tbr.

I LOVE the Nick Earls novels I've read before now (Bachelor Kisses and especially Perfect Skin), so I am chuffed that peggysmum held onto this for me!

'Caught' at the Canberra Bookcrossing Meetup at Tilley's Devine Cafe in Lyneham, over a DAMN FINE hot chocolate.

This is one of Nick Earls' books aimed at teenagers or perhaps young adults. Kane, the protagonist, is 18 years old, lives with his obese mother and sensitive younger brother, and is in lust or love with Tanika Bell, the daughter of the guy who drives the church bus. The novel covers about two months of Kane's life during one summer.

As readers we're privy to Kane's most private thoughts, covering everything from sex to religion to family and responsibility. He's essentially a good guy - maybe a little too good - though there is a fornicating incident early on. Anyway, you come out liking him at the end, and feeling good that things are beginning to work out for him. The other characters are warmly crafted and, seen through Kane's eyes, for the most part lovable and humorous.

I didn't enjoy this as much as I have Nick Earls' other novels, perhaps because it's pitched at a different readership, perhaps because I never really wanted to know the inner thoughts of an 18 year-old male! I still found it a good read, though, and I really appreciate Nick Earls' writing style.

RELEASE NOTES:

Left in the free postcard rack.