Blogspiration #8

Blogspiration is a Brand Spankin' New weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

Thought I'd go for something a little more light hearted this week! Laughter is always a good way to start the summer, so when I found this I burst out laughing and knew I had to use it for Blogspiration! 

Hope everyone has a great week! 

Quote of the Week #11

"I'm wishing he could see that music lives. Forever. That it's stronger than death. Stronger than time. And that its strength holds you together when nothing else can," 

"Because nothing is more dangerous than hope," 

"She also knew that one must meet the world's madness with more madness,"

“History is a Rorschach test, people. What you see when you look at it tells you as much about yourself as it does about the past.” 

"I don't like hope very much. In fact, I hate it. It's the crystal meth of emotions. It hooks you fast and kills you hard. It's bad news. The worst. It's sharp sticks and cherry bombs. When hope shows up, it's only a matter of time until someone gets hurt," 

"They wanted the best possible things, some of them—liberty, equality,and fraternity for all. It was a nice dream. Too bad they didn’t pull it off. Too bad we haven’t.”

“Becuse God loves us, but the devil takes an interest."

“For mad I may be, but I will never be convenient.” 

"There is only one thing I fear now - love. For I have seen it and I have felt it and I know that it is love, not death, that undoes us."

  

"It goes on, this world, stupid and brutal. 

But I do not.

I do not"

As you can tell by the number of quotes I have here that I liked Revolution. It has so many great messages and a great protagonist  (who I want a mix tape from) My review for Revolution is here. 

Book Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Revolution

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Pages: 496

Publication Date: November 2010

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart. (Goodreads)

Revolution is something special. Something else. Not only was it completely different from what I was expecting it to be but the story also surpassed my expectations considerably.

I loved the writing style, it’s incredibly unique and enthralling and I found that Andi’s narrative voice was a darker cross between Juno and Olive Penderghast – both of whom I love.  Along this line there were some great word play used throughout the story, all of which I found hilarious,  such as Boredoisie, the Shamptons and many to do with Vijay’s mum – Vietmom, Atom mom, Momsoon, Momshell, Flesh eating Mombie – the list goes on!

Speaking of Vijay’s mum there was also great secondary characters that seemed realistic and essential to the enjoyment of the story, who although you didn’t see character development added an extra dimension to the plot. My favourites were Vijay’s mum and Jimmy Shoes.

The majority of the book is set in Paris, I loved how it was presented through Andi’s eyes; as someone who could speak fluent French and immersed herself in the artist culture of the city. (This aspect was probably enhanced because whilst I was reading it the French elections were going on and the day I finished it was the day Francois Hollande won) I also found it hilarious the frequent references to striking. In Paris she meets Virgil, a French rap artist; I loved his relationship with Andi, especially their phones calls. Its gradual progression made it sweet and endearing and also I loved the emphasis that having a romantic relationship with someone is so much more than making out or sleeping with them. Whilst there was this relationship it definitely was not one of the key parts to the story and its understated nature made me appreciate it more.  

A major part of the plot was Andi and her obsession with music, especially Amadé Malherbeau.  I loved her passionate reverence for it and you could tell how much she truly appreciated it. There’s nothing I hate more then when a character apparently has some hobby or favourite thing yet it is never shown. Not Andi -  her fervent and fanatical love for music was apparent, “Because there’s nothing I love more than a good, freaky tritone,” and how she used music as an escape, like most people do, using it as a coping mechanism. The music helped her get by, “One note at a time,”

Another thing I loved was that Revolution had a great balance between light and dark in both plot and humour. Whilst the plot has many dark sides - Andi’s brother has died and she has gained another obsession, a dead girl’s diary from the French Revolution – but this only enhanced Andi’s journey for me. I couldn’t help but feel compelled to hope the best for her whilst Donnelly presented her hardships in one of the best manners I’ve ever seen. Andi’s pain felt tangible and real – the realist pain, anger and heartache I’ve read in a long time.

I would say now, something I know I didn’t expect and some might find off putting, Andi travels back in time to the French revolution. We, as readers, never know if this was real or was just in Andi’s drugged mind but I think that’s important to know if you are going to read this story. I found myself enjoying this part of the story. It is an incredibly interesting period of history that I'd love to learn more about. Going back in time emphasised Andi’s relationship with Alexandrine, the girl from the diary. This regression or vision helped Andi move forwards and with it gained an insight into all that she was suffering from - I loved the message and moral of the story. Also the balance between present day and the historical part of the novel was very well executed and you didn't feel like you had too much of either. 

How to sum up Revolution? It made me laugh, cry and left me smiling and feeling grateful that I took the time to read this. I can’t express my love anymore except by saying that Revolution probably will be on ‘The Shelf’. Revolution is a brilliant and worthwhile read that I believe has something for everyone.

My Weekly Book Haul #5

'My Weekly Book Haul' is a weekly meme where I show you lovely readers what books I've bought or borrowed this week. 

As you can tell the book buying ban was broken, I have failed. But by failing I have won by getting books! Book buying is always a win win situation. So the ban was broken mainly due to me finishing my exams! Yay for two weeks off!

Bought:

On the Road by Jack Kerouac - Ever since I heard the famous 'the only ones for me are the mad ones' quote I've wanted to read this (I've posted it twice on this blog - on my Blogspiration and quote of the week). A book about road trips with beautiful prose? Sign me up. I'm about 70 pages in and I love it. 

Legend by Marie Lu - I've loved the sound of this one and have heard many a great thing and am looking forward to seeing what it's like.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young - This is similar to Legend, I've seen many good reviews, I also want to read more Dystopians, I think they are amazing and I love the great social commentary. 

What did you get this week? Hope everyone has a great weekend and a great start to the summer! 

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristen Cashore

Pages: 352

Series: Graceling Realm #1

Publication Date: 22^nd January 2009

Publisher: Gollancz

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

In a world where people born with an exceptional skill, known as a Grace, are both feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of killing.

Feared by the court and shunned by those her own age, the darkness of her Grace casts a heavy shadow over Katsa’s life. Yet she remains defiant: when the King of Lienid’s father is kidnapped she investigates, and stumbles across a mystery. Who would want to kidnap the old man, and why? And who was the extraordinary Graced man whose fighting abilities rivalled her own?

The only thing Katsa is sure of is that she no longer wants to kill. The intrigue around this kidnapping offers her a way out – but little does she realise, when she takes it, that something insidious and dark lurks behind the mystery. Something spreading from the shadowy figure of a one-eyed king.. (Goodreads)

It’s been an incredibly long time since I’ve read a high fantasy, especially a good one. With high fantasy I think there is a fine line between it becoming overly complex and difficult to read to being an utterly fantastic and intricately woven story – thankfully Graceling falls into the latter.

With the release of Bitterblue (the final instalment of this series, released in May this year) I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about this trilogy and I wasn’t let down. What surprised me reading Graceling was that this was Kristen Cashore's debut! It astounded me that such a complex story, with excellent world building was her first published work.

Katsa was amazing – a strong, resilient character battling with the darker power of her grace – the ability to kill and injure so easily. Her strength was incredibly empowering not just physically but mentally, when she stands up to those who have been pushing her down and her continuation in the face of so many trials and tribulations made me admire her immensely. She was also a no nonsense sort of character who knew what she was capable of. Katsa’s power and strength came from her self – awareness, she knew she didn’t need anyone to do the things she could do for herself.

The concept of Graces was incredibly interested, something that gives a person a super ability made me wish I had one. I also loved how the identifier between those with Graces and those without were having two different coloured eyes, an image that makes that person seem striking and unique.

Another big positive I have for Graceling is the pacing and speed at which the plot progressed, it was fantastic and there were no pointless ‘filler’ scenes, nothing was included that wasn’t necessary which made me appreciate the narration. The narrative style as a whole was excellent; the third person narration from Katsa’s perspective allowed Cashore to have showcase a great social commentary of the time in which Graceling is set; such as how girls, the most vulnerable at the time, were taught nothing in self – defence.  The plot was complex without being overwhelming, it was incredibly nuanced with so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming – which I always love.

Now for Po (I may or may not be a little in love with him) his character was just warm and welcoming and his relationship with Katsa, and it's development, was beautiful – I also loved how this was given the time it needed in the story without completely taking it over. I also loved Raffin, Bitterblue, Oll – almost everyone, they had such great characterization and development that made them seem real.

Graceling was also genuinely funny, none of those forced jokes that you feel were put in amidst all the troubles that the characters are going through. The funny scenes and jokes that were used felt natural and legitimately hilarious.

However it did take me a little while to get into it (I even took notes to begin with, of the information we were given, so I wouldn’t get confused!) but once you get into it, Graceling will amaze you. I loved the ending, it was finite yet open and hopeful and I will definitely be reading Fire as soon as I can!

I’d recommend Graceling to anyone who loves a good fantasy story or anyone whose loves great writing, characters and a plot that’ll keep you guessing. 

UK vs US Covers #10 - Graceling by Kristin Cashore

UK vs US Book Covers is a feature on Books Worth Remembering. I've seen it done on other blogs and thought it was a really great idea because I am strongly opinionated when it comes to having different book covers!

I can't pick which one I like most, they both seem pretty good to me. The UK cover, the one I had, has this motif of snowflakes which are also on the pages which I thought was in keeping with the theme and setting of the book. I also like the background image of the storm and the sea, once again reflecting the storyline but also Katsa herself.  However I do know that girls on front covers are not incredibly original but this silhouette is quite striking and powerful. 

The US cover on the other hand is a little bit more unique, I love the more medieval looking background and the mixture of blue and green to represent Katsa's eyes. I also like that the focal point is the sword which makes it stand out. 

This time I think it's a draw.

Which cover do you prefer? Which cover would you buy? Which one do you think stands out the most?

I hope everyone has a great Friday and I'll see you tomorrow with my review of Graceling. 

YA Watch List 25th - 31st May

YA Watch List is a feature on Books Worth Remembering. In order of release date here are my personal picks of YA releases that you should watch out for and add to your TBR pile this week! (Click on the pictures to be taken to their Goodreads page)

Which new releases are you looking forward to this week? Are any of these on your TBR list?