All These Things I've DoneGabrielle Zevin
368 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, Giroux
Release Date: September 6th, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher
In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.
Heart-wrenching and heart-warming, All These Things I've Done is an amazing addition young-adult literature. A promising, strong heroine, a unique plot, and characters you'll feel for - Gabrielle Zevin's latest has it all.
Anya Balanchine is a character we can all connect to. A young girl just as flawed as the rest of us, but stronger and tortured in a way you can never expect. With her mother and father murdered, Anya has to take care of her family. But she isn't the oldest. Her older brother, handsome Leo, is disabled, her grandmother hangs on to life by a thin thread.
As the oldest of four siblings, I know how it is to be responsible. But without my parents, I would most likely be in an asylum. Anya is different. Strong, flawed, no doubt, but strong and willed.
Though this novel certainly isn't one for fast-paced action, the story is astounding. The pages will be wet with your sweat, and maybe even your tears. I never knew which way the story would turn, but I could tell there was only pain and sorrow in Anya's life.
All These Things I've Done is a novel I have to say I loved. With a strong female protagonist and a life of mafia, Gabrielle Zevin's latest is a riveting must read.
The dripping chocolate heart symbolizes a few things as well.
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I have no idea why, but this cover is screaming at me to buy it. I'm glad that the story inside sounds good, thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYAY! I'm so glad that you liked this book, Hafsah. I've read "so-so" reviews about it but I really like this author and was hoping this one would be as good as her others. I know feel much more confident in picking it up. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intense read Hafsah, I'm really looking forward to it! Though a world with no chocolate might actually give me nightmares:) I need chocolate to live.
ReplyDeleteI loved the whole mafia aspect, it was definitely so interesting. Loved Anya as well!
ReplyDeletegreat review! you make me want to read this book ASAP.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, too! Anya was such a great protagonist, and I loved the writing style! Fab review, Hafsah! :)
ReplyDelete(Also, I'm totally late in noticing this, but I love your new blog header!)
This is one of the books I'm juggling right now. Can't seem to make up my mind what to read! Glad you loved it. It sounds like a thrilling and emotional read.
ReplyDeleteSounds really good. I did enter some contests for All These Things I've Done so crossing my fingers that I'll be able to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteAww, I want to read this one so badly! I'm definitely jealous. It sounds extremely good. I have this on priority on my wishlist, lol. Definitely not moving it down... Great review!
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ Kindle Fever
I love the way you made Anya sound; I love strong female protagonists! In a world where chocolate is illegal, she's kind of lucky that her family manufactures chocolate ... mmmm.
ReplyDeleteOoh I am excited to read this one. =) My mom loved it as well. Good to hear that Anya is strong but still has her own flaws. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking forward to this story for a long time I really need to get a copy of this one soon. Thanks for the great review I love to be on the edge of my seat with a book, never knowing if I'll laugh or cry.
ReplyDeleteYou're right: not fast-paced, but a great story with such an incredible, strong MC. I really enjoyed her and her family. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this one!
ReplyDeleteNice blog, by the way :)
Bree
theawesomemagicattic.blogspot.com
wow from your review i think this book would be a book i would really enjoy!
ReplyDeletethanks alot, ive been very hesitant on whether to even read this because i barely have time for anything nowadays!
- juhina
your review made the book so much more appealing thank u
ReplyDeleteI just bought this book! Thanks for the review. I can't wait to start it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I'm reading this one now and I love it so far :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how unique this book was. I think your review is right on, I enjoyed Anya's character a great deal.
ReplyDeleteVery nice review. I love the cover as well and this book sounds like something I would so enjoy reading.
ReplyDelete- Beckie
Wow! This review is certainly quite different from others I've read. This is the first I've heard of any hint of sadness in the book. I always imagined there'd be a great deal of action and danger due to the whole mafia aspect, but at least now I know what to expect. I just bought a copy of one of Zevin's earlier work- The Hole We're In- and gave it to my mother to read. She loved it! She usually doesn't love anything but romance, so I find it encouraging and certainly plan on reading this book.
ReplyDeleteSarah Bibi Setar
http://randomthoughtsofaconfusedadolescent.blogspot.com/