By Joanna Shaw
This book was advertised in January as “the young adult book that everyone should read”, and in some cases, I believe that statement to be true.
Violet is a girl caught up in grief over the death of her sister and Finch is a troubled boy debating suicide. Finch first encounters Violet on their school roof as she is contemplating jumping too, however they are convinced to come down and are later set a school project. Together they embark on a road trip to discover the local places and treasures of Indiana but as Finch’s obsession with death and his lingering depression pushes him to the limit, how far will Violet go to help him see the bright moments in life?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it gives you a different perspective of how teenagers and young adults are affected by grief and mental health issues. There are some heart-warming moments between Violet and Finch; however they are enclosed within a rather dark and unfortunate plot of defeating inner demons. I understand how this book has been compared to the writing of John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars) as Niven adopts the technique of appealing to both young and old readers. The descriptions of the places the couple visit, such as the train carriage turned book shop, will make the reader want to purchase a ticket to Indiana and embark on their own meaningful journey!
Even though there are some truly upsetting moments within this novel such as Finch’s obsession with death and suicide statistics, the overall feel of the book encourages young people to speak out about their issues and raises awareness as to how someone seemingly normal could be struggling.
Joanna Shaw is a second year English and Film Student and loves nothing more than a good book. Follow her on twitter @booklifereads and on GoodReads
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…
Featured image: Evangeline Causton Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…
Leave a reply