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Cursed! My Devastatingly Brilliant Campaign to Save the Chigg
This is one chiggalicious mystery you do not want to miss!
Eighth grade was to be Ginny Edgar's best year ever!
The creative genius and future award-winning zombie screenwriter/director/producer assured her parents she was older now, and more mature. There would be no more outbursts in class or trips to the principal’s office. No more food fights.
Of course, Ginny has no intention of following through with these promises. And when Ginny's friends abandon her after an ill-fated adventure, her eighth-grade year goes straight down the pooper. That’s when Ginny sets about befriending eighth grade's freakazoid #1 - Carrie "Chigger" Larson – whether the clown-haired sourpuss likes it or not!
An outcast with a dark family history, the Chigg reluctantly turns to Ginny and an insulting Indian soothsayer to unlock the mysteries of the Larson Curse believed to be responsible for the death of Chigger's father. The devastating truth they uncover not only threatens their friendship but their very lives!
Does Ginny have what it takes to help Chigger put an end to the Larson Curse and discover the true meaning of friendship, all while writing the most zomborrific movie screenplay of all time?
You know she does.
Eighth grade was to be Ginny Edgar's best year ever!
The creative genius and future award-winning zombie screenwriter/director/producer assured her parents she was older now, and more mature. There would be no more outbursts in class or trips to the principal’s office. No more food fights.
Of course, Ginny has no intention of following through with these promises. And when Ginny's friends abandon her after an ill-fated adventure, her eighth-grade year goes straight down the pooper. That’s when Ginny sets about befriending eighth grade's freakazoid #1 - Carrie "Chigger" Larson – whether the clown-haired sourpuss likes it or not!
An outcast with a dark family history, the Chigg reluctantly turns to Ginny and an insulting Indian soothsayer to unlock the mysteries of the Larson Curse believed to be responsible for the death of Chigger's father. The devastating truth they uncover not only threatens their friendship but their very lives!
Does Ginny have what it takes to help Chigger put an end to the Larson Curse and discover the true meaning of friendship, all while writing the most zomborrific movie screenplay of all time?
You know she does.
262 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2017
2 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Idabel Allen
4 books61 followersIdabel Allen serves up the best in new home cooked Southern Literature in the tradition of Eudora Welty, Charles Portis, Willam Faulkner and Flannery O'Connor.
Idabel brings over fifteen years of experience as a professional writer and editor to the literary table. She attended the Iowa Writers' Workshop Fiction program and is the author of Headshots, Cursed! My Devastatingly Brilliant Campaign and Rooted. Idabel's books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores across this fine land.
When not burrowing in the written word, Idabel is generally up to no good with her family, dogs and herd of antagonistic cows.
Idabel brings over fifteen years of experience as a professional writer and editor to the literary table. She attended the Iowa Writers' Workshop Fiction program and is the author of Headshots, Cursed! My Devastatingly Brilliant Campaign and Rooted. Idabel's books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores across this fine land.
When not burrowing in the written word, Idabel is generally up to no good with her family, dogs and herd of antagonistic cows.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 10, 2018
Synopsis
8th grade has been the worst year for Ginny Edgars. Her parents don't have time for her, she's no longer speaking to her two best friends, a disgusting old man has taken over her room, and worst of all, her grandpa has died. With nothing to do and no one else to turn to, she attempts to befriend Chigger, the school outcast. But Ginny doesn't know that the Chigg is cursed. And so, being the altruistic person that she is, she sets out on a mission to break the curse of the Chigg.
Summary
I felt like I went on a real adventure in a small town! It wasn't perfect, but it was charming and clever.
Review
There's a lot going on in this story, mainly a lot of family tragedies and personal issues.
I thought it was clever that the author decided to have the main character tell the story to her deceased grandpa's best friend, instead of having the protagonist talk directly to the reader or journal in her diary.
Speaking of the protagonist, boy what a character! Ginny Edgars is annoying, self-centered, not too bright, and has a big heart. She's a weirdo and a bit of an outcast herself, although she doesn't really think of herself that way, which makes all the difference for her. She's obsessed with zombies, likes Japanese music, and completely convinced she's going to win an Oscar made out of chocolate. Between daydreaming about zombie space aliens and becoming the world's most beloved screenplay writer, she can't stay out of trouble. She made me laugh a lot, though.
Seriously, this character is a complete moron, but she's fun.
My favorite part of the book is the middle portion, where the characters get into the meat of what happened to Chigg's great-grandmother. The great-grandmother's story was gripping. And it's during this part that Chigg and Ginny start to become close.
I really like Idabel Allen's writing style. It's succinct without being boring. I just wished her characters were more mature, so I didn't have to read about fart jokes.
My one other complaint is that the author needs a better editor. I found tons of mistakes.
Bottom line, Cursed! is a fun story about friendship, loss, and forgiveness.
I know that doesn't sound like fun, but it is.
8th grade has been the worst year for Ginny Edgars. Her parents don't have time for her, she's no longer speaking to her two best friends, a disgusting old man has taken over her room, and worst of all, her grandpa has died. With nothing to do and no one else to turn to, she attempts to befriend Chigger, the school outcast. But Ginny doesn't know that the Chigg is cursed. And so, being the altruistic person that she is, she sets out on a mission to break the curse of the Chigg.
Summary
I felt like I went on a real adventure in a small town! It wasn't perfect, but it was charming and clever.
Review
There's a lot going on in this story, mainly a lot of family tragedies and personal issues.
I thought it was clever that the author decided to have the main character tell the story to her deceased grandpa's best friend, instead of having the protagonist talk directly to the reader or journal in her diary.
Speaking of the protagonist, boy what a character! Ginny Edgars is annoying, self-centered, not too bright, and has a big heart. She's a weirdo and a bit of an outcast herself, although she doesn't really think of herself that way, which makes all the difference for her. She's obsessed with zombies, likes Japanese music, and completely convinced she's going to win an Oscar made out of chocolate. Between daydreaming about zombie space aliens and becoming the world's most beloved screenplay writer, she can't stay out of trouble. She made me laugh a lot, though.
Seriously, this character is a complete moron, but she's fun.
My favorite part of the book is the middle portion, where the characters get into the meat of what happened to Chigg's great-grandmother. The great-grandmother's story was gripping. And it's during this part that Chigg and Ginny start to become close.
I really like Idabel Allen's writing style. It's succinct without being boring. I just wished her characters were more mature, so I didn't have to read about fart jokes.
My one other complaint is that the author needs a better editor. I found tons of mistakes.
Bottom line, Cursed! is a fun story about friendship, loss, and forgiveness.
I know that doesn't sound like fun, but it is.
January 11, 2018
While scrolling through Netgalley, this book's bright cover with a girl with Merida hair instantly grabbed my attention. Then after reading the description of the little girl who dreams of being a screenwriter and is often caught up in fantasy, I was transported back to my days as a young girl with the very same dream, and I just had to know more. I soon found myself on an adventure with 2 girls named Ginny and Carrie. Both are very unique girls with issues fitting in amongst their peers and in need of companionship. Especially since each of them have dealt with the loss of a loved one recently. When it seems that neither one has anyone else to turn to, they turn to each other for friendship and answers. One girl feels like nobody around her cares about her anymore and the other believes that a long-standing family curse is to blame for the lack of loved ones in her life. Will an old woman and a diary help them find the answers they're so desperately seeking? You know they will.
February 2, 2018
How could you not love Lady Godzilla and Mr Crusty pygmy paws?
This book is witty from beginning to end with many a laugh out loud moment woven into the web of this incredible story of friendship. Lady Godzilla (Ginny) tells the crusty pygmy ( Mr Lan ) a story of how she decided to save a girl from a curse and make a new friend. As funny as parts of this book are, the story itself touches on some very serious and complex issues between children and their parents. As well as burdens some family members feel are handed down from ancestors they never knew, in this book, it is Chigg's curse.
The cross-generational relationship between Ginny and Mr Lan is the glue that holds this book together and it is so well written. It is this relationship that makes this book just as good for grown-ups as it does for kids. So if you want a good book that explores friendship and family dynamics, written with wit and wonder, this is the book for you.
This book is witty from beginning to end with many a laugh out loud moment woven into the web of this incredible story of friendship. Lady Godzilla (Ginny) tells the crusty pygmy ( Mr Lan ) a story of how she decided to save a girl from a curse and make a new friend. As funny as parts of this book are, the story itself touches on some very serious and complex issues between children and their parents. As well as burdens some family members feel are handed down from ancestors they never knew, in this book, it is Chigg's curse.
The cross-generational relationship between Ginny and Mr Lan is the glue that holds this book together and it is so well written. It is this relationship that makes this book just as good for grown-ups as it does for kids. So if you want a good book that explores friendship and family dynamics, written with wit and wonder, this is the book for you.
February 15, 2018
I received an ARC through Netgalley - much appreciated.
Ginny's narrative voice, while consistent and individual within the story, struck me as inauthentic for her age and time period (e.g. using "blucky!" as her catch phrase as a modern day eighth grader) and generally irritating. The plot and development felt full of holes, and I was persistently bothered by the apparently affected "Asian speak" of Mr. Lan.
Ginny's narrative voice, while consistent and individual within the story, struck me as inauthentic for her age and time period (e.g. using "blucky!" as her catch phrase as a modern day eighth grader) and generally irritating. The plot and development felt full of holes, and I was persistently bothered by the apparently affected "Asian speak" of Mr. Lan.
February 10, 2018
A BIG Thank You to NetGalley and JKS Communications for providing me an advanced electronic copy of “Cursed! My Devastatingly Brilliant Campaign to Save the Chigg” by Idabel Allen.
To be honest, I initially picked this up because I liked the cover of the quirky red headed girl. If I like the cover, I usually dive right into it and start reading, rather than reading the plot. Having said that I really didn’t expect this book to be very good based on its name. The title sounded long and silly I had no idea what a “Chigg” was. Let me tell you, once I started reading it, I just LOVED it and couldn’t put it down! I finished the entire book in one sitting and wished it had continued.
This book has just about everything in it to make a book a complete entertainer. The plot, the characters and the dialogues are so zany and over the top for the most part. Such characters include a zombie obsessed girl, Western villain, voodoo woman, and a girl thinking she is cursed. The plot involves a woman drowning her baby, friends entering a deserted farmhouse to rid a curse and school revenges. One would think that none of these components would have anything in common to make a good middle grade story. Yet somehow the author blends all these elements perfectly into the main story and makes its work beautifully!
The main highlight of the book is the main character Ginny (aka Lady Godzilla). The way Idabel Allen (the author) has written her is just wonderful. Each dialogue and characteristic of this obnoxious yet funny girl brings even an otherwise dull scene to life. There are moments where Ginny would be arguing or frustrated, but the remarks she delivers would be hilarious. The somewhat strange supporting characters like Mr. Lan, Starla and yes, even the Chigger are all just as entertaining. The book also blends its tone and setting well during certain parts of the story. For example, the way the author writes the scenes with Ginny are mostly light hearted. However, you can easily see the serious tone the book morphs into when we start reading Della’s diary entries. I thoroughly enjoyed Idabel’s writing style and would love to read some of her other novels.
Below are some highlights that made me laugh out loud!
I said, “You totally saved my life”. “It was nothing,” she mumbled with a shake of her downcast face, and added, “I gotta go.” Then she turned to leave, just like that. Didn’t even offer to take me home and nurse my foot. Now how rude is that?
“So what? What’s she gonna do? Gum me to death? She only had about four teeth in case you hadn’t noticed. She’s old and decrepit.”
And when I saw her crying I was pretty certain, well, almost certain, that she was upset. So I did what I always do when cheering someone up. I produced a grade-A, Lady Godzilla, fire-breathing, hair-singeing, from-the-gut, belch of endless proportions.
Honestly, this book was an unexpected surprise that I really didn’t think I would enjoy so much. Any book that can make me laugh out loud in itself deserves a five star rating. I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 stars.
To be honest, I initially picked this up because I liked the cover of the quirky red headed girl. If I like the cover, I usually dive right into it and start reading, rather than reading the plot. Having said that I really didn’t expect this book to be very good based on its name. The title sounded long and silly I had no idea what a “Chigg” was. Let me tell you, once I started reading it, I just LOVED it and couldn’t put it down! I finished the entire book in one sitting and wished it had continued.
This book has just about everything in it to make a book a complete entertainer. The plot, the characters and the dialogues are so zany and over the top for the most part. Such characters include a zombie obsessed girl, Western villain, voodoo woman, and a girl thinking she is cursed. The plot involves a woman drowning her baby, friends entering a deserted farmhouse to rid a curse and school revenges. One would think that none of these components would have anything in common to make a good middle grade story. Yet somehow the author blends all these elements perfectly into the main story and makes its work beautifully!
The main highlight of the book is the main character Ginny (aka Lady Godzilla). The way Idabel Allen (the author) has written her is just wonderful. Each dialogue and characteristic of this obnoxious yet funny girl brings even an otherwise dull scene to life. There are moments where Ginny would be arguing or frustrated, but the remarks she delivers would be hilarious. The somewhat strange supporting characters like Mr. Lan, Starla and yes, even the Chigger are all just as entertaining. The book also blends its tone and setting well during certain parts of the story. For example, the way the author writes the scenes with Ginny are mostly light hearted. However, you can easily see the serious tone the book morphs into when we start reading Della’s diary entries. I thoroughly enjoyed Idabel’s writing style and would love to read some of her other novels.
Below are some highlights that made me laugh out loud!
I said, “You totally saved my life”. “It was nothing,” she mumbled with a shake of her downcast face, and added, “I gotta go.” Then she turned to leave, just like that. Didn’t even offer to take me home and nurse my foot. Now how rude is that?
“So what? What’s she gonna do? Gum me to death? She only had about four teeth in case you hadn’t noticed. She’s old and decrepit.”
And when I saw her crying I was pretty certain, well, almost certain, that she was upset. So I did what I always do when cheering someone up. I produced a grade-A, Lady Godzilla, fire-breathing, hair-singeing, from-the-gut, belch of endless proportions.
Honestly, this book was an unexpected surprise that I really didn’t think I would enjoy so much. Any book that can make me laugh out loud in itself deserves a five star rating. I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 stars.
March 7, 2018
The cover attracted me and the story sounded interesting.
The book is about Ginny, the 8th grader, a girl with a lot of imagination and ambition but also a big heart.
At first, I was a bit shocked about the way Ginny, a 13 year old, is speaking with the elderly Mr Lan, a friend of her recently deceased grandfather. Disrepectful and downright rude. But Mr Lan had it coming, he is not holding back and I started to realise, this is the way they show that they care about each other. The plot slowly unfolds as Ginny is telling Mr Lan her story of befriending the Chigger, or Chigg, aka the red haired girl from the cover, who is apparently cursed or so she believes. As she is telling the story in the past tense while she is speaking to Mr Lan in present tense, made me wonder what happened and if the story is already finished or if it continues into the present. It also becomes clear that Ginny can be very rude and away with the fairies but she is not downright mean. During the course of her story-telling, we realise that she is quite lonely, Chigg is too and Mr Lan has his problems as well. And there are quite a few secrets revealed.
I would have loved a bit more closure at the end, but maybe sometimes that's the way things go.
It's a great book about loneliness, self-esteem, lack of love and finding friendship... and also about not giving up.
On a little annoying note: the naming. There's Ginny/Chigger... and then Della/Starla! Once I figured this creation might come from Stella/Darla, I couldn't stop it to annoy me.
The book is about Ginny, the 8th grader, a girl with a lot of imagination and ambition but also a big heart.
At first, I was a bit shocked about the way Ginny, a 13 year old, is speaking with the elderly Mr Lan, a friend of her recently deceased grandfather. Disrepectful and downright rude. But Mr Lan had it coming, he is not holding back and I started to realise, this is the way they show that they care about each other. The plot slowly unfolds as Ginny is telling Mr Lan her story of befriending the Chigger, or Chigg, aka the red haired girl from the cover, who is apparently cursed or so she believes. As she is telling the story in the past tense while she is speaking to Mr Lan in present tense, made me wonder what happened and if the story is already finished or if it continues into the present. It also becomes clear that Ginny can be very rude and away with the fairies but she is not downright mean. During the course of her story-telling, we realise that she is quite lonely, Chigg is too and Mr Lan has his problems as well. And there are quite a few secrets revealed.
I would have loved a bit more closure at the end, but maybe sometimes that's the way things go.
It's a great book about loneliness, self-esteem, lack of love and finding friendship... and also about not giving up.
On a little annoying note: the naming. There's Ginny/Chigger... and then Della/Starla! Once I figured this creation might come from Stella/Darla, I couldn't stop it to annoy me.
April 20, 2018
Cursed by Idabel Allen
Title - Cursed
Author - Idabel Allen
Published - March '17
Publisher - Lowbrow Literary
Genre - YA
Pages - 262
Price on Amazon - Paperback - £11.51 Kindle -£2.32
ISBN - 194671805X
Now Ginny is older she has assured her parents there will be no more trouble at school, that means no more food fights and definitely no more trips to the heads office. Problem is Ginny has no intention of sticking to this promise. With new friend Carrie know as Chigger, the pair gets into trouble that not only threatens their friendship but their lives.
This book is witty and fun right from start to end. An incredible story of friendship. Although this book is funny in parts it does touch on some very important and complex issues between parents and their kids.
A story of how lady Godzilla (Ginny) decides to rescue a girl from a terrible curse and how she makes a new friend along the way. This book covers, friendship, strained parent-child relationships, family dynamics and is written in a witty way making it easier to read.
Praise to the author.
Thank You to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating - Four out of Five Stars
Would I Read Again? - Yes
Would I Recommend? - Yes
Would I read other books by the same author? - Yes
Reviews for this book can be found on:
Amazon (UK) under Lu's Reviews
Goodreads,
Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)
My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/
www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com
Links to this review can be found at:
Twitter: @lusreviews
Facebook: @lusreviews
Instagram: lusreviews
Title - Cursed
Author - Idabel Allen
Published - March '17
Publisher - Lowbrow Literary
Genre - YA
Pages - 262
Price on Amazon - Paperback - £11.51 Kindle -£2.32
ISBN - 194671805X
Now Ginny is older she has assured her parents there will be no more trouble at school, that means no more food fights and definitely no more trips to the heads office. Problem is Ginny has no intention of sticking to this promise. With new friend Carrie know as Chigger, the pair gets into trouble that not only threatens their friendship but their lives.
This book is witty and fun right from start to end. An incredible story of friendship. Although this book is funny in parts it does touch on some very important and complex issues between parents and their kids.
A story of how lady Godzilla (Ginny) decides to rescue a girl from a terrible curse and how she makes a new friend along the way. This book covers, friendship, strained parent-child relationships, family dynamics and is written in a witty way making it easier to read.
Praise to the author.
Thank You to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating - Four out of Five Stars
Would I Read Again? - Yes
Would I Recommend? - Yes
Would I read other books by the same author? - Yes
Reviews for this book can be found on:
Amazon (UK) under Lu's Reviews
Goodreads,
Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)
My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/
www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com
Links to this review can be found at:
Twitter: @lusreviews
Facebook: @lusreviews
Instagram: lusreviews
January 11, 2018
While scrolling through Netgalley, this book's bright cover with a girl with Merida hair instantly grabbed my attention. Then after reading the description of the little girl who dreams of being a screenwriter and is often caught up in fantasy, I was transported back to my days as a young girl with the very same dream, and I just had to know more. I soon found myself on an adventure with 2 girls named Ginny and Carrie. Both are very unique girls with issues fitting in amongst their peers and in need of companionship. Especially since each of them have dealt with the loss of a loved one recently. When it seems that neither one has anyone else to turn to, they turn to each other for friendship and answers. One girl feels like nobody around her cares about her anymore and the other believes that a long-standing family curse is to blame for the lack of loved ones in her life. Will an old woman and a diary help them find the answers they're so desperately seeking? You know they will.
April 7, 2018
I actually picked this book because of the cover. It reminds me of Merida.
It was a good story, but the speech was a little to childish for an eight grader to speak.
Love the parts about friendship, the curse and mister Lan.
Thanks to the publisher and author for granting me this copy.
It was a good story, but the speech was a little to childish for an eight grader to speak.
Love the parts about friendship, the curse and mister Lan.
Thanks to the publisher and author for granting me this copy.
August 3, 2019
This was a sweet book that I had a fun time reading. Ginny was the kind of girl that meant well and just wanted to help people out (and maybe get attention). She was kinda OTT at times but she was an 8th grade kid (I have no idea what age that is...12? 13? 14?) so of course, she going to be annoying and dramatic.
March 4, 2018
Cursed! by Idabel Allen is gripping, emotional, and hilarious. At 254 pages, it’s not a quick read but I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down. This book might be YA, but as a mid-20s adult, I still loved it. What can I say? I love a good mystery with decent character development, and Allen’s work did not let me down.
Ginny is about to enter the most stressful time of her life: high school. As with most teenaged woes, that would sound overdramatic if it weren’t for the nightmare that was her eighth grade year: her parents work all the time, leaving her to fend for herself; the parents of two of her closest friends kept them from her because she was a “bad influence”; she lost the best friend she could ever wish for; and her grandfather died the summer before. The worst of it? This summer she has to give her bedroom over to Mr. Lan, her grandfather’s war buddy who insists on his annual visit even after her grandfather’s death.
Yet Mr. Lan might be a blessing in disguise. Ginny finally has someone to whom she can relate all her woes of the past year, and that’s where our story truly begins. What follows is a whirlwind of mystery, tension, friendship, and humor as Ginny and her new friend, nicknamed Chigger, dig into Chigger’s dark family history to uncover the truth about the Larson Curse. Is there really a curse on Chigger’s family? Has it already tainted Chigger? Most importantly, can a true friendship actually form between hyperactive Ginny and subdued Chigger?
This book grabbed me from page one and refused to let go. The characters are diverse and well-developed, particularly the main trio of Ginny, Chigger, and Mr. Lan. The plot is complex, weaving layer upon layer of parallel narratives, including the framing device of Ginny and Mr. Lan’s conversations. The book was an emotional read at times, but the humor which Ginny and Mr. Lan brought to the table balanced things out nicely.
If I could say there were any flaw to this book, it would be that Ginny was sometimes too goofy. I took Chigger’s side quite often—couldn’t Ginny be serious for just one minute? And couldn’t she shut her yap on at least one sensitive matter? Of course, Ginny’s goofiness might not even be a flaw in the book. After all, Ginny matures as the narrative unfolds. Mind you, she is still goofy at her core; her sensitive, compassionate, and serious sides just make a more prominent appearance later in the book.
I did see some of the twists coming, but not all of them. For me, that’s the sign of a well-plotted mystery; I don’t often get surprised by plot twists in mysteries or thrillers anymore, so if I can, I know that the writer has done well to develop a strong, compelling mystery.
All in all, Cursed! is a great book for readers who are teenaged and above. Some of the scenes are probably too dark and/or violent for anyone younger than a teenager, but they’re perfect for the intended YA audience. This book is not just about a small town’s dirty secret; it’s about a girl struggling to become a young woman, cement lasting relationships, and fill the void left by the death of her beloved grandfather.
Ginny is about to enter the most stressful time of her life: high school. As with most teenaged woes, that would sound overdramatic if it weren’t for the nightmare that was her eighth grade year: her parents work all the time, leaving her to fend for herself; the parents of two of her closest friends kept them from her because she was a “bad influence”; she lost the best friend she could ever wish for; and her grandfather died the summer before. The worst of it? This summer she has to give her bedroom over to Mr. Lan, her grandfather’s war buddy who insists on his annual visit even after her grandfather’s death.
Yet Mr. Lan might be a blessing in disguise. Ginny finally has someone to whom she can relate all her woes of the past year, and that’s where our story truly begins. What follows is a whirlwind of mystery, tension, friendship, and humor as Ginny and her new friend, nicknamed Chigger, dig into Chigger’s dark family history to uncover the truth about the Larson Curse. Is there really a curse on Chigger’s family? Has it already tainted Chigger? Most importantly, can a true friendship actually form between hyperactive Ginny and subdued Chigger?
This book grabbed me from page one and refused to let go. The characters are diverse and well-developed, particularly the main trio of Ginny, Chigger, and Mr. Lan. The plot is complex, weaving layer upon layer of parallel narratives, including the framing device of Ginny and Mr. Lan’s conversations. The book was an emotional read at times, but the humor which Ginny and Mr. Lan brought to the table balanced things out nicely.
If I could say there were any flaw to this book, it would be that Ginny was sometimes too goofy. I took Chigger’s side quite often—couldn’t Ginny be serious for just one minute? And couldn’t she shut her yap on at least one sensitive matter? Of course, Ginny’s goofiness might not even be a flaw in the book. After all, Ginny matures as the narrative unfolds. Mind you, she is still goofy at her core; her sensitive, compassionate, and serious sides just make a more prominent appearance later in the book.
I did see some of the twists coming, but not all of them. For me, that’s the sign of a well-plotted mystery; I don’t often get surprised by plot twists in mysteries or thrillers anymore, so if I can, I know that the writer has done well to develop a strong, compelling mystery.
All in all, Cursed! is a great book for readers who are teenaged and above. Some of the scenes are probably too dark and/or violent for anyone younger than a teenager, but they’re perfect for the intended YA audience. This book is not just about a small town’s dirty secret; it’s about a girl struggling to become a young woman, cement lasting relationships, and fill the void left by the death of her beloved grandfather.
January 22, 2018
I won a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I read the synopsis and thought I would enjoy it. while it was definitely and adventure and gave you good feelings. the message that true friendship is worth it and when you work together you can accomplish anything is truly wonderful for younger readers. it just didn't seem complete and some parts jumbled for me.
January 23, 2018
This is a fantastic feel good story. About the wonderful power of friendship. It is such a lovely adventure story. That I throughly enjoyed.
June 8, 2018
Cursed by Idabel Allen
Title - Cursed
Author - Idabel Allen
Published - March '17
Publisher - Lowbrow Literary
Genre - YA
Pages - 262
Price on Amazon - Paperback - £11.51 Kindle -£2.32
ISBN - 194671805X
Now Ginny is older she has assured her parents there will be no more trouble at school, that means no more food fights and definitely no more trips to the heads office. Problem is Ginny has no intention of sticking to this promise. With new friend Carrie know as Chigger, the pair gets into trouble that not only threatens their friendship but their lives.
This book is witty and fun right from start to end. An incredible story of friendship. Although this book is funny in parts it does touch on some very important and complex issues between parents and their kids.
A story of how lady Godzilla (Ginny) decides to rescue a girl from a terrible curse and how she makes a new friend along the way. This book covers, friendship, strained parent-child relationships, family dynamics and is written in a witty way making it easier to read.
Praise to the author.
Thank You to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating - Four out of Five Stars
Would I Read Again? - Yes
Would I Recommend? - Yes
Would I read other books by the same author? - Yes
Reviews for this book can be found on:
Amazon (UK) under Lu's Reviews
Goodreads,
Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)
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Title - Cursed
Author - Idabel Allen
Published - March '17
Publisher - Lowbrow Literary
Genre - YA
Pages - 262
Price on Amazon - Paperback - £11.51 Kindle -£2.32
ISBN - 194671805X
Now Ginny is older she has assured her parents there will be no more trouble at school, that means no more food fights and definitely no more trips to the heads office. Problem is Ginny has no intention of sticking to this promise. With new friend Carrie know as Chigger, the pair gets into trouble that not only threatens their friendship but their lives.
This book is witty and fun right from start to end. An incredible story of friendship. Although this book is funny in parts it does touch on some very important and complex issues between parents and their kids.
A story of how lady Godzilla (Ginny) decides to rescue a girl from a terrible curse and how she makes a new friend along the way. This book covers, friendship, strained parent-child relationships, family dynamics and is written in a witty way making it easier to read.
Praise to the author.
Thank You to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating - Four out of Five Stars
Would I Read Again? - Yes
Would I Recommend? - Yes
Would I read other books by the same author? - Yes
Reviews for this book can be found on:
Amazon (UK) under Lu's Reviews
Goodreads,
Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)
My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/
www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com
Links to this review can be found at:
Twitter: @lusreviews
Facebook: @lusreviews
Instagram: lusreviews
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