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Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated A Quiet Kind of Thunder in Books

Feb 18, 2019

Quintessential British coming of age

‘He can’t hear, she doesn’t speak but they understand one another perfectly’

That’s the strap line on this book and it blew me away like I find the best YA can. This was one of the most relatable YAs I’ve read in a long time (I work with this age group and that’s why I find it relateable...I know I’m not 18). I think some of this was down to the fact it was quintessentially British and not American and I loved sense of home in this book.

Steffi was a carefully crafted complex and refreshing character. I ‘got’ her, I admired her and wanted her to thrive in whatever way was right for her. Rhys was bloody adorable and flawed and adorable. Did I say adorable? *shrugs* The story of these two was a absorbing delight to read but it was real.

I devoured this book quickly. I slipped into this seamless writing with ease and I’m genuinely sorry it’s over. I will be reading more from Sara Barnard, she rocked this age range so good.

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Gail (4 KP) rated A Sadness Within in Books

Jun 4, 2018

This story is a new beat on an old tune. The story follows Will and Julia and their journey on finding the light in life even when all you hold dear is taken away. Will is living on the dark side. He doesn’t care who he hurts he lives for the next drop of fresh blood. Julia has lost her whole family and everyone is just waiting for her to explode. They meet when Celia Will's sister begs him to come home.
At times this book was very long winded. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I felt that a lot of the conversations were unnecessary. It was very slow and when the climax happened I wasn’t excited.
With that being said I gave it 4 stars because I liked her characters and how they learned from mistake and forgave each other. The ending was very mysterious hinting at something more. It was a story on how no matter your pain you can always find your way back with the help of love.