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Saving Daisy
Saving Daisy is the second critically novel by Phil Earle***HEROIC, Phil Earle's hugely anticipated third novel is out on 24 April 2013***Daisy's mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it. As far as Daisy's concerned, it's all her fault. As her life starts to spiral out of control, panic leads to tragedy and Daisy's left alone.But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy - if she'll only let herself be saved . . .A powerful and moving story linked to Phil Earle's critically acclaimed debut book, Being Billy.Praise for Being wonderful book' - Morris Gleitzman'Phil Earle writes starkly but sensitively in this brilliant page-turning novel. It moved me to tears' - Jacqueline Wilson'This may be the most authoritative, honest and moving account of children trapped in the care system to date' - Keith Gray, Scotsman'life-affirming, redemptive, and really just rather good' - Marcus Sedgwick, Guardian'Moving and powerful, I loved it' - Sophie McKenzie'Being Billy was a total page-turner - authentic and gritty. Billy's voice doesn't falter . . . spiky, brave and compassionate - Jenny Downham
339 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2012
7 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Phil Earle
48 books105 followersPhil was born in Hull in 1974, and he studied English and Drama at Hull University. He worked for a year as a carer in a children’s home, then after training as a drama therapist, he worked in a therapeutic community in London, which cared for multiply abused adolescents. Then, changing tack completely, he chose a marginally more sedate life as a children’s bookseller. It was here that he developed an obsession for kid’s literature, in particular, young adult fiction.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 12, 2020
Lovelovelove.
Can I just leave it at that?
Can we just call that my review?
No? You want more? God, sometimes you are the most demanding readers ever.
You will know by now how much I loved Being Billy by Phil Earle so I was practically chomping at the bit to read his next book. Saving Daisy tells the story of Daisy Houghton, who you will know if you’ve read Billy’s story. I’ve been thinking about how to class Saving Daisy and I’m failing miserably. I wouldn’t call it a sequel and, you know… I wouldn’t even call it a companion book.
Actually, you know what? I’m going to use my YA reviewing power (it’s a real thing, of course it is) to say that Saving Daisy is a standalone book. Definitely*.
This is Daisy’s story and no one gets a look in. And this is her time.
Of course I loved Being Billy but Saving Daisy, in my opinion, was even better.
I’m going to avoid talking about the plot because it’s good to know as little as you can before reading this book. I find that this book’s shocks and twists are infinitely better when they thwack you across the back of the head completely out of the blue. If you’ve read Being Billy, you may have an inkling of what happened to her before her cameo in BB. But take that inkling and throw it out of the window because, mate, you have no idea.
This book made me laugh hysterically. This book made me so unbelievably angry. This book made me want to put The Shawshank Redemption on and weep into a pillow. This book broke my heart.
At first I thought it was the subject matter, something that is very personal to me, and I thought maybe I was just connecting to it because of that and there was a chance that I was being biased. But then I thought that I was doing a huge disservice to Mr Earle’s writing which is the main reason my heart now lies bleeding on my bedroom floor.
My favourite kind of writer is an authentic writer, one that knows what they’re talking about, and Mr Earle’s writing is 100% authentic. Through my unrivalled researching skills, (like… um.. Googling him and looking at his ‘About Me’ section on his website) I found out that Mr Earle used to work as a care worker before he became a writer. And this shows. He doesn’t sugar coat the issues that children like Billy and Daisy have nor does he make them more horrifying than they are just to make a good story.
Mr Earle employs a great subtlety to his writing that made this book so affective. In the hands of a lesser writer, Daisy’s story could have got very overwhelming extremely fast. I won’t lie to you: there is a lot of angst in this book. If you’re looking for neat, happy endings and conclusions that come with a nice bow then I couldn’t recommend this book to you. You can tell that Mr Earle is a huge fan of telling uncomfortable, unforgettable and realistic books that might not always be the most fun to read… but they challenge the reader and really make them think.
Which is lucky because so am I.
I always find that there is a common criticism for authors who write for teenagers and it is: how can an adult write authentically for teenagers? And I won’t lie, some authors can’t. Their dialogue is cringey and unrealistic, the issues are picked randomly and sensationalised because that’s what they feel teenagers worry about and then some authors put horrifying cultural references (*shudders*) to show how ‘cool’ they are… luckily, Mr Earle doesn’t rely on that to show that he’s a brilliant teen writer. He relies on his writing.
But what about a grown man writing from the perspective of a teenage girl?
Nah, he’s got that covered too.
Daisy Houghton was such a glorious character and I would like to be best friends with her. Without the risk of sounding like a fruit loop (What do you mean it’s too late for that?!) I like to judge my YA books on whether I would like hang out with the main characters.
And with this I mind, I would like to be best friends with Daisy Houghton.
I’m not sure how I feel about getting up early to go cliff-trekking but a third of my degree was in film studies so I would be more than willing to sit and watch and discuss films while I ate an entire bag of popcorn. Actually, no… strike that. I loved Daisy so much I would share my popcorn with her, something that is unheard of. People have lost fingers for attempting to get at my popcorn*.
When I looked back at my notes to write this review I noticed that, as the book went on and we got to know Daisy more, it seemed I became more and more protective of her. One actually reads “OMG DON’T YOU DARE DO THAT.” Well… not actually… because my Kindle-typing is ridiculous and I was trying to balance standing on the train so it really read “ohk font yu dare dp tht” but the sentiment still stands.
I loveloveloved her and she will be forever one of my most authentic, genuine, compassionate, broken, favourite YA heroines.
OK, just had a skim through my review and it seems to be sponsored by the word “authentic”, but I make no apologies because isn’t that what you want in a contemporary book?
It can also be sponsored by the word: “British”, “compelling”, “horrifying”, “hopeful”, “brilliant”, “powerful”, “unflinching”, “astonishing” and “OMGWHYAREN’TYOUREADINGIT?”.
The latter, word I feel, the most apt.
And of course it’s a word, so be quiet.
It’s so wonderful to find yet another British YA author who will be added to my “Read Everything They Write Even if it’s on a Post-It” list.
Oh and before I go, I just want to say that it’s really refreshing to read a YA book set in Northern England. It’s good to see that there are authors believe in THE DREADED NORTH and not that the UK just ends after you’ve left London. It may be grim up here, but as Mr Earle has shown, it proves for brilliant stories.
*Actually, there is a part in Saving Daisy, right at the end, that was so wonderful and moving and gorgeous that I rushed back to read a certain part in Being Billy and it made a lot more sense and made both books more poignant. Maybe that’s me. Maybe I’ll bribe one of you who haven’t read either of them to read Saving Daisy first and then Being Billy and see if my theory is correct. Muhahahaha.. I’m like the Dr Jekyll of YA blogging. *cue lightning bolts*
*I very nearly fell out with my best friend who dared to suggest we got salty popcorn once. I mean… urgh..
Can I just leave it at that?
Can we just call that my review?
No? You want more? God, sometimes you are the most demanding readers ever.
You will know by now how much I loved Being Billy by Phil Earle so I was practically chomping at the bit to read his next book. Saving Daisy tells the story of Daisy Houghton, who you will know if you’ve read Billy’s story. I’ve been thinking about how to class Saving Daisy and I’m failing miserably. I wouldn’t call it a sequel and, you know… I wouldn’t even call it a companion book.
Actually, you know what? I’m going to use my YA reviewing power (it’s a real thing, of course it is) to say that Saving Daisy is a standalone book. Definitely*.
This is Daisy’s story and no one gets a look in. And this is her time.
Of course I loved Being Billy but Saving Daisy, in my opinion, was even better.
I’m going to avoid talking about the plot because it’s good to know as little as you can before reading this book. I find that this book’s shocks and twists are infinitely better when they thwack you across the back of the head completely out of the blue. If you’ve read Being Billy, you may have an inkling of what happened to her before her cameo in BB. But take that inkling and throw it out of the window because, mate, you have no idea.
This book made me laugh hysterically. This book made me so unbelievably angry. This book made me want to put The Shawshank Redemption on and weep into a pillow. This book broke my heart.
At first I thought it was the subject matter, something that is very personal to me, and I thought maybe I was just connecting to it because of that and there was a chance that I was being biased. But then I thought that I was doing a huge disservice to Mr Earle’s writing which is the main reason my heart now lies bleeding on my bedroom floor.
My favourite kind of writer is an authentic writer, one that knows what they’re talking about, and Mr Earle’s writing is 100% authentic. Through my unrivalled researching skills, (like… um.. Googling him and looking at his ‘About Me’ section on his website) I found out that Mr Earle used to work as a care worker before he became a writer. And this shows. He doesn’t sugar coat the issues that children like Billy and Daisy have nor does he make them more horrifying than they are just to make a good story.
Mr Earle employs a great subtlety to his writing that made this book so affective. In the hands of a lesser writer, Daisy’s story could have got very overwhelming extremely fast. I won’t lie to you: there is a lot of angst in this book. If you’re looking for neat, happy endings and conclusions that come with a nice bow then I couldn’t recommend this book to you. You can tell that Mr Earle is a huge fan of telling uncomfortable, unforgettable and realistic books that might not always be the most fun to read… but they challenge the reader and really make them think.
Which is lucky because so am I.
I always find that there is a common criticism for authors who write for teenagers and it is: how can an adult write authentically for teenagers? And I won’t lie, some authors can’t. Their dialogue is cringey and unrealistic, the issues are picked randomly and sensationalised because that’s what they feel teenagers worry about and then some authors put horrifying cultural references (*shudders*) to show how ‘cool’ they are… luckily, Mr Earle doesn’t rely on that to show that he’s a brilliant teen writer. He relies on his writing.
But what about a grown man writing from the perspective of a teenage girl?
Nah, he’s got that covered too.
Daisy Houghton was such a glorious character and I would like to be best friends with her. Without the risk of sounding like a fruit loop (What do you mean it’s too late for that?!) I like to judge my YA books on whether I would like hang out with the main characters.
And with this I mind, I would like to be best friends with Daisy Houghton.
I’m not sure how I feel about getting up early to go cliff-trekking but a third of my degree was in film studies so I would be more than willing to sit and watch and discuss films while I ate an entire bag of popcorn. Actually, no… strike that. I loved Daisy so much I would share my popcorn with her, something that is unheard of. People have lost fingers for attempting to get at my popcorn*.
When I looked back at my notes to write this review I noticed that, as the book went on and we got to know Daisy more, it seemed I became more and more protective of her. One actually reads “OMG DON’T YOU DARE DO THAT.” Well… not actually… because my Kindle-typing is ridiculous and I was trying to balance standing on the train so it really read “ohk font yu dare dp tht” but the sentiment still stands.
I loveloveloved her and she will be forever one of my most authentic, genuine, compassionate, broken, favourite YA heroines.
OK, just had a skim through my review and it seems to be sponsored by the word “authentic”, but I make no apologies because isn’t that what you want in a contemporary book?
It can also be sponsored by the word: “British”, “compelling”, “horrifying”, “hopeful”, “brilliant”, “powerful”, “unflinching”, “astonishing” and “OMGWHYAREN’TYOUREADINGIT?”.
The latter, word I feel, the most apt.
And of course it’s a word, so be quiet.
It’s so wonderful to find yet another British YA author who will be added to my “Read Everything They Write Even if it’s on a Post-It” list.
Oh and before I go, I just want to say that it’s really refreshing to read a YA book set in Northern England. It’s good to see that there are authors believe in THE DREADED NORTH and not that the UK just ends after you’ve left London. It may be grim up here, but as Mr Earle has shown, it proves for brilliant stories.
*Actually, there is a part in Saving Daisy, right at the end, that was so wonderful and moving and gorgeous that I rushed back to read a certain part in Being Billy and it made a lot more sense and made both books more poignant. Maybe that’s me. Maybe I’ll bribe one of you who haven’t read either of them to read Saving Daisy first and then Being Billy and see if my theory is correct. Muhahahaha.. I’m like the Dr Jekyll of YA blogging. *cue lightning bolts*
*I very nearly fell out with my best friend who dared to suggest we got salty popcorn once. I mean… urgh..
January 15, 2012
The first thing that I'm going to say about this book is simply 'Wow'. I didn't know much about this book when I picked it up, only that I liked Daisy's character in Being Billy, Earle's debut novel. I could see a lot of potential and depth in Daisy from her appearance in Being Billy and this book certainly reached and topped that potential. This is a sort-of prequel to that, though it is a standalone, and so it's not necessary to read Being Billy before you pick this one up.
It is very clear from the start that Earle has had experience in the children's care sector of work. He has worked as a carer in a children's home and also in a therapeutic community. His experience allows him to portray an extremely raw and realistic tale of a very troubled girl, Daisy. Although she is only fourteen for the most part of the book, she is very developed in her complex thoughts and feelings, even if they aren't positive ones. For this reason, I think this book would appeal to adults as well as older teenagers. The setting for this story is mostly in Bellfield, a therapeutic community and a very frank, good representation of life there is given. A lot of different mental health care aspects are explored, from fitting in with others, medication side effects, the positive affect of charities and the need for trust with any therapists.
The general atmosphere for our protagonist is set straight away. From the beginning, the novel is full of mystery and intrigue. It is clear from the first lines that Daisy is not just a two dimensional character, but much more complex. I was drawn to her and wanted to know more. We get to see the reasoning behind some of her thoughts quite early in on the book, though there is certainly a lot more to learn about Daisy, and the people she meets, throughout. My attention was completely captured by her mental health issues. Earle deals with emotional and behavioural issues such as self harm in an experienced, tactful manner. He shows how methodical it is for Daisy and gives the reader a real idea of what it is like for someone who self injures. Daisy has a huge weight burdening her and she has done for all of her life. I often felt as though I was sharing this weight with her and at a lot of points, it was very difficult to read.
Daisy has a lot of important relationships - with her father and with Ade, her key worker, in particular. I loved Ade - she was so connected to Daisy, so caring and managed to put me at ease - there was definitely an air of confidence and security about her. Naomi and the several other characters she meets whilst in the therapeutic community also play important roles in her life. Everyone who is introduced has a unique personality and it was fantastic to read a book in which people with mental health issues weren't stereotypical.
There are several twists and turns in this book which made it compulsive reading, though I often did have to put it down as some of the subject matter was very difficult, emotionally, to read about. There are an abundance of subjects tackled, from student-teacher relationships, self harm, friendships and differences, grieving, love and loss. Different coping methods are explored, as are the difference in our thought processes. The action and change in this novel is almost non-stop which makes it a real page turner. I think that Earle does manage to, despite all the difficulties, give us a real sense of hope. This is a very touching, sad but inspiring story that I'm very thankful that I read. I can't wait to see what Phil Earle has to offer us next.
It is very clear from the start that Earle has had experience in the children's care sector of work. He has worked as a carer in a children's home and also in a therapeutic community. His experience allows him to portray an extremely raw and realistic tale of a very troubled girl, Daisy. Although she is only fourteen for the most part of the book, she is very developed in her complex thoughts and feelings, even if they aren't positive ones. For this reason, I think this book would appeal to adults as well as older teenagers. The setting for this story is mostly in Bellfield, a therapeutic community and a very frank, good representation of life there is given. A lot of different mental health care aspects are explored, from fitting in with others, medication side effects, the positive affect of charities and the need for trust with any therapists.
The general atmosphere for our protagonist is set straight away. From the beginning, the novel is full of mystery and intrigue. It is clear from the first lines that Daisy is not just a two dimensional character, but much more complex. I was drawn to her and wanted to know more. We get to see the reasoning behind some of her thoughts quite early in on the book, though there is certainly a lot more to learn about Daisy, and the people she meets, throughout. My attention was completely captured by her mental health issues. Earle deals with emotional and behavioural issues such as self harm in an experienced, tactful manner. He shows how methodical it is for Daisy and gives the reader a real idea of what it is like for someone who self injures. Daisy has a huge weight burdening her and she has done for all of her life. I often felt as though I was sharing this weight with her and at a lot of points, it was very difficult to read.
Daisy has a lot of important relationships - with her father and with Ade, her key worker, in particular. I loved Ade - she was so connected to Daisy, so caring and managed to put me at ease - there was definitely an air of confidence and security about her. Naomi and the several other characters she meets whilst in the therapeutic community also play important roles in her life. Everyone who is introduced has a unique personality and it was fantastic to read a book in which people with mental health issues weren't stereotypical.
There are several twists and turns in this book which made it compulsive reading, though I often did have to put it down as some of the subject matter was very difficult, emotionally, to read about. There are an abundance of subjects tackled, from student-teacher relationships, self harm, friendships and differences, grieving, love and loss. Different coping methods are explored, as are the difference in our thought processes. The action and change in this novel is almost non-stop which makes it a real page turner. I think that Earle does manage to, despite all the difficulties, give us a real sense of hope. This is a very touching, sad but inspiring story that I'm very thankful that I read. I can't wait to see what Phil Earle has to offer us next.
January 22, 2012
'Saving Daisy' is an emotionally charged and powerful read from the British author of 'Being Billy'. Be warned now that you'll need to have a box of tissues beside you while you're reading this book because it will rip your heart out.
Phil Earle's writing is unflinchingly honest. He's not afraid to tackle difficult or emotive topics such as death and bereavement, rape, bullying, drinking and other such issues. His background as a care worker is obvious here when reading about the main character Daisy and the experiences she goes through. He writes sensitively about her and her issues, whilst also portraying a realistic view of life in a therapeutic community for teenagers. I thought the relationship she had with her key worker Ade was one of great trust. It was obvious that not only did Ade care deeply about Daisy and her road to recovery but it was touching to see how much Daisy came to value Ade's friendship by the end of the book.
Some parts of the story made for difficult reading and it was hard at times to see how much Daisy blamed herself for not only her mother's death but also for many of the things that happen to her. Trying to correct the way she thinks about herself and establish a more positive outlook for the future is one of the struggles that she has to face.
I found the ending and overall message of the book to be full of hope, showing that there's always a way through the pain for everyone, no matter how bleak a person's future can look and no matter what someone has had to go through. 'Saving Daisy' is not a light read but it's one that will stay with you long after turning the last page. It's heartbreaking at times and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride but it's worth every second and is a book I would definitely recommend to others.
Phil Earle's writing is unflinchingly honest. He's not afraid to tackle difficult or emotive topics such as death and bereavement, rape, bullying, drinking and other such issues. His background as a care worker is obvious here when reading about the main character Daisy and the experiences she goes through. He writes sensitively about her and her issues, whilst also portraying a realistic view of life in a therapeutic community for teenagers. I thought the relationship she had with her key worker Ade was one of great trust. It was obvious that not only did Ade care deeply about Daisy and her road to recovery but it was touching to see how much Daisy came to value Ade's friendship by the end of the book.
Some parts of the story made for difficult reading and it was hard at times to see how much Daisy blamed herself for not only her mother's death but also for many of the things that happen to her. Trying to correct the way she thinks about herself and establish a more positive outlook for the future is one of the struggles that she has to face.
I found the ending and overall message of the book to be full of hope, showing that there's always a way through the pain for everyone, no matter how bleak a person's future can look and no matter what someone has had to go through. 'Saving Daisy' is not a light read but it's one that will stay with you long after turning the last page. It's heartbreaking at times and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride but it's worth every second and is a book I would definitely recommend to others.
January 18, 2012
I cried, I laughed, I loved, I grieved. Saving Daisy was an emotional roller-coaster – one I adored and was sad to leave. Or, more precisely, I was heartbroken to leave Daisy: I really, really loved her and Ade too.
Daisy never knew her Mum. Her Dad won’t – can’t – talk about her. In Daisy’s eyes, it was her fault.
As the fear, the misplaced guilt over her Mum’s death gets stronger and stronger; her ways of coping become violent, extreme. But the one person she decides to trust does something they shouldn’t have, and once more Daisy tells herself she’s to blame. Her life spirals out of control, and before she knows it, Daisy is all alone.
She doesn’t want help, doesn’t think she deserves it. She’s bad luck in her eyes: everyone she lets in gets hurt or hurts her. But can the kindness of a single stranger, one who is desperate to help, be enough to bring her back from brink. Will Daisy Houghton even let herself be saved?
I love contemp books, especially ones that made me think, feel and (although I don’t know why I like it so much) cry. Saving Daisy made me do all three of these things and more. I loved every moment, wrapped up in Daisy’s world, her fears. I was so completely addicted from start to finish, unable to put the book down, desperate to know what happened to Daisy… By the end I desperately wanted to read the whole book all over again, and I need Being Billy.
Daisy Houghton was a wonderful girl: snarkily funny, film-addicted, clever… She was also drowning in her fear and guilt. I loved her from the word go, constantly telling her “It’s not your fault Daisy!” She was so scared, betrayed by the ones she let it, always on the edge of everything. To begin with I thought her guilt was ridiculous, but in her mind, she really thought she was responsible. I felt so bad for her because I loved her so much. She was just so strong, so stubborn and she had to grow up so fast. I loved it when we got to see the sweet, grieving side of Daisy, rather than the guilt-ridden, self-blaming one. She was so real to me: it felt like I was the only one she trusted…
Ade, Daisy’s key-worker, was lovely! The moment she walked in, she made Daisy feel better, like she was “being saved”, and made me smile. She really looked out for Daisy, was really smart, laidback, instructive without being bossy… She was just so strong, and really understood Daisy and I loved her so much!
Bellfield, the place Daisy was sent to “find the answer” was amazing: You had so many different characters… The overly friendly, sweet Susie, who didn’t really understand personal space. The argumentative, snarky, slightly violent Patrick. The constantly texting, perhaps-perhaps-not delusional, laidback Jimmy, who couldn’t quite tell the difference between fantasy and reality. The moody, short-tempered, irrational, unpredictable Naomi. The various careers: young, laid-back Floss; efficient, friendly, respected-by-all Bex; the lovely, kind, patient Ade. All the different personalities made for a chaotic, volatile, never-dull place. My favourite was by far Jimmy (Ade not included): I loved Jimmy-style therapy: watching washing machines – “sweet”! You definitely have the “X-Factor” Jimmy!
The writing was amazing. It was raw, emotional, powerful, addictive. It was teenager, but the voice of a teenager who knows too much. It was Daisy. 100%. I adored the descriptions, brilliant but not too heavy. I just loved the edginess, everything. I just loved Earle’s writing. Enough said!
I thought the plot would be straight forward from the blurb. Boy was I wrong! There were twists I never saw coming, plot turns I never would have thought of, character changes that surprised me. I loved every turn, every unpredictable development. I was completely hooked from start to finish.
What struck me straight away about Saving Daisy were the emotions. Instantly, I was tangled in Daisy’s head, not exactly sure where my emotions stopped and hers began. It felt like I was drowning in Daisy’s feelings, in my own. It was overwhelming, in the very best way. I was so wrapped up in the book, in Daisy: invested. It was a roller coaster of emotions, the main ones pain, sadness, grief, love and sympathy. I was almost constantly on the verge of tears, so the little bright spots, the small breakthroughs, the parts that made me smile, were even more potent. But in some probably twisted way, I loved crying, the constant battling emotions. Crying meant I adored this book and its characters and truly cared about what happened to them. Because I did.
A heartbroken, guilt-ridden, scarred heroine, afraid to trust or love, a caring, always smiling care worker, with a secret of her own, and the hardest journey of all: facing your fears, you guilt and realising it wasn’t your fault, putting yourself back together… Saving Daisy was an emotional, powerful read that left my head spinning. I won’t forget you Daisy. Not in a long time.
Daisy never knew her Mum. Her Dad won’t – can’t – talk about her. In Daisy’s eyes, it was her fault.
As the fear, the misplaced guilt over her Mum’s death gets stronger and stronger; her ways of coping become violent, extreme. But the one person she decides to trust does something they shouldn’t have, and once more Daisy tells herself she’s to blame. Her life spirals out of control, and before she knows it, Daisy is all alone.
She doesn’t want help, doesn’t think she deserves it. She’s bad luck in her eyes: everyone she lets in gets hurt or hurts her. But can the kindness of a single stranger, one who is desperate to help, be enough to bring her back from brink. Will Daisy Houghton even let herself be saved?
I love contemp books, especially ones that made me think, feel and (although I don’t know why I like it so much) cry. Saving Daisy made me do all three of these things and more. I loved every moment, wrapped up in Daisy’s world, her fears. I was so completely addicted from start to finish, unable to put the book down, desperate to know what happened to Daisy… By the end I desperately wanted to read the whole book all over again, and I need Being Billy.
Daisy Houghton was a wonderful girl: snarkily funny, film-addicted, clever… She was also drowning in her fear and guilt. I loved her from the word go, constantly telling her “It’s not your fault Daisy!” She was so scared, betrayed by the ones she let it, always on the edge of everything. To begin with I thought her guilt was ridiculous, but in her mind, she really thought she was responsible. I felt so bad for her because I loved her so much. She was just so strong, so stubborn and she had to grow up so fast. I loved it when we got to see the sweet, grieving side of Daisy, rather than the guilt-ridden, self-blaming one. She was so real to me: it felt like I was the only one she trusted…
Ade, Daisy’s key-worker, was lovely! The moment she walked in, she made Daisy feel better, like she was “being saved”, and made me smile. She really looked out for Daisy, was really smart, laidback, instructive without being bossy… She was just so strong, and really understood Daisy and I loved her so much!
Bellfield, the place Daisy was sent to “find the answer” was amazing: You had so many different characters… The overly friendly, sweet Susie, who didn’t really understand personal space. The argumentative, snarky, slightly violent Patrick. The constantly texting, perhaps-perhaps-not delusional, laidback Jimmy, who couldn’t quite tell the difference between fantasy and reality. The moody, short-tempered, irrational, unpredictable Naomi. The various careers: young, laid-back Floss; efficient, friendly, respected-by-all Bex; the lovely, kind, patient Ade. All the different personalities made for a chaotic, volatile, never-dull place. My favourite was by far Jimmy (Ade not included): I loved Jimmy-style therapy: watching washing machines – “sweet”! You definitely have the “X-Factor” Jimmy!
The writing was amazing. It was raw, emotional, powerful, addictive. It was teenager, but the voice of a teenager who knows too much. It was Daisy. 100%. I adored the descriptions, brilliant but not too heavy. I just loved the edginess, everything. I just loved Earle’s writing. Enough said!
I thought the plot would be straight forward from the blurb. Boy was I wrong! There were twists I never saw coming, plot turns I never would have thought of, character changes that surprised me. I loved every turn, every unpredictable development. I was completely hooked from start to finish.
What struck me straight away about Saving Daisy were the emotions. Instantly, I was tangled in Daisy’s head, not exactly sure where my emotions stopped and hers began. It felt like I was drowning in Daisy’s feelings, in my own. It was overwhelming, in the very best way. I was so wrapped up in the book, in Daisy: invested. It was a roller coaster of emotions, the main ones pain, sadness, grief, love and sympathy. I was almost constantly on the verge of tears, so the little bright spots, the small breakthroughs, the parts that made me smile, were even more potent. But in some probably twisted way, I loved crying, the constant battling emotions. Crying meant I adored this book and its characters and truly cared about what happened to them. Because I did.
A heartbroken, guilt-ridden, scarred heroine, afraid to trust or love, a caring, always smiling care worker, with a secret of her own, and the hardest journey of all: facing your fears, you guilt and realising it wasn’t your fault, putting yourself back together… Saving Daisy was an emotional, powerful read that left my head spinning. I won’t forget you Daisy. Not in a long time.
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June 11, 2015Argh. This is one of those books. One of those impossibly difficult to review, yet utterly brilliant books which I absolutely loved. Just thinking about reading Saving Daisy makes my heart ache a little. So, I’m going to try and review it. But in case I just ramble on incoherently, my basic advice to everyone is; just read this book.
From the prologue, we knew something would happen to Daisy’s dad. I wasn’t expecting to be quite as affected as I was, not because it related to anything that’s happened to me, but because it crystallised almost every fear I have for my family at one time or another. What made it worse for me was that I could really relate to Daisy’s relationship with her father, particularly when it came to their afternoon tea, bickies and a movie ritual. Daisy wasn’t perfect, and that’s what makes her such a wonderful character. She made me angry and frustrated at times. But she also made me smile, worry and hope for her future. Earle is one of my favourite authors because he creates characters which are so damn real it’s almost unbelievable.
In both Being Billy and Saving Daisy, Earle writes with an unflinching honesty which left me raw with emotion. He doesn’t shy away from thoroughly uncomfortable topics like grief, anxiety, anger and self-harm. Yet, it doesn’t feel like a contrived ‘issues book’ for teenagers. No, in this Daisy’s story just is. I finished the book feeling hopeful for Daisy’s future, but it was by no means a happy ending or compensation for the enormous trauma she suffered. It’s clear Earle’s own experience as a care worker in a home like that in Saving Daisy played a huge part in making this feel so incredibly real.
It’s hard to describe just how beautiful and heartbreaking Saving Daisy is. Earle is undeniably one of Britain’s best contemporary young adult writers and this is a must-read for fans of the genre.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
From the prologue, we knew something would happen to Daisy’s dad. I wasn’t expecting to be quite as affected as I was, not because it related to anything that’s happened to me, but because it crystallised almost every fear I have for my family at one time or another. What made it worse for me was that I could really relate to Daisy’s relationship with her father, particularly when it came to their afternoon tea, bickies and a movie ritual. Daisy wasn’t perfect, and that’s what makes her such a wonderful character. She made me angry and frustrated at times. But she also made me smile, worry and hope for her future. Earle is one of my favourite authors because he creates characters which are so damn real it’s almost unbelievable.
In both Being Billy and Saving Daisy, Earle writes with an unflinching honesty which left me raw with emotion. He doesn’t shy away from thoroughly uncomfortable topics like grief, anxiety, anger and self-harm. Yet, it doesn’t feel like a contrived ‘issues book’ for teenagers. No, in this Daisy’s story just is. I finished the book feeling hopeful for Daisy’s future, but it was by no means a happy ending or compensation for the enormous trauma she suffered. It’s clear Earle’s own experience as a care worker in a home like that in Saving Daisy played a huge part in making this feel so incredibly real.
It’s hard to describe just how beautiful and heartbreaking Saving Daisy is. Earle is undeniably one of Britain’s best contemporary young adult writers and this is a must-read for fans of the genre.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
May 11, 2023
One of the shittiest book I've read
January 4, 2012
Having met Daisy in Phil Earle’s Being Billy I was eager to find out her story. I have to say I haven’t been disappointed … Daisy’s life is just as intense and gripping as Billy’s was!
The prologue really does hook the reader in – you want to know if Daisy really did what she said or was it a misconception?
The first part of Saving Daisy we get to understand the relationship she has with her dad and learn about the strategy she’s developed of seeming to belong with her peers while holding herself apart. We also find out that recently, Daisy found a report, which makes her responsible for the loss of her mother. To alleviate the panic this brings, Daisy copes in the only way that brings her relief – she self-harms.
Interaction with a new teacher starting at school leads to tragedy and Daisy finds herself living in a ‘therapeutic community’ where key worker Ade has the task of building trust and sharing strategies to help Daisy come to terms with her misconceptions and how to deal with the anxiety/panic. In the therapeutic community we get to experience many dramas with the interaction of the other four residents and staff as well as Daisy’s journey.
The build up to the final crisis is nail-biting and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I loved how the resolution tied-in with Billy’s life.
Saving Daisy is written in the first person from Daisy’s perception. I think the author’s experience of working in a care home/as a drama therapist really shines through in Daisy’s personality. It certainly shows how well he knew the people he cared for.
The characters in Saving Daisy are true to life and we get to know them through their dialogue and actions rather than descriptive writing.
I can only commend Phil Earle for his portrayal of one of the ‘darker’ aspects of life that once again, not everyone wants to acknowledge or accept. He does not embellish or dramatise self-harming – he writes it as it is. I think readers will empathise with Daisy and I think quite a lot of people will identify with thoughts we have that aren’t reality or even logical.
Although Daisy is a character in Being Billy, you don’t have to have read it to be able to understand Daisy.
Oh and my favourite scene? just has to be Daisy’s 15th birthday and old video footage. I found myself grinning inanely while crying at the same time – joy!
Saving Daisy is YA but I recommend anyone who is a people-watcher, interested in psychology, likes drama and tension or has no fear of confronting the darker side of life pick up a copy for yourself. You won’t be bored.
Jera's Jamboree at Wordpress http://jerasjamboree.wordpress.com
The prologue really does hook the reader in – you want to know if Daisy really did what she said or was it a misconception?
The first part of Saving Daisy we get to understand the relationship she has with her dad and learn about the strategy she’s developed of seeming to belong with her peers while holding herself apart. We also find out that recently, Daisy found a report, which makes her responsible for the loss of her mother. To alleviate the panic this brings, Daisy copes in the only way that brings her relief – she self-harms.
Interaction with a new teacher starting at school leads to tragedy and Daisy finds herself living in a ‘therapeutic community’ where key worker Ade has the task of building trust and sharing strategies to help Daisy come to terms with her misconceptions and how to deal with the anxiety/panic. In the therapeutic community we get to experience many dramas with the interaction of the other four residents and staff as well as Daisy’s journey.
The build up to the final crisis is nail-biting and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I loved how the resolution tied-in with Billy’s life.
Saving Daisy is written in the first person from Daisy’s perception. I think the author’s experience of working in a care home/as a drama therapist really shines through in Daisy’s personality. It certainly shows how well he knew the people he cared for.
The characters in Saving Daisy are true to life and we get to know them through their dialogue and actions rather than descriptive writing.
I can only commend Phil Earle for his portrayal of one of the ‘darker’ aspects of life that once again, not everyone wants to acknowledge or accept. He does not embellish or dramatise self-harming – he writes it as it is. I think readers will empathise with Daisy and I think quite a lot of people will identify with thoughts we have that aren’t reality or even logical.
Although Daisy is a character in Being Billy, you don’t have to have read it to be able to understand Daisy.
Oh and my favourite scene? just has to be Daisy’s 15th birthday and old video footage. I found myself grinning inanely while crying at the same time – joy!
Saving Daisy is YA but I recommend anyone who is a people-watcher, interested in psychology, likes drama and tension or has no fear of confronting the darker side of life pick up a copy for yourself. You won’t be bored.
Jera's Jamboree at Wordpress http://jerasjamboree.wordpress.com
April 29, 2015
Since reading the fabulous Being Billy I have been looking forward to reading Daisy's story. Now that I have, Phil Earle has truly cemented himself as an author I will read simply because his name is on the cover. I absolutely loved it.
The events of Saving Daisy take place before Being Billy making this a prequel of sorts. I loved finding out all about Daisy and having the story told from her point of view - I adored her in Being Billy and loved her even more after reading this. One of the things I really liked about Being Billy was the authentic voice given to Billy and I have to say that he did it again with Daisy. She's so real you can't help but get swept up in her story and feel everything she felt. I felt so bad for her and everything she goes through. She's so convinced that everything is her fault - that she deserves to be alone. Her reaction to her mother's death is understandable - it must be very hard to deal with - and I hated that someone used that to get close to her when he shouldn't. And, of course, the accident would be hard for anyone to deal with - add it all together and it's not surprising that she finds it hard to cope.
Again it's obvious that Phil Earle has experience working with kids - it shines through in his writing. He has such an understanding of what Daisy and kids like her are going through - the whole story is just spot on and feels completely realistic. Powerfully so. I so desperately wanted Daisy to stop blaming herself - to find a way to see that none of it was her fault. And I loved Ade - her key worker - and how she manages to help Daisy see the truth.
I can't recommend this highly enough. I loved Being Billy but this managed to surpass all my expectations. An absolute must read!
The events of Saving Daisy take place before Being Billy making this a prequel of sorts. I loved finding out all about Daisy and having the story told from her point of view - I adored her in Being Billy and loved her even more after reading this. One of the things I really liked about Being Billy was the authentic voice given to Billy and I have to say that he did it again with Daisy. She's so real you can't help but get swept up in her story and feel everything she felt. I felt so bad for her and everything she goes through. She's so convinced that everything is her fault - that she deserves to be alone. Her reaction to her mother's death is understandable - it must be very hard to deal with - and I hated that someone used that to get close to her when he shouldn't. And, of course, the accident would be hard for anyone to deal with - add it all together and it's not surprising that she finds it hard to cope.
Again it's obvious that Phil Earle has experience working with kids - it shines through in his writing. He has such an understanding of what Daisy and kids like her are going through - the whole story is just spot on and feels completely realistic. Powerfully so. I so desperately wanted Daisy to stop blaming herself - to find a way to see that none of it was her fault. And I loved Ade - her key worker - and how she manages to help Daisy see the truth.
I can't recommend this highly enough. I loved Being Billy but this managed to surpass all my expectations. An absolute must read!
March 30, 2012
Daisy's story is an incredibly emotional, devastating and uplifting novel. It had me in floods of tears out of sadness and happiness. I hasn't felt quite so emotional over a book in a long time.
Earle has a tragically beautiful writing style. It is gritty and raw and brutally honest. I haven't read his first novel Being Billy but after finishing Saving Daisy I can't wait to.
When starting the novel I has absolutely no idea where it was going to go. There were so many possibilities and I wasn't able to predict it. I don't want to say the novel doesn't have a plot because it does but it is about so much more than the plot. It is about Daisy's growth as a character and having the strength and hope to keep going when things get tough.
Saving Daisy book is hard to read at times and the book deals with difficult subject matters but it is a book worth reading if you like books about real people with real problems. Ultimately, the book is about hope and it definitely gave me some of my own.
Earle has a tragically beautiful writing style. It is gritty and raw and brutally honest. I haven't read his first novel Being Billy but after finishing Saving Daisy I can't wait to.
When starting the novel I has absolutely no idea where it was going to go. There were so many possibilities and I wasn't able to predict it. I don't want to say the novel doesn't have a plot because it does but it is about so much more than the plot. It is about Daisy's growth as a character and having the strength and hope to keep going when things get tough.
Saving Daisy book is hard to read at times and the book deals with difficult subject matters but it is a book worth reading if you like books about real people with real problems. Ultimately, the book is about hope and it definitely gave me some of my own.
July 12, 2015
Absolutely astonishing read. Maybe because I'm at that right age to appreciate Daisy's turmoil, I felt like I connected with her, however I have never been through anything that Daisy has been through. I love books like this, especially because my passion is working with children and families. One day I'd like to be like Ade. Although I have never personally experienced what Daisy has, I have known people with certain similar traits or who have experienced some of what Daisy has. Phil Earle has an absolute talent for writing from the point of view of a very emotionally damaged teenage girl. Saving Daisy is a superb book and I would highly recommend it to everyone!
June 22, 2014
Undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read. I've been through most of the issues Daisy goes though (our story is very similar) I think the author has written it amazingly and it's very accurate. It really captures the mind of a young teenage girl who is consumed with guilt and depression. It's very well crafted and it really gets you hooked. However I would say that there is a lot of self harm details which could possibly be triggering to some people, but it is an amazing book and it kept me gripped for days.
December 31, 2014
Phil Earle is really good at setting up his character with an intriguing prologue that raises all sorts of questions in the reader's mind. What does Daisy mean, did she really kill her Mum? How can a person ever get past that?
Daisy herself is an engaging character, and her voice sounds authentic - quite a feat for a male writer. As we follow Daisy on her journey, we learn much more about her and the circumstances that lead her to her position in the prologue.
This is a thoughtful, satisfying read that is getting a lot of recommendations in my school Library
Daisy herself is an engaging character, and her voice sounds authentic - quite a feat for a male writer. As we follow Daisy on her journey, we learn much more about her and the circumstances that lead her to her position in the prologue.
This is a thoughtful, satisfying read that is getting a lot of recommendations in my school Library
May 18, 2015
I liked the story. The thing with the teacher was kind of obvious but I'm glad it didn't go too far. All the characters seemed very flat. Daisy - angst and movies, Dad - movies and ignoring the obvious etc. Better rounded characters would have made a better book, although saying that I loved Ade and thought the ending there was going to turn out drastically different. Speaking of the ending... It seemed very incomplete, no closure was given.
June 6, 2016
possibly the greatest book i have ever read. the ending is perfect, i love how gradually daisy changes. the sequel is being billy which is less entertaining if you spend two years screwing around before actually reading the book (guess who did that? :P). anyway, you should totally read it since itll probably make you cry.
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January 7, 2016Saving Daisy is a really intriguing (and deep) book about a girl trying to get her thought straight after the death f both her parents (both of which she blames on herself). It is a thought provoking and unputdownable* book which I love.
I would recommend Saving Daisy to all teenagers.
*unputdownable- well, its kinda self explanatory...
I would recommend Saving Daisy to all teenagers.
*unputdownable- well, its kinda self explanatory...
February 6, 2013
in being billy daisy was really interesting and also mysterious making a book about her only was really a good move even though i would have preferred seeing it from billy's point of view but still this was an amazing book and daisy is a one of a kind character
November 29, 2015
Heel goed en inlevend geschreven. Ik krijg zoveel meer begrip voor probleemjongeren hierdoor. Ik vind dat het boek heel mooi Daisy haar moeizame proces laat zien om mentaal sterker en gezonder te worden.
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November 19, 2015Another great piece of writing from Phil Earle. Difficult subjects handled with skill, honesty and warmth.
April 7, 2012
it was an amazing book, Ade was awesome but i expected daisy to fall in love with someone
April 22, 2012
ANother YA book with a predictable plotline - the book did get better as it went on though
November 27, 2012
I loved this book. It was just wow! I could relate to it somehow and it was nice and short and it didn't take that long to read it was really good
May 27, 2013
Brilliant and gripping first half but found the second half too much like a social worker's case load.
April 4, 2015
Really interesting book, that I didn't want to put down. I really simithised with the characters and was brought into there world
October 2, 2017
Daisy's life is complicated - her mum is dead, and dad will not discuss the matter with her. Daisy blames herself for all the bad things that happen in her life and self harms to take the pain away. Following a further tragedy Daisy end up at an institution aimed at helping her come to terms with her life. She is bullied and ridiculed, but her case worker Ade helps her to deal to some extent with her problems. Phil Earle has the experience to successfully discuss such tragic matters in a very real way.
September 25, 2022
So sad, I felt so upset reading his book, however I thought the ending was well deserved, however I would have liked if there was a bit more background information on the kids in the Foster kids home.
March 6, 2019
This book is perfect. Nothing else needs to be said.
August 14, 2021
Heavyy
March 24, 2023
Daisy haar moeder is overleden op de dag dat zij geboren is, ze denkt dat haar vader haar dat kwalijk neemt.
Thema: automutilatie.
Geen basisschoolboek.
Thema: automutilatie.
Geen basisschoolboek.
January 23, 2012
Phil Earle is not an author to hold back. When he writes, he takes hold of real issues that affect teenagers and thrusts them into awareness. Saving Daisy is a gut wrenching, gritty realistic read that pulls no punches. Phil writes about real life issues we try and forget exist.
Saving Daisy is a companion novel to Being Billy, which I really enjoyed reading last year. With Phil's books you feel bad, saying you enjoyed them because they deal with children in care who suffer, but Phil really brings his characters to life, so that you feel like you know them so well and you are cheering them from the sideline to be one of the children who survive the system and come out winning.
I loved Daisy even more that Being Billy, it was so nice to see her journey before she reached Billy's world. This girl really suffered from guilt and had to learn that the events of her life were not her fault, she was just one of the unlucky ones who found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. On reflection after reading the book, I wondered how many children in the world live with a similar guilt, who feel responsible for the death of their parents, when in reality it wasn't their fault. Phil really expresses and explores Daisy's life in detail and you feel privileged to be able to watch her journey of survival. I was extremely impressed by Phil's ability to write from a female perspective, something which I felt he captured accurately. I actually felt like I was in Daisy's head. I could see everything from her point of view and understood completely where she was coming from.
This book covers many issues that children in care often face, including self harming and adults grooming children. In this story, Daisy has an encounter with one of the supply teachers which made me feel quite sick. The way adults can manipulate children like this to thinking it is their fault and how bad it would be to them if it all came out, really kicks me the gut. This is one area where I find so difficult to read about, but it seems so much more common than we realise. Self harming is an issue that I have never really understood, however this book made it all so much clearer to understand.
After finishing and reflecting about Saving Daisy, I now feel the need to go back and reread Being Billy, to remind myself how well Daisy turned out in the end. She really is such a strong character who heroically comes back from the brink of depression to see that life is actually worth living, with the help of Ade,. Daisy combats her demons, which would send most sane adults on the road to insanity. Ade is an exceptional character in this book and makes key workers look brilliant. Without her help, I am not sure whether Daisy would have been able to come back.
Saving Daisy broke my heart and opened my eyes. It made me think and stayed with me long after I had finished reading it. Within just two books, you can see how much Phil has progressed as a writer. I will be first in the queue for his third book. A very real, gritty book that all teenagers should read.
Saving Daisy is a companion novel to Being Billy, which I really enjoyed reading last year. With Phil's books you feel bad, saying you enjoyed them because they deal with children in care who suffer, but Phil really brings his characters to life, so that you feel like you know them so well and you are cheering them from the sideline to be one of the children who survive the system and come out winning.
I loved Daisy even more that Being Billy, it was so nice to see her journey before she reached Billy's world. This girl really suffered from guilt and had to learn that the events of her life were not her fault, she was just one of the unlucky ones who found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. On reflection after reading the book, I wondered how many children in the world live with a similar guilt, who feel responsible for the death of their parents, when in reality it wasn't their fault. Phil really expresses and explores Daisy's life in detail and you feel privileged to be able to watch her journey of survival. I was extremely impressed by Phil's ability to write from a female perspective, something which I felt he captured accurately. I actually felt like I was in Daisy's head. I could see everything from her point of view and understood completely where she was coming from.
This book covers many issues that children in care often face, including self harming and adults grooming children. In this story, Daisy has an encounter with one of the supply teachers which made me feel quite sick. The way adults can manipulate children like this to thinking it is their fault and how bad it would be to them if it all came out, really kicks me the gut. This is one area where I find so difficult to read about, but it seems so much more common than we realise. Self harming is an issue that I have never really understood, however this book made it all so much clearer to understand.
After finishing and reflecting about Saving Daisy, I now feel the need to go back and reread Being Billy, to remind myself how well Daisy turned out in the end. She really is such a strong character who heroically comes back from the brink of depression to see that life is actually worth living, with the help of Ade,. Daisy combats her demons, which would send most sane adults on the road to insanity. Ade is an exceptional character in this book and makes key workers look brilliant. Without her help, I am not sure whether Daisy would have been able to come back.
Saving Daisy broke my heart and opened my eyes. It made me think and stayed with me long after I had finished reading it. Within just two books, you can see how much Phil has progressed as a writer. I will be first in the queue for his third book. A very real, gritty book that all teenagers should read.
January 24, 2012
http://totallybookalicious.blogspot.c...
Saving Daisy is a tale of one young girls struggle to overcome the guilt she feels for her mothers death. Suffering from panic attack the only way she can control her emotions is by self harming. She can't talk to her dad about it and ends up seeking comfort in the new teacher Mr. Hodson who seems to care about Daisy. However, pretty soon her life is torn apart and she finds herself at Bellfield, a therapeutic community. There she has a chance to be saved. But does Daisy want to saved?
Lately, I am finding that I want to read more "real" YA fiction. And this is certainly that. Saving Daisy is wonderful and heartfelt story that will give the reader an insight into what is going on with many children and teens today. More and more kids are self harming and this book tackles it head on instead of just skimming over the topic. On a personal level I couldn't really related to story or characters but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. It truely opened my eyes.
Daisy has had to deal with so much for a fourteen year old girl. I just wanted to sit and hug her and tell her everything would be ok. I got so involved with the character that every emotions she was going through I found myself going through as well. Of course the reason for this was the amazing author, Phil who gives Daisy such a powerful voice it would be hard to be gripped by her story.
As I said above I personally couldn't related to storyline. However, I know many people who have went through similar situations and it is hard seeing this happen to anyone and not be able to really do anything about if the person doesn't want help. And that how is was for Daisy at times.
The Plot has a really good pace to it. And flowed wonderfully. However, I did find a just a bit predictable. So the parts that I guess that are meant to shock you, didn't because I just knew what was going to happen. Although, the ending didn't end how I thought it would. It was very different turn of events and I was just sitting like OMG!
If you are looking for a realistic YA novel then please pick this up. It was take you through the motions. Open yours eyes. Or even help you deal with self harm, guilt and grief. There should be more books like this on the bookstores. I am looking forward to reading more of Phil's works so much so that I know I will buying his other Being Billy very very soon
Saving Daisy is a tale of one young girls struggle to overcome the guilt she feels for her mothers death. Suffering from panic attack the only way she can control her emotions is by self harming. She can't talk to her dad about it and ends up seeking comfort in the new teacher Mr. Hodson who seems to care about Daisy. However, pretty soon her life is torn apart and she finds herself at Bellfield, a therapeutic community. There she has a chance to be saved. But does Daisy want to saved?
Lately, I am finding that I want to read more "real" YA fiction. And this is certainly that. Saving Daisy is wonderful and heartfelt story that will give the reader an insight into what is going on with many children and teens today. More and more kids are self harming and this book tackles it head on instead of just skimming over the topic. On a personal level I couldn't really related to story or characters but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. It truely opened my eyes.
Daisy has had to deal with so much for a fourteen year old girl. I just wanted to sit and hug her and tell her everything would be ok. I got so involved with the character that every emotions she was going through I found myself going through as well. Of course the reason for this was the amazing author, Phil who gives Daisy such a powerful voice it would be hard to be gripped by her story.
As I said above I personally couldn't related to storyline. However, I know many people who have went through similar situations and it is hard seeing this happen to anyone and not be able to really do anything about if the person doesn't want help. And that how is was for Daisy at times.
The Plot has a really good pace to it. And flowed wonderfully. However, I did find a just a bit predictable. So the parts that I guess that are meant to shock you, didn't because I just knew what was going to happen. Although, the ending didn't end how I thought it would. It was very different turn of events and I was just sitting like OMG!
If you are looking for a realistic YA novel then please pick this up. It was take you through the motions. Open yours eyes. Or even help you deal with self harm, guilt and grief. There should be more books like this on the bookstores. I am looking forward to reading more of Phil's works so much so that I know I will buying his other Being Billy very very soon
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