I'll admit that from the beginning, my relationship with this book was a little bipolar. The reviews were positive, the cover lovely, and the plot seemed promising, but when I delved into the first thirty pages, I honestly didn't know what to think. At first, my frustration came down to the dialogue.
In a writing workshop I attended once, we studied the art of dialogue, an aspect I had never truly considered as being particularly noteworthy in a novel. How wrong I was! Dialogue can provide a much anticipated break from a lengthy narration. It should sparkle and delight. And it absolutely should not become the narration.
So, imagine my puzzlement as Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career was chuck full of dialogue, and not all of it quite necessary. This made the characters a little less realistic to me, as the heroine seemed to have a heart of pure gold, and her family nothing short of ridiculous. I wanted to see more, rather than hear it through the lips of half a dozen minor characters.
Still, I persisted, and almost without my knowing it, I got caught up in the story. Ellen Grimsley wants to conquer the world by making maps, traveling the world, and going to school in Oxford. But in a world where men dominate the paths towards education and enlightenment, this is more easily dreamed of than done. When a certain partner in crime and confidant comes along, however, suddenly Ellen's dreams and determination to make her mark upon the academic world are not so far out of reach.
Before long, I was reading this novel voraciously, eager to find out the end. I truly did enjoy it, though I still felt some aspects were a bit wanting. Some of the characters seemed to be practically different people in the middle than they were at the beginning, and the progression of the plot was a little too drawn out. But it was decent, rewarding, and ended just as it should. So, for what it's worth, a hodgepodge review of Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career. Perhaps you can make better sense of it than I can.
Appropriate for ages 18+
When I finished reading The Runaway King, I literally did a happy dance in my living room. I then looked in the mirror and proclaimed that I wanted to be Jennifer Nielsen, because why wouldn't you want to be Jennifer Nielsen? Once you read the book, you'll understand what I'm talking about. Until then...
I don't know how you can start out with a bigger bang in a novel than Nielsen did here. "I had arrived early for my own assassination." I swear, the woman is a genius. The pace of the first few chapters was so energetic that it left me completely enthralled. How I had missed Jaron and his commentary that made me laugh at every turn. How I had missed the adventure! And I even stumbled upon The False Prince a little late in the game, so I didn't have to wait long for the second book. Still, though, I had missed it. Still, I had been desperately wanting more.
The only thing that slowed me down in reading this was it took awhile for Jaron to reach the lair of the pirates, one of his main destinations. Looking back, I can see that the delay was necessary, but in the meantime there was a little less action to keep the storyline moving. However, once Jaron does meet the pirates the plot picks up again, and the wait, I can assure you, was worth it.
Having to wait is hardly a complaint, though. Nielsen's characters are beautifully developed. This makes for a protagonist who is funny and brave and fearless, but who also places all his self doubts on the table for you to see. His honesty to the reader is unmatched, creating not so much of a character as a living human being. I've never seen anything quite like it, and the result is absolutely captivating.
Appropriate for ages 14+ (due to some violence)
Yes, I am reviewing another book by Janette Rallison. This is not my fault. If she didn't write such appealing books, then I wouldn't have this problem of having to read every one that I can get my hands on. So, go blame her, if you want, though instead you should probably erect a statue in her honor.
Alexia Garcia is more or less the girl next door. She's a straight A student, an NHS member, and has a flaming temper. She also looks remarkably similar to the famous singer Kari Kingsley and is offered the job of a lifetime, a job requiring that she pretend to be Kari when the pop star can't attend some of her more unimportant events.
This novel is different from the others I've read by Janette Rallison. For a change, I wasn't laughing throughout all the awkward circumstances that occur while Alexia pretends to be someone else. This is because she's a different kind of character than those Rallison usually chooses as her protagonists. Alexia has had a conservative upbringing and a conscience that never leaves her side. She's also extremely sensible. This doesn't mean that the story wasn't still comedic or swoon-worthy, it just unfolds differently. Alexia is cautious by nature... even when she's reckless. So, it takes awhile for her to get caught up in her new life, but once she does, the novel takes off at breakneck speed and you won't want to put it down.
My Double Life isn't just about pretending to be a celebrity, though. It's about Alexia finding a part of her that she feels has always been missing. And as unlikely as it sounds that she'll find it in LA, there's something... or perhaps someone... there that she hopes can fill that void. But how do you find yourself while hiding your identity, and in Hollywood, no less? You'll just have to read it to find out.
Appropriate for ages 16+ (and the ebook is currently available for only $2.99 on Amazon! Can't beat that!)
Apparently I am on a Janette Rallison craze. There is just something about being able to read a book in one sitting and laughing hysterically until three in the morning when everyone else is in bed.
One of the best characteristics about Rallison's books? The perspectives of her characters. Often, they're stereotypes that are made fun of, like teenagers who work at the mall, cheerleaders, or in this case drama queens... all people that many would mock or dismiss as being cliche. But Rallison presents you with these characters as well-rounded human beings, and I have to say I love that about her.
Jessica is an actress with big aspirations and a tendency to overlook the difference between bending the truth and playing the part of a character as though she were on stage. After all, she NEEDS (I cannot overemphasize this, here) to be Juliet in the upcoming play. Whatever it takes to make that happen is not unreachable, especially when a famous actor's son moves into Three Forks, New Mexico.
What could go wrong, right? A little scheming and planning, and voila! She's on her way to fame and stardom.
The more this novel progressed, the more comedic it became. It's not my favorite of Rallison's books, but then again, I repeat that by the end of it I was literally laughing just about every other paragraph. Why, you ask me? You'll have to see for yourself.
Appropriate for ages 15+
Something I love about Jessica Day George's books is that they are always funny. This is no wonder as she is hilarious in person, but what a wonderful attribute to have in your writing! Something is going on with Castle Glower. Rooms are popping up all over the place when they shouldn't be. Doesn't the Castle remember that such behavior is reserved for Tuesdays? And what about the egg? The one the size of a pumpkin?
Just wait. The dilemmas facing Celie get thicker and thicker. How does one hide a ginormous pet in one's room, without anyone finding out about it? More importantly, where did the egg even come from?
All kinds of situations arise when living in a castle such as this, thus reading the novel was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Each character is genuine and you feel as though they are members of your own family. The writing is solid and there are times where it's especially so well written that you feel as though you are soaring.
These things aside, I think I prefer Tuesdays at the Castle simply because of the danger and fear propelling the plot along. Wednesdays in the Tower tends to focus on discovery, with promises of more adventure to come in the series. It's a thrill of a different sort,
but I enjoyed it just the same.
This series would be wonderful to read aloud with kids. Danger or discovery, it's just the thing to feed their imagination.
Appropriate for ages 8-10+
