Finding Violet Park

By Jenny Valentine

"I thought this book to be an excellent read, however there was one problem. The layouts of the sentences to start with were terrible.

It is all about a 16 year old male who smokes weed and finds a dead woman's ashes and decides to save her. It changes his life forever.

I would read it again if given the chance and would recommend it to anyone with an interest of well thought out plots."

Mitchell Kenyon, Student

"I found it a little hard to get into this book in the first few pages, but as you get used to the unusual slant of the story it becomes a very enjoyable read indeed.

Lucas finds an urn containing the ashes of an old lady, the Violet Park of the title, which had been left in a taxi cab five years before. He finds he can empathise with Violet and through her he comes to discover links between her and his own family. Lucas is obsessed with the father who left him and his family five years earlier. The author paints her characters well and you come to like Lucas and identify with him.

His family are also well drawn and each has a distinctive personality and a part to play in the unfolding of the story. This is a well plotted book that keeps you guessing right to the end when a little twist in the tale leaves you with a smile on your face. This book would be suitable for anyone 11+ and will reward you if you stick with it."

Mr Walker, History Teacher

"I really enjoyed reading this book - in fact I did it in one sitting! It's a fairly easy read, with a fairly simple storyline (once you get your head around the idea that the main character can talk to a dead old lady!)

The story is really clever as it all links together in the end (the author keeps you guessing though). I really liked the way that the characters were linked and I thought they were all really realistic and believable.

My favourite part is when Lucas first "meets" Violet. It's a bit weird but it really sets the tone for the whole book. Lucas is a likeable character and all the way through I empathised with him and his situation. It was really interesting to see him go through all the changes that finding Violet brings, and I think the ending was brilliant.

This book would appeal to boys and girls of all ages, but is probably best suited to Years 9 - 11.

I loved this book!"

Miss Hodkin, English Teacher

"A love / hate relationship! At first I hated this book. Honestly, completely detested it. I persevered, mainly because I hate not finishing something once I've started, and WOW am I glad I did!! It's got more twists than a ski slope, more insight than a crystal ball and more care than a soft, fluffy, warm clean towel straight from the airing cupboard.

A 16 year old boy from a modern home shares his journey of self discovery under the guidance of a dead woman's ashes. Unbelievable but true.

Suitable for all - students, parents, teachers, I wholeheartedly recommend this; trust me, if you get weary a few pages in stick with it - it is worth it in the end."

Miss Jasper, Assistant Headteacher