Review of Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Status: read and on my bookshelf.

Format: paperback.

Rating: 4/5 stars.

Darcy Patel is a debut author whose first book Afterworlds has been predicted to be a bestseller. She is receives a hefty advance and a one way ticket to New York, the Disney castle of any aspiring author. I had heaps of fun learning all the secrets of the young adult publishing industry and seeing some of my favourite authors reflected in fictional characters like John Green’s appearance as Standerson, author and internet-cult leader.

But that’s only half of it! The book alternates chapters with Darcy’s life and her unpublished book Afterworlds. Her real-life experiences sneak into the protagonist Lizzie’s story. The opening – as Darcy’s publisher noted- was nail-bitingly scary. Lizzie is in the airport when the first person is shot by a terrorist operative. The helpline woman’s words “Well, honey, maybe you should pretend to be dead,” become Lizzie’s portal to the world of the dead.

Essentially Afterworlds is two fantastic storylines spun into one chunky book. The format feels experimental and artistic. Westerfeld expertly exploits the strengths of paranormal and contemporary youth fiction. I would recommend this book for aspiring writers or readers curious to see some behind-the-scenes of how writers become award-winning authors. I am extremely impressed by the endings of both storylines especially after experiencing Darcy’s angst when writing the conclusion of Afterworlds. I think I actually clapped aloud.

Favourite quotes:

“I’m a tin soldier. Steadfast,” Darcy said tiredly. But the word had lost all meaning. Maybe she would use it somewhere in her rewrites, just to remind herself of this endless day.

“[…] Awards don’t matter in YA heaven, because you get to write all day. No bills, no cooking, no cleaning. Just writing and talking about writing, and everyone has cover approval.”

“Writerly superpowers. Tiny but potent.”

Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Status: re-read.
Format: my own paperback.

"Dear friend..."

Charlie is a high-school freshman after a very difficult summer. And it is going to be a difficult year. Unlike many other coming-of -age young adult novels I have read, Perks is one story which I can re-read and re-read. It is a book less reliant on its surprise ending than the writing. Sincere. Poignant. i have never read from a more pure perspective.

Much of Charlie's memory is marred by anxiety and his brain's attempt to block trauma. It comes to him in undecipherable pieces. When he sees his sister with an abusive boyfriend he remembers his Aunt Helen. When he sees his friend Patrick being bullied he remembers his brother's wrestling training. Chbosky impresses with his ability to gently introduce us to Charlie without scaring us off.

The characters are antique pieces not cardboard cut-outs. From Patrick's intensity, Sam's kindness and Mr Anderson's honesty.I highly recommend this book to any one wanting an introduction to YA fiction. It will transport you to a time when you felt weak and happy and infinite.

Favourite quote:
"We accept the love we think we deserve."

Bookish Pet Peeves

A ranty sort of post to break up all the reviews.

Sourced from reviewsfromabookworm

10. When the cover designs change midway through a series you are collecting. Why do you ruin my bookshelf so?
9. When the author posts book teasers so the funny dialogue isn't as funny when you actually read the book.
8. When they don't kill off any characters in a war/battle sequence.
7. When a character loses their memory. Suzanne Collins and Marie Lu, I'm looking at you.
6. When you get tear stains or sweaty fingerprints in the book.
5. When you reserve the same book at multiple libraries to see which one delivers first but then you have 4 copies you don't know what to do with.
4. When the release date gets pushed back.
3. When the author stops writing midway through a series.
2. When there is a cliffhanger.
1. When there is a cliffhanger, the release date is a year away and then a year later it gets PUSHED BACK. This is the absolute worse.

So what did I miss? Let me know in the comments. Ciao!