Book Review- A School For Unusual Girls

Sunday, June 26, 2016


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A week or so ago, my mom and my sisters went to the library. I can't remember what I was doing at the time, I think I might have been at a graduation party. Anyways, they came home with a gigantic haul of books. When I was looking through them, my mom pointed out one that she thought I would like- A School for Unusual Girls. It looked pretty interesting, so I decided to read it.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I loved it.

I didn't just read this book, I devoured it. I always read before I go to sleep, and I think that this book only took me two nights, three max. I honestly couldn't put it down, I was dying to read more. I don't recommend reading this book if you have a ton to do- you probably won't knock off everything on your to-do list!

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A School For Unusual Girls takes place in Europe in the early 1800's, as Napoleon is exiled on Elba. Georgiana, commonly known as Georgie, (I've never been super fond of that name for some reason) is being taken to Stranje House, a "finishing school for young ladies" that, according to rumors, is more like a torture chamber. All because she accidentally lit her father's barn on fire. Goodness, how some people overreact. 

After being left at Stranje House, however, Georgie soon begins to realize that nothing is quite like it seems. Stranje House is no torture chamber, but it isn't your typical finishing school, either. It's a place full of many secrets and dangers, mysteries and romance. And the real reason that the girls are here may end up putting all of their lives at risk. 

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There are two things in life that I really love. Books, and lists. SO, a combination of the two in basically perfect!!

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first and do the cons-

CONS:

1. Okay, so y'all know that I love romance. Hallmark movies are a constant thing in my house, and I absolutely adore a good romance in a novel. What's better than two shippable characters? The romances in this book were really cute, but occasionally it was just... I don't even know how to describe it. Stilted? Awkward? When the main character sees a guy she likes, one of the first things that pops into her mind is how beautiful his eyes are. Note that this took place in a situation when the attractiveness of someone's eyes really wouldn't be the first thing on your mind. At another point, someone randomly says, "You wanted to kiss me just now, didn't you?" I don't know, it just felt a little..forced sometimes? And then other times it was adorable. It was kind of bizarre. 

2. I wish that there had been a bit more development in some of the other girls at the school. I was super interested in them and was dying to hear more of their stories. I know that there's a sequel, and hopefully some more books after that, so I have my fingers crossed for more development.

3. Honestly I just wish that there had been more development in general. I suppose reading the second book will help. (My library doesn't have it yet. Grr.) If you didn't know there was a sequel, though, I think that you would step away from the book a little frustrated. Not that it was horribly confusing or anything, I just wanted to know more. 

Aaaaaand the pros! 

PROS:

1. HISTORICAL FICTION!! When it's done right, I loveeeeeeeee historical fiction. So much. And this definitely falls under the category of historical fiction done right. 

2. 19th century sass. Like, there was a whole scene where Georgie climbed a tree, so she hiked up her skirt a little, and then as she was attempting to come down, one of the male characters came outside and she was absolutely horrified about him seeing her leg. That whole scene was just hilarious. 

3. The characterssss. Oh my gosh. The book is full of all of these girls who are strong and brilliant and just absolutely fascinating. The headmistress, Ms. Stranje, is amazing as well; I'm dying to hear more of her story.

4. It's a very clean book. So if you're someone who's super careful about what you read, this book is a good choice.

5. You're constantly dying to know what is going to happen next. This book is so gripping, and I loved that about it. Like I said, I honestly couldn't put it down!

6. Everyone is so MYSTERIOUS. Like, there's one girl who has dreams about what's going to happen in the future, and one girl with Sherlock-like deductive skills, one girl has mad science skills, and someone has crazy control over animals. These girls are SO COOL.

7. I'm recommending it and since my taste in books is obviously impeccable you should totally read it. (Kidding. But you should still read it.)

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Well, what are you waiting for?? Go pick up a copy of this book! Before you do though, leave me a comment below! Have you read this book before? Did you like it? What have you been reading lately? Any good book recommendations? Let's chat!!!


12 comments:

  1. THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO COOL!!!! And I've been dying for something good to read lately, this sounds perfect!!

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  2. This book sounds super interesting! I've been wanting some more books to read lately, so I'm definitely going to look into this. Historical fiction is THE BEST EVER.

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    1. I LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION! It's just so fabulous. Let me know if you read it, I'd love to know what you think!

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  3. Nice review! This book definitely sounds interesting. I'll have to see if I can get it. ;)

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  4. Sounds like a good book!

    ~ shinenelevate.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. sounds amazing. i have to say though, one of the very first things i notice in ANYONE is their eyes. my best friends all have the best eyes. my first "guy" friend had the most gorgeous blue eyes. but they always looked so sad, like he was a lot of the time:(. my most recent crush...he's...fun, his are a radiant gray shade, one this is a cross of a silver, blue, and green. a really good reference point would be (use the link) http://www.boomamaboo.com/Images/After%20the%20Storm.jpg . his eyes would be most of the left side of the picture...and they were alive...like...he was so energized and happy. my favorite part of our friendship is how much he teases me. he gets me to show myself, the real me. eyes just are so gripping for me.

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    1. Isn't it interesting how eye color can relate to personality?

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    2. its super interesting

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