Review The Yearning … a new release from Simon & Schuster

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The Yearning ... a new release from Simon & Schuster :
3.98 out of 5 based on 34 reviews.
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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.

Find out more about The Yearning here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of The Yearning.  Read their reviews below.

Published 15th May 2013

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  • Letters of Yearning

    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.

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    book?
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  • Not designed for teenagers.

    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.

    Did you enjoy the
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
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    books by this
    author?

  • An artistic Impression on the mind...

    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.

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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    books by this
    author?

  • Heartacheingly Beautiful...

    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.

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  • Loved it

    This is a love story for me
    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

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  • I was yearning to read this

    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.

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  • Nice rainy day book to read.

    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.

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  • 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!

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  • Captivating 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

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  • An intimate story of love lost

    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

    Would recommend this book.

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  • The Yearning

    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.

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  • I was yearning to read this

    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.

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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  • SO GOOD

    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!

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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  • Nice rainy day book to read.

    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.

    Did you enjoy the
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books by this
    author?

  • Good read.

    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.

    Did you enjoy the
    book?
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    to a friend?
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    author?

  • Letters of Yearning

    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.

    Did you enjoy the
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books by this
    author?

  • The Yearning - A good read

    I found The Yearning to be very well written,it is a novel that you will want to read in the one sitting.
    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

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    book?
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    to a friend?
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  • Not designed for teenagers.

    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.

    Did you enjoy the
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books by this
    author?

  • Not for me at all.

    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.

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  • 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.

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  • A great read

    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.

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  • Final verdict

    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 ;-)

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  • Hooks you in.

    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.

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  • Nice easy ready over a hot coffee...

    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. ..

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    author?

  • An artistic Impression on the mind...

    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.

    Did you enjoy the
    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books by this
    author?

  • for a teenager its a great book

    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

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  • Good read so far

    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..

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  • Interesting

    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

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  • 'The Yearning' Undecided

    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.

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  • Captivating 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

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