Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Blurb-
Callum is a nought - a second class citizen in a world run by Crosses... Sephy is a cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country.... In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix. And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together? They are determined to try. And then the bomb explodes...
This is by far one of the best trilogies I've ever read in my life! After Noughts and Crosses there are 3 other books- Knife Edge, Checkmate and Double Cross. These books continue on the story of the world of racism with many twist and turns in the road. In the beginning of the first book, it introduces the main characters and the idea of what's to come. It starts off with Sephy and Callum as little toddlers then skips a few years to when Sephy is 14 and Callum is 16. Although there's a year and a half between them, they fit together perfectly. Throughout the book you think they are going to confess their love for each other but not until the end does it finally comes out. Whilst Callum fight the tough Nought life of his Dad being imprisoned for a terrorist attack (which he didn't do) and getting killed whilst trying to escape prison, Lynette (his sister) committing suicide and everyone hating the sight of him for the simple fact of his skin colour. Sephy battles her crumbling parents, drunk mother, abusive dad and her difficult relationship with her best friend Callum. It is an emotional roller-coaster and I promise you will become close to tears on a few occasions. I urge you to read this wonderful book- it is educational, it gives you an insight into the lives of discriminated people and takes you on a journey!
Rating *****
Age recommendation 12-50
(Explicit cases and scenarios. Although it will capture older readers)
Why I loved it: Malorie Blackman writes from all different perspectives and therefore we get more of an insight into how the situation affects all different people. Some people are more interesting to read than others My favourite were Callum, Sephy and Jude. There are so many surprises waiting around the corner waiting to surprise you. When I read books they are leading so, I guess what is going to happen. But with this book it surprised me every time! It explores sensitive areas but we can relate to how the characters feel. Areas such as: Boys, Bullying,Pregnancy, Not fitting in, Alcoholism, Violence to get their voices heard, Racism, Peer pressure and the Apartheid. It explains the apartheid but it is in reverse in the book! That's what makes it so capturing and interesting!
Improvements: NONE. An excellent book and an amazing read!!
Take a look on Malorie Blackman's website http://www.malorieblackman.co.uk/
It provides you with links to purchase her books. Blurbs, plots and her other books.
ENJOY :D
