Ousedale Olney
The Things We Leave Behind
OMG what a read!!!!!! Gripping. best Carnegie this year! I was hooked. I was sad, happy, scared. The thought that this could be in our future. Whilst I had guessed the plot twist that didn't mean it didn't bring me to tears. Well written, great characters and what a storyline. Probably far more meaningful reading this as an adult though. 100/10. Cried my eyes out and it took me a few days to shake it!
Deborah
Glasgow Boys
I found this book very relatable seeing how the author shows their personal feelings and experiences. It shows the inside of the healthcare system and depicts the thought process and emotions of teenagers which is very uncommon. I found the Glasgow boys an amazing read and I could not put it down!
Izzy
All That It Ever Meant
Not the one for me. I found All That it Ever Meant quite muddled; whether that be the descriptions, characters or spirits. It flits about and confuses the reader and all the different names for the same people add to the confusion. The story didn't really evolve and, all the way through, I just kept wondering how the mum died! When you get to the end and the 'big reveal' it was no different to one of last year's reads and, to be honest, I was expecting it.
Deborah
The Final Year
Poetry that read like a book (same as Crossing the Line from 2024 but a far less serious topic).It was quite a sweet little tale about your last primary school year and friendships. Some great characters brought the story to life. Probably a useful read for kids transitioning to upper school but not an exciting/action packed book.
Inge
King of Nothing
'King of Nothing' defies a lot of literary limitation and stereotype when it comes to modern books about youths that deteriorate from paths that are deemed as 'glorifying' or youths that have 'lost their way'. A lot of books like this that use slang tend to overuse it or completely miss the point of trying to build character development. However, 'King of Nothing' has done neither of this. The slang used in this novel is minimal and used in a subtle way. The terminology is quite easy to understand/infer and isn't too heavy on the reader. There is a lot of character development with pretty much all the characters and you are really able to see them progress. However, with that being said, Kehinde and Caleb didn't really develop. I feel that the reader missed windows of opportunities where the two characters could have developed to have more 3D, complex feelings/emotions instead of basic emotions. I think the author could have let the 2 characters show some complexities of emotions in their friendship if nothing else. Matthew and Anton however, their friendship development is really amazing to read. The book is quite sensory and depicts a picture so as the book progresses, you feel as though you are truly part of the story and their relationships.
This was a great read- I would read it again. However, I wouldn't rush to reread it. It's a great book to have and reread every once in a while but it is not a book that is always on your mind to reread. I rate this an 8/10
Temi
Glasgow Boys
I loved the interwoven storylines. It gave a true to life insight with regards to the behaviours and feelings of kinds in care/care leavers. I really liked the characters which make a good book great. I loved hoe Fin and Banjo grew, their search for love and acceptance and how they were overcoming life's trials and challenges. It covered some real and thought provoking subjects. It was sad. it was funny. It was heartbreaking. My favourite!!!!
Inge
Play
To be honest I got a bit bored reading this. The early chapters that just went through their time in that school year, was repetitive and a little bland. I enjoyed the male friendships developing but even this felt unfinished. It was very true to life regarding Mark's deepening involvement in drug dealing- how he was lured in with it being a game and how the reader could see it for what it was but it took him until late in the book to realise. Didn't like his mum being aware of it and ignoring it as he had money for bread and milk. I did like the lack of prejudice regarding sexual orientation.
An ok read about male friendships forming from early years but towards end felt all about one character and drugs.
Deborah
Treacle Town
Truth- I found this unreadable. Between the written gangster/gang language and the Glaswegian it was harsh and not enjoyable. I thought some of the swear words- the 'c' word in particular- were unnecessary.
I ended up flicking through Treacle Town and it seemed like it started with a gang related tragic death and ended with the same thing- so nothing learnt.
Not for me.
Deborah
All That It Ever Meant
'All that it ever meant' is a prime example of the saying 'never judge a book by its cover'. From it's front cover and blurb, it seems like a books that isn't all that interesting but that is misguidance of the story that lies within its pages. It is quite a short book with less than 200 pages but the character development is truly amazing and you get to see the characters in more depth as the story goes on.
At first, the story is quite hard to understand. However, once you wrap your head around each character and infer what certain words mean/represent, this is quite an easy going book. You are able to build a relationship with each character and really put yourself in the story. I really do love the older sister of the story and I find that Meticais plays a significant role in the pacing of the story. But I would also say that they needed a bit more character development and the questions about them needed to be answered.
The only problems that I have with this story is that the plot is quite hard to understand- this may ruin the story for everyone reading. The time travelling in the story could be pointed out a bit more as I feel the book would have been easier to understand. The beginning is also quite foggy and unclear as it drives straight into the characters when they are at the peak of their emotional roller coaster.
However, this is a great book and I wouldn't say it is the worst book I have ever read. However, it is not the best. It has a plot twist at the end that isn't the most unexpected but a plot twist none the less. It's a solid 7/10.
Temi