Reviewing... [64] Who Framed Klaris Cliff

Today I have another joint-review, Mother (Mrs/Mutti/Mum Bookworm) & I discuss a MG novel, Who Framed Klaris Cliff? Hope you enjoy! *hands out popcorn while you view our exchange*
Who did frame Klaris Cliff? Read it to find out!

Reviewing... [64] Source: OUP (bloggers event) Author: Nikki Sheehan Reviewed by: Mother & daughter (Amy wins for dragging Mutti in today! Recommended For: We'd say  especially for kids or preteens getting into reading! But, there's something for all the family.

Mutti Bookworm: So, today Amy & I are discussing Klaris Cliff : I read this actually after meeting Nikki Sheehan at an OUP event, and hearing her inspiration for the story: on reaching the climax of the story, I wondered how I hadn’t guessed the twist!

Amy: Well, I’m not actually surprised that I didn’t. It didn’t seem like something which would be used as a plot point- after all, it could easily have just been something that made Joe & his Dad who they are, so was for that reason. Overall, it’s an interesting idea regarding imaginary friends... One Mum may have jumped into quicker than I did but we both enjoyed it when we did read it :D

MB: The story’s theme is that Rogue Imaginary Persons are believed to be behind many crimes including murder, and has set up a system that any who “harbour” such dangers must have The Cosh (“an operation that fries your imagination”) The main character Joe & his dad live next door to the chaotic Cliff family: older sister Pooh, rough friend Rocky, overlooked seven-year-old, Flea, and the manic twins Egg & Wills, and “the usual number of parents”, stern doctor father, and secret smoker mother. I really love the interactions between the characters: Joe & his dad, both missing his mum who went away two years previously to “find herself”, and having to continue life without her return; the family dynamics in the Cliff family; and especially everyone’s thoughts and behaviour towards Flea, whose longtime Imaginary Friend Klaris becomes accused of a series of domestic crimes.

Entertainworm presents... Cat Thursday: Photographic Black Cat :P

Will Caleb be sharing the blog with other cats today? Or am I allowing my cat who has been lonely (missing coming on here, you see) to have this feature all to himself? Either way, I hope you're happy that a) this is a Thursday (and you may be on holiday like us English teens on half-term) b) there's cats here.
I may have mentioned Fi almost every time I've posted this month but she reminded me about the time I'd normally post a Cat Thursday (somebody notices my unsaid pattern the time I can't keep to it perhaps?)... that's around the second Thursday BUT no... Today is the last Thursday & I feel like you also deserve to see gorgeous, cute cat(s?)... Even one cat might do :P

 Thanks for hosting Michelle @ The True Book Addict! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). 
This is my fourth Cat Thursday; thanks for having me again!

"Hey, I'm not looking at the camera because... Why should I? You've been ignoring me for a few weeks over what you're allowed. I'm just going to pretend there's not a camera a few inches from my face!"
"OK, maybe I'll look at you but close my eyes! Hey, are you gonna poke me? FINE! I give in, I'll be in your post... I mean, I really did want to. All you had to do was be nice. Give me compliments like your friends do... Cats & books are such a good mix, aren't they?"

Reviewing... [63] Alex As Well

What if you felt like you had to prove your gender?
I wouldn’t like it but I could probably prove that my characteristics are typically more feminine ones, that my interests are more feminine and so on... That’s beside the point.

Reviewing... [63] Source: Curious Fox; for an honest review! Thanks to THE FOX :D Author: Alyssa Brugman Recommended For: You like books which are unique, aren’t afraid to be completely honest (in their perception, I understand it'd mean lots of research & a bit of guessing, we can allow artistic license though, I think!) & discuss issues(?)- these issues many authors, and in general many human beings, don’t go near enough to touch with a very stretched out toe... but maybe, you're this person who does dare to read it. If so, YOU. Definitely perfect for you.

Alex As Well isn’t just a story about an intersex teen, that’s not what it’s about.
No, the blurb, reviews and labels aren’t lying to you. I mean, Alex is boy and girl I suppose. The way this came across at first was that Alex compartmentalizes in her head that something is a girl thing, another thing a boy thing. Splitting up what girls say, what boys say.

It’s about good people, it’s about bad people.
Some of the themes have been told in YA before, others haven’t that I know of. It’s not just the gender exploration based bit, it’s other parts.
Alex As Well is about family relationships and socialisation in that; in fact... this book does put quite a weight on nature I suppose as it doesn’t seem like she’s been ‘nurtured’ to be a girl. Alex isn’t who she is as much as you’d expect because of her parents. Definitely not.

Marvel Madness: Females I Love

Hellooo-
OK, just to be clear (instead of continuing with a Marcus Butler like welcome). Females are often awesome & I love this, but there's some who are way more kickass than normal in fiction (in real life, there's not as many opportunities to be kick-ass; at least not in my life experience!). Some of these awesome females are in Marvel.
This post is no way saying females aren't normally or they only exist in Marvel. I'm a female, I'm not underestimating GIRL POWER. I'm not surprised they exist as they do in real life & as females are almost half of the human population... Yeah, we've got this covered.
Do you see tropes appearing though? Damsels in distress, love before all else, flimsy females? You know the kind of thing; making us seem less strong than our male counterparts mentally as well as physically! This is rare in SHIELD & other Marvel shows/comics I know/read (I mainly watch, sorry!)

Top Ten Books About Friendship

Firstly, I'm back (I guess? It's hard to tell in this... situation). Secondly, sorry that this post involves 3 books with main characters called Alex (but they're all different genders so...). Thirdly, yes... some books were mentioned in my last TTT (I guess I loved them). Oh, and I'm actually encouraging myself to post this as it was a month since that TTT & I've only posted one review since *hides* Unless you liked that review & aren't mad at me?
Talking of reviews, besides #1, these books/series I haven't reviewed which means I'm glad I've got to feature them now & I hope, if you pick up any of the books on this list, that you enjoy them.

Either way, for those who are interested in this list, without further ado:

hosted by The Broke And The Bookish...
Top Ten Books About Friendship
clicking on the book covers should direct you to its Goodreads page if all went right...

1. Perks Of Being A Wallflower- This is the only book/series here I’ve actually properly reviewed (it was my first review) & it blows you away. The friendship, too. Rocky Horror... Patrick, Sam, Charlie... even Mary Elizabeth. This book is a must-read & for friendship... it gets gold stars on that, too. READ IT.