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Asking For a Friend
A feel-good YA story from the author of Summer of No Regrets about valuing the friends that value you. Agnes, Hattie and Jake travel on the school bus together but don't know each other well. They plan a week in Weston as a 'study break' before exams but none of them admit the real reasons they need to get away. Agnes must find her sister. Hattie can't bear being home now all her friends have ghosted her. And Jake is afraid he's ill and has absolutely no idea how to tell anyone. Thrown together, what will happen when the secrets start to spill out?
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
268 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2020
3 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 4, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, so thank you to them for my copy.
This book is such a sweet summer story about friendship and acceptance. It follows three students about to take for their GCSEs, who decide to take a ‘study-break’ to Weston to get in some good revision time. But all three have their own secret reason for really wanting to get away. Agnes is struggling with her daily routine since her sister recently moved away; Hattie’s friends have abandoned her after a misunderstanding, and Jake has found a lump and is going crazy over what to do. They don’t know each other very well, but once they’re thrown together on holiday, their secrets are bound to come out.
This book was fantastic. The characters were so diverse: we had autism rep, cancer rep, black rep. The characters felt so real, I could picture them being people at the school I took my GCSEs at. But the key takes away from this book was the difference between true and toxic friendships, a theme I really identify with, and think is a really important message.
This is such an uplifting read, without even a touch of romance which I loved, a story of pure friendship. The story touches on some really hard topics, and they’re handled in a really respectful way.
I couldn’t put this down, and I would recommend this to any fans of YA contemporary.
This book is such a sweet summer story about friendship and acceptance. It follows three students about to take for their GCSEs, who decide to take a ‘study-break’ to Weston to get in some good revision time. But all three have their own secret reason for really wanting to get away. Agnes is struggling with her daily routine since her sister recently moved away; Hattie’s friends have abandoned her after a misunderstanding, and Jake has found a lump and is going crazy over what to do. They don’t know each other very well, but once they’re thrown together on holiday, their secrets are bound to come out.
This book was fantastic. The characters were so diverse: we had autism rep, cancer rep, black rep. The characters felt so real, I could picture them being people at the school I took my GCSEs at. But the key takes away from this book was the difference between true and toxic friendships, a theme I really identify with, and think is a really important message.
This is such an uplifting read, without even a touch of romance which I loved, a story of pure friendship. The story touches on some really hard topics, and they’re handled in a really respectful way.
I couldn’t put this down, and I would recommend this to any fans of YA contemporary.
July 4, 2023
I had the privilege of meeting the author at a library talk and I immediately picked up this book. I am so glad I did. It was a beautiful book with extremely important messages. I can find a piece of myself in each character. Loved it!
June 3, 2020
Such a lovely, happy read. I loved Agnes, Hattie and Jake so much. Such great and well written characters. This isn’t just a light read however, as it deals with serious issues such as autism and cancer, but deals with them affectively and not patronising at all. It’s a beautiful story of real, true friendship , a completely uplifting story
May 22, 2023
Hardly anything happened
May 17, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
Asking For a Friend follows 3 teenagers who plan a trip to Weston-super-Mare during the Easter holidays before GCSE begin. We see Agnes, who is really struggling with the change in routine after her sister, Rose, moved to Weston; Hattie has been ghosted by her group of friends after one of their boyfriends kissed her, and every one decided she was the cheat; and Jake, who has found a lump, and is worried it's serious, but has cut himself off from everyone. None of them are particularly close, but they ride the bus together and form an unlikely bunch when the idea to get away from their problems, and for Agnes to find her sister, comes together. At first, it's awkward, but the more time they spend in Auntie Sadie's B&B, and talking through what's worrying them, the greater their friendship becomes.
This book was so real, and I can honestly see some of my pupils at school doing things like this. Each of the main characters were fully fleshed out, and Kate didn't shy away from difficult topics, such as cancer, cheating, Aspergers, bullying, and toxic friendships. I think Agnes is the first character I've ever read with Aspergers, and I thought it was done perfectly - I don't have Asperger's myself, so maybe others think differently, but have taught a few pupils who do. Hattie and Jake don't know what to do, at first, but once they fully understand Agnes' quirks and routines, it's great. Hattie is sort of obsessed with her phone, and social media, which isn't helping her mental health when she is being blocked and tagged in all sorts of negative posts, so she is down for most of the book, but when the three have a bit of a blowup, which leads to a dangerous situation, she reveals what's been happening in her life, and Jake and Agnes help her get through it, and make her realise her 'friends' aren't good for her, and the relationship is toxic. Jake, like I said, was worrying about a lump he found, and if it was cancer or not, bit didn't want to tell anyone. He left the basketball team, and all of his friends, and was falling into a difficult spiral of worry and anxiety which really wasn't good for him. Talking about it with the girls first, and then with his mam, helped him come to terms with it.
There's absolutely no hint of romance in this book, whatsoever, and considering I adore books with romance, this one was perfect without it. If it had been there, it probably would've ruined the book, and we really don't want that. Really, I don't know what I was expecting from Asking For a Friend, but I enjoyed it so much! I'll definitely be reading more of Kate's books in future.
Asking For a Friend follows 3 teenagers who plan a trip to Weston-super-Mare during the Easter holidays before GCSE begin. We see Agnes, who is really struggling with the change in routine after her sister, Rose, moved to Weston; Hattie has been ghosted by her group of friends after one of their boyfriends kissed her, and every one decided she was the cheat; and Jake, who has found a lump, and is worried it's serious, but has cut himself off from everyone. None of them are particularly close, but they ride the bus together and form an unlikely bunch when the idea to get away from their problems, and for Agnes to find her sister, comes together. At first, it's awkward, but the more time they spend in Auntie Sadie's B&B, and talking through what's worrying them, the greater their friendship becomes.
This book was so real, and I can honestly see some of my pupils at school doing things like this. Each of the main characters were fully fleshed out, and Kate didn't shy away from difficult topics, such as cancer, cheating, Aspergers, bullying, and toxic friendships. I think Agnes is the first character I've ever read with Aspergers, and I thought it was done perfectly - I don't have Asperger's myself, so maybe others think differently, but have taught a few pupils who do. Hattie and Jake don't know what to do, at first, but once they fully understand Agnes' quirks and routines, it's great. Hattie is sort of obsessed with her phone, and social media, which isn't helping her mental health when she is being blocked and tagged in all sorts of negative posts, so she is down for most of the book, but when the three have a bit of a blowup, which leads to a dangerous situation, she reveals what's been happening in her life, and Jake and Agnes help her get through it, and make her realise her 'friends' aren't good for her, and the relationship is toxic. Jake, like I said, was worrying about a lump he found, and if it was cancer or not, bit didn't want to tell anyone. He left the basketball team, and all of his friends, and was falling into a difficult spiral of worry and anxiety which really wasn't good for him. Talking about it with the girls first, and then with his mam, helped him come to terms with it.
There's absolutely no hint of romance in this book, whatsoever, and considering I adore books with romance, this one was perfect without it. If it had been there, it probably would've ruined the book, and we really don't want that. Really, I don't know what I was expecting from Asking For a Friend, but I enjoyed it so much! I'll definitely be reading more of Kate's books in future.
June 10, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Asking For a Friend by Kate Mallinder. I've voluntarily read and reviewed this copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Asking For a Friend tells the story of Agnes, Hattie and Jake. Agnes is missing her sister and wants to go find her, Hattie has been ghosted by her friends and Jake found a lump that he's worried about. The three of them don't know each other that well, but when they start talking they decide to go a week away together and they all have their own reason to go. Will spending that much time together make them share their secrets?
Asking For a Friend is a lovely, heartwarming and feel-good tale about friendship. The dynamic between Agnes, Hattie and Jake is great. The story deals with difficult topics like autism, cancer and bullying but handles them with great care. A great and quick read, I've read it in one sitting!
Asking For a Friend tells the story of Agnes, Hattie and Jake. Agnes is missing her sister and wants to go find her, Hattie has been ghosted by her friends and Jake found a lump that he's worried about. The three of them don't know each other that well, but when they start talking they decide to go a week away together and they all have their own reason to go. Will spending that much time together make them share their secrets?
Asking For a Friend is a lovely, heartwarming and feel-good tale about friendship. The dynamic between Agnes, Hattie and Jake is great. The story deals with difficult topics like autism, cancer and bullying but handles them with great care. A great and quick read, I've read it in one sitting!
June 26, 2020
Kate Mallinder is just a ray of sunshine in UKYA. Her books always manage to capture that essence of summer for me, with their warm contemporary feel, but she also never patronises her readers by discussing topics that are relevant in an unflinching, truthful way. Asking For a Friend is no exception to this rule and I particularly loved the inclusion of a list of resources at the end of the book.
I loved the autism representation, which felt really well-researched, but I would encourage you to find own voices reviews to properly assess that rep. For me though, every time I see disability rep in YA, it feels like a win, as it’s so rare and means a lot to me personally. One of Mallinder’s many skills is the way that she casually weaves in representation, giving a nod to those readers who feel unseen in their stories but not making it the sole focus of the character. It always informs who the character is and their actions, but it’s not their defining trait.
Mallinder’s writing is light, witty and sparkling with joy. It makes her characters believable, her dialogue shine and the book incredibly bingeable. I flew through a huge chunk of it in an afternoon, transported away to the summer that might’ve been. Her vividly imagined setting really drew me in and I stayed for these authentic, flawed and so very human teenagers that wouldn’t have been out of place in one of my classes. Each of our central trio has their own secrets and issues that they need to resolve, leading to an unlikely friendship. I liked hearing from each character’s voice, allowing me to connect with them more and grasp their individual motivations.
Equal parts heart-warming and heart-breaking, Asking for a Friend is a perfect summer read to lose yourself in.
I loved the autism representation, which felt really well-researched, but I would encourage you to find own voices reviews to properly assess that rep. For me though, every time I see disability rep in YA, it feels like a win, as it’s so rare and means a lot to me personally. One of Mallinder’s many skills is the way that she casually weaves in representation, giving a nod to those readers who feel unseen in their stories but not making it the sole focus of the character. It always informs who the character is and their actions, but it’s not their defining trait.
Mallinder’s writing is light, witty and sparkling with joy. It makes her characters believable, her dialogue shine and the book incredibly bingeable. I flew through a huge chunk of it in an afternoon, transported away to the summer that might’ve been. Her vividly imagined setting really drew me in and I stayed for these authentic, flawed and so very human teenagers that wouldn’t have been out of place in one of my classes. Each of our central trio has their own secrets and issues that they need to resolve, leading to an unlikely friendship. I liked hearing from each character’s voice, allowing me to connect with them more and grasp their individual motivations.
Equal parts heart-warming and heart-breaking, Asking for a Friend is a perfect summer read to lose yourself in.
June 18, 2020
This is a beautifully sweet YA. A simple story with relatable and believable characters, Asking For a Friend is heartwarming and engaging. I enjoyed it a lot.
June 22, 2020
Totally enjoyable, warm and heartfelt. Exactly the sort of book you want your teen to read with such a good message on true friendship.
Vlog review here https://youtu.be/VGYhuGPMFbg
Vlog review here https://youtu.be/VGYhuGPMFbg
April 7, 2022
This story was a really cute one. We meet Agnes, Hattie and Jake who decide to go for a trip together before the GCSEs, but each one of them has their own secret reason for coming on the trip.
The characters were all really likeable and the plot was quite interesting. This is a great book to read if you just want a break from all those heavy, depressing novels that just wrench you apart inside. I also love how it goes into a few heavy topics that adolescents face nowadays, and reminds them that they aren't alone and there are many ways that they can reach out for help :)
Song: Rescue Me by OneRepublic
The characters were all really likeable and the plot was quite interesting. This is a great book to read if you just want a break from all those heavy, depressing novels that just wrench you apart inside. I also love how it goes into a few heavy topics that adolescents face nowadays, and reminds them that they aren't alone and there are many ways that they can reach out for help :)
Song: Rescue Me by OneRepublic
September 26, 2023
So far, I’ve been enjoying this book, which is all about friendships. The book involves 3 main characters, Agnes, Hattie and Jake, who don’t really know each other well. Agnes invited Hattie and Jake for a school break before an upcoming exam. The book has already told me the difference between a true friendship and a fake friendship. I honestly think this is a MUST read book. It’s one of the best books I’ve every read.
October 24, 2022
A very nice easy read which also showed and taught a lot of values that there are in life.
May 25, 2020
If you are looking for a perfect summer read then you have found it! Asking for a Friend is a cute contemporary tale of friendship, trust and acceptance that will warm your heart from its opening page alone.
Asking for a Friend tells the story of three teenagers who are brought together simply because they all take the same bus to school. They all have secrets that they are keeping from one another, but what they are hiding ends up not only bringing them closer together but forming true friendships that prove that you can conquer anything with the right people beside you.
Agnes. Hattie and Jake are such lovable characters, each one is so wonderfully crafted and unique. The narrative really draws you closer to each of them as the chapters alternate between each of their voices which I really enjoyed as it kept the story fresh and truly captured the essence of each individual voice. The ensemble cast of the novel were just as brilliant as the three protagonists, I particularly loved Auntie Sadie and the guests in the B&B who were witty and added just the right amount of lightness alongside some of the harder topics the book too tackles!
Kate has done an excellent job of making sure this book is not only inclusive, but that it also documents some more difficult topics such as illness, online bullying and anxiety. Each one of these issues is handled with such care and realism truly testifying the brilliance of Kate’s writing. Agnes’ autism is represented so accurately throughout the story from her witty internal monologue to her physical mannerisms, and her strong-will demonstrates how she doesn’t let anything hold her back. Agnes’ as a character paves the way for more voices like hers to be seen in future novels, which will represent a larger proportion of readers and show the importance of love, strength and determination.
Another harder and lesser seen issue in the novel is Jake’s illness which he is determined to hide for the most-part of the story. In his attempt to hide it Jake’s anxiety takes a turn and he begins to panic about what the lump could possibly be. Personally I really related to Jake’s fears and understood his initial apprehension to ask for help but the story demonstrates how important it is to seek advice if you have any medical concerns or panics as the problem will be resolved sooner if you do so! This subplot is so important and relevant to readers today and I hope it encourages people to be less afraid to seek help if they need it!
Finally there is also a realistic portray of the effects and actions of online bullying today which is felt in force by Hattie, who is victim to unwanted advancements from a boy at a party which her friends misinterpret as an act of sabotage towards the girl that this boy is dating. As a result they attack her online and even create a group chat to spread the gossip further. As difficult as it is to document it is again so important that this is represented within the story as it truly reflects the modern climate that we are living in meaning that there is not only a wider understanding of online bullying but also awareness so that it can be spotted and dealt with in the future too. Each one of these issues is so important but typically so under-represented in contemporary fiction and by covering all three Kate again demonstrates how talented she is at crafting an engaging and realistic story, an accolade that not many can lay claim to.
I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it on a sunny Sunday afternoon! Despite the harder issues that it portrays Asking for a Friend is feel good read highlighting the importance of true friendship and trusting in one another. Each of the wonderful three leads all document an individual journey of growth and overcoming adversity when it stands in their way.
Kate Mallinder is the new queen of YA contemporary and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
Asking for a Friend tells the story of three teenagers who are brought together simply because they all take the same bus to school. They all have secrets that they are keeping from one another, but what they are hiding ends up not only bringing them closer together but forming true friendships that prove that you can conquer anything with the right people beside you.
Agnes. Hattie and Jake are such lovable characters, each one is so wonderfully crafted and unique. The narrative really draws you closer to each of them as the chapters alternate between each of their voices which I really enjoyed as it kept the story fresh and truly captured the essence of each individual voice. The ensemble cast of the novel were just as brilliant as the three protagonists, I particularly loved Auntie Sadie and the guests in the B&B who were witty and added just the right amount of lightness alongside some of the harder topics the book too tackles!
Kate has done an excellent job of making sure this book is not only inclusive, but that it also documents some more difficult topics such as illness, online bullying and anxiety. Each one of these issues is handled with such care and realism truly testifying the brilliance of Kate’s writing. Agnes’ autism is represented so accurately throughout the story from her witty internal monologue to her physical mannerisms, and her strong-will demonstrates how she doesn’t let anything hold her back. Agnes’ as a character paves the way for more voices like hers to be seen in future novels, which will represent a larger proportion of readers and show the importance of love, strength and determination.
Another harder and lesser seen issue in the novel is Jake’s illness which he is determined to hide for the most-part of the story. In his attempt to hide it Jake’s anxiety takes a turn and he begins to panic about what the lump could possibly be. Personally I really related to Jake’s fears and understood his initial apprehension to ask for help but the story demonstrates how important it is to seek advice if you have any medical concerns or panics as the problem will be resolved sooner if you do so! This subplot is so important and relevant to readers today and I hope it encourages people to be less afraid to seek help if they need it!
Finally there is also a realistic portray of the effects and actions of online bullying today which is felt in force by Hattie, who is victim to unwanted advancements from a boy at a party which her friends misinterpret as an act of sabotage towards the girl that this boy is dating. As a result they attack her online and even create a group chat to spread the gossip further. As difficult as it is to document it is again so important that this is represented within the story as it truly reflects the modern climate that we are living in meaning that there is not only a wider understanding of online bullying but also awareness so that it can be spotted and dealt with in the future too. Each one of these issues is so important but typically so under-represented in contemporary fiction and by covering all three Kate again demonstrates how talented she is at crafting an engaging and realistic story, an accolade that not many can lay claim to.
I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it on a sunny Sunday afternoon! Despite the harder issues that it portrays Asking for a Friend is feel good read highlighting the importance of true friendship and trusting in one another. Each of the wonderful three leads all document an individual journey of growth and overcoming adversity when it stands in their way.
Kate Mallinder is the new queen of YA contemporary and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
June 14, 2020
This book was a lovely surprise to me - I started reading it at 2am with no expectations and a few hours later, I finished with a full heart and teary eyes. This is a heart-warming story about friendship, acceptance and trust, with the perfect character and plot drive. I can't wait to read more books by Kate Mallinder.
Asking For A Friend follows the unexpected blossoming of a friendship between Agnes, Hattie and Jake who plan a "study" trip to Weston-super-Mare (you can't go wrong with the seaside!). Little do they know that each one of them has a much bigger reason to "get away" but it's actually what ends up bringing them closer.
The narrative was excellent and reading about each character's experiences from their individual perspective made me feel so much closer to them. Even though they were going through their own troubles, they all made the effort to be strong and selfless for each other. With Agnes having Aspergers, Hattie and Jake tried to understand her quirks and routines, Agnes and Jake were so brave when it came to helping Hattie, and Agnes and Hattie stuck through with Jake through everything. Those 3 are the definition of ride and die friends, and they complemented each other so well. They are such lovable characters that you can't help but root for them equally. I loved the other characters too; Auntie Sadie and the other B & B characters added that perfect dose of lightness and wit, which made the story even more complete and wholesome.
For some reason, I really like reading books about 16 year olds. I feel like it was the age that shaped me a lot into becoming the person that I am, so I find it nostalgic to look back and read about similar experiences that I went through. It actually blew my mind how I related to them. At that age, I was also finding social interaction draining, like Agnes (let's be honest, I still do), I was trying hard to be liked and finding out who my real friends were, like Hattie, and I also had the same scare as Jake (fortunately for me, it turned out to be nothing!). Each heavy topic touched in the story, such as Aspergers, bullying and cancer, was tackled sensitively and with compassion.
It's a very bittersweet feeling when you feel grateful to have had the opportunity to read something so beautiful that impacted you a lot but on other hand, you also feel sad because you've finished reading it. That's how I feel. But this is exactly what I needed. Regardless of your age, I think Agnes, Hattie and Jake are the kind of friends that we all need in our lives. I would recommend this to everyone. I know that this is a story that's going to stay in my heart forever. It might sound weird but I want to sit on this book's lap and hug it.
Thank you so much, Net Galley and Firefly Press for the copy!
Asking For A Friend follows the unexpected blossoming of a friendship between Agnes, Hattie and Jake who plan a "study" trip to Weston-super-Mare (you can't go wrong with the seaside!). Little do they know that each one of them has a much bigger reason to "get away" but it's actually what ends up bringing them closer.
The narrative was excellent and reading about each character's experiences from their individual perspective made me feel so much closer to them. Even though they were going through their own troubles, they all made the effort to be strong and selfless for each other. With Agnes having Aspergers, Hattie and Jake tried to understand her quirks and routines, Agnes and Jake were so brave when it came to helping Hattie, and Agnes and Hattie stuck through with Jake through everything. Those 3 are the definition of ride and die friends, and they complemented each other so well. They are such lovable characters that you can't help but root for them equally. I loved the other characters too; Auntie Sadie and the other B & B characters added that perfect dose of lightness and wit, which made the story even more complete and wholesome.
For some reason, I really like reading books about 16 year olds. I feel like it was the age that shaped me a lot into becoming the person that I am, so I find it nostalgic to look back and read about similar experiences that I went through. It actually blew my mind how I related to them. At that age, I was also finding social interaction draining, like Agnes (let's be honest, I still do), I was trying hard to be liked and finding out who my real friends were, like Hattie, and I also had the same scare as Jake (fortunately for me, it turned out to be nothing!). Each heavy topic touched in the story, such as Aspergers, bullying and cancer, was tackled sensitively and with compassion.
It's a very bittersweet feeling when you feel grateful to have had the opportunity to read something so beautiful that impacted you a lot but on other hand, you also feel sad because you've finished reading it. That's how I feel. But this is exactly what I needed. Regardless of your age, I think Agnes, Hattie and Jake are the kind of friends that we all need in our lives. I would recommend this to everyone. I know that this is a story that's going to stay in my heart forever. It might sound weird but I want to sit on this book's lap and hug it.
Thank you so much, Net Galley and Firefly Press for the copy!
May 11, 2020
I recieved this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Firefly Press
Agnes, Hattie and Jake all travel on the bus to school together, but none of them know each other at all when. However, when they get talking they all plan a week away in Weston as a ‘study break’ before their exams, all of them wanting to get away for different reasons but none of them admitting what they are. Agnes longs to find her sister who has moved to Weston, Hattie’s friends are ghosting her and she needs to get away from it all and Jake is afraid he’s seriously ill with no idea how to confide in somebody. In one incredible week all three may face their innermost fears and find out who they really are.
Kate Mallinder is slowly becoming one of my favourite YA contemporary authors, and after reading her debut Summer of No Regrets last year, I knew I had to read her second book Asking For A Friend. Let me tell you this..it certainly didn’t disappoint and lived up to my expectations! If you want your heart to feel warm and fuzzy, then this book is certainly one that you need to have in your life.
Asking For A Friend had a great blend of being both plot driven and character driven, and that can be quite hard to get right, so I applaud Kate for getting the balance perfect. Plotwise it’s very well executed and I became so invested in each character and their personal journey as we went on through the story. You essentially get taken on such a great adventure that you really don’t want to stop reading. The multiple viewpoints were also, in my opinion, a great way to tell us the story. The fact that we got to know each of our protagonists on a personal level through this was just brilliant. I feel that if the story was told through just one viewpoint then it wouldn’t have the desired effect on the reader.
Each of our protagonists I loved and honestly I couldn’t fault them! What I found was that you weren’t made to feel anymore empathy or love for one character over another. The way they were all written and portrayed made you invest in them equally and fairly. Each character also had a distinct voice and personality which, in turn, made it easy to separate one from the other. We had Agnes and her no nonsense approach, Hattie and her slight naivety and Jake and his trouble to confide. I also want to mention some secondary characters that I fell for during reading, two of them being Marjorie and Marian. They brought a great deal of comic relief to this story and I absolutely adored them as a pair. If I’m honest I would love to read more about them and their adventures. Also Auntie Sadie was brilliantly written! Her quirkiness and free spiritedness lifted my spirits and yet again, I would love to know more about her and her B & B.
Asking For A Friend focuses on some pretty important topics such as autism, online bullying and illness, which are all issues that we need to be addressing. I found the subplot of Agnes’ autism to be of particular interest. Having hardly any knowledge of the topic, I found that I learned a lot about it through this character, and I feel that many teens with autism or aspergers will see Agnes as a role model of sorts, and will also realise that they aren’t alone. Despite the book having these issues, Kate does a great way of intertwining them delicately into the plot and thus, the book doesn’t feel like it is too heavy for the reader to digest.
Asking For A Friend was such a heartwarming, insightful, delightful read that overall had me smiling, laughing and even crying at times. Kate Mallinder has done it again and written an incredibly thoughtful book that will have you yearning to go on a trip with your closest friends. It is most certainly a book that we need in times like these.
Agnes, Hattie and Jake all travel on the bus to school together, but none of them know each other at all when. However, when they get talking they all plan a week away in Weston as a ‘study break’ before their exams, all of them wanting to get away for different reasons but none of them admitting what they are. Agnes longs to find her sister who has moved to Weston, Hattie’s friends are ghosting her and she needs to get away from it all and Jake is afraid he’s seriously ill with no idea how to confide in somebody. In one incredible week all three may face their innermost fears and find out who they really are.
Kate Mallinder is slowly becoming one of my favourite YA contemporary authors, and after reading her debut Summer of No Regrets last year, I knew I had to read her second book Asking For A Friend. Let me tell you this..it certainly didn’t disappoint and lived up to my expectations! If you want your heart to feel warm and fuzzy, then this book is certainly one that you need to have in your life.
Asking For A Friend had a great blend of being both plot driven and character driven, and that can be quite hard to get right, so I applaud Kate for getting the balance perfect. Plotwise it’s very well executed and I became so invested in each character and their personal journey as we went on through the story. You essentially get taken on such a great adventure that you really don’t want to stop reading. The multiple viewpoints were also, in my opinion, a great way to tell us the story. The fact that we got to know each of our protagonists on a personal level through this was just brilliant. I feel that if the story was told through just one viewpoint then it wouldn’t have the desired effect on the reader.
Each of our protagonists I loved and honestly I couldn’t fault them! What I found was that you weren’t made to feel anymore empathy or love for one character over another. The way they were all written and portrayed made you invest in them equally and fairly. Each character also had a distinct voice and personality which, in turn, made it easy to separate one from the other. We had Agnes and her no nonsense approach, Hattie and her slight naivety and Jake and his trouble to confide. I also want to mention some secondary characters that I fell for during reading, two of them being Marjorie and Marian. They brought a great deal of comic relief to this story and I absolutely adored them as a pair. If I’m honest I would love to read more about them and their adventures. Also Auntie Sadie was brilliantly written! Her quirkiness and free spiritedness lifted my spirits and yet again, I would love to know more about her and her B & B.
Asking For A Friend focuses on some pretty important topics such as autism, online bullying and illness, which are all issues that we need to be addressing. I found the subplot of Agnes’ autism to be of particular interest. Having hardly any knowledge of the topic, I found that I learned a lot about it through this character, and I feel that many teens with autism or aspergers will see Agnes as a role model of sorts, and will also realise that they aren’t alone. Despite the book having these issues, Kate does a great way of intertwining them delicately into the plot and thus, the book doesn’t feel like it is too heavy for the reader to digest.
Asking For A Friend was such a heartwarming, insightful, delightful read that overall had me smiling, laughing and even crying at times. Kate Mallinder has done it again and written an incredibly thoughtful book that will have you yearning to go on a trip with your closest friends. It is most certainly a book that we need in times like these.
April 14, 2020
I read this book over a week ago and sometimes I find myself thinking about Agnes, Hattie and Jake, wondering about what they might be doing now and thinking about the adventure Kate Mallider took me on for nearly 250 pages.
There was a definitive feeling I was taken on an adventure with these characters and this was a plot driven book, the set up and beginning of the book was swift and well executed. However the longer I spent with each character I became engrossed, this then became a very character driven book and Mallider stuck a good balance.
The multiple viewpoint novel approach Mallinder uses, each character having their own chapter, is very enjoyable, it creates the pace and rhythm throughout the novel. At times you don't want the chapter to end as you are invested in the focal character/voice, at that point I looked to see how many pages there were before they spoke again so I could be back with their voice, but then again that happened most chapters, the next chapter continues the plot but brings a new perspective, loved it!
There is not a stand out character that Mallinder priorities or makes the reader invest in more, she brilliantly presents the characters, the situations they are in and wonderfully invites you follow all of their stories. The 'minor' characters are equally as interesting, I live in hope for a spin off short story focused on the twins at the guest house. Due to the different types of personalities the three central characters have, the issues they are facing and their desired outcomes, this novel really does provide something for everyone making it engrossing as well as impressive.
Finally, the treatment and skilful writing of some of the sensitive issues the novel deals with is simply brilliant and once again impressive, she does not make the novel feel too heavy when dealing with the themes and issues.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys escapism into a plot driven narrative with well developed characters.
There was a definitive feeling I was taken on an adventure with these characters and this was a plot driven book, the set up and beginning of the book was swift and well executed. However the longer I spent with each character I became engrossed, this then became a very character driven book and Mallider stuck a good balance.
The multiple viewpoint novel approach Mallinder uses, each character having their own chapter, is very enjoyable, it creates the pace and rhythm throughout the novel. At times you don't want the chapter to end as you are invested in the focal character/voice, at that point I looked to see how many pages there were before they spoke again so I could be back with their voice, but then again that happened most chapters, the next chapter continues the plot but brings a new perspective, loved it!
There is not a stand out character that Mallinder priorities or makes the reader invest in more, she brilliantly presents the characters, the situations they are in and wonderfully invites you follow all of their stories. The 'minor' characters are equally as interesting, I live in hope for a spin off short story focused on the twins at the guest house. Due to the different types of personalities the three central characters have, the issues they are facing and their desired outcomes, this novel really does provide something for everyone making it engrossing as well as impressive.
Finally, the treatment and skilful writing of some of the sensitive issues the novel deals with is simply brilliant and once again impressive, she does not make the novel feel too heavy when dealing with the themes and issues.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys escapism into a plot driven narrative with well developed characters.
June 22, 2020
Asking For a Friend is a short read and maybe that is why I did not connect to the characters and their stories. The 3 main characters at the start are not friends and know little about each other and I expected that throughout the course of the book they would slowly learn more about each other and that was not the case. The ‘secrets’ that they had were revealed very easily and their friendship was based on overcoming the impact of these secrets, I felt like there was not a real development in the friendship which I expected and more the characters helping each other out. This meant I did not really care for the character’s friendship which I thought was going to be more fundamental in the book.
The first half of the book focuses more on the characters as individuals and I wished we had more backstory to some of the characters because the book starts with them facing these issues but little is given on how things were before such as Hattie and her friends before the incident.
I did enjoy the second half more, I liked the setting and the new characters we meet when the characters are in Weston however as the book is fast paced we do not get enough interactions with these characters for them to be meaningful to the story.
This book is probably more suited for younger readers especially so as everything seemed to wrap up neatly in the end, I felt like the issues could have been dealt with better especially the long term effects.
2/5
The first half of the book focuses more on the characters as individuals and I wished we had more backstory to some of the characters because the book starts with them facing these issues but little is given on how things were before such as Hattie and her friends before the incident.
I did enjoy the second half more, I liked the setting and the new characters we meet when the characters are in Weston however as the book is fast paced we do not get enough interactions with these characters for them to be meaningful to the story.
This book is probably more suited for younger readers especially so as everything seemed to wrap up neatly in the end, I felt like the issues could have been dealt with better especially the long term effects.
2/5
May 21, 2020
Agnes has aspergers and hates change, so when her sister moves out and away to Weston Super Mare she wants to go see her.
Besides her, Hattie comes along after being roped in as her bus buddy and has an aunt with a b and b there they can stay at.
She also wants to escape after an incident at a party outcasts her from her friends as they spread vicious lies around online.
Meanwhile Jake tags along too, wanting to escape for a very serious reason, finding a lump, down there and not feeling comfortable enough to get it seen too by anyone.
Kate is an exciting new author in YA fiction and tackles such sensitive topics extremely well making the story flow and develop perfectly with plenty of group drama and self drama for each individual character in turn. I love how the group became friends during the course of their journey together and it shows you can't judge a person on looks alone for sure and how we each can hide a problem from others easily too, it was a relatable read for the bullying issue online as we hear so much about happening in real life as well as of course showing an in depth look at life living with Aspergers and how it can seriously effect life for the person with it too.
If you want an adventurous, bold new read, this book certainly won't disappoint!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Besides her, Hattie comes along after being roped in as her bus buddy and has an aunt with a b and b there they can stay at.
She also wants to escape after an incident at a party outcasts her from her friends as they spread vicious lies around online.
Meanwhile Jake tags along too, wanting to escape for a very serious reason, finding a lump, down there and not feeling comfortable enough to get it seen too by anyone.
Kate is an exciting new author in YA fiction and tackles such sensitive topics extremely well making the story flow and develop perfectly with plenty of group drama and self drama for each individual character in turn. I love how the group became friends during the course of their journey together and it shows you can't judge a person on looks alone for sure and how we each can hide a problem from others easily too, it was a relatable read for the bullying issue online as we hear so much about happening in real life as well as of course showing an in depth look at life living with Aspergers and how it can seriously effect life for the person with it too.
If you want an adventurous, bold new read, this book certainly won't disappoint!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
May 29, 2020
Mallinder writes YA Up Lit contemporaries that are hugs in book form.
Just like her debut, Summer of No Regrets, Asking For A Friend deals with serious issues but is a feel-good satisfying read that you can’t help racing through - I ended up shifting from daily page goals to restrictions to make it last that little bit longer!
Agnes, Hattie and Jake feel very real and their situations all too familiar. Agnes in particular really resonated for me and, like Nell from Summer of No Regrets, will stick with me long after reading (designated snacks for certain days is genius, ‘canvassing for interest’ and I do love finding characters with an equal passion for colour coding!) Set in Weston-super-mare, I’m sure I won’t be the only reader left with a hankering to visit, with emergency kendal mint cake and a pass on the malaria tablets.
All in: a celebration of friendship, for being who you are and for not hiding your head in the sand. It’s a perfect read for relaxing in the sunshine. Stronger than her debut, I’m eager to see more from this author as, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more hugs in book form
Just like her debut, Summer of No Regrets, Asking For A Friend deals with serious issues but is a feel-good satisfying read that you can’t help racing through - I ended up shifting from daily page goals to restrictions to make it last that little bit longer!
Agnes, Hattie and Jake feel very real and their situations all too familiar. Agnes in particular really resonated for me and, like Nell from Summer of No Regrets, will stick with me long after reading (designated snacks for certain days is genius, ‘canvassing for interest’ and I do love finding characters with an equal passion for colour coding!) Set in Weston-super-mare, I’m sure I won’t be the only reader left with a hankering to visit, with emergency kendal mint cake and a pass on the malaria tablets.
All in: a celebration of friendship, for being who you are and for not hiding your head in the sand. It’s a perfect read for relaxing in the sunshine. Stronger than her debut, I’m eager to see more from this author as, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more hugs in book form
July 5, 2020
This was just a really lovely read! From the beginning, I fell in love with Hattie, Jake and Agnes. Even though they are so different (and in the end, it's all pretty close of course), you feel immediately connected to them. You feel their struggles, it's so everyday life, so close to the real world and I really liked that!
The story is also very heartwarming. From three insecure teenages, Hattie, Jake and Agnes grow in knowledge, wisdom and self-reflection. They all have a problem they can't solve on their own, even though they feel so alone. When 'faith' sort of bring them together on a trip, they grow closer together and it's wonderfil to see how Kate Mallinder writes that from all three perspectives. Everything blends together so naturally that way.
I've read this book quite fast, because I just wouldn't want to let them go again. These three unique characters will bring you on a journey and they will teach you the most important things about real friendship, trust and letting go. Really recommend reading!
The story is also very heartwarming. From three insecure teenages, Hattie, Jake and Agnes grow in knowledge, wisdom and self-reflection. They all have a problem they can't solve on their own, even though they feel so alone. When 'faith' sort of bring them together on a trip, they grow closer together and it's wonderfil to see how Kate Mallinder writes that from all three perspectives. Everything blends together so naturally that way.
I've read this book quite fast, because I just wouldn't want to let them go again. These three unique characters will bring you on a journey and they will teach you the most important things about real friendship, trust and letting go. Really recommend reading!
April 2, 2020
Received a gifted proof from the publisher (Thank you Firefly!)
Kate Mallinder is definitely a high flier in the up-lit genre. I am normally a dark and twisty reader, but Kate's books are like little bundles of comfort. I read this book in 2 sittings - and was totally engrossed both times. The characters Kate creates are so well rounded and lovable. I especially love how in this book she's taking a look at a group of people who are surface level friends at the beginning, and how that relationship develops. Seeing new friendships blossom is always heartwarming.
I loved how different the characters were, how their voices were identifiable due to their personalities. I loved how a range of themes and topics were discussed, without Kate ever being heavy handed.
As I said, I'm not usually a reader of up lit, but Kate's books may have converted me - such a pleasure reading this. A nice bit of escapism! Much recommend. Do buy this book when it releases in May!
Kate Mallinder is definitely a high flier in the up-lit genre. I am normally a dark and twisty reader, but Kate's books are like little bundles of comfort. I read this book in 2 sittings - and was totally engrossed both times. The characters Kate creates are so well rounded and lovable. I especially love how in this book she's taking a look at a group of people who are surface level friends at the beginning, and how that relationship develops. Seeing new friendships blossom is always heartwarming.
I loved how different the characters were, how their voices were identifiable due to their personalities. I loved how a range of themes and topics were discussed, without Kate ever being heavy handed.
As I said, I'm not usually a reader of up lit, but Kate's books may have converted me - such a pleasure reading this. A nice bit of escapism! Much recommend. Do buy this book when it releases in May!
June 3, 2020
A wonderfully heartwarming fast-paced novel that ticks all the right boxes for young teens trying to finding their way in life.
Asking for a Friends explores the unlikely friendship of Agnes, Hattie and Jake as they prepare for their GCSE finals while coming to terms with each of their personal issues. Whether it’s navigating adolescence with Asperger’s, discovering the meaning of true friendship or coming to terms with a diagnosis, these characters and their situations are highly relatable to teens 14+ and older readers still trying to find their place in the world.
Asking for a Friend is touching read that I devoured in one sitting - it’s one that‘ll I’ll be thinking about for a while.
Kate Mallinder is a wonderful YA writer and is also truly lovely in person - I wish this book is just as successful as Summer of No Regrets. Thank you to the Firefly Press team and to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Asking for a Friends explores the unlikely friendship of Agnes, Hattie and Jake as they prepare for their GCSE finals while coming to terms with each of their personal issues. Whether it’s navigating adolescence with Asperger’s, discovering the meaning of true friendship or coming to terms with a diagnosis, these characters and their situations are highly relatable to teens 14+ and older readers still trying to find their place in the world.
Asking for a Friend is touching read that I devoured in one sitting - it’s one that‘ll I’ll be thinking about for a while.
Kate Mallinder is a wonderful YA writer and is also truly lovely in person - I wish this book is just as successful as Summer of No Regrets. Thank you to the Firefly Press team and to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2020
Agnes is missing her elder sister Rose who has moved out of the family home to a new job in a new town. She doesn't like change and can't understand why Rose had to leave. On the school bus she sits next to Hattie who is being blanked by her three former friends. Hattie doesn't confide in Agnes, but she has been cut out of her usual social group after an incident at a party. Jake sits behind the girls as he too is no longer part of the boys team.
These three unlikely allies end up visiting Weston-Super-Mare together in the Easter holidays, immediately before their GCSE exams. Each carry a worry they have not told the others, and until they find themselves in a situation in which true friendship and trust is required, they all feel alone.
They learn that it is not the superficial pictures of their lives that count, but listening to one another and finding solutions together. Although GCSE age, the threesome felt quite a bit younger, so this book is 'safe' and relevant for tweens.
These three unlikely allies end up visiting Weston-Super-Mare together in the Easter holidays, immediately before their GCSE exams. Each carry a worry they have not told the others, and until they find themselves in a situation in which true friendship and trust is required, they all feel alone.
They learn that it is not the superficial pictures of their lives that count, but listening to one another and finding solutions together. Although GCSE age, the threesome felt quite a bit younger, so this book is 'safe' and relevant for tweens.
June 18, 2020
*I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
2.5/5
I have mixed feelings about this book, but right now I think the emotion winning out is frustration.
I'm frustrated because this book had so much potential, and at times it lived up to it and I liked it, while in other ways it fell flat for me personally.
My main issue, is that while this book deals with some tough, but very important topics that affect young people, such as bullying and health concerns. I found, personally, that it never went into enough detail.
I felt as if we barely got to know our three main characters and that was such a shame, because with each of them dealing with something, I would have liked it if things had been fleshed out more.
My other issue, is that for a fairly short book, it felt a touch slow at times.
I think had this book been a hundred pages or so longer, and really went deep into these issues, I'd be giving it a much higher rating.
2.5/5
I have mixed feelings about this book, but right now I think the emotion winning out is frustration.
I'm frustrated because this book had so much potential, and at times it lived up to it and I liked it, while in other ways it fell flat for me personally.
My main issue, is that while this book deals with some tough, but very important topics that affect young people, such as bullying and health concerns. I found, personally, that it never went into enough detail.
I felt as if we barely got to know our three main characters and that was such a shame, because with each of them dealing with something, I would have liked it if things had been fleshed out more.
My other issue, is that for a fairly short book, it felt a touch slow at times.
I think had this book been a hundred pages or so longer, and really went deep into these issues, I'd be giving it a much higher rating.
July 2, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
What an absolutely delightful read! Agnes, Hattie and Jake all have secrets, and for all their secret reasons end up visiting Weston together, staying at Hattie's aunt's B&B. The book is narrated by all three and they are all so likeable and sympathetic (although Agnes was my favourite!). It's a real feel-good read that falls nicely into that sparsely-populated area between middle-grade and YA, with any number of positive messages. It's got both heart and humour and I think would really appeal to fans of Susin Nielsen. Very much looking forward to more from this author.
What an absolutely delightful read! Agnes, Hattie and Jake all have secrets, and for all their secret reasons end up visiting Weston together, staying at Hattie's aunt's B&B. The book is narrated by all three and they are all so likeable and sympathetic (although Agnes was my favourite!). It's a real feel-good read that falls nicely into that sparsely-populated area between middle-grade and YA, with any number of positive messages. It's got both heart and humour and I think would really appeal to fans of Susin Nielsen. Very much looking forward to more from this author.
July 17, 2020
Charming teen novel with three POV narrators; Agnes is missing her sister desperately, Hattie wants to escape the aftermath of a disastrous party, and Jake is burying his head in the sand about his problems...
The answer - a week away in Weston "revising" for their GCSEs!
Funny and full of heart, this is also a sweet and reassuring read for teens with problems.
As a sidenote, it was nice to see most adults in supportive, caring roles...sometimes the *adults suck* mindset in YA can be draining.
The answer - a week away in Weston "revising" for their GCSEs!
Funny and full of heart, this is also a sweet and reassuring read for teens with problems.
As a sidenote, it was nice to see most adults in supportive, caring roles...sometimes the *adults suck* mindset in YA can be draining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming YA read from Kate Mallinder. I loved the relationship between Hattie, Agnes and Jake, and the three way point of view chapters worked really well in detailing the anxieties of each of the three teens.
It isn't a light read as Kate Mallinder covers huge themes such as cancer, Aspergers and bullying, but each subject is covered sensitively and with compassion.
It isn't a light read as Kate Mallinder covers huge themes such as cancer, Aspergers and bullying, but each subject is covered sensitively and with compassion.
August 16, 2021
The book was O-K. Just another high school set story that makes for a quick read.
So, the story follows three teenagers in Manchester, UK, with problems of their own, who find themselves in an unexpected friendship. A couple of weeks before their big exams before they graduate, they go on an unlikely study break trip - each hoping to resolve their problems - and to find out the rest you'll have to read it.
So, a pretty ordinary story. Not particularly interesting but not awful either.
So, the story follows three teenagers in Manchester, UK, with problems of their own, who find themselves in an unexpected friendship. A couple of weeks before their big exams before they graduate, they go on an unlikely study break trip - each hoping to resolve their problems - and to find out the rest you'll have to read it.
So, a pretty ordinary story. Not particularly interesting but not awful either.
June 28, 2020
Great summer read with the emphasis strongly on finding true friends and supporting each other. The portrayal of Ágnes, who has Aspergers, is nuanced and promotes empathy and understanding. Serious themes (cancer, peer pressure etc) are explored in this pre GCSE story in a compassionate and sensitive way.
September 18, 2021
This was a tricky one. I didn't feel like I really got to know the characters, and even though the themes in the story were important, it felt a bit shallow and unrealistic at times. I was also struggling to finish the book even though it was pretty short. I expected the whole story to take place in their study break, and when it didn't, I didn't really know what to think.
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