However I applaud the author for such an important subject matter, and for exploring all the different ways people can grieve and how a lost loved one can affect a family unit, I just felt like there was so much more space for more.

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite | WHSmith

Through ‘Cuts Both Ways’, Candice has captured the reality of many young people in London and other cities marred by gun and knife crime. I was drawn into a world I could only imagine before reading this story.I feel like there are still questions to be answered so would love to see a sequel but I also appreciate and respect the idea that not every story has a happy ending and sometimes we are left without annswers. I would love to see a HEA though 🌚 Anyways…..I feel like my thoughts are legit all over the place. All in all, I LOVED this book. I rate it HIGHLY and I would recommend this book to ANYONE and EVERYONE.

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite | Hachette UK Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite | Hachette UK

Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments Cuts Both Ways is a riveting mixture of contemporary, romance and mystery that completely captures your mind. Ongoing Covid restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes and winter weather conditions are all impacting transportation and local delivery across the globe. This is my second time exposing myself to the culture of BPOC through books. The first was Ace of Spades but in Cuts Both Ways, I get to travel deeply in their culture. Cyn herself did go through a lot for such a young person, and she learnt some things along the way. however the connection that was built between her and Isaac was unmatched. it just felt RIGHT. hence when it all went down, my feelings were shattered. it’s upsetting that it had to end that way for them both, but really what was he thinking??? Thomas was simply doing all of that out of spite. it was all just crazy.I really enjoyed this read, it was engaging and had me hooked right from the start. The writing style is perfect for a YA read but also perfect for adults that love reading YA like me. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Fantastic Fiction Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Fantastic Fiction

I thought this book had the potential to be a good book, but instead, it was underwhelming and poorly written. I am no stranger to Candice Brathwaite’s writing; I'm certainly not a fan, but I do believe she has produced much better work than this without sounding too rude. I do not think fictional writing is for everyone. The thing that causes a lot of Young Adult books to be unsuccessful is that people write for an audience that they don’t already have. Unless you're well-established like John Green, you have to develop your style of writing before trying to put yourself in a box for a specific genre. Cuts Both Ways did a poor job of targeting a particular audience. I loved both characters I just wish there was more of a plot, as this book heavily just felt like a short period of Cynthia's life in which she was trying to come to terms with her brothers death, and if anything the book actually left more questions than answers, so the ending really did bother me.

Although this is obviously a YA romance book but it carries a heavy message about education. Having to be born in a place where gun and knife crime is something that bound to happen to the youngsters, Cynthia’s father is determine to change their future by moving out. Somehow I do agree with her father’s way of thinking that education can change someone’s future. It is the story about Cynthia. She is starting a new school and leaving her old life in London behind. The murder of her older brother has had her family moving away from the living memory of the crime but Cynthia struggles when it comes to her new way of life. The plot wasn't believable and felt rushed. A pondering question I have upon finishing this novel... What was the message? What can people gain from reading this?

Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Books - Hachette Australia Cuts Both Ways by Candice Brathwaite - Books - Hachette Australia

Candice captured the story of Cyn’s mum and dad beautifully - at times I was infuriated by Cyn’s dad but he was also grieving. I loved the grace Candice gave both parents and how she handled the cultural differences that have a funny way of playing out when a family is dealing with stronger forces than they are used to. There were some parts of the book that really made me cringe although this was a good thing as that is exactly what the author was going for in my opinion. The first was when Cyn is at a party hosted by the Goddards and another guest is rude to her for being on her mobile phone because she automatically assumes that she is there to work and so goes to call out "the help".

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The characters had so much potential, especially our main characters, Cynthia and Issac, but they were underdeveloped and rushed. Their interaction and inner thoughts throughout the book were very amateur and cringe-worthy. It was so evident that this book was written by someone much, much older with not much sense of modern youthfulness and their interaction. Wow. Where do I even begin with this book. Cuts Both Ways is like an onion. There are layers. On the surface level it is about a boy and a girl who fall in love. On a deeper level it is a Romeo and Juliet tale with a basis in crime. On a deeper level it is about the socio-political and economic values and expectations that the BPOC community face on a daily basis. I was not expecting the beautiful depiction of grief at the centre of this story. This is a story about loss, longing and reconciling the person you thought you knew with the reality. Brathwaite has created this really touching and authentic depiction of grief. It is an all-consuming cloud at times, but it also sometimes melts away for a moment. Cynthia is emotionally vulnerable and open in a way that makes it impossible for you to not fall in love with her. Her process of grief is so detailed and realistic, striking a chord with me.