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Oleanders are Poisonous: Some things can't be forgiven
by
In a town where gossip spreads like dust blowing in from the Mallee's canola fields, something unspeakable is about to happen to sixteen-year-old Lauren. It's bad enough she's losing her mum to a horrible disease and that her best friend is leaving town, but now the only person she thought she could trust, is about to betray her.
She can't stay here. No one is going to bel ...more
She can't stay here. No one is going to bel ...more
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Start your review of Oleanders are Poisonous: Some things can't be forgiven
I don’t normally read a lot of young adult fiction but what I have read is usually quite suitable for adults. Oleanders are Poisonous is one such book.
Lauren is a young teenage girl who lives in the Mallee. She has a close mate, Harry whom she’s known for years. Singing with him takes her mind off her home life where her mother is deteriorating from a debilitating illness. Lauren and her step-father, Samuel struggle to cope until one night on Lauren’s sixteenth birthday everything dramatically c ...more
Lauren is a young teenage girl who lives in the Mallee. She has a close mate, Harry whom she’s known for years. Singing with him takes her mind off her home life where her mother is deteriorating from a debilitating illness. Lauren and her step-father, Samuel struggle to cope until one night on Lauren’s sixteenth birthday everything dramatically c ...more
I got a copy of this book from Book Siren. It was compared to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson so I thought I might like it.
The beginning of the book was a bit hard to follow, I felt like it jumped from place to place a bit quickly and it took me awhile to figure out what was going on and what the importance of certain things were. Once I got into the book I had a hard time putting it down. It was very expressive, being told from Lauren's perspective, I felt like I could truly see and feel what sh ...more
The beginning of the book was a bit hard to follow, I felt like it jumped from place to place a bit quickly and it took me awhile to figure out what was going on and what the importance of certain things were. Once I got into the book I had a hard time putting it down. It was very expressive, being told from Lauren's perspective, I felt like I could truly see and feel what sh ...more
My Rating : 3.75🌟
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Kindle/ BookSirens/ March2020
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Thankyou BookSirens for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
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This book follows the story of Lauren while she deals with life after finding out her mom is losing her memories. *Trigger Warning - Mental Health, Suicide, Sexual Abuse, Homophobia *
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First, I loved the way this story was told over a period of time. The book starts off with a really normal everyday scene where the characters a ...more
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Kindle/ BookSirens/ March2020
.
Thankyou BookSirens for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
.
This book follows the story of Lauren while she deals with life after finding out her mom is losing her memories. *Trigger Warning - Mental Health, Suicide, Sexual Abuse, Homophobia *
.
First, I loved the way this story was told over a period of time. The book starts off with a really normal everyday scene where the characters a ...more
Jun 26, 2020
Charlene Martin
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Mature YA
AJ Collins´ YA novel Oleanders are Poisonous: Some Things Can't Be Forgiven introduces readers to sixteen-year-old Lauren, who is dealing with incredible physical and emotional loss. Still reeling from the death of her father, Lauren is now learning to cope with her mother´s progressing dementia and a stepfather who seems to be losing the control he values. This is a family situation that spirals out of control. In typical fashion, before she has time to adjust to one situation, she is thrust in
...more
i received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. the book was a short read. first few sections had me all over the place, confused. but soon as i grasped the direction, the book turned so captivating. too bad that it was too short to be truly satisfactory, cant wait for the next instalment!
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Oleanders are Poisonous tackles some challenging themes — mental health, dementia, grief, abuse and more — but it wasn't a book weighed down by them, as some stories are. The humour and pacing kept the story moving and I found myself engrossed after the first two chapters.
The central character Lauren was portrayed skillfully and I certainly found myself empathising with her, especially over her mother's dementia. Lauren shows both vulnerab ...more
Oleanders are Poisonous tackles some challenging themes — mental health, dementia, grief, abuse and more — but it wasn't a book weighed down by them, as some stories are. The humour and pacing kept the story moving and I found myself engrossed after the first two chapters.
The central character Lauren was portrayed skillfully and I certainly found myself empathising with her, especially over her mother's dementia. Lauren shows both vulnerab ...more
I enjoyed this book. The characters feel very real, and I have a lot of empathy for Lauren, the protagonist. The complex challenges she faces will give readers a lot to reflect on. It's a great book, which covers a number of important themes for YA readers. The novel has a wonderful pace, and the writing is sharp and engaging. I wanted things to work out for Lauren. I'm happy there's a second book in the series so I can spend more time with these characters.
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I received a copy of this book from BookSirens (thank you!), however, all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Lauren's world is crashing down around her. Her mother is incredibly ill, her best friend is preparing to leave town and the only other person she's close to isn't who she thought he was. Lauren doesn't think she can stay in this small town with no one by her side. The only question is can she let go of her nostalgic past?
*This story does contain scenes/mentions of sexual assault, homophobi ...more
Lauren's world is crashing down around her. Her mother is incredibly ill, her best friend is preparing to leave town and the only other person she's close to isn't who she thought he was. Lauren doesn't think she can stay in this small town with no one by her side. The only question is can she let go of her nostalgic past?
*This story does contain scenes/mentions of sexual assault, homophobi ...more
I don’t remember having read a YA fiction and feeling so good at the end of it. So good that I am now eagerly waiting to read the next in series ‘Magnolias don’t Die’. ‘Oleanders are Poisonous’ by A. J. Collins traces the journey of Lauren, a coming-of-age girl with a mother who is slowly losing herself to dementia. Tragedies strike not with a forewarning but out-of-the-blue. In the middle of the night. On days you have experienced the utmost tenderness. It strikes you and hits you right at the
...more
I inhaled this book! It’s a relatively short read, but that doesn’t negate its impact. In fact, I would argue it heightens it. In Oleanders Are Poisonous, Collins tackles some challenging issues and themes, with teen protag Lauren not only navigating the usual universal teenage dilemmas, but also the terrible weight of burdens beyond her years: dementia, distorted family dynamics, grief, abuse, and betrayal. Well-paced, and well-written, and set against the backdrop of small town regional Victor
...more
From the very beginning, I was there! I felt the confusion, the questions, the loss and ....... Oh I won't spoil it for those who are yet to read this beautifully written story. I am looking forward to reading the follow up. Like all heartfelt stories, they need to read. I personally love holding the book and turning the pages. Stop to reflect and even wonder what the writer A.J. Collins will be sharing in the follow up chapters. This is a keepsake. A gift for every one and I am sure it will hav
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Oleanders are Poisonous is a compelling story of Lauren, a vulnerable adolescent living in a country town.
As soon as I began this book, I had to keep reading, as Lauren’s story drew me along with her, emotionally involving me in her experiences and her efforts to live with pain and confusion.
This beautifully written book by A. J. Collins, the first of a pair, transported me from moments of witty lightness to intense drama and back again, in parallel with Lauren’s own experiences. I could feel L ...more
As soon as I began this book, I had to keep reading, as Lauren’s story drew me along with her, emotionally involving me in her experiences and her efforts to live with pain and confusion.
This beautifully written book by A. J. Collins, the first of a pair, transported me from moments of witty lightness to intense drama and back again, in parallel with Lauren’s own experiences. I could feel L ...more
I was hooked from the beginning with the close relationship of Lauren and Harry on the bus. The story developed easily against the background of the Mallee and Lauren’s family life. Her mother’s dementia was beautifully portrayed, leading into the frustration felt by Lauren, and I felt the sorrow emanating from the stepfather. The breakdown of the family was inevitable, but Lauren showed she had the resilience to escape, aided by her friend, Snap. I was pleased when Snap showed her she could ris
...more
Wow! This, and it's sequel 'Magnolias Don't Die', are coming-of-age books like none I've read before. They are challenging, deal with today's issues - and the characters are believable. AJ Collins gets to the nub of some of the things confronting teenagers; she does it sensitively and compassionately. None of her characters is perfect, but that makes them all the more likeable.
I guarantee that once to start this book you will have to read the second. It's worth it. ...more
I guarantee that once to start this book you will have to read the second. It's worth it. ...more
The book is a good coming of age read. The book does end in a cliffhanger that has a sequel to the story. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable emotional read. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Lauren, despite being young, maybe because of all her problems she seems a girl with her head in the place, she knows what happening and tries to accept the horrible fate, she's a strong character. At least she finds a good friend, Snap, and it’s quite touching what they go through together. Snap helps Lauren and pushes her to face the problems, he’s another character with a lot of pain but together with Lauren they make the story. All the characters in this books are well-developed.
It’s interes ...more
It’s interes ...more
This is one book I highly recommend! I honestly could not put it down from word go!
It's fast pace, wittily written tale by A.J.Collins will have you in stitches and then tears the next. The main character, Lauren is relatable and depicts a fiesty, brave young woman who deals with more than one should at such a young age. I can't wait to start the sequel "magnolias don't die". ...more
It's fast pace, wittily written tale by A.J.Collins will have you in stitches and then tears the next. The main character, Lauren is relatable and depicts a fiesty, brave young woman who deals with more than one should at such a young age. I can't wait to start the sequel "magnolias don't die". ...more
We travel in parallel worlds when we read, looking to escape from our everyday lives. This story delivers on that premise and packs a punch as it takes us on the journey of life, death, grief, loss, love and betrayal. But it offers more than the sum of its parts, it offers hope, and that no matter what happens to us, we can be bigger and better than our past.
Oleanders are Poisonous is a realistic YA novel with a lot of pain. The sense of loss that comes from having a parent be physically present, but no longer themselves due to dementia, is something I don’t enjoy thinking about. It is a pain I hope I never have to go through...and even though Lauren, the protagonist, lives in a tiny country town, she has to cope with this loss largely on her own.
Lauren has no siblings, no aunts or uncles or wider support network; only a well-meaning neighbour who c ...more
Lauren has no siblings, no aunts or uncles or wider support network; only a well-meaning neighbour who c ...more
I haven’t read anything so moving in ages. Laughed, cried, loved it. Off to read the sequel now.
AJ Collins has written a thought provoking, fascinating story in Oleanders are Poisonous. Once I began to read the free flowing story, I could not put it down, so I finished reading it, in the same day.
The self-battles of Lauren in the story, bring insight to the reader, of the demanding struggles of a young teenage girl, who has to face and deal with (if not defeat) her demons. Living in a small country town where any change from daily happenings become local gossip, she is torn between sharin ...more
The self-battles of Lauren in the story, bring insight to the reader, of the demanding struggles of a young teenage girl, who has to face and deal with (if not defeat) her demons. Living in a small country town where any change from daily happenings become local gossip, she is torn between sharin ...more
Nov 22, 2020
Annie (Annie's Readingtips)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mental-health
This is such a sad and gripping coming-of-age story, filled with heartbreak, loss and abuse, but also with friendship, healing, hope and help to find light in the dark. It doesn’t shy away from heavy topics such as homophobia, self-harm and suicide, but it does it in a respectful, earnest and hopeful way.
Sixteen-year-old Lauren has not had an easy life. Losing her dad at a young age and shortly thereafter their home, and now her mother to dementia. As if that’s not enough, her best friend and se ...more
Sixteen-year-old Lauren has not had an easy life. Losing her dad at a young age and shortly thereafter their home, and now her mother to dementia. As if that’s not enough, her best friend and se ...more
What a really good book.
I moved house in September, so for the last 6 weeks I've been in a huge book slump. I was really busy planning the move, moving, and then had a huge change in my routine. So I went from reading 4 or 5 books a week, to not having finished anything for over a month. This book though changed that!
It moves quickly and is really engrossing. Despite their young age, the main characters are well defined and complex. And no annoying clichés are used. Even the gay character is rea ...more
I moved house in September, so for the last 6 weeks I've been in a huge book slump. I was really busy planning the move, moving, and then had a huge change in my routine. So I went from reading 4 or 5 books a week, to not having finished anything for over a month. This book though changed that!
It moves quickly and is really engrossing. Despite their young age, the main characters are well defined and complex. And no annoying clichés are used. Even the gay character is rea ...more
This book was a really great read! I read it in one day! I liked this book because I thought it was well written, down to earth and witty. I identified with the main character’s way of thinking easily and I think it would be a great read for any teenager going through some angst.
I’ll definitely recommend this book to friends.
I’ll definitely recommend this book to friends.
This was a surprisingly sweet, heavy-hitting read! I really enjoyed reading this book and honestly am thrilled there's a sequel coming. The writing was simple, yet emotive, and readers felt right along with Lauren. The way dementia was tackled was sensitive, yet real, and the way Lauren dealt with her trauma rang very true to me. The ending was hopeful, yet not sugar-coated. A very satisfying little book! I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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I eager to read this book because I really want to know the whole story of what actually happen and attracted to the quote “ some things can’t be forgiven .”
As i’ve read the book , I feel that the book such a slow phase book. And , it bored me somehow. Hmmm... it took me 2 weeks to finish the 154 pages . That’s not good for me.
The other reason that might be this book not for me is that , I thought it was a standalone book. But, it turn up to be series . Hmmm... I rarely read series book 🙈🙈 .
Afte ...more
As i’ve read the book , I feel that the book such a slow phase book. And , it bored me somehow. Hmmm... it took me 2 weeks to finish the 154 pages . That’s not good for me.
The other reason that might be this book not for me is that , I thought it was a standalone book. But, it turn up to be series . Hmmm... I rarely read series book 🙈🙈 .
Afte ...more
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AJ Collins is a Melbourne based fiction author. A recipient of first prize and several commendations for the Monash WordFest awards, AJ has been published in various short story anthologies and magazines and was awarded a place at Hardcopy 2018 in Canberra, a national professional development program for writers. Her work has also been read on Radio Queensland.
AJ graduated from RMIT’s Professional ...more
AJ graduated from RMIT’s Professional ...more
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