Monday 19 March 2012

Falling Fast by Sophie McKenzie

Pages - 250
Published by Simon and Schuster in March 2012

I stared out of the minibus window. It was raining and the pavements were a glistening grey. The houses and sky above were a softer, paler grey.
Grey. Dull. Boring. Like Me. Like my life. 
Maybe today would change everything.
Maybe. 


Goodreads Summary
When River auditions for a part in an inter school performance of Romeo and Juliet, she finds herself smitten by Flynn, the boy playing Romeo. But Flynn comes from a damaged family—is he even capable of giving River what she wants? The path of true love never did run smooth . . . 
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Falling Fast in the first book in a new contemporary series by one of Britain's favourite YA authors. I have read a few books by Sophie McKenzie and I know that I am always guaranteed a really good read. The book is a lovely contemporary romance based around the  Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet.
River, the main female character is looking for love. Romantic love, just like she has seen in the movies. What she gets is reality love; falling for the dark, brooding Flynn who arrives with a whole host of problems. River finds it difficult to deal with her relationship with Flynn; he keeps everything hidden, so River never knows where she stands with him. It is interesting to watch as she tries to interpret his feelings throughout the story. River is very innocent throughout the book, which does get a little annoying, but as the romance progresses, you discover her maturing a little. 
This book talks a lot about sex, which surprised me quite a bit. Although I do think it is good that the author didn't shy away from the subject. Kids of a similar age do tend to have sex on the brain, and Sophie deals with realistically. I felt this book was giving young girls an underlying message, letting them know that it is fine to say no to sex. If they are not ready, they shouldn't feel pushed into it. 
I liked Flynn, even though he was headstrong and moody and probably isn't everyone choice. He had this whole  Heathcliff vibe about him.  He reminded me of a boy I used to know when I was the same age as River. To be honest, I almost felt Sophie must have known him too, because it felt like she was writing about him; his life almost mirrored Flynn's. 
I really liked the Romeo and Juliet connections within the story. How the romance  between Flynn and River developed at a similar pace. They both come from different religious backgrounds yet this doesn't really affect their relationship.
This is quite a fast pace book which depicts teenagers as they really are. It shows that love never runs smooth and how every relationship has  difficulties.  I really did enjoy this book and I look forward to the next one in the series. 

6 comments:

  1. This sounds really interesting, great review :)

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  2. Great in-depth review, not too sure its a book I'd like though. My sister-in-law would however love it as she's a big fan of Sophie McKenzie's.

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  3. This sounds like exactly the sort of thing I love reading - I will have to check out some more Sophie McKenzie methinks

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  4. This sounds like a great book for older teens. I love the cover too!

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  5. I am still loving the coat she is wearing ;)

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  6. great review, It surprises me that the book deals with sex, I thought it was aimed at a younger YA audience to be honest but it sounds like it deals with it well.

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