Something I said by Ben Bailey Smith

We all know those kids. They're smart, street savvy and up with all of the latest idioms.  Ever ready with gobsmackingly clever answers to everything, they are quick witted and funny... and sometimes annoying. They get into trouble with their big mouths. They hurt people. Often they go onto great careers where being articulate and having a ready arsenal of "quick on your feet" responses is important.

Something I Said is narrated in the first person by Carmichael. Carmichael is one of those kids. The book begins as thirteen year old Carmichael is told off AGAIN at school for seeing life as just a joke. We as readers have access to  Carmichael's thoughts as he ponders life. He is a wordsmith - a lover of the mechanics and origins of words. On page three, he cogitates on the two words that he has missed taking on board as a younger child - karma and context. The fact that he has missed the importance of acting according to these two words leads him into a lot of trouble and life lessons. Carmichael has a quirky, loving family. He has a quirky best friend and he has great teachers at school.

At a school talent show Carmichael's standup performance is filmed and it goes viral across global social media. He is spotted by the producer of an American television show and flown to New York for a stand-up performance. A potential life of wealth and glamour is ahead. But where will Carmichael get his comic material from? What price is he prepared to pay? Who is he going to burn with his rapier wit in order to get laughs? What is important in life? 

Tantalised by becoming world famous, growing to understand the origins of his cutting style of humour and the truth of his upbringing and after experiencing many dramatic situations, Carmichael makes a decision about his life direction.

The author, Ben Bailey Smith is a comedian, actor and screenwriter himself and so Carmichael jumps off the page as a very authentic character. This book is very funny. We know that when teachers and parents try to be cool with their idiomatic language when attempting to relate to teenagers the results are often awkward. Ben Bailey Smith knows how to hilariously depict how teenage non-compliance and obtuseness challenges and changes against the backdrop of steadfast family, school life and friendship.

A heart-warming, big-hearted book for ages 10+

Themes: The love of words, Comedy, Family, School, Identity.

Wendy Jeffrey