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On the Bench
It is the mid-1990s in the Adelaide Western suburbs and the final year of high school for Noah and Sadie.
Sadie is usually just a reserve in basketball, but Noah doesn't mind; the chance to be benched next to the quiet girl with the low ponytail and the tattered Bugs Bunny scrunchie is the whole reason he joined the team, after all.
High school is nearly over.
But Sloopy and Sadie feel more lost than ever;
until they find each other, sitting on the bench.
Sadie is usually just a reserve in basketball, but Noah doesn't mind; the chance to be benched next to the quiet girl with the low ponytail and the tattered Bugs Bunny scrunchie is the whole reason he joined the team, after all.
High school is nearly over.
But Sloopy and Sadie feel more lost than ever;
until they find each other, sitting on the bench.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2023
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 22, 2024
Ahhhh I LOVED this book! I didn't want it to end and want to read more about Sadie and Sloopy! Read this book in less than a day, was so invested in Sadie and Sloopys story! Loved the side Characters too and the friendships in this book! This is the second book by Elysia I have read and she is such a wonderful writer and I will read anything Elysia writes! Must read!!
January 31, 2024
When a book grips you and doesn't let go, you know you are handling a rare gift. The mark of great writing for me is when the writer transports you into their world. Elysia Nates does this and so much more.
In, On the Bench, we meet two very broken characters; Sadie and Noah (Sloopy). Sadie is living in an abusive situation, dragging herself through life and trying to survive and daily fearing for her life. Sloopy has his demons too. Although different circumstances, Sloopy lives a homelife dominated by control which stifles his ability to find himself.
This book doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. Carrying themes of self harm, toxic masculinity, physical and emotional abusive; On the Bench highlights, so importantly the things that go on behind closed doors. This is a book that matters, with characters that have your heart. I felt broken along with them as I read and desperately kept reading for moments of resolution and love. I wanted someone to rescue Sadie and for her to see herself the way others do and I desperately wanted Sloopy to find strength to stand up to his dad and make his own choices.
Through the friendship that Sadie and Sloopy form, the broken pieces of their lives start to mend and whilst in life scars don't fully heal, they do become something new and a reminder that something altered can also be beautiful.
I also love the sublimal indication of how having a hobby you enjoy can be something so integral to encourage joy when it's needed the most.
What I loved most was how these two characters brought out the best in each other and challenged each other to find themselves. I got to know these characters and love these characters. I felt proud of them and I'm already imagining where their lives will take them.
This piece of literature spoke to me on so many levels and is a fine work of art. I highly recommend for every book shelf and it will always have a treasured place on mine.
Thank you, Elysia Nates for creating a story that will stay with me always.
In, On the Bench, we meet two very broken characters; Sadie and Noah (Sloopy). Sadie is living in an abusive situation, dragging herself through life and trying to survive and daily fearing for her life. Sloopy has his demons too. Although different circumstances, Sloopy lives a homelife dominated by control which stifles his ability to find himself.
This book doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. Carrying themes of self harm, toxic masculinity, physical and emotional abusive; On the Bench highlights, so importantly the things that go on behind closed doors. This is a book that matters, with characters that have your heart. I felt broken along with them as I read and desperately kept reading for moments of resolution and love. I wanted someone to rescue Sadie and for her to see herself the way others do and I desperately wanted Sloopy to find strength to stand up to his dad and make his own choices.
Through the friendship that Sadie and Sloopy form, the broken pieces of their lives start to mend and whilst in life scars don't fully heal, they do become something new and a reminder that something altered can also be beautiful.
I also love the sublimal indication of how having a hobby you enjoy can be something so integral to encourage joy when it's needed the most.
What I loved most was how these two characters brought out the best in each other and challenged each other to find themselves. I got to know these characters and love these characters. I felt proud of them and I'm already imagining where their lives will take them.
This piece of literature spoke to me on so many levels and is a fine work of art. I highly recommend for every book shelf and it will always have a treasured place on mine.
Thank you, Elysia Nates for creating a story that will stay with me always.
January 5, 2024
I have read both books from this wonderful writer. I adored On the Bench and fell in love with Sadie & Sloopy and their journey together. I struggled to put the book down. Can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommended read
October 15, 2024
Sadie and Noah's story definitely left a mark on my heart.
Sadie is a product of an extremely abusive family, while Noah's is very controlling. Forming a friendship is what gets them through most days. You can never be able to forget some abuse, but boy, did they help each other deal with a lot.
There are a lot of trigger warnings you may want to check out before reading. Physical abuse, mental abuse, controlling parent, self harm, are just some of them.
Thank you, Elysia Nates, for writing about such hard (some would say taboo because of the way they were raised you don't talk about such things) subjects in such a respectful and honest way.
Sadie is a product of an extremely abusive family, while Noah's is very controlling. Forming a friendship is what gets them through most days. You can never be able to forget some abuse, but boy, did they help each other deal with a lot.
There are a lot of trigger warnings you may want to check out before reading. Physical abuse, mental abuse, controlling parent, self harm, are just some of them.
Thank you, Elysia Nates, for writing about such hard (some would say taboo because of the way they were raised you don't talk about such things) subjects in such a respectful and honest way.
February 1, 2024
I just finished reading On The Bench.... and just... wow!!
I haven't read a book that amazing in a long time.
I was expecting a cute little story about two teens falling in love. I wasn't expecting an emotional roller-coaster, where I could relate to the main character so much.
The characters felt so real to me, and
It was so nice reading an Australian book too as many authors I read are American.
This is so well written, such an enjoyable read and such a powerful story. Definitely a book that is hard to put down.
I haven't read a book that amazing in a long time.
I was expecting a cute little story about two teens falling in love. I wasn't expecting an emotional roller-coaster, where I could relate to the main character so much.
The characters felt so real to me, and
It was so nice reading an Australian book too as many authors I read are American.
This is so well written, such an enjoyable read and such a powerful story. Definitely a book that is hard to put down.
September 20, 2024
On the Bench by Elysia Nates
I am delighted to review another extraordinary book by author Elysia Nates.
The story is based around teenagers Sadie and Noah (nickname Sloopy), it tells of their initial interactions, communications and eventual deep friendship. As their relationship develops their individual backgrounds are gradually revealed, all amid dealing with high school, parents, friends, grief, enemies and emotions. There is a mystery surrounding Sadie from the start, and her current living condition is not ideal; I just had to keep reading to find out how Sadie had ended up in such an unsavory environment. Sadie is a strong, interesting and likeable character, and I felt the urge to give her big hugs often and leave her little notes telling her to keep going, it will be alright. The expertise of the author, to set the frequent scenario’s where Sadie feels so unseen, is astonishing. As I devoured chapters it was so lovely to see how Noah persists with Sadie - he sees her when others don’t - and observe the gentle friendship that ensues. He thinks “I don’t understand the way she makes me feel. I understand what a crush is. I don’t understand this”. Noah is troubled too and his exchange with his parents is at times positive but too often raises questions for the reader. I read late into the night to find out what was behind the behavior and fears for Sadie and Noah. The ending was so very satisfying, I loved it. A great novel for all ages, teenagers will relate to it, not just to Sadie and Noah but what happens at school, interactions in breaks, parties and living with parents who don’t understand. Older readers like me will recall their own teenage years and emotions and have a better understanding of why youth behave and think as they do. Let me finish with a quote from Sadie “That’s all it takes for the awkwardness to lift. We talk and laugh the whole drive into town. I’m not perfect, and neither is Sloopy (Noah), but together we kind of are”. Isn’t that the most perfect little paragraph? I loved the book, definite five stars. Readers, please support Elysia, the book, like her first novel, is self-published, track them both down now and see what you think.
I am delighted to review another extraordinary book by author Elysia Nates.
The story is based around teenagers Sadie and Noah (nickname Sloopy), it tells of their initial interactions, communications and eventual deep friendship. As their relationship develops their individual backgrounds are gradually revealed, all amid dealing with high school, parents, friends, grief, enemies and emotions. There is a mystery surrounding Sadie from the start, and her current living condition is not ideal; I just had to keep reading to find out how Sadie had ended up in such an unsavory environment. Sadie is a strong, interesting and likeable character, and I felt the urge to give her big hugs often and leave her little notes telling her to keep going, it will be alright. The expertise of the author, to set the frequent scenario’s where Sadie feels so unseen, is astonishing. As I devoured chapters it was so lovely to see how Noah persists with Sadie - he sees her when others don’t - and observe the gentle friendship that ensues. He thinks “I don’t understand the way she makes me feel. I understand what a crush is. I don’t understand this”. Noah is troubled too and his exchange with his parents is at times positive but too often raises questions for the reader. I read late into the night to find out what was behind the behavior and fears for Sadie and Noah. The ending was so very satisfying, I loved it. A great novel for all ages, teenagers will relate to it, not just to Sadie and Noah but what happens at school, interactions in breaks, parties and living with parents who don’t understand. Older readers like me will recall their own teenage years and emotions and have a better understanding of why youth behave and think as they do. Let me finish with a quote from Sadie “That’s all it takes for the awkwardness to lift. We talk and laugh the whole drive into town. I’m not perfect, and neither is Sloopy (Noah), but together we kind of are”. Isn’t that the most perfect little paragraph? I loved the book, definite five stars. Readers, please support Elysia, the book, like her first novel, is self-published, track them both down now and see what you think.
June 10, 2024
This is the second book written by Elysia Nates, and I have been so blessed to be able to read her work. The characters seem so real, and the local geographical references make you feel like you know them already and are surrounded by friends. This novel really hits home that everyone has their own story, but it might be a very different one that they let you see. Also, that Adelaide is a small city and everyone knows everyone!!
Elysia, that's two out of two books that I couldn't put down. I feel all the feels. Your words help me to imagine the scenes so realistically.
I near the end of the book and wish it's not finishing. You have a gift for writing and I can't wait to read your next book.
Elysia, that's two out of two books that I couldn't put down. I feel all the feels. Your words help me to imagine the scenes so realistically.
I near the end of the book and wish it's not finishing. You have a gift for writing and I can't wait to read your next book.
October 12, 2024
Wow! What a book! Such a well written story of Sadie & Sloopy’s adverse childhood experiences and the impact on their lives. I enjoyed this book so much & didn’t want it to end. I felt every emotion reading this, some laughs, tears & page turning twists! A firm favourite & one I will be recommending to everyone. If you haven’t already, definitely also read this authors first novel “Written and directed by me, Mackenzie” it is also a great book!
October 1, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in 2 days and didn’t want to put it down. Sadie and Sloopy are the cutest and all the characters were totally relatable. I would recommend this book to anyone but if you a have a basketball player that reads, this is a must for them. A great YA read for anyone. No spice, all story. Perfection is all I have to say.
January 26, 2024
This is an incredible book, I have read both of the books by elysia and they never disappoint. I feel in love with the main characters Sadie and sloopy, and I could not put the book down. I would 100% recommend this book for you to read or as a present.
December 19, 2024
This book was absolutely perfection. I read it in 48 hours. I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories. And they're all so relatable. This read didnt disappoint. I absolutely adored Sadie and Sloppy. I feel like I need more Sadie and Sloppy in my life. And I swear everyone needed a Loretta and Noah relationship when they were a child. This book is everything. One of my top 5 reads for 2024.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews