23 Mar 2011

FIRESTARTER.

FIRESTARTER by CATHERINE FORDE.

"I don't burn things. Fire's just there, waiting to start. Telling you light it."

That's Reece. My new next-door neighbour. He's got matted blue hair, all spiked up and red at the tips. Like the flames on a matchhead. He thinks we're mates.

I can't help feeling sorry for him. But then I think what he dis to Annie's doll ......

He's dangerous.

I should avoid him. Ignore him.

But I can't.
....... Outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE: It feels weird, watching Dad drive Mum off.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: I shake my head, grateful for any excuse to stop chewing my leathery gammon steak. Can your dad's cooking be cruelty to children.

KEEP IT OR NOT?: A book exchange read, definitely one for the shelves.

Another hit, I really enjoyed this novel which rather unusually, but thankfully, I'm sure will appeal to boys as well as girls. At least that is to say boys seem interested and impressed by both the title and the cover which I'm sure is half the battle won in getting them to pick up a book in the first place.

His mother away at a conference, his father working all day, teenager Keith is left in charge of his three-year-old sister, Annie. Set over a period of seven days, the week starts well and then ......... you'll have to read the book for yourself.

Only a short read (150 pages) and written with teenagers in mind, I found myself emotionally torn, feeling my sympathies should lie with Keith, Annie and family, I also found myself feeling profoundly sorry for Reece.

Not always an easy read, it is at times quite disturbing, I found myself continually questioning what I would do in the place of 'x', 'y', 'z'.

Having enjoyed the book as much as I did you would think I'd have more to stay but Firestarter is one of those novels that is difficult to review without giving away too much of the plot. All I can say is if you like a gritty, thought-provoking reads then you should enjoy this, I know I did - a lot.

The 27th book read for my 100+ Reading Challenge.

15 comments:

serendipity_viv said...

Sounds like one I would love!

Dorte H said...

I think someone is playing with fire. This one sounds sinister.

Gina said...

First reaction....WHOA. O_O Seriously, I see the draw of the book for gals and guys. The cover is eye-catching, the title is intriguing....and that back cover synopsis = definitely a winner. Definitely have to check out on a future reading adventure....thanks for sharing! ^_^

Arti said...

As you said Tracy the cover is indeed eye catching, looks like a very good read too... Will look out for this one!!
Have a lovely week:-)

Misha said...

Love the cover! The premise sounds really intriguing. I will have to check this book out.

Tomz said...

Hello pretty WItter,
Thanks for visiting my blog.ur interview was one of the unique ones..we were asked to guess the interviewee..but i dint have the fun, because we were strangers..

I am happy to be introduced to you..thank you come again..

i am also overjoyed to visit your mesmerizing blogging world.

It seems that u r a bibliophile..do u read every book?

Suko said...

This sounds like a book that you can't put down--excellent review!

Kelly said...

Ooo...you make this one sound really good!

BookQuoter said...

Definitely will read this! Thanks.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

This one sounds like a fun read! Nice! Thanks for the review!

Irfanuddin said...

Hello......

Thanx for stopping by at my space, i am honored...

first time here at ur space...got a nice Blog here with lot of stuff to read on.

and the interview of urs at NRIGirls's space is really nice...

Best wishes,
irfan

Betty Manousos said...

This sounds really good.
You're an expert on book reviews!
I always admire your excellent qualities!

Big hugs!
B xx

Jenners said...

At first I thought this was Stephen King's Firestarter. Glad to hear you had another hit.

Mamakucingbooks said...

sounds good

The Bookworm said...

sounds interesting!