allmyprettybooks-new

The Marvels by Brian Selznick Amanda Kennedy January 26th, 2016 5 / 5 stars Brian Selznick's The Marvels, weaves two seemingly unrelated stories together using the different mediums of pictures and words. The first part (around two-thirds) of the novel is told entirely in pictures.  Beginning in 1766 it charts the voyage and shipwreck of Billy Marvel, and the generations of Marvel actors who follow. The second prose part begins in 1990 and centers on Joseph, who has run away from boarding school to live with his uncle in his mysterious London home.  Let me begin by saying that I adore this book! Being my first experience of Selznick's literary work, I was awed by the difference in approach to storytelling. My daughter and I "read" the first part of the book together at bedtimes, marvelling over the detail in Selznick's illustrations; the subtle implications of the plot. The second part I read alone, finding the change of pace a little difficult at first. Severa...

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper Reviewed by Amanda Kennedy on January 23rd, 2016 I bought this book for my daughter, soon to be 11 years old, who was feeling disillusioned by the "boring" reads available at school and wanted to delve into something a little more exciting. For a few nights we read together at bedtime, alternating a page each, until we began to realise that Susan Coopers infamous novel was much darker and more sinister than I'd remembered... The tale follows a month in the life of Will Stanton, beginning at the Winter Solstice, when he begins to notice spooky and mysterious things happening to and around him. Conflicted by the longing for childhood and the duty to keep those around him safe, he embarks on a quest full of ancient magic where evil lurks, and learns to use the Dark inside of him to vanquish those who wish him harm. Re-reading this as an adult makes me realise modern literature for younger readers pales has been "dumbed down"....

The Rosemary Spell by Virginia Zimmerman Reviewed by Amanda Kennedy on January 10th, 2015 The Rosemary Spell is the magical YA story of Rosie and Adam: friends who find a mysterious book which - as they discover - can fill with handwriting before their eyes and make people vanish... When Adam's older sister, Shelby, disappears, the pair find themselves on a quest to bring her back, and to prevent themselves from forgetting Shelby, along with everyone else around them. While The Rosemary Spell is not a book I would typically choose, I found myself rather enjoying it. The dilemmas faced by the two young friends, combined with their despair at the discovery they themselves could fall victim to the spell was both interesting and immersive. I'd recommend this book more to younger readers than adults, for the simplicity of language and predictable ending . Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Slade House by David Mitchell Reviewed by Amanda Kennedy on January 8th, 2016 I first saw Slade House on the seasonal showcase table in Waterstones, just before Halloween. That day I was browsing for something scary and suspenseful to celebrate the witching season. Despite having loved The Bone Clocks , I put this one back on the table. To me, the yellow cover and hardback format screamed "serious novel", not one which would draw me in and keep me on my toes until the very last page. How I wish I'd chosen this instead of the silly (still unfinished) paperback I'd taken home instead! Still, January is as good a time as any to really immerse oneself into a story of horror, magic and suspense. You see, if you happen to find yourself down a dark alley beside a working-class, British pub in London, watch out for a small, black iron door. If you find it, a stranger might invite you inside. Once there, you'll never want to leave... Mitchell's skill at weaving t...

The fantastic book trailer for Brian Selznick's beautiful illustrated book, The Marvels.