5/5 Stars
Details of the Book
Hardcover, 307
pages
Published by
HarperCollins,
an imprint of
HarperCollinsPublishers
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository |
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository |
Synopsis: Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked
away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the
mice,until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes
from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less
alone.
That same night,
an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally
switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one
containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake
has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them
together on an extraordinary journey.
From New
York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and
magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true
friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
Ever
since her beloved father died, Liesl has been locked up in her tiny attic
bedroom. One day, a ghost named Po (and his pet, Bundle) appears in the
shadowed corners of her room. Po introduces Liesl to the Other Side, where her
father’s ghost is carrying out his days after death. The message she receives
convinces her that her father will only be at peace once she brings his ashes
to the house she grew up in. But when the alchemist’s apprentice, Will, mixes
up a box containing the world’s most powerful magic with a jewelry box full of
ashes, it has serious consequences for everyone around him. His mistake brings
him together with Liesl and Po as the three of them go on an unexpected adventure.
I
loved Liesl and Po, and I would recommend it
to anyone and everyone. The illustrations are beautiful, and each of the
characters is fascinating and unique. From the second I started reading, I
could barely put this book down. Just like in each of her other novels, Lauren
Oliver’s writing style is lovely and whimsical. Even though the plot is slightly foreseeable from the beginning of the story, it did not hinder my enjoyment of the
book. Most importantly, despite Liesl and Po being a middle grade book, it is a fast and easy
read that both children and adults would enjoy.
Strengths/Likes
1) The artwork is beautiful. The illustrations compliment
the exquisite writing style, and add a nice touch to the story.
2) All of the
characters are brave, inspiring, and made me feel connected to them and invested in their story. From the very first page, I was rooting for them and felt emotionally attached to their well-being.
3) Even though this is a middle grade book rather than a young adult, it doesn't feel childish or immature. Lauren Oliver’s writing style is just as impressive and marvelous as always.
4) Even though the POV's switched repeatedly between Po, Liesl, Will, and even
occasionally Bundle, I did not find it to be confusing, nor did it detract from the storyline. In fact, I was happy to find that all of
the perspectives actually added to the story—as well as my understanding of it—which is a rare thing to find and a difficult task to accomplish. Lauren Oliver, I commend you.
Weaknesses/Dislikes:
1) I wish that
there was not such a distinct line between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. There were certain moments in the book where I found myself wanting more of an explanation for certain characters' actions.
Favorite
Quotes/Moments:
1) “She liked the
word ineffable because it meant a feeling so big or vast that
it could not be expressed in words.
And yet, because it could not be expressed in words, people had invented a word to express it, and that made Liesl feel hopeful, somehow.”
And yet, because it could not be expressed in words, people had invented a word to express it, and that made Liesl feel hopeful, somehow.”
2) “People could
push and pull at you, and poke you, and probe as deep as they could go. They
could even tear you apart, bit by bit. But at the heart and root and soul of
you, something would remain untouched.”
3) “Perhaps this
was how the sparrows did it too; perhaps they were looking so hard at the peaks
and tips of the new rooftops coated with dew, and the vast new horizon, that
they only forgot that they did not know how to fly until they were already in
midair.”
Love Lauren Oliver! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love Lauren Oliver too, her books are great!
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