Well, I am not really sure what to say about this book as I am yet to make my mind up. It would be too easy to give the plot away so I shall give you the blurb:
Tamara Goodwin has always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. Until a travelling library arrives in her tiny village, bringing with it a mysterious, large, leather-bound book locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to the core.
A mesmerising story about how tomorrow can change what happens today.
Firstly, I will say that I have read all of Cecilia Ahern's books and really loved them. As I have said many times on this blog, I really enjoy the fairy-tale element that she brings to her writing. However, something about this book just did not sit right with me. It took me quite a while to get into the story but I honestly think that has more to do with how distracted I have felt lately, rather than the book not catching my attention.
The main character is Tamara Goodwin and she is only sixteen. I think this is perhaps what I struggled with, obviously I was 16 once but I really found it difficult to identify with the character and I didn't really understand why Cecilia Ahern had chosen such a young protagonist.
The fairy-tale element of the book was my favourite part; I can't really go into detail as it will spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. I thought it was a brilliant idea but I feel that she could have done so much more with it.
As with all of Cecilia Ahern's books, I think there will be mixed opinions. I enjoyed it but I like her other books much more! You will have to give it a go and decide for yourselves!
15 comments:
My copy finally arrived today and I can't wait to start reading it! It'll be my first book by Cecelia Ahern and even though I own three of her previous books, they just don't appeal to me all that much, as opposed to this one which sounds great plot wise! Thanks for your review and for not revealing any spoilers! ;)
bookalicious- I really hope that you enjoy it and I'm glad that my review hasn't put you off. I wanted to be honest but I didn't want to come across as being too negative as I do really love Cecilia Ahern, looking forward to reading your review!
I enjoyed your honest review of Ahern's latest book. Truth be told I have read several of her books and not all of them have fallen into "good reads" in my opinion. The last one I read by her was Thanks for the Memories and I just could not stand that book and had to practically force myself to finish it. Don't get me wrong I agree with you in that I too enjoy the fairy tale element that Ahern brings to her writing, but sometimes just adding that element does not make the book good. I am going to definitely get this book when it comes out here in the States because I have not given up on Ahern yet. I appreciated your review because your description of how it didn't sit right with you is so spot on with relation to some of her other work. Thanks for the review! Cheers!
Nadia- thank you! I hope that you enjoy reading it, I just felt as though the story that went with the fairy tale element was more of an afterthought, look forward to reading what you think!
Great review - I will be reading this next.
I've yet to read a Cecelia book I haven't liked. My favourite so far is The Gift.
I loved this! It did take me a little while to get into it but once I did I was hooked!
Good review!! x
Amy- I loved The Gift too but I think P.S. I Love you will always be my favourite!
chicklitreviews- I was hooked by the end too but it took me a long while to be gripped!
I have just read Ahern's book of tomorrow, it took me 3 weeks to read it, and this is because of family commitments, bedtime stories for the children, bathtime and all the mummsy things that come with the package. I have not read any of her books at all. This book could not have come at a better time, just now I am at a point in my life where I have had my challenges and realised that life is too short, and that I need not take myself so seriously. I listened to her interview on radio 4 and so I made sure as soon as this book was released I would be one of the first people to read it, so I put a reservation at my local library. This book really blew me away I have to say, Yes like somebody says I did wonder about the 17 year old being the centre of this book, being twice that age myself I can appreciate how I was then, so full of confidence and inquisitive. I personally think 17 years of age is a good age because we are so naive and yet we are charged with the authority of making plans for our future. I felt sorry for Tamara when her mother had shut down. And as for Rosaleen, she is so evil, has anyone read a book called Walking backwards in high heels, I think mostly women are so competitive always wanting what they cant have, and as much as I hated Rosaleen I managed to see her in a lot of women that I know. I have just taken out The Gift and I hope to enjoy it. I am definitely getting the book of tomorrow for my Christmas, the Irish are great, and so is Ahern!!! Also at the time of recession I found this book to be so uplifting and magical...
Jackie- Thanks for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment. It sounds like you really enjoyed The Book of Tomorrow. I am a big fan of Cecilia Ahern, I hope that you enjoy The Gift just as much, it's a perfect book to read around Christmas time!
That was a really strange review as it mainly consisted of just the blurb and part of your life story, concluding in the fact that you are "not really sure what to say about this book" and that we should decide for ourselves. Seeing as the blurb was obviously copied and pasted; this just leaves the the fact that you have 'been distracted lately'and that it deserves mixed opinions because of this fact. In future I urge you to write an evidential and structuraly correct review, seeing as people do actually read reviews for an opinion, description and other generic conventions of the book- rather than someone repeating a blurb and whinging about something irrelavant without providing evidence or back-up for your reasons. I'm sorry I this review useless, perhaps it is because I am feeling 'distracted' lately.
Jazmah- Thank you for taking the time to share your lovely comments. I find it interesting that I am not able to click on your blog and comment there myself. I'm not sure if you have taken the time to read other reviews of this book as you would see that they are quite similar in that it is a book where it would be far too easy to give the plot away. After having this personal book review blog for over a year I don't feel the need to take your advice on how to write a book review. Having gained a degree in English, I'm not too sure that I need your advice on structuring my writing either. This blog is where I give my personal and individual opinions on the books that I have read. I was not whinging but explaining as to why it had taken me so long to read this particular book. Regular visitors to my blog can see what I am currently reading and some had already asked if I was not enjoying the book as it had taken me longer than usual to finish it. The blurb was copied and pasted which is why it appears as a quotation, something else I picked up at university too. Clearly I do not write the kind of book reviews that you enjoy to read, it would have been nice to read something that you have written as you obviously think that I have a thing or two to learn.
Thought Jazmar comment was a bit harsh really...
I apologise if my critism was taken as harsher than what was intended, although as a natural critic; I can understand where you may have taken offence. In relation to your comment about my blog and reviews, I do not usually write reviews on this particular website, and merely made a comment.There was no need to defend your writing skills in such an affronted fashion, as after all this website is for 'individuals opinions'and I also have a degree in english- however I can see that my comment was obviously abhorrent and I did not intend for it to come across as insulting as it was obviously taken.
Thanks Jackie, everyone's welcome to their opinions!
Hi Dot - I've just bought this book for my daughter - she is going to be 14 soon and an avid reader! As any Dad I wanted to check if there is anything unsuitable for someone her age. I do intend to read it myself it she lets me. Take care Ranjeet
PS I liked your down to earth, honest review
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