Marge In Charge by Isla Fisher

My name is Jemima Button. I am seven years old and I'm the tallest girl in my class. My little brother is Jakeypants, though grown-upscall him Jake, and he is four years old. He loves wrestling, dinosaurs and icecream. 

Published by Piccadilly Press in July 2016 

Pages - 176

Summary

Jemima and Jake's new babysitter doesn't look too promising. In fact she looks very sensible, very old and VERY small (she only comes up to daddy's armpit!). But the moment their parents leave the house, Marge gives a mischievous wink, takes off her hat and reveals a marvellous mane of rainbow-coloured hair! 

Marge really is a babysitter like no other and the children spend a wild evening with her - racing snails, slurping chocolate soup and mixing potions in the bath! But if Jake and Jemima want her to babysit again it's time for them to take charge of Marge, tidy up and settle her down for a little sleep.

Three hilarious, anarchic and charming MARGE stories from A-list actress, mother, writer and comedian Isla Fisher. 

*****
This chapter book consists of three short episodic events in Jemima's life, where Marge's baby sitting services are needed. Each tale is bright, magical and inspiring. Marge is ageless and energetic - she will try anything and everything at least once. 
What a delightfully strange yet unique character our Marge really is. I feel like I know her so well, I'm comfortable in calling her our Marge, because she waltzs in like she's part of the family and quickly makes herself at home. She has an uncanny knack of making the completely bizarre look incredibly normal. 
Everyone should have a Marge in their lives. 
Marge is excellent at getting things done, even if she doesn't intentionally mean to. She gets Jemima's little brother, Jake, doing all the things he hates and not realising that he is doing them. It's like Marge has magic hidden in her rainbow coloured hair. 
If I had to compare Marge to any other character, I'd say she was like a grown up version of Opal Moonbaby by Maudie Smith. 
Jemima is a bit of a worry head, but one with very mature responses to Marge's antics. It was a refreshing change to find Jemima, the child, cleaning up after Marge, the adult, falls asleep,
Marge is one of those characters I can't wait to read more about. I think this is a series that could run and run.

Beaky Malone World's Greatest Liar by Barry Hutchison, illustrated by Katie Abey

Theo heaved his bag higher on his shoulder and shot me a doubting look. 

"You don't believe me, do you?" I said.

He shook his head. 'That you've been asked to go on an expedition to the North Pole?" he snorted. 'No, Beaky, not really."

Published by Stripes Publishing in June 2011

185 pages

Illustrated by Katie Abey

Summary

Dylan Malone, aka Beaky, has a habit for telling porkies - every time he opens his mouth, out pops a whopper... But then, his long-suffering sister shoves him into the truth-telling machine at Madame Shirley's Marvellous Emporium of Peculiarities. Now Beaky can't tell a lie - not even a teeny-weeny one - and a truth-telling Beaky is even worse...

*****

Oh my goodness! I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at a book. Seriously gut-busting, classic Hutchison humour. 

I know Barry Hutchison is amazing as scary books too, but his comical stories are always my favourite. I love his sense of humour. It's the type of book, that you could read a second time and still laugh in all the same places.

I adore Beaky Malone and his family already. They are your typical family, yet they are bursting with humour. And Beaky definitely takes the spot as my No 1 funniest character from now on. He's hilarious when he's lying and he's side splitting when he's telling the truth. With a touch of Jim Carrey's Liar Liar and a smidgeon of Tom Hank's Big, this book  is uproarious! 

Katie Abey's illustrations really capture Barry Hutchison's humour. She draws the pictures the way I would imagine Barry seeing them. 

Reluctant readers will love this book. Kids will be desperate for more Beaky Malone,when they finish reading it and I will be pushing them all out of the way so I can get the next book first!

 If you're looking for a rib tickling read, then this is the book for you. 

Star Struck by Jenny McLachlan

I draw green daggers stuck deep in each heart and then I cover the poster with glittery blood. Just as I'm adding Romeo (dead) the door to the head teacher's office flies open and Carol sticks her head out.

Published by Bloomsbury Childrens Books in March 2016

Pages - 336

Cover illustration - James Grover

Summary

In a huge fantastic final hurrah to our lovable heroines - Bea, Betty, Kat and Pearl - Jenny McLachlan's latest book tells Pearl's story. Pearl is the 'bad girl' of the group - she drinks, she smokes, she swears - and she's mean to Bea and Betty. But she did fly halfway round the world to rescue Kat in Sunkissed. If there's one thing Pearl knows deep down, it is how to be a friend. And now, more than ever, she could really use a friend.

****

This is the last book in Jenny McLachlan's series and we finally get to change our opinion of Pearl. Let's be honest, she hasn't always been the nicest of girls. If you look back at Flirty Dancing, she was pretty horrible to Bea. However as the series has progressed, I've seen Pearl from a different vantage point. When someone is horrible, there is usually a reason for it -no one is born nasty. By being able to see into Pearl's home life, you begin to understand why she has acted the way she has. I wanted to give her a huge motherly hug from the first page of this book.
I love what happens to Pearl in this book. Well not all of it, because there are some rather grim times, but finally Pearl finds genuine happiness in her life. I don't want to give anything away because it truly is a beautiful part of the story and extremely well written by the author.
I loved Hoshi - she was a welcome addition to the gang, who fitted in perfectly. I loved reading about the Japanese girl groups and the way they dressed in public.
I can't believe this series has finished. I am really going to miss the Ladybird gang. I've loved getting to know each girl.
This series shows how important real friendships can be. You will know when you have one, because it will be easy. There will be no constant arguing and bitching, because real friends don't do that. Real friends walk by your side and lift you up high when you are falling. Real friends allow you to be the individual you are supposed to be and not a mirror image of them.
If you know any young girl who is finding friendships difficult, introduce her to the Ladybird gang, then maybe she find herself a friend like one of them.

Secret Serendipity Seven with Jenny McLachlan

I absolutely love the Ladybird series, so I am over the moon to have the author, Jenny McLachlan on the blog to tell us seven secrets about the final book in the series, Star Struck.

1) Star Struck opens with Pearl trying to get her confiscated mobile back from her headteacher. People sometimes think that students who get into trouble at school don’t enjoy being there, but this isn’t always the case. Pearl much prefers being at school to being at home and is close to a lot of her teachers even though she drives them mad in lessons. I taught quite a few students like Pearl when I was a teacher.

2) The action in Star Struck takes place around a musical production of Romeo and Juliet. I always wanted to be in school productions when I was a teenager, but I was too shy. Once I went to audition for Nightshriek, a musical Macbeth, but I chickened out and ended up turning pages for the boy playing the piano. Writing allows me to indulge in a lot of wish fulfilment!

3) Pearl’s family don’t have much money and they live on a farm. Urban poverty is perhaps better represented in YA fiction than rural poverty, but I thought living on an isolated farm suited Pearl’s story. 

4) Hoshi is the new girl who arrives at Pearl’s school and who refuses to be intimidated by Pearl. Hoshi’s mum is Japanese and this allowed me to include a lot of references to Japanese culture, which I love. I’ve visited Japan and found it a fascinating country. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pearl ended up living in Tokyo one day. Yes, I’ve created adult lives for my fictitious characters!

5) Pearl’s brother Alfie is probably the nastiest character I’ve created and I wanted the air to prickle with tension whenever he stepped into a room. 

6) When I planned Star Struck, Pearl fell in love with a different character, but as I was writing it became clear that there was one character who was a match for Pearl. The kiss in Star Struck was my favourite one to write!

7) Originally, Star Struck ended in Japan and Pearl played a different character in Romeo and Juliet, but this changed dramatically thanks to a great idea from my husband (cheers, Ben!) and the realisation as I was writing that I didn’t need the final planned chapter. I still get goose bumps thinking about the last scene in Star Struck. Go, Pearl!

****

I can't wait to find out what happens in the end now!

Star Struck is published TODAY!

Summary

In a huge fantastic final hurrah to our lovable heroines - Bea, Betty, Kat and Pearl - Jenny McLachlan's latest book tells Pearl's story. Pearl is the 'bad girl' of the group - she drinks, she smokes, she swears - and she's mean to Bea and Betty. But she did fly halfway round the world to rescue Kat in Sunkissed. If there's one thing Pearl knows deep down, it is how to be a friend. And now, more than ever, she could really use a friend.

****

To find out more about Jenny Maclachlan:

Twitter / Website

Pugs of the Frozen North by Reeve and McIntyre

Winter came in the night, like a white sheet laid over the world. It came so cold and so fast that the waves of the ocean froze as they rolled. The good ship Lucky Star froze with them, trapped tight in the suddenly solid sea.

Published by Oxford University Press in September 2015

Pages - 211

Summary

The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart's desire. Shen and Sika can't resist the chance to win, but competition is fierce. The path to victory is littered with snow trolls, sea monsters, and a gang of particularly hungry yetis. But Shen and Sika have something the other contestants don't have. Actually, they have 66 other things; pugs to be exact. That's a 264 paw-powered sled. Let the race begin! 

*****

This book is delightfully bizarre! I'm completely convinced that sixty-four pugs could pull a sled in a race to meet the Snowfather. In fact, I would argue with anyone that doubted it.

From the moment the sea freezes over, I was wrapped up in this story. All the characters are quirky and unique. How could you not love Mitzi Von Primm with her newly grown Yeti fur or Helga Hammerfest and her beard?

The story is mind blowingly original. The Yeti Noodle Bar was the zaniest part of the book and yet so utterly believable. 

Sensitive situations were made extremely child friendly and I imagine children getting comfort from the way the story climaxes. 

I honestly don't know what I loved best - the illustrations or the words. They both work so beautifully together. I think someone should capture the imagination of Reeve and McIntyre and bottle it. It would sell for a thousands on Ebay. When I'm plotting in the future, I shall ponder over the question - what would Reeve and McIntyre do in this situation?  

I can see why these books are such a hit with the kids. They take situations further than extreme and make them down right hilarious. I would say it would suit the more confident reader but it would also be a brilliant book for parents and children to share together. 

What a super talented team.

Flirty Dancing by Jenny McLachlan

A small naked person is licking me. I don't panic - this happens a lot. The naked person starts kissing my face. I smell Marmite and banana and...hang on...the person is not entirely naked. It's wearing wellies. Wellies? This is new. And totally unacceptable.

Published by Bloomsbury in July 2014

Pages - 245

Bea Hogg is shy but fiery inside. When national dance competition Starwars comes to her school looking for talent, she wants to sign up. It's just a shame her best friend agreed to enter with school super-cow Pearl Harris. Bea will fight back! But when school hottie, Ollie Matthews, who also happens to be Pearl’s boyfriend, decides to enter the competition with Bea, she will have more than a fight on her hands.

*****

Reviewed by Vivienne Dacosta

I'm annoyed! Really annoyed! With myself of course and not with this super duper book! I'm annoyed that I didn't listen AGAIN to Emma Bradshaw at Bloomsbury when she told me that I'd love this book! I must listen to Emma at all times! 

*bangs head repeatedly against the wall*

This is the first book in the Ladybird series and a must read for fans of  the Geek Girl series and anything by Holly Smale. Jenny McLachlan is  a seriously funny author. She had me in fits of giggles with this book. The characters really stand out and you find yourself desperate to be part of Bea's family. I'm not sure who I loved more; Bea's little sister or her gran.

Bea is normally quiet and shy, but this book brings out the lion in her as she roars into action, determined to win the competition. 

This book is a cross between Dirty Dancing and Girls Just Want To Have Fun, two of my favourite films from the 80's. Only this book is funnier. And I mean side achingly funny. 

Pearl comes across as a real beast. Think Mean Girls but worse. She is really horrid to Bea and no one really seems to stop her. After reading Sun Kissed, the third book in the series, I couldn't believe I was reading about the same character.

And shall we talk about Ollie? I think he definitely needs a mention as he is a gorgeous, swoon worthy character, who sweeps Bea off her feet. 

One of the things I truly love about this book is Bea's size. She isn't your stick think model type; she is a normal girl with curves in all the right places. And thank God, she embraces those curves rather than attempting a carrot only diet! I want more characters like Bea. 

This book would make a brilliant film. I really think Richard Curtis should be given a copy of the book! I want Flirty Dancing on the big screen!!!

Setting the Scene with Jenny McLachlan

Jenny Mclachlan is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. If you haven't read one of her books, you are seriously missing out. So I am so pleased she agreed to come on the blog today, to talk about the setting for her new book, Sunkissed, which is published today!!

Sunkissed, the third book in my Ladybird series for teens, is set on an idyllic Swedish island called Stråla. Fifteen-year-old Kat is sent there - kicking and screaming - to spend the summer with her auntie Frida. Stråla is based very closely on Grinda, a real and very beautiful island in the Stockholm archipelago. I visited Grinda with my mum and everything Kat hates about the island, I loved: it’s tiny, isolated and uncommercial. As Kat says in a letter to her friend: This island I’m staying on is smaller than Bluewater…also it has 299 fewer shops than Bluewater. Let me make this clear: it has ONE shop. 

Here is a picture of Grinda’s one shop. It sold amazing cinnamon buns, something Kat does appreciate about the island: 

Kat loves three things: her friends, shopping and technology. She is taken away from all these things on Stråla. This is why she writes a letter to her friends, (a letter…what’s that??) I decided to make the island wi-fi and phone-reception free. From a writer’s point of view this is great - instant communication really ruins plotlines - but for Kat it is torture. Luckily for Kat, occasional reception is available on a tiny rock out in the sea. 

When I went on my research trip, I swam out to a rock to see what it felt like to sit alone in the middle of the ocean. Mainly it felt warm and crusty - there was a lot of lichen and bird poo on the rock - but it also made me feel very small in the universe. When this picture was taken I was on my way back and I’m pulling a funny face because an enormous fish had brushed against me. It’s fair to say I freaked out. It may look like I’m about three yards from the shore, but Mum’s camera has a powerful zoom (honest!) 

Luckily, Kat meets other teenagers on the island and they spend a lot of time hanging out at a café sitting around a rock (there are a lot of important rocks in Sunkissed). The café is based on Grinda’s café where the rocks that stick up through the deck are used as impractical tables. When this photo was taken the café was closed, but they had left all the scatter cushions out. How very Swedish. 

In my favourite chapter of Sunkissed, Kat kayaks to a deserted island with a boy called Leo. This chapter was inspired by a visit I made to Sweden in my twenties with my brother and sister. We stayed with a friend, Jakob and he took us out for the day on his boat. We had a picnic on an island and I was absolutely thrilled by the thought that we were the only people there. Jakob swam out to a cliff and leapt off it, and if you look closely at the picture you can see him flying through the air. Teenagers in the UK seem to have very little freedom; parents know where they are every minute of the day and there aren’t many opportunities for climbing cliffs and jumping off them. Kat has the chance to take the plunge and it’s a life-changing moment for her. 

I like giving my narrators hobbies and Kat runs. She runs all over Stråla on soft pine-scented paths through flashes of sunlight. Stråla is essentially Moomin valley without the large-nosed creatures. 

Like Grinda, Stråla is car-free and can only be reached by boat. Here’s a photo I took as I left Grinda. Skin salty from swimming in the sea and nails chipped from scrambling over rocks, I watched the island disappear in a flash of sunlight. It’s a magical place and I can’t wait to share it with my readers in Sunkissed. 

What a gorgeous post. Thank you Jenny! I'm sure everyone will definitely want to read Sunkissed now.

Sunkissed is published by Bloomsbury and available to buy today!!!!

Summary

Kat can't believe her family are sending her to Sweden for the summer. But without her friends, or even a phone signal, can Kat make it on her own?

In a land of saunas, nudity and summer sun, Kat soon realises she has nowhere to hide. It's time to embrace who she really is, underneath what she's been thinking people want her to be. Especially if she's going to win the heart of mega fit Swede Leo! Can Kat find her inner strength and prove she's got what it takes?

Kat soon finds that when you're surrounded by phosphorescence and wonder it's easy to sparkle. Or maybe that's what happens when you fall in love . Or maybe you only shine when you're true to yourself. 

To find out more about Jenny Maclachlan: 

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Losing It by Helen Lederer

Monday 3 March

Millie Tucker allowed herself a brisk check for glitches as she paused in front of the small hall mirror. Escaped nasal hair would, after all, be an avoidable own goal. The eyebrows could do with a tint, which was depressing. She smiled. This was a new habit. And would need practice. 

Published by Pan Books in February 2015

Pages - 458

Goodreads summary

Millie was at one time quite well known for various TV and radio appearances. However, she now has no money, a best friend with a better sex life than her, a daughter in Papua New Guinea and too much weight in places she really doesn't want it.

When she's asked to be the front woman for a new diet pill, she naively believes that all her troubles will be solved. She will have money, the weight will be gone, and maybe she'll get more sex.

If only life was really that easy. It doesn't take her long to realize it's going to take more than a diet pill to solve her never-ending woes...

*****

Reviewed by Sophie Duffy

I’ve always loved Helen Lederer ever since I first saw her back in the 80s, being a funny woman on television when it was difficult to be a funny woman on television. So I was really looking forward to reading her debut novel, ‘Losing It’. 

Lederer writes like she speaks and her writing is, of course, very funny. Millie, the main character whose head and thoughts we inhabit, is self-obsessed, bubbling with anger and simmering with frustration. Millie is on a quest for thinness firmly believing it will solve all her problems but she faces a constant struggle with hunger, of all kinds. This is a story of self-obsession and self-hatred, turned on its head by the love of family and friends and an acceptance of who we are and how we look. 

I feel this novel would have benefited from some heavier editing, particularly in the earlier stages. The stream-of-consciousness was hard to penetrate at first and it was difficult to fully engage with Millie, but she did grow on me as the story progressed and I began to feel more empathy towards her. The novel would lend itself to the stage or television as there are so many excellent scenes and lots of quick-fire dialogue. And it’s funny. Such a lovely change to read a comic novel. There are not nearly enough of these published and I am immensely thankful to Lederer for achieving this.

There are some brilliantly witty lines - the funniest are usually the throw-away thoughts of Millie. It is a very well-observed comedy of manners with a quirky collection of odd neighbours and colleagues, Feng Shui, personal trainers, yummy mummies, gin and a quasi-terrorist organisation known as VPL. Bridget Jones for the older woman. After all, fifty (and in fact sixty plus) is the new thirty, right?

The Royal Babysitters - Written by Clementine Beauvais and Illustrated by Becka Moor.

One sunny morning, King Alaspooryorick of Daneland, after a breakfast of coffee, orange juice and roast kitten, picked up his phone and called the Queen and King of Britland.

Published by Bloomsbury in September 2014

Pages - 186

Summary

Anna and Holly have spotted an advert in the paper for a Holy Moly Holiday - the intergalactic vacation of a lifetime. They simply CAN'T not go. But how will they get enough money? Simple: they'll become royal babysitters for a day. Unfortunately, the girls are in for a shock. Once King Steve and Queen Sheila have left, they discover there isn't just one prince to look after. There are six. And worse, the country's arch enemy, King Alaspooryorick of Daneland, has decided to stage an invasion. Will the girls be able to keep their royal charges safe and still go on their dream holiday?

******

If you think the cover is funny, just wait until you start reading the book! It’s hilarious from start to finish. I smiled and giggled all the way through it.

I loved the extreme characterisation of the King and Queen of Britland, not to mention, King Alaspooryorick. They couldn’t be less Royal if they tried! They came across quite childish, which I know kids will love. To be honest, the most grownup people in the book were Anna and Holly, which I thought was brilliant. Every kids wants to see the kids fixing all the problems, while the adults cry like babies.

I loved the new titles of the heads of each country: Empress of Americanada, the King and Queen of Britland and my personal favourite, King Alaspooryorick of Daneland!

I can’t review this book without mentioning the entertaining illustrations drawn by Becka Moore, which only heightened the hilarious antics of the  characters.

This is a side splitting, laugh a minute tale that will leave you desperate for the next instalment.  The moral of this story - leave it to the kids to sort out any major political problems! Who needs adults?

A Boy Called Hope by Lara Williamson

I'm Dan Hope and deep inside my head I keep a list of things I want to come true.
For example, I want my sister, Ninja Grace, to go to university at the North Pole and only come back once a year.
I want to help Sherlock Holmes solve his most daring mystery yet. And if it could be a zombie mystery, all the more exciting.
I want to be the first eleven-year-old to land on the moon.I want my dog to stop eating the planets and throwing them up on the carpet.
And finally, the biggest dream of all, I want my dad to love me.

Published by Usborne in March 2013

Pages - 282

Summary

This is a book about a boy, Dan Hope. A story about his dreams and wishes, his fears and worries, and his search for hope.

*******

I was a  little worried  about reading this book as I know Lara quite well. Though why I should have worried, I don’t know. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Lara was really an eleven year old boy, because she captured his voice so well.

I didn’t realise what a sense of humour Lara had. As the  witty comments from Dan just rolled out of this book, constantly making me giggle. Not to mention the flow of sarcasm from his sister, Ninja Grace. This is one of those books that has you alternating between laughing and crying as you go through a rollercoaster of emotions with Dan as he does everything he can to make his Dad notice him.  The need for his father, really pulls at your heart strings.

The characters are flamboyant and quirky at the same time. Who would not fall in love with Jo, Dan’s best friend, who has an unusual obsession with the Saints? Pure genius! Not to mention,huggy bear, Big Dave.

I adored this book from beginning to end and found myself completely wrapped up in Dan’s life. It was like watching a children’s version of Stella - as you quickly fall in love with this unusual yet normal family and laugh and cry alongside them as events unfold.

The book sucks you into the story with such ease, that before you know you have read half the book.  A funny, heart-warming yet poignant tale of always believing and never giving up hope. It would definitely appeal to fans of Wonder By RJ Palacio. If anything, this tale shows that sometimes, the things you go in search of, are right beside you all along.

A breath taking new voice for the Middle Grade contemporary market!

Have A Little Faith by Candy Harper

That’s it. I am never going to school again.

I was woken up this morning by Dad  doing some brutal curtain opening and entirely unnecessary breathing and existing. He said,’Wake up, sweetheart. First day back at school!’

Pages - 259

Published by Simon & Schuster on 1st August 2013

Goodreads Summary

Being fourteen is a minefield: with fashion dilemmas, teacher trauma, embarrassing parents and boy drama, Faith is just hoping to make it through Year Ten without too many disasters. But when she and her best friend Megs sign up to take part in an inter-school choir with the local boys comprehensive, Faith's life gets even more complicated… just how is she supposed to concentrate on becoming the next Cheryl Cole when she's trying to understand how teenage boys' minds work?

*******

After hearing the author, Candy Harper, read a few passages from this book, I knew I had to read it. In fact, I  have visions of her reading the whole book aloud to me. If there are plans afoot to develop an audio version of the book, then Candy Harper must read it - because in my eyes she is an older version of Faith.

I loved Faith! As soon as I was introduced to her, I knew I was going to want to know her better. If I was at high school, Faith would’ve been the girl I’d have befriended. She is so full of herself, yet adorable with it. She pushes her friends to the limit before reeling them back in. She can’t keep a secret, but feels she is doing her duty as a member of society by getting the information out there. She’s just wild and daring, extremely selfish at times, yet caring at others and I love her. Her sarcastic views of the world had me in stitches.

The book is a sort of diary format and follows  Faith’s first four months back at school. She’s been split up from her best friend Megs, and it’s interesting to watch how they deal with  the changes and cope with the new additions to their little friendship group. On top of that the girls are now spending time with the lads from the local boys school, which adds yet another layer to their group as they navigate their way through the minefield of blossoming romance.

This book will really appeal to fans of Louise Rennison’s books. In fact I think Faith is about to give Georgia Nicholson a run for her money when it comes down to who might be the funniest.  This book is hilarious from start to finish - Faith is one of the funniest characters I‘ve come across in years. I’m looking forward to spending time with her again.

OMG! Is This Actually My Life by Rae Earl

Pages -336

Published on the 7th February by Walker Books

Sunday 28th December

9.23am

OMG - I’M IN PRISON!  It’s actually my bedroom but it might as well be a cell.  I’ve seen what prison is like in EastEnders and except for the fact I’m in heart-print Primark pyjamas there’s no difference.

10.12am

Mum just came up - she is the hardest screw ever (that’s what you call prison officers when you’re inside). Apparently I’ve “disgraced myself” and I’m growing up “way too fast”.  OMG - THIS is from the woman who had her first cigarette at 11.  Gran remembers because she made Mum eat it.  And because it was one of hers and the last one in the packet.  She’s still mental about it now!

Goodreads Summary

Fourteen-year-old Hattie Moore doesn't actually know who her father is - but that's the least of her problems. How can she become a TOTAL HOTNESS GODDESS when Miss Gorgeous Knickers at school hates her and no one fancies her because she has no breast? And her family are an actual nightmare. Her unbelievably annoying brother is EVIL and on top of that, her gran is a TOTAL mental who may be texting rude jokes to just about EVERYONE in the world. Including her dentist.
Hattie's diary of this tumultuous year is an absolutely hilarious account of the ups and downs of teenage life including a dating bogey phobia, near death from biscotti and a home-made breast-growing machine

*  *  *

Reviewed by Caroline Hodges

There’s something about the diary format that I just love.  I’ve never come across one I didn’t like and OMG! Is This Actually My Life? is no exception.  I think it has to do with the fact it makes first person perspective even more personal; you get to know the personality of the protagonist so intimately that within a few pages, it’s like you’ve known them years.

OMG! Is This Actually My Life? takes us through a year in the life of Hattie Moore, 14 years old, pretentious, selfish, prone to exaggeration and yet, utterly loveable.  Unless you’re truly perfect, you’ll likely see a fair bit of yourself at that age in the antics and situations Hattie finds herself in throughout the book.  Remember the first attempts to get the attention of a boy you fancied? Check. Failed miserably? Check. Ended up choking on a biscotti in front of him? Er, well not quite, but we’ve all been there Hattie, don’t worry.

The book really captures the fleeting and flaky obsessions of the young, the despair at being landed with ‘weirdo’ family members who just never understand and the on-going quest to discover who you really are rather than who at school you wish you were.  The character that really stood out for me besides Hattie herself was boy-next-door Goose, who so obviously has a thing for Hattie from the very beginning but she just can’t see it!  Best friend’s Dimple and Jen also bring humour and wise advice to Hattie’s life.

As a current reader I liked how the book was littered with modern day references such as Facebook status’ and Jeremy Kyle which will appeal to its target audience.  However I wonder if it will stop the book having the longevity of say, the Adrian Mole books.   

The only thing I couldn’t stand about the book was the nickname given to Hattie’s arch-nemsis ‘Miss Gorgeous Knickers.’  Really?  This doesn’t really fit to me.  Does she really despise the girl other girl?  Sounds more like flattery to me.

OMG! Is This Actually My Life? is a fun, easy read for teenage girls and the cliff-hanger ending will I think, have them longing for next year’s ‘diary.’

The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchison

Pages - 348
Published in March by HarperCollins Children's Books

The vast, lonely wastelands of oblivion  wastelands of oblivion stretch out in all directions, infinite in their scale and in their emptiness. Darkness lies heavy over this most desolate of plains, like a burial shroud on a long-forgotten corpse. 


In a darkly funny, action-packed adventure, fourteen year old Drake is surprised to discover the Horsemen of the Apocalypse hanging out in his garden shed. He’s even more surprised when they ask him to join them. The team is missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths, and they think Drake is the boy for the job. 

***********

Doesn't that first paragraph sound rather dark and foreboding? I was worried this book was going to be a little scary but as you continue to read you realise exactly why the author has written the passage so darkly. His imagery in the prologue was beautifully written and really stood out for me.

The rest of the book had me practically wetting myself. Don't be fooled by the prologue, it has a purpose; this book is the funniest book I have read in ages. The story is extremely surreal yet unbelievably realistic. Drake, your typical teenage boy has been recruited as the 13th Horseman of the Apocalypse after the last Death, decided to hang up his cloak and scythe. Alongside War, Pestilence and Famine, he must ride his horse across the sky to signal the beginning of the end of the world. Not really a laughing matter; but the author soon put pay to that. 

Drake's new mythical sidekicks are just hilarious. Each one unique and extremely lovable,despite all their flaws.  Pestilence with his unusual rashes and weird inflammations will have you reaching for a face mask. My favourite character of the book had to be War. I really want to meet him! One minute they are planning Armageddon, the next they are playing Buckaroo. Priceless!

I loved this book so much. I am still chuckling over the funny sketches in it a week after reading it. There is a scene in the book where Drake has to try and whistle for his horse. I nearly had an asthma attack reading it, I was laughing that much. 

This book is pure genius, it really is. I recommend everyone reading it. Definitely one for reluctant readers as you can easily finish it in a day.  I was really sad to finish this book, as I found myself becoming quite attached to the horsemen. As of yet there is no sequel and I am hoping that Harper Collins decide to make a series out of it. 

An  extremely entertaining rib tickler. Bring on the next Apocalypse!

Lottie Biggs Is Not Tragic by Hayley Long

Pages - 265
Published by Pan Macmillan ( August 5th)

Opening lines.
Just when I thought I knew everything about me that there is to know, I have gone and shocked myself. I am potentially the next Lady Gaga. I've written my very own chart-topping smash hit pop classic, which succeeds in being both poppy and light and deep and meaningful all at the same time. When you consider that I gave up music at the end of Year 9, this is actually quite  incredible. 


Goodreads Summary
Just when things were starting to look up for Lottie her life's gone a bit pear-shaped, wonk-ways and downside up again. Her mum's all soppy over a bloke with a horrible shemo daughter, her best pal Goose has disappeared in a cloud of nerd-gas and Lottie's in the midst of an existential crisis. There's only one thing to do - get the hell out of Cardiff and go on the road with the gorgeous Gareth Stingecombe (and his manly thighs). But things don't go to plan, and Lottie starts to realise she might have been a bit me me me lately...a female emo, obviously The wit of Louise Rennison meets the depth of Jacqueline Wilson.

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This is the final book in a trilogy all about Lottie Biggs. I haven't read the first two books, so I was dubious to read this one as a standalone, but I was assured it would stand extremely well on its own and it most definitely did.

This book is hilarious to begin with. The first couple of pages had me stitches , but also made me cringe as I can remember doing exactly the same things at Lottie's age. I went through that stage of writing songs and believe me they were cringe worthy! It really was an entertaining read. Some of the thoughts that went through Lottie's head were surreal at times but very entertaining.  Once I realised the book was set in Wales, I couldn't help reading the story in the voice of Stacey from  the hit UK comedy Gavin and Stacey. I found it just flowed so easily with a Welsh accent!

This book is full of really cool illustrations which still appeal to me as an adult. I honestly felt like I had stepped into a time machine and been transported back to my teenage years. I just thought Lottie and her friends were fabulous. Poor Gareth, his pitiful attempts to admit his love for Lottie were sweet as well as embarrassing. 

I think this book is really in disguise. I am convinced it is a step by step guide for teenagers to help them deal with relationships.  I say this because there was lots of hidden information which teenagers would absorb without realising. These are the things that I learnt from the book (even though I am old, you can teach an old dog new tricks!)

1) Never judge someone by other people's standards.

2) Just because someone isn't deemed popular as others, it doesn't mean they are not cool to know.

3) Try and think of other people's feeling first.

4) Treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself.

5) Always value the people closest to you. 

6) Learn to love yourself. 

See!  Hayley Long secretly wrote a YA self help book!  

A really entertaining read that will secretly change your teenager from a stropster to a heavenly angel. ( I can dream can't I?)

Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris

Pages - 138

Republished by Abacus in 2006

This is a really short review for a really short book today.

The book consists of a collection of hilarious short stories written by David Sedaris which deal with some actual accounts of his life, as well a smattering of fictional stories.

The stories are really entertaining and kept me giggling all the way through the book.

The first story is Santaland Diaries and it is an account of his position as an elf working in Macy's over the Christmas period. David retells different humorous events from his job there.

My favourite of all the stories is the second one,' Seasons Greetings to our Friends and Family.' This one is a letter sent out to all relatives at Christmas, telling them all the news. I had tears in my eyes reading this one, the antics of the family are just hilarious.

There was only one story which I didn't enjoy and that was the last one Christmas Means Giving, where two families compete to be the most talked about family in the town. I felt this one was a bit of a filler, to reach a page target. The story was rather daft and in no way believable, completely too far fetched for my taste. Yet the rest of the stories were well worth a read.

If you are looking for a quick easy read to get you into the festive spirit, then I would highly recommend this one. It really does looks at the funny side of life.

The Funny Thing Is by Ellen Degeneres

Pages 177

Challenges - Non Fiction Five, 100+ Books.

I was intrigued to read this book after reading about it on Rebecca's site Lost in Books.

I really like Ellen Degeneres, I used to love watching her TV comedy show 'Ellen', many years ago. Do you remember the show when she used to own a book store with a coffee shop in it. How popular did that idea become. Can't visit a bookstore now without a strong smell of coffee making me gag! ( Sorry to all those coffee lovers, but the smell just makes me nauseous.)

Anyway back to the book. This really wasn't what I was expecting, which doesn't make it bad. In fact, it is a fabulous book that is really funny. The essays are hilarious and very entertaining. However, I was expecting a little insight into the life of Ellen Degeneres, a sneaky peek into Ellen's world. Alas, there is not even a tiny bit of truth in the book. It is full of stories that Ellen could easily tell on stage. I would have to be verging on the side of stupid to believe even one of her stories, even the one about Eminem bringing gazpacho to her weekly Sunday brunch.

Here is one of my favourite paragraphs.

The key to having confidence about your appearance is all in the
details.

Take your nails. Nothing builds self-esteem like a beautiful set of
nails. Haven't had a manicure in a while or ever? Do it yourself by
opening the car door and dragging your nails along the pavement whenever you
slow down for a stop sign. Why spend money on emery boards when you can save
dollars a year my way.

Rebecca over at Lost in Books mentioned that you should probably try and read this book as if Ellen was actually talking to you and telling these tales and I have to agree with her. If you like to watch Ellen on stage, then this is the book for you. A funny selection of essay looking at the daft things we all do in our everyday lives. Definitely a light and easy read to lighten up your day and have you giggling to yourself, which will concern your family into thinking hysteria has set in. Enjoy!

Other reviews of this book.

Lost in Books

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Pages 245

First published in 1995, this copy published by Penguin in 2000

Challenges - 100+, A to Z Titles

Nick Hornby's name kept reaching out to me across the book blogging world as I know a lot of people are really big fans of his, so I had to satisfy my curiosity and pick one of his books up and read it.

High Fidelity attracted my attention, purely because of the title - taking me back to fond memories of hearing Doris singing it on Fame - the days of leg warmers and cassette players.

I picked it up, started reading it and could not put the book down. I absolutely loved every word of it.

This is the story of Rob Fleming a man drifting through his life and heading nowhere. He is in his 30's, he owns a little record shop that barely sells anything and his girlfriend has just walked out on him for the man who lives upstairs.

Rob and his two shop assistants, Barry and Dick, spend all their time making up top five lists of basically everything. After Laura leaves Rob, he makes a list of the top five breakups he has endured and goes about contacting all five of them to discover what went wrong with their relationships.

After meeting up with each ex girlfriend and the unfortunate death of' Laura's father, Laura and Rob do reunite and Rob learns from his fear of commitment and makes a promise to Laura.

Rob has just drifted all the way through his life, he ended up owning his shop after a breakup sent him down the wrong road of life. You just get the impression he just exists. His life has not moved forward since he left school. He is not married, has no children, lives in a rented apartment, still goes to gigs and still collects records. This book is definitely about him finally coming of age and doing what grownups do.

I know feel I have better insight as to what goes on in the male brain after reading this. It was just brilliant. Nick Hornby is very good at observing people in his life, he can discover their hidden quirks and turn them into hilarious actions.

As this book, is very listed based, I thought I would write a list of the five reasons why I like this book.

1) It is funny, the characters end up doing such daft things. You just can't help but giggle at their eccentricities.

2) The characters are well written. You will read about them and visually see these people existing in your life in different forms. Barry is played by Jack Black in the film version of the book, and I could see him fitting the part perfectly. He is loud, brash and full of crap!

3) The lists - I loved the lists about different things, such as best records after someone has died. Five best conversations after getting back with Laura is one of my favourites.

4) It took me back to the eighties, when I was just a teenager. I loved reading about the old record players and cassette players. I remember making up tape compositions of songs for friends to listen to.

5)The fact that it is a modern real life love story. This is how it really happens - no hearts and flowers, no swooning. Just real life relationships.

I am looking forward to my next adventure into Nick Hornby land. I have purchased About a Boy, which I hope to get to soon. Can anyone recommend any other good Nick Hornby books?