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 The book alternates chapters with Darcy’s life and her unpublished book Afterworlds.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.”

When writing explains what I can't explain

I guarantee that this has happened to you too.

Before
Your first exam/speech/big thing you've been worried about, this is true...
"Sometimes I feel like there is so much to be afraid of"

After
It happens. You are so tired, you have been battered and beaten on the ground and you stay down or rise up, this is your last thought of fear...
"And sometimes I feel like there is nothing left to fear." Veronica Roth.


Got any good quotes to share? Leave it in the comments.

Reviewing The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Maggie Stiefvater has done it again folks. She just gave us her best book yet for us to wallow and weep about. Following The Raven Boys -the first of this quartet- Stiefvater's storytelling capabilities in The Dream Thieves have have escalated to magnificence.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it is set in Henrietta a town situated on energy or ley lines. These abnormal energy currents enhance general power but also psychic abilities. The series begins when previously failed psychic Blue sees a vision of a boy's death, Gansey's. Richard Gansey the third is no ordinary Raven Boy of the Aglionby Academy. He has made it his business to find a sleeping king in exchange for one wish, a king he believes has been using the ley-lines to live hundreds of years. The ley-lines are the thing that keeps Noah visible. The ley-lines are what brings Blue to the Raven boys. The ley-lines are connected to Adam now. The ley-lines are the cause of magic and the timeless forest and perhaps Ronan's curious ability to somehow steal things from his dreams. And of course, Ronan isn't the most dangerous person looking for magic in Henrietta.

There aren't enough words to express my deep love for this book. The idea is completely original and creative. Every twist and turn is surprising and wonderful. The Raven Boys and Blue are so well-developed.
 We hadn't seen this much of Ronan before and the narration captured his essence so perfectly. In terms of writing, this book exceeded my expectations. It was fantastical and humourous. Formal yet warm.

This book was raw emotion at times and adrenalin at others. There was the luxury of Raven Boys filled with the darkness of magic and things money can't buy. The two best parts of the book was Ronan's character development and the writing. I closed my eyes and I could see their world. I highly recommend this series as a suspense-filled and fantasy young adult series.


Favourite quote:
“While I'm gone," Gansey said, pausing, "dream me the world. Something new for every night.”

The most wonderful time of the year.

Happy holidays!

Christmas has me sufficiently spoiled, fat and lazy so I thought I’d share some of my new bookish acquisitions with you to make myself useful.

1. Champion by Marie Lu.

The final novel in the Legend series did not disappoint. I bought a digital copy of this book earlier in the month as a Merry Christmas present to me. Unfortunately, I could not stop myself from reading it before Christmas. It was very action-packed, suspenseful and romantic. But a little disclaimer, please don’t try read this right after Allegiant as I did. I do not wish such suffering on anyone.

2. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.

This is a pre-loved copy I got at a bookswap for a very good price. It is one of those books that I had no idea about but the lady recommended it, and we book-lovers have to trust each other. I am very excited to read such a classic sci-fi. 

3. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen.

I AM SO EXCITED. My sister –bless her soul- bought me this for Christmas to begin my Sarah Dessen collection. Weirdly enough, I have read all her books, adore them and do not own any physical copies. The situation has been rectified and I am ready to fall head over heels again. This is her latest book and will be for a while. So so excited.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.

Ah, I feel as if a piece of me has been restored. I first read the entire series this year without having seen the movies. After being ostracised by the Potterhead community which included many of my friends, I quietly I borrowed the first book from the library and began my journey. A few years late but I made it to Hogwarts nonetheless. This is the childhood favourite I never knew I needed.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling.

I had enough money for one more Harry Potter book and who could pass up this pre-loved, first edition hardcover? I loved this book to the moon and back and remember re-reading the epilogue everyday until I had to return it. Now that I have my own copy, no one can stop my obsession. Depending on your perspective, this is an excellent or terrible prospect.

6. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Last but certainly not least, a short collection of letters in reply to a young writer asking for review of his work and life advice. This book is a beautiful patchwork of Rilke’s sarcasm, wisdom and prose which I hope will inspire me to write and read the rest of my life.

Click on the titles to see the synopsis and other reviews. Also let me know what bookish gifts you received for Christmas – the good and bad. Ciao!

Writing letters

I have always been a big believer in the power of words. Some people don't think that words are all that useful in capturing exactly how a person is feeling at one moment but I really do. So for my graduation gifts -you know, the ones students give teachers at the end of high school to say thanks and don't miss me- I've decided to write people letters. Not just teachers either, friends and random people who've helped me so far. I am writing them all by hand and then folding them up into little envelopes like this. Consider me a postal service.

In year 9, I wrote my friend a short story about how we first met and why I respected her so much and thereafter all my friends wanted their own story for their birthdays too. Not only are stories or even memories hard work to put on paper, I sometimes felt as if I'm giving bits of myself away and opening myself for judgement. What if these feelings were one sided? Does the other person even remember it? I figure that since I'm leaving and may never them again, I will go for broke.

So far I have maybe 6 letters with many more to come. There are a couple for my subject teachers, friends, fellow captains and some people who have just had a perhaps accidental impact on my life. An example of this accidental impact is my year 10 English teacher who introduced me to Atticus Finch. Another is a particular librarian to whom I recommended a book and received it new, uncovered and fresh from a bookstore the very next day. I was first to read it. Another to whom I will write is my principal who I have a strangely friendly relationship with. Another to a teacher who always teased me about my hair until I teased him back. It is odd to think I am leaving these people for good. I hope that if they've forgotten what I'm talking about, they'll try to remember.

John Green quoting his wife wrote, "Thinking about the future is a kind of nostalgia." 

To this I say, "Exactly."

Let me know if you've ever written a letter to someone that you've regretted or what you gave for graduation gifts. Ciao.