A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern.


This is one of my favourite books to read. The idea behind it and how the story is told is simply stunning. Like many of Cecelia Ahern's books it will make you laugh, cry and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. It is a book of hope, love and it displays all of the best qualities of man-kind. I have read this book 3 times and I still can't get enough of it. It is a captivating tale of magic and mystery which restores the faith that love lasts forever.


The book tells the magical story of Sandy Shortt who is obsessed with finding missing things. Her fascination began when her classmate disappeared when she was just a child. No trace was ever found of her and Sandy couldn't believe that someone could just disappear like that so she dedicates her life to finding missing people and helping the families of those who have just vanished. Jack Ruttle's brother is one of those missing people and he seeks out Sandy to help him find his brother. Sandy is determined to help Jack but whilst searching for his brother, she too goes missing. Sandy stumbles upon everything and everyone that she has spent her whole life looking for but now she has a different task in hand. Sandy has to search for a way home.


Before I started reading the book I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the concept as it seemed a bit unrealistic and I don't usually go for fantasy books. However, I was completely surprised at the book as it is not unrealistic at all. Cecelia tells the story so beautifully and with a little bit of belief she takes you on a journey. There is a lot of mystery involved in the book and when I first read it I was turning each page with anticipation to see what else Sandy discovered. Once I got into this book I literally could not put it down, I must have finished it in a few days.


Cecelia Ahern is one of my favourite authors. Other successful books that she has written include; PS, I Love You, If You Could See Me Now and Where Rainbows End. Cecelia has an amazing way with words and her descriptions of people and places really draw you in from the moment you hear about them. I find her books so enjoyable to read as despite sometimes them being emotional, they always carry a good message and leave you feeling reflective and touched by her words. Cecelia lives in County Dublin where she is working on new novels.


The cover of the book is mysterious, just like the content. It is black and beautifully decorated with a gold pattern with lost items on it highlighted in pink such as a sock, a phone, a shoe and some keys. The font used in the book is quite large and the chapters vary in size, from 2 pages to 5 or 6. I love how concise Cecelia's writing is as every word really counts and there is no unnecessary explanations or detail.


Overall I would definitely recommend this book. It is enchanting, inspirational and such a kind and loving story. To read this book you have to be willing to let go of all reality and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic Cecelia creates. It is truly heart-warming and I can see why it was a number one bestseller. I found it very easy to connect with the main character Sandy as she is such a genuine person who just wants to help people. Making the connection with her was important for me as it enabled me to feel sympathetic towards her, worry for her and want to read on to find out what happened to her in the end.


I paid £6 for the book at an independent bookstore.


For more information about Cecelia Ahern of any of her books you can visit: www.ceceliaahern.ie


Thank you for reading : )


Review also on Ciao under luceey.