Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.

Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

In this gripping, stimulating and totally absorbing novel, black and white are right and wrong.

Arrived in the mail while I was away, I am looking forward to this read!

I enjoyed this book it was an interesting take on inequality and how two young lovers try to make their forbidden relationship and friendship work. I am still now sure how much I liked the ending...I don't want to say too much more in case I spoil it...

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

ON its way to HoserLauren who selected and snatched this book in the Raiding Bookshelves swap.

Looks good, thanks Boomda! This is #61 on the BBC top 100 which is why I was interested in reading it. Thanks again!

There are two classes in the world: Crosses (dark skinned) and Noughts (light-skinned). The Crosses are the ruling class; the only ones in government, the majority of lawyers, the ones who get to school their children and send them to university, etc. Callum is a Naught and his best friend Sephy is a Cross. They became friends when Callum's mother worked for Sephy's family and even when she was fired through no fault of her own, Callum and Sephy kept seeing each other secretly. However this is not a world where Naughts and Crosses can be together and as they grow to love each other they realize that life is not going to be easy for them if they want to stay together.

Each chapter flips between Callum's narration and Sephy's narration, giving the reader insight into what each of them is thinking as they both deal with racial tensions but from completely opposite sides of the spectrum. I couldn't help but thinking 'what if' during the entire book. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, but how frustrating and upsetting would it be to be a part of what is considered to be the inferior race?

I really enjoyed the forbidden love story. It was very easy to relate and connect with both characters and it was such a page turner to watch their love unfold. You hope for the best but know there's a chance things won't end up the way you want. I know that Boomda wasn't sure if she liked the ending but I thought it was quite fitting.

A fantastic story, I highly recommend this one.

This book is with me now :)

Sephy is a Cross - dark-skinned and Callum is a Nought- light skinned. The Crosses run the government and the Noughts are considered the dregs of society. In this alternate world, Crosses and Noughts do not mix. Crosses are the privileged and the Noughts are distrusted and prejudiced against.

Callum's mother once worked for Sephy's family and the two have maintained a friendship and have now fallen in love. This is not a world where inter-racial relationships are allowed and the course of their love is fraught with difficulties.

The alternate society was very interesting and well thought out even to the point of showing how band aids only come in a black colour. A point that is well taken. A Romeo and Juliet story that is well worth reading.

Sending to my birthday partner!

Thanks for the wishlist book! I am looking forward to reading this book! :)