Review: Excellent teenage thriller about popularity
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2014
"Blackout" by Joey Paul is a moving and cleverly told teenage drama about 15 year old Tally, a girl who longs to fit in.The story begins with her dream life, with the hottest and most popular football player chosing her over th emore obvious choices, and with her having plenty of friends. I loved that part of the book, is was told with so much joy and happiness that I was equally gutted as Tally when she wakes up from her dream.The mystery of the blackout from the title needs to be solved while we experience the 'friends' from the dream in a much unfriendly way.Paul writes with great sensitivity and empathy about her teenage characters and the price of popularity.The story turns into a gripping thriller from here that keeps you glued to the pages. Told with the endearing narrative from Tally herself the story benefits from the youthful perspective that will remind each and everyone of us of our own youth, our hopes, our teenage angst and the joy when some things do turn out ok.Very enjoyable.