Frankenstein- Mary Shelley

Happy 2017!

The first book I will be reviewing and discussing is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This classic novel was quite surprising in terms of what I was expecting.

Firstly, the book itself is not very scary. I know that what was deemed "outrageous" and "scary" was different to what is nowadays but I was expecting more drama and to feel not exactly terrified but more disturbed. Even whole electrifying "creation scene" was not a landmark feature in the book at all. I was waiting for Dr. Frankenstein to shout, "IT'S ALIVE!" but it never happened.  There were certainly parts in the book that were unsettling, but I was expecting to feel that way throughout. 

Also, I feel that Shelley's portrayal of the monster and just the characters in general was just a bit fanciful. The monster speaks in full sentences, in English and manages to exclaim lines such as, "This was then the reward of my benevolence!" Yet the creature has only been alive for a short time, picking up words from a family he spies on as he wanders. Granted, the monster was a human- or is composed of human parts- therefore he may still retain pieces of language. Personally, I think it would have been more scary if the monster was a silent stalker.

The story is quite long-  the book which is not long- but the story within spans over many years, from Victor Frankenstein's birth to his untimely death, and the characters which weave in and out of the story are very interesting. It really shows us how having the focal point on one character can leave us to discard other characters. We didn't overly care about their fates. It is almost as if we are placed within the story and that we are Frankenstein, focusing on a particular thing until something suddenly happens and we are running again. 

I did really enjoy it when the monster went out of his mind, killing and destroying. I found myself caring about the miserable side characters less and less and more so finding thrill in reading about the murderous behaviour of the monster. Personally, I think it is peculiar when reading these chapter because we feel torn about the monster. He had been an outcast, despised and feared when all he wanted was love and attention, abandoned and perhaps the somewhat human part of him wanted to be lay down to rest. Yet he does these unforgiving acts and we feel a hatred. 

I am glad I have read this novel because it had a) been on my list of books to read and b) it has proven to me how much novels have changed over the years and how the media often exaggerates stories.

Zobo!

Reflection and Stranger Things Book tag!! (0.0)

I only just realised that this year I have only made 20 posts. I thought that I had made way more, and I  now see that this blog has not been a priority of mine. In 2014, this blog became an outlet about my love of books and reading. I loved to share my thoughts about books and to perhaps give inspiration to the few people who may actually read my blog. This year, I still have those thoughts and, hopefully, that input, but I have lacked motivation and I haven't posted as many reviews.
 I apologise for this, and I intend to upload a lot  more in 2017.

I have grown as a reader in 2016. I have pushed my boundaries, challenged myself but also enjoyed what I was reading too. This year was the first time I had finished reading 4 classics- Wuthering Heights, Anne of Green Gables, Lord of the Flies and Jane Eyre. The biggest commitment was Jane Eyre but the outcomes have been rewarding as I really loved the story and it has become one of my favourite books. Last year and some years before, I wouldn't have been able to read Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre. Anne of Green Gables was extremely easy to read, but I felt that this year was the time to pick it up and read it, as opposed to other times when I didn't feel any inclination.

2016, more than any other year, has been my best year for reading. It isn't more so about the types of books I read or the quantity. It is about the understanding, the time and connecting myself to the books, that has counted.

STRANGER THINGS BOOK TAG!

I have recently become engrossed in the original Netflix sci-fi-horror-retro show, Stranger Things. I have discovered a book tag. Is this the best or what? I don't know who created it but the credit goes to them. I wasn't tagged but I will do it anyway. I will only be using books that I have read this year, unless it requires a series that I have already completed.

1. The Vanishing of Will Byers The first book in a series that left you intrigued and slightly confused. 
'Wolf by Wolf' by Ryan Graudin. This book was amazing. Read my review here-http://zobobooks.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/wolf-by-wolf-by-ryan-graudin.html

2 .The Upside Down: A book with a setting you would never want to live in.
The future in 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline. The world is corrupted by poverty, inequality and experiencing a global crisis. Gulp.

3. Eleven: A book that is somewhat damaged but loved to pieces
'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M Montgomery. The copy of this book that I own is not so much damaged as it is old. The pages are yellowing and it has that slightly crackling sound when you open it, but that is part of it's charm. I love it though!

4. Mike, Lucas and Dustin: A trilogy you always go to whenever you need a pick-me-up.
'Girl Online' trilogy (so far) by Zoe Sugg. They're just light, feel good reads that I will read a few chapters of if I am feeling down.

5. The Demogorgon: A book with a dark beast you wouldn't want to face in a dark alley.
Wight/Hollowgast from 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' trilogy by Ransom Riggs, but more specifically, Library of Souls because I read that this year. They are soul-sucking monsters and I am sorry to say that if you don't have Jacob's peculiar powers, you're a goner.

6.Dr. Brenner: A book with a villain who is both manipulative and dedicated.
For this answer I am going to say the Socs in 'The Outsiders' by S.E Hinton. The Socs were quite manipulative in that they blurred the lines when fooling adults of the middle to upper-class status. They were dedicated in hunting out Greasers and to "uphold their reputation" of being awful brutes.

7. Nancy Wheeler: A book you didn't expect to love.
'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë. I thought it would be very challenging, but I actually understood the language and dialogue, and I found the pace and descriptiveness to be quite engaging.

8. Hawkins, Indiana: A book with a setting that's just a little bit strange.
'The Ghost by the Billabong' by Jackie French has a mixture of settings- the Australian outback, costly estates and even a jam factory. I found it more interesting than strange, following the protagonist from one place to another.

That is the Stranger Things book tag. I may or may not post again this year.

Merry Xmas,
Zobo!

 

Beatles Book Tag!!

Hello!

I really love doing tags on this blog. So I thought I would invent one called "The Beatles Book Tag". The Beatles are my favourite band forever and ever so I thought this would be fun to create. This is just a tag related to Beatles songs. Enjoy! Also, if you wish to do this tag, you are very welcome!
For the books mentioned I will leave a link to where you can find more information.

Let's go!

1. Across the Universe: Name a book that you think everyone should read across the universe-
I am going to choose Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. This book is so funny, witty, heart-breaking and in some parts relatable. I think everybody should read it http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82436.Looking_for_Alibrandi

2. I Want You (She's So Heavy): Name a book that you have been excitedly waiting for the release of- This goes to Blood by Blood by Ryan Graudin. When I finished Wolf by Wolf I instantly wanted to start reading the second book.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26864835-blood-for-blood

3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: Name a book that made you cry-
This book is Me Before You. I finished it recently (still haven't seen the movie) and my HEART.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15507958-me-before-you

4.Getting Better: Name a book that started off okay but got better further along- Wuthering Heights was a great book and I really liked it but the start was a bit meh. I really loved the story as I delved deeper within the pages though .http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6185.Wuthering_Heights

5. Paperback Writer: Name an author who you feel as the best/most interesting writing style-
-Patrick Ness- in his Chaos Walking Trilogy, the writing is so different to anything I have read before. Patrick Ness
-John Green- his portrayal of teenagers and their lives, thoughts and actions is really great. John Green
-Ryan Graudin- I really felt in Wolf by Wolf the writing was so poetic and descriptive. Ryan Graudin

6. Taxman: Name a book/s that were the most dear and the most cheap:
Well, the most expensive book set that I have personally bought with my own money is Goosebumps Horrorland Box-set with 20 books for $40 (which isn't too bad). So. Worth it. The cheapest book I have bought would be Ripley's Believe it Or Not:Seeing is Believing and The Beatles by Alan Kozinn, both for 50c.
Goosebumps     RBION     The Beatles

7. With a Little Help From my Friends: A book both you and a friend have read:
I read Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige and my friend read it as well. We both really liked it but  have yet to read the sequel.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18053060-dorothy-must-die

8.Magical Mystery Tour: Name a book that took you completely by surprise-
A Waltz for Matilda by Jackie French had some very surprising parts, but I won't mention them because they are spoilers. They were just so unexpected towards the end and made the story finish with a bang. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9622286-a-waltz-for-matilda

So there you have it, The Beatles Book Tag.

Zobo!

Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg (or YouTuber Zoella)

Hi- long time no see!

Today I will be discussing the book Girl Online:On Tour by Zoe Sugg. This is the sequel to Girl Online, so if you haven't checked that out yet, then that would be great, although you are welcome to continue reading this as there will be no spoilers.

Girl Online: On Tour is all about when Penny Porter goes, well, 'on tour' with her boyfriend, the world famous musician Noah Flynn. She encounters some interesting people along the way, as well as developing some new friendships, visiting exciting places but however learning harsh truths and uncovering lies.

While on tour, Penny is also being threatened with messages from a mysterious TheRealTruth. This all leads to a bit of a shocking realisation towards the end of the book. I really liked this part because it shows that Penny does have the guts to stand up to the people who hurt her.

So this review is spoiler-free, I can't put into too much detail about what goes on in the book. There are some changes to the characters during the book, so I am going to address those now.

Elliot: Elliot and his home life has changed drastically since the last six months. His mum and dad have come to terms with his sexuality and they realise that they should listen to him more often. He also has a boyfriend, Alex.

Noah: We see that Noah has not changed a whole lot since the last book, but since embracing that he will now lead a life as rock star, he has been cautious with going to busy places with Penny but also trusting people too easily because he is an optimistic person (and I am in in no way saying that this is a bad thing ).

Penny: The thing that sticks out to me most about Penny is a) she is becoming more able to handle small situations and take control of what she wants and b) I can see parts of Zoe Sugg in her. This is a great feature of not only Penny's character but the whole book- from the fairylights, mentioning of ASOS and even the whole general feel of the book reminds me of the things Sugg likes.

Overall, I thought the story was not as good as Girl Online, but I think the characters have matured, the story was cohesive and not too "simple" and THE COVER IS PURPLE!!

Zobo!

Too Much Work

Hi,

I have had so much work to do in these last couple of weeks that I haven't had a chance to update on this blog for a while and as much as I would have liked to. Sorry, I was going to do a a review on a book but I just haven't had enough time.

Good news though-  the holidays are coming. Just this week to go and then I am free for 3 WEEKS! :)

I just get so, so frustrated when I am are piled with tests and assignments that are all due in about a 2 week period. I haven't had the most positive frame of mind at the moment, so I think the holidays will be my 'recovery period.'

Yeah.

Zobo!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Hi there!

So, yesterday I had a big surprise.... you know, just LEAVING MY IPAD AT SCHOOL OVER THE LONG WEEKEND. I am doing okay with out it. I'm not the sort of person who is addicted to screens; I actually get tired of them pretty quickly, but it has some work I need to edit on it so it's just  annoying. And I was playing this addictive game that I was planning on finishing but oh well!

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a young adult/adult fiction novel that is a unique blend of crime, sci-fi and fantasy. It follows the story of Thursday Next, who is a detective who specialises in work and cases involving famous novels and books. It just so happens that amidst her old partner showing up again, moving back to her home town and a strange vision from the future that Acheron Hades -a mastermind criminal- literally kidnaps Jane Eyre.

Thursday Next is on the case!

This book is so unique and I have never heard of anything similar. It is such an odd mix of genres that actually fit pretty well together. The world inside the book is just like reality, only curious things can happen and the impossible is possible- and quite normal, too.

Thursday is a witty character who has a sharp sense of the world around her. She can sense when something is wrong and although she is business like in some aspects, her personality also shines through as thoughtful, humorous and slightly apologetic about some choices in her life. I liked reading about her and her journey through life so far. It was also good to read about a character who was in their 30s, rather than in their teens.

Thursday is also a Crimean War veteran, so her work as a literary detective demonstrates some of the leadership qualities that she possesses.

There are no other characters who I really connected to. There are many characters throughout the book and Thursday is really the only protagonist. I did like Rochester, even though he is only in the story for a few chapters.

One part of the story I really enjoyed was seeing the inventions that Thursday's Uncle Mycroft created that include bookworms-yes, bookworms. That was a fun chapter that was interesting to read.

I like how smart the book is. It isn't overly complex but it is very enjoyable to read and comical. The way everything weaves together- the Jane Eyre story and Fforde's own story that he has created.

Lastly, the cover was what made the book stand out to me in the first place. It is really retro looking and looks really good.

The ending of the book is satisfying and there are more books in the series.

Overall, a very good book that is great to read if you are looking for something original and different.

Zobo!

Birthstone Book tag!

Hello!

I have seen this tag floating around and it looks really cool and different. I immediately decided I wanted to do it so here it is. Of course, if you wish to do the tag too you are welcome to. The 'Birthstone Book Tag' was created by Jay G.

1. January(GARNET): Associated with warding off negative forces and dark energies - Name a book with the darkest/most evil character you can think of- this one is actually hard because so many books have horrible characters. I am going to have to say Mayor Prentiss from the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. Yeah, he was bad.

2. February (AMETHYST): Purple is associated with royalty - Name a book with regal qualities... You can base this off of characters or choose the King of all books- Oooooh.... I feel like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has such a regal feel to it. Apart from the fact that it was published in 1813, it just as an air about it that is 'proper'. XD

3. March (AQUAMARINE): Washed out - Name a 'wishy washy' character, a character who is not strong or a follower- I am going to say Bethany from the book Halo in the Halo series by Alexandra Ardonetto. I found her irritating at times but I guess she was an okay character. I haven't finished this series.

4. April (DIAMOND): A diamond in the rough - Name a book that you loved but is not well known- Hiding Edith by Kathy Kacer. I remember getting this when I was about 9 at a school book fair and I loved it. I have read it so many times. I don't think it is very well known, but it is a great little book.

5. May (EMERALD): Said to balance energy - Name two characters who balance each other well- Erika Yurken and Alison Ashley in Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein. This classic Australian book includes these two girls who balance each other out really well. Even though they generally dislike each other, they bring balance to the book.

6. June (PEARL): Associated with loyalty - Name a character who is loyal to the end- SNAAAAAAAPE.

7. July (RUBY): Blood red - Name a book that made your blood boil, one that made you angry- Okay, I have two answers- a) The Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George was frustrating and the ending was disappointing. b) Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin made my blood boil in the most terrific, amazing, awesome way.

8. August (PERIDOT): Pale green (it pales in comparison to other gems) - Name a supporting character who you like better than the main character-  Okay- I love Percy Jackson. I think he is really cool and I think his sarcastic remarks are funny but Annabeth is just awesome! I think I like her a little more. Just a teeny weeny bit.

9. September (SAPPHIRE): Blue like the ocean which is calming - Name a book that had a calming affect on you- Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella. It's just a really easy book to read. You can just be anywhere and just get sucked into it without biting your fingers off from suspense. 

10. October (OPAL): Iridescent - Name an iridescent book, this can be a book with a beautiful cover (Shiny? Lots of colour?) or you can base it off of a character (Quirky? Colourful?)- Beautiful covers: The Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children trilogy by Ransom Riggs and Tandem by Anna Jarzab.

11. November (TOPAZ): Associated with resilience - Name a book with a character who rises to the top in a time of adversity- I don't have a definite answer for this question. Probably Todd Hewitt in the Chaos Walking trilogy, previously mentioned in Q#1. He certainly shows that he has courage. 

12. December (BLUE ZIRCON): Associated with friendship - Name a book with a friendship you want to be part of- I can't go past our three magical friends- Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

So that was the Birthstone Book Tag. I had heaps of fun answering the questions and I will post a book review soon-ish.

Zobo!