As in her National Book Award-winning The Thing About Luck, author Cynthia Kadohata's deep and complex characterizations make it easy to imagine a life likely vastly different from those of most readers.

From the past, the most saddest thing ever is that when her mother couldn't look after Kerry and her brother, anymore, they went into separate care.And when it becomes increasingly clear that that day will never come, Kerry takes matters into her own hands. She is a hardworking cleaner, determined to be a good role model for her son, and given where they live, she has her work cut out in steering Kian along a positive life path. I love the ease of Mike Gayle books, they are well written, well rounded characters that the reader can connect with and a plot that is thought provoking and entertaining. This is a brilliant character driven read, that I raced through, so gripping, shot through with hope and light amidst all the darkness. The chapters switch between Kerry and Noah’s first person perspective and there’s a ‘dear diary’ sing song to the narrative voice.

I originally added Half a World Away to my TBR shelf because I am interested in the work of illustrator Freya Blackwood, whose artwork can also be found in the gorgeous The Selkie and the Fisherman, and I wanted to see more of her work. It’s captivating; it wraps you in this little bubble and it’s hard to notice the surroundings as it just sweeps you away. S. debut of an incredible new illustrator introduces two everyday friends whose closeness endures no matter how far apart they are. I admired her strength as a hardworking single parent and thought her relationship with her son Kian truly heartwarming. Kian's father is the no hoper, Steve, not interested in his son, Kerry has no illusions where he is concerned, but it means that she and Kian are on their own in life.It is a very sweet story about two best friends who live half a world away from each other after one of them has had to move. He has a wonderful way of lifting the reader up while tugging at our heart strings at the same time.

She captures the simplicity of suburban living, possibly a bit more the suburban living of my childhood, rather than now. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions. Everyone is talking about this quite tearful read Half A World Away by Mike Gayle, anyone with the love of good books can see why everyone is talking this story.I felt for the character, Noah, as it must have been hard for him to have lost his sister having just been reconnected. He lies, steals, and breaks promises, and sometimes his behavior is dangerous and hurtful, but he's honest about his faults, and readers will understand they're directly related to the lack of love and nurturing he received during his first eight years. Kerry is a hardworking single mother, who adores her son, Kian, and never bemoans the hand she's been dealt. By turns funny and moving, Half a World Away is a story that will stay with you long after you read its powerfully emotional, heartbreaking final page.