By Melina Marchetta
Genre YA contemporary
Pages 243
Recommended by Confessions of a Readaholic
First sentence This morning, my mother didn't get out of bed.
Synopsis
Francesca has to leave behind all her old friends for a school that used to be boys only. With 750 guys and only 30 girls things are bad enough as it is, but when Francesca's usually upbeat mother suddenly won't get out of bed, things are about to get a lot worse.
What it has going for it
Seriously, people, what is it with these magnificent Australian authors?! I've only read one other book by Marchetta before, but I intend to read all her books now that I've read the awesomness that is, Saving Francesca. This story had me laughing and crying and cringing. It made me angry and sad and ridiculously happy. Any book that can do all that AND has a good story to back it all up, goes on my favorite list. What I really love about Marchetta's books is how real they are. Seriously, let's think about this for a moment. If I wrote a book about reality, my horrendously boring reality, or, let's face it, your boring reality, no one would want to read it. Books, even contemporary books, are written with only the exciting or important things in a moment in time and are often unrealistic. I don't know how Marchetta manages to write totally mundane events that might be tragic or romantic or funny, but are still just that, mundane, and yet, are so freaking awesome! I may forget the stories and what exactly happened but I don't forget Marchetta's beautifully flawed characters. Such truthful, realistic stories like this should be consumed and then consumed again and again.
What's lacking
For me? Nothing.
Favorite moment
Oh, so many, but I had a good giggle when Francesca answers the door in her Harry Potter pajamas and it's Will.
Yea or Nay?
You don't even have to ask. Just read it...or any of Marchetta's books!
Yes! I'll read it! As soon as you take it back, I'll check it out. Plan?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan. :)
DeleteYay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this! By far one of my favourite of Marchetta's. She really does have an amazing way of writing characters doesn't she? If you haven't read Jellicoe Road yet, that would be my pick for you next read!
ReplyDeleteI adore her characters they're so unforgettable. I've read Jellicoe Road and while I don't remember everything I still remember the characters. See?!
DeleteThis one and your last review sound really good. I hope you are saving them for me. Is this a book that you will read many times so you know how I feel about certain books? Tell me -- would I like it or them?
ReplyDeleteThis one was a library book but I'm thinking of buying it now. ;) I do think you'd like both of them.
DeleteAH! I had one of her books on my TBR list on Goodreads, and now I'm adding this one. I keep hearing so much about her books.
ReplyDeleteYou specifically will really like them. I'd be willing to bet on that. ;)
DeleteYour review made me paugh outloud - guess I'd better read the book as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do. I know we don't always read the same type of books but I think you'd like Marchetta's books.
DeleteI've been meaning to read this one -- glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteYou should, I think you'd like it.
Deletethis sounds great. Just like the kind of book I like and I love the first sentence.
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope you give it a try. It's a new favorite for me.
DeleteSeriously I cannot express how happy I am that you loved this. It is one of my favourite books ever and I'm so so happy that you loved it!! I totally agree about how she manages to make the mundane interesting and how she really conveys emotion. I also love how realistic frankie and Will's relationship is (and Will has always been a book boyfriend for me) This book makes you feel ALL the things. Fab review Jen!
ReplyDelete