beauteafulreads's review
4.0
This book was an incredibly raw, and at times, difficult book to read. James Goodhand tackles some very difficult topics including sexual assault, bullying and toxic masculinity as well as the main character's deteriorating mental health. This is not an easy read so I would recommend that you prepare yourself with the mindset required to go into a heavier read.
The plot is very well written and is easy to follow despite the fact the author is taking us down an increasingly dark mental spiral of the protagonist Ollie. I felt that Goodhand got Ollie's voice spot on and it became clear to see how Ollie's mind became so fractured. I found it interesting that I was able to empathise with a character with such questionable actions. I found Ollie to be unlikeable but at the same time I could completely understand how he ended up where he did. I think this illustrates the importance of being able to understand someone without agreeing with their actions.
This is the first book that I have read that tackles the struggle of male mental health issues, which I found to be a refreshing angle. This is such an important issue that people are becoming increasingly vocal about so it was great to see this in a YA novel which will hopefully bring about vital conversations amongst teen/ya readers. I really appreciate that Ollie's mental health issues are not glamourised or used as an excuse for his actions but Ollie's experience is vital in the readers' understanding of what happened.
I thought this book was an excellent read however I would certainly warn potential readers about the more difficult, triggering content. The book is an excellent example of the conversations that need to be taking place amongst young society. I also really enjoyed that this book was set in the UK rather than being a US high school novel. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Goodhand writes next.
The plot is very well written and is easy to follow despite the fact the author is taking us down an increasingly dark mental spiral of the protagonist Ollie. I felt that Goodhand got Ollie's voice spot on and it became clear to see how Ollie's mind became so fractured. I found it interesting that I was able to empathise with a character with such questionable actions. I found Ollie to be unlikeable but at the same time I could completely understand how he ended up where he did. I think this illustrates the importance of being able to understand someone without agreeing with their actions.
This is the first book that I have read that tackles the struggle of male mental health issues, which I found to be a refreshing angle. This is such an important issue that people are becoming increasingly vocal about so it was great to see this in a YA novel which will hopefully bring about vital conversations amongst teen/ya readers. I really appreciate that Ollie's mental health issues are not glamourised or used as an excuse for his actions but Ollie's experience is vital in the readers' understanding of what happened.
I thought this book was an excellent read however I would certainly warn potential readers about the more difficult, triggering content. The book is an excellent example of the conversations that need to be taking place amongst young society. I also really enjoyed that this book was set in the UK rather than being a US high school novel. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Goodhand writes next.
kba76's review
4.0
Ollie Moorcombe, pianist and star student, about to take his GCSEs and seemingly on the brink of great things. Yet Ollie seems to be hanging on by a thread. On his last day of school he arrives with a home-made pipe bomb in his bag...how did it ever get to this stage?
We cut between past and present as we learn a little more about Ollie. We learn about the bullying he has endured at the hands of his classmates. We learn about the relationship he has with his grandpa, who he lives with as his mum is receiving treatment for schizophrenia. We learn that he fears for his life as he receives daily threats from some of his more sadistic classmates. And we learn something of the catalyst for some of these events - the death of his Aunt Kaye in a car crash, which Ollie was also part of.
There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a tough read. Graphic accounts of sexual violence, the flashbacks to the car accident and the details about Ollie’s treatment do not make for a comfortable read. The subject matter of a planned school bombing is scary - and getting into the mindset of the person planning it doesn’t make it any easier.
While it was easy to see some of the signs surrounding Ollie’s behaviour as potential triggers, it doesn’t go anywhere near explaining fully why he plans what he does. The author ensures we feel some sympathy for Ollie, which makes what he’s planning even more chilling. Seeing the decline in his mindset/behaviour was worrying, and not least because someone should have seen things were not right and done more. I got cross at all the missed signs that could have minimised the damage caused, and it certainly examines the toxic culture surrounding boys and mental health issues. I also found myself increasingly unnerved by the voice of Ollie, which was - perhaps - the first indication that this seemingly straightforward story was a little more complex than we might have been led to believe.
This will not be a book for everyone, but I do feel it raises important questions. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this and offer my honest thoughts prior to publication.
We cut between past and present as we learn a little more about Ollie. We learn about the bullying he has endured at the hands of his classmates. We learn about the relationship he has with his grandpa, who he lives with as his mum is receiving treatment for schizophrenia. We learn that he fears for his life as he receives daily threats from some of his more sadistic classmates. And we learn something of the catalyst for some of these events - the death of his Aunt Kaye in a car crash, which Ollie was also part of.
There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a tough read. Graphic accounts of sexual violence, the flashbacks to the car accident and the details about Ollie’s treatment do not make for a comfortable read. The subject matter of a planned school bombing is scary - and getting into the mindset of the person planning it doesn’t make it any easier.
While it was easy to see some of the signs surrounding Ollie’s behaviour as potential triggers, it doesn’t go anywhere near explaining fully why he plans what he does. The author ensures we feel some sympathy for Ollie, which makes what he’s planning even more chilling. Seeing the decline in his mindset/behaviour was worrying, and not least because someone should have seen things were not right and done more. I got cross at all the missed signs that could have minimised the damage caused, and it certainly examines the toxic culture surrounding boys and mental health issues. I also found myself increasingly unnerved by the voice of Ollie, which was - perhaps - the first indication that this seemingly straightforward story was a little more complex than we might have been led to believe.
This will not be a book for everyone, but I do feel it raises important questions. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this and offer my honest thoughts prior to publication.
myevergrowingbookshelf's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
This book is so cleverly written. It may sound like it’s about a terror attack but it’s so much more about mental health, especially in young men. And the support needed and sometimes (or a lot of the time) lacked. I assumed stuff was happening in this story, and I was wrong, which is just like how it can be mental health. We can assume someone is okay, but that’s not always the case on the inside.
It has a dual timeline, flashing back to previous events in between current day which makes it a fast paced read as you always want to know more from each timeline. There’s a lot of tension, grief, emotions, and lessons to be learnt from this book. I definitely recommend reading this one!
pippin's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hannahslibrary92's review
1.0
Maybe I'm missing the point or hidden message, but I just couldn't figure out what was going on in this book.
I found it hard to follow and felt that it was really difficult to figure out the motivations behind anyone's actions.
This book just wasn't for me. I found it a struggle to get through, and while it may appeal to some, I just didn't like it.
I found it hard to follow and felt that it was really difficult to figure out the motivations behind anyone's actions.
This book just wasn't for me. I found it a struggle to get through, and while it may appeal to some, I just didn't like it.
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