Nia Lucas – Choices Shape, Losses Break

‘Choices Shape, Losses Break’ by Nia Lucas is a book that can fit into a lot of categories, such as YA fiction or Urban Contemporary. The only category I found was ‘Immensely Readable’!

The story begins with a prologue where we meet Lorna in a state of mind so disturbed it’s tragic. Then we time slip back two years, we see young Lorna, the one who seems to be the one who lives in the shadows and her home life is as bad for her, she doesn’t even get along with her mum. She ends up at an illegal rave and by accident rather than design, she has a new job as a dancer. This changes her outlook, from being the bullied one to being in the spotlight and being free. The only issues are, that she is still fifteen and her mum is not impressed with her being at raves and in nightclubs, leading to bigger problems at home.
Her friends Lee and Shay, who noticed her at the rave are causing the family some concerns, they are worried about the path Lorna will choose with these boys in her life, but, this is Lorna’s life and she makes her own choices, but will they be the right ones?

This is a story of how family, friendship, love and even expectations shape our life and it is a brilliant one. Lorna is literally a rollercoaster and we see her ups and downs and emotional turmoils as we make our way through the story. At a certain point, we are given a different point of view other than Lorna’s which gives us a whole new other angle and it adds to the story well.
I was immersed in Lorna, a sassy girl with an outlook on life that I liked and the nerve to try to grab it. She had me cheering her on constantly. Lee and Shay, well, lads from the local rough end l, who are doing what they can to get somewhere. They know no different until Lorna gives them a different look on life, but these boys are the ones who cause the problems and we see them coming but have to hold our breath hoping they do right!

I was so happy to have a book in the 90’s setting, almost a bit of nostalgia for me going on with this book! The clothes, the phone box! I was transported 30 years back and loved it! Mustn’t forget the music either, all them raves and clubs back then.
I haven’t read anything from Nia Lucas previously but I see there is another book by her. I am planning to read it one day as I love this book and I really can tell she was a social worker, Shay and Lee shine through as the type of lads nobody gets if they have no clue of their history and this happens to so many kids from so many walks of life.

Thanks to Rachels Random Resources and the author for the copy of the book in order to blog today for the tour.