English Journal: Paranormalcy

You know what's funny? I said I'd do these every Sunday. And I thought I'd be able to do it.

Wishful thinking = disappointment.

I lost one of my journalling notebooks, so for now I'll be using some from this year. The first three are for Kiersten White's Paranormalcy, which just came out earlier this year. Since it's such a new book, and by a blogger I happen to admire greatly, I'll probably post the others, too, over the next two weeks. Just remember: spoilers. My English teacher, sadly, will probably never get around to reading Para, but if you are planning to, you've been forewarned.


This is the first book I've ever ordered before it came out. It makes me feel all writerly and connected. Between that, and the fact that I read and love the author's blog, these journals may not be completely objective.

Basically, this is the paranormal book I've been waiting for. It's funny and sweet and a perfect comfort read, but it's also deep and the characters are personal. It doesn't take itself seriously, but parts of it are serious. High concept is all well and good, but sometimes you need a hobby read. And why shouldn't a hobby read be well-written, too?

The main character, Evie, made a pretty successful heroine. She had enough characterization to make her personality and originality clear without ostrasizing the reader, which I think is important for this kind of first person. When the story's moving quickly, which it usually is, she takes a little more of a backseat to help the reader experience the story.

She also falls in love without being supremely annoying to anyone who has not fallen in love, mostly, which is a pretty big accomplishment.