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Hamlet is Not OK
Selby hates homework.
She would rather watch daytime television – anything to escape the tedium of school, her parents’ bookshop and small-town busybodies.
So Selby didn’t plan to read Hamlet. She certainly never planned to meet him.
This novel transports Selby, and the reader, into the cold and crime-ridden play itself. Here she meets heavy with grief, the young prince is overthinking and over everything. Selby can relate. But unlike Hamlet, Selby isn’t afraid of making decisions. In her world, Selby is used to feeling overlooked. But in the bloody, backstabbing world of Shakespeare, Selby’s good conscience and quiet courage might just save some lives . . . hopefully before Hamlet stabs one of her classmates.
She would rather watch daytime television – anything to escape the tedium of school, her parents’ bookshop and small-town busybodies.
So Selby didn’t plan to read Hamlet. She certainly never planned to meet him.
This novel transports Selby, and the reader, into the cold and crime-ridden play itself. Here she meets heavy with grief, the young prince is overthinking and over everything. Selby can relate. But unlike Hamlet, Selby isn’t afraid of making decisions. In her world, Selby is used to feeling overlooked. But in the bloody, backstabbing world of Shakespeare, Selby’s good conscience and quiet courage might just save some lives . . . hopefully before Hamlet stabs one of her classmates.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
20 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Spratt
47 books366 followersR.A. Spratt is an award-winning author and television writer. She lives in Bowral, Australia with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
February 26, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“True,’ said Hamlet. ‘But what do you want in return?’
‘To go home,’ said Selby. ‘Without a guilty conscience.’
‘We all of us are sinners,’ said Hamlet.
‘Yes, but that is no excuse to do less than your best,’ said Selby.”
I can't tell you how many times in my life I have used a variation of To be or not to be, one of the most iconic phrases from one of Shakespeare's most lauded plays. So it was a quirky if not quick read that I stumbled into here - one that is not so much a retelling of the king of Denmark's woes, rather a doorway into his life, as fiction merges with reality to show just how much Hamlet is Not OK
“I can learn anything and travel anywhere without leaving town. That is the magic of books. I can travel around the world, into space, back and forth in time. All through the power of reading.”
Aside from suspending disbelief at the notion that one can enter the fictional world of a Shakespearean play and also succeed in bringing certain characters into your own world, the fact that sixteen-year-old Selby had spent nearly two years without doing a smidgen of homework seems absolutely preposterous. 🙄 'There is shame in ignorance – wilful ignorance. It’s about a thirst for knowledge, a curiosity to know more.' But, Selby is a naysayer, a disbeliever - one who doesn't take much stock in the value of reading or books or learning - one who doesn't understand the necessity of studying, more inclined to watch tv, or feel the same compulsion of protecting and savoring books, as her parents take pride in the bookstore they own. But, when English homework requires her to have a better understanding on the play Hamlet, and her parents hire her older brother's close friend, Dan, as her tutor, it's only through sheer power of being that somehow draws the two of them into the play, thus, coming face-to-face to one of the most memorable characters of Shakespeare's plays. 🥺
I do like the idea of entering a fictional world - how many of us haven't dreamed of doing that? 😊 But, it was a unique take here, one where the characters don't exactly become a part of it, but are mere spectators of the events that unfold. Selby's antics may have not been amusing, but it was interesting to see a different side to Hamlet - woe is him, as he faced all his impending cataclysmic moments, ones which Selby wasn't very well-versed in, but by witnessing it first-hand was an enlightening experience for her, if not a necessary one - as it gave her a clearer perspective on so many facets of life. 👍🏻 ‘There are stranger things in heaven and earth than in our imaginations, Selby,’ muttered Hamlet.’ With her own modern day views and opinions, she was also able to provide her own pearls of wisdom to Hamlet and Ophelia, reminding readers how many of Hamlet's ill-timed decisions could have been dealt with differently - how she pulled him back from the dark recesses of his mind and heart - showing that there was a different way to approach things for the future.
“We have to let their story play out,’ said Dan, ‘because, in the world of books, Hamlet is one of the most important stories ever told. And books are important. The advance of ideas and literary expression is how civilisation evolves.”
Combined with some humorous wit and amusing banter, Selby and Dan's time in the fourteenth century also shed light on how valuable literature is to the fabric of time. For we don't always realize how much of an impact these pieces of literary work have shaped history - literary and literally. 😥 It was a nice touch to the story to show whatever advice Selby may be offering to Hamlet, it directly would alter the course of events - for denying Shakespeare the opportunity to write out the play as he felt fit - so much of future scholars and writers and people would not reap the benefits of his creative ideas and phrases. 'That’s how storytelling works – it’s rewritten and retold to make sense to each generation. But the kernel holds true through the ages.' Much like how life influences art, so too does it depict the cause and effect of what could have happened if Hamlet did not kill his father, if Ophelia had married someone else, etc. 😔
“Because you don’t get it. You live here in a building surrounded by books, but you can’t see how important they are. You can’t see the wood for the trees.
Books are time capsules of ideas. They are how knowledge and wisdom and art are transferred through time. They are important. We can’t vandalise that.”
It was funny how Hamlet tried to battle his wits with Selby's more laid-back and level-headed thoughts - how she didn't fall prey to his melodramatic and melancholic thoughts, more inclined to help him see how much more he has to live for. 'Hamlet is a pivotal work in the evolution of English literature' but seeing him as an actual character, one at the brink of life-changing moments and being swayed by Selby and Dan's unintentional intervention may have been just a brief respite for him, but one that would forever change, well, everything. 😢 Dan was a counterbalance to Selby's more hasty and impulsive actions - one well-versed and well-informed about why it wouldn't be right to mess around with a play that has so much value and merit - something Selby's T.V.-addled mind never understood or appreciated. Yet, by seeing it for what it was - by getting a glimpse into something she had no knowledge of awakened in her the realization that there was, indeed, much more for her to learn, and that she shouldn't be so willfully ignorant as she had chosen to be for so very long. 😟
There is an underlying message to why their trip into the play was an important one, one which Selby reflected on after her return - one which helped her accept how much of herself she needs to help herself change for the better. ‘Who knew words could have so much power.’ 👏🏻 I do believe the author had a good idea to share, just could have served with a bit more of an impressive writing to it. One of my major complaints would be that I couldn't quite tell which audience this was for - young adult or middle grade. 🙍🏻♀️ Even with Selby being a Year 11 student, I felt that this was more of a read targeted for younger readers with how simple the writing was at times, despite how many of Hamlet's original quotes resonated throughout. I know it's not a bad thing to have simple writing, but it does affect your overall mood. Still, it was a nice bedtime read, one that was fast-paced and still engaging enough for me to not only pick out the actual Shakespeare quotes, but to also appreciate why I still love reading. 📚💕
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“True,’ said Hamlet. ‘But what do you want in return?’
‘To go home,’ said Selby. ‘Without a guilty conscience.’
‘We all of us are sinners,’ said Hamlet.
‘Yes, but that is no excuse to do less than your best,’ said Selby.”
I can't tell you how many times in my life I have used a variation of To be or not to be, one of the most iconic phrases from one of Shakespeare's most lauded plays. So it was a quirky if not quick read that I stumbled into here - one that is not so much a retelling of the king of Denmark's woes, rather a doorway into his life, as fiction merges with reality to show just how much Hamlet is Not OK
“I can learn anything and travel anywhere without leaving town. That is the magic of books. I can travel around the world, into space, back and forth in time. All through the power of reading.”
Aside from suspending disbelief at the notion that one can enter the fictional world of a Shakespearean play and also succeed in bringing certain characters into your own world, the fact that sixteen-year-old Selby had spent nearly two years without doing a smidgen of homework seems absolutely preposterous. 🙄 'There is shame in ignorance – wilful ignorance. It’s about a thirst for knowledge, a curiosity to know more.' But, Selby is a naysayer, a disbeliever - one who doesn't take much stock in the value of reading or books or learning - one who doesn't understand the necessity of studying, more inclined to watch tv, or feel the same compulsion of protecting and savoring books, as her parents take pride in the bookstore they own. But, when English homework requires her to have a better understanding on the play Hamlet, and her parents hire her older brother's close friend, Dan, as her tutor, it's only through sheer power of being that somehow draws the two of them into the play, thus, coming face-to-face to one of the most memorable characters of Shakespeare's plays. 🥺
I do like the idea of entering a fictional world - how many of us haven't dreamed of doing that? 😊 But, it was a unique take here, one where the characters don't exactly become a part of it, but are mere spectators of the events that unfold. Selby's antics may have not been amusing, but it was interesting to see a different side to Hamlet - woe is him, as he faced all his impending cataclysmic moments, ones which Selby wasn't very well-versed in, but by witnessing it first-hand was an enlightening experience for her, if not a necessary one - as it gave her a clearer perspective on so many facets of life. 👍🏻 ‘There are stranger things in heaven and earth than in our imaginations, Selby,’ muttered Hamlet.’ With her own modern day views and opinions, she was also able to provide her own pearls of wisdom to Hamlet and Ophelia, reminding readers how many of Hamlet's ill-timed decisions could have been dealt with differently - how she pulled him back from the dark recesses of his mind and heart - showing that there was a different way to approach things for the future.
“We have to let their story play out,’ said Dan, ‘because, in the world of books, Hamlet is one of the most important stories ever told. And books are important. The advance of ideas and literary expression is how civilisation evolves.”
Combined with some humorous wit and amusing banter, Selby and Dan's time in the fourteenth century also shed light on how valuable literature is to the fabric of time. For we don't always realize how much of an impact these pieces of literary work have shaped history - literary and literally. 😥 It was a nice touch to the story to show whatever advice Selby may be offering to Hamlet, it directly would alter the course of events - for denying Shakespeare the opportunity to write out the play as he felt fit - so much of future scholars and writers and people would not reap the benefits of his creative ideas and phrases. 'That’s how storytelling works – it’s rewritten and retold to make sense to each generation. But the kernel holds true through the ages.' Much like how life influences art, so too does it depict the cause and effect of what could have happened if Hamlet did not kill his father, if Ophelia had married someone else, etc. 😔
“Because you don’t get it. You live here in a building surrounded by books, but you can’t see how important they are. You can’t see the wood for the trees.
Books are time capsules of ideas. They are how knowledge and wisdom and art are transferred through time. They are important. We can’t vandalise that.”
It was funny how Hamlet tried to battle his wits with Selby's more laid-back and level-headed thoughts - how she didn't fall prey to his melodramatic and melancholic thoughts, more inclined to help him see how much more he has to live for. 'Hamlet is a pivotal work in the evolution of English literature' but seeing him as an actual character, one at the brink of life-changing moments and being swayed by Selby and Dan's unintentional intervention may have been just a brief respite for him, but one that would forever change, well, everything. 😢 Dan was a counterbalance to Selby's more hasty and impulsive actions - one well-versed and well-informed about why it wouldn't be right to mess around with a play that has so much value and merit - something Selby's T.V.-addled mind never understood or appreciated. Yet, by seeing it for what it was - by getting a glimpse into something she had no knowledge of awakened in her the realization that there was, indeed, much more for her to learn, and that she shouldn't be so willfully ignorant as she had chosen to be for so very long. 😟
There is an underlying message to why their trip into the play was an important one, one which Selby reflected on after her return - one which helped her accept how much of herself she needs to help herself change for the better. ‘Who knew words could have so much power.’ 👏🏻 I do believe the author had a good idea to share, just could have served with a bit more of an impressive writing to it. One of my major complaints would be that I couldn't quite tell which audience this was for - young adult or middle grade. 🙍🏻♀️ Even with Selby being a Year 11 student, I felt that this was more of a read targeted for younger readers with how simple the writing was at times, despite how many of Hamlet's original quotes resonated throughout. I know it's not a bad thing to have simple writing, but it does affect your overall mood. Still, it was a nice bedtime read, one that was fast-paced and still engaging enough for me to not only pick out the actual Shakespeare quotes, but to also appreciate why I still love reading. 📚💕
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
Ironically, a book supposed to convince me about the wonders of reading made me never want to pick up a book again.
Maybe, buried under the cringy dialogue, half-baked plot, and weird Y/N fic this mess of a story had a point: the impact of literature, the importance of words, and the love for books that permeates history. It was even hinted that Shelby has dyslexia, which would be fantastic representation. But I could not get past how this was written.
Sentences are structured weird, short, and choppy. In one paragraph, the main character, Shelby, says she is cold three times. No teenager has talked like our MC does since the 80s. The "banter" is what boomers think sixteen-year-olds joke about it. Maybe it's the author's writing style, but it was insufferable to get through.
Plot holes through and through. How did Hamlet understand the modern English the MC uses? Just like reading Shakespeare for the first time is hard, I'm sure people from Shakespeare's time would have a stroke hearing how we speak. Yet, Hamlet understands it immediately. Also, how has Shelby never fallen through time before? Even though she doesn't like reading, it's unbelievable that she has never picked up a book in sixteen years. Her powers are never fully explained, so I never knew why she was transported with Hamlet. Also, no homework was turned in for two years? I don't know what school she's attending, but her parents would have been called in after a week or two of no assignments.
No spoilers and this is my personal preference, but I hated the ending. It ruined the overall morals and lessons we can glean from Hamlet. It's also, once again, a big plot hole. What Shelby said would have ended with her being burned at the stake instead of taken seriously, so it didn't make sense.
For an author who claims she loves Hamlet, she didn't do any justice to his story.
Just go read Hamlet instead and avoid this mess.
Thank you, NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group, for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Maybe, buried under the cringy dialogue, half-baked plot, and weird Y/N fic this mess of a story had a point: the impact of literature, the importance of words, and the love for books that permeates history. It was even hinted that Shelby has dyslexia, which would be fantastic representation. But I could not get past how this was written.
Sentences are structured weird, short, and choppy. In one paragraph, the main character, Shelby, says she is cold three times. No teenager has talked like our MC does since the 80s. The "banter" is what boomers think sixteen-year-olds joke about it. Maybe it's the author's writing style, but it was insufferable to get through.
Plot holes through and through. How did Hamlet understand the modern English the MC uses? Just like reading Shakespeare for the first time is hard, I'm sure people from Shakespeare's time would have a stroke hearing how we speak. Yet, Hamlet understands it immediately. Also, how has Shelby never fallen through time before? Even though she doesn't like reading, it's unbelievable that she has never picked up a book in sixteen years. Her powers are never fully explained, so I never knew why she was transported with Hamlet. Also, no homework was turned in for two years? I don't know what school she's attending, but her parents would have been called in after a week or two of no assignments.
No spoilers and this is my personal preference, but I hated the ending. It ruined the overall morals and lessons we can glean from Hamlet. It's also, once again, a big plot hole. What Shelby said would have ended with her being burned at the stake instead of taken seriously, so it didn't make sense.
For an author who claims she loves Hamlet, she didn't do any justice to his story.
Just go read Hamlet instead and avoid this mess.
Thank you, NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group, for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 18, 2024
This is to my past self, HOW THE HECK DID YOU SAY THIS WAS "pretty decent" I actually want to rub bleach in my eyes and ears 😡😡 The only reason I didn't give up was bc the audio book was half decent ig 😞😞 I think my school was actually trying to torture me 😢😢
* 。 • ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • * 。 • ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 •
2.5 stars!!
This was pretty decent for a school assigned book. Wouldn't say I would recommend but at least it was bingeable.
* 。 • ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • * 。 • ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 •
2.5 stars!!
This was pretty decent for a school assigned book. Wouldn't say I would recommend but at least it was bingeable.
August 19, 2023
This was a terrific tale of what books, stories and plays offer to society through the ages.
Thanks to continuous adaptations and reimagining via the creative minds of other passionate writers, who have lapped up the original storytelling and then honoured these texts, whilst creating a new adventure that helps build a respect for the old text, it's history, and the studies made of it.
I love the journey and understanding that is offered by this book and I hope that the author allows further life for
Selby and Dan's character arcs in the study of King Lear and Pride and Prejudice as it opens new readers to the writings of Shakespeare and Austen.
I particular enjoyed the examination of the mind and emotions of all the characters both to their positive and negative traits and the ways forward that were offered for the wellbeing of those characters and their greater communities. Quietly, building the wellbeing of those within the story, and those reading it.
Thanks to continuous adaptations and reimagining via the creative minds of other passionate writers, who have lapped up the original storytelling and then honoured these texts, whilst creating a new adventure that helps build a respect for the old text, it's history, and the studies made of it.
I love the journey and understanding that is offered by this book and I hope that the author allows further life for
Selby and Dan's character arcs in the study of King Lear and Pride and Prejudice as it opens new readers to the writings of Shakespeare and Austen.
I particular enjoyed the examination of the mind and emotions of all the characters both to their positive and negative traits and the ways forward that were offered for the wellbeing of those characters and their greater communities. Quietly, building the wellbeing of those within the story, and those reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
Absolutely bloody loved it! I have been a HUGE fan of R. A. Spratt since their Nanny Piggins days, and this book was a fabulous addition. I suspect not everyone gets the subversive, almost Kath and Kim humour of Spratt's writing, but it is simply a joy to behold seeing a feminist 15yo non-reader and a poc 16yo reader navigate Shakespeare and Austen.
Short, snappy, funny, off beat ... wonderful.
Y9 Y10
Short, snappy, funny, off beat ... wonderful.
Y9 Y10
July 7, 2024
Listened to this as an audiobook.
A short read (about 3 hours). Very entertaining, and enjoyable, with funny dialogue and a super interesting plot. Selby is 16 and struggling with life, a little bit. Her parents, worried about her slipping grades employ a tutor Dan to help her with her homework. As they begin to study Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Selby and Dan find themselves suddenly thrust into the world of the play, and dealing with an overwrought prince who is grappling with the command of his ghostly father demanding revenge for his murder. Selby may not like reading but what she does have is moral courage, and she's not about to stand by and watch everyone get murdered.
Really enjoyable and entertaining. If you don't know anything about Hamlet, you will by the end of this book, in the most fun way imaginable.
A short read (about 3 hours). Very entertaining, and enjoyable, with funny dialogue and a super interesting plot. Selby is 16 and struggling with life, a little bit. Her parents, worried about her slipping grades employ a tutor Dan to help her with her homework. As they begin to study Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Selby and Dan find themselves suddenly thrust into the world of the play, and dealing with an overwrought prince who is grappling with the command of his ghostly father demanding revenge for his murder. Selby may not like reading but what she does have is moral courage, and she's not about to stand by and watch everyone get murdered.
Really enjoyable and entertaining. If you don't know anything about Hamlet, you will by the end of this book, in the most fun way imaginable.
March 7, 2024
~ arc provided by the publisher ~
I really liked the story and the characters. Even though I didn’t relate to our mc’s problems I found it very important the mention of that ones.
I didn’t know a thing about Hamlet because I’ve never read it but I was impressed with the way I understand everything and somehow learn something about it.
It’s a quick and short read, for a younger audience.
I really liked the story and the characters. Even though I didn’t relate to our mc’s problems I found it very important the mention of that ones.
I didn’t know a thing about Hamlet because I’ve never read it but I was impressed with the way I understand everything and somehow learn something about it.
It’s a quick and short read, for a younger audience.
July 13, 2024
Im really confused who the target audience for this book is
September 5, 2024
this was such a fun book! i don't know the story of hamlet very well, but if you don't either, don't worry, because you don't need to. the author explains everything you need to know.
the premise is quite creative - selby, a girl who doesn't like reading or school, is forced to read hamlet, and she's launched into the world of the play. there's lots of chaos, murder, and even hints of romance (which luckily doesn't really go anywhere).
the author delves into hamlet with a modern perspective, incorporating important messaging about mental health and the importance of stories. this isn't super high-quality literature, but it's a fun, quick little book with an important message. it's also got a healthy dose of humor, and selby, our protagonist, is quite relatable and funny.
overall, i really enjoyed this book, and i'd recommend it especially to middle schoolers who struggle with reading or school.
the premise is quite creative - selby, a girl who doesn't like reading or school, is forced to read hamlet, and she's launched into the world of the play. there's lots of chaos, murder, and even hints of romance (which luckily doesn't really go anywhere).
the author delves into hamlet with a modern perspective, incorporating important messaging about mental health and the importance of stories. this isn't super high-quality literature, but it's a fun, quick little book with an important message. it's also got a healthy dose of humor, and selby, our protagonist, is quite relatable and funny.
overall, i really enjoyed this book, and i'd recommend it especially to middle schoolers who struggle with reading or school.
Read
January 6, 2025
Hamlet is Not OK is a delightful YA novel brimming with wit and endearing charm.
Spratt provides an accessible introduction to Shakespeare while modernizing and clarifying key elements of Hamlet. It’s an engaging way to expose younger readers to the classic and helps explain major plot points without causing confusion. It would make a fantastic companion to studying Hamlet in the classroom.
Spratt does an adept job of encouraging the reader who reads more slowly, all while helping them find their own love of literature. It's relatable to those who may have felt pressure to love reading, or who are having a hard time and everyone essentially is just telling them to 'get over it.'
This frequently felt more like a MG than a YA but with sightly more mature topics so it seems like a good transition from MG to YA.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced reader’s copy!
Spratt does an adept job of encouraging the reader who reads more slowly, all while helping them find their own love of literature. It's relatable to those who may have felt pressure to love reading, or who are having a hard time and everyone essentially is just telling them to 'get over it.'
This frequently felt more like a MG than a YA but with sightly more mature topics so it seems like a good transition from MG to YA.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced reader’s copy!
March 12, 2024
really had high hopes for this book. Honestly though, I had to force myself to not DNF it. Part of it might have been the horrible way the galley was done. With YA and AU and Penguin everywhere. It made it very hard to focus and read.
Other than that, the sentences were short and choppy. And without ruining the ending, I didn’t like how it spoiled the ending of Hamlet.
As a mother of a dyslexic child, I think that Selbys character could have been handled better. I found it very hard to believe that bookish parents wouldn’t understand and help her. Also, I would definitely know before my child hadn’t done homework in 2 years. Maybe a few months would be more realistic.
This definitely is more of a MA read and they possibly might enjoy it.
Other than that, the sentences were short and choppy. And without ruining the ending, I didn’t like how it spoiled the ending of Hamlet.
As a mother of a dyslexic child, I think that Selbys character could have been handled better. I found it very hard to believe that bookish parents wouldn’t understand and help her. Also, I would definitely know before my child hadn’t done homework in 2 years. Maybe a few months would be more realistic.
This definitely is more of a MA read and they possibly might enjoy it.
January 10, 2025
I only didn't DNF it because it was so short that I could just breeze through the rest real quick. Middle grade/YA does not have to mean poor writing. It doesn't have to mean massive plot holes/inconsistencies. But this book doesn't seem to know that.
June 24, 2024
No. Just no.
March 13, 2024
I enjoyed this book.
I selected it from Libby as it as available now.
The author touched on a young woman having what appears to be dyslexia who is having troubles reading class homework.
With the help of a tutor, she begins to read aloud "Hamlet" and the two of them are magically pulled into the story.
Selby, sees the story of Hamlet and sees the issues of the young prince who is thought to be "mad", but the tutor and student assist Hamlet with his grief.
A bit of a twist with Ophelia being saved and having her move into another book!
This is a fun and unique read.
I selected it from Libby as it as available now.
The author touched on a young woman having what appears to be dyslexia who is having troubles reading class homework.
With the help of a tutor, she begins to read aloud "Hamlet" and the two of them are magically pulled into the story.
Selby, sees the story of Hamlet and sees the issues of the young prince who is thought to be "mad", but the tutor and student assist Hamlet with his grief.
A bit of a twist with Ophelia being saved and having her move into another book!
This is a fun and unique read.
March 16, 2024
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=4.25 | 😘=1.5 | 🤬=1 | ⚔️=3 | 13+
summary: Selby hasn’t done her homework for six months and is now getting tutored about Hamlet by her brother’s friend and she has this power where when she reads books aloud she can actually go into them so she and her tutor get stuck in the play’s world (and Hamlet might get stuck in their world too)
thoughts: so so so funny. I read this in one sitting and laughed the whole time. you’ll absolutely appreciate this more as an English lit nerd, especially a Shakespeare nerd (obviously) and possibly even an Austenite (no spoilers!). hilarious. charming. witty. utterly ridiculous. entirely unserious. iconic. there’s a few unresolved bits—Dan’s arc with his dad wasn’t super tied up—but overall it’s just funny and quick and clever. giggles all around.
content note(s): suicidal thoughts and attempts canonical to Hamlet, significantly toned down; some of Hamlet’s misogyny-motivated monologues and violence, again very toned down; very mild Elizabethan racism
⭐️=4.25 | 😘=1.5 | 🤬=1 | ⚔️=3 | 13+
summary: Selby hasn’t done her homework for six months and is now getting tutored about Hamlet by her brother’s friend and she has this power where when she reads books aloud she can actually go into them so she and her tutor get stuck in the play’s world (and Hamlet might get stuck in their world too)
thoughts: so so so funny. I read this in one sitting and laughed the whole time. you’ll absolutely appreciate this more as an English lit nerd, especially a Shakespeare nerd (obviously) and possibly even an Austenite (no spoilers!). hilarious. charming. witty. utterly ridiculous. entirely unserious. iconic. there’s a few unresolved bits—Dan’s arc with his dad wasn’t super tied up—but overall it’s just funny and quick and clever. giggles all around.
content note(s): suicidal thoughts and attempts canonical to Hamlet, significantly toned down; some of Hamlet’s misogyny-motivated monologues and violence, again very toned down; very mild Elizabethan racism
September 27, 2024
What a gross misunderstanding of Shakespeare. It genuinely read like a fanfiction written by a high school girl who got a little too into the “Hamlet” unit in Sophomore English. Not only does the author do a gross disservice to Shakespeare as a whole, but also bastardizes other beloved titles within the western literary zeitgeist.
ALSO the utter dismissal of Horatio and his role within the story of “Hamlet” proves how little this author truly cares about the integrity of Shakespeare’s original work. If Hamlet cannot be redeemed by Horatio, his bosom friend and voice of reason, how, pray tell, can a fifteen/sixteen year old girl save the entire narrative?! It is a tragedy. “Hamlet,” while a tale of grief and mental illness before society had a grasp on what that even meant, is a narrative doomed from the beginning. It is a cautionary tale and giving Hamlet a “happy ending” undermines the themes and morality of the play.
Even this book, Dan states: “In stories, if you commit a sin, you must pay a price” (pg 198). He then uses this logic to put blame on Gertrude, whose only sin was doing what she had to in order to survive the misogynistic ideals of sixteenth century Denmark, and reasoned that she had to die because she unknowingly married her husband’s murderer. Hamlet was the direct cause of death for TWO innocents!!! And even though one of them gets retconned because, and I sort of agree with this one, Ophelia does not deserve her death. However, the author chooses to save her in what can only be described as an utter disgrace to classic literature as a whole. #notmykitty. Even so, Hamlet is still responsible for the death of Polonius. You can argue all you want about this being an accident, or that Polonius is far from innocent, but the fact still stands that Hamlet is a murderer. This is not an act of vengeance, but mindless slaughter in the singular moment of decisive action Hamlet shows himself capable of for the entire play. Hamlet is a sinner and, by this book’s logic, should not have survived.
Anyway, I gave this book a singular star because 1). I cannot give it zero stars and 2). The scene of Hamlet in the bookshop is actually hysterical.
ALSO the utter dismissal of Horatio and his role within the story of “Hamlet” proves how little this author truly cares about the integrity of Shakespeare’s original work. If Hamlet cannot be redeemed by Horatio, his bosom friend and voice of reason, how, pray tell, can a fifteen/sixteen year old girl save the entire narrative?! It is a tragedy. “Hamlet,” while a tale of grief and mental illness before society had a grasp on what that even meant, is a narrative doomed from the beginning. It is a cautionary tale and giving Hamlet a “happy ending” undermines the themes and morality of the play.
Even this book, Dan states: “In stories, if you commit a sin, you must pay a price” (pg 198). He then uses this logic to put blame on Gertrude, whose only sin was doing what she had to in order to survive the misogynistic ideals of sixteenth century Denmark, and reasoned that she had to die because she unknowingly married her husband’s murderer. Hamlet was the direct cause of death for TWO innocents!!! And even though one of them gets retconned because, and I sort of agree with this one, Ophelia does not deserve her death. However, the author chooses to save her in what can only be described as an utter disgrace to classic literature as a whole. #notmykitty. Even so, Hamlet is still responsible for the death of Polonius. You can argue all you want about this being an accident, or that Polonius is far from innocent, but the fact still stands that Hamlet is a murderer. This is not an act of vengeance, but mindless slaughter in the singular moment of decisive action Hamlet shows himself capable of for the entire play. Hamlet is a sinner and, by this book’s logic, should not have survived.
Anyway, I gave this book a singular star because 1). I cannot give it zero stars and 2). The scene of Hamlet in the bookshop is actually hysterical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
For someone who has not read Hamlet, I have immersed myself in this reinterpretation of this popular classic through Selby's eyes.
Unlike many juvenile books I've read, Selby, our protagonist, hates reading, it bores her, which wouldn't be very strange (for me it is), but given that her family is made up of reading lovers and she lives above a bookstore, this detail can make her the black sheep.
But this characteristic brings her to a tipping point when she doesn't do her homework for 6 months, which leads to her parents getting her a tutor.
Her assignment: read Hamlet.
But despite her procrastination, she begins to read it aloud, surprise! She is transported into the story.
Something we would all love, to be able to interact directly with our favorite characters.
Here is the first percentage of the story.
It's an entertaining story that is sure to give you a good time.
Thank you Netgalley for this advance copy.
#HamletisNotOK #NetGalley.
Unlike many juvenile books I've read, Selby, our protagonist, hates reading, it bores her, which wouldn't be very strange (for me it is), but given that her family is made up of reading lovers and she lives above a bookstore, this detail can make her the black sheep.
But this characteristic brings her to a tipping point when she doesn't do her homework for 6 months, which leads to her parents getting her a tutor.
Her assignment: read Hamlet.
But despite her procrastination, she begins to read it aloud, surprise! She is transported into the story.
Something we would all love, to be able to interact directly with our favorite characters.
Here is the first percentage of the story.
It's an entertaining story that is sure to give you a good time.
Thank you Netgalley for this advance copy.
#HamletisNotOK #NetGalley.
March 1, 2024
Hamlet is Not OK by RA Spratt is a delightfully fun red for younger readers and a wonderful way to look at classic literature. I am not the biggest fan of contemporary interpretations of Shakespeare in the academic sense, and as such, I love Spratts bright and refreshing take on it, crossing over the contemporary and the classic. Great humour and great fun , a read for all ages
Thank you to Netgalley, Independent Publishers Group, Penguin (AU YR) and RA Spratt for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Thank you to Netgalley, Independent Publishers Group, Penguin (AU YR) and RA Spratt for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
March 4, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, Independent Publishers Group, Penguin (AU YR) and R. A. Spratt for the ARC.
I have so much to say about this book, but I'll try to keep it short.
First of all, as an English teacher I was intrigued by the title and story. I love Hamlet. It's one of my favourites from Shakespeare. 💀
The main character is dyslexic and hates reading. She has to read Hamlet for school and enters the fictional world. This is so cool! As a book lover I dreamt a lot about doing that. I also love that she is dyslexic. It shows that reading a book isn't easy for everyone. For certain people it really is a challenge.
The book was an easy and short read. I missed some depth in the story though. I finished the book in one sitting and was very disappointed that it was so short.
I recommend this book to teens who want to read a short story and want to learn more about Hamlet.
And to the English teachers out there: Put this one on your book assignment lists! It's easy to read, educational and fun!
I have so much to say about this book, but I'll try to keep it short.
First of all, as an English teacher I was intrigued by the title and story. I love Hamlet. It's one of my favourites from Shakespeare. 💀
The main character is dyslexic and hates reading. She has to read Hamlet for school and enters the fictional world. This is so cool! As a book lover I dreamt a lot about doing that. I also love that she is dyslexic. It shows that reading a book isn't easy for everyone. For certain people it really is a challenge.
The book was an easy and short read. I missed some depth in the story though. I finished the book in one sitting and was very disappointed that it was so short.
I recommend this book to teens who want to read a short story and want to learn more about Hamlet.
And to the English teachers out there: Put this one on your book assignment lists! It's easy to read, educational and fun!
April 25, 2024
Don’t bother. I can’t even think of a proper review, this book was just awful.
July 28, 2024
Read for readers cup question writing.
July 31, 2024
cliche af but whatever short read
December 6, 2024
3.5 stars (but it gets a 4 for making me laugh)
July 22, 2023
it got better towards the end but at times it felt like some weird kind of y/n hamlet fanfiction which made me cringe real hard.
it did make me wanna read hamlet again, i’ll give it that
but at times it was so i wouldnt have to continue reading this book so um yeah
but it was a fun read, if it wasn’t entertaining, i wouldn’t have read it one sitting.
October 7, 2025
Personally I have never read hamlet
(wasn’t a requirement at school). But after reading this book I have a little bit of an understanding of hamlet and thinking of reading it in the future.
(wasn’t a requirement at school). But after reading this book I have a little bit of an understanding of hamlet and thinking of reading it in the future.
February 17, 2024
Hamlet is Not OK appealed to me when I read the blurb as I am a huge Shakespeare fan. However, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. On the plus side, perhaps it's a work that will help young people become interested in Shakespeare and not think of it only as something forced on them at school, and I applaud that aim. If it has that effect, I'll be happy. The plot idea was also entertaining, even if it felt rather like fanfiction. This book was advertised as YA, but while the age of the characters matched that, the writing felt Middle Grade. I was also irritated by some of the dumbing-down going on, and the fact that Hamlet didn't seem the least fazed by his journey to the future, which led to so many anachronisms, such as him seeming to know what 'police' meant etc. Finally, while it may be nitpicking, it also irked me that the author's attempts to write Shakespeare-like dialogue when not directly quoting lines from the play resulted in incorrect usage, such as mistaking thou versus thy. Overall, though entertaining on one level, I found this book too 'dumbed-down' to be truly satisfying, with too many plot holes left unanswered. I am giving it three stars, though, as I do like the idea of making Shakespeare interesting and accessible to younger readers.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2025
My overwhelming reaction is why?
At times it was fun, but ultimately this feels like a creative writing exercise that never needed to see the light of day. It's labeled as YA but reads more like middle grade.
The synopsis is fairly simple, Sylvie accidentally ends up inside the text of Shakespeare's Hamlet, before she pulls him out midway through. Other than directly quoting much of the text, I'm not sure the author truly understood the many layered themes of the original text.
At times it was fun, but ultimately this feels like a creative writing exercise that never needed to see the light of day. It's labeled as YA but reads more like middle grade.
The synopsis is fairly simple, Sylvie accidentally ends up inside the text of Shakespeare's Hamlet, before she pulls him out midway through. Other than directly quoting much of the text, I'm not sure the author truly understood the many layered themes of the original text.
March 10, 2025
most of the reviews are bad but i thought it was a pretty fair book. also this book is just a short read so it dosent really matter. 🤷♀️🥱
i do like the idea tho.. she gets to (not only) meet but stay in the time of hamlet. (and basically fixed it from going up in flames, just sayin) great idea.
Some books these days (and authors) are all the same, same plot (or lack of) and nothing really pops out to me, so i like how unique it is and how interesting it was. (i dislike plays but this was good)
and the writing’s great so i have no complaints😴
(3.3/5)⭐️🗡️
i do like the idea tho.. she gets to (not only) meet but stay in the time of hamlet. (and basically fixed it from going up in flames, just sayin) great idea.
Some books these days (and authors) are all the same, same plot (or lack of) and nothing really pops out to me, so i like how unique it is and how interesting it was. (i dislike plays but this was good)
and the writing’s great so i have no complaints😴
(3.3/5)⭐️🗡️
October 25, 2023
This book was intended for a YA audience but was written like a primary school book. I did appreciate the Shakespearean aspects of the book, but overall, it felt like it was lacking something.
May 8, 2025
A laugh-out-loud read! Highly recommend.
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