The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
“Every war has turning points and every person too.”
Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.
As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.
My Thoughts;
I initially found this a little slow to get into. I’ve only just started reading YA books and I don’t think I had got into the right frame of mind for the how-to read it. But, once I did slip into the flow of the book, wow, it just whipped me up and took me along on a massive journey I wasn’t expecting. The blurb does nothing to prepare you for what this book delivers. It’s about war, and it’s about how the was has a real life effect on Daisy and her cousins, so if you read it, know there are scenes that may be difficult. That being said, it is YA, so it is handled incredibly simply and well. It’s not, – I don’t really like to say this about adult novels that I read and am writing, but it’s the best way I can think of – dramatising the scenes, they’re not dragged out or very descriptive, but they are powerful in clear sharp sentences. I read this book in one day, I just couldn’t put it down. Rosoff captures the innocence of emotion and feelings, grabs hold of you and drags you right in. I loved this book and if you’re thinking of widening your reading experiences, I’d recommend Rosoff. In fact, I’m going to be searching out more of her books. A great read.
Rebecca, I haven’t read YA in some years and you’ve convinced me into reading this novel when I get hold of it.
I’d love to know what you think of it if you do read it.
Rebecca – There are some great YA books out there, and I’m glad you’ve found one of them. I think it’s good for writers to sample in all sorts of sub-genres, and YA is no exception.
I think I’m going to be reading quite a bit more YA Margot. I just need a few dozen more hours in a day I think!
Rosoff penned a piece in Psychologies magazine a few issues back about self-identity and her specs, as an ex-specs wearer ( I had Lasik) it struck a chord. It was the first time I’d come across her as more than a name in passing. Good to see her fiction is a pleasing read too. x
That’s interesting to know Yasmin. I also wear glasses, but I am self conscious and only wear them when driving and watching television.
I’ve read a couple of YA recently after years of avoiding them and been really amazed at the quality and the difficulty of the subjects they tackle. This one sound very interesting…
I think I’m a new YA convert!
Rebecca, I really like the sound of this one. Thank you.
It’s a great book Kate 🙂
I’ve kind of been thinking I’m too much of an OA to read YA (!) but this sounds great! I agree you have to get into the mindset – I found that when I read the Twilight Saga to start with.
I was put off the Twilight series, probably because of all the hype. Hype tends to make me back away from things. Now I’ve seen the films I won’t go back to the books. There is a lot of great looking YA out there for me to get my teeth into though 🙂
I really, really hated this book, so much so I stopped about half way through. it was recommended to me by a fellow children’s specialist and i’m really sad I didn’t like it.