Obsession
Julia Lawrinson
Fremantle
Arts Centre Press
259p
pbk
1-86368-324-0
Category:
Teen Issues
Obsession
is a fast and well-written book by Julia Lawrinson. Charlotte (known as Charlie)
has had a really rough life and the only way she can communicate with the world
is with her best friend: a blank page in her diary. Her mum’s a drunken wreck,
her dad died in an accident and she feels that nobody wants her around. Then she
starts at Kenwood High School and meets Kate, the most popular girl in the whole
school. That’s when things start to change and her life becomes better. Or
does it?
Obsession
is a book all about coping with a rough life, finding out who you really are and
what life is all about. Filled with emotional and funny moments this book is
great to read on a rainy day. Obsession is a book that can be easily read
but is aimed at teenage girls between the age of thirteen and seventeen.
I
feel that Obsession was a great book to read and that every girl going
through a rough time or just wanting a good book to read should definitely read
this book. It’s a great page- turner and really keeps you hooked. Obsession
can be a full on at times with a few hot moments but then it can also be a bit
slow in places. I defiantly recommend it. I give Obsession a nine and a
half out of ten.
Cassey, aged 15,
Canberra, ACT
After
Charlie's dad died she moves to a new school where she is thrust into a
friendship with a girl she hates. Then she meets Kate. Kate is everything
Charlie isn't...
This
book is intended for teenagers, from 15 up. It appeals to its intended audience
because it would make them sympathise with the main characters and because they
might have been in similar situation. The choice of topics is suitable for the
intended age group because it's about someone trying to come to terms with their
sexuality as many teenagers are, and it's about school life and the normal
typical things you would expect in a teenage life with a few extra
complications, for example Charlie’s mum is an alcoholic.
The
storyline is all right though it did not appeal to me. The book was very
readable and the language is what any teenager might hear, think or write in
everyday life. The layout suits the reader perfectly and it makes it a quick
read. It is definitely a read alone book, as most of this you wouldn't enjoy
reading aloud to any audience. I would have enjoyed it more if Charlie had a few
less problems. I would recommend this to readers who are interested in reading
about girls who have more problems then they can handle, and would like to go
along for the ride and find out how she figures out a way to solve them.
Tayah, aged 15, rural NSW
