Rebecca's Rules Review

Book no. 1

Taken from the list of books to be read from the side of my bed.

Title: Rebecca’s Rules

Author: Anna Carey

Release Date: 1^st September 2012

Publisher: O’Brien Press

My name is Rebecca Rafferty, and there are lots of things wrong with my life right now.

1.My boyfriend has moved to Canada. Canada!

2.I have annoyed my best friends Cass and Alice by going on about him all the time.

3.I am going to a crazy girl’s mad birthday party and I am not sure why.

Things have got to change. So I’ve made some new rules.

J No moping.

J No ignoring my friends’ problems.

J Find something exciting for me, Cass and Alice to do so our friendship gets back to normal.

J Something fun. Something new...

Something like joining the school musical!

Well I can honestly say that Rebecca's Rules was a brilliant read to start the year off (I'll pretend it's not almost the start of February!) It reminded me of the Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison and I was hooked on those for years (although I have yet to sample Wuthering Tights... it is on my list!) I really really enjoyed this book and it literally made me laugh out loud. It's definitely one for the girls and is a lot of fun. Written in the style of a diary, the book easily captures Rebecca’s character and her escapades with the school musical.

The character of John (Rebecca’s love interest) reminded me of someone I used to have a crush on (although I never actually got to kiss him and he was a handsome Lancashire lad rather than an Irish idol). But despite John's character flaws (read the book to find out what happens) I thought that Anna Carey captured Rebecca's crush really well. It's so easy to fall head over heels for someone who seems really interesting but is totally wrong for you. I did enjoy how their relationship was portrayed, despite John's behaviour. The way Rebecca describes how she feels was so believable and I think that's what made it so much fun as I could really empathise with her character.

John and Rebecca’s kiss isn’t unexpected but it happens really suddenly which reinforces the diary writing style. The book is really easy to follow and is so much fun. The story is engaging and exciting with a variety of characters which all have their unique personalities (seen through the eyes of Rebecca). While Rebecca’s relationships cover a lot of the content, there are still plenty of exciting things happening such as the musical and I didn’t feel that the plot was overtaken with this although I would say that this is where Rebecca’s character comes to life.

I think this book is the second Rebecca Rafferty book (The Real Rebecca is the prequel) and I would love to read the first one. I would recommend this book to teenage girls who would like something hilarious to read and if you are a fan of Louise Rennison, you’ll absolutely love this.

5/5 An easy going read which will make you laugh your socks off!

With special thanks to O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this delightful read.

Update !

Ok... so maybe I didn't quite realise the task I was taking on.

 

                          There are currently 238 teenage books on the shelf.

               There are currently 344 days left this year.

That means that, on average I would have to read a book every 1.44 days if I was going to read them all.... not to mention the ones on my 'to read' list.

So far, my 'Teenage books read this year list' equals 0. I have been off work poorly for a little while and so have watched more trashy TV than I care to mention rather than snuggling up with a book in front of the fire, which is what would really make a snowy evening complete.

 

Hmmm... well.... where to go from here. I will continue with my quest (which is I'm sure impossible at this stage) and enjoy reading a mixture of teenage novels.

 

I am currently reading ' Rebecca's Rules' by Anna Carey which is actually the sort of light relief I need at the moment!

 

I will attempt to keep you updated with my Library Literature challenge.

 

Til then!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year blog readers!

I can honestly say that this year has been one of my busiest (hence the lack of blog posts). The year began with my final year of uni and I got my first full time job working as a library assistant. I also turned 21, completed my degree, got engaged, moved out of the family home (for the first time) and passed my driving test (after learning to drive for what seems like forever). Despite all these exciting and happy times, something awful happened this year. Over the summer, my grandad passed away. He wasn't an old grandad, he wasn't an ill grandad, shockingly he was diagnosed with cancer and a week later he died. It came as a shock to everyone and it still surprises me in a morning when I remember he's not here anymore.

I know for a fact (and I also know how cliché this sounds) that my grandad would be so proud of everything I have achieved this year. He was so eager for me to pass my driving test and so excited about my graduation and although he didn't get to see either of those things I know that he would be over the moon.

So, this year, one of my resolutions is to appreciate what I have. My mum and my brother were both so supportive during my stressful time at uni and I can only hope that I can support them just as much. My mum is studying with the Open University while holding down a full time job and running the family home and my brother is currently at college and also learning to drive (he is already a better driver than me!).

My wonderful fiancé is well... wonderful (although don't tell him I said that) and we live in a little cottage/library in a little town and he lets me drive his car. We are planning a small scale but ridiculously fabulous wedding for next year so that is REALLY exciting!  I could go on and on about my lovely friends my sometimes lovely job etc but I need to get down to the bit about the books.

While my New Year's resolution involves being cheerful and loving towards those I care about, my New Year's 'Challenge' relates to this blog. I have neglected this blog and those wonderful people who read my ramblings and so I have set myself the following challenge:-

By this time next year I will have:-

Read the pile of books stacked next to my bed.

Read the books currently on my library card (that have been renewed so many times I've lost count)

AND

(here's the bit I think you might find awesomely amazing- or not)

Read the entire collection of teenage stock at my local library!

Now ... Brierfield isn't the biggest library so there aren't thousands and there could be difficulties due to stock rotation, new stock and borrower's... well... borrowing things but I'm determined to give it a go.

I just wondered if anyone else would like to join me in the challenge? I thought it would give me the opportunity to read a variety of new things and also check out any stock gaps (which is sort of part of my job).

So wish me luck on the 2013 Library Literature challenge!

And have a wonderful and exciting New Year filled with wonderful and exciting things!