What I Learned - The Field by Ian Dawson

Wow - well I started this book last night and didn't go to sleep until I'd finished.  This book is utterly incredible.

What I Learned:

The following quotes are from the authors summing up in the back of the book...

So many important lessons in just a couple of paragraphs.  Surround yourself with people who can the see the sunshine that is positively bursting out of you.  They are the people who will help you make all of your dreams come true.  And never ever take them for granted, we never know what's just around the corner.  Make sure, instead, that they are in doubt as to how much you treasure, love and appreciate them.

Always try to be a little bit of a better person everyday.

This is a tough one.  As a parent it is really difficult to know when to step in and when to let things be.  I struggle with this every day.  My teen and I had a conversation just last night about the fact that her opinions and thoughts and feelings matter just as much as anyone else's and that it is really important that she remembers that.  I am so conscious of the seemingly "perfect" lives surrounding her on social media and on finding ways to navigate through that.  It is a constant juggling act and, honestly, I am glad I am not a teenager today as I'm not sure how I would have coped.

My Goodreads Review:

The Field by Ian Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I literally could not put this books down and read well into the wee small hours. I literally had chills. This books captures the awkwardness that comes whilst navigating the teenage years perfectly, and also explores friendships, both toxic and non-toxic, and the impact this can have on lives, as well as just how easy it is for things to spiral out of control.

I physically had chills when reading this book as I knew it was written from the personal experiences of the author. He has turned a traumatic event that no one should have to live through into an incredibly real story that will pull you in right from the first page.


Make sure you have no where to be when you start reading this incredible story because I guarantee that you won't want to leave it until you have absorbed every last word.


Phenomenal.

This book is one of those rare gems that will appeal to both boys and girls alike, making it the perfect choice, in my opinion, for a school book club.  Although it deals with some pretty meaty themes and topics this is balanced with some pitch perfect comedy moments - I guarantee you will never look at a juice bottle in the same light again!

Find Ian Dawson online at:

Goodreads

Website

Twitter

Thank you so much for checking out this review - if you enjoyed it please have a look at my complete list of What I Learned reviews.

Happy Reading!