Reviews

From multiple sources
  • Monty

    This was a great read and a truly inspiring book. It encourages young adults to pursue their dreams instead of follow the status quo, which is something I believe should be greatly encouraged. The characters are believable, well-written and relatable. It’s set in a realistic setting and draws you in quickly because of this. A concise, motivating novel, Out of Sight is a fantastic read for anyone who needs a bit of inspiration in life, not just young adults.

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  • TJ (13)

    The novel Out of Sight is about a teenage guy name Rob who happens to love music,
    despite the fact that whenever he sings people generally cover their ears in pain. So
    what can he do about this? This is a book about a boy who has no vocal chords, can’t
    play an instrument and yet still loves music, who finds the answer: you don’t have to
    be in the band to make the music. The idea that appeals to me in this book is exactly
    that “you don’t have to be the guy on the stage to be the hero.” It shows how having
    good people skills is so important in life. Rob did not just become the manager but
    saw an opportunity to help someone in need, and at the same time got the band
    that he was managing heaps of publicity. It also says a lot about the importance of a
    team effort: Rob was important to the band because of the way he dealt with sorting
    out the gigs and those sort of things………..
    The last thing that appeals to me about this book is how it relates to the real world
    and how it is so important to have those skills. In the world we are growing up in it is
    vital to be able to see things not as bad or good but more as opportunities for both
    you and the people around you.
    In conclusion, I think that this book is very insightful into the skills that are important
    for life. It sends a very powerful message to teenagers and young adults growing up
    in this generation.

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  • Anna Robertshawe (13)

    I was a bit hesitant about reading this type of book as I’ve never been drawn to read
    about it. We’ve had our own small, unprofessional businesses at school and learnt
    how to follow a concept through, but only for a few weeks at a time. Although, when
    I heard there was a band involved, I wanted to take a closer look at it.
    Out of Sight was a fantastic and thought provoking book, and was very easy to take
    in and understand. The concept was original, I have never read a book with that
    theme of trying to help teenagers start a business of their own, and to live life at its
    fullest.
    There was certainly humour in the book, which is what readers are always looking
    for, and it makes the book come alive, so that really added to it. Out of Sight is a
    great way of getting through to teenagers, as the characters in the book have the
    same teenage problems and issues as in the real world, so the teens reading the
    book can relate to it even more.
    The way the book started off with Rob introducing himself, and telling us a little bit
    about himself, helped me feel Rob was friendly, which made me want to read the

    book even more. I have always preferred books to be written in first person, which
    Out of Sight is. I feel first person is better than 3 rd person, as it makes the reader feel
    part of the story, and the book feels more intimate.
    The book came to a lovely finish, as it let the reader know that Rob hadn’t finished
    yet, and it told teenagers that once you’ve started something and you’ve had one
    success, don’t stop there, keep going till you’ve had a million. I think this book will be
    really inspirational to teenagers everywhere, and hope they follow in Rob’s
    footsteps, to take up a challenge, set a goal, and reach it.

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  • David Ivory

    Thank you for a copy of your book Out of Sight. I have read it twice and enjoyed it a
    great deal. From a teacher perspective I would use it – so many elements or
    dimensions to initiate class discussions – all the enterprise hooks – but also issues
    around the need for individual provision in terms of health care over and above state
    provision, relationships as between peers, parents and adults, decision making skills,
    engagement, collaboration, networking skills, need for planning and risk mitigation –
    come to think of it they are all attributes of enterprise. In sum, a great book – thank
    you for the opportunity to read.

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  • Indigo Paul
    Really engaging read! Would recommend for ages 11-16, and for anyone who wants to read a shortish, funny and enjoyable YA book. The main character, Rob, is very relatable , and it’s very easy to get inside his head. Also super cool to read a book about an American but set in Wellington!
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  • Mark

    I enjoyed this read. I have always wanted to be in a band since I was young, but never really had the people or resources to start one. I liked how this book encourages young people to do their dreams and accomplish something that they want to do with their lives. The message is inspiring and I liked the characters a lot. They were all very realistic and positive, which is perfect for a read that is meant to inspire others. I liked how Rob pulled together the band and created unity out of them. They all worked together to help out charity events and to raise money. The message is strong in that you can do whatever you want to do as long as you have determination.

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  • Gladys

    Finally, a breath of fresh air from the usual choices of YA books today. It’s a coming of age story that revolves around the life of Rob, his band “Out of Sight” and the challenges and choices they have to make. The plot is well-developed with a twist of humor, uniqueness and positive outlook that is quite missing in today’s book choices. It teaches us that everyone has his or her own struggles and it’s up to us which path to choose, which in this case; they all choose the right path.
    Definitely a great read and highly recommended, especially for teens.

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  • Kelly Lynn

    This book isn’t just about starting a band to gain popularity. It had so many great lessons in it for teens and preteens. Actually for people of all ages. It’s about finding something your passionate about, learning to work through issues with your friends and also staying committed. It really is a book that got me motivated again to accomplish things that I have put off in my life. I feel this is an excellent book for kids and adults to read to get a pick me up in their lives.

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