23 Apr 2013

WORLD BOOK NIGHT : THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO.

Book 3 read for the What's In A Name 6  reading challenge (Something To Be found In The Kitchen Category) ......

A giver of this exceptional novel at tonight's World Book Night, as I explained in yesterdays post as part of the event I'll also be giving a talk on my experiences as a book blogger. Please be sure to keep your fingers crossed for me as not a natural public speaker I feel quite sick with dread.

THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO (Chaos Walking #1) by PATRICK NESS.

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown.

But Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in a constant, overwhelming, never-ending Noise. There is no privacy. There are no secrets.

Or are there?

Just one month from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd unexpectedly stumbles upon a spot of complete silence.

Which is impossible.

Prentisstown has been lying to him.

And now he's going to have to run.
...... Outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (Part 1, Chapter 1): The first thing
you find out when yer dog learns to talk is that dogs don't got nothing much to say.

MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 392): "War is a monster," he says, almost to himself. "War is the devil. It starts and it consumes and it grows and grows and grows." He's looking at me now. "And otherwise normal men become monsters, too."

MY THOUGHTS: Not a book that grabbed my attention from the beginning, it was only when I noticed the time, that it was now the wee small hours of the morning that I realised just how engrossed I'd actually become.

Essentially a coming of age story but one so cleverly written that not only will it appeal to both sexes but also to those of all ages from I'd say early teens upwards.

Yes, I know it says Guardian Children's Fiction Prize on the top right cover * but (the issue of whether or not it is too violent aside) because of the somewhat complex issues that arise I think less mature readers may well find this a difficult story to fully understand. Though yet again, a book that can be read and understood on so many different levels perhaps the younger reader might appreciate it merely as an exciting read with a talking dog rather than an exciting read with some pretty profound messages.

Told from the point of view of Todd who at twelve years and twelve months of age will become a man in one months time The Knife Of Never Letting Go largely follows his, Manchee (the afore mentioned talking dog) and Viola (the first girl Todd has ever encountered) on their flight towards Haven. 

Like or loathe the fact that some of Todd's speech is misspelled (not having  much of a formal educayshun he is illiterate), that his thought processes can be disjointed, the 'Noise' distracting this is without a doubt a unique story. Perhaps a tad too long and arguably full of too much running, it ended on a cliffhanger that if you are anything like me will leave you longing to read the next book (The Ask And The Answer) and who knows even the one after that.

KEEP IT OR NOT?: Though I was a 'giver' of this on World Book Night, I purchased this, my own personal copy, from Amazon. Without a doubt it has a place on our shelves.

* The bottom right cover was especially commissioned for the World Book Night edition of the book.





Disclaimer #1 :Removal of any part of this post without my express consent is considered copyright infringement. This post was created by and for Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper. If you are reading this post on any other site please contact the original blog owner/reviewer.

18 comments:

Nina Gray said...

it seems like a good book to read from review you have given it.. must grab a copy of it, though I wish it would not have been a sequel. I have so many unfinished sequels that now I am having all the stories mixed up!


And all the best for your talk!

Yanting Gueh said...

Sounds like one I'd love to pick up, though I have reservations about spelled-out dialects. But hey, I love coming-of-age stories so I'll definitely give this a try. BEST OF LUCK with your talk, Petty!

Mary (Bookfan) said...

How fun to love it and then to be able to give it to others for WBN!

Gina said...

Aww, Tracy...I'm sure you'll do fine! After all, you're speaking about something you REALLY enjoy and having a subject like that can make all the difference! ^_^ Great post too by the way...have heard this author is one not to miss. I believe the reccomendation came from one of our mutal friends, Danielle over at There's A Book. Happy reading...and good luck!

Kelly said...

I feel the same way when I have to speak to others. It's always easier with a comfortable topic, though, and you certainly know your books! So....I have total confidence you will be great!

Looking forward to hearing about it!

Barbara said...

I have my fingers and toes crossed for you. I understand exactly what you mean about not being a natural public speaker, but I’m sure you will do wonderfully well!

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

The edges between YA and adult fiction seem to be becoming more and more blurred. I can't believe that teenagers reading habits have moved on to such an extent, since I was that age.

This definitely sounds like a great read for both age groups, although I am not sure about the disjointed speech and the fact that you say it ends on a cliffhanger. I don't mind books being part of a series, but I do like them to work as stand alone stories and have some kind of closure, so that you are not necessarily forced to read a sequel to determine the outcome.

Thanks for sharing, a great book for your 'what's in a name' challenge.

Yvonne

Heather said...

I'm also looking forward to reading the next book. i didn't mind the mis-spellings as i think they added toward making that world a reality.

Heather said...

I linked with my earlier review

http://www.heatherpearson.com/2012/08/the-knife-of-never-letting-go-chaos.html

brandileigh2003 said...

I have been wanting to read this one and even more so now

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

I love becoming engrossed in a book like that and not realizing it! I also don't think his speech should have been intentionally misspelled. Still, sounds like a good read. Great choice for WBN!

StarTraci said...

Came today to send you a hug across the water for your talk. I'm so silly, though, and didn't adjust for the time. I'm sure it's long over but I'm sure you were great!
<3
Traci

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Great review- I hear this is a good one, so I guess I need to finally get myself a copy. I like that the World Book Night edition has a special cover. it's very cool.

Aunt Mary said...

Such a beautiful review, now I think I should have a copy of it :)

Suko said...

I'm glad you enjoyed this book, Tracy. I am sure you will do well as a speaker, because you certainly know all the ins and outs of book blogging! But I am crossing my fingers for you anyway.

Kimberly @ Midnight Book Girl said...

What a great book to give for World Book Night! I love that special cover too, it's so pretty!

Bo said...

How did your presentation go? I'm sure it was jut fine. This book sounds intriguing, too. Everyone on the feed seems to have really good things to say about it. Might be worth checking out.

Lindsay said...

I'm glad you enjoyed this one, I've heard a lot about it and it's on my to be read pile. I hope you had a great WBN!