Title: The Simple Gift
Author: Steven Herrick
Genres: Young Adult; Poetry; Romance; Contemporary; Fiction; Australia; Realistic Fiction; Teen
Synopsis: My hand in his stops trembling, for a moment.
Written in verse, The Simple Gift is about a sixteen-year-old boy named Billy who escapes the violence of his father’s home for a life of no fixed
address. In the town of Bendarat, he meets a homeless man, named Old Bill and Caitlin, a seventeen-year-old girl from a privileged background.
Each carries their own personal baggage and find themselves united by their search for meaning in an increasingly soulless world. Over early mornings, long walks and cheap coffee they discover, no matter how big
or small, it’s the simple gifts in life that really make a difference.
Paperback, 188 pages
Published January 2nd 2014 UQP (first published January 4th 2000)
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MY RATING:
Rating: 8 out of 10
Status: Read and completed on January 7 2016
I’m not a big fan of poetry, but this book is a great read. I was able to take a break from novels, and instead of wordy explanations, there were simple descriptions. I could understand and feel the emotions behind each word, and I cried. I cried and I cried because everything was just so damn touching. The tone was very depressing and the whole story was sad. I loved how there were none of the judging attitudes we have in society today. Even though it was simple and wonderful, the book did not stay and linger in my thoughts. I couldn’t say “I loved it and I can’t forget about it”. It didn’t have much impact on me and there were a few flaws too, hence the 4 stars. It was not exactly memorable, but I would definitely recommend this book.
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