Sometimes in your life as a reader, you come by a book that kind of changes everything. Another Place by Matthew Crow is one of those books for me. I was lucky enough to be sent a physical ARC from the publisher, Atom Books and now I get to gush about it to you all! So let’s get into it…
Another Place, to me, is Thirteen Reasons Why meets Pretty Little Liars with the best of gritty YA that the UKYA community has to offer. It’s about finding yourself whilst losing others, being strong, mental health and to me, home. We follow Claudette who has had a mental health breakdown as a result of depression and has just left hospital. Her friend, who she almost worships, has gone missing. Claudette has questions and all throughout the book you see her getting stronger and learning that actually, she can do things. It is clear from the beginning that Sarah, the girl who’s gone missing, isn’t perfect. In fact, she has a bit of a past and you see Claudette struggling with the idea that there were some things about Sarah that she was just never going to learn.
This book is stunning because of Matthew’s writing. It flows so beautifully and is so poetic, every line made me smile with how beautiful it was. The characterisation is wonderful and Claudette has such a good character arc that the book is so satisfying when you finish it and the end is simply glorious.
The plot, at its most basic level is a mystery. We as readers are trying to see if we can crack the code and work out what happened to Claudette’s friend. I have never really read a mystery before and this kept me guessing right until the end. No one in the book is perfect, everyone seems like they could be guilty of something which really enhances the story.
Now, we need to talk about the COVER. Just LOOK at it. I knew as soon as I opened the parcel that I would love this book, which sounds silly because you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover…but I just knew. I tweeted Matthew that it reminded me of the See The Light scene in Tangled to which he said that that was the inspiration! I was reading the book hoping and praying that I would get to see it being played out in the book and let me tell you, when it was I was SO pleased. This is such a satisfying read, from the problematic characters to the beautiful writing, whatever Matthew is trying to achieve, he pulls it off with finesse and ease. Whilst I was reading this scene I was listening (by chance) to Linkin Park’s One More Light, which was just the perfect song for this moment and it was such a beautiful moment – you will require tissues! I have a snapchat that I took of my face after I finished the book…but it should NEVER be seen on the internet.
Without a doubt, this will be in my Top 10 Books of 2017. Maybe even number one. But let’s face it Wing Jones and The Hate U Give are tough competition, but Crow’s writing stands up there with the best.
Rating: ★★★★★
Have you read Another Place? Is it on your TBR? Let me know down below! Sorry for how spaced out my posts have been I am moving!
Follow me on twitter for updates on what I’m reading. Look at the Book Club here or even follow me on snapchat @rosiefreckle to see live updates of my reading.
Thank you lovelies and happy reading! ox
Advertisements Share this:
