How well do you know your own daughter? And how far would you go to find out the truth?
A stunning debut novel told in alternating voices, Reconstructing Amelia is a story of secrets and lies, of love and betrayal, of trusted friends and vicious enemies – of how well a parent really knows a child and how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save.
Reconstructing Amelia, written by Kimberley McCreight, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.
Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99. Also available as an ebook for $13.99.
For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can't construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.
I am loving this book!! Although I'm only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it's lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can't wait to finish it - if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
Omg i cant put it down. Definitely a page turner. Make sure you have piece and quiet when you start. I cant wait to read the rest. The story line covers real issues. Im enjoying it as i have a daughter of my own. Tonight ill be snuggled up with this book in my mind going just one more page, hmm i wonder how many times ill say that.
Lovely Book - Can't wait to finish it :) (First Impressions Review)
Firstly, this was the book I chose to review as I felt I would be able to relate to it. I am a single mother with a young girl at home(also named Amelia) and so was drawn to this book from the very first moment.
I love the way the story switches from both the mother and daughters point of view. It definitely makes it more interesting than other books.
I am looking forward to finishing this book and posting my final review in the near future
i've now given this book to my friend and my mum to read... both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn't hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
Having just finished this book, I've found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I'd recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it's been about a week since finishing & I've not been able to find one yet.....
I Am half way through this book and are enjoying it a lot .....Gives you another reason to Hug your Daughter and understand them a little better...Will def look for more books written by this author.. It's a Very emotional read so far I def Recommend this novel to any Mums out there....You will enjoy!
Almost finished and I think I am dragging out the end, will have to bite the bullet and finish it. The story has been unfolding and at times its heartbreaking to think that it may have been different if the poor mum in the story had a bit more time for her daughter. Makes you think.
Enjoyed this book when I requested it from the library. It was easy to get into and enjoyable and would definitely call it a "women's read'... I can't see my husband reading this!!!!
This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
I haven't read any other books byKimberly McCreight. I liked how the storyline was written, and it was a great read without having to sit and think too deeply. The relationship between the mother and daughter was so typical like today, you felt like you knew them and could easily relate. I borrowed this off a friend and she loved it and said she couldnt stop reading. I will keep my eye out for more books, and may start a collection.
I wasnt picked to review this book but have just finished reading it after finding it in my Mum's collection.
I loved it, it was one of those books that you couldnt put down. I love the way that you get to read 2 sides to the story and that they were clear. Sometimes when reading books from multiple perspectives its easy to get lost.
I have lent my copy of Reconstructing Amelia to 4 friends, 3 female one male, and interestingly all the girls said they could not put the book down, whereas the male friend found it dull and hard to read. I guess it means this one is for chicks!
Was not sure I would enjoy this book as I had never heard of the writer. I was wrong as soon as I picked it up I could not put it down, my first reading I read the book for two hours straight. Very easy to read and is a book that you can read without to much thought so a good relaxing read as well as entertaining. Liked how it goes back and forth between caractors.
i've now given this book to my friend and my mum to read... both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn't hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
KUDOS' to Kimberley McCreight! This debut novel opened my eyes to how a seemingly normal, but high achieving adolescents life can go so terribly wrong. A decision made by her, taken into a few hands can destroy a life Psychologically and eventually take her life. It takes bullying into a totally different mind set. Riveting to the last page. :)
Thank you for the chance to read this book. It was a great book to read. The Author kept me glued for the whole book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The book was well written and the writing flowed well. I would recommend this book to other mums. It is a book that can be read without too much thought.
For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can't construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.
When I started to read this book I thought it would be a predictable ,low impact and uninteresting story.
How ever, a few chapters into the story made me sit up and think that I must find out what happens from here.
It is the story of the relaionship between a daughter and a single mother who believes she is doing the very best she can to give her daughter a good life and future. The book asks the question are material goods ,beauty and wealth necessary for a happy life. After reading this story you may change your attitude to this question.
I reccomend this book as a good ,thought provoking read that was hard to put down.
I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
This book is great. I'm only half way through but couldn't wait to write my review. I have to read books that are enjoyable and move at a reasonable pace as I get bored very quickly. The characters are well defined and the book seems to be well written. The start of the book engages you right away. Its a simple read, not taxing at all so far.
There is a little swearing which puts me off a little, but that's the story of thing I don't like. Im only half way through but will finish it.
I am loving this book!! Although I'm only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it's lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can't wait to finish it - if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
Wow wow wow, what a fantastic book, it will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. it really gets down to the nity grity of raising a teenage daughter. a real page turner i couldnt go to sleep without reading more znd more. even my husband picked it up and started reading it.
I read this book great ideaKimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn’t a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn’t a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.
Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day
Having just finished this book, I've found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I'd recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it's been about a week since finishing & I've not been able to find one yet.....
This book finished exactly as I thought it would - all the loose ends tied up and a neat little package which had solid morals.
Kimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn't a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn't a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.
Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day, then it's nice to jump in to a familiar story in an easy voice.
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
6:26 pm
Definitely a book worth reading
All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
2:46 pm
Fantastic book!!!
12:57 pm
first early review
10:13 am
Lovely Book - Can't wait to finish it :) (First Impressions Review)
I love the way the story switches from both the mother and daughters point of view. It definitely makes it more interesting than other books.
I am looking forward to finishing this book and posting my final review in the near future
12:49 am
A good easy read
I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.
The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn't deviate in its "flow" will be looking for more books by this author
12:47 pm
easy read
9:08 pm
Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!
2:02 pm
Good reading
4:58 pm
A Must for any Mum of a Daughter
11:41 pm
Makes mums of teens think
3:16 pm
Very easy read!
5:16 pm
so good
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
12:49 am
A good easy read
I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.
The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn't deviate in its "flow" will be looking for more books by this author
12:31 pm
light read, very enjoyable
1:20 pm
Couldn't put it down
I loved it, it was one of those books that you couldnt put down. I love the way that you get to read 2 sides to the story and that they were clear. Sometimes when reading books from multiple perspectives its easy to get lost.
8:13 am
friends opinions
3:59 pm
I really enjoyed it.
12:47 pm
easy read
12:11 pm
It was ENLIGHTNING!
3:16 pm
Great easy read
6:26 pm
Definitely a book worth reading
All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
5:05 pm
Thought provoking.
How ever, a few chapters into the story made me sit up and think that I must find out what happens from here.
It is the story of the relaionship between a daughter and a single mother who believes she is doing the very best she can to give her daughter a good life and future. The book asks the question are material goods ,beauty and wealth necessary for a happy life. After reading this story you may change your attitude to this question.
I reccomend this book as a good ,thought provoking read that was hard to put down.
9:08 pm
Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!
4:35 pm
enjoyable read so far
There is a little swearing which puts me off a little, but that's the story of thing I don't like. Im only half way through but will finish it.
Give it a goid for sure :-)
2:37 am
disappointed
However I just couldn't get into it, I forced myself to read half the book but for me it didn't get any enjoyable.
I normally enjoy books that jump bak forth in time ...I think it was the use of swear words that put me off the most.
2:46 pm
Fantastic book!!!
10:18 am
final review of reconstructing amelia
12:00 am
bery useful when u r on stress
Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day
2:02 pm
Good reading
1:36 pm
Lacked Sub Plot, but Good Pace
Kimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn't a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn't a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.
Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day, then it's nice to jump in to a familiar story in an easy voice.
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