The Book of Tomorrow

I've always been a bit sceptical about Ahern novels, feeling they are still riding on the phenomenal success that was PS I Love You whilst never really delivering the same satisfaction. I especially was left dissapointed by The Gift which lacked a storyline of great substance, however I duly picked up The Book Of Tomorrow and gave it a try.

Initially I was dubious - the title character is a spoilt 16 year old who has been forced to leave her home after the suicide and bankruptcy of her father, she and her depressed and grieving mother move in with her brother and his wife in their small cottage next to the ruin of an old castle belonging to the Kilcarney family.

In the first few chapters I stuggled to warm to the lead character Tamara finding myself thinking the novel would have worked better written from her mothers perspective as she struggled following the death of her husband, however as the novel progressed and the plot line developed I warmed to Tamara and found myself really empathising with her position. I won't go too deeply into the plot line as it's nice not to give too much away but this book resotred my faith in Ahern's writing with a great ending to the book and one you don't see coming so very strongly written and well worth reading.

I'm starting to think that if a book publicist is contacting me repeatedly about reading and reviewing a new book, the book must be desultory. My gut feeling said don't agree to read and review this book; my gut feeling said this book would disappoint me. I should have listened to my gut feeling.This book was disappointing. I did not like the main character. The main character was inconsistent. The plot jumped. Once again, a book that could have used an editor.

The first time I picked this book up, I read one chapter and I decided that I hated the main character. She's a selfish brat, and she just annoyed me. So I decided I wasn't going to read it, and I almost took it back to the library. About a week later, I told myself to get over it and see where it would all lead. Maybe it would get better.... and O.M.G. IT DID!

I really loved this book by the end. There was so much growth of the main character throughout. Also, Cecilia Ahern was able to create so much suspense out of everyday, sometimes mundane events. Then towards the end, the big family secret pops in and you feel swept into the story of trying to figure out what her creepy aunt is hiding. The ending was perfect, but not cheesy as I feared might end up being the case. The entire book was an adventure.

My mind was completely changed about first person narration. I usually do not read it, but now I will consider myself equal opportunity. Thank you, Cecilia Ahern.