Arctic Zoo by Robert Muchamore

          Starting the book you do wonder where this is going to lead as it almost has a One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest vibe in the opening stanzas.  Starting, as it does, in a UK Mental Health facility and introducing us, via a group therapy session, to a group of struggling teens.  It isn't immediately obvious who the book is about as we get introduced to several characters in a few lines but all is soon made apparent.  From Alex's breakdown with Henry in the session to Julius's dramatic entrance on to the unit we then move back in time to before all of this happens.

Centering around Georgia Pack and Julius Adebisi the book follows a, more or less, chronological timeline describing the events that led both of them to land up needing help.  Whilst being disparate teenagers in very different socio-economic groups and lands there is a lot that unifies the characters; not least the struggles and pressures of growing up and making a path for yourself in the world.  There is a strong sense, initially, that things happen to the characters rather than them making any overt decisions about where their lives are heading or controlling the situations they find themselves in.

Even reading as an adult there is a lot to engross you and make this book enjoyable.  The characters are well thought through and come to life in the pages of the book, you really do feel that you know as much as these shuttered people will let you know about themselves.  There is also a very pronounced sense of hope in the book, that no matter how bad it looks, or indeed gets, there is always a little chink of light out there.

The plot felt a little outlandish at times but the author always manages to distract you with a gentle swell of unexpected humour or a quick subject change.  I found it all too easy to slip in to Georgia and Julius's lives for protracted periods and ended up reading this book in almost one sitting.  Whether you find yourself in rainy London or sweltering Akure the settings are brought to life by the characters and you do feel like you understand a little about their individual worlds.

The forward by the author mentions his own battles with Mental Health and it does give you pause before starting the book.  However, don't let this put you off picking it up and giving things a chance.  Yes, there are some tough subjects dealt with but the telling is so good you don't even really start to contemplate the bigger picture until you have finished reading.  Yes, it does lead to some tough questions about your own opinions and beliefs but it could also open up some really useful conversations about important topics (this book touches on suicide, homosexuality, the nature of protest, corruption and many more).  If that all sounds a bit "heavy" then just enjoy a cracking good tale that is very well told.

THIS IS AN HONEST REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED FROM READERS FIRST.