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krisha_shah's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so close to being like 5 stars.
My only problem up until the last few pages was that the message felt a bit overdone. It could have been more subtle.
But that I was willing to overlook.
However, the literal last 3 pages were such a scam. I know it shows Declan learnt from what happened. But it also means everything that happened in the outcome he chose can’t and will never happened.
My only problem up until the last few pages was that the message felt a bit overdone. It could have been more subtle.
But that I was willing to overlook.
However, the literal last 3 pages were such a scam. I know it shows Declan learnt from what happened. But it also means everything that happened in the outcome he chose can’t and will never happened.
a_rch's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mischief_in_the_library's review against another edition
2.0
There is a lot of love for this book, and it touches on very personal material for a lot of people, so I will just say that it was not for me.
I didn't really understand the intense love between Declan and Lisa, and perhaps it was because I didn't get far enough into the book - there was a lot of time jumping and filling it bits of stories later, which is not a bad thing - and so I didn't really understand his reaction (although I acknowledge there were other things going on for him).
I found some of the characters and relationships not well shown - the first real clue about tension between mum and dad is when a divorce is mentioned about a third of the way through. Declan's sister, Kate, appears very unrealistically naive and gullible.
I kinda thought we were over calling depressed people loonies. And sure, he's a teenage boy, but he's never properly called on it - and a common thing I've seen before seems to be that it's fine because they're including themselves in the loony category. But it's not really fine. And maybe he learns this later in the book that I didn't get to, but I didn't get the feeling it was going in that direction.
It felt preachy. Declan seems to go very quickly to being suicidal, and then very quickly back to being very insightful about it and telling us often that it would have been impulsive and wrong and look at what he would have missed if he had done it. All good messages, but I think it would feel a bit more real if it was done with a little more subtlety. And showing Declan's journey to that attitude.
But I will say that I enjoyed the diverse cast of characters, and I liked the Australian setting. And it's a topic that needs to be talked about. In the end, there are probably other books that have those aspects that I would recommend instead.
I didn't really understand the intense love between Declan and Lisa, and perhaps it was because I didn't get far enough into the book - there was a lot of time jumping and filling it bits of stories later, which is not a bad thing - and so I didn't really understand his reaction (although I acknowledge there were other things going on for him).
I found some of the characters and relationships not well shown - the first real clue about tension between mum and dad is when a divorce is mentioned about a third of the way through. Declan's sister, Kate, appears very unrealistically naive and gullible.
I kinda thought we were over calling depressed people loonies. And sure, he's a teenage boy, but he's never properly called on it - and a common thing I've seen before seems to be that it's fine because they're including themselves in the loony category. But it's not really fine. And maybe he learns this later in the book that I didn't get to, but I didn't get the feeling it was going in that direction.
It felt preachy. Declan seems to go very quickly to being suicidal, and then very quickly back to being very insightful about it and telling us often that it would have been impulsive and wrong and look at what he would have missed if he had done it. All good messages, but I think it would feel a bit more real if it was done with a little more subtlety. And showing Declan's journey to that attitude.
But I will say that I enjoyed the diverse cast of characters, and I liked the Australian setting. And it's a topic that needs to be talked about. In the end, there are probably other books that have those aspects that I would recommend instead.
zoe302's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
raven_morgan's review against another edition
3.0
Three and a half stars.
When Declan's girlfriend Lisa is sent by her tyrannical mother to live in Hong Kong, Declan feels as though his world has been shattered. He stands in a train station, looking at an oncoming train. And then he pauses. The narrative fractures here and takes two paths - one where Declan steps in front of that train and commits suicide, and another where he is pulled away from the tracks.
I love the general premise of this book - the idea that a single pause can make a huge difference to where someone's life goes (or ends). Declan's voice is very believable throughout, and Larkin especially captures the heightened emotions of teenage love.
However, I do have some reservations about this book. It comes across very heavy handed at times with its message, and I did have some issues with Declan and his inability to see the privilege he lives in. However, this is still in the realm of believability for a teenager, and won't necessarily be an issue for other readers. I also felt at times like Larkin didn't quite push hard enough into some issues, but can also understand why he didn't, since the main issue of suicide is such a fraught topic. The backstory with Declan's aunt didn't quite gel for me, and felt almost tacked on to the rest of the plot, as well.
Overall, I think Larkin is to be applauded for this book. Many of the things that were issues to me as an adult reader will likely not bother younger readers, I suspect. And I can easily see this being a book that would save lives, or at least make depressed and potentially suicidal readers pause and take stock of what their decision might cost.
When Declan's girlfriend Lisa is sent by her tyrannical mother to live in Hong Kong, Declan feels as though his world has been shattered. He stands in a train station, looking at an oncoming train. And then he pauses. The narrative fractures here and takes two paths - one where Declan steps in front of that train and commits suicide, and another where he is pulled away from the tracks.
I love the general premise of this book - the idea that a single pause can make a huge difference to where someone's life goes (or ends). Declan's voice is very believable throughout, and Larkin especially captures the heightened emotions of teenage love.
However, I do have some reservations about this book. It comes across very heavy handed at times with its message, and I did have some issues with Declan and his inability to see the privilege he lives in. However, this is still in the realm of believability for a teenager, and won't necessarily be an issue for other readers. I also felt at times like Larkin didn't quite push hard enough into some issues, but can also understand why he didn't, since the main issue of suicide is such a fraught topic. The backstory with Declan's aunt didn't quite gel for me, and felt almost tacked on to the rest of the plot, as well.
Overall, I think Larkin is to be applauded for this book. Many of the things that were issues to me as an adult reader will likely not bother younger readers, I suspect. And I can easily see this being a book that would save lives, or at least make depressed and potentially suicidal readers pause and take stock of what their decision might cost.
yasminix24's review against another edition
3.0
A really confronting but important insight into the thought process of a teenage boy and suicide.
ps_a22's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a profound book! Dec's experience showed the true value of life and I adored how he stuck by Lisa even through the difficult times. This novel showed that no matter how ordinary your life may seem, it is always special. There are experiences you are yet to indulge in and the pain will be worth it in the end. Anyone who is having trouble with their self-worth and identity must read this book. Not only because it narrates a lovely story, but because Dec's life story shows that its okay to be vulnerable, it's okay to have weak moments and ask or help. By reaching out, people prove how strong they truly are and that no matter how tough their life is, they haven't given up. I loved reading this story of epiphany and even though I cried throughout, it made me think of all the things that make my life invaluable. I'm worth it. I matter, and so does everyone else in this world.
bestdressedbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this, it was hopeful and realistic and a good description of the two ways life can go.
I only wish I wasn't so busy this week to read it quicker but it was great!
I only wish I wasn't so busy this week to read it quicker but it was great!
chelseajae's review against another edition
5.0
Really makes you see how rare, unique and special each individual is and emphasises how suicide is a permanent result of a temporary problem.
moonbeammagic's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75