This Feast of a Life Written by Cynthia So. Reviewed by Piper, Age 12

I loved this book. It was so much fun to read and really engaging, also I loved how some of the chapters ended with a sort of philosophical saying like wise words to let you think about till the next chapter. The front cover is brilliant and I am obsessed with how the chapters are layed out jumping from one character to the next and vice versa. To add, about over half way through the book it has a break up in the story and you can read some text messages from the characters it is a great way to change up the format of the pages also uses a different font design in extra parts like (trying not to give to much away) the blogs.

Something from my perspective that I want to add is that this was extremely educational as well. It is not just a story but a learning curve because it really delves deep into people’s mental health and wellbeing, what they are hiding and what they are going through. After reading this incredible novel the best advice is to genuinely check in on those around you, even people who seem to be fine. Don’t judge a book by its cover! Literally. Despite me being a Gen Z child, before reading this book I had zero to none knowledge about this topic. The only person I can give great thanks to for this is Cynthia So.

It is a perfect Gen Z (partially) romance novel. I have never read a genre like this before but it has surprised me; this book explores the world of two extremely different characters and how they coincidentally meet. Both wanting, both deserving but both unsure of their desire. More unites them than divides them especially…FOOD!!! Whether it be sweet and sour pork or experimental aubergine ravioli.

Valerie, mourning her recently deceased mother-and craving a forever lover – finding it is harder than ever to fit in or, even be happy in her own body. More often than not the remaining parent strives to become the mother/father of the child(ren) but unfortunately it seems that Valerie’s dad’s soul has died alongside her beloved mother. He is lifeless and lazy conversations end abruptly and their bond is broken. But will this be forever? Can Valerie ever recover her dad from the depths of depression and anxiety?

Then there is Auden, their government name is Adeline but this doesn’t sit right for them; it is like a word on the tip of their tongue that they can’t spit out. An itch that they can’t scratch. It’s annoying, but why? Why, they ask themself constantly why, why, why?! Why do I feel like this? Why can’t they be themself? Why doesn’t anything feel right? They have so much to say, so much to confess but not enough time or confidence. On top of all this, can Auden learn enough about life before they are rushed off to Oxford- if they get in.

With both Valerie’s and Auden’s brains surrounded by fog and blanketed in a soot of stress and worry, can they pass their exams and fulfill their dreams? Read This Feast of a Life to help battle the odds, defy society and win against those who bring them down!