Almost True

Sequel to "When I was Joe" and what a sequel! For someone who has only written 2 books, David's work is brilliant. A gripping and suspenseful novel that keeps it as "real" as possible by delving deeply into the mind of the main character Ty who has made a mistake and is now trying to live with it. The book opens with the horrible scene of him returning from a run at the beach to discover that his mother's ex-boyfriend has been shot dead by the thugs who are after HIM. He is whisked away from the police by his practical aunt to stay with his "other" grandparents, the parents of a father he has never known. This leads to more discoveries about his past and while he is beating himself up for not telling the whole truth about the knife show more attack in the first book, ALL the adults around him are also guilty of not telling him the truth either. As the action hots up and Ty finds himself on the run again and again, the reader's heart aches for him to find at least ONE adult who will tell him what happened in the past and help him face his future. I was very glad that the author took the reader with Ty as he faced cross-examination and being charged with possession of a weapon, etc as he (and the reader) are made to face the REALITY of knife culture - what can happen to you when you make certain choices. So often books like this from the UK gloss over the practicalities of what happens AFTER the baddy has been caught or the semi-goody confesses. Great stuff and one I could not put down although at times it was so gut-wrenching. Brilliant!!! show less

After having to read "When I Was Joe" in two parts I knew I wanted to read "Almost True" in one sitting. I did, and was glad!

"Almost True" continues telling the story of Ty, and is a real rollercoaster of action and emotion. I found at times that I couldn't read fast enough, and then at other times I almost didn't want to turn the page.

One of the things I really loved is how realistically the characters are created. Like most teenagers Ty gets it right some of the time and also gets it wrong, making poor decisions. At times I wanted to shake him, but I know that this is how I generally feel about teenagers so I thought this was just perfect.

After having to read "When I Was Joe" in two parts I knew I wanted to read "Almost True" in one sitting. I did, and was glad!

"Almost True" continues telling the story of Ty, and is a real rollercoaster of action and emotion. I found at times that I couldn't read fast enough, and then at other times I almost didn't want to turn the page.

One of the things I really loved is how realistically the characters are created. Like most teenagers Ty gets it right some of the time and also gets it wrong, making poor decisions. At times I wanted to shake him, but I know that this is how I generally feel about teenagers so I thought this was just perfect.