Reading Challenge 2015

2014 has been a busy year. So busy in fact I seem to have neglected my love for reading (and also this blog, my bad). Whilst browsing online I came across Popsugars Reading Challenge 2015. I felt this was a great challenge for 2015. I know 2015 is probably going to be just as hectic but even if I can get through at least a couple of books I think I would have made an improvement and that's what new years resolutions are all about! So here we go, a reading challenge for 2015! I will try my best to keep you updated with book reviews and checklists of the challenge as much as I can. Join me if you wish! Here are the details below:

What are your challenges or new years resolutions for 2015? Let me know in the comments below!

Tape By Steven Camden | Review + GIVEAWAY!

|| Tape by Steven Camden* || 

Product Details
Title: Tape
Author: Steven Camden
Release Date: 30th January 2014

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Pages: 352

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Ages: Teen (12+)

Source: Received from publisher for review

Purchase Links: Amazon | Waterstones

Record a voice and it lasts forever…

In 1993, Ryan records a diary on an old tape. He talks about his mother’s death, about his dreams, about his love for a new girl at school who doesn’t even know he exists.

In 2013, Ameliah moves in with her grandmother after her parents die. There, she finds a tape in the spare room. A tape with a boy’s voice on it – a voice she can’t quite hear, but which seems to be speaking to her.

Ryan and Ameliah are connected by more than just a tape.

This is their story.

| My thoughts |

The story has two narrators - Ryan and Ameliah. I feel that the teen audience (or our previous teen self) can really relate to some characteristics shown by them both and also the scenarios they are faced with. It explores the difficult situations of growing up and also touches on more sensitive topics (such as family and death).

The outside and inside of the book are graphically and visually appealing, especially to the younger audience. Ryan and Ameliah's perspective are easily identifiable in the book making it easy for the reader to follow where they are. I think the way Ameliahs story is in present tense and Ryans is in past works very well with the story line but I found myself warming more towards Ryan because of this. Another thing that I wasn't so sure on was the way the speech was written as the author uses hyphens instead of speech marks. At first I was confused as to if they were thoughts.
Example:
Ryan looked at him
- What?
- Ask me who'll hear
Ryan shrugged his shoulders

However, this book will keep you guessing to the very end with twists and turns! 

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books, one lucky reader will win a copy of Tape by Steven Camden!

Competition is open worldwide

Rules:

• This is open to my blog readers only! Make sure you're following my blog via GFC or Bloglovin' (I will be checking!)
• Extra entry for following my Twitter
• Extra entry for liking my Facebook page

The winner will be contacted straight after the giveaway has ended. They will have 2 days to claim their prize or I reserve the right to choose another winner.

Book will be shipped directly from publisher.

If the winner is international, the book may take longer to arrive

I hope you've enjoyed my first book review and hopefully I will have more giveaways in the future!