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Sonny and Me
FOURTH YEAR. TWO PALS. ONE MURDER. WELCOME TO BATTLEFIELD HIGH…
‘Whoever said yer school days are the best days ae yer life was at the absolute wind up. I hink maist adults dinnae mind whit it was really like. Wait til yeese hear whit Sonny and me got detention for…’
Daughter and Sonny are two best friends just trying to get through fourth year at high school. But when their favourite teacher leaves unexpectedly, and no one will say why, the boys decide to start their own investigation.
As they dig deeper into the staff at Battlefield High, they discover a dark secret which one person will kill to protect… Will they uncover the truth without being expelled? Can their friendship survive when personal secrets are revealed? And will they manage to skive off double English?
‘Whoever said yer school days are the best days ae yer life was at the absolute wind up. I hink maist adults dinnae mind whit it was really like. Wait til yeese hear whit Sonny and me got detention for…’
Daughter and Sonny are two best friends just trying to get through fourth year at high school. But when their favourite teacher leaves unexpectedly, and no one will say why, the boys decide to start their own investigation.
As they dig deeper into the staff at Battlefield High, they discover a dark secret which one person will kill to protect… Will they uncover the truth without being expelled? Can their friendship survive when personal secrets are revealed? And will they manage to skive off double English?
300 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2019
9 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Ross Sayers
4 books57 followersRoss Sayers is an author, originally from Stirling, now based in Glasgow.
His first novel, 'Mary's the Name', was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year Award.
His first novel, 'Mary's the Name', was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 19, 2019
Sonny and Me was a kind of wholesome that I haven’t encountered in a Young Adult novel since I was a teenager myself. It made me laugh out loud on several occasions, and warmed my heart on others. The friendship between the two main characters, Sonny and Daughter, was so authentic and, oftentimes, disarmingly touching. It was really refreshing to read about two male characters who were not afraid to be open about their emotions with one another.
The friendship between Sonny and Daughter wasn’t the only strong relationship in this novel, however. I loved reading about the families in Sonny and Me. I found them to be really believable and loved how much familiarity I found in Daughter’s home life. (I didn’t know beef olives were a staple Scottish dinner outside of the McLaren household??) The close community feeling was also something very relatable for me, and I got a lot of laughs from the way the mothers spoke about the other characters in the novel.
Sonny and Me was a nostalgic and entertaining read, with a lot more heart than it originally lets on. It was packed full of a cast of interesting and inclusive characters, fast-paced and hilarious dialogue, and a whole lot of feeling. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this novel and I’ll know better than to be put off by Scots texts in the future. I would highly recommend giving this book a go. You won’t regret it.
The friendship between Sonny and Daughter wasn’t the only strong relationship in this novel, however. I loved reading about the families in Sonny and Me. I found them to be really believable and loved how much familiarity I found in Daughter’s home life. (I didn’t know beef olives were a staple Scottish dinner outside of the McLaren household??) The close community feeling was also something very relatable for me, and I got a lot of laughs from the way the mothers spoke about the other characters in the novel.
Sonny and Me was a nostalgic and entertaining read, with a lot more heart than it originally lets on. It was packed full of a cast of interesting and inclusive characters, fast-paced and hilarious dialogue, and a whole lot of feeling. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this novel and I’ll know better than to be put off by Scots texts in the future. I would highly recommend giving this book a go. You won’t regret it.
June 4, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the company of Sonny and Me. The publisher classes this as a Young Adult novel, but believe me, Old Adults will love this. We’re all kids at heart and growing up is timeless.
This cracking story will not only remind you of your own schooldays (the good and the bad) but perhaps your kids’ schooldays too. If you’re a teenager, you will certainly recognise Battlefield High, with its playground politics and world-weary teachers. This a multi-layered, intergenerational story with such heart it works on many levels. I found myself identifying with the parents, while empathising with the main protagonists, Billy Daughter, the hapless ringleader and Sonny, his gentle, compassionate sidekick. Family life, teen angst and the nature of friendship are all explored in forensic, unflinching detail against a compelling crime mystery which gripped me to the end. Daughter (Billy’s preferred handle) is hilarious in his observations and remarks, but also vulnerable and self-aware. There are many laugh-out-loud references to bring light relief to his soul-searching, from the solid policing of Margaret at the corner shop to Mr Garrett’s pickled lamb.
A real treat, and the use of Scots dialect throughout, with its rhythms and wit, only adds authenticity and charm
This cracking story will not only remind you of your own schooldays (the good and the bad) but perhaps your kids’ schooldays too. If you’re a teenager, you will certainly recognise Battlefield High, with its playground politics and world-weary teachers. This a multi-layered, intergenerational story with such heart it works on many levels. I found myself identifying with the parents, while empathising with the main protagonists, Billy Daughter, the hapless ringleader and Sonny, his gentle, compassionate sidekick. Family life, teen angst and the nature of friendship are all explored in forensic, unflinching detail against a compelling crime mystery which gripped me to the end. Daughter (Billy’s preferred handle) is hilarious in his observations and remarks, but also vulnerable and self-aware. There are many laugh-out-loud references to bring light relief to his soul-searching, from the solid policing of Margaret at the corner shop to Mr Garrett’s pickled lamb.
A real treat, and the use of Scots dialect throughout, with its rhythms and wit, only adds authenticity and charm
June 19, 2019
This book is not to be consumed in public spaces - I guarantee you will get all sorts of funny looks for proper, snorting, unattractive, belly laughing out loud. This is an utterly brilliant novel that all Scottish English teachers should be using as a tool for introducing our kids to real, relevant, relatable and exceptionally funny Scottish dialect. I loved every last page of this book, often having to lay it down because I literally couldn't read on because I was laughing so hard, and along with all that brilliant humour are some incredibly written teenage boys who's likeability levels are off the charts. Simply brilliant. I am excited to see what this amazing young author does next!
April 11, 2022
Read 16/7/2019
PSA: despite the cover and title, this is not a bxb book (sonny is gay though). It took ages to get to the mystery, which was then a bit flat. I liked the boys' personalities - especially Sonny - but there was something missing. The Scottish dialect certainly made this hard to read, and some things tripped me up, but it felt authentic and true to Daughter's narrative and it was really interesting to read a book entirely written in Scots
PSA: despite the cover and title, this is not a bxb book (sonny is gay though). It took ages to get to the mystery, which was then a bit flat. I liked the boys' personalities - especially Sonny - but there was something missing. The Scottish dialect certainly made this hard to read, and some things tripped me up, but it felt authentic and true to Daughter's narrative and it was really interesting to read a book entirely written in Scots
May 22, 2019
I'm pretty sure in 10 years English classes will be studying this book. The teacher will love it because of its subtleties and characterisation. The students will love it cause they get to swear out loud.
While reading this book, I found myself laughing out loud many times, so now everyone that gets my bus thinks I'm crazy.
But it. You won't regret it.
While reading this book, I found myself laughing out loud many times, so now everyone that gets my bus thinks I'm crazy.
But it. You won't regret it.
July 5, 2019
I couldn't connect to the story. Maybe because the entire narration was written out in dialect. 🙃🙃🙃
Like this: "A shaft ae light is comin fae somewhere, lettin' me see a bit ae floorin' where I can put mae weight. I kneel doon and try no tae breath in too much dust.
‘Are they doon there?’ Sonny whispers tae me."
It was like the goddamn Scottish merida meme, I swear...
Like this: "A shaft ae light is comin fae somewhere, lettin' me see a bit ae floorin' where I can put mae weight. I kneel doon and try no tae breath in too much dust.
‘Are they doon there?’ Sonny whispers tae me."
It was like the goddamn Scottish merida meme, I swear...
June 30, 2023
Rep: gay character, bi side character
December 9, 2021
‘Sonny & Me 🌈’ by Ross Sayers
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5
.
💫 “𝘠’𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥.” 💫
.
Another incredible scots novel by @sayers33. I knew it would be good because I absolutely adored Daisy on the Outer Line and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. It’s a ‘who dunnit’ type of book which I love, but not your typical one as it focuses around two young boys who are acting like Sherlock & Watson!
The book was hilarious from start to finish and some of the situations that Daughter & Sonny get themselves into are just that of typical school boys, which makes you realise just how young and naive they are. Their relationship is adorable and it was just so lovely to read about. There is a very positive and strong message about friendship which is portrayed through the boys and the banter they have with one another. You get the sense that no matter what they always have each other’s backs.
The book was heartwarming at times, yet gripping and intense as you learn to find out what happened.
I could relate so much to the book with the school side of things, being a teenager and just trying to fit in. It took me back!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5
.
💫 “𝘠’𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥.” 💫
.
Another incredible scots novel by @sayers33. I knew it would be good because I absolutely adored Daisy on the Outer Line and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. It’s a ‘who dunnit’ type of book which I love, but not your typical one as it focuses around two young boys who are acting like Sherlock & Watson!
The book was hilarious from start to finish and some of the situations that Daughter & Sonny get themselves into are just that of typical school boys, which makes you realise just how young and naive they are. Their relationship is adorable and it was just so lovely to read about. There is a very positive and strong message about friendship which is portrayed through the boys and the banter they have with one another. You get the sense that no matter what they always have each other’s backs.
The book was heartwarming at times, yet gripping and intense as you learn to find out what happened.
I could relate so much to the book with the school side of things, being a teenager and just trying to fit in. It took me back!
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
June 4, 2019
I can’t think of another book like Sonny and Me. I spent decades teaching teenage boys in Scottish secondary schools and let me tell you: yes, this is how many of them speak, think and behave . Apart from the fact that this is authentic, funny and warm, it gives voice to those who may not always have a voice, certainly not in books. The friendship between the main characters is spot on and propelled me through the book from start to finish. Irreverent and provocative enough to appeal to teenagers, with enough issues /meaty topics to appeal to a more general readership. Fantastic follow up to Mary’s the Name. I’ll certainly be reading whatever Sayers writes next!
March 12, 2019
Loved this! A unique blend of crime and comedy with an inclusive cast of characters, set in a high school in Stirling. Intriguing, heart-warming, and really funny.
September 1, 2019
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 300
Publisher - Cranachan Publishing
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
FOURTH YEAR. TWO PALS. ONE MURDER. WELCOME TO BATTLEFIELD HIGH…
‘Whoever said yer school days are the best days ae yer life was at the absolute wind up. I hink maist adults dinnae mind whit it was really like. Wait til yeese hear whit Sonny and me got detention for…’
Daughter and Sonny are two best friends just trying to get through fourth year at high school. But when their favourite teacher leaves unexpectedly, and no one will say why, the boys decide to start their own investigation.
As they dig deeper into the staff at Battlefield High, they discover a dark secret which one person will kill to protect… Will they uncover the truth without being expelled? Can their friendship survive when personal secrets are revealed? And will they manage to skive off double English?
My Review
Daughter and Sonny are two Scottish teens trying to make it through fourth year and life in general. They have all the struggles teen face, family issues, fancying folk, school, local yobs and then one of their favourite teachers abruptly leaves. No one wants to answer their questions and the boys know something is right but digging will get them into trouble and some people will do anything to protect their secrets.
Aw guys I loved the amount of memories this wee book conjured up for me. The dialect is thick Scottish so if you aren't familiar with our slang, terms and local terminology you may struggle a wee bit. Sonny and Daughter have a tight friendship and that is pretty apparent from the get go, Sonny is a bit of a wee soul which brings out the protective side in Daughter. Daughters relationship with his family and sister mirror quite a few of our own but instead of being rivals they have a nice relationship.
There is a lot of humour laced into the book and I found myself laughing out loud a few times, this will always get you some looks when in public! The way Sayers writes absolutely transports you back to your own school days, the teacher you liked, the daft antics you found yourself getting caught up in.
There are some serious tones in the book but nothing to make it dark or unsettling, just makes it a good all rounder. Young adult isn't a genre I normally go to but I am so glad I read this, funny, sentimental, some good strong bonds of loyalty and family with a healthy dose of hilarious. This isn't my first book by this author and it won't be my last. Actively watching out for what Sayers will bring to the table next, 4.5/5 for me!
Pages - 300
Publisher - Cranachan Publishing
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
FOURTH YEAR. TWO PALS. ONE MURDER. WELCOME TO BATTLEFIELD HIGH…
‘Whoever said yer school days are the best days ae yer life was at the absolute wind up. I hink maist adults dinnae mind whit it was really like. Wait til yeese hear whit Sonny and me got detention for…’
Daughter and Sonny are two best friends just trying to get through fourth year at high school. But when their favourite teacher leaves unexpectedly, and no one will say why, the boys decide to start their own investigation.
As they dig deeper into the staff at Battlefield High, they discover a dark secret which one person will kill to protect… Will they uncover the truth without being expelled? Can their friendship survive when personal secrets are revealed? And will they manage to skive off double English?
My Review
Daughter and Sonny are two Scottish teens trying to make it through fourth year and life in general. They have all the struggles teen face, family issues, fancying folk, school, local yobs and then one of their favourite teachers abruptly leaves. No one wants to answer their questions and the boys know something is right but digging will get them into trouble and some people will do anything to protect their secrets.
Aw guys I loved the amount of memories this wee book conjured up for me. The dialect is thick Scottish so if you aren't familiar with our slang, terms and local terminology you may struggle a wee bit. Sonny and Daughter have a tight friendship and that is pretty apparent from the get go, Sonny is a bit of a wee soul which brings out the protective side in Daughter. Daughters relationship with his family and sister mirror quite a few of our own but instead of being rivals they have a nice relationship.
There is a lot of humour laced into the book and I found myself laughing out loud a few times, this will always get you some looks when in public! The way Sayers writes absolutely transports you back to your own school days, the teacher you liked, the daft antics you found yourself getting caught up in.
There are some serious tones in the book but nothing to make it dark or unsettling, just makes it a good all rounder. Young adult isn't a genre I normally go to but I am so glad I read this, funny, sentimental, some good strong bonds of loyalty and family with a healthy dose of hilarious. This isn't my first book by this author and it won't be my last. Actively watching out for what Sayers will bring to the table next, 4.5/5 for me!
January 16, 2022
“ye ken ye’re my best mate.”
this is the fourth book by sayers that i have read, and i couldn’t recommend his work more. sonny and me has friendship, murder, and coming of age life in scotland, all experienced through the eyes of a diverse set of characters- what more could you want?? the friendship between the main characters, daughter and sonny, is so sweet. i also really loved the use of scots language throughout the book!!
this is the fourth book by sayers that i have read, and i couldn’t recommend his work more. sonny and me has friendship, murder, and coming of age life in scotland, all experienced through the eyes of a diverse set of characters- what more could you want?? the friendship between the main characters, daughter and sonny, is so sweet. i also really loved the use of scots language throughout the book!!
December 3, 2022
the plot wasn't that great but I LOVED reading a book set in scotland that's actually realistic and not 20 years old. I got used to the language quite quickly (if you're not used to the way of speaking it might be a bit more difficult but I think you'd still get used to it). also loved all the jokes about scottish football (although I will not be tolerating supporting rangers obvs).
"whit if oor son is away on an orange walk? is that awright wi you, alison?"
"och, dinnae be ridiculous, it's half seven. folk arenae bein sectarian at this time ae the mornin."
"whit are ye drawin?"
"random stuff."
"is it aboot dismantlin the patriarchy?"
"you noticed!"
"whit if oor son is away on an orange walk? is that awright wi you, alison?"
"och, dinnae be ridiculous, it's half seven. folk arenae bein sectarian at this time ae the mornin."
"whit are ye drawin?"
"random stuff."
"is it aboot dismantlin the patriarchy?"
"you noticed!"
June 16, 2019
I started this book today and I finished it today. A engaging, enthralling, well written and held together story. A funny book that still knows when to pull at your heart strings or cause your heart rate to quicken. Sonny may well be my new favourite literary character with a depth and integrity that does the author credit. Every character has, well character with no one too small to be memorable. As well as this, it's a strong indicator of how to make your book LGBT friendly and how 'shockinly' easy that is to achieve if you care which the author ckearly does. Mary's the Name was an excellent debut novel and this follow up and first foray into Young Adult writing doesn't disappoint. I for one certainly hope there's another term to come at Battlefield High.
October 18, 2020
Ross's observations and humour transported me back to my own schooldays – with its close friendships and the awkwardness of adolescence. The characters are pure gold, including Daughter's parents, who I loved. This is a must-read, which will have you laughing out loud.
May 21, 2019
Sonny and Me is definitely one of my favourite reads this year, it is fantastic. I was expecting a lot after reading Mary’s The Name but this book has surpassed all my expectations and then some.
It’s the kind of book that I would caution against reading in public unless you’re ok with people giving you funny looks, I was laughing before the end of the first chapter and then throughout most of the book. There were a lot of casual comments, usually from Sonny, that cracked me up but even some of the situations the boys found themselves in were just generally humorous.
For me this book was kind of like being transported back in time, so many things that I had forgotten about the high school experience came rushing back and gave me this feeling of camaraderie with the boys. It’s difficult not to love Sonny and Daughter, their friendship is wonderful but not always perfect, it has the right balance for two people still trying to figure themselves out.
The family dynamics in this book were also brilliant and usually had me in stitches, the Daughter family particularly were very relatable, it’s always in the little things like arguing who is going to get the door at a time when you aren’t expecting anyone. I was glad that there was a good relationship between Billy (Daughter) and his sister, even though there could have been reasons for a rivalry between them, they had each other’s backs.
It took me a second to get used to reading in Scots but after that I could easily hear it in my mind, I think it’s because the author has such a clear writing style that just immerses you into the words and keeps you engaged with his wit. He has also managed to capture the voices of the characters really well and create a cast that you want to read about.
The plot was fantastic because it weaved this element of the mystery that the boys are trying to solve through their everyday events, it wasn’t the sole focus of the book, we are also seeing how they navigate teenage life. It made for a more authentic reading experience and meant that I was totally absorbed in the book and didn’t want it to end.
I’m already looking forward to seeing what Ross Sayers comes up with next.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
It’s the kind of book that I would caution against reading in public unless you’re ok with people giving you funny looks, I was laughing before the end of the first chapter and then throughout most of the book. There were a lot of casual comments, usually from Sonny, that cracked me up but even some of the situations the boys found themselves in were just generally humorous.
For me this book was kind of like being transported back in time, so many things that I had forgotten about the high school experience came rushing back and gave me this feeling of camaraderie with the boys. It’s difficult not to love Sonny and Daughter, their friendship is wonderful but not always perfect, it has the right balance for two people still trying to figure themselves out.
The family dynamics in this book were also brilliant and usually had me in stitches, the Daughter family particularly were very relatable, it’s always in the little things like arguing who is going to get the door at a time when you aren’t expecting anyone. I was glad that there was a good relationship between Billy (Daughter) and his sister, even though there could have been reasons for a rivalry between them, they had each other’s backs.
It took me a second to get used to reading in Scots but after that I could easily hear it in my mind, I think it’s because the author has such a clear writing style that just immerses you into the words and keeps you engaged with his wit. He has also managed to capture the voices of the characters really well and create a cast that you want to read about.
The plot was fantastic because it weaved this element of the mystery that the boys are trying to solve through their everyday events, it wasn’t the sole focus of the book, we are also seeing how they navigate teenage life. It made for a more authentic reading experience and meant that I was totally absorbed in the book and didn’t want it to end.
I’m already looking forward to seeing what Ross Sayers comes up with next.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
September 16, 2020
Characters speaking like real people living lives you're glad you aren't living. A fun book with depth, humour, and cracking dialogue. Sonny and Me stays with you long after you've turned that last page.
July 13, 2020
Sonny and Me is a delightful Scots language YA novel. I devoured this tale of family, friendship and fighting for justice.
I love that this is a story aimed at a young audience. Growing up, I don't remember reading any Scots language books. The first time I did I was around 22, and it was 'Buddha Da' by Anne Donovan (a book targetted at an adult audience). I would have loved to have read Scots language books growing up. I think it lends a legitimacy to the shared language of Scottish people in a way that is essential for identity building among young Scottish people.
The author does well to blend in serious themes (such as commentary about the patriarchy, the importance/experience of blood donation and speaking out against homophobia) into this funny, action-packed book.
Such quintessentially Scottish humour is rare to find in books, and this one was a real delight!
Many of the day-to-day occurrences in the book spoke to my own teenage years:
"This is like when somebody writes go tae page 73 on a textbook and ye go tae page 73 and it says 'yer maw'"
Other things were just universally funny/relatable.
"It's like orderin yer sandwich at Subway. Ye need tae learn through daein"
I won't share all of the jokes I highlighted (you'll want to read this book for yourself to get the full impact), but I do think Sonny and Me is a really great read and I would highly recommend it to young (13+) Scottish readers.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Content warnings: violence, murder, swearing, references to sex, references to alcohol misuse, mistreatment of elderly people.
I love that this is a story aimed at a young audience. Growing up, I don't remember reading any Scots language books. The first time I did I was around 22, and it was 'Buddha Da' by Anne Donovan (a book targetted at an adult audience). I would have loved to have read Scots language books growing up. I think it lends a legitimacy to the shared language of Scottish people in a way that is essential for identity building among young Scottish people.
The author does well to blend in serious themes (such as commentary about the patriarchy, the importance/experience of blood donation and speaking out against homophobia) into this funny, action-packed book.
Such quintessentially Scottish humour is rare to find in books, and this one was a real delight!
Many of the day-to-day occurrences in the book spoke to my own teenage years:
"This is like when somebody writes go tae page 73 on a textbook and ye go tae page 73 and it says 'yer maw'"
Other things were just universally funny/relatable.
"It's like orderin yer sandwich at Subway. Ye need tae learn through daein"
I won't share all of the jokes I highlighted (you'll want to read this book for yourself to get the full impact), but I do think Sonny and Me is a really great read and I would highly recommend it to young (13+) Scottish readers.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Content warnings: violence, murder, swearing, references to sex, references to alcohol misuse, mistreatment of elderly people.
May 20, 2019
The teenage protagonists of ‘Sonny and Me’, the second book from Ross Sayers, are boys growing up in the modern world. The story of Billy Daughter and his best friend Sonny covers universal themes - of love and lust, family life, friendship and the challenges that friendship brings.
This book is both is both unique and special. It offers a voice for Scotland’s youth, those who speak a language often neglected in fiction or presented as the voice of disaffected youth. Billy Daughter and Sonny are very much a part of the present day and the author uses their language to great effect in describing daily life. The banter between the two (and other characters) is always funny and frequently hilarious, as are the situations they find themselves in through their pursuit of answers to the mysterious events at Battlefield High.
This is a dark comedy, set in the real world. There are no fairy tale happy endings here. Instead, we are presented with a lesson in the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, ‘Sonny and Me’ is a testament to the loyalty and resilience of youth. And it’s a terrific read.
This book is both is both unique and special. It offers a voice for Scotland’s youth, those who speak a language often neglected in fiction or presented as the voice of disaffected youth. Billy Daughter and Sonny are very much a part of the present day and the author uses their language to great effect in describing daily life. The banter between the two (and other characters) is always funny and frequently hilarious, as are the situations they find themselves in through their pursuit of answers to the mysterious events at Battlefield High.
This is a dark comedy, set in the real world. There are no fairy tale happy endings here. Instead, we are presented with a lesson in the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, ‘Sonny and Me’ is a testament to the loyalty and resilience of youth. And it’s a terrific read.
April 19, 2024
I was initially a bit reluctant to read this book since it is entirely written in Scots (a Sterlingshire dialect to be precise) and as an English person I was a bit worried that I would find it difficult to follow - thankfully I was totally wrong! After a couple of pages it was easy to get into the swing of things, even if some of the words and phrasing perhaps took me a little longer to understand than it would do for a Scottish speaker.
My main takeaway from this book is that Sayers is a very funny guy with an incredible observational eye for the little (sometimes mundane) things in life which a lot of authors wouldn't bother to mention. I felt quite connected to the book for this reason as my head is often filled with the sort of random observations in this story. I also now want to visit Sterling to see if folk really are as funny as many of the characters in this book are.
Unfortunately I did find the plot to be a bit convoluted and the ending could've done with a bit of stretching out as it felt very rushed and I don't think it really did the wonderful characters justice but I would read more books by this author.
My main takeaway from this book is that Sayers is a very funny guy with an incredible observational eye for the little (sometimes mundane) things in life which a lot of authors wouldn't bother to mention. I felt quite connected to the book for this reason as my head is often filled with the sort of random observations in this story. I also now want to visit Sterling to see if folk really are as funny as many of the characters in this book are.
Unfortunately I did find the plot to be a bit convoluted and the ending could've done with a bit of stretching out as it felt very rushed and I don't think it really did the wonderful characters justice but I would read more books by this author.
November 20, 2019
Sayers writes a funny and intriguing story of friendship, trust, and the importance of rumors all while depicting life as a teenager in modern day Scotland. In particular, the main characters, Sonny and Daughter stand out: the first being my favorite, a sweet boy who often gets undermined and just takes it in his stride, and the second, our narrator, a loyal friend who is determined to stop an injustice from coming to fruition. The major moments in my opinion are a heart-warming scene that explain even more in depth why Sonny is such a dear sweet soul and made me want to know more of his story and the final twenty pages of the book are a whirlwind, with the pace picking up to maximum speed.
I enjoyed the touch of most of the dialogue being written in the Scottish accent except for some teachers and, hilariously, Daughter's sister, who was back from University.
Overall, a great read told in a lovely, modern and oh-so-Scottish manner. I predict more high schoolers will love reading this and relate to some if not all the teenage characters included.
I enjoyed the touch of most of the dialogue being written in the Scottish accent except for some teachers and, hilariously, Daughter's sister, who was back from University.
Overall, a great read told in a lovely, modern and oh-so-Scottish manner. I predict more high schoolers will love reading this and relate to some if not all the teenage characters included.
September 9, 2024
4.5/5
This was a lovely fun read after some recent heavy ones. Despite being nominally a murder mystery, it's really about the teenage experience and the friendship between two boys. For anyone who says that stories about platonic male friendship and queer stories can't coexist, I'll point them to this book. Daughter's journey of understanding and supporting his gay best friend takes a backseat to the main plot and to their friendship, but the scenes we do get where Sonny's sexuality is the main topic are heartwarming and provide a true model for allyship in a modern small town. AND it's all written in Scots! It took me a minute to adjust to reading a dialect that I've had no real-world exposure to, but I was flying along like normal in no time. I hope more books can be published in Scots and other minority English dialects, because we live in an age where linguistic diversity is threatened, and what better way to preserve and pass on the vast variety of the English language than through literature?
This was a lovely fun read after some recent heavy ones. Despite being nominally a murder mystery, it's really about the teenage experience and the friendship between two boys. For anyone who says that stories about platonic male friendship and queer stories can't coexist, I'll point them to this book. Daughter's journey of understanding and supporting his gay best friend takes a backseat to the main plot and to their friendship, but the scenes we do get where Sonny's sexuality is the main topic are heartwarming and provide a true model for allyship in a modern small town. AND it's all written in Scots! It took me a minute to adjust to reading a dialect that I've had no real-world exposure to, but I was flying along like normal in no time. I hope more books can be published in Scots and other minority English dialects, because we live in an age where linguistic diversity is threatened, and what better way to preserve and pass on the vast variety of the English language than through literature?
March 8, 2020
I've never read a book that manages to focus on murder while somehow still being lighthearted and funny, but Sayers managed it. The fact that it's set in my hometown was just the icing on the cake; it mentions so many landmarks and local places (though I felt they were shoehorned in for the sake of it sometimes while other places were clearly local hotspots with changed names - I do wonder, though, if that's just because it's jarring to see such familiar places on the page).
Daughter and Sonny are amazing, and I really did find myself laughing out loud at certain points. Plus, the end was SO satisfying (I won't spoil it).
On a technical note, it's so well written and it has a diverse cast that feels natural and well-rouneded; he hasn't just crammed in 2D characters for the sake of it, they're all well-developed and seem to have lives of their own.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - You have to read it!
Daughter and Sonny are amazing, and I really did find myself laughing out loud at certain points. Plus, the end was SO satisfying (I won't spoil it).
On a technical note, it's so well written and it has a diverse cast that feels natural and well-rouneded; he hasn't just crammed in 2D characters for the sake of it, they're all well-developed and seem to have lives of their own.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - You have to read it!
May 12, 2020
Funny, touching and emotionally intelligent
Definitely a five-star read. Sonny and Daughter are at that ‘awkward age’ where hormones are asserting themselves and life can get confusing. An incident at a mass detention sees their favourite teacher unfairly banished by Mrs Campbell, the head teacher. As the pair try and get to the bottom of what really went on a series of ill-fated scrapes ensues. The duo finally confront their nemesis on the school roof top, but you’ll need to read the book to see what happens.
Fast paced and full of humour this novel portrays Scotland today at it’s real braw best.
Definitely a five-star read. Sonny and Daughter are at that ‘awkward age’ where hormones are asserting themselves and life can get confusing. An incident at a mass detention sees their favourite teacher unfairly banished by Mrs Campbell, the head teacher. As the pair try and get to the bottom of what really went on a series of ill-fated scrapes ensues. The duo finally confront their nemesis on the school roof top, but you’ll need to read the book to see what happens.
Fast paced and full of humour this novel portrays Scotland today at it’s real braw best.
September 30, 2024
This book has been on my radar for a couple of years now. I’ve read and enjoyed a few of the author’s other novels and was keen to read this one too, although it’s marketed as a YA novel.
There’s just something about Scottish fiction, especially that set in schools. The main characters (Daughter & Sonny) are at least 10 years younger than me but their school experience is so reminiscent of my own that I had to keep reminding myself it wasn’t set in the same time period.
The novel had a bit of a daft story but that’s what made it fun - 4.5 stars from me as the ending rounded up a bit too quickly. Will definitely read more from the author!
There’s just something about Scottish fiction, especially that set in schools. The main characters (Daughter & Sonny) are at least 10 years younger than me but their school experience is so reminiscent of my own that I had to keep reminding myself it wasn’t set in the same time period.
The novel had a bit of a daft story but that’s what made it fun - 4.5 stars from me as the ending rounded up a bit too quickly. Will definitely read more from the author!
June 4, 2019
After spending a week of my life immersed in my new favourite novel I picked up Sonny and Me by Ross Sayers to review, stealing myself that it just wasn’t going to be as good but “I’d better give it a chance”. And something amazing happened; it completely blew me over and stormed into my heart.
Set in Battlefield High in Stirlingshire, Sonny and Me follows two teenage boys; Sonny and Billy Daughter, best friends just trying to make it through secondary school with their dignity intact, when Daughter’s favourite school teacher, Miss Baird, is summarily kicked out of school and his hopes of making it through his Maths National 5 are dashed. Being a good Scots lad, Daughter is not willing to let this stand and he and Billy set about sticking their noses in and trying to unravel the web of gossip and intrigue that permeates their school. Is Miss Baird a home-wrecking villain, or is something more sinister going on?
The description of Sonny and Me doesn’t begin to touch on the warmth and humour that characterise this book. Sonny and Daughter are so well drawn, so recognisable and relatable, that I would willingly read about them watching paint dry; because I guarantee that their take on it would make me laugh. From the first time Sonny opens his beautifully naive mouth on page 1 I was laughing. These are two young boys who may not always have everything sorted, but deal with unrequited love, coming out and criminals with the same compassion, twinkle of wit and groan inducing jokes. Who express their “wokeness” with moral integrity but also a strong sense of Scottish mischief. Who, if my sons grew to be anything like them, I would be intensely proud; even while pulling my hair out with stress and despair. They feel like a true and honest depiction of kind and full of trouble teenage boys.
Around them the plot flows, always grounded in believability, even as it weaves its way through its mad cap revelations at the end (perhaps the one exception is the headmistress who feels a little pantomime villain in her boo-hiss evilness, but that is real nit picking.). Every step and choice the boys make is logical and relatable and often hilariously funny.
Maybe it’s because I spent four years in Stirling and so the geographical references made me feel like I’d come home, but Sonny and Me is so full of heart, humour and a rollicking good plot that reading it feels like hanging out with your best friends. This is a story targeted at young adults but endlessly enjoyable and highly recommended for everyone. Mature, thoughtful and genuinely laugh out loud funny.
Set in Battlefield High in Stirlingshire, Sonny and Me follows two teenage boys; Sonny and Billy Daughter, best friends just trying to make it through secondary school with their dignity intact, when Daughter’s favourite school teacher, Miss Baird, is summarily kicked out of school and his hopes of making it through his Maths National 5 are dashed. Being a good Scots lad, Daughter is not willing to let this stand and he and Billy set about sticking their noses in and trying to unravel the web of gossip and intrigue that permeates their school. Is Miss Baird a home-wrecking villain, or is something more sinister going on?
The description of Sonny and Me doesn’t begin to touch on the warmth and humour that characterise this book. Sonny and Daughter are so well drawn, so recognisable and relatable, that I would willingly read about them watching paint dry; because I guarantee that their take on it would make me laugh. From the first time Sonny opens his beautifully naive mouth on page 1 I was laughing. These are two young boys who may not always have everything sorted, but deal with unrequited love, coming out and criminals with the same compassion, twinkle of wit and groan inducing jokes. Who express their “wokeness” with moral integrity but also a strong sense of Scottish mischief. Who, if my sons grew to be anything like them, I would be intensely proud; even while pulling my hair out with stress and despair. They feel like a true and honest depiction of kind and full of trouble teenage boys.
Around them the plot flows, always grounded in believability, even as it weaves its way through its mad cap revelations at the end (perhaps the one exception is the headmistress who feels a little pantomime villain in her boo-hiss evilness, but that is real nit picking.). Every step and choice the boys make is logical and relatable and often hilariously funny.
Maybe it’s because I spent four years in Stirling and so the geographical references made me feel like I’d come home, but Sonny and Me is so full of heart, humour and a rollicking good plot that reading it feels like hanging out with your best friends. This is a story targeted at young adults but endlessly enjoyable and highly recommended for everyone. Mature, thoughtful and genuinely laugh out loud funny.
June 20, 2019
I loved this book. I live in the town where it is set, I live round the corner from a High School (not The Battlefield in the book) and I recognise all the characters and places. It is such a delight to read a book where the characters speak like me and the kids act like my kids did. Sonny and Me is a gem.
March 21, 2020
A cracking wee read from start to finish. Captures the essence of Scottish high school life (murder investigation aside) perfectly. And as a former Stirling Uni student, it was great to be able to envision so many of the streets and places mentioned throughout. Really enjoyed this, laughed out loud mair than a few times and would definitely recommend.
July 27, 2021
A fun and intriguing comedy mystery. I warmed to the main characters and loved their dynamic, but struggled with the dialect and the overarching themes of the novel. Wouldnt rush to recommend but if you're after an easyish read this a decent shout out
June 16, 2019
Absolutely love this book, one of the best I've read in a long time.
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