My Last Goodbye
I guess you know which direction this post will be heading. It's time to say goodbye to blogging.
The last time you properly heard from me was in January and although that was not too long ago my blogging days have become drastically irregular. I've said this many times before but I always end up coming back. And maybe I'll decide I'll want to start blogging again in the future but for now, I don't see it as an regular occurrence.
Also, to be completely honest, I don't find blogging as exciting as I did before. I find that it has become a burden to always post regularly, post reviews and at the same time provide creativity in my posts. I also don't really have time with work and I've made many goals for the future involving improving and working on myself which is what I want to focally concentrate on.
Don't get me wrong I LOVE reading, I still will always love writing but I know this would be the end of my blogging days. This time I'm going to be gone for good. I am going to miss you guys terribly, but I do however still check out other blogs especially the UK book blogs so I haven't forgotten you guys! I'm going to miss blogging and of course the blogging world. I've made many friends and had so much fun.
Thank you everyone for my great blogging experience.
P.S - Don't forget you can still find me on instagram/tumblr and also GoodReads!
Night School: The Web Series
Are you a big fan of the Night School series by CJ Daugherty? Or have you heard so much about the book but haven't exactly got around to reading it? Well, the Night School web series will most definitely be something you should check out.
Web series are becoming vastly popular with the pilot of Delirium (which I liked) released on YouTube and also The Morganville Vampires (unfortunately, I just couldn't get into even thought the books are wow). Now the Night School series have their own web series - we’ve got five webisodes already and the series is already wildly popular!
The Night School You Tube channel has received 400,000 views, episode 3, ‘Power’, and this week’s webisode, ‘The Gilmore Girl’, have both won the Indie Series Network’s Web Series of the Week AND the series has been invited to appear at the Marseilles Web Festival in October 2015! The first ever British Web Series certainly has begun with a bang!
Sounds like we're missing out. Big time! Here's the trailer...
2014: My Top Ten Favourite Reads!
NUMBER ONE
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
I have wanted to read this book in FOREVER and when I finally did I have to admit I was BLOWN AWAY. Now I know why everyone loves this book. It is absolutely amazing! Mostly, I loved the relationship between Hassan and Amir where Hassan is by far my most loved character. The Kite Runner really did make me cry a whole lot. Hosseini deals with many raw issues in this novel which really open your heart. Loved it.
NUMBER TWO
To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
I enjoyed the Summer series but I LOVED this latest book by Han. In the beginning of reading it I wasn't too keen, I think I was even going to stop reading it at one point- I'm so glad I didn't as I most thoroughly enjoyed it! It was such a fun, light read. 5 stars!
NUMBER THREE
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This year I have managed to read a fair share of my classics and Pride and Prejudice was one of the best. Just as good as the movie and always giving a part of my heart to Mr. Darcy. Sigh.
NUMBER FOUR
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Allegiant is an EPIC conclusion to the Divergent series. Especially the ending. I still cannot believe the ending. I was actually waiting for everything to go back to normal. If yoy read the book you know what I'm talking about! I WAS WAITING FOR SOME MIRACLE TO CHANGE THINGS AROUND. And had to re-read the last few pages to see if I really did read it right. Amazing book! (The Divergent movie released this year was really really good too)
NUMBER FIVE
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I am really loving Colleen Hoover. I've read so many of her novels. Ugly Love is one of her best novels I think. I do love my romance novels and this one definitely was my cup of tea.
The Perfect Books for a Christmas Present
Hi guys! It has been aaaaaaages since I last posted -September to be more specific which was around two months ago! Oops. It is only because I have FINALLY managed to get a job and have been incredibly busy as a result. Anyhow I've somehow have found an odd time to post with only a couple of days until Christmas. Now the title of today's blog post is very late as you can see but hey I know a ton of people who leave their Christmas shopping incredibly late! So better late than never right?
I've decided to split this post into three parts with three different categories/themes: It's all about the Christmas Spirit, Road trips, Journeys and Happy Holidays and finally Movie lovin = book ravin
It's all about the Christmas Spirit
These are Christmasy books for those individuals that just cannot get enough of Christmas. They need to their books to be about Christmas too. I don't blame you girlfriend!
1. My True Love Gave To Me edited by Stephanie Perkins
2. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle
3. The Prince and the Snowgirl by Simon Cheshire
4. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
5. Ex-mas by Kate Brian
The Infinite Sea inspired What to Pack in Your Survival Rucksack!
Okay book readers, have you read the 'The 5th Wave'? If so, I imagine you're eagerly awaiting the release of the next book, 'The Infinite Sea' which by the way is getting released tomorrow! Yes, 16th of September yay! If not, then you have to read these books anyhow, especially since there's a movie to be released filmed by Sony Pictures and starring none other than Chloe Grace Moretz! Exciting right?
I always read the books first though, check out the synopsis...
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.
Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.
Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.
For Cassie Sullivan and the rest of Earth’s remaining human survivors, the situation was already desperate when the 5th Wave hit. It’s about to get worse.
No one yet knows the depths to which Earth’s conquerors—the Others—will sink in order to rid the Earth of the human infestation, nor have they guessed the heights to which the human spirit can reach. Characters introduced in Book One will come to the fore—and others will face the ultimate test.
Readers will watch in awe as the Others give their answer to Cassie’s defiance.
Interesting right? I think so, anyway, on to the main chunk of the post...
What to pack in your survival rucksack?
1. Water - I know I know so very obvious but necessary though right? Imagine dying of thirst, clearly not the best of experiences
2. Rope - You always see people in movies pack a rope and somehow somewhere along the line it becomes infinitely useful. Although I kind of do have a Rapunzel hair which can be used as a substitute... I JOKE. :P
I have the hair but no way is anyone tugging it.
3. Matches - I don't know how people produce a fire with stones or wood or whatever but tbh this is much more easier hehe
4. Mobile phone/radio - Have any of you guys watched the 100? Electrical devices are extremely useful believe it or not, even if there's no charge or signal you can get them working and gain contact with others. SCORE.
5. Knife/Something sharp - To cut things with when going on hunting. Bleugh. Just the thought of that. How does one survive in such conditions.
I think it's safe to say, I do not ever what to see myself in this situation. This I believe is pretty obvious taking in the limited number of items I would take with me. Though, I will fight to survive of course. I'll probably die trying however! LOL.
Anyway, guys, make sure to grab a copy of The Infinite Sea being released just tomorrow!
Happy Reading :D
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green GIVEAWAY
Oops! The planned TFIOS week did not go to plan and for that I'm sorry! So much was going last week that I did not have time to post. Although you guys have to forgive me since I bring you a giveaway :D
One copy of The Fault in Our Stars (movie edition may I add) will be up for grabs thanks to the wonderful people at Penguin for providing the copy. So without further ado...
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars may have officially been released two years ago but it is still talked about due to the recent massive movie release.! Whats better than starting off the TFIOS week than a review of the book itself right?
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Pages: 316
Release Date: January 3rd 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Add it: GoodreadsPublisher: Penguin
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
My Thoughts
The Fault in Our Stars is in no ordinary novel. I say this particularly because of the elegance of the writing. John Green's novel is so beautifully written; I adore it. An adoration which left me dazzled and made me want to write just like him.
In TFIOS we enter the lives of two teenagers Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters both battling a fight against cancer. Just as it is no ordinary novel, it no ordinary cancer novel either. It is about living life to the utmost fullest by accomplishing your dreams, taking chances with no regrets. There are obviously hardships but the novel offers love in the most simplest and wonderful of places. And it is so unbelievably cute. No denying. The 'I love you' speech? Epic.
What I love also is how Hazel and Augustus are such likable characters. Hazel is so strong like unbelievably strong - she truly is admirable. Augustus is cool you know as soon as he dropped the metaphor line, you know the guy's a keeper. Although very weird, he is insightful and memorable and omg very very cute. Seriously, emphasis on the cute.
My favourite character however is Isaac. Isaac is both a friend of Hazel and Gus, where they all meet at a cancer support group, but I don't know there's something about him which instantly attracted me to him. Anyhow, their moments were very realistic and funny too. Another thing I love, there are many humorous moments to the novel, no kidding, you would not expect it.
Speaking of the unexpected, there is actually a twist to the novel. Usually within the first few pages of a novel, I would have a clear idea of where the novel may be heading but in this case ah, I was surprised. So surprised that at first I hated how it ended and the way it ended but what can I say it was not how I wanted it end but then I could not see it end in any other way.
So
Make sure to check out for more TFIOS related posts during this week!
I may also have a giveway ;D
Remember me?
Tomorrow, is going to be the start of a dedicated week to John Green. Well more precisely, The Fault in Our Stars. EEKK. I loved both the book and movie and really need to share the positive energy. Anyhow, keep an eye out. All next week. Don't miss it.
(I bet you missed me though... Right? :P )
'The Month of Men' BLOG TOUR: An exclusive interview with Jennifer Echols!
As part of The Month of Men blog tour, today, I bring to you an interview with the wonderful Jennifer Echols. You lucky USers have read her books before us but now Echols's Forget You and Going too Far have finally been released in the UK along with Such a Rush to be released in a month or so.
Exciting right? Enough talk, here's the interview!
Tell me five things that you love about writing books aimed at New Adults?
Wow, only five? I'll try. 1) The characters are on the cusp of adulthood, but are often still controlled by their parents physically or mentally or both, and that makes for some fascinating tension. 2) Characters that age begin to be put in stressful situations, positions of great responsibility, that they might not be mature enough to handle. More tension! 3) The decisions characters make at this age really are going to affect the rest of their lives. That's a lot of pressure. 4) It's no wonder that people, no matter what their age, look to their late teens and early twenties as the time of their lives. This age group is full of creativity and energy, which makes it lots of fun to read about. 5) Mix all that together, add a nail-biting romance, and you've got a great book! What's not to love?
Which character, from any of your books, has been the most entertaining to write?
Leah from Such a Rush was a real challenge. I love a challenge! She has grown up in poverty, without a steady parent or role model for most of her life, but she possesses a great deal of self-worth and dignity. I had to explore very deep to figure out where her perspective on life comes from, but I honestly think this book is some of my best work—and I got there with the help of a fantastic editor.
How do you make sure the element of love is different and fresh in each of your books?
I centre each plot around a romance because that's what I enjoy reading. But the romance evolves naturally out of the characters and the setting, and since those elements are pretty wildly different in each of my books, the romance is too.
Do you prefer the bad boy or a good guy?
I've written the good guy (Johnafter in Going Too Far), the bad boy (Doug in Forget You), and the bad boy turned good guy (Grayson in Such a Rush), so it's hard to choose! I tend to prefer the type of guy I'm writing right that second. I'm very loyal. :)
Is writing something you have always wanted to do as a career?
It's certainly something I've always been interested in. My grandmother was an unpublished writer, and I credit her with my confidence that I could do this too. It never occurred to me that I couldn't. However, in school I was also interested in art and music. In fact, when I first went to college, my major was music composition. But I quickly decided I wanted to be a novelist and switched my major to English, and I never looked back.
What YA books are in your reading pile?
Soon I'm speaking on a panel at a librarians' conference in Texas with John Corey Whaley, Sherri L. Smith, and Ruta Sepetys, and I've got their latest on my shelf. But...speaking of Texas...I just finished and absolutely loved Rosemary Clement-Moore's fun paranormal SPIRIT AND DUST, a follow-up to TEXAS GOTHIC.
Add on: Goodreads
An enormous thank you to Jennifer for the interview! I am so happy to have one of my all time favourite authors on my blog! I love her books! I've read both of the books shown above including Such a Rush, Endless Summer, Love Story and The One that I want. I adore them and I'm sure you guys will too, so up pick Echol's books. Trust me, you won't regret it. At most, you'd want to buy all her books ;D
My Top Ten Favourite Books I read before I was a Blogger
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week bloggers all over the blogosphere create a top ten list based on that week's theme. This weeks theme is our Top Ten Favourite Books I read before I was a Blogger
In my Childhood days
Arthur High King of Britain by Michael Morpogo
Mary Kate and Ashley books by various authors
then came my teenage self
The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
Mates Dates series by Cathy Hopkins
Harry Potter by J K Rowling
until vampires become the new hot and in
Evernight series by Claudia Gray
The Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
Share your links in the comments!
New Books released this April
A new month brings new books.
Now this April 2013, many thrilling young adult books have been released in the UK, sitting on the bookshelves waiting for people like you and me to pick up and indulge!
Now this April 2013, many thrilling young adult books have been released in the UK, sitting on the bookshelves waiting for people like you and me to pick up and indulge!
Here are a few...
(Click on image to add to Goodreads and book title to link to Amazon UK )
4th April
The Stone Demon by Karen Mahoney
Silent Saturday by Helen Grant
Fractured by Teri Terry
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
11th April
Going too Far by Jennifer Echols
25th April
House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini
The Elite by Kiera Cass
Life after theft* by Aprilynne Pike
Acid by Emma Pass
How pine worthy are these releases! What do you want to read or need to read?
(NOTE: These are UK releases!
If I've missed out any UK releases do let me know in the comments!)
*this is not the UK cover, cover for the UK has not been released yet
If I've missed out any UK releases do let me know in the comments!)
*this is not the UK cover, cover for the UK has not been released yet
Letterbox love (03)
Letterbox Love is a weekly meme hosted by Lynsey at Narratively Speaking. It is the UK alternative to IMM, where we get to showcase all the great books we've received during the week!
For Review
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
OMG is This Actually my Life by Rae Earl
Feed by M T Anderson
The Sleeping Baobab Tree by Paula Leyden
Wild Boy by Rob Lloyd Jones
Flip by Martyn Bedford
Monkey Wars by Richard Kurti
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Got some ah-mazing books don't you think?
What did you get in you letterbox? Make sure to leave your links in the comments so I can stop by your post :)
For Review
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
OMG is This Actually my Life by Rae Earl
Feed by M T Anderson
The Sleeping Baobab Tree by Paula Leyden
Wild Boy by Rob Lloyd Jones
Flip by Martyn Bedford
Monkey Wars by Richard Kurti
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Got some ah-mazing books don't you think?
What did you get in you letterbox? Make sure to leave your links in the comments so I can stop by your post :)
If I Were to Become a Writer
I'm sure readers, or more especially bloggers have thought of writing at least once. Writing a story, words that you can bring to life so that others can cherish. I have. I've thought about writing quite often throughout my blogging period. Especially whilst I am reading.
As its only when I read that I find sometimes, there are certain things that really stand out to me. These are the things, I 'd want to include If I were to be a writer one day, someday.
At first, I was thinking of making this a single post and list all the elements I would want to include in my kind of book. Though, the list got too long and then I found it was better doing separate posts. So I might probably make it a weekly thing so...
If I Were to Become a Writer...
I would want to write words with meaning. Words that a reader would hold close and remember. Words with depth. I would want to write like this...
JOHN GREEN.
My first inspiration.
To this date, I have only read a single book by John Green. Saying that the first book I did read The Fault in our Stars was enough to instantly mark all his books as complete must reads. And, it was in that particular book where I read this quote and it instantly held a place in my heart and was constantly at my minds edge. Beautiful, is it not? It's amazing. really amazing how John Green cleverly worded his thoughts with comparisons and feeling in the best way possible. I want to be able to write words as beautiful as this. And, there are many more passages in the book in which I also adored but none shone out like this one.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever read a quote or even a passage which really struck out to you? Let me know of some of your favourites and why! Also, I would really appreciate to let me know if you would like this to be a regular feature, in the comments please!
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Pages: 400 pages
Release Date: March 21st 2013
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Add it: GoodreadsBattling against a society in which love has been declared a disease, Lena now finds herself at the center of a fierce revolution. But the Wilds are no longer the haven they once were as the government seeks to stamp out the rebels. And Lena's emotions are in turmoil following the dramatic return of someone she thought was lost forever... Told from the alternating viewpoints of Lena and her best friend Hana, Requiem brings the Delirium trilogy to an exhilarating end and showcases Lauren Oliver at the height of her writing powers - emotionally powerful and utterly enthralling
Warning: this review will contain some minor spoilers!
My Thoughts
Before I enlighten you with the depths of my thoughts regarding Requiem, let me tell you this. If you haven't read this series, frickin'
Oh Requiem! It is different just like the other books Delirium and Pandemonium. This time, the chapters are told from the viewpoints of Lena and Hana. A great change! I particularly enjoyed reading Hana's chapter. I actually didn't think I would after her intentions being revealed in the short story novella Hana but at the end all was well. She made more discoveries and also lots of things associated with the cure so the action was much more entertaining to read.
Don't get me wrong, I loved reading Lena's chapters too. Lena, along with her companions on a mission with the invalids fighting for whats right. And, come on! I was itching to know what was going to happen in this love triangle.
Both the love interests I adore - Jullian and Alex. Though, my heart is set on Alex . Even though we see a different side to him in this book but you can tell he does still care about Lena. We see his yearn of protection. Awww I am forever and will be Team Alex. I always tend to cheer on the guy that is introduced first! But he's so the better choice. Saying that there's this other girl that's set her eyes on Alex too. I know! Boo hoo, her names Coral and yes, I do not like her.
Ending? Would you even call that an ending? I was there like, hoooooold on what just happened? I'm talking in relation the love triangle. I have so many feelings! Cause Lauren Oliver does just what she does best, expect the unexpected and prepare to be left hanging! I don't care anyways cause I just have way too much love for this series! And now lets cry, cause now its come to an end!
Buy it: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Other books in series: Delirium | Pandemonium
But hold on. It's the beginning of an end ;D
because...
did you know,
DELIRIUM IS GOING TO BE BE MADE INTO A TV SERIES
OMG, LETS CRY!
Apparently, I am TOO OLD to read YA?
For those of you that know me, and know my age also are aware of the fact how I am certainly NOT OLD. Get this, I still have the suffix teen attached to my age though under the eyes of the law I am classed as an adult but whateverr
So why am I obsessing over this predicament?
Only because it was compared to with my young adult books at a certain conversation I had with my sister*. I was peacefully reading a book, enjoying the view until she decides to come and disrupt me with her useless thoughts
Me: (reading a book)
Sister: what you reading
Me: a book
Sister: yeah oh a teenag--
Me: YOUNG ADULT book
Sister: same thing
Me:...
Sister: arn't you like too old
Me: (drops the book whilst ripping the page)
How can anyone say that? That is like the meanist thing ever not forgetting to mention the fact that a page of the book RIPPED. Like total ripp-age. My book RIPPED. My precious book RIPPED.
Okay I'm going to stop now.
But you get the whole who-ha right?The book ripping :P but that I'm too old to read YA. Who ever heard of such a thing? Of anyone being too old to read a particular book? I know that I'm not too old, I'm still a frickin teenager helllooooo but it just seemed so shocking that I had to post it and hey it also made me wonder...
I'm a teenager and I read young adult books. But even when adults read it, like proper adults read teenage books I also think its okay. Why not? These 'YA' books that we read are classed as YA to portray in what levels the content will range from and where the limits in certain things would be. Yes, it does also aim at certain audiences but it's not to say other older audiences cannot read these books.
I would really love to know what are your thoughts on this
How can anyone say that? That is like the meanist thing ever not forgetting to mention the fact that a page of the book RIPPED. Like total ripp-age. My book RIPPED. My precious book RIPPED.
Okay I'm going to stop now.
But you get the whole who-ha right?
I'm a teenager and I read young adult books. But even when adults read it, like proper adults read teenage books I also think its okay. Why not? These 'YA' books that we read are classed as YA to portray in what levels the content will range from and where the limits in certain things would be. Yes, it does also aim at certain audiences but it's not to say other older audiences cannot read these books.
I would really love to know what are your thoughts on this
WE ARE OLD
WE WILL READ YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
AND SO WHAT!?**
*It is best not to talk to siblings that abhor books about books
**this is mainly a message for my sister in the rare event that she does decide to check my blog
**this is mainly a message for my sister in the rare event that she does decide to check my blog
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
Perfect Scoundrelsby Ally Carter
Pages: 352
Release Date: 7th February 2013
Publisher: Orchard
Add it: Goodreads
Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of lovable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it’s that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting—or stealing—whatever they want.
No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale’s family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother’s billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there’s no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won’t let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother’s will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company’s fortune. So instead of being the heir—this time, Hale might be the mark.
Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she’s willing to save her boyfriend’s company if it means losing the boy.
My Thoughts
Ally Carter is frickin' awesomeness! I cannot possibly get enough of this author. Perfect Scoundrels was exactly how I thought it would be. I loved how it was different to the other books and it was a pleasure to read. No doubt, it is a perfect addition to the Heist Society series.
Kat has an entirely different mission this time around. Wonderfully enough, it revolves around our Hale! We just cannot get enough of this boy can we? In Perfect Scoundrels we get to see a more about the boy behind the 'name'. How the life of W.W. Hale the fifth really is and no before you ask we still do not find out what his real name is or whatever.
Though, you really forget about that when we're lured into Hales world. I particularly was interested in Hale's grandmother. Its evident that they had a real good relationship and it would have been nice to actually have some moments with them. Not possibly obviously, synopsis check!
As always there's some kind of heist going on. This time, Kat may not have Hale with her but you can see how much she wants to help the boy she loves and how much she cares for him. Like, he is the heist. The problem to solve. And this was just so exciting, it was different and fresh. It was fun figuring out what Kat and the crew (yes they're still there too) would do next. Its so amazing how Carter pieces the story together. Every bit of detail is crucial. It's a wonder how on earth she does it. But, if anyone can get mysteries making and trouble just right its Ally Carter.
Other books in series:
Heist Society | Uncommon Criminals
BLOG TOUR: Chris Higgins author of The Day I Met Suzie, Interview!
'My boyfriend could get into trouble if he gets caught. He could go to jail.' I moan softly. 'So could I.' 'Anything you tell me is completely confidential.' I sigh deeply. What have I got to lose? 'I wouldn't know where to begin.' 'At the beginning?' she says. 'In your own words.' So that's what I do. I start at the beginning like she says. The day I met Suzie. Indigo (Indie) rings the Samaritans. She is frightened and desperate with no one to turn to. Over the course of one long night, Indie tells her story to the person on the end of the phone. She realises that her friend Suzie has taken over her home, her friends, her work, her boyfriend - and her life. After every few chapters we are brought back to the present moment, and see how piecing the story together helps Indie progress towards resolution.
Tell us about The Day I Met Suzie, in 140 characters Twitter style!
Beware of people who take over your life and bleed you dry. Suzie’s on the prowl. @hodderchildrens
Indie finds that Suzie slowly takes complete control of her life. What inspired you to write
such a story?
I am always intrigued by the way we tend to divide people into good or bad. I wanted to explore the characters of two seemingly completely different girls of the same age. Indie is pretty, popular, motivated and successful; Suzie is a sad, lonely loser. Indie wants to rescue people; Suzie needs to be rescued. Indie has a social conscience, Suzie has no conscience whatsoever. Suzie goes through life exploiting people for her own ends and then, having got her way, moves on leaving a trail of devastation in her wake, with no feelings of regret or remorse. Some might say she’s a psychopath. But she meets her match in kindly, law- abiding Indie who eventually manages to turn the tables on her. So, who is actually the good girl/bad girl in this story?
There are many twists in The Day I Met Suzie. Did you cross any difficulties in the writing process?
I had to make sure I got all the legalities correct and up-to-date. It got very complicated with the cars and the loans and the repayments and even more so when Scott and Logan appeared on the scene. The character of the Samaritan was really helpful in keeping me on course and pulling everything together.Mystery is also a vital part in The Day I Met Suzie. How did you try to maintain the suspense or does it just flow naturally from you?
I sometimes think I live in a state of permanent bewilderment at the ways of the world. I am constantly surprised by events in the news where people seem to be living perfectly ordinary lives but actually there is far more to them than meets the eye. People choose to present a face to the world but often they are far more mysterious than they appear on the surface. I tried to reveal Suzie’s character slowly so that she draws in the reader and fools her (or him!) just like she fools Indie.
The Day I Met Suzie deals with a lot of issues. What valuable message did you hope readers to gain?
It’s so easy to fall into debt and so hard to get out of. Don’t always take people at face value.
Which books are you most excited for this year?
“After Eden” by Helen Douglas.
“Night Witches” by L J Adlington
“Fractured” by Teri Terry
New books released this March
A new month brings new books.
Now this March 2013, many thrilling young adult books have been released in the UK, sitting on the bookshelves waiting for people like you and me to pick up and indulge!
Now this March 2013, many thrilling young adult books have been released in the UK, sitting on the bookshelves waiting for people like you and me to pick up and indulge!
Here are a few...
(Click on image to add to Goodreads and book title to link to Amazon UK )
7th March
The Day I Met Suzie by Chris Higgins
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake
Siege by Sarah Mussi
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
19th March
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
21st March
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
28th March
Everafter by Elizabeth Chandler
7th March
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake
Siege by Sarah Mussi
19th March
21st March
28th March
How pine worthy are these releases! What do you want to read or need to read?
(NOTE: These are UK releases!
If I've missed out any UK releases do let me know in the comments!)
If I've missed out any UK releases do let me know in the comments!)
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