meg_r24's review
3.0
There was little to no plot line, and Dan seemed a bit too good to be true. In fact all of the characters seemed too good to be true.
katheastman's review
5.0
I read Della Says: OMG! in one sitting. I very quickly warmed to Della, the central character, and identified with her preoccupations. You see, it may be *cough* years since I was a teenager but I've been there and I remember what it was like and how important some things seemed back then.
I also remember how closely I guarded the fact that I even kept a diary, let alone the extreme lengths I went to in order to safeguard it from prying eyes. All of which meant that, when Della's diary disappears from her bedroom during a party, I immediately felt the panic and terror she feels and was whisked into the book right alongside her.
So, while it may be marketed to teens, don't let this put you off reading it, as it nearly did me. Anyone who either is or has ever been a teenager and/or kept a diary could read this and enjoy a great story, told at a cracking pace and with understanding, warmth and real humour.
I also remember how closely I guarded the fact that I even kept a diary, let alone the extreme lengths I went to in order to safeguard it from prying eyes. All of which meant that, when Della's diary disappears from her bedroom during a party, I immediately felt the panic and terror she feels and was whisked into the book right alongside her.
So, while it may be marketed to teens, don't let this put you off reading it, as it nearly did me. Anyone who either is or has ever been a teenager and/or kept a diary could read this and enjoy a great story, told at a cracking pace and with understanding, warmth and real humour.
caroni's review
5.0
Della Says: OMG! made me incredibly happy when I read it! I finished it a few months ago and went through it again to write the review and I found myself rereading it! Sweet, funny and witty, Della will definitely make your day and you will want her as your best friend!
Della is an average teenager living in the UK. She is in that No-Man's-Land between popular and complete loser but she's ok with it. Her sidekick best friend Maddy is made of awesome and she helps out Della with that sisyphean quest towards popularity. When Della's big sister Jamie organises a party in their house to celebrate her departure for America for the summer, Della is dressed with nice clothes and she makes out with Dan Bailey, her longtime crush, who seems to be interested in her. What should be one of the best days of her life turns into a horrific nightmare when *gasps* Della's diary is stolen and she receives (very embarrassing) pages of it through Facebook in a stalkerish kind of way. I know, OMG!
Della is a very down-to-earth teenager and has a great personality. I really loved being in her head and seeing her react to the loss of her diary. She is a great friend and very fun to be around. Her budding romance with Dan is wonderfully portrayed, they are adorable together and the moments where they get to know each other are swoon-worthy. I also liked the way Dan sees Della and how it contrasts from the vision Della has of herself. Della wants to take over from her parents' Deli business and run one of her own and it was great to see her liking her summer job running one deli!
The other characters are all well described and great! I *love* Della's parents!
Through the pages of Della's diary which are put in various locations and sent to various people, we go through Della's most personal thoughts and you can't help cringe at some of the situations. But Della is courageous and she goes through this with the help of her friends and Dan. It also touches important themes for teenagers and it gives a great depth to the story. One of them is the relations between family and friends and it was really great to relate to some of the events in the story.
You know I'm a sucker for an interesting background to a story and I loved the Britishness of Della's story and all the popular culture references. I also loved the fact that they seemed to be *gasps* normal teenagers (you know, the kind you were yourself in that grey area between angel and thug).
The book is told from Della's point of view and the general style of writing flows perfectly. I could really feel Della's personality and thoughts rising from the pages and most of the episodes are laugh out loud funny and original.
I can't quite describe this novel, it is a real piece of sunshine. The story is incredibly uplifting and after finishing it I was dancing around and quite horrifyingly singing to cheesy music and having a blast (*cough* I mean, I know a friend who did that - not me, I swear). Della says: OMG! is one of the best contemporary novels I have read recently and by far the funniest and wittiest. Go read it - you won't be able to resist it!
Della is an average teenager living in the UK. She is in that No-Man's-Land between popular and complete loser but she's ok with it. Her sidekick best friend Maddy is made of awesome and she helps out Della with that sisyphean quest towards popularity. When Della's big sister Jamie organises a party in their house to celebrate her departure for America for the summer, Della is dressed with nice clothes and she makes out with Dan Bailey, her longtime crush, who seems to be interested in her. What should be one of the best days of her life turns into a horrific nightmare when *gasps* Della's diary is stolen and she receives (very embarrassing) pages of it through Facebook in a stalkerish kind of way. I know, OMG!
Della is a very down-to-earth teenager and has a great personality. I really loved being in her head and seeing her react to the loss of her diary. She is a great friend and very fun to be around. Her budding romance with Dan is wonderfully portrayed, they are adorable together and the moments where they get to know each other are swoon-worthy. I also liked the way Dan sees Della and how it contrasts from the vision Della has of herself. Della wants to take over from her parents' Deli business and run one of her own and it was great to see her liking her summer job running one deli!
The other characters are all well described and great! I *love* Della's parents!
Through the pages of Della's diary which are put in various locations and sent to various people, we go through Della's most personal thoughts and you can't help cringe at some of the situations. But Della is courageous and she goes through this with the help of her friends and Dan. It also touches important themes for teenagers and it gives a great depth to the story. One of them is the relations between family and friends and it was really great to relate to some of the events in the story.
You know I'm a sucker for an interesting background to a story and I loved the Britishness of Della's story and all the popular culture references. I also loved the fact that they seemed to be *gasps* normal teenagers (you know, the kind you were yourself in that grey area between angel and thug).
The book is told from Della's point of view and the general style of writing flows perfectly. I could really feel Della's personality and thoughts rising from the pages and most of the episodes are laugh out loud funny and original.
I can't quite describe this novel, it is a real piece of sunshine. The story is incredibly uplifting and after finishing it I was dancing around and quite horrifyingly singing to cheesy music and having a blast (*cough* I mean, I know a friend who did that - not me, I swear). Della says: OMG! is one of the best contemporary novels I have read recently and by far the funniest and wittiest. Go read it - you won't be able to resist it!
onceuponabookcase's review
4.0
Della’s over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party – but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...
When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della’s distraught – how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets? From Amazon UK
I have had this book sitting on my TBR pile for such a long time, and I really regret not picking it up sooner. Della Says: OMG! Is such a sweet novel!
It's completely believeable, it's a situation any teenager who keeps a diary would die over. You can't help but feel for Della when she realises her diary is gone and excerpts start appearing - especially considering the type of entries that show up. Not only are they personal, but they are likely to cause friction between her and the people in her life, because of things written in anger or changing situations. In some ways, it reminded me of Good Girls by Laura Ruby - although the plots are slightly different, they both involve humiliation through the sharing of things that should have be kept private through new technology. I had the same jaw-dropping reaction to both over how mean people can be.
Although it was pretty bad, I found that Della's relationship with Dan, and the sub-plot of her best friend Maddy's own relationship problems, to be what I was interested in most. Was Dan really genuine? What was Maddy going to do? I think this book really says something about relationships, how the most unlikely of relationships might not be as rocky as you'd assume, and how the strongest of relationships might not be as strong as you think.
There are funny moments, sad moments, and moments of extreme embarrassment, but what I love is the change that came over Della as the story progressed. From the unsure, self-concious girl, to the one who is a lot more confident, Della's story really is wonderful to read. My only negative is that I felt it ended quite abruptly, but overall it was a really sweet, lovely quick read. It would be great for summer reading!
From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog
When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della’s distraught – how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets? From Amazon UK
I have had this book sitting on my TBR pile for such a long time, and I really regret not picking it up sooner. Della Says: OMG! Is such a sweet novel!
It's completely believeable, it's a situation any teenager who keeps a diary would die over. You can't help but feel for Della when she realises her diary is gone and excerpts start appearing - especially considering the type of entries that show up. Not only are they personal, but they are likely to cause friction between her and the people in her life, because of things written in anger or changing situations. In some ways, it reminded me of Good Girls by Laura Ruby - although the plots are slightly different, they both involve humiliation through the sharing of things that should have be kept private through new technology. I had the same jaw-dropping reaction to both over how mean people can be.
Although it was pretty bad, I found that Della's relationship with Dan, and the sub-plot of her best friend Maddy's own relationship problems, to be what I was interested in most. Was Dan really genuine? What was Maddy going to do? I think this book really says something about relationships, how the most unlikely of relationships might not be as rocky as you'd assume, and how the strongest of relationships might not be as strong as you think.
There are funny moments, sad moments, and moments of extreme embarrassment, but what I love is the change that came over Della as the story progressed. From the unsure, self-concious girl, to the one who is a lot more confident, Della's story really is wonderful to read. My only negative is that I felt it ended quite abruptly, but overall it was a really sweet, lovely quick read. It would be great for summer reading!
From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog
sammeehicks's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
I have been looking forward to reading this book for ages. I loved the idea behind the book – it had me completely intrigued – and I’m pleased to say I really loved it. It was different than I expected it to be but in a really good way – I loved the whole missing diary aspect that we are told about in the synopsis but the book is so much more than that.
The writing is brilliant – very witty and a pleasure to read. All the characters are really well crafted and come across as completely believable. I loved Della – very unassuming and I enjoyed watching her grow. Her family were great and I especially liked her parents – very different in a good way. Her friend Maddy was wonderful and there’s an excellent story surrounding her character that I enjoyed just as much as Della’s. As for Dan Bailey – he is adorable! I have officially developed a new crush! Not only is he (in my mind) completely gorgeous but he is also really kind and sweet and I felt a real connection between him and Della. You can really tell how much he cares for her – and I loved how he helped Della with her problem.
I didn’t find it predictable at all – in fact the ending took me by surprise (although it is possible that I was focusing too much on Dan Bailey and missed the signs!). I loved how the book was really funny but also dealt with real issues and emotions. I think it is safe to say I cannot wait to read more by this author.
I have been looking forward to reading this book for ages. I loved the idea behind the book – it had me completely intrigued – and I’m pleased to say I really loved it. It was different than I expected it to be but in a really good way – I loved the whole missing diary aspect that we are told about in the synopsis but the book is so much more than that.
The writing is brilliant – very witty and a pleasure to read. All the characters are really well crafted and come across as completely believable. I loved Della – very unassuming and I enjoyed watching her grow. Her family were great and I especially liked her parents – very different in a good way. Her friend Maddy was wonderful and there’s an excellent story surrounding her character that I enjoyed just as much as Della’s. As for Dan Bailey – he is adorable! I have officially developed a new crush! Not only is he (in my mind) completely gorgeous but he is also really kind and sweet and I felt a real connection between him and Della. You can really tell how much he cares for her – and I loved how he helped Della with her problem.
I didn’t find it predictable at all – in fact the ending took me by surprise (although it is possible that I was focusing too much on Dan Bailey and missed the signs!). I loved how the book was really funny but also dealt with real issues and emotions. I think it is safe to say I cannot wait to read more by this author.
bethkemp's review
4.0
Hilarious and horrifying by turns, with one of the strongest teen voices I've read.
The premise, the title and the cover for this book promise a great fun read and it is certainly that, while at the same time exploring some crucial issues for teens about self-image and dealing with what others think of you. Della's diary pages had me cringing along with her (and pondering the cruelty of the sender - what a thing to do to someone!).
Della is a realistic teen heroine: her lack of confidence in her appearance open the book with a scene about getting ready for a party and it is easy to empathise with her right from the start. This is no glossy US-style high school story with perfect teen specimens bitching despite their perfect lives. I'm sure most teens will find much to identify with in Keris Stainton's brilliantly-executed characters. I've already commented on the authentic nature of the voice and dialogue in this novel, as this is a key part of its realism. Della and the other teen characters sound like genuine contemporary UK teenagers (trust me, I teach 16-19 yr olds), and yet their behaviour, relationships and emotions were able to take me back to being a teenager with ease. Keris has definitely captured something timeless in that period of uncertainty and intensity expertly. I also feel that the treatment of teen sexuality in Della is superbly realistic and it's great to see teens thinking and talking about sex without it being a thinly-veiled morality message. The sweet awkwardness of early romance is also particularly well done here.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this to any fan of teen/YA fiction.
The premise, the title and the cover for this book promise a great fun read and it is certainly that, while at the same time exploring some crucial issues for teens about self-image and dealing with what others think of you. Della's diary pages had me cringing along with her (and pondering the cruelty of the sender - what a thing to do to someone!).
Della is a realistic teen heroine: her lack of confidence in her appearance open the book with a scene about getting ready for a party and it is easy to empathise with her right from the start. This is no glossy US-style high school story with perfect teen specimens bitching despite their perfect lives. I'm sure most teens will find much to identify with in Keris Stainton's brilliantly-executed characters. I've already commented on the authentic nature of the voice and dialogue in this novel, as this is a key part of its realism. Della and the other teen characters sound like genuine contemporary UK teenagers (trust me, I teach 16-19 yr olds), and yet their behaviour, relationships and emotions were able to take me back to being a teenager with ease. Keris has definitely captured something timeless in that period of uncertainty and intensity expertly. I also feel that the treatment of teen sexuality in Della is superbly realistic and it's great to see teens thinking and talking about sex without it being a thinly-veiled morality message. The sweet awkwardness of early romance is also particularly well done here.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this to any fan of teen/YA fiction.
leahmichelle_13's review
4.0
I first came across Keris Stainton one day when I was reading her blog although I'm entirely sure how I came across it. Back then, Della Says: OMG didn't appear to be ready for publication and it's only as I joined Twitter and friended Keris that I learnt about her debut novel. I thought it sounded like a fantastic read - even more so as I began reading more books tailored to the young adult market and I suddenly couldn't wait for Della Says: OMG to be released. I pre-ordered it, as always, and it finally came into stock a week or so ago and I eagerly awaited for it to tell me it had dispatched, it finally arrived today and I started it immediately.
In a nutshell, the quote on the front of the book - from YA royalty Meg Cabot - kind of sums up the book perfectly: "A fun, delicious treat you'll want to eat up in a single bite!" That's high praise for a book, so to say I was expecting an outstanding read is quite an understatement and I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact I loved it so much that I devoured al 279 pages in just over 2 hours without stopping once. That rarely happens but because it was a relatively shortish book I managed to not have to stop once which meant I could lose myself in Della's world until the very last page.
The plot of the book is fairly basic but it's still hugely enjoyable because, surely, every diary writers worst nightmare is to find out that it's lost/stolen and to have that kind of panic as you try to find it. It must then be worse still should someone start sending you pages of your diary including some of your most embarrassing secrets. That is the basis for Della Says: OMG and I thought it was an incredibly fun read. I've never kept a diary myself but I could absolutely see why it hurt Della so much to find her diary missing and have to put up with the fact that someone somewhere has stolen it and is now sending around pages of her diary.
Another huge important part of the book is Della's romance with the lovely Dan. I thought their relationship was so incredibly sweet and was part of the reason I found it so difficult to put the book down. It was portrayed quite realistically and I couldn't help grinning like a loon whenever Della and Dan had scenes together - which was a lot - so I was generally one big grinning loon throughout the entire book. There is a lot of kissing between Della and Dan and it's so lovely to see them fall in love with each other because they seemed like such a cute couple. I think every teen will be able to relate to Della and Dan's young love and will go going 'Ahhh' throughout the book.
I actually loved Della. She appears to have very low self-esteem particularly when it comes to Dan and I just wanted to tell her that she was pretty and she had absolutely nothing to worry about (bar her missing diary, of course). She was incredibly easy to like and is definitely a relateable character. I also plain old loved Dan, too. He seemed normal compared to most teen boys you see in young adult fiction and he sounded like the dreamiest boy you could ever meet. Everyone should have a Dan in their life! The book isn't only about Della and Dan though, we also have Maddy, Della's best friend as well as Della's parents and sister, Jaime. I really liked Maddy, and she even has her own subplot which was incredibly interesting. Della's parents aren't like most parents you find in YA books (ie. missing) and were incredibly supportive of Della and they seemed like the fun and cool parents most teenagers wish they had. I also must mention Bob, who works at the deli where Della works and that her parents own, I thought he was lovely and rather wise, too.
Overall Della Says: OMG is an outstanding debut novel. It's well-written, it's funny and it's so easy to get lost in that you lose track of time and find yourself finished the novel without even really realising it. Keris Stainton is definitely a fresh new voice in young adult fiction and I look forward to her next book. Della is definitely one of my favourite books so far this year and is definitely a book I'll be able to read again and again and again. If you haven't already picked up this fab book, go out and do it now, because it really is that good.
In a nutshell, the quote on the front of the book - from YA royalty Meg Cabot - kind of sums up the book perfectly: "A fun, delicious treat you'll want to eat up in a single bite!" That's high praise for a book, so to say I was expecting an outstanding read is quite an understatement and I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact I loved it so much that I devoured al 279 pages in just over 2 hours without stopping once. That rarely happens but because it was a relatively shortish book I managed to not have to stop once which meant I could lose myself in Della's world until the very last page.
The plot of the book is fairly basic but it's still hugely enjoyable because, surely, every diary writers worst nightmare is to find out that it's lost/stolen and to have that kind of panic as you try to find it. It must then be worse still should someone start sending you pages of your diary including some of your most embarrassing secrets. That is the basis for Della Says: OMG and I thought it was an incredibly fun read. I've never kept a diary myself but I could absolutely see why it hurt Della so much to find her diary missing and have to put up with the fact that someone somewhere has stolen it and is now sending around pages of her diary.
Another huge important part of the book is Della's romance with the lovely Dan. I thought their relationship was so incredibly sweet and was part of the reason I found it so difficult to put the book down. It was portrayed quite realistically and I couldn't help grinning like a loon whenever Della and Dan had scenes together - which was a lot - so I was generally one big grinning loon throughout the entire book. There is a lot of kissing between Della and Dan and it's so lovely to see them fall in love with each other because they seemed like such a cute couple. I think every teen will be able to relate to Della and Dan's young love and will go going 'Ahhh' throughout the book.
I actually loved Della. She appears to have very low self-esteem particularly when it comes to Dan and I just wanted to tell her that she was pretty and she had absolutely nothing to worry about (bar her missing diary, of course). She was incredibly easy to like and is definitely a relateable character. I also plain old loved Dan, too. He seemed normal compared to most teen boys you see in young adult fiction and he sounded like the dreamiest boy you could ever meet. Everyone should have a Dan in their life! The book isn't only about Della and Dan though, we also have Maddy, Della's best friend as well as Della's parents and sister, Jaime. I really liked Maddy, and she even has her own subplot which was incredibly interesting. Della's parents aren't like most parents you find in YA books (ie. missing) and were incredibly supportive of Della and they seemed like the fun and cool parents most teenagers wish they had. I also must mention Bob, who works at the deli where Della works and that her parents own, I thought he was lovely and rather wise, too.
Overall Della Says: OMG is an outstanding debut novel. It's well-written, it's funny and it's so easy to get lost in that you lose track of time and find yourself finished the novel without even really realising it. Keris Stainton is definitely a fresh new voice in young adult fiction and I look forward to her next book. Della is definitely one of my favourite books so far this year and is definitely a book I'll be able to read again and again and again. If you haven't already picked up this fab book, go out and do it now, because it really is that good.
More...