*Review copy provided by publisher for Cybils*
11 Birthdays might sound like fun, but Amanda's about to find out, it's definitely not. Amanda and Leo have shared birthday parties since they turned one, but after a fight during their tenth birthday, they haven't spoken in a year. When that eleventh birthday rolls around, Amanda is not very excited about having this birthday party alone. She just wants the day to end, but the day doesn't seem to want to. By some strange twist of magic, she is stuck in a never-ending repeat of that dreadful day.
Things I Liked:
The book has a very fun idea (though it made me think of the movie Groundhog Day). I love Leo and Amanda and the different adventures that happen each time the day repeats. I also thought Mass was very smart in not having everything turn out perfect and easy. Some things happened no matter what Amanda changed. Also, the relationships Amanda has with her family and friends are interesting to watch develop and change. A fun, if somewhat dull at times, book. Loved this:
"What do you call it when every tomorrow is both tomorrow and today? And every today is both today and yesterday?" p 77Things I Didn't Like:
The magical elements seemed not very well explained. The fantasy was just not that interesting. I think the book does better if you ignore the somewhat fantastical details. It also seemed to drag a little bit at times. Even with some complexity, the ending was a little too neatly wrapped up.
Read-alikes:
Style is very similar to Every Soul A Star also by Mass
Reminded me of Shug by Jenny Han
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ***
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