The Book of Tomorrow - Cecelia Ahern

Title: The Book of Tomorrow
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Genre: Chick-lit
Rating: 2.5/5
# pages: 320
Date read: December, 2010

Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin. When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core.

The premise sounded really interesting, but the book was extremely slow-moving - it wasn't until page 100 that Tamara even found the mysterious book! Also, I didn't think the writing style really meshed with the genre. I think Cecelia Ahern tried for 'suspense' rather than 'chick-lit', which made for a really weird mix, that didn't really work for me. It did improve after the first 100 pages, but there were still too many things left unexplained or plot-devices that were just a tad too convenient. It had its moment, but in general I didn't care much for it at all.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis

Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
# pages: 172
Date read: December 2010, September 2018

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy took their first steps into the world behind the magic wardrobe, little do they realise what adventures are about to unfold. And as the story of Narnia begins to unfold, so to does a classic tale that has enchanted readers of all ages for over half a century.

I was "in between books" and in the mood for a quick and cozy read, so it just felt natural to turn to one of my favourite comfort series. I've always loved the story of Narnia, and TLTWTW is one of my favourites in the series.

One thing that takes me by surprise every time I read it is how short it is. Probably thanks to the various movie adaptions, I keep adding details and stretching out scenes, only to discover that the book really is quite fast moving, and Lewis doesn't dwell much on neither characterisations, descriptions or action.

But I can't even begin to imagine how it must have been to return to 'our world' after having not just been all grown up, but kings and queens too!