[Review] Love-shy by Lili Wilkinson

Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 01/04/2012

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 309

Source: Publisher

Genre: YA {Contemporary}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Avril Lavigne - Things I'll Never Say ♪

My Rating

4/5

My thoughts

I am admittedly quite a shallow person and therefore tend to judge books based on their cover. I was given the impression that Love-shy would be a tweeny, very light-hearted book about romance, and to me that just didn't sound all that appealing. So I put it off. The only reason why I have finally picked it up is because there was a book event coming up which the author, Lili Wilkinson, was attending. I am honestly so glad that I did read this book because it was a fun and quick and really interesting read, and certainly not just for tweens at all.

Love-shy is part-mystery, part-romance, and a whole lot of other things in between. Penny Drummond, 16 years old, wants nothing more than to be a top-notch journalist in the future - the best of the best, re-shaping the very name and nature of journalism just like her role model and inspiration Nellie Bly. A model Year 10 student, her extra-curriculars include SRC, swim team (where she is the best swimmer), debate team (they always win because of her), writer at the school newspaper, The East Glendale Secondary College Gazette (her stories always make the front page) and First Oboist at the school orchestra. One day at the library, she discovers someone has visited a website for the Love-shy and just like that, she has her next big story.

Down the TBR Hole #7

Source: ♥

Down the TBR Hole is a meme/feature hosted by Lia (Lost in a Story). Hopefully this will remind me to read some of these long-lost, woeful books that have been sitting untouched, forgotten on these bookshelves of mine.

Rules

• Go to your goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

* I'm not offering actively "giveaways" anymore - but if you're an Aussie resident and interested in any of the books I'm giving away, feel free to ask about them! I'm happy to give them away, just that there hasn't been that much reception in the past. Otherwise I'll be trying to sell the books through Carousell. ;)

Let's get started!

Current TBR count: 415

[Review] The Ones That Disappeared by Zana Fraillon

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 13/07/2017

Publisher: Hachette

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher

Genre: Middle Grade {Contemporary}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Skylar Grey - Coming Home, Part II ♪
♪ B.O.B. - Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams; Cover) ♪
♪ The Civil Wars - Safe and Sound (feat. Taylor Swift) ♪

My Rating

4/5

My thoughts

The Ones That Disappeared is one of those books packed with the power to make a difference to the world. Fraillon has quickly been marked as an author to watch amongst readers when her debut novel The Bone Sparrow, a supposedly outstanding fictional account of young refugees, received much positive acclaim. I still have not read it, but it has been pushed to the top of my to-buy list if it's anything like The Ones That Disappeared! This time, Fraillon has placed a spotlight on human trafficking, and the very disturbing and realistic portrayal of its presence in our society spoke volumes to me and shook me to my core. 

Waiting on Wednesday (51)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

[Review] The Things We Promise by J.C. Burke

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 22/02/2017

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 369

Source: Library

Genre: YA {Contemporary | Historical}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Boy George - Il Adore ♪
♪ U2 - One ♪

My Rating

4/5

My thoughts

I'm at a loss for words. I have literally just been typing words and erasing them, scratching my head as to what the heck I'm actually going to write. I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into when I picked this book up - all I knew was that it was set in 1990 and that was pretty cool. As I delved deeper in the story I grew more and more invested in its characters, and while I do think that it was a bit slow-going at times and some readers may be offended by the language used, I have to applaud the author for taking all the risks that she did because this story was a difficult one to tell, and painfully accurate as far as I'm concerned. And for that reason alone I had to bump this book up to a respectable 4 stars.

The Things We Promise follows Gemma Longrigg, an ordinary teenage girl living in Sydney, Australia in 1990, whose biggest worries are what she's going to wear to the upcoming Year 11 formal, and whether her crush since Year 7, Ralph, would ever fall for her, too. Her brother, Billy, who lives in NYC with his partner Saul, has promised Gemma that he will do her hair and makeup for the formal, even though it's months and months away, and in that amount of time anything can happen. Especially in the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Down the TBR Hole #6

Source: ♥

Down the TBR Hole is a meme/feature hosted by Lia (Lost in a Story). Hopefully this will remind me to read some of these long-lost, woeful books that have been sitting untouched, forgotten on these bookshelves of mine.

Rules

• Go to your goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

* I'm not offering actively "giveaways" anymore - but if you're an Aussie resident and interested in any of the books I'm giving away, feel free to ask about them! I'm happy to give them away, just that there hasn't been that much reception in the past. Otherwise I'll be trying to sell the books through Carousell. ;)

Let's get started!

Current TBR count: 417

[Review] Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 16/05/2017

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Pages: 402

Source: Library

Genre: YA {Fantasy | Historical | Asian}

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Ed Sheeran - I See Fire ♪

♪ Sia - Alive ♪

My Rating

2.5/5

My thoughts

I really like strong female protagonists, and Mulan is my absolute favourite Disney movie of all time - Mulan manages to be a perfect balance of brave, strong and fierce, and vulnerable, and her gruelling journey into the Chinese army is both harrowing and inspiring. Any book that might bear any resemblance to Mulan unsurprisingly attracts me, so it probably goes without saying that I was highly anticipating Flame in the Mist, which had been heralded as a Mulan re-imagining of sorts, but set in Feudal Japan with fantasy elements. I did, however, go into this with many hesitations (see: mixed reviews). Unfortunately for me, this time I was right to be apprehensive about this book, it didn't sit right with me at all, and you have no idea how disappointing it is for me to have to say that. It's probably better to go in not expecting anything like Mulan.

Waiting on Wednesday (50)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

[Review] Night Swimming by Steph Bowe

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 03/04/2017

Publisher: Text Publishing

Pages: 311

Source: Library

Genre: YA {Contemporary | GLBT}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Mary Lambert - She Keeps Me Warm ♪
♪ Anna Kendrick - Cups ♪

My Rating

4/5 stars

My thoughts

I've been wanting to read Steph Bowe since she first debuted in 2010 with Girl Saves Boy. Firstly, she got published at 16 years old, which I think we can all agree is a major feat. Clearly she must be doing something right to have her name out there at such a young age. Most 16 year olds are sleeping in, cruising through high school and working the stoves at Maccas - but not this Steph Bowe chick! That alone drew my curiosity... and then the other day I was positively moved by Mands' review [The Bookish Manicurist] for Night Swimming, and it became the only book I could imagine reading next. I had borrowed a copy from the library but I will most certainly be purchasing my own copy!

Night Swimming is a coming-of-age story that follows Kirby, one of the only two 17-year-olds still left in rural town Alberton, Australia. She enjoys her simple life and is content with a steady job as an apprentice carpenter. Her best friend Clancy, the other 17-year-old still left in rural town Alberton, Australia (and also the only Asian in town) is counting down the days before he can leave for the big smoke - Sydney.

But if Kirby also leaves, just as some others in her family have been known to do in the past, where will that leave her pet goat Stanley, or her rational-thinker mum, or old man Mr Pool who she works for? And when a new family floats into town, Kirby finds herself falling in love with the new girl, Iris . . . what now?

[Tag] Who I Am: Get to know the blogger! ☺

Photo taken in Victoria, Australia ❤

Hey guys! I thought for once I'd get a little bit personal and do a tag that shares something about myself. I don't know where this tag originated from, but I saw this over at Howling Libraries and liked the simplicity of it.

Q: What is the meaning behind your name?

[Review] The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 05/01/2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury UK

Pages: 240

Source: Library

Genre: YA {Contemporary | Verse}

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (Live) ♪

My Rating

3.5/5 stars

My thoughts

I adore Sarah Crossan and I think she is an amazing person. Meeting her last month at Sydney Writer's Fest reminded me that I needed to read her older books, namely The Weight of Water which she mentioned she drew slightly subconscious inspiration from her own childhood and upbringing. She had imagined this shabby one-room apartment in which her protagonist would live in this story, vivid as if she had lived there herself - until she realised that in fact, she had (but she had blocked out the memories)! And I think that's really amazing! Writing really is the truest, purest form of therapy and self-realisation.

Down the TBR Hole #5

Source: ♥

Down the TBR Hole is a meme/feature hosted by Lia (Lost in a Story). Hopefully this will remind me to read some of these long-lost, woeful books that have been sitting untouched, forgotten on these bookshelves of mine.

Rules

• Go to your goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

* I'm not offering actively "giveaways" anymore - but if you're an Aussie resident and interested in any of the books I'm giving away, feel free to ask about them! I'm happy to give them away, just that there hasn't been that much reception in the past. Otherwise I'll be trying to sell the books through Carousell. ;)

Let's get started!

Current TBR count: 415

[Review] The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 01/11/2016

Publisher: Penguin Corgi

Pages: 348

Source: Library

Genre: YA {Contemporary}

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

*one fight, some kissing, talk of sex

Book Tunes

♪ Fiona Apple - Across the Universe (Cover) ♪
♪ Oasis - Wonderwall ♪
♪ Adele - Hometown Glory ♪
♪ La La Land Soundtrack - City of Stars ♪

My Rating

4/5 stars

My thoughts

I adore Nicola Yoon. I haven't seen her speak, haven't read or heard any interviews that might shed more light on who she is. But her books speak to me. I think she has a knack for tapping into the core of humanity and writing characters that are easily accessible to readers, dealing with topics that feel real and important. I loved Everything, Everything, even if the disease (SCID) was misrepresented. I think her writing has this unique magic of pulling you in, and so it was the same with The Sun is Also a Star.

The Sun is Also a Star follows two teens who meet on a busy street in New York City, and the one day that they spend together. Daniel is a dreamer, Natasha prefers science. Daniel is determined that fate brought the two together, and that he can make her fall in love with him. 

Waiting on Wednesday (49)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

[Review] Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 01/11/2016

Publisher: Penguin Corgi

Pages: 310

Source: Library *I have since bought a copy*

Genre: YA {Contemporary}

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ The Veronicas - The Only High ♪

My Rating

4.5/5 stars

My thoughts

I read Everything, Everything back in February 2017. I remember summer. I miss summer. But anyway, reading this book was such a blur for me, it was so fast-paced and lovely and I just devoured it, and it already seems like this review is going to be a messy and disorganised one, so I shall apologise in advance!

Everything, Everything is about 17-year-old girl Maddy who has never left her home, ever since she was diagnosed with SCID (Severe Combined Immune Deficiency) as a baby. According to the experts, she is essentially allergic to the world. Destined to only see life flicker past in the safety of her bedroom as she looks out the window, Maddy tries to make the most of her situation. Until the cute boy next door starts to notice her, and she realises that the thing she wants the most - love - might very well be the thing that kills her.

[Book Tag] Harry Potter Spells Book Tag

Image source: ♥

It's time for another book tag! Guys, there's just something about book tags that set the fire burning inside my heart. I love choosing books that correlate with each category and being reminded of how they have affected me. :)

The Harry Potter Spells Tag was created by TurtleSympathy on Youtube (since de-activated, it seems?), which has been picked up by jessethereader and co. I'll be tagging 5 people at the end, but if you want to do this one too, then do it! And let me know so I can come visit!

[Review] Frogkisser by Garth Nix

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Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 28/02/2017

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 336

Source: Bought

Genre: Middle Grade {Fantasy}

#LoveOzYA

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

Book Tunes

♪ Grace Potter - Something That I Want ♪

*Tangled credits song! Most Disney songs work here!

My Rating

3.5/5 stars

My thoughts

This is actually the first Garth Nix I've ever read and it is sure to be but only the first of many. Of course I had heard a lot about this prolific Aussie author in the past, most specifically in relation to his highly-esteemed fantasy series Abhorsen, starting with Sabriel. I actually went to a book event last year where I met the man himself, bought all the books in the series and henceforth got those books signed (along with my close friends), and listened to a delectable snippet of this adorable book, Frogkisser. From that point on, I knew that I would read it - as soon as it hit release date I frequented my local booksellers and grabbed my own beautiful yellow-paged copy.

This book has been compared to The Princess Bride, and I can understand where these comparisons have stemmed from. They are both fairytale-esque, and Nix's writing edges on a fine line between whimsical and ridiculous, which is exactly the kind of humour that runs deep in the aforementioned much-acclaimed novel and its film adaptation. It is quite magical and fun, and there were many moments that left me with a smile on my face. Yes, reading Frogkisser was definitely enjoyable!

Down the TBR Hole #4

Source: ♥

Down the TBR Hole is a meme/feature hosted by Lia (Lost in a Story). Hopefully this will remind me to read some of these long-lost, woeful books that have been sitting untouched, forgotten on these bookshelves of mine.

Rules

• Go to your goodreads to-read shelf.
• Order on ascending date added.
• Take the first 5 books
• Read the synopses of the books
• Decide: keep it or should it go?

* I'm not offering actively "giveaways" anymore - but if you're an Aussie resident and interested in any of the books I'm giving away, feel free to ask about them! I'm happy to give them away, just that there hasn't been that much reception in the past. Otherwise I'll be trying to sell the books through Carousell. ;)

Let's get started!

Current TBR count: 415