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Blood Family
Edward is four years old when he is locked away with his mother by her abusive, alcoholic partner, Harris. By the time an elderly neighbour spots his pale face peering through a crack in the boarded-up window and raises the alarm, he is seven.
Rescue comes, but lasting damage has been done. Sent to live with a kindly foster family, and then adopted, Edward struggles to adapt to normal life. Even as a teenager it's still clear to his new family and schoolmates there's something odd about him.
Then one fateful day, Edward catches a glimpse of himself in a photograph. What he sees shocks him to the core - a vision of Harris. Was this monster his father all along? And does that mean that, deep down, another Harris is waiting to break out
Every step of progress Edward has made swiftly begins to unravel, and he has to decide whether his blood will determine his future.
Rescue comes, but lasting damage has been done. Sent to live with a kindly foster family, and then adopted, Edward struggles to adapt to normal life. Even as a teenager it's still clear to his new family and schoolmates there's something odd about him.
Then one fateful day, Edward catches a glimpse of himself in a photograph. What he sees shocks him to the core - a vision of Harris. Was this monster his father all along? And does that mean that, deep down, another Harris is waiting to break out
Every step of progress Edward has made swiftly begins to unravel, and he has to decide whether his blood will determine his future.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2013
24 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Anne Fine
392 books289 followersThough readers often find themselves inadvertently laughing aloud as they read Anne Fine's novels, as she herself admits, "a lot of my work, even for fairly young readers, raises serious social issues. Growing up is a long and confusing business. I try to show that the battle through the chaos is worthwhile and can, at times, be seen as very funny." In 1994, this unique combination of humour and realism inspired the hit movie MRS. DOUBTFIRE, based on Anne's novel MADAME DOUBTFIRE and starring the late comedic genius Robin Williams.
Anne is best known in her home country, England, as a writer principally for children, but over the years she has also written eight novels for adult readers. Seven of these she describes as black - or sour - comedies, and the first, THE KILLJOY, simply as "dead black". These novels have proved great favourites with reading groups, causing readers to squirm with mingled horror and delight as she peels away the layers in all too familiar family relationships, exposing the tangled threads and conflicts beneath. (It's perhaps not surprising that Anne has openly expressed astonishment at the fact that murder in the domestic setting is not even more common.)
Anne has written more than sixty books for children and young people. Amongst numerous other awards, she is twice winner of both the Carnegie Medal, Britain's most prestigious children's book award, and the Whitbread Award. Twice chosen as Children's Author of the Year in the British Book Awards, Anne Fine was also the first novelist to be honoured as Children's Laureate in the United Kingdom. In 2003, Anne became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Her work has been translated into forty five languages.
Anne Fine lives in the north of England and has two grown up daughters.
Anne is best known in her home country, England, as a writer principally for children, but over the years she has also written eight novels for adult readers. Seven of these she describes as black - or sour - comedies, and the first, THE KILLJOY, simply as "dead black". These novels have proved great favourites with reading groups, causing readers to squirm with mingled horror and delight as she peels away the layers in all too familiar family relationships, exposing the tangled threads and conflicts beneath. (It's perhaps not surprising that Anne has openly expressed astonishment at the fact that murder in the domestic setting is not even more common.)
Anne has written more than sixty books for children and young people. Amongst numerous other awards, she is twice winner of both the Carnegie Medal, Britain's most prestigious children's book award, and the Whitbread Award. Twice chosen as Children's Author of the Year in the British Book Awards, Anne Fine was also the first novelist to be honoured as Children's Laureate in the United Kingdom. In 2003, Anne became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Her work has been translated into forty five languages.
Anne Fine lives in the north of England and has two grown up daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
March 10, 2017
Blood Family by Anne Fine is a middle grade children's fiction story about a boy who was abused at a young age and now strives to maintain a normal life with a new family.
At first, the story was interesting to me, yet seemed to lose its spark and pick back up again in part 3 and beyond. I was engaged for about half the book, but the story just didn't seem to captivate me like I'd hoped. It's extremely sad, tragic, and just not a lot going on in the story.
The author is a great writer and I can see this being an enjoyable read for a younger audience.
3***
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
At first, the story was interesting to me, yet seemed to lose its spark and pick back up again in part 3 and beyond. I was engaged for about half the book, but the story just didn't seem to captivate me like I'd hoped. It's extremely sad, tragic, and just not a lot going on in the story.
The author is a great writer and I can see this being an enjoyable read for a younger audience.
3***
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2014
I read this almost in one sitting because it was very hard to put down. I loved Eddie, he was so lovable and sweet. You really felt for him and I was so happy when he found Nicholas and was accepted into the family. My favourite character in the story had to be Alice who was so sensible and smart and really helped Ed and Lucy even though they were both too damaged to realize it. I didn't take to Natasha much at first until you realize just how much she loves her children and then I warmed to her. Linda and Alan were lovely characters especially when Linda teaches Eddie to read and he starts reading everything he can find. The premise of the story is very grim and you are so disappointed with Ed when he starts to go off the rails because you so want him to be well and normal. An excellent book which takes you on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster as Eddie finally finds out who he is and what he wants to do with his life. I am not really a huge Anne Fine fan although I still love Madame Doubtfire! A great book to read though.
November 29, 2015
What really happens when a child has to be taken out of his home and put in foster care or adoption? A lot of people come into building a new life for them, but good intentions aren't always enough. This is what happens to Eddie, a seven-year-old, who is taken out of his home together with his mother after her abusive partner locked them there for years. Her mother, bitten to a senseless stupor, isn't able to deal with anything anymore, and so Eddie is sent to a foster family, and later put up for adoption. Many people full of the best intentions, knowledge and experience are there to help him along the way of recovery, and he does well at first. But the tiniest trigger could push him back into hell, and this is exactly what happens. Everyone around him are working hard to pull him out of there, but it isn't simple. A realistic, poignant look at abuse and its aftermath.
July 30, 2013
What a cracking good read. The depiction of a tortured teenage boy struggling to come to terms with his own history is compelling. There's not a word out of place.
April 26, 2014
'Listen,' he said, 'you're safe now. He can't get at you any more.'
Everyone is amazed by Eddie. After is rescued from an a abusive home Eddie seems to slip into a normal life, a normal family with relative ease. But it's only later that the demons of his childhood catch up with him.
I loved this book from the conception, it wasn't perfect but it approached the heady issue of adoption and nature vs nurture unflinchingly. Told from varying perspectives Anne Fine manages to encorporate the reactions of other children and adults to Eddie's situation, contrasting these against Eddie's own perspectives. This allows a balanced and rounded view on adoption, the shortcomings of the authroities and the difficulties they face in trying to settle fragile children in a safe environment and prosecute their aggressors.
The characters are flawed enough (from stubborness, naivety or rebellionsness) to be realistic and interesting. Eddie's growth and difficulties are recounted particularly well by Fine. By not shying away from the uglier aspects of his struggles readers are able to observe just how easily Eddie's stability begins to slip.
The topic of this book is one that I aways felt was mostly left untouched by fiction, there are plenty of Cinderella-stories but few that remain realistic. Hence I'm so glad this topic has been broached by an author skilled enough to give it the recognition it deserves.
While I have yet to finish reading the 2014 Carnegie shortlist (and thus reserve the right to change my mind) at the moment I would not be disappointed if this won.
Everyone is amazed by Eddie. After is rescued from an a abusive home Eddie seems to slip into a normal life, a normal family with relative ease. But it's only later that the demons of his childhood catch up with him.
I loved this book from the conception, it wasn't perfect but it approached the heady issue of adoption and nature vs nurture unflinchingly. Told from varying perspectives Anne Fine manages to encorporate the reactions of other children and adults to Eddie's situation, contrasting these against Eddie's own perspectives. This allows a balanced and rounded view on adoption, the shortcomings of the authroities and the difficulties they face in trying to settle fragile children in a safe environment and prosecute their aggressors.
The characters are flawed enough (from stubborness, naivety or rebellionsness) to be realistic and interesting. Eddie's growth and difficulties are recounted particularly well by Fine. By not shying away from the uglier aspects of his struggles readers are able to observe just how easily Eddie's stability begins to slip.
The topic of this book is one that I aways felt was mostly left untouched by fiction, there are plenty of Cinderella-stories but few that remain realistic. Hence I'm so glad this topic has been broached by an author skilled enough to give it the recognition it deserves.
While I have yet to finish reading the 2014 Carnegie shortlist (and thus reserve the right to change my mind) at the moment I would not be disappointed if this won.
September 13, 2019
This book is really sad on so many levels, but at the same time it is somewhat philosophical. At least, it made me think about things in life. One being, is it nature or nurture? How much does blood (good and bad) run in one's family?
Who doesn't feel empathy for a little boy who's been witness to severe beatings of his own mother and suffered all kinds of abuse himself! I know when this story began, my heart broke to read what Eddie had already seen and the abuse he'd already experienced in his young life. Thankfully, he was at one point
There are multiple POV's in this book which is brilliant for what I think the author might've been trying to accomplish. I don't think it's a "simple" story. I do believe it's made to make the reader think about life.
I loved it and I highly recommend it.
Who doesn't feel empathy for a little boy who's been witness to severe beatings of his own mother and suffered all kinds of abuse himself! I know when this story began, my heart broke to read what Eddie had already seen and the abuse he'd already experienced in his young life. Thankfully, he was at one point
There are multiple POV's in this book which is brilliant for what I think the author might've been trying to accomplish. I don't think it's a "simple" story. I do believe it's made to make the reader think about life.
I loved it and I highly recommend it.
June 22, 2015
Told in several viewpoints throughout the novel, we follow the life of seven yr old Eddie Taylor after he and his mother are rescued from Bryce Harris, a drunken and violent abuser. Over several years Harris has beaten Eddie’s mother into a catatonic state, while Eddie is kept inside, sworn at and made to sleep in a corner of the squalid lounge floor with a dog. A well meaning neighbour saw Eddie peeking out the curtains one day and after several attempts, finally got the police and social workers involved.
Eddie settles into a new family and we see how he grows and learns and develops - until one day when he sees a face. A face that sends him spiralling downwards....
Fantastic. This is a view into how things can go so wrong and how love can find you again and bring you home.
Eddie settles into a new family and we see how he grows and learns and develops - until one day when he sees a face. A face that sends him spiralling downwards....
Fantastic. This is a view into how things can go so wrong and how love can find you again and bring you home.
April 23, 2020
Récit poignant... Le parcours d'Eddie vers une lente résilience m'a émue. J'ai beaucoup aimé les changements de points de vue dans ce roman, chaque personnage apportant son éclairage sur l'histoire d'Eddie, si tragiquement réaliste.
October 2, 2016
"Yet even that first night there was something unusual about his wariness. It seemed intelligent--more on the ball than most of the children we get who come from violent homes. Too many of the ones who have been lifted out of that particular sort of danger are so concerned with keeping an eye out for the next blow-up that they don't have a single brain cell left to use in more enriching ways. The rest of their mind is not just empty for their age, it's all but frozen."
Eddie was discovered to be living in the most horrendous conditions. Since preschool, he'd been kept hidden from the public eye. Never allowed to step outside the door. Not even allowed to look out a window.
It was a persistent neighbor across the way who had deep suspicions and made numerous anonymous complaints to Child Protective Services that revealed his plight.
This book is about how Eddie dealt with the emotional and psychological repercussions of this. The process of adapting to a "normal" life. As one can imagine, it wasn't all smooth sailing.
A good exploration of a child's development in a "what if" sense. Recommended.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Eddie was discovered to be living in the most horrendous conditions. Since preschool, he'd been kept hidden from the public eye. Never allowed to step outside the door. Not even allowed to look out a window.
It was a persistent neighbor across the way who had deep suspicions and made numerous anonymous complaints to Child Protective Services that revealed his plight.
This book is about how Eddie dealt with the emotional and psychological repercussions of this. The process of adapting to a "normal" life. As one can imagine, it wasn't all smooth sailing.
A good exploration of a child's development in a "what if" sense. Recommended.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2013
This book was absolutely beautiful.
Not in the good way, happy way. In the "this book subtly tore my heart to shreds but I didn't realise until part V" kind of way.
I love the story, I love the characters, and oh Mr Perkins, you kind hearted, beautiful soul.
This book honestly hurt me, because it's so well written and just brilliant. I genuinely care for most of the characters, from the elderly neighbor to Edward to Lucy.
5/5
Not in the good way, happy way. In the "this book subtly tore my heart to shreds but I didn't realise until part V" kind of way.
I love the story, I love the characters, and oh Mr Perkins, you kind hearted, beautiful soul.
This book honestly hurt me, because it's so well written and just brilliant. I genuinely care for most of the characters, from the elderly neighbor to Edward to Lucy.
5/5
August 22, 2016
Une lecture éprouvante par moments, très réaliste. L'histoire d'un gamin qui vit un enfer et est un jour sauvé et confié à une famille d'accueil. Nous le suivons jusqu'au lycée tandis qu'il tente de se reconstruire. Les narrateurs alternent, c'est le plus souvent Eddie mais on découvre aussi le point de vue de tous ses proches. Vraiment un bon roman.
March 3, 2017
This book is amazing but sad,and makes us think of how fortunate we are, and how many children are suffering
February 22, 2021
Eddie est resté enfermé dans un appartement avec sa mère jusqu'à l'âge de 7 ans. C'est une voisine un peu trop curieuse qui a alerté les services sociaux et l'a délivré d'un père alcoolique et très violent. Placé en famille d'accueil, il doit apprendre à faire confiance et apprécier tout ce qu'il a manqué : la scolarité, les amis, les loisirs. Un récit très émouvant sur l'enfance maltraitée, les multiples points de vue nous décrivent avec beaucoup de justesse les hésitations et les angoisses de ce garçon brillant et gentil mais abîmé par les mauvais traitements...
May 16, 2017
I wish we could give half stars on here. I didn't really want to give this a 3, but it was for sure better than a 2.
The story was interesting, but a little lacking. I would have liked to hear more about his parents and background. I understand that the story was about his life after trauma, but I feel like it could have been more interesting with a little more depth.
The story was interesting, but a little lacking. I would have liked to hear more about his parents and background. I understand that the story was about his life after trauma, but I feel like it could have been more interesting with a little more depth.
January 27, 2015
I was completely and utterly drawn in by this book and finished it in one sitting.
Blood family for me was all about the nature / nurture debate and whether or not it is your environment or your genetic make up that dictate the type of person you will become. I found the way this was debated within this book utterly engrossing to the point where I literally couldn't put it down.
Blood family tells the story of Edward from a variety of different points of view from day he was rescued from a filthy flat by social services. You see him as he goes from temporary foster care through to being adopted by a family and follows his story as he comes to terms about the truth about his family and what it means for him as a person. The way the story explores the themes about genetic makeup and why you become the person you are is fascinating especially when you see the way Edward turns out after learning about his father and begs the question of how different might he have been had he not known. The story is quite dark in places and uncomfortable but for me that's is what made it so good. I particularly enjoyed how the story was told via a wide variety of view points including Edward's as it made for an different way of story telling.
A fantastically dark and insightful read which I would highly recommend.
Blood family for me was all about the nature / nurture debate and whether or not it is your environment or your genetic make up that dictate the type of person you will become. I found the way this was debated within this book utterly engrossing to the point where I literally couldn't put it down.
Blood family tells the story of Edward from a variety of different points of view from day he was rescued from a filthy flat by social services. You see him as he goes from temporary foster care through to being adopted by a family and follows his story as he comes to terms about the truth about his family and what it means for him as a person. The way the story explores the themes about genetic makeup and why you become the person you are is fascinating especially when you see the way Edward turns out after learning about his father and begs the question of how different might he have been had he not known. The story is quite dark in places and uncomfortable but for me that's is what made it so good. I particularly enjoyed how the story was told via a wide variety of view points including Edward's as it made for an different way of story telling.
A fantastically dark and insightful read which I would highly recommend.
August 30, 2014
I have a love/hate relationship with this book.
Read
August 18, 2024Blood Family by Anne Fine, ISBN 978-0857532404, originally published by Doubleday children's in 2013 and then in the US by Simon and Schuster in 2017. This book in total has 304 pages overall
I was recommended this book by my daughter who read it whilst at school as it was shortlisted for the Carnegie medal back in 2014.
I myself was mesmerized by the book, it is about family, but the author teaches you that family is not necessary about blood, your family can be whoever you choose them to be. This is the case for the young protagonist in the story whom it revolves around.
One quote always sticks with me since I have read this book, "Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The one who would do anything to see you smile and love you no matter what."
The book does not involve chapters, nor is it written like a diary setting. It is taken from account of people whom helped looked after a young lad who was not very well looked after. The only viewpoints we do not get to hear is from the lad's family that is my only disappointment.
Edward, now in a safe home as a teenager does go and see his mum regularly who is being looked after in another safe place due to her ex, there is once he goes to sit under a tree to read his book and hears his mother singing a song he used to remember from childhood.
The author nearly has it all in this book, she has drugs, abuse, alcohol experimentation, theft. This is one you can really get your teeth into as we see Edward abuse the system or "go off the rails", get into trouble time and time again.
I feel because you get the different viewpoints, it does not get boring, it is their journey. If this had been just novel based then I do not feel it would have worked.
I feel that this book has been very well researched, to know that somebody could change through what they went through. One simple 'try me' drug left Edward to go off the rails and it mustered everybody's strength to get him back because of who he thought he was turning out to be like.
If you have not yet read Blood family please do, I borrowed mine from the library, but it is available in different formats, hard back, paper back, Ebook and also audiobook.
Even though it is for the young adult audience, I enjoyed it as an adult reader. I just would not recommend it to anyone under the age of twelve.
I hope you enjoy my honest and personal review.
I was recommended this book by my daughter who read it whilst at school as it was shortlisted for the Carnegie medal back in 2014.
I myself was mesmerized by the book, it is about family, but the author teaches you that family is not necessary about blood, your family can be whoever you choose them to be. This is the case for the young protagonist in the story whom it revolves around.
One quote always sticks with me since I have read this book, "Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The one who would do anything to see you smile and love you no matter what."
The book does not involve chapters, nor is it written like a diary setting. It is taken from account of people whom helped looked after a young lad who was not very well looked after. The only viewpoints we do not get to hear is from the lad's family that is my only disappointment.
Edward, now in a safe home as a teenager does go and see his mum regularly who is being looked after in another safe place due to her ex, there is once he goes to sit under a tree to read his book and hears his mother singing a song he used to remember from childhood.
The author nearly has it all in this book, she has drugs, abuse, alcohol experimentation, theft. This is one you can really get your teeth into as we see Edward abuse the system or "go off the rails", get into trouble time and time again.
I feel because you get the different viewpoints, it does not get boring, it is their journey. If this had been just novel based then I do not feel it would have worked.
I feel that this book has been very well researched, to know that somebody could change through what they went through. One simple 'try me' drug left Edward to go off the rails and it mustered everybody's strength to get him back because of who he thought he was turning out to be like.
If you have not yet read Blood family please do, I borrowed mine from the library, but it is available in different formats, hard back, paper back, Ebook and also audiobook.
Even though it is for the young adult audience, I enjoyed it as an adult reader. I just would not recommend it to anyone under the age of twelve.
I hope you enjoy my honest and personal review.
July 4, 2017
I can't believe this cover passed the editor. It's hideous. Jesus, it's almost as bad as the new Breathing Underwater covers.
Remember how in my On the Jellicoe Road review I extolled the virtues of Aussie YA authors? Well, for some reason English YA authors (and some English adult writers, too) have the opposite effect on me. I know, I know, this is a horrible generalization but it's kind of the truth. Or maybe I just haven't read enough English YA writers (someone, recommend me a good one, please).
It's not that I hated this book, but to say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. I think maybe a problem I find with English YA writers is that I've noticed YA isn't really a label. It's either adult or children. So I find a lot of British exported books that are categorized in America as YA actually feel a lot younger than YA, more on the middle grade side of YA, really. Of course, this is just my opinion, your mileage may vary, etc etc.
And it was a problem in this book, especially because Eddie's voice was very young sounding- almost like his development was stunted in some way- that it was jarring to hear girls described as liking him or the fact that he was like 16 when this book ended. It made words or scenes that normally wouldn't bother me- like shit or Jesus Christ or the many scenes of him drinking/doing drugs (and in one case, kicking the shit out of a child, though that's never actually shown)- stick out to say the least. Which was strange, especially because much of the violence or graphic parts- like Harris beating his mother- were never actually shown. I was fine with this, but at the same time they felt glossed over and made it hard for me to actually connect with the situation. I'm not saying I need a detailed description of what he did to her, and perhaps Fine was attempting to do that horror novel tactic of letting the human imagination do what it does best, but still. This made me feel even more disconnected from the story.
Continue reading this review on my blog here: https://bookwormbasics.blogspot.com/2...
Remember how in my On the Jellicoe Road review I extolled the virtues of Aussie YA authors? Well, for some reason English YA authors (and some English adult writers, too) have the opposite effect on me. I know, I know, this is a horrible generalization but it's kind of the truth. Or maybe I just haven't read enough English YA writers (someone, recommend me a good one, please).
It's not that I hated this book, but to say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. I think maybe a problem I find with English YA writers is that I've noticed YA isn't really a label. It's either adult or children. So I find a lot of British exported books that are categorized in America as YA actually feel a lot younger than YA, more on the middle grade side of YA, really. Of course, this is just my opinion, your mileage may vary, etc etc.
And it was a problem in this book, especially because Eddie's voice was very young sounding- almost like his development was stunted in some way- that it was jarring to hear girls described as liking him or the fact that he was like 16 when this book ended. It made words or scenes that normally wouldn't bother me- like shit or Jesus Christ or the many scenes of him drinking/doing drugs (and in one case, kicking the shit out of a child, though that's never actually shown)- stick out to say the least. Which was strange, especially because much of the violence or graphic parts- like Harris beating his mother- were never actually shown. I was fine with this, but at the same time they felt glossed over and made it hard for me to actually connect with the situation. I'm not saying I need a detailed description of what he did to her, and perhaps Fine was attempting to do that horror novel tactic of letting the human imagination do what it does best, but still. This made me feel even more disconnected from the story.
Continue reading this review on my blog here: https://bookwormbasics.blogspot.com/2...
November 26, 2016
This was a well written book about a boy in England who is taken out of an extreme domestic violence situation at the age of seven. He gets fostered then adopted, the narration is from points of view, social workers, adoptive parents and so on. The point of view is often Edward's own, and in past tense so that you know he gets out of any situations he finds himself in.
If the above description is a bit flat or bland it is because I am ambivalent about the book: While it is well enough written and the characters are good, while it is addressing an issue that is certainly social relevant both to young adults and indeed anyone else..... I still had an issue or two with it.
One issue was; just how young is a Young Adult? There was some pretty blatant unpleasantness here, both in the abusive home, the results and Edward later going off the rails. Just how old a 'YA' was it aimed at? The internal deliberations especially, would I want my 13 year old godson to read this? I'm not sure. Would he enjoy or 'get it' if he did? I am even more doubtful.
The other and main issue is this; while I read it and it was good I do NOT think it was honestly presented to the public. This is a gripe I often have about books I pick up at random but it is still valid: Here the cover description gives you more than a hint that there is a supernatural element to the story and that is what I was expecting. The very title.... perhaps it is a British thing but I don't think anyone would ever use the phrase 'blood family' it is creepy and suggestive. The cover description even more with it's coy hints so about monsters, and there were other things, no spoilers. I did not entirely give up on the fact that there might be a supernatural element until about page 150 (out of 291).
Once I had given up the expectation that there was more to it and read it for what it was, that was ok, but I don't like being hoodwinked by publishers and I end up discontented by the book.
If the above description is a bit flat or bland it is because I am ambivalent about the book: While it is well enough written and the characters are good, while it is addressing an issue that is certainly social relevant both to young adults and indeed anyone else..... I still had an issue or two with it.
One issue was; just how young is a Young Adult? There was some pretty blatant unpleasantness here, both in the abusive home, the results and Edward later going off the rails. Just how old a 'YA' was it aimed at? The internal deliberations especially, would I want my 13 year old godson to read this? I'm not sure. Would he enjoy or 'get it' if he did? I am even more doubtful.
The other and main issue is this; while I read it and it was good I do NOT think it was honestly presented to the public. This is a gripe I often have about books I pick up at random but it is still valid: Here the cover description gives you more than a hint that there is a supernatural element to the story and that is what I was expecting. The very title.... perhaps it is a British thing but I don't think anyone would ever use the phrase 'blood family' it is creepy and suggestive. The cover description even more with it's coy hints so about monsters, and there were other things, no spoilers. I did not entirely give up on the fact that there might be a supernatural element until about page 150 (out of 291).
Once I had given up the expectation that there was more to it and read it for what it was, that was ok, but I don't like being hoodwinked by publishers and I end up discontented by the book.
March 13, 2018
Fine, Ann Blood Family, 291 pages. Simon and Schuster BFYR, 2017. $18. Language: R (15 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13
Edward is four when his mother and her partner move into an apartment that offers little in the way of anything except for a box of old VHS tapes of program about Mr. Perkins (Think Mr. Rogers, in fact the book is dedicated to him.) Edward is not allowed out of the apartment for three years, he watches Mr. Perkins for a glimpse of what life can be like and he learns how to avoid being beaten by “the beast.” An elderly neighbor rattles officialdom until he is rescued and the rest of the book is about his recovery and how he hits rock bottom, forgives his mom and comes to grips with himself.
The writing format is intriguing. Edward tells his story in first person, but so do the rest of the people that came in and out of his life including Betty who started the rescue ball rolling. It is interesting to hear from all of the characters. The book ends positively, I thought about it a lot after I completed reading it, yeah it’s a good one.
I work in a drug and alcohol treatment program and after a discussion with a therapist here we felt like it would be a good book for a traditional school, but it might prove very painful for teens in treatment. So no I won’t be buying it for my school, but I would recommend it for a non-treatment school.
HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Lisa Moeller, English Teacher/Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Edward is four when his mother and her partner move into an apartment that offers little in the way of anything except for a box of old VHS tapes of program about Mr. Perkins (Think Mr. Rogers, in fact the book is dedicated to him.) Edward is not allowed out of the apartment for three years, he watches Mr. Perkins for a glimpse of what life can be like and he learns how to avoid being beaten by “the beast.” An elderly neighbor rattles officialdom until he is rescued and the rest of the book is about his recovery and how he hits rock bottom, forgives his mom and comes to grips with himself.
The writing format is intriguing. Edward tells his story in first person, but so do the rest of the people that came in and out of his life including Betty who started the rescue ball rolling. It is interesting to hear from all of the characters. The book ends positively, I thought about it a lot after I completed reading it, yeah it’s a good one.
I work in a drug and alcohol treatment program and after a discussion with a therapist here we felt like it would be a good book for a traditional school, but it might prove very painful for teens in treatment. So no I won’t be buying it for my school, but I would recommend it for a non-treatment school.
HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Lisa Moeller, English Teacher/Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
January 2, 2020
Over all I found this book to be really quite good.
The story progresses over a the course of 6-8 years or so, starting when Eddie is 8 and ending when he is 16, it is broken into parts that represent 4 distinct stages of his life, and the feelings surrounding it. Each part is not really broken into chapters, but does have section headings defining the narrator for each portion.
I found the characters really seemed to grow through the book, and I liked how the various characters took on their roles in Eddie's life, as well as the repetition of entries from important characters, and one time appearances from minor characters who still have something to say about Eddie's life, important observations.
The book was well paced and well written, and I liked being able to relate to certain aspects, I also found the inclusion of "Mr. Perkins" an evident nod to Mr. Roger's cute too.
I would potentially recommend to the right person.
The story progresses over a the course of 6-8 years or so, starting when Eddie is 8 and ending when he is 16, it is broken into parts that represent 4 distinct stages of his life, and the feelings surrounding it. Each part is not really broken into chapters, but does have section headings defining the narrator for each portion.
I found the characters really seemed to grow through the book, and I liked how the various characters took on their roles in Eddie's life, as well as the repetition of entries from important characters, and one time appearances from minor characters who still have something to say about Eddie's life, important observations.
The book was well paced and well written, and I liked being able to relate to certain aspects, I also found the inclusion of "Mr. Perkins" an evident nod to Mr. Roger's cute too.
I would potentially recommend to the right person.
June 2, 2017
Edward is only four years old when he is locked away with his mother by her abusive boyfriend. With the help of a concerned neighbor, social services, and the police, seven year old Edward is rescued and catapulted into an entirely different life. When a shock places Edward on a deadly path, will he be able to find his way back?
Although the story was quite compelling, I found it hard to find a connection with Edward. Blood Family was not all that memorable, with a plot and characters that seemed familiar in a way. Very realistic with relevant and timely social issues, Blood Family might appeal to its target audience of teen readers.
Although the story was quite compelling, I found it hard to find a connection with Edward. Blood Family was not all that memorable, with a plot and characters that seemed familiar in a way. Very realistic with relevant and timely social issues, Blood Family might appeal to its target audience of teen readers.
December 21, 2017
One of the most depressing books I've read. There is nothing wrong with the writing or whatever, but it seems everything has gone wrong. When Edward is finally taken into foster care (after 8 eight years of being abused) he cannot read, write or make friends. This soon results in drugs and alcohol. Various other depressing things happen and, after expecting a great finale, it was dull and he basically lets go of any chance of making a friend. There are pointless back stories, which don't really make sense and most of things that sets Edward up to leave, is unexplained and blurry. Would recommend if you like depressing, well written books?!
September 9, 2017
This book started out good and had an interesting plot, but it just kind of fizzled out about half way through and I lost interest. It is told from multiple POVs which unfortunately all sound the same and without the headings to let you know who is speaking, you wouldn't be able to tell them apart. The social workers, the teenagers, the parents, etc. all have the same voice. I just couldn't connect to the main character because his voice become lost in a sea of similar voices. I think this story had potential, but it just never quite got there for me.
February 5, 2018
*3.75 stars* This was a bittersweet book about a boy who believed his father lived in him. Eddie’s character was pretty well developed and his anguish felt so realistic as well, at times it felt relatable when he believes that he is doomed because of his mistakes. I didn’t really like the flipping back and forth between so many different characters although it did function properly and allowed readers to have many perspectives towards everything. At times I was bored as well, mostly for the first half, however the second half became much more interesting. A good read!
June 18, 2020
This book really drew me in. It was intense and honest and real. That being said it is a hard read because of how raw and truthful it is. It may make you sad and really want to fight to make the world we live in a better place, because the things this character go through are not fictional. This book does have triggers about abuse and alcoholism. If you enjoy watching real crime shows and you are emotionally braced for a really dark read than I recommend this book that I believe I read in one sitting.
March 17, 2021
This book is about a young boy called Eddie and his journey after being taken from the care of his mum and a man named Harris who controlled Eddie's and his mum life.
The story follows Eddies life from the Forster parents he was placed with to those that adopted him. This book shows the struggles Eddie goes through due to his past and gives us different points of views from people he encounters.
The question is what will Eddie do? Will he allow his past to dictate his future or will he be able to overcome all that haunts him?
Now it is your job to read on and fine out.
The story follows Eddies life from the Forster parents he was placed with to those that adopted him. This book shows the struggles Eddie goes through due to his past and gives us different points of views from people he encounters.
The question is what will Eddie do? Will he allow his past to dictate his future or will he be able to overcome all that haunts him?
Now it is your job to read on and fine out.
November 14, 2018
This book was one that I went into not knowing much about the plot. I have to say that this wasn't the best book ever but that isn't to say the writing is bad.
I thought the plot could have been a bit more interesting. Head hopping through characters made me feel detached from the main character Eddie. I can see why the multiple outlooks added to the story by having different characters share outlooks on Eddie and his life but it was just a bit much.
Over all 3.5 stars.
I thought the plot could have been a bit more interesting. Head hopping through characters made me feel detached from the main character Eddie. I can see why the multiple outlooks added to the story by having different characters share outlooks on Eddie and his life but it was just a bit much.
Over all 3.5 stars.
November 4, 2022
I loved Eddie, and I loved how you went through with his journey saw his ups and downs. to see a glimpse of how smart people fall into bad ways slowly till it might be game over for them, the novel shows you that there is hope, there is still good in people, and family doesn't need to be "blood family" I truly enjoyed reading it, the narrating was never dull, I think I have a new author to read for.
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