C Reads: Gone by Michael Grant
Today’s post sees the return of C Reads, in which I ask my son to review a book he thinks other people would enjoy reading. Gone, by Michael Grant, is the first in a series of six YA dystopian thrillers. All words and opinions are reviewer’s own.
What is Gone about?
It’s about a place where all the adults disappear, and the kids have to try to survive. But there are these other kids who are from a special boarding school, and they’re trying to take control of everything. Some kids have developed powers, like being super strong or really fast, or are able to shoot things out of their hands. The main character is called Sam Temple. The kids from the school and the kids from the town fight each other. When people turn 15, they disappear, and Sam’s birthday is really soon so it’s like a race against time.
Who is your favourite character in this book, and why?
My favourite character is Computer Jack. I like him because he has super strength and he’s really good with computers.
I also like Diana - she’s kind of one of the bad guys but it’s really cool how she can shake someone’s hand and know how much power they have.
What’s your favourite part of the book?
Near the end of the book, when Sam is turning 15 and should be disappearing, there’s a really exciting bit when he faces what happens to people when they go. I couldn’t put it down.
Is there anything you didn’t like about this book?
Not really. It’s quite long but I like reading so that’s a good thing.
How does this book make you feel?
Like I really wanted to read the next one. My mum ordered the second and third books and they arrived in time for me coming back from holiday - I was really happy.
Why should someone else read this book?
It’s funny and it has loads of adventure. It’s also a really good story. I’ve already finished reading the next book in the series.
Parent’s View
Recommended age: 12+
I’d bought Gone months ago when visiting Wigtown, Scotland’s very own book town in Dumfries and Galloway. It was originally intended for C’s Christmas, but he ended up getting it for his birthday as he already had a fair pile of books from Santa. He started reading it the day after his birthday, and had finished it less than 48 hours later (genetics, yo) and told me I had to read it. Having read the first chapter, I could see why - it’s immediately arresting, with drama from the very beginning, and characters that jump off the page.
It’s NOT for the sensitive reader, and I would absolutely recommend parental discretion on this one - there are several violent scenes, and the narrative doesn’t shy away from the potential realities of a society suddenly without adults. Children are hurt and killed, and the concepts of separation and loneliness may be too much for some. In saying that, C is (only just) 11 and seems not to have been overly affected by reading it. I don’t generally censor his reading material (within reason!) as I think young readers absorb what they are ready for, and that reading widely around good fiction prompts questions for discussion and can help prepare them for the complexities of life. You will know your child and whether they are likely to be ready for this kind of book. I’m happy to answer more questions if you have them!
Books 2 (Hunger) and 3 (Lies) were bought from the same children’s bookshop as Gone was. Message sent to them one morning and the books arrived in the post the next working day - along with a lovely note and a World Book Day short story by the same author. We all love the ease of Amazon but it’s impossible for them to offer the personality and individual touch that booksellers do. Please continue supporting indie bookshops too, before we lose these wonderful resources forever. I’ve linked to the one I used below.