I'd first like to say a big thank you to the teams at Readers First and Hot Key Books for kindly sending me a copy of Wink to read. Seventh-grader Ross is not only struggling with the awkward everyday life of school and growing up. He's also dealing with having a life-threatening illness, a scar - and everyone looking at him. A combination he could do without. Between radiation treatments, freak-outs, family life, and school life - all Ross wants is to be normal. It's thanks to a group of unexpected people who bring him back to life and help him survive school with one eye open. It's always difficult when reading a book that talks about something very real and very serious; something that is affecting some every day. However, Rob Harrell's mix of charming humour and sketches made Wink the type of book I was able to read through in just two short sittings. Pairing the humour and sketches with the wonderful plot about how Ross copes with his daily life, and Wink has very quickly become one of the books that I'm sure to remember. Technically, I am not the target audience of this book - however... I was able to enjoy it and appreciate it as a 22-year-old who often finds her nose stuck in a thriller over anything else. Throughout the book, I found myself thinking back to the wonderful gem that is Wonder by R.J Palacio, which I read several years back. Though both books focus on very different issues, they're very similar. This book made me laugh, gasp and even get a little teary-eyed. A win in my eyes!

I was really drawn in by the eye-catching cover of this book, I could tell it was going to give me the feels. I'm pleased to say I really enjoyed it, a heartwarming story that was really engaging. I read the majority in one sitting! I liked Ross and following his journey. I think the desired audience will really appreciate the characters and it will have a really important place in raising awareness. It's important for younger audiences to have a representation of different people living with different struggles and I think this will bring a lot of hope into people's lives with is so valuable. Overall I rated this book 4*, I liked the writing style and tone. Would definitely read another book by Rob Harrell.

This book tackles a serious issue in a way that’s very easy for an older child to comprehend but written in a way that’s very relatable. Ross is a very average boy until he gets a rare eye cancer and then as well as dealing with the treatment he has to deal with the extra attention it causes. Understandably both causes him lots of reasons to worry, the worst of which are well depicted in his Batpig comic strips. This covers the impact his illness has on his health, emotions, friendships and school life and the language and emotions are well targeted for the age group. Despite the heavy subject matter this is a book with a lot of humour and is very enjoyable to read, the cartoons and illustrations do a fantastic job of stopping it being too serious too.

I don't normally read books like this as i find them difficult to read but i think as this one was aimed at teens it was easier to read. I really enjoyed Ross' journey and how things turned around for him. I'm presuming he's cancer free now and strumming his guitar with his new friend Jimmy. Really good book.

The conversation went like this: "Whats that book? it really like the cover". "Its called Wink, a new young adult book" "what is it about?" "A kid who has cancer of the eye" "Why would anyone want to read that? It sounds miserable" "Actually it is meant to be funny". And actually it is quite a hard sell at first, but, dear reader, this is neither tragically sad not over sentimental. It does get emotional and it does tug at your heart strings except that isn't what sells the book. Its the ease of reading, the loveable character and the huge amount of empathy the book is packed with, in places you wouldn't expect it. Author Rob Harrell had this exceptionally rare cancer of the tear gland but, instead of writing about his experience, he used his experience and created a teenage boy called Ross and his friends and family and told his story instead. The result is a wonderful book, difficult to put down and very easy to read. What make this so special, other than the brilliant orange cover, is how real and likeable the characters are. I grew attached to all of them and wanted to stay with them. It is an incredibly human book which is light hearted, honest and (strangely for cancer) fun journey filled with the power of music, friendship and hope. Now can we have a separate story for Jimmy as well? I loved Jimmy. You will too. Oh and the book made me cry loads of times, in a nice way and isn't that what anyone wants? Art to resonate with you?