TITLE: Liesl & Po
AUTHOR: Lauren Oliver
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins in 2011
FORMAT: Hardcover, 307 pages
SOURCE: I bought it!!
AUTHOR: Lauren Oliver
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins in 2011
FORMAT: Hardcover, 307 pages
SOURCE: I bought it!!
I had never heard of this book until I saw a book trailer for it on YouTube. I fell in LOVE with the song that played during it, and the illustrations were so beautiful and haunting that I just had to go buy the book the first chance I got!!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Well I kinda already got into that, but then after buying the book it blew me away again with how beautiful the cover is!!
Well I kinda already got into that, but then after buying the book it blew me away again with how beautiful the cover is!!
AND THEN.... Upon opening the book and peeling off the cover... I was blown over YET AGAIN at the cover art on the actual book itself!!!!
If all this doesn't make you want to dive into the story already I'm not sure what will... except maybe that now - I'm gonna tell you all my thoughts on the book!!!
STORYLINE/SYNOPSIS:
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice,until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice,until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
I love a good ghost story. Most of the time when people say 'ghost story' - one is inclined to think of it as being spooky. This book is not spooky. I like the idea that ghosts are not always out to get you - or want to scare you. Po is not trying to scare Liesl. He just all of a sudden appears. And together with Bundle - his sort of dog/cat, he just comes into her life and they are thrust into a magical adventure together that is truly heartwarming. This book brought me to the reality that I really enjoy not just adult books - but middle grade books as well - and anything in between! I used to think that since I was no longer a 'young reader' that I shouldn't be reading 'young readers' books - when that is totally ridiculous! I could've been enjoying so many more stories all these years!!
WRITING STYLE:
The writing style was great! It flowed nicely. Lauren Oliver gives wonderful descriptions of each of the very unique and humourous characters. It's very easy to imagine all the different settings in the book and the different places Liesl & Po travel to. It's like I was there with them.. and I was very much enjoying the journey!
The writing style was great! It flowed nicely. Lauren Oliver gives wonderful descriptions of each of the very unique and humourous characters. It's very easy to imagine all the different settings in the book and the different places Liesl & Po travel to. It's like I was there with them.. and I was very much enjoying the journey!
CHARACTERS:
As I mentioned - the characters are wonderfully unique. I laughed out loud a few times while reading about the "sneezing woman" on the train. And sweet "Mo" (many a time I went "AWWW!!!") while reading about this bumbling security guard who works for the villainous "Lady Premiere". The drawings of all the characters throughout the book are a perfect depiction of their written counterparts. Many times I wished that "Bundle" - the dog/cat - would visit me..
PROS:
As I mentioned - the characters are wonderfully unique. I laughed out loud a few times while reading about the "sneezing woman" on the train. And sweet "Mo" (many a time I went "AWWW!!!") while reading about this bumbling security guard who works for the villainous "Lady Premiere". The drawings of all the characters throughout the book are a perfect depiction of their written counterparts. Many times I wished that "Bundle" - the dog/cat - would visit me..
PROS:
- Wonderful story that had me laughing, feeling sad, tickled, amused, sickened, thoughtful, curious.. and it filled my heart with warmth..
- Excellent character and scene descriptions! I could SEE everything I read and I loved it all!
CONS:
- There was a part near the end that I thought could've been a little bit more drawn out - the scene was kind of over before I knew what was happening!! I can't really say much about it because it would spoil it for you, but when you read it I'm sure you'll know what I mean. (I think..)
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Liesl & Po is a beautiful book - inside and out! While aimed at middle grade - I'd say the young and old alike will enjoy this book! It's a fantastical wonderful magical heartwarming adventure - with ghosts! I loved it and I love looking at it on my shelf!! And because of the cover under the dust jacket I highly suggest getting the hard cover edition - it's a great addition to any bookshelf!!
Liesl & Po is a beautiful book - inside and out! While aimed at middle grade - I'd say the young and old alike will enjoy this book! It's a fantastical wonderful magical heartwarming adventure - with ghosts! I loved it and I love looking at it on my shelf!! And because of the cover under the dust jacket I highly suggest getting the hard cover edition - it's a great addition to any bookshelf!!
RATING:
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