Title: So Much to Tell You (Goodreads)
Author: John Marsden
Published: Walker Books, 1987
Pages: 150
Genres: Young Adult
My Copy: Library Book
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository (or visit your local Indie bookstore)
Life is very complicated for Marina. Shipped off to boarding school, in a world she doesn’t fit in with, trying to understand life. She sets out writing a journal for an assignment but she really takes to it and in the journal we find really what is going on within her head. She is socially awkward dealing with a tragic accident that has left her face scarred; and she hasn’t spoken a word since this incident.
I picked up this book on a couple of peoples recommendation; John Marsden really is a stand out Australian author and this is probably the best I’ve read of his works. I like realistic YA novels that features an angsty, socially awkward protagonist. I think it’s just that I relate well with them and ever since discovering John Green I’ve been looking for more books like this.
So Much to Tell You reminds me a lot of Perks of Being A Wallflower, with the way it’s written, slowly we discover these protagonists; all their anger and hurt and frustrations. But there is always a sense of mystery that doesn’t seem to be revealed. With this novel it is how she got these scars and why she hates her father so much. I know she has issues of abandonment but with the scars I know something bad happened; I thought it was a case of her father setting her on fire (but that’s just my disturbing mind).
This is a wonderful story of discovery and understanding. I loved Marina as a characters and finding more and more about her was what really drove this story home for me. But there was one major issue that I had with this novel, without spoiling anything; I had a WTF moment with the way this book ended.
So Much to Tell You is a perfect example of great realistic YA literature and proves that Australian YA authors have so much to offer. This is a very short book but well worth reading. I did feel like this was focused on a younger audience than other YA novels I’ve read. I would have liked it to be a little darker but still a wonderful read.
Well… I’ll add it to my list then 🙂
Good idea
Great book! But I’m sad that you felt the need to recommend people purchase it online (Amazon; Book Depository – they hardly need the advertising). This is a classic of Australian YA & is readily available in most bookstores. Support your local bookstore before it’s too late!
I alway give quick links, but you will notice I tell people go to their local indie book store too
This is one of my all-time favourite books that I’ve read about 50 times (at least) since I was 10, and nobody’s ever heard of it. I love the end, especially that you don’t find out what her name is until then (and it hardl matters). I may have to go in search of this and re-read it.
50 times! That’s an impressive amount
This is my favourite book! I’ve been looking for more like this. It’s so fantastic. Found it in the school library and just decided to read it. I’m going to buy my own copy soon