Title: The Liar's HandbookAuthor: Keren David
Published by: Barrington Stoke
Publication date: 15th January 2017
Pages: 125
Genres: Young Adult/Contemporary
Format: Paperback
Source: Review copy from the publisher.
River's life is blown apart when his mum invites her new boyfriend into their home and their lives. River is instantly suspicious of Jason – he seems fake, too good to be true.
At school, River's routine fibs are escalating into something more serious, and his teacher gives him a notebook in the hope he can channel his fantasies into creative writing instead.
And so, River begins The Liar's Handbook, and an investigation into Jason.
At school, River's routine fibs are escalating into something more serious, and his teacher gives him a notebook in the hope he can channel his fantasies into creative writing instead.
And so, River begins The Liar's Handbook, and an investigation into Jason.
The Liar's Handbook is the latest YA release from one of my favourite authors, Keren David - but this time, it's in the form of a short story, and has been designed in a way that makes reading easier for those who struggle with it. And it is brilliant.
River is a liar. At school, half of his year still believes that he was a champion snow-boarder at the age of six, until his career was wrecked by a polar bear during the world junior snow-boarding championships. As the saying goes, it takes one to know one - and River is certain that his mum's new boyfriend, Jason, is a massive liar. The Liar's Handbook follows River's investigation into his mum's boyfriend, and his search for the truth.
Like with Unboxed by Non Pratt - another fabulous Barrington Stoke title - it feels special. A pleasingly small paperback, it has thick, creamy pages; the chapters are punchy, dynamic, and brilliantly twisty; and the overall design is bold and eye-catching. I'm an avid reader who has no trouble with reading (unless finding the time for it counts...) and even I felt the satisfaction and encouragement that comes from reading an entire book in a short amount of time. Because, as bookish as I may be, reading a full-length novel can be difficult when life insists on butting in at every available moment, and it was amazing to be able to read a review book in under an hour. I think I've said this before, but... more YA short stories, please, publishing industry!
The Liar's Handbook is well worth the read, as are Keren's other books, regardless of whether or not you struggle with reading. Barrington Stoke is an absolutely genius publisher, and I cannot wait for more.
