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Text Game
Mel can't believe she's going out with the gorgeous Ben. But when she starts receiving nasty text messages from the mysterious Gloria, she begins to have doubts about him. As the situation spirals out of control, things come to a head.
92 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
6 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Kate Cann
45 books239 followersWhen I was a child, I wanted to be a witch. My first foray into writing was a series of nasty spells full of rats’ tails and bats’ wings. Then, when I turned thirteen, I began keeping a lurid diary, full of adoration or loathing, depending on who I was writing about. I used my later diaries for the Diving In trilogy.
I never thought ‘I want to be a writer’, but I loved books and writing. At school, I was rubbish at just about everything but English, so I went on to Kent University where I did two degrees in English and American Literature. At Kent, I fell dramatically in love with the man I'm still married to. We had loads of fights and adventures, but we kept coming back together. He's still the person I most want to spend time with. Awww!
My first proper job was in a publishing house, Time Life Books, as a copy-editor. I felt very glamorous. I used to go to the huge YMCA on Tottenham Court Road at lunchtime and do aerobics classes (very big in the 1980s and yes - I wore legwarmers). Then I'd fall asleep over my desk in the afternoon.
When my two kids came along, I set up as a freelance copy-editor and worked from home. By chance I got given some teenage books to edit, and I hated the way they treated sexual relationships: they were either full of gloom and doom, or were gushy, unrealistic candyfloss. So I got bitten by the ‘I can do better than this’ bug, and started writing. I remember the first day I started to write - it took me over. I forgot to eat (unthinkable for me) and I nearly forgot to collect the kids from school. About a year after that, Diving In was accepted for publication.
When I ran out of material from my diaries and memories, I realized my daughter and son were teenagers, and started eavesdropping on them. They were extremely tolerant about this although they did sometimes demand money from me.
Big changes have been afoot recently. My kids have left home - really left home, not just gap-year-travelling/university left home, and my old man is doing the sort of work that means he can work from home a lot of the time. So we've sold up and moved into the wilds of Wiltshire and so far I am absolutely loving it. The space, the silence, seeing the stars at night in the pitch black, the owls, the trees, the walks, the great food in the local pubs - everything! I'd started to bring nature into my books - it all started with Crow Girl - and now I'm working on two books about a city girl who gets plunged into the wilds. So the move is very much linked to and helping my writing. I think the sheer beauty and power of nature and how it can get right inside you is something a lot of kids are cut off from today.
I still love London though - the plan is to come up every couple of weeks, catch up with all my old mates, possibly do something seriously cultured like go to the theatre. And I want to travel a bit more, too - offsetting my increased carbon footprint with an enormous compost heap.
I love long conversations, running, reading, gardening, walking and white wine (in moderation of course) and I’m the first to admit I have the life of Reilly (who apparently had a pretty cushy life). I start the day with a run or walk with my dog, when I think about what’s going to happen next in the book I’m writing. Then I have a huge breakfast, and get down to work. I write on (or if it’s cold, in) the spare bed with a laptop, my dog at the bottom of the bed. If it’s sunny, I write in the garden, on a sun-lounger. Tough, ay? I also have this theory that you can’t be truly creative for more than about three or four hours a day, so in the mid afternoon, I knock off, and do my emails and stuff. Told you it was cushy.
I never thought ‘I want to be a writer’, but I loved books and writing. At school, I was rubbish at just about everything but English, so I went on to Kent University where I did two degrees in English and American Literature. At Kent, I fell dramatically in love with the man I'm still married to. We had loads of fights and adventures, but we kept coming back together. He's still the person I most want to spend time with. Awww!
My first proper job was in a publishing house, Time Life Books, as a copy-editor. I felt very glamorous. I used to go to the huge YMCA on Tottenham Court Road at lunchtime and do aerobics classes (very big in the 1980s and yes - I wore legwarmers). Then I'd fall asleep over my desk in the afternoon.
When my two kids came along, I set up as a freelance copy-editor and worked from home. By chance I got given some teenage books to edit, and I hated the way they treated sexual relationships: they were either full of gloom and doom, or were gushy, unrealistic candyfloss. So I got bitten by the ‘I can do better than this’ bug, and started writing. I remember the first day I started to write - it took me over. I forgot to eat (unthinkable for me) and I nearly forgot to collect the kids from school. About a year after that, Diving In was accepted for publication.
When I ran out of material from my diaries and memories, I realized my daughter and son were teenagers, and started eavesdropping on them. They were extremely tolerant about this although they did sometimes demand money from me.
Big changes have been afoot recently. My kids have left home - really left home, not just gap-year-travelling/university left home, and my old man is doing the sort of work that means he can work from home a lot of the time. So we've sold up and moved into the wilds of Wiltshire and so far I am absolutely loving it. The space, the silence, seeing the stars at night in the pitch black, the owls, the trees, the walks, the great food in the local pubs - everything! I'd started to bring nature into my books - it all started with Crow Girl - and now I'm working on two books about a city girl who gets plunged into the wilds. So the move is very much linked to and helping my writing. I think the sheer beauty and power of nature and how it can get right inside you is something a lot of kids are cut off from today.
I still love London though - the plan is to come up every couple of weeks, catch up with all my old mates, possibly do something seriously cultured like go to the theatre. And I want to travel a bit more, too - offsetting my increased carbon footprint with an enormous compost heap.
I love long conversations, running, reading, gardening, walking and white wine (in moderation of course) and I’m the first to admit I have the life of Reilly (who apparently had a pretty cushy life). I start the day with a run or walk with my dog, when I think about what’s going to happen next in the book I’m writing. Then I have a huge breakfast, and get down to work. I write on (or if it’s cold, in) the spare bed with a laptop, my dog at the bottom of the bed. If it’s sunny, I write in the garden, on a sun-lounger. Tough, ay? I also have this theory that you can’t be truly creative for more than about three or four hours a day, so in the mid afternoon, I knock off, and do my emails and stuff. Told you it was cushy.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 26, 2012
"In a world where texting rules the galaxy, one girl must face her hardest challenge yet... a text message" Is what the trailer would be if this terrible book had a terrible movie. Now I'm not saying that all books have been robbed of their prestige by films, but if this book had a movie, I'm not sure I'd living today. Honestly this book is soo bad I'd rather singe my eyes out with a brand then read it again.
The book follows the life of a young girl, Mel, when she receives a message from a psychotic text from her boyfriends ex-girlfriend, Glo (sounds cheesy right). Mel starts to feel anxious and cuts herself from society as the texts increase in number. After some time her best friend has to rescue her; inspiring Mel to tell her boyfriend the truth (which doesn't go down well)
The thing I liked about this book is that it actually "could" happen (with the whole cyber-bullying agenda) and that girls do act like that sometimes. But most of the book was pure trash; just plain garbage and none of it was interesting.
My favoutite quote was hands-down:"My life sucks" because it actually does.
This book fills the catergory: "Trash bin" ("Book with a female main character")
Why I chose to read this book is because I thought it would be good... I was wrong
Now other people may enjoy this book, so to spare people hating on this review, I'm going to say it's my OPINION. Other people may enjoy it but I didn't...
The book follows the life of a young girl, Mel, when she receives a message from a psychotic text from her boyfriends ex-girlfriend, Glo (sounds cheesy right). Mel starts to feel anxious and cuts herself from society as the texts increase in number. After some time her best friend has to rescue her; inspiring Mel to tell her boyfriend the truth (which doesn't go down well)
The thing I liked about this book is that it actually "could" happen (with the whole cyber-bullying agenda) and that girls do act like that sometimes. But most of the book was pure trash; just plain garbage and none of it was interesting.
My favoutite quote was hands-down:"My life sucks" because it actually does.
This book fills the catergory: "Trash bin" ("Book with a female main character")
Why I chose to read this book is because I thought it would be good... I was wrong
Now other people may enjoy this book, so to spare people hating on this review, I'm going to say it's my OPINION. Other people may enjoy it but I didn't...
August 17, 2010
I would give this a 5* if it didn't offend all my favourite books and authors in one go.
What can I say? I have a passion for really cheesy novels that are clearly made for teen girls but heh, I HAD to read this and I'm glad I did.
For all those who care, I didn't buy it, I swapped a book of mine for this and another book = a normal book.
I read this in UNDER AN HOUR. It was just like a short story, but in huge print so it actually filled a book. It was cheesy and I was completely enthralled with the plot cause I am a dork.
It was quick, slightly entertaining if not funny for the pure *omg i am a teenager and i am the most dramatic creature on earth* or *omg cheesiest ending ever, tru<34vrrrr* kinda way, but heh, I read it, I enjoyed it.
What can I say? I have a passion for really cheesy novels that are clearly made for teen girls but heh, I HAD to read this and I'm glad I did.
For all those who care, I didn't buy it, I swapped a book of mine for this and another book = a normal book.
I read this in UNDER AN HOUR. It was just like a short story, but in huge print so it actually filled a book. It was cheesy and I was completely enthralled with the plot cause I am a dork.
It was quick, slightly entertaining if not funny for the pure *omg i am a teenager and i am the most dramatic creature on earth* or *omg cheesiest ending ever, tru<34vrrrr* kinda way, but heh, I read it, I enjoyed it.
January 17, 2015
This is a great story about communication in relationships and how hard it is for people to voice a concern of a problem about the relationship because of the possible outcome. Short easy read and hopefully a life lesson to be learned.
February 27, 2017
I couldn't put it down!
November 2, 2023
Not bad but not good. Easy to read! Read it in about a day 👍 overall not bad
March 30, 2020
Mels osäkerhet driver henne till svartsjuka och osäkerhet
June 10, 2020
https://bioquimicadaleitura.blogspot....
Opinião:
Este é um livro young adult, típico adolescente, e como tal, dão-se as fases dramáticas típicas da faixa etária. A Mel está a passar por uma fase muito boa no campo afectivo, tendo iniciado uma relação com o jeitoso popular do liceu, o Ben. Tudo é fantástico e emocionante, até começar a receber mensagens no telemóvel enunciando a infidelidade do namorado. As mensagens aumentam em número, e consequentemente, aumenta a insegurança da Mel, que não sabe o que fazer.
As pessoas reagem de diversas maneiras às mais variadas situações. Uma ocorrência pode originar uma infinidade de possibilidades. Creio que existem várias coisas aqui em causa.
A inveja foi o que desencadeou tudo. A cobiça da Gloria pôs em marcha os eventos. Ela semeou a dúvida, que levou à insegurança da Mel. A sua incapacidade de falar com Ben sobre o assunto, acabou deixando-a ansiosa e a resguardar-se um pouco. A situação chegou a um ponto, que roça o bullying.
Com o avanço actual da tecnologia, temos ao nosso alcance o poder de travar a recepção de contactos por parte de outros: é possível bloquear números, e acho que a protagonista deveria tê-lo feito. Ao não cortar o mal pela raiz, a situação escalou, e deu mais sensação de poder à Gloria.
Com esta leitura, julgo que ficaram evidentes alguns aspectos, nomeadamente o poder de sugestão sobre as pessoas, e também demonstra a importância da comunicação. Sempre ouvi dizer "falando é que a gente se entende".
Opinião:
Este é um livro young adult, típico adolescente, e como tal, dão-se as fases dramáticas típicas da faixa etária. A Mel está a passar por uma fase muito boa no campo afectivo, tendo iniciado uma relação com o jeitoso popular do liceu, o Ben. Tudo é fantástico e emocionante, até começar a receber mensagens no telemóvel enunciando a infidelidade do namorado. As mensagens aumentam em número, e consequentemente, aumenta a insegurança da Mel, que não sabe o que fazer.
As pessoas reagem de diversas maneiras às mais variadas situações. Uma ocorrência pode originar uma infinidade de possibilidades. Creio que existem várias coisas aqui em causa.
A inveja foi o que desencadeou tudo. A cobiça da Gloria pôs em marcha os eventos. Ela semeou a dúvida, que levou à insegurança da Mel. A sua incapacidade de falar com Ben sobre o assunto, acabou deixando-a ansiosa e a resguardar-se um pouco. A situação chegou a um ponto, que roça o bullying.
Com o avanço actual da tecnologia, temos ao nosso alcance o poder de travar a recepção de contactos por parte de outros: é possível bloquear números, e acho que a protagonista deveria tê-lo feito. Ao não cortar o mal pela raiz, a situação escalou, e deu mais sensação de poder à Gloria.
Com esta leitura, julgo que ficaram evidentes alguns aspectos, nomeadamente o poder de sugestão sobre as pessoas, e também demonstra a importância da comunicação. Sempre ouvi dizer "falando é que a gente se entende".
August 27, 2013
This book is from a publishing house that generates books which are considered short fiction and at a level accessible to all. This book is only 62 pages and is definitely at a lower reading level, although that doesn't mean it lacks in story.
Mel is dating a boy she believes is out of her league. She simply cannot believe he is that into her. Just when she thinks she can put her insecurities away, she receives a text message implying that her boyfriend is cheating on her. At first she tries to ignore it, but then the texts keep coming. Rather than talking to her boyfriend when it began, she wait a while and tries to find proof. Once she has it, she accuses her boyfriend and destroys their relationship with her lack of trust. Now in a deep depression, Mel wonders if there's anything she can do to make things right.
Since this is short fiction, this book obviously lacks some depth in storytelling that you would find in a novel. That does not mean, though, that it isn't good. The story is definitely something that teens can relate to. The prevalence of technology in the lives of teens is growing and it adds a whole new level of bullying and opportunities to cause trouble in another person's life. The message and theme of the book are definitely important. This book will appeal to teens who struggle with reading but want a good story.
Mel is dating a boy she believes is out of her league. She simply cannot believe he is that into her. Just when she thinks she can put her insecurities away, she receives a text message implying that her boyfriend is cheating on her. At first she tries to ignore it, but then the texts keep coming. Rather than talking to her boyfriend when it began, she wait a while and tries to find proof. Once she has it, she accuses her boyfriend and destroys their relationship with her lack of trust. Now in a deep depression, Mel wonders if there's anything she can do to make things right.
Since this is short fiction, this book obviously lacks some depth in storytelling that you would find in a novel. That does not mean, though, that it isn't good. The story is definitely something that teens can relate to. The prevalence of technology in the lives of teens is growing and it adds a whole new level of bullying and opportunities to cause trouble in another person's life. The message and theme of the book are definitely important. This book will appeal to teens who struggle with reading but want a good story.
March 13, 2013
I DECIDED TO READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE THE FRONT COVER HAD A REAL EYE CATCHING ILLUSTRATION AND THEN THE TITLE "TEXT GAME" MADE ME EVEN MORE INTERESTED TO READ IT.
SOMETHING NEW I LEARNT WAS THAT I SHOULD TRUST THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO ME AND TELL THEM MY PROBLEMS OR SITUATIONS WITH THEM BEFORE THEY GET OUT OF HAND ALSO TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK IS " FINDING IT HARD TO BREATHE. I'VE NEVER FELT THIS MUCH BEFORE , NOT EVER". THIS IS BECAUSE IT EXPLAINS THAT THE CHARACTER HAS NEVER HAD THIS EMOTION THAT THE ARE FEELING AT THAT EXACT MOMENT.
A CHARACTER THAT INTERESTED ME IN THIS BOOK WAS MELISSA BECAUSE SHE REALLY WANTED TO TELL HER BOYFRIEND WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HER HEAD BUT THEN DIDN'T BECAUSE SHE WAS SCARED OF WHAT HE MIGHT THINK OF HER AFTER SHE THOUGHT THAT HE HAD SOMETHING GOING ON WITH ANOTHER GIRL AT A PARTY HE WENT TO IN THE WEEKEND. IN THE END SHE CONFESSED EVERYTHING AND ENDED UP NOT TALKING WITH HER BOYFRIEND AT ALL , ALL BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T TELL HIM WHAT WAS GOING ON STRAIGHT AWAY.
I RECOMMEND THIS TO BE READ BY OTHERS AS IT HAS A GOOD MORAL BEHIND IT. :)
SOMETHING NEW I LEARNT WAS THAT I SHOULD TRUST THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO ME AND TELL THEM MY PROBLEMS OR SITUATIONS WITH THEM BEFORE THEY GET OUT OF HAND ALSO TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK IS " FINDING IT HARD TO BREATHE. I'VE NEVER FELT THIS MUCH BEFORE , NOT EVER". THIS IS BECAUSE IT EXPLAINS THAT THE CHARACTER HAS NEVER HAD THIS EMOTION THAT THE ARE FEELING AT THAT EXACT MOMENT.
A CHARACTER THAT INTERESTED ME IN THIS BOOK WAS MELISSA BECAUSE SHE REALLY WANTED TO TELL HER BOYFRIEND WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HER HEAD BUT THEN DIDN'T BECAUSE SHE WAS SCARED OF WHAT HE MIGHT THINK OF HER AFTER SHE THOUGHT THAT HE HAD SOMETHING GOING ON WITH ANOTHER GIRL AT A PARTY HE WENT TO IN THE WEEKEND. IN THE END SHE CONFESSED EVERYTHING AND ENDED UP NOT TALKING WITH HER BOYFRIEND AT ALL , ALL BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T TELL HIM WHAT WAS GOING ON STRAIGHT AWAY.
I RECOMMEND THIS TO BE READ BY OTHERS AS IT HAS A GOOD MORAL BEHIND IT. :)
July 19, 2014
When I picked up this book, I had certain readers in my library in mind, and when I finished reading I knew it for sure! This short 62-page novel tells the story of a girl who cannot believe that Ben likes her; she feels that he is too good for her. The teen romance seems to be going well until Mel starts receiving texts about Ben's cheating on her. What is the truth: does Ben like her or not, as she suspected all along? For readers who struggle with long books, descriptive passages, and abstract topics, this book is perfect. It is a straightforward story with a clear problem and resolution, and the characters are easy to empathize with. The drawback is that there is no SRC quiz for this book. On the plus side, there are many other Stoke Books (publisher or "First class short teen fiction, accessible to all") titles available. Suitable for Grades 6+ due to subject matter of dating and texting.
May 22, 2012
First three star book I've read all month, and shortest by far.
Mel and Ben are a couple. Mel, like all teenage girls is feeling insecure and doesn't think she's good enough for Ben. One Friday she was supposed to go to a party with Ben, but decides to go to her Best Friends party instead. That's when she starts receiving nasty texts, from 'Glo', though, she doesn't get that at first. She thinks Ben's cheating on her. This all comes to light after two weeks, breaking them up when Ben realises she has no trust in him. This sends Mel spiralling into depression. Can anybody save their relationship?
Mel and Ben are a couple. Mel, like all teenage girls is feeling insecure and doesn't think she's good enough for Ben. One Friday she was supposed to go to a party with Ben, but decides to go to her Best Friends party instead. That's when she starts receiving nasty texts, from 'Glo', though, she doesn't get that at first. She thinks Ben's cheating on her. This all comes to light after two weeks, breaking them up when Ben realises she has no trust in him. This sends Mel spiralling into depression. Can anybody save their relationship?
July 29, 2016
Short, cheesy read to pass the time. Mel and Ben are going out. After a night apart at separate parties, Mel gets texts from a creeper girl named "Glo" that suggest she and Ben were together. She seems to know intimate details about Ben and Mel and their relationship. Mel does not confront her boyfriend about the texts, but decides she will just wait and see if the texts prove to be true. Mel ends up causing the relationship to end due to her own insecurities. At last, her best friend decides to arrange a meeting between Mel and Ben to discuss the texts and what happened and see if the relationship can truly be saved.
June 19, 2015
Young love, best friends, boyfriends and male friends. The main female character, Mel, is thrilled to have a good looking boyfriend Ben. Mel questions her luck and questions herself. Driven by strong friendships, this easy reading book masterfully shows how to believe in yourself. I see girls reading through this and helping the self esteem.
June 20, 2011
I read this book about 6 years ago and I remember this book being very short but still quite intresting. Its one of those short stories that you would olnly ever read once and never again.
October 26, 2009
I still do not know why I read this horrible book... bah, it was so boring!
September 13, 2010
Ok quick read. Moral behind the story :)
March 20, 2015
Not really sure what to think of this... Because it was so short the story was kind of jumbled. It would have been a cool story line had it been longer. (Finished it in only an hour and half.)
March 26, 2013
Its a great short read. I would personally use it as an imbetween book.
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October 18, 2013good
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews