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Tattoo
by
DESCRIBED AS "TOO RAUNCHY FOR TEENS", TATTOO IS A CONTROVERSIAL NEW YOUNG ADULT NOVEL.............."You judge me when you look at me because of the tattoos that cover my body-but that's only because you don't understand what they mean....... My mother named me Mercy, after the nuns who raised her, but my life has been anything but merciful. The path I've traveled has been
...more
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Paperback, 448 pages
Published
2016
by The 8 Percent
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*GoodReads Giveaway!!*
Tattoo is billed as a YA novel but I think the only thing young adult about it is the age of the protagonist. At the start of the novel Mercy is 17 and has a younger sister Scarlet. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the book just that I do not think it is suited for a young audience.
Now into the book.
The book opens with Mercy's stepfather drunk and hallucinating. He's not at home but in some warzone far away. Mercy's fear of him is palpable. So is her disgust. You wonder h ...more
Tattoo is billed as a YA novel but I think the only thing young adult about it is the age of the protagonist. At the start of the novel Mercy is 17 and has a younger sister Scarlet. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the book just that I do not think it is suited for a young audience.
Now into the book.
The book opens with Mercy's stepfather drunk and hallucinating. He's not at home but in some warzone far away. Mercy's fear of him is palpable. So is her disgust. You wonder h ...more

Hi, I won a Kindle copy of this in a Goodreads Giveaweay
I didn't take this book too seriously for the first 2/3rds. I read along, enjoying, thinking. "Okay, what bonkers thing is going to happen next," and then another bonkers thing would happen. I found it very VC Andrews Flowers in the Attic in tone, a bit more soap operaesque, meant to be engaging, but not literary or deep.
Mercy, the main character, is pretty simple in doing what it takes to survive. There are no scenes where she thinks or a ...more
I didn't take this book too seriously for the first 2/3rds. I read along, enjoying, thinking. "Okay, what bonkers thing is going to happen next," and then another bonkers thing would happen. I found it very VC Andrews Flowers in the Attic in tone, a bit more soap operaesque, meant to be engaging, but not literary or deep.
Mercy, the main character, is pretty simple in doing what it takes to survive. There are no scenes where she thinks or a ...more

This was my second win on a goodreads giveaway ever.
It has left me very confused and with very mixed feelings about it. I may have to come back and change my rating after I have processed my thoughts further.
The reasons for my confusion are that I did find it hard to put down once I got going but it is meant to be YA and I wouldn't let anyone under 16 read it. Perhaps it is my teacher role coming out, but I want my girls to have strong role models who can rely on themselves and not men. However ...more
It has left me very confused and with very mixed feelings about it. I may have to come back and change my rating after I have processed my thoughts further.
The reasons for my confusion are that I did find it hard to put down once I got going but it is meant to be YA and I wouldn't let anyone under 16 read it. Perhaps it is my teacher role coming out, but I want my girls to have strong role models who can rely on themselves and not men. However ...more

I won a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway and had no idea what to expect.
Tattoo is a well crafted novel that packs a punch.
"You judge me when you look at me because of the tattoos that cover my body-but that's only because you don't understand what they mean..."
While this is listed as a YA book I think it is better suited to an older audience. Or at least those over 16, as it is a little hard hitting and gritty in some places and I think it would be a little too raunchy for those ...more
Tattoo is a well crafted novel that packs a punch.
"You judge me when you look at me because of the tattoos that cover my body-but that's only because you don't understand what they mean..."
While this is listed as a YA book I think it is better suited to an older audience. Or at least those over 16, as it is a little hard hitting and gritty in some places and I think it would be a little too raunchy for those ...more

Mercy ran from the her home after it burned with her stepfather inside. She left her sister Scarlet behind, while on the run, to find her real father in San Francisco. With no money, she sets out on a journey and finds herself in difficult situations. Mercy is deceitful, shrewd, makes bad decisions, uses her body, and also lies. Throughout her journey she has meaningful tattoo's etched on her body. She does have a soft side, which makes Mercy likeable, even with her bad behavior. This book has l
...more

Great fiction by a new Australian author. Mercy is a gripping character. Her story is raw and real, with the odd flight of fancy here and there. The drive, passion and persistence she demonstrates make this a novel I reluctant put down each night. some parts made me think of Gabriel Tallent's My Absolute Darling, in that they both feature strong young female leads coping with adverse situations at home, including abuse. Tattoo is definitely recommended if you can get your hands on a copy.
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A wonderful read. Hard to put down. Starts with a fired and ends with a bang. A little glimpse into 1950s carnival life. Motorcycle clubs. Murder.
This book has everything including a strong female protagonist who won't stay knocked down no matter what life hits her with. The journey is not always beautiful, but the outcome can be. ...more
This book has everything including a strong female protagonist who won't stay knocked down no matter what life hits her with. The journey is not always beautiful, but the outcome can be. ...more

OMG I saw the short film and thought I want this book, so I bought it.
It is nearly impossible to put down, I read it in 16hrs and I never read any book like that, but Tattoo is the best book I have ever read and would read it over and over again.
I also think this would make an awesome feature film
Well done to Jenna
It is nearly impossible to put down, I read it in 16hrs and I never read any book like that, but Tattoo is the best book I have ever read and would read it over and over again.
I also think this would make an awesome feature film
Well done to Jenna

OMG, I absolutely LOVED this book! My book arrived just in time for a long weekend get away with my husband. I'm a slow reader but it only took me 5 days to read. Whilst we were out and about sight seeing, all I wanted to do was go back to the hotel room and read. Hard to put down!
Can't wait for any future books by this author, brilliant. ...more
Can't wait for any future books by this author, brilliant. ...more

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Loved it
This book had you hooked from the beginning.. Never thought I'll get into this book but I did.. A must read ...more
This book had you hooked from the beginning.. Never thought I'll get into this book but I did.. A must read ...more

A truly compelling book which carries out flawlessly the cruelties it presents. It is a tale filled with pain and hope and a narration that portrays every emotion perfectly. Jenna has a wonderful writing style and the ability to write what many would shirk away from or be able to do justice to. Tattoo is a beautiful tale and one I am so glad I have had the opportunity to read.

I have struggled to get in to the last several books I have read, but Tattoo, Wow!! I couldnt put it down. I was lucky enough to win a copy in the goodreads giveaways and the evening I received it I set off reading the book. For 3 days I was enthralled in the book. The plot and pace kept the pages turning as i had to know what happened next.
I will be looking out for Jenna Cosgrove's next novel.
Classed as a YA, i would suggest the young teens steering away due to the content, but would highly r ...more
I will be looking out for Jenna Cosgrove's next novel.
Classed as a YA, i would suggest the young teens steering away due to the content, but would highly r ...more
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Jenna is a history-obsessed writer (with 8 tattoos). She is fascinated by subcultures, with an interest in body art (in case you hadn't guessed), street art, underground anything, alternative everything, industrial areas, abandoned places, and anything else out of the norm.
Jenna lives in Melbourne, Australia. ...more
Jenna lives in Melbourne, Australia. ...more
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