Reviewed:
It would not be fair to you, the readers, not to mention that this tale would make way, way easier reading if you have already read the preceding stories in the universe. It does stand alone, but even though you could get the information from context, having the back stories would dramatically improve your comprehension!
I should also own up to having read all the existing Bec stories at least three times, and being a big fan of the authors catalogue.
The story is, as expected, about Bec who is presented as a thirteen year old 'differently brained' (not neuro typical) but very perceptive girl.
It is told through a mix of 'media', medical notes, journal entries, interviews, and narrative, all blended to force the reader through their own slow reveal, that the story then plays out.
I won't, intentionally, introduce any spoilers here, but then, the disclaimer is it's own reveal... Damn.
I particularly liked the very perceptive way that the author makes uses of various 'pop' psychology 'facts', the stalking horse of fictional interpretations of psychology in patient facilities, and the tools and methods of psychiatric analysis, to develop behaviours and interactions between the characters. The introduction and development of some of the 'bit part' characters in the psych ward is crucial to the story development, and at the same time incredibly clever in the interactions with Bec.
The tale is deliberately dark in places, but levened with humour, family members, true friends, and very believable interactions. The endings (deliberate plural) and remaining hooks finish the story in an uplifting and conclusive way while hinting there may be more.
The author teases us with a possibility of Bec 5 in a footnote - after 4 years, I have had to breathe, but hold onto hope, especially given that Bec 1 is now available to purchase as am epub. I believe that book would be a great introduction to the author and series, and is worthy of being a set book in education (but sadly it won't happen, as too many very evocative buttons would be metaphorically triggered).
In case it's not obvious, I consider this story extremely well presented, despite the new (for the author) writing and storytelling style, and compelling reading. I struggled to put my phone down for two days. And that is on each read through!
Go on, give it a try, but do give it a chance to develop a bit, as the start is intentionally clouded.
Myth
Reviewed:
I'm going to review the Bec series, and not only book 4.
Had you told me a few months ago that I'd strongly favor a story about a 12-/13-year-old girl with mental issues, I'd have assured you that YOU have mental issues. And I would have been wrong.
This is an amazing series. These are well-written stories about Bec, a young girl whose family has emigrated from England to the U.S. The characters are well-drawn, each with their own flaws and foibles. The plot is well-constructed; it holds together well with no obvious holes. There's very little need to suspend one's disbelief; it's all plausible. I especially like the way that the author has dealt with the mental issues.
More than that, I think that in particular the first of these is an important book--when my granddaughters reach their mid-teens, I plan to encourage them to read Bec. I expect that Bec will give them a lot of insights into what they're going through. I'll probably wait until they're older before I let them know about books 2, 3, and 4, as some of the story there is not for younger readers.
There's minimal sex here, and none of it really graphic. If you're looking for a stroke story, look elsewhere.
Technically it's very good, but not perfect. There are some typos, and the author doesn't use some compound words that ought to be used, though that may be an artifact of translating British to American. In fact, I'd say the biggest problem with these books is that while Bec and her family are British transplants and so use British terms and idioms, some of the supposedly American characters use British terms and idioms as well, so they don't ring quite true.
But those flaws are minor in comparison to the main story. I'm very impressed with the Bec series, and I strongly recommend it.
Reviewed:
The fourth installment in the Bec series. I will warn you now. Do not bother reading this story if you have not read the previous ones in the series. If you attempt to do so, you will likely end up hopelessly lost.
Bec, the MC, is back in the fourth book of the series. She is still as messed up as ever, and the tale is told starting a bit past the beginning, then flashing back to the details of the day in question. As usual, the MC is just fine, if by fine you mean Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional.
Pretty much your average teen in that way. She is not, however, your average teen, but a brilliant and insightful one who, even in the middle of her own struggles, manages to help others.
For plot, an A+ (9). I can't reveal what happens, but it is perhaps a logical continuation of a previous theme in the stories.
For technical score, an outstanding (10). I did find a small mistake here and there, but they were few enough and small enough that they did not distract from the story.
For personal appeal, another A+ (9). Frankly, it should probably be a 10 when the series is taken as a whole, but the first book in the series is so emotionally wrenching that I am not sure I could read it again easily. It should definitely be read at least once, but be prepared to bawl.