So...I won something?

A few months ago, The Guardian (a British newspaper) held a Young Critics competition. The basic idea was to write a 200-word review on one of the eight books nominated for the The Guardian's Children's Fiction award, and since I write reviews anyway (and one of the eight books turned out to be my favourite book ever) I decided Heck, why not? Anyway...turns out I'm one of the ten winners *insert celebration GIFs everywhere*

If you can't tell, I'm ridiculously happy about this. As a prize, I win copies of each of the nominated books, as well as a £20 National Book Token, which I'm sure will last all of five minutes. BUT STILL. EXCITEMENT. I want to thank The Guardian for holding such an awesome contest, and also congratulate Rebecca Stead for winning the Children's Fiction award. Below I've posted the review I sent in, as well as links to my other reviews of this book.

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton

Released: January 10th 2012

Pages: 313 (Hardcover)

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Add on Goodreads

Review 1 / Review 2

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Throughout the novel, the protagonist talks about her favourite book, An Imperial Affliction, and how it was like the author had tailored the book to her own experiences; like he understood her. The Fault in Our Stars is my An Imperial Affliction.

After the first time I read it, I was speechless. It was as if John Green had sat down next to me and crafted a book for my eyes only. Once you pick up TFiOS, you’re immediately swept between the pages – reality is a far-away memory as the story comes to life before your eyes. With Green’s impeccable characterisation and witty way with words, it’s hard to believe that this is just a work of fiction. You grow to love the characters and feel their emotions transfer across to you; when they are happy, you are happy; when they are sad, you are sad. Green has created a whole new world, and the best part is that anyone can enter it. As soon as I finished, I handed it to my mother. Despite the generation difference, it swept her off her feet, too. TFiOS is a book that will leave you breathless and craving more every single time.