If Only
Sarah Walker

Hodder Headline: 
Mark Macleod Books 2001

198p pbk $16.95

ISBN: 0-7336-1387-X  

Sarah Walker’s novel If Only is a brilliant portrayal of the consequences faced with secret love. Published by Hodder Headline Australia, the novel confronts bleak circumstances that force two teenagers to look within to find comfort, truth and above all love…

If Only is an awesome book with an interesting storyline. It is a fairly slow-paced novel, which is very easy to read. The realistic ending exposed a truth that many teenagers can relate to, providing great depth to the plot. The novel was excellently written, giving a lot of insight into an adolescent perspective, allowing the reader to become more absorbed into the story.

I would recommend this book to anybody over the age of 14. Definitely a novel for teens! People who enjoy dramatic romance will find If Only an exciting story which will have you anticipating the final outcome. Great to read alone in your spare time. Three Stars!!*

Nari, aged 14, Canberra, ACT

If Only written by Sarah Walker is about a teenage girl, Cara and how one night can change your life. Cara is going out with Fly but is madly in love with Danny, her best friends’ boyfriend. One night when they are all just sitting around, Fly and Danny go to the service station and come back in a horrible mood and seem angry with each other. Trouble starts then and someone ends up dead. Everyone is acting strangely and no one will tell her what’s happening. Danny decides to leave and Cara has to make the decision to go or stay. If Cara could find out the truth will everything go back to normal?

I think that this book would be a great read for teens aged between 15-19. It has a few deep topics that younger readers might find it hard to understand.

Kassie, Year 9, Canberra, ACT