Don't Tell Mummy by Toni Maguire and My Thoughts

Don't Tell Mummy by Toni Maguire

First Published: 2007

Publisher: Harper Element

Pages: 343

Rating: 5*

Don't Tell Mummy on goodreads.com

Don't Tell Mummy is available in Paperback for £6.99 and in Kindle Edition for £3.99 on Amazon.co.uk.

You can tell from the Title and front cover of this book that it is either a memoir or a story of childhood abuse. This heart-breaking book is both. It isn't the type of book I normally pick up, but seeing it on a charity table at Tesco for Diabetes, I picked it up faithfully donating my coins into the bucket. I started reading it and I couldn't put it down. I wanted to comfort the little girl in the story and save her from the life she endured. Throughout the whole story I was waiting for her father to be caught and pay his price. 

It is wrong of me to review this book, as it is someone's real life, and a real person suffered at the hands of her parents. It would be cruel and sick to review her life. I am only going to give my opinions on this book that I read recently. The writing in this book is amazing, however, and Maguire used her words effectively to create an environment so real. Her descriptions are so in depth that you feel as though you are sat in the house watching her live her life. My heart sank as every opportunity and ounce of happiness Antoinette received was ripped away from her. 

This book clearly shows the bond children have with their mothers, and despite their wrongdoings, the child will always seek love and compassion, attention and comfort from their mother. I wanted to grab Antoinette's mother and shake her until she finally apologised for being an accomplice to her husband's disgusting and unimaginable crimes against his daughter. I wanted her mother to suffer and shed her denial, and face the reality of what she let happen in her home. I wanted Toni to receive a sliver of closure whilst her mother lay on her death bed. I wished for this child - who I know is now an old lady now. I felt for her and I was disgusted and shocked at the way the authorities, relatives and adults behaved towards a young victim of sexual abuse. 

Even as her mother died, Maguire tended to her every need - sleeping 'on put-me-ups' - whilst her father only visited. Her father and mother created the illusion of a happy family to the outside world. However, Toni's image as a perfect daughter was no illusion and she remained loyal to her mother to the very end, despite the betrayel her mother had enforced on her repeatedly. 

My heart goes out to anyone who had to suffer as Maguire had to. This book made me feel extremely grateful for the childhood I had - I didn't live in fear of my parents and was well-loved and looked after. 

I was so sad for Toni at the end of the book that I both want to, yet I am afraid to read her next book, 'When Daddy Comes Home'. However, Maguire illustrated herself so effectively in her memoir that I feel a connection to her as she revealed her secrets and most personal details. Toni Maguire is a strong, independent, lady who anyone should be proud of. What this lady had to endure throughout her life was unspeakable. I wish she could have another life with a family that loved her and cherished her for the clever, intellectual and caring person she obviously grew up to be. 

If you are affected by the themes and topics in this book:- 

Here are a couple of links you can check out...

Childline - 08001111

Samaritans

Love Charlie, Xx

Extras by Scott Westerfeld Book Review

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

First Published: 2007

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 400

Rating: 4*

Extras on goodreads.com

Extras is available in Paperback for £6.99 or £4.99 on Kindle at Amazon.co.uk

I am so pleased to tell you that Westerfeld has redeemed himself after the disappointing 'Specials'. As with the previous three books in this series, I love the front cover. I think it is the clean cut edges and metallic shimmer highlighting a specific detail. On 'Extras', the pupil of an eye has a shimmery green circuit board which ties in very well with the themes within the story-line.

Extras was a lovely ending to the quartet, and I appreciated the differences between this book and the first three books. Extras is set years after 'Prettytime' was ended and the 'Diego' War. Thankfully, Tally, Shay, Fausto and the Cutters still make an appearance. I have come to the conclusion that Tally's transition into a Special is what triggered my dislike of the penultimate book - Specials. I believe that Westerfeld turned her into a dislike-able character with unfriendly characteristics. I understand that these characteristics are traits of being a 'Special' however it altered my relationship as a reader with the main character. 

In Extras, we have a new main character, 'Aya'. Aya lives in a vastly different world than when Tally was an Ugly. There are practically zero Bubbleheads, fame and reputation are the currency and technology has advanced enormously. I was grateful for the change of setting as it made the series interesting again and there was more to learn.

The final book carried on from the trilogy with themes of conservation, waste, and recycling. There are good messages in this book about our commodified and manufactured culture. I think it is a relevant topic that is emphasised in current media and it fits the context of important issues raised within education.

The ending was abrupt and I admit here that as much as I wanted to finish this series, I wasn't ready for the book to end and was shocked when I reached the last page. Therefore I can wrap up this review saying that I honestly enjoyed the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld despite being disappointed with the third book 'Specials'.

My favourite book was of course, the first one as it set the scene and outlined characters. There is always a lot to learn in the first of a series and as a reader, I felt I was being taken on an adventure - but I also enjoyed the second and last equally. Overall, I would rate the complete series at 3.5*.

I recommend Uglies and the following books!

Love Charlie, Xx

February Picks of the Month

Has January got you feeling Blue? 

For February, I want to recommend books that I think will help you through the cold, rainy season with some positivity and hope. It is still the beginning of the year, and for some of us, the last 31 days haven't gone so well. If you are one of those people this post may be for you. I have three strategies for you to help combat those blue feelings with literature. 

The first book I want to recommend is 'One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

The first strategy is to read about someone who is/has been less fortunate than you, yet they have still found the silver lining. This book is ideal. Ivan Denisovich finds pleasure in small things despite his grim situation and had a lasting effect on me. It is helpful to remember this story when you are having a bad day and reminds you to be grateful for the little things that make your day so much better. This book made it to a Penguin Modern Classic for a reason! There is a message to take from Solzhenitsyn's writing so make sure you savor this one. 

goodreads.com          Amazon.co.uk

This book is available for £7.99 in Paperback or £3.79 in Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk

The second book I want to recommend is 'The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.

The reason I recommend this book is because my second strategy is to laugh off the rainy season. This book is hilarious and charming and uplifting. It is everything you need right now! Kinsella's writing is easy to read and this story is sure to make you smile. It also may inspire you to learn something new and to try and challenge yourself. Keep going, you can do it...

goodreads.com          Amazon.co.uk

This book is available on Amazon.co.uk for £7.99 in Paperback or £3.99 on Kindle.

Finally, I want to recommend The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

My final tactic is to escape reality if all else fails and get yourself lost in an adventure. Pick up a series and dig your nose in deep between those pages. The Hunger Games will suck you in and before you know it you will be crying for more. If you haven't read this trilogy before, I am jealous as I would love to read it for the first time again. This one also has the perfect love triangle for Valentines day! <3 Enjoy!

goodreads.com          Amazon.co.uk

This book is available on Amazon.co.uk for £3.85 in Paperback or £3.66. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read this trilogy for free. If you plan on reading all 3 books, it may be cheaper for you to buy the series together in a collection. 

Happy February!

Love Charlie, Xx

FIVE FRIDAY

1. The Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer

Cinder on goodreads.com           Cinder on Amazon.co.uk

These books have been circulating in the book-blogosphere and instagram. I have finally admitted that I want to read them and have added them onto my goodreads.com 'Read List'. They sound like my cup of tea and are hopefully very like all my favourite YA book series such as 'divergent', 'Hunger Games' 'Uglies' etc... I am also interested in this series as they are themed on well known fairy tales - and this is hinted in the covers. The covers are, I feel, quite similar to those of the original Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and it makes me wonder whether Marissa Meyer's name has always been 'Meyer'. Coincidence or not, I can't wait till I have the money to buy these books. 

2, Everything I Never Told You, by Celeste Ng

goodreads.com          Amazon.co.uk

Everything I never told you is a sensitive family portrait with themes of secrets, love, family and longing. A family are torn apart when their daughter is found dead in a lake. It gives us a powerful insight into the relationships between parents and their children and how they will forever struggle to understand each other. I am hoping that this is a gripping novel that gives us an in-depth picture of the complex relationships that hold families together.

3. Illusions? Maybe, by Glenn Riley

goodreads.com          Amazon.co.uk

This book was recommended to me by a friend who asked me to read and review it on my blog. I already had this one on my kindle as a colleague wrote it and I wanted to support them in their journey to becoming a writer. However I had never prioritized this semi-autobiographical novel until now. When I do read and review this book I promise to be completely honest and truthful. I don't know whether this book will be 'my cup of tea' but I am going to try it anyway... hopefully soon. 

4. Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult

goodreads.com          Amazon.co.uk

I love Jodi Picoult's books. They always leave you with a moral decision to make and each decision will always have consequences. I have found that a lot of Picoult's novels have a similar story line and structure which I felt at one point made them a little boring after reading Picoult novel after Picoult novel. However, I haven't read one of her books for at least a year and I miss her writing. I added this one as the story line sounds incredible... The character's daughter needs a new heart but the only available match is that of a murderer. I mean, WOW. Really would like to get this book, maybe to read in the summer holiday. 

5. The Golem and the Djinni, by Helene Wecker

goodreads.com         Amazon.co.uk

I was attracted to the cover of this book as it is very pretty and mystifying. I saw it at a local health organisation where you can take books to swap. I traded in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame for this one. When I picked it up and the first thing I saw was 'If you love The Night Circus then you'll love this' that was it, I had to have it! It is quite a big book and I hope that doesn't make me leave it to the bottom of the reading list. I am really excited to read this - but how do you pronounce 'Djinni'?
Tell me in the comments if you know!

Let me know what you've added to your lists recently.

Love Charlie, Xx

Specials by Scott Westerfeld Book Review

Specials by Scott Westerfeld 

Fisrt Published: 2006

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 350

Rating: 3*

Specials on goodreads.com

Specials is available in paperback for £7.99 or £4.99 in kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk

This edition of the 'Uglies' quartet is unfortunately my least favourite and I believe it lets down the whole series. Yes, I did enjoy these books, but if this was the first one, I doubt I would have carried on. Now all is left is 'Extras' - the last book in the series. The original trilogy had a final book added as an extra - pardon the pun. 

As with the other books, I love the covers to the series. The clean cut edges and perfection of the photography fits in very well with the content of the books.On this cover, it is the modified spine that has a bronze metallic sheen. This fits in with the 'Special' characters in the story as they have modified everything - their bones are made of super-ceramic, their hearing is extraordinary as is their sight, smell and touch. They are incomparable human beings, and Tally isn't only turned into a special. She is turned into a special special - a 'cutter'. 

I am still disappointed with Westerfeld's lack of sensitivity when it comes to mental health and grief. In this book Tally goes through the traumatic experience of getting a friend who is in a vegetative state, unplugged. But instead of going into detail, we don't feel any of Tally's grief - Westerfeld carries on with the story line as though it is the type of experience we have  to deal with everyday. The theme of self harm is carried way out of proportion, being glorified and idealized. Finally, towards the end of the book she stops cutting herself, yet there is still no advice for those affected by the content in the book. I feel it is irresponsible and unacceptable to take a real life issue and use it in a futuristic, fashion sense. The content becomes quite graphic at points and would be quite triggering to those affected with mental illnesses. I could go on about this forever, but I'm not going to. 

Excluding the theme of self-harm, and the way Westerfeld approaches it, I really like this series. It wasn't quite up to the same gripping level as 'The Hunger Games' or 'Divergent' but it was just as easy and exciting to read. I think it was the lack of depth in this book, and the fact that the book isn't in first person lets us [the readers] disconnect slightly with the characters. If this book was written first person, we could have had much more of an emotional insight. Yet, the characters emotions within this book were overlooked. As a final in the trilogy, Westerfeld had the opportunity to draw us in and let us go dramatically, which is what he did without the 'drawing you in' part. I was left disappointed and wanting more. I wanted to feel more of a passionate response to the events in the book, yet I felt it was rushed and fast-moving. Before one thing happened, the plot moved on without allowing me to catch up or appreciate each chapter.

Overall, I was discontent with this book. I felt let down by Westerfeld's attempt to draw the series to an end. I am really glad that this wasn't the first book in the series as I wouldn't have had the same reading experience. I really would recommend the first two books, 'Uglies' and 'Pretties' but I think 'Specials' is only one to read if you want to find out what happens in an unsatisfying end. Be prepared to be disappointed.

I really hope 'Extras' makes up for it and pulls the series together.

Love Charlie, Xx 

FIVE FRIDAY

5 Recent Additions to my 'To Read List' 

This is the beginning of a weekly blog post where I update you on the last five books I have added to my goodreads.com 'Want to read' list.' If you want to follow me on goodreads.com there is a button in the right column on my blog or you can click here to go to my goodreads.com profile. 

1. DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman by Kerry J Donovan
goodreads.com          amazon.co.uk

This is a book that a friend recommended to me, and I have only just added it to my 'To Read List' despite being recommended it a year or two back. I do love a good crime-thriller, but I have to be 'in the mood'. However when that 'mood' comes along, I will probably read a few crime-thrillers in a row. This is the first novel in the DCI Jones series, and I have been told that it is hard to put down. 

Available in paperback at £8.99 and kindle edition for £1.99 on Amazon.co.uk. This book is also available on kindle unlimited. 

2. A Suitable Boy by Vickram Seth 
goodreads.com          amazon.co.uk

I came across this novel when preparing my 'Book Scripture' blog post (which will be published tomorrow morning). This book tells the story of a young girl whose family is choosing her a suitable husband. This is a contemporary classic that is said to stay with you for the rest of your life. It is available in paperback for £10.68 and kindle edition for £7.49 on Amazon.co.uk. 

3. Lucky by Alice Sebold 
goodreads.com          amazon.co.uk

I absolutely loved Sebold's writing in 'The Lovely Bones' and I couldn't put it down. I was touched when I found out that Sebold herself, was affected by issues in the book. Lucky is Alice Sebold's memoir of how her life changed when at eighteen years old, she was brutally raped. I feel this will be a tough read, and a difficult read. However I also believe that it is honorable that she has put into words how she recovered and trauma victims live on with their experiences.

4. His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman 
goodreads.com          amazon.co.uk

I started reading 'Northern Lights' when I was younger, but didn't make it to the end, and I didn't know it was the first in a trilogy. Now I am more enthusiastic about reading than I was when I was in primary school, I want to read these books. 

I adored the Golden Compass, and I am disappointed in myself for not reading the book before the film. I hope I get around to reading this trilogy in the near future. 

5. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
goodreads.com          amazon.co.uk

Finally, I wanted to read this book in my early years of High School, but it was never in the Library when I went. Over the years, I forgot about it. Luckily I have remembered this book and added it to my 'To Read List' so I won't forget it again. I don't know when I will get around to reading this, but I hope it's soon.


Let me know in the comments what you have recently added
to your goodreads.com 'want to read' list.
Happy Reading!

Love Charlie, Xx

20 Books I've Recently Added to my 'To Read List'

I have added so many books onto my goodreads.com account recently, so I thought I'd do a quick list here so you can see what I want to read. I have selected the last 20 books that I added on to my 'To Read List'. 

 The Memory of Light by Francisco X Stork 

The Memory of Light on goodreads.com

The Memory of Light on Amazon.co.uk

This Young Adult Novel focuses on living life when it doesn't seem worth it. Vicky Cruz wakes up in hospital after a suicide attempt and the book travels her journey of acceptance and recovery. This book sounds uplifting and insightful with themes of mental health, vulnerability, family and strength; and I can't wait to read it. 

This book isn't released until the 26th January 2016. 

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

Hunger on goodreads.com

Hunger on Amazon.co.uk

This is a memoir about the Author's relationship with food and diet, self-image and weight. What woman doesn't relate to everyone of these themes? I really am looking forward to the publication date for this release. The 14th of June on Amazon.co.uk

The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan 

The Association of Small Bombs on goodreads.com

The Small Bomb Association on Amazon.co.uk

This book offers an in-depth view of the psychological damage and devastation caused by a 'small' bomb in the Delhi marketplace - killing two young brothers and leaving their friend injured and traumatized. This book give up insight into how the acts of terrorism affect the lives of the family of the two boys that died and follows the friend as he grows up and deals with the physical and emotional scars he has been left with. 

This title isn't released until the 14th July on Amazon.co.uk

Girl Through Glass: A Novel by Sari Wilson

Girl Through Glass on goodreads.com

Girl Through Glass on Amazon.co.uk

This novel follows a young girls journey from the competitive world of New York City Ballet into the even more competitive School of American Ballet. This debut has themes of aspiration, obsession, perfectionism and relationships. This book caught my eye straight away as I love Ballet and danced for many years throughout my childhood. I can't wait to read this book, and I predict it will be binge-read. 

This title is released on Amazon.co.uk on the 26th January.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda on goodreads.com

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda on Amazon.co.uk

This novel follows the struggles and complications of a sixteen year old's coming out story. A story of friendship, compromise, growing up, drama and identity. This book appeals to me as I am gay and everyone has a different coming out story. I am looking forward to reading this book and I am sure it will make me feel better about my own coming out story. 

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon 

Everything Everything on goodreads.com

Everything Everything on Amazon.co.uk

This book follows a young girl's journey to love and enlightenment as she battles with her allergies against the world. She has a rare condition meaning she can't leave her house and meet others. She uses the internet to communicate with her new next door neighbor and he encourages her to want to do things she hasn't been able to. I feel this book will be very uplifting and tell a tale of overcoming obstacles in the light of love. 

The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore

The Weight of Feathers on goodreads.com

The Weight of Feathers on Amazon.co.uk

This book has been compared to one of my top favourite books 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern. This is the biggest reason I added this book to my 'To Read List' I love YA books about circus'. For twenty years, two circus families have been enemies and rivals, locked in an escalating feud for over a generation. When a boy from the opposing family saves the life of the youngest performer in the other family; they end up falling in love in a dangerous and compromising relationship. 

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 

The Handmaid's Tale on goodreads.com

The Handmaid's Tale on Amazon.co.uk

This is a contemporary classic that I thought I already had on my 'To Read List'. However it seems I never got around to adding it until recently. This novel tells us an intriguing and perplexing story of how handmaids are valued only for the viability of their ovaries. Offred, a Handmaid can remember how her life used to be before women were banned from reading. I really must get around to reading this book...

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on goodreads.com

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on Amazon.co.uk

This is another classic that I thought I already had on my 'To Read List' and it is a book that I have wanted to read for quite a while. This is a classic children's story of a boy's adventures in the Mississippi Valley. This is a sequel to Mark Twain's 'Adventures of Tom Sawyer', so I must read that one first. 

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

A Clockwork Orange on goodreads.com

A Clockwork Orange on Amazon.co.uk

This is also another classic that I thought I'd already added to my 'To Read List'. I saw this book in a charity shop a few years ago, but was put off reading it because of the violence in it. I regret not picking it up and I will have to purchase it one day. It is a classic that appears on many 'book lists to read before you die', so as an avid reader, I feel I must read it. Fifteen year old Alex and his gang of friends rob,  kill and rape their way through a nightmarish future, until the State put an end to riotous behaviour.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

In Cold Blood on goodreads.com

In Cold Blood on Amazon.co.uk

In Cold Blood is a journalistic non-fiction novel telling the story of a multiple-murder. It is an insightful look at the nature of American violence and is powerfully evocative. I should read this book sooner rather than later as it's the novel that made Truman Capote's name. Just so you know, I really liked Breakfast at Tiffany's

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on goodreads.com

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on Amazon.co.uk

Possession Series by Elana Johnson

0.5 Resist on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

1 Possession on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

1.5 Regret on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

2 Surrender on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

3 Abandon on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

Possession series is a thrilling dystopian young adult trilogy with two extra works; Resist and Regret. The trilogy follows a rebellious teen who refuse to follow the set of rules the authorities have outlined. I was attracted to this trilogy by the covers and by the fact that they sound similar to other YA series such as 'The Hunger Games'. 'Divergent' and 'Uglies.'

Cold Awakening Trilogy by Robin Wasserman 

Frozen on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

Shattered on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

Torn on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

This trilogy follows a young girl who's live is saved by a download. However she realises that it has changed her and she is not who she wants to be. This trilogy appeals to me as like the Possession series above, it sounds very much like my favourite YA dystopian novels. 

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Dumplin' on goodreads.com

Dumplin' on Amazon.co.uk

A self-proclaimed fat girl falls in love with a popular boy called Bo. But when she has doubts at the way she looks, she sets to get her confidence back by doing something crazy. She enters the Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant. This book sounds uplifting and heartwarming, and one that I believe will bring a smile to my face. 

This title is released on the 28th January 2016 on Amazon.co.uk

HELP ME! by Donna M Zadunajsky

HELP ME! on goodreads.com

HELP ME! on Amazon.co.uk

This is a book that I have downloaded to review for NetGalley.com, and a book that I hope to read after I finish the 'Uglies' series. This is a coming of age book following a boy called Mick who is struggling with various elements in his life. With themes of Self injury and mental health, I believe this book will be a touching and educating read.  

Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

Behemoth on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk 

Goliath on goodreads.com and Amazon.co.uk

I found this trilogy advertised in the back of the 'Uglies' series by Scott Westerfeld. I don't know whether this series will be 'my cup of tea' until I try it so I've added it to my 'To Read List' anyway. This is a steam-punk series that is based on an alternate World War 1. I thought I'd give it a try as I enjoyed Westerfeld's writing in 'Uglies'. 

 Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Gone with the Wind on goodreads.com

Gone with the Wind on Amazon.co.uk

#

This is a book that has appeared on many 'books to read before you die' lists. This novel of love and war won the Pulitzer Prize, and creates haunting insights of the American Civil War. I think I'll have to be 'in the mood' to read this book, but I'm excited for when that time comes around. 

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath on goodreads.com

The Grapes of Wrath on Amazon.co.uk

This novel also won the Pulitzer Prize, and it is again, a book I thought I'd already added to my 'To Read List'. I recently went through classics that I haven't yet read and added the ones I'd forgot, hence the many books I though I'd already got. This is a story of 'false hopes, thwarted desires and powerlessness', and I hope it is as touching as 'Of Mice and Men which I studied and enjoyed in High School. 

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

The Hobbit on goodreads.com

The Hobbit on Amazon.co.uk

I'm afraid to say that this is yet another one of those books I thought I already had on my goodreads account. It is on many 'books you must read' lists and it is the first in the 'Lord of the Rings' series. The Hobbit is a timeless classic and an introduction into the Middle Earth. I hope to get around to reading this book before summer. 

I hope you liked the last 20 books I added to my 'To Read List'. 

I think I am going to do a 'FIVE FRIDAY' weekly blog post of the last five books I have added to my 'To Read List'. Keep an eye out ;) 

Let me know what books you want to read.

Love Charlie, Xx