A dreamy teenage girl’s world is turned upside down …
by the arrival of substitute teacher Solomon Andrews. But when a harmless crush becomes something more, it reveals a dangerous yearning that should never be fulfilled.
The Yearning, written by Kate Belle, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.
Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $17.99. Also available as an ebook for $10.99.
The letters written throughout "The Yearning" by Kate Belle are intimate, drawing the reader in. The language used is very mature and the content has depth. The female main character is very sure of herself on paper and so her love notes are written fearlessly; although she appears much less sure of herself in real life.
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
I've been reading other reviews for this book and am surprised at the number of comments indicating that this book is something for teenagers to read.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
The use of bible verses throughout from "The Song of Solomon" is quite interesting. On the first reading I didn't really understand its relation to the story but I think that they relate in the way of the depth of the female lead characters feelings for her teacher.
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
I was drawn in and engaged from the first page. When I first read about the sexual encounter between the 16 year old and her teacher I initially felt uncomfortable and a little sickened at the thought. But I liked that the author; Kate chose a taboo subject as things like this do happen. I myself found myself relating to the subject content- not in the same way as a teenager/teacher romance but yes as a young woman/ older male romance I was able to relate.
The way in which language is used is achingly beautiful and the story unfolds in an interesting way. I particularly love the setting of the story- as I myself live in a quiet country town. Kates' use of the english language does transport me back to the old Australian outback with all its rugged charm.
Even the cover of the book is poignantly beautiful and the title is simple, gives the potential reader some indication of what the novel will be about but still retains an elusive sense of mystery.
I have in fact read the whole story already as I simply could not put the book down for long but I intend to read the book through again to give a more substantial review.
At first when i just started reading it, i thought it was gonna be another book that id never finish. But after a few pages i could not even put it down.
It is a very captivating amazing story and i have passed ,y book on to my neighbor who is now also loving it
Whilst I wasn't lucky t be a reviewer I purchased it for a plane trip i went on & didn't put it down. I enjoyed the twists & turns, it was very easy to,read although I'm thinking a teenager may be a bit young. Plus I always like to read anything by an Australian, I'd give it 8/10.
I fully support Australian based stories and Australian authors. This book was a believable story that took me on their journey. Well written and well received. I have passed it onto my teenagers who read it and thought it was great read. They loved her letters.
An intriguing tale of youth, forbidden love and loss.
I must say that I thouroughly enjoyed this book. After posting my initial impressions of the novel yesterday, I have not been able to put it down and finished reading it this afternoon. Kate Belle is a very unique writer having woven such an evocative and intimate tale in The Yearning. Both characters are really well written and heartfelt, with Solomon being very much at the fore in the beginning and the young girl (who's name is later revealed) at the second half of the book.
I loved how Kate gave both characters a voice, the young girl with her notes to Solomon and his thoughts in turn. The ripple effect of their relationship reverberates even after a quarter of a century leaving them both wanting and lacking something in their lives; the young girl never finds a man who measures up to how Solomon made her feel intimately and Solomon can never find someone who adores him as the young girl did during their brief affair.
The Yearning is a beautifully written story about love,infatuation,obsession,discovery,loss of love and life. It may not be everyone's cup of tea( the controversial relationship may make some people uncomfortable) but I think it is so touching and evocative a story.It is really worth the read!
This is the sort of book , that holds you from the first page until the last. I loved reading it and have shared it with my neighbour who also cant wait to turn the page. It is a book I will recommend to family and friends as a must read
In the beginning I found this book quite disturbing because of the obvious age gap between the teacher and student. However, as I delved further in, I realised the intense feelings of love that this girl feels for her teacher. And we do go through life learning that age doesn't matter right? Anyway, I guess it is for the individual reader to decide for themselves.
Putting the age and other factors aside, the writing does arouse certain senses, if you know what I mean, and this can never be a bad thing!
I enjoyed the book so much, that there were times I didn't want to put it down. My husband also enjoyed some paragraphs that I would read to him, when he wanted to know what I was reading about. He described it as mummy porn! Ha ha
I am a huge fan of reading different and new books on many topics and I enjoyed reading ‘The Yearning’ by Kate Belle. It is an interesting and good read and it is rather mature in its content; so I would suggest it as a read for someone with maturity.
Whilst I wasn't lucky t be a reviewer I purchased it for a plane trip i went on & didn't put it down. I enjoyed the twists & turns, it was very easy to,read although I'm thinking a teenager may be a bit young. Plus I always like to read anything by an Australian, I'd give it 8/10.
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 fully support Australian based stories and Australian authors. This book was a believable story that took me on their journey. Well written and well received. I have passed it onto my teenagers who read it and thought it was great read. They loved her letters.
I've finished the book and my opinion is that it was a good read. Interesting and thought provoking but not something I would read too often. Better for a women read but I didn't mind it. Its a real life type scenario and I liked how the story ended. I wasn't too into the whole underage thing though.
The letters written throughout "The Yearning" by Kate Belle are intimate, drawing the reader in. The language used is very mature and the content has depth. The female main character is very sure of herself on paper and so her love notes are written fearlessly; although she appears much less sure of herself in real life.
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
I've been reading other reviews for this book and am surprised at the number of comments indicating that this book is something for teenagers to read.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
I'm not sure why I chose this book, I feel like I may have been too old for it. I found it hard to keep interested in the storyline and not sure what age group it should be for. I think it's too old for teenagers although teenage sex is so prevalent in society/social media, that this wouldn't raise an eyebrow.
Only a little way through, but already intrigued ...
I'm only a few chapters into this, but thoroughly intrigued already! From the synopsis and first few chapters you can tell that this story will not be without twists, turns and heartbreak. It's great to be reading an Australian based story by an Australian author.
I enjoyed reading The Yearning, it was really nice to read something from an Aussie author. I was a bit surprised at the ending but thoroughly enjoyed the story, glad we found out the name of the girl/woman telling the story eventually at the end as I wondered what her name was the whole way through!! Kate Belle has done a great job with the story, I felt compassion for the girl at the start as someone that young writing such passionate words.
This was a book I couldn't put down.It was a very well written and had me from the very first chapter. The characters were well portrayed and I found myself wanting to know more. The age of the girl made me a little uneasy but not enough to make me not want to continue reading. Worth a read on a rainy day ;-)
I love books that catch you on a line and reel you in. This was one of them and I couldn't put it down- I think I read it till just after 2am trying to finish it. My first thoughts on the book was a little confused about it going between the two characters but I soon followed and it was enjoyable hearing both characters points of view. I didn't really enjoy the age gap thing- it's just a book but its still inappropriate. I would have two thoughts about giving it to a teenager to read, you wouldn't know how they would take it. Anyway I would recommend that it's worth a read.
If you want a few hours to just lose yourself in someone else's drama then this is a pretty good option. The story is a bit jumpy but easy enough to follow and the characters really draw you in, making you want to just keep reading.
When I first started reading I got the impression that it was a "romance" novel, but there weren't many sex scenes and turned into quite an interesting tale about love, loss and self discovery.
The ending left a lot of questions for me that even a week later I am still pondering. ..
The use of bible verses throughout from "The Song of Solomon" is quite interesting. On the first reading I didn't really understand its relation to the story but I think that they relate in the way of the depth of the female lead characters feelings for her teacher.
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
a follow up on my first review of The Yearning, it was a good book to read but it still read like one of those teenage love stories, the characters were great and you could follow the plot, it was like living a whole life in the one book i think the letter at the end was great it gave you a quick refresh of the book it was a nice touch
I chose this book to review due to the description, and although I am only a little way into it, I am enjoying reading it. I am finding that the letters she are writing are rather passionate for such a young girl...but that might be just me. I grew up in the 70's and am looking forward to reading more..
Kate Belle is a good Author. I enjoyed reading this book and it made my think of my younger years and the attractions that me and alot of friends had with other people in our teenage yrs. We all have had a yearning in our lives and this portrayed it very well
It was a very well written novel and had me hooked and I couldn't put it down, it's a read to the end novel. However, I am undecided as to whether it is a book I would reread.
The characters were portrayed and written really well and they clicked but the age gap in the beginning was abit unsettling for me.
This is the sort of book , that holds you from the first page until the last. I loved reading it and have shared it with my neighbour who also cant wait to turn the page. It is a book I will recommend to family and friends as a must read
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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.
5:45 pm
Letters of Yearning
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
4:07 pm
Not designed for teenagers.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
3:35 pm
An artistic Impression on the mind...
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
4:00 pm
Heartacheingly Beautiful...
The way in which language is used is achingly beautiful and the story unfolds in an interesting way. I particularly love the setting of the story- as I myself live in a quiet country town. Kates' use of the english language does transport me back to the old Australian outback with all its rugged charm.
Even the cover of the book is poignantly beautiful and the title is simple, gives the potential reader some indication of what the novel will be about but still retains an elusive sense of mystery.
I have in fact read the whole story already as I simply could not put the book down for long but I intend to read the book through again to give a more substantial review.
9:41 am
Loved it
At first when i just started reading it, i thought it was gonna be another book that id never finish. But after a few pages i could not even put it down.
It is a very captivating amazing story and i have passed ,y book on to my neighbor who is now also loving it
10:03 pm
I was yearning to read this
8:04 am
Nice rainy day book to read.
8:48 pm
An intriguing tale of youth, forbidden love and loss.
I loved how Kate gave both characters a voice, the young girl with her notes to Solomon and his thoughts in turn. The ripple effect of their relationship reverberates even after a quarter of a century leaving them both wanting and lacking something in their lives; the young girl never finds a man who measures up to how Solomon made her feel intimately and Solomon can never find someone who adores him as the young girl did during their brief affair.
The Yearning is a beautifully written story about love,infatuation,obsession,discovery,loss of love and life. It may not be everyone's cup of tea( the controversial relationship may make some people uncomfortable) but I think it is so touching and evocative a story.It is really worth the read!
10:11 am
Captivating read
1:00 pm
An intimate story of love lost
Putting the age and other factors aside, the writing does arouse certain senses, if you know what I mean, and this can never be a bad thing!
I enjoyed the book so much, that there were times I didn't want to put it down. My husband also enjoyed some paragraphs that I would read to him, when he wanted to know what I was reading about. He described it as mummy porn! Ha ha
Would recommend this book.
3:19 pm
The Yearning
10:03 pm
I was yearning to read this
5:21 pm
SO GOOD
very good story , would be happy to read it again!
8:04 am
Nice rainy day book to read.
3:27 pm
Good read.
5:45 pm
Letters of Yearning
So we have the play between her strong, knowing self and her shy, coming of age identity. It isn't until the end that she really "finds herself" and determines what it is that she really wants and needs in her life. I think this is consistent with reality as at my age I feel that my life is only really coming together and going in the direction I choose now.
I feel that the letters are a very important addition to the book and assist in giving depth to the story.
9:16 pm
The Yearning - A good read
It read fluently both in plot and the continuity of the characters, however I am not sure it is a book I would add to my book case to reread.
It bought back memories of the crushes and the volatility of the teen years.
Good read if you want something not to heavy
4:07 pm
Not designed for teenagers.
I do not think that this book was intended for the teenage demographic and nor would I encourage a teenager to read it- unless of course they show good maturity.
The themes in the book are easy to relate to. Its a story of love and loss and making some heartbreaking decisions. At 27 years of age I enjoyed the read and while its not a book I would read often- its definitely one I'd keep in my bookshelf and read on a quiet rainy day with a cuppa or snuggled under my doona when the kids have gone to bed.
The prose is well written, the storyline is not cliche and has a surprising ending. I think that this is a well written and well thought out book. I have read it through twice and thoroughly enjoyed the read both times.
I think that the themes are relevant still to mothers over 30 as they can read it with an empathetic mind and understand the agony that parents go through when stuff like this happens.
1:25 pm
Not for me at all.
12:51 pm
Only a little way through, but already intrigued ...
7:38 pm
A great read
3:53 pm
Final verdict
8:48 pm
Hooks you in.
3:37 pm
Nice easy ready over a hot coffee...
When I first started reading I got the impression that it was a "romance" novel, but there weren't many sex scenes and turned into quite an interesting tale about love, loss and self discovery.
The ending left a lot of questions for me that even a week later I am still pondering. ..
3:35 pm
An artistic Impression on the mind...
The depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the love letters of the young 16 year old girl appear a bit mature for her age because of the amount of very immature 16 year olds we see but I know myself that some teenagers fall "outside the norm" and exceed the maturity of their peers as I myself was writing poetry far above what was expected for my age when I was only 15.
The letters draw the reader in and you are able to "feel with the characters and empathize with them". The subject matter to some people may seem like your ordinary run of the mill cliche- home and away type drama but if you really read it, you'll find that its not.
Yes it is about a teenage girl expressing feelings for her teacher and reading about their sexual experiences together initially makes you uncomfortable and almost as if you are entering the world of pedophilia but why is this? What makes us feel this way when we read things like this?
I think that Kate has done well in broaching a subject that we feel uncomfortable with. Her writing is thought provoking and draws us into the type of stories that we know exist in real life but that we prefer not to think about.
I find "The Yearning" to be an artistic expression and one that leaves an emotional imprint on the mind. The letters are well written and haunting. The subject of love is elusive to even the most seasoned of us out there and I think that the looking for love and its meaning is portrayed well in this book.
Everyone also expects books to end on a happy note and the ending in "The Yearning" is a little unexpected. It differs from the cliched type ending one would expect and leaves a bittersweet feeling in the pit of your stomach.
I like the way this story has been put together as it is poignantly beautiful, is different and makes you think, ponder and question... It tugs at your heartstrings throughout while managing to both repulse as well as engage the reader at the same time.
"The Yearning" is a book that will stay with you long after you've read it.
9:41 pm
for a teenager its a great book
12:53 pm
Good read so far
11:47 am
Interesting
12:27 pm
'The Yearning' Undecided
The characters were portrayed and written really well and they clicked but the age gap in the beginning was abit unsettling for me.
10:11 am
Captivating read
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