Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

'Mockingbird'

Caitlin has been an only child since the death of her brother Devon. Somehow, no one else seems to understand her. No one else seems to be able to answer her questions. With her dad always crying, her mum   not to be seen and Devon gone, the world in a confusing place. When she reads about closure in the dictionary she is convinced that it will make things better... But are things always black and white?

Mockingbird is insightful novel that gives you an amazing understanding of Asperger's syndrome, it's impacts and how you can overcome it. It also finds time to give you a look into the terrible, life ruining effects of death and how it tears everyone involved a part. Overall, this book made experiences many have not been through seem real. Although it brought a tear to your eye, the amount of hope Caitlin held was incredible. The story was true to life and you could really feel her emotions. An amazing book!

The Theodore Boone Series by John Grimsaw

'Theodore Boone'

John Grimsaw is a best-selling crime author. Normally his novels are not quite to my my taste, but Theodore Boone is a completely different. It follows the life of Theodore, a budding lawyer who lives in the heart of Strattenburg. His family own the law firm Boone & Boone, and although Theodore is only thirteen, he already spends more time in Strattenburg court then anywhere else. Soon he's facing murder, abduction and a whole load of complicated crimes in between...

'Theodore Boone: The Abduction'

The Theodore Boone series is an amazing set of books. It's a fabulous mix of law, thriller and teenage fiction.  It's a refreshing change from Nancy Drew or The Famous Five. I can't wait for the next book!

Angel by L.A Weatherly

'Angel'

Angel is probably my second favourite book of all time! (After Amy&Roger's Epic Detour - review to come). The story isn't as gothic as the front cover at all. It is a love story (always a good choice) and before you think it, no it is not like Harry Potter. It is a magical journey of two lives that meet and the journey of their friendship and more. It is a trilogy and I cannot wait to get in to the second and third books! 

I really loved reading about the situation Alex was in, by having all his licenses and credit cards on different surnames and the danger and difficulties he faces, a little mix of action! Normally I wouldn't choose an action book, but I think I liked the twist of it, I will definitely try some more now! 

I also really enjoyed travelling through the states with Alex and Willow with the hunt of the Church of Angels behind us. 

In this book, there is a "Church" of Angels, but it isn't anything like a normal church. It is more focusing on the worship and craziness of the people with "Angel burn", showing how bad the Angel burn actually is, by it becoming equivalent of a religion, which in some people's cases is the most important thing in their lives!

I was devastated when the end of the book came, if a book is around 700 pages, you kind of expect the story to be finished (in some cases...) but not this one! I jumped up and down and wanted to run to the shops to by 'Angel Fire'! This book made me do something I haven't done for quite a while: miss a load of homework and not mind (much!), stay up way later than appropriate and turning to the book, even if I only had a couple of seconds to read! And of course, very reluctant to stop! 

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone,  that's how amazing it is!

An Inspiration - The Brontë Family

Outside the Parsonage

The Yorkshire Moors

Welcome to the first post under our new feature 'An Inspiration'. The aim is to provide our readers with a look into some of the most inspirational figures of our time and before. If possible, we will visit their home towns and report our findings on the blog. Any suggestions of people to report on would be helpful, and we will try to find someone that will interest everyone of our readers. We hope you enjoy!


The rain was lashing down on the Yorkshire moors as our car travelled towards the small town of Haworth. It was a sight that had inspired the Brontë family to write such books which in many people's opinions, make them some of the best writers and poets to set foot on British soil. We already knew it had been the home to the Brontë family in the 19th century, but we hoped the Brontë Parsonage Museum we tell us more.

The Yorkshire Moors

The Graveyard

Patrick Brontë was the parson of Haworth so the family lived in the village church. Luckily, the museum was based there so we could explore their real home. The first thing we saw was a beautiful graveyard overgrown with grass and flowers where Patrick would have undoubtedly performed many a burial. Although Emily Brontë is world famous author, you may not know she had a part to play in the teaching of the very school you pass on your way into the museum. Photos were not allowed to be taken indoors, but there was a lot to be learnt. Here's what each room taught us:

The Dedication

Mr Brontë's Study - Most Parish Business was performed here, Patrick had many meals alone in the room. Many belongings he used for work are displayed and even in old age, he was seen sitting before the fire, upright as a solider.
Dining Room - Most of the world famous books were written here, it was were Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were created. When night fell, and the rest of the family were asleep; the sisters were known to gave gathered round the fire and discuss writing. Emily is believed to have died on the sofa. After Emily and Anne's death, Charlotte still spent many an hour here, alone.
Kitchen - It was the heart of the family. The children would be told stories, read German, write poetry and bake bread.
Mr Nicholls' Study - Originally it was used for storing coal. In 1854 it was converted to Charlotte's husband's study. A window, fireplace and doorway were all added.
The Servant's Room - The Brontë's servants were seen as almost friends of the family. Local women, Tabitha Aykroyd served them for thirty years. Martha Brown assisted Tabitha and remained into Patrick Brontë's death.
Charlotte's Room - Main bedroom, it is where Mrs Brontë died. Aunt Branwell taught the girls domestic skills and needlework in the room. When Charlotte married, this was their room. She, like her mother, died here nine months later.
The Children's Study, later Emily's Room - The Brontë children played, studied and imagined new worlds here. Emily lived here in her final years.
Mr Brontë's Bedroom - Patrick Brontë moved here after the death of Mrs Brontë. When Branwell became an alcoholic and a danger to the family, he was moved here as to be watched over. Branwell also died here under the wath of the whole family in 1848.
Branwell's Studio
For a large stretch of time, it was used as a bedroom. In the late 1830s, it became Branwell's studio and you can see his work displayed here.

|The Brontë Medow 

A Bench in the  Brontë Meadow

After visiting the museum, it is now possible to visit the Brontë meadow. It is a site that has been restored to show the beauty of the moors the Brontë's both enjoyed and were inspired by... For example, the dry stone walls are suspected to have been built sometime in the 17th century!

In the Brontë Meadow

In Haworth

And finally, the town of Haworth can offer more information about the Brontë family. With bookshops stuffed full of the Brontë's masterpieces and even council estates named after the world famous characters, be sure to visit. In my opinion both the Brontë Parsonage Museum and the town of Haworth can offer an interesting and helpful exprience to any writer, poet or historian. Five stars from me!   

The Heathcliff Council Estate