What do you think?
Rate this book
Romeo is Homeless
Yearning for more than pig slop and hand-me-downs, August Bailey runs away from her farm home — and from her family. In the big city, she discovers that reality and fantasy don’t mix. When her money runs out, a seventeen-year-old street kid comes to her rescue. Reese has electric eyes, a gentleman’s heart—and a heroin addiction. For him, each day is a struggle to make the right choice. They fall for each other, and August wants to save him from his horrid existence. But the truth behind his pain might be more than she can bear. Could their love ruin her life?
(Formerly titled Suicide City)
(Formerly titled Suicide City)
- GenresYoung AdultDarkRomance
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2013
19 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Julie Frayn
12 books138 followersJulie Frayn pens award-winning novels and short stories that pack a punch. And a few stabs. When not working or writing, Julie spend as much time as possible with her babies. Well, they’re grown adults now, but they still think she’s cool. Right kids? Right? Hello?
In grade school, Julie was a math whiz, loved to write stories and poems in English class, and had an artistic flair for pencil drawings and pen and ink pointillism. When it came time to choose a career, she was torn between three loves. Her artistic brain ached to create. But her practical side, and the need to eat, won out. She devoted her career to numbers. She counts beans by day, but still revels in the written word.
In grade school, Julie was a math whiz, loved to write stories and poems in English class, and had an artistic flair for pencil drawings and pen and ink pointillism. When it came time to choose a career, she was torn between three loves. Her artistic brain ached to create. But her practical side, and the need to eat, won out. She devoted her career to numbers. She counts beans by day, but still revels in the written word.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 8, 2025
Another 2025 re-read! I can’t believe I first read this in 2014. Gosh time flies. Still recommend it today!
This is a powerful and emotive book, it really took me on one heck of a journey. I love the way author Julie Frayn inserts honest grit and the edgy hardness of life into her plot and characters, after adoring her book Mazie Baby I was keen to read this one with an eager heart.
August is living on a working farm in "Hicksville, somewhere USA" - in her own words she doesn't feel she has a life, up in the morning to help with the pigs, collect the eggs, all before heading off to high school. Living under strict rules to not date, or do much at all that most teens are doing really, she rebels against the confines of her cage she feels she is in, from under the controlling aspect of her mother (who really only wants her to be safe and well) and decides to run away to the big lights in the big city. She is thinking it's going to be just like in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Not so dear girl, not so.
August is quickly dragged into the world of a group of street kids when her tiny amount of money runs out very quickly. She is helped by Reese, a charismatic young teen who has been on the streets of the big city for quite some time, a recovering heroin addict who has kicked the habit and trying to stay clean.
This is not a pretty young adult book at all, it touched and broke my heart about these teenagers. They sell their bodies to buy food and live, their innocence lost forever in the back seats of cars and on dirty mattresses in cheap "by the hour" hotels. This is not living, this is survival at it's ugliest. Trailing through garbage bins at the back of shops at dawn to salvage half eaten food and anything that is remotely edible. Seeing those they know both the walking dead and the actual dead with their addiction to heroin to numb the pain.
August falls heavy for Reese and he to her, their romance blooms under cardboard boxes for beds and their tender love is both beautiful and dangerous for so many reasons. August would do anything for Reese, and she shows her love in the most god awful heart breaking scenes I have read in a book in a long time, can't share, it's a big spoiler, but heck I was close to tears. Sweet girl, you thought it was going to be so darn glamorous. I guess not huh?
Reese is amazing, oh my God I felt so much about him. He was light and shade. His back story that is weaved into this book hit me in the guts and knocked me sideways. Tragic. I loved this boy. I really did.
Her parents back home and the police are searching for her and soon her photos is hitting the newspapers and she knows they want her home. August is not going anywhere, her devotion to Reese and her sense of belonging with his group of friends that he runs the streets with is too strong. No doubt she feels somewhat alive amongst the tragedy of it all.
The book pulled my feelings in all directions, it's raw and it's well written and it's powerful. I felt anger, happiness, sadness, despair and so much more. The characters are flawed in so many ways, you see the child within then you see the adults they have been forced to become. The streets are not a place for pretty rainbows and fairy tales. These are broken teens, broken when they should be having the best days of their lives.
But I loved their spunk, their courage, their determination. Loved their loyalty to each other through difficult and harrowing scenes. Very moving. Packs a punch let me tell you. And August? How long can she maintain her sweet, pure innocence?
With three massive twists towards the end of the book I was knocked flat, one I saw coming, the other two I did not. I was stunned, shocked, moved, I felt a million things. This is an author who is very good at throwing in difficult plot twists that wrench at your heart until you are spent.
I am a big fan of Julie's writing. I like the rawness she adds to the story, these are characters in a book, but there are millions of teens like the ones in this story out there today. I know, I have seen in first hand. Highly recommended reading if you like your books with a bit of grit and real life that are also highly enjoyable to read. Not your average YA/Teen novel, highly suitable to all readers.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the author Julie Frayn in exchange for a fair and honest review. Many thanks.
Thanks SO much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻
Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews. You can browse through my many great books reviewed for your next awesome book to enjoy.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
This is a powerful and emotive book, it really took me on one heck of a journey. I love the way author Julie Frayn inserts honest grit and the edgy hardness of life into her plot and characters, after adoring her book Mazie Baby I was keen to read this one with an eager heart.
August is living on a working farm in "Hicksville, somewhere USA" - in her own words she doesn't feel she has a life, up in the morning to help with the pigs, collect the eggs, all before heading off to high school. Living under strict rules to not date, or do much at all that most teens are doing really, she rebels against the confines of her cage she feels she is in, from under the controlling aspect of her mother (who really only wants her to be safe and well) and decides to run away to the big lights in the big city. She is thinking it's going to be just like in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Not so dear girl, not so.
August is quickly dragged into the world of a group of street kids when her tiny amount of money runs out very quickly. She is helped by Reese, a charismatic young teen who has been on the streets of the big city for quite some time, a recovering heroin addict who has kicked the habit and trying to stay clean.
This is not a pretty young adult book at all, it touched and broke my heart about these teenagers. They sell their bodies to buy food and live, their innocence lost forever in the back seats of cars and on dirty mattresses in cheap "by the hour" hotels. This is not living, this is survival at it's ugliest. Trailing through garbage bins at the back of shops at dawn to salvage half eaten food and anything that is remotely edible. Seeing those they know both the walking dead and the actual dead with their addiction to heroin to numb the pain.
August falls heavy for Reese and he to her, their romance blooms under cardboard boxes for beds and their tender love is both beautiful and dangerous for so many reasons. August would do anything for Reese, and she shows her love in the most god awful heart breaking scenes I have read in a book in a long time, can't share, it's a big spoiler, but heck I was close to tears. Sweet girl, you thought it was going to be so darn glamorous. I guess not huh?
Reese is amazing, oh my God I felt so much about him. He was light and shade. His back story that is weaved into this book hit me in the guts and knocked me sideways. Tragic. I loved this boy. I really did.
Her parents back home and the police are searching for her and soon her photos is hitting the newspapers and she knows they want her home. August is not going anywhere, her devotion to Reese and her sense of belonging with his group of friends that he runs the streets with is too strong. No doubt she feels somewhat alive amongst the tragedy of it all.
The book pulled my feelings in all directions, it's raw and it's well written and it's powerful. I felt anger, happiness, sadness, despair and so much more. The characters are flawed in so many ways, you see the child within then you see the adults they have been forced to become. The streets are not a place for pretty rainbows and fairy tales. These are broken teens, broken when they should be having the best days of their lives.
But I loved their spunk, their courage, their determination. Loved their loyalty to each other through difficult and harrowing scenes. Very moving. Packs a punch let me tell you. And August? How long can she maintain her sweet, pure innocence?
With three massive twists towards the end of the book I was knocked flat, one I saw coming, the other two I did not. I was stunned, shocked, moved, I felt a million things. This is an author who is very good at throwing in difficult plot twists that wrench at your heart until you are spent.
I am a big fan of Julie's writing. I like the rawness she adds to the story, these are characters in a book, but there are millions of teens like the ones in this story out there today. I know, I have seen in first hand. Highly recommended reading if you like your books with a bit of grit and real life that are also highly enjoyable to read. Not your average YA/Teen novel, highly suitable to all readers.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the author Julie Frayn in exchange for a fair and honest review. Many thanks.
Thanks SO much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻
Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews. You can browse through my many great books reviewed for your next awesome book to enjoy.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
March 12, 2018
Excellent
I’ve read several of this author’s books, and I have to say that this one shook me to the core. It was heart wrenching, but so true to what is happening with our children who live on the streets.
I’ve read several of this author’s books, and I have to say that this one shook me to the core. It was heart wrenching, but so true to what is happening with our children who live on the streets.
August 3, 2021
Great atory
At first, I really disliked August, with her bratty attitude. But she grew on me. Reece was just awesome from the first time he entered the story, as was Guy. The storyline pulled at my heart and gave me all the feels!! Great story. Give it a go
At first, I really disliked August, with her bratty attitude. But she grew on me. Reece was just awesome from the first time he entered the story, as was Guy. The storyline pulled at my heart and gave me all the feels!! Great story. Give it a go
April 10, 2013
Suicide City, a Love Story is billed on Amazon as an “edgy young adult novel.” Because of the sexual content and abuse I’d recommend it for older teens. There is not gratuitous teen sex in this novel. There’s no glamorization of a lifestyle on the streets. From the moment Reese and August find the body of Reese’s friend, it got real. I have never been on the streets nor would I want to be and I can imagine it being much less safe than Frayn portrays but the skill with which she paints a dead-end world makes it astoundingly, skin-crawlingly, vivid. These are forgotten kids in an unseen – except by would-be johns – world.
As we follow August from the farm we know that things will be hard for her but the reader expects some sugar coating, this is a love story, after all. The catch is that it’s not the kind of love story we think it will be. Sure, Reese and August love each other but will it last? Reese is a boy on the edge. He was badly abused at the behest of his mother who would get extra money for his involvement in her selling herself. His damage runs deep. August learns how lucky she was but she’ll never leave Reese. What will they do? You won’t believe what Frayn does and I think it’s a touch of genius.
Interspersed with August’s story are letters that her mother writes and puts under her pillow at home. They are beautifully written showing anger, hurt, imperfection and love. My heart broke for Mrs. Bailey who loved her daughter so dearly and now didn’t know where she was as it did for August as, we as the reader, were only too sure of where she’d gone and what she was doing.
Frayn’s writing style is brilliant and her plotting is flawless. August’s journey is a poignant one. I cannot imagine giving this novel to a teen any younger than 16 but I might give it to all that I know who are older. Suicide City, a Love Story is a cautionary tale for a modern age.
As we follow August from the farm we know that things will be hard for her but the reader expects some sugar coating, this is a love story, after all. The catch is that it’s not the kind of love story we think it will be. Sure, Reese and August love each other but will it last? Reese is a boy on the edge. He was badly abused at the behest of his mother who would get extra money for his involvement in her selling herself. His damage runs deep. August learns how lucky she was but she’ll never leave Reese. What will they do? You won’t believe what Frayn does and I think it’s a touch of genius.
Interspersed with August’s story are letters that her mother writes and puts under her pillow at home. They are beautifully written showing anger, hurt, imperfection and love. My heart broke for Mrs. Bailey who loved her daughter so dearly and now didn’t know where she was as it did for August as, we as the reader, were only too sure of where she’d gone and what she was doing.
Frayn’s writing style is brilliant and her plotting is flawless. August’s journey is a poignant one. I cannot imagine giving this novel to a teen any younger than 16 but I might give it to all that I know who are older. Suicide City, a Love Story is a cautionary tale for a modern age.
February 11, 2015
Suicide City, a Love Story by Julie Frayn
Sixteen year old August Bailey wants off of her Iowa farm and away from her strict and controlling Mother. She wants to live in the City, Charlesworth. So one day she decides to run away. Once she gets to Charlesworth she has little money and no where to go.
She meets up with a cute homeless boy named Reese. He lives on the streets, is battling a heroine addition and fighting his urges to cut himself (again). August falls in love with Reese, she feels he is her true love and wants to be with him.
She learns of his past, and why he chose to live this way. She finds that life on the streets is not easy, they have a rough life and the things the homeless teens do to survive is shocking to sheltered August.
A well written story of young love, innocence lost, the bond of friendship and unconditional love. August is very sheltered and naive, yet she is very likable. Reese comes from a broken home, his life is not easy. He is likable. I wanted him to find himself and happiness and get off the mean streets.
The vivid details told through August, Reese and Augusts' Mothers point of view, is compelling and emotional. We know exactly how they feel. I like that in a book. The plot is true to life and heart-breaking. Watching what the homeless teens go through is tragic, sad and frightening.
August learns that every choice has consequences, some are good, others are not. Living on the streets gives her an eye opening taste of reality, what she has, and what she lost. I was hooked from the first page until the last.
Suicide City, a Love Story left an impression on my heart. I highly recommend to Young Adult and Adult readers. A true five star, memorable thought-provoking, emotional read. Fantastic.
Sixteen year old August Bailey wants off of her Iowa farm and away from her strict and controlling Mother. She wants to live in the City, Charlesworth. So one day she decides to run away. Once she gets to Charlesworth she has little money and no where to go.
She meets up with a cute homeless boy named Reese. He lives on the streets, is battling a heroine addition and fighting his urges to cut himself (again). August falls in love with Reese, she feels he is her true love and wants to be with him.
She learns of his past, and why he chose to live this way. She finds that life on the streets is not easy, they have a rough life and the things the homeless teens do to survive is shocking to sheltered August.
A well written story of young love, innocence lost, the bond of friendship and unconditional love. August is very sheltered and naive, yet she is very likable. Reese comes from a broken home, his life is not easy. He is likable. I wanted him to find himself and happiness and get off the mean streets.
The vivid details told through August, Reese and Augusts' Mothers point of view, is compelling and emotional. We know exactly how they feel. I like that in a book. The plot is true to life and heart-breaking. Watching what the homeless teens go through is tragic, sad and frightening.
August learns that every choice has consequences, some are good, others are not. Living on the streets gives her an eye opening taste of reality, what she has, and what she lost. I was hooked from the first page until the last.
Suicide City, a Love Story left an impression on my heart. I highly recommend to Young Adult and Adult readers. A true five star, memorable thought-provoking, emotional read. Fantastic.
August 17, 2016
3.5 stars.
It is hard to "like" a book such as this, one full of the horrors that humans can do, especially to children. It is also difficult to "like" a book where the main character is so unlikable.
August Bailey is 16 years old. She lives with her family in a farming community, has never been to the big city, and wants more from life than slopping pigs and growing corn. The problem is, her fantasy of big city life comes from movies made more than 50 years ago. After an argument with her strict mother, she runs away from home to begin her grand adventure in the city, and it all goes downhill from there.
Reese, a recovering heroin addict, street kid, and part time prostitute, "saves" her and teaches her the ropes of staying alive on the streets. Ricki, Amber, and Guy complete their makeshift family. August learns that city life can be brutal, and her reasons for leaving home are petty compared to the horrors of child rape and drug use that her friends have survived. She falls in love with Reese, and her with her, but their love is doomed from the start.
Content/trigger warnings: underage sex, profanity, (underage) prostitution, rape, drug use, violence, death, violence, violent death.
It is hard to "like" a book such as this, one full of the horrors that humans can do, especially to children. It is also difficult to "like" a book where the main character is so unlikable.
August Bailey is 16 years old. She lives with her family in a farming community, has never been to the big city, and wants more from life than slopping pigs and growing corn. The problem is, her fantasy of big city life comes from movies made more than 50 years ago. After an argument with her strict mother, she runs away from home to begin her grand adventure in the city, and it all goes downhill from there.
Reese, a recovering heroin addict, street kid, and part time prostitute, "saves" her and teaches her the ropes of staying alive on the streets. Ricki, Amber, and Guy complete their makeshift family. August learns that city life can be brutal, and her reasons for leaving home are petty compared to the horrors of child rape and drug use that her friends have survived. She falls in love with Reese, and her with her, but their love is doomed from the start.
Content/trigger warnings: underage sex, profanity, (underage) prostitution, rape, drug use, violence, death, violence, violent death.
September 4, 2015
I don't know what the hell I expected but it wasn't this! So props to the author for shaking up the feelings!
Wow! At first I thought, this is way too sweet/young for me - I was reading this like a mother when I wanted to read this like a girl. I thought August's mom was waaaaaay more interesting than her & August just started to annoy me.
Butohmygod, this story is anything but sweet!!!! The things that Reese experienced broke my heart. I had to skim some parts because they hurt too much.
If you want a happy romantic story this is not it. It's a really tragic tale which I really should've expected but didn't.
Wow! At first I thought, this is way too sweet/young for me - I was reading this like a mother when I wanted to read this like a girl. I thought August's mom was waaaaaay more interesting than her & August just started to annoy me.
Butohmygod, this story is anything but sweet!!!! The things that Reese experienced broke my heart. I had to skim some parts because they hurt too much.
If you want a happy romantic story this is not it. It's a really tragic tale which I really should've expected but didn't.
September 8, 2015
Wow. I mean seriously....wow. This book took me on an emotional journey that I'm not quite sure I was ready for. Julie's style of writing very easily pulled me in and made me feel like I was part of the story. I started reading on Saturday morning and in the wee hours of Sunday finished it.
I have over a thousand books on my Kindle. I have two in a folder called "Must Read Again!". This book is in it.
I have over a thousand books on my Kindle. I have two in a folder called "Must Read Again!". This book is in it.
May 6, 2013
This book has brought back some memories from long ago and far away. Some of those memories are rather unpleasant in fact. Yes, I lived on the streets at one time and knew kids just like the ones that are in this story. I'm glad I never got into shooting up and I was over 18 at the time. I think it's a really good story that needed to be told and I recommend reading it.
September 4, 2015
This book created such emotion in me. So sad, and left me breathless, and in tears. I highly recommend this book.
May 7, 2023
Emotional and beautifully written. Hooked me from the beginning. Raw and real feelings. Loved everything about this story. Go read it. It is amazing. ❤
November 28, 2014
I’ve read and loved Julie Frayn’s other novels. Suicide City keeps the streak going. This book has a lot in common with the others, yet in many ways felt much different. I’ll try exploring those feelings, but first the commonalities.
As with all of Frayn’s novels, I found it easy to relate to the main characters and quickly cared about them. Each looks at someone experiencing difficulties that while not universal (as in not everyone experiences them), they are also not uncommon. Each story explores some of the dark corners of society and the human experience, but avoids doing so in a way that is too bleak and, in the end, feels uplifting and enlightening rather than being a downer.
Now for the differences. The biggest one is in the other books the situation the characters found themselves in was through no fault of their own. Here, August is at least partially responsible. However, I didn’t find this to make her any less sympathetic, nor did I have any trouble understanding why she chose to run away from home, as wrongheaded as it was. August is also younger than the protagonist in Frayn’s other novels and, as the author’s description says, this book is at least partially aimed at the young adult audience, calling it “edgy young adult.” And that’s the rub. Those in that cohort who might benefit the most in considering how this story turns out are the same kids whose overprotective parents would object to their child reading it, primarily because of adult language and mild sexual situations. That’s a shame. It’s a great story, suitable (at least in my opinion) for older teens and adults.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
As with all of Frayn’s novels, I found it easy to relate to the main characters and quickly cared about them. Each looks at someone experiencing difficulties that while not universal (as in not everyone experiences them), they are also not uncommon. Each story explores some of the dark corners of society and the human experience, but avoids doing so in a way that is too bleak and, in the end, feels uplifting and enlightening rather than being a downer.
Now for the differences. The biggest one is in the other books the situation the characters found themselves in was through no fault of their own. Here, August is at least partially responsible. However, I didn’t find this to make her any less sympathetic, nor did I have any trouble understanding why she chose to run away from home, as wrongheaded as it was. August is also younger than the protagonist in Frayn’s other novels and, as the author’s description says, this book is at least partially aimed at the young adult audience, calling it “edgy young adult.” And that’s the rub. Those in that cohort who might benefit the most in considering how this story turns out are the same kids whose overprotective parents would object to their child reading it, primarily because of adult language and mild sexual situations. That’s a shame. It’s a great story, suitable (at least in my opinion) for older teens and adults.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
September 10, 2015
Basically the moral of this story is that if you are upset that your parents forbid you from wearing makeup and dating the star quarterback, you shouldn't move to the big bad city or else big bad things will happen to you. But you'll fall in love with a homeless, heroin addict heartthrob with a heart of gold... So it was all good right??
What are said big bad things? Well in the span of a few weeks, the main character managed to..... ....
Despite my snark, I was pretty hooked on this book. It's definitely a grittier YA book. I would say its almost comparable to Precious in the horrors it describes. The last couple of chapters got a little ridiculous so I had to dock a couple of stars, but otherwise it was an interesting read.
June 4, 2015
I have nothing but fantastic things to say about Suicide City. Wow, I got through this book so quickly, but I wish I could just keep going and reading more.
This book is about a girl named August, from a small farm in Iowa. She's tired of spending every day doing farm chores. She hates all the rules her parents have for her - chores all the time, no dating boys even though she's 16, hand me down clothes, etc. She wants to get out. She dreams of the lifestyle of Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's.
She runs away and ends up in Charlesworth, but she finds out that city life isn't what she thought. She meets a boy named Reese and has an instant connection. He helps take care of her while they're living on the street and their attraction for each other just continues to grow.
Reese has been on the streets for years. Although he's clean now, he used to be addicted to heroin and he deals with the urges to cut himself. You would not believe the things Reese and his friends have to do to stay alive.
This book really touched on the ideas of homeless youth and it was horrifying to read some of the things that happened - although I know they happen in real life.
This book is about a girl named August, from a small farm in Iowa. She's tired of spending every day doing farm chores. She hates all the rules her parents have for her - chores all the time, no dating boys even though she's 16, hand me down clothes, etc. She wants to get out. She dreams of the lifestyle of Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's.
She runs away and ends up in Charlesworth, but she finds out that city life isn't what she thought. She meets a boy named Reese and has an instant connection. He helps take care of her while they're living on the street and their attraction for each other just continues to grow.
Reese has been on the streets for years. Although he's clean now, he used to be addicted to heroin and he deals with the urges to cut himself. You would not believe the things Reese and his friends have to do to stay alive.
This book really touched on the ideas of homeless youth and it was horrifying to read some of the things that happened - although I know they happen in real life.
April 25, 2016
An easy read with some heart breaking moments.
August almost seventeen lives on a farm with her parents and two sisters April and June. Her mother very strict her father not so.
August hates having to do her chores on the farm and just wants to leave and head for the city life.
So she does with little money and not much more than the clothes on her back.
She meets Reese and they have an instant connection, so he looks after her on the streets. Guy, Ricki and Amber all street wise kids part of Reeses family on the streets. I liked the bond she had with Amber.
Reeses story was heart breaking, that poor boy what he went through and let down by the system.
I felt August had to live and do the things she had to do to survive to really appreciate what she ran away from in the first place.
The train station was a sucker punch to the gut. What an ending. I loved it.
August almost seventeen lives on a farm with her parents and two sisters April and June. Her mother very strict her father not so.
August hates having to do her chores on the farm and just wants to leave and head for the city life.
So she does with little money and not much more than the clothes on her back.
She meets Reese and they have an instant connection, so he looks after her on the streets. Guy, Ricki and Amber all street wise kids part of Reeses family on the streets. I liked the bond she had with Amber.
Reeses story was heart breaking, that poor boy what he went through and let down by the system.
I felt August had to live and do the things she had to do to survive to really appreciate what she ran away from in the first place.
The train station was a sucker punch to the gut. What an ending. I loved it.
March 21, 2015
August Bailey is sixteen and she wants to be away from the Iowa farm and her strict controlling Mother. She wants to live in the city of Charles worth. so one day she runs away to Charles worth she has very little money and nowhere to live. One day she meets Reese he is a homeless boy fighting a heroine addiction and the urge to cut himself. August falls in love with Reese she thinks he is her one true love. She soon finds life on the streets isn't easy and the things the teens do to survive is shocking to August who has lead a sheltered life. A very well written story of young love the loss of innocence and friendship. A fantastic emotional read. I highly recommend for YA/ to Adult readers.
October 3, 2015
A Needle Through The Heart
Alright, Julie Frayn you didn’t have to hit me so hard with this one. I’m a sucker for a love story, but this one isn’t covered in white lace. Julie’s character, August, rebels against her parents by ditching farm life and runs away to a city she’s fantasized as being warm, cuddly and welcoming. I hate spoilers so I won’t jump into details. I will say what August learns about city life is so raw it had me a bit afraid to turn the page. This book isn’t pretty. It’s not meant to be. Having searched a few city streets for runaways myself Julie either has done it or she did some amazing research. Yes it is a hard read, but one well worth your time. Too many kids are living what Julie was bold enough to write.
Alright, Julie Frayn you didn’t have to hit me so hard with this one. I’m a sucker for a love story, but this one isn’t covered in white lace. Julie’s character, August, rebels against her parents by ditching farm life and runs away to a city she’s fantasized as being warm, cuddly and welcoming. I hate spoilers so I won’t jump into details. I will say what August learns about city life is so raw it had me a bit afraid to turn the page. This book isn’t pretty. It’s not meant to be. Having searched a few city streets for runaways myself Julie either has done it or she did some amazing research. Yes it is a hard read, but one well worth your time. Too many kids are living what Julie was bold enough to write.
September 14, 2015
I loved the cover and title so much it was an instant one click. I knew by the cover it was definitely no love story but man it was definitely not for the faint of heart. I really wasn't crazy about the heroine August but for all she lacked Reese the hero was just perfection. He made me feel so much reading this book and because of his character I will never forget it. He was a gentleman, a knight, a flicker of light in darkness. I breezed through this book because it was such an engaging yet sorrowful tale that I truly truly enjoyed.
March 10, 2015
Wow, Suicide City, A Love Story by Julie Frayn is terrific. She must have had a very difficult time writing this book. I certainly kept my tissue handy. This book brilliantly deals with some difficult problems in city living. August dreams of magazine photos, but when she runs away, she doesn't find the city of her dreams. What she does find is family and love, togetherness and responsibility. This is a terrific book that I highly recommend.
June 24, 2015
A gritty, no holds barred read. A comming of age story with a twist.
Julie covers the realities of living on the street, drug and sexual abuse in a respectful manner without glamarising it. Took me back to some of my experiences.
August runs away from home from rural America to the big city. She falls in with a group of street kids and overtime learns of their lives and how they ended up on the streets.
Julie covers the realities of living on the street, drug and sexual abuse in a respectful manner without glamarising it. Took me back to some of my experiences.
August runs away from home from rural America to the big city. She falls in with a group of street kids and overtime learns of their lives and how they ended up on the streets.
September 8, 2015
3.5☆☆☆
I've changed the rating on this book three times since I've fished it yesterday. I still don't kown what I want to put.
first rating was a 4☆
then a 3 ☆
Then a 3.5 ☆
9/8/15 I'll just leave the 4 star. this book is really good. I can't say it's not. maybe it's just hard for me to understand where August was coming from. we've all been where she is growing up at one time or another but a huge part of me just feels like she was a huge brat.
I've changed the rating on this book three times since I've fished it yesterday. I still don't kown what I want to put.
first rating was a 4☆
then a 3 ☆
Then a 3.5 ☆
9/8/15 I'll just leave the 4 star. this book is really good. I can't say it's not. maybe it's just hard for me to understand where August was coming from. we've all been where she is growing up at one time or another but a huge part of me just feels like she was a huge brat.
September 11, 2015
I leafed through most of it.
A little too slow, and too unruffled, even when the most horrifying descriptions and stories were told. The start was compelling, I leafed through the middle, and only the final part got into me. For some reason only in the end the characters appeared to me believable, alive. It's like suddenly I picked another novel.
A little too slow, and too unruffled, even when the most horrifying descriptions and stories were told. The start was compelling, I leafed through the middle, and only the final part got into me. For some reason only in the end the characters appeared to me believable, alive. It's like suddenly I picked another novel.
May 12, 2015
Amazing
Heartrending...this story breaks you heart, but don't some of the best ones do? August has managed in a few weeks to live a whole life with all the emotions within a truly lived life's span. Julie Frayn is on my "Must Read More" author's list. Incredible book.
Heartrending...this story breaks you heart, but don't some of the best ones do? August has managed in a few weeks to live a whole life with all the emotions within a truly lived life's span. Julie Frayn is on my "Must Read More" author's list. Incredible book.
October 17, 2015
Wonderful Story
This was a wonderful story. So realistic. August was a typical young girl, that just didn't realize how fortunate she was to have a loving home life. But life deals you punches and experiences that one must endure. Love this story very much!
This was a wonderful story. So realistic. August was a typical young girl, that just didn't realize how fortunate she was to have a loving home life. But life deals you punches and experiences that one must endure. Love this story very much!
December 8, 2014
Read book free from author for review
Great book
Read in two days
I feel would be a young adult book.
Liked characters sad ending.
Would read more from this author
Great book
Read in two days
I feel would be a young adult book.
Liked characters sad ending.
Would read more from this author
April 24, 2015
Oh my gosh I cried!! I really did! I loved this book so much, that I'll probably end up reading it again! But geez, the feels!!
June 10, 2016
I'm not sure why I downloaded this in the first place, but it was better than I thought it would be.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews