In case you're wondering, this is not a love story. "The Catcher in the Rye for the digital age" The Times My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year - before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people - I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that's all over now. Now there's Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don't know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don't care about Michael Holden. I really don't. This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.
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I AM AWARE as I step into the common room that the majority of people here are almost dead, including me. ONE
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(@HarperCollinsCh, 31 July 2014, 401 pages, ebook, borrowed from @GlasgowLib via @OverDriveLibs)
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I'm a fan of the author's work having read her Heartstopper graphic novels. I wanted to read her debut. I've never read The Catcher in the Rye so had no idea if the comparisons are spot on. The book covers themes familiar across all YA fiction; growing up, high school, friendship and typical adolescence issues. Tori is a great character. She's a complete mess but so real I wanted to hug her and be friends with her. The comparisons to John Green and Rainbow Rowell are fair. Tori narrates the book in the first person. I loved this. I loved being inside her head. The book as some dark moments as Tori dwells on her brother Charlie's break down, her own depressive thoughts and Solitaire's pranks take a dangerous turn. I loved her relationship with Michael. It's cute and perfect. This is a great book. I loved it.
