"2000 is a transformative year for a group of friends in this coming of age story of self-acceptance and life."
Told over the twelve months from New Years Eve 1999 to 2000, Paper Over It follows a quartet of university friends from a range of different backgrounds and the highs and lows that the year brings. Each character has their own challenges to face as they head into new chapters of their lives, from an unexpected pregnancy, to heartbreak and stepping back into dating, competitive dance auditions, concern over risky investments and healing family discord. Peppered with nostalgic nods to the trends and tongue in cheek references to modern day changes, this is a multi-narrative character focused novel that focuses on how transformational a year can be and the foundation of good friendships despite all the changes.
There are plenty of tough topics related throughout Paper Over It, as the quartet head through the year. There’s a struggle with an eating disorder, sudden loss and familial fallouts for Jen, Em, Lou and Kate to overcome but each gritty topic is handled with care and adds depth and nuance to each of the characters. Like catching up with Marian Keyes’ Walsh Sisters, each of the quartet have their own personality which shines through, and it was entertaining to spend time with each of them as the year progressed. The wider cast of characters also add vibrancy to the story and help to bring it to life. This would be a great book for anyone looking for a coming of age story with a generous dose of 00’s nostalgia. I felt like I was being regaled by my sisters with stories from their teens and twenties. An entertaining and heartfelt read.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Jennifer Jones is in control.
Jen is confident she has complete control over the things that are trying to control her. Until she isn’t. Until she hasn’t. Until she realises she has never been in control at all. She’s been papering over it for years.
It's the start of the year 2000. A new millennium has arrived. For Jen and her three friends, university life in Manchester is full of possibility and endless fun. Sassiness, spontaneity, marvellous mayhem and youthful optimism reign in the Manchester rain.
But beneath the sometimes brash bravado sometimes even the most resilient, carefree, fun-loving characters who, on the surface look like they are living their best lives, are perilously close to falling apart. Over the course of one unforgettable year, the young women confront their own realities and truths. Some make foolish mistakes and others life changing choices.
Sometimes heartwarming and other times heartbreaking, but always brutally honest. This is a story of friendship, mistakes, self-discovery and acceptance; identity, love and the messy reality of becoming an adult. It's about the masks we wear, the mistakes and choices we make, and the courage it takes to stop papering over it and face ourselves when everything feels like it's falling apart.
It’s real, raw, raunchy, sometimes random and frankly rude at times. Just like Jen and her friends.
Paper Over It features in the following genres: Indie Author Books, Indie Books We Love, Humorous Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories
Paper Over It is available in Paperback
Paper Over It was written by Ruth Gresty and published by 9781068350719
