Review: Me and Aaron Ramsey by Manon Steffan Ros (Childrens, 9 years +, 9/10E)

 11th April 2024, Firefly Press, 160 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Book summary from Firefly Press

 Me and Aaron Ramsey tells the story of Sam and his dad who both love football, which is always there for them however tough real life becomes. That is, until Dad’s dreams of football stardom go horribly wrong. Sam’s love for the footballing legend becomes tangled with his relationship for his father as things go south in their family life.

Nayu's thoughts

Despite not liking the sport I thoroughly enjoy reading children's football tales. I like the dedication to the game that Sam has, it's such a good connection to have with his father who already has a secret. I feel that football really keeps Sam going no matter what life throws at him, which ends up being two major life events. Over the course of the book he learns to trust and lean on his best friend Mo who, as it turns out, has almost exactly the same kind of life worries. The moment when these two opened up together was so beautiful I cried a little, as boys need to talk about feelings as much as girls.

Sam has to cope with his parents not getting a long, which on its own is a major issue. Add to that the secret his dad keeps tight to his chest which restricts the types of part time job he can have while being a low paid professional footballer, and then a life-changing incident, there are a lot of complicated feelings that Sam's father endures which has direct effect on Sam and his sister (and their mother). Seeing their lives crumble was realistic, and it takes Mo's mother, who is a force of nature, to get Sam's dad feeling less sorry for himself and taking action to improve his life how best he can. I was cheering him on throughout that journey - I'm not spoiling what the secret was as discovering it for myself was a surprise and also not a surprise. Let's just say that not everyone is as fully educated as they ideally should be upon reaching adulthood. 

This book is full of heartwarming friendships and real life drama that is handled accurately and sensitively. 

Suggested read

Other sport themed reads include this poetry book, Give Us a Goal by Paul Cookson (Children's, Non-Fiction, Poetry, 8/10)

 

Review: Super Mario 3D World (Nintendo Switch, platformer, 9/10E)

 

February 2021, Nintendo Switch, Platformer, Personal copy

Game summary from Nintendo

 From riding down river rapids, to skating across icy tundras, to even exploring a theme park built in the Koopa King’s own scaly image – excitement awaits around every corner, as you travel through the Sprixie Kingdom to save the princess and her followers from Bowser’s clutches!

Mario’s not going it alone – Luigi, Peach and Toad are ready to join in on the fun! Each character has their own unique abilities, so choose one to suit you.

 As an enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World, some brand new gameplay improvements have been made to spice up this adventure.

All characters have received a boost to their running speed and climb even higher after picking up a Super Bell, making platforming that little bit snappier. You can now also use gyro controls for certain sections of the game that previously required touch controls.

Nayu's thoughts

Technically this game includes DLC Bowser's Fury but I haven't been brave enough to try that part yet. I only just finished the base game of Super Mario 3D World and, since I could, I played the entire game as Princess Peach. This was much before I knew Princess Peach Showtime is launching tomorrow (22nd March) as I pre-scheduled this review. I felt this game was totally what I wanted in a Mario game. Super cute levels, with a lot of running around in a cute cat oufit. There is a decent mechanic of if you are not great at levels you can use an invincible icon at the start and breeze on through to the end. This did not prevent me from repeatedly falling at various jumps or acrobatics, but in the final levels especially it enabled me to complete the base game without having to repeat sections far too many times in ways that would make me cry. 

I love the vibrant vibe to this game, I only ever play handheld as I only have a Nintendo Switch Lite. It plays really well in my view, the music is upbeat and most of the levels are pretty coloured. I found a good amount of the collectables, maybe one day I will slowly try to collect them all. I know to get certain ones I will have to use other characters - even Mario - which will be a slight challenge for me, but I can mostly play as Princess Peach and will even give Toad a whirl as he looks cute in cat form. Mario never, EVER looks cute. Ever!!!! I really don't like him. 

The sole pic I could find on Nintendo's site of just Princess Peach (Rest were in multiplayer)

 

 I reached my goal of completing the base game before Princess Peach Showtime so I'm happy. I may dip in and out for collectables. I will try Bowser's Fury but I'm quite anxious that may prove too hard for me as it is supposed to be a harder level (and in a different format). I've played most of it which is what matters. I like the cloud areas and the way the lands connect to each other. It gives me happy feelings when I play, unlike some other Mario games that were too frustrating. May Nintendo make more cute Mario games like this which are slightly different to the norm and allow other characters to be the main focus! 

Journey Back to Freedom by Catherine Johnson (Children's, 9 years +, 8/10E)

 

September 2022, Barrington Stoke, 120 pages, Reading Age 8, 9 years +, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Aged only eleven, Olaudah Equiano was cruelly snatched away from his home in Africa and sold into slavery. He spent much of the next ten years at sea, travelling to the far corners of the globe, witnessing horrendous cruelty and occasional kindness, experiencing daring adventures and extreme peril. Throughout it all, he never gave up hope that one day he would be free again. But little did he imagine that the story of his remarkable life would become a bestselling book and help the cause to abolish slavery.

Nayu's thoughts

I think I knew the story when I received it for review, but I forgot, saw the pretty cover and dived in thinking it's a happy tale. I didn't get past chapter one. These days I struggle with reality stories, and I knew this wasn't for me. I've read Catherine's books in the past so know the tale will be a good one. I peeked at the end and it is happy but I just can't cope with all the middle bits knowing it's based on reality. I still wanted to feature it because Catherine is a brilliant author, plus the cover by Katie Hickey is stunning. So check it out if you like this kind of historical based read! There are the usual Barrington Stoke easy to read font on off-white pages. 

Find out more on Catherine's website.

Suggested read

Other books by Catherine include those for older readers like The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo by Catherine Johnson (Young Adult, 9/10E) 

Review: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, Translated by Louse and Aylmer Maude (Classical Literature, 8/10E)

 

Originally published 1878, this edition March 2012, Dover Publications, 978 pages, Ebook, Personal copy

Book summary

A beautiful society wife from St. Petersburg, determined to live life on her own terms, sacrifices everything to follow her conviction that love is stronger than duty. A socially inept but warmhearted landowner pursues his own visions instead of conforming to conventional views. The adulteress and the philosopher head the vibrant cast of characters in Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's tumultuous tale of passion and self-discovery. 

This novel marks a turning point in the author's career, the juncture at which he turned from fiction toward faith. Set against a backdrop of the historic social changes that swept Russia during the late nineteenth century, it reflects Tolstoy's own personal and psychological transformation. Two worlds collide in the course of this epochal story: that of the old-time aristocrats, who struggle to uphold their traditions of serfdom and authoritarian government, and that of the Westernizing liberals, who promote technology, rationalism, and democracy. This cultural clash unfolds in a compelling, emotional drama of seduction, betrayal, and redemption.

 

Nayu's thoughts
I never read Tolstoy at school, but a dear Norwegian friend wanted to read it so I joined her. It was an epic read for sure but, imagine my surprise when the first chapter revealed Tolstoy to be much more readable than Jane Austen! I was delighted as I struggled with some Austen books. Tolstoy, at least in this translation, I could happily read more than once.
 

An edition I wish I could own, but it's leather so I can't. So gorgeous!!

Anna Karenina is reknown for being extremely long. However, read over a period of two months with about one part a week it felt a lot shorter. It really helped that I enjoyed a lot of the main characters (not Anna). There is no excuse on earth for adultery. Levin and Kitty's growing friendship after Kitty initially rejected him was a joy to read. Sometimes I read ahead of my allocated reading simply because I needed to know what happens next, which is totally the sign of a good book. Because I talked about it so much another friend is considering trying it. There are some chapers that are dull, and I felt the final part of the book was a bit odd in terms of Levin's bizarre attitude, considering all he had overcome mentally his sudden spiritual crisis and being less attentive to Kitty felt against is nature. 

I don't have much care for Anna. What she did was wrong. She was frequently selfish regarding her only child, her original husband was willing to forgive her transgressions but she was determined to throw away her old life and have her new one. It is not a surprise that she met a sorry end. The lead up to that end was brilliantly written. Russia at that time felt so alive in the novel, I loved learning about the farming culture, which felt initially quite free-ing from the city's elite circles but Levin discovered trying to get labourers to try anything new was a monumental feat. 

I'm actually looking forward to when we tackle War and Peace because I've made sure to get the same translation as Anna, but not looking to the vast quantity of characters. I do highly recommend Anna Karenina as a read, and this is from someone who does not necessarily love classics!  

Suggested read

Not really reviewed classics but for a historical read check out The Seamstress by Maria Duenas, translated by Daniel Hahn (Historical, Fiction, 9/10E)

 

Review: Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson, Translator Elizabeth Portch (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E)

Originally 1948, this edition 2023, Puffin, 182 pages, Paperback, Personal copy 

Book summary from Puffin

 Poor little chap! He had been turned into a very strange animal indeed . . .

Although they're small, fat and shy creatures, Moomins have the most amazing adventures. It all begins when Moominpappa tries on a magic hat that makes exciting and funny things happen . . .

Finn Family Moomintroll is the best-loved book in the cult classic Moomin series by Tove Jansson. A must-read for both children and adults.

Nayu's thoughts

As a child I remember reading about the Moomins but some of the characters scared me so I then avoided anything to do with them. The Moomins themselves look like marshmallow creatures, white and rounded. The other creatures...well I still don't like them but their characters in their non-illustrative form are absolutely fine! 

There's a new Moomin game out on Nintendo Switch which is why I wanted to reread one of their tales. They are really charming, especially on learning they hibnerate. They all have distinctive personalities which as a whole lead to amusing tales. I liked how some of the scary seeming characters ended up being rather friendly souls and helpful in their own way. I like how the characters explain some natural phenomena, and just what an odd bunch the Moomin family which includes other creatures too. Some are philosophical, others are straight forward in how they view life. Overall they are fun and I may slowly collect the books and ignore the illustrations that still freak me out. 

Suggested read

A series from my childhood that I adore is Babar The Elepehant Babar's Celesteville Games + Le Chateau de Babar by Laurent de Brunhoff (Children's, Picture books, 10E/10E)

 

Review: Lie or Die by A J Clack (Young Adult, Thriller, 9/10E)

Don't let the chirpy cover fool you!

7th March 2024, Firefly Press, 304 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary from Firefly Press

 Ten strangers trapped in a television studio

Forty-two remote cameras
 

One rule: Trust no one

When a casting call is announced for new reality TV show Lie or Die, Kass is tricked into auditioning by her best friend. Big Brother meets Mafia, Lie or Die pits contestants against each other as they try to discover who is a murderous agent and who is an innocent player. But when contestants start to turn up dead (the real kind, not the fake kind), Kass realises that not being eliminated and winning the game is the least of her worries. No longer a game of truth and lies, Kass and her friends are in a fight for survival. ‘Reality’ just got very real.

Nayu's thoughts

Hot in the wake of the thrilling BBC show The Traitors this young adult thriller is a perfect match for fans of the show (and if you haven't seen the show yet, do! I have seen most of the 1st season (not the finale as I can only watch at family's house due to lack of tv licence) and Lie or Die is far worse than traitors as people actually die. 

In the beginning Kass and her bestie Thea are the ones on the show, joining in a way that should have been an alarm bell for the chaos that follow. Kass is content as her other bestie Lewis is outside the sealed set, helping out the production in what feels like a dream come true role that runs into a distinct nightmare. At first the game feels fun, and the murders somehow go under the radar. How is that possible? Well you will have to read the book to find out how but in the world of TV where reality and fiction collide it is plausible for the contestants not to notice the deaths. There are warning signs for the reader but it takes Kass, Thea, and their rivals a lot longer to catch up. 

When the penny finally drops, and when the murderer starts laying clues, the tone of the show completely flips. It's impossible to know who to trust and who will die next. The mastermind behind the show is both extremely sadistic and very clever. Got to give credit where it's due, it took some planning to create the show and pull it off. The question is, can Kass and her friends survive alongside the other competitors and outwit the murderer? I'm not saying but the end itself is full of great twists and turns that made me glad I read it all in one sitting as waiting more than a few seconds to read on would have been agonising. 

I liked learning more about reality TV shows since I don't really watch them. The tension gets pretty intense, although it fell shy of completely wowing me as I feel spoiled since the Pretty Little LIars TV drama which blew my mind and made me less easily surprised in mysteries. Because of a certain incident Kass and Thea aren't actually getting along too well for a while, but when the murders become evident they team up because they both want to stay alive. Kass finds another ally, or so she thinks, but doing so also makes her look guilty. Lewis has to do all he can to help his trapped friends but his skills are severely limited for various reasons. There is a hint there may be a book 2 so I hope that will happen! 

Suggested read

Love a good scare? Check out The Retreat by Sherri Smith (Thriller, 10E/10E)

 

Review: Confetti by Dean Atta and Alea Marley (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

 January 2024, Orchard Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Book summary 

One day, Ari discovers a piece of pink confetti under the sofa. She throws is up into the air and watches it helicopter down: a small, bright moment of celebration.

And before long, Ari discovers confetti in other places: at her birthday party; at the Pride parade; in autumn's falling leaves; in the magical sprinkling of snowflakes. She finds that when you look around, life is full of celebrations, each moment bursting with colour and joy - just like a handful of confetti.

The debut picture book from acclaimed poet Dean Atta, winner of the Stonewall Book Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal Prize, is stunningly brought to life by award-winning Alea Marley.

Nayu's thoughts 

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, which is true but in this case I fell in love with Confetti because of the cover. Look how joyful Ari is, and how beautiful the multi-coloured paper scraps are! Once she sees it at home Ari sees confetti in all it's colours everywhere. There is a magic to the way the colours encompass every scenario this sweet girl encounters. The soft yet vibrant colour palatte draws in the reader as much as the story of life's celebrations. 

Ari's love is that of a child's untainted by adult worldviews, innocent and seeing how love is everywhere with everyone. She has such a fun life and the confetti emphasizes that. It's an accurate portrayal of a child's imagination, as well as their innate compassion.  I hope readers see confetti everywhere after reading Ari's adventure. The world can be so beautiful and friendly.

Suggested read

If you love colours and love check out The Perfect Flower Girl by Taghred Chandab and Binny Talib (Children's, Picture book, 10/10)