Farewell Tour of a Terminal Optimist (KelpiesEdge)

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If I could’ve held my eyes open for 20 more minutes, I would’ve finished this book in one sitting. It is really that good! I particularly enjoy books with quirky characters that make me laugh, and this one certainly does not disappoint. I loved that the novel was set in Scotland! I liked the characters Connor and Skeates, and enjoyed the evolution of their relationship which was really sweet. It was exciting to read as you never knew what trouble or difficulty they would run into... overall I think it was a great debut novel.'

Forming an unlikely friendship with fellow juvenile delinquent Skeates, the pair stage a break out and set off on a crazy tour across Scotland — dodging the police, joy riding and extreme partying — to find Connor’s dad, an inmate at Shotts prison.

After a particularly painful bout of bullying in physics lab, Connor and Skeates both end up in the hospital. Connor’s mom is out of the picture, and without anyone to care for him, he ends up in Dachaigh House – an institution for violent youths – with Skeates. Dun, dun, dun! Despite their former rivalry, Connor and Skeates form an alliance and set out on a road trip (of sorts) to see Connor’s dad in prison with a little money and without Connor’s seven medications he takes twice a daily to keep his cancer at bay. I normally dislike books about dying teens, but this one had me feeling all the feels. I laughed (often), my heart raced during the get-aways, and yes, I even cried. Real tears!' If I could've held my eyes open for 20 more minutes, I would've finished this book in one sitting. It is really that good! I particularly enjoy books with quirky characters that make me laugh, and this one certainly does not disappoint.

This isn’t the only thing that Connor has going on with his life. His father is in prison and no one will tell him why. His mum works all the hours of the day and his younger sister was killed when he was younger. Basically, his family life is in a mess. Despite their former rivalry, Connor and Skeates form an alliance and set out on a road trip (of sorts) to see Connor's dad in prison with a little money and without Connor's seven medications he takes twice a daily to keep his cancer at bay.

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Terminal Optimist recounts friendship between bully (Skeates) and his victim (Connor) as they run away from Stornaway to Shotts to discover why Connor’s dad spent the past seven years in prison. What act could be so vile that his Mum had to kept it a secret? There’s nothing like withholding information to fire a lad’s determination so he drops everything including his cancer medication to go on this quest. The answer blows that friendship apart then tests its strength as they fight off thugs and the Grim Reaper. It’s an uplifting story but, like life, Connor has his fair share of challenges. Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments