Aina, a fun, quick read

Thank you to NetGalley for an eCopy of this graphic novel in return for an unbiased review. I enjoyed this little, translated work which is based around the mystery of a girl who speaks no English seemingly wanting to escape from those she lives with, and these individuals seem to have a dark side to them. Why else would she seem so distressed? I think the drawing style is really nice and I like the way the plot develops. It did seem a little rushed at the end, but overall I did like the novel and I definitely want to look into the rest of the series. Something fun, not too heavy and quick to read.

An important message in picture form

Clara, written by Chrisophe Lemoine (originally written in French) and illustrated by Cécile, is a graphic novel intended to educate children about what happens when a loved one becomes ill and passes away. I was provided with this book in an eBook format from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review. This graphic novel was a sad, sweet little book which I can imagine being helpful for parents or guardians in a difficult and sad time to attempt to explain the situation to those who are younger. I really liked the art style used and I’d definitely be interested in seeing more from this duo.

 

Just Henry by Michelle Magorian

Just Henry is an engrossing book based around the time of WWII. The book follows the life of a young boy, with a father who died in the war, living with his mother, step-father, gran and younger sister and his days at school and his love of photography.

Due to the stigmatisation which was common in those days and enforced by his grandmother, Henry is tested when partnered with two boys in school as one is a bastard (born when his parents were not married) and the other has a deserter for a father. He also meets a woman whilst trying to get into an age restricted film at the cinema and soon becomes friends with her. Through help from his unlikely friend as well as from his mother, teacher and what he truly believes; Henry becomes friends with these two boys.

He also develops (see what I did there) a love for photography and through help from both his teacher and his unlikely friend he starts taking pictures and learning how to make the best of the limited number of photos.

This love of photography and his close new friendships turn out to be crucial during a plot twist involving his father, gran, sister and a lot of worry.

The twist within this novel will have you glued to the pages as Magorian again manages to reel the reader in and not let go, this novel will grab you from the start and you’ll love learning about life in the post-WWII period as well as seeing the changes which occur at this time and how the characters develop.

Recommended for:

Those who love the WWII era.

This is my favourite era in history, meaning that I fell in love with this book almost instantly. The plot is easy to follow but also interesting and seems to stick to the historical accuracy of the time. The book shows what life was like once the war ended and how the countries landscape was changed, not only physically but mentally as people adjusted to others who were different with more ease.

Age recommendation:

Young Adults+

This book is aimed at ‘young adult’ readers with language and themes which may be slightly too mature for younger readers but which is simple enough that it is understandable. I would suggest that the reading age is around 12+ although this will vary from person to person, and many adults will enjoy this book as I still love it myself after many years.

Sorry for not posting in a while, I’ve had a busy summer! I hope you are all having a great time while the nice(ish) weather lasts!

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Minus Me by Ingelin Rossland

This is an amazing book about a young girls life after she almost passes away at a diving competition. She is brought back by a mysterious boy who keeps appearing when she least expects it. This book will grab you with short, easy to read, chapters and an interesting plot with a major twist at the end.

I managed to finish this book in 2 hours whilst doing other things around the house, it is so absorbing and I would love to re-read this book a million times. Sadly I have an advanced publication meaning I have to return this to my book store where I work but I am contemplating purchasing the book once it is for sale in my store!

Recommended for:

Teens

This is very much a teen novel, I can imagine older readers finding the writing style too childish. However for those who like the teen style, such as myself, it is a very good book.

Age recommendation:

13+

This book does have a plot which can upset readers, it made me cry and I’m an adult! So those giving to younger children should probably read this book first to ensure their child is ready to read it.

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Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

This is an amazing heartbreaking story of two best friends in War time. The girls attempt to infiltrate France comes to a halt when their plane is hit by opposing fire and they cannot land. This book is split into two halves, one which focuses on “Verity”, who is captured by the Nazis, the other half focuses on the pilot of the plane – Maddie.

This book will draw you in and not let go until the very end, with one of the best plot twists I have read in a long time. This plot twist is unexpected and unpredictable, right until the moment it happens.

This book has so much detail crammed in that it is very hard to describe it without giving away the whole story! This is shown by the synopsis only being 4 lines long. This book is so good that I’m having to resist the urge to go back and re-read it all again!

Recommended for:

Those who like books based in WW2, action, drama and spies.

This book really captures the time period with Wein using many sources, which she references in the back of the book, to make the story-line as realistic as possible. This means that those who love this period in history (like me!) will thoroughly enjoy the book. There is a lot of action, drama and suspense within the story as well as an unexpected theme of spies which is integrated throughout.

Age recommendation:

Teens and up.

This book does have violent elements which are probably not appropriate for younger readers, however the style is suitable for both teens and adults alike who should vastly enjoy this book. As usual, if you are thinking about giving this to a younger child I would recommend reading it first so you can make your own judgments on whether the book is suitable for them. You may even find that you love the book yourself!

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The Princess and the Snowbird by Mette Ivie Harrison

This is a classic boy meets girl story with a fantasy twist. Liva is the daughter of royalty who now live in the woods, with her mother in the form of a hound and her father in the form of a bear and Liva able to take any form she chooses. Jens is an outcast boy, not accepted by his father as he has no magic within him and cannot hunt. The two meet in the forest and are drawn to each other every moment since, keeping a look out for each other once they go their separate ways.When a threat appears the two set out to protect what is important to them, as well as stopping all magic from being destroyed.

This book is beautifully written and, although it is short at only a little over 200 pages, will leave you unable to put it down as you strive to discover what happens to Liva and Jens.

Recommended for:

Anyone who loves fantasy books with magic and romance as well as those who prefer short stories with depth.

The book manages to include a vast amount in the short novel and the use of magic is different to any other book I’ve read with the romance aspects not being too prominent or taking away from the story.

Age recommendation:

Teenagers.

This books is intended for teens, as shown by the publisher being “Harper Teen”. There are some moments which younger children may find disturbing, however children from the ages of 10 and up should be fine with the content included in this book. As always, if you’re not sure about giving this to a younger reader, read it first and determine for yourself if they can handle the scenes within.

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The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

Read on the Blloon app for iPhone.

bit.ly/downloadblloon

This is an amazing and engrossing book about a centurion who has had an extremely eventful and unlikely life and who can’t give it up, no matter his age.

The story follows Allan Karlsson as he relives his old adventures across the 20th century as swaps between his memories and the present, both of which are very almost unbelievable. The story starts as Allan escapes the care home he lives in to avoid his 100th birthday party, he ends up at the bus station watching someone’s bag. When the said someone doesn’t return for their bag in time before Allans bus arrives, he just takes the suitcase with him on his journey to as far as he can get for what money he has.

The book has a very intricate plot with a lot of changing from the past to the present. However, this is easily got used to after a while.

You can read this book for free using the Blloon app for iPhone.
http://www.blloon.com

Recommended for:
Anyone.
This book is a narrative of a man’s adventurous life and, as such, can be enjoyed by anybody.

Age recommendation:
15 and over.
The book does contain violence as well as illegal activities although they are on a small scale and the violence is not described in great detail. As always, if you are worried about your child reading this then I suggest you read the book yourself first. You may end up loving it.

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Call The Midwife by Jennifer Worth

This is the acclaimed first book of the TV series of the same name. Simply put, this book is Jennifer Worth’s depiction of her work as a midwife after the second world war in the 1950’s.

This is the real life account of Jennifer Worth’s time as a midwife. She trained as a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and then moved to London to train as a midwife. After her work as a midwife, Jennifer became a staff nurse at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, then ward sister and later night sister at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital in Euston.

Unexpectedly she arrives at a nunnery where she soon realises that the nuns are also the local midwifes and are greatly liked and trusted within the area. She slowly gains experience with the nuns by her side at the beginning until she is competent enough to work on her own. This is a story of love and loss and will pull in almost every reader with tales of pain, heartbreak, suffering and poverty; love, life and care; cheating and the reminder of past values and also friendship and admiration for the midwives who carried out this work with very little equipment and a lot less technology than today.

Recommended for:
People who like any form of real life tale as well as those who are interested in post war life.
The story does not only look at the cold hard facts, but also includes a lot about Britain at this time in history. It is an accurate account of life then and the struggles people went through as well as how life differs so drastically today.

Age recommendation
12 years and above:
I would recommend no one under the age of twelve reads this as the book does contain scenes of childbirth. However if you are looking at this book for your child and believe they may be mature enough to read this content then I recommend reading the book yourself first.

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