"An extraordinary and important coming of age novel"
If ever a character had the right to be grumpy, sarcastic, and difficult it would be Ven.
At 15 she was on the cusp of making the big time with her dance group when she collapsed on stage. Chronic pain and disability have taken that life away from her. But as she says, ‘I am the life I make happen’ and it is her choice that we never get to hear her diagnosis, because she will not be defined by that. She is still the endearing, loyal, funny, talented daughter, and friend and this is a thoroughly enjoyable teenage summer festival romance, with all the twists and turns, misunderstandings and revelations that readers will love.
But what is so outstanding is the authenticity of the disability representation. While we can all feel her anger at things that should and could be better, Ven is no heroic victim wanting pity. Thrown together in a singing group with Ren, the boy who literally and painfully bumped into her life, Ven slowly realises that she still has options. This group, with all its bickering and individuals with their own problems, could be another chance for her dreams.
None of this is mawkish or sentimental. These are all beautifully realised and authentic teenagers and even more refreshingly the adults are actually, with exceptions, supporting, loving and trying to help! Ven’s unique and unforgettable voice tells a story with a message of resilience and determination to find a new path when life sets you back, that we all need to hear.
A book which will allow young people living with disability to see themselves and that will give everyone greater empathy and understanding as well as being a truly enjoyable, entertaining read, is a book that all libraries must have.
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