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Lies We Tell Ourselves: Winner of the 2016 Inaugural Amnesty Honour

Robin Talley

Lies We Tell Ourselves: Winner of the 2016 Inaugural Amnesty Honour

Subjects

  • Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after

Average rating

5 out 5

9 reviews


SHORTLISTED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL 2016***
*WINNER OF THE INAUGURAL AMNESTY CILIP HONOUR 2016*

Lie #1: I’m not afraid Lie #2: I’m sure I’m doing the right thing Lie #3: I don’t care what they think of me It’s 1959. The battle for civil rights is raging. And it’s Sarah’s first day of school as one of the first black students at previously all-white Jefferson High. No one wants Sarah there. Not the Governor. Not the teachers. And certainly not the students – especially Linda, daughter of the town’s most ardent segregationist. Sarah and Linda are supposed to despise each other. But the more time they spend together, the less their differences matter. And both girls start to feel something they’ve never felt before. Something they’re determined to ignore. Because it’s one thing to stand up to an unjust world – but another to be terrified of what’s in your own heart. ‘The main characters are terrific in what is a moving YA novel. And an important one.’ – The Telegraph’ This is so thought-provoking it almost hurts to read it, yet every word is needed, is necessary and consequently this is a novel that lingers long after you’ve finished it’ – Lovereading ‘This is an emotional and compelling read that I did not want to put down. It is […]beautifully written and the tension just simmers on the pages.’ – Bookbabblers ‘This book packs a very powerful punch’ – Historical Novel Society ‘With great characterisation, tough issues covered, and a plot which had me guessing right up until the last pages, this is a must-read. Massively recommended!’ – The Bookbag ‘This exceptional novel of first love and sexual awakenings is set against a backdrop of shocking racism and prejudice. It is incredibly well written as the tense, riveting story seamlessly combines fiction with historical fact.’ – Booktrust A Goodreads Choice Awards semi-finalist 2014

Reviews

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This was amazing. I cannot put into words how. It was deeply moving and tells a story that will stay in my heart forever

Director Birthday-cake Pudding-Basin 12.09.2023

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The book was extravagant it was life changing!Super good defineitley would recommend!

Fairy Sunny Aardvark 25.07.2023

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loved this book read it a while back so sad and really shows how black people were treated. just a note it includes some rasist words i advise 10+

Anonymous 12.08.2017

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i really liked this book. i think that you should read it because it is inspirational and just amazing. once it picked it up i could not put it down! OMG!! best book i have read in a long time!

Anonymous 10.08.2016

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A beautiful tale of love, remorse and colour. I was moved and shocked by this book, but I adore the story line wholeheartedly. I would suggest this book for older readers as younger readers may be unaware of the situation that was going on in 1959. I think this is more pointed towards girls than boys, but I'm sure boys would enjoy it as well.

Anonymous 28.03.2016