Hello all,

And yes, I missed my stop on the blog tour. Unfortunately it just could not be helped. However, once you miss your train, you can always jump on the next one, so feel free to hop on!

Today I have reviewed Sue Wallman’s recently released debut novel “Lying About Last Summer” so I hope you’ll enjoy!

I have not read a book which deals with grief in such a manner before.

Its approach to death is all the more delicate as it explores the matter from a teenager’s perspective. And before you think “pass! Books about death aren’t for me”, just hear me out, because “Lying About Last Summer” is everything but a grim story. Although some of the described events may be reminiscent of similar experiences to some us readers, a full to the top tissue box probably won’t be necessary here.

It has been said and often quoted that “No parent should have to bury a child…”, however and following the same line of thoughts, no child should have to bury a sibling, and in teenager Skye’s situation she’s had to suffer that fate with a whole lot of guilt. Guilt stemming from her belief that she did not do anything when she could have saved her sister Luisa, if only she had not remained frozen on the spot and unable to move watching the events unfolding in front of her.…or followed her sister’s instruction to stay safe.

A week at Morley Hill Activity and Adventure Centre might just be what Skye needs to put a little distance between her and her now over-protective mother and God knows she could do with a break. However, as soon as she arrives, things take a turn for the “weird”. Not only, Skye has to contend with her new roommates Fay and Danielle, and that comes with its own set of issues, but she now is receiving text messages from Luisa, from beyond the grave. Is Skye going crazy, or is there a perfectly good explanation for it?

Well, it’s up to you to find out.

You may think that this piece has all the ingredients of your typical young adult thriller novel, however I personally feel that it is more a story of courage. The courage and strength to want to live and move beyond the pain and debilitating feelings that come with grief. This was skilfully done as the author would have had to walk a very thin line to keep the plot focused on recovery rather than making the storyline all about the villain of the piece.

Yes, there is a villain :)!

The only piece of criticism from me would be that the novel was not long enough. I wanted more! Also, I would have loved to see Joe explored as a character in greater depth. There is definitely layers there.

All in all, this is a great debut and I am looking forward to Sue Wallman’s future work.

Happy to recommend this read to all!

LaChouett

Thanking Team @scholasticuk for providing me with a copy of this title

And now for the giveaway, just follow the tweet! (GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED)