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Walking on Trampolines

Frances Whiting

3.88 · Rating details · 2,147 ratings · 389 reviews

Praised as “a tender exploration of friendship, families, and first love” (Liane Moriarty, New York Times bestselling author of The Husband’s Secret), this coming-of-age novel from bestselling author Frances Whiting is equal parts heartwarming, accessible, and thought provoking.

“Tallulah de Longland,” she said slowly, letting all the Ls in my name loll about lazily in her ...more

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Paperback, 368 pages

Published February 3rd 2015 by Gallery Books (first published October 1st 2013)

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Dec 13, 2014 Elyse Walters rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Update... This book was just brought to my attention- and I 'had' to smile...
Esil... I bet you remember this book too?/!....
It was really enjoyable -- perfect for spring and summer coming up -- It starts out like a chick light --or silly --but as you get deeper into the story - it gets much more interesting. I never understood why this book wasn't more popular. Maybe it is in Australia. I'd love to read this author again!

Completely deeply enjoyable reading!

The story is constantly evolving in c ...more

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Dec 19, 2014 Dee Montoya rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, favorites, best-2014, netgalley

*****5 Lovely Stars*****

(Arc kindly provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

photo 213b979b-0274-4451-89a7-4d878e80be05_zps4efa6e0a.jpg

I've been lucky enough to find myself getting lost in the words of a beautiful written novel, where even though the story is indeed simple and about mundane things we all go through in life, every word feels like a dear friend hugging you when you are in need of a loving embrace the most; that is what Walking On Trampolines felt like to me...

This is a coming of age story about two best friends, going through the pain of dealing with less than ordinary parents and finding a place where they feel safe in each other's company, a friendship so powerful and yet so complicated that can hurt them both so beautifully.

This is the story of Tallulah de Longland and her best friend Annabelle Andrews. They come from two completely opposite backgrounds but from the moment they met their friendship was the ruler over everything and everyone else in their lives. These two friends go on to grow up together and experience, life, school and first loves until one day a mistake or a someone to be more exact brakes them apart. Life goes on as they say, and Tallulah continues her life in a haze fueled by heartache, until one day she meets an incredible and maddening new friend, Duncan. He will go on to show her love is always there for her, to help her come out of her shell and be selfish for once in order to be able to enjoy her life. The shadow of that lost friendship from her past and the love they shared is always present in Tallulah's life, shaping her character and her decisions at every turn. Great pain and loss will take this tender soul woman to the beach in search of her destiny and is not long before she finds everything she's been looking for, realizing that it has always been right there with her.

I simply adored this novel, every single character was absolutely fantastic, even the antagonists, you couldn't help but love. This book reminded me that great loves and firsts love doesn't necessary has to be romantic , it could very well be a friend, a especial person who understand you, even better than you do yourself, someone who makes you feel safe in those scary moments of life. I can't recommend this book enough, the writing style was soulful and this is just one of those books that stays with you forever; just lovely!

My Walking On Trampolines music playlist:
*Lying about Love by Bestfriends
* Make it Without You by Andrew Belle
*You're My Best Friend by Queen
*The Mother We Share by CHVRCHES ...more

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Nov 13, 2014 Esil rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. Walking on Trampolines is a lovely book. It is very much a familiar book of domestic fiction about family, friends and relationships but it is particularly well done. The writing is very good. Some of the characters are very interesting and sympathetic despite their flaws -- the main character Lulu's mother and boss in particular. And the evolution of Lulu's character -- although predictable -- is very engaging. I must admi ...more

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Apr 27, 2017 Brooke rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, swoon-worthy-cover, 2017, lgbtq-side-characters, dl, aussie-reads

3.5*

I was delightfully surprised by how much I enjoyed this, especially considering I'd gone into this blind & just picked it off the library shelf because of the cover (😳). My favorite thing about WALKING ON TRAMPOLINES was the quirkiness of the novel, which in turn just makes me desperate for more Aussie contemps! Whiting does an awesome job of making each character 3-D- (& can we talk about how lovely Duncan is?) all the while penning a pose that layers each scene perfectly in your mind.

The 3.5*

I was delightfully surprised by how much I enjoyed this, especially considering I'd gone into this blind & just picked it off the library shelf because of the cover (😳). My favorite thing about WALKING ON TRAMPOLINES was the quirkiness of the novel, which in turn just makes me desperate for more Aussie contemps! Whiting does an awesome job of making each character 3-D- (& can we talk about how lovely Duncan is?) all the while penning a pose that layers each scene perfectly in your mind.

The heart of this novel is friendship- more specifically, the type that isn't in your everyday "chick-lit" stories (can't there be a better name for that now?). While on the surface we start off by discovering Tallulah slept with her best friend Annabelle's husband, Josh, on their wedding night (yikes) TRAMPOLINES quickly dives into deeper topics such as: mental illness, sacrifice & choices, toxic relationships, etc. Throughout the novel, readers are showcased Lulu's & Annabelle's relationship with a series of flashback glimpses. The timing is not always clear as it's immersed in the present, which is why I felt the pacing was a bit disjointed.

The book covers many years, from Lulu's childhood all the way up to her thirties. Readers are introduced into how Josh makes his way into her life as well as the significant role each female's families play into their development. Eventually we even see why Lulu did what she did & where her relationship with Annabelle stands now. I do want to make a quick mention of Duncan though, because I rarely find a supporting character who makes such a large impact on me. Duncan, who becomes Lulu's boss as she works for his radio show, is loud & eccentric, but has the heart of a teddy bear. He cares for Lulu & becomes a father figure of sorts to her & the interaction between them is gold- until Duncan's outcome is revealed. To be honest, I'm still a bit bitter about it.

With all that said, I still never felt like it was a book I had to consume all at once. I'm not sure this is the greatest thing, because I usually finish within a couple days if my health is up to it. This took me 12 days & I took multiple breaks in between. Although the characters were great, I never felt my hands glued to the page, desperate to see what would happen next. I never felt that fire, so I can't rate this higher. I also want to note that while the ending is not what I expected, I really did appreciate that the quirkiness was not lost. I do recommend if you're into novels about female friendship, or just looking for an underrated, fun read. ...more

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Dec 29, 2013 Tegan Ballinger rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This book could be so much better. A lot of the author's writing is very descriptive and in a style that could hook you into the story, and it seemed like it was going to be a great read. However, although beginning with the scene on the wedding night at first seemed clever and sparked your interest, as the story developed I thought it was a pity we already knew what was going to happen there. I felt the story began to fall apart after Lulu left school - there was no explanation of the sudden tu ...more

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Dec 15, 2014 Sue rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley, coming-of-age

Walking on Trampolines is a truly fabulous debut, from an Australian writer, Frances Whiting, wonderfully written and characters that come to life. This novel was a pleasure to read and is a real winner! This novel is a coming of age story in part, about the joys and sorrows of friendship, first love and family. It is sure to stir up old memories and feelings from your past.

Annabelle Andrews and Tallulah de Longland were the best of friends from the day they met in Grade Seven. For the next six ...more

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Dec 13, 2014 ☮Karen rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2015, kindle

3.5 stars. The teenage friendship of Lulu and Annabelle is at first your typical girl stuff. They make up their own words--some clever, some distracting. They call their parents by their first names. They have a tree house. Then Lulu acquires a boyfriend, and she and Josh do everything together before letting Annabelle into their folds, and with that comes Trouble. Of course Annabelle gets the guy; that's in Chapter 1, as is the fact that Lulu sleeps with him on the night of his marriage to Anna ...more

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Dec 14, 2014 Carol Brill rated it really liked it

A must read if, like me, you devour contemporary relationship stories. This one has every conceivable relationship--conventional and unconventional best friends Annabelle and Gordon, first love Josh, true love, mother/daughter, father/daughter, caring big sister. Mix in a wedding day betrayal, depression, cancer, and plenty of hope and in my world you have a page turner.
Well written with transparent language that finds the sweet spot where it is quietly poetic without calling attention to itself ...more

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Sep 19, 2015 Andrea rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5. This is why I read. To find characters like these. Oh Duncan-crude, outlandish, big-hearted, Duncan. Read this book if only to meet him.

Duncan: 'So who cares? Who cares where Annabel and Josh have been, climbing the Andes and sailing the Amalfi coast on some bloody boat. Anyone can get on a boat Lulu, you just buy a ticket. There're thousands of us out there flailing about in the ocean but there's not many of you. You're the one standing on the shore and shining the light, guiding us all i ...more

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Dec 16, 2014 Barbara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received this as an ARC from Net Galley and this is one of THE BEST books I've read in the past year. Wonderfully comfortable & quirky characters make this story pull you in. There are many themes throughout that will resonate with you in some way, female friendship, mental illness, first love, family relationships, and work relationships. I was crying for the last 20-30 pages, because I was so wrapped up in the lives of Tallalulah de Longland, Annabelle Andrews, and all the others. We have al ...more

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Aug 29, 2013 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: provided-by-publisher, arc-are

Tallulah de Longland and Annabelle Andrews were the best of friends from the day they met at St Rita's in Grade Seven. For the next six years they were inseparable, finding in each other an ally against Sister Scholastica, The Piranha Sisters and the eccentricities of their respective families. And then on the day of their high school graduation, Lulu discovers Annabelle in the arms of Joshua Keaton, and her future lays in tatters.

In part a coming of age tale, Walking on Trampolines is a delight
Tallulah de Longland and Annabelle Andrews were the best of friends from the day they met at St Rita's in Grade Seven. For the next six years they were inseparable, finding in each other an ally against Sister Scholastica, The Piranha Sisters and the eccentricities of their respective families. And then on the day of their high school graduation, Lulu discovers Annabelle in the arms of Joshua Keaton, and her future lays in tatters.

In part a coming of age tale, Walking on Trampolines is a delightfully engaging story about the joys and sorrows of friendship, first love and family.

Most of us, at least briefly, have had a best friend like Annabelle or at least recognise the dynamic. Lulu and Annabelle's relationship is a reminder of the all consuming nature of teenage friendship, and the devastation of the inevitable betrayal that destroyed it. Since I spent hours on the trampoline with my childhood best friend, the title, with the tagline 'It's not how far you fall but how high you bounce.', resonates with me particularly, conjuring memories of promises made on a mat of blue elastic weave, to be 'best friends forever'.

Oh and first love, the thrill, the excitement and passion and then the crushing pain when dreams of forever collapse. For Lulu the simultaneous loss of her boyfriend and her best friend paralyses her so that while Annabelle lives the life with Joshua that she had imagined, she is stuck, keeping the books for her father's plumbing business, until her father forces her to take a risk.

Family is an important theme in Walking On Trampolines but it is the complex relationship between mothers and daughters that Whiting captures particularly well. Lulu's mother names her dresses, 'Grace' is "...buttercup yellow with a Peter Pan collar and a row of pearl buttons down the front to the waist..." but when the shapeless 'Doris' makes an appearance, Lulu knows to tread lightly. Annabelle's artistic mother doesn't make lunches, or do birthday cakes and abandons her husband and daughter for a fling with her brother in law.

Further populated by a charmingly flawed cast of characters from Annabelle's eccentric father, Frank to Lulu's crass, yet wise mentor, Duncan, and the rabidly Catholic Stella, Walking on Trampolines offers heart, humor and drama as Lulu learns that she too is capable of the extraordinary.

Funny, tender and bitter sweet, Walking in Trampolines is a wonderful debut fiction novel from Australian columnist, Frances Whiting. I adored this story and I am looking forward to her next already.

...more

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Dec 25, 2014 Kathryn rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reading-list-2015, fiction, australian-authors, owned

This was a good effort for a debut novelist. Parts of it annoyed me a little in the beginning - with the young Annabelle and Tallulah - especially the combined words that were the trademark of the 2 girls’ friendship - words like “starvenous” (starving and ravenous), “astoundazing” (astounding and amazing), “disgustellent” (disgusting and repellent) - and I could go on, but I won’t. I didn’t like Annabelle very much who seemed quite manipulative. I also didn’t like Tallulah’s boyfriend who seeme ...more

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Jan 29, 2015 Lori rated it liked it · review of another edition

I have mixed feelings about this one. It grabbed me from the beginning, but it felt like somewhere it turned from one story into another. The main conflict just 'petered' out and went onto the back burner. Still good characters and an overall enjoyable read. ...more

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Aug 30, 2013 ALPHAreader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Tallulah ‘Lulu’ de Longland meets Annabelle Andrews when the girls are 12-years-old. It will end up being the first day of an intense, tumultuous and ultimately life-altering friendship that sees Lulu become an honorary fixture of the infamous Andrews-family clan of artists. Annabelle’s grandfather was so famous that he got his head on a stamp when he died. Her grandmother was well-documented in the Australian tabloids as his put-upon wife who kept taking the skirt-chasing scoundrel back. Annabe ...more

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Oct 10, 2013 MarciaB - Book Muster Down Under rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewing-by-request, arc, provided-by-publisher

It’s been quite a few weeks since I read this book and one of the things that struck me is how, when I pulled it out to prepare this review, just the beautiful cover brought it all back - for me, it evokes a sense of freedom and ridding yourself of all your shackles!

The story opens with Lulu having just done something inconceivable and out of character for her, but as we continue reading, and she takes us on a nostalgic journey through her childhood to adulthood, we become privy to all the event It’s been quite a few weeks since I read this book and one of the things that struck me is how, when I pulled it out to prepare this review, just the beautiful cover brought it all back - for me, it evokes a sense of freedom and ridding yourself of all your shackles!

The story opens with Lulu having just done something inconceivable and out of character for her, but as we continue reading, and she takes us on a nostalgic journey through her childhood to adulthood, we become privy to all the events leading up to that moment she decided to ‘step out from the shadows’. In her own words - “I did it because I was tired of being the girl who brought the ships home to shore”!

Lulu and Annabelle have been friends since the first time they met at their Catholic school, St Rita’s, and their friendship grows from that day forward. They even develop an affinity to speaking a language all their own, joining words such as precisely/exactly to form “presactly” and glamorous/gorgeous to form “glamorgeous”.

Neither girls’ home life is perfect, with Lulu’s father, Harry, "plumbing the depths of excellence", he relies heavily on her to look after her brothers when her mother, Rose, who suffers with debilitating depressive episodes, is unable to do so and Annabelle’s parents, Annie and Frank, who are artists, are eccentric to say the least. But together it seems they can overcome all life’s hurdles.

When Lulu meets Joshua Keaton shortly after her sixteenth birthday, things couldn’t be more perfect, but as the three of them begin to get closer to one another during that summer, everyone else can see that having a third wheel could only lead to disaster – except for Lulu.

As the story continues, Lulu has grown up and pursued her own career when she finds herself working for the unconventional and flamboyant Duncan McAllister - it is her growing friendship with him, along with his blatant honesty and unconditional love that will finally allow her to discover who she really is.

Brisbane journalist Frances Whiting has captured the essence of teenage friendship, along with all of its ups and downs by portraying her characters with sympathy and a depth of understanding that pulls you into the immediacy of their lives. With only 334 pages, Frances has conveyed so much emotional depth using so few words and quirkily blended humour, nostalgia and warmth which had me roaring with laughter one minute and reaching for the Kleenex the next.

There is also a lot of food for thought in this novel with more than one serious issue at its heart, such as terminal illness and Rose’s depression. Of course, writing about any form of mental or terminal illness is fraught with danger, but Frances has balanced this out brilliantly with her lightness of tone and the comic relief which comes in the form of Rose naming all of her dresses, and dear old Duncan with all his moral ambiguities and complexities. All of this combines to make her characters’ situations real and poignant as she takes you on a memorable trip which will keep you engaged to the last page, whilst wishing that you could linger a little longer!

Beautifully written, this is a multi-layered debut which explores the fragility of friendship, the complicated nature of families, the exhilaration of first love and all the ties that bind to create lasting impressions on our lives.

A truly memorable novel with something for everyone, I have no doubt that it will be enjoyed by many ...more

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Dec 12, 2014 Ashley rated it did not like it · review of another edition

I really wish I liked this book ... unfortunately, it was just not for me. Something was really off about this novel - I think perhaps it was the great beginning and the lackluster build up to the conclusion. WALKING ON TRAMPOLINES by Frances Whiting just wasn't doing it for me. Boo!

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

PUBLISHER: MacMillan Australia

DISCLAIMER: Novel was sent via NetGallery in exchange for a honest review.

SYNOPSIS: Tallulah de Longland,' she said slowly, letting all the Ls in my name loll I really wish I liked this book ... unfortunately, it was just not for me. Something was really off about this novel - I think perhaps it was the great beginning and the lackluster build up to the conclusion. WALKING ON TRAMPOLINES by Frances Whiting just wasn't doing it for me. Boo!

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

PUBLISHER: MacMillan Australia

DISCLAIMER: Novel was sent via NetGallery in exchange for a honest review.

SYNOPSIS: Tallulah de Longland,' she said slowly, letting all the Ls in my name loll about lazily in her mouth before passing judgement. 'That,' she announced, 'is a seriously glamorgeous name.' From the day Annabelle Andrews sashays into her classroom, Tallulah 'Lulu' de Longland is bewitched by Annabelle, by her family, and their sprawling, crumbling house tumbling down to the river. Their unlikely friendship intensifies through a secret language where they share confidences about their unusual mothers, first loves, and growing up in the small, coastal town of Juniper Bay. Their lives become as entwined as Annabelle's initials engraved beneath the de Longland kitchen table. But the euphoria of youth rarely lasts, and the implosion that destroys their friendship leaves lasting scars and a legacy of self-doubt that haunts Lulu into adulthood. Years later, Lulu is presented with a choice: remain the perpetual good girl who misses out, or finally step out from the shadows and do something extraordinary. And possibly unforgiveable.

REVIEW: Ugh. My own personal opinion time: I did not enjoy the novel at all. I felt that the novel started off so amazingly and got lost in it's own plot. Frustrating for me, because I truly wanted to love this novel.

Lulu and Annabelle are inseparable since the moment Annabelle saunters into her grade school. Bonding over their unconventional families, Lulu and Annabelle are united throughout their entire teenage years. Until a young boy named Josh comes into the picture and changes their lives forever. Near 10 years later, the friendship is destroyed and the three are still at odds. Hurt bubbles to the surface, with Lulu ending up in bed with Josh. One problem? It's Josh's wedding night ... and Lulu isn't the bride. Lulu is now presented with a choice: cower in the hurt she's felt for over 10 years, or take charge of her new life and do something extraordinary with the consequences.

I'm going to keep this short. This novel doesn't work. A novel that starts so promisingly is completely unhinged once we start delving in the relationship between Lulu and Annabelle. Perhaps it's the non-linera perspective of the novel (which doesn't work here), but we are constantly shuttled back and forth between time. Furthermore, once we hit the end of the relationship between Annabelle and Lulu, I felt this novel really just suffered. A novel that I really thought was going to be about the threesome relationship between Annabelle, Josh, and Lulu turned into something else. Annabelle and Josh are almost secondary characters come 1/2 of the novel in - they're barely in the novel.

I also didn't enjoy the way Lulu perceives herself - for the two individuals who near "ruined her life" as she put it, she has this unrelenting need to please Annabelle all the time. The first time they see each other in over 10 years leads to a night of catching-up and joint smoking like no time has passed. I just felt that Lulu should respect herself more. It was soo intensely frustrating to read.

I don't want to delve too deeply into the novel because it solely wasn't my taste. If you're looking for a great romantic triangle novel, seek out SOMETHING BORROWED instead.

...more

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Dec 13, 2014 Debbie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley-books, ebooks

What a GREAT book!! I loved reading this one!! I loved the characters and found myself wanting to sit right down with them at Roses's table and just mingle with them. Sit back, enjoy some wine and just converse. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

A book about friendships, growing up, families (related and not related), first loves, and true loves. The author did such a great job, I know she had a good time writing this book. You can just tell by the characters, spending all that much time w ...more

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Jan 06, 2014 Kylie Kaden rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

After seven years in the making, Frances Whiting, our favourite Brissy columnist, has released her first novel, Walking on Trampolines.

And it’s a keeper.

She’s Australia’s Marian Keyes – both of whom write stories rich with characters you want to take home, and have you laughing and crying (often on the same page).

I had the pleasure of meeting Frances at her book launch and was not surprised when she was as delightful in real life as she is on the page.

Although not officially set in Brisbane, ele ...more

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Nov 11, 2016 Heather L rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Meh. This book lacked substance. And I didn't really enjoy reading it except for a few charming parts with one supporting character, Duncan, despite him being written as not the most like-able guy. I pretty much just finished it in hopes there was something significant that would happen....again: Meh. The title was also a little off for me -- no mention of anything pertaining to figuratively "walking" on trampolines or any anecdotes to indicate as such. The main character, Lulu, was written with ...more

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Oct 20, 2013 Liz Young rated it liked it · review of another edition

I really wanted to love this book but I was always left wanting more and feeling short changed of something while I was reading it. I instantly disliked Annabelle and her way of making up her own words which I found too distracting throughout the novel even though it was a plot point.

Maybe I was hoping for more substance and depth considering some of the subject matter. Instead I felt it was a nice chick-lit but not much more.

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Jul 17, 2016 Jenny (Reading Envy) rated it liked it

Shelves: read2016, location-australia, around-the-world

I read this last week when I was off the grid and home with my family, and already forgot I read it. It's not a ... bad read. Just not all that memorable. Friendship between girls, boy comes between them, they grow up, boy remains between them... I did like the Australian setting that comes through in tiny details and a few lingo uses, and the way it moves back and forth in time. A light read, which is what I needed. ...more

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Jan 23, 2015 Shane rated it really liked it

Walking on Trampolines was quite a story. Lulu's interesting life journey certainly lived up to the name. Sure it had it's far from perfect moments, but I still liked the delivery of how strong and valued a friendship could be, as well as how something that happened in your teen years can impact your adult years.

The opening chapter brought forth a shocker, with a best friend's betrayal. But once I got into the story it became clear that Lulu--even though she was drunk and that still didn't just Walking on Trampolines was quite a story. Lulu's interesting life journey certainly lived up to the name. Sure it had it's far from perfect moments, but I still liked the delivery of how strong and valued a friendship could be, as well as how something that happened in your teen years can impact your adult years.

The opening chapter brought forth a shocker, with a best friend's betrayal. But once I got into the story it became clear that Lulu--even though she was drunk and that still didn't justify her actions-- had been betrayed prior. I honestly couldn't understand why she would even allow these people back in her life after what they did to her as a teen. No wonder Annabelle couldn't stay mad at her. I guess you can call it karma. That aside, I don't agree with them keeping Josh in their lives, no matter as a friend or husband. What tha hell. That part didn't rub me right, but hey, people deal with things differently and if they want to forgive and forget and keep him around, then whatever rocks their boat.

As for the plot and my overall feelings about the story, it swayed between three and four stars throughout. I felt like it was good for the most part, with the great writing and the way in which the author established the characters. I liked Lulu's friends, minus Annabelle, but Duncan in particular. He was a wonderful inclusion. The things he said and did for Lulu showed the kind of person he was and I loved the impression he made on her and others when he was being himself.

The mom and dad were... different. Not the average parents you read in books. For one, Lulu called them by their names, like Annabelle did with hers. Both families were alike in some ways, and not so much in others. Lulu's mom had some unique issues. I'd never read about a woman giving her dresses names. That was crazy, yet interesting. Harry, Lulu's dad, was an impeccable man. He took care of his family along with Lulu, while his wife battled the troubles in her head. I liked how Harry pushed Lulu to leave the comfort of her home and go out and find her own life. It's not often that fathers are present in books so Harry's character was a delight.

Like I said, it's a great story with lucid writing and thought-provoking moments. However, the reason why my feelings were up and down throughout is because of a few things. The first issue I had right off was the fact that Lulu would take us back in time, and there wouldn't always be a warning of these transitions. So at times I'd be confused as to where she was in time. Another thing is that it became somewhat draggy from the middle towards the end. Following the passing of a very well-liked character, I didn't expect the story to carry on the way it did. I wanted a lot of things to wrap up and for Lulu to move on but it seemed like it was taking forever. Finally, she did, but then something terrible happened again and it made me want to stop reading altogether. But then had a change of heart when I saw that things were starting to conclude and Lulu was going to move on after all.

So, overall, Walking on Trampolines is worth a read. You'll feel like you're on trampolines while reading this one for sure, but if you don't mind a steady pace with a character going back down memory lane or a mother who names her dresses according to her moods, then this one might interest you. ...more

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Jan 23, 2015 Monica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015-ng-ew-challenge

Oh where to begin…Tallulah and Annabelle became fast friends from the day Annabelle comes into town. The daughter of parents who are larger than life she lives life to the fullest, and Tallulah who takes care of her brothers when her mom goes in and out of depression sees Annabelle as the end all and be all of everything. So when Annabelle steals and runs off with Lulu’s first love she is crushed by the betrayal and never fully recovers. Fast forward a few years and Lulu is still at the same pla Oh where to begin…Tallulah and Annabelle became fast friends from the day Annabelle comes into town. The daughter of parents who are larger than life she lives life to the fullest, and Tallulah who takes care of her brothers when her mom goes in and out of depression sees Annabelle as the end all and be all of everything. So when Annabelle steals and runs off with Lulu’s first love she is crushed by the betrayal and never fully recovers. Fast forward a few years and Lulu is still at the same place while Annabelle has traveled the world. Lulu is still trying to find out who she is and what she wants out of life. She still worries and takes care of her mother, she is always thinking of others and not truly living her life but more like just going through the motions.

Until one day when Annabelle and Josh [the ex] come back into town and are going to get married. How does Lulu take all of this in? Well what she does next is to some is unthinkable while others kind of see it coming. Lulu isn’t a bad person at all in my opinion she merely just decides to do something for herself for once. Once she does I think she finally comes into her own. We finally see her living her life for herself. She gets a job that leads her to most important time of her life. It isn’t the job but it’s the relationship she builds with her boss that teaches her the most. Not so much a skill but lessons on life, love and finally forgiveness which leads to ultimate happiness.

I enjoyed this book so much mainly because of the cast of characters, they are funny while others just touch her soul. While the main story line is Annabelle and Lulu I love the other relationships going on. Her mother, her boss, her other life long friends and finally the potential of a new love. Walking on Trampolines shows you that life isn’t fair but while there are bumps in the road life always has a way of working out, even when it doesn’t feel like it will. It’s those hard times that truly make or break you but we must muddle the storm to truly enjoy the sunshine. ...more

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Jun 04, 2015 Roxanne rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, aussie-author

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Did I like this book?

This is weird, but I really don't know! I'm feeling quite conflicted with this book. When I finished reading, my first thought was, "What was the point in that?" And honestly, for me there wasn't much of one. Basically this is a walk in Tallulah's shoes through most of her young life. We get glimpses into her mother's mental instability and a close up look at her friendships w ...more

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Feb 07, 2015 The Rainbow Zebra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to The Rainbow Zebra by: xoxoAfterDark

Shelves: 2015, reviewed, great-reads, chick-lit, ya-teens-new-adult-coming-of-age, should-be-a-film, 5-stars, drama-suspense, sent-by-xoxoafterdark, romance

This incredibly lyrical saga of love won and lost, coming off age, mental illness and betrayal stays with me still. It is beautiful and heart breaking, a snapshot from everyday life, yet it captivated me for the entire book. Though set in Australia, there is a worldliness that embraces us all. Time passes, rewinds, but binds us all in the end, perhaps not a perfect HEA, but enough that we feel deliciously sated.

Annabelle, strong willed and determined, takes introvert Tallulah under her wing, and ...more

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Feb 12, 2015 Amy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & opinions.

This is one of those books that you think will just be a quick escape, but ends up being a beautiful story with endearing characters that you think about after you close the final pages. This coming-of-age story follows the friendship between two teen girls and then the consequences of them both falling for the same guy, which destroys their friendship. Thankfully, it was just so much more than that and really built ...more

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Oct 30, 2017 Yuna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Best book ever ever ever

Did I just say that?

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Jan 19, 2015 Avid Reader rated it really liked it

Wow. What a pleasant surprise for my first read of the New Year. This is a story of friendship, first love, loss, and heartache. It was a beautiful story and when I finished, I could not help to compare the writing style to my favorite author, Wally Lamb. It was a story of everyday normal life, but it is told in a grand, multilayered, epic fashion. There are many small stories being told throughout that come full circle in the end. I love this, as it makes all the small, seemingly unimportant th Wow. What a pleasant surprise for my first read of the New Year. This is a story of friendship, first love, loss, and heartache. It was a beautiful story and when I finished, I could not help to compare the writing style to my favorite author, Wally Lamb. It was a story of everyday normal life, but it is told in a grand, multilayered, epic fashion. There are many small stories being told throughout that come full circle in the end. I love this, as it makes all the small, seemingly unimportant things so important in the end.

"The thing is Lulu, growing up like that, you can't help but become a crack slipper, someone who slips through the cracks of other people's lives, you know, riding your pushbike around the neighborhood, always looking for somewhere to park the bloody thing, someone to let you in."

Tallulah and Annabelle’s friendship is the forefront of the story. We follow them from their first meeting at the age of 12 well into adulthood. They both have complicated family situations at home that strengthen their bond. Their relationship takes an ugly turn and their lives are separate, but their bond is always there. The relationships that Tallulah has with everyone else in her life are just as complex and important. She was an awesome character and even for all of her flaws she is extremely likable.

I can’t say enough good things about this story. All of the characters are multi-dimensional and their relationships are believable. Tallulah and Annabelle’s friendship is relatable. Even amongst best friends there can be a sense of rivalry and jealousy. The side characters in the story, no matter how prominent, are still vibrant and their personalities are all distinctive and palpable. The story itself is fantastic. The blurb only gives away one aspect of this story. There is so much more. Every facet comes together in the end to make this one amazingly beautiful story. It is funny, sweet, touching and serious all at once. If this is Francis Whiting’s first novel, I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us.

Four stars ...more

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Dec 16, 2014 Lianne rated it liked it

Shelves: arcs-and-galleys

I received an ARC of this novel courtesy of the publishers in exchange for an honest review. This review in its entirety was originally posted at eclectictales.com: http://www.eclectictales.com/blog/201...

Walking on Trampolines was an interesting read, following Lulu de Longland over the course of her teenage years and early adulthood. For a while it does leave the reader wondering where the story is headed if it wasn’t for the opening sequence and the chronological order that the novel follows ...more

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Jan 18, 2015 Cocktails and Books rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 Cocktails

This "review" will basically be a love letter to Frances Whiting. I just loved Walking on Trampolines. Whiting's writing is witty and thoughtful. I have not enjoyed a coming-of-age story like this since She's Come Undone (one of my all-time favorites).

While the friendship of Lulu and Annabelle from young girls into adulthood is an intergral part of this book, Whiting managed to seamlessly weave other storylines in as well. The entire book is full of complex relationships and interac ...more

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