The gone book
Summary:
Tuesday 30 June 2019: “I know you’ll hate me. I just know you will. But I can’t help it. I’m going to find you.” Matt’s mam left when he was ten. He writes letters to her but doesn’t send them. He keeps them in his Gone Book. Five years of letters about his life. Five years of hurt. Since Matt’s dad gave up the drink all he does is run and pray. His older brother is taking drugs and owes money to bad people. His friends Mikey and Anna are the best things in his life, but Matt keeps pushing them away. Matt just wants to skate, surf and forget. But now his mam is back in town with her new family and Matt knows he needs to find her, to finally deliver the truth. (Source: Publisher)
Edited by: Dublin City University
Comment:
Nominated for the 2021 Carnegie Medal. Close’s YA debut is excellent in every regard. The fully realized characters are highly sympathetic and come alive on the page. The plot is compelling, the setting beautifully realized. Hand this to fans of more serious literature. (Source: BookList); “I would highly recommend this book. It’s a chaotic read, full of twists and turns. It is gritty and realistic, and highlights the anguish of an absent parent and the strife of teenage friendships.” (Source: Paper Lanterns)