Wonder by R.J Palacio | Book Review

  I bought this book not knowing what to expect. Usually, I buy books at friends recommendations, or because a lot hype surrounded them. But, this book just kept cropping up in my everyday life! It seems Amazon really wanted my purchase- it was a recommendation, and various editors' pick. I've never heard of R.J Palacio, but the blurb really captured my interest! So, I bought it...

  A Ten-year-old boy, Auggie Pullman, starts public school after ten years of being home schooled by his Mum. But Auggie isn't an ordinary boy,  he was born with a terrible face abnormality. The story follows his first year of middle school at Beecher Prep, where he finds both his best friends, and worst enemies.

  However, what I didn't know about this book was that it was told from several different perspectives. This novel isn't just about Auggie, it's about everybody he's close with. What I really found interesting about the story is how the characters all effect each other, how they all suffer hardship and problems, but never complain. They know that they have an easy life compared to those of others.

  Wonder is uplifting, funny, and extremely moving. I strongly recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I really hope a sequel may appear!

 Go buy it,
Hannah Louise.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

 I was, at first, reluctant to read this book. The blurb is really off putting, as all I thought was "oh no, not another Vampire book." But, after my friend couldn't stop talking about it, I had to see what all the fuss was about.

 The book is written in third person, but Cassandra Clare mainly focuses around the character Clary Fray. Clary believes she is just an ordinary teenage girl, until she meets Jace, Alec and Isabelle, who happen to be Shadowhunters. Shadowhunters protect the Human race (Mundanes) from demons who enter the Human World. But as they get to know each other, lots of devastating complications arise.

 Clary is extremely easy to relate too, and takes the whole plot within her stride, not waiting for a Prince in shining armor to protect her. However, I think what makes this book exceptional is the plot. Clearly Cassandra Clare really delved into the 'Shadowhunter World'. Almost every chapter holds a twist, that brilliantly connect at the end. Even though the ending to the story is quite devastating, I really commend Clare on bringing her unique aspect to the book, it really made it stand out from the rest. I read City of Bones so quickly, and I'm truly hooked on the sequels!

  I have really high hopes for the film, which is set to be released on the 21st August in the UK (only 12 DAYS!!). I would recommend  this book to anyone who loves fiction or the Supernatural, it's a masterpiece! Cassandra Clare is a genius.

Summer Book List

It is now starting to look and feel like Summer, and if there's one thing I really enjoy about the long holidays it having time to read. So, I thought I'd recommend my favourite reads and be the Richard and Judy of the blogging world... Here goes...

1. The first book is one of my all time favourites, which is strange because I'm not a huge fan of love stories really. But, I just love the way that this one is written! Its from a unique point of view and is just a really good book, "A modern classic" as the Daily mail called it.

One Day- David Nicholls

2. Book number two is also one of my favourite books, it is Divergent by Veronica Roth. It's the first in a series of three books, with the fourth being released this Autumn (I can't wait!). The characters are so interesting, and its set in the future which always makes a book more intriguing. Veronica has a blog too, so check that out!. Also, the film interpretation of Divergent will be released later this year.

3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is probably the best book I have ever read! My English teacher recommended it to me, and it is just flawless! Its not such a happy story (I cried for about three chapters) but it is an amazing story! John Green is such a good writer, and I can't wait to read more of his books. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

4. This is a more light-hearted read, perfect for holidays, and it's non-fiction. James Bowen's story about how his stray cat helped him put his life back together (as he was once homeless and had a drug issue). In some places it's quite detailed, but nevertheless a really good book that I thoroughly enjoyed as a cat lover.

5. Finally, another love story, P.S I Love You. Well, I say love story....she grieving for her dead husband, which I know doesn't sound like a good book, but trust me my whole family enjoyed it. I read this on holiday and it was a really good beach read. The author, Ceceila Ahern, is the daughter of a former Taoiseach of Ireland (equivalent to the Prime minister of  England), that's a lovely fact...

 So, I hope you found this useful if you don't have a clue what to read this Summer. Enjoy!

Thank you, 

Hannah Louise