.

Guest reviews are not marked by the Persnickety Snark grading scale.

Published: September 14 2008
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Origin: US
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Suzanne Collins' Official Site

Everything Beautiful / Simmone Howell

Summary - Riley Rose, atheist and bad girl, has been tricked into attending Spirit Ranch, a Christian camp. There she meets Dylan Kier, alumni camper and recent paraplegic, who arrives with a chip on his shoulder and a determination to perfect all of his bad habits. United in their personal suffering and in their irritation at their fellow campers, they turn the camp inside out as they question the meaning of belief systems, test their faith in each other, and ultimately settle a debate of the heart.

Review - Two words scared me - Christian Camp. Two reasons why - 1) caricutures and cliches were almost inevitable and 2) I don't like being preached to.

Thankfully, this didn't occur as I was spared a 7th Heaven : The Novel experience. However I did find myself strangley resistant to the novel for the first few chapters, having started it once weeks ago and stopping a few pages in. I think the character of Riley's prickliness + the Christian Camp factor scared me off. Having finished today, I found myself having read a humorous novel detailing what can happen in seven days if you give people a chance.

There are plenty of jokes at the expense of religion so if you are sensitive about those kinds of things (and some swearing) I think you might steer clear of this title. Not that any of it is mean spirited, it's just taking advantage of the plethora of stereotypes out in the world. If you look beneath the surface though, those cliched individuals do have dimensions that unfurl slowly and carefully. I personally loved Sarita - the phrase muddling, formal speaking, Indian Presbyterian. She is an absolute delight and every word that Howell writes for her is perfection.

Riley is the traditional bad girl protagonist - she swears, she smokes, she tumbles and she hides the fact that she loves reading. We've all met this character before, her mother has died and she's journeyed on a path of self-destruction to mask her inner pain. However, in this case, Riley is a big girl. Yes, she's fat, chooses to wear copious amount of black and has violet, asymmetrical hair. She screams headcase. Yet it's her interactions with the various members of the camp and the recently paralysed, fellow sceptic Dylan that opens her eyes and brings some much needed emotional processing. There is no miraculous turn around here, the end is somewhat ambiguous and I liked the novel all the more for it. (I also want a Church girl Fresh button).

Howell perfectly described a landscape I was very familiar with (country teaching placement) and made it sound both isolating and beautiful. The dialogue is crackling with cynacism and healthy doses of humour and I can see teens really enjoying this book. As involved as I was in the events of this novel, I found myself continually wondering if I would have prefered reading this journey from Dylan's perspective. Honestly, I think I might have. That being said, I would definitely pick up a copy and delight in the adventure of a fat girl and a cripple (their words, not mine.)







Published: October 28 2008
Format: Paperback , 304 pages
Publisher: PacMacmillan Australia
Origin: AUST.
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Simmone Howell's Website
Simmone's livejournal blog
Publisher homepage for Everything Beautiful
Simmone's self-crafted novel trailer:

Melina Marchetta - Interview for Finnikin of the Rock

Here is an interview Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi, Saving Francesca, (On the) Jellicoe Road and Finnikin of the Rock) recorded on 20 October, 2008. In it she details the traveling she did to research for Finnikin, writing full time and the connections between her novels. I am also excited to hear a tidbit about her current project, The Piper's Son (Tom Mackee's story from Saving Francesca).

Download here
(Thank you to the ABC National Life Matters broadcast)

Persnickety Snark - Rating System

I had to devise a rating system that would work and yet be uniquely my own. Here it is in escalating levels of worthiness -



SPIDER - Avoidable!






GOLDFISH - Bland but tolerable







PENGUIN - Cute, I like it!





WINGED MONKEY - Scary good




UNICORN - Mythical Awesomeness

David Levithan - 'Kill the Vampires' Speech

David Levithan was a special guest at the 2007 Reading Matters Conference here in Australia. What came of his attendance was something incredibly special, confronting and absolutely true.

'Kill the Vampires' is extremely articulate and thought provoking speech about tolerance, homophobia and finding the right book for each kid. Warning - there is one expletive voiced.

The best ten minutes you'll have today. Download here
Thank you to insideadog for making it available).

Finding Darcy / Sue Lawson

Summary - “Then I found what I was looking for. A photo of a man in army uniform. Written in pencil, on the back of the photo, was Darcy Charles Fletcher, 1941.”

When Darcy Abbott is sent to live with her surly grandmother and silent great-grandmother (and a TV curfew of 9.30 and no internet access) for three months, she discovers a mystery regarding the death of her great-grandfather, Darcy Charles Fletcher, during World War II.

By Finding Darcy, Darcy Abbott discovers exactly what she has been searching for all her life — except she didn’t know it.

Review - I am ashamed to admit this but I bought the book because I thought the cover was pretty. Turns out I was rewarded with a great read, but isn't that poppy as pretty as a picture?

I really loved this book. The combination of Darcy's dissatisfaction for living with the women of her family, classroom bullying and a thirst for information on her great-grandfather (for whom she was also named) is riveting. I am a bit of a war buff (history is my thing); so the beautiful incorporation of Darcy's piecing together information on her forefather within a contemporary Australian setting was compelling to me.

Darcy's been saddled with a living history project and as such begins to research her great-grandfather with the extra difficulty of World War II discussion being banned in her home. Through this research, Darcy is able to better understand why her somewhat crazy great-grandmother, Batty, and her unyielding grandmother, Misery, as pieces of information begin to fit together and the truth is revealed. I think what stayed with me the most, is the damage that is wrecked on a family by war, not just the immediate generations but those following too. It felt intensely personal at times, light hearted at others.

Themes of family, love, grief, war, bullying and anger are strong throughout. Lawson has a beautiful way of sharing her world with the reader and the storyline had me entirely invested in the outcome. The humour was great throughout - it had me from the moment I read Darcy's nicknames for her grandmothers. This book highlights that by talking about our lost loved ones, we give them the best legacy, remembrance.

The humour, drama and tension of this novel, along with the peppering of our country’s war history is an amazing read exploring the relationships between four generations of women. I loved each of the character’s complexity, their journey to understanding and organic growth. It is all these things that helped me decide to make it one of my texts for English this year. I think that is the best recommendation I can give a book (and that I will be reading her other titles).






Published: 2008
Format: Paperback , 280 pages
Publisher: Black Dog Books
Origin: AUST.
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Black Dog Book's Finding Darcy page
Black Dog Book's Author page
Sue Lawson's Official Website

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist / Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Summary - It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, who’s just walked in to his band’s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York City—and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.

Review - I jumped on this book before I had the chance to see the movie and it owned my heart the moment 'queercore' was mentioned. That being said, I do believe the substantial amount of hype that I have heard about this book robbed me of complete enjoyment. I never got that unexpected thrill, instead I kept thinking 'what next?' It did at one point become a wobbling tale of ...and then and then and then's.

I am suprised that the authors were able to keep such a strong narrative throughout when by all accounts, there was no plotting involved. Nick and Norah are both fully realised characters, possessing relatable quirks and a dogged need to survive the night. I might have been more impressed with the concept of two authors writing alternating chapters from one of the protagonist's perspective had I not read Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight (Rebecca Sparrow & Nick Earls) first. I think the latter was better at using the alternating chapters with one cohesive story.

The characters, I loved. Norah's someone I can imagine being friends with and I badly wish to possess one of Nick's compilations. Both characters are straight edge (no drinking or smoking) which is rare in this day and age and I like that the authors decided to skirt the hardcore rocking, rubbished by alcohol cliche that could have been used. The dialogue is a gift, snappy and yet realistic with it's ums and errs. Teens are quick with the retorts and can be ridiculously verbose and I loved that this was shown within this novel.

I have to add a note about the profanity in this book. Some people will object to it. Some won't. The reality is...teens swear and this is a YA book. I normally don't mind profanity, I am a huge fan of Deadwood for goodness sakes, however some of the frequency of the swearing did grate on my nerves after awhile it just seemed unnecessary. That's when it's not so good.

Heartbreak can suck, exes suck more. The tone of this book was great. I felt that it really spoke to the youth of today with the integration of music, openmindedness and a Yugo (an automobile I was completely unfamiliar with until reading this.) There are many things to like and love about this novel but I feel the execution and fluidity suffered from the lack of plotting.







Published: 2006
Format: Paperback , 192 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Origin: USA
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Preview - Chapter 1 Excerpt
Rachel Cohn's Website
David Levithan's Website
Random House - Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - find playlists, blogs and podcasts here

The Last Summer (of You and Me) / Ann Brashares

Summary - A treacly tale about the tribulations a trio of longtime friends encounter. For as long as she can remember, 21-year-old Alice has spent summers on Fire Island with her parents and older sister, Riley. Riley, 24, is a beach lifeguard, more boyish in both looks and spirit than sweet, feminine Alice. An island neighbor and Riley's best friend, Paul, whose father is dead and mother mostly absent, returns to the island after two years away and must decide whether to sell his family's house there. More importantly, he and Alice finally act on an attraction they've felt for years, but they keep their frequent nuzzling quiet so as not to hurt Riley. Riley, meanwhile, has her own problems that could ruin Alice and Paul's clandestine romance and just about everything else.

Review - Ann Brashares' writing reminds me of a python. Stay with me and I will explain, they are beautiful and somewhat mesmerising but you can never really get a good grasp on them. Despite the delicate prose and the interesting premise, I always felt the disconnect with the characters. I didn't care about them. I didn't even feel that they truly cared about one another. I felt a little sadness at their predicaments but I was completely removed from the events of their lives.

Paul, is a character, to whom I never saw the attraction. Riley was supposed to be best friends with Paul but I failed to see any evidence of that other than being a convenient plot contrivance. Alice, well she likes to play the passive martyr. I liked the Traveling Pants but I saw glimpses of the removedness that seems so much more prolific in this novel. it was just a little too blah. I expected (and wanted) better.






Published: 2007
Format: Paperback , 306 pages
Publisher: Griffin Press (Aust.)
Origin: USA
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Ann Brashares' Myspace Blog

Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging / Louise Rennison

Summary - There are six things very wrong with my life: 1. I have one of those under-the-skin spots that will never come to a head but lurk in a red way for the next two years. 2. It is on my nose. 3. I have a three-year-old sister who may have peed somewhere in my room. 4. In fourteen days the summer hols will be over and then it will be back to Stalag 14 and Oberfuhrer Frau Simpson and her bunch of sadistic 'teachers'. 5. I am very ugly and need to go into an ugly home. 6. I went to a party dressed as a stuffed olive. Read all about Georgia's hilarious antics as she desperately tries to muddle her way through teenage life.

Review - This has been labeled as the 'Bridget Jones for teenagers' and I can certainly see why. I confess to buying this novel upon viewing the movie hence the inclusion of the move tie-in cover. I love the movie to bits, directed by Gurinda Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) it possessed a likeable protagonist, copious amount of brattiness, subsequent mortification and a great soundtrack.

The book, I wasn't feeling as much. Or really anywhere near. Perhaps I should revise the 'book first, movie second' concept again but I feel I am doomed to repeat my mistakes (Marley & Me). Georgia is the fourteen year old, British teen with a crackling voice and a list full of complaints - she's boyfriendless, her cat is mental and her sister needs to learn to wrangle her own nappies. These are all problems I can sympathise with, especially the latter. However, I sometimes feel desperately sad for characters who obsess over possessing a boyfriend even when their desperation is cloaked in klutzy hijinks, an over-analytical outlook and equally obsessed friends. I still had a cracking time reading everything that Georgia went through but I think the movie stole some of the spark from the pages for me.

It was an easy read but sometimes I felt a little bogged down by it all. (I might be showing my age here as I suspect young teens will adore it.) I think my main point is that I have read this before in many different incantations. If you think about it, it's even described as a teen version of a contemporary version (Bridget Jones' Diary) of a classic (Pride and Prejudice). Recycle much?






Published: 1999
Format: Paperback , 237 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Australia
Origin: UK
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Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging Official Movie Site
Confessions of Georgia Nicolson
HarperCollins author profile


I couldn't resist posting this clip from the movie. Boy with a guitar, sigh.

Anagram Addiction

Blast John Green and his blog!

He possesses such a wicked sense of humour that I suspect his link to the Internet Anagram Server is a joke on us all. I have wasted too much time on this site already!

Some of my favourite anagrams of my name-

A Swellhead
Halal Swede
Leashed Law
Deals Whale
A Swell Head

Check it out - but beware - hours can be sucked away forever by this site.

Book Promotion

24 August - Please be aware that due to my judging responsibilities for the Inky awards, I am a little behind in reviewing titles coming in.

There are a variety of ways I can promote your novel on Persnickety Snark. I love to work with authors, agents and publishers to promote books. Please be aware that I am situated in Australia and thus postage is more expensive outside of the country.

Here are some of the things I can offer:

Reviews: I am a teacher, so books are my life. Most of the books I choose to read are YA titles and as such the genre I wish to cover for this blog. I will review the book. If you would like to provide a book, please email me. I gladly accept ARCs as well as already published books. Please know that I will review honestly and that presently, the book cannot be reviewed immediately.

Sending me a book does not guarantee a good review, a review in a specific time frame, or a review at all. What it does guarantee is that I will look at your book, read a chapter or two, and when/if it holds my interest enough to read to the end and I have time, I will review it.

Please also realise that some titles provided are then donated to my school to assist in the establishment of a library. My school is relatively new with limited funds so all novels are very welcomed.

Author Spotlight: This is a regular feature at Persnickety Snark. It will consist of a reader's snapshot (some quick questions about reading in general), an interview and a guest blog on any topic you wish. Offering me a review copy does not ensure you will be spotlighted. (I do not interview authors that I have not read so please do not contact me for an interview if I am not familiar with your work.)

Genres: I review YA titles only. I am particularly keen on contemporary works as well as some historical fiction and paranormal.

If you’d like me to review your book, please don’t hesitate to email me at p.snark AT gmail DOT com.

Speak / Laurie Halse Anderson

Summary - Since the beginning of the school year, high school freshman Melinda has found that it's been getting harder and harder for her to speak out loud: "My throat is always sore, my lips raw.... Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze.... It's like I have some kind of spastic laryngitis." What could have caused Melinda to suddenly fall mute? Could it be due to the fact that no one at school is speaking to her because she called the cops and got everyone busted at the seniors' big end-of-summer party? Or maybe it's because her parents' only form of communication is Post-It notes written on their way out the door to their nine-to-whenever jobs. While Melinda is bothered by these things, deep down she knows the real reason why she's been struck mute...

Review - I studied Children’s Literature at university and at no point was this novel every listed or discussed. How did that happen? This novel is very highly regarded and decorated but took me four book stores to find a copy. When I did find a copy, I didn’t get the striking tree and face cover but this one except in bright pink with black writing (yes, you did catch me judging a publisher by it's cover lol). Wholly unsuitable in my mind.

I think Anderson’s style is something that made me uncomfortable, which is fitting when you think of the character and the event that changed her. Such short, choppy paragraphs made it difficult to involve myself but I think that was the point. Most of the time I felt like I was walking through a laundanum dream, forced to drift through Melinda’s mostly passive existance. Only in the scenes when IT appear did the page jump, Melinda recoiling and clenching in his presence. The pages almost seemed to crackle along with her. I found this book to be highly effective, powerful but to be honest I don’t know if I can read it again.

Four days later and I am still in a quandry to what I really thought about this book. There is biting humour, great observations on social hierarchy, the nature of isolation, the power to speak and strength. I can recognise all of this but in the end I think I found it difficult because I teach thirteen year olds. Surely I should be able to remove myself? In this case, I cannot. I feel like I failed in this review.







Published: 1999
Format: Paperback , 230 pages
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Origin: USA
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Laurie Halse Anderson's Official Website
Laurie Halse Anderson's Blog - Mad Woman in the Forest (great title)