Teeth marks by Rose Moxham

With all the time in the world, Nick and Robbie head west, intending to do some fruit picking and see what life has to offer. Their aimless drifting sees them interacting with many other people, not least Jude, who Nick falls for. But an accident lands him in the local hospital, where surrounded by people from the next ward, all of whom seem a little unusual, he must reassess what he is doing and how he is getting along with those he loves. Incidents in the hospital are very funny as he constantly makes mistakes through his lack of experience of thinking of anyone else but himself.

This is a road story, fragmented and teasing, as Nick lies in hospital revealing small chunks of what has happened and how he feels. His interaction with those in the ward pushes him to rethink many of his escapades, and the reader along with Nick comes to some understanding of what makes him tick.

Not an easy read, the disjointed story is sometimes difficult to reassemble, but the characters are wonderful, real and whole as we find out what they really want in life, and what motivates them. Kids around year 10 would find this a stimulating read.

Fran Knight