I love John Marsden's writing so when I see a copy in a 2nd hand bookshop, or charity shop I have to get it! This does not belong in a series, it's a one off story. This is apparently his first book.
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BOB
I don't know what I'm doing here. Well, I do really ... I have been sent here to learn to talk again. Sent here because my mother cant stand my silent presence at home. Sent here because of my face ...
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We never find out what actually happened (by her father) to the girl whose diary we are reading, just that it traumatised her and she never speaks - although you get the impression she CAN, just chooses not to.
Boarding school is a very different environment for her and to be up close & personal to strangers is hard for her.
The end is soooo poignant. Great read.

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A complete surprise RABCK!
It was on this person's wish list and I just hope they have not moved since I last sent them a book .... or worse still - read it!
hee hee.

Thanks so much Littlemave (for both the book and the stamps)!! I haven't read it, and have not moved, either. :-) Looking forward to reading this, and I'll be sure to pass it on to another willing reader once I'm done.

I read this in about two hours, and it was quite a page-turner for me. A really gripping, emotional read. Books that make me cry are few and far between, and this was one of those few. The ending was a really special moment.

I have someone in mind to send this on to, and in keeping with how I received it, it will be another surprise, of a kind.

Thanks tantan :0)

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A companion for another travelling book.

Thanks for this extra to accompany the main Southern Cross exchange book. I have very little self-control so let's see if I can wait till November to see what it is! Thanks again :)

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A little bonus for briz-cowgirl as a satchel filler. Books need company, right? ;)

Received with a bookray book yesterday ("Towelhead" by Alicia Erian), thanks leeny37!

I've never read any of John Marsden's work, so it was nice to start off with his first book! I read this straight through one day after I had finished night duty and was unable to sleep :)
The main character, whose name we don't discover until the last page, has had something devastating happen to her at the hands of her father (the details of which are never really discussed). She communicates through her journal and via a few letters, as she struggles to heal emotionally. Very touching at times, a great read. Loved the ending.
I will hunt down the sequel to this book now, "Take My Word For It". Thank you for this RABCK!

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Heading off to froggirlwendy, who selected it from the OZ VBB :)

Time to downsize with a charity bulk book donation