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There Are Things I Know
Eight-year-old Pepper sees the world a little differently from most people.
One day, during a school field trip, Pepper is kidnapped by a stranger and driven to rural Arkansas. The man, who calls himself ‘Uncle Dan’, claims that Pepper’s mother has died and they are to live together from now on – but the boy isn’t convinced.
Pepper always found it hard to figure out when people are lying, but he’s absolutely certain his mother is alive, and he’s going to find her...
One day, during a school field trip, Pepper is kidnapped by a stranger and driven to rural Arkansas. The man, who calls himself ‘Uncle Dan’, claims that Pepper’s mother has died and they are to live together from now on – but the boy isn’t convinced.
Pepper always found it hard to figure out when people are lying, but he’s absolutely certain his mother is alive, and he’s going to find her...
119 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 9, 2018
4.5 stars for There Are Things I Know, a real little gem that I could not put down. The story is told from the perspective of Pepper, an 8-year-old boy who's not quite like the other kids -- he can do amazing math calculations, but struggles with basic communication skills (making eye contact, being verbal, etc.).
While on a class trip, Pepper is approached by "Uncle Dan" who kidnaps the boy and takes him across state lines.
Over the course of the novella we see Pepper struggle with his limited world-view to try to make sense of what has happened and plan a way to get back to his mom.
This is a quick little read that you won't want to put down once you start. I enjoyed every moment and was only disappointed that it wasn't a little longer. I'll certainly be watching for more of Karen B. Golightly's work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for providing me with a free DRC of this story.
While on a class trip, Pepper is approached by "Uncle Dan" who kidnaps the boy and takes him across state lines.
Over the course of the novella we see Pepper struggle with his limited world-view to try to make sense of what has happened and plan a way to get back to his mom.
This is a quick little read that you won't want to put down once you start. I enjoyed every moment and was only disappointed that it wasn't a little longer. I'll certainly be watching for more of Karen B. Golightly's work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for providing me with a free DRC of this story.
June 30, 2018
3.5-4 stars
A novella about Pepper, an 8 year old boy who is abducted from a class field trip by a man claiming to be his “Uncle Dan” and is told his mother has died Pepper is a quiet and extremely smart child who throughout this novella is trying to get back to his mother and determine if she is alive.
Fast paced great read that I recommend and I found myself really caring about Pepper and rooting for him.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight books for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A novella about Pepper, an 8 year old boy who is abducted from a class field trip by a man claiming to be his “Uncle Dan” and is told his mother has died Pepper is a quiet and extremely smart child who throughout this novella is trying to get back to his mother and determine if she is alive.
Fast paced great read that I recommend and I found myself really caring about Pepper and rooting for him.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight books for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2018
There Are Things I Know is an intelligent, well-wrought novella, which deals with the abduction of a young boy, and is narrated from his perspective. The narrator, who goes by the nickname of Pepper, is naive at first, feeling trusting toward 'Uncle Dan', who calls himself a relative. As time goes on, however, he begins to learn that things are not as they seem, and that 'Uncle Dan' has nothing to do with his family. Pepper is an entirely believable character, with a lot of depth, who I felt so much empathy for. The tension which is built here is great, and I read it in one sitting, loath as I was to put it down.
Read
September 15, 2018Eight-year old Pepper is not your average kid. He hates loud noises, looking at complicated things like faces, speaking much or at all, and being made to eat eggs. Loves counting things - pretty well anything that can be counted - and playing Angry Birds or Plants v. Zombies. When he's kidnapped on a school trip, he has to find ways to survive. There are Things I Know is perhaps not a book I'd normally pick up, but Karen Golightly is a fellow author in the Fairlight Modern series, and I found it an engaging, highly readable and skilfully written novella. It generates a fine sense of shadowy jeopardy and builds to a satisfyingly tense climax. In Pepper it has a convincing young narrator who sees the world in his own very distinctive fashion. As he memorably puts it, "There were too many words in the world, and people talked way too much. I was trying to even things out by not filling up the air with more words that it could hold at one time."
August 9, 2018
Although I am loathe to make the immediate comparison between this lovely novella and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, (just because it's like comparing anything to The Secret History or Tana French) it's too much the elephant in the room and it's wholly a complimentary comparison.
Let's back up a bit - somewhere (almost certainly Jen Campbell) I learned about and became very excited over these recently published novellas from Fairlight Moderns. Fairlight Moderns is a (tiny?) publisher out of Oxford (yes, that Oxford) and I say these because, honestly, they all look really great and I want to read them all. The publisher provided a number of them to me as ARCs (I was seriously almost as excited as I would be to receive an advanced French), and There Are Things was the first I read.
Pepper is such a lovely character. Funny (and not because he's a bit different than most kids, but because his responses to the situation he ends up are very him and clever digs despite everything), with allies who don't know they're allies. I am often (and am all too frequently justified) skeptical about characters seemingly patterned off of Curious (and I'm certainly not saying Pepper is, just that it was a trend for a while), but Pepper feels unique, finely drawn and fleshed out.
My only quibbles were that the opening pages were a bit confusing (and I'm not convinced they were intended to be) and the closing pages were similarly so just in the way one of the final scenes was written. I was also not fully convinced that Peppers reactions to what was happening were as dramatic as they might have been in real life, given that this is a kid who likely worked best within a routine and this wasn't something minor like he didn't get the right things packed for his lunch. And Uncle Dan's actions were unlikely to me, but easily explained by an exposure-scene and his primary motivations. These are very minor quibbles, though, and easily surmounted. We're taken on a worrisome (but not too terrifying) journey with Pepper as he suddenly finds himself in a new and thoroughly scary and confusing situation. He slowly figures out what may be happening through reasoning and memories of his mother.
All in all, a very enjoyable first experience of the Fairlight Moderns and I'm looking forward to the others!
Let's back up a bit - somewhere (almost certainly Jen Campbell) I learned about and became very excited over these recently published novellas from Fairlight Moderns. Fairlight Moderns is a (tiny?) publisher out of Oxford (yes, that Oxford) and I say these because, honestly, they all look really great and I want to read them all. The publisher provided a number of them to me as ARCs (I was seriously almost as excited as I would be to receive an advanced French), and There Are Things was the first I read.
Pepper is such a lovely character. Funny (and not because he's a bit different than most kids, but because his responses to the situation he ends up are very him and clever digs despite everything), with allies who don't know they're allies. I am often (and am all too frequently justified) skeptical about characters seemingly patterned off of Curious (and I'm certainly not saying Pepper is, just that it was a trend for a while), but Pepper feels unique, finely drawn and fleshed out.
My only quibbles were that the opening pages were a bit confusing (and I'm not convinced they were intended to be) and the closing pages were similarly so just in the way one of the final scenes was written. I was also not fully convinced that Peppers reactions to what was happening were as dramatic as they might have been in real life, given that this is a kid who likely worked best within a routine and this wasn't something minor like he didn't get the right things packed for his lunch. And Uncle Dan's actions were unlikely to me, but easily explained by an exposure-scene and his primary motivations. These are very minor quibbles, though, and easily surmounted. We're taken on a worrisome (but not too terrifying) journey with Pepper as he suddenly finds himself in a new and thoroughly scary and confusing situation. He slowly figures out what may be happening through reasoning and memories of his mother.
All in all, a very enjoyable first experience of the Fairlight Moderns and I'm looking forward to the others!
July 7, 2018
This was a fast-moving, easy read. The closer I got to the end, the harder it was to put down. A little different than my usual read, but it was very enjoyable!
The story is told from the view of an 8-year-old boy named Pepper, who is a little different from the other kids his age. His “Uncle Dan” takes him from a school field trip and tells him his mother has been killed and is heaven now. Pepper is pretty sure this man is not his uncle and doesn’t believe that his mom is dead, but he doesn’t know where his new home is or how to find his mother.
This story was very easy to read...no real violence and very little harsh language.
Thank you NetGalley, Karen B. Golightly and Fairlight Books for the advanced copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review!
#ThereAreThingsIknow #NetGalley #Amazon #fairlightmoderns
The story is told from the view of an 8-year-old boy named Pepper, who is a little different from the other kids his age. His “Uncle Dan” takes him from a school field trip and tells him his mother has been killed and is heaven now. Pepper is pretty sure this man is not his uncle and doesn’t believe that his mom is dead, but he doesn’t know where his new home is or how to find his mother.
This story was very easy to read...no real violence and very little harsh language.
Thank you NetGalley, Karen B. Golightly and Fairlight Books for the advanced copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review!
#ThereAreThingsIknow #NetGalley #Amazon #fairlightmoderns
August 3, 2018
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this novella courtesy of Fairlight Books via NetGalley.
There Are Things I Know by Karen B. Golightly
Release Date: July 11, 2018
Publisher: Fairlight Books, as part of the “Fairlight Modern” novella collection
Genre: Literary Fiction, Mystery & Thriller
Rating: 5 / 5
The Storyline:
8-year-old Pepper is a sweet, smart and loving young boy. He also happens to have what the reader might assume is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), although it is never explicitly stated. Pepper does not like loud noises or crowds, often gets his words mixed-up and feels like his “brain is turned upside-down.”
This novella is told from Pepper’s point of view, so the reader gets an unique look into his mind, which comprehends far more than his “mixed up brain” can articulate to others. We learn from the beginning that Pepper has a fierce love for his kind, patient and loving mother, who we do not meet. Young Pepper attends a field trip and is subsequently picked up out of a play area by a man claiming to be his “Uncle Dan.” Although Pepper doesn’t recognize the man, he knows his favorite foods (Dr. Pepper and ice cream) and buys them for him. Not having the words to explain his suspicions, he goes along with Uncle Dan out to his car. Here, Uncle Dan tells Pepper that his mother has died in an accident, and he was here to take custody of Pepper. This overwhelms Pepper and he starts yelling his mom’s name, until he briefly sees a fist come towards him and all goes black.
Pepper wakes up in a new house, and slowly begins his new life with Uncle Dan. However, as time goes on, Pepper begins to realize something isn’t right and fights with all he can to find his family again.
The Good:
I loved this story. Pepper is quick-witted and explains his “odd” reactions to certain things so clearly that it made my heart ache at his inability to put together the words to actually speak these feelings to others. His mother has taught him how to cope with the overwhelming world well and his love for her is incredibly fierce. The story was fast-paced and kept me constantly engaged. I think I read this book in three sittings, but could have easily read it all in one go as well.
Although Pepper is smart, his inability to put his thoughts into words, made him a lovable, but unreliable narrator. He had many opportunities to explain his situation to adults (he was enrolled a new school), but he couldn’t find the words or make sense of who he could trust. I wanted so much to go in and scoop up this little boy to save him. His dilemma of finding an area code to try and call his mom made my heart break. Throughout the book, I fell in love with this little boy and his uniquely amazing views of the world.
The Bad:
I don’t think I found much wrong with this book, except I wanted more of it. I wanted to know more details of Pepper’s life in school before Uncle Dan came in. I wanted to know what happened after the end or what life was like while Pepper was gone. Although, because the narrator is 8 years old, it made sense that the ending was only in snippets and sections that Pepper understood.
Bottom Line:
A quick, fast-paced, unique thriller from a child’s point of view that will keep you reading.
There Are Things I Know by Karen B. Golightly
Release Date: July 11, 2018
Publisher: Fairlight Books, as part of the “Fairlight Modern” novella collection
Genre: Literary Fiction, Mystery & Thriller
Rating: 5 / 5
The Storyline:
8-year-old Pepper is a sweet, smart and loving young boy. He also happens to have what the reader might assume is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), although it is never explicitly stated. Pepper does not like loud noises or crowds, often gets his words mixed-up and feels like his “brain is turned upside-down.”
This novella is told from Pepper’s point of view, so the reader gets an unique look into his mind, which comprehends far more than his “mixed up brain” can articulate to others. We learn from the beginning that Pepper has a fierce love for his kind, patient and loving mother, who we do not meet. Young Pepper attends a field trip and is subsequently picked up out of a play area by a man claiming to be his “Uncle Dan.” Although Pepper doesn’t recognize the man, he knows his favorite foods (Dr. Pepper and ice cream) and buys them for him. Not having the words to explain his suspicions, he goes along with Uncle Dan out to his car. Here, Uncle Dan tells Pepper that his mother has died in an accident, and he was here to take custody of Pepper. This overwhelms Pepper and he starts yelling his mom’s name, until he briefly sees a fist come towards him and all goes black.
Pepper wakes up in a new house, and slowly begins his new life with Uncle Dan. However, as time goes on, Pepper begins to realize something isn’t right and fights with all he can to find his family again.
The Good:
I loved this story. Pepper is quick-witted and explains his “odd” reactions to certain things so clearly that it made my heart ache at his inability to put together the words to actually speak these feelings to others. His mother has taught him how to cope with the overwhelming world well and his love for her is incredibly fierce. The story was fast-paced and kept me constantly engaged. I think I read this book in three sittings, but could have easily read it all in one go as well.
Although Pepper is smart, his inability to put his thoughts into words, made him a lovable, but unreliable narrator. He had many opportunities to explain his situation to adults (he was enrolled a new school), but he couldn’t find the words or make sense of who he could trust. I wanted so much to go in and scoop up this little boy to save him. His dilemma of finding an area code to try and call his mom made my heart break. Throughout the book, I fell in love with this little boy and his uniquely amazing views of the world.
The Bad:
I don’t think I found much wrong with this book, except I wanted more of it. I wanted to know more details of Pepper’s life in school before Uncle Dan came in. I wanted to know what happened after the end or what life was like while Pepper was gone. Although, because the narrator is 8 years old, it made sense that the ending was only in snippets and sections that Pepper understood.
Bottom Line:
A quick, fast-paced, unique thriller from a child’s point of view that will keep you reading.
May 1, 2019
There are things I know.
🍃
Thank you so much for sending this book @fairlightbooks :)
🍃
"There are things I know, things I remember, and things that other people tell me. But nobody had to tell me how my Momma smelled, how home smelled. That was one thing that I never forgot." - Pepper.
🍃
There are things I know is a heartwarming book that brings into light about how an Autistic child feels and sees the world around him/her. Being or raising a special child can be a challenge but it's also rewarding in more ways than one. The protagonist is an eight year old autistic kid called Pepper. One fine day when Pepper goes out on a field trip from school, he is abducted by a man who claims to be his Uncle Dan. But Pepper knows right away that he is not his uncle but he still finds himself cooperating. Uncle Dan makes up a story about how Pepper's mother passed away in a car accident and now it's his responsibility to look after of him. Pepper is a smart kid and realises it's better to play along and be safe.
🍃
Pepper's opinion about Uncle Dan is conflicted considering how he has never hurt him. He is even sent to school and is allowed to have his favourite food. But he knows that his Momma must be looking for him and has to find a way to contact her. But will he reach out to her or end up being with Uncle Dan? Read this book to know what happens to Pepper. This book is an emotional and informative read which allows us to witness the world from a creative set of eyes. Special kids are truly gifted and this book conveys the message that they are often geniuses. Pepper here, is a math whiz. An abduction story about a kid who singlehandedly manages the situation is something interesting to read. You can finish this in one sitting like I did. A brilliantly written book.
🍃
Rating - 5/5.
🍃
Thank you so much for sending this book @fairlightbooks :)
🍃
"There are things I know, things I remember, and things that other people tell me. But nobody had to tell me how my Momma smelled, how home smelled. That was one thing that I never forgot." - Pepper.
🍃
There are things I know is a heartwarming book that brings into light about how an Autistic child feels and sees the world around him/her. Being or raising a special child can be a challenge but it's also rewarding in more ways than one. The protagonist is an eight year old autistic kid called Pepper. One fine day when Pepper goes out on a field trip from school, he is abducted by a man who claims to be his Uncle Dan. But Pepper knows right away that he is not his uncle but he still finds himself cooperating. Uncle Dan makes up a story about how Pepper's mother passed away in a car accident and now it's his responsibility to look after of him. Pepper is a smart kid and realises it's better to play along and be safe.
🍃
Pepper's opinion about Uncle Dan is conflicted considering how he has never hurt him. He is even sent to school and is allowed to have his favourite food. But he knows that his Momma must be looking for him and has to find a way to contact her. But will he reach out to her or end up being with Uncle Dan? Read this book to know what happens to Pepper. This book is an emotional and informative read which allows us to witness the world from a creative set of eyes. Special kids are truly gifted and this book conveys the message that they are often geniuses. Pepper here, is a math whiz. An abduction story about a kid who singlehandedly manages the situation is something interesting to read. You can finish this in one sitting like I did. A brilliantly written book.
🍃
Rating - 5/5.
October 17, 2019
There are things I know
Thank you so much for the beautiful book
In one line,
A beautiful well crafted fast read.
The cover looks amazing and eye-catching so the story. It's a story of pepper.
The story is quite beautiful and interesting.
This is a story of how a child sees the world with whatever knowledge he has. If you are a mother you can feel this. The book is written from Pepper's perspective.
The book is all about Pepper. How he struggled with words, emotions. Even if he is a child he does everything to make her momma happy. His main focuses are to do Everything to her momma feel special.
The plot is completely new and great. The characters are a little complex. This is the book I could not put down.
One day on a school trip he is abducted by a man who is Uncle dan. Here uncle dam making a story about his mother how she passed away. Pepper is smart.
Pepper is contacting his mother. Now, what happens at the end? Read this.
The book is full of emotions and lots of creative stuff. I hope there is another part of it. The book gives perfect moral at the end.
I would rate 5
Thank you so much for the beautiful book
In one line,
A beautiful well crafted fast read.
The cover looks amazing and eye-catching so the story. It's a story of pepper.
The story is quite beautiful and interesting.
This is a story of how a child sees the world with whatever knowledge he has. If you are a mother you can feel this. The book is written from Pepper's perspective.
The book is all about Pepper. How he struggled with words, emotions. Even if he is a child he does everything to make her momma happy. His main focuses are to do Everything to her momma feel special.
The plot is completely new and great. The characters are a little complex. This is the book I could not put down.
One day on a school trip he is abducted by a man who is Uncle dan. Here uncle dam making a story about his mother how she passed away. Pepper is smart.
Pepper is contacting his mother. Now, what happens at the end? Read this.
The book is full of emotions and lots of creative stuff. I hope there is another part of it. The book gives perfect moral at the end.
I would rate 5
September 2, 2018
Oooh, an abduction thriller novella. Pushes the mom panic buttons alright. Enjoyable little buzz of adrenaline rooting for this boy.
March 17, 2024
I loved this book! Less than 200 pages, read it!
November 25, 2018
This is a great children's book about an observant and clever little boy who is kidnapped and must rely on his wits to save himself. It's about the power of watching and listening, and of knowledge and knowing how and when to trust someone. Author Golightly creates a unique and true voice in young Pepper, one that I think many kids and parents will find relatable and honest. And while the book serves to teach a lesson, it's never pedantic or preachy--it's an adventure story that will help children learn to protect themselves.
September 25, 2019
THERE ARE THINGS I KNOW KAREN B. GOLIGHTLY.
I loved this book and found it difficult to put down. I knew by the end of the first page
that it was written from the point of view of someone on the Autistic Spectrum. There
was so much I could relate to. I would recommend this not only to anyone with an
interest in Autism, but in fact to anyone wanting a cracking good read.
Uncle Dan was a very scary and vivid character – it was frightening to see how easily he
was able to deal with ‘the authorities’. His unpredictably menacing air was especially
well described. Pepper was entirely credible, his remarkable number skills being so
typical of the talents children and, indeed, adults on the spectrum often possess. His
persistence was equally so. Pepper’s skillful use of technology was another typical
characteristic of the spectrum. Although he was only eight years old, he knew exactly
how to use cell phones and how to cover his tracks.
The story highlights the gaps in our educational and social services, although the
Guardian Angel proved to be from the former. It also raises awareness of Autism, in a
clear, unpatronising way, which made it very moving, especially at the end.
However, there were a couple of questions left unanswered – who was Uncle Dan?
Why? How? Much information was implied in Peppers words, which made it all the
more gripping because it was hidden.
This book cries out for a sequel – perhaps the story written from his Momma’s
viewpoint? It left me wanting to know more. I hope it’s the first of many.
Penelope Read
I loved this book and found it difficult to put down. I knew by the end of the first page
that it was written from the point of view of someone on the Autistic Spectrum. There
was so much I could relate to. I would recommend this not only to anyone with an
interest in Autism, but in fact to anyone wanting a cracking good read.
Uncle Dan was a very scary and vivid character – it was frightening to see how easily he
was able to deal with ‘the authorities’. His unpredictably menacing air was especially
well described. Pepper was entirely credible, his remarkable number skills being so
typical of the talents children and, indeed, adults on the spectrum often possess. His
persistence was equally so. Pepper’s skillful use of technology was another typical
characteristic of the spectrum. Although he was only eight years old, he knew exactly
how to use cell phones and how to cover his tracks.
The story highlights the gaps in our educational and social services, although the
Guardian Angel proved to be from the former. It also raises awareness of Autism, in a
clear, unpatronising way, which made it very moving, especially at the end.
However, there were a couple of questions left unanswered – who was Uncle Dan?
Why? How? Much information was implied in Peppers words, which made it all the
more gripping because it was hidden.
This book cries out for a sequel – perhaps the story written from his Momma’s
viewpoint? It left me wanting to know more. I hope it’s the first of many.
Penelope Read
July 26, 2021
One of my favourite books of all time is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. I think one of the reasons I love it so much is just the innocence of the protagonist, Oskar. It makes the narrative so raw and... read the full review here: https://www.amybucklesbookshelf.co.uk...
April 6, 2023
✦ 3.75 ??
Want to read
July 7, 2018I don’t often read novellas, but when I picked this one up, I found I was hooked from the outset and I read it in just one sitting. This is a fast-paced thriller which kept me engaged throughout the entirety of the story.
There Are Things I Know is told from the perspective of 8-year-old Pepper. Through his narration, we instantly recognise that he has a burning love for his patient, loving mother who he lives with at home in Tennessee. We also learn how he doesn’t see the world quite like everyone else. He dislikes loud noises and crowds, and often finds it difficult to read emotions. However, he is a genius when it comes to numbers, and it is by counting, be it the number of steps it takes to reach his bedroom or the number of chickens in the back garden, that he can calm himself down.
Pepper is abducted from a school field trip by a man who claims himself to be his ‘Uncle Dan’ and tells him that his mother is now in heaven. At first, Pepper is naïve and trusting of him, the fact that he knows that his favourite foods are Dr. Pepper and ice cream is enough for him to willingly get into his car. However, as the story progresses, Pepper isn’t sure what to believe. He begins to recognise when Uncle Dan is and isn’t lying, and tries to decipher whether this man is who he says he is.
Unfortunately, due to it being told from Pepper’s perspective, we aren’t able to discover more about Uncle’s Dan’s background, or what made him choose Pepper to replace his son. However, this doesn’t distract from the fact that this is a highly-engaging story, and I enjoyed being inside Pepper’s mind as he began to fit pieces of the puzzle together.
Overall, this was a gripping story and I look forward to reading more novellas in the collection!
Thank you NetGalley and Fairlight Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
There Are Things I Know is told from the perspective of 8-year-old Pepper. Through his narration, we instantly recognise that he has a burning love for his patient, loving mother who he lives with at home in Tennessee. We also learn how he doesn’t see the world quite like everyone else. He dislikes loud noises and crowds, and often finds it difficult to read emotions. However, he is a genius when it comes to numbers, and it is by counting, be it the number of steps it takes to reach his bedroom or the number of chickens in the back garden, that he can calm himself down.
Pepper is abducted from a school field trip by a man who claims himself to be his ‘Uncle Dan’ and tells him that his mother is now in heaven. At first, Pepper is naïve and trusting of him, the fact that he knows that his favourite foods are Dr. Pepper and ice cream is enough for him to willingly get into his car. However, as the story progresses, Pepper isn’t sure what to believe. He begins to recognise when Uncle Dan is and isn’t lying, and tries to decipher whether this man is who he says he is.
Unfortunately, due to it being told from Pepper’s perspective, we aren’t able to discover more about Uncle’s Dan’s background, or what made him choose Pepper to replace his son. However, this doesn’t distract from the fact that this is a highly-engaging story, and I enjoyed being inside Pepper’s mind as he began to fit pieces of the puzzle together.
Overall, this was a gripping story and I look forward to reading more novellas in the collection!
Thank you NetGalley and Fairlight Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 23, 2019
This book has mirrored the beautiful and peppy mind of narrator Pepper. His lonely war to reach his mother was unbelievable. Undoubtedly, as a reader, you will see the whole story from his point of view, which was technically an intense example of presence of mind. The last some pages were like I am also fighting with Pepper. You will get angry at him because of some decision he took in the meantime, you will feel you should run into the place to save Pepper from the situation. Author Golightly tried to show every parent that it is really easy to abduct someone, especially a kid like Pepper, who gets troublesome while communication with other people. But in this book Uncle Dan wasn’t behaving like a typical kidnapper. That was the best part. But the love Uncle Dan tried to show didn’t able to melt down Pepper at all. Because Pepper knows he has lied enough about his mother and some other matter. This is a novella. A light read you can say. I finished it within a day. The story proves it’s beautiful writing skills. This is my first read from Fairlight Modern collection. I am happy I have got the chance to review this book. Thanks a lot Fairlight Books for sending this beautiful book to review.
Ratings : 4.5/5
Ratings : 4.5/5
May 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Neurodivergent boy named Pepper gets kidnapped by a man who says he's his uncle, and since his teeth look similar to his mom's, he goes with him. But after the guy bashes him in the head, he eventually puts it together. All along he wants to call his mother, who has made him memorize her phone number, except for the area code. So he has to get hold of a phone and also find out the area code. Meanwhile, you pick up information about the guy that helps you understand why he did it, and when he enrolls Pepper in school, Pepper makes some allies.
It's a quick read, and you're rooting for Pepper the whole time. I've been reading lots of stories about neurodivergent people lately, and I think the reason I like them is that I always know the character's rules for what they like and don't like, are good at and have trouble with. So while the people around them may find them difficult, I feel like I know exactly what's going on and why.
I tagged this as young adult because it could be, and adults would enjoy it too.
It's a quick read, and you're rooting for Pepper the whole time. I've been reading lots of stories about neurodivergent people lately, and I think the reason I like them is that I always know the character's rules for what they like and don't like, are good at and have trouble with. So while the people around them may find them difficult, I feel like I know exactly what's going on and why.
I tagged this as young adult because it could be, and adults would enjoy it too.
June 28, 2018
3.5 stars.
Time for another novella from the Fairlight Moderns series, this time the tale of a little boy named Pepper. He’s eight years old, used to live with his mother in Memphis, Tennessee, and knows that he doesn’t see the world in quite the same way as other people. He dislikes loud noises, finds it difficult to read people’s emotions but finds numbers very easy to tackle: indeed, counting often keeps him calm when the chaos of the world threatens to overwhelm him. Now Pepper lives with Uncle Dan in Arkansas, but he’s having trouble adapting. In fact, he’s beginning to suspect that Uncle Dan isn’t really his uncle at all. But how can one lost little boy get hold of his mother when the only phone number he knows is missing its crucial three-digit area code?
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/06/28/t...
Time for another novella from the Fairlight Moderns series, this time the tale of a little boy named Pepper. He’s eight years old, used to live with his mother in Memphis, Tennessee, and knows that he doesn’t see the world in quite the same way as other people. He dislikes loud noises, finds it difficult to read people’s emotions but finds numbers very easy to tackle: indeed, counting often keeps him calm when the chaos of the world threatens to overwhelm him. Now Pepper lives with Uncle Dan in Arkansas, but he’s having trouble adapting. In fact, he’s beginning to suspect that Uncle Dan isn’t really his uncle at all. But how can one lost little boy get hold of his mother when the only phone number he knows is missing its crucial three-digit area code?
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/06/28/t...
May 22, 2023
This was a really good one!! It essentially tells the story of 8 year old Pepper, a semi verbal autistic boy who gets kidnapped at a pizza restaurant and made to believe his mum is dead.
In my opinion, the portrayal of autism was spot on. Whilst Pepper did show a lot of stereotypical traits, he was a very nuanced and fascinating character who I could relate to and you really got to see what was going on in his head.
Furthermore, the book really kept me on my toes. You never knew what Uncle Dan or Pepper or Mrs D were going to do or say next and I was constantly surprised throughout. The story and characters were well developed and overall this was just a really good book. Would probably read again. :)
In my opinion, the portrayal of autism was spot on. Whilst Pepper did show a lot of stereotypical traits, he was a very nuanced and fascinating character who I could relate to and you really got to see what was going on in his head.
Furthermore, the book really kept me on my toes. You never knew what Uncle Dan or Pepper or Mrs D were going to do or say next and I was constantly surprised throughout. The story and characters were well developed and overall this was just a really good book. Would probably read again. :)
October 10, 2018
**Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this one.**
This story follows an 8 year old autistic boy who is kidnapped. It is interesting to see how he comes to certain conclusions, as the kidnapper tells the boy that his mother died.
It is all from his perspective. And it's all in how he survives, plans out his moves and who he can trust. Asking for help where he knows it is safe to do so. It was amazing how he kept trying, even through failure after failure.
It was a short book, and went by very fast, but I truly enjoyed every minute!
This story follows an 8 year old autistic boy who is kidnapped. It is interesting to see how he comes to certain conclusions, as the kidnapper tells the boy that his mother died.
It is all from his perspective. And it's all in how he survives, plans out his moves and who he can trust. Asking for help where he knows it is safe to do so. It was amazing how he kept trying, even through failure after failure.
It was a short book, and went by very fast, but I truly enjoyed every minute!
November 3, 2023
Perhaps the most believable child narrator I've encountered, and a phenomenally well-drawn insight into the mind of an autistic/neurodivergent youngster. Tackling such a sinister concept from a perspective as unique and innocent as Pepper's is such a clever and anxiety inducing technique. It's by no means your typical approach to this kind of thriller-esque subject matter, but I felt my heart racing throughout and found myself utterly invested in Pepper's fate.
April 20, 2024
3.5 stars
Fast pace, great novella about a kid named Pepper who was abducted by so called “Uncle Dan”.
Truly enjoy seeing the perspective from Pepper but would really love to know more about Uncle Dan since there was one part that showed his past a bit.
I was really nervous for Pepper but at the same time was sooooo interested in Uncle Dan’s characters and his story.
All in all. Great read! Kept me on reading :)
Fast pace, great novella about a kid named Pepper who was abducted by so called “Uncle Dan”.
Truly enjoy seeing the perspective from Pepper but would really love to know more about Uncle Dan since there was one part that showed his past a bit.
I was really nervous for Pepper but at the same time was sooooo interested in Uncle Dan’s characters and his story.
All in all. Great read! Kept me on reading :)
October 23, 2019
Loved it!
This book is told from a child’s, who is on the autism spectrum, perspective. Karen Golightly did such an amazing job with this perspective that I forget that an adult not on the spectrum had written the book. It is about this child’s kidnapping and his desire and efforts to find his momma.
This book is told from a child’s, who is on the autism spectrum, perspective. Karen Golightly did such an amazing job with this perspective that I forget that an adult not on the spectrum had written the book. It is about this child’s kidnapping and his desire and efforts to find his momma.
October 27, 2019
I really loved this book. First picked it up because I liked the look of the published series.
This one sounded the most intriguing.
It’s such a heartwarming but eerie book that makes you think this could happen to anyone.
It was such a pleasure to read and I couldn’t put it down. A little predictable but that’s what made it a lovely easy read in between my uni dissertation for a break.
This one sounded the most intriguing.
It’s such a heartwarming but eerie book that makes you think this could happen to anyone.
It was such a pleasure to read and I couldn’t put it down. A little predictable but that’s what made it a lovely easy read in between my uni dissertation for a break.
July 20, 2021
Wow, this book was good. I started it at midnight, went to sleep at 1, woke up at 8, and finished at noon. Seriously could not put this book down. It reminded me a lot of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and I loved reading a mystery book from such a unique perspective.
February 18, 2019
This ‘seen through a confused, autistic child’s eyes’ tale is just perfect. A devour in one sitting job. It even manages to draw the whole story to a neat conclusion that explains the title. Emotional and gripping without being melodramatic. Loved it
June 9, 2022
This is a lovely little book written from the perspective of an 8 yo who is a maths genius but has issues with talking. I liked the simple and innocent narrative. I would have liked it more if the author somehow revealed why Dan abducted him.
December 25, 2020
Enjoyable and short (very helpful for the challenge!) read.
December 18, 2023
Great short story. The point of view is great. WOULD LOVE to read more books by this author!
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