Dear Dylan Reviews

INTERVIEWS

To find out more about the story behind Dear Dylan please click here to read an online interview with writer Dan Holloway.

Interview with the horror writer Paul Alabaster about Dear Dylan and my other writing – please click here.

Interview with The Gazette newspaper about the issues covered in Dear Dylan – please click here.

Interview for the Featured on Friday slot on the excellent YA book review site, So Many Books, So Little Time.

Interview with The Overflowing Library

Interview with Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf

 

REVIEWS / READER FEEDBACK


‘To sum up – a fab little story with a plucky lovely main character who is a fab role model for the age range the book is aimed at.’
The Overflowing Library

‘This is a very beautiful story … and I enjoyed it utterly. I really recommend you read this book and I assure you that you’re going to love it.’ Darlyn and Books

‘All in all, this was a great and fast-paced read about one girl’s very important summer, during which her life is turned upside down and finally sorted out. It’s nicely written – the two narrative voices are convincing and can be easily distinguished. It’s a lovely story that will make you occassionally pull at your heartstrings, but ultimately bring a smile to your face. All I can say is, “GO, GEORGIE!”Bookalicious Ramblings

‘This book was totally not what I expected from reading the description, but it ended up being so much more than I expected. This is an absolutely charming novel. There’s really no other way to say it…it’s just such a sweet and moving read that I didn’t want to leave these characters behind. While I was reading Dear Dylan, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the book 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. While the correspondence in Dear Dylan is fictional, Charing Cross are actual letters shared between two fascinating yet normal people. In both works, you get to see friendships grow through the faceless intimacy that letters and/or e-mails offer. I really loved Georgie. She’s has such an honest voice that you can’t help but cheer for her as she’s constantly overcoming obstacles. Her experience is one that many children are facing and it’s nice to read a story where someone is willing to help. I was one of those fangirly kids who wrote to her favorite celebrities, of course, it was completely a pencil and paper affair back then. So, I could completely relate to Georgie as she looked to one of her idols for the answers. Those answers sometimes just happen to come from other sources. Check Dear Dylan out and read 84, Charing Cross Road while your at it. They are both wonderful reads full of laughs, tears, and heart.’ Carrie’s YA Bookshelf

Dear Dylan is truly a diamond of a novel. It’s touching, funny, and full of heart; simply a novel I just couldn’t get enough of. In all, I feel the funny and touching novel Dear Dylan establishes Siobhan as one great writer, one who I hope has a very, very long successful career in front of her filled with more wickedly awesome books!’ Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf

‘Siobhan Curham has penned a heart-warming story that explores the social media of emails and how a most unlikely relationship can be formed via the Internet. What transpires is a telling of truths, hopes, dreams, fears and a bond of friendship that is endearing to behold. A story to lighten the soul. I laughed and cried and only wanted more. Siobhan has done an amazing job and I cannot wait to read more from her, Bravo! If you are in the mood for a great read that will entertain and delight you while making you smile then you need not look any further. This is the book for you.’ Tales of a Ravenous Reader

 
‘Curham did a great job writing from a troubled a teen’s point of view. With how serious things were throughout each email there were times I couldn’t help but to laugh out loud at the great lines that each of the characters had. Georgie really brought Dear Dylan to life. She was fantastic and it was fascinating to get a look in on her life and all of her troubles. She experiences every humiliating incident that most teens do such as crushes, toxic friends and family issues. She is extremely likeable and well-written with a personality that shines. As well as being easy-to-relate-to, I felt a lot of empathy for Georgie. At times, I felt so sorry for her and wanted to enter her bubble and be her friend when she had none. As things just start to go right for her, everything that possibly could, goes wrong. Her miserable, bully of a stepdad tries to shatter her world as we take a look into her first love.I think many people would benefit from reading this. It can be quite a serious story at times but has a spark of light-heartedness around every corner. I found myself cheering for Georgie and willing the plot to go on and on. The structure of emails is fabulous and is really the only way the book should have been written. Curham has written a poignant, honest account that I predict, will be loved.’ Review, The Sweet Bonjour, YA Fiction Site.
 
 
‘An absorbing, moving novel told in emails that start as fanmail between a 14-year-old girl and her idol, but develop in ways neither side could have imagined. I finished it last night and I’m still thinking about the characters so much that I want check on them and see how things are going for them now!’ Luisa Plaja, author of Extreme Kissing, Chicklish.
 

A lovely, moving, inventive and compelling tale of a blossoming friendship told through the email medium. I read it in 2 sittings – I just couldn’t put it down. As well as an unusual story line that paints so vividly how a teenage girl thinks and feels, the book also introduces some pretty nifty expressions which I hope catch on. I’m calling everything Frost-free at the moment. And I swear I saw a walking crabstick the other day!’ Amazon review.

‘I finished Dear Dylan in just under four hours and can honestly say that each and every page held me spell-bound. I roller-coasted with  the humour, the pathos, the sheer brilliance of a gifted story-teller using a medium which  I was concerned about at first , namely the ability of the technique to keep the reader glued. Well, super-glued would be a better description. I’m fast running out of superlatives but, needless to say Dear Dylan will now be raved about in USA ISRAEL  and South Africa!!!’ Reader email.

‘I downloaded Dear Dylan earlier and have spent the night on a rollercoaster of emotions!  I couldn’t put it down.  My eyes are killing me after reading it on the laptop all night but I don’t care and have got past the blur to add my review to my book journal.  The interplay between the characters was brilliant and I could relate to both well.  I was rooting for both of them to find their way.  Although some of what Georgie says seems a little mature for a 14 year old I could forgive it as the story was so engaging.  I cried at times, I dug my nails into my hands at others and I rejoiced at the end!  Will definitely read more from this author.  9 out of 10.’ Reader review.
 

‘Dear Dylan is a touching and emotional story about a girl finding a much-needed friend in a most unlikely place. I must admit that Dear Dylan didn’t unfold in the way that I expected at all. And I’m glad it didn’t because I got something really special instead. The story goes so much deeper than the summary would suggest and upon finihsing it I can definitely see why it has been nominated for the Young Minds Book Award. Being a part of the blogging community I know how invaluable my online friends are, but this friendship really did change their lives, which is completely amazing. For a book written entirely in emails and coming in at only 196 pages, I got to know Georgie and her friends and family very well. I really grew to care for her and I have to admit that that’s extremely rare for me with books written in this format. The way that the emails are written exude feeling and personality. Dear Dylan was something different for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Review, So Many Books So Little Time.

‘Amazing novel! This is for young adults but will appeal to all ages. A great story and really well written (really nice artwork too). I cannot recommend this book highly enough.’ Amazon review

‘This is a delightful book of easy, entertaining reading. The author really gets inside the head of Georgie, the 14 year old protagonist, and we experience the highs and lows of a significant episode of her life with her.
It is a modern epistolary novel, related through the emails of Georgie and a much older person. This format brings immediacy to their joys and anxieties, which keeps the reader turning the pages. The writing captures today’s electronic communication lingo while at the same time taking the reader on a roller-coaster of images and emotions. It is both humorous and dramatic throughout. An underlying hint of menace creeps in and remains until the end of the book. Is the older person a clever villain posing as a caring adult? After all, they did pretend to be someone else at the beginning. My doubts were not put to rest even after the two met and spent the day together. Does he go as far as impersonating women in his efforts to win the confidence of his young victims? Georgie’s mother is understandably suspicious. Ultimately, however, this is a feel-good novel that shouldn’t be missed.’ Amazon review.

‘I bought ‘Dear Dylan’  (I prefer portable books) and it arrived yesterday. Could not sleep last night, remembered the book, got it out and read it in one hit. Laughed. Cried because of the nerves it touched. Got cross because of the  truths it told. Finished the book  (first book I have read for a year) then sat at the computer and wrote for four hours – I haven’t written in over eighteen months. So now bog eyed from lack of sleep but happy because I have read and written and freed up some mind space. Thank you so much for giving me an enjoyable and inspired night, and all while you were sleeping!!’ Reader email

 

 

This book would be a perfect gift for any teenager as it’s a great story, beautifully written. The clever thing that Siobhan Curham has managed to pull off is to make Dear Dylan appeal to adults, too. Highly recommended.’ Amazon review.
 
 
Beautifully written. The novel entails the exploration of a relationship that develops whereby the two people end up having quite a large impact on each other’s lives. Whether you are a teenager or an adult you’ll be sure to love this. I found it an absolutely brilliant read.’ Amazon review.
‘Dear Dylan is written for teenagers but it appeals to all ages. The story is cleverly told through the e-mail conversation between a teenage girl and a much older adult. It is very easy to read, witty, poignant and a real page turner. It is mainly a coming of age story about Georgie, who goes against the wishes of her depressed mother and her abusive step-father to follow her dreams of acting in theatre. Georgie’s journey includes teenage angst, jealousy, aspirations and of course boys. But it is not just Georgie who benefits from the email exchange. Both participants are alone and reaching out for someone to help them. Despite the age difference they form a firm friendship, with Georgie maturing and taking responsibility for her life, and her older ‘e-mate’ rediscovering their inner child. The book reminds you what living is actually about.’ Amazon review.
 
Dear Dylan is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a great plot and well-drawn characters. It is the story of a 14 year old dealing with a very difficult family life and how she finds an email friend and confidante in an older woman. Siobhan Curham deals sensitively with the issues raised using both humour and pathos. I became totally absorbed in the story; it made me laugh and it made me cry. Buy it for a teenager by all means but don’t forget to read it yourself.’ Amazon review.
 

‘There’s a little bit of everything in this book and I commend Curham’s ability to write such strong and realistic characters that many people of all ages will be able to relate to.’ Review, A Life Bound By Books

‘Although Dear Dylan covers some serious themes, it does so with a lightness of touch that keeps the reader captivated from start to finish. There’s also a real specialness in the way that the email format brings so much to the story. It’s a book that reminds us of the power of true friendship. It’s intimate and honest, and written with a freshness that I believe will enchant teen and adult readers alike. I loved it.’ Review, I Was a Teenage Book Geek.

‘Dear Dylan is a thought-provoking and equally heart-warming book with wide appeal to both teenagers and adults. Written entirely in emails, I really enjoyed reading this and would reccomend it as the perfect gift for teenage girls!Full of issues for the modern day teenager, Dear Dylan was quirky, whimsical book. I usually like books written in an email typeface and this certainly was no exception. The events didn’t unfold in the way I thought they would which proved to make this a shining star, exploring an unpredictable relationship. When Georgie Harris decides to contact soap-star Dylan, she is beyond thrilled to have received a response. Soon enough realising that these emails are automatic replys to every fan, she is shocked when she finally receives a real email from her favourite actor. Her love for on-screen hunk, Dylan is really sweet and very funny at the beginning of the book when she is in the first stages of email. We think Georgie is going to be an average teen but soon enough dive beneath the surface. Georgie is a very real character, in her first few emails I was reminded of a typical teen who hero worships the actor Dylan – I can remember being very similar at her age.  As you get to know her you can’t help but like her and hope that her dreams come true.  Georgie’s situation at home is very difficult and I was genuinely concerned for her safety at times.  That for me is a sign of a great book – one where you care what happens to the characters. I don’t want to give away any of the storyline so I’ll just say that this book will have you laughing out loud one minute and close to tears the next, I actually had goose bumps towards the end and really couldn’t put the book down until I knew how things turned out.  This book may be aimed at young adults but it is one that I’m sure most adults will enjoy too & I’d highly recommend it.’ Review, Sarah’s Book Reviews

  
If you would like to review Dear Dylan for your website or publication then please email me your details via my mailbox for a FREE review copy.