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Everything Is Fine
Things haven't been going so well for fifteen-year-old Esther Armstrong. With her brother Max - her closest ally - absent, she's forced to face everything alone, not least her parents' heated arguments. As the summer holidays stretch endlessly ahead, she's desperate for something, anything, to divert her attention.
Then she finds some letters hidden in the walls of her family home, sent by a soldier to his sweetheart from the trenches of WWI. Esther is consumed by the mystery of these lovers - not very much older than herself - and what became of them. Perhaps in piecing together the jigsaw of someone else's life, Esther can work out how to reassemble her own, and how to make everything fine again...
This is a novel about growing up, moving on and the strength of a family.
Then she finds some letters hidden in the walls of her family home, sent by a soldier to his sweetheart from the trenches of WWI. Esther is consumed by the mystery of these lovers - not very much older than herself - and what became of them. Perhaps in piecing together the jigsaw of someone else's life, Esther can work out how to reassemble her own, and how to make everything fine again...
This is a novel about growing up, moving on and the strength of a family.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2013
3 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 17, 2013
I will admit that when I received this proof copy, my heart sank a little. As librarian in a boys' secondary school, I'm acutely aware that there are some books they just won't pick up and with flowers (poppies actually) on the cover, plus female voice and author, this book is likely to fall right into that category. So although I was chuffed to have been sent it - especially as it arrived on my birthday - I was unsure whether I would be wasting my time reading it. I was intrigued by the dreamlike illustrations, though, and the blurb hinting at a link to the First World War, so I opened it.
Well, I was hooked from the first few pages, although my feelings about what sort of book it was changed. Initially, Esther seems to be a fairly normal teenager who is a bit gawky, whose parents are struggling a bit and whose younger brother is annoying. Her confidant, older brother Max, is away from home, and her self-assured best friend Molly isn't really filling the gap he's left in Esther's life. So my initial thought was that it's a family drama, and would be resolved conventionally, but I carried on reading because the writing is so good. Cathy Brett really describes the setting well, the feeling of hot days and liberty, the endless summer holidays of youth, that actually were never quite as perfect as you wanted them to be. Then Esther's mother announces the scheme she's come up with for restoring the family's fortunes and for a while I thought it was going to be one of those summer adventures, where glamour and romance change the characters' lives forever. But it's not that either, in fact Esther just feels more awkward and isolated than she did before. It's the discovery of some old letters and the story they reveal which gets through to Esther and forces her to face up to what's really happening in her life. I'll confess that I found her mental torment when she finally acknowledges the truth gut-wrenchingly sad and even though the ending carries hope, I wanted to sob (which was awkward as I read it in a very public place!).
So yes, it's a great story, evocative of setting and emotions, peppered not only with quotes from war poets but also with Cathy Brett's own lovely, slightly heat-hazy illustrations. I can see it appealing to girls of 12-14 who enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson or Hilary McKay when they were younger and want to read something without vampires or shopping. The illustrations are an added incentive to competent but unconfident readers to give it a go. My boys won't touch it though, so I will pass my copy on to a colleague in a mixed or girls' school.
As I said at the beginning I was sent the proof copy free of charge for review purposes.
Well, I was hooked from the first few pages, although my feelings about what sort of book it was changed. Initially, Esther seems to be a fairly normal teenager who is a bit gawky, whose parents are struggling a bit and whose younger brother is annoying. Her confidant, older brother Max, is away from home, and her self-assured best friend Molly isn't really filling the gap he's left in Esther's life. So my initial thought was that it's a family drama, and would be resolved conventionally, but I carried on reading because the writing is so good. Cathy Brett really describes the setting well, the feeling of hot days and liberty, the endless summer holidays of youth, that actually were never quite as perfect as you wanted them to be. Then Esther's mother announces the scheme she's come up with for restoring the family's fortunes and for a while I thought it was going to be one of those summer adventures, where glamour and romance change the characters' lives forever. But it's not that either, in fact Esther just feels more awkward and isolated than she did before. It's the discovery of some old letters and the story they reveal which gets through to Esther and forces her to face up to what's really happening in her life. I'll confess that I found her mental torment when she finally acknowledges the truth gut-wrenchingly sad and even though the ending carries hope, I wanted to sob (which was awkward as I read it in a very public place!).
So yes, it's a great story, evocative of setting and emotions, peppered not only with quotes from war poets but also with Cathy Brett's own lovely, slightly heat-hazy illustrations. I can see it appealing to girls of 12-14 who enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson or Hilary McKay when they were younger and want to read something without vampires or shopping. The illustrations are an added incentive to competent but unconfident readers to give it a go. My boys won't touch it though, so I will pass my copy on to a colleague in a mixed or girls' school.
As I said at the beginning I was sent the proof copy free of charge for review purposes.
July 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations were pretty and dark, exactly what the text needed. And I did tear up a little towards the end.
The poems were also very refreshing, and I'm glad the author provided them all in their entirety at the end of the book.
The poems were also very refreshing, and I'm glad the author provided them all in their entirety at the end of the book.
October 23, 2013
Oh bugger!! When boooks make me cry...
Loved reading this book, I looked forward to turning the page and finding a cool drawing of the characters in it, picture books make reading so much more fun!!
Aaaah , I think Ive secretly always dreamed of finding a treasure chest or something of the sort, if only I lived in a really oldddd housee... then just maybe...
Loved reading this book, I looked forward to turning the page and finding a cool drawing of the characters in it, picture books make reading so much more fun!!
Aaaah , I think Ive secretly always dreamed of finding a treasure chest or something of the sort, if only I lived in a really oldddd housee... then just maybe...
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September 20, 2016Overall, this is a visual novel that inspires readers to look beyond their own world to see the good that comes with the bad. Brett combines surreal drawings with a powerful theme to make the reader fall in love with what they never had to begin with.
You can read more of our review here: https://www.writersedit.com/book-revi...
You can read more of our review here: https://www.writersedit.com/book-revi...
March 31, 2022
It was great! I loved this book. the plot was gripping and I loved the characters. Everyone in the book was really consistent and I just can't put into words how much I loved this book. I was reading in the car with my brother behind me, I got to the height of the story.... (her was watching YouTube in the back seat) and gasped really loud. He thought I was watching YouTube. So ten out of ten.
April 22, 2013
Goodreads Synopsis: Things haven’t been going so well for fifteen-year-old Esther Armstrong. With her brother Max – her closest ally – absent, she’s forced to face everything alone, not least her parents’ heated arguments. As the summer holidays stretch endlessly ahead, she’s desperate for something, anything, to divert her attention.
Then she finds some letters hidden in the walls of her family home, sent by a soldier to his sweetheart from the trenches of WWI. Esther is consumed by the mystery of these lovers – not very much older than herself – and what became of them. Perhaps in piecing together the jigsaw of someone else’s life, Esther can work out how to reassemble her own, and how to make everything fine again…
My review: Having previously enjoyed Cathy Brett’s past books so much, I couldn’t wait to start on this one! I read this in two sittings. It was amazing and seriously unputdownable. The story started off really well, and the pace was great throughout the novel. I really liked the idea of finding love letters from world war one in your bedroom wall, coincidentally as a film crew are shooting a WW1 film in your house. Cathy Brett played out the story really well, and I especially liked that she drew out the suspense a little by revealing the content of the letters every couple of chapters- that really made me want to keep reading on, and also left me wondering what was in the last, unopened, letter at the ending.
as well as the two World War One-based stories in this book, Everything is Fine outlined some thought-provoking issues of grief and loss and how a family can deal with it. Although this read was pretty uplifting, and funny at parts, it maintained some serious notes throughout that really got the whole message of the story across to me.
Esther was a really great protagonist. She was unique and really caring, overall. I fell in love with her personality right away because she was so determined to make sure that both lover’s from the WW1 letters had been okay, and survived the war, even though they had no connection to her and weren’t even in her generation. I could see those caring thoughts again through her emails to her brother Max. I could tell there was a really special bond between them and loved that element of unconditional love. it absolutely broke my heart at the ending, when you find out hat has really happened to Esther’s family. Although there was a lot of great description about Esther’s feelings, I feel that I would’ve gotten closer to the character a bit more is the story was in a first-person narrative.
Overall, Everything is Fine was an absolutely brilliant read, with a strong plot and really special characters. I loved it so much! It was very different to Cathy’s dark-humored previous books, but still so enjoyable. It was really brought to life in a unique way, unlike any other book, with the beautiful watercolor illustrations and the drawings; also by the author. I can’t wait to her more from Cathy in the future!
Then she finds some letters hidden in the walls of her family home, sent by a soldier to his sweetheart from the trenches of WWI. Esther is consumed by the mystery of these lovers – not very much older than herself – and what became of them. Perhaps in piecing together the jigsaw of someone else’s life, Esther can work out how to reassemble her own, and how to make everything fine again…
My review: Having previously enjoyed Cathy Brett’s past books so much, I couldn’t wait to start on this one! I read this in two sittings. It was amazing and seriously unputdownable. The story started off really well, and the pace was great throughout the novel. I really liked the idea of finding love letters from world war one in your bedroom wall, coincidentally as a film crew are shooting a WW1 film in your house. Cathy Brett played out the story really well, and I especially liked that she drew out the suspense a little by revealing the content of the letters every couple of chapters- that really made me want to keep reading on, and also left me wondering what was in the last, unopened, letter at the ending.
as well as the two World War One-based stories in this book, Everything is Fine outlined some thought-provoking issues of grief and loss and how a family can deal with it. Although this read was pretty uplifting, and funny at parts, it maintained some serious notes throughout that really got the whole message of the story across to me.
Esther was a really great protagonist. She was unique and really caring, overall. I fell in love with her personality right away because she was so determined to make sure that both lover’s from the WW1 letters had been okay, and survived the war, even though they had no connection to her and weren’t even in her generation. I could see those caring thoughts again through her emails to her brother Max. I could tell there was a really special bond between them and loved that element of unconditional love. it absolutely broke my heart at the ending, when you find out hat has really happened to Esther’s family. Although there was a lot of great description about Esther’s feelings, I feel that I would’ve gotten closer to the character a bit more is the story was in a first-person narrative.
Overall, Everything is Fine was an absolutely brilliant read, with a strong plot and really special characters. I loved it so much! It was very different to Cathy’s dark-humored previous books, but still so enjoyable. It was really brought to life in a unique way, unlike any other book, with the beautiful watercolor illustrations and the drawings; also by the author. I can’t wait to her more from Cathy in the future!
August 4, 2013
I really did enjoy this book. I bought it on a whim, at the Hay book festival as it had a good premise, and it did have very nice illustrations.
Everything is Fine follows the story of Esther, a teenager who has just finished comprehensive school and contemplates how to spend her summer. Her mother, who runs a Guest House, lets it be in a film set. Esther gradually feels more isolated and alone,and after her mother tore some wall paper in her room, Esther finds some letters dating back from WW1. I really did enjoy this novel. In the beginning I found Esther to be naïve and stupid, but I did begin to warm to her. I really did like her friend Molly and the ‘bruised boy’.
I enjoyed reading this book very much, but I figured the ending maybe 50 pages in. The ending being that I didn’t really mind that I had figured out that aspect of the book.
I really liked the WW1 aspect of the book. J’adore l’histoire, so naturally I did love this aspect of the book. I really did like how Esther fitted the pieces of the puzzle, and I also liked Freddie and Dot’s relationship and how that was portrayed in the book.
I really do like to see illustrations in YA and Adult books, as opposed to children’s picture books. I really liked Brett’s style, and the way she incorporated multimedia. She used ink, watercolours, collage etc. I found it to be a very interesting style. But, I was a little confused to what age this novel is aimed at. I would say YA (as in 14/15/16 year olds), as the themes, are quite YA and the characters are teenagers, and Esther often describes herself as having ‘teenage angst’. However, the drawing style isn’t as dark, as say, for example ‘A Monster Calls’, which by that feature alone is a YA novel. I sometimes felt that the drawing style had to be a little darker (maybe that’s just me, I do prefer darker things!).
I would say that the cover and overall appearance of the book is very appealing. However, there is a danger it may look a little young. Again, I wasn’t sure if the book was aimed for 12-13 year olds or 14+.
Everything is Fine follows the story of Esther, a teenager who has just finished comprehensive school and contemplates how to spend her summer. Her mother, who runs a Guest House, lets it be in a film set. Esther gradually feels more isolated and alone,and after her mother tore some wall paper in her room, Esther finds some letters dating back from WW1. I really did enjoy this novel. In the beginning I found Esther to be naïve and stupid, but I did begin to warm to her. I really did like her friend Molly and the ‘bruised boy’.
I enjoyed reading this book very much, but I figured the ending maybe 50 pages in. The ending being that I didn’t really mind that I had figured out that aspect of the book.
I really liked the WW1 aspect of the book. J’adore l’histoire, so naturally I did love this aspect of the book. I really did like how Esther fitted the pieces of the puzzle, and I also liked Freddie and Dot’s relationship and how that was portrayed in the book.
I really do like to see illustrations in YA and Adult books, as opposed to children’s picture books. I really liked Brett’s style, and the way she incorporated multimedia. She used ink, watercolours, collage etc. I found it to be a very interesting style. But, I was a little confused to what age this novel is aimed at. I would say YA (as in 14/15/16 year olds), as the themes, are quite YA and the characters are teenagers, and Esther often describes herself as having ‘teenage angst’. However, the drawing style isn’t as dark, as say, for example ‘A Monster Calls’, which by that feature alone is a YA novel. I sometimes felt that the drawing style had to be a little darker (maybe that’s just me, I do prefer darker things!).
I would say that the cover and overall appearance of the book is very appealing. However, there is a danger it may look a little young. Again, I wasn’t sure if the book was aimed for 12-13 year olds or 14+.
September 29, 2016
I picked up Everything Is Fine (and Other lies I Tell Myself) from my local shiploads store. I didn't do any flick through and just chose it for its cover and the blurb. So it was a surprise for me finding out that it was riddled with pictures. I didn't really know what to think at first because it's been a long time since I have read any book with pictures through it like this one. I did think that they gave the book a somewhat younger feel though.
The first chapter drew me with a definite realisation that our main character was definitely not okay. It gave me questions that I wanted the answer to. Why wasn't she fine?
It was easy to see early on that it wasn't just her that wasn't okay but her whole family.
Her Dad: He was hunched and gaunt, a desiccated husk, like someone had struck a SlushBerry straw into his skull and sucked all his juice out. p. 52
Her Mum: "Mum, those wine bottles should go in the recycling."
Esther: Human skin was too thin, too vulnerable. Why didn't human beings grow shells?
Gulliver: While I don't have any specific quote for him there is obvious anger in his life, I believe.
I liked the inclusion of Esther's emails to Max, her older brother. I didn't expect something to be what it was though.
At first I didn't feel like the character had much depth though. Like her Dad and Mum. They felt a bit bland. A bit further on I could see they had a bit more personality, but even then I didn't feel a whole lot for them. I think more of the characters could have had more depth or personality to them. For example there was Molly her best friend who had this fascination with the French language but I didn't feel like we knew her well enough for being a best friend.
The way the book turned out being was a bit heart wrenching but at the same time, I wanted to know more I guess. It felt like it maybe just could of been fleshed out a bit more for me.
All in all even though the book is YA I felt like it was for some people who a younger. Maybe partly because of the pictures but also because I felt it lacked the depth I am used to reading in other YA books. I think in my rating system that I tend to use on my blog it would probably be about a C which is about 3 stars.
The first chapter drew me with a definite realisation that our main character was definitely not okay. It gave me questions that I wanted the answer to. Why wasn't she fine?
It was easy to see early on that it wasn't just her that wasn't okay but her whole family.
Her Dad: He was hunched and gaunt, a desiccated husk, like someone had struck a SlushBerry straw into his skull and sucked all his juice out. p. 52
Her Mum: "Mum, those wine bottles should go in the recycling."
Esther: Human skin was too thin, too vulnerable. Why didn't human beings grow shells?
Gulliver: While I don't have any specific quote for him there is obvious anger in his life, I believe.
I liked the inclusion of Esther's emails to Max, her older brother. I didn't expect something to be what it was though.
At first I didn't feel like the character had much depth though. Like her Dad and Mum. They felt a bit bland. A bit further on I could see they had a bit more personality, but even then I didn't feel a whole lot for them. I think more of the characters could have had more depth or personality to them. For example there was Molly her best friend who had this fascination with the French language but I didn't feel like we knew her well enough for being a best friend.
The way the book turned out being was a bit heart wrenching but at the same time, I wanted to know more I guess. It felt like it maybe just could of been fleshed out a bit more for me.
All in all even though the book is YA I felt like it was for some people who a younger. Maybe partly because of the pictures but also because I felt it lacked the depth I am used to reading in other YA books. I think in my rating system that I tend to use on my blog it would probably be about a C which is about 3 stars.
April 8, 2017
I've heard nothing but good things about Cathy Brett's books and while they are aimed at a slightly younger audience than the books I usually read I was keen to give them a go. As soon as I saw the cover for this one with the hints of a World War One theme the history geek in me had to pick it up instantly.
This book is essentially the story of Esther and her life as she currently sees it. Esther lives in a seaside town and is missing her elder brother who currently isn't at home and the story switches between Esther's narratives and letters to her elder brother Max as well as snippets from a series of letters Esther finds. In addition to this the book had a series of pictures dotted all the way through. I really loved the format of this book as it mixed it up a lot and I think for younger readers the variety would certainly help to engage interest. Esther is a fab character to follow. She is a strong character without being arrogant and just brilliantly normal as teenagers go. I really felt this book captured her really well as you really get an insight into what life is like living in a seaside village for a teenager who is dealing with a whole host of things all at once. I really loved seeing how her own personal story developed particularly the way she dealt with the absence of her elder brother.
The history geek inside of me went nuts over the historical side of the story. I would say too much but Esther finds a series of letters from a solider to his sweetheart behind her fireplace and these letters completely draw Esther in. She becomes fascinated with the tale that unfolds in front of her in the letters and devotes time and energy into finding out more about the people named in them. I loved this little touch and equally got drawn into her search for answers.
Overall this is certainly a book I will be recommending in the future widely but particularly to my students because of the historical side to the story.
This book is essentially the story of Esther and her life as she currently sees it. Esther lives in a seaside town and is missing her elder brother who currently isn't at home and the story switches between Esther's narratives and letters to her elder brother Max as well as snippets from a series of letters Esther finds. In addition to this the book had a series of pictures dotted all the way through. I really loved the format of this book as it mixed it up a lot and I think for younger readers the variety would certainly help to engage interest. Esther is a fab character to follow. She is a strong character without being arrogant and just brilliantly normal as teenagers go. I really felt this book captured her really well as you really get an insight into what life is like living in a seaside village for a teenager who is dealing with a whole host of things all at once. I really loved seeing how her own personal story developed particularly the way she dealt with the absence of her elder brother.
The history geek inside of me went nuts over the historical side of the story. I would say too much but Esther finds a series of letters from a solider to his sweetheart behind her fireplace and these letters completely draw Esther in. She becomes fascinated with the tale that unfolds in front of her in the letters and devotes time and energy into finding out more about the people named in them. I loved this little touch and equally got drawn into her search for answers.
Overall this is certainly a book I will be recommending in the future widely but particularly to my students because of the historical side to the story.
June 22, 2013
I’ve been a fan of Cathy Brett’s graphic novel/traditional YA novel mash-ups since Ember Fury was released in 2009, but Everything is Fine (and other lies I tell myself) really blew me away.
The combination of gorgeous art and a fantastic novel is so unusual and not many people could carry it off, but I honestly don’t think that one could work without the other. They complement each other beautifully and make the story a whole. I think that Cathy Brett’s style is a brilliant way to introduce younger and more reluctant readers to YA. Reading Brett’s novels isn’t just reading, isn’t something more that I think will capture imaginations effortlessly.
The war aspect of the nothing was something I was rather apprehensive about as I struggle reading about either of the wars, but the link with the letters made it personal and more approachable to me. It quickly became my favourite aspect of the novel. I was as desperate as Esther was to find out the fate of Freddie and Dotty and I want nothing more than to find a hundred year old love letter hidden behind my fireplace so I can go along on a journey like Esther’s.
I loved how Esther’s story became tied up with Freddie’s. Esther’s involvement and reaction to what she was finding really pulled at my heartstrings and I finished the book with tears in my eyes. It’s an incredibly powerful storyline that was effortlessly pulled off. the only thing that reduced the impact may have been that I had guessed the big revelation that is revealed at the end of the novel, but hopefully it’ll surprise everyone else. It’s a biggie, after all!
I thoroughly enjoyed Everything is Fine (and other lies I tell myself) and I’m already looking forward to whatever Cathy Brett delivers next.
The combination of gorgeous art and a fantastic novel is so unusual and not many people could carry it off, but I honestly don’t think that one could work without the other. They complement each other beautifully and make the story a whole. I think that Cathy Brett’s style is a brilliant way to introduce younger and more reluctant readers to YA. Reading Brett’s novels isn’t just reading, isn’t something more that I think will capture imaginations effortlessly.
The war aspect of the nothing was something I was rather apprehensive about as I struggle reading about either of the wars, but the link with the letters made it personal and more approachable to me. It quickly became my favourite aspect of the novel. I was as desperate as Esther was to find out the fate of Freddie and Dotty and I want nothing more than to find a hundred year old love letter hidden behind my fireplace so I can go along on a journey like Esther’s.
I loved how Esther’s story became tied up with Freddie’s. Esther’s involvement and reaction to what she was finding really pulled at my heartstrings and I finished the book with tears in my eyes. It’s an incredibly powerful storyline that was effortlessly pulled off. the only thing that reduced the impact may have been that I had guessed the big revelation that is revealed at the end of the novel, but hopefully it’ll surprise everyone else. It’s a biggie, after all!
I thoroughly enjoyed Everything is Fine (and other lies I tell myself) and I’m already looking forward to whatever Cathy Brett delivers next.
September 3, 2016
Esther is missing her biggest supporter and her best friend, her brother Max (who is absent) and her family is starting to fall apart. Then, she finds the letters of a WW1 soldier and his girlfriend. Suddenly, she is consumed by their letters and goes on a hunt to find out what happened to them.
My biggest problem with this book was the fact that it was slow at the beginning so it took me a while to get into it. But, when I did get into it, I have to say that I was very impressed and enticed by Esther's journey.
Yes, I cried at the end. You just get so caught up in Esther's feelings and what might have happened. The emotions that Esther was feeling were so real and it really connected with the readers. Hands down, my favourite part.
Esther is an interesting character. She is always writing to her brother, Max (who is a bit of a mystery). She then finds these letters and she has to know what happens. Its a story that she needs to find an ending to. Through out this journey that she takes, she connects with Freddie and Dorothea and starts to learn a little bit about herself. She is so caught on with Max that as soon as she finds the letters, it is almost like she has her new Max. Freddie becomes what she is fixed on. Through this journey, she learns what it is like to hit rock bottom (almost) and then how to rebuild or repair what needs to be mended.
A great novel by Brett. She goes a great job connecting with the author and showing what happened in WW1. A great story for anyone to read, adult or teen.
My biggest problem with this book was the fact that it was slow at the beginning so it took me a while to get into it. But, when I did get into it, I have to say that I was very impressed and enticed by Esther's journey.
Yes, I cried at the end. You just get so caught up in Esther's feelings and what might have happened. The emotions that Esther was feeling were so real and it really connected with the readers. Hands down, my favourite part.
Esther is an interesting character. She is always writing to her brother, Max (who is a bit of a mystery). She then finds these letters and she has to know what happens. Its a story that she needs to find an ending to. Through out this journey that she takes, she connects with Freddie and Dorothea and starts to learn a little bit about herself. She is so caught on with Max that as soon as she finds the letters, it is almost like she has her new Max. Freddie becomes what she is fixed on. Through this journey, she learns what it is like to hit rock bottom (almost) and then how to rebuild or repair what needs to be mended.
A great novel by Brett. She goes a great job connecting with the author and showing what happened in WW1. A great story for anyone to read, adult or teen.
May 29, 2014
4.5 stars
This book was beautiful. I absolutely adore how the amazing drawings intertwine within the story to help build the picture of the book throughout.
I figured out one of the main plot reveals really early on, but that didn't necessarily make the book predictable or boring, as the pace was set to an engrossing level, and other little moments kept popping up along the way to keep you interested.
I'm a big fan of poetry, and I really loved how Brett entwined poems within the story, bringing it to greater depths.
Esther is slightly younger than the protagonists I usually read about (she's 15), but I still found her incredibly relatable, especially the numerous it sucks to be short quips, which I can really relate to ;) (5 foot 3 and a half inches, whoop whoop!)
So, overall, I loved this book! And I may be slightly bias in that opinion considering I've actually meet the author, and she was so kind by signing this book for my friend (and drawing a picture in it!) It's safe to say, Brett is both an amazing person and an amazing author and an amazing artist. All round, what is there not to love about her, or her books?!
This book was beautiful. I absolutely adore how the amazing drawings intertwine within the story to help build the picture of the book throughout.
I figured out one of the main plot reveals really early on, but that didn't necessarily make the book predictable or boring, as the pace was set to an engrossing level, and other little moments kept popping up along the way to keep you interested.
I'm a big fan of poetry, and I really loved how Brett entwined poems within the story, bringing it to greater depths.
Esther is slightly younger than the protagonists I usually read about (she's 15), but I still found her incredibly relatable, especially the numerous it sucks to be short quips, which I can really relate to ;) (5 foot 3 and a half inches, whoop whoop!)
So, overall, I loved this book! And I may be slightly bias in that opinion considering I've actually meet the author, and she was so kind by signing this book for my friend (and drawing a picture in it!) It's safe to say, Brett is both an amazing person and an amazing author and an amazing artist. All round, what is there not to love about her, or her books?!
May 6, 2017
Not quite what I expected and I would have enjoyed this more if I were younger. Parts of this were lacking. Certain things happened out of the blue, on a few occasions the main character would suddenly jump to a different location with no indication of a paragraph break. I wish this had focused a little more on the letters and discovering who they were for/from etc but the last 70 pages or so really had me hooked. I liked the fact this book had illustrations through out. Not my style of art but still a nice touch. The one thing I would change is the font for the letters. Whilst I get it was to show the handwriting, it took me about 5 minutes to decipher a few sentences. I feel with the art in this book, they could have used that to show the handwriting but then printed the text in a more legible font. Just a personal opinion, however. Would definitely recommend for kids 10-14, especially with an interest in history
August 6, 2013
This was pretty good... I was a bit hesitant at the beginning and I was very intrigued by the letters. The illustrations were quite good too but they didn't always match what I was reading. For me, the picture made her seem more surly than the words indicated. I wanted to yell at her, to try and get her to understand what was happening with Broken-Arm guy.
It was fairly obvious that , but it wasn't until the end that we find out the reason why. I had a little cry about that. That part was just beautifully written.
I enjoyed it.
It was fairly obvious that , but it wasn't until the end that we find out the reason why. I had a little cry about that. That part was just beautifully written.
I enjoyed it.
August 1, 2014
This was okay, though not the best book I've read lately. I liked the mix of fonts and the illustrations, but at some points I think the swirly typography distracted from the actual story. Otherwise it was fine. Pretty angst-ridden, but enjoyable enough. :)
June 11, 2016
DNF. I tried, but the characters were all incredibly boring and everything was so generic. It's not that bad I guess but the plot took forever for anything to happen. I gave up after about 70 pages. Also, the main character won't stop going on about beetles.
July 31, 2014
This book is AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed it and the way everything made sense and the ending was sensational!!!
February 1, 2015
I didn't get why there was those beetles ! and her brother was dead while it was explaining that she sends for him emails ! anyway it was okay.
November 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book.It made me cry, it made me laugh and was a beautiful book.
October 27, 2014
Amazing,one of the best books of this year. couldn't put it down from the minute I started it.
August 19, 2015
Had a good plot twist, a bit slow though. I liked the characters.
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