* * *
Megan Bright and Jackson Dawes are two teenagers who first
meet each other on the hospital ward where they are both being treated for
cancer. Megan is scared and worried about her illness, but Jackson seems to be
an old hand, having been on the ward for ages. And everybody loves Jackson! He
is a whirlwind of life and energy, warmth and sparkle. Megan will need to
borrow some of Jackson's extraordinary optimism to face her and Jackson's
future. A moving story of first love and a remarkably powerful debut novel.
You know how there are just some people who can walk into a
room and command attention? When they leave, you’re just left with such
a fond impression of them? That’s Jackson Dawes, a teenager with this magnetic
personality that draws in anyone within his vicinity. When Megan first arrives
at the hospital and meets him, she’s not quite sure what to make of him. At first she views him as sort of this inevitable annoyance who's always showing up to her room and talking endlessly about something or other. He’s also blunt about what she can expect during her
stay. After a while, he becomes a calming influence. His vivid imagination and enigmatic
personality keep all the kids on that floor optimistic and most importantly
happy.
Anthem is told from Megan’s thirteen year-old point of view
and it’s very innocent and straightforward. She starts off in denial about her cancer, then goes through the motions before accepting the reality of her situation. The uncertain outcomes of what she and her new friends are facing tug at your heart strings. I thought I’d have a very hard time
with this book but honestly there are also plenty of moments to make
you smile. Aside from her budding friendship with Jackson, I enjoyed Megan’s conversations with her
grandfather who was a total riot. And the moments that are tough do make you
teary-eyed but at the end, it’s a sweet story about having faith, being hopeful
and living life to the fullest.
In Anthem For Jackson Dawes, Celia Bryce has delivered a touching, heartfelt story that I highly recommend!
~ Bel
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