Reviews for If You Could See Me Now

The average rating for If You Could See Me Now based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-11-09 00:00:00 Jamar Gooden What did I think? WHAT DID I THINK?! Well, if I told you that I sat on the bed and cried exactly like this for about five to ten minutes after I'd closed the book, does that put it in perspective for you? Front Cover. I really, really liked the front cover for 'If You Could See Me Now', it was simple, natural, and actually depicts a huge part in the book. When I first saw it I thought it was lovely anyway because I love the thought of making a wish with dandelions and then blowing them to watch your wish float away on the breeze, but you don't truly understand the power of the front cover until you have read the book. What I love about Ahern's cover is that she hasn't gone over the top with it. With so many ideas and themes floating around in the book, she could have gone absolutely mental! But she didn't, thank god! And I think she achieved the desired effect, without a doubt! The book's about... So, the book is set in a small town in Ireland and is about a woman, named Elizabeth. Elizabeth grew up with a dysfunctional family. Her mother wanted to be a free spirit, she couldn't cope with staying in one place for too long. She wanted to go on her own little adventures, to explore and not be rooted to the same place forever. Elizabeth's father never questioned this, he only wanted his wife to be happy, even if it meant he was left on his own to look after Elizabeth for days on end. Elizabeth was not an only child though. Oh no. Her mother also gave birth to another little girl, named Saoirse, which, after looking into it, means freedom in Irish Gaelic. And true to the name, that is what she is. As their mother disappears once again, their father is left to care for both of them, cradling and nursing Saorise to hush her crying. When it all gets too much, their father hands Saoirse over to Elizabeth, and she brings her baby sister up herself. Now, Elizabeth is the foster parent of Saoirse's six year old son Luke. Elizabeth ended up growing up into a stern young woman. With her mother constantly absent and only dropping in and out when she felt like returning to the nest, Elizabeth missed out on what it's like to be truly loved by a mother. Now, with little experience of love and affection, Elizabeth tries her damned hardest to bring Luke up in the best way she knows. With her constant cleaning, coffee rituals and lack of humour, Elizabeth is beginning to wonder where she goes from here. Her sister Saoire never did grow out flying, just like their mother. She uses Elizabeth's car whenever she feels like it, drinks until the sun comes up and is happy to leave her little boy in the care of her sister, rather than taking on the responsibility herself. One day, after Elizabeth has just seen Saoirse, once again, get into her car and drive off, she slumps down at the kitchen table and sips her coffee. Suddenly, she hears the sound of Luke mumbling to himself in his toy room. It turns out that Luke has created his own imaginary friend, known as Ivan. In fact, Luke didn't create Ivan, Ivan found Luke. Little does Ivan know, his world is about to turn upside down, and not because of Luke. As Ivan begins to become more and more enthralled by Elizabeth, they are sent on a journey together that will change both of their lives. Forever. The Characters Were... The characters were fantastic! Elizabeth is the perfect face of a headmistress. She's so stern, never laughs, always wears dull colours, has her hair tightly pulled back, and thinks life, for her, is going nowhere. As a struggling interior designer, she's finding it hard to find any inspiration, and work for that matter. Until, a hotel is being built in the area and she decides to apply for the position. What I didn't like about Elizabeth was the fact that she let so many opportunities go because Saoirse was in some sort of trouble. But I guess that's family for you. You learn that she would break her back just to help her sister or her father. She really needs some fun in her life, some laughter, some excitement, something magical... Saoirse annoyed the hell out of me! Gr! As much as I understand the need for people to get away from their worries and problems sometimes, this woman just took it too far! Yes. She's probably learned from the best (her mother mainly) that it's okay to ditch all of her responsibility and just fly away to wherever you want and be free as a bird. But, really? Are you going to leave your son under your sister's supervision because you can't be bothered, and you're too busy running around all over the place and acting like an immature teenager! I mean, honestly! She's lying on the hills in the small village, drinking underneath the sky and running away with groups of hippies, while her sister is struggling to bring up her son in a life that's not sure what it wants to do with her! GOD DAMN IT SAOIRSE! What is wrong with you!?! And the way she speaks to Elizabeth? I felt so sorry for that poor woman, she's got a whole load of stuff weighing down on her shoulders, and Saoirse just keeps swanning in and out like a f*cking fairy! Urgh. I don't like her.. Sit down Saoirse, just sit the f*ck down and shut up. Luke was an awesome six year old boy, just plodding along, regardless of the mess that his mother has made. He's just a normal six year old I think, playing with his toys, laughing at silly jokes and, I think, just wanting to be cuddled and told "I love you". He is the one who Ivan links on to, and who helps Elizabeth realise that she can love, she doesn't realise that she has it in her. Now, out of all of the characters in this book, this guy has to be my ultimate favourite! Ivan is the imaginary friend, although I have to add, it really annoys him when people refer to him as imaginary or invisible. Damn, he hates that! Ivan is an awesome guy. He comes into Luke's and Elizabeth's life just when they need a little bit of colour brought into their dull, grey world. He's a converse wearing, friendly and lovable guy, who really knows how to cheer people up, even when they don't want to smile. Did The Author Pull It Off? I think Cecelia Ahern pulled it off extremely well! There's so much magic and creativity hidden inside this book, it really makes you smile! :) Surely There Must Have Been One Bad Point? The only bad point was that stupid b*tch Saoirse. Gr. Final Thoughts. I was crying. I was laughing. I was crying some more. And then I heard myself saying, "I believe..." ;)

Review # 2 was written on 2012-11-04 00:00:00 Mike Deherrera I thought I'd make it simple and just list a few facts about If You Could See Me Now: 1. It is not a typical romance novel. 2. It is not to everyone's taste. 3. It's written for people with imagination. 4. It has made me laugh and cry in the most unexpected way. 5. It's 'sprinkled with magic'. 6. It taught me that sometimes you just need to let go and simply enjoy. 7. It is an indescribably touching story. 8. It made me want to have Ivan as best friend, if only for few days.