Sunday 1st January
'My name's Leeza McAuliffe, I'm 11 years old, and my family does my head in.'
If I were writing a book, that's how I'd start. Straight to the point, no messing around...
***
Leeza McAuliffe is used to change. The previous year saw a house move, a family wedding, and the surprise arrival of baby Harvest. The next twelve months should be calmer. Except...
A new girl at school is causing Leeza headaches. What is her problem, anyway? Best mate Jake can cheer her up but their friendship has begun to spark gossip. And the arrival of a letter brings change that none of the McAuliffes saw coming.
Join Leeza as she charts another rollercoaster year. Whether it's misunderstandings about her love life, getting to grips with the brand new world of periods, or having her very first kiss, she's determined to record the highs and lows, no matter what.
***
Although this book is the second in the Leeza McAuliffe series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone novel. I have not read the first book, Leeza McAuliffe Has Something to Say, but that did not impede my enjoyment of this book at all.
Written in the form of Leeza's diary, we get to know her via her own words. This was exceptionally well done. Although the book is aimed at young adults, reading this as an adult was equally enjoyable. In fact, I think an adult reading perspective gave us a glimpse into the secondary characters; particularly when she is writing about her parents. For example, it was easy to read beyond the text when Leeza writes about her annoying parents because as adults we can interpret their actions via Leeza's response. Very cleverly done.
However, although my girlhood is a good few years behind me know, I was still able to identify with Leeza. She is a fantastic main character, and I think readers will love her. I definitely intend to keep my copy of the book back for when my granddaughter reaches the appropriate age to get the best out of this book.
I love the way Leeza imagines that her diary will become a historical artefact of the future. It made for an amusing and entertaining read. The author has created a character with a distinct voice and who is an extremely likeable character. I very much hope that there will be more books in the series as I would love to accompany Leeza on her journey through her teens.
This is well worth reading and I think young people and adults alike will enjoy reading this book.
ISBN: 978 0995657458
Publisher: Take-Away-Tea Books
Formats: e-book and paperback
No. of Pages: 350 (paperback)
About the Author:
Nicky Bond was born in Liverpool, UK, in 1978. The eldest of seven children, she found books were a perfect way to drown out the lively household around her, and meant her hands were never free to change a nappy.
She studied Psychology and English Literature at University College Northampton before embarking upon a career in Education. Twelve years later, she stopped procrastinating and got writing.
Her first novel, 'Carry the Beautiful' was published in 2017. Her second, for pre-teens and those that care for them - 'Leeza McAuliffe Has Something To Say' - came out in 2019. 'Assembling the Wingpeople' - the sequel to her first novel - was published in Autumn 2021.
Nicky is a regular supporter of Liverpool Women Football Club, relaxes by cooking, and spends a lot of time drinking tea.
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