Ousedale Shadow Chasers
Glasgow Boys
I have rated this book 5 stars because the story is very captivating and heart-warming. This book makes the reader feel a variety of different emotions throughout and it is very informative about the topics that are discussed.
Sonia
Treacle Town
Although the author presented it rather well, I didn't like the beginning. Immediately, we're thrown into Coatbridge where all the words are substituted for slang that I don't understand. It took me a long while to get used to it. Also, I struggled with the motivation to read it.
However, towards the end I did start to enjoy it. I quite liked PaulaTik and the other slam poets. The relationship between Connor and his dad got better.
Overall, my experience of it was an uphill struggle that came to a pretty good denouement.
Phoebe
Treacle Town
I was intrigued by the subject matter; gangs, drugs, violence. Admittedly, it did take me a while to get into, partly because I didn’t give it enough of a chance. I managed to read the second half of the book in under an hour.
It was difficult to get into at the start, because of the language. Slang and dialect made the storyline difficult to understand, but once I’d adjusted, the book was fast-paced and easy to read. I did really enjoy this book!
Treacle town dealt with difficult situations, and I found this insightful at times. The characters were very different to me, which is what makes these books so eye-opening and interesting. I also enjoyed reading more about Slam Poetry, and how this impacted everyone’s lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It managed to get me out of a reading slump, and spark a new interest in slam poetry. 5 stars, a very good read.
Lucy
Little Bang
I'm sobbing.
I’m not entirely sure why. I think it just touched my heart in the most unusual way. Not that it was relatable or it hit too hard, thankfully it wasn’t that. I’m lucky I haven’t experienced anything like Little Bang, but so many people have. I think it’s so ever relevant in today’s society, as it was in Belfast 2017. Perhaps evidence that things need to change??
The abortion debate is something that fascinates me. Recently I’ve been seeing lots of media coverage regarding it, and everyone has their opinions. These were beautifully expressed in this book, and it was just so interesting. I say the phrase “ I couldn’t put it down” so much, but this was next level. I read it all in one sitting, just under 2 hours. I’ve never been so engrossed. It’s also inspired me to research and learn more about the subjects covered in this book; I wish to be informed and knowledgeable, after I’ve seen how it can impact anyone, including me.
One of the most emotional books I’ve read in a long while. I loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed. I cried throughout. 5 stars, gut-wrenching, eye-opening and beautiful.
Lucy
All That It Ever Meant
I did not realise what had happened until the very end. Metacais was my favourite character I loved the sass that they brought. The plotline was definitely not linear; while the intertwined stories were interesting, I got quite muddled by the different time frames.
I'm not sure I would read this again but it was a nice change from the books that I typically read.
Phoebe
Glasgow Boys
I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I understood the characters and the style of writing was nice too. The book flowed really well and made sense at all times.
I recommend this book to readers over 12, though, as there is frequent use of swears.
Bea
The Things We Leave Behind
It was a really emotive read. To be honest, I didn't catch on until towards the end. I did realise that there were plot-holes, like how Clem had been at the protest, then the hospital, then Mischa's flat in about two pages (I kind of thought Mischa was dead - so happy she wasn't!). And then it was all revealed!
I think the message of the book is really important, especially when thinking about current events. Throughout history, there have been things like Hitler Youth (Danny), Kent State University Shootings (the protest) and the deportations (Claudia) that are happening now.
Phoebe
The Things We Leave Behind
I really like how it was written and this book kept me reading for hours. I really like how it showed the society issues that happen today.
Michelle
Little Bang
In terms of the plot, the characters were well written and well developed. I really enjoyed reading this because it was interesting to see how each character resolved their issues. I think Mr Watson was a key character as we saw his reaction and how he changed over time. I thought we could have heard a bit more from Leah, we didn't get to hear her views on anything really, but I guess that's the point: we don't hear her thoughts so we assume. I don't have much to say about Smug Nigel except that he is a patronising expletive and should have done his research like Matt did.
In terms of the subject, there is so much that you can say about it because whether it's a firm belief or a bit "you could argue this... but you could also argue that..." everyone is going to have an opinion. Thing is, most arguments are going to be different because there are so many sides of every argument as well as the science, the religious, the circumstances, the ethics and the morals. In Little Bang there is this quote "But it's too complicated for just 'yes'/'no' isn't it? How do you make a rule that covers everyone?" and I think there should at least be a choice and that people would do well to remember this.
At the end, in the Reading Group Questions, there was this: Why were there no women on the protester's posters? This was the whole point of the book; Mel had to be on her own to make her decision, outside of any influence or bias. But she shouldn't have to. Of course everyone has different opinions but listening to others' might help you understand. However, there is never any cause to talk about this unless it's maybe prompted by a thirty minute PSHE lesson so NO ONE KNOWS. Which is the problem and I think the author did well to encapsulate it.
Anyway, it's a really intriguing read and I would definitely recommend it!!
Phoebe
Glasgow Boys
From reading the blurb, I thought this was going to be a story where Finlay and Banjo find each other and develop a friendship. It was not. Reading the first few chapters, I felt I had started mid-series where there was missing context and reference to a mysterious 'Incident' but everything was gradually revealed. I now realise that the start of the story was the beginning of the resolutions to their internal conflicts and instabilities.
Overall, the friendships formed and peace made within themselves and everything that happened set an enjoyable and satisfying denouement. I would definitely recommend to all!
Phoebe