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Nowhere Boulevard
Stephen Bell wants to be forgiven for reading his daughter’s diary. But he’s compelled to dredge every secret as her world changes.
This is the story of how Sarah’s perfect existence is shattered when everything trusted is stolen from her. Dad’s quit his job. Mum’s got pregnant and gone mental. But the boyfriend is a welcome distraction...until crazy is dialled to the max.
Sarah tries to be normal among her peers — but normal won’t let her be.
In a change from Black’s usual style, she breathes life into a family at breaking point. But readers will be left with no doubt that this is Katherine Black at her psychological best.
In her trademark signature of getting into the darkest corners of the psyche, she takes them one step closer to the very brink of dancing with the crazies.
This is no Disneyland. This is Nowhere Boulevard...
This is the story of how Sarah’s perfect existence is shattered when everything trusted is stolen from her. Dad’s quit his job. Mum’s got pregnant and gone mental. But the boyfriend is a welcome distraction...until crazy is dialled to the max.
Sarah tries to be normal among her peers — but normal won’t let her be.
In a change from Black’s usual style, she breathes life into a family at breaking point. But readers will be left with no doubt that this is Katherine Black at her psychological best.
In her trademark signature of getting into the darkest corners of the psyche, she takes them one step closer to the very brink of dancing with the crazies.
This is no Disneyland. This is Nowhere Boulevard...
- GenresFiction
224 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2005
12 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 27, 2022
Nowhere Boulevard: Where Crazy Comes Out To Play by Katherine Black will break your heart.
It is written in journal style and it is by 13 year old Sarah. A normal schoolgirl, dreaming of her first kiss, talking about clothes and music, boys and make up, with her friends. Worrying about her exams and all the rest of what makes up a young girls life.
Then her parents tell her that her mum is pregnant and she will soon be getting a baby brother or sister. Well, of course to a thirteen year old, that is a serious yuck moment. Her parents still do it!
And worst of all, her mum has come down with a serious case of 'baby brain.'
Except it's not 'baby brain.' Putting the cat litter into the dishwasher and forgetting how to use her phone is a sign of something much more serious.
This is a story of a young girl having to grow up quickly. And she does. She copes so well and it is heartbreaking to read her story.
And that ending. I'm a tough nut to crack but this had me crying my eyes out. Katherine Black destroyed me.
Can I really say that I loved it? Well, yes. Despite the sadness I felt, I loved it. When an author can make you feel such emotion with their words, then you know they are a great storyteller.
It is written in journal style and it is by 13 year old Sarah. A normal schoolgirl, dreaming of her first kiss, talking about clothes and music, boys and make up, with her friends. Worrying about her exams and all the rest of what makes up a young girls life.
Then her parents tell her that her mum is pregnant and she will soon be getting a baby brother or sister. Well, of course to a thirteen year old, that is a serious yuck moment. Her parents still do it!
And worst of all, her mum has come down with a serious case of 'baby brain.'
Except it's not 'baby brain.' Putting the cat litter into the dishwasher and forgetting how to use her phone is a sign of something much more serious.
This is a story of a young girl having to grow up quickly. And she does. She copes so well and it is heartbreaking to read her story.
And that ending. I'm a tough nut to crack but this had me crying my eyes out. Katherine Black destroyed me.
Can I really say that I loved it? Well, yes. Despite the sadness I felt, I loved it. When an author can make you feel such emotion with their words, then you know they are a great storyteller.
August 14, 2025
My review of,
Nowhere Boulevard
Author Katherine Black
An absolute ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read
Nowhere Boulevard is an incredibly written and extremely emotional and heartbreaking story by Katherine Black.
This book has a bit everything from fun, sadness, love, grief, pain and suffering, it is truly an emotional rollercoaster.
From the words in the diary of teenager Sarah Bell, at the age of thirteen with many friends in school and happy in her life, when she receives the devastating news that her her mum is pregnant in her late thirties and also diagnosed with the early stages of dementia.
From that point things change drastically for Sarah and her dad, how will they cope, can they cope?
Sarah started getting bullied at school , her mums losing it and things are spiralling downhill.
I can't say more without leaving spoilers, but this is a real tearjerker, and a few tears are guaranteed for many readers.
I did not want to put this book down, I found it a very addictive and a must-read.
I don't think I have read a book with so many emotions as this one, with everything Sarah goes through.
I recommend you read Nowhere Boulevard 💯%
Have a box of tissues nearby you may need them.
Nowhere Boulevard
Author Katherine Black
An absolute ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read
Nowhere Boulevard is an incredibly written and extremely emotional and heartbreaking story by Katherine Black.
This book has a bit everything from fun, sadness, love, grief, pain and suffering, it is truly an emotional rollercoaster.
From the words in the diary of teenager Sarah Bell, at the age of thirteen with many friends in school and happy in her life, when she receives the devastating news that her her mum is pregnant in her late thirties and also diagnosed with the early stages of dementia.
From that point things change drastically for Sarah and her dad, how will they cope, can they cope?
Sarah started getting bullied at school , her mums losing it and things are spiralling downhill.
I can't say more without leaving spoilers, but this is a real tearjerker, and a few tears are guaranteed for many readers.
I did not want to put this book down, I found it a very addictive and a must-read.
I don't think I have read a book with so many emotions as this one, with everything Sarah goes through.
I recommend you read Nowhere Boulevard 💯%
Have a box of tissues nearby you may need them.
December 10, 2021
All I can say is WOW, and sniff!
This is the first book in a long while thats had me reaching for the tissues. What a fantastic read. Looking at the world through the eyes of a 13 year old, her thoughts and feelings towards life in general, her first boyfriend, her mother's pregnancy and behaviours thereafter. With the slow realisation that her mum has early onset dementia and don't love her anymore, her heart is broken, but she must keep going to help her mum and prepare for the birth of her baby brother.
Reminiscent of my teen years, this story made me laugh at some of the comments and things she did that I can relate to. A teens outlook at the world and all things relevant, this book is a story of bitter sweet events that are funny but the underlying message of undetstanding and acceptance from a child's perspective of such an awful condition is heart wrenching. The author gets across the hardship and pain suffered by both dad and daughter, taking you every step of the way through their sad and tragic journey. The ending, wow didn't see that coming. One of my favourite books of the year. Congratulations Katherine Black, superb!
This is the first book in a long while thats had me reaching for the tissues. What a fantastic read. Looking at the world through the eyes of a 13 year old, her thoughts and feelings towards life in general, her first boyfriend, her mother's pregnancy and behaviours thereafter. With the slow realisation that her mum has early onset dementia and don't love her anymore, her heart is broken, but she must keep going to help her mum and prepare for the birth of her baby brother.
Reminiscent of my teen years, this story made me laugh at some of the comments and things she did that I can relate to. A teens outlook at the world and all things relevant, this book is a story of bitter sweet events that are funny but the underlying message of undetstanding and acceptance from a child's perspective of such an awful condition is heart wrenching. The author gets across the hardship and pain suffered by both dad and daughter, taking you every step of the way through their sad and tragic journey. The ending, wow didn't see that coming. One of my favourite books of the year. Congratulations Katherine Black, superb!
August 24, 2022
I was really pleasantly surprised by this book, especially since there are only 47 ratings.
The first chapter starts off with Mr. Bell reading his 14 year old daughters diary. In this chapter he outlines how remarkable his daughter Sarah is and how through reading her diary he found her perspective, much of which was hidden from him. And it broke his heart. Mr. Bell recognized that Sarah was forced to end her childhood quickly and take responsibilities on as an adult. His words are full of regret and sadness, and even from the first chapter, I was hooked.
The rest of the book is Sarah’s diary entries. She finds out that her 40 something year old mother, Annie, is pregnant and it was unexpected. Sarah goes through a range of emotions but overall, she is happy to be having a new baby sibling. But then Annie starts acting stranger and stranger. She becomes forgetful, easily agitated, sometimes unsafe. You quickly find out that Annie is diagnosed with early onset dementia. This hits the family hard as it would any.
Sarah’s life quickly changes as her mother’s condition worsens, while at the same time, her belly is getting bigger. In a short period of time, Annie didn’t even recognize her own daughter and wasn’t aware she was even pregnant. Sarah’s father quits his job to become a full time caregiver and Sarah also had to step in care for her mother, as a mother would care for a small toddler.
I worked as a PSW in University and had a young client with Lewy body dementia, so this book hit close to home for me. Once you get that diagnosis, life will never be the same and I can’t imagine the amount of trials and tribulations a family goes through. This book really captures the ranges of emotions and the feelings of seeing your loved one decline.
And that ending…I was not expecting that at all. Well done Katherine Black.
The first chapter starts off with Mr. Bell reading his 14 year old daughters diary. In this chapter he outlines how remarkable his daughter Sarah is and how through reading her diary he found her perspective, much of which was hidden from him. And it broke his heart. Mr. Bell recognized that Sarah was forced to end her childhood quickly and take responsibilities on as an adult. His words are full of regret and sadness, and even from the first chapter, I was hooked.
The rest of the book is Sarah’s diary entries. She finds out that her 40 something year old mother, Annie, is pregnant and it was unexpected. Sarah goes through a range of emotions but overall, she is happy to be having a new baby sibling. But then Annie starts acting stranger and stranger. She becomes forgetful, easily agitated, sometimes unsafe. You quickly find out that Annie is diagnosed with early onset dementia. This hits the family hard as it would any.
Sarah’s life quickly changes as her mother’s condition worsens, while at the same time, her belly is getting bigger. In a short period of time, Annie didn’t even recognize her own daughter and wasn’t aware she was even pregnant. Sarah’s father quits his job to become a full time caregiver and Sarah also had to step in care for her mother, as a mother would care for a small toddler.
I worked as a PSW in University and had a young client with Lewy body dementia, so this book hit close to home for me. Once you get that diagnosis, life will never be the same and I can’t imagine the amount of trials and tribulations a family goes through. This book really captures the ranges of emotions and the feelings of seeing your loved one decline.
And that ending…I was not expecting that at all. Well done Katherine Black.
December 11, 2020
Nowhere Boulevard by Katherine Black is one of those books I started to read not really expecting to finish. I’m not typically a YA fan, but I picked this book up from a recommendation on Facebook. The reviews were good, and the subject matter was intriguing, so I thought why not give it a go. I opened this story not expecting to read past the first chapter or two. I didn’t close it until I’d read the whole book.
I don’t need to go over the subject matter. You can get an idea from the blurb. What I will say, having raised my fair share of teenagers, is that the author really hit on the emotional roller coaster ride that most teenagers go through. The voice was authentic. Most teenagers just want to fit in with their peers. They want normal. Sarah’s life is anything but normal. She has more to deal with than most adults could hope to handle.
The ending of this literally shocked me. As in I actually jumped. I won’t give it away. You’ll have to get the book and read it for yourself. All I can say is you won’t regret it. It’s one of those reads that tends to stick with you for a while. I’m giving it four stars over five because I did find the odd formatting a distraction in my kindle edition. If the author gets this corrected, definitely a five-star read.
I don’t need to go over the subject matter. You can get an idea from the blurb. What I will say, having raised my fair share of teenagers, is that the author really hit on the emotional roller coaster ride that most teenagers go through. The voice was authentic. Most teenagers just want to fit in with their peers. They want normal. Sarah’s life is anything but normal. She has more to deal with than most adults could hope to handle.
The ending of this literally shocked me. As in I actually jumped. I won’t give it away. You’ll have to get the book and read it for yourself. All I can say is you won’t regret it. It’s one of those reads that tends to stick with you for a while. I’m giving it four stars over five because I did find the odd formatting a distraction in my kindle edition. If the author gets this corrected, definitely a five-star read.
December 3, 2020
Fast-paced. Riveting. Emotional. Suspenseful. This book brings it ALL! It was an artful melding of heart-pounding thrills and nail-biting suspense.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 16, 2025
Wow, what else can i say other than that?
I've read a lot of great books by Katherine Black, but she has truly outdone herself with this one. It has got to be the best book I’ve read this year.
The prologue starts with the voice of Sarah’s dad, who admits to reading his daughter’s diary. Exactly who and what type of person Sarah is we’ve yet to discover, but from the start of the first chapter we’re taken on a tragic journey, getting to know Sarah through her own words, to discover exactly how her dad ended up reading her diary.
Sarah has a fantasticly authentic voice, a normal 13 year old girl, tenacious and funny yet also naive and sweet, who’s forced to grow up too quickly. Watching someone so young go through so much is heart wrenching, but it was beautifully written with parts of humour thrown in.
And that ending, well Black completely floored me. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. 5 stars!
I've read a lot of great books by Katherine Black, but she has truly outdone herself with this one. It has got to be the best book I’ve read this year.
The prologue starts with the voice of Sarah’s dad, who admits to reading his daughter’s diary. Exactly who and what type of person Sarah is we’ve yet to discover, but from the start of the first chapter we’re taken on a tragic journey, getting to know Sarah through her own words, to discover exactly how her dad ended up reading her diary.
Sarah has a fantasticly authentic voice, a normal 13 year old girl, tenacious and funny yet also naive and sweet, who’s forced to grow up too quickly. Watching someone so young go through so much is heart wrenching, but it was beautifully written with parts of humour thrown in.
And that ending, well Black completely floored me. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. 5 stars!
March 2, 2025
Wildly Unique and Compelling
Young Sarah captured my heart from the first page in this wildly unique and compelling novel. This author has such a talent at creating characters that jump off the page and stay with long after you put the book down. Sarah’s personality is so endearing. Her story had me laughing, and crying, and flipping the pages intrigued and gripped to find out what would happen next. I was so immersed in sweet and amusing Sarah’s drama, a spectacle-laden and heartbreaking situation with her mother, the ending caught me completely off guard. A master stroke! Don’t miss this rollercoaster ride that pulls at your heartstrings! Highly recommend!
Young Sarah captured my heart from the first page in this wildly unique and compelling novel. This author has such a talent at creating characters that jump off the page and stay with long after you put the book down. Sarah’s personality is so endearing. Her story had me laughing, and crying, and flipping the pages intrigued and gripped to find out what would happen next. I was so immersed in sweet and amusing Sarah’s drama, a spectacle-laden and heartbreaking situation with her mother, the ending caught me completely off guard. A master stroke! Don’t miss this rollercoaster ride that pulls at your heartstrings! Highly recommend!
October 21, 2024
This is a well written, educational book about dementia, a cruel disease that steals your loved ones away. I have 2 sisters with dementia and very hard watching this disease slowly take away the personalities and spirit of a person. Hopefully, a cure is found soon.
December 23, 2025
A heartbreaking book that made me cry. Unexpected ending
December 26, 2025
A sad but honest look at dementia and Alzheimer’s from a teenager point of view. It’s fiction but not. The ending confused me though. I guess a diary doesn’t contain all of a person’s secrets.
April 5, 2024
Holy cow!
This book was heart wrenching! I did not see that ending coming! Sarah was just a child, but so tenacious!
This book was heart wrenching! I did not see that ending coming! Sarah was just a child, but so tenacious!
Read
August 21, 2025DNF
February 19, 2023
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Nowhere Boulevard
Subtitle: Where Crazy Comes Out to Play
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Thriller
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Another excellent book by this author. We follow a family struggling to survive with a diagnosis of early onset dementia. The husband’s life slowly falls apart while his daughter attempts to keep his head above water. But not all is as it seems.
What I liked about the book:
The story is very well written and shows the heartache families with dementia go through, with an added bit of horror.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The interactions between the different family members and how the daughter does the best she can under the circumstances.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Although I hated the end of the book, it was also an excellent twist. Unexpected and tears provoking.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I’ve read several books by this author, and this one fits well in the horror section. Can highly recommend this one, too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is fiction. Katherine Black spins stories like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like horror stories, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Stephen Bell wants to be forgiven for reading his daughter’s diary. But he’s compelled to dredge every secret as her world changes.
This is the story of how Sarah’s perfect existence is shattered when everything trusted is stolen from her. Dad’s quit his job. Mum’s got pregnant and gone mental. But the boyfriend is a welcome distraction...until crazy is dialled to the max.
Sarah tries to be normal among her peers — but normal won’t let her be.
In a change from Black’s usual style, she breathes life into a family at breaking point. But readers will be left with no doubt that this is Katherine Black at her psychological best.
In her trademark signature of getting into the darkest corners of the psyche, she takes them one step closer to the very brink of dancing with the crazies.
This is no Disneyland. This is Nowhere Boulevard...
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: Nowhere Boulevard
Subtitle: Where Crazy Comes Out to Play
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Thriller
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Another excellent book by this author. We follow a family struggling to survive with a diagnosis of early onset dementia. The husband’s life slowly falls apart while his daughter attempts to keep his head above water. But not all is as it seems.
What I liked about the book:
The story is very well written and shows the heartache families with dementia go through, with an added bit of horror.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The interactions between the different family members and how the daughter does the best she can under the circumstances.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Although I hated the end of the book, it was also an excellent twist. Unexpected and tears provoking.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I’ve read several books by this author, and this one fits well in the horror section. Can highly recommend this one, too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is fiction. Katherine Black spins stories like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like horror stories, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Stephen Bell wants to be forgiven for reading his daughter’s diary. But he’s compelled to dredge every secret as her world changes.
This is the story of how Sarah’s perfect existence is shattered when everything trusted is stolen from her. Dad’s quit his job. Mum’s got pregnant and gone mental. But the boyfriend is a welcome distraction...until crazy is dialled to the max.
Sarah tries to be normal among her peers — but normal won’t let her be.
In a change from Black’s usual style, she breathes life into a family at breaking point. But readers will be left with no doubt that this is Katherine Black at her psychological best.
In her trademark signature of getting into the darkest corners of the psyche, she takes them one step closer to the very brink of dancing with the crazies.
This is no Disneyland. This is Nowhere Boulevard...
About the Author:
October 17, 2022
A heartbreaking but beautiful story
The premise of the story is that Sarah’s Dad has found her diary while he’s cleaning and is reading it so this is mostly told from a perspective of a 13 year old girl. It starts off with her talking about the normal worries of a 13 year old girl. Her first period, friends, boyfriends and underage drinking and so on. There is a shocking revelation about a boy she meets on Instagram but she escapes from that safe enough or so you think. Then her mum gets pregnant to Sarah’s disgust and horror. She doesn’t want to hear that her parents had sex and the baby means she’s not going to be an only child any more and they’re not going to love her anymore. By the end she wishes that was the case.
Sarah’s mum starts going a bit doolally. At first they put it down to pregnancy brain and they have a bit of a laugh about it. But after a particular episode she goes to the doctor and it’s not good news. As Sarah’s Mum’s mental health quickly deteriorates we witness a family stretched to breaking point until an unexpected disaster at the end. This was a beautifully written story. It’s a break from the norm to what you normal see from Katherine Black but at the same time you could see her brand psychological drama shine through in places. It was a great depiction of the reality of someone suffering from the mental issue that Sarah’s mum was suffering from and was handled quite sensitively as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author had some experience of this in her own life. This is definitely worth the read.
The premise of the story is that Sarah’s Dad has found her diary while he’s cleaning and is reading it so this is mostly told from a perspective of a 13 year old girl. It starts off with her talking about the normal worries of a 13 year old girl. Her first period, friends, boyfriends and underage drinking and so on. There is a shocking revelation about a boy she meets on Instagram but she escapes from that safe enough or so you think. Then her mum gets pregnant to Sarah’s disgust and horror. She doesn’t want to hear that her parents had sex and the baby means she’s not going to be an only child any more and they’re not going to love her anymore. By the end she wishes that was the case.
Sarah’s mum starts going a bit doolally. At first they put it down to pregnancy brain and they have a bit of a laugh about it. But after a particular episode she goes to the doctor and it’s not good news. As Sarah’s Mum’s mental health quickly deteriorates we witness a family stretched to breaking point until an unexpected disaster at the end. This was a beautifully written story. It’s a break from the norm to what you normal see from Katherine Black but at the same time you could see her brand psychological drama shine through in places. It was a great depiction of the reality of someone suffering from the mental issue that Sarah’s mum was suffering from and was handled quite sensitively as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author had some experience of this in her own life. This is definitely worth the read.
August 17, 2023
A heartbreaking but beautiful story
The premise of the story is that Sarah’s Dad has found her diary while he’s cleaning and is reading it so this is mostly told from a perspective of a 13 year old girl. It starts off with her talking about the normal worries of a 13 year old girl. Her first period, friends, boyfriends and underage drinking and so on. There is a shocking revelation about a boy she meets on Instagram but she escapes from that safe enough or so you think. Then her mum gets pregnant to Sarah’s disgust and horror. She doesn’t want to hear that her parents had sex and the baby means she’s not going to be an only child any more and they’re not going to love her anymore. By the end she wishes that was the case.
Sarah’s mum starts going a bit doolally. At first they put it down to pregnancy brain and they have a bit of a laugh about it. But after a particular episode she goes to the doctor and it’s not good news. As Sarah’s Mum’s mental health quickly deteriorates we witness a family stretched to breaking point until an unexpected disaster at the end. This was a beautifully written story. It’s a break from the norm to what you normal see from Katherine Black but at the same time you could see her brand psychological drama shine through in places. It was a great depiction of the reality of someone suffering from the mental issue that Sarah’s mum was suffering from and was handled quite sensitively as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author had some experience of this in her own life. This is definitely worth the read.
The premise of the story is that Sarah’s Dad has found her diary while he’s cleaning and is reading it so this is mostly told from a perspective of a 13 year old girl. It starts off with her talking about the normal worries of a 13 year old girl. Her first period, friends, boyfriends and underage drinking and so on. There is a shocking revelation about a boy she meets on Instagram but she escapes from that safe enough or so you think. Then her mum gets pregnant to Sarah’s disgust and horror. She doesn’t want to hear that her parents had sex and the baby means she’s not going to be an only child any more and they’re not going to love her anymore. By the end she wishes that was the case.
Sarah’s mum starts going a bit doolally. At first they put it down to pregnancy brain and they have a bit of a laugh about it. But after a particular episode she goes to the doctor and it’s not good news. As Sarah’s Mum’s mental health quickly deteriorates we witness a family stretched to breaking point until an unexpected disaster at the end. This was a beautifully written story. It’s a break from the norm to what you normal see from Katherine Black but at the same time you could see her brand psychological drama shine through in places. It was a great depiction of the reality of someone suffering from the mental issue that Sarah’s mum was suffering from and was handled quite sensitively as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author had some experience of this in her own life. This is definitely worth the read.
February 23, 2022
‘I’ve grown up, while she’s grown down.’
I love and hate reviewing books in almost the same way that I love and hate Nowhere Boulevard. I love that it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year, and hate the suffering that author Katherine Black puts her young protagonist through; while on the review front I love being able to give five stars but hate that I can’t say exactly what I’d like to for fear of spoiling the book for others.
Thirteen-year-old Sarah is already struggling with adolescence and the onset of puberty, so she isn’t exactly delighted by the news that her mother is pregnant. She gets over her initial disgust that her parents are still having sex though (in their thirties, shock horror), and warms to the idea, deciding which sex she’d like and thinking up names for her soon-to-be sibling. Pregnancy isn’t the only thing that’s happening to mum Annie, however, and ensuing events soon make the news of this one of the best things that’s ever happened to Sarah.
The narrative of this tear-jerker is related from the perspective of the young girl, told from the diaries that she kept throughout a turbulent year. Sarah, one of the unluckiest characters I’ve ever met, is forced to be old before her time and support her father in caring for her stricken mother.
And when you think it can’t get any worse for her, there’s that ending. Enough said. Read it with tissues handy.
I love and hate reviewing books in almost the same way that I love and hate Nowhere Boulevard. I love that it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year, and hate the suffering that author Katherine Black puts her young protagonist through; while on the review front I love being able to give five stars but hate that I can’t say exactly what I’d like to for fear of spoiling the book for others.
Thirteen-year-old Sarah is already struggling with adolescence and the onset of puberty, so she isn’t exactly delighted by the news that her mother is pregnant. She gets over her initial disgust that her parents are still having sex though (in their thirties, shock horror), and warms to the idea, deciding which sex she’d like and thinking up names for her soon-to-be sibling. Pregnancy isn’t the only thing that’s happening to mum Annie, however, and ensuing events soon make the news of this one of the best things that’s ever happened to Sarah.
The narrative of this tear-jerker is related from the perspective of the young girl, told from the diaries that she kept throughout a turbulent year. Sarah, one of the unluckiest characters I’ve ever met, is forced to be old before her time and support her father in caring for her stricken mother.
And when you think it can’t get any worse for her, there’s that ending. Enough said. Read it with tissues handy.
July 11, 2023
Let me start by saying that as a 68 year old man, l only produce tears when l am laughing really hard. Today was different as I read Nowhere Boulevard thinking just how horrible life had become for sweet innocent Sarah but when l reached the last ten pages l was reduced to genuine tears. The ending was never hinted at, and l was completely floored. Katherine Black has done a marvelous job in telling the story of a happy family ripped apart by illness.
This book is written through the eyes of Sarsh, the daughter, so we are reading a teen book, but l think anyone of any age could pick this book up and be moved as l was. The issues that teens face, such as bullying, betrayal, and misplaced trust, all play a part in this story. Ms. Black has presented a well thought out tale, which is both genuine and authentic. I did not find any incident in the book that l thought would not/could not happen in real life.Instead, l was dismayed that this 14 year old had to bear all of this herself. Among the many strong features of the book is the amount of love shown in the immediate family and their close relatives, even in the worst of times.
Thank you, Katherine Black, for sharing your thoughts with us, the readers. I am ready for your next book as soon as you release it!
This book is written through the eyes of Sarsh, the daughter, so we are reading a teen book, but l think anyone of any age could pick this book up and be moved as l was. The issues that teens face, such as bullying, betrayal, and misplaced trust, all play a part in this story. Ms. Black has presented a well thought out tale, which is both genuine and authentic. I did not find any incident in the book that l thought would not/could not happen in real life.Instead, l was dismayed that this 14 year old had to bear all of this herself. Among the many strong features of the book is the amount of love shown in the immediate family and their close relatives, even in the worst of times.
Thank you, Katherine Black, for sharing your thoughts with us, the readers. I am ready for your next book as soon as you release it!
October 13, 2022
An amazing story but bring the tissues!
What can I say? Wow! Nowhere Boulevard is utterly brilliant. I’ve gasped so many times, laughed out loud and cried. Then I cried some more.
Sarah is your average thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. She has some great friends, and all she has to worry about is the usual for a girl of her age. Make up, music, clothes and boys that is until her parents drop a bombshell on her. Her mum’s pregnant. This is the worst thing in the world for Sarah. The thought of her thirty something year old parents still at it, is cringe worthy. And if that's not enough, her mum has started to act crazy, doing things that they all think is her pregnancy hormones. Only it’s not.
I must say the way the author captured Sarah’s school life, her relationship with parents as well as bringing in up to date issues was amazing. Mixing fun and the reality of what some teenagers have to go through really hit the nail on the head.
The story had made gripped from the beginning then broke my heart with the surprise ending. I was shocked!
Even though it will make you cry I can’t recommend this book enough. An amazing story!
What can I say? Wow! Nowhere Boulevard is utterly brilliant. I’ve gasped so many times, laughed out loud and cried. Then I cried some more.
Sarah is your average thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. She has some great friends, and all she has to worry about is the usual for a girl of her age. Make up, music, clothes and boys that is until her parents drop a bombshell on her. Her mum’s pregnant. This is the worst thing in the world for Sarah. The thought of her thirty something year old parents still at it, is cringe worthy. And if that's not enough, her mum has started to act crazy, doing things that they all think is her pregnancy hormones. Only it’s not.
I must say the way the author captured Sarah’s school life, her relationship with parents as well as bringing in up to date issues was amazing. Mixing fun and the reality of what some teenagers have to go through really hit the nail on the head.
The story had made gripped from the beginning then broke my heart with the surprise ending. I was shocked!
Even though it will make you cry I can’t recommend this book enough. An amazing story!
August 29, 2020
A quick and easy read, but disturbing on a level that you can't describe. No spoilers, but that ending - I was NOT expecting that.
You can feel Sarah ageing as the book progresses, from this childlike innocence to a still-very-hopeful but broken teenager. Katherine Black doesn't just throw bad situations at good people - she drowns you in them.
This book is equally as laugh-out-loud funny (Danny is my hero!) as it is disturbingly real. It will haunt you for its understated currents of despair.
It's an unusual tale, written in almost diary style, all wrapped up in what you expect to be a tender year-in-the-life of a normal teenager. But it's anything but. I wanted the book to be longer. I wanted things to work out well for Sarah and her family. But I've read Katherine Black enough to know that she'll take what you expect and flip it. bring tissues.
You can feel Sarah ageing as the book progresses, from this childlike innocence to a still-very-hopeful but broken teenager. Katherine Black doesn't just throw bad situations at good people - she drowns you in them.
This book is equally as laugh-out-loud funny (Danny is my hero!) as it is disturbingly real. It will haunt you for its understated currents of despair.
It's an unusual tale, written in almost diary style, all wrapped up in what you expect to be a tender year-in-the-life of a normal teenager. But it's anything but. I wanted the book to be longer. I wanted things to work out well for Sarah and her family. But I've read Katherine Black enough to know that she'll take what you expect and flip it. bring tissues.
October 13, 2020
If you have ever suffered the extended loss of someone to a disappearing memory, you will ache and celebrate with this family as the mother wanders away to Nowhere Boulevard
I have had my brother look me in the eyes, and seen a stranger looking back, just before he introduced himself to me and asked my name. Moma once very seriously called me her mother in law’s name and said she knew I was trying to poison her. Not a fan of vitamins and heart pills myself, but they keep her going.
To read the tragedy as a young girl begins to grow into a young woman and lose her mother to wherever her mum’s mind wanders, wrenchingly moving
The author seems to know pain, and knows to help those left behind to celebrate dancing in green boots around the neighborhood
Shocking and so movingly painted with always another moment or twist
I have had my brother look me in the eyes, and seen a stranger looking back, just before he introduced himself to me and asked my name. Moma once very seriously called me her mother in law’s name and said she knew I was trying to poison her. Not a fan of vitamins and heart pills myself, but they keep her going.
To read the tragedy as a young girl begins to grow into a young woman and lose her mother to wherever her mum’s mind wanders, wrenchingly moving
The author seems to know pain, and knows to help those left behind to celebrate dancing in green boots around the neighborhood
Shocking and so movingly painted with always another moment or twist
January 15, 2021
I cannot say how sad this story was. It made me cry while reading and I cried again when I was explaining the story to a friend!
It's written in the style of a diary so it kind of brought me back to my own schools day which is probably why it had such an impact on me. And it starts off simply documenting her life and the struggles she goes through with her mother who is suffering from an illness. I knew a twist was coming from the reviews I had read and I was really hoping that an unexpected event that happens around midway was the twist, simply because I wasn't expecting it. But it was a nice twist! Unfortunately, it took a serious turn shortly after and it hit me right in the heart all the way until the last page.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something to tear your heart out!!
It's written in the style of a diary so it kind of brought me back to my own schools day which is probably why it had such an impact on me. And it starts off simply documenting her life and the struggles she goes through with her mother who is suffering from an illness. I knew a twist was coming from the reviews I had read and I was really hoping that an unexpected event that happens around midway was the twist, simply because I wasn't expecting it. But it was a nice twist! Unfortunately, it took a serious turn shortly after and it hit me right in the heart all the way until the last page.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something to tear your heart out!!
January 20, 2021
OMG.. that was unexpected.
The story is written from the pov of a 13 years old girl's diary, and at first, it starts slow.
There were times where I skim read, halfway it picked up the pace and the storyline got more interesting, and I thought ok where is this going, but damn it ended with a big twist I wasn't expecting that at all, it was tearfully heartbreaking, and it made the read all worthwhile.
I ended the book and just sat there like wow, holding back tears, I wanted to get into the book and figure out what all the other characters were thinking, like how was her best friend, what about her boyfriend, what happened after.....
Highly recommend, stick through it to the end, you won't regret it.
The story is written from the pov of a 13 years old girl's diary, and at first, it starts slow.
There were times where I skim read, halfway it picked up the pace and the storyline got more interesting, and I thought ok where is this going, but damn it ended with a big twist I wasn't expecting that at all, it was tearfully heartbreaking, and it made the read all worthwhile.
I ended the book and just sat there like wow, holding back tears, I wanted to get into the book and figure out what all the other characters were thinking, like how was her best friend, what about her boyfriend, what happened after.....
Highly recommend, stick through it to the end, you won't regret it.
October 7, 2022
Well, I'm still bawling my eyes out while I write this. Sarah, a typical thirteen-year-old, is looking forward to all the normal stuff that should be happening in her life. Except, when she discovers her mum is having a baby, she knows her life will change. Written from Sarah's perspective, we laugh and cringe through the next few months as her mum starts to act strangely. Is it simply hormones? Then, we start to realise that all is not well. We follow Sarah as she tries to reconcile her new life with what she'd hoped to have. She is smart, funny, down to earth and brave beyond measure, as she helps all the people around her without complaint. This is a hard hitting tale, beautifully written, and it left my poor old heart battered and broken.
August 31, 2023
I’m stunned.
I started reading this book and almost dropped it about 10% of the way in as I felt it was too all over the place but decided “Let me make it to 50% of the way through. If i still don’t like it then i’ll drop it”. I’m so glad I stuck with it.
Looking back now, as this story is told directly from 13 year old Sarah Bell, of COURSE it made sense that things seemed all over the place. Watching her talk about everything happening around her and watching her quickly having to grow up was heart wrenching. I had to fight back tears. And that ending? Wow.
If you’re hesitating on picking up this book or if you were like me and are thinking of dropping it, I PROMISE you it is 100% worth the read. Grab some tissues and suck it up buttercup.
I started reading this book and almost dropped it about 10% of the way in as I felt it was too all over the place but decided “Let me make it to 50% of the way through. If i still don’t like it then i’ll drop it”. I’m so glad I stuck with it.
Looking back now, as this story is told directly from 13 year old Sarah Bell, of COURSE it made sense that things seemed all over the place. Watching her talk about everything happening around her and watching her quickly having to grow up was heart wrenching. I had to fight back tears. And that ending? Wow.
If you’re hesitating on picking up this book or if you were like me and are thinking of dropping it, I PROMISE you it is 100% worth the read. Grab some tissues and suck it up buttercup.
December 3, 2020
I loved this bittersweet story of love & hope, it had me laughing & crying at the same time! This book was a total surprise after reading A question of sanity & Leverage by the same author, I kept expecting something gruesome to happen, and in the end she didn’t disappoint, but I was devastated by the ending I could not have predicted. It is written from perspective of a 14 year old girl and the author pulled this off superbly, (although since I’m definitely not age 14 & can’t really remember what it was like I’m just guessing!) I thoroughly recommend this book, but you need a whole box of tissues
March 24, 2023
What a wonderful read! You don’t need me to tell you the story, other reviewers have already done that. I’d just like to say this is one you shouldn’t miss. If you love family-type reality books that have loads of wit and humour, you’re going to love this one.
It’s not all a fun ride, by any means. This clever author will have you sympathising and laughing at Sarah’s teenage anxieties, and then crying, and then crying some more as the whole family becomes involved with deeper family issues. It’s a full-on emotional story guaranteed to bring a lump to your throat and tears to your eyes. I’d definitely recommend this book.
It’s not all a fun ride, by any means. This clever author will have you sympathising and laughing at Sarah’s teenage anxieties, and then crying, and then crying some more as the whole family becomes involved with deeper family issues. It’s a full-on emotional story guaranteed to bring a lump to your throat and tears to your eyes. I’d definitely recommend this book.
July 20, 2023
heartbreaking
Well, here’s me blubbing like a baby after having my heart ripped out and stomped all over. It might take me a while to get over this one, but it was spectacular. I couldn’t stop reading, and I loved every bit of it. Even the really heartbreaking moments. The ending is both distressing and hopeful and I loved it.
This story is mostly written as diary entries from a teenaged girl. And the author got the feel of it just right. It felt like I was reading a teenager’s thought process, but it wasn’t slow or dull to read.
What’s the best cure for a devastating book hangover? Another Katherine Black book, I think!
Well, here’s me blubbing like a baby after having my heart ripped out and stomped all over. It might take me a while to get over this one, but it was spectacular. I couldn’t stop reading, and I loved every bit of it. Even the really heartbreaking moments. The ending is both distressing and hopeful and I loved it.
This story is mostly written as diary entries from a teenaged girl. And the author got the feel of it just right. It felt like I was reading a teenager’s thought process, but it wasn’t slow or dull to read.
What’s the best cure for a devastating book hangover? Another Katherine Black book, I think!
June 29, 2022
A fantastic read
I really enjoyed reading this book which had me hooked from the very beginning. This is a story of a grieving dad reading his daughter, Sarah's diary. It tells of the worst times in a young teenagers life. Annie's diagnosis of dementia hits close to home for me and drew me in even more.
I wasn't expecting the twist at the end but it gives the book another level of perspective.
I love reading books by other Northeastern authors and this one doesn't disappoint. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed reading this book which had me hooked from the very beginning. This is a story of a grieving dad reading his daughter, Sarah's diary. It tells of the worst times in a young teenagers life. Annie's diagnosis of dementia hits close to home for me and drew me in even more.
I wasn't expecting the twist at the end but it gives the book another level of perspective.
I love reading books by other Northeastern authors and this one doesn't disappoint. Highly recommend.
September 9, 2022
Deeply moving!!
I literally could not put this book down. A wonderful, heartbreaking, and often funny, story about a young girls, strength, and maturity as she struggles to come to terms her ever changing world, as she learns to live with her mothers illness.
Katherine Black is a brilliant author, and although the books is based on a very serious subject, Katherine manages to bring some comedy into the story, and I found myself laughing many times as I continued reading this amazing book.
Highly recommended!
I literally could not put this book down. A wonderful, heartbreaking, and often funny, story about a young girls, strength, and maturity as she struggles to come to terms her ever changing world, as she learns to live with her mothers illness.
Katherine Black is a brilliant author, and although the books is based on a very serious subject, Katherine manages to bring some comedy into the story, and I found myself laughing many times as I continued reading this amazing book.
Highly recommended!
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