Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
Australian books are not bad. There should be more books by Australian writers sold here. Looking for Alibrandi
The story is told from Josephine Alibrandi’s point of view. Josephine is of Italian descent and she lives with her mother, Christina. She is 17 years old and studies in St Martha’s. She is there on a scholarship. She has 3 best friends – Sera, Lee, and Anna, and they always hang out together. They are all very different from one another but still; they are the best of friends.
Josephine had the biggest crush on John Barton, a highly intelligent boy. But, there is another tough guy on the scene too. Jacob Coote is from Cook High. Josephine begins to fall more for Jacob and her feelings towards John start to fade. John seems to have problems and he confides in Josephine but I feel that she does not understand him. She is already absorbed in her own world with her own problems ranging from fights with Jacob to racism remarks from schoolmates.
After 17 long years, Josephine’s father, Michael Andretti, comes back. Initially, they were like oil and water and were determined not to have anything to do with each other. But as time goes by, they got to know each other and became good friends. She is also trying hard but unsuccessfully to pair up her mother and Michael since they are her parents anyway.
The saddest part of the book was where one of Josephine’s friends, (I won’t tell you who) committed suicide just before their Higher School Certificate exam. Josephine and her friends and enemy took it very badly.
In my humble opinion, this is a really good book and I hope there will be more Australian books in Malaysia.
Other Bloggers’ Reviews: Alessandra
January 6th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
BAsed from the synopsis you shared to us, I’m sure it’s a good book. I’ll try find an ebook at Amazon for the same title. I hope I have time to read books
dodongflores(Quote)
January 7th, 2007 at 2:14 am
Oh, there is always time, don’t worry. Josette(Quote)
March 14th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
i loved this book its great i recommed it to anyone who wants somethings good to read. the book has alot of suprising turns. you will never want to put this book down. smc(Quote)
March 30th, 2008 at 4:46 am
smc: I wholly agree with you. It’s a page-turner! Have you read the other book by Melina, by the way? Josette(Quote)
April 5th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I thought the book was pathetic.
Josie is such a sook.
xo. Teghan(Quote)
April 5th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Teghan: Haha! Why do you say it’s pathetic? Josette(Quote)
May 13th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Teghan: Your just jalous ! haha
and yes I can not stand Josie and how old is she haha lolz But Love that Book just havent seen the film Faith(Quote)
July 14th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
If you liked Looking For Alibrandi look up the rest of Melina Marchetta. She is a FANTASTIC author and Looking For Alibrandi – in my opinion, although wonderful and still makes me cry is not her best. KEEP READING HER BOOKS. Lucy(Quote)
July 14th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
@Lucy: Oh, I plan to read the rest of her books too especially Jellicoe Road and she just had a new fantasy book out. Thanks Lucy for encouraging me to read more of Melina’s books.
Josette(Quote)
July 14th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
She’s one of my favourite authors. On the Jellicoe Road is my favourite. It’s kinda complex though. I don’t know but possibly other Australian authors you might like: Isobelle Carmody and John Marsden. Lucy(Quote)
July 15th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
@Lucy: Wow, thank you for the author recommendations. Are you an Australian? I’ve been meaning to find out more about Australian authors so I can look out for their books. So far, I’ve only read those by Melina Marchetta, James Aldridge, Jaclyn Moriarty and Markus Zusak.
Are there more that you think I’ll like? Do let me know!
Josette(Quote)
July 16th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Yes. I’m from Australia
I’d have to think hard for a moment about Australia authors though. The books I like are really strange sometimes so I don’t know whether you’d like them. Lucy(Quote)
July 16th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@Lucy: It’s alright, I’m quite a versatile reader. I like most books except those erotica or too paranormal ones. Thanks for taking the time to think up of Australian author recommendations for me! Josette(Quote)