Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J. K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
J. K. Rowling

Front cover

Date read: 9 - 15 December 2017
Length: 282 pages (293 including appendices)

Newt Scamander visits New York with a suitcase full of interesting creatures. But when a few escape and roam the city, he has no choice but to enlist the help of a Muggle (No-Maj). He also as to avoid a death sentence put on him by MACUSA! Can he escape and find his creatures?


I enjoyed the story and it was easy to read, but I didn't feel it flowed as well as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I preferred The Cursed Child in terms of the writing, but for the actual story I felt Fantastic Beasts was better.

My favourite bit is when they go into the suitcase and you get to see all the different places where the creatures live. It is so imaginative and really puts you in a different place. I watched the film shortly after finishing the book, and it was great to see what you had imagined in your head come to life on the screen. I think they did it very well.

It was good to get to know other characters from the same world as Harry Potter even if it was from a different time and country. I found it amusing the little differences such as the term for non-magical people; Muggles in Britain and No-Maj's in USA. But I suppose there are differences in the language anyway.

I liked Jacob, but not so sure about Tina. Even after finishing and watching the film, I just feel suspicious of Tina, like she's hiding something or she's up to something. I really do like Jacob. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and such a lovable character.

I toyed between 3 and 4 stars for this one. As much as I liked the story, the writing did let it down a little bit.

J. K. Rowling

Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Perfect (Flawed #2) by Cecelia Ahern

Perfect
Flawed #2
Cecelia Ahern

Front cover

Date read: 28 November - 8 December 2017
Length: 428 pages


Celestine North is on the run from Judge Crevan and his Guild of Whistleblowers. She has a secret he desperately wants to stay hidden, but she's determined to bring down the Guild and end "Flawed" life for everyone. Who will win this war?


It's like the more you read, the better it gets. I felt like this one was really such a page-turner, and found it hard to stop reading at times. There's definitely a lot more drama, and it just goes from one thing to the next; it's quite a fast pace.

I wish there was another one. I know the story did finish and most things are resolved, but I think it could have been a trilogy, with the third book being about life after the events here. I know I would be interested in that, and I imagine quite a few other readers would be too!

One thing that I didn't like was Celestine taking forever to figure out where the video was hidden! There were several major clues for her, and she just seemed to dismiss them all. It was basically at the last moment a light bulb went off for her, and she finally realised what had been under he nose all along.


I would definitely read a third book if it was published.

Cecelia Ahern

Overall rating

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Jason (Anita Blake #23) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Jason
Anita Blake #23
Laurell K. Hamilton

Front cover

Date read: 22 - 27 November 2017
Length: 255 pages

Anita Blake is a vampire hunter, an animator and a U.S. Marshall for the Preternatural Team. She has a lot of lovers. A lot. When one of her werewolf lovers gets a new girlfriend, they turn to Anita for help explaining bondage and rough sex. Who doesn't like a show and tell lesson?


I really like Anita Blake, but I miss when the stories were about supernatural mysteries and big bad evils they had to defeat, and not just all about sex like they are now. Anita has definitely changed a lot over the course of the previous 22 novels, and it shows. She had a lot of morals back in the beginning, and it seems that her morals have changed considerably. She used to be monogamous, would never have been involved with something that she kills. Now she has many, many lovers, and just about all of them are preternatural in some way, from werewolves to vampires.

Jason is a novella, so it is quite short in comparison to some of the others. I haven't read an Anita Blake book in such a long time. I read the first 22 over the course of a couple of years, then stopped because at the time there weren't any more to read! Jason was a good reminder of some of the characters (and let's be honest, there are rather a few) after not reading for a while.

I've heard the next novel, Dead Ice, is better, so I will read that soon. I will keep reading them until she stops writing them, but I can't guarantee I'm going to enjoy them as much as in the earlier novels.


As far as this novella is concerned, it really is basically one sex scene as a book. There's the discussion to begin with, then doing what they've discussed. Anita comes to the realisation that Jade is not the female lover for her, and they all end in a big happy puppy pile. Apart from sex, nothing much else happens.

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 and 2 Playscript (Harry Potter #8) by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 and 2 Playscript
Harry Potter #8
Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling

Front cover

Date read: 14 - 21 November 2017
Length: 319 pages (342 including introduction and appendices)


Nineteen years later, Harry Potter is grown up with a wife and three children. His middle child, Albus, is starting Hogwarts, and much like his father, gets himself into some bother. Along with Scorpius Malfoy, he steals a time-turner to go back and save Cedric Diggory from his fate at the Triwizard Tournament. But in doing so, they change the world completely, and not for the better. How can they make things right again?


Before I started reading, I had no idea it wasn't actually written by J. K. Rowling. On the cover it says "Based on an original story by J. K. Rowling" but it's a play by Jack Thorne. I would have liked the return of Harry Potter to be by J. K. herself, but I'm guessing she had some involvement.

Saying that, I did enjoy the story. It was a bit slow to start, but it does pick up and has a pretty good twist! Apart from studying Shakespeare in school, I don't recall reading a play before. It was easy to read and just felt like I was reading a novel.

Although the main protagonist is Albus, I actually didn't like him all that much, and preferred Scorpius. There was too much emotional baggage with Albus, and I felt Scorpius was more fun, though not without issues of his own. I wasn't really a big fan of adult Harry either. It seemed to me that he was a bit all over the place.

I couldn't decide between 3* or 4*. On the one hand I did enjoy the story, but on the other it just wasn't the same. If I could, I would have given it 3.5*.

J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany

Overall rating

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Flawed (Flawed #1) by Cecelia Ahern

Flawed
Flawed #1
Cecelia Ahern

Front cover

Date read: 4 - 13 November 2017
Length: 402 pages

Celestine North lives a perfect life in her perfect world. Until one day she helps a Flawed man, and is deemed Flawed herself, but not in the usual way. It seems she has started a movement against the Guild. But how can someone under so many rules have any power?


Flawed is very easy to read, and although there is a lot going on it's easy to follow. I like the idea behind the story, that there is a separate criminal justice system and a moral justice system. However the execution of something like that would require a lot of thought and consideration, and would have to be carried out very carefully.

The characters are believable, although the best character isn't Celestine. I like the journalist Pia, who has a bit of a twist herself! As a whole the characters are well thought out and play important roles.

It is a bit annoying when a story ends on a cliffhanger like what happens here! However I am still looking forward to reading the next one in a few books time!




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The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank

Front cover

Date read: 24 October - 3 November 2017
Length: 424 pages

Anne Frank and her family are Jews living in Amsterdam during the Second World War. She goes into hiding with her family, the 'van Daans', and 'Mr. Dussel'. This diary, named Kitty, becomes her best friend, and we learn all about Anne's time in the 'Secret Annexe'.


Anne's diary was not what I expected at all. I thought they were all in one small room together, and that the diary would be very dark and depressing. In actual fact they have quite a reasonable space. The Franks share with Mr. Dussel, but the van Daans have a floor to themselves. The diary is mostly positive, with a lot of hopefulness. There are a few entries that aren't so positive, but that's understandable given the circumstances. I was very surprised.

A lot of Anne's diary focuses on the relationships between the various people in the Annexe. I was quite shocked by Anne's blatant hatred towards her mother. To me it seemed there wasn't really any reason for it, but I'm not really one to judge. I just feel kind of sorry for her mother.

Anne get's very close to Peter, the van Daans son who is a few years older than her. They spend many evenings together and have meaningful conversations. This confused me a little because before I read the book, I had heard that she was questioning her sexuality and was perhaps a lesbian. I think I have read the version that has some of these excerpts cut out.

Anne's style of writing is very inclusive, and the way she talks about the people and the events that are happening, it feels like you are really there. You feel like you are also getting to know the people she's living with, and in a way you are experiencing these events with her. It is exceptional writing from a 13-15 year old, and you can tell Anne was very intelligent. Even just knowing about all the subjects she is interested in and studying while in hiding would tell you that. I know I certainly wasn't interested in all that in my early teen years!


A surprising and enlightening account of a Jewish girl in hiding's life. Highly recommend reading.

Anne Frank 1929-45

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The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling

The Tales of Beedle the Bard
J. K. Rowling

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 23 October 2017
Length: 123 pages

Here we have a collection of five short fairy tales for children. The young witches and wizards in the world of Harry Potter grew up with these tales, rather than the likes of Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Little Red Riding Hood etc. The tales have been passed down the generations and are much loved by all. After each take we have a piece by Albus Dumbledore telling us more about the stories. You need to read it!


I liked all the stories, and cant really decide which is my favourite. Gun to my head, I'd probably say The Fountain of Fair Fortune, but I like them all! Even The Warlock's Hairy Heart, which I will admit is my least favourite. There is a good morale in each story, and you can see why the wizarding families love them so much.

You can tell a lot of work went into this book, including the concept, the individual stories and raising money for the charity Lumos. There is so much content in this small book it actually amazes me. The brain of J. K. Rowling is incredible.


Reading the 3 Harry Potter companion novels was such a nice break from my regular novels, and I'm really looking forward to reading the screenplays now!

J. K. Rowling

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Last Argument of Kings (The First Law #3) by Joe Abercrombie

Last Argument of Kings
The First Law #3
Joe Abercrombie

Front cover

Date read: 4 - 20 October 2017
Length: 670 pages

The threat of the Gurkish army looms ever closer, and everyone is preparing for battle. Logen Ninefingers heads North in order to confront Bethod once and for all. Jezal returns home intending to give up being a soldier and settle with Ardee, but not even he could predict the events that will unfold...


Well. There are certainly a few surprises in the finale of the trilogy. Some of the twists just leave you thinking 'Whhaaaaatt?'. I guess it's good to be kept on your toes though!

I'm not really sure what I think of Bayaz. Sometimes I think 'hmm, he's not so bad' and other times I think 'what a manipulative little s*&t!'. He's basically got this big plan for everything and everyone, and you are expected to go along with it, despite never being consulted. If you don't go along with his plan, you're pretty much dead. So that's that.

I feel this is a fantasy series that was lacking a map. Most books of this ilk come with a map of some description, and I found myself looking for one at the first book, then the second, and still the third, disappointed that I didn't find one in either book. Perhaps I just have the wrong copies?

While reading this, I kind of zoned out about three-quarters of the way through, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy it! On the contrary I probably found this the most interesting out of the three, perhaps because of all the plot twists! It is quite a long novel, and sometimes I felt it could have been shorter.

A good fantasy series!




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A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Study in Scarlet
Sherlock Holmes #1
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Front cover

Date read: 30 September - 3 October 2017

Length: 162 pages

Dr John Watson is looking for somewhere to live after returning from India, and shares with Sherlock Holmes at the now infamous 221B Baker Street in London. Here he discovers what Mr Holmes does for a living, and soon helps him on his cases. Their first case is a murder. Although there appears to be no disfigurement on the victim's body, there is a strange word written on the wall in blood. Can Holmes and Watson catch the culprit, and discover the meaning of the word?

Sherlock Holmes is a very famous fictional character, with many novels, TV series' and films about him. Of course everyone knows about his companion Dr John Watson, but if you asked someone about it, they would generally agree that Sherlock is the protagonist. It is for that reason that I was very surprised to find that A Study in Scarlet is told from Dr Watson's point of view. It certainly wasn't what I was expecting!

A Study in Scarlet is split into 2 parts. I loved part 1. I was hooked from the get go and held on to every word. Part 2 was a bit strange and took me a while to get into, but it all makes sense in the end. The more you read the more you know!

I have loved my first experience reading about Sherlock Holmes and his trusty companion Dr John Watson, and I will definitely be reading more!

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Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp (J. K. Rowling)

Quidditch Through the Ages
Kennilworthy Whisp (J. K. Rowling)

Front cover

Date read: 27 - 29 September 2017

Length: 105 pages (123 with introduction)

Quidditch Through the Ages has everything you could possibly want to know about the notorious wizarding sport. From 'The Evolution of the Flying Broomstick' to 'Quidditch Today' there is really nothing left to be told. Discover all about how Quidditch came to be, and discover your favourite teams.


Quidditch is such a big thing in Harry Potter and you learn about it from the get go, particularly because Harry is the Gryffindor Seeker. It's no secret that just about everyone loves the sport, and with the exception of Hermione in the early days, goes crazy about it.

This is a good companion to the series, and you get to learn more about the famous teams which you don't really discover in the books. You hear of a few, yes, but not as many as are mentioned here. I also found the bit about the broomsticks quite interesting.


I can't wait to read The Tales of Beedle the Bard! I think that might be my favourite of the companions, but will have to read it to find out!




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Before They Are Hanged (The First Law #2) by Joe Abercrombie

Before They Are Hanged
The First Law #2
Joe Abercrombie

Front Cover

Date read: 13 - 26 September 2017
Length: 570 pages

The war is well underway, and everybody has someone or something to fear. Nobody likes the Gurkish but they loom ever closer. Inquisitor Glokta is sent to Dagoska to uncover the truth of his predecessor who mysteriously disappeared. The Northmen are helping Crown Prince Ladisla, despite the fact he has the worst armed, worst trained and worst led army in the world. Jezal is travelling with Bayaz and Ninefingers, and nobody seems to like their arrangements. Despite the war, can everyone make it in once piece? Can they survive the Shanka?


The Shanka! We finally learn more about the Shanka! Some call them Flatheads because of their particularly flat faces. They appear to be somewhat ape-like creatures that are proficient with spears. I certainly wouldn't want to be on the other end of them! They are fighting for Bethod, and are ruthless.

Here we get to see some development within the characters and also their love interests. Some pairings I didn't expect, and some were more obvious. It was nice to get to know the characters on a more intimate level and not just as soldiers in a war.

I'm looking forward to reading the last in the trilogy. I want to find out what happens to Jezal and Ardee, if anything!




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Enduring Love by Ian McEwan

Enduring Love
Ian McEwan

Front cover

Date read: 7 - 12 September 2017
Length: 245 pages

Joe and his wife Clarissa happen upon a hot air balloon in distress. Along with a few others, they try to help the situation. That is when Joe meets Jed; a man he will never forget. How can one event change his life so much?


I quite liked the story, but I couldn't bond to Joe. Although I was reading I felt like I didn't really mind what happened to him all that much, but obviously I didn't want anything drastic. I'm glad it didn't end in tragedy.

What a strange man Jed is. For a while I thought maybe it was all in Joe's head, and maybe he wasn't even real. I'm sure that's probably what we're meant to be thinking.

The information at the end about de Clérambault's syndrome makes me think it's based on a true story. I haven't don't any research into it, but it certainly seems that way!




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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander (J. K. Rowling)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Newt Scamander (J. K. Rowling)

Front cover

Date read: 4 - 6 September 2017
Length: 123 pages

Here we have Newt Scamander's book detailing what we need to know about all manner of Fantastic Beasts. This is an essential core text at Hogwarts, and every young witch and wizard must have a copy upon entering first year. We learn each Beasts M.O.M (Ministry of Magic) Classification, where they originate, what they look like, and some characteristics. This copy belonged to the one and only Harry Potter, so we also have some nice comments from himself, Ron, and Hermione.


This is a good companion to the Harry Potter series. Not a clue what Luna Lovegood is talking about? A quick glance in here might help.

I liked the comments made by Harry, Ron,  and Hermione. Although I wish there were more! It was good to think of them as just run-of-the-mill kids, and not the heroes they are.

The companion is quite short, if only it was longer! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next two! (And them some.)




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The Blade Itself (The First Law #1) by Joe Abercrombie

The Blade Itself
The First Law #1
Joe Abercrombie

Front cover

Date read: 22 August - 3 September 2017
Length: 515 pages

Logen Ninefingers is a barbarian believed to be dead. Jezal has 'blood' and dreams of winning the fencing contest and serving his country. Inquisitor Glokta hates everyone, including himself. He is a power-hungry cripple who tortures people for information. But they are at war, and something big is coming.


I liked the set up here and the writing style. I like reading from more than one characters perspective. The characters seem interesting and varied, and I like most of them. My favourite is probably Ardee though. She's a badass!

One downside is that I kind of feel like I don't really know the characters very well yet. This is a trilogy so I'm hoping that will change soon!

The Shanka. I'm not really sure what they are yet, but I'm looking forward to finding out more!




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Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

Nineteen Eighty-Four
George Orwell

Front cover

Date read: 14 - 21 August 2017
Length: 311 pages (347 including introductions and appendix)

Winston lives in Oceania and works for the Party in the Ministry of Truth, rewriting the past. But he doesn't like the world he lives in, with telescreens and microphones everywhere, recording his every move. He doesn't believe this world is better than before the revolution and seeks the truth. He has a secret love affair with Julia, and together they search for answers. What happens when they get caught by the Thought Police?


As a novel, I feel it's got great. There's not much character development and they seem a bit bland. You feel for them because of their circumstance, the horrible things they endure. The world they live in is not really set up, you're just sort of thrown in and have to figure things out for yourself, by following Winston about his day to day life.

That being said, it is a very political novel, and even though it was published in 1949, there are some points which are very valid in Britain today. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING. There is no privacy in Oceania, your every move, thought, breath, is recorded by a screen or a microphone. We have a reality television series called Big Brother, which is basically the same. There's always some kind of war or conflict between counties here, the same in the novel between Oceania and Eurasia or Eastasia. Technology is advancing very quickly. We all have cameras on our phones, ready to snap and record at a moments notice. Machines are taking over our jobs, we're already being served by them in supermarkets. For a novel written so long ago, it's crazy that this is still very relevant today.

One thing I'm glad doesn't really apply is Newspeak. Yes, we use abbreviations, and some people do 'text speak' but that's shortening words, not eradicating them altogether. Our dictionary is expanding, not diminishing. If something is very good, we can use words like fantastic, great, brilliant, not plusgood. And I hope that will never change!


A novel worth reading in this political climate, but don't be too disappointed by the story. The message behind it is powerful.

WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry Potter #7
J. K. Rowling

Front cover

Date read: 29 July - 13 August 2017
Length: 620 pages

It is no longer safe at Hogwarts and Harry, Ron, and Hermione have a mission to accomplish; they must find and destroy all of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. But it's not all plain sailing; Dumbledore hasn't left them much to go on and they begin to lose hope. Can they find them all, and is Harry really prepared to die at the hands of his mortal enemy?


It's been a while since I have been as invested as a series as this one. I just wish I had read it as a teen, as I think it would have made a big impression. Instead I read the first 2 as a child, then rediscovered them in my mid-twenties. Obviously pretty much everyone is aware of The Boy Who Lived, and I've seen the films. But to actually read them yourself is a different experience altogether.

Snape. Snape. Severus Snape. What a character! For Harry not to find out about the real Snape for so long, until pretty much the last moment, and for Snape to keep his intentions from Harry as well, it's quite astonishing. To think their relationship could have been completely different if it wasn't kept a secret. It's good to be able to finally understand Snape.

The deaths! Oh, the deaths! It was inevitable of course; you can't go to war without some fatalities, but it's still hard all the same. Now there's only one twin and a child without any parents. It's heartbreaking, really.


I want to read more! I will read more!

J. K. Rowling

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The Salmon of Doubt (Dirk Gently #3) by Douglas Adams

The Salmon of Doubt
Dirk Gently #3
Douglas Adams

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 28 July 2017
Length: 321 pages

The Salmon of Doubt features eleven chapters of a Dirk Gently novel that Douglas Adams was working on when he died. Here Dirk takes on the case of half a missing cat (rear half, if you want to know), and after discovering someone has been putting money into his account, starts following a random man. And of course there's Desmond, a rather confused rhinoceros.
The Salmon of Doubt also collects writings from his Macintosh; articles he's written for newspapers and magazines, speeches he's given, interviews he's had, as well as some short stories and even some real ones.


There's a lot of very interesting information in this little book. Everything from politics to religion to science is discussed. Although not as deep and meaningful as some of the others, my favourite little piece is the one entitled Cookies. It gave me a good little laugh.

Although I mainly got this book to read the Dirk Gently material, it was nice to read the other stuff as well. It felt like you kind of got to know the author, which isn't something you get to do often. I feel I may have missed out on some of the meanings or jokes though, because I haven't read any of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy books yet. They are near the top of one of my to read piles though! I'll maybe have another little look at this book once I've read them.

I feel that this Dirk Gently book would have been a good one had it been finished. I was particularly intrigued by half a missing cat. I would have liked to find out where the other half was! Nevertheless, I guess I'll just have to make up my own ending. Although it will be nowhere near as good.


R.I.P Douglas Adams.

Douglas Adams

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The Face of Fear by Dean Koontz

The Face of Fear
Dean Koontz

Front cover

Date read: 13 - 20 July 2017
Length: 314 pages

Graham Harris is a clairvoyant called in to help with the case of the Butcher; a serial killer who rapes and dismembers women, then eats a meal in their kitchen. But then the Butcher tracks Graham down and tries to kill him and his girlfriend Connie. Despite seeing his death, they do everything they can to make it out alive.


I liked the characters, even the detective Preduski who is a bit scatterbrained! The characters were believable and relatable. There weren't too many so it was easy to follow. 

One thing I didn't like was I think it contributed to some bad dreams and restless sleep! These days I'm not a great sleeper anyway, but I don't usually dream about murder! 

I couldn't decide how I felt after reading this. I felt an influx of emotions all at once. I was happy, I was sad, and just about everything in between. That's the reason it didn't get 3 stars. If I had actually cried it would have been an automatic 5 stars!




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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6) by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter #6
J. K. Rowling

Front cover

Date read: 24 June - 12 July 2017
Length: 768 pages

Harry returns to Hogwarts for his sixth year where he is given a copy of Advanced Potion Making that once belonged to the Half-Blood Prince. Professor Snape is finally the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, with a new teacher; Professor Slughorn taking over Potions. Harry receives special lessons from Dumbledore this year, and these are illuminating. Harry will soon have to face his most ultimate challenge yet, but can he prepare enough?


During Dumbledore's lessons, we learn some history of Lord Voldemort; who his parents were, the circumstances of his upbringing, his first days at Hogwarts and growing into adulthood. It's quite interesting to get some insight to the Dark Lord.

Malfoy is up to something and Harry is determined to find out what. It's not until the very end of the book that you find out what he's up to. I won't say much here, but I will say this; DUMBLEDORE!! :( :(

Some romance goes on this year, Harry and Ginny finally see eye to eye about each other. It took a while but we knew it happened in the end! Ron gives them his blessing and has a rough ending with his relationship with Lavender.

And finally, after all these years, Professor Snape finally lands his dream job of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. But whose side is he on? Maybe Harry was right all along?


I can't wait to read the next one. Best series I've read in a while.

J. K. Rowling

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The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul (Dirk Gently #2) by Douglas Adams

The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Dirk Gently #2
Douglas Adams

Front cover

Date read: 18 - 23 June 2017
Length: 247 pages

After Kate encounters a man at Heathrow airport trying to pay for a flight with no money or passport, her world becomes rather strange. There was an explosion and she is hospitalised. When she wakes she is determined to find the man, who turns out to be much more than he seems. Meanwhile Dirk has a new client. Or had. He is murdered on the first day because Dirk was late... What's with the hot potato, and how many stones are there in Wales?


I felt this was much better than Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.  There was more of a storyline so it was easier to follow, and less utter randomness.

I liked the addition of the Gods. There is still some randomness, but at least it kind of ties in with the plot. And the vending machine is funny.

Although he's kind of the protagonist, I don't think I like Dirk much. He's a liar, a scammer and lazy. He's selfish and arrogant. Luckily the novels are not all written from his point of view.


I'm looking forward to reading The Salmon of Doubt even if it wasn't quite finished.





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Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson

Lola Rose
Jacqueline Wilson

Front cover

Date read: 11 - 17 June 2017
Length: 288 pages

Jayni and her brother Kenny have a violent father who hits their mother Nikki. But one day he hits Jayni, so they run away to London. There they become Lola Rose, Kendall and Victoria Luck. They won £10,000 on a lottery ticket so they buy some new things and go to the aquarium. A lot. But things start to go downhill. The money's running out and mum doesn't seem well... What happens if their father finds them?


Lola Rose is an easy book to read, you get sucked right into the story. Despite the fact I'm not a teenager anymore you get drawn to Jayni's/Lola Rose's storytelling and want to know more. It's hard to put down!

It's quite dark material for a children's book, but I suppose that's what Jacqueline Wilson is best known for. Here we have an abusive father, a runaway family, homelessness, struggling for money, finding new friends, an unwell family member etc. It's a hard time for the family but it's something that needed to be done.

I liked Auntie Barbara. She was the hero the family needed, coming into their lives again to help with care and money. She gives them security and allows Lola Rose to relax a bit.


Reliving my childhood a little and reading some more Jacqueline Wilson was a good break from more adult reading. Recommended every now and then!




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist