The Mess of Me

by Chantelle Atkins

Everyone has one summer they will never forget. Lou Carling is 16 and obsessed with getting thinner. Joe is her best friend, and last night they found something they shouldn't have in Joe's older brothers wardrobe. Travis and Leon are shady figures, leading shadier lives, and during one summer Lou and Joe find themselves pulled into the drama, the confusion and the violence. Will Joe go to any lengths to impress his older brothers? Will Lou's obsession with losing weight spiral out of control? Is Marianne, her self-harming friend, really her friend, or an enemy in disguise? And will Lou and Joe ever be more than just best friends?

Genres: Mental Health, Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

520 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2013

About the author

I have been writing stories since I was a very young child, and I write for the same reason I read a lot; I have to! It is always the character that comes to me first, usually a unique and persistent voice with a particular dilemma or circumstance. The rest of the story and plot will flow from there, but I will have had many conversations with the character before I start to write! I love writing dialogue, and personally wince when I read dialogue that seems unrealistic or false. I think my work is character driven,and falls under the gritty contemporary fiction genre.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having loved every book I’ve read by this author so far, I bought the rest of her books last year, and have been looking forward to working my way through them all. The Mess of Me was yet another brilliant read.

This author’s stories are always emotive, gritty and real feeling with great characters, and this was no different. I loved every minute of it. I didn’t want to put it down, but it is quite long, so I was forced to read it over a few nights. However, I looked forward to picking it up each day to find out how the story would progress.

It probably comes as no surprise to you that with a title like The Mess of Me, this story does cover some sensitive subjects. In this case, an eating disorder, self-harm, drugs and violence. All of which are approached in a very real and sometimes hard-hitting way. I couldn’t get enough of this book and the emotions it triggered within me. I really felt myself getting emotionally involved in the lives of the characters, especially teenagers Joe and Lou who have been best friends forever.

This book made me feel really nostalgic, as my first best friend was a boy too. I believe our mums met each other in hospital, as we were born a day apart from each other, and Paul’s family lived very near us, so we saw each other a lot. Playing together when our mums met up. We went to nursery school together. Walked to primary school together, sometimes holding hands, and my other friends teased me that he was my boyfriend, but I insisted we were just friends. We grew apart as we got older and made new friends of our own. Paul went to a different secondary school to me, so we completely lost touch then, but reconnected on Facebook many years later. Now we always message each other two days in a row each year on our birthdays. In fact, I’ve broken our tradition by messaging him today, as this book triggered a memory and I’m now convinced Paul’s dad was a magician, so I’ve had to ask him if I’m remembering things correctly or not. I hope I don’t have to wait until next January for a reply, ha ha. (Update: I’ve had a reply, and yes his dad was a magician. Yay).

I’m pleased to say, being so young, we had less issues to deal with than Joe and Lou in this book. Although, there was that one time when we were probably around six years old, when the teachers told us we could play in the snow but were not allowed to throw snowballs because it was the wrong kind of snow. Except Paul did throw a snowball at me during playtime, so I threw one back at him, and clearly I won this game, as I managed to slit his eye open! Oh my goodness, I can still hear him crying with his hands over his face, and there being blood. He obviously had to be taken to the doctors or hospital to get it sorted out, while I was told off by two teachers and my parents, who made me write a hundred lines that evening. Something along the lines of “In future I will always do as the teacher tells me.” I need to see him in person again one day, even if it’s just to see if he still has the scar near his eye. Talk about making a lasting impression!

As you can see from all my nostalgic ramblings, this book clearly brought back a few very old memories for me. Other books by this author have done the same. Authors say how wonderful it is when a reader gets what they’re trying to say in a book. But that feeling can happen the other way round too. Sometimes you pick up a book, and you think, this author gets me, and the characters understand me. For me, this was one of those books. Books like this remind me why I love reading so much. It’s not about just witnessing words on a page. It’s reliving the memories you thought you’d forgotten. It’s spontaneously messaging an old friend because of something you read. It’s briefly meeting up with that girl inside you again after so many years, and remembering what made you the woman you are today.

This was very much a 5 star read for me, so if you enjoy realistic, gritty, character led young adult novels, then I highly recommend The Mess of Me.

[Emily Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this lovely coming of age novel. The characters were really intriguing and the storyline had me hooked from the start. If I wasn't on holiday with the kids at the time, I would have been unable to put the novel down! I really felt truly a part of the story due to Atkins use of first person for her lead character as she tackles some really troublesome gritty themes. I loved the dynamics of Lou and Joe and their blossoming relationship despite the angst of the dramas unfolding around them. I loved the description of the dog!

The character of their friend Marianne really intrigued me and I wanted to find more about her issues, which unfolded as the story developed. The brothers were just vile as were a few parental characters in the story! Lou's mum was a godsend. I was pleased to see some characters developing morals or getting their comeuppance as the story progresses! All this leads up to a climatic ending. Completely hooked from start to end. The novel is graphic in terms of its language use and painful issues but in that respect and knowing teenagers, it is very true to form and eye opening.

Great novel and I look forward to reading more from Atkins in the future. I am also looking forward to reading some of her previous novels.

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://mjmallon.com/2021/03/25/book-...

This is the first book I've read from Chantelle Atkins and I loved it. I'm amazed that this is her debut novel, it was that good.

It is an emotional, character driven tale about a sixteen-year-old girl coping with the difficulties of being a teenager and living within a broken family (her mother is separated from Lou's father and is in a new relationship.)

Lou doesn't want to be that overlooked, overweight girl anymore. The passages about her not wanting to eat are powerful and frightening to read.

The Mess of Me is also a tale of friendship, of love, mothers, daughters, parents and sons. There are many hard hitting topics throughout including escalating family violence, alcohol and drug use, drug trafficking, self harm, and cries for help but these subjects are handled with great sensitivity. The dialogues are sprinkled with wonderful teenage banter to add touches of humour to lighten the narrative.

Brilliantly done!

My two favourite characters were Lou and her best friend Joe who she's known forever... since she was a baby! Marianne, and Joe's older brothers Travis and Leon were also well written as were all the adults in the book. Perhaps the only character I felt less connection to was Sara, Lou's older sister.

Life can be confusing and awkward for teenagers but this also applies to adults too! I loved how The Mess of Me conveyed our vulnerability, our frailness, how making mistakes and bad choices can have a huge impact on our lives and the lives of those we love. Sometimes parents get it spectacularly wrong and The Mess of Me does a fantastic job of portraying that flip side too.

There are many wonderful scenes with Lou and her mum chatting, drawing closer together, beginning to understand each other. I was so touched by these, having two daughters myself, remembering those teenage angst flare ups made me cry. As a parent all you want is for your children to be happy, safe and well and when that is threatened the fear and helplessness is immense. I don't want to go in too much detail for fear of spoiling the book for you but The Mess of Me portrayed that fear and hopelessness so well.

After finishing The Mess of Me I was left with a sense of hope rising up from this dark tale. I enjoyed it on so many levels.

I will definitely read more from this author. One of my favourite books of 2021. 

Highly recommended - 5 stars. 

[Mrs L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really sure where to start, or feel that I will be able to do this book justice. Before reading, I was aware of some of the themes in the book such as eating disorders, self harm, suicide etc. It still didn't prepare me fully for the emotions this book evoked.
The two main characters are Joe and Lou, best friends from birth who are both the black sheep of their families - Joe is the middle child of 5 boys; two older full brothers, and two younger half brothers, living with his mum and step dad. His family is volatile and violent whereas Joe is laid back and easy going, and does not want to be like his family. Louise is the youngest of two girls living with their single mother. She sees her dad, but sporadically, doesn't really like him and is not fussed about her mum's new boyfriend.
The book focuses on one summer after GCSE exams. Joe and Lou are bored, and looking for excitement. They are in an in-between age, not quite adults, but not quite children either. They are both dealing with their own issues - Joe with his brothers and their business enterprises, and Lou with reinventing herself through diet and exercise. Lou is slowly spiraling out of control, but everyone is too caught up in their own lives to notice. Joe has always been the good one, so as he slips down the same dangerous path as his brothers, no one is looking out for him.
Both Joe and Lou are using alcohol and drugs as an escape from their every day lives, and this seems to be the norm for their friends too. One of their friends Marianne has always been the "weird" one, although she is seen as a good influence by Lou's mum as she is so polite and well mannered, and her parents are rich. Looks can be deceiving though as Marianne has her own issues she is dealing with in her own way.
As the end of summer approaches, e vents are leading to a climax that will have a lasting impact on all involved. Friendships, family and relationships will all be tested.
I enjoyed this book and the story, although at times found it quite hard to read because of the subjects and the emotions this raised in me. I could remember back to being 16, and feeling the way Lou did, like I was never going to fit in, or be good enough; that no one could truly feel, or had ever felt how I did; that no one would ever understand me or what I was going through. It took me back to times I had forgotten about, and times that I wished I could forget. A really emotional read, and one that a lot of teens, and parents of teens should read to better understand, or appreciate how some young people feel, and how they cope with these feelings. Not a book I will forget.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a wonderful thing when you discover a fresh new voice such as Chantelle Atkins whose YA novel ‘The Mess Of Me’ is a compelling read.

At over 400 pages, The Mess Of Me is not short but the gritty, vibrant and engaging style will soon have you turning the pages. What I found so impressive was that it ticked all the boxes: the attention to detail is spot-on, the characters are vivid and real, the dialogue edgy and witty and the pace and plotting executed skilfully making it a real page-turner.

The book is told through the eyes of Lou Carling who begins each new episode with ‘Dear World’ in a bid to communicate her locked-in feelings out there. Lou has just turned sixteen and her nana once told her ‘that everyone should have at least one good summer in their lives, one summer they never forget’. Lou and her best friend Joe discover something in Joe’s older brothers’ wardrobe and what starts out as an adventure soon lures them into something much darker and altogether more menacing.

Lou and Joe have known each other since they were babies and there are some cracking lines. Says Lou, “we were in our mothers’ stomachs, face to face almost, forced to sit in uterine liquid and listen to their spiteful gossip endlessly”.

We soon care very much about what happens to Joe, and to Lou-and-Joe. Though often hard-hitting, there is an emotional bond and an underlying tenderness between the two, which never gets sentimental and which has you routing for these soulmates. The banter between them is wonderful. Then there is the weird and enigmatic Marianne, a complex and disturbed character from a different background but finds herself drawn into the summer of adventure. Each has their own particular issues and way of coping and Atkins’ story bristles with emotional tension and teenage angst. “I watch the red beads forming along the line…the red beads grow fatter and fatter and start to blend into each other…I watch the beads form an orderly line.” This observation from Lou of Marianne self-harming is pure poetry.

The story is told with warmth, humour and vitality and I hope such a raw natural talent will be recognised by a mainstream publisher who can give this book and the authors' other books the treatment and attention they deserve. Highly recommended.

[Paula Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was carried along from the outset. The confusion of being sixteen, nearly adult but not quite, the self consciousness and self awareness were brilliantly depicted. The story itself moved along at a really good pace, with multi-faceted characters and a page-turning tension. I thoroughly recommend this book.

[John Needham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m tempted to say that this is vintage Chantelle Atkins, implying that she’s a writer with an impressively long back list. In fact that’s not so, which makes The Mess Of Me all the more remarkable, because it’s written with considerable maturity and verve and self-confidence for only a second novel (her other ones, The Boy With The Thorn In His Side parts 1 and 2, are strictly speaking one long book split into two). In this context, for ‘vintage’ read ‘quality,’ not ‘quantity.’

This second outing follows a similar pattern to ‘Boy,’ in that it centres around a teenager with ‘issues’ in addition to the usual ones often afflicting young people (and the secondary characters are sometimes burdened with problems too). In this case you are taken on a journey into the mind of troubled, often stroppy (so what’s new?), anorexic Lou, and by extension that of her lifelong-so-far friend Joe. Theirs is a purely platonic relationship but Lou, although she refuses to acknowledge the fact, is beginning to feel the first hormonal stirrings of sexual attraction – indeed, love.

I really liked the way Ms Atkins wrote this book in the first person/present tense voice. It conferred immediacy and strong involvement; I really felt I was there sharing Lou’s often troubled and sometimes downright traumatic experiences.

The tension built steadily to a dramatic, heart-stopping climax – with a second one involving a secondary character thrown into the steaming cauldron for good measure – and I had to read the last five chapters non-stop through to the emotional, very affecting end.

This book isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s very sweary for one thing (although I believe the second edition has been toned down in that regard) and cruelty is depicted unflinchingly. But if you’re like me, you’ll be completely hooked and crave to know how Lou and Joes’ troubles are resolved.

Very, very enjoyable. Congratulations to the author on a wonderful read!

[James Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a departure for me in terms of what I normally read (as you can easily see!), but after hearing good things about and reading Chantelle's blog posts, I was intrigued enough to give it a try--and very glad I am that I did!

The book is written in the crystal-clear voice of a teenage girl struggling with all the issues that time of life usually entails, and more. There are two dysfunctional families to explore, a trio of central characters that really live of the page and a plot that twists and turns like any teenage summer. That said, the events of the plot are (appropriately) common enough to many an estate, I'm sure, so it's the characters that really drive the story, as they should. The writing flows easily and finds a consistent, unique voice and comes up with some brilliant insights and a wonderfully dry wit (and angst, too, of course).

The biggest success of the book, for me, was the feeling of authenticity--I was transported inside the Lou's head and she (and her friends) really came alive when I was reading. I shared their frustration and anguish, taking me back to those (thankfully) long-gone days, and I recognized a lot of the characters and situations from my own experience. The tone is conversational and I almost wished I could reply and tell Lou that it will all work out--though she's strong enough on her own, it turns out.

Recommended reading if you are looking for a gritty, realistic portal back to teenage years or as a YA book for teenagers who will hopefully realize they aren't the only ones struggling with some really major issues.

[Katrina Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review of The Mess of Me by Chantelle Atkins

I read The Mess of Me over the Easter weekend. I found Lou, Marianne and Joe really interesting characters to follow, but the storyline is heartbreaking: Lou at sixteen to have such a bad image of her body and for Joe to be very much under his older brother’s control. However, the relationship between Joe and Lou felt very special.

The story itself follows Lou at sixteen, she feel a mess, she hates eating for the fear she will put on weight like when she was younger. Now it is summer and Lou and her friend Joe are partying it up with her friend Marianne. But, all too soon Joe gets caught up in his brother’s drug dealing and it’s not long before both Joe and Lou realize they are in way over their heads. Will Joe get out of drug dealing? Or will this incident turn tragic for both Lou and Joe? You’ll have to read this book to find out.

I found the characters very interesting and the problems they are all dealing with are very well described. I especially like how author Chantelle showed two sides of Leon –Joes brother– because in life no one is truly good or bad. I also found the ending shocking and very emotional to read.

But I think this story speaks of friendship, and how the choices you make can have a knock off effect on not just yourself but the people who you care and love the most. So if you like coming of age stories with strong themes and an ending that will make you feel so many emotions, then give this book a try.

[Brydie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantelle Atkins captures teenage angst and self-loathing to perfection in her debut YA fiction novel, The Mess of Me. I was in awe of how well drawn her 16-year-old hero and heroine were, full of complexities, anger, confusion, rage, self-doubt and even love. These are gritty, imperfect, 3-dimensional characters and they capture the more self-destructive side of the teenage psyche perfectly.

Atkins does not shy away from the raw and the real, and increasingly worldly, sophisticated teen readers will no doubt welcome a representation of their lives that is not sugar coated or patronising.

I'm not suggesting that every teen is tortured and grows up in the kind of abusive, low socio-economic home that our hero Joe finds himself trapped in but as the enigmatic supporting character Marianne shows, even teenagers from wealthy homes can develop neuroses and find it a struggle to fit in.

But it is Atkins' ballsy heroine Lou that steals the show. Full of flaws, prone to self-destructive tendencies and quite annoying at times, her first-person narrative will keep the reader engaged throughout this dense read, with her humour, her sarcasm, her innocence and her ultimate love, passion and loyalty for those she loves. Well worth the read for young adults and older readers alike.

[Lynda Yeates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began to read this book with some trepidation, thinking it to be a little young for me. However, I was quickly, and pleasantly, surprised at the depth of this novel. The story is of a teenager and her friend who have been extremely close all their lives. The young girl, Lou Carling, struggles with the angst of growing up, and placing more value on how she looks rather than who she is. The problems that she, her friend Joe, and another friend deal with on a daily basis are current and realistic. Not wanting to give anything away or spoil the plot, I can only say that it was a page turner, and I did not want to put it down. It was easy to get caught up in the story, and to be sympathetic to Lou and Joe's plight. This book is gritty, and the characters hold nothing back. Great novel. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Joel Dennstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read! By the most auspicious good fortune, I chanced upon this book. By better fortune, I “Looked Inside.” The rest, as they say, is history. The story is compelling: a sixteen year old girl, Lou, and her best friend, Joe, become enmeshed in a sticky web of events created by older family members with a history of dark and cruel afflictions. The characters are complex and real and gripping; all of them. Atkins is a superb writer, one who pays exquisite attention to the nuances required by the pickiest of readers. This author respects her readers, and she rewards them with honesty and unvarnished reality. Her writing moves like a mighty river where you are helpless in its flow. Although all books, like rivers, must end - and this one ends right - you simply care too much by then to let these people go. A great read by a great author!

[Underground Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lou Carling has a secret she can’t write on her walls along with all of the other thoughts and feelings displayed publicly in her room, so she starts a diary. Little does she know, over the course of the summer this diary will come to hold many more secrets than just her own.

Though The Mess of Me, Chantelle Atkins’ first novel, centers on sixteen-year-old Lou Carling, it also tells the story of Lou’s family and friends. Covering quite a lot of ground in its 432 pages, this dramatic novel depicts the spiraling world of one crazy summer, including raging parties, eating disorders, drug use, self-harm, domestic abuse, and the confusion of young love...

...read more at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com!

[Jeremy Deibel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This indie YA novel by English author Chantelle Atkins features realistic and gritty teenage characters, a rarity in modern literature. Some readers may be put off by Joe and Lou's frequent swearing, constant drinking, and waffling about how they feel and what they will do, but this makes them ring truer to actual teenagers. And between tackling Joe's dysfunctional home life, Lou's eating disorder and depression, and Marianne's self-harming with a startling sensitivity and understanding, Ms. Atkins may save a few young lives should this novel fall into the right hands. (And by the end of the book I wanted to throw my arms around Lou's mom and tell her she's doing a fantastic job and that I wish all mums were more like her!)

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mess of Me by Chantelle Atkins - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review.

First of all I don’t know if I could put into words just how amazing the whole book and Chantelle writing style.

But I am going to give it a go...

This was the first of Chantelle book I have read and I was blown away, it’s a hard subject matter as well as their being a massive stigma around the subjects covered - to name one is Self Harm.

Chantelle portrayed these matters brilliantly and it was so easy to relate to the Characters; while not just understand by their emotions but feel them.

I completely and utterly recommend The Mess of Me, if your interested in mental health, young adult books this is for you; or just getting an insight on mental health.

Chantelle Atkins, you have blown me away!

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable Read!

This is the first book I've read of Atkins, and I was duly impressed. The story is meant for Young Adults, but it's a glorious read at the adult level, too. The lives of troubled teens, from anorexia to self harming. As it's written in first person, it brings the reader into the story and the mind of Lou, the MC, making the reader share her experiences. It's a long story but well worth the dramatic read. Very gripping and emotional. Highly recommended.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from C. Atkins. This is a YA story that touched my heart. The author skilfully depicts the lives of teenagers and their often painful struggles through life, as they navigate the perilous road to adulthood. Very serious topics of self harm, drugs and peer pressure are tackled honestly. This is a very strong character driven story, that tackles real issues with skill.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Excellent! Although this book is labeled Young Adult, it is hardly that; I’m not sure I would want my youngster reading it, actually! This is gritty and tragic. And if you are prone to high blood pressure, I suggest taking a good dose of medication after you get a bit into it. It’s riveting and I couldn’t put it down. Great ending, too! Congrats to Ms Atkins - Excellent!

[CM Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was crazy good! I could totally see it being a movie. The characters were so well described and formed, and the visuals were well done. On top of that, the format and grammar is all nicely done, which is a relief to see in indie books, these days. Great job! I recommend this book!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

the mess of me by Chantelle Atkins.
Lou Carter is obsessed with losing weight. Can she get herself out of the hole she feels she is in?
This was a really emotional read. reading what lou was feeling. 4*.

[Toby Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first notable things about this book on reflection was how immersive it quickly became. The characters, the drivers of the plot, felt immensely real, all carefully crafted in even the miniscule roles they played. They were distinct enough that I was able to predict reactions and notice out-of-character moments along with the narration, something that I’ve not been able to do with everything I’ve read or watched. Even when I was frustrated, or eye-rollingly annoyed with the characters’ actions, they felt understandable in context and occasionally also relatable.

I say occasionally, only because our leads had certain specific and particular issues they were dealing with that I didn’t automatically entirely relate to. Not a massive issue, the story was emergent enough that such a distance from the issues didn’t hugely matter, but it did mean that I might have taken a different reaction to some of the characters’ actions that people more familiar with these situations might have been. Where this took away from my enjoyment the most was probably the way in which there was romantic resolution to Lou and Joe’s relationship - I guess I had resonated massively with their, up until that point, very tight platonic bond. Their interactions felt wholesome when they were caring for each other, unsettling when they were at odds, and I liked that they found their friendship misinterpreted as romantic by others. Not only did it draw attention to the trope of romance as tradition, but it gave them an extra way of being misunderstood. I felt robbed of that by the end, and it’s difficult to be sure whether the resolution being right at the end of the book makes that better or worse, given it’s not the impression we get for most of the book, but also that it might end up feeling tacked on from some perspectives.

All that said, it still fit into the coming-of-age dynamics that were being explored - hormones will make you do questionable things in the moment that may not last, and the kiss between Lou and Joe at the end of the book leaves open possibilities for it going all sorts of ways. As much as I rolled my eyes at Joe wanting to be the only one to kiss Lou, and Lou getting distracted by the looks of the evidently untrustworthy Leon and Travis, these still fit their established characters fine.

Possibly by design, Marianne was the most intriguing character, to the point that I found myself hooked on pretty much every page she appeared on. Only having the book told from Lou’s perspective was a testament to that, because we start with the incomplete enigma that our own limited human perspective has to use to unravel people we don’t quite understand. The fact that the enigma ball was partially unraveled, but not entirely, by the end is both a powerful narrative reminder of how certain issues will haunt us throughout our lives, and also kind of frustrating for a reader who wanted more from this character. The unhurried pace of the story did mean the certain plot threads could be unvisited for extended periods of time, and I’d argue that this is a feature rather than a bug, but still something to consider for those who would prefer certain plot threads to others.

Overall, a solid coming-of-age novel with an awareness of the conventions and style of character-driven narratives that should be instructive for writers looking to undertake such stories for the first time.

[Helen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excruciatingly good in every way. I absolutely loved previous books by this author and yet again by the first page of this I was utterly hooked again. You are instantly transported into the rocky world of being a teenager with the thoughts, issues and everyday trials perfectly portrayed. I have no clue how she does this, I don’t think I could accurately recall that stage of my life but yet we are instantly transported back into that place, that in hindsight is remembered as an amazing time, but actually you forget how difficult how difficult and unsure it all is.
There are so many tricky topics covered in the story, self harm, drugs, eating disorders, violence but all done honestly, sensitively and frankly. I was incredibly invested in all the characters, flaws and all, therefore was rooting for them and anxiously turning the pages. My reading pace was perhaps a little slower than usual, however, as I did stop for a few breaths of air the subject matter was so raw. The ending was wonderful and made up for and added to the many tears I shed throughout. Can’t wait for the next one, which luckily I have lined up to read. Thank you, thank you.

[Debbie Jinks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is shocking, heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. Once you start reading it you get totally invested in the characters and story.
I struggled to put it down!
This is a tale of friendship that spans the ages and comes through in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.
If you want to read something that grips you but then wants to make you cry for the innocent children affected by families that don’t understand, but love them against all odds….what are you waiting for….read it, you won’t be disappointed.

[K.M. Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou Carling is dealing with a lot at 16. Her mum wants her boyfriend to move in, her older sister has moved out, and Lou has lost so much weight that she’s too afraid to eat and undo all her work. She’s also helping her best friend Joe deal with his bullying older brothers, one of which Lou is horrified to realize she has a crush on.

When Travis kisses her at a party, it kicks off a change in her relationship with Joe and she begins to wonder if someone she’d always thought of as a friend could see her as more than the mess she is. This is a gritty, and at times, confronting, story that deals with big topics and coming-of-age-themes. It includes characters you’ll want to root for, and others you’ll despise, and is another emotional story from talented author, Chantelle Atkins.

[Celia Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mess of me

What a super writer! This lady is so clever at defining the feelings of young adults. She embraces such difficult thoughts and emotions, through topics which are so relevant to the teenage generations. I am genuinely in awe of her skills.  Fascinating book.

 

 

Mess of us

Again, another terrific book. It continues the story of the teenagers, two years after the previous book finished, again tackling subjects important to young adults. Excellent writing and engrossing.

[Becca Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I found this book annoying at times and hated the constant “dear world” reference but I was very intrigued with the story and what would happen.

[kami · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this in two days and cried for an hour straight oh my god