BUCS Library Book Club

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
found 24 Seconds from now, to be an engaging and thought-provoking book. Jason Reynolds’ writing style felt very natural and realistic, making it easy to connect with the characters and understand their emotions. I liked how the novel explored important themes such as trust, responsibility, and growing up without feeling preachy or forced. The conversations felt authentic, which made the characters seem like real people rather than fictional creations. What I enjoyed most was the way Reynolds encouraged readers to think about relationships and decision-making from different perspectives. The book balances humour and serious topics well, creating a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. I would recommend this book to teenagers because it deals with issues that many young people can relate to in a mature and respectful way.

Poppy

Not Going To Plan
Tia Fisher’s Not Going to Plan is such a powerful read — written as a verse novel, it doesn’t shy away from tough topics like consent, friendship, abortion, gender identity, and making your own choices. What I loved most is how balanced and honest it feels; Fisher lays everything out clearly and fairly, so you get to think things through for yourself instead of being told exactly what to believe. The story centres on Marnie, who tends to leap before she looks, and Zed — the total opposite: super organised, focused on his studies, and always thinking ahead. It’s an unlikely friendship at first, but watching it grow is one of the warmest parts of the book. Their differences make for some really funny moments too, but they also show just how much two very different people can lean on each other when life gets hard. I was really impressed with how Fisher handles Marnie’s unplanned pregnancy. It never feels like she’s saying abortion is either the “easy way out” or something to be ashamed of — instead, she shows all the layers. Marnie has to weigh up her future, her family, her education, and what she truly wants for herself. Other characters have their own views too, and every single one is treated with respect. It feels real, and it makes you stop and think about how complicated these decisions really are. The way it’s written adds so much too. Being in verse, with short, snappy lines, it perfectly captures that jumbled, anxious, overwhelming feeling Marnie goes through. Sometimes there’s just one word on a whole line — it makes you pause and really feel what she’s feeling. It’s amazing how such simple language can say so much. There are some lines that really stick with you, too. When Marnie says life is “not going to plan,” it sums up the whole heart of the story: things rarely turn out how you expect, and you can’t control everything — but you can choose how you deal with it. Both Marnie and Zed learn that lesson as the story goes on. I also appreciated that there’s no “bad guy” here. Even when people make mistakes or say the wrong thing, they feel like real people, not just characters written to be hated. That makes the whole story feel so much more believable and helps you understand why everyone acts the way they do. All in all, Not Going to Plan is engaging, thoughtful, and feels so genuine. It tackles tricky subjects with real care, the characters feel like people you might know, and the verse style makes it both quick to read and deeply moving. I’d recommend it to older teens who enjoy realistic stories that make you think, so, 5/5 stars

Mia

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed reading Diary of a Lizard Nobody because it was funny and different from other books I have read. The story is about a young lizard called Zeke who feels like he does not fit in and struggles to make friends. I liked how the book was written like a diary because it made it easy to understand Zeke’s thoughts and feelings. My favourite part was seeing how Zeke changed throughout the story and became more confident. The characters were interesting, and some parts made me laugh. The book also teaches an important lesson about friendship and being yourself. I would recommend this book to people in Year 7 because it is fun to read and has a good message.

Noah

Birdy Arbuthnot’s Year of ‘Yes!’
When reading Birdy Arbuthnot’s year of yes, I was immediately filled with a sense of warmth and excitement. This book was everything I wish I could be, having the bravery and achievement to just say yes! This book was amazing; I resonated with Birdy so much throughout the book especially with the close relationships she has with her friends. Her need in the beginning of the book to get into Cambridge not for herself but for her mum made me realise that we shouldn't do something to please others but because we want to do it ourselves To sum this book up with one word it would be “YES!” (no pun intended). Reading this book made me feel alive and wanting to get out my bed and explore the world! I adored all the characters in this book and how complex they are, it shows me that to live the life you want you don't have to be perfect.

Meghani

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I enjoyed reading *Twenty-Four Seconds From Now* because it was realistic and emotional. The story focused a lot on relationships, growing up, and dealing with important decisions, which made it feel meaningful and interesting. The book was written in a way that felt natural, so it was easy to stay connected to the characters and their experiences.​ ​ One thing I liked most was the main character because they felt honest and believable. Their thoughts and emotions seemed realistic, especially when they were dealing with pressure, love, and uncertainty about the future. This made the story more engaging and emotional.​ ​ The author also did a good job of balancing serious moments with lighter and more humorous parts, which stopped the story from feeling too heavy. The pacing was good, and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next.​ ​Overall, I think *Twenty-Four Seconds From Now* is an enjoyable and thoughtful book that many teenagers would relate to. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy realistic fiction, romance, and stories about growing up.​

Zuzy

The Boy I Love
I really enjoyed reading *The Boy I Love* because it was emotional, powerful, and easy to connect with. The story had a good balance of romance, sadness, and hope, which made me want to keep reading. I liked how the author showed the struggles the characters faced and how their relationships changed throughout the book.​ ​ The characters felt realistic and believable, especially the main character. Their emotions were written really well, so I could understand how they were feeling during difficult moments. I also liked how the book explored themes like love, courage, and identity, which made the story more meaningful.​ ​ Another thing I enjoyed was the setting and atmosphere. The author described everything clearly, making it easy to imagine the scenes and feel the tension in important parts of the story. Some parts were quite sad, but that made the book even more emotional and memorable.​ ​ Overall, I think *The Boy I Love* is a touching and well-written book. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional stories with strong characters and meaningful themes.​

Zuzy

Wolf Siren
I really enjoyed reading Wolf Siren because it was exciting and emotional at the same time. The story kept me interested the whole way through because there was lots of suspense and mystery. I liked how the book mixed fantasy and supernatural elements with real emotions and problems the characters faced.​ One thing I liked most was the main character. They felt realistic because they struggled with fear, trust, and understanding themselves. This made it easier to connect with them while reading. The author’s writing was descriptive, but not too complicated, so it was easy to imagine what was happening.​ The plot had some unexpected twists, which made the story more exciting. I also liked how the themes of identity, loyalty, and courage were shown throughout the book. It made the story feel deeper than just a normal fantasy novel.​ Overall, I think Wolf Siren is a really enjoyable book for people who like fantasy and adventure stories. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy suspense and strong characters.​

Zuzy

Not Going To Plan
Tia Fisher’s Not going to plan is a powerful verse novel that talks about sensitive topics that most wouldn’t dare to. There are so many good things that I can say about this book. The characters are one of those good things because they express their emotions in an honest and understandable way, which makes me feel more immersed in their world and their story. I love the bond between Marnie and Zed because it just makes the book feel more realistic. Marnie and Zed go through things that would crush a lot of people, and they work through it together. The story is a very big part of why I like this book so much. The story is always moving. I love the pacing because it is at the perfect pace for anyone to understand. As important as the beginning of the book is the end also very important and the ending of this book just made me warm because it’s so heartfelt and beautiful. To conclude I want to state one last point. I adore the way this was written. Tia Fisher uses her words to create stunning imagery which is a wonderful addition to the book and allows me to fully understand her words. She writes about what Marnie and Zed went through together in a simple but intense way. She uses a range of unique methods which elevates her writing. I enjoy her dual perspective style allowing me to understand both characters in a different view.

Matilda

Not Going To Plan
Tia Fisher's Not Going to Plan is a powerful verse novel that explores the concept of choices. The story tackles difficulties though throughout the story it remains hopeful and engaging showing the importance of support and understanding during challenging moments One of the novels most important features is the bond between Marnie and Zed. Marnie is a creative, confident and independent student while Zed prefers routine logic and structure. Despite their differences they develop a genuine friendship through their shared experiences. This makes their bond feel like a more realistic demonstration of a friendship. The novel follows Marnie after she has an experience at the party that would change the rest of her school year. Tia handles the sensitive topics with care focusing on the emotional journey rather than including dramatic plot twists. The story explores difficult decisions she must make and the challenges she faces while also highlighting resilience and personal growth. Tia’s use of formatting is very effective - the different poem styles reflect the personalities of the two protagonists. Marnie’s sections tend to feel more creative and expressive with Zed’s opportunity more structure. The story uses verse novel format effectively adding in some more emotional impact

Philip

The Boy I Love
The Boy I Love is a vivid and emotionally raw young‑adult novel set during World War I that follows Stephen Wraxall, a nineteen‑year‑old lieutenant returning to the front after injury and heartbreak, and Danny McCormick, an eighteen‑year‑old private. Their connection emerges under impossible circumstances — amidst the mud, fear, loss and prejudice of the trenches. Historical setting with emotional realism. Hussey does impressive work immersing the reader in 1916: the dangers of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, the psychological scars, and the social risks gay soldiers faced. The trench scenes are harrowing and visceral. Love in constricted spaces. The romance between Stephen and Danny is tender but complicated, not idealised. The constraints of rank, social expectations, shame, and the chaos of war make their relationship risky and fragile — which gives their moments together extra weight Character depth - Stephen’s grief, guilt, PTSD, and Danny’s resilience shine through. While some side characters are less fully realised, the emotional lives of the two leads pull you in strongly. 

Bea