Author Archives: keithbwalters

The Narnian Book Tag!

Helloooo internet. It’s very rare that I actually do a tag post – whenever I am tagged in one, I always forget to finish writing the post. But… Holly @ Lost in a Library tagged me in this ‘Narnian’ themed one, and I thought this would be a really cool one to write. 🙂 So, here we go! This is pretty much all based on books I’ve read so far in 2015.

1) King Peter the Magnificent – A book which stands out in its genre.

Read Me Like a Book by Liz Kessler was an outstanding YA debut. I’m so glad Liz Kessler has joined the growing world of LGBT* YA, and her book just blew me away. It dealt with so many topics in a great way and feels very different to anything out there.

2) Queen Susan the Gentle – A book which is underrated.

The second I’m asked about any underrated books, I instantly go to STRAY by Monica Hesse. It’s one of the best and most realistic dystopian books I have ever read. Hesse is a fantastic writer and her characters and extraordinary. I wish more people read it! I’m surprised there’s no big fandom for the book. There should be.

3) King Edmund the Just – A book that took a while to hook you in.

I couldn’t really think of a book to put here that completely fits… The Death House by Sarah Pinborough, whilst a very chilling read, didn’t always hook me in, and I can’t place a finger on why, because so many have loved it.

4) Queen Lucy the Valiant – An on-going series you’re loyal to.

ZOM-B by Darren Shan, of course! I’m a raving fan of Darren Shan’s latest, brilliantly gory series of books. Waiting on book eleven of twelve now… I can’t believe we’re nearing the end!

5) Aslan, the Great Lion – A powerful book that stuck with you.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is an important and powerful book. I read it over an unusually long period, not because it was a large book, but because I wanted to savour every word. It was a taut, emotional story, and Cameron was an incredibly relatable character.

6) Jadis, the White Witch – A book with a synopsis that deceived you.

I really struggled to find a title for this one! I’m swaying towards Lorali by Laura Dockrill. The synopsis on the finished copy is very vague but has a very romance-y feel to it, whereas the book was a lot gritter than I’d expected.

7) Mr and Mrs Beaver – Your comfort reads.

Unless they’re revision / school-related ones, I don’t keep books on my desk. Except for one – The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan. I don’t know how to describe that book. It’s so therapeutic. Every now and then, as a revision break, or just at random, I’ll pick it up, flip to a random page, and read a little bit. (It’s all in prose, and follows the lives of lots of students at one school. It’s difficult to pitch, but it’s amazing!)

8) Mr Tumnus – A book with a surprising twist.

So, I very recently was lucky enough to read Black Cairn Point by Claire McFall and I loved it so, so much. Claire McFall never disappoints and this was the most shocking of any of her books! I was in a bit of a daze after the final chapters. Review soon, btw. 🙂

9) Cair Paravel – A book with a beautiful message.

Without a doubt – Starring Kitty by Keris Stainton. A beautifully written, young YA book centred around a group of girls. It is so different other books on the market for young teenage girls, I think – this first book in the series focuses mainly on Kitty, as she realises she is gay. I loved the message of it, how Keris fantastically encourages her readers to be themselves, and speaking of which… I need to go find the second book!

10) The Land of Narnia – Your favourite fantasy world.

There are a lot to pick from, but from my 2015 shelf of goodreads – it has to be the world of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. It was really well crafted; it feels like a very classic fantasy world but at the same time stands out from the market.

Thanks for tagging me, Holly! These questions were fun to answer. I’m not sure who’s already done this tag – and who would like to, soooo… I tag anyone who wants to join in!

Mini Reviews: Being a Girl and Almost Grace

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Both reviews I’ve put together in this post are out from Hot Key Books! I received both at the bloggers brunch a couple of months ago, and they’re really great. I decided to do a mini-reviews post for these two, as they’re both quite short – and though one is fiction and one non-fiction, they’re both about growing and being a teenage girl – or on the brink of adulthood.

Being A Girl by Hayley Long, published by Hot Key Books. Goodreads Synopsis: Being a girl is not all sugar and spice. How can you possibly survive school and even think about talking to your crush when you have spots in places you didn’t even know you had, your boobs are too big (or too small) and the friend drama is off the charts? Luckily, bestselling YA author and sixth-form teacher Hayley Long provides a straight-talking guide to puberty – from cattiness to kisses, and everything in between. With witty black-and-white illustrations by Gemma Correll throughout, BEING A GIRL tells you everything you need to know about surviving puberty, in an honest and humorous way. My Review: I’ve read and loved some of Hayley Long’s fantastically funny fiction books before, so as soon as I’d heard that Being A Girl (a companion to Being A Boy by James Dawson) was to be written by her, I was really interested in reading it! She’s the perfect writer for a book all about growing up and, well, being a girl. Being A Girl is split into lots of informative and useful chapters, and Hayley’s writing spruces up even the worst bits with humour that will make you giggle out loud. My favourite part? Herstory! A whole chapter dedicated to some of the most important women in history! I loved reading it. Also, of course, the icing on the cake is Gemma Corrells’ illustrations: I love her work so much, as I’ve seen a lot of it in the internet. (sidenote: I want this shirt more than anything right now) Her drawing style is the perfect accompaniment to the writing. I really recommend Being A Girl – whether you’re a girl, boy, young or old. My Rating:

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Almost Grace by Rosie Rowell, published by Hot Key Books.

Goodreads Synopsis: Grace and her Cape Town friends are renting a house on the coast – after exams it’s their rite of passage into adulthood. Yet ‘maturity’ means different things to each of them. Brett and Louisa have plans – university, travelling – but Grace is uncertain of her future. Anxiety drives her to take control of whatever she can, starting with her own body, and it is starting to worry those around her.

When Grace meets Spook – an older, nomadic surfer – their attraction is instant and his relaxed familiarity and assured confidence catch her off-guard. Can she allow herself to lose control, and fall in love? My Review: I really enjoyed Rosie Rowell’s debut novel, Leopold Blue, and wasn’t aware that more of her work was releasing soon until a Hot Key Books brunch. I was lucky enough to get a copy, which I raced through in an evening! Rowell’s second novel is set also in South Africa, with yet even more unforgettable teenage characters. Grace was really likeable and it’s evident that she is suffering from an eating disorder, which as far as I remember, isn’t actually name specifically in the story.t. I’m really liking the fact that so many books on these topics are coming out at the moment – they’re eye opening, and so well written. Though I think Leopold Blue is my favourite Rosie Rowell book still, Almost Grace is still definitely worth a read – it’s the perfect, short-ish read to take on a holiday this summer! The story is really gripping, with a great ending. My Rating:

I received copies of Being A Girl and Almost Grace from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

Book Review: The Unforgotten by Laura Powell

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Published 3rd July by Hesperus Nova.

Goodreads Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Betty Broadbent helps her erratic and beautiful mother run the Hotel Eden, a boarding house now besieged by reporters, keen for juicy gossip and eye-catching headlines. They are there because the Cornish seaside town has recently witnessed a string of murders, young girls stabbed to death. Among the newspaper jackals, Mr. Gallagher stands out. Quiet, serious Mr. Gallagher—Betty is fascinated by his mysterious nature and desperate to be noticed by him and not be treated as a child. As he and Betty get to know each other, through snatched conversation and illicit meetings, their feelings for each other grow. But she soon starts to realize how little she knows about the older, enigmatic journalist. With a dangerous cloud looming over the town, Betty starts to take risks to see him and hide secrets from her mother, her friends, and even herself—secrets that will echo through the years and affect the lives of many. Beautifully written with skilllfully drawn characters, evocative language, and set partially in 1956 with perfect period depiction, this is an astonishing tour de force from debut author Laura Powell.

My Review: I actually received this proof from the publisher via my dad and I hadn’t previously heard of them – or the book itself – but after finishing it, rather in awe, I’d love to see what this imprint also publishes… and what Powell will write in the future!

The Unforgotten is set in two times; 1965, and the present day. In 1965, Betty lives in the hotel with her mother, whilst it’s overrun with journalists clamouring to get scoops on the murder spree happening in the village. As tensions are rising, so is Betty’s fixation with Mr Ghallager, one of the local reporters.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect of the story and it was a lot darker than its pretty book jacket lets on. It didn’t feel like a clichéd ‘whodunnit?’ novel. It was simply stunning. I couldn’t predict who the killer was at all. I was swept up in the story – reading it in a day. The pages were practically turning themselves, as horrifying murders took place while a perilous connection between Betty and Mr Ghallager developed.

I was surprised at how invested I became in the lives of the central characters as they all unravelled mysteries. Betty was a little quirky and a really likeable character to read about – in the past and present.

Reading about the characters in 1959 then as elderly people, in the present day, made the story even more brilliant. I don’t think I’ve read many ‘split’ stories like it but it gave the mystery a new depth, as I tried to piece together evidence from the present day and the sixties. It was also a really interesting way to see how the characters changed and grew.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend The Unforgotten. I think it will appeal to teens and adults alike – especially to fans of Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey. The characters are really well formed and I haven’t been able to get them out of my head – especially after the bewildering ending!

My Rating:

I received a copy of The Unforgotten from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

IT’S SUMMERRRR: My To-Read List

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I actually really, really dislike Summer. With a passion. Because a) the weather can get too hot and b) I hate hot weather because c) I can’t curl up in bed in lots of jumpers to read and d) I’m expected to go out and socialise because it’s the holidays and it’s sunny. ~~What is this socialising thing you speak of. Ahem.~~

Buuuut, there is one pretty cool thing about Summer – over a month’s break from school! Before all the pressure hits in September as year eleven starts for me, I’m planning on spending the next weeks reading and blogging. That’s it. Plus sleeping. (Also volunteering at the library – I’ll have a shiny desk to read at, then).

Back to the point of this post. Last year, I did a summer TBR – picking particular books to read for the holidays – but it completely failed and I still haven’t read everything I listed on that post. Maybe I’ll do better this year?

bc it’s summer i actually went outside to take photos be proud of me

Here’s a little look at the books and why I picked them! Click on the titles to visit Goodreads.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson: I read I’ll Give You the Sun a few months ago and it was a masterpiece. I’d really like to give her first novel a go. I’m sure I’ll love it as well.

Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith: I bought this from the lovely A Bundle of Books at a convention recently! This is very different to Smith’s other book, Winger – a lot wackier. I’m curious!

My Heart & Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga: I bought this quite a while ago because both the US & UK covers are stunning and the synopsis grabbed me. It seems like a really interesting read but I think I’ll need tissues.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: I bought this from my local indie bookshop, Kirkdale Bookshop, on the IBW2015 Bookshop Crawl. I’m in love with the cover and it’s been all over the internet!

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor: AGHGEO;IFHN’PEIVE’PIOEVM’DFCLWLS’WNDBWJUDBSLCNPEOGNMFKVMSLKENFIWNF. Basically.

Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson: I was nagging my dad about borrowing this ever since he got a proof copy of this before it was released years ago – now I have a copy of my own I should probably get into it!

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell: I love Rainbow Rowell’s books Fangirl and Eleanor and Park to bits. I’ve wanted to start this one for ages but as it’s a signed copy I haven’t wanted to take it out of the house! Summer is a good excuse.

So, hopefully I’ll stick to this to-read list! What books do you want to read this Summer? What did you think of any of the books in this post?

Book Review: Jonny Jakes Investigates the Hamburgers of Doom by Malcom Judge

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Published June 2015 by Curious Fox.

25726092 Publisher’s Synopsis: Meet Jonny Jakes, undercover reporter for banned school newspaper The Woodford Word. Nothing will stop his pursuit of the truth. Not teachers. Not parents. Not double detention.

When a new head teacher arrives halfway through term, Jonny smells a rat. Teachers handing out sweets? All-you-can-eat hamburgers? He’s determined to get to the bottom of it, because Jonny Jakes investigates the same way he eats his hamburgers: with relish.

My Review: I haven’t read many middle grade books so far this year – so when I was emailed about this book, I jumped at the chance! Also, if the title is THE HAMBURGERS OF DOOM, there is no way I’m missing out on reading it.

I can definitely see why this first book in the Jonny Jakes Investigates series is one of Curious Fox’s leading titles of 2015. It ticks all the boxes for a brilliant children’s book, and more. From the witty illustrations of the characters, to the hilarious dialogue and fictional school setting, it was a delight to read!

The story opens with an introduction to Jonny Jakes, the mastermind behind his school’s newspaper, which has been garnering a lot of attention with its many articles mocking the headmaster. When a mysterious new head teacher turns up, Jakes is determined to get the first scoop on it, but he finds out that it’s not just any old head teacher. It’s an alien, and matters are about to get a whole lot more complicated – because despite his nice personality, is this alien headmaster up to something wicked?

The plot felt like a classic story, though original, and I can tell this is going to be a very popular book with younger readers. I did not expect to laugh as much as I did. The plot is a hilarious blend of Sci-Fi and school drama.

The voice of Jonny Jakes is undoubtedly one of the best child narratives I’ve read in a long time. There was just something about the voice, how the diary entries by Jonny were written – it felt so realistic and I loved it! I’m confident Jonny Jakes has the potential to be one of those iconic book characters children are going to grow up loving.

The dialogue was sharp-witted and I loved the relationships between all of the characters. I didn’t expect to become so attached to such brilliant characters in this book, either!

Overall, I was really pleasantly surprised with The Hamburgers of Doom. A quite frankly ridiculous story about a schoolboy reporter investigating evil hamburgers and an alien headmaster… t’s a fantastically silly read that’s bound to make you giggle a little bit, no matter what your age. I enjoyed it a lot more than I anticipated. I think it’ll appeal to a lot of reluctant young readers, too. I’m really looking forward to seeing more from this series!

My Rating:

I received a copy of The Hamburgers of Doom from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

Book Review: Paperweight by Meg Haston

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Published 2nd July 2015 by Hot Key Books.

24917415 Goodreads Synopsis: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Struggling to deal with her brother’s death and a past she refuses to confront, Stevie knows she has problems. But she’s still furious about the fact that she’s been packed off to a health clinic, in the middle of nowhere, where mobile phones are banned and communication with the outside world is strictly by permission only. The regimented and obtrusive nature of the clinic and its staff is torture to the deeply private, obstinate Stevie – and don’t even get her started on the other ‘inmates’. All she wants is to be left alone…
But as Stevie is about to find out, life is full of surprises. And she will prove herself stronger than she knows – even when her past finally catches her up in the most shocking and brutal way possible.

My Review: I’ll have to admit that I didn’t know much about the plot of this one – I quite largely was interested in it because of that beauuutifullll cover – but once I’d started Paperweight, I couldn’t put it down. I meant for it to be a quick read for a train journey – and it turned out to be one of my favourite reads of the year so far!

Paperweight starts with Stevie’s induction at a clinic for people with eating disorders. As the story progresses, with every day spent there, we get to look inside Stevie’s head to see her memories of what’s ultimately brought her there, and how she is dealing with it – because it’s a heartbreaking and harrowing story of love, loss, rivalry and secrecy.

The plot was unpredictable, a little hard to read at points because it became so sad – but, in all, a truly unique story. It was paced well and I raced through the book, as there was never a dull moment or a point in which I didn’t feel invested in the story. The realistic themes of anorexia, bulimia and death are treated well in the novel I think – though I’m not sure this is everyone’s cup of tea.

I connected with Stevie straight away. She had such a strong and believable voice; a personality driven by her eating habits that felt very painfully real. As the story progresses, Stevie lets the reader in on the reasons why she is where she is now; and it’s a complicated, unexpected tangle of secrets and drama. What I really liked about Stevie was that I never quite knew what direction Meg Haston was going to take her character in – I wasn’t expecting the romance side that became apparent but I loved the fact that Stevie’s identity was never labelled or questioned!

I have never read anything by Haston before (According to Goodreads she has written a few seemingly YA titles before!) but I would jump at the chance to read similar YA from her in the future. Her writing is brilliant; a talent I hope doesn’t go unnoticed when this is released. Writing about topics like she has here can be tough, but she has done so admirably. On top of the heavy themes, she’s written such unforgettable characters, the chemistries between which are well developed and raw-feeling.

Overall, I highly recommend Paperweight – I know that because of a lot of sensitive scenes it won’t be for everyone but it is an incredibly poignant read by a writer I hope to see more from. Stevie’s story has stayed with me long after I closed the pages – it ends on the perfect note. I’m so glad I picked this book up!

My Rating:

I received a copy of Paperweight from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

BLOG TOUR: Jessica Cole, Model Spy #1, Code Red Lipstick review

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Today I’m taking part in the review tour for the Jessica Cole, Model Spy books! This is a series I’ve heard a lot about so I was really excited when I was asked if I’d be interested in reviewing book one.

Published 5th June 2014 by Scholastic.

21385579 Goodreads Synopsis: Models, spies and lipstick gadgets… When Jessica’s father, a former spy, vanishes mysteriously, Jessica takes matters into her own hands. She’s not just a daddy’s girl who’s good at striking a pose; she’s a trained spook who knows how to take on MI6 and beat them at their own game.

My Review: I wasn’t too sure this would be my ‘thing’ when it first came out – but it received so much love on the internet that when I was asked if I’d liked to join a review tour a little while ago, I accepted straight away!

Jessica Cole is a teenager juggling a school life with her growing modelling career, with an ex-MI6 father. When she comes home to find him missing and her home ransacked, however, she has to find a way to get to the bottom of the mystery. She uses her modelling career as a cover-up for an investigation, and finds herself stuck in the middle of a complex crime.

Code Red Lipstick is a brilliant read that appeals to readers of lots of genres – whether you’re into fashion, contemporary stories or espionage – and, well, if you like all three, it’s perfect! Piecing together the mystery was so fun. Despite the plot seeming quite dark, it felt like a very upbeat story.

I think the main character, Jessica, is going to become a familiar and loved YA character. She’s got the qualities of a great heroine – leading a dangerous double life, putting her life on the line to save others, and having fearless determination – but she feels so different to many leading female YA roles. Maybe I don’t read widely enough… but I’ve found it quite rare to see a female character heading a thriller/mystery/dystopia/fantasy etc., who is hugely feminine-presenting, so this made for a refreshing change. I’m not sure if I worded that right, but I hope it makes some sense!

My Rating:

I received a copy of Code Red Lipstick from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

Book Review: Lorali by Laura Dockrill

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Published 2nd July 2015 by Hot Key Books.

24910026 Goodreads Synopsis: Looking after a naked girl he found washed up under Hastings pier isn’t exactly how Rory had imagined spending his sixteenth birthday. But more surprising than finding her in the first place is discovering where she has come from.
Lorali is running not just from the sea, not just from her position as princess, but her entire destiny. Lorali has rejected life as a mermaid, and become human.
But along with Lorali’s arrival, and the freak weather suddenly battering the coast, more strange visitors begin appearing in Rory’s bemused Sussex town. With beautifully coiffed hair, sharp-collared shirts and a pirate ship shaped like a Tudor house, the Abelgare boys are a mystery all of their own. What are they really up to? Can Rory protect Lorali? And who from? And where does she really belong, anyway?

My Review: Mermaid books have never really been my ‘thing’ so I can’t say I’ve read many of them. Lorali had been on my radar for a while, but it wasn’t until I listened in person to Laura Dockrill brilliantly pitch it that I’d really wanted to read it! It was refreshing to delve into a new genre – and the writing of an author I’ve never read before. Needless to say, I’d love to read more YA from Laura in the future.

I didn’t realise the book was from multiple perspectives but it was maybe my favourite part of the book – especially the perspective of the sea, which was interesting and a really good way to tell parts of the story.

Lorali is not a typical princess and although I wish more of the book had consisted of it, I adored her narrative; written in a tentative, explorative style that reflects the surfaced mermaid’s confusion and discovery of a new world.

Rory, the boy who finds Lorali on the beach and soon becomes a love interest, was also very likeable, as he was so selfless and simultaneously very vulnerable-feeling. I’ve never read a character quite like him. Lorali and Rory’s love is a driving theme of the plot and I did quite like their chemistry.

The pacing was great and I raced through the book, always wanting to know what happened next. Though I haven’t read many similar books, this is undoubtedly a much grittier mermaid tale than many will anticipate. The world building was fantastic – it felt almost gothic in places, always richly imagined. There are a couple of ‘media clippings’ in the book too by the public about mermaids which made me giggle a bit, too.

Overall, Lorali was an unexpectedly very gripping and enjoyable read. I’m really glad I picked it up. The story was darker than I had anticipated and the ending was shocking; an outcome I definitely didn’t see coming! Lorali is definitely worth seeking out if you’re interested in a darkly fantastical read.

My Rating:

I received a copy of Lorali from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.

THE CURIOUS TALE OF THE LADY CARABOO BLOG TOUR: Catherine Johnson’s Diverse Book Recs

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I haven’t helped on a blog tour for a while, so this post is pretty exciting! 🙂

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The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo is a YA historical romance by Catherine Johnson, author of Sawbones. It’s out on July 2nd, and for this blog tour Catherine is here on the blog to give some diverse book recommendations!

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Catherine Johnson on Diverse Books:

Hello and thank you so much for inviting me onto your blog to share some books.

There are honestly more books with diverse characters than you might imagine. It really is a question of looking for them. There are even more where the sidekick or the love interest is a POC or LGBT or ‘different’, even though we all are. Different, that is.

So I’ve decided to rule those out – who wants to be the sidekick? Most of us have been fed up with being the sidekick since primary school. What we love about books is the chance to be swept away to stand in the shoes of someone else and see where that takes us. That was one of the reasons I started writing historical stories. I wanted the person in the front, in the swooshy frock to be someone who looked like me.

Anyway. The following are all favourites of mine – even though there is one I haven’t read yet….

1 Liccle Bit, Alex Wheatle

This is a fantastic book. It’s set on a council estate in South London as Liccle Bit – real name Lemar, he’s small for his age – attempts to ask the girl of his dreams out and not fall foul of the local bad guys. But there is so much more to it than that. This is how a lot of London looks and sounds and the writing sizzles with life. This is Alex Wheatles’ first YA book – he’s written lots for adults – and I hope it’s the first of many.

2 Running Girl, Simon Mason

My favourite book of last year and my favourite YA lead character in a million years. Garvie Smith’s IQ is off the scale, but he is also pathologically lazy, a stoner and (from my adult pov) entirely annoying. I could slap him SO many times! But he’s also charismatic and brilliant and he’s going to find out what happened to the girl in question whether the police – in the shape of DI Singh- get in his way or not.

3 Noughts and Crosses Graphic Novel, illus. John Aggs, written by Malorie Blackman

I haven’t read this yet but I have pre-ordered the hell out of it. Blackman’s book was truly a blockbuster in every sense of the word. Using reversals to give white readers a sense of what it might be like to be in the minority as well as deliver a cracking story, Blackman builds an utterly believable brand new world and has us willing her characters to win through on every page. I cannot wait to see this as a Graphic novel.

4 Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson

This is one I use in teaching. Look at the first chapter. No, just look at the first line. If you don’t read the whole book after that then I don’t believe you have any kind of a heart. At all. Halse Anderson is a brilliant writer and in this book she takes us back to the American War of Independence and shows us events though the eyes of young Isabel, born a slave. Fabulous.

5 Web of Darkness, Bali Rai

A chilling psychological thriller. Why Bali Rai is such woefully under appreciated UK writer is a massive mystery to me. In this novel, set in a school in modern day Leicester, our protagonist Lily, seems like an ordinary girl, she’s a little bit insecure and her and her mates spend a lot of time on social media. But the story soon twists as Lily’s life takes a series of dark turns. This novel handles modern themes, suicide, the internet, and how much we give away about ourselves. It’s one of his best I think.

6 The House You Pass on the Way, Jacqueline Woodson

I have to be honest here, I picked this one up just because the heroine was called Staggerlee – like in the song. She chose the name herself because she felt her given name Evangeline wasn’t fierce enough. That was enough to set me off. And then there’s the writing. Woodson, winner of The Newbery Medal, is an utter genius and this is a coming of age story – with a lesbian protagonist – that will knock your socks off.

7 If You Were Me, Sam Hepburn

Another almost brand new book and another one that shows us what London is really like from the point of view of new Londoner Aliyah and her family – resettled from Afghanistan. When her brother is arrested as a terrorist she’s going to fight to clear his name. She finds an unlikely ally in local boy Dan, who has his own secrets. This is a brilliant modern thriller, I can’t recommend it enough.

8 This is Not A Love Story, Keren David

Keren David’s book is unusual for UKYA in being set overseas in Amsterdam and in having a cast of young Jewish teens. It’s about love and identity and dark secrets, but there’s a total and utter freshness and modernity to these young people, to their actions and their choices. It’s like seeing characters come of age as you read.

A couple more very recent books that I LOVE are Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill, and Carnegie listed Buffalo Soldier by Tanya Landman, and can I say I am dying to read For Holly from Tanya Byrne? And I am going to stop now or I will go on forever (and ever).

Catherine is the author of The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo out July 2 from Penguin Random House.

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Thanks Catherine for an awesome post, it was an honour to host it! I better go check out some of these titles now – This is Not a Love Story by Keren David has been on my radar for a while and that’s at the top of my shopping list!

Book Review: Because You’ll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

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Published 2nd July 2015 by Bloomsbury.

20649195 Goodreads Synopsis: Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet. Ollie is allergic to electricity. Contact with it causes debilitating seizures. Moritz’s weak heart is kept pumping by an electronic pacemaker. If they ever did meet, Ollie would seize. But Moritz would die without his pacemaker. Both hermits from society, the boys develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline during dark times—as Ollie loses his only friend, Liz, to the normalcy of high school and Moritz deals with a bully set on destroying him.
A story of impossible friendship and hope under strange circumstances, this début is powerful, dark and humorous in equal measure. These extraordinary voices bring readers into the hearts and minds of two special boys who, like many teens, are just waiting for their moment to shine.

My Review: This book came just as I had started exam revision – so after reading the blurb that had me really tempted to dive straight in, I had to wait a while to get around to it! It was the first book I picked back up after exams and the wait was definitely worth it. Because You’ll Never Meet Me was an extraordinary début.

The concept of the story is very individual and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It centres around one boy who cannot go near electricity – and another who depends on it for his heart to beat. The two can never meet, because one of them would die, so from opposite sides of the globe they exchange letters which will eventually lead to a shared discovery. It’s simultaneously a heart-warming-and-heart-breaking contemporary, though with an almost sci-fi-feeling to it.

I guessed the ‘reveal’ quite a short way in so it didn’t come as a surprise to me, but it was interesting to read how both boys discovered the truths and developed over time.

The two characters, Ollie and Moritz, are very contrasting; from their health conditions to their distinctive writing styles and voices. Ollie has epilepsy and lives in a cabin far away from the dangers of the city – whilst Moritz depends on his pacemaker for his life and lives in Germany.

I warmed to Ollie first and foremost because of his narrative – though by the end I was really invested in both their stories. I loved reading their sometimes witty, sometimes tear-jerking responses to one another. Both sides to the whole story were brilliantly crafted and flowed well alongside each other. Parts were a bit predictable – but there were a lot of points I couldn’t have guessed!

Overall, I really enjoyed Because You’ll Never Meet Me – it was a really awe-inspiring, unputdownable début novel. I’m excited to see what Leah Thomas will write in the future! The characters were truly unforgettable; their unique bond even more so. Definitely recommended to those who like contemporary books with a twist.

My Rating:

I received a copy of Because You’ll Never Meet Me from the publisher, in exchange for a review. In no way at all did this affect my thoughts.