Handle With Care

Handle with care is a heartbreaking novel that really comes to life as you read it. You feel Ruby's pain with her from the start, and have to watch the others in her life add to that pain, whilst feeling powerless that you can't help her. I have never had such an emotional reaction to a book as I did this one. At points I wanted to scream at the side characters for being so oblivious to Ruby's suffering. The whole book had me on tenterhooks, wondering what would happen next. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves an emotional story, crying with characters and a book you can't put down.

Lucy

Academic Readers

The novel Handle with care by Louisa Reid explores a thrilling but sad story including birth, neglection and depression. Set in secondary school history class, the author addresses the theme in a way that spellbinds the reader with an unexpected story line. From the very first page, I was drawn to what will happen to the baby and the secrets the main character concealed from everyone close to her. The story follows Ruby the main character, who gives birth to the baby that she didn’t even know she had and Ashley, Ruby’s best friend who also closely tells the story. At its heart, the book is about the sadness and depression that Ruby goes through that ruined her life and her hopeful academic success. The plot unfolds as the father of Ruby’s baby is revealed and the people close to her are tangled in web of uncertainty and an unanticipated surprise that will change their lives forever. One of the strengths of this book is that it really attracts the reader to read more even with its sad ending, it still shone for me as a great book. I particularly enjoyed the way the author is very detailed with the description of Ruby’s emotions and pains and that it made the reader feel the exacted same way as her. While I enjoyed the story, I found that the story could of had a happier ending, some bits felt down heartening particularly at the end I found it too sad and just made you feel depressed and made you feel like the book wasn’t very good because of its last expression. I wish that there would have been more happy and joyful parts of the book that would off made the book more dramatic. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance and young adult drama books. If you liked reading Handle with care I would recommend reading Trauma Land by Josh Silver. Overall, I would give this book 8/10 stars because of its a gripping storyline and amazing journey it takes the reader on. I really love this and can see why it might not be for everyone, but I think that it just really makes you think about what you would do if you were in that position.

Charlotte

The Next Chapter

Handle with care is a heart aching novel. The author really considers how young people feel when put under pressure. And writes the story from Ruby's perspective and Ashes perspective. This one will be for you if you like drama, romance and a bit of mystery. When I read the blurb, I knew I would adore this book inside out. What I expected to happen in the end did not to my surprise. It could have been 5 stars although I chose 4 stars because it did really make me feel sad. Thank you for taking the time to read my review and happy reading.

Florence

The Next Chapter

This book is heart-breaking. All I wanted to do was wrap Ruby in a hug and help her. I didn't like the characters, other than Ruby, as they were pushing their own agendas and ideas onto Ruby

Laura

HGCSC Library