June 'Book Club' Column
Written by: Jody

Book Column is one of Portrait Magazine's more recent monthly columns. Each month Jody will bring you the low down on the latest and greatest teen and young adult books!

A star is born

Cecelia Ahern

If the name ‘Cecelia Ahern’ is mentioned, does it ring a little bell? Well, it definitely should. Some people will recognize her as the daughter of the Irish prime minister, but that’s certainly not all. Cecelia Ahern is a star in her own right; a true star when it comes to writing novels. At the age of 21 she wrote her first novel PS. I Love You , which was sold to 50 countries and movie rights were bought by Warner Bros (see our Square Eyes column for the latest casting news on the adaption). It became one of the biggest-selling debut novels of 2004, reaching no. 1 in Ireland. It also became a bestseller throughout Europe and the USA. In November, her second book Where Rainbows End also reached no. 1 in Ireland and the UK. Her third book If You Could See Me Now is also a great success at the moment and a fourth book is on its way. And all of that at the age of only 23.

Before embarking on her writing career, Cecelia Ahern completed a degree in journalism and media studies. She wrote her first novel on a pack of A4 refill pads, all night between 11pm and 7am for 3 months, while her mother did all her washing, cooking and cleaning. There was no need for research. “It was all in my head” Cecelia said in an interview in the British newspaper The Guardian. “Before, I didn’t know what chick lit was, I thought people were calling me a chick. I don’t quite understand it. I don’t know who made up the term, it must have been a man.”

Cecelia’s first book PS. I Love You is all about soul mates Holly and Gerry. Childhood sweethearts, they could finish each other’s sentences and even when they fought, they laughed. No one could imagine Holly and Gerry without each other… Until the unthinkable happens. Gerry’s death devastates Holly, but as her 30th birthday looms, Gerry comes back to her. He’s left her a bundle of notes, gently guiding Holly into her new life without him, each note signed “P.S. I Love You”. As the notes are gradually opened, and as the year unfolds, Holly is both cheered up and challenged. The man who knows her better than anyone sets out to teach her that life goes on. With some help from her friends and family, Holly finds herself laughing, crying, singing, dancing – and being braver than ever before. Life is for living, she realizes – but it always helps if there’s an angel watching over you.

Cecelia Ahern’s books are a great read, especially if you’re in for a good love story. Be sure to check out her books if you don’t want to miss out on something fantastic!

Visit Cecelia's official website at www.ceceliaahern.ie