Fox & Ink Books (13+) 9781916747654 (Paperback)
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Tired of suburban life, Birdy Arbuthnot resolves to spend a year saying yes to opportunities which come her way in this warm, witty coming-of-age novel. Set in Soho in the 1960s, strong-characterisation and a distinctive, stylish internal monologue that develops and matures through the novel make for a memorable read which is told with a sense of grounded grace.
Themes
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Joanna Nadin is a former broadcast journalist and special adviser to the Prime Minister (not this one). Since leaving politics, she has written more than 90 books for children and adults, including the bestselling The Worst Class in the World series, the Flying Fergus series with Sir Chris Hoy, and the Carnegie-nominated Joe All Alone, which is now a BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated BBC Drama. She’s been a World Book Day author, Radio 4 and the i magazine Book of the Year, won the Fantastic Book Award and the Highland Book Prize, and has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal five times. Joanna has been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Queen of Teen and the Big Book Awards, among many others. She is a Senior Lecturer in the subject at University of Bristol, as well as teaching for the Arvon Foundation.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and its found family trope. It was funny, caring, and showed a reality for young girls and boys that we do not really get to see. When I started this, I did not know that there would be so much queer representation and, personally, I loved that. Being queer should not be a defining characteristic, characters like Charlie, Val and Rollo were so dear to me because they had traits outside their sexuality. This was really refreshing to see as a lot of LGBT books tend to define their characters as only being gay, or lesbian, or bisexual. I also loved how Birdy is learning more about her world while being with these people. Yes, she is still a little clueless and stuck in Surbiton with her privileges. But, she is learning what it is so be open and free in a time that condemns people like Charlie or Cal. It is a perfect book to read if you want to learn how to find your voice and learning to accept yourself as you are .
Sian
In the Shadows
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
BUCS Library Book Club
I liked the side character developments, especially Charlie. I didn't like how Birdy was privileged but doesn't acknowledge it herself. All of her bad actions had zero consequences and everything still ended up being handed to her on a silver spoon. She was playing at being poor.
Laura
HGCSC Library