All These Things I've Done

Title: All These Things I've Done (Birthright #1)
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Format: ARC
Source: From Publisher
Rating: Covet
 

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

My Review

Once I started this book it never left my hand! I was so captivated by the story. Waiting to find out what was going to happen next was not an option for me while I was reading this novel. 

What really caught my eye about this book was the synopsis; having chocolate and caffeine being illegal is something that hasn't been done before. I could not stand not having chocolate or caffeine! 

This is not like other Dystopian novels you will read. Most dystopian books are set in a future when most of the world's problems have been solved, but in Gabrielle's book their seems to be even more problems the world is facing then that of the present time. Which was a new concept to me and VERY eye opening.

The characters are a mixing pot of personalities. Anya, the main character, is probably my favorite out of the lot. She is strong, and hides her emotions well. I felt so sorry for this girl throughout the whole novel. She is only 16 and she has great responsibilities; she has to look after her older brother and her younger sister, go to school, handle any trouble that is brought with the family name, and care for her sick grandmother. Seems a bit overwhelming to me. Leo, Anya's older brother, is a special character. (You see why in the book) I felt so sorry for him, he really was always trying to do good. WIN! Yes, Win is his name. I loved him. Such a great character. I am not even going to bother creating a list of characters I didn't like....It would be far to long. XD

The story is intoxicating! It never has a dual moment. Just when you think things are right and every one is happy something happens that sends everyone into a frenzy. 

Like I said earlier, you will not be able to put this book down. Gabrielle has me looking forward to reading the second book in the series! Their wasn't a huge cliffhanger, but somethings still need closure. I will be keeping a close eye on twitter and goodreads for a mention of a sequel!