Reviewing “A Pocketful of Stars.” by Aisha Bushby.

I got this out of my local library after seeing it in a bookshop and I knew I would love it. I wasn’t wrong! This is such a powerful and emotional story with beautiful detail. I wanted to write this to share with you all how wonderful it is. I actually finished it a while ago but life was busy so I didn’t write this straight away. Anyway, I’m doing now. So here is my review of…

“A Pocketful of Stars.”

by Aisha Bushby.

“The seconds that pass feel like an age, and it’s like Dad’s next words are spoken hours later, like I could fit a whole lifetime into those seconds.”

Safiya’s parents live apart and have done for some time. Although Safiya and her Mum used to have lots of fun together, they seem to have drifted apart. Safiya tells her Mum that they have nothing in common and that Safiya’s Dad understands her more. Safiya’s Mum says they do, but Safiya, not listening, storms out of her Mum’s flat. A while later Safiya gets a phone call from her Dad, something has happened, and what follows it changes everything…

This story is such a beautiful tale. I loved Bushby’s language and description, and how the story sees Safiya through a soul-transforming journey. I feel that this is one of those tales that is fresh and new every time you reread it. I know that this is a story that I will enjoy coming back to again and again, to laugh, to cry, and to feel inspired.

BJMN

Reviewing “Coraline.” by Neil Gaiman.

I’ve just finished readinf the awesome book that is “Coraline.” by

Neil Gaiman and I LOVED it! It is so good, so deliciously dark, fast-paced and wonderful.

The plot moves well throughout the whole story & each character is meaningfully placed. I’d give it four and a half stars out of five.

It was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed all the quirky characters, especially the black cat, as they were all quite fun. I also found it interesting that you didn’t find out the weird guy(with the mice)’s name until the end and then it turned out to be rather an odd name indeed. Miss Spink and Miss Foriceable reading Coraline’s tea leaves was funny for me as I don’t know anyone myself who does that. Anyway, it was a highly enjoyable story and I’m now thinking of watching the film.

BJMN

Reviewing “The House Of One Hundred Clocks.” by A.M. Howell.

I have read many books before, but none compare with A.M Howell’s fine story of one hundred clocks. And I certainly haven’t read many books with talking parrots in that are quite as special as Orbit! This is a story of adventure, mystery, clocks, secrets, and one father & daughter. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is…

“The House Of One Hundred Clocks.” by A.M. Howell.

‘She was certain something rather terrible had happened to Mr. Westcott and his family to make thing the way they were now.’

Helena Graham, her father, and her parrot Orbit are in Cambridge. Helena’s father has got a job working for Mr. Westcott who keeps a vast collection of clocks; one hundred to be precise. There is only one thing that Helena’s father must ensue — that the clocks NEVER stop. It sounds simple enough but is it really? As Helena starts to settle in she can’t seem to rid her mind of terribly thoughts and the tight feeling in her tummy refuses to go away. Also, strange incidents are happening which Helena feels that she can’t ignore. She knows she been told to button in and not ask questions but in these house of intrigue and mystery, is that going to be possible?

This was a very gripping and beautiful book. I really appreciated Orbit’s role in story as a reminder of Helena’s mother and therefore as a part of her soul that must not be lost. And I very much enjoyed Boy(Florence)’s love of planes and habit of dressing as a boy. The book was very nicely set in Cambridge which is near where I live. Also, I loved the description of Mr. Westcott and Mr. Fox’s houses and the contrast between them. And I would never have guessed Katherine’s intentions. A.M. Howell’s style is light enough to be easy, and jolly with good compelling tricks to make the story a page-turner. I think this is perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Katherine Rundell. And you can’t beat a good talking parrot and a house of one hundred clocks.

Hetty Monksea

Cream Buns And Crime

I just a few short hours ago I finished Robin Stevens’ “Crime Buns And Crime.” which is like a sideline book to her “Murder Most Unladylike.” series. It includes short stories told by Beanie, Daisy, and Alexander, codes with Hazel, bunbreak recipes from Robin herself, and unsolved mysteries with George.

I especially enjoyed “The Case of Deepdean Vampire.”, “The Case of The Blue Violet.”, and “The Case of The Missing Bunbreak.”, and it was really cool to get to to know of real-life spies! I loved it and think that other Detective Society readers will like it too.

BJMN

“Cream Buns And Crime.”

I just a few short hours ago I finished Robin Stevens’ “Crime Buns And Crime.” which is like a sideline book to her “Murder Most Unladylike.” series. It includes short stories told by Beanie, Daisy, and Alexander, codes with Hazel, bun-break recipes from Robin herself, and unsolved mysteries with George.

BJMN