Skip to main content

A Mature Debut...

Throughout this week, I had decided that I wanted to try out the 19 year old writer, which has been the talk of literature world, during the last month. Obviously, when I did begin to read it, I did have high expectations- when lots of readers have commented it to be good. This was from Goodreads reviews on how they had thought about it. But also the fact that she was on the breakfast news was one of the main reasons on why i decided to tryout her story. Usually, when it came to unknown writers talking about their books on breakfast TV, i would normally forget it and pass it off to be awful. Although when i saw the cover and the blurb, i was very intrigued, intrigued with the fact that i could relate to these experiences in some cases- it makes sense when you're a teenager!

Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year of Publish: 2014


As it being a debut novel for Alice Oseman, it was very developed compared to some writers on first publishing. It considers issues such as self-harm, homophobia and teenage carelessness. The whole plot is centred around a particular year 12 student called Tori Spring, who is a chronic pessimist. During the book she meets a guy in year 13 called Michael Holden- its definitely not a love story. The whole idea of maybe why the illustrator has included this upon the front, is to show this story is not about clichéd love, but about certain events that have happened to make Tori reevaluate her life.

My judgement towards the whole novel is that, the beginning was a little slow, but i forgive because of the fact that its a debut and over time her writing skills around this will develop. But I also loved the fact on how Tori's and Michael's relationship blossomed throughout the story. I must admit that i did smile sometimes, as it made Tori sometimes a bit happier, than being a usual slouch in life. The idea that both these characters are very similar when approaching life, it doesn't make you look back to how outside characters labelled Michael as a bit of a freak.

Overall, I like on how both of these characters begin to care to what is happening around them. But not only that, is is that no matter what problems they may be going through, they will never be alone as there are always people  around who care about them no matter what. Finally, the fact that she is at university and has her own published book is incredible at this age. I'm sure most people around the same age would only begin to think about where they want to head next in life. I found it hard to rate this book through many factors, but after a while I had finally decided that I give it 3.5 stars.

Alice Oseman's Blog

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

Mary Jane, is a novel that I have been keeping an eye on for quite a while now. It has always been a part of my reading list and only until now have I had possession of a copy. I just wish it didn’t take me so long to read it. Because without a doubt, I think it is probably the best book I’ve read this year. Set in the 1970’s it follows a fourteen-year-old girl who becomes a summer Nanny to the Cone Family. Even though the Cone Family seem to be a respectable bunch on the outside, they are quite the opposite with their messy family dynamics. However messy they are, Mary Jane becomes an important and well-loved member of their family. Drastically different from the home that she was bought up as a single child with parents who care about appearances in their community. Over the summer, Mary Jane’s world begins to open up as she begins to realise what her future would entail and what she wants from it.  There isn’t much that I can fault in this book. The characters are not perfect, c...

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann

  SYNOPSIS As far as Phoebe is concerned, love is to be avoided at all costs. Why would you spend your life worrying about something that turns you into a complete moron? If her best friend Polly is anything to go by, the first sniff of a relationship makes you forget about your friends (like, hello?), get completely obsessed with sex (yawn) and bang on constantly about a person who definitely isn't as great as you think they are. So Phoebe isn't going to fall in love, ever. But then she meets Emma...

Sunburn by Darren Dash

This is the cover of the recently published book "Sunburn" by Darren Dash (yes, it actually does feature a character getting burnt), which was published earlier than expected on the 1st May. This truly seems like a momentous event. This author has probably influenced my reading patterns the most, since I first picked up a book just for leisure. He is truly an inspirational guy. The cover itself is very sinister. The mix of reds and oranges as well as the sun connotes that the sun plays an antagonising role in the story. Maybe even a factor to all of the characters downfall. The simplicity makes it very intriguing as well as making it feel very uncomforting. Simple but well executed. This demonic masterpiece does not fail to disappoint even the most biggest of horror fans. Set in a perfect setting, the characters are strong, that even the smallest mistake they make can be very vexing. It focuses on three characters: Dominic; Curran and Martini. Who despite...

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

It is back to Amanda Hocking this week, with her new book that I have recently been talking about, when reviewing her other series, the Trylle Trilogy. Although, this book is now in a new series, but set in the same universe. It is called the Kanin Chronicles... I must admit, when actually owning the book, the cover is very enchanting and beautiful. How for instance, the main character and protagonist, Bryn Aven, is at the centre of attention, with her coat covered in red. Whereas in the background, it is very muted colours, with the whites and blacks, but also having a sort of wonderland type of presence. Red to me also makes me feel quite uncomfortable and moreover is a colour for danger. So, onto the criticisms then! First of all, I don't know why but I felt a little bit out of place with this new world. Maybe it is because I read the other series in the same universe, I may have gotten used to them far too much. So when there are old characters appearing and being ment...

Blog Tour: The Beast Hunters Dark Sovereign by Christer Lende

  REVIEW So we are back in the world of the Beast Hunters for a sophomore instalment where we see Ara, Khendric and Topper back on another adventure. But this time with a difference. Instead of the world building from the previous book, we get to delve into a mystery with darkness starting to make pace in the background. We meet new characters, some good and some not so much. Not only do we have the overarching themes of beasts but also political intrigue and secretive plots. It is far more intricate than the previous instalment where the characters are making decisive and confident choices. Especially for our fave apprentice, Ara. If you want to get away from the current world affairs, this book will serve as an escape from reality.  What these last two books do remind me of however, is a tv show. Why I say this is because it felt kind of episodic but they both have reinvented themselves with different themes. I found this to be quite good actually. This is because it feels l...