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The Truth of Things
Brock: A Novel (Everyone Can Be a Reader
“Freights every word with truth and feeling . . . don’t miss it.”— The London Times
Life’s not easy for Nicky. His mother is gone, his dad’s out on bail, and his older brother, Kenny, needs looking after like a little kid. When Kenny drags Nicky out of bed one dark morning, Nicky has no idea that he is about to witness a terrible act of destruction, and the senseless killing of an innocent animal. But Nicky manages to save something precious from the disaster, and his and Kenny’s lives are changed forever . . .
Union Square & Co.’s EVERYONE CAN BE A READER books are expertly written, thoughtfully designed with dyslexia-friendly fonts and paper tones, and carefully formatted to meet readers where they are with engaging stories that encourage reading success across a wide range of age and interest levels.
Life’s not easy for Nicky. His mother is gone, his dad’s out on bail, and his older brother, Kenny, needs looking after like a little kid. When Kenny drags Nicky out of bed one dark morning, Nicky has no idea that he is about to witness a terrible act of destruction, and the senseless killing of an innocent animal. But Nicky manages to save something precious from the disaster, and his and Kenny’s lives are changed forever . . .
Union Square & Co.’s EVERYONE CAN BE A READER books are expertly written, thoughtfully designed with dyslexia-friendly fonts and paper tones, and carefully formatted to meet readers where they are with engaging stories that encourage reading success across a wide range of age and interest levels.
136 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2013
13 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Anthony McGowan
88 books83 followersAnthony John McGowan is an English author of books for children, teenagers and adults. He is the winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark. In addition to his 2020 win, he has been twice longlisted (for The Knife That Killed Me in 2008 and Brock in 2014) and once shortlisted (for Rook in 2018) for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and is the winner of the 2006 Booktrust Teenage Prize for Henry Tumour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 24, 2023
Albeit 2014 Carnegie Medal nominee Brock (with the noun "brock" being an old Yorkshire term for badger), although the first of Anthony McGowan's four novella series featuring working class and beset with and by multiple family and social issues Yorkshire teenagers Nicky and his intellectually challenged older brother Kenny is absolutely brilliantly written and packs a lot of lyrical (even if often devastating and sometimes downright horrifying) textual descriptiveness into a short and easily understood text (displayed in a dyslexia friendly font and also double spaced), well and in my humble opinion, Brock should really have prominently featured trigger warnings regarding animal abuse and cruelty shown on the book cover. For with the events of the badger bait (and subsequent senseless slaughter) being absolutely massively terrifying and described in rather slow motion and detail, even with Nicky, Kenny and their lives supposedly being the main theme of Brock, Anthony McGowan's text does make his readers focus oh so solidly on the badger sett being destroyed and on the occupants either chased off or brutally killed, so that honestly, sensitive and in particular staunchly vegan or vegan readers might well not be able to textually handle Brock and how realistically but equally cruelly McGowan describes the village bullies viciously and illegally baiting and basically murdering badgers (and then also leaving one of their dogs critically injured and abandoned).
And in fact, for me, the animal cruelty angle for Brock (because Anthony McGowan's presented text is so dense and so intensive in such a relatively short narrative), it kind of hits majorly heavily and also as such rather overshadows everything else (including Nicky and Kenny's horrible and deprived family situation, their poverty, their mother's absence and their father's alcoholism and resultant unemployment). But while this all certainly gives an important and appreciated message against abusing and cruelly slaughtering animals in Brock and that the authorities also should be rigorously enforcing the rules (as badger baiting and badger hunting is in fact illegal), how detailed Anthony McGowan is describing Nicky and Kenny watching the village bullies kill the badgers and obviously joyfully, while my adult self definitely academically appreciates Brock (and is also happy that Nicky and Kenny save the injured dog, one of the badger pups, and also later return said pup to the wild), my inner child was almost gagging whilst reading the badger slaughtering scenes and almost wishes that the descriptions (while undoubtedly absolutely realistic) were not quite so meticulously and horrifyingly penned by Anthony McGowan (and that I do thus only recommend Brock with reservations and huge caveats, although I still am rating Brock with four stars).
And in fact, for me, the animal cruelty angle for Brock (because Anthony McGowan's presented text is so dense and so intensive in such a relatively short narrative), it kind of hits majorly heavily and also as such rather overshadows everything else (including Nicky and Kenny's horrible and deprived family situation, their poverty, their mother's absence and their father's alcoholism and resultant unemployment). But while this all certainly gives an important and appreciated message against abusing and cruelly slaughtering animals in Brock and that the authorities also should be rigorously enforcing the rules (as badger baiting and badger hunting is in fact illegal), how detailed Anthony McGowan is describing Nicky and Kenny watching the village bullies kill the badgers and obviously joyfully, while my adult self definitely academically appreciates Brock (and is also happy that Nicky and Kenny save the injured dog, one of the badger pups, and also later return said pup to the wild), my inner child was almost gagging whilst reading the badger slaughtering scenes and almost wishes that the descriptions (while undoubtedly absolutely realistic) were not quite so meticulously and horrifyingly penned by Anthony McGowan (and that I do thus only recommend Brock with reservations and huge caveats, although I still am rating Brock with four stars).
May 14, 2015
Anthony McGowan has boiled down this incredible book to just 129 pages. ‘Brock’ is a masterclass of storytelling. Without a wasted phrase, this book packs in fear, empathy, peer intimidation, consequences, responsibilities, and so much more.
Unflinching and honest, there is darkness in this story, yes, but it has a baseline that feels very authentic of childhood emotions. It has resonance and truth. There’s a brighter counterbalance brought in by brotherliness, tenderness and, ultimately, hope.
With brief chapters, an engaging plot and relatable, well-formed characters, this book will appeal to any young teen, but is particularly suitable for struggling or reluctant readers. It’s suitable also for anyone, of any age, who appreciates well-crafted and succinct storytelling. I’ve been bowled over by it. Don’t be fooled by its size. This is McGowan Super Concentrate. A little goes a long, long way.
Unflinching and honest, there is darkness in this story, yes, but it has a baseline that feels very authentic of childhood emotions. It has resonance and truth. There’s a brighter counterbalance brought in by brotherliness, tenderness and, ultimately, hope.
With brief chapters, an engaging plot and relatable, well-formed characters, this book will appeal to any young teen, but is particularly suitable for struggling or reluctant readers. It’s suitable also for anyone, of any age, who appreciates well-crafted and succinct storytelling. I’ve been bowled over by it. Don’t be fooled by its size. This is McGowan Super Concentrate. A little goes a long, long way.
November 18, 2021
Как прекрасно!
April 4, 2018
Absolutely loved this book - read it in one sitting! A beautiful and heartfelt story about two brothers who strive to do the right thing. It tugs on heartstrings and keeps you turning the page right till the end.
June 30, 2020
A beautifully written story that juxtaposes beautiful landscapes and wildlife with poverty, loss, violence and social deprivation.
March 15, 2014
Tense, sweet and brief. It reminded me of one of Roald Dahl's short stories for older children, 'The Swan' (from 'Henry Sugar') when a boy is bullied into wearing a swan's wings. It's the same realistic, everyday story that could affect a young person, with well-drawn characters and meaning bullies.
Our well-drawn heroes here are Nicky and Kenny. Teenage Nicky is drawn by his 'simple' (his words) younger brother into a meeting with local bullies, out with their dogs to bait badgers. Kenny soon sees that it isn't a game, as dogs are sent into the sett.
The baiting scene is quite intense and well conveyed. The story afterwards switches completely to Nicky and Kenny back at home with a secret to care for... Their single dad, on bail, unemployed and despondent features in he second half, and the half-forgotten bullies don't fade away. It ends with excitement, a lovely epilogue and threads tied together.
I've loved McGowan's longer novels for young people in the past (Henry Tumour showed he was willing to cover quite dark topics with humour). This short Barrington Stokes entry is a departure, theme-wise, but is a cracking little tale that suits the short-chapter format, is well-written and characterised, and will keep interest.
This would be great as a class read as well as one for individuals.
Our well-drawn heroes here are Nicky and Kenny. Teenage Nicky is drawn by his 'simple' (his words) younger brother into a meeting with local bullies, out with their dogs to bait badgers. Kenny soon sees that it isn't a game, as dogs are sent into the sett.
The baiting scene is quite intense and well conveyed. The story afterwards switches completely to Nicky and Kenny back at home with a secret to care for... Their single dad, on bail, unemployed and despondent features in he second half, and the half-forgotten bullies don't fade away. It ends with excitement, a lovely epilogue and threads tied together.
I've loved McGowan's longer novels for young people in the past (Henry Tumour showed he was willing to cover quite dark topics with humour). This short Barrington Stokes entry is a departure, theme-wise, but is a cracking little tale that suits the short-chapter format, is well-written and characterised, and will keep interest.
This would be great as a class read as well as one for individuals.
July 1, 2020
I read Lark first so I'm delighted to go back to be with Kenny and Nicky again. Just as good as Lark. Not a word wasted, vivid, funny, touching and can't wait to read the next one.
December 31, 2025
Book 100!! close to wire but I did it
May 18, 2025
My favourite in the series! Such a unique and gripping opening chapter. The book was also very readable and easy to get through while being compelling. Although the author does not hold back on tackling themes such as bullying or grisly yet realistic scenes, it turned out to be a wonderful and wholesome read overall.
July 2, 2021
This book has some great characters. It focuses heavily on the relationship and lives of Nicky and Kenny, following them through the struggles and the golden moments of their adventures. I love their bond. It feels like the recent portrayal of siblings are depicting arguments, rivalry and hate. It’s refreshing to read a book where brothers are friends, not enemies. I definitely welcome a potential new era of positive sibling relationships.
The only negative thing I would say about the storyline, is that I personally found some parts a little tedious to read. I understand that plots can't be action-packed all the way through, otherwise it would just be too much, but at some points I wasn't inspired to read on when they boys weren't actually involved in some kind of adventure. I felt like instead of reading a book about an place, or an event of some sort, this was written about the characters. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I took this novel. I did like the protagonists, but I personally think it would've been more exciting if there was something more than just them in this. Maybe if they weren't perfect. Perhaps if they had some faults to overcome, or bad traits, it would've been more enjoyable. This book would be very relatable for adolescents going through similar struggles at home, and could help them deal with, address and identify their emotions and how they are coping with tough challenges.
Although, I loved the writing style. It was easy to read and light. This book was intended for teens, but I think mature younger people could definitely love this too. The pages were not jam-packed with words, yet they seem very affective and powerful.
I liked Nicky and Kenny's dad. He was definitely troubled, fighting his own demons, and not always there for them, but he had a kind heart. I felt like it was another iron bond between them, linking the three together.
I haven't got much to say about this, because I'm not as enthusiastic with this one as I am usually with books I review. I don't mean to offend the author in any way. I think it was an enchanting book, with beautiful characters and scenery. I think I would've enjoyed it if I was younger, perhaps. I just don't think it was necessarily for me.
I will definitely read more books in this series, as I am quite invested in the characters!
The only negative thing I would say about the storyline, is that I personally found some parts a little tedious to read. I understand that plots can't be action-packed all the way through, otherwise it would just be too much, but at some points I wasn't inspired to read on when they boys weren't actually involved in some kind of adventure. I felt like instead of reading a book about an place, or an event of some sort, this was written about the characters. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I took this novel. I did like the protagonists, but I personally think it would've been more exciting if there was something more than just them in this. Maybe if they weren't perfect. Perhaps if they had some faults to overcome, or bad traits, it would've been more enjoyable. This book would be very relatable for adolescents going through similar struggles at home, and could help them deal with, address and identify their emotions and how they are coping with tough challenges.
Although, I loved the writing style. It was easy to read and light. This book was intended for teens, but I think mature younger people could definitely love this too. The pages were not jam-packed with words, yet they seem very affective and powerful.
I liked Nicky and Kenny's dad. He was definitely troubled, fighting his own demons, and not always there for them, but he had a kind heart. I felt like it was another iron bond between them, linking the three together.
I haven't got much to say about this, because I'm not as enthusiastic with this one as I am usually with books I review. I don't mean to offend the author in any way. I think it was an enchanting book, with beautiful characters and scenery. I think I would've enjoyed it if I was younger, perhaps. I just don't think it was necessarily for me.
I will definitely read more books in this series, as I am quite invested in the characters!
January 19, 2022
This is an example of a perfectly paced novella.
I find novellas can feel scanty on story/characters or like a bloated short story but this is not the case with Brock.
You get a good sense of the characters and a heart wrenching story at the same time.
I listened to the audiobook during work and though I usually stop when the work day is done, I kept listening until the end and finished in a day.
I find novellas can feel scanty on story/characters or like a bloated short story but this is not the case with Brock.
You get a good sense of the characters and a heart wrenching story at the same time.
I listened to the audiobook during work and though I usually stop when the work day is done, I kept listening until the end and finished in a day.
July 4, 2021
Just bought my first @anthony_mcgowan book and finished it in one sitting. Brilliant stuff -gimmick-free, honest writing which perfectly captures male relationships. Family, nature and truth with a refreshing absence of the supernatural, the superhero and supertechnology. 5 ⭐️
May 12, 2022
Like everything else he has written, this is excellent. Enjoyed in one installment. I love his simple writing style, his passion, the level of detail, the plot, the relationships. A must read.
March 15, 2023
I’d give this book 6 stars if I could! Beautifully written
September 27, 2024
Such a cute book. Some parts were hard to read, as an animal lover, but I 100% relate to Nicky. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series
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October 18, 2024There are several emotions tied into this short novel. The kindness of wanting to help the animals is felt.
December 23, 2024
4.5 stars. Nicky and Kenny are wonderful. Just a little sad.
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January 31, 2022Прекрасный МакГоуан, буду дальше читать.
June 29, 2020
A powerful and moving story parts of which were hard to read. Simply written but with a strong message of family love and loyalty.
June 27, 2020
I wanted to read this series after the final book - Lark - won the Carnegie Award this year. This story of brothers Nicky and Kenny is wonderfully heartwarming and a thoroughly enjoyable read!
August 11, 2024
A detailed yet sussinct piece of storytelling with believable protagonists and a real focus on challenging familial relationships.
January 12, 2021
First in a set of four books featuring Nicky and his older brother Kenny, who has learning disabilities. Set "up north" in a bleak, post-industrial town, where nobody has much in the way of a job or money. Kids just getting by, trying to keep out of trouble and away from the bullies, even if it sometimes goes wrong. Good rises above bad even when you don't have much. I suspect a very accurate portrayal of a certain area and a certain life situation. Heartwarming even if the kids don't have much going for them (except the love of their broken family). Recommended.
April 10, 2024
I picked this book up solely based on the appearance of the cover. The beginning of the book I didn’t really care for, but as the story unfolded, I started to enjoy it. It’s interesting to look at things through the eyes of a teenage boy.
September 2, 2024
A great young adult book about brothers being out in the wild doing very brotherly things as they adventure and make discoveries (mostly about themselves).
This is the first in a series (I had accidentally read the last).
This is the first in a series (I had accidentally read the last).
April 1, 2021
I liked this book more than 'Pike' because the story was more interesting and fun. However it was frustrating that Brock was the story of Pike, because most of the story from Brock was continuing in Pike. But mostly it was an interesting book after all, and easier because I knew most of the character. The story's main characters were Nicky and Kenny, and they were brothers. They had to help some bullies, Rob, Rich, and Jezbo, to kill badgers. Nicky knew that it wasn't the right thing, but Kenny thought it was going to be fun. But when they saw the Bullies sacrificing their dogs and killing the badger family, the two brothers wanted to get out immediately. But they had no choice because they were with bullies, and escaping was no use. But Nicky did some thinking, and saved a baby badger when the bullies weren't looking, and saved a dog named Tina, which was owned by Rob, and was now nearly dying. They tried to save the Badger and keep it in their house, but their father refused. So instead of keeping it, they decided to find a forest to release the badger. In the last, they successfully did it, and the story ended as a happy ending.
July 29, 2018
I was reading Rook (the last book in the series) and was afterwards persuaded to read the first and second book “because I would enjoy them more.” I did. As a result, they deserve 1 star.
My problems with the book:
The language was too simple - I know this was written for dyslexic people but I have several dyslexic friends and they found the language too simple too.
The plot was almost nonexistent : boys find badger, boys save badger, boys set badger free. I know that there were sidelines but they were so unimportant they have completely slipped my mind.
The general lack of substance and good writing in the entire series. The other two books are just as bad and I would definitely not recommend this book in ANY WAY.
My problems with the book:
The language was too simple - I know this was written for dyslexic people but I have several dyslexic friends and they found the language too simple too.
The plot was almost nonexistent : boys find badger, boys save badger, boys set badger free. I know that there were sidelines but they were so unimportant they have completely slipped my mind.
The general lack of substance and good writing in the entire series. The other two books are just as bad and I would definitely not recommend this book in ANY WAY.
July 14, 2024
What a cute story, perfect book for when you want something light!
April 9, 2014
This book was picked up in the spur of a moment in my Sixth Form library to pass the time. The language is extremely colloquial which for the most part, I am not particularly fond of, but the story is enough to grasp you to the end in a desire to see the conclusion. If the story was longer than the 127 odd pages it already is, then I probably would not be giving this three stars.
In a nutshell, the story follows two brothers who, after an unfortunate turn of events with three vile children and their dogs, end up saving a young badger and a close-to-death dog from being ripped apart. The boy focuses his efforts on returning the badger to the sett which houses his mother and three other siblings in the Brock Forest. Brock is Old English for badger which is fitting in regards to the circumstances of the book. I particularly enjoyed the relationship that the two brothers have, with the first person narrative coming from the brother who seems to be the caretaker for the other brother who has learning difficulties. The relationship seemed to reflect that of something which I would believe to occur in real life, which impressed me.
Not recommandable for sensitive readers, but if you enjoy tales involving some social deprivation, animal rescue missions and brotherly relationships you'll probably like this.
In a nutshell, the story follows two brothers who, after an unfortunate turn of events with three vile children and their dogs, end up saving a young badger and a close-to-death dog from being ripped apart. The boy focuses his efforts on returning the badger to the sett which houses his mother and three other siblings in the Brock Forest. Brock is Old English for badger which is fitting in regards to the circumstances of the book. I particularly enjoyed the relationship that the two brothers have, with the first person narrative coming from the brother who seems to be the caretaker for the other brother who has learning difficulties. The relationship seemed to reflect that of something which I would believe to occur in real life, which impressed me.
Not recommandable for sensitive readers, but if you enjoy tales involving some social deprivation, animal rescue missions and brotherly relationships you'll probably like this.
April 3, 2020
Personligen tycker jag den här boken var mycket bra. Dock tror jag att den hade varit bättre på originalspråk, och att läsa som en novell snarare än en bok.
Historien i sig är inte jätteavancerad, och passar de som har lite svårt med läsningen, men ändå inte vill läsa barnsliga böcker (förutom att den är skriven med "dyslexifont").
Boken handlar om Nicky, och hans bror Kenny. Kenny har någon form av funktionsnedsättning. En morgon väcker han Nicky och säger åt honom att följa med. Då hamnar de både bröderna hos tre mobbare som ska jaga grävling. Nicky tycker inte alls att det är en bra idé, men en av mobbarna har en hållhake på de två, så Nicky och Kenny kan inte gå därifrån. Tyvärr slutar det hela illa, och Nicky och Kenny står där med hunden Tina som nästan blivit uppäten av grävlingarna när de slogs tillbaka, och en kvarlämnad grävlingsunge. Vad ska de göra med dem?
Boken handlar egentligen om medmänsklighet och medlidande. Nicky är sträng mot Kenny, men också väldigt empatisk både mot djur och människor, även om han kanske inte alltid vill stå fast vid det.
Tror definitivt den skulle passa för vissa killar att använda som en bok att komma in i läsningen. Den är lite tuffare, utan att vara helt brutal ändå.
Historien i sig är inte jätteavancerad, och passar de som har lite svårt med läsningen, men ändå inte vill läsa barnsliga böcker (förutom att den är skriven med "dyslexifont").
Boken handlar om Nicky, och hans bror Kenny. Kenny har någon form av funktionsnedsättning. En morgon väcker han Nicky och säger åt honom att följa med. Då hamnar de både bröderna hos tre mobbare som ska jaga grävling. Nicky tycker inte alls att det är en bra idé, men en av mobbarna har en hållhake på de två, så Nicky och Kenny kan inte gå därifrån. Tyvärr slutar det hela illa, och Nicky och Kenny står där med hunden Tina som nästan blivit uppäten av grävlingarna när de slogs tillbaka, och en kvarlämnad grävlingsunge. Vad ska de göra med dem?
Boken handlar egentligen om medmänsklighet och medlidande. Nicky är sträng mot Kenny, men också väldigt empatisk både mot djur och människor, även om han kanske inte alltid vill stå fast vid det.
Tror definitivt den skulle passa för vissa killar att använda som en bok att komma in i läsningen. Den är lite tuffare, utan att vara helt brutal ändå.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews