Rating:  Summary: Not just for girls Review: This book is unique because it's written solely in letter-form. The main character writes and receives letters throughout--and the reader learns what's going on in her mind via letters from various "societies." For instance, when she's doubting herself about something, she may get a "letter" from the Cold-Hard Truth Association. It's a very clever way to craft a novel and I was really drawn into it. I recommend this book to guys and gals alike because it's just very HUMAN...not necessarily only for girls (as the cover might lend itself, seeing as how it's HOT-PINK with a girl's painted toenails on the top, HEH, HEH...). Anyhow, if you're looking for something different, honest, and hard-to-put-down, you HAVE to get this book!
Rating:  Summary: Extraordinary Review: Feeling Sorry for Celia, by Jaclyn Moriarty, is one of the best books I have read recently. It tells the story of fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Clarry, a typical Australian teenager. Well, maybe she's not quite so typical. Basically, her only communication with her eccentric mother consists of post-its left on the refrigerator. Her father has reappeared in her life suddenly, and she's not quite sure what to think of him. Her best friend Celia has run away (again). And her English teacher, trying to rekindle the "Joy of the Envelope", is making his class write letters to a class at the local public school. Lucky for Elizabeth, she gets paired with Christina, and through their exchange of letters, Elizabeth and Christina build up an incredible friendship. Though it might seem like a typical teen novel, what sets Feeling Sorry for Celia apart is the fact that it is written entirely in letters and notes from real people in Elizabeth's life, as well as fictitious organizations such as the Cold Hard Truth Association, and the Association of Teenagers. These letters show Elizabeth's fears and help to move the story along. This novel is full of twists and turns, romance and mysteries, and friendship. I absolutely loved this book, and I am eagerly awaiting more books by Jaclyn Moriarty!
Rating:  Summary: Have a Good Time Reading This Little Gem! Review: "Feeling Sorry For Celia" is one of the oddest books. Elizabeth only communicates with her mother via notes on the fridge, gets strange letters from the "Soceity of Teenagers" (or something like that) and spends most of the book feeling awkward and out of place. The whole thing starts when Elizabeth starts writing Christina for a school pen pal program. We find out about both of them in a present discovery sort of way. From Christina's prgnancy scare to Elizabeth's attempt to save her childhood friendship with Celia, it's an interesting book. I don't know how well Americans will appreciate the humor, though.
Rating:  Summary: Sorry for Celia; Happy for us Review: Author, Jaclyn Moriarty, has created with her lead character Elizabeth, the perfect every girl. During the course of the novel she deals with the same problems and insecurities all young girls face... family problems, best friend issues, boy trouble. The main reason this book stands out from others similar, is its unique format. The entire story is told through notes, letters, and memos from fictitious organizations. Which, again, is something I am sure all girls do. I found this novel in the regular fiction section, possibly because of its length, but I would recommend it to the teenager crowd as well. Perhaps a good novel for both mother and daughter to enjoy.
Rating:  Summary: Funny and Intriguing! Review: Elizabeth's best friend Celia has a habit of running away. Ever since Celia was a little kid she would run away from her home almost periodically so usually Elizabeth doesn't worry about it. But when she's away from home for many days, those turns into many weeks she starts to worry. But that isn't the only big thing going on in her life at the moment. She's 15, in the midst of her awkward teenage years. She and her mother speak pretty much only through letters and her father isn't her favorite person in the world. But everything changes when she's forced to take place in a pen pal project for English class. Her pen pals name is Christina and actually enjoys Elizabeth's quirky life. Suddenly a random person she barely knows, knows more about her than anyone else. And life gets even more complicated when Celia comes home. Written in a series of letters, some real (like Elizabeth's letters to and from Christina and her mother), and some fake (humorous letters from "associations" like the Association of teenagers, and the Cold Hard truth Society) Feeling sorry for Celia is a funny and unique book that you'll never forget. I knew I was going to like it when I discovered that her agent was Garth Nix, one of my favorite fantasy writers. The main character, Elizabeth, through her awkwardness and shyness is a great character that everyone will enjoy reading about. I recommend this book to readers of Sloppy firsts, or Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging.
Rating:  Summary: Well done Review: Funny and Entertaining quick read. Will appeal to teenagers and older folks who still remember what it was like.
Rating:  Summary: Not so funny after all Review: I was really disappointed in this book. The letters from all the made-up committees and organizations were so clever and funny, but the overall feel of the book was depressing. Teenagers with mixed-up, messed-up and dysfunctional lives. I was also offended by the amount of swearing in this book. I think the lady that wrote this had a great idea with all of her notes and letters, but I gave up on the book about half-way through and returned it very disappointed.
Rating:  Summary: Not the Typical Teen-Girl Book Review: A combination of drama, love, confussion, comedy, and aventure make up this incredible novel. Its compeltely different compared to most teen-girl books. Totally entertaining and a great read for girls.
Rating:  Summary: Hysterical and lighthearted read Review: I picked up this book at the book store and knew I had to have it when I saw that one of my favorite authors, Marian Keyes, had given it her stamp of approval (perhaps a silly reason, but nonetheless, it hooked me!). I can't tell you how funny this book is - it engages you at page one and I laughed OUT LOUD throughout the book. The main character is extremely likeable and as you read through her correspondences between her mother, her pen pal and her imaginary demons - you see a very likeable person who I think everyone can identify with on some level. If you are looking for a lighthearted read that will keep you smiling for hours afterwards, this is a great read!
Rating:  Summary: admiring book Review: This is a fabulous book! Its so funny and has so many unexpected happenings its so easy to adore. If your feeling low read this, it has little things that makes you sooooo intune with the book you forget your worries and just laugh. Please read it for you own sake! Its good for anyone with a sense of humor.
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