Monday, 7 March 2011
Book Review: What my Mother Doesn’t Know & What my Girlfriend Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones
I have Nomes of InkCrush and my local library to thank for introducing me to these fabulous books.
Nomes, because she wrote such a lovely review, calling these books ones curl up with on a Sunday. My library because the fabulous liberians always do such lovely displays.
These two things came together when I was dashing into the library to pick up some books (browsing is no longer an option with the toddler in tow) What My Mother Doesn’t Know was on display and I thought, yes I just fancy curling up with that. So I added it to the pile.
I opened it up that afternoon after putting my son down for his nap and suddenly it was time to get him up again. What My Mother Doesn’t Know is a book that effortlessly sucks you in. I wanted to read slowly to enjoy the words, but I also wanted to read very fast to know what happened.
When I finished later that evening I immediately downloaded What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know on to my Kindle. When I finished that I went online and bought both books.
Why?
Because these are books I want to keep by my bedside and dip into.
So that probably tells you everything you need to know about how much I love these two books.
But
Here’s some more. Just in case.
Every single page contains a gem – the kind of sentence or phrase you want to roll around in your mouth because it sounds so lovely, or write down because it so perfectly encapsulates a feeling.
Sonya Sones makes you feel so much, and care so deeply, with so few words – it’s magical.
Like me you may have been scarred by having to study William Blake for a whole year (I mean seriously there were no other poets?) and therefore think verse novels are not for you. You would be so wrong, take a chance, trust me!
Nomes was right – these are perfect sunday afternoons. Think roaring fire, hot chocolate, hours gone in a flash afternoons.
Such lovely characters.
They’re funny.
And sad – you know I love that mix.
They made me remember being a teenager so well, all the little things and the big things. Like this –
These books are Just. Magical.
Sonya Sones has a very lovely web site here and a new adult book out on April 5th The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus: A Novel about Marriage, Motherhood and Mayhem
Okay, both you Nomes and love this, then obviously I need it! I am big fan of verse books so it sounds right up my alley. I love that little quote you included.
Beautiful review!
ReplyDelete
I remember loving What My Mother Doesn't Know–I must reread it! Such wonderful words to savor.
ReplyDelete
YAY! so glad you loved them! I read one at my library and then bought it for myself and bought the matching one.
Aren't they just gorgeous? This has reminded me I really should get her other book 'one of those books where the mother dies' (i think it's somethign like that?)
i loaned my copies to my sister and she loved them too. they are such a lovely prefect book to flip through and you can read them so easily in one go.
Loved this post! and NIC ~ you would ADORE these books 🙂
ReplyDelete
Nic – you'll love it!
Meredith – definitely words to savour!
Nomes – I did I'm SO glad you reviewed them 🙂 Yes I need to read that one too. I kind of want another Sophie, Robin book – there is what happened next potential and I'm greedy I like to revisit characters 🙂
ReplyDelete
I have to get these books! I wonder what my poet husband will think of them? Maybe I can get him to read them too! Would they be fun to read together, or would you have to look over each other's shoulders so you can see all the line breaks and stuff?
ReplyDelete
I feel the same way about these books! Especially WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. Which, I also wen't out and bought after reading a library copy 🙂
ReplyDelete
I just finished this and absolutely adored it. Sones nailed the voice of a teenage girl. I can't wait to read its sequel for Robin's perspective.
ReplyDelete