Description
What if the secret is more damaging than the lie?
I never planned on falling in love in Two Creeks, but since when has life ever followed a plan?
The day I fell for Phoenix Stone, there was no warning. She shattered the world I knew.
This is a story about being seventeen and growing up in rural Australia. Falling in love for the first time, following your dreams and disappointing your parents. Being brave enough to live your life, even when life is terrifying.
In fear there is bravery - you can either cling to the edge or have the courage to jump. But what do you do when you're left spiralling through the freefall?
Be proud. Be seen. Live life fearlessly.
Review
This is a brilliant coming of age novel from a debut Australian author. I am sure that she has drawn from her own life experiences and this will help other adolescents who are finding their way dealing with discovering their own sexuality in what can often be a cruel world, even in 2018. Alex is 17, and has always been expected to get together with her close friend Justin from the next farm, but her feelings for him have never been like that. In walks Phoenix and for Alex the sparks fly.
But in this small community, many of the locals are soon giving Phoenix a hard time for being a lesbian. Is this the sort of life that Alex can handle? There are many other community and relationship issues tackled in this book, but mostly it is a wonderful love story. There is a tragic twist at the end, but sometimes tragedy can inspire change, and it really adds to the feeling of hope that the story leaves you with.
The themes of sexuality and being true to yourself make this a book targeted at readers 15 and older, and the story will most appeal to a female audience.
Reviewed by Rob
