Book Review; Spotlight on Sunny by Keris Stainton

Summary:
A story about discovering who you are, sorting out friendships and family relationships, also exploring what it is like to grow up as a Muslim in Britain.

After winning a local film competition, Sunny and her best friends Kitty and Hannah are off to do a film-making course – in London! Sunny can’t believe her dad has let her come on her own (even if he has asked her to phone every day…) Sunny is loving the film-making classes and hanging out with their new friend – lovely, funny Will. Sunny knows that these things don’t fit with the future her parents want for her and she starts to wonder what she really wants. And that’s not even the biggest thing on her mind – there’s also the big secret she’s hiding from her best friends…

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Growing Up

After reading Starring Kitty and loving it to pieces, I had high hopes for Spotlight on Sunny, which, very fortunately, were not broken. This book hooked me from the start and continously kept me entertained, just as I was certain it would. I read this book over the course of two days – and it would have been one if work hadn’t gotten in the way! – because it was both addictive and an incredibly easy read. It was also, unfortunately, a short read and I did finish it wishing there was more to come. Only, of course, because I loved all the characters so much and didn’t want to say goodbye.

Is Tough

In this book, Sunny and her friends, Kitty and Hannah, go to London for a summer film course. But it wasn’t really about that at all. Instead this book looks at Sunny. It is her coming-of-age story where she works out who she is, what she wants and how to go about doing it. The whole book does this in a wonderful way that involved many emotions in the reader. I also love that Keris explores Sunny’s religion and doesn’t shy away from it. I think it would be the perfect book for teenagers who are just trying to find their place in the world.

But It’s Better

All of the characters in this book really shine and I definitely think Keris has a knack for writing wonderful, realistic and powerful characters. In the last book, I said that Dylan was my favourite and while I still love her, I have to say that Sunny really stole my heart in this book. I loved her enthusiasm, passion and how she overcame her worries and insecurities. I thought she was a lovely girl and someone that I would be honoured to have as a friend.

With Friends

Once again Keris has written a book that I loved and instantly wanted to re-read. It was full of lovely characters, a brilliant storyline and is full of messages and support. On top of that what makes me love this book is that it centres around friendship which I so love in books. It also reflects on real-life issues in a real and sensitive way. Keris certainly doesn’t shy away from the importance of diversity! While I wish there was more and some scenes felt a little rushed, overall this book was fantastic and I urge you to read it.