John Larkin (2)

You know that a book is better than average when I order two advance copies for my Library before I write the review! I work in an area where teenage suicide is rampant, often with young adults choosing to end their lives in the same way as the main character does here. This is the "Sliding Doors" version of suicide - in one version Declan throws himself in front of a train and we are treated to the ensuing horror of what happens to him, the effect on the train driver and the others on the platform as well as those he loves.. In the other version, Declan "pauses" and we see the difficult road ahead as he must endure psychiatrists, face his demons and after a long road, finally come out battered but triumphant. As a teacher with a first hand experience of suicide and its devastating effects, I have nothing but praise for this book. It shows that "the Pause" is not easy..it is a hard road for those who choose not to end it all..but the reward at the end of the struggle ( which is constant) is worth it. Highly recommended Year 8 upwards. This book will win awards.… (meer)