Pieces of Us Written by Stewart Foster. Reviewed by Arthur, Age 15

Pieces of Us, by Stewart Foster, is a very poignant and cleverly written book that I enjoyed reading. The way it is written was like a fast-flowing current – as soon as I got into the book, it was hard to put down, because the story just flows along seamlessly. It offers a personal and moving insight into the hidden struggles anybody could be facing, and keeping secret, in their day to day lives.

The story follows aspiring writer Jonas, 17 years old, struggling with his eating disorder, bulimia, but then meeting the magnetic and confident Louis, in the year above him. Both of them like writing and music, and they become close quickly, best friends within a matter of months. After channelling their emotions through their creativity, and recording multiple songs together, they eventually discover each other’s hidden secrets. They face lots of challenges together, with their bond becoming a seemingly unbreakable friendship.

Throughout the book, there are lots of points that emphasise how important it is to talk to somebody about issues, otherwise they may just keep spiralling out of control. The plot also stresses how utterly important friendship is for getting through problems and life, especially when you feel completely alone. Foster covers the mental health struggles very well, using the right amount of sensitivity, while also using all the emotion needed to really show how trialling it is.

The format of the book is unusual, but very reader friendly and flowing, as I mentioned before. The entire story is a memoir, or even a letter, from Jonas to his deceased friend, and jumps from the past to the present very easily. Perhaps it is made so poignant, because we read all of Jonas’ thoughts, and how he reacts to every situation. This means we empathise with and understand more deeply all of his feelings, actions, and situation.

Overall, I think that Pieces of Us was very poignant and quite eye opening in some areas, which meant that I did enjoy reading it, and learn about struggles that I haven’t experienced. I would recommend this book, but only to people over 15, as there are a lot of saddening and possibly rather upsetting topics in the book, along with swearing and older and more adult themes. Nonetheless, I think that it is a moving, well written, and eye-opening book.

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Arthur’s Mum’s thoughts: I read this book too as was interested in the subject matter of the story-telling. It was very well written from the point of view of a 17-year-old as the way the characters interacted reminded me of being that age. It could be helpful to young people who have friends, or who themselves are experiencing an eating disorder, or who suffer a bereavement. Just a warning…it almost made me cry at the end as it is so sad!