ISBN-13: 9781509820832
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: February 2016
Format: Paperback, 96 pgs
Source: Purchased
This short story by Rainbow Rowell is part of a handful of selected short reads specially produced for World Book Day and the tale revolves around Star Wars fandom and how friendship/kindred spirits come about when one least expects it.
Eighteen-year-old Elena is a Star Wars fan. To be exact, it was under her father's influence that she only saw the original trilogy. Anything other than that isn't exactly the "real" movies, at least this is what her father thinks. Well she doesn't mind it anymore if she did watch them now that their parents are separated. And with the new Star Wars movie releasing, she knew she wants to experience the excitement of camping outside the cinema and exchanging news and sharing thoughts with other fans till the opening night. Alas, the queue isn't what she has expected. She is aghast to find she is the last in line but truth be told there are only three people, including herself.
The two guys in front of her, Troy and Gabe, may be out of her league but over the four days she was with them, she learned a few things about them, especially Gabe.
Kindred Spirits may be a short story (62 pages) but the characters are quite well developed. I enjoyed the exchanges Elena had with Troy, who is such a huge Star Wars fan that his enthusiasm almost put her to shame. And then there is Gabe, a quiet guy who may not seemed to attract anyone's attention initially but he will grow on you the more you read about him.
All in all, it was a sweet story about friendship (and potential relationship?) and not to mention Star Wars fandom (well, you don't need to be a fan to enjoy this book). Aside from the cute story, what I admire about Ms. Rowell is the way she could spin off stories out of our ordinary and sometimes mundane lives into something unforgettable and special. I just wished this story could be a bit longer.
And oh, there is an extract of Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard at the end of this book which I think is a story about friendship between two sixteen-year-old girls and how a girl named Suzanne, who is so different from them, will turn their lives upside down. Since it was an extract I wasn't sure where this story will lead but I'm hoping that it would be a book which has some intrigue (or a mystery) in it.
Finally, before I end this review, I thought I would voice out my confusion over the book cover. The yellow sticker stated "For Older Readers" but it didn't contain any content which seem shocking or inappropriate to me.
Misc. Musings:
I have been slacking in my reading lately. No, it isn't the book(s) but life as well as a few distractions which have kept my reading attention elsewhere. Last week was test week and I was so glad it was over. A few things also include playing Candy Crush on my mobile as well as re-watching Descendants of the Sun for the third time. This time around, I am watching it with my husband and I have a hunch it is his curiosity over the popularity that is speaking louder than the drama itself, ha.
I am currently reading John Hart's Redemption Road and aside from the great storytelling, it is a book filled with suspense, emotions and questions which have me thinking about righteousness and justice. No, wait. There are many more issues which will set your mind thinking over what is right and what is wrong but yet they aren't really straightforward. This is my first John Hart book and I am enjoying reading it; his writing and his storytelling is excellent in my opinion and I am glad to have discovered an author whom I know I would be reading more in future.
I am currently reading John Hart's Redemption Road and aside from the great storytelling, it is a book filled with suspense, emotions and questions which have me thinking about righteousness and justice. No, wait. There are many more issues which will set your mind thinking over what is right and what is wrong but yet they aren't really straightforward. This is my first John Hart book and I am enjoying reading it; his writing and his storytelling is excellent in my opinion and I am glad to have discovered an author whom I know I would be reading more in future.
(My pic on Instagram. Come find me @melody_lee)
Once again, I am finding joy in writing and receiving snail mails. They are such a rare things nowadays (at least to me, aside from the book mails) that a letter would make me squeal in delight. To-date, I had received three mails (including a postcard which is not featured here) from Jenclair, who is a bookish friend from A Garden Carried in the Pocket. We share similar taste when books are concerned. :-)
What are you reading? Hope you have a great week!
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Oh, that was a surprise! Postcard and letter in mail to you. The pc was in the mail last week, the letter goes out today--we will see which gets there first!
I've only read Attachments by Rowell, but I really liked it! Need to add Rowell to my library list because she has been on my "to read" list for Eleanor & Park for so long!
I'm slowly watching Dae Bak with Jang Geun Suk, but it is really getting interesting!
Jenclair - I love Rowell's books! I think I've read all her books except Carry On. I've read mixed reviews of it so that's probably why I'm not in a hurry of reading it. And oh, Eleanor & Park is a must-read!
Now I need to go check out Dae Bak. I still have Moorim School onto my to-watch list.
Aw, I love Rainbow Rowell! I had it in my head somehow that this was a short story relating to one of her existing books, but it sounds like not? I am more interested now!
Now that's a happy mail day! :)
Life has been quite hectic for me too lately and my reading is going at a snail's pace. Oh well. Glad to hear you are enjoying the John Hart book. I had no clue about this Rainbow Rowell book. I've really enjoyed some of her other books so will have to check it out.
Jenny - I know; I'd that same feeling when I first saw this book but it doesn't has any connection with her other books. I really wish Rowell will have another book of these characters in the near future!
Iliana - Always excited to get mails, but not bills, lol.
I've just finished reading John Hart's book today. Just, wow! I hope you'll enjoy this book by Rowell if you get to it. :-)
I would squeal with delight if I received a real written mail also, those were the days. I still have a couple from university days from best friends still in my life, I just can't throw them away :-)
I haven't read much lately either but unfortunately it has been the books.
Have a great weekend.
Marce - It's wonderful to be in touch with our friends as the years pass. I've two from my high school days and though it's not like we contact each other often, we do gather occasionally.
Hope you've a great week! :-)