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Butterfly #1
And by the Way…
At Strandbrook College, we are Kids Of. Kids of diplomats, media stars, musicians, artists, actors, oh, and wealthy people who aspire to all of that. I'm the kid of a rock star. Means nothing to me.
When Mum died, six months ago, I didn't just lose her, I lost my dad - to work. The only thing he does now is annoy me. He hires people like 'The Stylist' who wears bullets in her belt and makes him look like a hobo. Seriously.
But 'The Rockstar' isn't the only person who drives me mad. There's David McFadden, a guy in my class who could have helped but didn't. Now, it's too late. I don't want his help. Because I'm not going to trust anyone, love anyone, rely on anyone. That way I'll never be hurt again.
If only I could solve the problem of Rachel, my best friend, who won't let me pull back just like that. Even David McFadden won't stay out of my face. But I'm not going to fall for his blue eyes, his windswept hair or the plaited leather on his wrist.
And when he says he wants to help, I'm sure as hell not going to listen....
When Mum died, six months ago, I didn't just lose her, I lost my dad - to work. The only thing he does now is annoy me. He hires people like 'The Stylist' who wears bullets in her belt and makes him look like a hobo. Seriously.
But 'The Rockstar' isn't the only person who drives me mad. There's David McFadden, a guy in my class who could have helped but didn't. Now, it's too late. I don't want his help. Because I'm not going to trust anyone, love anyone, rely on anyone. That way I'll never be hurt again.
If only I could solve the problem of Rachel, my best friend, who won't let me pull back just like that. Even David McFadden won't stay out of my face. But I'm not going to fall for his blue eyes, his windswept hair or the plaited leather on his wrist.
And when he says he wants to help, I'm sure as hell not going to listen....
325 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2011
26 people are currently reading
2519 people want to read
About the author
Denise Deegan
26 books125 followersAward-winning and best-selling author, Denise Deegan lives in Dublin with her family where she regularly dreams of sunshine, a life without cooking and her novels being made into movies.
Denise has been a nurse, a china restorer, a pharmaceutical sales rep, a public relations officer, an entrepreneur and a college lecturer. Her most difficult job was being a checkout girl, although ultimately this experience did inspire a short story…
Denise writes for both adults and teenagers. Her novels have been published by Penguin, Random House, Hachette and Lake Union Publishing. Writing under the pen name Aimee Alexander, Denise's contemporary family dramas have become international best-sellers on Kindle.
Under her own name, Denise has written a much-loved contemporary Young Adult trilogy, the Butterfly Novels, the second of which was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Denise's most recent novel, Through the Barricades, won the international SCBWI Spark Award.
Denise has been a nurse, a china restorer, a pharmaceutical sales rep, a public relations officer, an entrepreneur and a college lecturer. Her most difficult job was being a checkout girl, although ultimately this experience did inspire a short story…
Denise writes for both adults and teenagers. Her novels have been published by Penguin, Random House, Hachette and Lake Union Publishing. Writing under the pen name Aimee Alexander, Denise's contemporary family dramas have become international best-sellers on Kindle.
Under her own name, Denise has written a much-loved contemporary Young Adult trilogy, the Butterfly Novels, the second of which was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Denise's most recent novel, Through the Barricades, won the international SCBWI Spark Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 21, 2022
2,5 / 5
September 16, 2011
When Keris Stainton first told me about And By the Way... for D&B Week, I didn't know what to expect. It sounded really good, but I hadn't heard of Denise Deegan before. I have to say, I judged the book by it's cover. When I opened it's pages, I was looking forward to what I expected would be a fluffy read, despite the topic. It's anything but fluffy. But it's completely fantastic!
I don't even really know where to begin. Alex is suffering terribly from the death of her mother six months ago. Her Dad pretty much acts like she doesn't exist, and she feels so alone. She has her friends, but is so absolutely terrified of losing anyone else that she holds back from people. She doesn't share what she's feeling, she'll avoid socialising outside school. It's so difficult to read, because she is so unbelievably lost. There was a moment where I almost burst into tears on a bus. I'm not like Alex, nor is my Mum like Alex's, but they had the same kind of close, fun relationship I have with my Mum, and it just really hit home how devastated it is. She keeps herself behind think concrete walls and won't let anyone inside. Until David starts showing an interest, and just won't leave her alone.
I'm not going to say any more than that about the plot, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but it's just brilliant. The book almost seems to be split up into several parts - the main one being before X and after X (and no, I won't tell you what X is). Yet there are several over ways you could break the story down, because so much happens. This book is about so much more than just Alex coping with her mother's death. Almost every important character in this book is dealing with some sort of problem. Relationship issues, family issues, self-esteem issues, loss in other ways. As I said, there's a lot going on, and it's terribly sad. I didn't cry while reading this novel, but that's simply because I way beyond crying. It was too sad to cry.
What I love is how we get to see several other people effected by grief, too - namely 'The Rockstar' and Alex's Gran. Her Dad doesn't function on anything other than work. That is his life now. Alex thinks it's because he just doesn't care, but it's the only way he's able to deal with things - though he doesn't realise how he's treating Alex. Gran stays at home all day with the curtains drawn. Alex is the only person she sees. It's only through hearing about Alex's life that she gets back her old spark back. It's all really sad.
There is one character in this book who, initially, I would quite like to beat to a pulp. However, as the book goes on we see more of his nicer side show. He doesn't really have much page time, but I found him to be quite interesting, a "more than meets the eye" character. I know this series is about the three friends, but I'd so love to see him with his own book!
I'm going to end this review with an anecdote. I was talking to my Mum about the book, how sad it was and how awful all the things that were happening were, and went to get myself some chocolate for comfort eating...
Mum: "You can make me a cup of tea while you're down there."
Me: "Noooo.."
Mum: "It will cheer you up!"
Me: "Making you a cup of tea will cheer me up?"
Mum: "Yes! Because you CAN make me a cup of tea. I'm not dead."
Got to love her.
And By the Way... is a truely amazing and heart-wrenching novel that I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved it, and can't recommend it enough. I'm so looking forward to the sequel!
I don't even really know where to begin. Alex is suffering terribly from the death of her mother six months ago. Her Dad pretty much acts like she doesn't exist, and she feels so alone. She has her friends, but is so absolutely terrified of losing anyone else that she holds back from people. She doesn't share what she's feeling, she'll avoid socialising outside school. It's so difficult to read, because she is so unbelievably lost. There was a moment where I almost burst into tears on a bus. I'm not like Alex, nor is my Mum like Alex's, but they had the same kind of close, fun relationship I have with my Mum, and it just really hit home how devastated it is. She keeps herself behind think concrete walls and won't let anyone inside. Until David starts showing an interest, and just won't leave her alone.
I'm not going to say any more than that about the plot, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but it's just brilliant. The book almost seems to be split up into several parts - the main one being before X and after X (and no, I won't tell you what X is). Yet there are several over ways you could break the story down, because so much happens. This book is about so much more than just Alex coping with her mother's death. Almost every important character in this book is dealing with some sort of problem. Relationship issues, family issues, self-esteem issues, loss in other ways. As I said, there's a lot going on, and it's terribly sad. I didn't cry while reading this novel, but that's simply because I way beyond crying. It was too sad to cry.
What I love is how we get to see several other people effected by grief, too - namely 'The Rockstar' and Alex's Gran. Her Dad doesn't function on anything other than work. That is his life now. Alex thinks it's because he just doesn't care, but it's the only way he's able to deal with things - though he doesn't realise how he's treating Alex. Gran stays at home all day with the curtains drawn. Alex is the only person she sees. It's only through hearing about Alex's life that she gets back her old spark back. It's all really sad.
There is one character in this book who, initially, I would quite like to beat to a pulp. However, as the book goes on we see more of his nicer side show. He doesn't really have much page time, but I found him to be quite interesting, a "more than meets the eye" character. I know this series is about the three friends, but I'd so love to see him with his own book!
I'm going to end this review with an anecdote. I was talking to my Mum about the book, how sad it was and how awful all the things that were happening were, and went to get myself some chocolate for comfort eating...
Mum: "You can make me a cup of tea while you're down there."
Me: "Noooo.."
Mum: "It will cheer you up!"
Me: "Making you a cup of tea will cheer me up?"
Mum: "Yes! Because you CAN make me a cup of tea. I'm not dead."
Got to love her.
And By the Way... is a truely amazing and heart-wrenching novel that I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved it, and can't recommend it enough. I'm so looking forward to the sequel!
January 14, 2015
When most non-Irish people think of Irish people they think of alcohol, leprachauns, and more alcohol. So when an Irish book comes out it's hard to be optimistic. But as a (sometimes) proud Irish girl, I am so honoured to be from the same country as the setting of this book! I loved this book so fucking much. You get drawn into the story, begin to love the characters, and cry with them along the way. Definitely one of the best things to come from Irish soil. Go you, Denise Deegan! You've made our country awesome again! :)
“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”
I already knew I would love this book from the first page. It grabbed your attention and gave you a "Yeah, tell me about it" feeling whenever she talked.
It tells the story of Alex, a girl who's still recovering from the sudden death of her mother, and dealing with having her famous "Rockstar" father drift slowly away from her grasp. She finds comfort in David, a boy who understands her pain, and her two best friends, Sarah and Rachel (who each get a sequel with their POV).
Alex is a very complicated character. She doesn't want to get close to anybody ever since her mum died as she doesn't want go through the pain if something bad happens to them. This is what makes her romance with David so intriguing. He knows what she's going through, and wants to help, but she continually refuses. But he won't take no for an answer, and eventually Alex stops refusing. The connection between them feels genuine.
Her relationship with her dad is even more complex. He starts ignoring her ever since her mum died, but we start to see their relationship evolve throughout the book and Deegan makes it happen so naturally. It's not like on one page they hate each other and on the other Alex suddenly realises how much she needs her dad kind-of-way.
She has a crap load of stuff to deal with throughout the book, and you can't help but cheer as she begins to deal with it all and start to move past the mind-boggling grief and realise its okay to not be sad all the time.
Even though I (thankfully) haven't dealt with losing the death of dear close family member besides grandparents, I could totally believe how Alex felt when she felt she was being swallowed up by grief. It makes me wonder whether the author actually experienced that sort of grief, or was she that good of an author?
This book is recommended to anybody, teen or adult, and so would And For Your Information... (with Alex's friend Sarah's POV). I haven't read And Actually... yet (Rachel's POV) but I know that will also be great and am looking forward to it. :)
Add this book to your list, especially if you've ever experienced the loss of a loved one and would know exactly how Alex feels.
“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”
I already knew I would love this book from the first page. It grabbed your attention and gave you a "Yeah, tell me about it" feeling whenever she talked.
It tells the story of Alex, a girl who's still recovering from the sudden death of her mother, and dealing with having her famous "Rockstar" father drift slowly away from her grasp. She finds comfort in David, a boy who understands her pain, and her two best friends, Sarah and Rachel (who each get a sequel with their POV).
Alex is a very complicated character. She doesn't want to get close to anybody ever since her mum died as she doesn't want go through the pain if something bad happens to them. This is what makes her romance with David so intriguing. He knows what she's going through, and wants to help, but she continually refuses. But he won't take no for an answer, and eventually Alex stops refusing. The connection between them feels genuine.
Her relationship with her dad is even more complex. He starts ignoring her ever since her mum died, but we start to see their relationship evolve throughout the book and Deegan makes it happen so naturally. It's not like on one page they hate each other and on the other Alex suddenly realises how much she needs her dad kind-of-way.
She has a crap load of stuff to deal with throughout the book, and you can't help but cheer as she begins to deal with it all and start to move past the mind-boggling grief and realise its okay to not be sad all the time.
Even though I (thankfully) haven't dealt with losing the death of dear close family member besides grandparents, I could totally believe how Alex felt when she felt she was being swallowed up by grief. It makes me wonder whether the author actually experienced that sort of grief, or was she that good of an author?
This book is recommended to anybody, teen or adult, and so would And For Your Information... (with Alex's friend Sarah's POV). I haven't read And Actually... yet (Rachel's POV) but I know that will also be great and am looking forward to it. :)
Add this book to your list, especially if you've ever experienced the loss of a loved one and would know exactly how Alex feels.
August 13, 2013
Meinung:
Mir hat der Schreibstil von Denise Deegan richtig gut gefallen! Sie schreibt nicht um den heißen Brei herum, sondern geht gleich in die Offensive.
Das ganze Buch ist aus der Sicht von Alex geschrieben, so dass man sich wunderbar in ihre Gefühle und Gedanken zurecht finden kann.
Alex ist ein schwieriger Charakter. Sie hat vor ein paar Monaten ihre Mutter und gerade diese Trauer spürt man deutlich, wenn man dieses Buch liest. Es wirkt so real!
Durch die Trauer ist sie sehr verschlossen und lässt keine Nähe mehr zu. Auch nicht von ihren Freundinnen!
Zu ihrem Vater hat sie seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter eigentlich gar kein gutes Verhältnis mehr. Einzig Homer, ihr goldener Retriever, ist immer in ihrer Nähe, diese sie auch zulässt.
In David habe ich mich sofort verliebt. Er ist einfach so toll! Er weiß genau, wie Alex sich fühlt, denn er hat sechs Monate zuvor das selbe durchlebt!
David legt die Geduld an den Tag, die ich in manchen Situationen gar nicht aufbringen könnte. Er ist immer für Alex da, wenn sie ihn braucht. Und das, wo er mit seinen eigenen Problemen zu kämpfen hat!
Mark, Alex Bodyguard und Chauffeur, und Rachel, ihre beste Freundin haben mir super gefallen.
Sarah, ebenfalls eine gute Freundin von Alex, war zwar nett, aber ich kam nicht ganz mit ihrer Art klar.
Auf dieses Buch bin ich mal zufällig bei Thalia gestoßen und wollte es dann unbedingt mitnehmen, weil es sich so interessant angehört hat.
Ich habe mir eine schöne, aber auch traurige Liebesgeschichte vorgestellt. Und die habe ich auch bekommen!
Die Geschichte von Alex und David beginnt im Buch schon relativ früh, doch ich finde, dass das überhaupt nichts macht. Es passt einfach super zum Buch.
Was mir an diesem Buch besonders gefallen hat, dass es hier nicht nur um die Liebesgeschichte geht. Es geht um so viel mehr!
Wie man mit der Trauer eines geliebten Menschen umgeht, um tägliche Probleme mit dem anderen Elternteil, Trennungen. Eigentlich all das, was das wahre Leben zu bieten hat!
Und so finde ich, wirkt das alles nochmal realistischer.
Das Buch hat es echt in sich! Als ich ¾ dieses Buches gelesen habe, wollte ich zum Schluss gar nicht mehr aufhören, weil es einfach soooo spannend wurde!
Das Ende ist wirklich offen und richtig zufrieden hat es mich nicht gestellt. Wie denn auch, wenn ich als weiterlesen könnte? Ich bin jetzt schon gespannt, wie es in Teil 2 mit Sarah weitergeht!
Fazit:
''Wer braucht schon Liebe'' von Denise Deegan ist ein gelungener Auftakt der ''Butterfly'-Trilogie. Dieses Buch beinhaltet nicht nur eine tolle Liebesgeschichte, sondern befasst sich auch mit dem Tod, Familie und Freundschaft.
Wer Simone Elkeles, Huntley Fitzpatrik und Kody Keplinger geliebt hat, der wird auch dieses Buch lieben!
Mir hat der Schreibstil von Denise Deegan richtig gut gefallen! Sie schreibt nicht um den heißen Brei herum, sondern geht gleich in die Offensive.
Das ganze Buch ist aus der Sicht von Alex geschrieben, so dass man sich wunderbar in ihre Gefühle und Gedanken zurecht finden kann.
Alex ist ein schwieriger Charakter. Sie hat vor ein paar Monaten ihre Mutter und gerade diese Trauer spürt man deutlich, wenn man dieses Buch liest. Es wirkt so real!
Durch die Trauer ist sie sehr verschlossen und lässt keine Nähe mehr zu. Auch nicht von ihren Freundinnen!
Zu ihrem Vater hat sie seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter eigentlich gar kein gutes Verhältnis mehr. Einzig Homer, ihr goldener Retriever, ist immer in ihrer Nähe, diese sie auch zulässt.
In David habe ich mich sofort verliebt. Er ist einfach so toll! Er weiß genau, wie Alex sich fühlt, denn er hat sechs Monate zuvor das selbe durchlebt!
David legt die Geduld an den Tag, die ich in manchen Situationen gar nicht aufbringen könnte. Er ist immer für Alex da, wenn sie ihn braucht. Und das, wo er mit seinen eigenen Problemen zu kämpfen hat!
Mark, Alex Bodyguard und Chauffeur, und Rachel, ihre beste Freundin haben mir super gefallen.
Sarah, ebenfalls eine gute Freundin von Alex, war zwar nett, aber ich kam nicht ganz mit ihrer Art klar.
Auf dieses Buch bin ich mal zufällig bei Thalia gestoßen und wollte es dann unbedingt mitnehmen, weil es sich so interessant angehört hat.
Ich habe mir eine schöne, aber auch traurige Liebesgeschichte vorgestellt. Und die habe ich auch bekommen!
Die Geschichte von Alex und David beginnt im Buch schon relativ früh, doch ich finde, dass das überhaupt nichts macht. Es passt einfach super zum Buch.
Was mir an diesem Buch besonders gefallen hat, dass es hier nicht nur um die Liebesgeschichte geht. Es geht um so viel mehr!
Wie man mit der Trauer eines geliebten Menschen umgeht, um tägliche Probleme mit dem anderen Elternteil, Trennungen. Eigentlich all das, was das wahre Leben zu bieten hat!
Und so finde ich, wirkt das alles nochmal realistischer.
Das Buch hat es echt in sich! Als ich ¾ dieses Buches gelesen habe, wollte ich zum Schluss gar nicht mehr aufhören, weil es einfach soooo spannend wurde!
Das Ende ist wirklich offen und richtig zufrieden hat es mich nicht gestellt. Wie denn auch, wenn ich als weiterlesen könnte? Ich bin jetzt schon gespannt, wie es in Teil 2 mit Sarah weitergeht!
Fazit:
''Wer braucht schon Liebe'' von Denise Deegan ist ein gelungener Auftakt der ''Butterfly'-Trilogie. Dieses Buch beinhaltet nicht nur eine tolle Liebesgeschichte, sondern befasst sich auch mit dem Tod, Familie und Freundschaft.
Wer Simone Elkeles, Huntley Fitzpatrik und Kody Keplinger geliebt hat, der wird auch dieses Buch lieben!
June 20, 2017
And By The Way by Denise Deegan.
Six months ago, I lost my mum to cancer and my dad, 'The Rockstar', to work. Now, I don't do close. With anyone. That way I won't get hurt.
My friend, Rachel, won't give up on me. And that's a problem. So is David McFadden, a guy in my class who says he wants to help. Six months ago, he could have but didn't. Now, it's too late. The last person I'm going to listen to is David McFadden. When he calls me Ice Queen, I'll show him just how right he is.
A very good read with good characters very moving. 4*. Tbc on fb.
Six months ago, I lost my mum to cancer and my dad, 'The Rockstar', to work. Now, I don't do close. With anyone. That way I won't get hurt.
My friend, Rachel, won't give up on me. And that's a problem. So is David McFadden, a guy in my class who says he wants to help. Six months ago, he could have but didn't. Now, it's too late. The last person I'm going to listen to is David McFadden. When he calls me Ice Queen, I'll show him just how right he is.
A very good read with good characters very moving. 4*. Tbc on fb.
January 26, 2013
Alex is sixteen and struggling to deal with her mother's death and her father's apparent indifference to it all. Then she meets David.
This book was recommended to me by a friend after my mother died. I was a little reluctant to read it at first but now I'm delighted I did.
I thought the blurb made the book sound a little cliché when really, it was anything but. I liked how the author handled the relationship between Alex and David. It was sweet, but not over the top. Both characters were well developed and I really came to love them. Despite that I couldn't help but be frustrated with Alex at times, probably the only negative thing I have to say about the story.
The main issues in And by the Way were handled excellently. Much as it hurt to read I knew that Deegan was remaining true to real life.
This book helped me a great deal at a time that was very difficult and continues to do so.
June 12, 2017
A lovely book focused on love and loss and learning to trust and live again. I really enjoyed the style in which this book was written with the main character being very emotional and torn throughout the book, the characters closest to Alex are also emotionally charged and at various stages of grieving. The characters all slotted together well and helped to create a visual story that deepened as the story established. I found it took a longer than I expected for the story to warm up and for the characters to jump off the page but once they did it made compulsive reading and I am looking forward to the follow up book to this one.
June 23, 2017
A fantastic, emotional story about Alex dealing with the loss of her mother and her father who is lost in his work. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thanks to TBC for the review copy.
July 2, 2014
Seriyle olan bütün ilişiğim bitmiştir T_T
May 26, 2013
Der erste Satz
Okay.
Meine Meinung
Mal wieder ein romantisches Jugendbuch aus dem Hause cbt. Ihr wisst ja, dass ich diese Bücher echt total liebe und wenn es davon genug geben würde wahrscheinlich auch nur noch diese Art von Büchern lesen würde. And by the way... ist der cbt Verlag mein Lieblingsverlag (kleines, aber schlechtes Wortspiel mit dem Originaltitel, verzeiht mir bitte!), denn ich habe immer das Gefühl, dass die Bücher, die die veröffentlichen nur für mich geschrieben sind, da eigentlich fast alle total meinem Geschmack entsprechen. Als ich gesehen habe, dass dieses Buch bald erscheint, habe ich es mir sofort auf die Wunschliste gesetzt, weil ich wusste, dass ich es einfach haben muss. Ich war echt so glücklich, dass mir der cbt Verlag das Buch zum Rezensieren zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Als es bei mir ankam, musste ich es wirklich sofort lesen, weil ich so gespannt war.
Die Geschichte hat sich für mich nach nichts neuem oder besonderen angehört, aber gerade das finde ich dann nämlich meistens sehr interessant, weil ich es genial finde wie es Autoren gelingt das gleiche Thema auf verschiedene Arten zu vermitteln und dem Leser trotz des bereits bekannten Themas eine ganz andere Sichtweise zu schaffen. Denn man muss doch echt sagen, dass ein Mädchen, das einen Elternteil oder vielleicht sogar beide verloren hat, meistens sich von anderen Menschen abschottet und niemanden mehr an sich heran lässt damit sie nicht noch einmal verletzt wird, nichts noch nie da gewesenes ist. Trotzdem hat mich die Geschichte von der ersten Seite an begeistert. Es geht um Alex, die mit ihrem Vater zusammen lebt, der aber immer unterwegs ist, weil er ein gefeierter Rockstar ist. Er lässt sie immer alleine mit irgendwelchem Personal, das sich um Alex kümmern soll. Sie fühlt sich von ihm im Stich und allein gelassen, denn ihre Mutter ist vor sechs Monaten an Krebs gestorben. Deswegen hat Alex niemanden mehr. Sie dachte, dass ihr Vater für sie da sein wird, aber er hat sie komplett allein gelassen. Und zwar mit allem: mit der Trauer nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter und mit der Wut und der Enttäuschung die ihr immer wieder ein Stich ins Herz versetzen. Seitdem ihr Vater sie nun auch noch im Stich gelassen hat, vertraut sie niemandem mehr, lässt niemanden mehr an sich und lässt nicht zu, dass sie irgend jemand liebt. Deswegen stößt sie alle Menschen von ihr weg, die sich um sie kümmern oder ihr helfen wollen, weil sie es einfach nicht ertragen kann, dass sie mit der Gewissheit leben muss, dass sie auch diese Menschen wieder verlieren kann und, dass das manchmal schneller geht als man denkt. Auch ihre besten Freundinnen, Sarah und Rachel lässt sie nicht mehr an sich heran und schon gar nicht David, auch wenn er noch so schöne blaue Augen hat, denn er hat ihr nicht geholfen, als sie seine Hilfe benötigt hätte. Trotzdem verspürt sie immer so ein komisches Gefühl in seiner Gegenwart, aber Alex denkt sich: "Wer braucht schon Liebe ?", denn wer nicht liebt, wird nicht verletzt... Was ich von Anfang an sehr interessant an der Geschichte fand, war, dass sie in Dublin also Irland spielt, denn ich habe noch nie ein Buch gelesen, dass überhaupt irgendwo in Irland spielt. Meistens spielen diese Teenreads in den USA. So war es mal eine richtige Abwechslung, auch mal ein Buch zu haben, dass dem Highschool Klischee entwischt. Die Geschichte hat mich wirklich von der ersten Seite an total begeistert aber vor allem berührt, da Alex oft von Selbstzweifeln geplagt ist und sich so von den Menschen, die sie liebt und von denen sie auch geliebt wird, abschottet. Ich hatte echt oft Mitleid mit ihr, auch wenn das wahrscheinlich das letzte ist was Alex gebrauchen könnte. Ihre Geschichte ist einfach so traurig und irgendwo bedrückend, denn sie hat nicht nur ein Elternteil verloren, sondern gleich zwei und das obwohl ihr Vater noch am Leben ist. Sie bestraft sich irgendwie selbst dadurch, dass sie sich selbst keinen Spaß erlaubt, da sie Angst hat, dass sie ihre Muter vergisst wenn sie glücklich ist. Die Autorin hat in der Geschichte so gut die verschiedenen Gefühle, die in Alex aufkeimen transportiert, sodass mir manchmal echt die Tränen gekommen sind, weil ich so mit ihr mitgefiebert habe, aber an manchen Stellen habe auch ich Wut verspürt. Das Buch hat mich einfach mitgerissen und ich wollte es überhaupt nicht mehr aus der Hand legen. Natürlich kann man von der Geschichte erwarten, dass sie romantisch ist, aber sie ist definitiv nicht kitschig. Na ja okay an einigen Stellen schon und da habe ich mir nur gedacht, was die Autorin noch die ganzen Rest über beschrieben hat, aber dann kamen wieder Wendepunkte, die man wirklich überhaupt nicht erwartet hat. Ich war echt total überwältigt von der Geschichte und kann sie wirklich nur jedem Teenager ans Herz legen, weil ich der Meinung bin, dass sie so berührend und auch irgendwie aufrüttelnd ist, dabei aber noch wirklich romantisch ist. Das Einzige was mir an der Geschichte nicht so gefallen hat, war das Ende, da es wirklich sehr offen ist, aber nach längerer Googelei habe ich entdeckt, dass dies eine Trilogie ist, aber, dass sich die anderen Bücher dann jeweils um eine von Alex Freundinnen drehen. Wahrscheinlich wird dann im nächsten Buch die Geschichte von Alex auch noch als Nebenhandlung weitererzählt. Leider habe ich noch nicht entdeckt wann und ob es überhaupt bei uns erscheint, aber ich fange schon mal an zu beten, dass sich das Buch hier gut genug verkauft, aber ich bin eigentlich der festen Überzeugung, dass es so sein wird.
Die Charaktere sind wirklich alle sehr gut ausgearbeitet und sind mir auch fast alle sehr sympathisch, aber es kann ja auch nicht immer nur liebe Charaktere geben, denn sonst wär das ganze echt langweilig. Trotzdem gibt es so zwei Charaktere, die ich echt überhaupt nicht leiden konnte, aber zu denen komme ich gleich erst. Beginnen möchte ich natürlich mit der Protagonistin Alex, deren Mutter vor sechs Monaten an Krebs gestorben ist und, die seitdem mit ihrem Vater alleine lebt, der aber eigentlich die ganze Zeit durch die Weltgeschichte reist, weil er ein gefeierter Rockstar ist. Alex leidet sehr darunter, dass ihre Mutter gestorben ist und, dass ihr Vater sie einfach im Stich lässt. Sie schottet sich von allen ab und möchte am liebsten nur alleine sein. Selbst ihre besten Freundinnen lässt sie nicht mehr an sich ran, weil sie ihr immer helfen wollen, aber Alex eigentlich gar keine Hilfe von ihnen möchte. Sie hat Angst die beiden auch noch zu verlieren und lässt sie deswegen nicht mehr an sich ran. Ihr Vater hat für sie einen Haufen Personal angeheuert, weil er sich ja nicht um sie kümmert. Den einzigen, den sie vom Personal leiden kann, ist Mike, ihr Chauffeur, weil er ihr eigentlich nie Fragen stellt und sie auch nicht verändern will. Alex kann einfach nicht zulassen, dass Menschen sie lieben oder sich um sie Sorgen. Sie gibt immer vor, dass mir ihr alles in Ordnung ist, aber dabei ist es das überhaupt nicht. Sie vertraut niemanden und liebt auch niemanden, denn "wer braucht schon Liebe" ? Alex jedenfalls nicht, auch wenn da David McFadden ist, der wirklich unheimlich gut aussieht und auch echt nett ist. Aber für Alex ist er ein richtiger Idiot, weil er ihr nicht geholfen hat, als sie seine Hilfe benötigt hätte. Und trotzdem fühlt sie sich immer auf so komische Weise total wohl wenn sie mit ihm zusammen ist. Alex ist wirklich eine "kaputte" Protagonistin. Ihr Leben ist definitv nicht Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen. Sie wacht jeden Tag auf und ist umgeben von Personal, dass sich zwar um sie kümmert, aber das natürlich kein Ersatz für ihre Eltern ist. Sie verspürt immer wieder diese Trauer, Enttäuschung und die Wut in sich aufkeimen, weil ihre Mutter tod ist und ihr Vater, den sie nur "den Rockstar nennt", sie einfach allein und im Stich gelassen hat. Sie fühlt sich oft total allein und einsam. Sie erlaubt sich selbst nicht, dass sie die Trauer wegen dem Tod ihrer Mutter ablegt, weil sie Angst hat, dass sie ihre Mutter vergisst. Nur ihrer Gran und ihrem Hund Homer vertraut sie, weil diese beiden immer für sie da waren und sie nie im Stich gelassen haben. Ich finde, dass Alex eine wirklich eher schwierige und bedrückende Protagonistin ist, da sie so viel Last auf ihren Schultern tragen muss und schon so viel Trauer miterlebt hat. Man wünscht ihr einfach nur, dass sie doch auch endlich mal glücklich sein soll und ihr Leben leben soll. David hat auch seine Mutter verloren und weiß wie das ist. Aber er kommt besser damit zurecht, weil er sein Leben lebt, weil er weiß, dass seine Mutter gewollt hätte, dass er glücklich ist und ihr nicht sein Leben lang nachtrauert und dafür sein eigenes Leben vernachlässigt. Er würde Alex wirklich gerne mit ihrer Trauer helfen, aber sie lässt auch ihn nicht richtig an sich ran. Er will sie auch nicht bedrängen über ihre Gefühle oder den Tod ihrer Mutter zu sprechen. Trotzdem kämpft er um sie und für sie. David ist einfach ein toller Kerl. Er ist aufrichtig und hilfsbereit. Vor allem kann er über seine Gefühle sprechen und mischt sich nicht in andere Angelegenheiten ein wenn sie ihn nichts angehen. Er ist einfach toll. Außerdem muss er ein echtes Sahneschnittchen sein und das ist natürlich nie schlecht :D Ich kann mir keinen besseren männlichen Hauptcharakter für die Geschichte vorstellen. Rachel ist Alex's beste Freundin. Die beiden waren früher wie Pech und Schwefel und haben sich wirklich alles anvertraut. Aber seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter schottet sich Alex auch von Rachel ab. Das macht sie echt total fertig, weil sie Alex liebt und ihr einfach nur helfen möchte. Sie kämpft die ganze Zeit darum, dass sich Alex ihr wenigstens ein bisschen öffnet und was von sich preisgibt, aber irgendwann hat auch sie keinen Nerv mehr und kann einfach nicht mehr weiterkämpfen. Sie ist begnadet im Theaterspielen und ist wirklich liebenswert. Man kann sich wirklich keine bessere beste Freundin als Rachel vorstellen. Sarah ist die Dritte in dieser Dreierfreundschaft. Und sie ist auch der erste Charakter, der mir ein wenig unsympathisch war. Sie wirkt wirklich vom ersten Moment an eingebildet und tussig. Außerdem möchte sie immer im Mittelpunkt stehen und wirft sich allen Typen an den Hals. Auf ihrer Stirn könnte auch einfach "leicht zu haben" stehen, denn das wär auch nicht auffälliger als ihr Getue. Außerdem ist sie manchmal echt fies, denn sie schreckt auch nicht vor dem Freund einer ihrer Freundinnen zurück und ist wirklich unsensibel Alex gegenüber. Ich hatte einfach das Gefühl, dass sich ihr ganzes Leben um Partys, Jungs und Gossip dreht und das war mir echt unsympathisch. Manchmal ist sie mir echt auf die Nerven gegangen. Trotzdem glaube ich, dass das vielleicht auch nur eine Maske sein könnte, weil sie auch einfühlsam, nett und hilfsbereit sein kann. Im nächsten Buch der Trilogie dreht sich alles mal um sie und ich bin echt gespannt, ob ich sie richtig charakteresiere oder ob ich mich in ihr täusche. Louis ist der andere Charakter, der mir unsympathisch war. Er ist tatsächlich Sarahs Bruder, aber daher weht nicht die Unsympathie, die ich gegen ihn hege. Er ist einfach ein echter Idiot, der hinter jedem Arsch hinter herläuft und, der sich jedes Mädchen in sein Bett holt, das nicht bei drei auf den Bäumen ist. Dabei sind ihm die Gefühle der Mädels total egal. Eben ein richtiger Player. Besonders hat er es auf Alex abgesehen...
Der Schreibstil hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen. Die Autorin weiß wirklich wie man Gefühle durch den Schreibstil transportieren kann. Ich war wirklich oft zu tiefst berührt und auch bedrückt und das war nur der Fall, weil der Schreibstil so gut auf das Verhalten der Protagonistin abgestimmt war. Ich hatte wirklich das Gefühl, dass Alex so schreiben und auch sprechen würde. Vor allem ihr "Ich bin in Ordnung" oder "Mir gehts gut" ist einfach total sie, denn sie gibt immer vor, dass mit ihr alles in Ordnung ist, auch wenn es das definitiv nicht ist. Wie ihr jetzt wahrscheinlich schon gemerkt habt, ist das Buch in der personalen Ich-Perspektive aus Alex's Sicht geschrieben. Das war wirklich sehr angenehm, da man ihre Gefühle und Gedanken miterlebt hat, denn wenn das Buch in der Er-/Sie Perspektive geschrieben wär, hätten wir gar nichts von denen mitbekommen, da Alex ja wirklich sehr verschlossen ist was ihre Gefühle und Gedanken angeht. Der Schreibstil ist einfach toll. Er transportiert super die Gefühle von Alex und auch die Atmosphäre im Buch. Trotzdem ist er sehr angenehm zu lesen.
Der Titel gefällt mir wirklich sehr, sehr gut. Denn Alex ist wirklich der Meinung, dass sie keine Liebe braucht, weil sie ja der Meinung ist, das derjenige, der nicht liebt auch nicht verliert und auch nicht verletzt wird. Außerdem finde ich, dass man anhand des Titels sofort erkennt, dass es sich hier bei um eine Liebesgeschichte handelt und ich finde auch, dass der Titel neugierig macht, aber nicht zu viel von der Geschichte preisgibt. Einfach ein perfekt gewählter Titel.
Das Cover finde ich wirklich wunderschön und irgendwie schlicht, aber sehr schön und niedlich gehalten. Aber ich muss leider sagen, dass die Person, die David darstellen soll, überhaupt nicht zu ihm passt, da er laut der Geschichte blonde Haare hat. Das ist echt ein großer Fehler und deswegen gefällt mir das Cover auch echt nicht so gut, auch wenn ich finde, dass es viel aussagekräftiger als das Originalcover ist.
Mein Fazit
"Wer braucht schon Liebe ?" von Denise Deegan hat mich von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite begeistert und vor allem berührt. Manchmal sogar zu Tränen, da die Geschichte echt traurig und auch irgendwie bedrückend ist. Trotzdem vermittelt sie Liebe und Freundschaft. Ich finde, dass die Autorin das altbekannte Thema von einer Protagonistin, die ihre Eltern verloren hat, neu erschaffen hat und einen damit so mitgerissen hat, so dass man das Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte. Das Buch besticht durch eine perfekte Geschichte, meist sympathische und gut durchdachte Charaktere, einen Schreibstil, der so viele Gefühle transportiert und einen Titel, der einfach perfekt zu der Geschichte und zu der Protagonistin passt. Das Einzige was mir nicht gefällt ist die Wahl des Covers, aber die macht das Buch selbst ja nicht schlechter.
Ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass die anderen beiden Bücher der Reihe auch noch übersetzt werden und dann auch bald bei uns erscheinen.
Okay.
Meine Meinung
Mal wieder ein romantisches Jugendbuch aus dem Hause cbt. Ihr wisst ja, dass ich diese Bücher echt total liebe und wenn es davon genug geben würde wahrscheinlich auch nur noch diese Art von Büchern lesen würde. And by the way... ist der cbt Verlag mein Lieblingsverlag (kleines, aber schlechtes Wortspiel mit dem Originaltitel, verzeiht mir bitte!), denn ich habe immer das Gefühl, dass die Bücher, die die veröffentlichen nur für mich geschrieben sind, da eigentlich fast alle total meinem Geschmack entsprechen. Als ich gesehen habe, dass dieses Buch bald erscheint, habe ich es mir sofort auf die Wunschliste gesetzt, weil ich wusste, dass ich es einfach haben muss. Ich war echt so glücklich, dass mir der cbt Verlag das Buch zum Rezensieren zur Verfügung gestellt hat. Als es bei mir ankam, musste ich es wirklich sofort lesen, weil ich so gespannt war.
Die Geschichte hat sich für mich nach nichts neuem oder besonderen angehört, aber gerade das finde ich dann nämlich meistens sehr interessant, weil ich es genial finde wie es Autoren gelingt das gleiche Thema auf verschiedene Arten zu vermitteln und dem Leser trotz des bereits bekannten Themas eine ganz andere Sichtweise zu schaffen. Denn man muss doch echt sagen, dass ein Mädchen, das einen Elternteil oder vielleicht sogar beide verloren hat, meistens sich von anderen Menschen abschottet und niemanden mehr an sich heran lässt damit sie nicht noch einmal verletzt wird, nichts noch nie da gewesenes ist. Trotzdem hat mich die Geschichte von der ersten Seite an begeistert. Es geht um Alex, die mit ihrem Vater zusammen lebt, der aber immer unterwegs ist, weil er ein gefeierter Rockstar ist. Er lässt sie immer alleine mit irgendwelchem Personal, das sich um Alex kümmern soll. Sie fühlt sich von ihm im Stich und allein gelassen, denn ihre Mutter ist vor sechs Monaten an Krebs gestorben. Deswegen hat Alex niemanden mehr. Sie dachte, dass ihr Vater für sie da sein wird, aber er hat sie komplett allein gelassen. Und zwar mit allem: mit der Trauer nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter und mit der Wut und der Enttäuschung die ihr immer wieder ein Stich ins Herz versetzen. Seitdem ihr Vater sie nun auch noch im Stich gelassen hat, vertraut sie niemandem mehr, lässt niemanden mehr an sich und lässt nicht zu, dass sie irgend jemand liebt. Deswegen stößt sie alle Menschen von ihr weg, die sich um sie kümmern oder ihr helfen wollen, weil sie es einfach nicht ertragen kann, dass sie mit der Gewissheit leben muss, dass sie auch diese Menschen wieder verlieren kann und, dass das manchmal schneller geht als man denkt. Auch ihre besten Freundinnen, Sarah und Rachel lässt sie nicht mehr an sich heran und schon gar nicht David, auch wenn er noch so schöne blaue Augen hat, denn er hat ihr nicht geholfen, als sie seine Hilfe benötigt hätte. Trotzdem verspürt sie immer so ein komisches Gefühl in seiner Gegenwart, aber Alex denkt sich: "Wer braucht schon Liebe ?", denn wer nicht liebt, wird nicht verletzt... Was ich von Anfang an sehr interessant an der Geschichte fand, war, dass sie in Dublin also Irland spielt, denn ich habe noch nie ein Buch gelesen, dass überhaupt irgendwo in Irland spielt. Meistens spielen diese Teenreads in den USA. So war es mal eine richtige Abwechslung, auch mal ein Buch zu haben, dass dem Highschool Klischee entwischt. Die Geschichte hat mich wirklich von der ersten Seite an total begeistert aber vor allem berührt, da Alex oft von Selbstzweifeln geplagt ist und sich so von den Menschen, die sie liebt und von denen sie auch geliebt wird, abschottet. Ich hatte echt oft Mitleid mit ihr, auch wenn das wahrscheinlich das letzte ist was Alex gebrauchen könnte. Ihre Geschichte ist einfach so traurig und irgendwo bedrückend, denn sie hat nicht nur ein Elternteil verloren, sondern gleich zwei und das obwohl ihr Vater noch am Leben ist. Sie bestraft sich irgendwie selbst dadurch, dass sie sich selbst keinen Spaß erlaubt, da sie Angst hat, dass sie ihre Muter vergisst wenn sie glücklich ist. Die Autorin hat in der Geschichte so gut die verschiedenen Gefühle, die in Alex aufkeimen transportiert, sodass mir manchmal echt die Tränen gekommen sind, weil ich so mit ihr mitgefiebert habe, aber an manchen Stellen habe auch ich Wut verspürt. Das Buch hat mich einfach mitgerissen und ich wollte es überhaupt nicht mehr aus der Hand legen. Natürlich kann man von der Geschichte erwarten, dass sie romantisch ist, aber sie ist definitiv nicht kitschig. Na ja okay an einigen Stellen schon und da habe ich mir nur gedacht, was die Autorin noch die ganzen Rest über beschrieben hat, aber dann kamen wieder Wendepunkte, die man wirklich überhaupt nicht erwartet hat. Ich war echt total überwältigt von der Geschichte und kann sie wirklich nur jedem Teenager ans Herz legen, weil ich der Meinung bin, dass sie so berührend und auch irgendwie aufrüttelnd ist, dabei aber noch wirklich romantisch ist. Das Einzige was mir an der Geschichte nicht so gefallen hat, war das Ende, da es wirklich sehr offen ist, aber nach längerer Googelei habe ich entdeckt, dass dies eine Trilogie ist, aber, dass sich die anderen Bücher dann jeweils um eine von Alex Freundinnen drehen. Wahrscheinlich wird dann im nächsten Buch die Geschichte von Alex auch noch als Nebenhandlung weitererzählt. Leider habe ich noch nicht entdeckt wann und ob es überhaupt bei uns erscheint, aber ich fange schon mal an zu beten, dass sich das Buch hier gut genug verkauft, aber ich bin eigentlich der festen Überzeugung, dass es so sein wird.
Die Charaktere sind wirklich alle sehr gut ausgearbeitet und sind mir auch fast alle sehr sympathisch, aber es kann ja auch nicht immer nur liebe Charaktere geben, denn sonst wär das ganze echt langweilig. Trotzdem gibt es so zwei Charaktere, die ich echt überhaupt nicht leiden konnte, aber zu denen komme ich gleich erst. Beginnen möchte ich natürlich mit der Protagonistin Alex, deren Mutter vor sechs Monaten an Krebs gestorben ist und, die seitdem mit ihrem Vater alleine lebt, der aber eigentlich die ganze Zeit durch die Weltgeschichte reist, weil er ein gefeierter Rockstar ist. Alex leidet sehr darunter, dass ihre Mutter gestorben ist und, dass ihr Vater sie einfach im Stich lässt. Sie schottet sich von allen ab und möchte am liebsten nur alleine sein. Selbst ihre besten Freundinnen lässt sie nicht mehr an sich ran, weil sie ihr immer helfen wollen, aber Alex eigentlich gar keine Hilfe von ihnen möchte. Sie hat Angst die beiden auch noch zu verlieren und lässt sie deswegen nicht mehr an sich ran. Ihr Vater hat für sie einen Haufen Personal angeheuert, weil er sich ja nicht um sie kümmert. Den einzigen, den sie vom Personal leiden kann, ist Mike, ihr Chauffeur, weil er ihr eigentlich nie Fragen stellt und sie auch nicht verändern will. Alex kann einfach nicht zulassen, dass Menschen sie lieben oder sich um sie Sorgen. Sie gibt immer vor, dass mir ihr alles in Ordnung ist, aber dabei ist es das überhaupt nicht. Sie vertraut niemanden und liebt auch niemanden, denn "wer braucht schon Liebe" ? Alex jedenfalls nicht, auch wenn da David McFadden ist, der wirklich unheimlich gut aussieht und auch echt nett ist. Aber für Alex ist er ein richtiger Idiot, weil er ihr nicht geholfen hat, als sie seine Hilfe benötigt hätte. Und trotzdem fühlt sie sich immer auf so komische Weise total wohl wenn sie mit ihm zusammen ist. Alex ist wirklich eine "kaputte" Protagonistin. Ihr Leben ist definitv nicht Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen. Sie wacht jeden Tag auf und ist umgeben von Personal, dass sich zwar um sie kümmert, aber das natürlich kein Ersatz für ihre Eltern ist. Sie verspürt immer wieder diese Trauer, Enttäuschung und die Wut in sich aufkeimen, weil ihre Mutter tod ist und ihr Vater, den sie nur "den Rockstar nennt", sie einfach allein und im Stich gelassen hat. Sie fühlt sich oft total allein und einsam. Sie erlaubt sich selbst nicht, dass sie die Trauer wegen dem Tod ihrer Mutter ablegt, weil sie Angst hat, dass sie ihre Mutter vergisst. Nur ihrer Gran und ihrem Hund Homer vertraut sie, weil diese beiden immer für sie da waren und sie nie im Stich gelassen haben. Ich finde, dass Alex eine wirklich eher schwierige und bedrückende Protagonistin ist, da sie so viel Last auf ihren Schultern tragen muss und schon so viel Trauer miterlebt hat. Man wünscht ihr einfach nur, dass sie doch auch endlich mal glücklich sein soll und ihr Leben leben soll. David hat auch seine Mutter verloren und weiß wie das ist. Aber er kommt besser damit zurecht, weil er sein Leben lebt, weil er weiß, dass seine Mutter gewollt hätte, dass er glücklich ist und ihr nicht sein Leben lang nachtrauert und dafür sein eigenes Leben vernachlässigt. Er würde Alex wirklich gerne mit ihrer Trauer helfen, aber sie lässt auch ihn nicht richtig an sich ran. Er will sie auch nicht bedrängen über ihre Gefühle oder den Tod ihrer Mutter zu sprechen. Trotzdem kämpft er um sie und für sie. David ist einfach ein toller Kerl. Er ist aufrichtig und hilfsbereit. Vor allem kann er über seine Gefühle sprechen und mischt sich nicht in andere Angelegenheiten ein wenn sie ihn nichts angehen. Er ist einfach toll. Außerdem muss er ein echtes Sahneschnittchen sein und das ist natürlich nie schlecht :D Ich kann mir keinen besseren männlichen Hauptcharakter für die Geschichte vorstellen. Rachel ist Alex's beste Freundin. Die beiden waren früher wie Pech und Schwefel und haben sich wirklich alles anvertraut. Aber seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter schottet sich Alex auch von Rachel ab. Das macht sie echt total fertig, weil sie Alex liebt und ihr einfach nur helfen möchte. Sie kämpft die ganze Zeit darum, dass sich Alex ihr wenigstens ein bisschen öffnet und was von sich preisgibt, aber irgendwann hat auch sie keinen Nerv mehr und kann einfach nicht mehr weiterkämpfen. Sie ist begnadet im Theaterspielen und ist wirklich liebenswert. Man kann sich wirklich keine bessere beste Freundin als Rachel vorstellen. Sarah ist die Dritte in dieser Dreierfreundschaft. Und sie ist auch der erste Charakter, der mir ein wenig unsympathisch war. Sie wirkt wirklich vom ersten Moment an eingebildet und tussig. Außerdem möchte sie immer im Mittelpunkt stehen und wirft sich allen Typen an den Hals. Auf ihrer Stirn könnte auch einfach "leicht zu haben" stehen, denn das wär auch nicht auffälliger als ihr Getue. Außerdem ist sie manchmal echt fies, denn sie schreckt auch nicht vor dem Freund einer ihrer Freundinnen zurück und ist wirklich unsensibel Alex gegenüber. Ich hatte einfach das Gefühl, dass sich ihr ganzes Leben um Partys, Jungs und Gossip dreht und das war mir echt unsympathisch. Manchmal ist sie mir echt auf die Nerven gegangen. Trotzdem glaube ich, dass das vielleicht auch nur eine Maske sein könnte, weil sie auch einfühlsam, nett und hilfsbereit sein kann. Im nächsten Buch der Trilogie dreht sich alles mal um sie und ich bin echt gespannt, ob ich sie richtig charakteresiere oder ob ich mich in ihr täusche. Louis ist der andere Charakter, der mir unsympathisch war. Er ist tatsächlich Sarahs Bruder, aber daher weht nicht die Unsympathie, die ich gegen ihn hege. Er ist einfach ein echter Idiot, der hinter jedem Arsch hinter herläuft und, der sich jedes Mädchen in sein Bett holt, das nicht bei drei auf den Bäumen ist. Dabei sind ihm die Gefühle der Mädels total egal. Eben ein richtiger Player. Besonders hat er es auf Alex abgesehen...
Der Schreibstil hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen. Die Autorin weiß wirklich wie man Gefühle durch den Schreibstil transportieren kann. Ich war wirklich oft zu tiefst berührt und auch bedrückt und das war nur der Fall, weil der Schreibstil so gut auf das Verhalten der Protagonistin abgestimmt war. Ich hatte wirklich das Gefühl, dass Alex so schreiben und auch sprechen würde. Vor allem ihr "Ich bin in Ordnung" oder "Mir gehts gut" ist einfach total sie, denn sie gibt immer vor, dass mit ihr alles in Ordnung ist, auch wenn es das definitiv nicht ist. Wie ihr jetzt wahrscheinlich schon gemerkt habt, ist das Buch in der personalen Ich-Perspektive aus Alex's Sicht geschrieben. Das war wirklich sehr angenehm, da man ihre Gefühle und Gedanken miterlebt hat, denn wenn das Buch in der Er-/Sie Perspektive geschrieben wär, hätten wir gar nichts von denen mitbekommen, da Alex ja wirklich sehr verschlossen ist was ihre Gefühle und Gedanken angeht. Der Schreibstil ist einfach toll. Er transportiert super die Gefühle von Alex und auch die Atmosphäre im Buch. Trotzdem ist er sehr angenehm zu lesen.
Der Titel gefällt mir wirklich sehr, sehr gut. Denn Alex ist wirklich der Meinung, dass sie keine Liebe braucht, weil sie ja der Meinung ist, das derjenige, der nicht liebt auch nicht verliert und auch nicht verletzt wird. Außerdem finde ich, dass man anhand des Titels sofort erkennt, dass es sich hier bei um eine Liebesgeschichte handelt und ich finde auch, dass der Titel neugierig macht, aber nicht zu viel von der Geschichte preisgibt. Einfach ein perfekt gewählter Titel.
Das Cover finde ich wirklich wunderschön und irgendwie schlicht, aber sehr schön und niedlich gehalten. Aber ich muss leider sagen, dass die Person, die David darstellen soll, überhaupt nicht zu ihm passt, da er laut der Geschichte blonde Haare hat. Das ist echt ein großer Fehler und deswegen gefällt mir das Cover auch echt nicht so gut, auch wenn ich finde, dass es viel aussagekräftiger als das Originalcover ist.
Mein Fazit
"Wer braucht schon Liebe ?" von Denise Deegan hat mich von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite begeistert und vor allem berührt. Manchmal sogar zu Tränen, da die Geschichte echt traurig und auch irgendwie bedrückend ist. Trotzdem vermittelt sie Liebe und Freundschaft. Ich finde, dass die Autorin das altbekannte Thema von einer Protagonistin, die ihre Eltern verloren hat, neu erschaffen hat und einen damit so mitgerissen hat, so dass man das Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte. Das Buch besticht durch eine perfekte Geschichte, meist sympathische und gut durchdachte Charaktere, einen Schreibstil, der so viele Gefühle transportiert und einen Titel, der einfach perfekt zu der Geschichte und zu der Protagonistin passt. Das Einzige was mir nicht gefällt ist die Wahl des Covers, aber die macht das Buch selbst ja nicht schlechter.
Ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass die anderen beiden Bücher der Reihe auch noch übersetzt werden und dann auch bald bei uns erscheinen.
October 18, 2012
4½ Out of 5
“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”
Since her mum died, Alex has felt empty, hollow. Though she's surrounded by people all the time, she always feels completely and utterly alone. But she doesn't want to let people in. Not again. The last time she did, her heart was broken and she just can't live through that again.
Her dad's no longer there, no longer 'dad' - he's just "The Rockstar", the man who's never there and pays other people to look after her.
Alex's friend Rachel wants to help, but Alex won't let her. So what if this means she's called "the Ice Queen" by David McFadden, the one who could have helped her six months ago and didn't.
So why is he bothering now? It’s too late to help, too late to do any good.
And why can't Alex stop thinking about him?
My friend Sammee reviewed And By The Way a while back and my intrigue was awakened. So when Hachette offered me the chance to read the series, I jumped! And, my God, how I wish I'd picked it up much, much sooner! It was such a powerful, emotional, beautiful book, one I loved to pieces and gobbled up as fast as I possibly could. I just can't wait to read more by Deegan - it was just so freaking amazing!
The characters were all so amazing and real. None of them were as they first seemed, all of them grew and changed throughout the book. And Alex: she was so, so broken. I could feel her pain in every single word and it just broke my heart. I loved watching her as she changed and grew and came back to life. And I adored her dry sense of humour. She wasn't perfect and she made mistakes, but I just loved her and my heart ached for her all the way through. As for David, well he is my new McDreamy: he is “seriously caliente” and cute and perfect and sweet. I’m kinda totally in love with him. He was just the sweetest thing – Alex may have some competition! Rachel was brilliant: so sweet and thoughtful, she wanted so badly to help and was the best friend ever, putting up with everything. Sarah was chirpy and cheeky and was totally mad – she was also a bit of a total idiot: sure, she had issues but man was she stupid at times!
But what really shone about this book was the relationships. I loved the relationship between Alex and her Gran - her Gran was just a legend! Alex and David - I loved the way their relationship developed. It was so real and so touching and so unlike your usual YA romances. It was perfect. And the relationship between Alex, Rachel and Sarah was so strong nd powerful - I mean, they stuck with the Ice Queen. That's friendship, people! I also loved seeing the changing relationship between Alex and her dad, as well.
Man, Deegan's voice was amazing. It was a teen going through the loss of a parent: the anger, the pain, the feeling of being totally lost - it was heart-breaking. But funny too, thanks to Deegan's amazing writing talent. My heart was aching and my eyes tearing up one minute, my heart then filling with love as I giggled the next. I just loved Deegan's wry, dry, witty sense of humour - it killed me. But all the emotions in this book, well, they just broke my heart! I could feel all of Alex's pain, all her despair. I felt almost constantly on the verge of tears. And I also loved seeing all the different kinds of grief in the book, seeing how all the different characters dealt with loss. It was amazing. And grief wasn't the only pain tackled. Every single character had some kinda problem - they were all so real and padded out and complex. I loved that.
A story about love, loss, grief and surviving, And By The Way was a book that left me totally overwhelmed, full of love and sadness and beauty. The phrase don't judge a book by its cover definitely applies here. This book is not fluffy or pink. It's complex and emotional and heart-breaking - both in its beauty and sadness. And By The Way is the sort of book that will totally break your heart - and you will love every second of it. You will feel every single thing Alex does and you will love her so much to hurts, faults and all. You will fall totally in love with David and you will feel so emotionally overwhelmed you will be too wrapped up in everything to cry, even when you are on the verge of a breakdown. And you will hope and laugh and love. I honestly cannot recommend it enough - to everyone! And I certainly can't wait to read And For Your Information. Nor will I ever underestimate or dismiss my time with my family – who knows what could happen next?
And By The Way, you really will love every single second and will not be able to stop reading. So enjoy - this book will not let you down.
“I used to do close. Then Mum died. And I died too. I can't go through that pain again. I just can't…”
Since her mum died, Alex has felt empty, hollow. Though she's surrounded by people all the time, she always feels completely and utterly alone. But she doesn't want to let people in. Not again. The last time she did, her heart was broken and she just can't live through that again.
Her dad's no longer there, no longer 'dad' - he's just "The Rockstar", the man who's never there and pays other people to look after her.
Alex's friend Rachel wants to help, but Alex won't let her. So what if this means she's called "the Ice Queen" by David McFadden, the one who could have helped her six months ago and didn't.
So why is he bothering now? It’s too late to help, too late to do any good.
And why can't Alex stop thinking about him?
My friend Sammee reviewed And By The Way a while back and my intrigue was awakened. So when Hachette offered me the chance to read the series, I jumped! And, my God, how I wish I'd picked it up much, much sooner! It was such a powerful, emotional, beautiful book, one I loved to pieces and gobbled up as fast as I possibly could. I just can't wait to read more by Deegan - it was just so freaking amazing!
The characters were all so amazing and real. None of them were as they first seemed, all of them grew and changed throughout the book. And Alex: she was so, so broken. I could feel her pain in every single word and it just broke my heart. I loved watching her as she changed and grew and came back to life. And I adored her dry sense of humour. She wasn't perfect and she made mistakes, but I just loved her and my heart ached for her all the way through. As for David, well he is my new McDreamy: he is “seriously caliente” and cute and perfect and sweet. I’m kinda totally in love with him. He was just the sweetest thing – Alex may have some competition! Rachel was brilliant: so sweet and thoughtful, she wanted so badly to help and was the best friend ever, putting up with everything. Sarah was chirpy and cheeky and was totally mad – she was also a bit of a total idiot: sure, she had issues but man was she stupid at times!
But what really shone about this book was the relationships. I loved the relationship between Alex and her Gran - her Gran was just a legend! Alex and David - I loved the way their relationship developed. It was so real and so touching and so unlike your usual YA romances. It was perfect. And the relationship between Alex, Rachel and Sarah was so strong nd powerful - I mean, they stuck with the Ice Queen. That's friendship, people! I also loved seeing the changing relationship between Alex and her dad, as well.
Man, Deegan's voice was amazing. It was a teen going through the loss of a parent: the anger, the pain, the feeling of being totally lost - it was heart-breaking. But funny too, thanks to Deegan's amazing writing talent. My heart was aching and my eyes tearing up one minute, my heart then filling with love as I giggled the next. I just loved Deegan's wry, dry, witty sense of humour - it killed me. But all the emotions in this book, well, they just broke my heart! I could feel all of Alex's pain, all her despair. I felt almost constantly on the verge of tears. And I also loved seeing all the different kinds of grief in the book, seeing how all the different characters dealt with loss. It was amazing. And grief wasn't the only pain tackled. Every single character had some kinda problem - they were all so real and padded out and complex. I loved that.
A story about love, loss, grief and surviving, And By The Way was a book that left me totally overwhelmed, full of love and sadness and beauty. The phrase don't judge a book by its cover definitely applies here. This book is not fluffy or pink. It's complex and emotional and heart-breaking - both in its beauty and sadness. And By The Way is the sort of book that will totally break your heart - and you will love every second of it. You will feel every single thing Alex does and you will love her so much to hurts, faults and all. You will fall totally in love with David and you will feel so emotionally overwhelmed you will be too wrapped up in everything to cry, even when you are on the verge of a breakdown. And you will hope and laugh and love. I honestly cannot recommend it enough - to everyone! And I certainly can't wait to read And For Your Information. Nor will I ever underestimate or dismiss my time with my family – who knows what could happen next?
And By The Way, you really will love every single second and will not be able to stop reading. So enjoy - this book will not let you down.
December 11, 2011
When I was first offered the chance to read and review And By The Way, I knew nothing about the book whatsoever. However, after reading the summary as well as a few rave reviews, I knew I had to give it a chance, no matter what, and as it turns out I’m glad I felt that way, because And By The Way is an amazing, heartfelt book that’s perfect for fans of YA contemporary!
And By The Way tells the story of Alex, a girl who has felt nothing but lost ever since she lost her mother six months ago. It doesn’t help that her Dad’s never home or how he seems to never care. Due to these two things, though, Alex does know one thing, and that’s that she shouldn’t get close to people anymore, because who knows if they’ll be the next to go, or even worse, disappoint her in some way. However, everything changes when David McFadden suddenly catapults himself into her life. He’s frustrating and annoying yet gorgeous and completely captivating. Whenever Alex’s around him, she can’t help but feel more alive than she has in months, and the more she hangs out with him, the more she begins to fall head over heels for him. What happens, though, when their relationship begins to lose the glimmer it once held? Will Alex once again retreat into her shell, away from her family and friends, or will she grow stronger? Only time and more pages call tell in this heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of first love, friendship, and moving on.
When Alex’s character was first introduced, I felt mixed feelings toward her. It was easy to see and understand the pain and hurt she felt over her mother’s death, but it wasn’t always easy to see how she could be so mean to the people who cared most to her, especially her best friends, Rachel and Sarah, as well as David. However, as the novel progressed and Alex began to let go of her past mistakes and live again, I began to see how important that character trait of hers way, because not only did it allow her to bloom into someone amazing, but it also made her as well as her relationships stronger over time.
This leads me to one of my favorite parts of the book: seeing the relationships Alex held with others. All of the relationships in this one were flavored with complicity (to keep things interesting!) as well as heart and hope. I especially loved seeing Alex’s relationship with David grow. Not only because David was swoon worthy, but also because it was always interesting as well as fun to see how both of them, especially Alex, grew because of it all. At first, they were two emotionally messed up people, but by the end, they weren’t so much that way. Moving on, I also enjoyed the focus on the relationship between parents and their kids in this one. It played a major part in the story, especially Alex’s one with her dad, and it made the book even more emotionally charged to say the least.
The overall plot in this one was great! For a contemporary, it managed to surprise me in some surprising ways. Even in the end, I wasn’t sure how everything was exactly going to end, especially when everything took that sudden yet thrilling turn at the end. Denise Deegan sure knows how to pack in suspense to say the least!
Deegan’s writing was also fabulous! She truly captured Alex’s voice to the point where I felt like I was reading a real teen’s diary at times. She also fully developed the supporting characters to the best of her ability and even further at times, and even though the story did drag at times, I was quite impressed overall with her storytelling ability.
Thrilling, unique, and nearly flawless, And by the Way is a surprising new contemporary read that will have readers with one last demand at its finale: Where’s the next one?
Highly recommended.
Grade: A-
And By The Way tells the story of Alex, a girl who has felt nothing but lost ever since she lost her mother six months ago. It doesn’t help that her Dad’s never home or how he seems to never care. Due to these two things, though, Alex does know one thing, and that’s that she shouldn’t get close to people anymore, because who knows if they’ll be the next to go, or even worse, disappoint her in some way. However, everything changes when David McFadden suddenly catapults himself into her life. He’s frustrating and annoying yet gorgeous and completely captivating. Whenever Alex’s around him, she can’t help but feel more alive than she has in months, and the more she hangs out with him, the more she begins to fall head over heels for him. What happens, though, when their relationship begins to lose the glimmer it once held? Will Alex once again retreat into her shell, away from her family and friends, or will she grow stronger? Only time and more pages call tell in this heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of first love, friendship, and moving on.
When Alex’s character was first introduced, I felt mixed feelings toward her. It was easy to see and understand the pain and hurt she felt over her mother’s death, but it wasn’t always easy to see how she could be so mean to the people who cared most to her, especially her best friends, Rachel and Sarah, as well as David. However, as the novel progressed and Alex began to let go of her past mistakes and live again, I began to see how important that character trait of hers way, because not only did it allow her to bloom into someone amazing, but it also made her as well as her relationships stronger over time.
This leads me to one of my favorite parts of the book: seeing the relationships Alex held with others. All of the relationships in this one were flavored with complicity (to keep things interesting!) as well as heart and hope. I especially loved seeing Alex’s relationship with David grow. Not only because David was swoon worthy, but also because it was always interesting as well as fun to see how both of them, especially Alex, grew because of it all. At first, they were two emotionally messed up people, but by the end, they weren’t so much that way. Moving on, I also enjoyed the focus on the relationship between parents and their kids in this one. It played a major part in the story, especially Alex’s one with her dad, and it made the book even more emotionally charged to say the least.
The overall plot in this one was great! For a contemporary, it managed to surprise me in some surprising ways. Even in the end, I wasn’t sure how everything was exactly going to end, especially when everything took that sudden yet thrilling turn at the end. Denise Deegan sure knows how to pack in suspense to say the least!
Deegan’s writing was also fabulous! She truly captured Alex’s voice to the point where I felt like I was reading a real teen’s diary at times. She also fully developed the supporting characters to the best of her ability and even further at times, and even though the story did drag at times, I was quite impressed overall with her storytelling ability.
Thrilling, unique, and nearly flawless, And by the Way is a surprising new contemporary read that will have readers with one last demand at its finale: Where’s the next one?
Highly recommended.
Grade: A-
November 29, 2012
The author of this book, Denise Deegan approached me to read her three novels when I got a chance and I agreed because 1) She was extremely polite in asking me 2) Worked really hard at getting me the novels because for some reason since she's in Ireland and I'm here, she can't gift them to me from Ireland. Some Amazon Law. 3) And it's set in Ireland. I haven't read a YA novel set in Ireland.
So, I started it on the holiday weekend, and I couldn't put it down! Alex, the main character is broken and jaded and angry and expects nothing but to be let down for the rest of her life. When she lost her mother, she lost everything. "The Rockstar" as she calls her dad behind his back, hired a chef, a security guard (not like the ones that walk around the mall), and sent her to a shrink. She closed herself off from everyone but her Gran and Homer, her dog. Her philosophy is, if you don't care about someone, then losing them won't hurt so bad. But she's got two best friends, one a bit smarter than the other and she's wise to what's happening. Shaking her isn't too easy. And then there's David McFadden, the American that she's paired up with for sailing class and who makes her actually laugh. But she can't laugh, because that would mean forgetting her mother.
Alex is caught between honoring her mother's memory and needing desperately to move on. She's so afraid to move forward because if she let's herself be happy, she's afraid the world will rip that happiness away from her again. This is one of the most emotional and well written YA novels I've read this year, and you know I've read a lot. I was reading with my throat constricted trying not to cry in the car. I didn't want to have to explain it was over a book. But this is just not any book. This is a cathartic book about losing someone, letting go, moving forward, remembering, healing, loving, just about any emotion you could have, you'll feel. Alex does indeed have a romance, but she has a lot of mending fences too. I think the relationship between her and her father is what got to me the most. God did I let loose when I was home in my bed with my tissues and my pillow. Denise Deegan can wring the emotion right out of you until you're just a mess.
Alex is so well written and so complex. You know why she reacts to things the way she does and you understand but you're hoping for her to change a little earlier than she does. But she does put her big girl panties on in the end. Her father, he grows up from someone we don't know at all and kind of hate to someone we understand and feel for and empathize with. Some of Alex's friends we like, some we may not. David, God love him that boy was amazing. And we got to see all the different sides of him that made him who he is. So yes, the characters were very well developed as was the story line.
You know that little percentage at the bottom of your e-reader that tells you how much of the book is left. Let's just say I was sweating this one out until the very last few percentages!
I really don't know where this book has been hiding except it came out in 2011. I'm sad it's over as I feel like I could read about Alex forever. But I have two other books about her best friends called And For Your Information and And Actually.
Another note, there is some Irish teen slang in it that was fun to read. It didn't take long to figure out what it meant, but it was fun to learn some new words and how the teens over there speak to each other. Not much different from here, they just use different words. That just upped the enjoyment factor on this fabulous novel. I'll be diving into And For Your Information very soon!
So, I started it on the holiday weekend, and I couldn't put it down! Alex, the main character is broken and jaded and angry and expects nothing but to be let down for the rest of her life. When she lost her mother, she lost everything. "The Rockstar" as she calls her dad behind his back, hired a chef, a security guard (not like the ones that walk around the mall), and sent her to a shrink. She closed herself off from everyone but her Gran and Homer, her dog. Her philosophy is, if you don't care about someone, then losing them won't hurt so bad. But she's got two best friends, one a bit smarter than the other and she's wise to what's happening. Shaking her isn't too easy. And then there's David McFadden, the American that she's paired up with for sailing class and who makes her actually laugh. But she can't laugh, because that would mean forgetting her mother.
Alex is caught between honoring her mother's memory and needing desperately to move on. She's so afraid to move forward because if she let's herself be happy, she's afraid the world will rip that happiness away from her again. This is one of the most emotional and well written YA novels I've read this year, and you know I've read a lot. I was reading with my throat constricted trying not to cry in the car. I didn't want to have to explain it was over a book. But this is just not any book. This is a cathartic book about losing someone, letting go, moving forward, remembering, healing, loving, just about any emotion you could have, you'll feel. Alex does indeed have a romance, but she has a lot of mending fences too. I think the relationship between her and her father is what got to me the most. God did I let loose when I was home in my bed with my tissues and my pillow. Denise Deegan can wring the emotion right out of you until you're just a mess.
Alex is so well written and so complex. You know why she reacts to things the way she does and you understand but you're hoping for her to change a little earlier than she does. But she does put her big girl panties on in the end. Her father, he grows up from someone we don't know at all and kind of hate to someone we understand and feel for and empathize with. Some of Alex's friends we like, some we may not. David, God love him that boy was amazing. And we got to see all the different sides of him that made him who he is. So yes, the characters were very well developed as was the story line.
You know that little percentage at the bottom of your e-reader that tells you how much of the book is left. Let's just say I was sweating this one out until the very last few percentages!
I really don't know where this book has been hiding except it came out in 2011. I'm sad it's over as I feel like I could read about Alex forever. But I have two other books about her best friends called And For Your Information and And Actually.
Another note, there is some Irish teen slang in it that was fun to read. It didn't take long to figure out what it meant, but it was fun to learn some new words and how the teens over there speak to each other. Not much different from here, they just use different words. That just upped the enjoyment factor on this fabulous novel. I'll be diving into And For Your Information very soon!
September 1, 2011
And By The Way is Denise Deegan's first novel in the "Butterfly" series, revolving around the kids who attend Strandbrook College in Dublin. It came to my attention when Denise emailed us about her novel and I was pleased to get a copy to review. It's taken me months to read it - mainly because I prefer to have an entire series to read rather than risk cliff-hangers, but as the second book of the series has recently come out, I decided it was time to read And By The Way.
And By The Way isn’t a perfect novel – it starts very slowly, and I found it hard to really get into it until the second half of the novel - but it is enjoyable and the novel does pick up in the second half, and I did struggle to put the book down as it got very interesting. And By The Way is mainly a novel about grief – Alex’s mother has recently died and she’s struggling to get over it, struggling to know how to carry on and it’s not helped by the fact that her dad – The Rockstar – has withdrawn into his own shelf, spending time with his band and jetting off all over the world. Alex just wants to dissolve into her grief, she doesn’t want people to try and help her and I found that interesting. There aren’t many novels I’ve read about grief and I thought And By The Way was a really good insight into how a teenager deals with death and I really liked Alex.
I liked that Alex’s friends didn’t just let her go. That they were there for her, even when Alex was trying to her best to pull away. I thought Sarah and Rachel were such good friends. I also liked David McFadden, I didn’t expect him and Alex to get together so quickly – the synopsis made it sound that it would be a novel where they ignored each other for most of the novel, but they get together really quickly and I loved that. I liked how David helped bring Alex out of her shell, helped to keep her busy and not let her stew in her grief. He was so lovely. Everyone needs a surfer-boy like David in their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book in the end, I thought the exploration of grief was fantastic, Denise has really tapped into Alex’s life and come the second half of the book I couldn’t stop reading. I’ve now bought myself the second novel in the series And For Your Information which is Sarah’s story and, hopefully, we’ll get a third novel with Rachel’s story, too! I’d definitely recommend the book, despite a few errors (sentences that had words missing, some Irish slang words that I couldn’t decipher but can’t remember now to point them out). It was a brilliant teen read and I look forward to reading more of Denise’s books and continuing the Butterfly novels and re-visiting Alex, Sarah and Rachel as they’re a brilliant trio of friends.
And By The Way isn’t a perfect novel – it starts very slowly, and I found it hard to really get into it until the second half of the novel - but it is enjoyable and the novel does pick up in the second half, and I did struggle to put the book down as it got very interesting. And By The Way is mainly a novel about grief – Alex’s mother has recently died and she’s struggling to get over it, struggling to know how to carry on and it’s not helped by the fact that her dad – The Rockstar – has withdrawn into his own shelf, spending time with his band and jetting off all over the world. Alex just wants to dissolve into her grief, she doesn’t want people to try and help her and I found that interesting. There aren’t many novels I’ve read about grief and I thought And By The Way was a really good insight into how a teenager deals with death and I really liked Alex.
I liked that Alex’s friends didn’t just let her go. That they were there for her, even when Alex was trying to her best to pull away. I thought Sarah and Rachel were such good friends. I also liked David McFadden, I didn’t expect him and Alex to get together so quickly – the synopsis made it sound that it would be a novel where they ignored each other for most of the novel, but they get together really quickly and I loved that. I liked how David helped bring Alex out of her shell, helped to keep her busy and not let her stew in her grief. He was so lovely. Everyone needs a surfer-boy like David in their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book in the end, I thought the exploration of grief was fantastic, Denise has really tapped into Alex’s life and come the second half of the book I couldn’t stop reading. I’ve now bought myself the second novel in the series And For Your Information which is Sarah’s story and, hopefully, we’ll get a third novel with Rachel’s story, too! I’d definitely recommend the book, despite a few errors (sentences that had words missing, some Irish slang words that I couldn’t decipher but can’t remember now to point them out). It was a brilliant teen read and I look forward to reading more of Denise’s books and continuing the Butterfly novels and re-visiting Alex, Sarah and Rachel as they’re a brilliant trio of friends.
January 28, 2013
Alex is just another sixteen year old living life the best way she knows how. After the loss of her mother, she has issues connecting with others and she begins to pull away from her best friends, even when she needs them the most. Her rock star dad is barely around and she feels like she's alone in the world, at least until things start heating up between her and hottie American, David McFadden. Just when things are building back up, life seems to knock everything down again. And By The Way is a story about learning how to make the best of every situation.
I connected really well with Alex, seeing as I lost my dad when I was just a year younger than her. Though we live different lifestyles, I think many people will be able to find bits and pieces of them inside of her. She's not always true to herself, but when she finds the confidence, you see how bright she can really shine. That being said, she's not the only character I was fond of. David is a fun-loving and caring guy, which is easy to see from the beginning, even when you're looking at him through Alex's slightly cynical eyes. In fact, he lost his mom just before she did, and more than anything, that's what brought them together.
Another thing I loved, besides the story and romance, is that this book is based in Ireland. I haven't any read stories set there, although I've always been fascinated by the country. Readers will find this book to be perfectly paced, with just enough fluff to make it a cute contemporary, and just enough emotion to make you feel. Seeing the characters blossom the way they did, especially Alex, is one of the many enjoyments you will get throughout out the book.
And By The Way is about love, loss and forgiveness. It will open up your eyes and show you not to take the people you care about for granted. I would love to see these books published in the United States, and I can only hope to read the next installments in the series. The author truly knows how to write a contemporary that will remain close to your heart.
I connected really well with Alex, seeing as I lost my dad when I was just a year younger than her. Though we live different lifestyles, I think many people will be able to find bits and pieces of them inside of her. She's not always true to herself, but when she finds the confidence, you see how bright she can really shine. That being said, she's not the only character I was fond of. David is a fun-loving and caring guy, which is easy to see from the beginning, even when you're looking at him through Alex's slightly cynical eyes. In fact, he lost his mom just before she did, and more than anything, that's what brought them together.
Another thing I loved, besides the story and romance, is that this book is based in Ireland. I haven't any read stories set there, although I've always been fascinated by the country. Readers will find this book to be perfectly paced, with just enough fluff to make it a cute contemporary, and just enough emotion to make you feel. Seeing the characters blossom the way they did, especially Alex, is one of the many enjoyments you will get throughout out the book.
And By The Way is about love, loss and forgiveness. It will open up your eyes and show you not to take the people you care about for granted. I would love to see these books published in the United States, and I can only hope to read the next installments in the series. The author truly knows how to write a contemporary that will remain close to your heart.
April 29, 2015
There is something about this book that really draws you in. I became really invested in the story and the characters.
We meet Alex six months after her mother has died. She's adamant that she doesn't want anyone - believes if she 'doesn't do close' she wont get hurt. But David McFadden refuses to let her push him away - and she starts to believe that maybe she can let people in again...
Alex is a very complicated character. She is intensely private, refuses to let anyone close - and you can truly see just how completely lost she is. Her father has buried himself into his work to cope with losing Alex's mum - and is never there. You can really feel Alex's resentment toward her father - and I completely understood why she pushes him away. She's kind of fierce and I really loved her for it.
David is a breath of fresh air. He's just lovely - I wanted to squish him! I love that he wouldn't let Alex push him away, that he understands what she's going through as he's been there himself, but also in how he actually talks to Alex - listens to her, knows her. The connection between them feels genuine.
I loved the relationship between Alex and her dad - how it evolves. How he comes to understand that he really needs to be there for her. She does lose herself there for a while - but she has a lot to deal with. I also loved her friendship with Rachel and Sarah. Even when Sarah is a bit annoying at times it is obvious that these three are really good friends and are completely there for each other.
There is a lot happening in the story - more than I expected - and that is what make this great. I went into it expecting one thing and got so much more! I'm really looking forward to And For Your Information - I can't wait to see what is next in store for them all.
We meet Alex six months after her mother has died. She's adamant that she doesn't want anyone - believes if she 'doesn't do close' she wont get hurt. But David McFadden refuses to let her push him away - and she starts to believe that maybe she can let people in again...
Alex is a very complicated character. She is intensely private, refuses to let anyone close - and you can truly see just how completely lost she is. Her father has buried himself into his work to cope with losing Alex's mum - and is never there. You can really feel Alex's resentment toward her father - and I completely understood why she pushes him away. She's kind of fierce and I really loved her for it.
David is a breath of fresh air. He's just lovely - I wanted to squish him! I love that he wouldn't let Alex push him away, that he understands what she's going through as he's been there himself, but also in how he actually talks to Alex - listens to her, knows her. The connection between them feels genuine.
I loved the relationship between Alex and her dad - how it evolves. How he comes to understand that he really needs to be there for her. She does lose herself there for a while - but she has a lot to deal with. I also loved her friendship with Rachel and Sarah. Even when Sarah is a bit annoying at times it is obvious that these three are really good friends and are completely there for each other.
There is a lot happening in the story - more than I expected - and that is what make this great. I went into it expecting one thing and got so much more! I'm really looking forward to And For Your Information - I can't wait to see what is next in store for them all.
April 24, 2013
I thought this book was brilliant as it was written through the eyes of Alex who lives with her rockstar Dad who has'nt a clue what fatherhood is even if it hit him in the face.Alex has been feeling so alone lately as her mother has just passed away after cancer and her Dad is just acting like nothing else happened.She becomes accustumed to har new life without anyone to talk to but her two best friends Rachel and Sarah.Except this year is going to be different this is the year when everything changes for starters she starts going out with David a sweet honest guy in her class who really gets her,her friend Rachel has gone off with Mark too,that leaves Sarah.For once in her life everything is going smoothly as if it is'nt even real.Saying that when David leaves to go to the States because his father has lost his job.Just when everything was going right it dose'nt.Alex shuts herself out from her life losing David her best friends and lastly her Dad.Her Dad has finally come to terms that he is losing his daughter and tries to get her back before it's too late and not let her slip away like what he did with his wife...Alex realises that he acted this way because he could not bear life without her Alex realises that now and decides to put everything right by going to the States on a surprise holiday which turns out to be an attach by his stalker Alex knows that her dad will get through this he's strong like her.Alex talks to David tells him that she loves him all along.David feels the same way they'll make it work somehow."And by the way" everthing worked out in the end.
Excellent story well written and page-turning!
Excellent story well written and page-turning!
February 28, 2011
I saw this book in a shop window and thought I would give it a try. I was amazed at how addictive it was, it was like being stuck in a time warp. Everything else faded out and I completely lost track of time. I only realized how long I was reading for when it was dinner time :L This book is absolutely amazing. I would recommend it to teens and adults alike. It manages to be both extremely funny and deeply sad and moving. If you have ever lost someone close to you like I have, you will find yourself relating completely to the main character Alex who has just lost her mother. It captures the exact feelings of love and loss but manages to stay upbeat and funny at the same time. The main character Alex is very believable as are her two best friends Sarah and Rachel. When Alex's mother dies, her father pulls away and Alex becomes an "ice queen". She doesn't taste food and blocks out her father. To stop herself getting hurt again she pulls away from everyone, until she meets David Mac Fadden. Though it sounds like it, this is not your typical love story. It is realistic and believable while at the same time being completely suited to romantics. This is one of my favourite books because it contains so many well written themes and the characters are extremely believable. And it was only 9 euro. Bargain ;) Deegan is a very talented writer. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
June 6, 2011
Review from www.bookflame.blogspot.com
This book was amazingly good. It's about a sixteen year old girl named Alex who is dealing with the passing of her mom, and if that isn't enough she also has a famous "Rockstar" for a dad, only problem is he stopped being her "father" quite some time ago.
I found this to be a very fast read, a page turner to be exact. Alex's troubled emotions and struggles were right on key with what a teenager may go through when they have lost someone very close to them.
There was also a bit of romance which I did enjoy. David McFadden played a major role in the growth of our main character Alex. Their relationship was very refreshing. No love at first sight. The relationship actually grew in a realistic fashion.
There were some very heavy material covered in this novel but Deegan was also able to keep it balanced by adding some light fun moments. I have to admit the conclusion was very abrupt, I wish there was a little more to it than the way it wrapped up. Overall this was a great book.I can't wait to read the second in the series " And For Your Information."
This book was amazingly good. It's about a sixteen year old girl named Alex who is dealing with the passing of her mom, and if that isn't enough she also has a famous "Rockstar" for a dad, only problem is he stopped being her "father" quite some time ago.
I found this to be a very fast read, a page turner to be exact. Alex's troubled emotions and struggles were right on key with what a teenager may go through when they have lost someone very close to them.
There was also a bit of romance which I did enjoy. David McFadden played a major role in the growth of our main character Alex. Their relationship was very refreshing. No love at first sight. The relationship actually grew in a realistic fashion.
There were some very heavy material covered in this novel but Deegan was also able to keep it balanced by adding some light fun moments. I have to admit the conclusion was very abrupt, I wish there was a little more to it than the way it wrapped up. Overall this was a great book.I can't wait to read the second in the series " And For Your Information."
November 12, 2012
4.5 stars
And By The Way is the perfect example of a cover giving you a different impression. I asked Twitter for contemporary romance recommendation and Luisa Plaja suggested this. So I was expecting romance, aww and good writing. All of those things are in there but this book is so much more.
Sixth months after her mother died Alex is angry at the world, her father and David McFadden. She doesn’t know how to talk to her friends and is systematically cutting herself of from everyone. If you aren’t close to anyone then it can’t hurt when they go – can it?
For me this book is about complex relationships and the fallout from loss. By keeping her heart safe Alex is hurting the people she needs the most. She doesn’t talk to her father and her friends don’t know how to help her. I don’t want to spoil the content just trust me when I say this book has everything you could possibly want in a contemporary title.
And By The Way is amazing in the way that it’s so believable. Alex’s actions make sense even when they are breaking your heart.
And By The Way is the perfect example of a cover giving you a different impression. I asked Twitter for contemporary romance recommendation and Luisa Plaja suggested this. So I was expecting romance, aww and good writing. All of those things are in there but this book is so much more.
Sixth months after her mother died Alex is angry at the world, her father and David McFadden. She doesn’t know how to talk to her friends and is systematically cutting herself of from everyone. If you aren’t close to anyone then it can’t hurt when they go – can it?
For me this book is about complex relationships and the fallout from loss. By keeping her heart safe Alex is hurting the people she needs the most. She doesn’t talk to her father and her friends don’t know how to help her. I don’t want to spoil the content just trust me when I say this book has everything you could possibly want in a contemporary title.
And By The Way is amazing in the way that it’s so believable. Alex’s actions make sense even when they are breaking your heart.
April 13, 2014
I won this book through Chrissireads' blog so thank you to her and Denise Deegan.
And by the Way... was a sweet lovely to read book about loss, love, growing up and heart ache.
I wasn't really sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading And by the Way...
Although I didn't really like Alex as a character I could understand why she did everything she did and the way she acted to her friends, family and boyfriend. At times I did find myself warming to her and wanting her to find the happiness and support she needed in her life.
Life is tough and I thought the way Denise Deegan portrayed Alex and what she was going through and her life was spot on.
This is a must read for every teenage girl as well as those of us who are well out of our teens!
And by the Way... was a sweet lovely to read book about loss, love, growing up and heart ache.
I wasn't really sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading And by the Way...
Although I didn't really like Alex as a character I could understand why she did everything she did and the way she acted to her friends, family and boyfriend. At times I did find myself warming to her and wanting her to find the happiness and support she needed in her life.
Life is tough and I thought the way Denise Deegan portrayed Alex and what she was going through and her life was spot on.
This is a must read for every teenage girl as well as those of us who are well out of our teens!
October 23, 2012
This is one of my favourite books of all time. It's so easy to relate to. I was constantly looking for a good book that is about Irish teens, it's harder to find than you would think! But Denise Deegan captures the Irish teen life perfectly in all three books of the butterfly novels. "And By The Way" (the first novel in the series) tells the story of Alex, who has lost her mother to cancer. It starts off with her still grieving her loss. She doesn't see it ever getting better but then she gets to know a boy in her class named David, who has also lost his mother. David offers Alex advice about dealing with her moms death. At first shes reluctant to take it, but then as the story develops, we see a relationship develop between the two. I think this is a book well worth reading. You won't be able to put it down.
October 6, 2012
This book is amazing. Full of romance, heartbreak and friendship, 'And by the way...' is a book you won't get enough of. I loved the romance between David and Alex, I thought it was sweet and full of love. At the start Alex despises 'The rockstar' (her dad) because he wasn't there when her mum needed him when she died and isn't there now when Alex needs him the most. I felt Alex's heartbreak and later on I felt her love when she and David start to go out. I extremely approved of her rebellious side and thought, 'if they don't care why bother?'.
You all should read this book!!! 5 stars ***** :)
You all should read this book!!! 5 stars ***** :)
December 3, 2012
This book was beautiful. Truly.
I realize that may sound unbelievably stupid and corny but I loved it and enjoyed it thoroughly! Denise Deegan is a Very talented writer and Alex's emotions are portrayed perfectly without them sounding melodramatic or whiny. The story was quite sad but it had a good ending. I found myself loving Alex's character and her conversations with David made me smile :)
I REALLYY recommend this book, the series are amazing and sum up teenage life really well. I especially loved the ending, when her dad helped her. This book was poignant and striking, read it NOW!
I realize that may sound unbelievably stupid and corny but I loved it and enjoyed it thoroughly! Denise Deegan is a Very talented writer and Alex's emotions are portrayed perfectly without them sounding melodramatic or whiny. The story was quite sad but it had a good ending. I found myself loving Alex's character and her conversations with David made me smile :)
I REALLYY recommend this book, the series are amazing and sum up teenage life really well. I especially loved the ending, when her dad helped her. This book was poignant and striking, read it NOW!
Read
July 24, 2013Graded By: Meghan
Cover Story: Brown. Bag. IT.
BFF Charm: Dammit! Yes, Ok?
Swoonworthy Scale: 7 With a Double-Shot of SHAME
Talky Talk: Like, A One-Two Punch?
Bonus Factors: Dublin, Private School
Relationship Status: Secret Boyfriend
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Brown. Bag. IT.
BFF Charm: Dammit! Yes, Ok?
Swoonworthy Scale: 7 With a Double-Shot of SHAME
Talky Talk: Like, A One-Two Punch?
Bonus Factors: Dublin, Private School
Relationship Status: Secret Boyfriend
Read the full book report here.
September 8, 2013
4.5 stars.
It was a beautiful, sad and lovely read. So many feelings, so much disappointment and lovely moments. Alex's life is tough but she made it harder herself as well. Sometimes I found her annoying; I feel sorry for Louis, because he was a sweet guy after, and she only used him to kill her heartbreak. Can't wait to read "And For Your Information", which is, as I understood, Sarah's story. And by the way, I found Sarah to be annoying as well, one of a drama queens.
It was a beautiful, sad and lovely read. So many feelings, so much disappointment and lovely moments. Alex's life is tough but she made it harder herself as well. Sometimes I found her annoying; I feel sorry for Louis, because he was a sweet guy after, and she only used him to kill her heartbreak. Can't wait to read "And For Your Information", which is, as I understood, Sarah's story. And by the way, I found Sarah to be annoying as well, one of a drama queens.
August 1, 2012
One of the best books of the year. I must admit when I saw it I thoght it was another one of these boy trouble books but it turned out the be a wonderful suprise! I would HIGHLY recommend this book.
Denise, in my opinion is Irelands most promising, talented and upcoming authors. Watch out for her in the future!
Denise, in my opinion is Irelands most promising, talented and upcoming authors. Watch out for her in the future!
October 29, 2012
I've read 'And By the Way' countless times at this stage and still it fails to disappoint! The characters are so believable that I really feel like I'm on the journey with Alex and her two best friends. I definately recommend it to everybody, it can simultaneously cheer you up while making you cry along with the characters. A truly great read!
January 8, 2012
3.5-Good exploration of grief. Alex's home life definitely the most compelling thing about this story. California surfer dude a nice bonus as is the rockstar dad :) The rest is guilty pleasure at its finest.
March 19, 2013
Loved it. had been facing a "reader's block" and this one broke it down, and that's saying something.
Really well written, wonderful character development, scenes that feel real and a great story.
Wouldn't it be awesome if someone made a movie out of it? Absolutely Rad!
Really well written, wonderful character development, scenes that feel real and a great story.
Wouldn't it be awesome if someone made a movie out of it? Absolutely Rad!
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