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Out of This Place
In verse, three teen voices sound. Beach bum Luke works shifts at the local supermarket, and avoids trouble at school. His mate Bongo gets wasted, blocks out memories of the little brother social services took away and avoids the stepdad who hits him. Casey, the girl they both love, dreams of escaping to a free new life.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
1775 people want to read
About the author
Emma Cameron
6 books14 followersI live on the NSW South Coast, delight in standing barefoot on floorboards warmed by sunlight, believe that cooking for others is a privilege and wish humans could grow more than one set of teeth. My favourite childhood haunt was the school library and I later worked in some so I could be home for my two children outside of school time. Once they were older, I worked in other places and it was not until 2005 that I immersed myself into the world of stories again.
I completed courses in Creative Writing, Short Story Writing, Professional Children’s Writing and Professional Editing (even though my favourite school subject was sport) and attended many writing workshops. When my short stories and novels gained places in writing competitions, I started sending to magazines and publishers who published my work. I’m a member of the Australian Society of Authors, The Children’s Book Council of Australia, NSW Writers’ Centre and South Coast Writers’ Centre.
Though I ponder lots without concluding anything, I know I could live happily without chocolate. Yes, really. I know the joy of growing sunflowers alongside blueberries, feel a jolt inside when a bird flies into a windowpane, think dictionaries are beautiful books and hope the sky never falls down. Cinnamon Rain is my first young adult novel.
Previous Publications: Secrets compiled by Stephen Matthews Ginnindera Press, short and scary by black dog books and various works in New South Wales School Magazine.
I completed courses in Creative Writing, Short Story Writing, Professional Children’s Writing and Professional Editing (even though my favourite school subject was sport) and attended many writing workshops. When my short stories and novels gained places in writing competitions, I started sending to magazines and publishers who published my work. I’m a member of the Australian Society of Authors, The Children’s Book Council of Australia, NSW Writers’ Centre and South Coast Writers’ Centre.
Though I ponder lots without concluding anything, I know I could live happily without chocolate. Yes, really. I know the joy of growing sunflowers alongside blueberries, feel a jolt inside when a bird flies into a windowpane, think dictionaries are beautiful books and hope the sky never falls down. Cinnamon Rain is my first young adult novel.
Previous Publications: Secrets compiled by Stephen Matthews Ginnindera Press, short and scary by black dog books and various works in New South Wales School Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 7, 2017
If I were to list all the issues that Cinnamon Rain touches upon, you could be forgiven for thinking this book is heavier than a box of hammers.
So I’m not going to, because it isn’t. And I think that it would be doing this book a great disservice, if it were to be passed over on basis of a misconception about its content. Because rather than being just another book about [insert topical teen issue here], Cinnamon Rain is one of the most insightful and hopeful young adult novels I’ve read this year.
That’s not to say that Cinnamon Rain sacrifices authenticity for the sake of an uplifting subtext, or lacks depths in its discussion of complex social issues. In fact, the opposite is true. Cinnamon Rain is often painfully honest in its portrayal of abuse, homelessness, neglect and isolation.
Verse is not exactly my favourite medium of story-telling, but for Cinnamon Rain’s purposes, it works. Cameron’s particular style is sharp and direct, while handling her subject matter with grace. All of the gravity of the story is conveyed, without weighing it down or delving into overly dramatic territory. Rather, Cameron clearly captures the voices of each of her three central characters – and the rawness and yearning that permeate their stories.
This is a frank, open book that doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is. I think I had unconsciously expected something softer, more cautious, so I was pleasantly surprised by Cameron’s matter-of-factness when it came to subjects like drug use and sex. There’s a lot of integrity in the way the circumstances and actions of each character are related. Rather than glossing them over, or alternatively gratuitously inflating them, Cameron writes candidly about the characters’ experiences, making this novel one of the most accurately portrayals of high school in Australia that I’ve read. (It’s also the little things, like the references to playing handball at lunch and spraying people at the bubblers. Which are both things I did a lot of.)
Possibly my favourite aspect of Cinnamon Rain is the fact that it addresses a section of young adult society that I don’t often see tackled in YA (funnily enough) – early high school leavers. For various reasons, none of the main characters pursue a typical path through high school, yet never does the book “typecast” them for their decisions, or come across with some heavy-handed: “stay in school, fool” message. Instead, it skilfully demonstrates the point that there are different paths to a given destination – and that while life can take people in unexpected directions, this doesn’t necessarily put their goals out of reach. Essentially the story of Cinnamon Rain, and the friendship at its centre, feels circular – each narrator picking up the thread and eventually weaving the ends back together.
My second favourite aspect of Cinnamon Rain is the handling of the core relationships between Luke, Casey and Bongo. (Yes, Bongo. Despite my initial reservations, I did come around to that nickname). A complicated blend of friendship, attraction, unrequited love and loyalty – the relationships between the characters are exceptionally well-rendered and above all, believable. I felt emotionally invested in these characters and what was happening to them, all the more so as their personal stories began to unravel. (I won’t lie – this book made me cry.)
In a similar vein, I’m particularly impressed with the decision Cameron made regarding the ending of Cinnamon Rain, keeping the story realistic and true to her characters. It felt like the right way to leave Luke, Casey and Bongo – anything else would have felt like a cop out, to me.
I really hope Cinnamon rain finds its way into the hands of more readers, because it deserves appreciation. If you a fan of contemporary young adult novels, verse novels, or both - do yourself a favour and read it.
So I’m not going to, because it isn’t. And I think that it would be doing this book a great disservice, if it were to be passed over on basis of a misconception about its content. Because rather than being just another book about [insert topical teen issue here], Cinnamon Rain is one of the most insightful and hopeful young adult novels I’ve read this year.
That’s not to say that Cinnamon Rain sacrifices authenticity for the sake of an uplifting subtext, or lacks depths in its discussion of complex social issues. In fact, the opposite is true. Cinnamon Rain is often painfully honest in its portrayal of abuse, homelessness, neglect and isolation.
Verse is not exactly my favourite medium of story-telling, but for Cinnamon Rain’s purposes, it works. Cameron’s particular style is sharp and direct, while handling her subject matter with grace. All of the gravity of the story is conveyed, without weighing it down or delving into overly dramatic territory. Rather, Cameron clearly captures the voices of each of her three central characters – and the rawness and yearning that permeate their stories.
This is a frank, open book that doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is. I think I had unconsciously expected something softer, more cautious, so I was pleasantly surprised by Cameron’s matter-of-factness when it came to subjects like drug use and sex. There’s a lot of integrity in the way the circumstances and actions of each character are related. Rather than glossing them over, or alternatively gratuitously inflating them, Cameron writes candidly about the characters’ experiences, making this novel one of the most accurately portrayals of high school in Australia that I’ve read. (It’s also the little things, like the references to playing handball at lunch and spraying people at the bubblers. Which are both things I did a lot of.)
Possibly my favourite aspect of Cinnamon Rain is the fact that it addresses a section of young adult society that I don’t often see tackled in YA (funnily enough) – early high school leavers. For various reasons, none of the main characters pursue a typical path through high school, yet never does the book “typecast” them for their decisions, or come across with some heavy-handed: “stay in school, fool” message. Instead, it skilfully demonstrates the point that there are different paths to a given destination – and that while life can take people in unexpected directions, this doesn’t necessarily put their goals out of reach. Essentially the story of Cinnamon Rain, and the friendship at its centre, feels circular – each narrator picking up the thread and eventually weaving the ends back together.
My second favourite aspect of Cinnamon Rain is the handling of the core relationships between Luke, Casey and Bongo. (Yes, Bongo. Despite my initial reservations, I did come around to that nickname). A complicated blend of friendship, attraction, unrequited love and loyalty – the relationships between the characters are exceptionally well-rendered and above all, believable. I felt emotionally invested in these characters and what was happening to them, all the more so as their personal stories began to unravel. (I won’t lie – this book made me cry.)
In a similar vein, I’m particularly impressed with the decision Cameron made regarding the ending of Cinnamon Rain, keeping the story realistic and true to her characters. It felt like the right way to leave Luke, Casey and Bongo – anything else would have felt like a cop out, to me.
I really hope Cinnamon rain finds its way into the hands of more readers, because it deserves appreciation. If you a fan of contemporary young adult novels, verse novels, or both - do yourself a favour and read it.
August 27, 2013
I have been “pal”-ing around with poetry ever since Shel Silverstein told me where the sidewalk ends. But novels told in verse? Well we bear a more complicated relationship. I ran shrieking in terror at first sight! Haha…With my head held high, heart hammering away—I dived into my first verse novel a little over a year ago though. I’ve been swooning, searching and craving for more ever since.
Out of This Place is a verse novel beauty! Stark raving beauty. Words and language at their best. Emma Cameron strips these voices and pain right down to the bone. Bare, direct, honest, and gritty. Pure pain, pure frustration, and pure strength push these kids to get out and change their lives. Find what they want to do in life. Leave the pain behind. Escape the abuse. So few words on the page, but words that felt perfect, felt right rolling off my tongue. Words that brought these voices alive on the page. Ms. Cameron holds a true gift for capturing the grit in life, but also the hope and beauty.
”On cement he sits,
hunched over his guitar,
fingers loving the strings.
The last note quavers.
My heart hovers
in the hum
and his smile.”
We are introduced to Luke, Casey, and Bongo one by one in their own words. Friends and voices woven together. Each with his or her own struggle, loss, and sadness. Words did bring this story to life for me, but the unspoken words revealed just as much. I felt like the pages were ready to pop with hidden or unexpressed emotion. So much left unsaid, but yet somehow understood between them. Luke’s unrequited love, Casey’s suffocating silence and Bongo…oh, Bongo! They all found a way to my heart, but Bongo broke mine. Characters with paths they felt like they had to take and did.
What moves the story along and moved me the most though was the courage. I am in awe of these kids. All three displayed determination, strength, and kindness. They were good kids. You will feel it in their unwillingness to give up. They didn’t sit there wishing for life to change—they did it! Worked and risked everything for something of their own. A part of me just wanted to say—stay, stay in school. But they knew what they needed to do to survive. I was so scared for them at times. Surrounded by danger and people looking to take, use, and abuse. But there are good people out there in the world willing to see, reach out and help too. Thank goodness! You will root for Casey, Luke and Bongo from beginning to end.
I don’t want to say too much about the ending here. I will say that the ending is one of my favorites. The very last page is hold up to the heavens perfect. The hope it left in my heart. The hope I felt for them. It was the perfect way for these characters to end their story. The author’s note is a thing of beauty as well. If you come across this book, be sure to read Emma Cameron’s note at the end. Beautiful and inspiring! Dreaming is just the first step. We have to move, reach, and risk for change to happen. Casey, Luke, and Bongo did not wait for things to change or help to come. They made the changes happen with hard work and courage.
A hard story filled with pain, loneliness, and abuse, but a tremendous inspiration as well. There are so many different roads to take in life. I just hope we all find love and support along the way.
”Strange, isn’t it?” he asks.
“Where life takes you and
How much can change.”
August 25, 2013
I think whenever I read a mediocre book I should just balance it out with an Australian young adult book. For real, I have no idea what they do in the land down under, but they sure do produce a hell of a lot of great reads. After reading a particularly terrible American contemporary book, I picked up Out Of This Place by Emma Cameron for a change of pace, as it’s told in verse instead of your typical prose. I loved that Out Of This Place wasn’t a parade of privilege, but instead a deep book about teenagers with real problems yet there’s hope and resilience peppered throughout the narrative. Frankly, I can’t recommend Out Of This Place highly enough.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
February 8, 2017
{This review was originally published on Clear Eyes, Full Shelves.}
Emma Cameron's Cinnamon Rain embodies the Trifecta of Awesome in my reading heart: a contemporary older YA, Novel in Verse, from Australia.
Fortunately, after a long (very, very long) wait for my order of this book from Fishpond, the Trifecta of Awesome didn't disappoint--Cinnamon Rain is one of my stand out reads of the year.
Cinnamon Rain interweaves the stories of three friends: Luke, Casey and Bongo (yes, Bongo--his real name is David). They live in a rural town in Australia, each hoping to escape their lives. Luke plays cricket, hangs out at the beach and pines away for Casey. Casey's dream is to escape their town and everyone she knows, while Bongo drinks to avoid his abusive stepfather and the memories of his little brother taken away by social services.
Each character narrates a third of Cinnamon Rain (this seems like a more common narrative style in Australia than in the U.S. or U.K., am I right?), painting a rich picture of three lives in transition. We follow them separately out of their hometown in their first steps into adulthood.
What's most remarkable to me about Cinnamon Rain--aside from the writing, which I'll get to in a minute--is that the characters are in Year 10 (the Aussie equivalent of sophomore year), but it read as very universal. The characters could have been far older and the story of Luke, Casey and Bongo would have rang just as true. As someone who grew up in a small community in Oregon, I instantly connected with Luke, Casey and Bongo's experiences, and I think anyone who's every wondered, "What else is out there?" will instantly see a bit of their own experiences in the story of these three Australian friends.
Cinnamon Rain doesn't tie anything neatly up with a bow as is often the case young adult literature.
[This is where it gets hard to talk about the book without being spoilery.] I had very much hoped for a certain outcome, and that outcome wasn't what happened. However, therein lies the beauty of Cinnamon Rain's story--it made me root for something to occur, but when that didn't happen, I felt satisfied nonetheless with the realistic resolution. And really, the conclusion of the novel stays true to the theme of new beginnings.
Frankly, if I had to say anything critical, my only issue with Cinnamon Rain is that I didn't really understand why the two male narrators were so enamoroured with Casey. I loved the section of the novel from her point of view, and I kept thinking that I wanted to hit Luke and Casey over the head with a cricket bat (are they called bats in cricket?) for not understanding that she needed to get out of town and just live. But, that's also Cinnamon Rain's strength--the trio's relationship is such a small town reality (think Tim/Jason/Lyla in Friday Night Lights).
Cameron's debut (and, gosh, it sure doesn't read like a debut--this is one sophisticated novel) is written in free verse, which I love. I know there are folks out there who cannot stand free verse, and I completely understand why it may seem like just a bunch of disjointed sentences strung together. However, free verse is so much more.
Like all successful free verse novels, Cinnamon rain is rich with metaphor and intriguing literary devices.
It's about (as Laura referenced) the "space between the words" as much as the words that are present. There's a continuity between each verse that works brilliantly (I leave it for you to discover). With this type of free verse, you'll find yourself savouring the words, the descriptions and the rhythm of the story. Don't expect bloated poetic writing, however. The writing in Cinnamon Rain is quite sparse, which is an engrossing contrast, as it is also very visual and emotive.
Sadly, Cinnamon Rain is only published in Australia.
That means that if you want to read this marvelous novel in verse and you're not in Oz, your only option is to order from Fishpond. I know that Maggie has had great luck with them, but it's not been a great experience for me--I think it took over six weeks for this book to ship and I was constantly bombarded with mysterious emails about how it would be sourced and dispatched soon and my bank flagged their transaction as non-PCI Compliant and potentially fraudulent.
Anyway, despite all that, Cinnamon Rain was wholly worth the wait and annoyance as it is a remarkable little book and one of my favorite 2012 debuts.
FNL Character Rating: That strange, often uncomfortable, yet ultimately compelling Tim/Lyla/Jason relationship, with Tony Lucca's unforgettable rendition of Devil Town as background music.
It stings--
sulphur tears
in cinnamon rain.
Emma Cameron's Cinnamon Rain embodies the Trifecta of Awesome in my reading heart: a contemporary older YA, Novel in Verse, from Australia.
Fortunately, after a long (very, very long) wait for my order of this book from Fishpond, the Trifecta of Awesome didn't disappoint--Cinnamon Rain is one of my stand out reads of the year.
Cinnamon Rain interweaves the stories of three friends: Luke, Casey and Bongo (yes, Bongo--his real name is David). They live in a rural town in Australia, each hoping to escape their lives. Luke plays cricket, hangs out at the beach and pines away for Casey. Casey's dream is to escape their town and everyone she knows, while Bongo drinks to avoid his abusive stepfather and the memories of his little brother taken away by social services.
The whole group seems lifted
by one small success.
Each character narrates a third of Cinnamon Rain (this seems like a more common narrative style in Australia than in the U.S. or U.K., am I right?), painting a rich picture of three lives in transition. We follow them separately out of their hometown in their first steps into adulthood.
But somewhere in the mix,
I realise that
she's not just running away.
Her life has focus.
I've got nothing.
What's most remarkable to me about Cinnamon Rain--aside from the writing, which I'll get to in a minute--is that the characters are in Year 10 (the Aussie equivalent of sophomore year), but it read as very universal. The characters could have been far older and the story of Luke, Casey and Bongo would have rang just as true. As someone who grew up in a small community in Oregon, I instantly connected with Luke, Casey and Bongo's experiences, and I think anyone who's every wondered, "What else is out there?" will instantly see a bit of their own experiences in the story of these three Australian friends.
Love.
It sure is blind,
or at the very least,
stark, raving mad.
Cinnamon Rain doesn't tie anything neatly up with a bow as is often the case young adult literature.
[This is where it gets hard to talk about the book without being spoilery.] I had very much hoped for a certain outcome, and that outcome wasn't what happened. However, therein lies the beauty of Cinnamon Rain's story--it made me root for something to occur, but when that didn't happen, I felt satisfied nonetheless with the realistic resolution. And really, the conclusion of the novel stays true to the theme of new beginnings.
Frankly, if I had to say anything critical, my only issue with Cinnamon Rain is that I didn't really understand why the two male narrators were so enamoroured with Casey. I loved the section of the novel from her point of view, and I kept thinking that I wanted to hit Luke and Casey over the head with a cricket bat (are they called bats in cricket?) for not understanding that she needed to get out of town and just live. But, that's also Cinnamon Rain's strength--the trio's relationship is such a small town reality (think Tim/Jason/Lyla in Friday Night Lights).
I think,
if Casey lived
in another time or place
she'd be like a fountain--
bubbles reaching everyone around her.
Instead,
she's as still
as a leaf-littered pond,
dark water evaporating,
waiting desperately for rain.
Cameron's debut (and, gosh, it sure doesn't read like a debut--this is one sophisticated novel) is written in free verse, which I love. I know there are folks out there who cannot stand free verse, and I completely understand why it may seem like just a bunch of disjointed sentences strung together. However, free verse is so much more.
Like all successful free verse novels, Cinnamon rain is rich with metaphor and intriguing literary devices.
It's about (as Laura referenced) the "space between the words" as much as the words that are present. There's a continuity between each verse that works brilliantly (I leave it for you to discover). With this type of free verse, you'll find yourself savouring the words, the descriptions and the rhythm of the story. Don't expect bloated poetic writing, however. The writing in Cinnamon Rain is quite sparse, which is an engrossing contrast, as it is also very visual and emotive.
I walk the city,
through its crush of people
and its smells:
body odour, rotting food,
vomit and urine.
A cocktail
of oppression and freedom.
I walk further
and further,
sometimes left,
sometimes right.
And I am lost.
Sadly, Cinnamon Rain is only published in Australia.
That means that if you want to read this marvelous novel in verse and you're not in Oz, your only option is to order from Fishpond. I know that Maggie has had great luck with them, but it's not been a great experience for me--I think it took over six weeks for this book to ship and I was constantly bombarded with mysterious emails about how it would be sourced and dispatched soon and my bank flagged their transaction as non-PCI Compliant and potentially fraudulent.
Anyway, despite all that, Cinnamon Rain was wholly worth the wait and annoyance as it is a remarkable little book and one of my favorite 2012 debuts.
FNL Character Rating: That strange, often uncomfortable, yet ultimately compelling Tim/Lyla/Jason relationship, with Tony Lucca's unforgettable rendition of Devil Town as background music.
March 25, 2013
Because this book was in verse, I took the liberty of trudging along the road less traveled and write the review in verse as well. Hope you like it. Even if you don't, remeber it's my first try people!
And no, it's not a way to get out of writing a proper review. :)
Run Away
Out
is what they
long for.
Long for,
like a blanket in the rain,
when you can't
catch up on
sleep.
Out of this
place.
Out of these
memories.
And run away.
No sense
Dreaming,
Wanting,
Hoping
to run away from
a life
of
no sense
and lust,
and food,
and violence.
Olden Fears
Three kids,
friends,
people,
three lives
screwed up,
in
hands of
same old fear,
same old crimes;
unchanged
since the olden times.
Minds and Times
A beautiful
book
and
a beautiful
story.
Never caught me,
though.
For
I have read,
and seen,
and heard,
perhaps
even done
it a thousand times
in a thousand
pieces.
My time
takes
over mind
and I was
just bored.
More fantastic and longer reviews on my blog.
August 22, 2013
I am a fan of verse novels. Sometimes, I prefer sparse words over wordy novels. It doesn't take long for me to get into the meat of the story. In this case, three stories. Three friends on the cusp of adulthood, deciding how to live out their future. I mean, sure, it's not the most original jump off for a coming of age novel but each of their plight is not that easy to plan out.
This book tackled a whole slew of issues characteristic of the usual YA realistic fiction. Surprisingly enough, it didn't hit me with the angst that I'd expected from such a novel. In fact, I think that some discerning readers would consider it as a negative point because it will not necessarily move them to tears. But, I digress. Who says a book must make you cry to be good, anyway? Out of This Place had just enough emotional pull to incite your sympathy and hope that in the end, the characters will get a lovely happy ending.
Luke, the straight A student has to decide whether or not to stick out the rest of his high school life or pursue a scholarship that would enable him to work and go to school at the same time. Money is tight, so he needed to find a job. His family life is as calm as a dove. In fact, he worries more about his two best friends than he does his parents: Bongo, the abused and Casey, a prisoner at her own house. He's also in love with her but he could never have the courage to cross that line just in case his already skittish friend pushes him away permanently.
There's also Bongo's story which is on the surface is the direst of the three. Abused, uncared for with no decent prospects to speak of. He's on a downward spiral to nowhere: drugs, alcohol and had to contend with a heavy-handed stepfather. All he ever wanted was a chance to get his brother back from the 'system'. From one foster family to another, Bongo's dream is getting farther and farther away. He too, is in love with Casey but he refuse to do something about it because he could never hurt Luke, his best friend.
Casey's life was a never-ending days of suffocating parenting that led her scheming for ways to check out. She can't breathe; she can't move a muscle without the approval of her father. She schemed and lied to get a job for money she would use to leave the tyranny of her father. When she found her wings, she met people that treated her with love - love that her own family seem reluctant to dole out. Out there in the world and on her own she also found love of a different meaning - or what she thought was love.
Three kids too young to face the realities of life. But if there's one thing they all have in common, is that their trio of friendship and love is all they would need. There's no love triangle here, folks. So no need to worry if you're not into that sort of thing. The romance between them wasn't really explored. It's mostly friendship, camaraderie and love akin to that of siblings. They looked out for each other as much as they could.
If there's one thing this book has in common among its Aussie compatriots, is its ability to tell a gut-wrenching story that ends exactly how you'd hope it would end. My only problem though is exactly that, the book ended even though I'm left wanting to read how their lives turned out. Over all, Cameron can go toe-to-toe with the best of them. She perfectly captured what it is that made Aussie contemps worth spending considerable cash for. I, for one, am adding her on my list of Aussie authors to watch out for.
This book tackled a whole slew of issues characteristic of the usual YA realistic fiction. Surprisingly enough, it didn't hit me with the angst that I'd expected from such a novel. In fact, I think that some discerning readers would consider it as a negative point because it will not necessarily move them to tears. But, I digress. Who says a book must make you cry to be good, anyway? Out of This Place had just enough emotional pull to incite your sympathy and hope that in the end, the characters will get a lovely happy ending.
Luke, the straight A student has to decide whether or not to stick out the rest of his high school life or pursue a scholarship that would enable him to work and go to school at the same time. Money is tight, so he needed to find a job. His family life is as calm as a dove. In fact, he worries more about his two best friends than he does his parents: Bongo, the abused and Casey, a prisoner at her own house. He's also in love with her but he could never have the courage to cross that line just in case his already skittish friend pushes him away permanently.
There's also Bongo's story which is on the surface is the direst of the three. Abused, uncared for with no decent prospects to speak of. He's on a downward spiral to nowhere: drugs, alcohol and had to contend with a heavy-handed stepfather. All he ever wanted was a chance to get his brother back from the 'system'. From one foster family to another, Bongo's dream is getting farther and farther away. He too, is in love with Casey but he refuse to do something about it because he could never hurt Luke, his best friend.
Casey's life was a never-ending days of suffocating parenting that led her scheming for ways to check out. She can't breathe; she can't move a muscle without the approval of her father. She schemed and lied to get a job for money she would use to leave the tyranny of her father. When she found her wings, she met people that treated her with love - love that her own family seem reluctant to dole out. Out there in the world and on her own she also found love of a different meaning - or what she thought was love.
Three kids too young to face the realities of life. But if there's one thing they all have in common, is that their trio of friendship and love is all they would need. There's no love triangle here, folks. So no need to worry if you're not into that sort of thing. The romance between them wasn't really explored. It's mostly friendship, camaraderie and love akin to that of siblings. They looked out for each other as much as they could.
If there's one thing this book has in common among its Aussie compatriots, is its ability to tell a gut-wrenching story that ends exactly how you'd hope it would end. My only problem though is exactly that, the book ended even though I'm left wanting to read how their lives turned out. Over all, Cameron can go toe-to-toe with the best of them. She perfectly captured what it is that made Aussie contemps worth spending considerable cash for. I, for one, am adding her on my list of Aussie authors to watch out for.
May 18, 2013
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Out of This Place, known and published originally as Cinnamon Rain in Australia is a novel I've been wanting to read for a long time. Whenever I'd saved enough money to indulge in an Aussie book, invariably, some other novel would rise up the list before this one and I'd tell myself that I'd buy it - next time. Thus, when it came up on NetGalley, like a starved child I lunged for it, fervently hoping I'd be accepted. You can imagine my surprise, though, when I opened it to find that it was a verse novel.
So, I'll say it now: Out of This Place is a verse novel.
I have nothing against verse novels, but the only one I can remember liking was Love That Dog by Sharon Creech - a novel I read nearly a decade ago. As such, my excitement suddenly turned into skepticism, mostly because verse novels and I have not had a very illustrious history. Emma Cameron is an Aussie author, though, and I placed my trust in her words to guide me through this book.
And I'm glad I did.
Out of This Place is very different from your typical read. It is split three-way and told from the perspectives of three characters, all friends, all high school students, and all trying to find their place in the world. Quite surprisingly, I found that I loved the manner in which this novel was written and it worked very well for the story as a whole, enriching it even further. You wouldn't think it, but it turns out that an unexpected amount of depth can be conveyed through simple verse - a feat that Emma Cameron manages to complete seamlessly.
Nevertheless, I do have to admit that I felt as if something was missing from this. It took me awhile to really get into the style of the novel and the perspective changes, but even more than that, I think I was simply expecting a little more. As a novel, this book lacks nothing, but as a reader who has heard nothing but high praise for this little novel, perhaps I set my standards a little too high. I emerged from this novel satisfied, but not overly impressed and - dare I say it? - glad that I hadn't bought this one online after all.
I will certainly be clamoring to pick up whatever Emma Cameron writes next, merely because she makes her characters and their problems seem all so very real, but for readers who, like me, have heard much hype about this novel, I'd caution you - but only slightly. Out of This Place is unique, different from the majority of other contemporary reads out there, and combined with its impeccable characterization and stunning writing style, it deserves to be read, regardless of that slight missing factor left in my heart afterwards.
You can read this review" and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
Out of This Place, known and published originally as Cinnamon Rain in Australia is a novel I've been wanting to read for a long time. Whenever I'd saved enough money to indulge in an Aussie book, invariably, some other novel would rise up the list before this one and I'd tell myself that I'd buy it - next time. Thus, when it came up on NetGalley, like a starved child I lunged for it, fervently hoping I'd be accepted. You can imagine my surprise, though, when I opened it to find that it was a verse novel.
So, I'll say it now: Out of This Place is a verse novel.
I have nothing against verse novels, but the only one I can remember liking was Love That Dog by Sharon Creech - a novel I read nearly a decade ago. As such, my excitement suddenly turned into skepticism, mostly because verse novels and I have not had a very illustrious history. Emma Cameron is an Aussie author, though, and I placed my trust in her words to guide me through this book.
And I'm glad I did.
Out of This Place is very different from your typical read. It is split three-way and told from the perspectives of three characters, all friends, all high school students, and all trying to find their place in the world. Quite surprisingly, I found that I loved the manner in which this novel was written and it worked very well for the story as a whole, enriching it even further. You wouldn't think it, but it turns out that an unexpected amount of depth can be conveyed through simple verse - a feat that Emma Cameron manages to complete seamlessly.
Nevertheless, I do have to admit that I felt as if something was missing from this. It took me awhile to really get into the style of the novel and the perspective changes, but even more than that, I think I was simply expecting a little more. As a novel, this book lacks nothing, but as a reader who has heard nothing but high praise for this little novel, perhaps I set my standards a little too high. I emerged from this novel satisfied, but not overly impressed and - dare I say it? - glad that I hadn't bought this one online after all.
I will certainly be clamoring to pick up whatever Emma Cameron writes next, merely because she makes her characters and their problems seem all so very real, but for readers who, like me, have heard much hype about this novel, I'd caution you - but only slightly. Out of This Place is unique, different from the majority of other contemporary reads out there, and combined with its impeccable characterization and stunning writing style, it deserves to be read, regardless of that slight missing factor left in my heart afterwards.
You can read this review" and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
January 31, 2017
Really enjoyed Emma Cameron's debut novel and looking forward to reading more of her books!
February 8, 2017
I am so happy to be able to give Cinnamon Rain its first five star review. I hope there'll be many more. It deserves it. I read it to the very last drop, and enjoyed it all. It's rounded out so well. There were so many times in it that Emma Cameron perfectly nailed emotions. There was no clunkiness, no repetition, no purple prose. It's such a hard thing to put all that together, and make it seem so natural and effortless. I didn't get the feeling that there was a writer manipulating me; it felt like I was listening to the characters, Luke, Casey, and Bongo. It's a huge achievement.
May 25, 2018
What I liked was not only the writing style in verse, the pacing but the three characters and what they're going through. A sad but really good read at the same time. Also that cover.
July 1, 2013
Out of This Place by Emma Cameron
Originally published under Cinnamon Rain
3.5 stars
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 8.5
Swoon Worthy Scale: Luke: 7 Bongo: 8
Character Scale: 7.5
Cover Thoughts: I love the cover it’s so beautiful. The only thing that bothers me is how Casey is holding one of the boy’s hands. She should probably be holding both of their hands.
Thank you, Candlewick Press and Netgalley for a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
Originally published under Cinnamon Rain
3.5 stars
Luke spends his days going to school, hanging out at the beach, and working at the supermarket. His friend Bongo gets wasted to block out the memories of the little brother he can no longer see and his addict mom and abusive stepdad. Casey is the girl that they both love. She longs to get away from her controlling father and be free. This is a verse novel and it’s been forever since I read a novel in verse. I forgot how fragile writing a verse novel can be because either you can accomplish it or it will fail. This novel was in the middle of the plain between crashing and soaring above the sky. I adore poetry and verse always fascinates me, but I don’t think some characters should be written in verse. Some stories are meant for it and some are not. This novel alternates between Luke, Casey, and Bongo, but instead of alternating in the usual Ellen Hopkins fashion of one character then another and repeat this book focuses on one character for a few hundred pages and then alternates to the next character.
The main female character is Casey. Casey longs to be free. She is the perfect of example of a caged bird and when she finally breaks free it’s refreshing. While Casey is in her house it always felt so trapped, but once she finds her way out no matter the circumstances you can feel Casey’s happiness. Casey’s story was my favorite and she is my favorite character in Out of This Place. I liked seeing Casey grow and become a different person.
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 8.5
The main male characters are Luke and Bongo. By the fact that these boys are both in love with Casey you would probably think that there is a love triangle. Rest assured that is not the case. Luke is in love with Casey, but Casey has always kept him as more of friend or brother. He’s very over protective of her and questions her personal life a lot. Bongo is also in love with Casey, but would never hurt his best friend. He never acts on his love for her, but Casey had wanted him to several times. Luke is an OK guy, but I personally thought his story was boring. This is where what I mentioned about verse comes in. For me Luke’s story in verse was unnecessary and really Luke didn’t know what he wanted in life or even who he was. This made him incredibly boring. Bongo was much better to read about in verse, but it still didn’t flow as nicely as Casey’s story had. Bongo though stole my heart from the moment Luke talked about how Bongo not able to see his brother destroyed him. I liked Bongo’s story, but while he was homeless for that period of time the story dragged for me. He seemed to be to lost and I was worried that the story would stay that way, but it didn’t.
Swoon Worthy Scale: Luke: 7 Bongo: 8
Character Scale: 7.5
I loved the setting of Australia. I also read this at pretty good time since they go to the beach a lot. The writer did a good job of showing how a person’s life evolves, but sometimes this evolvement dragged a bit too much. Out of This Place is a novel about finding who you are and I liked how Cameron showed this.
Cover Thoughts: I love the cover it’s so beautiful. The only thing that bothers me is how Casey is holding one of the boy’s hands. She should probably be holding both of their hands.
Thank you, Candlewick Press and Netgalley for a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2013
Review originally posted at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
I tend to like contemporary YA novels written by Australian authors so whenever an opportunity comes up to read a new one I will take it. Out of This Place by Emma Cameron is a beautifully written verse novel that originated in Australia under the title Cinnamon Rain. It is a good story and a powerful one that I enjoyed with some reservations.
I have said before that verse novels don't always work for me. I need to believe that it was the best way to tell the story. And in this case Cameron made believe that. Her words are well chosen and the imagery she uses vivid. The way she uses them sparingly and yet tells so much is artistic. Like this take on Casey from Luke's perspective:
I think,
If Casey lived
in another time or place,
she'd be like a fountain-
bubbles reaching everyone around her.
Instead,
she's as still
as a leaf-littered pond,
dark water evaporating,
waiting desperately for rain.
I enjoyed the shifting perspectives and how some of the events overlapped but were told so very differently highlighting how each individual sees the circumstances differently. I also liked the realistic portrayal of the harder aspects of Casey and Bongo's lives while not allowing the story to wallow in darkness. I did think the turn around in Bongo's life was a little unrealistic. I wanted to see him succeed but in a way that was more likely to actually happen. It is possible my incredulity about this may be due to lack of knowledge in the way things operate in Australia though.
Overall the novel is a good one, another excellent addition to the many wonderful Australian imports we have received in recent years.
My one reservation is in the way sex is used and portrayed in the novel. I am not naive enough to believe that everyone shares my opinions on the subject of sex nor that teens aren't having it in exactly the ways Luke, Casey, and Bongo are. My concern is when sex is portrayed as something inconsequential or simple. Yes Casey is left with a lasting reminder, but she far too easily disregards most of the experience including her partner as inconsequential. All three do. Sex is complex and layered and when it is treated so cavalierly and easy it bothers me. I like when novels tackle this realistically, but I prefer for there to be more balance.
Despite this misgiving of mine, it is a good book and I really enjoyed the way Cameron ended it. At first I thought, "What? That's it????" It took a disgruntled ten minutes for me to decide I would not have wanted it to end any other way. She leaves so much room for the imagination. I was just annoyed because I enjoyed spending time with these characters so much.
Content Warning for Concerned Parents: As stated in the review there is some sex. Drinking and drug use are also referred to.
I read a copy made available from the publisher via NetGalley. Out of This Place is on sale Tuesday, May 13.
I tend to like contemporary YA novels written by Australian authors so whenever an opportunity comes up to read a new one I will take it. Out of This Place by Emma Cameron is a beautifully written verse novel that originated in Australia under the title Cinnamon Rain. It is a good story and a powerful one that I enjoyed with some reservations.
I have said before that verse novels don't always work for me. I need to believe that it was the best way to tell the story. And in this case Cameron made believe that. Her words are well chosen and the imagery she uses vivid. The way she uses them sparingly and yet tells so much is artistic. Like this take on Casey from Luke's perspective:
I think,
If Casey lived
in another time or place,
she'd be like a fountain-
bubbles reaching everyone around her.
Instead,
she's as still
as a leaf-littered pond,
dark water evaporating,
waiting desperately for rain.
I enjoyed the shifting perspectives and how some of the events overlapped but were told so very differently highlighting how each individual sees the circumstances differently. I also liked the realistic portrayal of the harder aspects of Casey and Bongo's lives while not allowing the story to wallow in darkness. I did think the turn around in Bongo's life was a little unrealistic. I wanted to see him succeed but in a way that was more likely to actually happen. It is possible my incredulity about this may be due to lack of knowledge in the way things operate in Australia though.
Overall the novel is a good one, another excellent addition to the many wonderful Australian imports we have received in recent years.
My one reservation is in the way sex is used and portrayed in the novel. I am not naive enough to believe that everyone shares my opinions on the subject of sex nor that teens aren't having it in exactly the ways Luke, Casey, and Bongo are. My concern is when sex is portrayed as something inconsequential or simple. Yes Casey is left with a lasting reminder, but she far too easily disregards most of the experience including her partner as inconsequential. All three do. Sex is complex and layered and when it is treated so cavalierly and easy it bothers me. I like when novels tackle this realistically, but I prefer for there to be more balance.
Despite this misgiving of mine, it is a good book and I really enjoyed the way Cameron ended it. At first I thought, "What? That's it????" It took a disgruntled ten minutes for me to decide I would not have wanted it to end any other way. She leaves so much room for the imagination. I was just annoyed because I enjoyed spending time with these characters so much.
Content Warning for Concerned Parents: As stated in the review there is some sex. Drinking and drug use are also referred to.
I read a copy made available from the publisher via NetGalley. Out of This Place is on sale Tuesday, May 13.
July 30, 2014
I love poetry. I really do. And poetry incorporated with YA novels are just magnificent, and utterly unique than the normal way we see literature. One of the reasons why I picked this book up was because, well, the poetry.
This book disappointed me. I expected something better and wiser and so touching that it could just break my delicate heart that often cracks in half when characters just make me cry. This book wasn't even close to that level. Contemporary, yes, but no intriguing.
This is a verse novel. Three main characters/protagonists are telling the story, and each POV of theirs is split into three sections of the book, and each person gets to tell their story of how they get out of high school and survive with their problems in 1/3 of the book. Of course, there are mentions of the protagonists in the opposite characters' points-of-view. Luke is your average teenager who just wants to leave his hometown and go out into the real world, while his friend Bongo gets wasted all of the time and gets beaten by his stepdad. Casey just can't wait to start a new life. This is their journey of going into adulthood, and into the real world where there are even more challenges.
The largest dilemma that this book gave me was the fact that there was no plot. What was the main point of this book? I didn't see it at all, and that frustrated me very much. No-plot novels just seem useless to me, and I'm usually left questioned for the rest of the book.
I almost DNF-ed this book. But I really liked the characters, so I decided to read it until the end since it wasn't a long-length read. But if it was 350 pages+, I'd be out of here ASAP.
Since there was no use in the plot, a lot of the book went downhill, obviously. I really liked the issues incorporated with the book--abuse, hate, depression, all of it addicts me. The whole book was pretty slow-paced, with no much happening.
So, yes, I did love the characters, especially my hottie new-boy Luke.
No other words or photos needed.
I didn't like Bongo too much because he didn't believe in the real world, but he was acceptable at times, especially during his love moments for Casey and his love for his little brother. Casey was just awesome, though.
In conclusion, this book was mostly bad, but it did have some good in it. I don't recommend it, but you should give it a try if you want. Maybe your opinion will be different than mine. :)
February 6, 2017
Mmmmm....Cinnamon. ;P~~~
But to be serious, I like the look and sound of this. When I do pick up books with heavy content I do hope that the author doesn't hold back. Plus the cover has that vintage-y, dreamy look to it. It's all kind of confusing, but it's a good kind of confusing.
(Review to be posted on the blog in early February 2014.)
4/5
I don't think I have many thoughts on this book; it was a quick read (as it's a verse novel), focusing on three teenagers who each deal with their own demons and overcome them. In the end, just as the tagline suggests, we find out whether friendship can still remain when so much has happened for each person. Naturally the subject matter is quite poignant and I felt that Cameron addressed it well and with sensitivity.
The story is told in three perspectives: Luke, unsure of where his future will take him and worried for Casey; Casey, whose negligent father makes it difficult for her to stay home; and Bongo, who just wants his family back the way it used to be.
The main drawback for verse novels is that you sometimes don't see the full essence of the characters, you might not truly get to know them as a fully-fleshed out character that you might see in a full-length novel in prose. I didn't end up loving any of these characters, but I could empathise with him, feel their pain and confusion, indecision, grief, anxiety... their need for change. I don't think I needed to love them to GET them.
I think the decision to write this story in verse and in multiple perspectives was very clever. It suited the subject matter, themes and story perfectly. The writing was fluid and was composed nicely across the pages.
Cinnamon Rain also deals with homelessness and drug addiction, sex and teenage pregnancy, domestic violence and adoption. Family, love, belonging, finding oneself, the future - what comes after high school, friendship... What should have been a really difficult book to read wasn't all that bad; Cameron doesn't shove it all in your face at once, but rather allows you time to simmer with all of these ideas and issues floating around while the story progresses. It's a thought-provoking read, definitely. I didn't LOVE this book, but I wasn't expecting to. I got exactly what I wanted out of it--a quick read that tackles difficult issues in a realistic and sensitive manner.
But to be serious, I like the look and sound of this. When I do pick up books with heavy content I do hope that the author doesn't hold back. Plus the cover has that vintage-y, dreamy look to it. It's all kind of confusing, but it's a good kind of confusing.
(Review to be posted on the blog in early February 2014.)
4/5
I don't think I have many thoughts on this book; it was a quick read (as it's a verse novel), focusing on three teenagers who each deal with their own demons and overcome them. In the end, just as the tagline suggests, we find out whether friendship can still remain when so much has happened for each person. Naturally the subject matter is quite poignant and I felt that Cameron addressed it well and with sensitivity.
The story is told in three perspectives: Luke, unsure of where his future will take him and worried for Casey; Casey, whose negligent father makes it difficult for her to stay home; and Bongo, who just wants his family back the way it used to be.
The main drawback for verse novels is that you sometimes don't see the full essence of the characters, you might not truly get to know them as a fully-fleshed out character that you might see in a full-length novel in prose. I didn't end up loving any of these characters, but I could empathise with him, feel their pain and confusion, indecision, grief, anxiety... their need for change. I don't think I needed to love them to GET them.
I think the decision to write this story in verse and in multiple perspectives was very clever. It suited the subject matter, themes and story perfectly. The writing was fluid and was composed nicely across the pages.
That's her life.
So much
nothing.
I think,
if Casey lived
in another time or place
she'd be like a fountain--
bubbles reaching everyone around her.
Instead,
she's as still
as a leaf-littered pond,
dark water evaporating,
waiting desperately for rain. (55)
Cinnamon Rain also deals with homelessness and drug addiction, sex and teenage pregnancy, domestic violence and adoption. Family, love, belonging, finding oneself, the future - what comes after high school, friendship... What should have been a really difficult book to read wasn't all that bad; Cameron doesn't shove it all in your face at once, but rather allows you time to simmer with all of these ideas and issues floating around while the story progresses. It's a thought-provoking read, definitely. I didn't LOVE this book, but I wasn't expecting to. I got exactly what I wanted out of it--a quick read that tackles difficult issues in a realistic and sensitive manner.
June 24, 2013
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
Not so long ago I've heard of this book. It was Keertana's review and then I knew that this book was for me. First of it was written in verse and second it was by Aussie author (you may have heard of this book as Cinnamon Rain which is if you ask me one of the best titles ever). I can't even describe how happy I was once when I got approved at NetGalley.
It sounded like a mix from heaven. Somehow poetry is not really my thing but then YA stories written in verse are one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. I admire when the author is capable of telling you a story in verse, how he/she makes it flow.
This book wasn't an exception. It's a sort of typical story about growing up and trying to run away from the painful reality hoping of finding a better place under the stars for you. Or in other words:
I want out of this place.
With no reminders.
It stings -
sulphur tears
in cinnamon rain
That's in this case mostly in Casey's part of the book. I forgot to mention that this book is told from three point of views and divided into three parts. Every part is told by different character and their situation is explained. The story starts with Luke and then it goes to the girl he secretly loves Casey and then it switches to Bongo. It's magical how even when you go to the second or third narrator and it does confuse you for a moment but you get used to it. I must admit that I connected with Casey right away and even though I don't agree with some of her decisions I could forgive her easily and then there is Luke and he is a sweetheart - meaning I couldn't but fall for him.
Emma Cameron's character sounded so real in this book and their problems were something you could easily relate to. Still I think I expected too much for a debut novel. I can't help but compare this book with other verse novels and unfortunately it won't make it to the top of the list. Still I'll gladly read anything Emma writes just because I believe that with every book her words will gain more emotions and then take me by surprise.
Not so long ago I've heard of this book. It was Keertana's review and then I knew that this book was for me. First of it was written in verse and second it was by Aussie author (you may have heard of this book as Cinnamon Rain which is if you ask me one of the best titles ever). I can't even describe how happy I was once when I got approved at NetGalley.
It sounded like a mix from heaven. Somehow poetry is not really my thing but then YA stories written in verse are one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. I admire when the author is capable of telling you a story in verse, how he/she makes it flow.
This book wasn't an exception. It's a sort of typical story about growing up and trying to run away from the painful reality hoping of finding a better place under the stars for you. Or in other words:
I want out of this place.
With no reminders.
It stings -
sulphur tears
in cinnamon rain
That's in this case mostly in Casey's part of the book. I forgot to mention that this book is told from three point of views and divided into three parts. Every part is told by different character and their situation is explained. The story starts with Luke and then it goes to the girl he secretly loves Casey and then it switches to Bongo. It's magical how even when you go to the second or third narrator and it does confuse you for a moment but you get used to it. I must admit that I connected with Casey right away and even though I don't agree with some of her decisions I could forgive her easily and then there is Luke and he is a sweetheart - meaning I couldn't but fall for him.
Emma Cameron's character sounded so real in this book and their problems were something you could easily relate to. Still I think I expected too much for a debut novel. I can't help but compare this book with other verse novels and unfortunately it won't make it to the top of the list. Still I'll gladly read anything Emma writes just because I believe that with every book her words will gain more emotions and then take me by surprise.
November 4, 2013
I very rarely read books in verse, so I wasn't completely sure what to expect with this one, but Out of This Place was a moving look at three Australian teenagers coming of age, often under very difficult circumstances.
The stories of Luke, Bongo, and Casey all overlap in some ways, but you need the perspectives of all three teens to know the full story. In Luke's, we only get glimpses of Bongo and Casey -- we see them through his eyes as he tries to imagine their struggles, and we need their own first-person tales to get their perspective and to complete the stories.
The verse is simple and reads easily, and overall it didn't feel much different than reading a handful of interconnected short stories. I imagine that it's hard to give each character distinctive voices in verse, and sometimes things felt a bit muddled but overall Cameron did a great job at making Luke, Bongo, and Casey all unique voices. I really felt for each of the characters as their stories twisted and turned, and you learned more of their circumstances.
Telling the story in verse does cut down on extraneous details, plotlines, etc. Everything we get here is essential to the story and to the growth of the characters. So while sometimes I wish it were padded out a bit more, I don't think it would have fit the fact that this is a story in verse, not traditional prose.
Some of the facts of the story may be a little inaccessible to US readers (or maybe non-Australians?). Aside from slang, the book presumes (and rightly so, being an Australian-set book by an Australian writer) you have an understanding of how the Australian education system works. Maybe it was a bigger stumbling block for me, getting caught up on details of "wait, how are they working in the middle of the day?" and such.
Some topics in the book include drug/alcohol abuse, homelessness, and teen pregnancy, and there is some sexual content, though nothing is described explicitly.
The stories of Luke, Bongo, and Casey all overlap in some ways, but you need the perspectives of all three teens to know the full story. In Luke's, we only get glimpses of Bongo and Casey -- we see them through his eyes as he tries to imagine their struggles, and we need their own first-person tales to get their perspective and to complete the stories.
The verse is simple and reads easily, and overall it didn't feel much different than reading a handful of interconnected short stories. I imagine that it's hard to give each character distinctive voices in verse, and sometimes things felt a bit muddled but overall Cameron did a great job at making Luke, Bongo, and Casey all unique voices. I really felt for each of the characters as their stories twisted and turned, and you learned more of their circumstances.
Telling the story in verse does cut down on extraneous details, plotlines, etc. Everything we get here is essential to the story and to the growth of the characters. So while sometimes I wish it were padded out a bit more, I don't think it would have fit the fact that this is a story in verse, not traditional prose.
Some of the facts of the story may be a little inaccessible to US readers (or maybe non-Australians?). Aside from slang, the book presumes (and rightly so, being an Australian-set book by an Australian writer) you have an understanding of how the Australian education system works. Maybe it was a bigger stumbling block for me, getting caught up on details of "wait, how are they working in the middle of the day?" and such.
Some topics in the book include drug/alcohol abuse, homelessness, and teen pregnancy, and there is some sexual content, though nothing is described explicitly.
March 30, 2013
Out of This Place is a verse novel with three main characters. Luke, Casey, and Bongo are friends, with Luke and Bongo both sweet on Casey. Yes, there’s a love triangle, but it doesn't appear trite in the least bit.
The story follows the struggles of all three characters. I found Casey and Bongo more compelling than Luke. Casey has a strict father and ventures off to live her own life. Bongo has it worst of all, with an abusive stepfather, mother in rehab, and brother whose foster parents won’t allow visitations. The story was true to the title. The characters did want out of this place.
The characters and their struggles came off as realistic. This novel is more character-than plot-driven. At first this bothered me, because I was wondering what the main problem was, but later on I saw the big picture of the characters’ major issues and how the three intertwined at the end. This was four stars for me. I received the galley from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
The story follows the struggles of all three characters. I found Casey and Bongo more compelling than Luke. Casey has a strict father and ventures off to live her own life. Bongo has it worst of all, with an abusive stepfather, mother in rehab, and brother whose foster parents won’t allow visitations. The story was true to the title. The characters did want out of this place.
The characters and their struggles came off as realistic. This novel is more character-than plot-driven. At first this bothered me, because I was wondering what the main problem was, but later on I saw the big picture of the characters’ major issues and how the three intertwined at the end. This was four stars for me. I received the galley from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
Read
December 27, 2017Cinnamon Rain is written in verse and features the perspectives of 3 friends. What I liked most, was instead of alternating POVs every chapter, you got to read from their perspective in a big chunk, so it was like each character had their own book within a book.
October 23, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and I liked how all the stories intertwined.
November 10, 2017
Summary
Cinnamon Rain by Emma Cameron is an Australian coming of age novel written in verse.
Luke, Casey, and Bongo each narrate a different part of the book, telling their story. They're all in Year 10 and trying to decide what they want to do with their future.
Luke has a crush on Casey, but he's worried his feelings aren't reciprocated. He doesn't know what he wants to do in the future.
Casey is stuck obeying the strict rules of her father. She wants to get out of town and lose ties with anyone who reminds her of home.
Bongo gets wasted in order to forget the fact his younger brother was taken away by social services, and to avoid his abusive stepdad. He's desperate to escape town.
The book deals with topics such as homelessness, abuse, and belonging.
Review
I found the verse easy to read, and it made the story flow quickly.
I liked reading in the three different points of view, I found that they only overlapped a little bit and weren't too repetitive.
I liked the friendship between Casey and Bongo. They had similar harsh father figures, and understood each other in a way that Luke couldn't. I wanted to see more of their friendship.
Casey and Bongo both had to face difficult problems, which made them go through a lot of growth and development. I didn't think Luke went through as much growth and development as them, and his story seemed a bit boring.
I liked how the characters were proactive. They didn't wait around for their lives to change, they went ahead and made changes.
The novel didn't end exactly how I wanted it to end, but I'm happy it had an open ended realistic ending. Readers can interpret the end however they like. However, I would have liked a little more closure.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 14 years and older, and wants to read a coming of age novel written in verse.
Cinnamon Rain by Emma Cameron is an Australian coming of age novel written in verse.
Luke, Casey, and Bongo each narrate a different part of the book, telling their story. They're all in Year 10 and trying to decide what they want to do with their future.
Luke has a crush on Casey, but he's worried his feelings aren't reciprocated. He doesn't know what he wants to do in the future.
Casey is stuck obeying the strict rules of her father. She wants to get out of town and lose ties with anyone who reminds her of home.
Bongo gets wasted in order to forget the fact his younger brother was taken away by social services, and to avoid his abusive stepdad. He's desperate to escape town.
The book deals with topics such as homelessness, abuse, and belonging.
Review
I found the verse easy to read, and it made the story flow quickly.
I liked reading in the three different points of view, I found that they only overlapped a little bit and weren't too repetitive.
I liked the friendship between Casey and Bongo. They had similar harsh father figures, and understood each other in a way that Luke couldn't. I wanted to see more of their friendship.
Casey and Bongo both had to face difficult problems, which made them go through a lot of growth and development. I didn't think Luke went through as much growth and development as them, and his story seemed a bit boring.
I liked how the characters were proactive. They didn't wait around for their lives to change, they went ahead and made changes.
The novel didn't end exactly how I wanted it to end, but I'm happy it had an open ended realistic ending. Readers can interpret the end however they like. However, I would have liked a little more closure.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 14 years and older, and wants to read a coming of age novel written in verse.
April 18, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this verse novel from Australia. I like realistic YA poetic novels - Ellen Hopkins, Sonya Sones - and abuse, addiction, dropping out, finding love, finding ones self, teen sex and pregnancy are topics that never run out of narrative punch. Some of my disconnect may be that, as an American, there are odds and ends, particular to Down Under, that don't quite stick for me: Cricket references, the particulars of seasons and school schedules unknown in the states, the systems of poverty and social aid. These aren't bad things, but challenges. Time was hard for me to gauge, what with Christmas being warm and rain happening - somewhere? - in the school year.
But I think a bigger disconnect is that the book is recounted in three sections, one each for Luke, Casey, and Bongo (David). The first one - Luke's - left me flat. He's noble and decent, but never came alive for me. To then see from Casey's point of view was a bit of a leap. I did click with the final section in which Bongo sinks low and finds his way out, and the last few pages bring the story to a hopeful yet unresolved point that isn't typical for YA.
Because of the drugs n'sex n'piss-poor-parenting, this skews a bit older, while the shifting narration and punctuated pace make it too much of a leap for struggling readers who've just finished Long Way Down and are looking for something just like it. But it has some charms, letting characters be real and a bit complex instead of types destined to end up in predictable places.
But I think a bigger disconnect is that the book is recounted in three sections, one each for Luke, Casey, and Bongo (David). The first one - Luke's - left me flat. He's noble and decent, but never came alive for me. To then see from Casey's point of view was a bit of a leap. I did click with the final section in which Bongo sinks low and finds his way out, and the last few pages bring the story to a hopeful yet unresolved point that isn't typical for YA.
Because of the drugs n'sex n'piss-poor-parenting, this skews a bit older, while the shifting narration and punctuated pace make it too much of a leap for struggling readers who've just finished Long Way Down and are looking for something just like it. But it has some charms, letting characters be real and a bit complex instead of types destined to end up in predictable places.
June 30, 2019
I wasn't really sure how I felt about this book after reading it. There were certainly moments where the book was heartwarming or thoughtful, but in other moments, I disliked the way that the plot was unfolding. For instance, the development of Casey's character and the ending to her section of the book was highly unnecessary in my opinion, and seemed to create more issues than it resolved, so despite the fact that the characters were all intended to grow throughout the story, Casey unfortunately seemed to actively get worse. However, I found it nice how the book, though sad and covering many serious issues, seemed to have an optimistic view of humanity, with each of the characters going through their own struggles and yet finding their own too. Overall, a 3 star rating seems the most fair, as the good moments and the frustrating ones seemed to balance out to an average book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
Verse is the perfect medium for Emma Cameron’s YA novel, Cinnamon Rain. The poetry is eloquent, like a painting on a canvas, subtle while enhancing the story. Told from three different perspectives, the main characters’ (Luke, Casey and Bongo) stories overlap – their relationships with each other make the story especially interesting. A YA coming-of-age novel about friendship, change, and life challenges, Cameron addresses sensitive issues with empathy and great insight. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2017
Gotta admit I almost stopped reading this book during Luke’s part. From the synopsis I was intrigued by Casey and Bongo which was the only reason I kept reading this book. Once I was through with Luke’s part I flew threw Casey and Bongo’s parts. While I would never make the life decisions that these characters made I did enjoy reading these characters and the style of the story was so different that it was hard to stop reading. The ending was my favorite part which makes sense since Bongo’s part was my favorite. All three of them coming back together was a perfect ending to the whirlwind story, though I wish Bongo would’ve told Casey how he feels about her.
December 18, 2019
I loved the way it gives every character, a real life situation, this book made me feel more confident of my self and to look forward & keep in mind that no one can take away my dreams of who i want to be in the future.
April 2, 2018
A book that is real about several teen issues, while maintaining a sweet relationship between three friends. Written in verse which works well for the story line.
August 23, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
September 3, 2020
Read this as Cinnamon Rain. Best free verse novel I've ever read. Hits close to the heart and love the 3 main characters beyond belief.
June 16, 2021
Beautifully composed verse that tells the story of 3 young people growing up and the struggles they face.
October 16, 2013
Out of This Place is the first verse-written novel I’ve ever read! Verse novels have never held much interest for me. I like poetry, I like novels, but I could never envision how an author could create and entire story and meaning just from a few poetry written perspectives. I think I understand a bit better now.
Cameron is amazing at building and creating emotion! Her three main characters: Luke, Casey, and Bongo/David are each so different from each other but it was interesting to get to see into each of their lives to fully understand what was going on in their lives. I didn’t understand some of the cultural things going on in the text like how the schooling system works and if teen homelessness really is a trend in Australia but it didn’t distract me from the work. I liked reading and learning about these characters as they yearned to escape, interested to see what would happen next in their lives.
Casey and Bongo’s narratives were by far the most interesting whereas Luke’s was a bit dull. While Luke is a sad character who’s family works in small-talk he’s a bit of a male Mary-Sue always doing the right thing and pining over Casey who will never love him in the way he wants, it got annoying after awhile.
I liked to Casey’s perspective because she spoke of her feelings of hurt and loneliness, being a love child and forcing her parents to get married at a young age. Feeling unwanted and having her strict father keep her at home at all times Casey plans for her own escape where she can work a job she wants and live a life where she is happy.
Bongo was also an interesting character, a teenager who’s mother is a drug addict and is beaten by his step-dad. Wanting to keep in contact with his half-brother David who was taken away by social services and unable to handle the stress of his home life Bongo goes to the streets to try and find himself.
My favourite character who I believe is the most underrated is Casey’s dad. While he is strict he’s a very interesting character when analyzed. His strictness is caused from having Casey as a teen/young man (it isn’t specified). He loves his daughter but is afraid she’ll get pregnant and have to rush into adulthood like he did. I feel he’s a character that most readers will judge harshly but I find him so interesting!
While Out of This Place is a great coming-of-age story I would have liked a little more back story and a little more detail in some parts. At times it seemed like the narration jumped around to quickly, but I’m not sure if that’s a typical way verse-novels are set up.
Out of This Place is a great novel! I feel like lovers of verse-novels would love it as well as lovers of Contemporary and a good coming-of-age story!
Cameron is amazing at building and creating emotion! Her three main characters: Luke, Casey, and Bongo/David are each so different from each other but it was interesting to get to see into each of their lives to fully understand what was going on in their lives. I didn’t understand some of the cultural things going on in the text like how the schooling system works and if teen homelessness really is a trend in Australia but it didn’t distract me from the work. I liked reading and learning about these characters as they yearned to escape, interested to see what would happen next in their lives.
Casey and Bongo’s narratives were by far the most interesting whereas Luke’s was a bit dull. While Luke is a sad character who’s family works in small-talk he’s a bit of a male Mary-Sue always doing the right thing and pining over Casey who will never love him in the way he wants, it got annoying after awhile.
I liked to Casey’s perspective because she spoke of her feelings of hurt and loneliness, being a love child and forcing her parents to get married at a young age. Feeling unwanted and having her strict father keep her at home at all times Casey plans for her own escape where she can work a job she wants and live a life where she is happy.
Bongo was also an interesting character, a teenager who’s mother is a drug addict and is beaten by his step-dad. Wanting to keep in contact with his half-brother David who was taken away by social services and unable to handle the stress of his home life Bongo goes to the streets to try and find himself.
My favourite character who I believe is the most underrated is Casey’s dad. While he is strict he’s a very interesting character when analyzed. His strictness is caused from having Casey as a teen/young man (it isn’t specified). He loves his daughter but is afraid she’ll get pregnant and have to rush into adulthood like he did. I feel he’s a character that most readers will judge harshly but I find him so interesting!
While Out of This Place is a great coming-of-age story I would have liked a little more back story and a little more detail in some parts. At times it seemed like the narration jumped around to quickly, but I’m not sure if that’s a typical way verse-novels are set up.
Out of This Place is a great novel! I feel like lovers of verse-novels would love it as well as lovers of Contemporary and a good coming-of-age story!
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