
Charlie's fairy, however, is a total dud, at least as far as she is concerned. She has a parking fairy, which enables her to always find a parking spot in the most convenient place whenever she's in a car. She's only fourteen, so not only does it not help her because she can't drive, but she's forever being dragged around to other people's medical appointments and on pointless errands just so they can find a parking spot. It's infuriating. She has decided to take matters into her own hands - she's going to ditch her fairy simply by refusing to ever get into a car again. She walks everywhere, and although she's racking up demerits from being late to class, she is determined to get rid of her lame fairy no matter what - even if it means teaming up with the odious Fiorenza, whose mother knows more than anyone about fairies, not that she's telling.
What follows is a sweet and humorous tale of friendship, persistence, and self-awareness, with a dash of romance. I was puzzled by the frequent tooth-sucking, which was a bit odd, and also by the fact that her mother supposedly has a fairy that lets her know what her kids are up to, yet she was blithely unaware (or perhaps unconcerned?) about what Charlie was doing - occasionally dangerous things - throughout the book. Charlie is an admirable character who has a few important facts about life that she needs to come to terms with, and I rooted for her every step of the way. I loved her enthusiasm about sports and her unswerving dedication to achieving the goals that she set for herself (even if some of them were misguided, as she eventually figured things out and and quickly reset her sights on something more beneficial). I was excited to read this book after enjoying the Magic or Madness trilogy so much, and this one certainly lived up to my expectations. I'll be looking forward to further books by Larbalestier, who is now officially on my "I'll read whatever she writes without even reading the cover flap" list.
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier (Bloomsbury, 2008)
Also reviewed at:
Bean Bag Books: "How to Ditch Your Fairy is a funny and charming read, and not to mention completely doos!"
Cheryl Rainfield: "The book was a great read, and made me wish for a fairy of my own."
Karin's Book Nook: "a delightful story about fairies, friendship, and first love."
B&OT reviews of other books by Justine Larbalestier:
Magic or Madness
Magic Lessons
Magic's Child
Ah fun! I'd love to get my hands on this one!
ReplyDelete(P.S. In case you're interested, I just spotlighted you on my Weekly Geeks post for the week.)
Suey - it's lots of fun - I'm sure you'll enjoy it! And yay, I love being spotlighted! I'm off to check it out Thanks! :-D
ReplyDeleteLol. Sounds cute. I wish I had a fairy that could transport me... I really hate that 6 hour car ride to Georgia.
ReplyDeleteOoh - the teleportation fairy - I'd love to have that one!
ReplyDelete"I'll read whatever she writes without even reading the cover flap" - I have a few of those, it's a great way to describe a favourite author. Sounds a fun and light read.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Rhinoa, and it also has a bit more substance than first appears on the surface. I think you'd enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun. and I love your category of 'i'll read whatever she writes'...i have a few authors that fall into that category. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Em - I'd love to know which authors they are!
ReplyDelete