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Supernova
1997 - somewhere dull on the outskirts of London, (think middle-class home counties dull as dishwater suburbia). School oddities, April, Jamie and Tom, are trying to work out how to be 15.
April is battling anxiety, is obsessed with Sylvia Plath and has a crush on Tom.
Tom's dad died 18 months ago. His mum has turned into a ghost and his little sister has become his big responsibility. His life is held together by secrets and Britpop, and oh yeah - Tom is in love with April.
Jamie is angry, and she wants everyone to know it. There's more to her story, but Jamie won't tell.
Yuki, Tom's weird neighbour thinks he has life sorted and imparts his pearls of wisdom by channelling Jim Morrison, leather trousers and all.
Four friends, one year. Sex, drugs, rock n' roll. What can possibly go wrong?
If you've ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or out of your depth, if the four right chords can make you cry, this is the book for you.
April is battling anxiety, is obsessed with Sylvia Plath and has a crush on Tom.
Tom's dad died 18 months ago. His mum has turned into a ghost and his little sister has become his big responsibility. His life is held together by secrets and Britpop, and oh yeah - Tom is in love with April.
Jamie is angry, and she wants everyone to know it. There's more to her story, but Jamie won't tell.
Yuki, Tom's weird neighbour thinks he has life sorted and imparts his pearls of wisdom by channelling Jim Morrison, leather trousers and all.
Four friends, one year. Sex, drugs, rock n' roll. What can possibly go wrong?
If you've ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or out of your depth, if the four right chords can make you cry, this is the book for you.
- GenresYoung AdultChildrens
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2018
5 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 24, 2018
Trying something different from my usual reading, I was delighted to become immersed in Ericka Waller's Supernova. Serious teenage issues handled in depth with warmth, humour and respect. Honest characters with honest and cracking dialogue. I was immediately drawn into this teenage world with its alternating narratives. I loved all the detail, which made everything seem so real. Sometimes painful to read (for all the right reasons) but always inspiring. A story written with passion and staggering honesty.
January 27, 2019
This is a tough one for me. Mental Illness is a huge issue and is something I struggle with everyday. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that just ‘gets it’ as much as this one. Supernova is one of the most relatable books I’ve read, despite being set 3 years before I was even born. Ericka encapsulates the feeling of being 15 and struggling, perfectly. I read the kindle edition of this book and the only negative I have is the amount of typos and errors throughout the story! But honestly, this book is beautiful and it deserves 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 18, 2022
The beginning of this book was quite slow and therefore difficult to get through for me personally. However, when we reached the middle of the book when Tom and April finally decided to get together (took them a minute) the book got a lot more interesting maybe because I started feeling hopeful that the characters lives are changing for the better and that the battles they're facing they're slowing beating.
One of the main reasons why I picked up to read this book was because it was a story about the life of teenagers the struggles they face and how they overcome them. So being a teenager myself it definitely peaked my interest. So, one of the main reasons I liked this book was because of that and how realistic and relatable their issues seemed to be to me personally.
What I didn't like was how there was four unique characters with each of their own problems but the book was only focused on two. I think Jamie and Yuki were awesome characters that deserved the same attention that Tom and April got. They had just as much problems that did not deserve to get overlooked.
I think anyone struggling with similar issues or any issues in general should read this book so it can try to help you overcome them, gain an understanding of what your feeling during your teenage years where everything's new and confusing or just in general make it known that your not alone and its not shameful for the things you feel or go through and that its okay to ask for help.
Lastly, KATE (APRIL'S MUM), JAMIE AND YUKI WERE SUCH AMAZING CHARACTERS I LOVED THEM ALL!!!
One of the main reasons why I picked up to read this book was because it was a story about the life of teenagers the struggles they face and how they overcome them. So being a teenager myself it definitely peaked my interest. So, one of the main reasons I liked this book was because of that and how realistic and relatable their issues seemed to be to me personally.
What I didn't like was how there was four unique characters with each of their own problems but the book was only focused on two. I think Jamie and Yuki were awesome characters that deserved the same attention that Tom and April got. They had just as much problems that did not deserve to get overlooked.
I think anyone struggling with similar issues or any issues in general should read this book so it can try to help you overcome them, gain an understanding of what your feeling during your teenage years where everything's new and confusing or just in general make it known that your not alone and its not shameful for the things you feel or go through and that its okay to ask for help.
Lastly, KATE (APRIL'S MUM), JAMIE AND YUKI WERE SUCH AMAZING CHARACTERS I LOVED THEM ALL!!!
March 15, 2019
April spends the majority of her time battling the voice inside her head that insists she make herself familiar with the exits in every situation. For April school is a constant inner-battle which leaves her feeling confused, exhausted and alien to her peers. Her only saviours are best friends Jamie and Tom, whom she clings to like buoys in the uncertain seas of teenage life.
Tom is still grieving for his Dad whilst trying to negotiate school work and teenage hormones with the added responsibility of holding his family together for the sake of his sister. With the pressure of his secret double life as a teenager combined with the life of an ‘adult’, which has been thrust upon him, Tom’s only light relief is the time spent with his friends- most importantly his crush April.
Jamie is the outspoken one in the group, but at home she is confined to a life of rules and regulations about who she is allowed to be. Struggling to discover her identity and who she really is in such a conflicting atmosphere means Jamie spends a lot of her time lashing out in anger at the world.
Despite their contrasting situations the three friends find comfort in each other’s company and together they try to wade through the worries of teenage life to discover who they really are.
This story is set in the 90’s which is the era I lived through my teenage years and the angst and struggle these characters endure is so relatable – as well as the music! Just reading their story transported me straight back to my school years where it seemed to matter so much about fitting in with the right people, all the while searching to discover your true identity. Teenage years are some of the toughest and this book describes the feeling and thoughts of all the characters so realistically. I also really enjoyed the alternating narrative between Tom and April as it allowed me a really in-depth insight into their thoughts and feelings as well as their individual situations.
The main reason I agreed to read this book was the issues of mental health that are discussed. April suffers with anxiety and as I suffer with GAD and my teenage daughter also has anxiety, I was intrigued to see how Ericka used this in the book. I have to say the descriptions of April’s feelings, both physically and emotionally are so real I could have written them myself. It wasn’t until I read the afterword, I discovered that Ericka herself suffers with anxiety and she has obviously drawn on her own personal experiences in order to write such truthful accounts.
I have read other books that have touched upon anxiety in the past and the difference with Super Nova is that we are privy to April being offered advice and information about how to get help. The narrative also helps normalise the feelings of anxiety for the reader and take away the stigma often attached to mental health and for the target audience of Young Adults this is such an important message.
Another very important message to be taken away from this book is that people aren’t always as happy and content as their facade would have you believe. All the characters in this novel are struggling and battling their own demons behind closed doors which highlights the importance of taking the time to be kind to everyone as you never know what is going on in their life. Ultimately for its readers Super Nova offers the encouragement to open up to those closest to you if you are struggling as they are there to help without judgement.
Despite not being my usual genre and me not being in the target age group for this book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Ericka has dealt with several serious issues alongside the everyday teenage worries in such a relatable, sensitive way. I highly recommend this book to teens and adults alike as the messages are equally pertinent to both age groups.
Tom is still grieving for his Dad whilst trying to negotiate school work and teenage hormones with the added responsibility of holding his family together for the sake of his sister. With the pressure of his secret double life as a teenager combined with the life of an ‘adult’, which has been thrust upon him, Tom’s only light relief is the time spent with his friends- most importantly his crush April.
Jamie is the outspoken one in the group, but at home she is confined to a life of rules and regulations about who she is allowed to be. Struggling to discover her identity and who she really is in such a conflicting atmosphere means Jamie spends a lot of her time lashing out in anger at the world.
Despite their contrasting situations the three friends find comfort in each other’s company and together they try to wade through the worries of teenage life to discover who they really are.
This story is set in the 90’s which is the era I lived through my teenage years and the angst and struggle these characters endure is so relatable – as well as the music! Just reading their story transported me straight back to my school years where it seemed to matter so much about fitting in with the right people, all the while searching to discover your true identity. Teenage years are some of the toughest and this book describes the feeling and thoughts of all the characters so realistically. I also really enjoyed the alternating narrative between Tom and April as it allowed me a really in-depth insight into their thoughts and feelings as well as their individual situations.
The main reason I agreed to read this book was the issues of mental health that are discussed. April suffers with anxiety and as I suffer with GAD and my teenage daughter also has anxiety, I was intrigued to see how Ericka used this in the book. I have to say the descriptions of April’s feelings, both physically and emotionally are so real I could have written them myself. It wasn’t until I read the afterword, I discovered that Ericka herself suffers with anxiety and she has obviously drawn on her own personal experiences in order to write such truthful accounts.
I have read other books that have touched upon anxiety in the past and the difference with Super Nova is that we are privy to April being offered advice and information about how to get help. The narrative also helps normalise the feelings of anxiety for the reader and take away the stigma often attached to mental health and for the target audience of Young Adults this is such an important message.
Another very important message to be taken away from this book is that people aren’t always as happy and content as their facade would have you believe. All the characters in this novel are struggling and battling their own demons behind closed doors which highlights the importance of taking the time to be kind to everyone as you never know what is going on in their life. Ultimately for its readers Super Nova offers the encouragement to open up to those closest to you if you are struggling as they are there to help without judgement.
Despite not being my usual genre and me not being in the target age group for this book I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Ericka has dealt with several serious issues alongside the everyday teenage worries in such a relatable, sensitive way. I highly recommend this book to teens and adults alike as the messages are equally pertinent to both age groups.
October 5, 2019
This Coming of Age novel was such a sweet representation of young love. "Supernova" by Ericka Waller blended the butterflies of romance with the harsh sting of adolescence. This story delicately approached mental health, death, insecurities, hormones amongst many other obstacles one faces growing up. The story includes a modern take of #sylviaplath and #thebelljar as various characters question the stability of their mental health and well-being. It is a suitable analogy and highly appropriate take on how a quiet teen might contemplate the depth of her anxiety and measure the "normalcy" of her psyche. I absolutely loved this book and would liken it to the experience of reading "Perks of Being a Wallflower," especially with the incorporation and exploration of music. The weight of music plays heavily into the lives of the characters, and I can only imagine that this book would have an amazing soundtrack.
The narrator, Ella Lynch, was a wonderful fit for the audio version of the novel. She has a soothing tone and fantastic British accent, which was made for a captivatingly authentic encounter of life as a teenager in England. She is a talented voice actress capable of consuming her audience and making you feel like she is recounting the story exclusively for you. It makes for an almost personalized listening experience. I would gladly listen to any story she wanted to tell me! Highly recommend this book. Absolutely in love!
The narrator, Ella Lynch, was a wonderful fit for the audio version of the novel. She has a soothing tone and fantastic British accent, which was made for a captivatingly authentic encounter of life as a teenager in England. She is a talented voice actress capable of consuming her audience and making you feel like she is recounting the story exclusively for you. It makes for an almost personalized listening experience. I would gladly listen to any story she wanted to tell me! Highly recommend this book. Absolutely in love!
February 1, 2019
"Everyone has to grow up" This words make me wanna cry 😭 Why we can't stay as a child? Why when we grow up, we forget about miracles? We become morose and angry. We run away from something new, afraid to understand it. It is too pity that we grow so quickly 😢
"Supernova" by Ericka Waller.
.
1997 - somewhere dull on the outskirts of London, (think middle-class home counties dull as dishwater suburbia). School oddities, April, Jamie and Tom, are trying to work out how to be 15. Friends, one year. Sex, drugs, rock n' roll. What can possibly go wrong?
Read this book in one breath! Really like the topic of mental illness, it was written sooo good. 2 strong lead female characters which show both strength and vulnerability made me happy, I love strong female characters. If you want to dive in 90'th, and read a very great written book, so what are you waiting for? Put it on your TBR list. 5/5 ⭐
"Supernova" by Ericka Waller.
.
1997 - somewhere dull on the outskirts of London, (think middle-class home counties dull as dishwater suburbia). School oddities, April, Jamie and Tom, are trying to work out how to be 15. Friends, one year. Sex, drugs, rock n' roll. What can possibly go wrong?
Read this book in one breath! Really like the topic of mental illness, it was written sooo good. 2 strong lead female characters which show both strength and vulnerability made me happy, I love strong female characters. If you want to dive in 90'th, and read a very great written book, so what are you waiting for? Put it on your TBR list. 5/5 ⭐
January 30, 2019
This book was one that I saw on Instagram and i loved the cover (no surprise there), but also what had been written by the person reading it.
I was a teenager of the 90’s and this is when it was set. The story revolves primarily around Tom and April and the trials and tribulations of being 14yrs old. Jamie and Yuki are their two friends and they all have their own secrets and troubles to deal with, whilst also being confident and fitting in at school and home!
As someone who has and still deals with anxiety and panic attacks, I identified with April so much. The way the character was written and how it was dealt with, was perfect. I am passing this book on to my eldest daughter (currently 14), as I feel that this has some great lessons in it.
Also big shout out to the author for all the brilliant music references. It totally transported me back to the 90’s! 😁
I was a teenager of the 90’s and this is when it was set. The story revolves primarily around Tom and April and the trials and tribulations of being 14yrs old. Jamie and Yuki are their two friends and they all have their own secrets and troubles to deal with, whilst also being confident and fitting in at school and home!
As someone who has and still deals with anxiety and panic attacks, I identified with April so much. The way the character was written and how it was dealt with, was perfect. I am passing this book on to my eldest daughter (currently 14), as I feel that this has some great lessons in it.
Also big shout out to the author for all the brilliant music references. It totally transported me back to the 90’s! 😁
November 8, 2018
Beautiful, wonderful, at times moving story. As a 40 something I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book but I absolutely loved it. Took me back to the highs and low of the precious teenage years and the anxiety issues that many young people have had or are currently dealing with. April,Tom, Jamie and Yuki are characters that will stick with me as I identified with some of the issues and it also brought back memories of the friends that were you whole world at 15. Thank you Erika for writing such a lovely tale that I'm sure will help a lot of teens open up who may currently be struggling. Should definitely be made available in all UK High School libraries.
January 1, 2019
interesting book, i really enjoyed most of it; although trope of 'male protagonist is in love with shy girl (tall, long hair, etc) who doesn't wear make up or put effort into her appearance but is still stunningly beautiful and eloquent and perfect' was not new and mildly frustrating, but redeemed by april's pov and her crippling (relatable) anxiety and sadness and her not actually being perfect
(the punctuation was arse and made the book kind of hard to read, mostly speech marks in weird odd places, but that's neither here nor there)
(the punctuation was arse and made the book kind of hard to read, mostly speech marks in weird odd places, but that's neither here nor there)
July 23, 2018
Read this in 2 days, loved it! Ericka writes with such compassion and sensitivity, especially around the topic of mental illness. Having been a teenager in the 90’s I can relate to so much in this book, even findus crispy cheesy pancakes which were a go to for comfort! All 4 of the main characters are relatable and likeable with 2 strong lead female characters which show both strength and vulnerability. I haven’t been so absorbed in a story for ages, genuinely sad to have finished it!
August 12, 2019
The first book to make me cry, both sad and happy tears. Was an amazing and relatable read and would be amazing for anyone who has felt out of place. Provides great information particularly surrounding anxiety and helps to promote getting help during struggles and being open with the people that you're closest to. My only complaint would be that there were a few typos but it was easy enough to work out what was being said. Would highly recommend.
December 17, 2018
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It covered so much, and although it is YA it certainly wasn't only for teens to read. The characters were well defined, and the story completely transported me to 90's suburbia and to being a teenager again. 5/5
April 12, 2019
Absolutely loved this! I just couldn’t put it down.
I fell in love with the characters and got lost in the story. I love how Tom and April’s relationship development. It felt so real.
It made me laugh out loud and cry like a baby. It really hit home.
5 star, 100% would recommend!
I fell in love with the characters and got lost in the story. I love how Tom and April’s relationship development. It felt so real.
It made me laugh out loud and cry like a baby. It really hit home.
5 star, 100% would recommend!
November 5, 2024
Absolutely loved this. I'm actually angry with myself for sitting on it for so long. I felt 15 again reading it. I'll probably come back and write a better review. I just wanted to come and give it 5 stars straight away and say that it's up there with my favourite books now.
April 1, 2019
If you were a teen in the 90's listening to indie music, you'll love this book... I devoured it, and eagerly await Ericka's next one.
April 26, 2025
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, THIS BOOK. I’ve read it so many times and will read it so many more.
September 26, 2025
Low rating because I loved her other two novels
Young characters didn’t talk or behave like young people in 1997
Disappointed
Young characters didn’t talk or behave like young people in 1997
Disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
Definitely a good book and I would’ve put five stars it if it weren’t for all of the wrong spellings, which I thought was very annoying.
I felt like this book helped me to understand what some people go throw and that it’s very important to just be there for a person that can be going throw a tough time. You don’t always have to have super fun together, you just have to be able to be yourself with someone and it can help you and the other person a lot.
I know that not all of the people with a mental illness feels the same way as the characters in this book, but since the author had anxiety when she was younger and is writing from her own experiences I know that bits of what is written in the book is true and is something that at least one person in this world has felt.
I definitely recommend this book. It’s very easy to read and it contains a lot of information about how life can be.
I felt like this book helped me to understand what some people go throw and that it’s very important to just be there for a person that can be going throw a tough time. You don’t always have to have super fun together, you just have to be able to be yourself with someone and it can help you and the other person a lot.
I know that not all of the people with a mental illness feels the same way as the characters in this book, but since the author had anxiety when she was younger and is writing from her own experiences I know that bits of what is written in the book is true and is something that at least one person in this world has felt.
I definitely recommend this book. It’s very easy to read and it contains a lot of information about how life can be.
January 2, 2022
There were a lot of grammar mistakes (mainly missing words) but other than that it was amazing!
I loved the characters and related to April so much. I feel so much better about myself as this book has really taken me on a journey.
And that climax at the ending had me in shock so much i was crying!
I loved the characters and related to April so much. I feel so much better about myself as this book has really taken me on a journey.
And that climax at the ending had me in shock so much i was crying!
January 2, 2020
It was such a fantastic book! I l0ve how the book explored many themes that are involved in teenagers lives. It also had many important lessons that all the main characters dealt with!
May 27, 2019
This was a great book, I felt like I could relate so much to the main character April, the way it dealt with anxiety and the way the book explained it felt spot on.
It’s set back when people didn’t have mobiles, which I loved, it felt so different from other things I had read.
April and Tom were cute, I loved their slow development of love, it made it feel real.
Overall 4 stars, a great book with an amazing setting and best characters.
It’s set back when people didn’t have mobiles, which I loved, it felt so different from other things I had read.
April and Tom were cute, I loved their slow development of love, it made it feel real.
Overall 4 stars, a great book with an amazing setting and best characters.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews