Review By Chris Kocx

Jasper Jones, the outcast and town troublemaker, lures Charlie, a young boy who is more interested in a world formed through the books he reads than reality. He is swayed by the promise of adventure and it is something that all teens can relate to.

Many people call this book “an Australian To Kill a Mockingbird”, however I think this book has tried too hard to earn this title and the constant inter-textuality with references to characters such as Atticus reduces the overall originality and quality.

However it was a great read and I could not put the book down. It is a sad tale about a troubled town. Be prepared for a journey, not in any way a light read.