I had really high hopes for this book. I felt the novel fell flat. There was not enough explanation about why Tommy went to jail; it seemed to be integral part of the store and so much goes unexplained. The story does pick up momentum toward the end. Over all I don't feel my library patrons will be interested in this novel.

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Tommy and Ryan have many things in common, they are 16, they live in the same home, and they are both dyslexic. They also have many differences. Tommy is hiding that he can't read. Ryan is trying to deal with his mother as she breaks down from her divorce. As the boys learn to live together, they uncover secrets.
The alternating viewpoints helped the story move along and keep it interesting.

Slower and more reflective than I was anticipating. I didn't find the teen characters especially believable and some of the plot points pushed beleivablility for me. A decent read but wouldn't be at the top of my list.

Read Between the Lies is an interesting peek into the complexities and challenges of modern families. It’s a story about admitting mistakes, trying to be better, forgiving and allowing for second chances. Although those themes can be quite complex, Duffy addresses them with a simplicity that makes us think it’s possible for all to come out right in the end.

The story also addresses dyslexia and helps readers realize that it’s not a challenge to be ashamed of or that needs to be hidden. I had a personal “Aha!” moment when one character explained the methods his teacher used to help him with his dyslexia. As he explained those methods, I realized that my grade 3 teacher, Mrs, Maine, used those same methods with me back in the 80’s. Although I have never received an official diagnosis of dyslexia, I’m now positive that Mrs. Maine provided the early intervention I needed, and my whole life has been affected in such a positive way because of her. (I’m a librarian!) Thank you, Mrs. Maine!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#ReadBetweentheLies #NetGalley

Audiobook review - This is a fantastic YA family story. Two boys are thrown together by their parents marriage. The boys become friends and navigate several struggles together, before finding out that their connection runs deeper than their parents' marriage. Recommended for all YA collections.

Thank you Netgalley for this audio edition of Read Between the Lies by Malcolm Duffy.

What a great YA novel for everyone! This is a story between two boys who, through marriage, are forced to be brothers. They could not be more different, and struggle to like or understand each other until it turns out that they share something similar, dyslexia. Now one of the boys can help the other when tasked with a very public reading, helping them form bonds, as well as a deeper understanding of themselves.

I'm used to most YA books having strong sexual themes, because, DUH, teens. But I have to say, there was something really refreshing about the soul focus of this story being a shared learning disorder, as well as family issues. I have no problems addressing sexuality, obviously it's a huge part in most people's lives, but I can see this story being a very important read to a lot of people. And I also think, despite the fact that one of the boys just got out of juvvie, most people would deem this clean enough for a younger audience.

When 2 boys (Tommy & Ryan) have to live together now. And though they are possibly poles apart in behaviour, their shared problem of Dyslexia develops a kinship between the 2. As their lives intertwine, secrets are revealed and the chemistry changes!

A modern timelines book told from the perspectives of 2 boys. Their stark contrast in characters gave a sort of novelty to the story.
I found this book hilarious at places where I don't think it was intended to be... but naming them wouldn't be spoiler free. I did find Ryan's mother's character is changed as per the situation's demand to fit in - with no concrete stand. Sometimes she is all understanding mom, sometimes it's too bossy and in a particular instance quite revengeful too! Overall the book was a decent read and as this was my first time reading this author I would like to explore her more.

Genre: #fiction #contemporary #teens #ya
Rating: 3.5/5

Thank you @netgalley @malcolm.duffy and @sagaegmont for the digital ARC.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, and the author, for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book follows the story of 2 boys, 16 year old Ryan, who's life has changed so much in the last few months that he feels unsettled. His parents divorced, he moved in with his dad and his new girlfriend and now he is going to share the same house with her son 17 year old Tommy. Tommy is as different from Ryan as he can be a young offender released from juvenile prison on the promise of good behavior, he seems to be cool and edgy. While Ryan is well-behaved good student with promised high grades in upcoming GCSE's.

After a few attempts at creating a camaraderie ends up being disastrous, the boys start to form a cordial bond over Ryan's dyslexia which is being managed and Tommy's dyslexia which is a secret no one knows except for Ryan. As their life starts to get a bit better Tommy discovers a secret that could possibly destroy everything!

The story had a good flow to it alternating between POVs of the 2 boys. I was kind of let down by the twist, and yet happy with it. Th narrator was absolutely brilliant in emoting both the character, though there wasn't much of a difference in vocal tone, the accent change was brilliant!

Ryan has gone through a lot of changes in the last few months. His parents got divorced, his dad has moved him in with his new girlfriend, and now he’s welcoming his dad’s girlfriends son home from Juvie.

Tommy has spent six months in jail for an unspecified crime. He’s trying hard to make changes so he doesn’t make his mom unhappy again.

Ryan and Tommy are struggling to adjust to each other in their new roles as almost brothers. Then when their parents announce their engagement, a big family secret is revealed that threatens everything.