Just Remember reviewed by Natalya Newman for Hooked on Books

“Donna Blaber’s Just Remember follows her previous book, Just End It, in a series that presents magic in everyday life, and in places that many New Zealand readers will be familiar with. This book looks into recovery from trauma, survivor’s guilt, grief, loss, and all of the complexities that arise – both mentally and physically – when a loved one passes away. Just Remember does not sugarcoat the grief that Em’s family goes through after the death of her Dad, and proves to be an eye-opening warning to drivers.

This novel puts heavy emphasis on the strong connections forged between family members and friends, and also how the faintest touch of magic can bring it all together in ways that can be unexpected. Magic in the modern world can be anything. Perhaps it’s getting home to see your pet waiting for you, or even finding something you lost a long time ago. Experiences can forge beautiful memories and connections between people, and Blaber expertly highlights the support that can be found within those connections throughout the duration of this book.” Natalya Newman.

I really enjoyed reading Natayla Newman’s review of Just Remember for Hooked on Books, an incredible website for youth where young adult (YA) readers are able to submit reviews of books they’ve recently read.

Natalya is talented young writer and has done a stunning job. For the full review, read more.

Just Remember reviewed by Chris Reed for NZ Booklovers

“Just Remember is a beautiful story of independence, magic and reconnection. Em (Emilia - although she isn’t a fan of her full name) is still reeling from the death of her father and so, with her mum not coping with the loss, she goes to live with her Nana in Matapouri. But things aren’t what they initially seem…” Chris Reed

I was thrilled with this enticing review cleverly scribed by Chris Reed for NZ Booklovers and featuring in the recommended reads section. For the full review read more.

Trainsurfer book review

Written by Kate S Richards

Available from Kiwi Kids Read Kiwi Books

This book sang to my heart the moment I began reading it. Quite simply I could not put it down. Set in South Africa, it brought memories to the fore of my travels prior to Nelson Mandela’s election. The writer deals with several challenging universal themes including white privilege, conveying them in a gentle, easy to digest way. Some scenes are filled with tear jerking sadness, and are soothed by others of hope and joy.

The star of Trainsurfer is Jabu, an underprivileged boy who lives in a slum. The story begins with his mother’s death in a Johannesburg hospital in the 1980s, during a time when becoming an orphan in apartheid South Africa was particularly unsafe.

The story is action-packed, and quickly moves to Durban where Jabu forms a camaraderie with street kids and learns how to survive with no income. At a local beach he forms an unlikely friendship with a group of privileged white surfers. He meets Billie first, a girl with a huge heart and strong moral compass, and later her surfer friends, Josh and Kyle, the latter whom has a lot to learn. The characters forge strong bonds, confront their insecurities, and overcome racist views. Multiple threads make up this story, and all are satisfyingly sewn up by the end.

This novel includes a language glossary located at the front of the book. It lists South African slang and surfing jargon, and references Bantu, Zulu and Afrikaans languages.  Although meaning is readily derived from the text, I enjoyed referring to it to discover deeper meaning.  

Trainsurfer is a coming of age adventure tackling weighty issues, and is suitable for readers aged eleven plus. It’s also a must-read for anyone of any age who enjoys a jolly good yarn.

Highly recommended.