Reviews

Caught in the Crossfire by Alan Gibbons

coops456's review against another edition

4.0

A YA tale of boy meets girl against a backdrop of suspicion and prejudice has been done numerous times, notably by [a:Joan Lingard|69826|Joan Lingard|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] in an Ulster setting, yet Gibbons brings a freshness to the cliche. His pacing means that the reader is gripped by the feeling of events spinning out of control as the urban tension rises.

A rounded examination of the myths and misunderstandings that drive racism and extremism, the book challenges us all to stand up and be counted.

ktrusty416's review

1.0

I'm so sick of these YA novels that deal with "issues". It's all plot, with the narrative driving you towards an obvious denouement. In fact, "obvious" is a great word to describe this novel. I wish that Gibbons and his ilk would write nuanced, believable, realistic characters and explore 'issues' through them. Subtlety is a good thing people! Don't be afraid to use it.

xshaeshae's review

5.0

At first I just choose this book because it was one of the choices in my English Class. Normally I never really liked book I've read in English, so I didnt think this would be any different. I was wrong. I didn't have problem finishing this book. It was very good. First I was unsure what was going on, as every few paragraphs would be a new characters POV and I got confused, but I got used to it and it was very worth it. I hope this becomes a movie one day. I would reccomend it to anyone who needs a good read (or has the choice to do it in English)