Orpington Library Older Teens Group

Not Going To Plan
Having read Tia Fishers previous novel, Crossing the Line, I knew I would not be disappointed with her newest novel Not Going to Plan. Marnie and Zed are sat next to each other in class. Marnie has just been expelled from her grammar school, after some interesting arrangement of flowers in the school garden and must sit her GCSEs at a local school. Zed is a top student who is not great at Spanish, Physics being his strongest and Marnie’s weakest they decide to help each other out. But after a party at another student's house, some questionable dance moves and decisions make one go down a path they didn’t expect and the other to get caught up in it. The two at first do not get on, but when Marnie needs Zed near the end of the novel he is there for her. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the way the words were laid out to empathise what was going on. I loved watching the friendship between Marnie and Zed grow. I also thought that the subject matter of the novel, Teenage Pregnancy and the options that Marnie has, is one that needs to be spoken about more openly.

Jess

Not Going To Plan
When I first picked up this book, I was quite skeptical- it was written in free verse, and I generally don't enjoy reading these types of books because I feel like it interrupts the story's flow. However, for this book, it didn't feel like this at all- it matched the storyline quite well and was effective in portraying the dual perspective's of Marnie and Zed. I do feel like there could've been more depth and time spent on the moment before Marnie's big decision, as I feel like the time in which she decided was quite brief. I loved the friendships between the characters and Jessica Bates' showdown at the end😂. Overall, this book was quite gripping and I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Francesca

When It's Your Turn for Midnight
I really liked this book! It was a short, bite-sized story, but nevertheless, it still conveyed the strong emotions of hurt and family. The writer's style gave it a cosy feel. However, I do feel like it would've benefited from a different style of writing that was less 'comforting' to read and more intense and focused on Chiante's emotions and internal dialogue.

Francesca

The Boy I Love
For the last year I have had every reader’s nightmare... readers' block. Then I discovered the following book, and I devoured it! The book in question? The Boy I Love by William Hussey I was transported to 1916 France in the weeks leading up to the Somme; one of, if not, the bloodiest battle in World War One. I followed Stephen as he returned back to the front, injured during an attack on a German trench. I smiled to myself when Stephen began to fall for Danny; before he realised himself. Prayed to myself that they would make it out alive. I will give no spoilers, but I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished it and I have returned to it several times to reread my favourite parts. The author is a joy to read and sucks you in as soon as you begin the book.

Jess

Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I'm really looking forward to reading this!

Aadi