The Book of Tomorrow

by Cecelia Ahern

[Stephanie]

The Book of Tomorrow follows Tamara Goodwin after her father committed suicide. Tamara was a snobby, spoiled brat who thought she deserved everything. And she did get everything, thanks to her fathers money. But when her father died, the truth on their current money situation is revealed, showing the great debt that her father owed. So now her and her mother are living with Tamara's Uncle in the country near some burnt down castle. There, some weird things start happening. She finds a diary that tells her what is going to happen tomorrow, in her own handwriting. With Tamara's mom is in some weird catatonic state, Tamara has nothing to do other than roam the grounds and try to figure out some family secrets which seem to be hidden all over the place. Tamara's Aunt, Rosaleen, is the one who seems to be hiding the most. Always jumpy and never wanting to leave Tamara in a room alone with anybody. There's only one person Tamara knows she can trust, the old nun living near the castle, Sister Ignatius, who hints to Tamara that she has information that Tamara is looking for.

I won this book through one of Goodreads giveaways. When I saw the email saying that I won, I didn't even remember that I signed up for it. And to be honest, I didn't know if I really wanted to read it. So it sat on my shelf for a few months before I decided to finally give it a go, and I'm glad I did. And I'm extremely happy that I got lucky enough to win a finished copy.

The book is set in Ireland, which I love any book set in a different country, near a ruined castle that had gone through a couple fires in it's past. Ireland? Castles? I'm already hooked.

It took me a few pages before I got used to the writing. Tamara doesn't hold anything back, she cusses, talks about sex, and blurts out rude comments without hesitating. She doesn't have a filter at all; and she doesn't care if it makes some one uncomfortable or embarrassed. It is what it is.

I loved that Tamara was starting to realized how horrible she had been to her parents and the people around her. She truly grows up and tries to better herself. The move to her aunt and uncle's house was probably the best thing that happened to her. Regardless of why they moved there, she definitely needed it.

The mystery behind the castle and why Rosaleen was always nervous and overbearing was what really keeps the book moving. And about Rosaleen, she was a little creepy, but at some points she would make you feel sorry for her. I could understand why she acted the way she did, but then at some points I thought that she really had some problem and needed to get checked out.

I loved the diary that told Tamara what was going to happen tomorrow. She would use it to her advantage and try to change something, but then it seemed that there would be consequences for trying to change the future. And I loved Sister Ignatius. She was just awesome.

Overall, I really loved this book. If you want to read a mystery about family secrets, with a little magical realism thrown in, this is for you.