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By: PALMN 029
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2025-05-22 20:13:10 |
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Almost everyone was glad they read the book - even though it was a hard topic. The connections to New Zealand and Ireland were really interesting. The descriptions of art work and the genius of a young woman were really well portrayed. |
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By: AUCK 280
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2024-11-27 14:42:47 |
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Felt the book dealt very sensitively with difficult issues. Very readable, and we would recommend to older teens. |
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By: AUCK 273
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2023-05-22 14:44:55 |
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We loved this, great discussion. |
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By: MARTIN 003
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2023-03-20 11:32:41 |
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A confronting book, but essential reading for all ages. Well-written and well researched. |
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By: LOWER 018
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2023-02-27 12:25:40 |
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This book provoked two distinct reactions. Some readers found it cliched and more suitable for a 'young adult' readership. |
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By: AUCK 271
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2022-06-20 10:12:06 |
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This book stimulated a lot of discussio0n. We felt that a delicate issue was handled sensitively. The Irish history was woven through the second half of the book and added greatly to the reader's experience. The correspondence between Vincent and Theo added to the plot and was a clear parallel to the sister's experience. |
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By: NELS 064
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2020-08-29 11:01:27 |
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This book was enjoyed by all members, including the 15 year old and the +70 year old! So a good, topical read for a varying demographic. A real conversation starter that had us all relating to the issues faced by those with depression and suicide. |
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By: ASHB 009
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2019-11-06 12:19:37 |
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This book was well received by the group. We felt the author dealt compassionately with the teenage suicide aspect of the story as she skilfully wove the subsequent events and consequences into a compelling read. A very believable tale which brought Vincent Van Gogh's art to life for those of us who wouldn't consider ourselves 'arty'. |
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By: COOKS 001
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2019-07-27 14:46:20 |
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Most felt it was a heavy handed morality tale, with many agreeing the story line was too contrived. The characters are likeable (excluding parents) and Hagers use of Van Gogh quotes is interesting. As a young adult novel we felt the ending too romantic for the seriousness of the topic and wondered if emphasis around professional help would have been equally as appropriate. Rape and suicide being our discussion, some experiencing these topics within family or friends, we agreed that hope, purpose and support rather than condemnation is far more appropriate in the healing process. |
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By: AUCK 050
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2018-05-16 12:50:14 |
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We all agreed Mandy Hager is a great writer. We were drawn into the story from the first page, and most continued to be enthralled by the story until the end, when some became irritated with Tara and found the romance too twee. We all felt this was a book better suited to the teen market than to us (as older women). We enjoyed it though and would be keen to read more by this author. |
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By: NGUN 001
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2018-05-16 12:42:15 |
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Most of us really enjoyed this book. |
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By: TEAWA 005
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2018-05-16 12:41:41 |
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We all thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well-written. We think all teenagers should read it! |
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By: KATIK 002
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2018-05-16 12:40:30 |
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A raw story. Ireland flavoured the story, which contrasted with the New Zealand setting. Each relationship was charged with strong characterisation, with some destructive behaviours evident. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter deserve a lot of thought - thoughts for living life. A brilliant book. |
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By: KATIK 008
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2018-05-16 12:36:39 |
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This was intelligently written, and we enjoyed reading it - now want to read more by this author. It was a very good portrayal of an Irish Catholic upbringing, also of artistic talent. Complex themes well handled, especially that of suicide. The book created good discussion. |
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By: TEAWA 003
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2018-05-16 12:31:29 |
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We loved this book, it was a good way to end the year. It was interesting to note a teenager's perspective of the family dynamics. It was nice that it was sensitive to the topics presented, and most of them were addressed. We recommend this. |
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By: NAP 020
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2018-05-16 12:28:37 |
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Thought provoking. Well researched and written. Generated good discussion. |
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By: AUCK 240
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2018-02-22 10:46:45 |
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It was a teen literature book set in NZ which was topical in that it threw up some interesting discussion on Suicide, we enjoyed this and very varied responses to the plot, characters and historical backdrop of the Irish Troubles. |
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