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From Where I Stand

Classification
Age Range	Teenage
Category	Fiction
ISBN-10	186230212X
ISBN-13	978-1862302129

Rights
World	Eve White
Film	Eve White

Publishers
UK (C'wealth)	Random House

From Where I Stand

by Tabitha Suzuma

Nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2008

'The second novel by rising star Tabitha Suzuma confirms her as a writer of great sensitivity, who tackles big issues while sustaining a thrilling plot.' The Bookseller

'A disturbing and compulsive read about a very unhappy young man... We care about Raven, feel for his suffering and are drawn into a narrative that culminates in a major twist of the whole story.' The Bookseller

'At one point, I had to put down From Where I Started because my eyes were full of tears... As a portrait of a damaged adolescent struggling with his mental health, I found it sensitive, powerful and heartrending... Suzuma explains and unravels the mystery with honesty and care and gentle kindness, but without ever losing the pace and tension in the plotting. I thought the whole book was a remarkable achievement, and there are a whole bunch of adult writers in this popular psychological thriller market who could learn a lesson or two from it. There is an understanding of both character and crisis here that you don't find often. Highly recommended for all sophisticated readers who enjoy contemporary settings, a realistic emotional landscape and strong, thrilling plotlines.' Jill Murphy, The Bookbag

'Suzuma's vital and realistic prose throbs with emotions and uncertainty... Thrilling, with taut writing, it is perfect for teens.' Jayne Howarth, The Birmingham Post

'Ultimately this is a book about guilt and redemption, as well as a deeply compelling read.' Books for Keeps

'Tabitha Suzuma's second novel is a stunner... the characters wonderfully drawn, and the climax of the book is beautifully written... a wonderful teenage read.' Malcolm McEwan

Samples: 1

from FROM WHERE I STAND

Lotte was silent. She moved over to sit beside him against the wall. Their arms were almost touching, but not quite. Side by side, they stared straight ahead into the darkness. 'You shouldn't,' Lotte said. 'You shouldn't hate yourself. You're the best friend I ever had. Before you came along I had no one to talk to. And my so–called friends all bored me to death.' A long pause. 'You wouldn't want to be friends with me,' Raven said. 'Not if you really knew me.' 'I do know you. And it's not just me. Ella's crazy about you. And I bet Jackie and Dan really care about you too.' Raven got up suddenly and walked over to the window. 'None of you know me,' he said, his voice harsh. 'None of you. You don't know me at all.' Lotte said nothing. 'Sometimes I feel like that too,' she began. 'But it's just because you're feeling kinda fed up – ' Raven turned abruptly from the window. 'I should have killed Kyle,' he said. Lotte shuddered suddenly and pulled her knees up under her school coat. 'You shouldn't say things like that. I know he's a complete twat, but – ' 'You don't think I mean it?' He looked at her steadily. 'You don't think I'm capable of killing someone?' She hesitated for a moment. 'I'm sure you feel like killing both of them,' she began. 'But it's not the same as actually – ' 'Everyone's capable of murder.' Raven cut her off, his voice hard, giving her a long look. 'Given the right situation. Everyone. Even you.'

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