Girls in Tears by Jacqueline Wilson

 Girls in Tears

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review:

An easy read, with deep meanings.

When you think of Jacqueline Wilson, you think of children’s books, such as Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker. Books that are targeted towards children with deep subjects from child labour, being an orphan, and parents divorcing. With words and stories that kids could understand. I was surprised when I was gifted Girls in Tears a couple of years ago when I was still an older teen due to the language and experience, I had reading Wilson’s stories. However, after reading this particular book, I instantly knew who the target demographic was: young teenagers. Important topics include: eating disorders, one's self-image, alcohol, sex, and relationships towards romantic partners, family and friends. Something that teens and young adults worry about often.

The story teaches teenagers, especially girls, that crying in any situation is normal and it’s okay to feel these emotions. Something that could make them feel embarrassed about when they shouldn’t have to be. Each character had development, making them want to mend relationships with one another, whether that is towards parents, best friends, or romantic partners.

Not many authors mention or make the normality that it’s okay to showcase these emotions on important topics. No matter if you are happy or sad, you can cry and shouldn’t feel embarrassed when showing your emotions. I really do commend Jacqueline Wilson for writing this kind of story. 

Let's Play Murder by Kesia Lupo

 Let's Play Murder

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review:

Wow!! An incredible piece of fiction with twists and unexpected turns of events, making you think twice about trusting the main character, a risk many authors don’t take.

Veronica finds herself in the game whilst playing with her sick brother on VR. After an event that made her dislike using the console, she decided to play. A mysterious investigation of a crime, which players have to solve to win a prize, but how much does it take to win?

The ending took me by surprise, doubting what I had thought about Veronica and how each scenario had ended up. Mysteries that were bigger than the actual game itself evolved, making the story more intense and wanting you to carry on reading.

The characterisation was fascinating. Each character had distinct determinations, making the story more suspenseful, and all had chapters that made their individuality and personality spark, giving the reader different opinions about them.

I loved the writing, bringing the world into my imagination with intriguing descriptions, making the building collapse and age on each level, creating a dark atmosphere.

I would highly recommend this book!