The hardest thing about book reviewing is the novels you devote time to and are left with a very distinct feeling of 'meh' at the end of. It's easy to sing the praises or sleight a book for being fantastic or terrible, but when a book leaves you feeling a bit blah the words just don't come as easy. That is kinda how I've felt about One Hundred Names, it's not a terrible book but it's not going to set your world on fire either.
One Hundred Names is the story of Kitty Logan, a journalist who has in many ways lost her way. After a major professional lapse in judgement Kitty's career, relationships and personal life are left in tatters. When her mentor and boss Constance sadly passes away, Kitty is left with a list of 100 names - the beginnings of a wonderful story that Constance had an idea for and never got to pursue. As a distraction and possibly her last hope at regaining her journalistic integrity Kitty tries to work out what the story is that ties these 100 names together.
I will say that I loved the idea behind the 100 names that Kitty is investigating. It was a really interesting twist in the book and one that kept me guessing and more importantly engaged in the story. As Kitty investigates the 100 names on her list she meets some remarkable people who make her re-evaluate her life which has been pretty self-centred.
The thing about this book is the Kitty just isn't a very likeable person. Selfish and stubborn she certainly starts off as someone who needs to pull her head out, but despite their being some character development even at the end I never really felt much sympathy or support for her. I felt as I was reading that if Kitty were to all of a sudden be hit by bus, I wouldn't actually be that sad. Horrible, I know, but therein lies the problem. I don't usually have a need to relate to or love the character but in this case I felt that Kitty didn't seem to learn much from her experiences.
Despite this, One Hundred Names is a cute and easy read and there was plenty to enjoy despite Kitty's lack of character growth. I'm keen to read more of Cecelia Ahern's books as she has written some pretty cracking best sellers. I'd recommend this as an easy beach read or to borrow from the library if you fancy the sound of the story. Have you read anything by Cecelia Ahern?
I know exactly what you mean about reviewing books that were neither great nor bad, middle of the road reads.
ReplyDeleteCecelia Ahern is one of my top three authors of all time, and One Hundred Names fell a little flat to me in comparison to other books of hers. I really enjoy the plot, and of course Cecelia Ahern's writing style, but just as you found, Kitty wasn't the most likeable main character.
I've read all of Cecelia Ahern's novels, besides from her latest release, and I'd recommend these three - P.S I Love You, A Place Called Here, and The Gift which is a Christmas read. I hope next time you delve in to a Cecelia Ahern book you have better luck enjoying it!
:-)
Bits & Bobs
Thanks Jade! I did enjoy her writing style so im definitely keen to read some more from Cecilia Ahern, ill keep your recommendations in mind!
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