Someone I Used to Know
How y’all!?! How, how, how am I now just reading a book by Paige Toon!?! I feel like I’ve lost out on so many excellent books she has written over the years, but never fear, I will be playing catchup as I dive into more of her phenomenal stories!
So much can change in half a lifetime…
Then
At fifteen, George is the foster brother Leah never asked for. As the angry, troubled boy struggles to come to terms with his circumstances, Leah finds herself getting drawn closer to him.
Theo’s wealthy family have mysteriously pulled him out of boarding school and he’s now enrolled at the local state school with Leah and George. When their worlds collide that summer, the three teenagers form a bond they believe will be unbreakable. But life doesn’t always go to plan...
Now
Shocking news brings Leah back to Yorkshire, baby daughter in tow. But Emilie’s father Theo isn’t with them, and George has unexpectedly returned. After half a lifetime, have they healed the scars of their pasts? Will coming back home set their hearts in a different direction?
Have you ever loved a book so much that when it came time to write the review you had trouble finding the words, or found yourself so attached to each character that you found yourself clinging to them and just didn’t want the story to end? Someone I Used to Know just had it all - both heartwarming and heartbreaking. So bear with me as I try to do this book justice with my review (no way I can do justice to such an amazing story).
How realistic were the characters and situations in this story?
Y’all know I love family dynamics within a story, and this book has it all. The story incorporates a family that fosters children and all that comes with it. The children each are dealing with real life situations, and I found myself right there with them in their daily lives. There were no quick fixes for each kid (just like real life), only time, love and patience. I was cheering them on and wishing the best for them, getting angry at the real situations they go through, and then ugly crying in the best possible way. Oh how I want many more sequels to this book with the rest of the lives of each foster child. I cannot compliment Paige enough for truly capturing the realities of the foster care system… both the positives and negatives!
As for the lead characters…Leah was such an amazing and complex character full of heart and all the other emotions that come along with the challenges in life she faced. Theo and George are two of the best male leads I have read about in a long time. I loved two guys and all they represented so much. And Leah’s parents…I’m just beyond words when it comes to them, so you’ll just have to read the story!
How was the pacing?
This book is a fast read. I binged it in less than 24 hours, and was loathe to set this book down for even a bathroom break.
Do you recommend it?
YES!! Please read this captivating and touching story, and then you too will find yourself part of this amazing cast of characters!
