I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin on May 7, 2015
Genres: Children's, Contemporary, Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 240
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
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When thirteen-year-old Joe is left behind in Peckham while his mum flies to Spain on holiday, he decides to treat it as an adventure, and a welcome break from Dean, her latest boyfriend. Joe begins to explore his neighbourhood, making a tentative friendship with Asha, a fellow fugitive hiding out at her grandfather's flat.
But when the food and money run out, his mum doesn't come home, and the local thugs catch up with him, Joe realises time is running out too, and makes a decision that will change his life forever.
I’m not really sure what I have read in Joe All Alone. I didn’t feel like the story went anywhere and I didn’t leave with any sort of satisfied feeling. All I was left with was the quest of really?
The writing isn’t bad and the story is short enough that you don’t get bored. But did we go on a journey? Nope. I mean we didn’t get out of London. Despite characters living in Spain and Cornwall.
I wanted to give this book 2* but I felt that that was a bit harsh. For me it was disappointing, there was no build up, and no epic conclusion. You’re just left hanging. And to be honest that is not what I want when I’m reading a book. There doesn’t have to be fireworks, only a spark to get you going.
I mean I didn’t feel anything, not disturbed and not moved. Maybe I’m just a harsh person. What do you think?
Perhaps I’m being extremely negative. But for me I was disappointed with Joe All Alone. Mixed feelings are never welcomed.
Agh, I hate mixed feelings about books! I’d rather love it or hate it, hehe. the middle ground is so hard to review. >_< Ahhh, I kind of wanted to read this one, but without any spark? I'm so not up for that. I've read books like this before and I end up feeling so incredibly MEH it's just not worth it. 🙁
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I always hope that something will happen that will change the way I feel. But it wasn’t the case for this book. Hopefully it was just me and not the book itself!