Format Read: Paperback
Number of Pages:  360 pages
Release Date:  28th June 2010
Publisher:  The Text Publishing Company
Formats Available: Paperback, e-book
Purchasing Info: Daniel Ducrou, Good Reads, Booktopia

Book Blurb:

Andrew and his mate Benny have finished school and are heading for the holiday of their lives in Byron Bay. They are not sure what they’re looking forward to most: the surf, the girls, the music, the partying or just being away from Adelaide. Things don’t go to plan, and Andrew loses his mates. But he finds Heidi. Heidi is not like anyone he’s ever met before, and she takes him into her world, which feels a million miles away from his past. But is Andrew really prepared for the ride he’s about to take? The Byron Journals is an exciting debut novel by a fresh new voice in Australian literature. Fun, and sometimes frightening, it takes a clear-eyed look at the desire to escape your past and the dangers of running headlong into your future.>

My Thoughts:
After reading some fantastic Aussie Authors in the past few months (see- Kirsty Eagar & John Marsden) I vowed to take more time to pick up books from the authors of Australia.  So when I came across The Byron Journals on another Aussie blogger’s site I went out and bought this.

Andrew has alot to escape from.  He caught his father sleeping with one of his students, and to keep him quiet he’s paid him off, money that he’s using to go to Byron Bay.  His mothers a Criminal Defence Lawyer who, while she thinks her work stays at work, has unknowingly caused Andrew to be beaten to a pulp.  She also drinks.  Alot.  So when Andrew and Benny arrive at Byron Bay together, they are in to party it up big.  Girls, music and the occasional joint.

The first night they are there, Andrew and his friends follow music to a house party with loads of drinking, music and fun.  There he meets Tim and later Heidi and Jade.  Andrew doesn’t count on is the falling out he has with his mates within the first few days and finds himself at Tim’s doorstep looking for a place to stay.

Right from the start I could see Andrew’s journey slowly spiraling out of control.  Tim, Heidi and Jade are great at first but as he gets to know each more personally, the secrets start to emerge and Andrew realises he may not know them as well as he thought.  I can’t say his choices were all that smart either but considering he just goes with the flow it’s understandable how easily he gets in too deep.  Between living with his new mates or going home to his disastrous family life, it’s obvious which one Andrew prefers so he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep everyone happy.

Since The Byron Journals has alot of drug references and sex scenes I don’t think this is a book everyone will enjoy but in saying that if you want something a little different and definitely Australian give it a try.  It was a definite eye opener for me.  Plus the way that Daniel Ducrou describes the scenery is absolutely amazing.

I give The Byron Journals 4 bookies!

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

About Melissa

Melissa is a vegemite eating, thong wearing (Thongs = native shoe found in most Aussie dwellings) Australian who loves to read!. When she's not immersed in a book, she can be found writing in between juggling a full time job and being a Mum of a three year old monster named Cruzito. She can be found at Spellbound By Books or at My Alter Ego Charlie.

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