Book Review #16: The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet

I'm behind a little on reviews, but here's one at least again! This time The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill.

Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.
In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.
But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet was the first book of Stephanie Morrill that I've read and I definately liked it. The book shares the life of teen author Ellie who regularly escapes her life by writing a better version of it.

The first thing that I really liked about this book was that it was so easy to relate to. It might be because I like writing myself, but definately also because Stephanie made Ellie or any of the characters so easily relatable. For me Ellie was parts of: the more studying type, less outgoing and loves writing, but even if that is not hundread percent you there are enough other characters in the book that will relate to you or someone you konw. They feel real!

The book includes some great references as well! What do you think about: "I turn away and bury my burning face in my math book. Now would be a really good time for the rapture." I know, awesome right?

For the (teen)writers amongst you, this book has something extra: a lot of tips, suggestions and encouragement, you'll love it.

The only thing I could point out as something I like less, was that it took rather long for the rest to find out about Ellie's writing life. As it is part of the backcover copy of the book, I would have expected to play a bigger role in the book. It felt a little bit like it was rounded off too quickly. But besides that, it was a great book.

4/5 STARS