Author: Keris Stainton

Publisher: Orchard (6th May 2010)

Pages: 270

ISBN: 978-1-40830-427-3

Grade: A* (93 / 100)

At a party held for her sister Della is completely over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush. But her happiness is short lived when she discovers that her diary has gone missing.

Scans of it are appearing on Facebook, in text messages and elsewhere so how can Della enjoy what she’s got when she knows someone, somewhere is reading all of her deepest secrets.

I’ve been dying to read Della since it was first published back in May, so much so that I finished it in record time (for me that is). And I have to start by saying: I. Loved. It. These are the first three words that spring to mind when I think of Della Says: OMG!

I loved the characters, especially Della’s ability to carry on – I only managed to keep a diary for a short amount of time (wasn’t very interesting – believe me). But I would hate to have anyone read it so for the things that Della was keeping in hers I would have been horrified, not to mention petrified about what would happen next.

And all this when she has just had her first kiss with her long-term crush. At first I though what rubbish timing for her. Having said this if it wasn’t for him and her best friend, Maddy – who just have the best attitudes to the situation ever – I think this could have been a whole different story.

As it is, it’s a heartwarming and funny story which features loving parents. It touches on issues that many YA books simply don’t talk about whilst at the same time not making a big deal out of it – it strikes the perfect balance.

And that’s not to mention how funny it is particularly from the conversations Della has with her parents but also elsewhere – in places I just couldn’t stop laughing and whenever I had to put the book down, I was reading it as soon as I next could.

I can’t finish this review without picking up on my old employer, Bowlplex – Keris managed to perfectly describe the centre, not to mention (the loud) music and wierd lighting. Thankfully for my centre we only had a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights!

Overall Della Says: OMG! is a strong debut novel from Keris and I honestly can’t wait for more.

Characters: 19 / 20

Plot: 18 / 20

Ending: 17 / 20

Writing Quality: 19 / 20

Enjoyment: 20 / 20

Total Mark: 93 / 100

What does this mean? Check out my grading system.