Me and Mr. Booker

Shortlisted, Commonwealth Book Prize 2012 I told them about my mother and father. 'They broke up,' I said. 'So now I am emotionally scarred for life. At least that's my excuse.' 'For what?' said Mrs Booker. 'I don't know,' I said. 'It hasn't happened yet.' Looking back, Martha could've said no when Mr Booker first tried to kiss her. That would've been the sensible thing to do. But she's sixteen, she lives in a small dull town-a cemetery with lights-her father is mad, her home is stifling, and she's waiting for the rest of her life to begin. Of course Martha would kiss the charming Englishman who brightened her world with style, adventure, whiskey, cigarettes and sex. But Martha didn't count on the consequences. 'Hands down, one of the best coming-of-age novels I've ever read.' Benjamin Law, author of The Family Law Looking back, Martha could've said no when Mr Booker first tried to kiss her. That would've been the sensible thing to do. But she's sixteen, she lives in a small dull town - a cemetery with lights - her father is mad, her home is stifling, and she's waiting for the rest of her life to begin