| Title | : | When I Was Joe (When I Was Joe, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1847801005 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781847801005 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 378 |
| Publication | : | First published August 31, 2010 |
| Awards | : | North East Teenage Book Award (2010), Carnegie Medal (2011) |
When I Was Joe (When I Was Joe, #1) Reviews
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What makes “you”—You? Is it a hair style, eye color, clothes, friends, family, skills, education? Or is it something deeper that makes us individuals? Love, loyalty, strength, convictions, or courage? Perhaps they go hand in hand. Could our reactions and decisions in life depend on how we see ourselves or how people view us because of our looks, abilities, or education? But what if ALL of that—everything that made you who you are changed? Everything you fought for and earned taken from you. What then?
All these questions and more swirled around my head while spending time in Ty’s world. When I Was Joe by Keren David tells the story of when Ty became Joe.
We jump right into this one with blood, murder, beatings, and bombings. Ms. David doesn’t tip toe around this tale. BOOM! We are in the pressure, violence, and chaos right along with Ty and his family! Ty witnesses a crime in the park where a boy was killed, but we don’t get the whole story. It’s a frustrating puzzle that never quite fits together, but one that will keep you guessing, guarding your heart, and hoping….HOPING that Ty is not involved, didn’t…*shakes head* You just never really know. Ty is doing the right thing though. He goes to the police, tells his story, and is whisked away into police protection with a new life and look as Joe. But there is something Ty is not telling the police and a lot the police are not telling him. The action, suspense, and mystery had me turning the pages faster and faster!
”Talking to him is like watching a film with the sound turned down. You know there are important bits that you’re missing but you can only guess at them. You’re left filling the gaps with stuff that might be worse than reality.”
I tried to hold back, warned myself not to believe Ty just yet, but the damn kid just squeezed my heart to bits. Strong, gritty language and actions with huge doses of humor and tenderness capture Ty’s struggle to do the right thing. But it is Ms. David’s characters that left me in reading-heaven awe. Each and every character is drawn with layer after layer of mixed emotions, sympathies, love, loyalty, and flaws. Oh-so many flaws! Everyone felt so real to me. Ty (Joe) is a bloody brilliant character! A character that made me smile and laugh, but also shocked and disappointed me again and again. Ty is such a boy! Haha…Horny, petty, rude, and just when you want to slap him upside the head—heartbreakingly adorable. The way Ty talked about his Grandmother melted by heart. He felt and moved with such realistic emotions of selfishness, longing, fear, and confusion. Crushing fear. Any one of us would have crumbled under the pressure, changes, and danger of Ty’s situation--never mind a 14 year old boy! Ty went from being a quiet, “pretty boy” sidekick to the popular, good looking star athlete and main attraction in his new school. We can’t run from our mistakes in life though. Ty will always be a part of Joe no matter how fast he runs. So what happens when his old life catches up and seeps through into Joe’s world?
Ty’s new world as Joe begins to twist out of control and crumble under the pressure of constantly trying to keep up the lies, missing his family, and the guilt of what the situation is doing to his family. Add in girls, friends, and sex--Ty has his hands full! There is so much more I want to gush about here, but I will stop before my rambling truly gets out of control. I do hope you get the chance to meet Ty and his family. They are unforgettable voices that will get under your skin. Wait until you meet his Mum! Haha…I didn’t even mention her yet.
I already have book two at my side. Can’t wait for more! -
I went into this book expecting it to be mediocre, but wow. Never before has there been a twist so unexpected that I had a physical pain in my chest when it was revealed. I put my full trust into Joe, and I didn't see it coming. It made me smile; it made me cry; but most of all it made me angry. I HAVE TO GET THE NEXT ONE
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Rarely do you read a book that can change how you see the world and the people in it. Like many of you I'm sure, I have read hundreds maybe even thousands of books. I'm a librarian and I love reading so it is hardly surprising. Yet only twice in my experience as a reader have I ever so deeply connected with a book that it is engraved upon my very soul and becomes a part of my identity. The first book was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It taught me about injustice and it taught me to have integrity and I love unconditionally it for that. The second is this book When I was Joe by Keren David.
This novel is told by Joe - or rather Ty - a boy who is all too familiar to me. He grew up in inner city London and went to a well-respected state secondary school. He respects his teachers and loves his Gran. He doesn't always see eye to eye with his mum. He is a very believable teenager. The sort of boy that I have spent time teaching, recommending books to - not always successfully - and the type of student that you can see the endless potential to achieve in. I should probably explain further. Before I took the job I have now at my adorable prep school, I used to be an Assistant Librarian at one of the government's glossy new academies in South London. The idea of these schools is to give the best resources money can buy to deprived kids and then the gap between their achievement and their more advantaged peers will narrow. The results have been mixed. So you see, I know boys like Joe. Good kids, great potential, gang members. How does this happen? Thanks to When I Was Joe I finally understand the inner workings of these kids and it brings me to tears now as I write this.
I won't give away the answer. I will say if you see knife crime on the news and feel despair that our young people are at war amongst themselves, read this book. If you walk down the street and feel afraid of a group of teens in hoodies, read this book. If you've ever had the slightest inclination to carry a weapon to protect yourself, read this book.
I connected with this book on so many levels. I can relate to Joe's frustration that he was seen as having an inadequate upbringing because his mum had him at just sixteen and was a single parent. I get so annoyed when I hear David Cameron (UK opposition leader) spouting on about the breakdown of the family. I find it incredibly insulting and I feel incensed on behalf of my mum. She wasn't a teen when she had me but she brought me up single handedly from when I was 11 years old. I know how Joe feels about the assumption that he is somehow tainted by not having two parents in his house. Surely it is better to have one loving parent who you can tell anything to, than two unhappy parents that argue destructively in front of you? It is not the number of parents that count in my mind. It is how much love they give you.
The plot in this book weaves and winds, ravels and unravels. Joe draws you in and hints at the truth. He tells you different versions of the truth and shows us that however hard we try to mould the truth, it is still there waiting. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through not knowing quite what Joe had witnessed. His voice was amazingly compelling. The way he could morph from one persona to another was spine-chilling and yet completely plausible, such is the strength of the characterisation in this novel. Each and every character had an individual and distinctive voice.
When I Was Joe has such poignance for me. It struck a chord deep inside me. This is a book that I will treasure for the rest of my life for the understanding it has given me about why our young people fall into violence. I find it hard to believe this is a debut novel as the power of this story has changed something in the heart of me. This book is exceptional! Buy it. Read it. Love it. I do!
http://thebookette.co.uk/ -
A fantastic book to leave the mind reeling and keep you gripped even after it’s finished.
The plot was fast-paced and intense. The fact that such a high level of intensity was maintained throughout the entire book was a marvellous display of the author’s writing prowess. The first person perspective was a stroke of genius that gave the reader immediate insight into the mind of the protagonist and it highlighted how realistic the narrative voice was for a fourteen year old. The representation of East London was spot on, not only through the knife crime and gang culture, but also through the diversity of the residents. It was great that the plot was also realistic—excessively violent, sure—but still very true to life towards the type of crime that occurs amongst gangs.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t smooth sailing—if anything, it was choppy waters—for the characters of the book with disaster after disaster and there was enough bad decision-making to make you wonder whether the protagonist, Ty (or Joe or whatever name he preferred to go by), was a lost cause. But that was what made him such a compelling protagonist, he was as flawed and real as any young boy living in his circumstances would be. And surprisingly self-aware enough to understand when he was crossing the line, sometimes caring and sometimes not. That was what made him someone to root for and what made the reveals after the fantastic build up of the mystery so hard-hitting.
On the one hand, the ending felt like an abrupt shame, but on the other hand, the entire book felt like a spiral into madness and so, from the outset the ending was probably more like a long time coming. And although it appeared as though it was all a reset at the end, Ty was such a fantastic character that his character growth was so clear to be seen. His circumstances may have reset, but he was forever changed. And after reading this rollercoaster ride, it’d be no surprise if you felt that way too. -
There is something I love about British crime dramas. I adore Heartbeat and whodunits like Midsomer Murders and Rosemary &Thyme. I also love grittier shows like Taggart, Above Suspicion, A Touch of Frost and, of course, The Bill. My point? Reading When I Was Joe was like watching an episode of The Bill, but following the story of the witnesses and victims of crime rather than the investigating officers. When I Was Joe was incredibly captivating, a true contemporary novel which stays with you long after the final page.
Ty’s trouble begins when he witnesses a murder in a London park. When his mother convinces him to tell the police they are forced to go in to witness protection. Neither Ty or his mum are keen on the idea, but are convinced when their home is targeted in a deliberate petrol-bomb attack designed to shut them up. Then Ty becomes Joe, a sexier, more confident version of himself who makes a splash at the high school of the small town they’ve been relocated to. That’s when things get really interesting.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose everything in one night, your friends, your extended family and the stuff in your house, the stuff that holds meaning which cannot be replaced. Given this premise, I was very interested to see where the novel went, and I was very impressed. We were given a very real story – it was gritty, it was confronting, but it was always real, heartbreakingly so at times. Both Joe/Ty and his mum were amazing characters, actually, all the characters were wonderful, because they were real.
They were so real that at times I wanted to yell at them in frustration. I felt particularly angry with Joe/Ty’s mum at times and just wanted to tell her to get outside and do something, rather than laying about moping, but then I realised that if I were in the same situation I’d probably be the same. With the possibility of being moved again, I can see how she would have felt it was easier to protect herself by doing nothing. In her old life she worked incredibly hard to raise her son and be accepted by society as a young, single mother, to have that torn away from her would have been heartbreaking.
We didn’t get much of an insight into Ty as a person at the beginning of the novel, because I think part of him adopted a new persona when he became Joe. Suddenly he was more confident with girls and found a new hobby he excelled at. Yet he also made me so mad sometimes. He could be lovely to the women in his life, but some of his decisions made me want to slap him. In saying that, however, I felt that he truly did learn from some of his mistakes at the end of the novel.
The pacing of the novel was perfect; it was action-packed and kept me so intrigued that I finished it overnight. Books like this are the reason I love the contemporary genre, they are confronting and heartbreaking, highlighting some very real issues. When I Was Joe is certainly a must-read for all contemporary fans.
This review and many more can be found at
Maree's Musings. -
i'm not going to lie. I fell in love with this book and 'almost true'. I actually read almost true first and I knew I had to read the first. usually I never go back to the first book but for this I HAD to.I love the fact that so much happens within just one book. so many ideas and action are explored. I love the whole use of language in the book especially 'Holy Mary, mother of god' even though I found that line a bit weird but funny at the same time. I don't know if i'm a bit lame etc but I actually laughed out loud whilst reading this(and that usually never happens to me) and my roommates laughed at me, thinking I was totally insane. But guess what, they also ended up doing the same when I forced them to read it and they were glad that I did.
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When Ty is a witness to a violent murder he makes a statement to the police telling them what he saw. He had no idea how his life would begin to unravel, but nothing will ever be the same again after a petrol-bomb attack forces him into a witness protection program. Fleeing from his home, Ty and his mother must take on new identities and remain isolated from their family and friends. Starting a new life isn't easy especially when you're trying to remember your new name and always looking over your shoulders for danger. The gang want Ty silenced before he can give evidence at the trial and they're prepared to do anything to make sure that happens.
I had read a couple of great reviews for When I Was Joe but I was still a little nervous about reading it - when I was young my Dad & Step-Mum lived in a not so nice area of south east London & I remember being chased home at knife point when I was only 8 or 9 years old. I worry a lot about my yonger brother living in an area where crime rates are high and I had a feeling that this book would hit a little close to home. In some ways I was right - Keren David has written an incredibly realistic tale of gangs and knife crime - but I'm so glad that I didn't let my nerves put me off reading this book.
Ty is an amazing character and one that has stayed with me in the days since I finished reading the story. His tale is so well written that I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Ty's character isn't perfect and sometimes it can be hard to tell if what he says is the truth or not, in fact although some things are hinted at we don't get the full story of the crime he witnessed until very near the end of the book.
Although there is obviously information on gangs and knife crime this isn't the whole story - the main plot revolves around Ty's new life as Joe living under witness protection. I found it so easy to slip into Ty's head and feel exactly what he was feeling - how difficult it must be to leave everything and everyone you know and love behind, not knowing when or even if you'll ever be able to see them again. Remember how hard it was to start a new school? Now try and imagine starting a new school when you have to answer to a different name and you can't give away anything about your past. When you have to constantly lie to everyone around you it becomes hard to remember what the truth really is. Where do the lies end?
When I Was Joe is a book that will make you think and has something to offer for all ages - whether you're a teenager or an adult there is something to be learnt from Ty's story. One particular paragraph that has stayed with me was this:
Page 108 "I'm not carrying a knife because I've seen what they can do. But I need one for the same reason. It's a problem that nags at me all the time."
How many young teenagers today feel the same? It is something I find heartbreaking but it is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with. We can't brush knife crime under the carpet - it isn't something that will go away if we bury our heads under the sand. If you're only going to read 1 book this year then I'd recommend When I Was Joe - it was a compelling read that I couldn't put down even if I wanted to and although the main subject of the story was hard hitting it was still light enough in places to make me laugh out loud. This really is a book that shouldn't be missed and I can't wait to read more of Ty's story in the sequel Almost True. -
When I first heard about this book, I wasn't too keen. The idea of a book on knife crime just didn't appeal to me; living in London, you see news reports on it all the time, and living in East London, they happen not too far from home. It's not really something I wanted to be reminded of in a book. But I started this blog to read YA of all genres; if I can read historical fiction and enjoy it, I can read something on violence - so I decided to give When I Was Joe a go, and I am so glad I did!
This book is just brilliant! Really, just so good! Reading the first few pages, I was reminded quite a bit of things that have happened near me, to people I know, or to people I knew of, and I thought I would find it such a hard read. But it was great! It's not all violence; once Ty and his mother Nicki are rehouse with new identities, it mainly follows Ty - now Joe - coming to terms with his new life, and becoming a new person. Ty makes Joe someone he wants to be; someone cool, someone who has friends, someone strong, and people flock around him. Joe is popular, Joe is a brilliant athlete, Joe could have his pick of any of the girls. But Joe is really Ty, and he can't escape what he saw, and the threat he constantly fears.
When I Was Joe is more than just an entertaining read; it was fascinating seeing how it works when someone goes into the witness protection programme. From TV, you know these witnesses aren't allowed to contact anyone, but I didn't really realise how cut off they are, and how they have to distance themselves. It was great seeing Joe trying to compromise what he was supposed to do with what he actually wanted, and the lies he always had to tell.
There were a great cast of characters, some who had more important roles than others; Ellie, who trained Joe, is disabled, Claire, Ellie's sister and a girl in Joe's class, has her own issues, and Nicki, who doesn't adjust to the new life well. And Joe himself is just great seeing him change back and forth between the two people he is. They're all just so interesting!
This is just such a fantastic book, and one everyone should read. It really opens your eyes to what might actually happen in such a situation, and could really educate and dissuade people to carrying knives; this story is fictional, but it could very much happen. Such a brilliant book, I'm so glad I read it! I highly recommend it, and I can't wait to read the sequel, Almost True! -
SPOILER ALERT
so, i think its fair to say that ty needs help. he kinda reminds me of how the minds of abusers work, how they're all sweet and understanding when things are great, but then, when things get too difficult they snap and sometimes, depending on the person, they can let that feeling over-rule their common sense and lead them to doing things that they wouldn't ordinarily do. to be frank with you, this book wasn't what i expected. when i started reading it, i had the idea that ty was a nice, innocent person, but then as the book progresses, you see his flaws, the not-so-glamorous parts of his personality and you see him crack, do things he wouldn't ordinarily do and you see that maybe, maybe his not as innocent as he claims to be. his relationship with claire was very interesting too. i'm worried about the fact that he didn't really feel remorseful about hurting claire enough to tell her that his mum is right and that its never alright for a boy to hit a girl but hey maybe that'll come later. when i red this book, the main thing it taught me was that there is never just black and white, there are also shades of grey. there is no such thing as a good or bad person because a good person will always have a darker side to them and a bad person will almost always have a reason for ending up how he/she is. its funny how quickly claire and ty got close though. i mean, they only talked for, like, 2 days, then suddenly ty rescues her from killing herself and suddenly they love each other. i can't really decide whether what ty feels for claire is really love or not because it sounds more like he fancies transforming her into someone joe would be proud to hang around with, when really she was perfect the way she was, minus the cutting but thats kinda understandable though it was obvious she really needed help. but then you see ty defending her to ashley so...yeah i'm confusing myself. anyway, my point is, i really want to like ty, but i've read a lot of books about abusive relationships and he just matches that category of an abusive boyfriend almost too well because of his personality. first, his charming and sweet thinking he will never ever harm anyone. then he lets his feelings take over once and BAM it goes downhill from there. like an avalanche.
don't get me wrong, i think his a really really nice person. but its just his personality is little unpredictable. the whole story about him ad clarie is kinda cute but i really believe it will only work out if they both get help.
anyway, i really liked the book (despite all i've just said). this plot was interesting and realistic. i loved how it didn't sugarcoat everything and just say how everything was beautiful and fine and his mother and him breezed through everything, instead describing all the challenges and the darker sides to everyones personality. i love the surprises and twists (even though they were kinda creepy) and i just hope that in the next book ty learns a few moral lessons that i'm desperately wishing he will hurry up and learn so he can be more understanding and a bit more stable (personality-wise) and a better person and boyfriend to claire.
anyway, thats just my opinion. don't kill me if you don't agree! if you even understood what i just ranted on about for the last three paragraphs. -
AMAZING!!!!! This needs to be a movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OOOOOOOPH! If you're reading this comment, you need to read this book now! :D
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I think everything I've read about British schools makes them way scarier than American ones. This was a brilliant, marvellous book, though, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. The protagonist (whatever his name at the time) is both vibrantly real in what he reveals of himself as well as cleverly, cunningly thought out in what he reveals of what he's done.
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It's kinda funny but very intense and kinda questioning, i mean who are you?
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Written in first person narrative from Ty/Joe's perspective. At fourteen, he has grown up in a low income, rough, multi-cultural part of London. The product of a teenage pregnancy with no contact from his father. He does have a terrific loving family especially in the form of his Grandmother and Aunts. He has a good relationship with his Mother although he has never tested the bonds before, they have always had to struggle for money. As a unit they have given him a firm moral conscience; making the main thread of the story even more astounding. I did find his mother rather immature/selfish having relied on other people to provide nurture for Ty, you can appreciate that she was just a child herself when she had him. He attends an alleged privileged all boys school where his background and lack of money make him a target for bullying.
The plot is unraveled in the form of recaps of the events leading up to the placement in witness protection. The depiction of Police treatment to witnesses was infuriating. You can understand to a certain degree how people who witness crimes do not speak out. As witnesses are treated as criminals themselves, it is easy to see why crimes go unreported/people look the other way all a reflection of today's society which really saddens me. The generally thinking that it was 'normal' to carry a knife was beyond belief.
Keren has a very compelling writing style, drawing the reader into the plot. It is very British in its references and language, vast cultural differences are depicted giving amazing insight into the difference a small distance can make to your surroundings and attitude. It confounds me that teenagers are drawn to using what is classified as 'gangsta' language in order to appear threatening, it does make me as a parent question the affect that television has on youths/society. The hysterical Simon Cowell reference lightens what could be an overwhelming dour mood.
The acerbic look at how conformity is encouraged and instilled via school uniform in Secondary schools, was so accurate it was scary. Working in a Secondary school I can completely picture the inner workings of peer pressure even down to the name calling. The first thing to be attacked is their sexuality, the term 'gay' is used to describe anything from sexuality to being geeky/dorky, it all comes under that one classification. Making it easy to understand Ty/Joe having his sexuality questioned by so-called friends. I couldn't really understand why Ty was friends with Arron other than for protection. Lots of reverse racism is interwoven into the narrative; in my opinion this is not taking seriously enough. In today's multi-cultural politically correct society remarks made to ethnic minorities are blown out of proportion but when the reverse occurs (ethnic minority to white British) nothing is done about it. This makes me want to stand on my soapbox and rant.
In the beginning Ty comes across as a bit of a 'sheep', he doesn't stand out, has only one 'friend' and stays out of the way. Peer pressure is a very powerful thing, wolves lead and sheep follow as a way to be popular. However, when he becomes Joe his whole persona alters, he is more outgoing and popular. Making me think that Ty/Joe thinks he can be a different person just because he has a different haircut and cool clothes. Or whether a change of environment promotes a fresh start. Via the narrative you get the impression that Ty really likes being Joe. His talent for languages is under-appreciated by everyone. I almost felt as if Ty had a split personality. I completely adored the use of irony showing that Ty/Joe has to live a lie because he told the truth.
Although circumstances and peer pressure conspire against Joe. Escalating gang violence showing parallels of events with both Arron and Carl. Varying degrees of bullying/intimidation/conformity and social hierarchies are all shown in graphic detail. The ridiculous politically correct ways of dealing with bullying are depicted in all their absurdity. Without severe punishment for this kind of behaviour you can easily see how it escalates. Bullying is shown in many forms: social and economic standing/religion/sexuality/the type of clothes you wear/your parents not meeting conventional norms. It seems to me that if someone wants to bully another person they will find a way to do it no matter what it is over. Frighteningly it was shown how easily situations can be manipulated. You are left wondering if Ty/Joe/Jake is so mixed up as a product of his environment.
Some really tough subjects are examined within the narrative: self harm/suicide/gangs/drugs/sexuality/teen pregnancy. Also the stress that being bullied has on people.
A really powerful and compelling story. A quite brutal description of both sides of bullying and its consequences. -
I have just finished what has to be one of the most amazing reading experiences I have ever had. I like my fantasy, but there is nothing fantasy about When I Was Joe. It's gritty, dark, but above all, realistic. It deals with the issues of knife crime (focusing on London) and the consequences that befall all parties involved.
Right from the beginning chapter, I knew that this was something special, and the further the book went on, the more that point was proved. Ty/Joe is one of the most amazing characters I think I have ever had the fortune to read about. After witnessing a fatal stabbing, he gives evidence to the police, putting his life in mortal danger. A petrol bomb attack forces Ty and his mum, Nikki, from their flat in London and they enter into the Witness Protection Programme. Ty is given the new identity of Joe, and he couldn't be any more different from Ty. Everyone at his new school thinks he's cool, for the first time in his life, he isn't seen as a loser any more, and all the girls flock to him.
He finds something he really enjoys and is good at - athletics - and begins training under the supervision of strong-minded, determined Ellie, a paraplegic gearing up to enter the Paralympics. Life as Joe isn't so bad. But then things start to go wrong. His gran is injured - attacked by the people trying to flush Ty out. The people who he gave evidence against - it just so happens to be a very powerful criminal family. He's suspended from school after a fight and sustains broken ribs. The police won't let him go to see his Gran in case the hospital is being watched. When finally he does, it all goes wrong and Ty wonders whether he'll ever be able to have a quiet life ever again.
A hugely powerful book. Entrancing and beautifully written. I love the way that things are hidden - what Ty/Joe truly witnessed - until the very end. How there are secrets that even Ty/Joe refuses to face. Theres love and hate. Safety and fear. Anger and sadness. Everything you can want in a book. I cannot begin to tell you the impact this book has had on me. Seriously one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read and I cannot thank Keen David enough for writing a book to beautiful, so captivating and real. Books don't often make me cry, but I truly sympathised with Ty/Joe, and felt the emotions he was going through. Towards to end frustration was at an all-time high, and to be honest I felt the prickle of tears.
A beautiful book that I fear I will never be able to praise enough. Very VERY excited for the next book about Ty/Joe, Almost True, out next month! Make sure you don't miss out! -
When I Was Joe isn't an easy book to read, based on the harrowing and all-too-realistic subject matter. It's honest and raw without being unbelievable or over-exaggerated, and packs a punch that'll leave you mulling it over for days
Main character Ty, who, after being placed in the witness protection programme, is forced to change his name to Joe, is a very strong character. He's instantly likeable, and this bodes well when it comes to sympathising with him and his unfortunate situation. Even after he becomes Joe and his personality changes, he's still a typical teenager with everyday, mundane issues to deal with. He never lets anyone in, and deals with his isolation remarkably well.
His budding friendship with successful paraplegic Ellie is both comforting and worrying. There's always the chance he'll get a bit too close to her and slip up, revealing his real name or previous life. It's like he's constantly walking on eggshells that can never, ever be broken or disturbed. Living with such fear and secrecy is hard and demanding, and author Keren David never fails to hammer that point home.
Though the rest of the characters are all well-written and engaging, none of them stand out quite like Ty. It's the only complaint I have about this novel, which just goes to show that nothing is perfect. Maybe it's because they're not as endearing, or perhaps it's because Ty overshadows everything going on around him. He successfully carries the whole novel, and even if he was the only character featured in the story, I don't think it would have made a difference. Ty's mum Nicki is a particular highlight, and her struggles with her new life are often heartbreaking. She knows her old life could be lost forever and, armed with that knowledge, she tries to carry on moving forward to the best of her ability.
Knife crime is a frightening violence that is rife in many parts of the UK, and is something that just can't be ignored. While all cases might not be as extreme as Ty's, it does happen, and innocent people's lives are ruined, altered and forever changed. Keren David addresses this issue with the utmost severity, and never glorifies life as a main witness to a crime. Without books like these, people could very easily forget what's happening right under their noses; even as close to home as the school their child attends. For that reason alone, When I Was Joe should be read, enjoyed and learned from by everyone. It's never too late to pay attention. -
I got this book in the mail two days ago (from the lovely Walker Books!) and I was delighted - I've been reading Keren's blog for a few months now, and reading rave reviews of When I Was Joe on UK blogs around the interwebs.
As always when I start reading a book I've heard great things about, I worried it woouldn't live up to expectation - no one ever wants to read amazing reviews of a book and then pick it up and be disappointed. But I wasn't! When I Was Joe totally lived up to the praise.
This novel was fantastic - unique voice that grips you from the first page, and a highly original concept. I think it'll appeal equally to both boys and girls, from thirteen up (there are themes of violence, self-harm and mild sexual references, but the characters are all around thirteen and fourteen and everything is dealt with tactfully). It's edgy and dark without being too confronting, I think, because of the amount of humour in it.
I think at times the British setting seemed really foreign (they use words like 'chav' and 'slapper' and other things I haven't heard of) and since my only real exposure to British culture was Shaun of the Dead, I sometimes had trouble following (the names of shops I'm not familiar with pulled me out of the story for a second). Ty/Joe is a great narrator, but the entire time you're reading you're wondering - is he good or bad? And what really happened? I think I was slightly frustrated by that.
Once I started reading, I didn't stop (okay, I did. But I had to do my Accounting schoolwork. Then I went back to reading). Before I began reading, it seemed pretty long for a YA that isn't fantasy or paranormal, but I barely noticed how long it was while I was reading. Hopefully reluctant readers won't be turned off by how thick the book is, because it's immensely readable and very exciting.
The start of what's sure to be a brilliant series, and I can't wait for the next book. -
This book was fantastic! 384 pages may seem a lot, but they whisk past and you can't stop reading! I can't recommend this book enough, so I guess I shall start by a review...
This book is about Tyler who witnesses a knife crime. Him and his family are in danger and they must go under Police Witness Protection Programme. They have to change their identity - name, house, school, and appearance. As the story unfolds, more secrets are revealed. I particularly loved that even though this story is seen through the eyes of Ty (Joe), not everything is said. There are amazing twists, great characters, romance, real-life events - everything you want in a book.
The main reason this book was so powerful to me is because it was based on real events. It can open your eyes and relaize that this stuff does happen in the world, and not everything gos the way it is planned. This is the perfect YA book!
I wouldn't usually pick up thrillers, and to be honest, the cover looks a bit depressing. However, I got recommended it and saw it in the library, so I picked it up. It did not disappoint!
My favourite character is Claire. She is really unlikeable at first, but once you see the other side of her....well, she becomes your favourite character! Ty goes to athletics with his personal trainer, Ellie. Ellie's sister is Claire, who is in Tyler's class. I won't give too much away, because her dangerous secret in one of the biggest twists in the book.
The sequel, Almost True, sounds brilliant! I can't wait to read it, as I am dying to know what happends next. It isn't really a cliff hanger, I just want to know where the end of the book leads to.
I recommend this for 12+....so what are you waiting for? BUY THIS NOW! -
I picked up a copy of When I Was Joe mainly based on the article I saw in my school newsletter, as the school book club had rated the best book of the year, or something (this was a while back), and I had always thought what it would be like to read it. So, I found myself a copy and had a read. Let me just say, I am SO glad I did!
First off, the story is about 14-year-old Ty who witnesses a murder, and gets investigated by the police. However, there is more to the story than that, and it isn't until further on in the story that you find out what really happened. Because Ty has witnessed things, the murderers are out to find him and his family, so the police move Ty and his mum, Nikki, to a different village where he has a completely new identity and name. A new beginning as Joe. The school see he is a good runner, and this is where he meets Ellie, a disabled girl who helps to train Joe. As time goes on and Joe gets friendlier with Ellie's family, he begins to speak to Claire, Ellie's sister. Secrets are uncovered, and drama occurs. There are so many problems in Joe's life that need sorting out. It shows the story of just how shocking knife crime in London and other places are, and the dangers of gangs. We discover a very softer, warmer side to Joe throughout the story, and really begin to connect with him. The main reason why I gave this story 5/5 stars was simply because the plot line was fantastic. I can't wait to read the sequel. -
Eric Espiritu
1st period Hirshman
Book- When I Was Joe
Author- Keren David
A. A type of person who would read this book is people who like mystery and suspense.
B. I give it 5 stars.
C. My thoughts in this book was everywhere! There was a lot of parts were I would have to think it through. But this book was made for me. Action, suspense, and scary. I have one opinion on this book. Why are they so strict about the characters identity? I know he saw a murder and all, but making him change identities two times is crazy. I had a lot of feelings towards this book. I felt scared, nervous, happy, shocked, and hurt. Scared, nervous, and shocked ties up because many parts of the story I felt like it shouldn’t happen and all. Happy because Joe (the main character) had an amazing life as his second identity. It was better than his first one. Lastly hurt, I was hurt because he had to leave a lot of stuff/ memories behind and start all over again. Some ideas is like Claire (a girl Joe talked to) would turn out to be another kid in the witness protection program. That would change the whole story a lot. I have no judgments to this book.
D. The big idea is to never leave from an incident. Because it might change your life. -
I really enjoyed when I was Joe and thought it was a brilliantly thoughtful novel which I whizzed through because I couldn't put it down.
Ty is an ordinary teenager who witnesses a crime and is forced to live under the witness protection programme because the crinimals he witnesses try attack him and his family for speaking to the police.
For me the thing that most reasonate about this book was the internal struggle that Ty has from the moment he becomes Joe. Being Joe is both strange because he is lying all day every day about who he is and why he has suddenly arrived at a new school. He has to follow a cover story and finds himself in trouble regularly but he can't explain his actions to anyone. That said being Joe also has its advantages. He has more confidence, girls are noticing him and he's got the opportunity to get more involved in athletics, a sport he excels in.
The book is gritty and realistic and gets under the skin of a teenage boy really well. I enjoyed getting to know Ty and find out more about both the person he was and the person he finds he is becoming when he is Joe.
I cannot wait to read the next instalment. -
'It's one thing watching someone get killed. It's quite another talking about it.' So begins this gripping and entirely convincing story of a teenage boy who witnesses a stabbing and finds himself placed on a witness protection programme.
Two things stand out for me about this remarkably assured debut. One is the confident storytelling voice that makes a well-constructed plot seem like the easiest thing in the world. The other is how well the author, Keren David, understands the male teenage mind.
It's a novel constructed around a pressing social issue - urban knife crime - but it's so much more than that. The writing is full of wit and social observation. Male violence is carefully explored but so is female manipulation. The author lets nobody get away scot free.
But for me the biggest plus, and the biggest surprise, about When I Was Joe is that at the heart of this gritty action-packed thriller nestles a love story that is both tender and moving. -
Mais uma série, pra variar. Enquanto esse livro não termina basicamente no meio do plot, como Insurgente, fica óbvio que vai ter continuação. Raiva. Agora eu realmente quero ler as 2 partes finais da trilogia *pouts*
Enfim. Consegui me conectar com os personagens totalmente, apesar de sentir raivinha deles (em particular da Nicky) em partes. Quero dizer, eu na situação deles, provavelmente agiria igual. O que não gostei mesmo, foi da imaturidade da Nicky, poxa, o Joe é filho dela e ele demonstra mais maturidade o livro todo.
Agora olha, o Joe não é perfeito. Ele é omisso (ele diz que são mentiras, mas na verdade ele mais omite fatos do que mente propriamente dito sobre eles), odioso as vezes e meio bipolar (novamente, compreensível na situação dele).
E deixa eu dizer, adorei a Claire. Uma das personagens mais legais do livro, IMHO. Mas o prêmio mesmo vai para a Maureen. E para o Doug.
E eu já estou sentindo falta do Joe. Que venham os próximos 2. -
This novel had a strong premise (a teenager in the witness protection program) that felt wasted on its mundane soap opera-ish storytelling. The unreliable narrator aspect kept me reading, as I was intrigued to know whether Ty really was a witness or the actual killer. But when the full details of the murder were finally disclosed I was confused at why they had withheld the information for so long. It felt like a big anti-climax in a book that had no real climax. Okay so there's a sequel but for me, the first book in a series should still tell a complete story arc with some sort of satisfying resolution. This might have been much stronger as a stand-alone story with a pacier narrative and with less of the teen romance and school bullying subplots.
-
I really liked the style of writing in this book which is warm and funny. Although the story deals with the tricky subject of a boy and his mother who are taken into witness protection following a knife crime incident, the first-person narrator has a wry sense of humour which lightens what could otherwise be a grim read. The only reason I didn't give it four stars was because I got a teeny bit bored by all the school stuff and the athletics training. But I'm sure a teenager would really relate to some of the everyday situations in this book.
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Captivating, at times fast paced but all in all well written. A kid who gets taken into witness protection getting a new start so he can be whoever he wants to be. I got so caught up in the story that I was infuriated at the injustice of him being punished whenever he tried to do the right thing. It is an exploration of teen issues as well (family, love, self-harm, identity). but needs that trigger warning.
Want to keep reading the series. -
Karen me surpreendeu muito neste livro... Joe mostra ao leitor todos os problemas de um adolescente como o bullyng e mentiras do mesmo. A corrida policial e proteção internacional foi algo que surpreendeu mais ainda por ter visto pesquisa. Doido para ler o Quase Verdade segundo volume e indico muito. O final é de enlouquecer.
