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Finn Jones Was Here
Eric's best friend, Finn, was the world's most enthusiastic prankster. Was, because Finn died recently of an illness. ...Or did he? At Finn's funeral, Eric receives a message from beyond the grave - and it must be because this is Finn's biggest prank ever, faking his own death! As Eric follows Finn's cryptic instructions for various challenges, he goes down memory lane and through a scavenger hunt that will change Eric for ever. A story about accepting grief, and ultimately embracing the joys and unexpected opportunities life offers, making every minute count.
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About the author
Simon James Green
22 books774 followersSimon James Green grew up in a small town in Lincolnshire that definitely wasn’t the inspiration for Little Fobbing – so no-one from there can be mad with him, OK? He enjoyed a classic British education of assorted humiliations and barbaric PE lessons before reading Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he further embarrassed himself by accidentally joining the rowing team despite having no upper body strength and not being able swim. When it turned out that being a lawyer was nothing like how it looks in Suits or The Good Wife, and buoyed by the success of his late night comedy show that involved an inflatable sheep, he travelled to London to pursue a glamorous career in show business. Within weeks he was working in a call centre, had been mugged, and had racked up thousands of pounds worth of debt. Finding strength and inspiration in the lyrics of "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba, he eventually ended up working on a range of West End shows and UK tours, co-wrote a feature-length rom-com for the BBC and directed Hollyoaks for C4 / Lime Pictures. After trying really, really hard, he also managed to write Noah Can’t Even. If you are interested in stalking him, he still lives in London, where he spends a lot of time telling people that Noah Can’t Even is only partly autobiographical, and his mum has definitely never done a Beyoncé tribute act.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 5, 2024
✰ 4.5 stars ✰
“Because it was you and me. We’re better together.
Everything’s better with you. That’s why I need you back, Finn.”
SJG - I hate you so much! 😭😭 I hate you for the way your words hit so deeply with me, how you just know what to say in just the right way. How dare you do this to my heart with even middle grade reads? Just stick to what you do best and crush my heart and spirit and soul elsewhere. I don't need you bringing out the waterworks with me to show me how a young boy learns to move on after his best friend's death. 💔💔
But, you did. Your words brought such an ache in my chest - a wound to the heart that I knew all too well - that emptiness of love for someone that you refused to admit was no longer here - a denial so severe that your best friend - being the masterful clever prankster he was - oops, sorry, is - who loved tricks and cons, and riddles and puzzles - had to devise an elaborate scheme of a treasure hunt, so that you would have a distraction of a journey to experience life in the way that he wanted you to - without him. 😟 'I’m going to find the truth. And I’m going to find you, Finn Jones.' Such a wide range of conflicted emotions Eric faced - in such a short moment that my heart ached for him. It felt so real and true - that even the slightest instance could set him off into tears - this emotional onslaught of damage that made it difficult to face the harsh reality.
“I ran down the street, looking. I was not going to give up that easily.
“Finn?!” I yelled. “Finn! Please!”
But you didn’t call back, and you didn’t come back, and maybe it wasn’t you, but I just felt sure that it was, and I don’t know why I started crying.”
That this twelve-year-old was not ready to accept that his best friend was no longer here; then, who better to help him finally face the truth than the one person who knew him and better understood him than anyone else, than his best friend, himself. 'Which is how I know you’re still here. You have to be, because I’m nothing without you.' That he worried about leaving him behind - to fend for himself along that he he had to devise an elaborate search of following his trail of carefully-laid out clues that with the help of kindhearted souls might slowly help him come to terms with the truth that he refuses to admit, along with finally accepting the truth that he is too afraid and is too painful for him to admit. It is the purest and truest form of friendship - a love so great that it transcends death. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 An act of forgiveness and closure so that a twelve-year-old could learn how to move on in life - in his absence. 'He had a much bigger gift in mind.' To feel the thrills and chills that he was too afraid or hesitant to before - to forge new connections with acquaintances he was too hesitant to reach out to - to embrace the living and joys of the uncertainty and believe and trust in himself. What a journey! What an awakening! What an epiphany! 🥺
“I didn’t mean it. I was upset, and I was angry, because I didn’t want Finn taken away from me, because I’d planned for us to be forever...”
But, most of all - a chance for him to heal. A chance for him to connect with the part of himself that he had closed off, too afraid, too hesitant to acknowledge the grief that so many others understood that he would have to come to his own terms. 😞 And what could have made it better? If only - truly - that it was not as sad as finally accepting the inevitable and not shaking off the awful truth that a friend could leave without saying goodbye. Without a chance to apologize. Without the hope that he could have fought his illness and survived. Eric's pain - his sadness - his loneliness - his regret - it seeped into my skin and my tear ducts. Their last meeting broke my heart - how life can be so unfair and cruel that it acts in ways you least expect it to - or want to. 😔 I longed for Finn to reappear - for it really to be a joke and yell 'surprise' ! The ability for an author to make the reader feel that intensity of palpable want - the subtle way his words tug at the heart strings - I let it engulf me in Eric's feelings. I was in awe - marveled at the humor he masterfully pulled off to alleviate the sombre tone - through my sniffles, I broke into a chuckle. It was just --- so heartwarming and pure and sincere. And still so heartbreaking and sad.
The illustrations were a delight, too! They had such a warm and whimsical feel to it - an almost nostalgic air to it that really captured all the emotions and the character dynamics so well. There was a certain levity and softness to the artwork that made me feel so much more. It did a great job in conveying the humor and the heart perfectly and added so much more life to the story - one that made it easier to be touched by their story even more so. Cooper was such a fun asset to his campaign; I loved how much he cared, worried that he would overstep, funny unintentionally, and trying his very best to help Eric grieve. 😥 In fact, everyone who Finn recruited to guide Eric offered their own area of expertise in moving on - whether Eric appreciated it or not. Through the grief and the power of friendship, Finn does teach Eric about himself - helps him exceed his own expectations to experience life in a way he never would have. To be brave and bold and find himself in the things he was too afraid to take a chance on. 'But Eric, this might be farewell, but it’s not goodbye.' It may have been an adventure to find Finn, but along the way, seeing Eric get the closure he needed over the unanswered comments, inconsequential arguments, and the crippling guilt that he was not a worthy friend - it culminated in a bittersweet, yet endearing way that I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and give him a warm hug to protect him from any more pain. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“’Cause magic just doesn’t die.
It lives.
And so do you.”
Just a heartfelt and beautiful read, one that every tingle of emotion reverberated within me. 🥹 When I was younger and I would accompany my mother on her shopping spree for clothes, if I ever had a pencil or pen on me, in a very discreet placement of the store's table or a chair, I would lightly write out 'Amina was here'. In school, it was a rite of passage to inconspicuously adorn our textbooks with one small message that once upon a time this student was here. And by the end of Eric's struggle to reunite with his dear best friend, that they will always be best friends forever - living on in each other's hearts - there won't be any truth, but the fact that Finn Jones Was Here. 🫂
“Because it was you and me. We’re better together.
Everything’s better with you. That’s why I need you back, Finn.”
SJG - I hate you so much! 😭😭 I hate you for the way your words hit so deeply with me, how you just know what to say in just the right way. How dare you do this to my heart with even middle grade reads? Just stick to what you do best and crush my heart and spirit and soul elsewhere. I don't need you bringing out the waterworks with me to show me how a young boy learns to move on after his best friend's death. 💔💔
But, you did. Your words brought such an ache in my chest - a wound to the heart that I knew all too well - that emptiness of love for someone that you refused to admit was no longer here - a denial so severe that your best friend - being the masterful clever prankster he was - oops, sorry, is - who loved tricks and cons, and riddles and puzzles - had to devise an elaborate scheme of a treasure hunt, so that you would have a distraction of a journey to experience life in the way that he wanted you to - without him. 😟 'I’m going to find the truth. And I’m going to find you, Finn Jones.' Such a wide range of conflicted emotions Eric faced - in such a short moment that my heart ached for him. It felt so real and true - that even the slightest instance could set him off into tears - this emotional onslaught of damage that made it difficult to face the harsh reality.
“I ran down the street, looking. I was not going to give up that easily.
“Finn?!” I yelled. “Finn! Please!”
But you didn’t call back, and you didn’t come back, and maybe it wasn’t you, but I just felt sure that it was, and I don’t know why I started crying.”
That this twelve-year-old was not ready to accept that his best friend was no longer here; then, who better to help him finally face the truth than the one person who knew him and better understood him than anyone else, than his best friend, himself. 'Which is how I know you’re still here. You have to be, because I’m nothing without you.' That he worried about leaving him behind - to fend for himself along that he he had to devise an elaborate search of following his trail of carefully-laid out clues that with the help of kindhearted souls might slowly help him come to terms with the truth that he refuses to admit, along with finally accepting the truth that he is too afraid and is too painful for him to admit. It is the purest and truest form of friendship - a love so great that it transcends death. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 An act of forgiveness and closure so that a twelve-year-old could learn how to move on in life - in his absence. 'He had a much bigger gift in mind.' To feel the thrills and chills that he was too afraid or hesitant to before - to forge new connections with acquaintances he was too hesitant to reach out to - to embrace the living and joys of the uncertainty and believe and trust in himself. What a journey! What an awakening! What an epiphany! 🥺
“I didn’t mean it. I was upset, and I was angry, because I didn’t want Finn taken away from me, because I’d planned for us to be forever...”
But, most of all - a chance for him to heal. A chance for him to connect with the part of himself that he had closed off, too afraid, too hesitant to acknowledge the grief that so many others understood that he would have to come to his own terms. 😞 And what could have made it better? If only - truly - that it was not as sad as finally accepting the inevitable and not shaking off the awful truth that a friend could leave without saying goodbye. Without a chance to apologize. Without the hope that he could have fought his illness and survived. Eric's pain - his sadness - his loneliness - his regret - it seeped into my skin and my tear ducts. Their last meeting broke my heart - how life can be so unfair and cruel that it acts in ways you least expect it to - or want to. 😔 I longed for Finn to reappear - for it really to be a joke and yell 'surprise' ! The ability for an author to make the reader feel that intensity of palpable want - the subtle way his words tug at the heart strings - I let it engulf me in Eric's feelings. I was in awe - marveled at the humor he masterfully pulled off to alleviate the sombre tone - through my sniffles, I broke into a chuckle. It was just --- so heartwarming and pure and sincere. And still so heartbreaking and sad.
The illustrations were a delight, too! They had such a warm and whimsical feel to it - an almost nostalgic air to it that really captured all the emotions and the character dynamics so well. There was a certain levity and softness to the artwork that made me feel so much more. It did a great job in conveying the humor and the heart perfectly and added so much more life to the story - one that made it easier to be touched by their story even more so. Cooper was such a fun asset to his campaign; I loved how much he cared, worried that he would overstep, funny unintentionally, and trying his very best to help Eric grieve. 😥 In fact, everyone who Finn recruited to guide Eric offered their own area of expertise in moving on - whether Eric appreciated it or not. Through the grief and the power of friendship, Finn does teach Eric about himself - helps him exceed his own expectations to experience life in a way he never would have. To be brave and bold and find himself in the things he was too afraid to take a chance on. 'But Eric, this might be farewell, but it’s not goodbye.' It may have been an adventure to find Finn, but along the way, seeing Eric get the closure he needed over the unanswered comments, inconsequential arguments, and the crippling guilt that he was not a worthy friend - it culminated in a bittersweet, yet endearing way that I just wanted to wrap him in a blanket and give him a warm hug to protect him from any more pain. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“’Cause magic just doesn’t die.
It lives.
And so do you.”
Just a heartfelt and beautiful read, one that every tingle of emotion reverberated within me. 🥹 When I was younger and I would accompany my mother on her shopping spree for clothes, if I ever had a pencil or pen on me, in a very discreet placement of the store's table or a chair, I would lightly write out 'Amina was here'. In school, it was a rite of passage to inconspicuously adorn our textbooks with one small message that once upon a time this student was here. And by the end of Eric's struggle to reunite with his dear best friend, that they will always be best friends forever - living on in each other's hearts - there won't be any truth, but the fact that Finn Jones Was Here. 🫂
October 26, 2023
I loved Simon James Green going into this book. Heartbreak Boys and Boy Like Me are two of the best books I've read this year. Finn Jones Was Here serves as further proof of how versatile a writer the Simon is. What is most impressive about his writing is his ability to tackle different genres, different tones, and stories -- aimed at different audiences - i.e., YA and middle grade audiences.
Heartbreak Boys is a light-hearted, low-stakes, feel-good book filled to the brim with wit, levity, and love. Boy Like Me is a somber, introspective, often heartbreaking novel that is hopeful.
Finn Jones Was Here is a middle grade book that invites the reader to laugh, to cry, and to dream. It is a story that is ultimately about living your life in absence of fear and cherishing the time you have with your loved ones.
Eric learns to do the things that terrify him -- a lesson that his best friend, Finn, teaches him posthumously. The book illustrates a 12-year-old learning to deal with grief for the first time. Watching Eric compartmentalize that grief so that he doesn't have to face the reality of his friend no longer being with him was so emotionally affecting.
I was a wreck for the last 2 chapters of the book -- the message that Finn left for Eric was beautiful. I cried the entire time I read it. And then I read it again, and kept crying. It was a brilliant reflection on life and a reminder to Eric that he doesn't need to be afraid to live. And the final chapter, showing us how the boys first met and became friends? Had me in tears as well. The final illustration of Eric and Finn hugging made me cry, too. Can you tell this book affected me to my core?
It's a quick read, but in the short period of time it'll take you to get through it ... you will become attached to Eric and root for him. It's hard not to.
Overall, this was a joy to read. A lovely story that will no doubt help middle grade readers understand the grieving process and how to manage those emotions.
Also, the illustrations add to the story and the art is just delightful. Truly an added bonus of the book.
Simon James Green has done it again. Over and out. / Roger that.
Heartbreak Boys is a light-hearted, low-stakes, feel-good book filled to the brim with wit, levity, and love. Boy Like Me is a somber, introspective, often heartbreaking novel that is hopeful.
Finn Jones Was Here is a middle grade book that invites the reader to laugh, to cry, and to dream. It is a story that is ultimately about living your life in absence of fear and cherishing the time you have with your loved ones.
Eric learns to do the things that terrify him -- a lesson that his best friend, Finn, teaches him posthumously. The book illustrates a 12-year-old learning to deal with grief for the first time. Watching Eric compartmentalize that grief so that he doesn't have to face the reality of his friend no longer being with him was so emotionally affecting.
I was a wreck for the last 2 chapters of the book -- the message that Finn left for Eric was beautiful. I cried the entire time I read it. And then I read it again, and kept crying. It was a brilliant reflection on life and a reminder to Eric that he doesn't need to be afraid to live. And the final chapter, showing us how the boys first met and became friends? Had me in tears as well. The final illustration of Eric and Finn hugging made me cry, too. Can you tell this book affected me to my core?
It's a quick read, but in the short period of time it'll take you to get through it ... you will become attached to Eric and root for him. It's hard not to.
Overall, this was a joy to read. A lovely story that will no doubt help middle grade readers understand the grieving process and how to manage those emotions.
Also, the illustrations add to the story and the art is just delightful. Truly an added bonus of the book.
Simon James Green has done it again. Over and out. / Roger that.
June 26, 2023
I absolutely fell in love with Simon James Green’s latest middle-grade book, and I can’t wait to snatch up all of his other middle-grade books. This one truly resonated with me, managing to be both sweet and funny while also tugging at my heartstrings. Simon’s writing is simply fantastic, skillfully blending serious topics with a perfect touch of humor. I might be a bit biased as a fan of his books, but it’s hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this gem. Trust me, you need to grab a copy as soon as possible because it’s an absolute must-read. It’s not only an easy and engaging read, but it also teaches valuable life lessons that both you and I, as readers, can learn from. I won’t spoil the plot, but let me just say that this book had me completely hooked. By the end, I found myself shedding a few tears—I was so emotionally invested! I approached it with little prior knowledge, and boy, was I unprepared for the profound impact it would have. Without hesitation, I give it a 5-star rating! If it were possible, I’d even go as far as giving it 6 stars.
March 20, 2025
I just absolutely loved this. Funny and poignant- what more can you want?
October 2, 2024
This was a wonderful read. It's funny and sad and hopeful, and just beautifully written. Green never talks down to his readers, and handles the difficult topics of death, grief and loss with a deft combination of humour and heart.
December 17, 2023
Eric's best friend, Finn Jones, was the world's biggest prankster.
Now Eric can't believe Finn's not here any more.... or is he?
Eric starts receiving letters from beyond the grave, and as he follows Finn's instruction on a totally unpredictable scavenger hunt, his hope grows that he'll find Finn laughing at the end.
The journey also brings memories - and a truth that seems impossible to accept.
Damn you Simon James Green - why do you always make me cry?
This book is heartbreaking, funny, warm, sad... and everything in between.
It is also an exploration of grief and friendship.
Eric's inability to accept that Finn is really gone, and his journey to acceptance, is something so many of us who have experienced a profound personal loss will be able to relate to - no matter how old we are.
Even from beyond the grave Finn is able to help Eric remember the good times they had together, and help Eric come to realise that the plans they had made together can still happen - and yes, Eric will be sad that Finn isn't there with him, but he can also be grateful for the times they did have.
Another absolute gem of a story from Simon James Green. If you haven't read any of his books yet - this is me telling you to make it a priority.
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book
Now Eric can't believe Finn's not here any more.... or is he?
Eric starts receiving letters from beyond the grave, and as he follows Finn's instruction on a totally unpredictable scavenger hunt, his hope grows that he'll find Finn laughing at the end.
The journey also brings memories - and a truth that seems impossible to accept.
Damn you Simon James Green - why do you always make me cry?
This book is heartbreaking, funny, warm, sad... and everything in between.
It is also an exploration of grief and friendship.
Eric's inability to accept that Finn is really gone, and his journey to acceptance, is something so many of us who have experienced a profound personal loss will be able to relate to - no matter how old we are.
Even from beyond the grave Finn is able to help Eric remember the good times they had together, and help Eric come to realise that the plans they had made together can still happen - and yes, Eric will be sad that Finn isn't there with him, but he can also be grateful for the times they did have.
Another absolute gem of a story from Simon James Green. If you haven't read any of his books yet - this is me telling you to make it a priority.
Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy of this book
May 9, 2023
Absolutely brilliant book. Full of humour and heart, this book will help anyone who has lost someone they care about.
Written with Simon James Green's trademark humour, fans of his funny books will not be disappointed.
Eric's friend Finn Jones, has died after a long illness. Finn LOVED to prank people and Eric is certain that is all part of a giant prank that Finn has planned - ULTIMATE PRANK - and Finn is going to revel that he is cured and surprise everyone... Especially as he keeps getting messages from Finn leading him on a scavenger hunt adventure.
Eric follows the breadcrumbs expecting to Finn, but is he prepared for what he really finds along the way?
Another total classic from Simon James Green, I can't sing it's praises enough!
Written with Simon James Green's trademark humour, fans of his funny books will not be disappointed.
Eric's friend Finn Jones, has died after a long illness. Finn LOVED to prank people and Eric is certain that is all part of a giant prank that Finn has planned - ULTIMATE PRANK - and Finn is going to revel that he is cured and surprise everyone... Especially as he keeps getting messages from Finn leading him on a scavenger hunt adventure.
Eric follows the breadcrumbs expecting to Finn, but is he prepared for what he really finds along the way?
Another total classic from Simon James Green, I can't sing it's praises enough!
May 12, 2023
4.5*
I know and appreciate Mr. Green as the author of enjoyable and oft-ridiculous queer YA novels, so I bought this book unaware that Mr. Green also writes middle-grade stories.
Eric's best friend Finn has died, but Eric refuses to accept it. He argues with anyone who suggests that Finn is dead and sets off on a rollicking adventure/scavenger hunt that Finn had set up for him, which he cites as proof that Finn is still alive. Along the way to gradual acceptance, people are extremely kind and Eric gains a probable new best friend.
I hadn't read a middle-grade book since I was probably in a primary grade, and I don't remember any ever making me cry so unexpectedly hard. I don't have kids, and it's been a long time since I was a kid, but this seems a very age-appropriate tale of loss and acceptance.
I know and appreciate Mr. Green as the author of enjoyable and oft-ridiculous queer YA novels, so I bought this book unaware that Mr. Green also writes middle-grade stories.
Eric's best friend Finn has died, but Eric refuses to accept it. He argues with anyone who suggests that Finn is dead and sets off on a rollicking adventure/scavenger hunt that Finn had set up for him, which he cites as proof that Finn is still alive. Along the way to gradual acceptance, people are extremely kind and Eric gains a probable new best friend.
I hadn't read a middle-grade book since I was probably in a primary grade, and I don't remember any ever making me cry so unexpectedly hard. I don't have kids, and it's been a long time since I was a kid, but this seems a very age-appropriate tale of loss and acceptance.
June 27, 2023
Eric is very similar to Riley from Life Of Riley: Beginner's Luck. Very timid, and scared to do anything. But at his best friend’s funeral when he gets a know for a wile scavenger hunt from that same bestie, he knows this is the most epic prank ever. And all he has to do is follow the instructions and he’ll be reunited with his bestie again.
The blurb is a giant spoiler for how the book ends: not that you don’t already know, but it removes even a glimmer of possibility.
It’s full of all the usual Simon James Green shenanigans, while still managing to be more serious than his other books.
The blurb is a giant spoiler for how the book ends: not that you don’t already know, but it removes even a glimmer of possibility.
It’s full of all the usual Simon James Green shenanigans, while still managing to be more serious than his other books.
June 21, 2024
This book is basically History is all you left me but British and the protagonist is 12 instead of 17.
IT'S SOOO GOOD.
The friendship between Finn and Eric felt so real and touching. The hilarious antics, typical of SJG books, are fine tuned to Middle Gradedom. And it made me think a lot about grief, friendship, and what remains of a person when they are "no longer here". The book recycles a theme often done in middle grade books - to step out of your comfort zone, be bold, be yourself and do things you want just because. Eric needed a reason to do that, and Finn gave it to him. It's just beautiful
And the illustrations are also cute and overall a delight to look at. I really love the style of the illustrator. Whenever I see Eric being drawn I just wanna give him a tight hug.
IT'S SOOO GOOD.
The friendship between Finn and Eric felt so real and touching. The hilarious antics, typical of SJG books, are fine tuned to Middle Gradedom. And it made me think a lot about grief, friendship, and what remains of a person when they are "no longer here". The book recycles a theme often done in middle grade books - to step out of your comfort zone, be bold, be yourself and do things you want just because. Eric needed a reason to do that, and Finn gave it to him. It's just beautiful
And the illustrations are also cute and overall a delight to look at. I really love the style of the illustrator. Whenever I see Eric being drawn I just wanna give him a tight hug.
September 21, 2023
I loved this book! Eric is such a sweet character and the author handles the theme of bereavement with incredible sensitivity. I can completely understand his disbelief, it is one of the hardest parts of coming to terms with death. To live through Eric's slow acceptance is heartbreaking and you just want to give him a hug. One of the better books I've read this year and one that will stay with me.
May 20, 2023
WOW! What a book? From beginning to end it was just full of laughter and hope. Seeing Eric go through all of the challenges left for him was a true honour. Such an amazing book to represent loss and grief. Just WOW!
February 6, 2024
I really loved this book I though it was sad happy and funny all in one chapter the whole book kept me on the edge of my seat but the last couple chapters >>>> I binged this in a day and I highly recommend reading it .
May 14, 2023
A truly beautiful story by Simon James Green.
It was equal parts funny and heartbreaking. A beautiful read and an important one for children out there
It was equal parts funny and heartbreaking. A beautiful read and an important one for children out there
May 29, 2023
Simon James Green's best book so far. As wonderful as it is heartbreaking.
September 5, 2023
That was the saddest, sweetest, funniest kids book I have read in a while ... I was weeping over my desk in front of a very surprised looking Year 9 student!
September 28, 2023
I love these middle grade novels by Simon James Green. Another one full of heart and quite funny. Deals very well with losing a friend, hope and grief.
February 26, 2024
Sweet and heart-warming but also kind of sad.
June 4, 2024
Such a great idea for a story about dealing with grief. Funny, poignant, moving AND a real page turner.
Perfect depiction of a wonderful friendship between two boys.
I loved it.
Perfect depiction of a wonderful friendship between two boys.
I loved it.
August 9, 2024
There aren't words to tell just how much I loved this book. I shed way too many tears, some of sadness, others of joy. This book is one I will read over and over. I suggest you do the same.
October 10, 2024
My favourite middle-grade book for a long time. Lots of good jokes, very moving, little bit of politics and I think I detected another writer who'd been an actor at some point.
February 16, 2025
Compelling enough, although I’m not sure Finn is entirely convincing as a 12 year old.
March 18, 2025
I laughed. I cried. I think this might just be the perfect book.
March 26, 2025
Hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure, but pretty crass at times if I'm being honest. No hate to the illustrator, but in my opinion the art style does suit this book....
March 29, 2025
I laughed. I cried. I couldn't put it down. What a fantastic, devastating, brilliant book.
January 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.
Eric's best friend Finn has sadly passed away, but when he starts to receive messages from Finn, Eric is convinced that this is Finn's biggest prank yet, and the clues will lead him to Finn.
This cleverly written novel had me glued from the very beginning, with some laugh out loud moments and a few shed tears as well. Eric, who likes to follow rules and plans, finds himself completely lost without his best friend. Following Finn's instructions leads Eric on a massive adventure, experiencing things that he never dreamed of doing. And in turn, allowing Eric to grieve, except the truth, discover himself and look forward to his own future.
Although sad at times, this book was an uplifting read about the power of friendship, enjoying and embracing life, as well as acknowledging different emotions and not being afraid of them.
I wholeheartedly adored this book and know it will remain with me for a long time. Highly recommend for readers aged 9-99.
Eric's best friend Finn has sadly passed away, but when he starts to receive messages from Finn, Eric is convinced that this is Finn's biggest prank yet, and the clues will lead him to Finn.
This cleverly written novel had me glued from the very beginning, with some laugh out loud moments and a few shed tears as well. Eric, who likes to follow rules and plans, finds himself completely lost without his best friend. Following Finn's instructions leads Eric on a massive adventure, experiencing things that he never dreamed of doing. And in turn, allowing Eric to grieve, except the truth, discover himself and look forward to his own future.
Although sad at times, this book was an uplifting read about the power of friendship, enjoying and embracing life, as well as acknowledging different emotions and not being afraid of them.
I wholeheartedly adored this book and know it will remain with me for a long time. Highly recommend for readers aged 9-99.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews