We read a lot of John Marsden in year eight and year nine in my high school. I think I read so much of it, that I didn't end up liking his writing.

There's something really condescending about his writing, and I don't quite know what it is, but this guy just really annoyed me when I read his writing. Like, the main character is supposed to be writing in her diary, and it just felt like she was writing it for someone else.

And I was reading it and thinking, is this what John Marsden thinks of teenaged girls? Is this what he thinks of us? Is this how he thinks we are?

It came to a pivotal point in the story, and after that, it fell completely flat.

And I thought the end was contrived and forced and just made me roll my 13-year-old eyes. I'm probably really unfair in my reviews of his writing, but honestly, I didn't like this book from start to finish. ( )

Not a bad little book, but a bit slow and out-dated. ( )

I first read Marina's story when I was in year 7 and it has never left me. I have never forgotten her, as promised on the blurb. My second read, years later, was just as moving as the first.

Due to a horrific accident that changed her life, Marina does not speak. Exasperated, her mother ships her between therapists and hospitals and finally to boarding school, where Marina shares a dorm with eight other girls. She is deeply guarded and self conscious and spends her days cowering and scurrying around the school, trying not to be noticed by others.

If this book had been written from another point of view, my feelings about Marina may have been completely different. But written as it was, in her journal, put me inside her head. I felt what she felt. I was scared for her when she was, even if to someone else it may not make sense. I wept for her and felt those small buds of hope and happiness when she did. I wanted her to get well, but I also wanted her to do it in her own time. I felt time was important. And it was. When she finally spoke again, I cried and cried. It was beautifully executed. So simple but so necessary. The courage she showed was enormous.

A beautiful book. A forever favourite by one of Australia's most loved authors. ( )

Set in Australia in the mid-eighties, this first person narrative follows the experiences of 14 year old Marina after being transferred from a hospital to a new boarding school. The narrative is in the form of entries in a journal that her English teacher is requiring all his students to keep. Only gradually do we begin to see her and learn why she is at the school and why she doesn't speak. I began reading this book to see if it should be included on my school's shelves and soon found myself unable to put the book down as Marina learned to relate to those around her. The publication page indicates an interest level of 6th grade and up and I would recommend it for that age group.

Tricia

Set in Australia in the mid-eighties, this first person narrative follows the experiences of 14 year old Marina after being transferred from a hospital to a new boarding school. The narrative is in the form of entries in a journal that her English teacher is requiring all his students to keep. Only gradually do we begin to see her and learn why she is at the school and why she doesn't speak. I began reading this book to see if it should be included on my school's shelves and soon found myself unable to put the book down as Marina learned to relate to those around her. The publication page indicates an interest level of 6th grade and up and I would recommend it for that age group.