Saving Daisy by Phil Earle

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 339
Published: 5th Jan 2012
Publisher: Penguin/Puffin
Genre: YA Realistic fiction
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US* I Book Depository
*not available for US

Description:
As Daisy struggles with misplaced guilt over her mother’s death, she turns to extreme and violent measures and soon her life starts spiralling out of control. This leads to tragedy and suddenly Daisy finds herself left all alone. But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy – if she’ll only let herself be saved



Review:
Saving Daisy is a tale of one young girls struggle to overcome the guilt she feels for her mothers death. Suffering from panic attack the only way she can control her emotions is by self harming. She can't talk to her dad about it and ends up seeking comfort in the new teacher Mr. Hodson who seems to care about Daisy. However, pretty soon her life is torn apart and she finds herself at Bellfield, a therapeutic community. There she has a chance to be saved. But does Daisy want to saved?

Lately, I am finding that I want to read more "real" YA fiction. And this is certainly that. Saving Daisy is wonderful and heartfelt story that will give the reader an insight into what is going on with many children and teens today. More and more kids are self harming and this book tackles it head on instead of just skimming over the topic. On a personal level I couldn't really related to story or characters but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. It truely opened my eyes.

Daisy has had to deal with so much for a fourteen year old girl. I just wanted to sit and hug her and tell her everything would be ok. I got so involved with the character that every emotions she was going through I found myself going through as well. Of course the reason for this was the amazing author, Phil who gives Daisy such a powerful voice it would be hard to be gripped by her story.

As I said above I personally couldn't related to storyline. However, I know many people who have went through similar situations and it is hard seeing this happen to anyone and not be able to really do anything about if the person doesn't want help. And that how is was for Daisy at times.

The Plot has a really good pace to it. And flowed wonderfully. However, I did find a just a bit predictable. So the parts that I guess that are meant to shock you, didn't because I just knew what was going to happen. Although, the ending didn't end how I thought it would. It was very different turn of events and I was just sitting like OMG!

If you are looking for a realistic YA novel then please pick this up. It was take you through the motions. Open yours eyes. Or even help you deal with self harm, guilt and grief. There should be more books like this on the bookstores. I am looking forward to reading more of Phil's works so much so that I know I will buying his other Being Billy very very soon.


Rate: 4/5