In Part One of my Christmas Book Haul I have featured the books that I've read so far, each one with a mini review. If you want to find out more about any of the books then just click on the title to go straight to its Goodreads page.
Title: Eleanor and Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: Orion Books
Star Rating: * * * *
Mini Review
As a fan of young adult literature I first came across this title through the author John Green, with his comment that Eleanor and Park 'Reminded me not just what it's like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it's like to be young and in love with a book'. Intrigued, I was eager to give it a read for myself.
The novel features a down to earth, but in many ways heart warming romance between the two teenagers Eleanor and Park. Together they discover first love, but also tackle topical issues including bullying, domestic violence and self-identity. In a society where romantic love can often be put on a pedestal above all else, I felt that this novel tackled young love in a sophisticated manner that refrains from doing so- a quality that I enjoy.
I have awarded this book four stars; it is a definite to-read if you enjoy Young Adult Romance novels.
Title: Insurgent (Divergent 2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Harper Collins
Star Rating: * * * * *
Mini Review
Picking up where Divergent left off, Insurgent is set in a dystopian world where the population has been divided into five separate factions- Abnegation, Erudite, Amity, Candor and Dauntless. Each faction possesses a particular quality, where they often rely on each other in order to thrive. Insurgent brings the continuation of war between the factions and is packed full of action, romance and bloodshed. Just the way I enjoy a good dystopian novel!
I loved Insurgent and awarded it five stars; it is a great second installment for those who have read and enjoyed Divergent, but also a recommendable series for those that enjoy Young Adult Dystopian fiction in general.
Title: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: Random House
Star Rating: * * *
Mini Review
Another young adult romance novel, Every Day presents an interesting concept centered around a character simply named as ‘A’. A is a genderless being who wakes up each day in a different body, effectively borrowing the life of a different individual every single day. Continuously jumping from one life to another has made it almost impossible for A to form relationships of their own, a feat that the character attempts once falling in love with a girl.
I particularly enjoyed how the novel demonstrated the rich variety of lives that are led in America, where some of them were positive and others less so. Levithan has also explored complex themes such as mental illness, modern slavery and obesity, and it is interesting to read about A’s experiences in these bodies.
Every Day is an interesting read for those that enjoy Young Adult Literature and I have awarded it three stars.
Title: The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories
Author: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Publisher: Harper Collins
Star Rating: * * * *
Mini Review
I have been eager to get my hands on this tiny book for a while now, and it has not left me feeling disappointed! The short 87 page book features a collection of Tiny Stories which are often composed of a short line of text and accompanied by illustrations. The book is a product of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s website ‘Hit Record’ which allows artists, musicians, writers and others to collaborate on creative projects.
The stories included in this book are both emotional and thought provoking, and are pages that I will continue to re-read throughout the year. I was also strongly compelled by the involvement of the artist Wirrow, whose work I love.
I awarded this book four stars and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a short and quirky read- ideal for flicking through on the bus or in a waiting room.
That concludes Part One of my Christmas Book Haul! In Part Two I will be featuring the remaining books that I received this festive season, and also recording my initial thoughts before I've read them.
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