The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen was not the book I expected it to be. I had another copy of a Susin Nielsen book - Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom - before received this one and judging from it’s synopsis and her creative titles, I thought I was in for a nice light read, and maybe a few laughs. A did get few laughs but a “nice light read”? Not even close. Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a criticism. If it had been the book I expected, I probably would have flown through it, enjoyed it, but then it would simply become one of those books that sit on the shelf, forgotten among a sea of titles. Instead, this book is forever cemented in my memory. It made me cry, it made me angry, it made me want to curl up with my puppy until I felt okay again. In light of all the conversations happening right now about gun violence and bullying, The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen could not be more timely. Henry Larsen is the brother of a bully victim AND also the perpetrator of a violent crime. Told in the form of Henry’s journal entries, I think this book does an amazing job of exploring the situation for a variety of perspectives and ideas. The Larsen family, the victim’s family, the media, the community. This book is a fair and honest account. I don’t think it makes any excuses for anything that happens, but does it’s best to present all the information and let the reader decide for themselves. That being said, it’s hard not to like Henry. He’s charming but also afraid. I wanted to be his friend but I also wanted to wrapped my arms around him and squeeze as tightly as possible. I instantly felt like I could relate to him – especially since we were both Reach for the Top members (trivia for the win!). Susin Nielsen nails his voice. He seemed so real when I was reading – at times it really felt like I had stolen some poor boy’s journal. I think The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen is an important book for students to read. Especially those struggling with bullying, or those simply trying to fit in. I also think it’s an important book for parents and teachers to read. This book confronts a lot of issues that we all should be thinking about and it would be an excellent way to get the conversation started. And it’s a Canadian setting! This may not seem like a big deal, but little references to things like the Superstore, Reach for the Top and familiar cities, could really help this book resonate with Canadian students. It may help them realize that these things can happen here too and not just in far away cities. Recommendation: The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen is more than just a memorable read. It’s a life changing, necessary read and I personally think that it should be on hand in every high school across Canada. But be warned – you may find tears rolling down your cheeks before the book is through. This and other reviews at More Than Just Magic (http://morethanjustmagic.org)

After completely falling in love with Susin Nielsen's Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom a couple of years ago, I couldn't contain my excitement when I got my hands on her new novel. I wasn't too sure what to make of the rather obscure book cover at first, but the premise immediately reeled me in and I couldn't tear my eyes away from its compelling pages. The cover really does make much more sense once you begin reading the novel, tying into aspects about Henry's life really well... In the wake of a terrible moment which shatters the Larsen family apart, Henry reluctantly begins to confide his thoughts in a journal his therapist gives him. Henry puts up a good front with his sarcastic remarks, but he's really a lonely boy who's still struggling to come to terms with his older brother's actions and trying to return to some semblance of normality after "IT". The subject matter may be the darkest of Susin Nielsen's novels yet, but there's a refreshing honesty in her storytelling that is also humorous and absolutely heartwarming. Bullying has affected Henry's life in so many ways, yet even when he feels angry at the world, there's still a certain innocence and charm about this thirteen year-old boy that just makes you smile and also hope he never loses it. With the help of his new school friends, Farley and Alberta, and some well-meaning neighbours at his new home, Henry slowly overcomes his grief and learns to open himself up to others again. With a quirky cast of characters and a thought-provoking storyline, Susin Nielsen's latest novel is a gem you don't want to miss. If you have ever been bullied in your life, The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen will especially strike a chord within your heart. I was completely touched and moved to tears at times, yet smiling like crazy at other moments, a feat I'm not sure how Susin Nielsen manages, but she truly does! I laughed. I cried. Susin Nielsen's The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen is an absolute must-read for everyone. You can also read this review at: http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.ca/2012/09/the-reluctant-journal-of-henry-k-larsen.html