A review by khairun_atika
Someone I Used to Know by Paige Toon
4.0
"People used to say to me, 'I don't know how you do it. I couldn't do it; I couldn't say goodbye.' But you can and you do and it hurts and it never stops hurting. But it's not meant to be easy. These kids need someone to care for them and hurt for them and never want to let them go. Someone has to. I had to. Your dad and I both did. It was our calling." - Someone I Used to Know by Paige Toon
Paige Toon's stories are usually in the form of emotional, moving and poignant tearjerkers of love, kinship and romance. This story is no different. Heartwrenching in its premise and heartbreaking in its delivery, this is one of my favourite Paige Toon books.
Leah was raised in a picturesque and serene North Yorkshire alpaca farm, where her loving and generous parents fostered many young children who desperately needed care, placement, affection and security. Her parents were committed in creating a warm and affectionate environment for everyone in their home.
The appearance of George, a troubled young boy of Leah's age, changes Leah's life forever as she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. They both befriend another troubled boy, Theo, and the three of them formed a strong bond. As ghosts from both Theo and George's pasts beckon, Leah soon finds herself deserted and heartbroken as she learns to deal with yet another departure. Fifteen years later, a distraught and grieving Leah faces George's unexpected return, and Leah realises that there are things in her past that she has not dealt with as well - particularly, her feelings for George.
While this might seem like another love triangle, or a story of second chances, it is actually much more complex. The focal point of the story is the plight of foster families. Leah was raised in a home filled with many foster children. While this makes her selfless and compassionate, it also makes her sensitive and vulnerable to others' situations. Leah is a woman with a big heart, who strives not to resent her parents for their vocation and learns to welcome the foster children to her own home.
There are so many poignant accounts of fostering that are portrayed in this story. From the teenage runaway, to the separated siblings and abused children, it is hard not to get emotional while reading this book. I was particularly moved by George's story, and this book illustrates the impact of broken families and the heartbreaking effects on many innocent young souls.
It is so endearing to read about Leah's family, and how her parents treat every foster child as their own. It is truly moving to see the way Leah's parents greatly influenced the lives of the many children they fostered, and how they went on to be so loved and nurtured to be remarkable people as well.
This is a beautiful, beautiful story about love, family and kinship. Amidst the romance encompassed by hope and second chances, is also a great portrayal of how fostering itself is a beacon of hope and second chances. Truly unforgettable and filled with lots of love and tears, this is one of my favourite Paige Toon's books, and I highly recommend it.
Paige Toon's stories are usually in the form of emotional, moving and poignant tearjerkers of love, kinship and romance. This story is no different. Heartwrenching in its premise and heartbreaking in its delivery, this is one of my favourite Paige Toon books.
Leah was raised in a picturesque and serene North Yorkshire alpaca farm, where her loving and generous parents fostered many young children who desperately needed care, placement, affection and security. Her parents were committed in creating a warm and affectionate environment for everyone in their home.
The appearance of George, a troubled young boy of Leah's age, changes Leah's life forever as she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. They both befriend another troubled boy, Theo, and the three of them formed a strong bond. As ghosts from both Theo and George's pasts beckon, Leah soon finds herself deserted and heartbroken as she learns to deal with yet another departure. Fifteen years later, a distraught and grieving Leah faces George's unexpected return, and Leah realises that there are things in her past that she has not dealt with as well - particularly, her feelings for George.
While this might seem like another love triangle, or a story of second chances, it is actually much more complex. The focal point of the story is the plight of foster families. Leah was raised in a home filled with many foster children. While this makes her selfless and compassionate, it also makes her sensitive and vulnerable to others' situations. Leah is a woman with a big heart, who strives not to resent her parents for their vocation and learns to welcome the foster children to her own home.
There are so many poignant accounts of fostering that are portrayed in this story. From the teenage runaway, to the separated siblings and abused children, it is hard not to get emotional while reading this book. I was particularly moved by George's story, and this book illustrates the impact of broken families and the heartbreaking effects on many innocent young souls.
It is so endearing to read about Leah's family, and how her parents treat every foster child as their own. It is truly moving to see the way Leah's parents greatly influenced the lives of the many children they fostered, and how they went on to be so loved and nurtured to be remarkable people as well.
This is a beautiful, beautiful story about love, family and kinship. Amidst the romance encompassed by hope and second chances, is also a great portrayal of how fostering itself is a beacon of hope and second chances. Truly unforgettable and filled with lots of love and tears, this is one of my favourite Paige Toon's books, and I highly recommend it.