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Mess of Our Lives
Sometimes acceptance is at the heart of freedom.
Jordan Baxter, a talented songwriter and musician is determined to keep his home life a secret. He lives with his mother who has a hoarding disorder and his little sister, Tabitha, who is not thriving in the filthy, cluttered environment their mother calls home.
When Tabitha is injured, the family is thrown into the spotlight, forcing Jordan to choose to be free of the mess.
Questions of love, honesty, and the lesson that acceptance is freedom are at the heart of this new-adult novel.
Jordan Baxter, a talented songwriter and musician is determined to keep his home life a secret. He lives with his mother who has a hoarding disorder and his little sister, Tabitha, who is not thriving in the filthy, cluttered environment their mother calls home.
When Tabitha is injured, the family is thrown into the spotlight, forcing Jordan to choose to be free of the mess.
Questions of love, honesty, and the lesson that acceptance is freedom are at the heart of this new-adult novel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2025
I liked this. I liked the story which had characters in situations not normally seen in YA literature. My only problem is I don't think that boys will read it, girls yes but it's a bit too emotional with not enough action for boys.
June 14, 2025
A great read!!!
August 13, 2025
Loved this. Couldn’t put it down. Real, raw, honest, hopeful. A real contender In the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, in my opinion.
April 24, 2025
Stunning read. I ugly cried through most of the book. unforgettable
February 9, 2025
Enjoyable Teenage Drama which considers child neglect and copyright infringement!
September 1, 2025
If you've been putting off reading this book and you are a high school librarian, get yourself a copy and start reading this as soon as you can. It is stellar. Why?
The characters are relatable; they appear before you as you read. She's written the heck out of them. You feel their struggles, of which there are many. You know how they smell, how they fit into their classes at school, where they fit in the social strata. You want only good things for them but they surely have to struggle to get them.
The situation is one which may not be familiar to you, but the picture of the suffering these kids endure is drawn so carefully with the authors words that you are there, in the heap of rubbish that they live in.
You'll have kids in your classes who live lives like these kids do, they are barely surviving, they are hungry, they are unwell and yet they turn up to school every day. Or they aren't turning up because their circumstances prevent it.
Jordan and Tabitha are endearing, raw and determined. Both looking out for each other as siblings in a terrible situation. I loved how their relationship was written.
Brilliant book, as always from this author. I think this is her best so far. Keep them coming Mary-Anne there are kids out there that need your clear eyed and empathetic writing. Highly recommend.
The characters are relatable; they appear before you as you read. She's written the heck out of them. You feel their struggles, of which there are many. You know how they smell, how they fit into their classes at school, where they fit in the social strata. You want only good things for them but they surely have to struggle to get them.
The situation is one which may not be familiar to you, but the picture of the suffering these kids endure is drawn so carefully with the authors words that you are there, in the heap of rubbish that they live in.
You'll have kids in your classes who live lives like these kids do, they are barely surviving, they are hungry, they are unwell and yet they turn up to school every day. Or they aren't turning up because their circumstances prevent it.
Jordan and Tabitha are endearing, raw and determined. Both looking out for each other as siblings in a terrible situation. I loved how their relationship was written.
Brilliant book, as always from this author. I think this is her best so far. Keep them coming Mary-Anne there are kids out there that need your clear eyed and empathetic writing. Highly recommend.
January 3, 2026
This is such a heartwarming read, and brings awareness to a sickness that is normally overlooked, when they're are many people in New Zealand suffering of it. A beautiful story, that most girls and maybe even a few boys would enjoy. Emotional, fierce, and intriguing. I just couldn't stop reading and read it in 3 days, after halfway it especially caught my eyes. Mary-anne scott you have really outdone yourself, I hope others can see what an extraordinary book you've written!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
A intimate story, but rife with tension. A very good read from a very good author
June 9, 2025
It’s no wonder this book is a finalist for the NZCYA book awards. Outstanding.
August 19, 2025
Raw and heartbreaking - I loved Jordan's authentic voice. Exceptional.
August 22, 2026
I'm so fucking sorry I lied I haven't finished it I'm just finished with it
October 3, 2025
3.5 stars. Original, clear narrative, liked Jordan's character progression from anger to acceptance, but felt contrived in places.
January 18, 2025
One the best YA books I've read in a long while. Heartbreaking and hope filled.
It was unput-downable. Perfection. Beautiful writing: the descriptions of the Baxter house, the school, the night, the second hand shop, so visceral, so visual).
I loved all the characters (even the Hunter) and loved Jordan - what a great kid. The Mess of Our Lives is one of the best books I've read in a long while. I love a book that I can't escape from and I was so invested in the story. As an English teacher, I'd suggest this would make a great text for senior students to study as well.
"Chef's kiss'
It was unput-downable. Perfection. Beautiful writing: the descriptions of the Baxter house, the school, the night, the second hand shop, so visceral, so visual).
I loved all the characters (even the Hunter) and loved Jordan - what a great kid. The Mess of Our Lives is one of the best books I've read in a long while. I love a book that I can't escape from and I was so invested in the story. As an English teacher, I'd suggest this would make a great text for senior students to study as well.
"Chef's kiss'
February 6, 2025
Jordan is a 17 year old having to be the adult before he should. He has to take care of his young sister and try to keep authorities from discovering his mother’s hoarded home. Mary-Anne Scott unravels this dysfunctional family but resists the temptation to put them fully back together with a range of interesting characters and situations. Take the word mess and see how many times it applies to what is happening for each player individually, their relationships and their physical environment. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Great insight into people we often judge harshly as a society. The challenges faced in families and a reminder that there is no one size fits all for love or family.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews