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Only We Know
What is the secret of Lauren's past?
Lauren's family have moved house very suddenly, and she and her sister Tilda have to go to a new school. Lauren's determined to reinvent herself, but she's panic-stricken when she sees Harry, who she knew a few years ago. Luckily Harry doesn't recognise her, and she knows she has to make sure it stays like that.
Lauren, unlike Tilda, settles in well. She makes friends, is helping to organise the school fashion show, and has boys asking her out. But just as her life finally seems to be looking up she starts receiving macabre packages. When she gets a message: 'Isn't it time your new friends knew all about you?' she has to admit that someone knows her secret. But who - and what should she do?
Lauren's family have moved house very suddenly, and she and her sister Tilda have to go to a new school. Lauren's determined to reinvent herself, but she's panic-stricken when she sees Harry, who she knew a few years ago. Luckily Harry doesn't recognise her, and she knows she has to make sure it stays like that.
Lauren, unlike Tilda, settles in well. She makes friends, is helping to organise the school fashion show, and has boys asking her out. But just as her life finally seems to be looking up she starts receiving macabre packages. When she gets a message: 'Isn't it time your new friends knew all about you?' she has to admit that someone knows her secret. But who - and what should she do?
229 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
3 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Simon Packham
14 books10 followersSimon Packham has written several highly acclaimed books for young people, including 'Silenced', which was shortlisted for multiple awards, 'comin 2 gt' u, a novel about cyberbullying and World War Two which is read widely in German schools, and 'Firewallers', chosen as one of The Independent’s children’s books of the year.
His first middle-grade novel, 'Has Anyone Seen Archie Ebbs?' (Firefly) was selected for the Empathy Lab’s 2023 Reading Collection and shortlisted for The Stockton Children’s Book of the Year and The James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award. His latest book 'Worrybot' (UCLan) was described by Kitty Empire of The Observer as, ‘a gentle but profound story about friendships, confidence and school refusal with an absolutely audacious plot twist'.
His first middle-grade novel, 'Has Anyone Seen Archie Ebbs?' (Firefly) was selected for the Empathy Lab’s 2023 Reading Collection and shortlisted for The Stockton Children’s Book of the Year and The James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award. His latest book 'Worrybot' (UCLan) was described by Kitty Empire of The Observer as, ‘a gentle but profound story about friendships, confidence and school refusal with an absolutely audacious plot twist'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 2, 2015
“The best way of keeping a secret is to pretend there isn't one.”
----Margaret Atwood, a Canadian author
Simon Packham, an English YA author, pens his latest YA book, Only We Know, that traces the story of a young teenage girl named Lauren, who moves to a new town with her parents and her younger sister, the only slight problem is that the whole family is trying to run as well as hide away from Lauren's little secret, so they all have to maintain a very low profile to not to attract any undue attention towards themselves. What is that secret?
Synopsis:
What is the secret of Lauren's past?
Lauren's family have moved house very suddenly, and she and her sister Tilda have to go to a new school. Lauren's determined to reinvent herself, but she's panic-stricken when she sees Harry, who she knew a few years ago. Luckily Harry doesn't recognise her, and she knows she has to make sure it stays like that.
Lauren, unlike Tilda, settles in well. She makes friends, is helping to organise the school fashion show, and has boys asking her out. But just as her life finally seems to be looking up she starts receiving macabre packages. When she gets a message: 'Isn't it time your new friends knew all about you?' she has to admit that someone knows her secret. But who - and what should she do?
Lauren and her family moves in to a new town. Lauren and her family are actually running away from Lauren's secrets and is trying hard to keep it hidden from the new towns folks. Lauren settles in quite easily in her new school, whereas Tilda faces difficulty to accept her new school. Gradually Lauren becomes more accustomed to new new life and soon she meets a boy from her past which she is trying to bury it. And eventually when this perfect boy becomes a part of her love life, Lauren started to get some presents marking all the evil clues about her dirty little secret. Lauren is devastated and is on the verge of breaking down, and the revelation nearly kills her. Will Lauren be able to handle it? What is the secret that she is trying to bury it?
The author's writing style is fantastic and since the whole book revolves around an untold secret, so right from the very begining, the story kept me engrossed till the very end to find out Lauren's secret. And trust me, your guessing won't work here, since the secret leaves my mouth agape with the gravity of it's darkness. And I really loved it how the author no remark about it all through the story.
The prose is evocative and with an articulate and catchy and easy to comprehend with narrative style, the book falls in the category of must-read YA lists for this summer. The pace is really fast since it made me anticipate with lots of guesses to find out the secret that the author kept tightly wrapped under layers of confusion and fear.
The characters sounds quite realistic enough to believe in them, especially the main character, Lauren, who acts brave on the outside but is actually a scared little kitten on the inside. Tilda sounds like a no-nonsense sister and this is one character with whom I can't relate much with, who annoys me with her don't care attitude towards her elder sister's fears. Lauren's parents are drawn with lots of realism and their demeanor is similar to any 15 year old daughter's parents, worried all the freaking time and nosy at all the times. Harry is another character who made me fall for him mainly because the way he treated Lauren with lots of respect, love and concern.
There is also a lot of chemistry between Harry and Lauren, which is really sweet to read about and the author have painted those scenes with lots of compassion and cuteness. Lauren's demeanor towards her fear of her secret is vividly portrayed in this story, I mean I too have reacted in the similar way. The climax is really justified as I was constantly feeling that the mystery should better be good as the author kept me hanging in the loop till the end of last chapter and the mystery really satisfied me and according to me, it is worth the wait.
Overall, this is an interesting story written poignantly that kept me engrossed till the very last page.
Verdict: A must-read YA for the summers.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Simon Packham, for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
----Margaret Atwood, a Canadian author
Simon Packham, an English YA author, pens his latest YA book, Only We Know, that traces the story of a young teenage girl named Lauren, who moves to a new town with her parents and her younger sister, the only slight problem is that the whole family is trying to run as well as hide away from Lauren's little secret, so they all have to maintain a very low profile to not to attract any undue attention towards themselves. What is that secret?
Synopsis:
What is the secret of Lauren's past?
Lauren's family have moved house very suddenly, and she and her sister Tilda have to go to a new school. Lauren's determined to reinvent herself, but she's panic-stricken when she sees Harry, who she knew a few years ago. Luckily Harry doesn't recognise her, and she knows she has to make sure it stays like that.
Lauren, unlike Tilda, settles in well. She makes friends, is helping to organise the school fashion show, and has boys asking her out. But just as her life finally seems to be looking up she starts receiving macabre packages. When she gets a message: 'Isn't it time your new friends knew all about you?' she has to admit that someone knows her secret. But who - and what should she do?
Lauren and her family moves in to a new town. Lauren and her family are actually running away from Lauren's secrets and is trying hard to keep it hidden from the new towns folks. Lauren settles in quite easily in her new school, whereas Tilda faces difficulty to accept her new school. Gradually Lauren becomes more accustomed to new new life and soon she meets a boy from her past which she is trying to bury it. And eventually when this perfect boy becomes a part of her love life, Lauren started to get some presents marking all the evil clues about her dirty little secret. Lauren is devastated and is on the verge of breaking down, and the revelation nearly kills her. Will Lauren be able to handle it? What is the secret that she is trying to bury it?
The author's writing style is fantastic and since the whole book revolves around an untold secret, so right from the very begining, the story kept me engrossed till the very end to find out Lauren's secret. And trust me, your guessing won't work here, since the secret leaves my mouth agape with the gravity of it's darkness. And I really loved it how the author no remark about it all through the story.
The prose is evocative and with an articulate and catchy and easy to comprehend with narrative style, the book falls in the category of must-read YA lists for this summer. The pace is really fast since it made me anticipate with lots of guesses to find out the secret that the author kept tightly wrapped under layers of confusion and fear.
The characters sounds quite realistic enough to believe in them, especially the main character, Lauren, who acts brave on the outside but is actually a scared little kitten on the inside. Tilda sounds like a no-nonsense sister and this is one character with whom I can't relate much with, who annoys me with her don't care attitude towards her elder sister's fears. Lauren's parents are drawn with lots of realism and their demeanor is similar to any 15 year old daughter's parents, worried all the freaking time and nosy at all the times. Harry is another character who made me fall for him mainly because the way he treated Lauren with lots of respect, love and concern.
There is also a lot of chemistry between Harry and Lauren, which is really sweet to read about and the author have painted those scenes with lots of compassion and cuteness. Lauren's demeanor towards her fear of her secret is vividly portrayed in this story, I mean I too have reacted in the similar way. The climax is really justified as I was constantly feeling that the mystery should better be good as the author kept me hanging in the loop till the end of last chapter and the mystery really satisfied me and according to me, it is worth the wait.
Overall, this is an interesting story written poignantly that kept me engrossed till the very last page.
Verdict: A must-read YA for the summers.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Simon Packham, for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
March 11, 2016
3 stars
This was a fun, quick read - however it had a few problems that I disliked.
The pacing for one thing - though the story was interesting overall, it was so slow! The story only began to pick up it's pace in the last few chapters, but before that the reader only got snippets of Lauren's past, of the bad thing she did, which .
Which brings me to another thing that ticked me off - the way the author mislead the reader through pretty much the entire booj. Yes it felt like misleading to me - and I won't go into detail about but see the above spoiler (if you dare).
The chapters in this book ended way too abruptly. The main character would be chatting with her friends or something and the suddenly, BAM! Chapter ends, and starts off at a completely different scene! The main character is suddenly at home talking to her father about her grandmother.
On the good side, the writing was very simple and to the point, keeping me on my toes and wanting to read more, just to see what happened next. A decent book, but could have been a little bit better.
Would not re-read, but I enjoyed it enough to finish it at least.
This was a fun, quick read - however it had a few problems that I disliked.
The pacing for one thing - though the story was interesting overall, it was so slow! The story only began to pick up it's pace in the last few chapters, but before that the reader only got snippets of Lauren's past, of the bad thing she did, which .
Which brings me to another thing that ticked me off - the way the author mislead the reader through pretty much the entire booj. Yes it felt like misleading to me - and I won't go into detail about but see the above spoiler (if you dare).
The chapters in this book ended way too abruptly. The main character would be chatting with her friends or something and the suddenly, BAM! Chapter ends, and starts off at a completely different scene! The main character is suddenly at home talking to her father about her grandmother.
On the good side, the writing was very simple and to the point, keeping me on my toes and wanting to read more, just to see what happened next. A decent book, but could have been a little bit better.
Would not re-read, but I enjoyed it enough to finish it at least.
May 10, 2017
The reason I gave this 1 star is due to not liking the story. Harry was so lovely and probably my favourite character. I did not like the ending when Lauren gets in the car next to her prom date and we find out who it is. Just so weird. I did find this book easy to read and would like to read another book by this author to see if I enjoy that one better. I'm sure there are people that love it but I just didn't like the story
July 12, 2017
3.4 Stars
Wow... That book surprised me in many ways. From the looks of the cover it seems all happy... nope damn not what I expected. Also on how it surprised me, that ending!!! SHIT FAM I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!! I had to reread to make sense of what was happening. My jaw literally dropped and stayed dropped. The majority of the book was quite average until it became more gruesome.
Would I recommend?
This is the type of book that if you are looking for plot twists and mystery then this is for you, but the middle and beginning are quite average.
Wow... That book surprised me in many ways. From the looks of the cover it seems all happy... nope damn not what I expected. Also on how it surprised me, that ending!!! SHIT FAM I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!! I had to reread to make sense of what was happening. My jaw literally dropped and stayed dropped. The majority of the book was quite average until it became more gruesome.
Would I recommend?
This is the type of book that if you are looking for plot twists and mystery then this is for you, but the middle and beginning are quite average.
August 17, 2015
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Read this review and other reviews like it on my blog Little Miss Reader
Only We Know is a very mysterious story about Lauren who has a big secret - you don't really know what's actually going on until the end and that's probably what I disliked the most about this story.
You know those books where there is this big secret you don't know anything about? Either you love those stories or you don't and sometimes the ending, the big reveal, is quite anticlimactic. The ending in Only We Know is probably one of the most surprising endings I've ever come across, but the story leading up to it is not anything worth mentioning. Sorry.
Our main character is Lauren, they moved to another city because of her and her secret and that's basically what the story is about. The book is quite short so you can't expect major character developments but Lauren didn't really do it for me anyway. I found her annoying, extremely paranoid and I just didn't like her.
The parents I downright hated, they are so pushy and want to know everything that's going on with her. I would hate it if my parents were like hers.
Harry is probably the only character I like in this whole book, the transformation he's gone through, the development, is amazing. I wouldn't describe him as perfect, like Lauren does, but he's definitely a great guy. So trustworthy, sweet and very thoughtful and kind. All the traits we like in boys! If the book had been better I probably would have considered Harry as a new book boyfriend.
The theme, for me, when it comes to characters is that I find them quite flat. If the characters had been more interesting, or just better, I think I would have liked the story more.
The secret. Even though it was this big secret who drew me to the book it is actually the thing I disliked the most. The problem is that you have no idea what the secret actually is; did she kill someone, did she hurt someone or did she send nude pictures to the whole school? Sometimes these mysterious books are the best, but the execution in this one ruined everything. If you have no idea, and I really mean no idea, what's going on it's really not that funny. I understand that the ending should be quite climactic and surprising, but when you don't get any hints to what the secret is, the reader gets, or I get, quite annoyed.
So, even though I was looking forward to this book it disappointed me on a whole other level. The characters are flat, the main character is boring, the mystique ruins the book and the ending is quite climactic. The only reason I didn't give this book a lower rating is the ending, I appreciate the idea and I liked the surprise, but the mystique was too much.
Read this review and other reviews like it on my blog Little Miss Reader
Only We Know is a very mysterious story about Lauren who has a big secret - you don't really know what's actually going on until the end and that's probably what I disliked the most about this story.
You know those books where there is this big secret you don't know anything about? Either you love those stories or you don't and sometimes the ending, the big reveal, is quite anticlimactic. The ending in Only We Know is probably one of the most surprising endings I've ever come across, but the story leading up to it is not anything worth mentioning. Sorry.
Our main character is Lauren, they moved to another city because of her and her secret and that's basically what the story is about. The book is quite short so you can't expect major character developments but Lauren didn't really do it for me anyway. I found her annoying, extremely paranoid and I just didn't like her.
The parents I downright hated, they are so pushy and want to know everything that's going on with her. I would hate it if my parents were like hers.
Harry is probably the only character I like in this whole book, the transformation he's gone through, the development, is amazing. I wouldn't describe him as perfect, like Lauren does, but he's definitely a great guy. So trustworthy, sweet and very thoughtful and kind. All the traits we like in boys! If the book had been better I probably would have considered Harry as a new book boyfriend.
The theme, for me, when it comes to characters is that I find them quite flat. If the characters had been more interesting, or just better, I think I would have liked the story more.
The secret. Even though it was this big secret who drew me to the book it is actually the thing I disliked the most. The problem is that you have no idea what the secret actually is; did she kill someone, did she hurt someone or did she send nude pictures to the whole school? Sometimes these mysterious books are the best, but the execution in this one ruined everything. If you have no idea, and I really mean no idea, what's going on it's really not that funny. I understand that the ending should be quite climactic and surprising, but when you don't get any hints to what the secret is, the reader gets, or I get, quite annoyed.
So, even though I was looking forward to this book it disappointed me on a whole other level. The characters are flat, the main character is boring, the mystique ruins the book and the ending is quite climactic. The only reason I didn't give this book a lower rating is the ending, I appreciate the idea and I liked the surprise, but the mystique was too much.
July 24, 2022
Book Review
Title: Only We Know by Simon Packham
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Drama
Rating: 5 Stars
The opening to Only We Know was interesting as we are introduced to Lauren who for some reason has had to move home and school to St. Thomas’ with her sister, Tilda and her parents. From what I can gather either something happened to Lauren or Lauren did something that is forcing her to repeat the last year of school and she has panic attacks about people finding out about this event. On her first day of school she is understandably nervous but we don’t know the full reasons behind this but it must have been serious since her new school is keeping the exact details hidden on a need to know basis in order to protect Lauren and give her the best experience they can. There also seems to be a very strained relationship between Lauren and Tilda which Lauren is sad about since they used to be very close when they were younger and she wants to repair the relationship but doesn’t know how. Lauren is also under a lot of pressure to keep her head down but also create a good experience at this new school but in the age of the internet it won’t be long until someone finds out and I am excited to see how Lauren deals with it.
As we approach the ¼ mark in the novel, adjusting to the new school is going to take time for Lauren especially with her panic attacks at the slightest notice which she doesn’t inform her parents about. It turns out her dad was or is the education minister and that means whatever caused them to move must have been extremely bad especially since Lauren doesn’t even think about it in exact terms. However, after a few days with no one mentioning her life before she begins to relax until she notices a boy from her former life, Harry or H as she calls him and immediately she is worried that he can destroy everything. Much to Lauren’s surprise Harry doesn’t seem to recognise her as she has changed a lot since the last time they saw each other and that’s a good thing for her. Lauren talks about how Harry hasn’t changed much and the things he told her before begin to make sense but in their English class he makes some really subtle references that have Lauren worried and she needs to find out if he knows about her or not as that is going to impact what she does next.
As we cross the ¼ mark in the novel, Lauren has been attending St. Thomas’s for almost a month now and after confirming that Harry doesn’t know who she is, she begins to truly relax but it isn’t long before flying under the radar isn’t enough for Lauren and she really wants to belong to something. While she has managed to make a few friends within the school when Lauren is presented the opportunity to be part of the school fashion show fundraiser she doesn’t want to turn it down and when her doesn’t seem against the idea she truly wants to give it a go. However, this is causing more tension between her and Tilda since Tilda also wanted to be a part of the show but doesn’t want to go anywhere near it if Lauren is involved. I understand Tilda’s reservations that if anyone found out about Lauren’s past it would also negatively impact her but she doesn’t have to be so mean about it. I am not sure where the story is going to go but the synopsis did mention someone finding out about Lauren’s past and potentially blackmailing her about it and I can’t wait to see what happens.
As we approach the halfway mark in the novel, Lauren is getting on well at school and organising the fashion show and she is adjusting well and making friends but I have the feeling that something is going to go wrong very soon. Her relationship with Tilda doesn’t seem to be improving that much but she has developed solid friendships with Katherine and Harry. Harry even asks her out on a date but she isn’t sure how to react since she thinks he doesn’t remember her but she isn’t 100% sure. The most interesting thing about this portion was Lauren’s interaction with her grandmother, after the incident her grandmother basically disowned her but it was actually her grandfather because of his old-fashioned views and he even banned her from his funeral which is bad but she sets things right with her and decides to take the plunge with Harry but it can’t last. I was wondering around this point when the drama aspect were going to come, that were mentioned in the blurb because I hope it isn’t too late or the ending might seem really rushed.
As we cross into the second half of the novel, Lauren has decided s going to live in fear and starts being more open and friendly even beginning to date Harry although they are taking things really slow. It is around this time Lauren also starts receiving strange things in her locker that hint and her past something involving a car, a gun and a person that might or might not be here. She is obviously stressed and worried about it but despite telling a teacher she is brushed off and I think this is beginning of things coming out for her. With Harry she is more comfortable since he is a familiar figure to her even if he doesn’t seem to remember her although there are hints at his home that he does remember that time but not Lauren but when they discuss second chances he agrees that everyone should have them so he might remember her and is just giving her a second chance. So far, I am really enjoying the book and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the end.
As we approach the ¾ mark in the novel, Lauren is receiving more and more disturbing gifts that hint that someone knows about her past and she does end up telling Tilda about it and she is obviously worried for her sister. With the fashion show approaching, Tilda still doesn’t think it’s a good idea for Lauren to take part but she is determined to see it through especially since pulling out now would create more questions that she can’t answer. However, during the prep for the show the following night, Lauren receives a note asking her how she would feel if her knew friends knew about someone called Luke and what she did to him and Lauren’s temper explodes. She turns on her friends wanting to know who sent the note and eventually confronts Harry about it but he still seems to have no idea what is going on when she reveals she knows him as H before storming off. With everything coming to the climax now I can’t wait to see who is behind the notes and what is going to happen but I do have a feeling it is someone far closer to Lauren like Tilda who was angry about the move because of whatever Lauren did.
As we cross into the final section of the novel, it turns out I was right about Tilda being behind everything but the reason was far different from what I expected. I wasn’t surprised to learn that Lauren spent time in a psych ward alongside Harry because of their issues, Harry has severe OCD and Lauren had depression and was suicidal at one point. She returns there to try and make things better before returning home for the fashion show. There Tilda tries to warn her that there was more one “gift” she planted in the slideshow and it’s here we learn the truth about Lauren. It turns out that Lauren is Luke and she is a trans woman but kept it hidden after the horrendous bullying she suffered at her previous school when she started transitioning but everyone at St. Thomas’ is so supportive of her. While her relationship with Harry doesn’t work out because of their shared history with mental health she does find a good boyfriend in Conor who is willing to accept all of her and the baggage she comes with including panic attack and nightmares but she is moving onto bigger and better things. I was expecting this to be an average contemporary drama but it turned out be a great novel that completely blew me away in the end and I highly recommended it.
Title: Only We Know by Simon Packham
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Drama
Rating: 5 Stars
The opening to Only We Know was interesting as we are introduced to Lauren who for some reason has had to move home and school to St. Thomas’ with her sister, Tilda and her parents. From what I can gather either something happened to Lauren or Lauren did something that is forcing her to repeat the last year of school and she has panic attacks about people finding out about this event. On her first day of school she is understandably nervous but we don’t know the full reasons behind this but it must have been serious since her new school is keeping the exact details hidden on a need to know basis in order to protect Lauren and give her the best experience they can. There also seems to be a very strained relationship between Lauren and Tilda which Lauren is sad about since they used to be very close when they were younger and she wants to repair the relationship but doesn’t know how. Lauren is also under a lot of pressure to keep her head down but also create a good experience at this new school but in the age of the internet it won’t be long until someone finds out and I am excited to see how Lauren deals with it.
As we approach the ¼ mark in the novel, adjusting to the new school is going to take time for Lauren especially with her panic attacks at the slightest notice which she doesn’t inform her parents about. It turns out her dad was or is the education minister and that means whatever caused them to move must have been extremely bad especially since Lauren doesn’t even think about it in exact terms. However, after a few days with no one mentioning her life before she begins to relax until she notices a boy from her former life, Harry or H as she calls him and immediately she is worried that he can destroy everything. Much to Lauren’s surprise Harry doesn’t seem to recognise her as she has changed a lot since the last time they saw each other and that’s a good thing for her. Lauren talks about how Harry hasn’t changed much and the things he told her before begin to make sense but in their English class he makes some really subtle references that have Lauren worried and she needs to find out if he knows about her or not as that is going to impact what she does next.
As we cross the ¼ mark in the novel, Lauren has been attending St. Thomas’s for almost a month now and after confirming that Harry doesn’t know who she is, she begins to truly relax but it isn’t long before flying under the radar isn’t enough for Lauren and she really wants to belong to something. While she has managed to make a few friends within the school when Lauren is presented the opportunity to be part of the school fashion show fundraiser she doesn’t want to turn it down and when her doesn’t seem against the idea she truly wants to give it a go. However, this is causing more tension between her and Tilda since Tilda also wanted to be a part of the show but doesn’t want to go anywhere near it if Lauren is involved. I understand Tilda’s reservations that if anyone found out about Lauren’s past it would also negatively impact her but she doesn’t have to be so mean about it. I am not sure where the story is going to go but the synopsis did mention someone finding out about Lauren’s past and potentially blackmailing her about it and I can’t wait to see what happens.
As we approach the halfway mark in the novel, Lauren is getting on well at school and organising the fashion show and she is adjusting well and making friends but I have the feeling that something is going to go wrong very soon. Her relationship with Tilda doesn’t seem to be improving that much but she has developed solid friendships with Katherine and Harry. Harry even asks her out on a date but she isn’t sure how to react since she thinks he doesn’t remember her but she isn’t 100% sure. The most interesting thing about this portion was Lauren’s interaction with her grandmother, after the incident her grandmother basically disowned her but it was actually her grandfather because of his old-fashioned views and he even banned her from his funeral which is bad but she sets things right with her and decides to take the plunge with Harry but it can’t last. I was wondering around this point when the drama aspect were going to come, that were mentioned in the blurb because I hope it isn’t too late or the ending might seem really rushed.
As we cross into the second half of the novel, Lauren has decided s going to live in fear and starts being more open and friendly even beginning to date Harry although they are taking things really slow. It is around this time Lauren also starts receiving strange things in her locker that hint and her past something involving a car, a gun and a person that might or might not be here. She is obviously stressed and worried about it but despite telling a teacher she is brushed off and I think this is beginning of things coming out for her. With Harry she is more comfortable since he is a familiar figure to her even if he doesn’t seem to remember her although there are hints at his home that he does remember that time but not Lauren but when they discuss second chances he agrees that everyone should have them so he might remember her and is just giving her a second chance. So far, I am really enjoying the book and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the end.
As we approach the ¾ mark in the novel, Lauren is receiving more and more disturbing gifts that hint that someone knows about her past and she does end up telling Tilda about it and she is obviously worried for her sister. With the fashion show approaching, Tilda still doesn’t think it’s a good idea for Lauren to take part but she is determined to see it through especially since pulling out now would create more questions that she can’t answer. However, during the prep for the show the following night, Lauren receives a note asking her how she would feel if her knew friends knew about someone called Luke and what she did to him and Lauren’s temper explodes. She turns on her friends wanting to know who sent the note and eventually confronts Harry about it but he still seems to have no idea what is going on when she reveals she knows him as H before storming off. With everything coming to the climax now I can’t wait to see who is behind the notes and what is going to happen but I do have a feeling it is someone far closer to Lauren like Tilda who was angry about the move because of whatever Lauren did.
As we cross into the final section of the novel, it turns out I was right about Tilda being behind everything but the reason was far different from what I expected. I wasn’t surprised to learn that Lauren spent time in a psych ward alongside Harry because of their issues, Harry has severe OCD and Lauren had depression and was suicidal at one point. She returns there to try and make things better before returning home for the fashion show. There Tilda tries to warn her that there was more one “gift” she planted in the slideshow and it’s here we learn the truth about Lauren. It turns out that Lauren is Luke and she is a trans woman but kept it hidden after the horrendous bullying she suffered at her previous school when she started transitioning but everyone at St. Thomas’ is so supportive of her. While her relationship with Harry doesn’t work out because of their shared history with mental health she does find a good boyfriend in Conor who is willing to accept all of her and the baggage she comes with including panic attack and nightmares but she is moving onto bigger and better things. I was expecting this to be an average contemporary drama but it turned out be a great novel that completely blew me away in the end and I highly recommended it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2015
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
The protagonist is a teenager by the name of Lauren, who is starting at a new school after something bad has happened at her previous one. What exactly this is and whether she was the victim or cause of the reason both she and her sister were forced to make a new start is not revealed until the end of the novel and this cloud of mystery, which hangs over her past, added an intriguing element to what was already a hugely compelling book.
From the opening pages, I felt invested in Lauren's story and rooted for her to succeed at making a fresh start at her new school. Simon Packham created an incredibly likeable character with her and one that teenagers nowadays undoubtedly can relate to; after all who hasn't ever tried to just blend in and not be noticed by their peers? Of course in Lauren's case there is a far more complicated reason for the way she acts, but regardless of the reason for the way she positions herself she's a great representative of today's complicated teenager.
There was nothing I didn't love about the way this novel was build up; the mysterious flashbacks, the fact that Lauren's past was only ever alluded to, and the slow tension that build throughout up to its explosive conclusion, but I particularly loved her tentative friendship with Harry, which was such an incredibly moving and realistic storyline strand. The fact that she recognised him from her old life and the secrets she was trying to distance herself from added a touch of danger and excitement to them spending time together – after all, he could start remembering at any time and then her fresh start would've been for nothing.
And when it was finally revealed what had happened to Lauren that made it so important for her to have that new beginning and hide her past it was such a heartbreaking revelation that I couldn't help but let the tears flow while I was reading this on the train into work. It made total sense within the context of the story but from the subtle hints sprinkled throughout it was an explanation I hadn't seen coming at all. I did have my suspicions about some other things, but I wasn't even close. Well played, Simon Packham, well played.
I really can't say any more about the contents of Only We Know because the less you know the more exciting and rewarding your journey through Lauren's life will be. Just know that this is a beautiful and important story and one that every young adult and not-so-young adult should read.
The protagonist is a teenager by the name of Lauren, who is starting at a new school after something bad has happened at her previous one. What exactly this is and whether she was the victim or cause of the reason both she and her sister were forced to make a new start is not revealed until the end of the novel and this cloud of mystery, which hangs over her past, added an intriguing element to what was already a hugely compelling book.
From the opening pages, I felt invested in Lauren's story and rooted for her to succeed at making a fresh start at her new school. Simon Packham created an incredibly likeable character with her and one that teenagers nowadays undoubtedly can relate to; after all who hasn't ever tried to just blend in and not be noticed by their peers? Of course in Lauren's case there is a far more complicated reason for the way she acts, but regardless of the reason for the way she positions herself she's a great representative of today's complicated teenager.
There was nothing I didn't love about the way this novel was build up; the mysterious flashbacks, the fact that Lauren's past was only ever alluded to, and the slow tension that build throughout up to its explosive conclusion, but I particularly loved her tentative friendship with Harry, which was such an incredibly moving and realistic storyline strand. The fact that she recognised him from her old life and the secrets she was trying to distance herself from added a touch of danger and excitement to them spending time together – after all, he could start remembering at any time and then her fresh start would've been for nothing.
And when it was finally revealed what had happened to Lauren that made it so important for her to have that new beginning and hide her past it was such a heartbreaking revelation that I couldn't help but let the tears flow while I was reading this on the train into work. It made total sense within the context of the story but from the subtle hints sprinkled throughout it was an explanation I hadn't seen coming at all. I did have my suspicions about some other things, but I wasn't even close. Well played, Simon Packham, well played.
I really can't say any more about the contents of Only We Know because the less you know the more exciting and rewarding your journey through Lauren's life will be. Just know that this is a beautiful and important story and one that every young adult and not-so-young adult should read.
February 4, 2016
Only We Know was such a wonderful and surprising read and I had no idea what to expect when going into the book. There is a mystery surrounding Lauren and the reason why her family had to move. All we know is that an incident took place, and it meant that Lauren and her family had to move away from their old life, and start over somewhere new. But we don't know whether Lauren was to blame or not or how much she was involved in the reasons for why they are moving.
This story sees a person from her past reappear in her life and threaten to wreck the new life she has built for herself. It also brings the risk that the truth about her will be revealed. This led up to a shocking reveal I didn't see coming, but one that I really have to applaud. This was the first book I had ever read dealing with this particular issue, and it's something we definitely need to see more of. Whilst I thought the ending felt a little too happy in the end, it was still realistic for the most part and dealt with the seriousness of the issues it was touching on. I won't give anything else away as it's definitely a story you don't want to have spoiled for you.
This story sees a person from her past reappear in her life and threaten to wreck the new life she has built for herself. It also brings the risk that the truth about her will be revealed. This led up to a shocking reveal I didn't see coming, but one that I really have to applaud. This was the first book I had ever read dealing with this particular issue, and it's something we definitely need to see more of. Whilst I thought the ending felt a little too happy in the end, it was still realistic for the most part and dealt with the seriousness of the issues it was touching on. I won't give anything else away as it's definitely a story you don't want to have spoiled for you.
April 26, 2018
As Lauren moves to a new school and tries to start afresh from the past, she soon comes across a student she knows and should know her from years before, Harry.
As she start to receive strange 'gifts' at school, she gets really freaked out to the point she returns to where it all should've got better before it got worse for her.
This book features a plot around mental health and gender and I'm not going to spoilt the main plot by revealing anymore than that as you can pick and choose what you think is up with Lauren as the story goes on, the ending is explosive as her worst nightmare comes true and she faces events bravely as her true self.
This is a book about the whole spectrum of acceptance and deeply involves personal issues and mental health. I really enjoyed this book and didn't see the events at the end coming at all, Lauren is a brave girl facing events and despite the family all moving I could understand Tia her sister's anger and actions. It was superbly written and keeps you hooked!
As she start to receive strange 'gifts' at school, she gets really freaked out to the point she returns to where it all should've got better before it got worse for her.
This book features a plot around mental health and gender and I'm not going to spoilt the main plot by revealing anymore than that as you can pick and choose what you think is up with Lauren as the story goes on, the ending is explosive as her worst nightmare comes true and she faces events bravely as her true self.
This is a book about the whole spectrum of acceptance and deeply involves personal issues and mental health. I really enjoyed this book and didn't see the events at the end coming at all, Lauren is a brave girl facing events and despite the family all moving I could understand Tia her sister's anger and actions. It was superbly written and keeps you hooked!
June 30, 2015
Unfortunately I didn't particularly like this book. I thought I was picking up a teen thriller (with a slightly unusual cover!) and while it is trying to be a teen thriller, that's not what this book is. I wish this book wasn't written in the way it was at all, hiding what the book is really about in order to do a shocking reveal in those last few pages. Even the elements of mental illness were kept under wraps like being LGBT or a mental illness are things to be deeply ashamed. I knew from the first few chapters what Lauren's secret is AND who might end up sending her sinister presents so I read most of this story thinking 'why? Why tell this story in this way? Trying to make out that either Lauren did something terrible in the past or was the victim of something terrible?' I just didn't get it.
January 30, 2017
I'm still having mixed feelings about this book and it's only been an hour since I've finished it. I was waiting for something to happen because my little sister told me a huge spoiler and it got be really worried so that that affect the way I rate the book should it?
Well it's the first book I've read on this subject and ... I'm not sure I'm going to carry on because of the picture it paints of.
Maybe it's a little 'young' for me, the writing is fast paced (only 230 pages) and I disapproved of the ending which contradicts somethings. However the message is relevant to teens these days and it was portrayed clearly at the end.
Well it's the first book I've read on this subject and ... I'm not sure I'm going to carry on because of the picture it paints of.
Maybe it's a little 'young' for me, the writing is fast paced (only 230 pages) and I disapproved of the ending which contradicts somethings. However the message is relevant to teens these days and it was portrayed clearly at the end.
December 8, 2015
4.5*
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
THIS BOOK. WOW. LOVED IT. I can't really say much about it or I would spoil the big reveal, but I didn't see it coming at all but LOVED it. I'd say this is the best book Hot Key Books sent me so far.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
THIS BOOK. WOW. LOVED IT. I can't really say much about it or I would spoil the big reveal, but I didn't see it coming at all but LOVED it. I'd say this is the best book Hot Key Books sent me so far.
August 10, 2020
The 3 stars is just a holding rating while I process this and how I feel about the book.
February 28, 2016
great premise, intriguing secret and a well timed and unexpected big reveal.
May 17, 2019
3.75
The only reason I picked this book up was because it was 230 pages and I wanted a quick read. I’ve owned this book for a long time, and it was a definite cover buy, but I really enjoyed this book, and it was much more complex and addressed more topics than I could have anticipated.
There actually isn’t much to talk about, considering how short this book was. The plot was good. Quite average until the last 30 pages.
I liked that the reason for Lauren moving and what happened was kept a mystery. We knew something major happened, but we didn’t find out what it was until the end.
I was very confused as to why she reconsider Harry, but he didn’t recognise her straight away, until the ending was revealed and it made sense.
Thinking about it, some of the throwaway comments and conversations should have given away the mystery but the ending caught me but surprise.
The fact the Lauren’s sister at one stage said ‘you’re not my sister’ and the pride Lauren felt when her grandma called her the ‘eldest grand-daughter’ should’ve given away the gender struggles, but I was completely oblivious until it was directly addressed.
I liked the talk and support around mental health in this book. The fact that Lauren says mental illness isn’t funny to characters who make jokes was a very satisfying response to see in a book, as often throwaway comments about mental illness in books are never challenged.
This book took me less than 5 hours to read so if you’re looking for a quick read I’d highly recommend this. While it wasn’t groundbreaking material, it was very enjoyable.
The only reason I picked this book up was because it was 230 pages and I wanted a quick read. I’ve owned this book for a long time, and it was a definite cover buy, but I really enjoyed this book, and it was much more complex and addressed more topics than I could have anticipated.
There actually isn’t much to talk about, considering how short this book was. The plot was good. Quite average until the last 30 pages.
I liked that the reason for Lauren moving and what happened was kept a mystery. We knew something major happened, but we didn’t find out what it was until the end.
I was very confused as to why she reconsider Harry, but he didn’t recognise her straight away, until the ending was revealed and it made sense.
Thinking about it, some of the throwaway comments and conversations should have given away the mystery but the ending caught me but surprise.
The fact the Lauren’s sister at one stage said ‘you’re not my sister’ and the pride Lauren felt when her grandma called her the ‘eldest grand-daughter’ should’ve given away the gender struggles, but I was completely oblivious until it was directly addressed.
I liked the talk and support around mental health in this book. The fact that Lauren says mental illness isn’t funny to characters who make jokes was a very satisfying response to see in a book, as often throwaway comments about mental illness in books are never challenged.
This book took me less than 5 hours to read so if you’re looking for a quick read I’d highly recommend this. While it wasn’t groundbreaking material, it was very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2019
Okay, this book is pretty thin, but somehow the plot was still somehow slow in the beginning???
The ending to this book was shocking, I'm not gonna lie, but honestly??? i wanted some crazy murder cover up story. I wish the writer had put more emphasis on what Lauren went through, seeing as it really took a toll on her. Tilda was a well written character, I could remember moments in the story where Lauren's parents would only ask Lauren how she was doing and completely ignore Tilda, what she did made sense to me but, again, I really wish the writer would've emphasized more on what Tilda went through, the teasing the humiliation, it would have really made us sympathies with the character.
The note Lauren gets is quite misleading, it said "what you did to Luke", this makes zero sense, Tilda wrote this note, I feel it would be more fitting it said "what happened to Luke"?? But that was just a thought I had after the book.
Izzy and Magda were really undeveloped as characters and so was Conor, but I was weirdly happy he ended up with Lauren.
Okay and remember when Lauren went crazy on Katherine and turned out she was wrong? She got ZERO backlash for that, I think that was unrealistic, Katherine would've definitely have avoided her after that.
Anyways, writing was not that impressive, plot only picked up at the last few chapters but it still intrigued me. 2.5/5 stars
The ending to this book was shocking, I'm not gonna lie, but honestly??? i wanted some crazy murder cover up story. I wish the writer had put more emphasis on what Lauren went through, seeing as it really took a toll on her. Tilda was a well written character, I could remember moments in the story where Lauren's parents would only ask Lauren how she was doing and completely ignore Tilda, what she did made sense to me but, again, I really wish the writer would've emphasized more on what Tilda went through, the teasing the humiliation, it would have really made us sympathies with the character.
The note Lauren gets is quite misleading, it said "what you did to Luke", this makes zero sense, Tilda wrote this note, I feel it would be more fitting it said "what happened to Luke"?? But that was just a thought I had after the book.
Izzy and Magda were really undeveloped as characters and so was Conor, but I was weirdly happy he ended up with Lauren.
Okay and remember when Lauren went crazy on Katherine and turned out she was wrong? She got ZERO backlash for that, I think that was unrealistic, Katherine would've definitely have avoided her after that.
Anyways, writing was not that impressive, plot only picked up at the last few chapters but it still intrigued me. 2.5/5 stars
October 12, 2023
This is actually very good. This book talking about Lauren, who just moved to new school, hoping for a new 'identity'. She thought that she can start it over from the beginning with people who have no idea about who she is, but then she met a familiar face.
This book talking about trauma, bullying, and even more than that. The main story is great, everything is beautiful, but, if I have to say, I didn't really have a good time reading this book. This book is somehow lack of details. Sometimes I confused of how to imagine the situation, the scene suddenly cut with no details of the place or anything to imagine, I don't know if the character is still walking or did she walk panting or did she stopped, or did she ride a bike. I also find it kinda confusing who was talking, who said that, something like that.
Overall this book can actually have a chance to be bigger. The topic of the story is very interesting, the issues are very important, but yeah, only the narative/details really needs more improvement. I love the story but this is all I can give.
This book talking about trauma, bullying, and even more than that. The main story is great, everything is beautiful, but, if I have to say, I didn't really have a good time reading this book. This book is somehow lack of details. Sometimes I confused of how to imagine the situation, the scene suddenly cut with no details of the place or anything to imagine, I don't know if the character is still walking or did she walk panting or did she stopped, or did she ride a bike. I also find it kinda confusing who was talking, who said that, something like that.
Overall this book can actually have a chance to be bigger. The topic of the story is very interesting, the issues are very important, but yeah, only the narative/details really needs more improvement. I love the story but this is all I can give.
February 1, 2020
Ummmm wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into just wanted a quick read before I carried on with the series I am reading .....
A god overall story and I liked the writing style but I feel a lot happened in the last 40ish pages with not too much in the first 180.....
I can safely say I was not expecting the twist at the end so at least it kept me guessing till the end but I’m sure how I feel about how the twist was handled ......
I think I will have to mull my feeling over a bit but would still recommend to pick it up as a quick read and you can make your own judgment on how you feel...
A god overall story and I liked the writing style but I feel a lot happened in the last 40ish pages with not too much in the first 180.....
I can safely say I was not expecting the twist at the end so at least it kept me guessing till the end but I’m sure how I feel about how the twist was handled ......
I think I will have to mull my feeling over a bit but would still recommend to pick it up as a quick read and you can make your own judgment on how you feel...
November 12, 2021
Alright. I am totally in love with this book. The ending was totally unexpected. I love how the plot twist kept me on toes and how the author keep stating the MC's past. It made me really want to know what has actually happened that lead to this. Quite shocked for me to know the actual things.
But somehow I do wish the author can make the story longer with more details perhaps. But overall, it is good.
This book somehow taught me that you should not be afraid of your past.
The storyline was quite simple yet meaningful and full of messages. For those who in search of your own self, you should read this.
But somehow I do wish the author can make the story longer with more details perhaps. But overall, it is good.
This book somehow taught me that you should not be afraid of your past.
The storyline was quite simple yet meaningful and full of messages. For those who in search of your own self, you should read this.
August 6, 2021
wow..just..wow
ok I honestly don't have much expectation for this book as I simply bought it because I'm attracted to the cover hehe BUT HOWLY I WASNT PREPARED FOR THE PLOT TWIST
the first half of the book seems normal.. some people might even drop the book halfway because nothing much happened but towards the 3/4 of the book everything just came out (the secret) and just uhhh i tell you i wasn't prepared for it at all :/
anyways i enjoy it so much and since its pretty thin i could just finish it within half a day
ok I honestly don't have much expectation for this book as I simply bought it because I'm attracted to the cover hehe BUT HOWLY I WASNT PREPARED FOR THE PLOT TWIST
the first half of the book seems normal.. some people might even drop the book halfway because nothing much happened but towards the 3/4 of the book everything just came out (the secret) and just uhhh i tell you i wasn't prepared for it at all :/
anyways i enjoy it so much and since its pretty thin i could just finish it within half a day
December 15, 2017
I was hooked by the mysterious story.
The book itself was amazing, the storyline was very interesting.
I could not wait until Lauren's secret was revealed and wanted to read the book quicker.
I finished it in one afternoon.
I absolutely loved this novel and recommend it to all mature teens.
A book I couldn't put down!!! :D
The book itself was amazing, the storyline was very interesting.
I could not wait until Lauren's secret was revealed and wanted to read the book quicker.
I finished it in one afternoon.
I absolutely loved this novel and recommend it to all mature teens.
A book I couldn't put down!!! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
It took way too long to get to actually know her secret and I was so upset with who she ended up with. Connor would have done highly inappropriate things to her if Harry wasn't there. It was quiet boring and felt almost like a chore to finish but there was a decent plot twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Thought i was reading a romance/mystery/sliceoflife, last five pages turned into a generic transgender book. (no hate to trans people or any lgbtq+ personals, just book had no clear intentions it had lgbtg+ plot.)
it was still alright, had good plot twists and suspense but not my cup of tea.
it was still alright, had good plot twists and suspense but not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
This book is good for nice quick read. I went into this book not knowing one thing about it, and I found this was the best way to experience it.
September 17, 2021
This book was really good and kept me hooked really easily. I loved how it kept on telling you what happened in Lauren’s past but never gave you the full answer until the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
bro the ending is perfect and this book really said you cant be in closet forever
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2016
'Only We Know' is a book revolving around a secret. When we join Lauren, our protagonist, she's preparing for her first day at her new school, where she's moved because of something mysterious in her past. Her sister, Tilda, is irritated that they've had to move, because she's left all of her friends. Lauren's parents are both paranoid about her settling in, telling her to fly under the radar and not to draw any attention to herself.
Based off of the blurb:
'What is the secret of Lauren's past?
Lauren's family have moved house very suddenly, and she and her sister Tilda have to go to a new school. Lauren's determined to reinvent herself, but she's panic-stricken when she sees Harry, who she knew a few years ago. Luckily Harry doesn't recognise her, and she knows she has to make sure it stays like that.
Lauren, unlike Tilda, settles in well. She makes friends, is helping to organise the school fashion show, and she has boys asking her out. But just as her life finally seems to be looking up she starts receiving macabre packages. When she gets a message: 'Isn't it time your new friends knew all about you?' she has to admit that someone knows her secret. But who - and what should she do?'
I was expecting a lot more. I thought that the plot would kick in pretty instantly, that the menacing notes would be left more frequently, and that Lauren would receive multiple packages, terrifying her and sending a shiver up my spine. I thought it was going to be a thriller, and I thought it was brilliant that it had such a contemporary cover - something really genre-defying, something brave and unique.
That was not what I got in 'Only We Know'. Lauren meets Harry quite early on, but he doesn't know who she is, so that tension is dissipated very quickly. Then the main plot doesn't kick in until page 150, which is ridiculous in a book that is under 250 pages. There's a lot of babbling, a lot of teenage melodrama, and a lot of regular days at school that get dragged out under the pretense of plot development. The note that is quoted on the back is never actually sent, and I do hate it when that's the case - why put something on the blurb if it's not actually included in the story?
You can tell that this book is written by an older man, because it doesn't sound like a teenage girl at all. Sometimes I find authors write across age gaps convincingly, and - more rarely - that they can believably craft a protagonist from the opposite gender, but that didn't happen in this situation. The metaphors and similes used were terrible at best ('like a tortoise on tranquilisers', 'ever tried explaining the rules of badminton to a horse?' and 'like a vegetarian on a school outing to the abattoir' being the most memorably bad examples) and it just didn't sound like a teenage voice. Combine this with the fact that ParentPay was dropped in, as well as how realistic the parents' voices were... You can tell this is written from a mature author.
As well as using pretty bad imagery throughout, I really disliked how short and disconnected the chapters were. Some of the chapter breaks came in what really should have been the middle of a scene, and some of the chapter breaks made the content of the chapters completely irrelevant and easily removable. If your book is less than 300 pages and you have nearly 40 chapters? That's a bit of an issue for me, so I also wasn't enjoying that structural point.
Talking of the big reveal? Well, let's take a quote directly from the book, during a conversation between Lauren and her student guide, Katherine:
"Katherine, why don't you stay and finish your book?"
"It's completely predictable anyway. And the main character's so shallow I feel like slapping her."
The big reveal was a 'shock' that I saw coming from about the fifth chapter.
Read the rest of my review here!
Based off of the blurb:
'What is the secret of Lauren's past?
Lauren's family have moved house very suddenly, and she and her sister Tilda have to go to a new school. Lauren's determined to reinvent herself, but she's panic-stricken when she sees Harry, who she knew a few years ago. Luckily Harry doesn't recognise her, and she knows she has to make sure it stays like that.
Lauren, unlike Tilda, settles in well. She makes friends, is helping to organise the school fashion show, and she has boys asking her out. But just as her life finally seems to be looking up she starts receiving macabre packages. When she gets a message: 'Isn't it time your new friends knew all about you?' she has to admit that someone knows her secret. But who - and what should she do?'
I was expecting a lot more. I thought that the plot would kick in pretty instantly, that the menacing notes would be left more frequently, and that Lauren would receive multiple packages, terrifying her and sending a shiver up my spine. I thought it was going to be a thriller, and I thought it was brilliant that it had such a contemporary cover - something really genre-defying, something brave and unique.
That was not what I got in 'Only We Know'. Lauren meets Harry quite early on, but he doesn't know who she is, so that tension is dissipated very quickly. Then the main plot doesn't kick in until page 150, which is ridiculous in a book that is under 250 pages. There's a lot of babbling, a lot of teenage melodrama, and a lot of regular days at school that get dragged out under the pretense of plot development. The note that is quoted on the back is never actually sent, and I do hate it when that's the case - why put something on the blurb if it's not actually included in the story?
You can tell that this book is written by an older man, because it doesn't sound like a teenage girl at all. Sometimes I find authors write across age gaps convincingly, and - more rarely - that they can believably craft a protagonist from the opposite gender, but that didn't happen in this situation. The metaphors and similes used were terrible at best ('like a tortoise on tranquilisers', 'ever tried explaining the rules of badminton to a horse?' and 'like a vegetarian on a school outing to the abattoir' being the most memorably bad examples) and it just didn't sound like a teenage voice. Combine this with the fact that ParentPay was dropped in, as well as how realistic the parents' voices were... You can tell this is written from a mature author.
As well as using pretty bad imagery throughout, I really disliked how short and disconnected the chapters were. Some of the chapter breaks came in what really should have been the middle of a scene, and some of the chapter breaks made the content of the chapters completely irrelevant and easily removable. If your book is less than 300 pages and you have nearly 40 chapters? That's a bit of an issue for me, so I also wasn't enjoying that structural point.
Talking of the big reveal? Well, let's take a quote directly from the book, during a conversation between Lauren and her student guide, Katherine:
"Katherine, why don't you stay and finish your book?"
"It's completely predictable anyway. And the main character's so shallow I feel like slapping her."
The big reveal was a 'shock' that I saw coming from about the fifth chapter.
Read the rest of my review here!
March 6, 2016
Check out my review over on my blog here!
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Going into this novel, I did not know much about the plot or the author. I thought the novel was going to be a quick, easy and fun read that I would enjoy but that would not leave a lasting impression on me. How I was wrong.
The novel centers around our protagonist Lauren's secret. A secret so dark and life threatening that her family had to move house and never speak about it directly. One of the things about this novel that I found most interesting to read about was the family dynamic the reader is presented with. Lauren's family; mother, father and younger sister Tilda, all read as a realistic family. Often in YA novels, there is a lack of this realism as the protagonist has worryingly absent parents or declares that they "hate" their parents and therefore are never mentioned much in the novel. So I very much enjoyed seeing the family interactions in this novel.
One thing Simon Packham has written so realistically and vividly about is the sibling relationship in this novel. While reading, I could feel myself becoming attached to this relationship as Lauren thought back on memories of playing with her sister and helping each other with school work.
The plot surrounding the secret is so gripping and well executed. The reader is being introduced to lots of new characters and their own pasts while Lauren is also doing other things, but even though you are being submersed in this current plot, the whole time you're reading you are thinking of this dark secret in the back of your mind. The suspense and build up to the reveal was so very well done as was the unmasking of the person sending the "gifts".
The teenage mindset and attitude is so bitingly real in this novel. Often in YA the teenage protagonists will come off as pretentious and will have the mindset of a forty year old, spouting knowledge one could not possibly possess at fourteen. However in Only We Know, Simon Packham has perfected the teenage voice creating a protagonist that the reader welcomes into their heart from the first page and voice they will not forget.
The only criticisms I had with the novel, are possibly my own fault. One of my all time favourite TV shows to watch is Midsomer Murders. If you watch that show, you will be aware that the plot lines and mysteries are some of the most ludicrous but highly entertaining. Because of this, my brain is trained when reading a mystery / suspense to be on constant think mode. I had guessed very early on what the nature of the secret was and who the person sending threatening gifts was. Although this did not dampen my enjoyment of the novel, it did make me wish I was surprised by the twist.
Overall a highly entertaining and enjoyable novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Packham raises many issues that teenagers can relate to in a fresh and compelling way. I think that going into this novel knowing very little is the best way to go.
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Going into this novel, I did not know much about the plot or the author. I thought the novel was going to be a quick, easy and fun read that I would enjoy but that would not leave a lasting impression on me. How I was wrong.
The novel centers around our protagonist Lauren's secret. A secret so dark and life threatening that her family had to move house and never speak about it directly. One of the things about this novel that I found most interesting to read about was the family dynamic the reader is presented with. Lauren's family; mother, father and younger sister Tilda, all read as a realistic family. Often in YA novels, there is a lack of this realism as the protagonist has worryingly absent parents or declares that they "hate" their parents and therefore are never mentioned much in the novel. So I very much enjoyed seeing the family interactions in this novel.
One thing Simon Packham has written so realistically and vividly about is the sibling relationship in this novel. While reading, I could feel myself becoming attached to this relationship as Lauren thought back on memories of playing with her sister and helping each other with school work.
The plot surrounding the secret is so gripping and well executed. The reader is being introduced to lots of new characters and their own pasts while Lauren is also doing other things, but even though you are being submersed in this current plot, the whole time you're reading you are thinking of this dark secret in the back of your mind. The suspense and build up to the reveal was so very well done as was the unmasking of the person sending the "gifts".
The teenage mindset and attitude is so bitingly real in this novel. Often in YA the teenage protagonists will come off as pretentious and will have the mindset of a forty year old, spouting knowledge one could not possibly possess at fourteen. However in Only We Know, Simon Packham has perfected the teenage voice creating a protagonist that the reader welcomes into their heart from the first page and voice they will not forget.
The only criticisms I had with the novel, are possibly my own fault. One of my all time favourite TV shows to watch is Midsomer Murders. If you watch that show, you will be aware that the plot lines and mysteries are some of the most ludicrous but highly entertaining. Because of this, my brain is trained when reading a mystery / suspense to be on constant think mode. I had guessed very early on what the nature of the secret was and who the person sending threatening gifts was. Although this did not dampen my enjoyment of the novel, it did make me wish I was surprised by the twist.
Overall a highly entertaining and enjoyable novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Packham raises many issues that teenagers can relate to in a fresh and compelling way. I think that going into this novel knowing very little is the best way to go.
June 16, 2015
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
I saw the cover of this book a little while ago along with the synopsis so when I got the opportunity to read it, I couldn't wait to start.
Only We Know immediately sucks you in with some brilliant writing from Simon Packman. Lauren is the main focus of this story.. She and her family have suddenly had to move away because of something that Lauren did. It isn't clear exactly what, but Lauren is very keen to reinvent herself and make sure that no one remembers her. But all too soon Lauren starts receiving sinister messages that threaten to expose her past...
This is one of those books that you get into instantly. I had barely read two sentences and I was hooked. The constant mystery element as to what Lauren could have possibly done is more than enough to keep your interest and leaves you trying to figure out what exactly she could have done. Then there is of course the other mystery as to who is sending these horrible messages and packages to Lauren and despite not knowing what she did, you can't help but sympathise with her and hope that everything will be ok. Simon creates a brilliant sense of constant suspense and consequently this is a book you will race through and I did finish this in a matter of hours.
What was obviously brilliant about this was that no matter how many times I thought I had figured out the ending, when I eventually got it, I could not have been more wrong in my assumptions. It really was far from the ending I was expecting and it was actually something that is so relevant to today's society right now. It was actually kind of refreshing and I hope to see more of this in fiction as time goes on.
Only We Know brings you an unexpected refreshing twist and keeps you on your toes throughout.
I saw the cover of this book a little while ago along with the synopsis so when I got the opportunity to read it, I couldn't wait to start.
Only We Know immediately sucks you in with some brilliant writing from Simon Packman. Lauren is the main focus of this story.. She and her family have suddenly had to move away because of something that Lauren did. It isn't clear exactly what, but Lauren is very keen to reinvent herself and make sure that no one remembers her. But all too soon Lauren starts receiving sinister messages that threaten to expose her past...
This is one of those books that you get into instantly. I had barely read two sentences and I was hooked. The constant mystery element as to what Lauren could have possibly done is more than enough to keep your interest and leaves you trying to figure out what exactly she could have done. Then there is of course the other mystery as to who is sending these horrible messages and packages to Lauren and despite not knowing what she did, you can't help but sympathise with her and hope that everything will be ok. Simon creates a brilliant sense of constant suspense and consequently this is a book you will race through and I did finish this in a matter of hours.
What was obviously brilliant about this was that no matter how many times I thought I had figured out the ending, when I eventually got it, I could not have been more wrong in my assumptions. It really was far from the ending I was expecting and it was actually something that is so relevant to today's society right now. It was actually kind of refreshing and I hope to see more of this in fiction as time goes on.
Only We Know brings you an unexpected refreshing twist and keeps you on your toes throughout.
March 21, 2016
I've read all of Packham's YA fiction, and love each one - great talking points for teenagers covering important and engaging subjects at the heart of adolescent life. I think Packham each time manages to convey a realistic young person's viewpoint and make them readable.
Only We Know was intriguing from the start. I love stories that ask you to guess the secret, and this one was a dinger. I didn't guess what was at the heart of Lauren's story. Lauren and her sister Tilda are starting at a new school after Lauren's previous issues that have left her sibling relationship fraught, her grandmother distant, her parents worried.
Yet it is Lauren who finds herself fitting in quite easily at their new school, accepted and admired. Until she sees someone who knows her troubled past, a boy called Harry, who does't appear to remember who she is. But is it him sending suggestive notes, threatening to reveal all?
I thought this was brilliant. I loved the short chapters, giving snippets of Lauren's life at home, at school, making this move quite quickly (other reviewers have said it is slow but I wouldn't agree with this at all).
I found Lauren's voice quite convincing, though the 'sidekick'/know-it-all smart kid Dido was a little stereotyped and another male character at school annoyed a little. I enjoyed the mystery, and couldn't BELIEVE I had reached the plot turn JUST as my husband turned out the lights for bed.
Loved the arc of the plot, though the epilogue didn't entirely convince.
Some wonderful writing for young people though, lots of relevant issues covered that will promote discussion and get them reading. An easy read, one that will get them thinking. And I loved the cover as well.
For ages 13 and above.
Only We Know was intriguing from the start. I love stories that ask you to guess the secret, and this one was a dinger. I didn't guess what was at the heart of Lauren's story. Lauren and her sister Tilda are starting at a new school after Lauren's previous issues that have left her sibling relationship fraught, her grandmother distant, her parents worried.
Yet it is Lauren who finds herself fitting in quite easily at their new school, accepted and admired. Until she sees someone who knows her troubled past, a boy called Harry, who does't appear to remember who she is. But is it him sending suggestive notes, threatening to reveal all?
I thought this was brilliant. I loved the short chapters, giving snippets of Lauren's life at home, at school, making this move quite quickly (other reviewers have said it is slow but I wouldn't agree with this at all).
I found Lauren's voice quite convincing, though the 'sidekick'/know-it-all smart kid Dido was a little stereotyped and another male character at school annoyed a little. I enjoyed the mystery, and couldn't BELIEVE I had reached the plot turn JUST as my husband turned out the lights for bed.
Loved the arc of the plot, though the epilogue didn't entirely convince.
Some wonderful writing for young people though, lots of relevant issues covered that will promote discussion and get them reading. An easy read, one that will get them thinking. And I loved the cover as well.
For ages 13 and above.
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