Townley Book Club

Little Bang
I loved this book so much! From the blurb I thought it sounded a bit cringey the 'science nerd' Mel and 'slacker songwriter' Sid get pregnant on their first date. However this book was really enjoyable, it kept me continuously turning the pages, and I was addicted. It highlights some issues that I wasn't aware of, and tells it so realistically. I felt so bad for the couple and emotionally connected to their fates, I kept thinking what I would do in their situation. The helplessness of Mel and struggling to make her own decision despite external pressures was really realistic, and Sid and Mel's break up and relationship struggles was beautifully written. However I thought the debate on abortion was a missed opportunity as Mel didn't speak, and the scene where Mel told her supposedly 'strict' parents was a bit unrealistic. They didn't really question her at all. Overall, I loved it!

Natalie

Little Bang
Everyone deserves the right to abortion, but also they need to think about what they're currently doing. It is a shame how some women are treated because of pregnancy and the action of ending it, and this book doesn't paint this type of situation in a good light. In the book it seems that Little Bang's fertilisation wasn't legal, Mel was (a few months) under 16, so under the age of consent. Sid had just turned 16, and they were both too drunk to have second thoughts about "being careful." That makes it even worse, as neither of their 'yes's were valid (if they even asked). And they have access to cigarettes and lots of alcohol but no condoms? Or birth control? I thought there was virtually no build up to it in the book. They just formally started dating, and leapt to sex almost immediately. It felt unrealistic - It isn't like you need sex ed to know that unprotected sex makes babies. Mel (and Sid) knew the risks at the time, and disregarded it. Why they would choose to settle for a seemingly improbable chance that in reality would still be possible, especially something so significant, is beyond me. I don't think this book should've focussed on the developing romance between the characters, it distracted me from what I think this book was trying to do. Instead of more of the shame, pain and backlash/effects from Mel's pregnancy and abortion, most of the book was spent on relationship stuff and the souring miscommunications in between. Why did this book not just take place after the abortion and show the life-destroying effects of the way society views these matters? Maybe even a sweet story about Sid helping her through it? Sure, it ended on a good note, but what happens when Mel returns to school? Sid stepped up, Mel didn't just send an explanatory text instead of trying to call, they argued, and rather simply got back together. Lucille was getting slandered for no reason. In my opinion the book doesn't detail enough of the consequences. If the partner isn't abusive, and like Sid gets a job for the pregnancy, it's also their right to receive a proper effort to tell them before termination. This made me feel nothing but annoyance.

Divine

Play
I think that this book was quite long, and I did have to force myself to pick it up. Their lazy, carefree days of summer change as they grow up and the games they play change and become more dangerous. Luc shows toxic masculinity, Mark is trapped, drug dealing, Matt becomes an artist and Johnny.. I mean, it was interesting, buut I personally wouldn't recommend.

Joanna

Treacle Town
This book was great - one of my favourites. It was deep and powerful, with a great narration and a very compelling story. It seems quite relatable and realisitic to real life and is a good read. I would recommend, perhaps to those who enjoy coming-of-age books/films.

Joanna

The Final Year
This book was very heartfelt and I did feel that this was a very good read. It had noted some very important topics and was relatable in real life. The book was good, and the layout was very interesting. It had some insightful and precious content and I really liked this book.

Joanna

The Things We Leave Behind
I think that this book was the best one. It was interesting, but I think that it was a little bit...messy. It was good, but there were too many side plots and a few characters that I feel didn't have a good/deep enough character building. It was slightly confusing and the end wasn't as good as I expected. However, as I am more of a fantasy person, this was the one I liked the best. I think that it did highlight some very important and interesting points and problems though.

Joanna

All That It Ever Meant
originally, the book took a while to get into and i got really bored through the beginning and had no motivation to read whatsoever. at the beginning, the entire story felt like it was just her perspectives on the fights her sister had with her parents. when i finally sat down and forced myself to read, i found that the end was much better. i was taken by surprise at the revelation about mati's best friend, though it was told to us very quickly. i wasn't too surprised about the plot twist but it definitely added depth. i think its an interesting contender, though not something i personally enjoyed and it definitely is impactful.

rhea

The Things We Leave Behind
I really liked the idea of this book, I thought it was interesting how it was a book about people fleeing a futuristic version of this country, which made it quite scary and personal, especially because I felt like this could potentially happen. I found this book quite slow to get into, not a lot happened in the first half, but it started to pick up in the second half. The plot twist of Billie being dead the whole time was well written and actually really moving, however I found it quite confusing as the whole book was written with her speaking to Clem and it didn't feel as though it quite made sense. The ending was supposed to show Clem's mental disorentiation but it seemed like there were a lot of plot holes because of that. I also thought the book could have included more about the fall of the prime minister but it was just mentioned.

Natalie

Little Bang
An amazing book. 4 stars, the subject of the book took me by surprise but i'm glad i read the book its words are powerful and the way it shows the struggles of a teen pregnancy is realistic and done well. Overall it was probably one of the best books out of the selection.

jemma

All That It Ever Meant
I was initially raring to read this book. However, I didn't enjoy it very much, but I cannot deny that the twist added more depth to the story. Everything that happened was building up to the reveal, and I didn't realise before it was too late. After, it felt like the book wasted my time. I think it was more of a matter of my taste than an issue with the writing itself, as I'm not generally opposed to plot twists. If you are looking to read and feel something afterwards, I suggest you read this. I assure you, this is the book for post-read insights.

Divine