Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts

Friday, July 8, 2011

Louise Rennison. WITHERING TIGHTS

The best way to describe this is what a HOOT!! (No pun intended with the owl on the cover!) You've probably heard of Louise Rennison and her Georgia Nicholson books, with ANGUS, THONGS AND FULL-FRONTAL SNOGGING being the first one, and a Printz Honor Book!
 
This new character created by Rennison is hysterical! Although, she's really not trying to be. The story is set in Yorkshire, England where Tallulah Casey is attending summer drama school to avoid camping with her brother. She  is hoping to discover her artistic abilities, meet some new friends and maybe even have a go at romance (or at the very least, experience her first kiss.)


This is a witty, laugh out loud story about Tallulah and a quirky cast of characters that you won't soon forget! The setting is completely new to me. The school is located in the English countryside. I mean - country! There is a funny scene on Tallulah's first day when she tells the local girl, Ruby, that she's going to check out the shops. Well, she returns in about five minutes, because there are no shops. It's literally a one-horse town! But Ruby didn't say anything, she just sent her off on her way.

Another thing new for me was the Yorkshire dialect that the local people used. I could hear the British accent and inflection the entire time, but sometimes the dialect of the locals confused me. But normally, I was fine. I love the airy, breezy inflection in most of the speech. For example, doesn't "I'll pop around after school"  sound so much more fun than "I'll meet you after school." And doesn't "Oh, just give it a go" make anything sound way easier than it probably is? Finally, my favorite has to be, "Do you fancy a ride in my car?"

Overall, the dialogue and story is hysterically funny! I ask you - where else would a character break into Irish Dancing when she's nervous?? Nowhere else but in a Louise Rennison novel.

You will enjoy this, but be warned. Don't be in a quiet place, because you will giggle loudly!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Maureen Johnson. SUITE SCARLETT

Wow! I just spent such an exciting time in New York with some zany and heartwarming characters (at least if feels like I was there!). Fifteen-year-old Scarlett and her family live in a small 5 story historic hotel called the Hopewell. Lola is the older sister with beauty and a great personality. Marlene is the younger sister who has experienced major illness in her past. Spencer is the older brother and Scarlett’s best friend. Spencer is an actor and quite the comedian. Business in the hotel hasn’t been great, so the family is struggling. Spencer has been awarded a scholarship to culinary school, but it’s the last thing he wants to do. He feels pressured by his parents, because they could use some financial help. But, he really wants to pursue his acting career. When Ms. Amberson, an intriguing new guest, arrives at the Hopewell, she brings a lot of ideas, money, and a unique perspective on life. She certainly shakes things up, but will it be for the best or will she bring disaster?
The greatest part of this quirky, fun novel is the characters. All the main characters are so unique and special. I enjoyed spending time with them. To me, that’s what a great book is all about. If you don’t want to be with the characters, then you won’t keep reading. Ms. Amberson is a hoot! And I really cared about the family. The idea of the family living in a hotel was also interesting to me. I spent about 5 years in the hotel business, but it was with big chain hotels, so this little family run, historic hotel was fun place to be. Plus, the situations that they get themselves in and out of are hysterical. I laughed and had a great time!! Highly recommended for all. (and what a gorgeous cover!)

Maureen Johnson has written many other great books.
Check out her website here
And her blog here
She says the just finished the sequel. Woohoo! Looking forward to it!
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