A Waste of Good Paper Review

Title: A Waste of Good Paper

Author: Sean Taylor

Release Date: 3rd May 2012

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Friday

Pete says this is a writing book he's only giving me and it's PRIVATE and I can writge what I want...

Wednesday

Pete's an ALL RIGHT teacher. But it's a DUMB idea he's got about this book because the problem last year was what FATHEAD BARRY and the others were saying about my mum. And what happens if they start dissing her again?

Saturday

I'm writing this because of what's happened. And that is my mum's ex-boyfriend JON SHOWED UP. And BOTH his arms were BROKEN...

When Pete suggests Jason should start writing a journal, he thinks it is a stupid idea. However, when he begins to write, it seems he can’t stop. Using the journal allows Jason to articulate his feelings and gives him the opportunity to come to terms with the horrific events which have happened in his past. Far from being a sad read, this book is very humorous and optimistic about people’s ability to change.

I really didn’t know what to expect from this novel as the blurb doesn’t give much away but I found it really enjoyable. Jason goes to a school for children with behaviour difficulties because of his troubled past but after making progress, he is hoping to go to mainstream school next year. Written from Jason’s point of view in the form of a journal, the book makes for a brutally honest and genuinely funny read. Jason’s simplistic writing style make his feelings obvious and it was his frankness that urged me to continue reading, such as his views on FATHEAD BARRY and the others in his class which add to the hilarity of this book.

Jason’s detailed writing in the pages of his journal ranges from his everyday activities such as what he studied in class to his inner most thoughts on always being ALL RIGHT when Pete asks. The story becomes increasingly darker and as Jason writes more about the past, his circumstances become more frightening and dangerous, his mum’s ex-boyfriend shows up and trouble ensues. I felt genuinely scared for Jason as the terror he feels when confronted by Jon is well translated into the diary.  

While Jason’s life is far from pleasant and often upsetting, the novel offers a serious but fresh approach to children who have a difficult upbringing. Towards the end of the novel, Jason becomes more confident about his writing and it helps him rebuild his relationship with his mum. When he decides to let Pete read his journal, it seems to mark a new beginning for him, which is a hopeful ending for Jason and his mum.

Overall, this book was a really unexpected pleasure. Jason’s character is really easy to empathise with, offering depth to the story. There are a lot of unexpected twists to this book which build the suspense of the narrative and while it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I found Sean Taylor’s style refreshing and the book a really easy read.

5/5 for Jason’s character and honest writing style

With special thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books for sending me a copy of the book.