Book Review:Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all-especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart's desire, it isn't at all what she thought it would be like, and she'll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. -goodreads.com
Book Trailer:
My Review:
Honesty, I had never paid this book any attention until TJ from Book Love Affair promoted and gave away a copy on her blog. Furthermore, TJ gave Liar, another book by Justine Larbalestier a fabulous review (found here). Now, when TJ gives out a fab review, I listen. She has wonderful taste in books, and if she gives a book a good rating, I know it's worth reading. Well, after reading The Dead-Tossed Waves, I needed a lighthearted pick-me-up (it's a good book, just depressing). So I went to the bookstore and picked up a copy of How to Ditch Your Fairy to flip through. I sat down with the book, and before I knew it, I was 20+ pages in. I put the book in the "to buy" pile and picked it up again as soon as I got home.
Justine Larbalestier has a wonderful lighthearted tone, with a touch of sarcastic humor in How to Ditch Your Fairy. The main character, Charlie, is a fourteen-year-old girl who is more into clothes and boys than concerned with parking, which is what her fairy is famous for. I loved reading the story through Charlie's eye's and watching her make goofy preteen decisions. I enjoyed the interactions between her best friend Rochelle and her crush Steffi. I also delighted in the interactions with characters Charlie didn't like such as Danders Anders and Fiorenze Stupid-Name. What impressed me most about this book is the world Larbalestier created, New Avalon. I enjoyed learning New Avalon's lingo and customs, which are both interesting and original. Ultimately, this is a delightful coming of age tale that will entertain readers of all ages. I highly look forward to reading more of Larbalestier's work!
Favorite Quote:
"Danders lurched to a stop in front of us. 'You car later,' he said without bothering with any prepositions or hi or how goes it or I'm really sorry I attempted to kidnap you." (p. 135)
Cover Art Commentary:
I love the cover of this book! It's colorful and fun, with a pinch of dry humor just like the story! :)
Overall Rating:
O I have been wanting to read this for ages now. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you enjoyed this. Larbalestier is a really fantastic author. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for the kind words!
I love the title of this book. I'm not sure if it is a great fit for me. But I still like the title and the cover isn't bad either.
ReplyDelete@Juju
ReplyDeleteI definitely think this is a book you would enjoy! I do hope you check it out! :)
@TJ
You're so very welcome! I meant every word! Thanks for the heads up on Larbalestier! She's an amazing author! :)
@Wonderbunny
First of all, can I just say how much I love your name?! Second, I understand. I thought the same thing. I think you have to be in the right mood to read this one. I definitely enjoyed it! :)
After I've read a book that I really loved and enjoyed, I do the same thing as you and pick up a book with a different setting. Helps me read the next book without doing a subconscious comparison. Nice review, sounds like light and fun reading.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read! Love the trailer: "You have a parking fairy, but you're not old enough to drive" Talking about bad luck ;)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a light, funny and quick read. Really something for me at the moment. I love the sound of it, just the title alone puts a smile on my face.
ReplyDelete@Donna
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It good for cleansing the reading pallet so to speak! :P It was definitely a fun, light read. Exactly what I needed! :)
@YA Vamps
Hahaha! I didn't even pay attention to that! Hilarious! Just like the rest of the book! :P
@Nina
I do hope you pick it up! Such a great read! :)
I still haven't gotten to this book yet! I'm excited, though! Everyone has had such good things to say.. :)
ReplyDelete