Book Reviews

This incredible book by Johann Hari is so good that I’m doing something I never usually do, which is recommend it to you before I’ve even finished it. For anyone who’s familiar with Hari's work, you’ll know how well this man can tell a story. This book is important and incredibly eye-opening. It explores why we feel like the world is on fast-forward and why, no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to stop scrolling on our phones. It’s engaging, supported by research, oh-so relatable and never preachy. It explores how our focus has been stolen by algorithms but it also provides hopeful insight into how we might move forward and re-focus as a society.

If you’re not ready to commit to an entire novel, I recommend you listen to Johann Hari’s latest interview on the podcast called ‘The Imperfects’. It contains some colourful language, but I promise it’s worth it! 

Aimee Shattock

Communicate & Relate Teacher

“Jimmy closed his eyes, searching for that power inside him. He had to forget that he was terrified – that was only the human part of him, the 38 per cent that was a normal, frightened boy. He willed the assassin to take him over. He knew that somewhere within him was enough strength, resilience and expert knowledge to survive this crisis.”  - Jimmy Coates: Sabotage.

Jimmy Coates is on a mission to rescue his parents in an adventure that echoes ‘The Bourne Identity’ for teens.

Jimmy seems like an ordinary boy, but he is not. Part boy, part weapon, he is genetically engineered to grow into the perfect government assassin. Speed, strength and deadly instinct is in his blood.

English author Joe Craig writes with a satirical edge, all action-packed and high-octane, each book is simply unputdownable. 

Niamh McPhelimy 

Library Manager