Since being published in 2008 Taste the Bright Lights has had 100% positive reviews. Here are some comments:

'This is the most terrifying book I've ever read. And it's for kids.

'It's scary because it bleeds truth. Probably it's more useful for parents to read than kids. Kids already know what a feral jungle of self-immolation teenagedom is these days. But it's still frightening to see it put down, in print, so authentically, so viscerally...Incendiary reading. Exemplary writing. I read it in one sitting and couldn't move for an hour afterwards. In fact, I'm still having nightmares about it.' Reader review

'…a powerful, vivid and enjoyable book, very highly recommended for both adults and teenagers. Incidentally, although it is set in Northern Ireland, the experiences of the characters are those of urban adolescents across the 'developed' world and will be recognized as clearly in London or New York as in Belfast.' Amazon review

'A powerful book that should be on all parents' buying list. Canning's writing is that rare thing in the world of books: original and totally honest. My teenagers loved this book and have given it five stars.' Amazon review

'Stunning, gritty, heartbreaking.' Amazon review

'Breathtaking...I finished it in one swoop and was totally amazed by it. Outstanding. By god it deserves a hearing.' Sam Millar, bestselling author of On the Brinks.

 

BUY NOW

home

lauracanning.net

extract

buy

contact

 

'This book completely knocked me sideways. Laura Canning's portrayal of the forgotten and misunderstood youth of today is vivid and shocking. Told in the voice of 14-year-old Lisa the writing is perfectly pitched and displays an uncanny understanding of teenage angst. It is very cleverly written and the writer manipulates the reader's emotions not only by the gritty realism but also by what is left unspoken and unwritten by the troubled Lisa. I would heartily recommend this book to teens or adults. It's a page-turner and an eye-opener. It is fresh and original and speaks for the disenchanted voice of a generation much like Catcher in the Rye would have done to the youth of the 50s.' Amazon review

'...destined for great things, one of those "important" novels that critics sometimes harp on about. All teenagers should read this book. One day I'm sure this book will be handed around the classroom as a lesson in what NOT to do after school. This is grim reality. But with that in mind, I'd recommend it to anyone, teenagers and adults alike.' Keith Robinson, author of Island of Fog.

'...manages the enviable feat of being both brutally stark and genuinely touching.... highly recommended.' Amazon review

'Within a couple of pages I was brought right back in the Craigavon I grew up, and also back to the teenage confusion I thought I had forgot. The language the imagery and the characters were absolutely convincing. It is a work of complete honesty and authenticity. Laura Canning has managed to get into the head of a problem teenage girl and brings you with her in sympathy and a complete understanding of why someone would make the seemingly crazy choices she makes, you are left understanding how a child could end up going from a bad A to a horrendous B and the worrying thing is that it seems to the child a logical and correct route. This amazing work should be on the school syllabus as a warning to children and teachers alike.' Amazon review

'... one of the best books I had read in a long time ...I was immediately taken in by the main character and was unable to put the book down after that. I would recommend this book to parents and teenagers alike. Some fascinating insights into the world of a typical teenager in Northern Ireland and beyond to the UK' Amazon review

'Utterly remarkable work - should be a compulsory text on every educational curriculum without a doubt!' Amazon review

'Wasn't too sure at the start, I'm not a reader but gripped me from the first page and I truly didn't want it to end, what a story. A book that any age or gender can read.' Amazon review

'A heartbreaking and bitter story about teenage growing pains, with amazing emotional reach and a cast of characters that fizz and crackle off the page. I thoroughly enjoyed and fully recommend it.' Reader review

'The story just keeps you hooked and you have to follow Lisa's story. It is well written, witty and thought provoking. I think it is suitable for any age to read and not just teenagers. I wanted more though, I need to know how Lisa turned out and what happened next.' Amazon review

'GREAT book, very authentic. All teenagers should read it, and definitely all parents. Will become a classic.' Reader review