Readers' reviews

Amy’s Diary is very good short story, based on a young girl’s diary that she got for her 19th birthday. It is set when the Second World War just started in Liverpool. The story was based on Amy’s life, how she had a very good relationships with her family and her friend from school, until she fell in love, then things started to change with her life. This is a book for women more than men. It also a very good Quick Read and I would give this book 9 out of 10.

The book Raw Voices is based on people's real life stories, which are completely true, and the hardships they have faced but they did not lose hope. The best thing about this book is it makes you realise that their lives are so different than ours, yet they turn things around and become successful. I personally enjoyed reading these stories because it makes me think it's never too late to change your life.

What a catchy little book. Reminded me of Horowitz novels on the young spy Alex Ryder. Another great read.

The book is about a train journey based on two people called Helen and Kerm when one of them gets stabbed. The main storyline of the book are when Kerm's grandfather passes away and Helen's brother-in-law is stalking her by making private calls and changing his voice when saying things to her. The worst bit about the story is when Helen gets punched on the train. I would recommend the book to others because it's interesting and has a lot of different stories in it, but the ending could be better so we can find out what happens next.

This is a shocking story about one boy’s desperate efforts to keep his family together. Ryan is 12, he lives on a rough estate with his drunken mum and young brother Tommy. They are about to be taken into different foster care, Ryan desperate to make efforts to keep his family together. On the run, he ends up hanging about on the street alone in cold. The author uses simple words to write a true touching story, it attracts my interest to follow all the way. I can’t wait to find out what will happen to Ryan’s family at the end. It is a real life story. Although Ryan hasn’t got a competent mum or a warm family, in the bottom of his heart, he deeply loves his mum and family. He makes efforts to bring his family together. The story was really touching me. Ryan’s life is hard but full of love. I am very appreciative of the social workers, police and foster carers' job. They make great efforts for those people who need love and care.

This is not the usual type of book I would read. If you are looking to try something new and different then this would be a great start. This story is about a close brother and sister who are left by their mother. Jack doesn't speak so his sister and new friend try to discover why. You really get to know the characters and are looking for clues to find out why Jack doesn't speak. The book is not as predictable as you think which is something I liked so it keeps you guessing.

What an excellent read. Haven't picked up a book in a while and there are loads of the Quick Reads around work. Started and couldn't put this down, had me hooked from the beginning and all the way through. Easy to read and really simple. I'm on my fourth book this week - lovin' Quick Reads!

I'm currently doing a literacy course we had to a read book of our choice. The book was an autobiography and an insight into where John Simpson has covered whilst being a journalist. When I first saw the cover of this book it did not really grab me. It was only when someone said to me that John Simpson was a great read. As soon as I started to read the the first chapter of this book about Belfast, from start to finish, I was pulled into the story! I could actually visualise what was happening with the close call with the IRA, but his friend comes over to save the day. At this point, I just had to carry on. As soon you start to get into this book you start to realise something about John Simpson, that "no matter where they go, no matter how dangerous the places that they go to" they always come back alive, maybe with a few bruises. So overall, I would rate this book an 8/10. A great insight into the places that he had been to and would recommend it to anyone who loves war stories and a bit of gore.

Firstly I must start by saying I'm a Rep, so I drive a lot and listen to Audio books by the hand full. Quantum of Tweed was a refreshing change from so many of the books that I listen to. I love the writing style, humour and wit. I have spent some time in England and could relate to the setting. My only gripe was it was way too short. You had a great story you should of made it longer. It was over way too quickly. Thanks again, loved it.

The Quick Read book Clouded Vision has some good and exciting chapters in it but it would be a better read if it was a full book. The plot of the story is simple and easy to catch on....so you think as you're reading but you get a shock at the end!

Clouded Vision is a mysterious plot to find a missing mother and determine what happened to her. Wendall Garfield is a devoted father and will do whatever he can to protect his daughter Ellie no matter what it takes. As the plot thickens there is a violent altication leaving one of the characters in trouble. A good read with a great plot which leaves you guessing until the very end. This book would be good as a full book as I think it ends a little abruptly.

The Story is quite good. I enjoyed reading the beginning of the story but i didn't like the ending because it didn't finish of properly.it was a really frightening story when Garfield thought Keisha knows the truth so he tried strangling her with his wife's robe and Keisha trying to save herself killed Garfield by hammering a knitting pin into his eye.

My mum hasn't read a book for many, many years. She says she can't concentrate on books for long enough - I think they are too daunting for her - "over-facing" her. The upshot of this is that she hasn't read for 10-15 years. I brought three of the Quick Reads home from our library for her and gave them to her this morning. She is reading The Cave by Kate Mosse - and has devoured it! "I'm up to chapter 14 and I can't wait to find out how it ends...but I'm not looking!" she just said....and has promptly stuck her nose back in the book again! This is so wonderful for me to see - as someone whose family are avid readers I know the power of a good book. Thank you so much for bringing these books to my mum - they have given her back her confidence - its just astounding!

I thought the girl on the platform was very interesting, I liked how the story flows. It was a good story and I liked the characters - Maggie was a good character because she was exciting. I liked the ending and how the story pans out.  It was a story I could get my teeth into.