Melissa Jane Pouliot

As a new resident of Australia, I decided to read this book to learn more about the culture from a modern perspective. (I was getting a bit tired of dated historical fiction books.) The author absolutely delivered through vernacular, descriptions of characters in various regions and especially the vivid descriptions of life in Sydney, specifically Kings Cross in the 80s.

Write About Me is fiction, however it is based on actual events. The book revolves around a troubled teenager from Queensland who runs away from home. It is at once fast-paced and compelling, but heart-wrenching and ultimately tragic. There is inspiration and hope in this story too. It is impossible not to admire this family for believing, hoping and loving someone for such a very long time after she disappeared. The author also includes information about the actual case that has come to light since she wrote this book and talks about the amazing things that friends and family have done to continue the search with new tools and communication channels.

I was a bit surprised that I could give a book on the subject of a missing teenager a 4-star review, but I couldn't put it down. I loved the writing style -- short sentences, quickly making the point, but with plenty of details to create an atmosphere of the place and time. The short chapters and change of perspectives between different characters gave depth to the story. Just when I wondered about an action (or non-action) from a character, the following chapters would fill in the blanks.

The author handles a difficult topic expertly. The characters are memorable--flawed, real, unpolished. Australia in the 80s is a fascinating setting in itself. Recommended!

… (mere)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. From the moment that I received the description of this book to read, I knew that I was going to need a free weekend, a box of tissues, and no interruptions from the outside world.

In the first book "Write About Me" the reader is introduced to Annabelle, a troubled girl whose voices in her head convince her to run away from home and never to return. Through Annabelle's thoughts, you learn about mental illness and how the voices in her head control every thought and action she takes.

In the second book, "Found" the reader learns Annabelle sadly becomes an unsolved cold case when she vanished in the rugged Blue Mountains west of Sydney in a shroud of mystery and intrigue. Through the people whose lives she touched, you discover the life of a runaway and the sad hand of fate that is dealt.

I felt the author told a very poignant story about a subject that hits many families; the fate of runaways in our society, the dedication of law enforcement pertaining to cold cases, and the phenomenal organizations helping to support families of missing loved ones.… (mere)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. From the moment that I received the description of this book to read, I knew that I was going to need a free weekend, a box of tissues, and no interruptions from the outside world.

In the first book "Write About Me" the reader is introduced to Annabelle, a troubled girl whose voices in her head convince her to run away from home and never to return. Through Annabelle's thoughts, you learn about mental illness and how the voices in her head control every thought and action she takes.

In the second book, "Found" the reader learns Annabelle sadly becomes an unsolved cold case when she vanished in the rugged Blue Mountains west of Sydney in a shroud of mystery and intrigue. Through the people whose lives she touched, you discover the life of a runaway and the sad hand of fate that is dealt.

I felt the author told a very poignant story about a subject that hits many families; the fate of runaways in our society, the dedication of law enforcement pertaining to cold cases, and the phenomenal organizations helping to support families of missing loved ones.… (mere)