GIMME FIVE: 5 Books I Need to Review

I'm cheating a bit for this Gimme Five post. It's by me, Luisa, and I'm writing it because I've had very little time to write proper reviews lately. I have been reading a lot, though, and absolutely loving so many books that I want to share some right now in very quick reviews. I promise to write full reviews for these as soon as I can. In the meantime, I've sneakily linked to other reviews of these books on fabulous book sites.

Here they are, in no particular order:

- Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham - This is an absorbing, moving novel told in emails that start as fanmail between a 14-year-old girl and her idol, but develop in ways neither side could have imagined. I finished it last night and I'm still thinking about the characters so much that I want check on them and see how things are going for them now!
Find out more on I Was a Teenage Book Geek.

- A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis - Initially, I wasn't sure that I'd be the right person to review this. A fantasy tale set in Regency England? Not my usual kind of read. But then I remembered how much I loved the quasi-Victorian fantasy Castle of Shadows by Ellen Renner, so I read the first sentence of this... and I was instantly hooked. I really, really enjoyed this book! The characters were wonderful, especially the three sisters, and the story was just, well, magical!
Find out more on So Many Books, So Little Time

- Tall Story by Candy Gourlay - Another magical tale, though set in the modern day and more grounded in reality. This story reminded me of the intricately woven magical realism of authors such as Isabel Allende, Amy Tan and Laura Esquivel. It's a charming story, brilliantly told, with characters you feel you know. An absolutely gorgeous book!
Find out more on Portrait of a Woman

- A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley - Lyrical writing, fantastically detailed characterisation, a thoroughly engaging coming-of-age summer-time plot and the kind of love story I adore - I think this book is perfect and I can't recommend it highly enough!  In fact, I think I want to read it again right now...
Find out more on The Book Owl

- The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell - This might seem an unlikely addition to the four above, but please bear in mind that it's in my favourite genre! This book is 100% old-school teen chick lit - school troubles, friendship issues, bad romance - it has it all. It's a great glimpse into Carrie Bradshaw's teen life, and if you're an SATC fan, it's worth reading for the last line alone.
Find out more on Wondrous Reads

Those are my five, but I just know I'll be adding a sixth book soon, because I got a copy of Lifted by Hilary Freeman today. I'm trying to save it to read on my long journey to the Tales on Moon Lane event*, but I'm already two chapters in and it's fantastic. I'm so tempted to read the whole thing tonight...

Full reviews coming soon, I hope!

*This is probably my last post until Wednesday when I'm back from London. I hope to see some of you at the event - I'm very excited!

Post by Luisa Plaja, author and book enthusiast :)

(Meet me, Keris Stainton, Simmone Howell and Sarra Manning in London on 28th June - details here.)

P.S. Bookalicious Ramblings, if you see this - I think you'll love A Little Wanting Song, and if it's not available where you are, I am buying you a copy myself!

Comments

[Bookalicious Ramblings]

Ha, muchos gracias for the shoutout and a personal recommendation, yay! I've actually been eyeing that very book for a while and I admit there's something that just draws me to it ... So you think I should give it a try?? I'd be happy to and there's no way I'd let your awesome self buy me a copy if I can just order it on BD - even if it is a tad pricey, but you can't put a price on a great read! You know what? I'll wait for your review to see what's so amazing about this book and then order myself a copy - so you better hurry up and write a detailed review, missy. ;)

I'm looking forward to the rest of your reviews too - some great titles there! :D

[Luisa]

Yay, you saw! I just really really think you'd like it - you know when you read a book and immediately think of its ideal reader? (Apart from myself, of course!) I hope I'm right. But I will try to give you more details so that you know what I'm talking about. Soon, soon!

Thank you for the comment!

[Anna]

it's good to know everyone else has a list of book waiting. were almost on holidays and i'm going to read the graphic novel macbeth, sugar sugar, your books and hopefully Now and Monsters of men.

[Luisa]

Have a happy reading holiday, Anna!

[Ria]

I so want to read The Carrie Diaries- I'm seriously desperate!
Please review it- it'll make sure I do buy it!
I love these Gimme Five meme's :)
-Ria x

[Anna]

thanks!

[Sophie]

I really enjoyed Dear Dylan and I'm loving the soud of A Little Wanting Song.

[Bookalicious Ramblings]

Ah, Luisa - I'm sold already! ;) I just ordered myself a copy (I can do that now that my PayPal money is finally on my credit card, wooooo) and I can't wait to read it! :D I'm sure you're right - as I said, there was something drawing me to that book and maybe your encouragment was the final push I needed, yay! Plus the cover's quite nice! :D Thanks for the recommendation!!!

[Amber Kirk]

They look like great books and I can't wait for your reviews!

I CANT COME TO YOUR EVENT AFTER ALL!!! :'O( Sorry, sorry, sorry! Wish I could, but bet you'll have a great time - Pleeeeease take photos! :)

Amber x
themilelongbook-shelf@hotmail.co.uk
http://themilelongbookshelf.blogspot.com

[Luisa]

Oh, thanks Amber, but sorry to hear that! :(

Bookalicious Ramblings - yay! I really hope you like it. Glad the PayPal thing is sorted out, too!

[Neevie]

Wow! Tall Story is one of my favourite books ever!