Publication Date: 26th June 2012
Pages: 358
Book Source: Own purchase
Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school
library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may
be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and
loving. He really speaks to Delilah.
And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is
more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels
trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is
predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and
Delilah might just be his key to freedom.
Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his
book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate,
the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows
along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.
My
Thoughts:
I love Jodi Picoult's writing and was keen to see what the
collaboration between Jodi and her teenage daughter Samantha was like. Between
the Lines was certainly a unique, imaginative read and I loved the concept - as
a reader, who hasn't wished or fantasised about a character coming to
life? But ...
Whilst this book is YA (which I'm a huge fan of) I felt like
Between The Lines missed the target - young adult concepts and humour but some
writing aimed at a much younger audience - but much of the humour, innuendo and perceptions on life, take mermaid feminist leanings for example, would pass over the heads of middle
grade readers.
My 'child at heart' enjoyed the fairy tale, the story within
the story and the cute drawings & illustrations. Ever wonders what happens
when a book cover closes? ... it was fun to find out, and an adventure
watching Prince Oliver, dissatisfied with his life, strive for his own Happy
Ever After with the help of 15 year old Delilah, the reader obsessed with the
story.
Everyone else in this book seems to be perfectly happy with the
fact that they are part of a story ...
I guess I just have to believe there is more to the world than
what's inside these pages.
All in all an enjoyable read for it's refreshing originality.
My child at heart also LOVED this book so, so much. Made me want to be a child all over again. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin, will have to check out your review
DeleteSounds like a great concept for a book...but sorry that it fell short for you...
ReplyDeletecan't win them all Julie but still a quick, fun read
DeleteSounds cool :) I hope she frees him! But then again what would he do outside?
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to read it and find out B ;)
DeleteHmm I love the concept but I am not a fan of Jodi Piccoult myself (eek I know). However I might be swayed by this book even though it fell short for you.
ReplyDeleteWill be keen to see what you think if you do pick it up Caspette :)
DeleteMaybe it was the times, but I remember being around 12 and being aware of feminist humor, jokes and things of that nature. But then we had less to distract us from the world - this was back in 1972. So, there are some kids that age that might totally get it, and probably some who have no idea what's going on outside their i-phones.
ReplyDeleteI also like the concept - but I find for myself if the writing is supposed to be a teen and the words used are too sophisticated (as opposed to concepts) then it pulls me out of the story.
yes I can remember reading and comprehending adult fiction at age 12 or 13 but it's the opposite way around with this novel, a lot of the writing seems very young. Anyway still fun :)
DeleteOh, I see - I think I misunderstood. Still fun? Her adult novels seem to have heavy subjects. I should try her for my in between reads. I've never read her novels - yet. :)
DeleteIt does sound so unique...so I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for your thoughts!
ReplyDeletedefinitely unique, looking forward to your thoughts Laurel-Rain!
DeleteSo this one is targeted to Middle School readers? I have it on my list to read but just never got there! Story of my life!
ReplyDelete