Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Dresskeeper Book Review & Contest

Authoress: Mary Naylus
Pages: (Paperback)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction | Historical

My summary: Picky's life sort of sucks. She has a wandering eye and a growing waist line. Life is totally drab until she embarks on the biggest adventure of her life when she unwittingly tries on a dress that transports her to 17th Century London. Now she has to figure out how to leave, get back, and save her 17th Century self.

Poor plucky Picky.

My say: My word that was good. The Dresskeeper is fast paced, quick witted, and totally clever. Picky is a refreshingly honest modern day British teen who made me laugh and laugh. I loved her imperfections and inner voice.

My rating: 5 stars; This story is so good I gobbled it up. I started it as soon as I removed it from the package Monday and finished scarfing it down over lunch Tuesday.

My verdict: Buy this one! It is that good.

Plot: Excellent!
Characters: Believable
Writing: Hysterical
Heroine: Clever
Overall: Real

Favorite part?: Getting to see (and smell) old London.

The Meter Readings:
Adventure-o-meter: High. Poor Picky is always in a race against time and societal expectations.
Kiddie-o-meter: While there is no sex this one does contain themes that are pertinent to 17th Century London; such as disease, slavery, and underage marriage. But it is all done extremely well. I think younger teens will enjoy reading about what life was really like for a wealthy 13 year old in the late 1600s. This is an adventurous tale with a hidden history lesson.
Adult-o-meter: While this is written for younger readers I dare any adult to try this book and not find themselves utterly enchanted.

Quoteables:
"Wake up, wake up, wake up, WAKE UP!
But my unconscious is obviously on strike after being forced to facilitate Daniel Radcliffe dreams for the best part of the last two years."

"Most of her relatives look like the missing link between Capuchin monkeys and humans."

Noteables:
  1. As I mentioned above, Picky is British so Americans may encounter some terms they are not familiar with. However do not fret or let this stop you. The meanings are totally easy to decipher and you will not miss a beat.
  2. To read sample chapters click here.
  3. The Dresskeeper is not scheduled to release in the US. It will release in the UK at the end of this month. Americans interested in purchasing should visit the publishers web site and receive FREE worldwide shipping. Click here.
Shout-out: Becky at The Bookette has an excellent interview with the author Mary Naylus.

Pass-the-mic: Read Sammee's review of The Dresskeeper at I Want To Read That.

Contest:
Want to win The Dresskeeper?
I have 4 copies to giveaway.
Note: One is my gently used copy and three will
come directly from the publisher.
To enter you must be or become a
follower and comment with your
email address below. Existing followers
will receive an additional entry.
Contest is open internationally
and ends December 31st.

My final say: What is a "flake"? Is that like a potato chip?


A huge thanks to Prospera Publishing for both my advanced copy
and making copies available to my readers.
Posted at Labels , , , ,

67 comments :

  1. sounds good - I love British humor.

    Mary.e.campbell(at)comcast(dot)net

    Of course I'm a follower

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  2. Definitely sounds like fun. I'm curious about the hang ups I may have with the language, but definitely game to try! Count me in!

    +1 - existing follower!

    grgenius(at)go(dot)com

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  3. Oh I absolutely LOVED this! I gobbled it up as well! Its so cute and fast paced and easy to read.

    I really love your reviews with all the little extras that help us all get a feel of the book. It's perfect!

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  4. Oooh! Sounds interesting! I may have to pick this one up! Great review! :)

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  5. This one sounds fantastic. Please put my name in for your advance copy (I've been a follower)!

    Thanks!

    celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. This looks adorable, even if I have issues with British humor.
    I'm an old follower.

    Yay contests!

    zedster.tbb(at)gmail(DOT)com

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  7. Note: You don't have to be a fan of British humor to dig this one. I'm normally not and I could not stop laughing.

    Thank you ~Mary *smile* You made my day!

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  8. Another great review. I would really love to get my hands on this book.

    gypsyrover21(at)yahoo.ca

    I am, as you know, a follower.

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  9. Sounds great!!!

    I love British humor!

    clsbarr@yahoo.com

    http://princesscourtneysbarr.blogspot.com

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  10. I didn't see the contest part! I would love to be entered! I already follow your blog.

    holly(dot)lilly(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Sounds like a really cute book. I wish I could try on clothes and be transfered somewhere else for a time.

    usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom

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  12. What a great point Cait! Where would you go?

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  13. would love to read this and I am a "old" follower....;)

    willowdust@gmail.com

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  14. Glad you enjoyed a brit book ;) I have just received this one for review, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, can't wait to read it now! Thanks for the review.

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  15. Oh and a Flake is a chocolate bar! :)

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  16. Thank you darling!
    I'll have to try a Flake sometime :)

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  17. This sounds so much fun! Please include me in the giveaway.

    alitareads[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

  18. Wow! You really loved this one and it does sound wonderful! Thanks for the great review, Juju!

    Please, oh please enter me

    kristacole64(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Thank you, Girl!

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  19. Hey Juju, I love this review. It really captured the spirit of the book. Made me chuckle. No need to enter me in your ARC contest though. I've given away my proof because I'm going to be quoted on the front of the book so I've ordered a copy and it's going to be signed by Mary. It is so exciting. I had to share it with you.
    Becky

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  20. oooh great review, I like the sound of this!

    Sarah

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  21. Not entering, since I have this one... just wanted to say that your review totally captured the spirit of the book for me! Great job.

    And you really must try a Flake sometime. It's the messiest chocolate bar ever.

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  22. Thanks Becky and Lauren! You've warmed my heart *hugs*

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  23. Great review! Hm, it sounds interesting, especially the main girl, and I'm really hoping I'll get the British terms because I have aboslutely NO idea whatsoever about what a "flake" is. Reminds me of cornflakes, lol.
    I would love to enter the contest! Thank you. :)
    And lovely new background, btw.

    booksatmidnight(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. In Australia a flake is a chocolate. So beats me....thanks for the review. I know i cant enter the comp but thats OK. Have fun!

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  25. I'm so sorry Beach :(
    I send almost all of my contest books out my self so I try to keep the cost down by keeping it in the states and Canada.
    Sorry!
    One day when I have more mula I'll be able to afford to make my contests International.

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  26. Ooh I like the premise of this book, how exciting! I've heard some lovely things about it, so count me in.

    nikkinizzle@gmail.com (existing follower)

    Great review, btw. :)

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  27. Juju, that is such a cool idea! A time-travel dress?? heheh I gotta read this!

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  28. Hmm... Like a corn flake? lol
    This sounds really good! Please enter me in the contest.

    bookloversdiary(@)yahoo(.)com

    +1 I'm already a follower.

    ReplyDelete

  29. Didn't know the MC was british! Is her name really Picky or is that just a nickname? o.O

    I'm already a follower :)

    piratepenguinreads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. I want to read this so badly! Please enter me. :)

    +2 old follower

    McKenzie
    mac.attack17(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  32. oOo I love time travel stories like this, kind of reminds me of Prada & Prejudice.

    Count me in :)

    snicklefritzjerald(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  33. Great review - love the quotes you used - the daniel radcliff one is one of my favourites - and thanks for the review link:)

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  34. Thanks for this! Sounds good.

    foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  35. Sounds really interesting! Another book to add to the list haha. I'm definitely in need of a hysterical book right now

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  36. Put my name in. This one looks good!

    Already a follower

    demonicattractions@gmail.com

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  37. By the way, my mom lived in Ireland for a while but she never heard them refer to potato chips as flakes. Sorry I can't help!

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  38. I love dresses. Okay, not really, but The Dresskeeper sounds really nice.


    tbutterful(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. You're right, the book is fast. I went to that link to read some of it, and what I read was good. I really want to finish reading it.

    ReplyDelete

  40. I am a follower and would love to read this book

    cherylbaryl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  41. This sounds great! Please enter me. I am an existing follower.
    Thanks, Juju!!

    ~ Lori
    www.psychoticstate.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

  42. Please enter me

    bkwhisperer(at)bluemarble(dot)net
    www.book-whisperer.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

  43. Ohh now it is open internatonally! Thank you :) please enter me!

    Btw I'm already a follower!

    sheere.dry@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  44. Yippie, it's international.

    nina.happyendings@yahoo.co.uk

    Iám already a follower.

    ReplyDelete

  45. I'd love to snag a copy of this!

    Already a follower, of course.

    andrearobbins10@yahoo.com

    Thanks Juju! :]

    ReplyDelete

  46. I just became a follower and would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  48. Great review! I'd love to read this book :) Yay for international!

    I'm a follower.

    Thank you!!
    hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  49. It sounds fun, I definitely want to read this! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    I'm now a follower.

    austenfanblogs[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

  50. Sounds like a great book! I'm a new follower :)

    Alessandra
    outofblue1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  51. It's looks really interesting book )
    I'm new follower

    rouxsoleil(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  52. I've heard great things about this one!! Thanks for hosting the contest!!

    I'm a follower :)

    inthehammockblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  53. I'd love to read this!
    +1 existing follower :)

    ella_press AT live.com.ar

    ReplyDelete

  54. Love British reads ! Count me in and thanks for the contest.

    Already a follower.

    thebookonthehill@hotmail.fr

    ReplyDelete

  55. count me in , count me in please :)

    A follower of your blog!

    uniquas at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  56. Great review! Please enter me :)

    I'm a new follower

    my e-mail is: luli_.22@hotmail.com

    bye!

    ReplyDelete

  57. This sounds amazing! Sign me in!!

    I am a new follower!

    Annie

    anniesbooks(at)hotmail(dot)es

    A BIG thanks!!

    ReplyDelete

  58. Oh my goodness, this sounds exactly like something I would love! :) Please enter me!

    writing.meg [at] gmail.com

    And I'm not sure if someone mentioned this already or if I'm right, but I know "Flake" is a very popular type of candy on England... and it's delicious! Like a crispy choclate stick. And "crisps" are the same as potato chips. :) (Can you tell I love all things British?)

    ReplyDelete

  59. Oh! And I'm an existing follower. Sorry -- forgot to add that!

    ReplyDelete

  60. I am a brand new follower! :)

    I would like to be entered in the contest
    Thanks for the chance!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete

  61. This sounds so good. I would love to be entered.

    Old follower!

    katieb206@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  62. This sounds great. Thanks for the chance! bekki1820cb at gmail

    ps. follower! :0)

    ReplyDelete

  63. Aloha, I'd like to enter!!=)


    honu_369@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  64. This seems like a great fun read!

    erin(.)dubrock(@)comcast(.)net

    :) Erin

    ReplyDelete

  65. Sounds like an interesting book.
    Happy New Year!

    spav05@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  66. Almost missed this one.....So glad I have OCD hehe

    Cleverlyinked@yahoo.com
    Old follower

    ReplyDelete

  67. *********PLEASE NOTE************
    This contest is closed.
    The winner was January 4th (http://www.talesofwhimsy.com/2010/01/contests-winners-dresskeeper.html).

    Thank you to every one who entered!
    Please continue to check back for more contests.

    ReplyDelete

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