The much anticipated sequel to Giovanna's debut book 'Billy and Me' was released last month and oh my lord it 100% lived up to it's expectations! I got this book for my birthday, only 2 days after publication, but read it in little over 48 hours as I just could not put it down.
The book follows the characters we met in the first novel. Billy, the global phenomenon and BAFTA winning actor ( and everyone's dream man), and Sophie a girl from a little town in Kent, as they continue their love story. However, this time it's over long distance.
What I love most about this book is how real the characters are. Every emotion they feel seems normal, over exaggerated jealousy, unnecessary anger and overwhelming joy are all emotions us normal folk act on regularly and that is portrayed here. Even the characters that are mega superstars are viewed as normal people. Much like they should be! (Yes that is a dig at the media) This connection to real emotions is what makes this book so easy to read, as you can be inside Sophie's head feeling the loneliness that she feels. Giovanna makes you truly understand their situation and what it would feel like to be in it. That's what literature is supposed to do, right? Let you escape your world for someone else's and be able to step in their shoes and feel their emotions, and if their shoes involve a beautiful young actor then I will gladly wear them.
My connection to this book could not be stronger and I feel this is because of the character of Sophie. We are very similar (apart from the famous boyfriend). We're both from small villages, love reading, work in small coffee shops and have both been devastated from lives lost by cancer. Sophie is an adorable character, introverted but headstrong she always seems to do what she truly believes is right, and not just for herself. She goes on an emotional roller-coaster in this book (potentially even more of a roller-coaster than in Billy and Me) but still remains true to who she is.Giovanna's writing style is bubbly and fun as well as being smooth and connected. Her descriptions of emotions and her ability to make you truly envision somewhere you've never been ( or doesn't even exist!) makes this book a gem. Although the story line sometimes takes twist and turns, some of them I wasn't too keen on, the undeniable love between the characters is what keeps you wishing for the best outcome. This book makes you feel at home even if you're away, in love even if you're not and as confused with your emotions as if you're writing a diary.
All of Giovanna's books are a must read (Especially dream a little dream!!!!!) and are now quite cheap on amazon so pick them up ASAP
Speak soon,
Lois Mae
P.S Gi, if you ever read this;thank you for that Disneyland scene, it was magical!
