Fifteen Bones product reviews

Fifteen Bones I would recommend to teenagers and young adults because of some of the content the book contains. The book contains some usually taboo subjects such as depression and self-harm. The author of Fifteen Bones is from London and does have a bit of English slang that New Zealanders may not be familiar with, yet is still easy to follow.

I found myself relating to some of the feelings and situations that Jake, the main character of Fifteen Bones had and endured. Other topics in the book were real eye openers and made me change my opinion on some things. I feel that the book is very well written and covers many real life, day to day issues that are very well and alive in the world today.

Fifteen Bones is not all doom & gloom though, there are a few laugh out loud and heart warming moments. The chapters are a great length, not too short and they didn't drag on either. I considered letting Miss Nine read the book but decided a few of the topics were beyond her years and I was not ready to discuss some of them with her just yet! A very real account of the lives of many teens. Great read, I did not put it down till I had reached the end.

From reading the blurb of this book I knew I would have to read it, the blurb definitely drew me in and made me want to read the book. I already felt connected to Jake and wanted to know how he made it in a cruel world. And a cruel world it is this book is definitely bleak at the best of times things aren't easy for Jake and at times it is down right depressing what that boy has gone through but it kept me reading kept me wanting to find a better ending for Jake.

Without giving away too much of the storyline this novel covers many dark topics from child neglect, to gangs, and abuse, and eating disorders so there is a lot of some what depressing content but we also learn from reading the book and from Jake's story about courage and determination. This really is a great read and you get to know Jake as a character and really grow fond of him and feel for him as a character. He seems to go through so much both before and after the accident and this is the last chance for him.

You also in a way like the character of Robin despite her many issues as she seems to give Jake a new purpose and strength which he seems to have needed. She is a very rough character and probably not the best person for Jake but he learns from her. Great character development from the author in this story and we get to know these two characters very well.

My 12 year old read this book and really enjoyed it she read it before me and warned me that there was a lot of british language used in the book as it is written in a very london voice. With phrases such as init which she at first didn't understand, I think although different for our nz children this would make it very relateably for british teens.