N.K Smith

Sophie is sent to live with her father after she is caught stealing a car. In court mandated therapy, she meets other teens, with secrets of their own. They are all messed up in their own particular way. This is a YA novel that has crossover appeal, as the reader cannot help but fall in love with these teens. Sophie meets Elliott, who has his own ghosts to conquer, particularly his horrific stutter. As the two begin to get close to each other, mostly using e-mails, more and more of their story is revealed. This book and the way it was written, in alternating chapter between Elliott and Sophie, kept me interested until what I thought was the end. There is another book planned after this one so I guess I just need to wait to find out what happens to Elliott and Sophie.… (més)

The book touched my heart because this was a profession that I am familiar with. Many lost souls carry the weight of world around with them in hope of finding security. The author delved deep into areas that we can on imagine unless we face these scenarios in our everyday life. Society has taught us that anything nonconforming is abnormal. These young people in this story refuse to allow society to label them and fight a place whre they will be acknowledged despite their past. Admiration is the only word that came to mind when I read this book!… (més)

This is another book that I read as part of the Early Reviewers programme and is the third book in the ongoing Old Wounds series. I didn't read the first two books in the series, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was interested in the basic premise of the book, which sees Sophie and Elliott, two teenagers with traumatic pasts, developing an interest in each other. It wasn't essential to have read the first two books of the series before reading this one (although I would be interested in seeking them out).

Although sometimes difficult to read because of the subject matter, this was an interesting portrayal of the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, and tragedies on young adulthood, and the difficult road to 'recovery' (although I'm not sure that's the right word in this context and I really can't think of any alternatives). It was poignant seeing Sophie and Elliott struggle to cope with the wounds of the past, but also to support each other as best they could. Both Sophie and Elliott are receiving support and therapy, and it's interesting seeing the way in which this plays out, the small but heart-warming advances, and the realistically frequent outbursts and setbacks.

There was a lot that I appreciated about this story, which I found unusual and moving. I don't want to describe it as realistic, because I don't feel qualified to judge, but it didn't feel unreal, and I did like the way that it didn't offer any quick or magical fixes.

Although some parts felt a bit repetitive, I thought this was a worthwhile read, and I'm keen to find out what happens next ...… (més)