Reviews

The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean

Only show reviews with written explanations

booksandbobbins's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

joyous

bookmadbarlow's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A book about making you're own Pride wherever you are.
Bea and her sister Riley have good memories of PRIDE, it was the last time as a whole family before their dad died. Now they are having to move to a small village whilst their mum saves up money to be able to afford life in London as a single parent and they will miss this year's PRIDE.
Bea and Riley are obviously upset about this, but soon find friends who help them fit in. There is just one Thorn in their side and that's grumpy old Rita.
This was a good read, I liked Bea as a character and how the people in the small community helped her. A book to put a smile on your face.

kellysrambles's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This is a beautiful book full of hope and brimming with optimism. Following the death of their father, Bea can’t help but notice how sad her sister Riley is. So when they unexpectedly have to spend the summer at their Gran’s house, Bea sets her mind on cheering Riley up. Cue lots of laughter, brilliant friendships, loving family and a huge celebration of pride and acceptance. This is the kind of book that needs to be in schools and on children’s bookshelves everywhere.

kmanos's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

jo81082's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

asourceoffiction's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This beautiful book just exudes joy from beginning to end. I always love a sprayed edge, but never before have they had any impact on the reading of a book. Here I only had to glance at the stunning rainbow edge and it would uplift me. Which is also a great parallel with what's inside those pages.

The story is simple, and not unpredictable, but it's the characters that pulled me in and kept me so engaged throughout. I knew how I hoped it would end, but there were sufficient surprises that I wasn't bored for a second. I didn't want it to finish but I couldn't put it down long enough to make it last. Bea and Riley's relationship is beautiful, and the friends and family that help them navigate their summer in St Regent's Vale are the most wonderful group.

Rita provides a great counterpoint to Bea's plans, and I felt tense whenever she appeared in the story. She's a clever villain with nuance and complexity. And while she never fully redeems herself I did feel like there might be hope for her by the end.

And speaking of the end, well, I just wept tears of joy throughout the last 50 pages. That's really all you need to know. Get it. Read it. Be joyful.

Content Warnings