The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini

Summary:

A story of fathers and sons, friendship and betrayal, and the casualties of fate.

1970’s Afghanistan: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

In One Word: Tragic (causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow)

Plot:

I must admit, this story drew me in much more than I expected. I knew that many people loved this book, but it didn’t sound like something I’d enjoy, I expected it to consist of a historical/war-based plot, but that’s not all I got. I loved this story, but it feels wrong to say that, because it’s shocking and terrifying and like I said, tragic. I had no idea what this book was about before I read it (I know, where have I been...), but I’m glad, because that meant I could go into it with no expectations. I definitely didn’t expect it to be this engaging. I thought the writing was good, and the plot stayed interesting throughout while still giving you some moments of quiet amidst the chaos. I don’t like books that force you to read one shocking thing after another, and this one wasn’t like that.

Characters:

The characters in this book are the reason I subtracted one star from my rating, I would’ve given it five stars except I really didn’t like the main character. And I think that was the point, but the contrast between Amir and Hassan was a little unrealistic to me. Amir is selfish and a coward while Hassan can do no wrong. I did think that Amir’s character was more relatable, he is flawed (extremely flawed), but he knows it and resents himself for it. I also thought the relationship between him and his father was very interesting. However, while I understand why the author decided to make his character so imperfect, I didn’t like that I found some of his actions completely abhorrent and stupid. I did care about the characters, and I wanted Amir to realise what the right thing to do is, and in the end he does, but for most of the book I didn’t like him at all.

Who should read this:

16+, there is language, violence and sexual content (sometimes violent sexual content) in this book, and while it’s never described very graphically it is very disturbing. If you’re sensitive to things like that, you might want to skip this book. However, if you enjoy books that are not just a light read with a happy ending and will possibly make you cry and shock you at the same time, then definitely give this one a go.

My rating:

Not since ‘The Book Thief’ has a book drawn me in like this one did. I didn’t think this book was perfect, but overall I couldn’t put it down. 4/5

Quote:

“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...”

Noughts & Crosses

Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses #1

Summary:

Callum is a nought – an inferior white citizen in a society controlled by the black crosses.

Sephy is a Cross – and the daughter of one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the country.

In their hostile, violent world, noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. But when Sephy and Callum’s childhood friendship grows into passionate love, they’re determined to find a way to be together.

In One Word: Perturbing (Causing anxiety/unsettling)

Plot:

This is probably one of the best dystopians I’ve ever read, not because it's a great story (even though it is) or because the characters were great (which they are), but because it’s so extremely realistic. Most dystopians show a future that we can’t really imagine becoming reality, but the situation in Noughts and Crosses has been a reality in many countries. This way of looking at racism, in a fictional sense with two characters on opposite sides of the fence, is inspired. I liked that the author (who admits that some of the less intense parts of the novel actually happened to her) makes the black people the ruling class, which shows that she is not writing this because she has a grudge, but more because she feels like she should get the message out about how pointless racism is. The plotline of this story is extremely engaging and I couldn’t put it down for a second. This is also one of the very few books that made me cry, which really doesn’t happen very often. I didn’t really notice the writing all that much, which is a good sign in a book that is story- or character-driven like this one.

Characters:

I really loved the main characters in this book. They are realistic, flawed and relatable, all of which are qualities I look for in storybook characters. There are times when you don’t even like them all that much, which in some cases would’ve been a bad thing, but strangely works in this novel to make them feel like real people. In the end you really care for them, and anything that hurts them hurts you too. The minor characters weren’t as developed as the main ones, but they added something to the story as well without being distracting, especially Sephy’s mother and Callum’s brother.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and some sexual content, I don’t remember any language (I was too lost in the story to take notice). If you’re looking for something that will make an impact, make you cry or you have an interest in racial differences I definitely suggest this.. Also, if you’re looking for a dystopian that is completely original and different from anything you’ve read before then try this one. I think I would pretty much recommend this to anyone although I do realise that it will make some people highly uncomfortable.

My rating:

It’s hard to say that I loved this book, simply because it is so heart-wrenching and also pretty disturbing, but I did. I didn’t want to put it down, it touched me emotionally and it will be really hard to forget what happened in this story. 5/5

Quote:
That's just the way it is. Some thins will never change. That's just the way it is. But don't you believe them.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled Hosseini

Summary:

Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who is thirty years her senior. Nearly two decades later, in a climate of growing unrest, tragedy strikes fifteen-year-old Laila, who must leave her home and join Mariam’s unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other, their friendship to grow as deep as the bond between sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter.

With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women’s endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end it is love that triumphs over death and destruction.

In One Word: Moving

Plot:

I must admit that this review may be influenced a little by the book I previously read, which was ‘Noughts and Crosses’ by Malorie Blackman. Both these books are very emotional and also shocking, because you realise that most of these hardships really happened to people somewhere in history. However, the problem with reading these two as close together as I did is that one felt much more real to me than the other. I could identify with the situation of racism in the previous book much more than this one, but I’m going to try to not let that influence this review too much, although it might have an effect on my overall feeling about this book. 

Okay, that being said in an extremely long paragraph, lets continue with this book’s plot. I read this book in one day, literally. This is always a good sign in my opinion, since it means it was engaging at least. I enjoyed this story, I found it easier to read than ‘the Kite Runner’, but I also didn’t find it as emotional. Hosseini’s writing is wonderful, and like many of the blurbs say: he’s a natural storyteller, so there are no complaints there. I like books with more than one point of view, even when it’s not a first-person narrative like this one, since I like seeing how the different characters respond to different events.

Characters:

Just like with the plot, I didn’t connect as much to this book’s characters as I did to 'the Kite-Runner’s', which is strange since this one focuses on women instead of men (I'm a female, if my choices in literature hasn't clued you into that yet...I also have a review for 'the Little Mermaid' on here, so this shouldn't be a surprise...). That doesn’t mean that I didn’t like these characters or don’t think they are well-written. On the contrary, both the main characters and most of the minor ones are very well-rounded and relatable. I didn’t, however, have a favourite character, or one that I really fell in love with. If I had to choose one it would be Tajir, just because I’m a sucker for the romantic heroes.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence, which is quite disturbing, as well as some sexual content. There was not any language that I can recall. If you like emotional books with good characters that is well-written, but easy to read or if you’re interested in the history of Afghanistan, but want something a little more personal then I definitely suggest any of Khaled Hosseini’s books. However, if you want something happy or light then this is not for you.

My rating:

Like I said, I read this book in a day, and I didn’t get bored once. However, there wasn’t that extreme emotional connection that I usually look for in a book like this. 4/5

Quote:

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs. Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”

Burning Bright

Tracy Chevalier

Summary:

London 1792. The Kellaways move from familiar rural Dorset to the tumult of a cramped, unforgiving city.

Against the backdrop of a city jittery over the increasingly bloody French Revolution, a surprising bond forms between Jem, the youngest Kellaway boy, and streetwise Londoner Maggie Butterfield. Their friendship takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in the life of their neighbour, the printer, poet and radical, William Blake. He is a guiding spirit as Jem and Maggie navigate the unpredictable, exhilarating passage from innocence to experience. Their journey influences one of Blake’s most entrancing works.

In One Word: Atmospheric

Plot:

I must admit, I didn’t love this storyline, but I only realised that afterwards, when I really started to think about it. The writing is so good that I almost didn’t notice that the plot was a little mediocre. I love writing like this, that stays simple, but is still rich enough to create atmosphere. The ending was a little inconclusive to me, I would’ve liked to know what happens next, but I know some people might like the ending as it is. Some parts were also a little predictable. I loved the setting and the historical aspect of the book, but I felt like the story could’ve been better.

Characters:

I liked the characters, especially Jem and Maggie, as well as William Blake. I didn’t like Blake because he was written about accurately (we didn’t know him, we don’t know what would be accurate), but just as a character in a story, who happens to be based on a real person. Jem and Maggie have great chemistry, and they’re great opposites (but still similar...this is  a reference....read the book). However, I wasn’t emotionally connected to the characters.

Who should read this:

13+, there is some sexual content, although no language that I can remember. The violence is also very mild. The story might not interest younger readers. If you’ve read ‘the Girl with the Pearl Earring’ and liked it, you might like this one as well. If you want something with an incredible story and characters I don’t suggest this.

My rating:

I loved the writing, liked the characters, and didn’t notice that I didn’t really like the story until I finished the book. So 3/5.

Quote:

This is not exactly a quote, but more an idea that fascinated me when I read about it in this book: ‘Opposites all have something in common’. 

The Book Thief

Summary:

While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

Plot:

Since I already read this book, I can’t really say much about the plot. One of the great things about this movie is that it didn’t chánge or add anything in the story, it only left some parts out (which is completely understandable). The movie isn’t extremely fast-paced, and knowing what happens at the end made it a little boring to watch, but that is only because I already knew the story, not because I thought it was a bad movie. I liked that they kept a little of the narration by ‘Death’, which was one of the things I liked best about the book.

Characters:

I loved the acting, especially the younger actors, they were really great and seemed to understand the essence of the characters very well. Rudy was my favourite character in the book, and I really liked his portrayal in the movie as well. Liesel is a wonderful character, and Hans and Rosa are both interesting and funny. Overall the characters weren’t exactly as I imagined them, but they were very well handled.

Cinematography:

Beautiful. The colours and lighting create mood and atmosphere, and there wasn’t one scene where I didn’t notice how gorgeous the overall look of the movie was.

Who should watch this:

PG-13, obviously, since this is a WW2 movie, there is a lot of violence. The violence is not extremely graphic, but it is intense and quite scary. If you enjoyed the book then I suggest watching this. If you haven’t read the book, don’t watch it quite yet...GO READ IT! RIGHT NOW!

My rating:

I was not sure how people could make a movie out of this book, but somehow they managed it. It wasn’t nearly as good as the book, but it was a really great movie. 5/5

The Fault in Our Stars

Summary:
Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel's other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.

In One Word: Heartbreaking

Plot:

When I read this book I didn’t know if I liked it or not. I feel the same about this movie, but for different reasons (I’m still not sure why I felt that way about the book). It’s really hard to say you loved a movie that is so gut-wrenchingly sad. But you do. It doesn’t make any sense really, to love a movie like this. As far as staying true to the book goes, I think this movie did a pretty good job, I can’t remember exactly what happens in the book, but overall I didn’t notice anything that was really different. The story is beautiful and tragic, and there’s not much more you can say about it.

Characters:

This is where the movie really got to me. I liked the characters in the book, I thought they were ‘real’ and normal, but I didn’t fall in love with them. This movie made me fall in love with them, which made it extremely hard to watch them suffer. Hazel is incredible without realising it, she’s funny and smart and different, without trying too hard. And Gus...Gus is sweet, funny, easy-going and yet a very deep character. Their chemistry is great, they click and you totally get why the one falls for the other.

Cinematography:

Very good, the colours bring out the different moods in the story, but it’s not extremely noticable and it doesn’t distract from the story.

Who should watch this:

If you liked the book, or just need a good cry then I definitely suggest this. If you’re looking for a light, happy movie then this is not the one for you.

My rating:

Rarely do I stay sad after a sad movie has ended. However, this one broke my heart. 5/5

Quote:
I fell in love with him the way you fall asleep: Slowly, and then all at once.

Don't Forget to Dance

Sylvia Hall

Summary:

You know who you are. I don’t. I don’t know where I come from or where I’m going...

Ravenna Collins is intelligent, beautiful...and deeply unhappy. She just doesn’t seem to fit in at home any more. She’s always known she was adopted but suddenly it’s become vital that she discovers who she really is...

Then she meets Beth and Ravenna feels in touch with her roots at last. Beth teaches her to dance and it is through these liberating rhythms that Ravenna finds herself close to discovering the truth. But the truth twists and turns in a merry dance of its own, and soon Ravenna is in danger of losing the only real home she has ever known...

Plot:

I thought this story had a lot of potential. There is so much you can do with a story about dance, and the descriptions and emotions could have been portrayed wonderfully through it. I could see the author trying to connect the main character’s feelings and thoughts with the way she dances, but unfortunately it wasn’t as well done as it could’ve been. Much of the writing became a little pretentious and it felt like the author was trying too hard to create beautiful descriptions and kind of lost track of the plot line. Also the story didn’t seem to go anywhere, and the plot twists were a litle anti-climactic, although there was some moments I really enjoyed.

Characters:

I liked and felt for the main character, but I probably won’t remember much about her, except that she loves dancing. The other characters were all pretty well handled, but none of them really grabbed my attention. They were different and interesting, but not fascinating.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for mild language and sexual content as well as very mild violence. If you want a descriptive story and love dancing you might enjoy this, but I feel like there must be better books out there about this subject matter.

My rating:

This book wasn’t boring, it just wasn’t as good as it could have been and while I was reading I just kept noticing things the author could've done differently. 2/5

Quote:

If you don’t know who you are, you can belong anywhere. You’re free. I could be anybody.

I couldn't find a cover image for this book :/ and my copy isn't in great condition and has plastic on it so I couldn't scan it...

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak

Summary:

-There is a small fact-

You are going to die.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

-Some important information-

This novel is narrated by Death.

it’s a small story, about:

a girl

an accordionist

some fanatical Germans

a Jewish fist fighter

and quite a lot of thievery.

-Another thing you should know-

Death will visit the book thief three times.

Plot:

Some books play with your mind, this one plays with your heart. It’s also the kind of book that you want to start over when you reach the last few pages because you just don’t want it to end, or you know you won’t be able to handle the end.It’s brutally honest, but never becomes gory or overly graphic. I think it’s great that the story centres on a German family instead of a Jewish one. The writing is incredible, the author creates pictures and describes things in a way that captures you completely. He plays with words and breaks language rules, without which this story would have been entirely too sad to read. Every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter of this book needs to be savoured. This is not a happy book, but it’s a beautiful one. And one thought kept popping into my head while I read: “everybody dies sometime, and maybe that's okay”.

Characters:

You absolutely fall in love with the characters in this book. Even the ones you don’t really like all the time. Death, the narrator, is shown in such a strangely positive way that you actually sympathise with him instead of the human characters. Liesel is incredible and you root for her from the very first page. I also fell in love with Rudy, Liesel’s best friend. None of the characters were perfect and all of them were relatable. You felt for every character, even the ones who did the wrong thing.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for the dark themes (the book is narrated by Death...) and some language. If you like historical fiction, but want something different this is absolutely the one for you. I would actually recommend this to anyone and everyone. If you’re looking for a book that will capture your mind, heart and imagination you don’t need to look any further. However, if you’re looking for a quick, light or happy read this is definitely not the one for you. Just because this is YA, does not mean adults can't enjoy it too, trust me.

My rating:

I usually walk away from books that were over-hyped feeling extremely dissapointed. This was not the case with ‘the Book Thief’. It’s everything I want in a novel, emotional, original and well-written. This book has all the ingredients to become a classic. I will definitely be rereading it, because I feel like this is one of those books you can get something new from with every read. 5/5

Quote:

Almost every sentence in this book is quotable, but this one sums up the book pretty well for me:

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right”-Liesel.

The Flask

Nicky Singer

Summary:

I put my hand into the dark, secret space that lies behind the drawer.

And find the flask.

Twelve-year-old Jess is anxiously awaiting the birth of her twin brothers, when she finds a mysterious glass flask hidden in a desk.

The flask is beautiful to Jess, and she’s sure she can see something beneath the surface of the glass-something extraordinary, something magical...

So when the twins are born critically ill, Jess becomes convinced that the mysterious force inside the flask could keep them alive.

Plot:

This was a strangely beautiful book. The way it was written is beautiful, but doesn’t always make sense. There isn’t that much of a story, really, but it stays interesting, which is not an easy thing for an author to accomplish. I found it a little weird, to be honest, but there was a beatiful, poetic feel about it that I really liked.

Characters:

Since the story is told from the perspective of the main character there isn’t really that much I can say about the others. The main character’s way of thinking is fascinating, to say the least, and she’s perceptive and imaginative in a way that seems almost too much to believe. In fact, I don’t think I really believe that a twelve-year old can think like this, and yet the author manages to make it work. You really start rooting and feeling for the character and I really liked her.

Who should read this:

13+, there is very little language, no sexual content and no violence, but the themes and subtleties of this book will, in my opinion, be lost on younger readers. I also don’t think this will be everyone’s cup of tea. There is some strange spiritual and religious happenings that don’t really make sense, so be warned. If you’re looking for something completely different from your normal, straight-forward story this might be the one for you.

My rating:

There was something quite enchanting about this book, and yet I can’t decide if I liked it or not. I love the way the main character seemed to see deeper than most people, and yet remained childish and naive. 4/5.

Quote:

All sorts of things I thought of as separate before the twins were born turn out to be joined.

The Priest's Graveyard

Ted Dekker

Summary:

Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother’s life. Now he’s a priest. Yet that does not stop him from acting as an avenging angel on those who stay within the criminal law but live outside the laws of love and compassion.

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.

Danny and Renee: Soon their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.

Plot:

Woah...this story will take everything you believe in, make you question it and then make you question the fact that you questioned it. An incredible story, although at times almost too dark and brutal to take, it’s thrilling and horrifying and mind-altering. The strange perspective of a killer for a hero, and the incredible twists throughout makes this a completely unique and very unsettling story.

Characters:

The characters in this book is way too complex to explain. I didn’t always understand their motivations, or their reasoning, but I still connected to them. I wouldn’t call them relatable exactly and yet I really started rooting for the main characters, even though they were doing truly awful things. The main male character is a serial killer, and it’s fascinating to see his reasoning and justifying of the truly horrible things he does. The female main character is a little less impressive in my eyes, but still a very interesting character.

Who should read this:

16+, the violence is truly disturbing, and so is the overall feel of the book. I would definitely recommend caution with this book. If you enjoy thrillers and want something different I don’t think I could think of a better choice for you...except maybe another one of Dekker’s books. This is the darkest book I’ve read by him, but I think it’s my second favourite, after Thr3e, it's definitely one I'll remember. Brad Meltzer said-'The Priest's Graveyard will haunt you-long after you want it to', and I agree.

My rating:

This book scared the living daylights out of me. Not just because of the violence etc, but because of the way it made me think. It’s an incredibly well-written book that is completely original and unlike anything I’ve read before. In the end I loved it, but the violence was a bit extreme. 4/5

Quote:

I had done some right to fix the wrong, hadn’t I?

Five Quarters of the Orange

Joanne Harris

Summary:

Beyond the main street of Les Laveuses runs the Loire, smooth and brown as a sunning snake – but hiding a deadly undertow beneath its moving surface. This is where Framboise, a secretive widow named after a raspberry liqueur, plies her culinary trade at the crêperie – and lets her memory play strange games.

Into this world comes the threat of revelation as Framboise’s nephew – a profiteering Parisian – attempts to exploit the growing success of the country recipes she has inherited from her mother, a woman remembered with contempt by the villagers of Les Laveuses. As the spilt blood of a tragic wartime childhood flows again, exposure beckons for Framboise, the widow with an invented past.

Plot:

This is an exceptional work of fiction, brilliantly written and fascinating from start to finish. It keeps you guessing by giving you tiny bits of information, but makes you wait for the full story. Harris’ writing style is excellent, descriptive without being boring or overdone. This story will keep you thinking long after you’ve put down the book.

Characters:

Again Harris shows her genius in creating characters that are much too complex to describe in a couple of words. All the characters have major flaws, which makes them all the more interesting. Some are surprising, others are more predictable. The dynamics between the characters are also very interesting, how they change and develop.

Who should read this:

(13+) Mainly for language and non-graphic, but still upsetting, violence and sexual content. If you enjoyed Harris’ other books I would definitely recommend this one. Also if you like books with atmosphere and intrigue that will pull you in this might be the one for you. This is not a light or simple book, but it’s easy to read and understand.

My rating:

I almost like this book better than Chocolat, I though the descriptions were exquisite and the storyline intriguing. I’ll definitely read it again, because I think you could discover something new every time. 5/5

Quote:

“I let it go. It's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. After a while, whoever you are, you just have to let go, and the river brings you home.”

Hadassah: One Night with the King

Tommy Tenney

Summary:

Bestselling author Tommy Tenney expands the extraordinary story of Esther like no novelist has done before. Both a thriller and a Jewish woman's memoir, Hadassah takes readers to ancient Persia (now known as Iran), into the inner sanctum of the palace and back out into the war zones of battle and political intrigue. This gripping drama of a simple peasant girl chosen over many more qualified candidates to become Esther, Queen of Persia, captures the imagination and fires the emotions of men and women alike.

Plot:

This is an intriguing story, even for someone who knows the basics of it. It started off a little confusing, as there were two characters with the same name, but living in different times. It was a little hard to decide in what time-zone the story was being told, but it soon got easier as you started understanding what the author was doing. The story itself isn’t a new one, but based on the bible-book Esther. It had just enough historical content to make it authentic, but enough personal looks into the character’s thoughts & feelings to save it from being boring. The historical parts are also very well-written and exciting.

Characters:

It’s fascinating to see those well-known yet slightly vague characters come to life. While I don’t know how accurate the descriptions of these characters are, they are relatable, imperfect and yet they have a regal air about them that make them stand out.

Who should read this:

(16+) Mainly for very violent scenes, but also for quite a bit of sexual content (which is not extremely graphic, but implied and mentioned frequently throughout the book). If you enjoy historical, Christian fiction, this is definitely something I would recommend for you. This isn’t a light read, but it’s not hard.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. The violence was a little much for me, but I know it was necessary. The writing style was better than I expected and I wasn’t bored once...4/5

Quote:

I knew then that being chosen Queen was the only way my life – or his – would ever be made right. Beyond that, it was in YHWH’s hands.

If I Stay

Gayle Forman

If I Stay #1

Summary:

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

Plot:

This is not a very original story, but the perspective from which it is told makes it extremely interesting. The author gives us a whole life story, told in flashbacks and from the main characters viewpoint as she holds her own life in her hands. This is just a story of a pretty normal girl, her life, hopes and dreams. While there are some aspects of her life that make it unique, it’s stays relatable.

Characters:

You really connect with this main character, you get to see her entire life literally flash before her eyes, and you start to care for her and the people around her. She is very relatable, although her present situation is pretty strange. All the characters are entertaining, and you get to know them pretty well, since the main character is pretty perceptive.

Who should read this:

13+, this is mainly for language, the violence of the car crash and suspense, as well as the issue of death, which, obviously plays a big role in this book. I would recommend this for people who like stories about normal teens, but want something a little different. The front cover says ‘for fans of Stephenie Meyer’s twilight’, but I personally didn’t see the connection. The themes of the two books differ greatly. If you want a light, happy book I wouldn’t recommend this one, as it is pretty sad.

My rating:

I enjoyed this book, it didn’t bore me, I found the perspective refreshing and new and I really liked the characters. I don’t think it’s going to make my favorites, simply because it wasn’t one of those books where I go ‘wow’ when I put it down, but it was definitely worth the time I spent on it...4/5.

Quote:

Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you.

Gravity

Summary:

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone - tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness.

Plot:

This is a very suspenseful movie. Although I’m not sure if it will be as good if you don’t watch it in cinemas or in 3D. In my opinion, it won’t be the same on a TV/computer screen. While the story is good, there comes a moment when you start expecting bad things to happen, and it doesn’t surprise you anymore. This makes it just a little tedious, and less thrilling. However, it is still a very good storyline, and it’s handled very well, considering how little the directors really had to work with in terms of setting and characters.

Characters:

There aren’t a lot of characters in this movie. All of them are quite memorable, but none as much as Matt Kowalski (George Clooney), he is very witty, and overly optimistic, and he lightens the mood of the film considerably, without him it would have been extremely depressing. The main character Ryan Stone (yes, Ryan is a woman) grows a lot during the movie and is a very relatable character, I feel, for many people.

Cinematography:

Exceptional. With only one or two exceptions, you really feel as if you are in outer space yourself. You can lose yourself in the amazing angles and beautiful photography and computer effects used in this film.

Who should watch this:

(PG-13) Mainly because of violence, suspense and language, but I also feel that this movie would either bore or upset younger viewers. If you love space, suspense, or just very well-made movies, you should go watch this one.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this movie, even though I’m not a huge fan of movies that make me nervous. I don’t think I’ll be watching it again, simply because I feel that it wouldn’t have the same effect without the big screen and the 3D, but I definitely liked it a lot. 4/5.

Quote:

Matt Kowalski: Houston I have a bad feeling about this mission...

Mission Control: Please elaborate.

Matt Kowalski: Well, it  reminds me of a story...

Watch the movie to hear the story! 

The Atonement Child

Francine Rivers

Summary: 
In one horrific, terrifying moment, Dynah Carey’s perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, her doting family torn apart.

Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life-to embrace or to end the untimely life within her.

Plot:

This is a very good story, one that portrays a hopeless situation and yet gives hope. Francine is probably my favourite Christian fiction writer, because her books always come from the heart, and her writing and stories are all extremely honest. This is the second time I’ve read this particular story, and even though I knew exactly what was going to happen I still enjoyed reading it. That, to me, is a sign of a great book.

Characters:

The characters are all very relatable, even if you haven’t been in the same circumstances as they are. Dynah, the main character, is a good person, but she’s not too perfect to be believable, just the way a heroine should be. Joe, Dynah’s best friend, is probably my favourite character, coming from a violent background he turned his life around and is a loyal friend and an all-around good person. None of the characters are too good to be true, and none of them are completely hateful, which, if you’ve read my previous reviews you would know, is how I prefer these ‘realistic’-type books to be.

Who should read this:

13+, as this is a Christian fiction book, obviously there is no language or explicit content. However, the issues discussed in this book are violent and Francine is a very honest writer, as I’ve said before. She doesn’t describe everything in detail, but it’s enough to make this a book that will require a certain matureness, in my opinion. If you’ve been through something similar to Dynah’s story, this is definitely something I would recommend for you. Even if you haven’t been close to circumstances like this there are so many other issues addressed in this book that you will probably be able to relate to at least one of them.

My rating:

I loved this book the first time I read it, and the second time was no different. It’s not my favourite of Francine’s books, but it’s definitely higher up on the list. 4/5.

Quote:

“Everyone wanted to be the best. Best student. Best servant. Best Christian. They got caught up in it, pressing and pushing until they forgot whom it was they were trying to please.”

The Last Song

Nicholas Sparks

Summary: 

Seventeen-year-old Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Miller’s life was turned upside down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York to Wilmington, North Carolina. Since then she has remained angry and alienated from her parents, until her mother decides she should spend the summer with her father.

Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.

What unfolds is an unforgettable story about love – first love and the love between parents and children – that demonstrates the many ways that relationships can break our hearts...and heal them.

Plot:

This is a good story, it’s not a new concept, nor is it unique, but it’s beautiful and touching and sweet. It has its funny moments, especially with Ronnie’s younger brother, Jonah, who always has something to say. It is also incredibly sad at times, but it never gets depressing, it only stays realistic. The story asks all the questions many of us struggle with daily, including the question of life and death, how far to go for friendship, how to know when love is real etc.

Characters:

The characters in this book are very relatable. They all have problems they have to face, and how they face them will influence everything around them. You feel like you understand the characters’ motives and thoughts very well. The only character I thought was a bit underplayed is Marcus, a crazy, fire-loving bad boy, who is shown only as an evil person. I’ve said before that I don’t believe in completely bad people, and I feel like Sparks should have at least given a reason for Marcus’s insane behavior.

Who should read this?

13+, there are some references to mature content, some language and the topic of death is also discussed frequently. I would recommend this to younger people, as it is about first love, and teenagers, but I also think that adults will be able to enjoy it. Definitely a must for Sparks’ fans, and if you like sad, romantic stories you might like this one.

My rating:

I’ve read this book a couple of times and it still moves me. So I’m giving it a 4/5, the one point is only because of Marcus’ character and because this book isn’t one of my very favorites, not because there’s anything really wrong with it.

Quote:
“Life, he realize, was much like a song. In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation, but it's in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worthwhile.” 

Mrs. Doubtfire

Summary: 
After a bitter divorce, an actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.

Plot:

This is a great story of a father who would do literally anything to be with his kids. It’s hilarious in all the right places and yet serious when needed. The story is inspiring, funny and very entertaining.

Characters:

This movie shows of all of Robin Williams’ talents as an actor-his natural talent, humor and his incredible talent with voices and accents. The characters are generally very likable, although they’re not perfect. They’re relatable and yet not boring, and I thought they were all wonderful.

Cinematography:

Good, for a movie that was made in 1993. Actually very impressive if one keeps that in mind. It never distracts from the story.

Who should watch this:

(PG-13) mainly for some rude humor, references to mature content and language. Any fans of Williams should have watched this already. If you enjoy movies that are different, yet relatable I would definitely recommend this one.

My rating:

I really, really enjoyed this movie. It made me laugh, and I started to care for the characters. 5/5

Quote:

[Trying to get false teeth out of glass]

Mrs. Doubtfire: Carpe dentum. Seize the teeth.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky

Summary: 
Fifteen-year-old Charlie is coping with the suicide of his friend, Michael. To lessen the fear and anxiety of starting high school alone, Charlie starts writing letters to a stranger, someone he heard was nice but has never met in person.

Plot:

This story is told from the perspective of the slightly different boy, Charlie. It’s a very interesting angle, as Charlie has a way of saying something directly, which can sometime be very embarrassing and other times he comes up with sayings that are incredibly wise. I really like this story, it’s different and very well written. I found it a little hard to understand the first time I read it, because if you miss anything while reading, a lot of the book won’t make sense. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it means every time you read it you find something new.

Characters:

While I like the story of this book the characters are far better. Charlie, the main character, is incredibly naïve and almost like a child in the way he acts and speaks, yet he is extremely intelligent. Sweet and unassuming he is a unique and interesting character. Sam, his love interest and one of his best friends, have been through a lot, and has much more experience, but are always very kind and encourages Charlie to come out of his shell and be himself. Patrick, Charlie’s other best friend, is Sam’s gay step-brother, he acts funny to hide his hurt, and is a character many could relate to, whether they’re gay or not. All the characters are unique and interesting and colorful.

Who should read this?

13+, there are some swearing and other mature content, also younger people may not understand the depth of this book. Anyone who likes a book that’ll make them think, laugh and cry, you should read this one. As I said with the movie, I’m not sure if everyone will get this book, but it’s worth trying right?

My rating:

I really like this book, although I like the movie more, maybe because it’s just so well made. But I’ll give it a 4/5.

Quote:
“I would die for you. But I won't live for you.”

Read my review for the movie here!

Invictus

Summary:

The inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country. Newly-elected president Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

Plot: 
A truly inspiring film about Nelson Mandela played by Morgan Freeman (who else?), including some of the most epic and nerve wrecking rugby matches in world cup history. This is an incredible story that will make any South African proud of their heritage. This story is about equality, forgiveness and being the greatest you can be.

Characters:

As they were based on real people, the characters in this movie are very much flawed, even Mandela isn’t shown as being perfect. I think the characters in this movie were very well handled, although the ‘rugby players’ didn’t look much like rugby players at all. The acting was good, Morgan was absolute perfection as Mandela, Matt Damon's (as Francois Pienaar) accent was also spot on.

Cinematography:

Good, it is quite interesting in fact. Much of the movie is shot almost like an excerpt from TV news, making it seem more authentic. The more undocumented events were shot very well. The costumes etc. were all very well done. None of this ever distracts from the story, it only adds to it.

Who should watch this:

(PG L) the only mature content is the language. Anyone who is South African or who is interested in South African history should watch this movie. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to be inspired, or who really likes rugby.

My rating:

I really liked this movie. It kept me interested. 4/5

Quote:
Brenda Mazibuko: You're risking your political capital, you're risking your future as our leader.
Nelson Mandela: The day I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Summary:
Freshman Charlie is a loner until he falls under the spell of the free-spirited Sam and her fearless stepbrother, Patrick, in this adaption of Stephen Chbosky's best-selling novel.

Plot:

How do you even begin to describe this movie? It encompasses the feeling of being a teenage outcast perfectly, describes the hardships and trials of being slightly crazy in a positive way, it makes you feel infinite (quote! :D). This story will have you laughing and crying, it will change you, have you thinking for days on end. It’s touching and emotional and brilliant. It tells an incredibly sad story in a way that will make you feel happy to be alive. It’s all about acceptance, accepting people who are different, accepting the situation you’re in, and, perhaps most importantly, accepting yourself for who you are.

Characters:

The characters in this movie are brilliant. They’re real, but different, and I fell in love with every single one. The main character ‘Charlie’ (Logan Lerman) is an incredibly loving, innocent freshman boy who has a slight mental illness, after going through a lot of trauma when he was younger. Patrick (Ezra Miller) is a gay senior, who hides behind being funny so he doesn't show how much he’s hurting. And then there’s Sam, who is played by Emma Watson (who deserved every single nomination and award she got for this role). My personal favorite character, she is just a stunning person, who doesn’t realize how incredible she really is. All the characters in this movie are wonderful, they are relatable, but interesting.

Cinematography:

Incredible, it doesn’t distract from the story, but when you look for it you realize that every moment was perfectly planned and shot. Everything from the costumes to the lighting is outstanding.

Who should watch this:

(PG10) There are quite a lot of mature content, language, drug use etc. and I personally don’t think anyone under 13 will understand this movie. The mature content is never used just to be crude,  it makes the story more realistic. Someone who likes memorable movies that they won’t forget and that will have an impact on them, watch this one. If you prefer something light-hearted and relaxing, this isn’t one I would suggest for you.

My rating:

This is probably one of my new favorite movies, I’ve rarely watched something that had such an impact on me (as you can see from my rave review, I’m sorry). I rarely enjoy ‘teenage’ movies, as they always seem to focus on the negative aspects of being a young person. This one, however, takes those negative aspects and uses them to have a positive impact. 5/5

Quote:
Right now we are alive, and in this moment I swear we are infinite.

Read my review for the book here!