Tag: Lauren Oliver

Book Review | Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Published by HarperCollins on March 10, 2015

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Format: eBook

Pages: 368

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★★★

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping story about two sisters inexorably altered by a terrible accident.

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara’s beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it’s too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

REVIEW

It is always very exciting when I am able to recommend a five-star book to all of you, and that is exactly what Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver is for me. This young adult mystery follows two sisters, Nick and Dara. As young children they were absolutely inseparable, but as they grow older they begin to grow apart. Everything changes when they are in a car accident together. Nick was at the wheel, and escaped with minor injuries, but Dara’s injuries are much more extensive. Vanishing Girls seeks to uncover the truth behind the accident. At the same time, a young girl named Madeline Snow goes missing from Nick and Dara’s town. The book explores whether these two mysteries are really as different as they seem.

I was absolutely blown away by Vanishing Girls. I love a good thriller, and although I was pretty disappointed with myself that I didn’t figure out the plot twist, I was amazed with how well Oliver crafted this story. A lot of readers criticize Vanishing Girls because it is similar to other books out there. That is definitely true, and even I have read a book with the same ending. However, the journey leading up to the conclusion is what allows Vanishing Girls to truly stand alone.

Oliver is an excellent writer. This is the third book I’ve read by her, and in each one she develops a unique voice. Not only is her writing poetic, and filled with beautiful descriptors, but she carefully crafted Vanishing Girls. It really takes talent to be able to weave together a mystery like this one. For the majority of the book things don’t seem important or connected, but in hindsight they are. I am so impressed with the writing and storytelling.

Similarly, Vanishing Girls becomes a very rereadable novel because of this sort of writing. I want to pick it up again in the future to really key in on the clues I missed along the way. I read Vanishing Girls as an eBook, but next time I will get a physical copy. That is because intermixed with the prose are mixed media elements such as photographs, online news articles, and more. I would like to see those in print form, as I think that will add more to the reading experience.

Moreover, I wanted to quickly discuss the character development in this novel. Part of me wishes that I knew the ins and outs of the characters more, but I understand why we only see characters in a limited way. The story needs to have a certain type of narration in order to be successful, so I’m glad Oliver was able to accomplish that. This will make more sense once you read the book, so I encourage you to still read it even if you usually like fully developed characters.

Overall, I am so happy I finally got to Vanishing Girls. It is a very quick read, and one that is quite impactful. I absolutely love books like this one, and find them a lot of fun. I understand that not everyone likes a psychological thriller, but I highly recommend this one if you do! I will be continuing to read Oliver’s books – she hasn’t let me down yet!

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Book Review | The Shrunken Head by Lauren Oliver & H.C. Chester (The Curiosity House #1)

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

The Shrunken Head (The Curiosity House #1) by Lauren Oliver & H.C. Chester

Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books on September 29, 2015

Genres: Children’s, Middle Grade, Mystery, Urban Fantasy

Format: ARC

Pages: 368

Source: BEA

Goodreads: ★★★★

What you will find in this book:

– A rather attractive bearded lady
– Several scandalous murders
– A deliciously disgusting Amazonian shrunken head
– Four extraordinary children with equally extraordinary abilities
– A quite loquacious talking bird

Blessed with extraordinary abilities, orphans Philippa, Sam, and Thomas have grown up happily in Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. But when a fourth child, Max, a knife-
thrower, joins the group, it sets off an unforgettable chain of events. When the museum’s Amazonian shrunken head is stolen, the four are determined to get it back. But their search leads them to a series of murders and an explosive secret about their pasts.

This sensational new series combines the unparalleled storytelling gifts of Lauren Oliver with the rich
knowledge of the notorious relics collector H.C. Chester.

What you will NOT find in this book:

– An accountant named Seymour
– A never-ending line at the post office
– Brussel sprouts (shudder)
– A lecture on finishing all your homework on time
– A sweet, gooey story for nice little girls and boys.

REVIEW

I got in a line to meet Lauren Oliver at Book Expo America (“BEA”) this past May and came away with this book, of which I knew nothing. What I got in The Shrunken Head is a fun children’s story that takes place in New York City in the 1930s. The setting is Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders, which just got in a new and exciting oddity – a shrunken head. This head wows audiences and drives crowds to Dumfrey’s until it is stolen. The story follows four children who live and perform at Dumfrey’s as they run around New York trying to find the head and figure out why so many people have mysteriously died since the head’s disappearance.

The Shrunken Head is perfect for fans of Clue and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, as it combines these genres in a new way. Our ‘freaks’ in the story are: Pippa, a mind reader; Thomas, a boy who can fit into any space no matter how small; Max, a knife-throwing girl; and Sam, a scrawny strongman. These four unite to save the museum they call home, and make a great cast of characters. Each child has a well-developed personality individually, but work together really well. In addition, The Shrunken Head has an extended character list that is easy to follow and keep in line.

Moreover, The Shrunken Head is very well written. I loved the funny lines thrown in, and how the mystery aspect of the story is well-crafted. There are just enough hints along the way that make the book fun for adults as well as children. That being said, I do think the storyline is a bit dark for its intended audience of 8-12-year-olds. The Shrunken Head is a murder mystery, so there is a bit of violence, and a discussion of murder and suicide. While there is nothing too graphic, if you are a parent of young children I would keep the subject-matter in mind.

One thing I do really love about the story, though, is the overall message. I think it’s great that The Shrunken Head discusses body image and being different, and how what makes a person good is not what he looks like on the outside. I definitely look forward to seeing the children in The Shrunken Head in another book soon, especially considering the ending of this one!

All in all, I really enjoyed The Shrunken Head. It is a cute and fun story, and can be enjoyed by a wide audience. I look forward to seeing the final version of the book upon its release on September 29, 2015, so I can see the beautiful artwork that is to be included (I only got sneak peeks in my advanced copy!). I definitely recommend The Shrunken Head if it sounds like something up your alley!

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