Review: Defending the Galaxy by Maria V Snyder

Defending the Galaxy (Sentinels of the Galaxy #3) by Maria V Snyder

Published by HQ Young Adult – AU
Released on December 2 2020
ISBN 9781489252784

Read 9 – 12 December 2020

This is the first time in a long while where I have been unable to review a Netgalley book before its release date, and believe me! I feel all the remorse. Funny that, considering how small an audience this blog has, and how little my reviews contribute. But no matter. My Catholic guilt doesn’t discriminate.

I loved the first two books in this series, and having reviewed the second one a year ago here, I can see that I would be gushing about all the same elements: Ara’s growth, her ability to do what’s right not what’s easy, and the fast-paced action. This book just bulldozes through a number of complex plot points, some insightful considerations about the way humans treat technology and anything in fact that they can bend to their will, as well as some great family dynamics and the love story. Aah Niall, you are a true treasure: trusting, supportive and patient.

At the end of book 2, Ara’s connection to the Q-net is complete. Her bond and musings with the sentient being make for thoughtful and witty conversations. Q helps Ara navigate the obstacles, the bad guys and the whole galaxy, and it really feels like she is only 17. Continuously referred to as ‘junior officer’, readers never forget that she is low on every scale. When Ming pulls out the mother card and Ara is grounded, teen readers will observe an interesting stand off. Ara has been living by herself, training as a security officer, and yet she acquiesces to her mother’s worry and protective behaviour, demonstrating her maturity and her understanding of her parents’ feeling. But secretly, she continues to help her teammates and the human race, so much of her rebellious nature persists.

Jarren and his cronies are revealed in more detail: their motivation, their goals and their process. The HoLFs remain scary and a very clever enemy. Their attacks constantly create tension and suspense. While Ara’s abilities often seem to solve everything, she does have to work for the rewards — just trying to get the head honchos on board is a mammoth task in itself.

This is a highly satisfying conclusion to an action packed sci fi series. Recommended to any fans of this authors’ work, and to readers who enjoyed series such as Marissa Meyer’s Renegades, and Claudia Grey’s Constellations. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for advanced copy.

Released (in Australia) on December 2nd.

Review: The Camino Club by Kevin Craig

The Camino Club by Kevin Craig

Published by Duet Books
Released on 6 October 2020 (In the US)
ISBN 9781945053979

Read 26 – 27 September 2020

This is a road trip of a different kind. We follow an eclectic group of teenagers — a little bit delinquent, a little bit neglected, and a lot in need of empathy  — across a section of the Camino Way, a route travelled by pilgrims, through Spain for many centuries. Researching this journey, I discovered that there are quite a few different routes a tourist can choose. Our young Canadians travel from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela, (see map below) walking many kilometres a day through amazing landscapes and historic villages, and not for fun, or as part of a school trip. These kids are strangers to each other before they begin what is basically a punishment as a consequence of their (relatively low-level) offenses. It was this or go into Juvenile detention. Not much choice, really, and for one of them, it’s actually on his bucket list!

Picture: https://solitachapter.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/camino-de-santiago-by-solita-chapter-p-r-o-g-r-a-m-a/

Trent, the bucket list offender, is one of three narrative threads, and I think I enjoyed his feisty, no filter, unapologetic voice the most. As an out and proud gay young man, Trent has struggled, yet he remains vibrant and optimistic, and shows a generous big heart. The other two points of view are Diego, a Latino boy raised by his single mother and Abuela, and Shania (not Twain, thank you very much!) a hot headed angry young woman, mostly unlikeable at the start, who develops a crush on Diego, (which, you’ll be pleased to know, is returned).

There are three other teenagers on the pilgrimage – Claire, Manny and Greg – but we only view them through the eyes of the other kids. This means we don’t really get to know them as well. Right at the beginning, Manny and Diego joke about being like The Breakfast Club crowd (hence the pronouncement ‘The Camino Club’), and it is actually a little bit like that: They are a range of ethnicities, with different socio economic backgrounds (& crimes), but ultimately, it is the ways in which they are similar that paves the way to find common ground and bond.

The Camino Clubbers are supervised by Gilbert and Meagan, a pair of counsellors, who keep them on the path (literally), but who are also there as guides and mentors. I can understand the role they are meant to play, but I was disappointed that readers are not given more of these interactions on the page. We are told that the eight of them will assemble at least once a day to share their experiences, unburden their troubles, presumably to develop a group bond. But the focus on encounters between two or three of the group at any one time means that a lot of their individual growth happens through these smaller dialogues, with the group bond developing almost incidentally. Craig also introduces a character called Bastien, an old man who joins them and acts as a parental figure, and while he is genuine, warm-hearted and responsible for many of my tears, I think he diminishes the roles of Gil and Meagan.

I enjoyed walking along these trails with these troubled teenagers. It becomes clear that they have had tough lives, through absent or narrow-minded parents, and through bullying and societal expectations. While it takes them a while (some more than others. I am looking at you Greg!) to face their actions and take responsibility, it’s also hard to imagine that such a trip wouldn’t have a profound effect. The community of pilgrims is tangible, and the demonstration of kindness and inclusivity is palpable, so their eyes are opened up to a world that’s bigger than themselves. They see their behaviours as they are: selfish and reckless, and are challenged to be better. They know now that there are others who have their back. This little group is strong and by the end of the book, we understand they will be okay, especially if they continue to support each other through difficult times.

Thanks to Duet Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I have not been lucky enough to journey along the Camino Way, so I loved living vicariously through Trent, Diego and Shania. Recommended for readers who love their protagonists damaged but not broken, who are interested in seeing new places, and who love snarky sometimes shouty conversation. I haven’t mentioned it, but there is also grief here, but the healing is strong with the growth of characters an important part of the story.

Review: Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally

Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally

Published by Sourcebooks Fire
Released on 5th May 2020 (In the US)
ISBN: 9781492684138

Read 05 – 06 March 2020

So far, Miranda Kenneally has focused on teen novels, depicting young sporty women, exploring their family, friendships, and love interests with the Hundred Oaks series. Four Days of You and Me signals a departure, and it’s an interesting direction. The structure and style of this new book is constrained and controlled and often requires readers to fill in a lot of gaps.

We meet up with our two protagonists, Lulu and Alex once a year, for four years, on the same day, May 7, which is basically the end of the American school year. Lulu is 15 when the novel starts the same as her arch-enemy Alex. The sparks between the two of them, as they duke it out over patches of land, class elections and being stuck together in an escape room are strong and fiery. They clearly have feelings and are attracted to each other, yet they are also stubborn, independent humans, and their on and off again romance will keep readers engaged and laughing.

Lulu has two best friends: Cousin Grace, and Max. They too struggle with crushes and gossips and are just as integral to the plot. They support Lulu, just as she supports them, through bad decision-making, heartbreak and cheer each other on through triumphs. Lulu is a passionate graphic novel creator, and keen green activist. Alex desperately needs a baseball scholarship because his family won’t be able to afford to send him to college. These different agendas butt up against each other, so this relationship is born of hard work and compromise.

But we don’t only see these characters once a year. Within each May 7 chapter, we also flashback to other pivotal days through that one year, meaning readers have to stay on their toes to keep up with all the events that have happened. As I previously mentioned, they also must fill in missing gaps and join the dots. It’s good to challenge readers and make them work for their rewards, and there are plenty of happy times and smexy times too (but not too graphic or exploitative). I have no hesitation in giving this to a 15 or 16-year-old.

We observe the obligatory moments in any teen’s schooling life – dances, formals, camps, and class trips. There are several important secondary characters, who help to keep the stories bubbling along, as well as developing the teens as authentic and realistic. These are all flawed kids who make mistakes, but that makes them easy to connect with on a number of levels.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I have kept my review deliberately vague because it is good for readers to watch the growth and development for themselves. The novel tries to capture the way teens obsess and crave something one year, that seems so unimportant the next. Initially, there are boys for whom Lulu has no time because of their immaturity and nonsense, but who gradually become an important part of her friendship circle. Recommended for readers who like the angst of long term, will-they-won’t-they, and watching characters grow up in front of their eyes. The romance element is very strong, as are the friendships, and family drama to a lesser extent. Some sexual references are included, and Kenneally has always been sex positive and direct. The satisfying resolution is open, yet we leave our college-bound young men and women in a optimistic place. Four Days of You and Me is released on May 5, 2020.

Review: No Barriers: A Blind’s Man Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon (the young adult adaptation)

No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon (The Young Adult Adaptation) by Erik Weihenmayer

Published by: St Martin’s Press

Released on: August 27, 2019

ISBN: 9781250247728

Read on 26 – 27 August 2019

Those of you who visit my blog regularly will know this is pretty much a fiction-only zone. And a young adult fiction only zone to boot. But I have found myself reading a few of these YA editions of books for adults recently, and they tend to be memoirs or biographies. Which is okay, yeah, but for sure, I would rather be reading fiction.

I asked for this one because we want to (and are going to) give it out in our standing orders. It’s a terrific account of a person who lives life to the fullest, who demands a lot of his body and his mind, and who seems keen to ensure other people reach their potential too.

It doesn’t really matter if you don’t know anything about this man. The first chapters takes readers through Erik’s early years, when and why he loses his sight, and his triumphant conquest of Mt Everest. We discover the importance of family, and recognise the admiration and affection he has for the team who surround him, and support his endeavours.

For me, it was difficult to read about the way he throws himself into danger since I am generally a cautious and lazy person. But Erik is always heading directly into situations that not only challenge his blindness, but also open him up to a multitude of wondrous natural beauty. The mountains, the ski slopes and the river rapids are easily visualised by readers, by the language and emotion used to describe them.

Erik’s attempts to kayak down the entire river of the Grand Canyon is thrilling and inspiring. He meets every obstacle with thought and precision, but he doesn’t ever let us think he does this alone. Always there is a team around him, providing access to expert knowledge, equipment, and support. Nor does he shy away from showing us when his fears try to suppress his courage, and there are times when he fails. But he picks himself up, learns from the mistakes, and continues to move ahead. Very inspirational.

His own understanding of what scares him is a strong aspect of the story. To be able to accept what might stop him from pushing on is well documented. As is his ability to work through the mind blocks. We see him consciously force his brain to ignore instinct, and to listen to the instructions of the guides to ensure he navigates the terrifying and unpredictable rapids. The feelings of success and achievement every time he overcomes adversity are a real highlight of the narrative. We cheer Erik on time and again.

I hope the actual copy includes images of Erik’s journey because reading about the glory of the river running through the Grand Canyon made me seek out YouTube videos of it. I know there’s a film called The Weight of Water that follows the whole journey. Based on the book, it would be an amazing visual experience.

Thanks to St Martins and to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. Out everywhere on August 27, which is already today here in Australia.

Recommended to readers who like true life stories about people overcoming adversity and challenging themselves to test the limits of human endurance. It’s a trip all right.

Review: You’d be Mine by Erin Hahn

You’d be Mine by Erin Hahn

Published by: Wednesday Books
Released on: April 2nd 2019 (in the US)
ISBN 9781250192882

Read 25-26 March 2019

You’d Be Mine is an engaging and intense read aimed at older teens who love their fictional love interests damaged and slightly broken. Even though Clay does fit into some very obvious YA tropes (he drinks even though he’s underage, he sticks to hooks up instead of relationships, and has the bad boy rep around the studio executives), but as the novel progresses, we see he is more than this stereotype, and Hahn does an excellent job of drawing us into his troubles, and sympathising with him.

Annie is also damaged by parents, initially neglectful and now dead. She’s been unable to break free of their memory as huge country and western stars (particularly her mother), and this has stymied her own career. This pair of broken kids need each other, and so we go on a summer road trip with them, as they perform on stage and spend time together off stage.

It’s not an original plot for sure, but Clay and Annie are interesting and well developed. We also have many side characters who also play important roles, especially Annie’s band mates, who are both family and friend to her. Hahn includes some of both Clay’s and Annie’s song lyrics, and it’s a good way to demonstrate their feelings for each other, and their growing sense of identity.

You’d be Mine is a  romance, but it’s also an insight into the lives of performing teenagers, and the pressures they put on themselves to succeed. There’s also a strong family element, and as both MCs have lost their closest family members, there’s a lot of grief and loss for them to overcome. It’s lovely to see Annie acknowledge her physical attraction to Clay, even though she isn’t one to act on impulse. Clay is also a gentleman (most of the time).

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Wednesday Books for providing an advanced copy of this novel. Recommended for readers who love summer romance novels, with a darker edge, who love their female lead to be thoughtful and kind, but also one who stands up for herself. There’s detail here, so it doesn’t skim the surface, instead delving into issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. But ultimately this is a love story, so you won’t be surprised that it’s a happy ending.

Review: Five Friendship Novels

I keep reading then forgetting to keep notes and write reviews, and then I have nothing new to add to the blog. Oh dear #firstworldbloggingproblems So here are short reviews on five books I recently read, all of which have a focus on friendship, an important element in all teenagers’ lives. They cross a number of different genres, but mostly they are contemporary novels, that resist the temptation to focus primarily on romantic relationships.

Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

Published by: Simon & Schuster
Released: 24 April 2018 (in the US)
ISBN: 9781481452328
Read: 14 July 2018

While there is a developing romance between MC Amelia and Grady, it is the friendship of Amelia and BFF Cate that creates the tension and identity crisis that Amelia faces. She is an extremely likable protagonist, and we see parallels with Molly, original owner of the ice cream stand and the ways her friends supported her. This back and forth through different times reminds us just how much girls have relied on their friends throughout the ages, with female friendships explored in a number of interesting and realistic ways here. I know some readers complain about how acquiescing Amelia is to Cate, but that just shows you the type of girl she is, and consistent characterisation is very important. I am pleased to see that ultimately she stands by her beliefs about the way people should be treated, and the leadership style she has. I found this novel every engaging and inspiring.

 

Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee

Published by: Simon & Schuster
Released: 1 August 2018 (in AUS)
ISBN: 9781481489348
Read: 9 September 2018

Main character Tash identifies as romantic asexual, so it’s not surprising that there’s a strong interest in how she develops and maintains romantic relationships. But really, it’s her friendships with siblings, Jack and Paul Harlow that create the most interesting elements of the story. Tash also has a very love/hate dynamic with her own sister, Klaudie, and Ormsbee ensures their connection is dealt with in depth and authenticity. We also witness Tash’s interactions with other secondary characters who play roles in her YouTube series, Unhappy Families, and again these are not treated in a trite or contrived way. Tash has a lot going on with her sudden Internet fame, and of course this impacts on all her relationships. The online attraction with Thom is a slow moving beast, and when they finally meet towards the end of the novel, readers are given a most satisfying encounter, and Tash finally recognises her own worth. I loved this complex twisty novel a lot.

Tempests and Slaughters by Tamora Pierce

Published by: Lothian Children’s Books
Released: 13 February 2018 (in AUS)
ISBN: 9780734418678
Read: 14 September 2018

This story of the origins of Numair has been a long time coming, and young people who read Dane’s story will want to come back (even if they are now adults) and read this.

It does have a bit of a Harry Potter feel, in that Arram Draper (as he was known then) spends most of this book at the mage’s academy in Carthak. Spanning four years, from the time Arram is 11 till he’s 14, the story shows us his potential, his connection to his masters, and of course, the friendships he develops with Varice and Ozorne, who as we all know,become great enemies of Numair.

The friendship is paramount to all three. They are the most magical, the cleverest and the youngest of all the mages, and it’s this connection that brings them together. But what keeps them together is their understanding of each other’s weaknesses. There seems to be such a strong foundation, it is hard to believe it will be torn apart, and knowing that it is, it is easy to imagine how devastating that chasm will be for each of them, but mostly for Arram–who is humble, generous and free of any malice or envy. I think this book shows a growth in the author’s writing style. It might sent you back to the Realms of the God quartet. It did that to me.

 

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Published by: Katherine Tegan Books
Released: October 2 2018 (internationally)
ISBN: 9780062890122
Read: September 28 2018

This follow up to The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is set one year after the adventures of Monty, Percy and Felicity. Now from Felicity’s point of view, we witness her failed attempts to be accepted into medical school in Edinburgh. When the person who she trusts and likes, offers to marry her to rescue her from her flights of fancy, Felicity hightails it back to London and imposes on Monty and Percy and starts again.

The narrow defined roles of women only makes Felicity more determined to succeed, and to do this, she must take advantage of a ruined friendship. I utterly loved how flawed the girls are here. They are not martyrs or saints–they are real girls, motivated, opportunistic, each with their own agendas. Fortunately, Felicity’s align with Sim’s. then with Johanna’s, and the growing relationships between these three willful women mean they are stronger, fiercer, and more able to achieve, even though they are constantly thwarted at every turn by narrow-minded, misogynistic, privileged [insert your own rude name here] men.

As you can tell, I loved this a lot. It’s funny (especially when we meet up with Monty and Percy, the adorable and adoring couple), exciting and entertaining. Girl power for the win (eventually)!

Paper Cranes Don’t Fly by Peter Vu

Published by: Ford Street Publishing
Released: August 1 2018 (in AUS)
ISBN: 9781925272765
Read: October 3 2018

I read this because it was the only Gold Inky shortlisted novel I hadn’t read. The day before I picked it up, it won! Chosen by Australian teenagers, this novel beat out Take Three Girls, Beautiful Mess and In the Dark Spaces, and I believe it is the depiction of friendship that makes it a winner for young readers.

Adam’s brain tumour has not slowed him down much. Since he’s a brain rather than a sporty kid, he’s been able to continue schooling, reading and achieving well. This latest trip to the hospital right at the end of Year 12 means his two best friends, Tess and Ambrose, are busy studying and taking exams, while he lives out his days remembering and writing.

Adam is a humble and loyal friend. He takes us back to pre-school when he first met Ambrose and Tess, and then subsequently through various significant events, clearly demonstrating the strength and depth of these friendships. Yes, he meets Rachael, another hospital bound teenager, and re-connects with Rosie, a former book buddy, but it’s Tess and Ambrose who he turns to when he gets bad news, and they don’t let him down. Just to let you know, I cried continuously through the story. It is emotionally powerful and inspiring, depicting courage and love. A strong read.

I highly recommend all these books to you if you want a book about teenagers’ friendships.

 

Review: Just One of the Royals by Leah & Kate Rooper

Just one of the Royals by Leah and Kate Rooper

Published by: Entangled Teen
ISBN: 9781640635760
Released: June 4 2018

Read: May 24 2018

I didn’t read the first book in this loosely connected romance hockey story, but I don’t think it was necessary. This pair of KMUKS (Crazy, mixed-up kids) are best friends of the previous book, and although both couples appear in each other’s stories, they stand alone. I asked for it because I am a bit of a fan of YA hockey romances, and there was enough about Daniel’s team to keep me happy. But of course, it’s primarily about Daniel and Madison.

Daniel is a great character, and his growth through the book an important element. He really has a chip about his illegitimacy and fair enough too. As far as he knows, his father, the King, has not bothered to form any kind of relationship with him. Visiting every summer means he has bonded with his younger sister Eva who is the only reason he agrees to consider becoming King of Eldonia.

Madison brings welcome diversity, although the trope of her (Korean) parents wanting her to do medicine and her having to convince them of her actual dream, is worn thin now. But still, she’s a take-charge kind of girl, and protective of Daniel, which is lovely to see.

I was annoyed that they clearly had feelings for each other, but were too reluctant to take a chance. The fake relationship gives them leeway to pretend to express their real feelings, and that was cute to watch, but dear me it was also agonising when the mis-communication got out of control.

The scenes in the fictional European country are fun, the villain suitably creepy and narcissistic, and the plot twist easy to predict, but it moves at a sprightly pace and ends satisfactorily. If romance is your thing, and you like that added to your hockey stories, then this is the book for you.

Thanks to Entangled Teen Crush and Netgalley for the advanced copy. It was released on June 4 (sorry I am a bit late).

Review: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471161063
Released on: June 1 2018

Read: April 2 2018

This is only Jenn Bennett’s third contemporary young adult novel, and it’s clear she is on board with the current trends. Starry Eyes includes diversity of ethnicities and offers sex-positive representation in an organic and unpreaching way. MC, Zorie, is a serious astronomer and photographer, and it’s terrific to see the blend of science and art drive the plot and characterisation.

The romantic storyline is based on miscommunication, but fits in perfectly with the personalities of the two love interests. Zorie is a planner – anxious and tightly strung. Her comfort zone relies on safe, predictable and routine. When Lennon stands her up at Homecoming, then disappears and doesn’t talk to her when he returns, Zorie hides her heart-break and embarrassment behind silence and denial. Lennon is presented as a mysterious goth, a boy with wild parents, and his loner reputation allows him to walk away from Zorie with apparent ease.

But we don’t know the truth of Lennon, because everything is through Zorie’s narrative voice, which is funny and self-aware. She is constrained by her inability to be spontaneous, and she is constantly second guessing her thoughts and her actions, especially around other people. But she is also generous, smart and loyal. A flawed, sympathetic girl, and readers will love her from start to end.

Going ‘glamping’ with the popular crowd is certainly well outside her comfort zone, but Zorie finds herself talked into it by her step-mum, Joy, who reminds her to be careful not cautious with her life. Her decision is also spurred on by discovering her father is cheating on Joy, and by the sudden re-appearance of Lennon, who is still treating her with disdain. Zorie desperately wants her life to go back a year in time, and can only obsess about where everything went wrong. Imagine her surprise that Lennon is invited too, and suddenly the trip takes on an extra dimension of stress and torture (of course Lennon is gorgeously fit, and the only one who knows what he’s doing–such a turn on!)

Fortunately this summary only covers the first part of the book. The rest is the hiking trip (which goes gloriously wrong), and its aftermath, and Bennett doesn’t skip any details. We are given the highs and lows, and laugh and cry along with Zorie, as she re-connects with Lennon, and explores her own boundaries and feelings. It’s a terrific journey of self discovery and a little bit survival, when the rest of the crew abandon Zorie and Lennon to find their own way through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. I can’t wait to see the full sized maps, attributed to Lennon in the book—my kindle didn’t do them justice at all.

Thankfully Zorie and Lennon spill their secrets long before the end, and we are witness to their very healthy and joyful intimate encounters (all off-page, I assure you), and what’s really good is how Zorei expresses herself sexually. She’s funny and clumsy and honest. It’s adorable, really. Lennon proves to be a person she can trust, and their love is clear.

One aspect of the novel that takes us out of the bubble of Zorie and Lennon is the sub-plot involving Zorie’s dad, ‘Diamond Dan’. His cheating had  repercussions for the whole family, but notably his relationship with Zorie. I am interested that in the father in her previous book, Approximately, Alex, was one of the best I have read, and here is Dan, an unapologetic womaniser, who refuses to own any his bad behaviour, and is prepared to risk his relationship with his daughter. I wonder if Bennett has been shocked and upset by some of the #metoo revelations and has found a way to present a part of that in this book.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced copy of Starry Eyes. I loved it so much, and recommend it highly to young adult readers who love realistic contemporaries that allow the romance to build slowly. Lennon and Zorie have known each other forever, so their relationship is founded on friendship. The hiking and bushwalking means we think about nature, about getting away from our devices, and of course, offers a bit of danger that challenges Zorie’s instinct to shut herself away. There are lessons here for all of us. Already released in the US, Starry Eyes is out in Australia and the UK on June 1.

Review: Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy

Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
ISBN: 9781492652380
Released: April 3 2018 (in the US)

Read: April 16-17 2018

A quality contemporary young adult novel successfully combines a number of converging issues, as well an engaging set of characters and a plot that burbles along evenly. Now a Major Motion Picture starts off as one type of book, then evolves into another and along the way, readers are persuaded to think about several timely matters. McCarthy also manages to infuse the story with meta references, which blends inter-sectional and inter-textual themes effectively. Best of all, the novel is never dragged down by its weighty concerns, managing to balance the heaviness with a strong sense of humour and self-awareness.

Initially, Iris’s resentment at being sent by her father to the set of the film production of her late grandmother’s very popular fantasy trilogy, basically to serve as babysitter to her younger brother Ryder, makes us believe this will be a family drama in which Iris grows as a character, learns things about herself and reconciles with her family dysfunction. And it is that. But it’s also her love story, her guilt story, and her connecting to her past story. Little brother Ryder is pivotal to the family drama, but he is also a connection to the larger world—his attempted kidnapping by a crazed fan of grandma Thorne’s novels has soured Iris’s love for the books, and her parents too. It’s hoped that the film might relieve Ryder of his nightmares, and Iris of her guilt in her role in the kidnapping, but it’s going to take a lot more to solve the problem of their emotionally manipulative father, and their absent mother.

Ireland stands in for the fantasy locations, and it’s in this landscape that Iris finds some peace, and of course, a boy who challenges her self-perception, and her hostile attitude to her grandmother. There are two potential love interests, but this quickly becomes a non-issue, thankfully, and while tensions run hot and cold between our two love-birds, they soon become emotionally connected to ensuring the film gets made, and this bond, as well as their mutual concern for Ryder, means they look out for each other, and make suitable sacrifices to prove their love.

A lot of the story revolves around the adaptation of the book into the film. We are reminded of real life scenarios like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes literally on the page. The constant crossing boundaries of what is real and what is fictional, creates an additional layer of meaning, and fans of these texts will either love it or hate it. There are always so many compromises necessary when adapting a text, and McCarthy seems to have a genuine understanding and I found these sections authentic. She deepens it when the fans intrude into the filmmaking process, and the duality of their passion is again believable and often frustrating. They love the work so much, they actually become a barrier to the production because they fear too many changes, they don’t like the chosen cast, and their viral exploitation of social media impacts on financial resources. McCarthy includes all this seamlessly through the plot, and it never feels like a rant or a plea.

However, there is a soapbox element, which is forgivable because it’s such an interesting and relevant issue. The director of the film, Cate has longed to adapt the novel because it spoke to her as a young female at film school. McCarthy shows us how hard it is for women directors to get their chance, and it’s really moving how much of a role model and mentor Cate wants to be for Iris. Her discussions about feminism, power and political games guide Iris eventually, but along the way, we see how much Cate has put on the line for this film. Her depiction is sympathetic and once again, very timely in our climate of positive change for women and society at large.

Iris navigates this story as a flawed character. She is unhappy, resentful, and full of self-doubt, particularly in relation to her own dreams of becoming a full time musician. While it seems like there is a lot going on, the different issues are all related and converge neatly with Iris gaining much insight into her family’s past, ensuring Ryder is given the opportunity to follow his dreams, and securing the film’s future. Her own happiness is well deserved, and McCarthy does well to not solve all her problems too quickly or conveniently. There’s still a way to go, with her father, the fans of the novel, and her own musical journey. But we leave her in a happy place.

Thanks to Sourcefire Books and to Netgalley for advanced copy. Now a Major Motion Picture did come out in the US a couple of weeks ago, and here in Australia, I urge you to keep an eye out for this complicated, feminist novel. Recommended to readers who like their contemporaries involving and messy. The secondary characters are diverse, and all treated well, with strong backstories. The interplay between the film and the book are familiar to readers who spend time creating their own fantasy cast for a hypothetical movie. It asks passionate fans to reconsider how they use social media, and is often the case, challenges people to always try to be kind. I really enjoyed Iris’s quest.

Review: Miles Away from You by A B Rutledge

Miles Away From You by A B Rutledge

Published by: HMH Books for Young People
ISBN: 9781328852335
Released: March 20 2018 (In the US)

Read: February 8 2013

Okay, so judging by the reviews so far on Goodreads, this is a polarising book. Those who read and view it within the journey-to-find-yourself trope have enjoyed Miles’s voyage to Iceland, and discovered a flawed yet sympathetic character, who (as is the way) makes plenty of mistakes, shows himself initially to be selfish and horny, and whose letters to Vivian (which form the narrative framework) offer poignancy, insight and truthful anger.

Others who read it through a political and social lens, express deep hostility and rage. This is becoming a very familiar reaction – readers offended on behalf of marginalised communities, at the way they are being erased. They are then blasting the author for causing this offense, and I am starting to find myself reacting against these loud calls for these books to boycotted or banned. Sometimes the reader identifies with that particular identity and justifiably call it ‘triggering’. But nobody forces anyone to read anything, so if  a story about a black M2F trans teen who attempts suicide, falls into a coma for 18 months, and is unable to speak for herself to refute Miles’s accusations and memories, then I say this is not the book for you.

I guess my review is written in response to some of these unhappy readers.

Their main argument revolves around the central plot being hinged upon cis white characters whose narrative is dependent on someone ‘lesser’ dying. While Miles is far from cis, he is white, and some would argue privileged and entitled. Interestingly, his identification as demi-sexual also causes angst. Apparently he objectifies other characters way too much, to be demi. I struggle with this concern, because Miles also throws around the terms ‘pan’ and ‘queer’, and his two mothers run programs for LGBTQIA youth, which is how Miles meets Vivian. He constantly proves he is open-minded, open-hearted, and falls for both boys and girls. I understand that the main characteristic of ‘demi-sexual’ is that a person must have an emotional connection before there is sexual attraction, and it’s true that Miles often refers to other characters by their physicality and his attraction to them. Yet, those who he actually makes out with, are all people with whom he has an established bond. All right, so I can’t explain the situation with the French backpacker. But if I accept Miles’s own defence (the sight of two girls making out turns him on), I can sort of see his point of view.

But with every mistake Miles makes, it only becomes clearer how real he is. He is selfish about Vivian’s situation. He is angry at her for her last actions. He is angry she remains in a coma 18 months later, and that  her parents refuse to let her go. He is angry at himself for not noticing, and not being there on the day Vivian made the attempt. He is also in obvious need of some intimacy, a connection with another person, so he’s constantly searching for that. Anybody who argues that he is not traumatised by his situation is misreading his portrayal. He is deeply bereft and completely stuck. While the trip to Iceland helps him to process her situation, Miles remains troubled, and so of course, he is troublesome.

Landscape is obviously a key aspect of the novel. Iceland is remote, alien, but as he befriends Oscar, and develops familiarity with Reykjavik and the surrounding countryside, his confidence grows, he becomes more at peace with how his life now is, and it’s exhausting to watch him try to maintain his rage at the injustice of everything Vivian went through.

There is way more to the legal ramifications of her situation too, but readers can learn that for themselves. What you should know is that Miles’s journey is far from easy, and he fights all the way. While I understand people’s anger about Vivian being used as a prop, there’s also the consideration that statistics show suicide rates are very high in the trans community. Surely we can also argue another point of view: that readers learn more about the plight of under represented communities and can develop empathy and awareness of their situations, and when faced with it in their own lives, they might be better equipped to act more compassionately. This is what books can do – highlight social inequality and the unfairness of the world for us to learn to do better to improve it.

Some of what Miles says about and to Vivian is distressing. But he is grieving and so twisted about her, it’s not surprising that he directs some anger toward her. So yes, if hurt people acting out, and taking ages to recognise their own faults is something that would enrage you, stay away from this book.

I found it lively, fast-paced, and unpredictable. Thanks to publisher HMH Books and Netgalley for advanced copy. Recommended for people who like their contemporaries angsty and controversial. The sex talk and discussions about trans issues are direct and confrontational, and Miles is always thinking about touch, intimacy and closeness. The contrivances of some plot points are hard to ignore, and there is a skeevy character who preyed on a very young man. It’s a tough read, with an open, but mostly satisfying conclusion.