I just can't keep talking about the Carbon Diaries 2 books with people. Fun, light, easy reads, but with some real insight into a future carbon-constrained world. Set in London doesn't hurt: this edition had one scene set in my neighborhood (brick lane). I strongly recommend these books. Read the 2015 one first, I read the whole thing on a plane ride. Many of you probably have more literary sophistication than I do, but if Harry Potter and Twilight can be famous, why can't the Carbon Diaries, even if it it's teen target audience is very readily apparent... I'm really torn about this book. On the one hand, it was definitely unique and entertaining. I liked it better than the first book. There were themes of angst and rebellion, of oppression and protestation that I found very interesting. On the other hand... the writing style really annoyed me. I was somewhat used to all the slang and poor spelling and grammar, having read the first book, but it seemed even worse in this one. Instead of adding to the gritty reality of the book, it grated on me and became distracting. I was constantly having to stop and re-read passages to try and understand what they were saying, and that really stopped the flow of the story. And don't even get me started on Eman!!! I just skipped over whatever he had to say, with his "....." and "uh...."s, and picked up the story again after he was done. Talk about annoying!Also, the story never really came alive for me. Even the most intense passages - which could really have been gripping and heart wrenching when told in the right way - when told in Laura's matter-of-fact tone, weren't very exciting. It was hard to picture what was happening because there was hardly any description. There were times when Laura acted so childish and immature, I just had to grit my teeth.Her on-again, off-again relationship with Adi was unrealistic. We were meant to believe that they truly loved each other, but I never saw any reason for them to. They were rude to each other and when they talked it was mostly full of cheap "words of wisdom" or preachy statements. Ugh.Still... despite all its shortcomings... I can't say I regret reading it. It was an interesting book. I might even read another in the series if the author writes one... but I do hope that Laura grows up a little before the next book!
Do You like book Dagboek Van Een Klotejaar 2017 (2011)?
As much as I loved the first book, I just couldn't get into this one. . .
—Desi
Great followup to 2015! lot of stuff happens, very eventful book
—101gal
A very fraught 2011 Cybils nominee. A good sequel.
—whatever
