Two teenagers try to untangle a web of deception and protect their own families in this fast-paced and tense thriller.
Aliya's brother is accused of plotting a terrorist attack after her family escapes from Afghanistan. Aliya is sure of her brother’s innocence. But Dan is not so sure about his Dad’s involvement.
Dan must team up with Aliya to find out how his father and her brother are connected. Together they investigate a mystery that starts in a council estate but could end up in the highest tiers of the government.
To post your review and comments about this book, simply click on 'post a comment' below. When posting select 'Anonymous' but please do not forget to include your first name, school and a book rating out of ten in the post. This year we have awards for schools and pupils who write the best reviews and engage with this blog, so it is important to tell us who you are.
Aliya's brother is accused of plotting a terrorist attack after her family escapes from Afghanistan. Aliya is sure of her brother’s innocence. But Dan is not so sure about his Dad’s involvement.
Dan must team up with Aliya to find out how his father and her brother are connected. Together they investigate a mystery that starts in a council estate but could end up in the highest tiers of the government.
To post your review and comments about this book, simply click on 'post a comment' below. When posting select 'Anonymous' but please do not forget to include your first name, school and a book rating out of ten in the post. This year we have awards for schools and pupils who write the best reviews and engage with this blog, so it is important to tell us who you are.
If You Were Me was an incredibly powerful and exciting book which explored the prejudice the public eye has towards the unfamiliar.
ReplyDeleteDan R- GBHS 5*
I disagree. Did you read the same book as me?
DeleteIt was boring and it caused me significant trauma!
Cotterilla12 GBHS-0*
Well, perhaps you read the wrong book Archie
DeleteDan R- GBHS
I found this book gripping and realistic enough to be relatable. Cotterilla12 I feel you have taken it a bit too seriously
DeleteAnonymous GBHS
The first scene that we acted out at EBA launch was amazing Cotterilla12 you are wrong!
DeleteBenji KEGS
Hmmm... I think you picked up the wrong book Archie. Are you sure you read the title right? Because it definetly can not give you a 'significant trauma'
DeleteS.L Great Baddow High School
I'm pretty sure, cotterilla12 that "significant trauma" does not sum up this book. relax....
DeleteAnoneemus, GBHS
I didn't like the book either because it was very boring
DeleteJoe
GBHS
DeleteI disagree this book is my favourite out of them all!!! it was brilliant I loved it and gave me a better insight into what could happen in someone's life
I am not to keen on the book because it is hard to understand what is actually happening at what time.
DeleteLouie, Great Baddow High School
i agree joe!
DeleteGeorge
gbhs
Louie, it is a MYSTERY book.
DeleteAnoneemus KEGS
I thought this book was really interesting.
DeleteNadine MHS
This book was ok but it needed more action
DeleteHarry Boswells
Harry no offence but this book is amazing and if you don't like it then its not the book for you.
DeleteAfter fleeing Afghanistan because Aliya's brother was in trouble, the Afghan family find themselves in England. Shortly after her brother is accused of being a terrorist. Dan is an English boy who crosses paths with Aliyah, and they begin to unravel a mystery and work together to protect their family and uncover the truth.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very good story and I liked the way the plot unfolded and uncovered some corrupt people! I could relate to the characters and would recommend this book if you like to solve investigations.
Mrs M - Tendring Technology College - 8/10
This book was very dramatic bursting with description and full of information. I like this book because of how the plot unfolded and how it had a great mystery. Aliyah and Dan s accusement of Aliyah s brother being shot by terrorists and how it was a good blurb and ending. I also liked that it was a mysterious book full of Quirks and fun. I ll recommend this book to to people who like mysteries and if you like to solve investigations.
ReplyDeleteJesbin -Tendring Technology College-7/10
if you were me tells the story of terrorism and the plight of people having to leave there homes. it shows the reality of moving to a new country and having to deal with new things .
ReplyDeletethe main character is called allya who seems a lot older than she really is is she has had to cope with a lot .
there are lots of unexpected twists in the story (especially at the end!! ) the chareters you belive to be good may turn out bad .
its a great book and you really engage with the chareters and you cant predict what will happen ! 10/10
I agree with you, this book is really good and you can't predict what will happen. Many things surprise you in this book and it is very realistic. I agree with you about the character you believe to be good and may turn out bad after the police man who tricked Dan
DeleteJenny GBHS
I disagree as I don't like the book because its not y kind of book
DeleteJoe
GBHS
this is not my kind of book either
DeleteThis book was amazing what are you guys talking about? I loved it. Sam Hepburn is amazing. I don't know what books you have read before but they could not have got better than if you were me.
DeleteBenji KEGS
Yes, this book is great, after meeting the author I can't wait to read her other book.
DeleteJenny GBHS
The last review I forgot to put my name
ReplyDeleteFreya - Tendring technology college
This book is very exciting and great to read. Aliya (the main character) and Dan have teamed up to find out the truth about Aliya's brother Behrouz. With everyone hating Aliya's family nowhere seems safe. However Aliya is very worried about her brother as he was caught in a bomb explosion and is stuck in hospital with severe burns. This book is very mysterious and is fun to read 9/10
ReplyDeleteJenny-GBHS
If You Were Me was a powerful and striking story about a wrongly convicted person and his sister, who sets out to prove him innocent. I found it very emotional, and it reflects the corruption and illegal activities that go on in our modern world
ReplyDeleteI would rate this book 8/10, my 3rd favourite.
William S- KEGS
I found the book thrilling from the outset. I like the way that the story jumps between the perspectives of Dan and Aliya because you constantly get a sense of the way each one is feeling. The pace of the story is great and you can't help but admire the two lead characters in their own way. The story is thought provoking without labouring the point. Its a real 'page-turner' and I thoroughly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteMr Arnould - Brentwood County High School
This is a gripping book for me, so far I find this book relates to today's news. IF YOU WERE ME. Shows the two minds of Alyia and Dan who are going through a difficult time, it shows their very different backgrounds from different people. V.F King Harold Academy
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, it had me sitting on the end of my seat wondering what would happen next to Aliya and Dan as Aliya's brother was accused of bombing. It contrasts the worlds of an unlikely pair of friends as they work together to solve the strange mystery facing them. Lucy H-TTC
ReplyDeleteIn this story of wonder Aliyas family escapes afstigan, and headed to Britain. Her brother accused of bomb attacks. Aliya is sure of his innocence. But what is she to think when the plumbers son Dan finds a gun in their bathroom? Dan stays quiet as he thinks his dad could be in with the plan. Aliya and Dan set out to uncover the tangled and twisted truth. I would give it 5 stars. Also I would recommend this book to people who like mystery stories.
ReplyDeleteSophie
Tendring Technology College
I think that If You Were Me is a creative and original book, complete with a viewpoint from two people.
ReplyDeleteAliya's family has to escape when her brother Behrouz is wrongly accused of plotting to bomb a British colonel's house. Then, in succession, Behrouz and his friends are attacked; one shot in a firing incident, the other taken away by Immigration.
Dan's father is part of this, along with a group of Afghan drug lords trying to search out Behrouz.
The two try to uncover a web of lies, and even their most trusted acquaintances turn on them and betray them. So with so many enemies, can they prove that Behrouz is innocent?
This book was a fantastic read and it kept me on the edge of my seat all along.
Apurva T., Kegs
8/10
I thought this book was very moving and gripping . It almost made you think that you where her as you knew so much about her family and what has happened in her life. I think this book is very informative as it tells us what family's like them had been through to escape the war and try to find safety.
ReplyDeleteKate DFS
This was a truly gripping book with twists and turns along the road to a show stopping ending! I really liked the amount different characters that were in this book I encourage the writer of this book Sam Hepburn to write more thrilling novels like this one.
ReplyDeleteGeorge DFS
This book was amazing! It gives two views one about how people's struggles in Afghanistan and life here in England! It explains about a girl and her family trying to escape to come to England before they get killed! Also about how a young boy tries to come to work with his Dad, which he is not looking forward too. I would recommend it to other people especially those who are into adventure and seeing what lives are like in different parts of the world!
ReplyDeleteJayani Tendring Technology College
This book was quite boring for me as it was quite slow to start and there were too many points of view to keep up with. I don't really recommend this book. I like the cover though, so 3/10. AH-KEGS
ReplyDeleteThis is the second EBA book I have read. Its so interesting I just wanted to read more and more. Its a basically two stories put into one. It gives two viewpoints on life in Afghanistan and life in England. It discloses a girl and her family that are trying to bypass England if not they will get executed. On top of that it is about a boy and his fathers work. I recommend this book to people who interested in lifestyles of others. Chinna DFS
ReplyDeleteThis is my second EBA book and I have to say I don't really like it. I find the book was just so hard to get in to I never did. I was reading words but I didn't feel that they made sense. I am not sure if this is because I did not like the plot or I just could not relate to it at all. The adventure in the first 1 and a half pages was thrilling and exciting I admit but after that it all just seemed to go flat and not have anything to get excited about.
ReplyDeleteThe book, in my opinion did not really give any emotion. It did not really have any moment for me that made you really understand the character' situation and feel sympathetic for them. This was disappointing because reading a book about something so emotional and upsetting as the war, I was expecting quite a lot of sensitive moments and gripping stories of escape. However I found this did not happen and it seemed to be boring.
The story was quite hard to follow. At first the unexplained changes in font and character really confused me as I was unaware and did not understand. Still once I understood it I was confused as to what was happening in the plot line.
The ending was not intriguing either. It did not make you excited or leave you waiting, it just seemed to stop unexplained and abruptly.
4/10
Grace. A
Boswells School
You are wrong. This book was exciting the whole way.
DeleteAnonymous KEGS
I agree with Grace. I found some parts of the book boring or unnecessary. However, I still quite enjoyed the book as the majority of it was very good.
DeleteCharlotte B,
Boswells
i think this blurb is actually quite good everyone is just over reacting.
DeleteThis book was not my favourite but it was quite interesting. It tells the life of a young girl from Afghanistan who is struggling to live. It also tells the life of a young English boy. It shows the different ways how different religions live. I would rate this book 5/10. Alina TTC.
ReplyDeleteI found this book really good as it's sort of a mystery on what's going to happen next. One thing I found funny was that every so often the length of the chapters would change; some are only one page long and some are around ten pages long. I found that the book was fast-paced and it was really hard to stop reading it as I was so into it.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend people read it as it is a very good book. I would give it 8/10 because I really enjoyed it and I don't want to give it 10/10 straight away because I might enjoy another book even more than this one!
Annisha (Yr7) The Sweyne Park School
This book is amazing! It is very quickly-paced and extremely enjoyable - involving issues that people have had to deal with in recent years. The characters and eccentric setting descriptions brought this book to life, making me feel like I was in the world of Aliya. Sam Hepburn made me feel like this phenomenal book was glued to my hands! It was un-put-down-able and I think it will capture a generation of readers.
ReplyDeleteThe storyline starts when Aliya's brother has just saved his family from an aggressive group of Taliban terrorists by moving them to England, It isn't long before another group of terrorists poses threat to Aliya and her family. Is Aliya's brother part of this terrorist group, like the media report him to be? Aliya wants to prove her brother's innocence but she doesn't know how.
The characters were another huge reason this book is so good. Aliya - an average teenager who is desperate to succeed at school - is brave and optimistic when it comes to protecting her family. She shows she is persistent and determined. Dan, the English boy who wants to help prove Aliya's brother is innocent without uncovering too much about his own father's wrong doings, is friendly and understanding. These two main characters are so different, but they do help each other in the end and they are both believable.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in mysteries and love adventure. I would rate this book 9/10, even though it was so amazing, I think a little more information could have been added at the end - apart from that, this book is brilliant!
Molly (Yr 7) The Sweyne Park School
If you were me was the sixth book I read for EBA 2016. Looking at the cover and blurb, it seemed like an intriguing book, about mystery and lies. It grips you from the first chapter, with the tale of the daring escape of Aliya and her family. It draws out a range of emotions and leaves you hanging, wondering what happen. It is a very addictive book, with cliffhangers at the end of most chapters. I particularly liked the way that both Aliya and Dan were the 1st person, variating each chapter. It was a great book that gave me a more positive outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteI would give it 9.5/10.
Adam F-KEGS
Although this was not my favourite Eba book, I still found it gripped me to the story. It was a very sad book to read especially as Aliya's family were blamed for doing nothing wrong. I rate this book 7/10
ReplyDeleteLucy Barnard
Boswells school
It was easy to guess what would happen next in particular parts but it had a very intriguing and original storyline.
DeleteLucy Barnard,
Boswells school
This book is an action-packed crime adventure thriller about a young refugee, Aliyah, who escapes Afghanistan with her family and finds refuge in London, England. Shortly after, her brother is accused of a terrorist act and Aliyah along with her ally Dan, a local boy, search for the truth and fight for her brother’s innocence.
ReplyDeleteThe book’s chapters alternate between Aliyah and Dan’s perspective which I found annoyingly repetitive at first, however, I realised it was necessary for the author, Sam Hepburn, to give both Aliyah and Dan a depth of voice and character; they are two very different individuals with very different lifestyles and cultures. I think Hepburn portrayed this really well and Aliya questioned Dan’s slang many times along with British terms and sayings. I really enjoyed reading the simile: my heart beat faster than a wedding drum; these types of devices would help the reader understand Aliyah’s culture. Aliyah and Dan are very vulnerable but have been forced to work together as they search for their own personal and joint truths in a mist of lies, dishonesty, corruption and their fight for injustice.
Hepburn has created what I would imagine could turn into a blockbuster action film full of explosions and car chases – it’s not what I expected from this book. More importantly, this is a fantastic book for young people to understand the possible context, in this case, of a teenage Afghanistan refugee linked to the current sensitive and despairing issue of terrorism.
You will enjoy this book if you enjoy action crime and thrillers.
8/10 Mrs Morris KHA
This book was interesting from the start but it kind of went down hill nearer the end. I think the way the characters and setting was set out was very imaginative. The only thing that let the story down was the fact that it was not as a good ending that the start and middle didn't set it out as well as it should of been.
ReplyDeleteIsabella TTC
Now where do I begin? The plot? The characters? Or the surprises? So far ,in the Essex Book Awards,this has been my favorite read and I can't believe that I wouldn't have read this book if it wasn't on the shortlist. If you were me was a mystery/adventure story based on two young children. One of them i a girl,whose family fled from the clutches of death of the Taliban all the way to the busy metropolis of London. The family are paid a visit by a boy called Dan,who have been asked to fix one of their plumbing problems. However,Dan ends up in deep water when he uncovers a dark secret. One way or another,Dan is going to betray someone. Iabsolutely loved this book and I think this book might just win my vote.
ReplyDelete9.7 out of 10
Thomas G KEGS
I think thi book was good
ReplyDelete'If You Were Me' is a book which enhances the dangers in which people live in. The heart-breaking story of Aliya is touching, yet keeps you on the edge up until the final chapter. I think this book is a good read due to the fantastic storyline and careful plotting done so well by Sam Hepburn.
ReplyDeleteSophia
DFS
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and exciting. It tells the story from two separate views, giving different opinions. This book combats terrorism, discrimination and crime.
ReplyDeleteA good book for crime adventure lovers.
Sophie - Year 9 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
It was a good book. i didnt really like the begginging but it was getting better when i startede to read more of the book. natalia plume school. 7/10
ReplyDeleteThis book seemed to look like it would be quite confusing before I began to read it, but luckily it was simpler than expected, but not in a bad way. This book tackles important issues which trouble the world today and I love the crime-thriller side to the book
ReplyDeleteIf You Were Me is a very good book. At the start, it felt as though the author was trying too hard. However, it eased off further into the book. At first I did not like the book, as I found it very boring. Eventually I began to like it, though. It was very gripping and the plot had a twist about every five minutes, which made it
ReplyDeletevery interesting. However, some parts of the plot were predictable.
The ending was slightly disappointing as there was a big anti-climax; they went straight from excitement and danger into very calm and slightly boring. But I enjoyed the majority of the book thoroughly.
I did not have a favourite character particularly, as all of them had very individual characteristics.
I would give this book 7.5/10
Charlotte Baker,
The Boswells School
This is my least favourite book so far as its slow-paced and not to my taste.
ReplyDeletejoe
GBHS
If You Were Me, is an excellent book. I like the fact that it switches between the two different views. I think Dan has a strong character because he helped Aliya even though she was very suspicious of him at first. I recomend this book and give it 8 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteGeorgina Radley - BUCHS
If you were me, is an inspiring novel , for the present and future generation to help those who are from different backgrounds aspire to be who they want to be . Dan and Aliya are two different people who are worlds appart yet so close in harmony , they eventually (spolier alert) work together as a team to prove that her brother is an innocent man and that he will walk away with knowing he was right all along.we should all learn something from Dan as we are role models to the future world we should help to those from counties far and wide so they can do all of things we can do for free. I rate this book 9.5/10 and would recommend it to anyone.
ReplyDeleteAlicia yr8 BUCHS
The jacket and title of this book does not give much away as to the contents of this thrilling crime mystery. Aliya and her family have escaped from Afghanistan to Britain. Her brother is accused of being a terrorist and Aliya feels responsible for her family especially proving her brother’s innocence as he lies injured in hospital. Dan is worried about a gun that he thinks is connected to his dad. They join forces and become a formidable team.
ReplyDeleteThis fast paced gripping novel has both a female and male protagonist which adds to its overall appeal. Each chapter has either Aliya or Dan as the narrator and this works really well. The only criticism I would have about the voice of Aliya is that I would have liked her to have heard her voice through the text in a way that would say or remind the reader that she was from Afghanistan, such as an example of her dialect, I think this would have made a clearer distinction between the two characters and their backgrounds as the pace picks up and I felt myself wanting to read faster and faster to find out what happens next.
Both characters are resourceful and brave and become friends on a mission. The story smoothly and quickly connects into the next twist and turn. I found the way in which it introduced tense moments uncomplicated and believable such as when Aliya rescues Dan from certain death after he had been drugged by the policeman that he thought he could trust. There are other character surprises such as this, one being the exposure of Colonel Mike Clark towards the end.
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of tense action and drama where you will be cheering these characters on and quickly turning the page to find out how they get themselves out of tricky situations. I would definitely recommend this book for the Essex Book Awards and think it would make a great film too. I would give this book 8/10
Mrs S Jones - BUCHS
So far, if you were me has been action packed and exciting because there are so many unanswered questions that you want to reveal and find out why it’s happened! The book is interesting because Sam Hepburn has shown the two sides of the story from Dan and Aliya. This book shows how people are not used to the un-familiar and how people are different, this shows how Aliya is strong willed to prove that her brother is innocent. Meanwhile Dan is furious with his dad for lying to him and his mum about doing illegal dealings. I feel that at the moment the book is coming to a stop but I am hoping it will build back up. I find that it’s amazing how Aliya and Dan are prepared to fight the world to prove her brothers injustice and innocence. Sam Hepburn has used the two opinions of Aliya and Dan brings the saying "there’s always two sides to every story" alive. At the beginning, the book was fab and amazing but it is now starting to annoy me where the same story line keeps going on; I’m sure it will throw an unsuspecting event when I’m not expecting it, I can’t wait until I finish it. I’m sure if you like action and thriller this is the book for you. Another part is that the book links to today’s sensitive subject of terrorism. BY V.F AT King Harold Academy
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to start reading this book...it has got so many great reviews and ratings so far. it seems to be very popular at my school as there seems to be no copies left for me to read!
ReplyDeleteJuliet
BUCHS
This book was amazing! It was full of emotion and was very fast paced. I was very impressed with the fact that there was 2 different points of view and it had me hooked from the beginning. It was definitely tense and I cannot wait to read or from this author.
ReplyDeleteI am going to rate it 7* out of 10.
this book was full of surprises and it was very interesting to read.
ReplyDeleteALISHA MHS
This has got to be one of my all time favourite books EVER!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the storyline was very original was also very hard to guess what would happen next as all sort of surprised jumped out! Sam Hepburn is very talented and this book just soars above the average mystery book. As it just seems to blur all your emotions into one. Just to think this is very realistic and could happen to someone in the real world is just terrible and really opens the door to the suffering outside of our sometimes perfect lives.I would recommend this book to anyone even if they are not a big fan of mystery as I can guarantee there will be something for you in this wonder book. The things that are described in this book are just truly terrible and cruel that the element of fear is always the main character's biggest worry. Sam Hepburn has also used a really clever technique wear she changes alternates every other chapter between Dan and Aliya (the main characters) this is really useful as you regularly see both sides of the story when they are not together. This also is a really effective way to build up suspense as the Chapters have a habit of ending in a really awkward place. Some when I was almost tempted to ship ahead (almost!)! Over all I would without doubt rate this book a 9/10! i look forward to reading her other book Chasing The Dark!
ReplyDeleteBenji Hales Green KEGS
When i read this book, it blew my mind. I think and know that this book is very detailed and relates to some situations that are happening in real life such as Dan's situation and even Aliyas. I dont care what other people thought of this book, it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI quite like this book its very interesting and puts reading on to another level. normally I am not the one to read but this book has got me into reading more and more books.
ReplyDeleteI would agree it is a great book to get u interested in reading
Deleteamazing book . Really enjoyed it. nerve racking when they both broke into the guys house
Deletegood.amazing.superb.epic.awesome.legit.great
DeleteWhen i read this book it blew my mind.I think and know that the writer has made this book very detailed and realistic which is why it is amazing and there are no other words for how truly beautiful this book is. The other reason why this book is so good is because it actually relates to the situations in that talented book, what some people have been through in real life as the same situations of the two main characters, Dan and Aliya. I love this book and i dont care what other people have thought of this book. It is amazing! I have rated this book 8 out of 10.
ReplyDelete-Livie the Boswells school
Superb book. Amazing. Fantastic. Awesome. Legit. Epic. In other words really enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteI found this book amazing. I loved the fact that all the people they went to to get help were actually part of the gang "Al Shaab", The book made me laugh and I thought that it takes books to another level, it was very captivating and I never put down the book until I had finished it! I wish that there was a sequel to the book though. If you were me is the best book I have read in ages!
ReplyDelete10/10 Amazing!!
I found this book very exciting and I liked how the chapters changed from dan to aliya and back. It was vey suspenseful and captivating. I loved this book and I would rate it a 9/10
ReplyDeleteCaitlin Morris
Davenant Foundation School
If you were me is my favourite book that I have read from the EBA. The way that the story is told from both Dan and Aliya's point of view makes the story much more interesting for the reader and gives the reader an idea of the two characters' personalities. The way that the author tells this story also makes this story like no other because instead of just having a quite unusual topic for a fiction book, the parts told by Dan, a normal English boy, rather than Aliya give a very different spin on the story. The characters and the author's descriptions of the characters were absolutely amazing, as well as very believable. Unlike Carjacked, where I found the ending too unbelievable, I loved the ending of this book. The subjects that the author have chosen to tackle can be quite intense but the way that the story is told informs you of them without scaring you. Before reading this book, I had already read Malala Yousafzai's autobiography which is a real eye-opener too. This meant that I was already aware of exactly how bad the Taliban can be and made this book make much more sense. If you enjoyed this book, then you should definitely try Malala's book. If you were me is engaging, gripping and realistic with a touch of mystery and horror. I wish there was a sequel.
ReplyDelete10/10
Hattie Altaparmakova, SWCHS
I, didn't really like this book. The build up was extremely slow and it isn't my book. Aliya and Dan, two confused teens, work together to prove Aliya's brother's innocents. Action/adventure book and all the characters had there own part to the book.
ReplyDelete4/10
Thomas, Tendring Technology College
This is my favourite out od the Essex Book Awards.
ReplyDeleteThe story opens with an exciting and tense escape from Afghanistan to England for Aliyah and her family. Aliyah's brother is then accused of terrorism and Aliyah has to prove his innocence. She meets Dan, an English boy and they become unlikely allies.
The story was tense all the way through and I was thoroughly gripped.
I think the author described the characters well and they were believable. I really felt for Aliyah as she was totally alone at first, and doesn't know who to trust, facing the angry public.
A really exciting read that I'd recommend as it really makes you think about people and the way the media can change the story or perspective.
I'd give this book 10/10 - the winner for me!
Lewis, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
Car chases. Corruption. Spying. Action. Terrorists. Betrayal. Sadness. Friendship. Love. If You Were Me truly has it all. Aliya hasn't had the best life - she loses her father, has to leave her country - and then her brother's accused of being a bomber. Her distress and feeling that the whole world is against her is really described well. Dan was a very complex character too - it was effective how he was helping her but holding back, not sure whether to be loyal to his friend or his family. The plot was incredible - the betrayals by some of the other characters really shock you to the bone and keep you reading. One of my favourites this year.
ReplyDeleteI would rate it 10/10.
Oliver C - KEGS
I believe that ‘If You Were Me’ is a well-written, brilliant book from the amazing author of Sam Hepburn. The theme of mystery adorns the story: when you think you know who is the culprit, a magnificent twist appears and leaves you bemused. There are secret messages in the pages such as when Dan - at the start - mentions, “I could murder a cup of tea.” which is a code to Aliya. The quote includes a sort of metaphor, which is the ‘murder’ part. Without giving too much away, I can safely say that the word ‘murder’ is a link to an object which is quite significant in the book and this message makes Aliya snap back into reality and go to make Dan and his father (Ron) a cup of tea while Dan can hide this object of great importance. This leaves the reader the idea that Dan and Aliya can lie and be mischievous which draws the reader in, rather than two people who are like ‘Goodie Two-Shoes’ that can’t be sneaky at all trying to hide this massive mystery. Of course, the word I find the most effective is ‘murder’ because otherwise the statement would be codeless and Aliya would probably still be in a daze. If You Were Me is a great book and I rate it 9.5/10.
ReplyDeleteKT, HACH
If You Were Me is an exciting page-turner which starts off in Afghanistan with a brief nail-biting explanation of why all the events in this believable tale take place. This story is most definitely not predictable as it always has a twist in the plot where it is most unexpected. In addition to this the story is relevant to modern times and the world we live in today, these specific characteristics make this book a very thought provoking read. Some more of the strong points of this book include the fact that it includes the points of view of 2 different characters and how the plot affects them. Finally, this book has a very mysterious cover that does not really give you a massive idea of what the story is about. Overall I would give this book a rating of 8 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin S. KEGS
I think that if you were me is a really good book because the book is thick but its really good and full of fun stuff I like to read books because they teach you new words
ReplyDeleteGBHS Agi
I love the complex plot and the way ali can solve any problem!
ReplyDeleteJESS B GBHS
I really enjoyed 'If You Were Me' which was a great book by Sam Hepburn. It was gripping, engaging with thrills and deception all the way through. One aspect I particularly liked was how the book gave accounts from both Dan's and Alia's perspective. This gives you an insight into both of their personalities and makes the book a lot more interesting for the reader. The author conveys different emotions really well, how at first Alia feels alone against the vehement public before finding trust in Dan and then feels like she has been betrayed by him. I thought there were lots of twists in the plot that left you intrigued. For example, just when I thought that Alia and Dan had figured out that the Colonel's wife was corrupt and were going to inform the Colonel about it and they find out the Colonel is corrupt too, which was an unexpected twist in the tale. The relationship between the two pivotal people in the book is also quite interesting; at the beginning they form an unlikely alliance to protect their family. However, when Alia finds out about some information Dan has been hiding from her, she feels betrayed and let down. At the end she realizes the pain Dan had gone through to be loyal to both her and his family and forgives him. The language was quite easy to understand and flowed quite easily. It was a great book that I did not want to put down at all.
ReplyDeleteI would give this book 10/10.
Aditya Kuzhupilly KEGS
i agree that is a great book review
DeleteIF YOU WERE ME COULD BE AMAZING AT TIMES BUT DULL THIS IS MY OPINION ABOUT THE BOOK I LOVE THE FACT THAT ALIYA IS DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR HER BROTHER AND FIND OUT THE TRUTH. V.F FROM KING HAROLD ACADEMY
ReplyDeleteIf you were me is probably my favourite book out of the Essex Book Awards this year. I cant believe that a book so amazing existed! It was probably he only book that started off so good as well. All the others had a dull start that I couldn't follow. However, it left so many questions unanswered at the end. Like did Behrouz ever get better? How is Mor getting on? Have Dan and Aliya made up? I thought it finished so suddenly. Apart from that it was a great mystery story crammed with riddles and secrets on every page. Thank you so much to the author for filling my hours of reading with delight, terror and surprise.
ReplyDeleteI would rate this book 9.9/10
Zoe Rowe Pearce - Tabor Academy
this book is very good
ReplyDeletetaylor ttc
9/10
When I read the blurb, I thought, oh, dear, this is another traumatic tale of a girl plagued by contanst memories so she could never be normal, etc, etc. But when I read it, WOW! Not lingering on the war zone part, it jumps straight into a brand-new mystery. From Dan's perspective, you get a great description of the modern world, and in Aliya's chapters you realise just how hard it is being a stranger in this country. I was reading this on the bus, then ran home to finish it!
ReplyDeletePhilippa Chelmsford County High School ( year 8 )
THIS IS A GREAT READ
ReplyDeleteit begins with a girl called aliya and her brother in a stick situation with the Taliban. as the story progresses aliya finds dan and both of them set of on a quest to free beahruz. but dan has his own reasons and he tells lies and hids truthes from aliya that pull the two of them apart.i LOVED THE ENDING!
10/10
recommended to people who like books on corruption, mystery, lies and shocking truths.
lauren
GBHS
My Book Review - If You Were Me By Sam Hepburn:
ReplyDelete
This book gives you an insight into the life of an immigrant and is a fast paced thriller leaving me wondering if there will be a sequel. Though you can be quite bewildered at times due to the complicated names. If you don’t fully concentrate on what your reading, you can be left in the dust as the book is continuously moving on with the pieces of this mystery slowly building up. Imagine a modern day Enid Blyton mystery/ adventure book meets the bestseller - Does my head look big in this? then that about sums up this book! With the book written from 2 perspectives, it really gives you a lot of different angles into how each of the protagonists feel. - Another addition which Hepburn includes giving the book, that something extra!
Aliya’s family manage to make it alive after fleeing from the Taliban to England - their supposed ‘safe haven’. When Aliya’s brother is held accountable for a national threat from a terrorist group, Aliya still doesn’t doubt her brother for an instance. Soon everything Dan, a plumber’s son, has ever known is turned upside down as he finds a gun in her bathroom. Dan has his own reasons for staying silent, due to an inkling that the gun may be closer to home then he imagines. This is just the first in a series of incidents which force the duo to stay together, in a mission to find out who really is behind this...
This book could have definitely had more depth as I believe there were other dimensions which Hepburn could have explored. As the whole book seemed to be fixated on one thing and didn’t seem relatable or seem as if there were other things going on in their life which (if this were real) would have effected them in a big way. I did find the flashbacks and different interpretations interesting as they gave the reader the chance to see not only from just one person’s point of view, but both of the lead roles - Dan and Aliya. Whilst reading this book you think that your towards the end of the book, but the tension and jam packed adventure just seems to get even more daring! The ending wasn’t quite the happily ever after that people long for. It leaves the reader wondering what happens to them in their future and how the characters turn out.
Overall, I believe it was a good book which has a lot of twists and turns which you don’t except to happen which make the journey, Hepburn takes you on even more exciting! There were some aspects of the book which could certainly be improved. e.g. The confusing way in which Hepburn organizes the clues. Overall, I believe that this book is worthy of an... 8 for the brilliant concept Hepburn brings across making it a wonderful read for those who have similar tastes to mine.
By Grace Pashley - Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School
Dramatic, emotional and fast paced. If You Were Me is, in my opinion, the best of the six.
ReplyDeleteEmma - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
BEST BOOK EVER! This book is definitely my favourite. Although the start was quite hard to get into, it got better and better. At the last few pages, I couldn't put the book down, I was just so engrossed in it. I can't even sum it up in one word, that is how amazingly brilliant it is.
ReplyDeleteErin - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
I think this book was amazing it really took me on an adventure it was a perfect read.It was everything i want in a book it was gripping thrilling and moving.This book made feel so many emotions: anger,fear,sadness and finally happiness.This book made me look at the world with different eyes with Aliya's and Dan's eyes.This book taught me that you cannot control all the events that happen to you but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
ReplyDeleteDaisy Decardi-Nelson
Grays Convent High School
I rate this 9/10
ReplyDeleteDaisy D.Nelson
Grays convent High school
A thrilling, gripping tale as two ostensibly ordinary teenagers embark on an extraordinary quest to prove that assumptions can be false. This book sets you on a rollercoaster of emotions as Sam Hepburn describes the lives of Aliya and Dan who suffer a sudden twist in fate to change their lives forever as they attempt to uncover a truth, concealed with corrupt lies and devastating shocks. It raised a variety of questions in my mind as I read this phenomenal page-turner, it made me think about who I can trust and gave me an insight of the sickening fear experienced by anyone caught in a terror situation. I would recommend this book to all older readers who enjoy a thriller. I rate this book 10/10.
ReplyDeleteSam Bayman Year 7 KEGS
A thrilling, gripping tale as two ostensibly ordinary teenagers embark on an extraordinary quest to prove that assumptions can be false. This book sets you on a rollercoaster of emotions as Sam Hepburn describes the lives of Aliya and Dan who suffer a sudden twist in fate to change their lives forever as they attempt to uncover a truth, concealed with corrupt lies and devastating shocks. It raised a variety of questions in my mind as I read this phenomenal page-turner, it made me think about who I can trust and gave me an insight of the sickening fear experienced by anyone caught in a terror situation. I would recommend this book to all older readers who enjoy a thriller. I rate this book 10/10.
ReplyDeleteSam Bayman Year 7 KEGS
Rating; 4. 5/5
ReplyDeleteI believe this book is targeted for children 13+.
If you were me by Sam Hepburn is a great book full of suspense and mystery, which always gives the reader a thrill. I thought every chapter was bringing a new rush of excitement and I never wanted to put it down, as the author had written it so well.
What I liked about this book is that it really zoomed in on a key issue in the world right now, which is the refugee/migrant crisis and the wars which affect them. I believe more people should read this book because even though it is an interesting read, it expresses how innocent people feel and it results in a view of how the world should be, which makes the book very emotional.
I also loved the friendship between Aliya and Dan because it was a very unlikely bond, which you wouldn’t have suspected if they were 2 very distinctive stories. I personally preferred Dan because I think the way he decided to help Aliya on his own was an act of genuine friendliness at the start of the book, which sparked his kind personality into view. Aliya however, came across an arrogant figure and though her actions were caring for her brother, I didn’t like the way she acted.
I believe what could have been improved was that sometimes parts of the book weren’t explained in depth and seemed a bit rushed, which led me to not understanding a few sections of the story, such as when they discover one person they thought they could trust (The actress India) was actually against them because it shifts to this discovery quite quickly.
Overall, I found this book really good because even though it was quite long and not as comical or light-hearted, as a lot of people would prefer, I thought that what it focused on was a great, moving topic.
Erfan, HACHS
This is an incredible book, which shares the hardship that many migrants face whilst crossing the border into another country. It is full of suspense and emotion throughout, due to Sam Hepburn’s intelligent wording and language devices.
ReplyDeleteI liked the novel as it was fast-paced and action-packed which kept me intrigued and interested from the very first pages to the last page. I would class this as a mystery novel, although it is extremely relevant to today’s modern day world which is full of crime, like the novel. The book contains realistic characters, that would appear in the modern day world, which enables you to feel empathy with them regarding their situation.
If I was to improve this novel, I would say that some of the situations that the characters faced, were not explained enough, and therefore you were not able to understand some parts that included information that was included in specific parts. For example, when the characters discovered that India was a liar, it seemed to not explain how and why or not enough to me, and that impacted on the ending and effect of the novel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, despite sum e of the improvements I personally would make. It kept me engaged throughout which, is something I look for in a book is. I would recommend to anyone who likes action-packed, and is aimed at students in years 8 through to 10.
Cullis, HACHS
I rated it 7/10
ReplyDeleteWhat I enjoyed most about the book is the character Aliya, because she was smart and open minded and determined.
I thought the part where the gun was found in the bathroom was the start of the fast paced and tense drama starting to unfold. There were lots of twist and turns and your could understand why Aliya couldn’t trust anybody. I have recommended
this book to my friends, especially if I know they like tension in the story line.
Overall I enjoyed they book but not as much as another of the Essex Book Awards.
Saunders HACHS
I believe that ‘If You Were Me’ is a well-written, brilliant book from the amazing author of Sam Hepburn. The theme of mystery adorns the story: when you think you know who is the culprit, a magnificent twist appears and leaves you bemused. There are secret messages in the pages such as when Dan - at the start - mentions, “I could murder a cup of tea.” which is a code to Aliya. The quote includes a sort of metaphor, which is the ‘murder’ part. Without giving too much away, I can safely say that the word ‘murder’ is a link to an object which is quite significant in the book and this message makes Aliya snap back into reality and go to make Dan and his father (Ron) a cup of tea while Dan can hide this object of great importance. This leaves the reader the idea that Dan and Aliya can lie and be mischievous which draws the reader in, rather than two people who are like ‘Goodie Two-Shoes’ that can’t be sneaky at all trying to hide this massive mystery. Of course, the word I find the most effective is ‘murder’ because otherwise the statement would be codeless and Aliya would probably still be in a daze. If You Were Me is a great book and I rate it 9.5/10.
ReplyDeleteKT, HACH
Book review
ReplyDeleteIf you were me.
Aliya an ordinary girl living an almost ordinary life. She and her family (mum, brother, little sister and her) had to escape from the Taliban trying to kill her brother, Behrouz. Then in London her brother is accused of bombing. Dan a plumber’s son found a gun in their bathroom. What is she to think?
Dan a plumber’s son who lives an ordinary life in London, who find out his dad is a drug dealer instead of plumber, gets tangled up in the mystery and they both set out to uncover the truth.
By the time I started reading, it was it was really boring but when you get to the fourth paragraph you will be enthralled. If you’re like me, a person who likes all kinds of book you no doubt will be caught up in the novel.
I like a lot of things about this book like (when the mystery unfolds). Subsequent to liking it, I also dislike how long it took for the story to get interesting.
My emotions while reading the book were admiration and how much I would like to be Dan rather than myself. All the things Dan did were awesome ,he was literally the hero of the mystery for me.
I would recommend this book to people who like reading mystery novels.
Faheed Noah-year7-gilberd
This was a great book. It was interesting and certanly came under the genre of thriller, which I like. If I had to rate it I would give it a 10/10. It was a great read.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin, Plume School