| I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Paper Girl appealed to me from the cover – it showed a paper chain of dolls and one burning. It looked intriguing and happily I was sent my copy. Paper Girl tells the story of Zoe – a girl suffering with extreme anxiety who has not left her house in years. She spends her time in there making objects from paper – she is working on the solar system for quite a significant chunk of the book – and it is here she feels safe. The paper is as fragile as she is yet she can work it into beautiful things; something she hopes she can do for herself. Zoe plays chess online under the guise of the name Rogue and is very good at it. Online she can be someone else, she can escape her anxiety and she can be in control. Rogue plays chess against BlackKnight, who becomes her confidante and best friend. In the real world, Zoe is desperate to be able to attend the graduation of her sister Mae. Mae is a cheerleader and popular but, happily, is not someone who mocks or berates her sister. She wants her sister back and she wants to help her get there. Refreshing, no? I half expected to have a popular sister who doesn’t care what her younger sister does and enjoys mocking her – but no. Instead we have someone who cares, someone who wants to help, and someone who often feels anger about the situation her sister is stuck in and not actually at her sister. With the help of her therapist Zoe is determined to get there. In the midst of all this we have Jackson. Jackson is homeless; he lives in his car. His mother passed away and his father was an alcoholic who was too difficult to live with. Hence Jackson would rather live in his car. He is planning on going to college after graduation and is funding this by tutoring other people in maths – his services are soon employed by Zoe’s parents to help her. They know each other anyway, but their relationship develops through his tutoring of Zoe and his hope of helping her. Of course, they both fancy the pants off each other but are far too shy to admit it! In order to ease both of their shyness, they consult with their online support and wish they could be more like them in real life. This is a lovely book and it is so easy to read. The characters have their problems and difficulties but nothing ever gets too bad. It resolves itself well enough and easily enough which makes the book flow along nicely. You never hit massive barriers. Sure, Zoe struggles and has hardships as her therapy goes along but they work themselves out. Jackson also has his problems but remains so positive throughout you never really worry about him too much. One thing I really liked was how the chapters went between Jackson, Zoe and then the conversations between Rogue and BlackKnight. I am a big fan of multiple narratives and how they pull things together or show a different perspective so again this helped reading through it. Their conversations also avoid cliches and too much sap – they are genuinely believable conversations between two socially awkward but happy teenagers who very much enjoy each other’s company online. Did it blow my mind? No. Did it leave me shocked and in awe and breathless for the next chapter? No. Did I enjoy it very much? Yes. It’s a good read with very likeable characters and a believable story. Zoe has that mum who constantly bakes and cooks and feeds everyone when they come round – she is such a fab character! You’re rooting for these guys throughout. If you’re looking for a gentle read that won’t tax you too much, but will leave you smiling, then this is the one for you. |
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