Babyshoes

by Dawn Garisch

"It's weird how one tiny event can change your life forever. Like a sperm and an ovum getting it together." David lives in South Africa, studying desperately for his school-leaving exams while his heavily pregnant mum and uncaring step-dad tear apart the house around him. He can't wait to cut loose and begin a life of adventure and excitement ­ but Mum going into labour on the bathroom floor isn't quite what he had in mind... Baby Kevin is born safe and well. But David soon finds himself cast in the role of a surrogate dad while his parents please themselves. Something's got to give ­ and when Mum abandons the family for another man, David decides to walk out himself, and to take Kevin, his new-found son with him. Armed with only his best friend, a dummy and an old guitar, heading for the coast with no plans and no cash, David soon finds that changing your world while you're changing dirty nappies isn't as easy as he'd thought...

Genres: Young Adult

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2004

Reviews

[Philippa Cathryn Bresler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heart warming book that made me smile often, & laugh out loud. The protagonist is such a delight and the plot is fresh and has its quirks, but over all it’s a sweet simple tale about 1st love, the exploration that life is and about how to parent when life is not all that easy. A very easy read, in 1 sitting kinda stuff, that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

[Akabongwe Khanyile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can easily be counted as one of my favourite books to this day.I say this because i personally feel like ,the author truly put a reader in the shoes of David and opened up our eyes to the raw reality that some teenagers like David face on a daily basis.I loved this book because i could picture every moment of the events that occured.I recommen this book because i feel like,if you are looking for a heart warming book Babyshoes is the one to read.

[Tarika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read a book with the sole focus on family relationships so this was quite new and I'm happy to say I enjoyed it. It was realistic and easy to relate to David and it's nice to see a book set in South Africa. Was quite hard to put down.

[Errin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was nice to read a book that was based in south Africa. It was not something i would usually read that is why didn't find it that interesting. I couldn't relate to the characters but i was fond of little Kevin.

[Temira · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was a bit strange but i ended up liking in the end.

[El25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during my teen years. And I love it. It was touchy and inspirational. Showed the realistic side. One of my favorite.

[Rachel Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review, age 11:

"I really liked this book. The ending was interesting…actually the whole book was. It was even more interesting when I realised that it was set in Africa! I hadn’t noticed that the first time I read it."

This book obviously had an effect on me as I borrowed it from the library a few years after my first reading, and read it again. It's very different from anything I've ever read; possibly in a similar boat to 'The Rattletrap Trip'? I'd recommend it to those who like to read non-generic teen fiction.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found David's voice quite engaging at first, he seemed very real and endearingly bright and optimistic. However I started to find him a bit sickly sweet in the end - he was just *SO* good and patient with Kevin (his half-brother) and loved him *SO* much that he was willing to devote his life to him. The plot was a bit boring too so I ended up skimming through most of the second half just to find out what happened. Nothing much, apparently.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of those books that hit you right there.

[ED+LIZ Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous easy read. The story seems to end abruptly as if there would be a sequel...fingers crossed!

[Emily Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was in a pile of second hand books, and I hesitantly started it when I needed something to read. I'm normally not interested in reading about children and babies. I was pleasantly surprised. The book is well written, and explores what it means to be a parent. This was especially unique given the male son takes on a father role for his younger brother & the book explores masculinity and parenting. I'd recommend this book.