This is a novel I've been keen to read for a while and I finally got to, keeping just ahead of my kids. It was a great read that really explored a lotThis is a novel I've been keen to read for a while and I finally got to, keeping just ahead of my kids. It was a great read that really explored a lot of relevant issues for teenagers growing up. It's also interesting to read a 1990s book with a 2017 lens - it's intriguing to notice the differences. I'd really recommend it (with the only slight quibble being the slightly wooden dialogue - that might not be as noticeable for teenagers). ...more
I think I enjoyed - or got the most out of - this last in the series. The dilemmas the characters faced, the different agendas and the competing powerI think I enjoyed - or got the most out of - this last in the series. The dilemmas the characters faced, the different agendas and the competing power plays that impacted on them made it rewarding reading. ...more
Good to have read and understood what the fuss has been about. Not normally my genre (futuristic writing) but interesting, and kept me wanting to findGood to have read and understood what the fuss has been about. Not normally my genre (futuristic writing) but interesting, and kept me wanting to find out what happens next...more
I enjoyed this - if reading about kids who are suffering from terminal diseases can be said to be 'enjoyable'. Yes, the characters were a bit pretentiI enjoyed this - if reading about kids who are suffering from terminal diseases can be said to be 'enjoyable'. Yes, the characters were a bit pretentious at times, but if you can be pretentious as intelligent teenagers restricted from participating in many everyday events and with the knowledge that life it limited, then when can you be? In that sense, their conversations rang true to me, and did not make them off putting but actually somewhat endearing. I thought it provided a really insightful view into what life must be like, and therefore I felt I learnt a lot, while enjoying the journey. ...more
Reading in anticipating of my son's teenage years - and what an eye opener regarding how horrible it could be if you are earmarked as 'uncool' or if yReading in anticipating of my son's teenage years - and what an eye opener regarding how horrible it could be if you are earmarked as 'uncool' or if you want to ensure that you don't get labelled as such. It brought back memories, but I hadn't realised boys, in certain school situations, could experience similar, and it was very sensitively written. Wouldn't say I 'enjoyed' it, but I think it is an important book for kids to read, to understand the impact of bullying - both to those bullied, and those doing the bullying. ...more