Junk by Melvin Burgess

NOTE: Although I opened and entitled a new post in June, I actually wrote this on Sunday 2 August.

First, a confession. It is some time since I read this book, now ... I have read many other books since then. And I'm a bit behind. Since then I've read better books, longer books, adult books. But I will try and comment faithfully on what was one of the more complex books I'd read in a few months at that point!

What really struck me about this novel was the switch of viewpoints, as each chapter continued the story from the viewpoint of a different character. Young hopefuls were followed by older cynics. Recovering drug addicts were followed by those in the early stages, who thought that they would not get addicted. Boys followed women, who followed men, who followed girls.

The story is a sad one, of a descent into addiction, which begins with two young people running away from home. Tar runs away first, then Gemma leaves home to follow him to Bristol. They get a place in a squat, and gradually are introduced to harder drugs, anarchism and prostitution. The two try to kick their addiction, but it is not easy. Like the book; good, but not easy.

Blazing Star by Lynne Markham

From an older book to a much younger book. Geoffrey lives with his grandmother with whom he practices ballroom dancing. He also enjoys listening to classical music and astronomy. It's no surprise to learn that he's a bit bullied as well. However, it is a surprise to discover that he can see an indian. Not a common occurrence in Nottingham. A nice little story, with a (slightly expected) twist in the tale.

It's a 50/50 Thing by Chris Higgins

Kally has moved to a new town, where she meets Jem, also a new boy, who, like Kally, seems to have some sort of secret. Quite a dark book at times. Jem seems to be devoted to Kally, and her little sister, but he is not so loving towards others. And where is Kally's dad? An older teen book for a change! And a good one.

Deep Joy, or Something Like It by Karen McCombie

This book carries on the story of Sadie and her now boy band brother. The story is still enjoyable, but quite repetitive in places, as Karen McCombie explains many things for those readers who haven't read the first book, or who haven't read it for a long time. It almost seems as if about half of the book is a retelling of the first book. Perhaps it would have been best to have left longer between the two books!

Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson

Can't believe I forgot to write about this one! Wonderful story, about an orphan who is sent to the Amazon to stay with very distant cousins. They try to keep the jungle at bay ... she can't wait to explore. Lovely story of friendship. Highly recommended.

Happiness and All That Stuff by Karen McCombie

Sadie's brother, Sonny, is really annoying. He's starstruck and at stage school. Sadie's Dad lives above the garage, and still seems to think he's some sort of teenage rock star. Sadie's Mum has just had a baby, Martha, with her new boyfriend, Will, who lives in the main house with Sadie's Mum and the children. Sadie loves her little sister, her cat, Dog, and Clive, her rabbit. She also loves the refugee Christmas tree that lives in the cemetery. But she is not too keen on her brother, or on the strange set up with her Dad still living in his Bachelor Pad above the garage.

I particularly like the fact that Sadie goes shopping with her friends in the N1 Shopping Centre in Islington. I like visiting there too. And she goes to Waterstone's on Islington Green. Another place I've been. Another good page turner.

And now I'm up to date with my books ... I think!

Hunky Dory by Jean Ure

A bit different, this one. Dorian, the "hunky Dory" of the title, is having trouble with girls who keep giggling around them. Just as well his best friend, Aaron, and Herb, his uncle's stepdaughter, are helping him dig a big hole in the interests of archaeology. Fun, lighthearted, and a very quick read! (It's aimed at 9+, I just discovered on the Jean Ure website.)

Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine

Having enjoyed Broken Soup, I decided to read Finding Violet Park by the same author. I think it came first, although the two books are not related so it doesn't matter what order you read them in. Another great story. Here the main character, Lucas, manages to rescue an urn of ashes from a taxi cab office. As he finds out more about its occupant, Violet Park, he also begins to learn a little more about his missing dad.

Smokescreen by Bernard Ashley

I enjoy reading books set in places I know, and this story set near an East London canal is no exception. Unlike some of the books I have read recently, this tale deals with darker issues such as smuggling and human trafficking. Once again, highly recommended. Another school library book.

Broken Soup by Jenny Valentine

Another story of two sisters with a Mum who needs help, a bit like the Illustrated Mum. However, this tale is aimed at slightly older children, I think, and is a more complex and, for me, enjoyable story. Broken soup ... what happens when you drop breakfast in bed and the orange juice goes everywhere. Or when your life begins to unravel. Highly recommended.