The Boy Who Lived In The Ceiling is heartwrenching, emotional, and yet heartwarming at the same time. I adored Freddie and Violet's relationship, so sweet and tender. They were each other's hope when they both needed it.

The author explores topics like homelessness, grief/ loss, PTSD and much more. Freddie experiences alot of downfall, and you find yourself emphasising with his character (even though he's basically an intruder hiding in someone's house).

The concept of the book was different and intriguing, but also weird and scary having a stranger live in your house. I believe the author explored the theme of hopelessness exceptionally well, being deep and dark.

Overall I enjoyed reading the novel. My only issue for me was the end felt a bit rushed and I wanted it to have more depth and clarity.

4.5

This was absolutely beautiful. I stayed up til 4 in the morning to finish it. One of the most human, lovely YA contemporaries I have read in a long time, it portrayed two very real characters just doing their best to go on. The relationships were three dimensional and complex, the side-characters nuanced, and a sense of hope pervaded the story as Freddie met with compassion after having given up on it. The author’s accurate depiction of grief, love, and the highs and lows of family was masterfully done and didn’t try to reduce them to something easily defined. Shoutout to Jamie and Scruff, my lovelies. Them and the overall depth of the characters, the cozy atmosphere, and the realism really made this one stand out for me.

My only criticisms that keep it from being a 5-star: Not much diversity. A smidge of I’m-not-like-other-girls-ism with the mention of those vacuous ones with “long hair and full-lips,” but pretty tame as things go. I appreciated the depth to Aisla. Also, an unnecessarily dramatic miscommunication towards the end, but it resolved quickly and wasn’t egregious.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling tells us the story of Freddie and Violet. Freddie is a boy who lives in the streets, and has a mysterious past, and Violet is a girl who is about to change schools and has a hard time dealing with losing her old friends and her parents fighting all the time.
I liked this book a lot because it has very interesting characters and it's nice to see how they complement each other. The plot is very original and so entertaining that I couldn't put the book down.
So, this is a very enyoyable book with memorable characters and situations. I hope that if you read it, you like it as much as I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of a honest review.

I enjoyed the book alot. It was a quick and easy read I finished it within the same day as starting it I recommend it. It's a rather sweet book and the main girl violet is an enjoyable character along with the main boy freddie.

DNF at 44%

Now, you may be wondering, why did I give a book that I DNFed 3 stars? Well, the short answer is that I didn't want to DNF The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling. But I decided that I needed to.

The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling follows the story of Freddie and Violet. Freddie is a teenage boy and he's homeless, abandoned by his dad and step-mom.

After noticing a family leave for vacation, and their door not lock, Freddie goes to close the house door. And he ends up staying at the house while the family is gone. This is where Violet comes in: Freddie is staying at Violet's house. And when Violet and her family return sooner than expected from their vacation, Freddie ends up hiding in their attic.

This story is one that tugs on your heartstrings. My heart ached for Freddie. I also hurt for Violet and her family problems. I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Freddie and Violet over the course of the book, especially since Freddie and Violet had just met shortly before I DNFed.

So now we get to the long answer of why I DNFed The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling.

Even though I was enjoying the book and wanted to know what was going to happen, I decided to DNF the book because I was uncomfortable with the amount of language and blasphemy in the book. I prefer to read books with minimal swearing and no blasphemy because of my convictions, so I decided that I needed to DNF The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling. I honestly was a little disappointed that I felt I needed to DNF it, but I did.

Now for some of my other thoughts on The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling.

The writing style of the author was very interesting. It honestly felt a little simple. But it fit the story. it was the right kind of writing style.

The story is set somewhere in the UK. I would have appreciated it if there had been a couple of things added to the setting that made it really feel like the UK. If you changed all of the money to US currency, I'm not sure you would have known that it was set in the UK except for a couple of small phrases.

In conclusion, The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling was a book that I really wanted to like. I wanted to finish it. But I couldn't because of the swearing and blasphemy. And because of the language in the novel, I can't really in good conscience finish it or recommend it to someone.

Cautions (for the first 44%): multiple instances of blasphemies and swearing; a brief, non-graphic attempted rape

I really enjoyed this book and have to give it 4/5 stars.

The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling is an engaging but easy read about two unlikely friends who meet when homeless Freddie secretly moves into Violet's attic. Of course, from there some interesting events unravel (I won't spoil anything for you - I recommend that you read it for yourself!) and each page just left me wanting to know what Freddie's big secret was.

Throughout this book, I really enjoyed the characters and how realistic they are. I found that I could relate (for better or worse) each of the characters to somebody I know in some way. I love that YA books like this are dealing with real-life issues in such an informative and matter-of-fact way.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy.

There was so much to like about this book. It was a little naive, a little happily ever after, but for a slightly younger audience, I don't think this was too big a deal.

Characters: The main characters are likeable and on the whole, genuine. Like I said, there is an element of naivety and their situations are a little simplistic, but if the author added the grit and harsh reality, the tone would have changed and it would have to be aimed at an older group. Freddie is the kitchen and of character who you want to do well. You find yourself wishing for his happy ending, even if in reality there wouldn't be one. Violet is also a really nice kid. She has those everyday teenage issues but somehow the author manages not to make her seem self absorbed and rude. Her family are ok. They are a little too perfect in places in that they all sort their issues, say sorry and live a wonderful life. But on the whole they are minor characters so again, I wasn't too bothered by this.

Plot: There is a serious issue here. In fact, a couple. There is the obvious issue o f homelessness, but the main issue is about grief. Freddie isn't the only one dealing with loss and all of the characters deal with things differently. Some of the bigger issues are glossed over, such as the safety issues on the streets, esp when Freddie gets drunk and wakes up in a strange place. He mentions the vulnerability, but I personally felt like the character involved was sinister, and it all seemed a little too convenient that he just walked off. Also the representation of begging felt a little naive. I understand the issue it is trying to raise but I'm not sure how if it didn't glorify it a little.

Generally though, these things didn't detract from the overall feel of the book. It was a lovely uplifting read. It raised issues on a basic level and might encourage younger tween readers to start thinking about these bigger issues. It is always difficult with this subject matter, to pitch it I think.
Definitely worth a read and I'd certainly follow w the author.

A homeless teen secretly takes up residence in a middle-class family's attic and ends up changing their lives for the better.

This story about friendship and belonging was a pleasant, light read. The suspense over whether (or rather when) the homeless boy would be discovered and questions about his past and the family's secrets added enough intrigue to keep me turning pages. The book did fall short for me in voice and intensity. At the start, the voice felt young (I actually wondered for a few chapters if it was middle grade) and although the homeless teen experiences panic attacks, I didn't believe them--didn't feel them through the writing. For this reason, when the truth about his past was revealed, it came as a shock and didn't seem grounded in the emotions of the first 80% of the novel. Despite these shortcomings, I'd recommend it to readers looking for a sweet friendship story.

This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story of homelessness, grief, and everything in between.
Thurlbourn's style meant this was was easy to read, and flowed flawlessly form one scene to another, and the development of both the plot and characters worked beautifully.
Although some moments felt slightly forced or underdeveloped, overall I felt myself completely drawn into the story, and there were multiple moments where I felt myself tearing up.
I found it difficult to put down 'The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling', and I think the very real themes and images will stick with me for a long while.
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC!)

this book was one of the first books that i read this month, and it was a great start to the summer! a fresh, enjoyable read that nevertheless deals with some intense and important issues and also so full of hope and healing. our main characters, freddy and violet, meet in an uncommon way: freddy, who is homeless and was living on the streets, is living in violet's family's attic. throughout the course of the book, freddy and violet, both who are struggling with loneliness and family history, slowly become friends....and eventually something more. i loved freddy and violet a lot, and i really enjoyed reading about their friendship and romance. on a more negative note, throughout the book violet makes some choices and reacts to events in ways that although are very realistic and human, were also very insensitive and harmful. i do wish that violet had owned up to some of the more harmful things she did. although she regretted them, you didnt really see her apologizing for the hurt she caused. overall, this book was great and i really enjoyed it!

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!

The Boy Who Lived In The Ceiling by Cara Thurlbourn is the story of Freddie, a homeless teen, and Violet a girl with her own problems.

“𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆: 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑰𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕.”

Freddie is a homeless teen, he was wandering the streets when Violet goes on vacation and they left the door ajar and he saw this as an opportunity to have a place to stay for few weeks until Violet’s family comes home. When they come back, Freddie is still in their home but he decided to hide in their attic and to continue to live in their home. When Violet needed help, Freddie helped her, and that way Violet found out that Freddie is living in her attic. At first, Violet was afraid of Freddie but Freddie told her his story and Violet believed him and she decided to help him and to let him stay in her attic.

“𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓…𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏. 𝑺𝒐, 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰’𝒎 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

Because Violet had her own problems, Freddie becomes her friend and the person who helped her with her problems. Violet helped Freddie to open up about his past and his problems and his family. I loved that they helped each other to accept their problems and to work at them.

I loved the beautiful friendship between Freddie and Violet. I loved the relationship between Freddie and Violet’s family. The Boy Who Lived in The Ceiling is a touching story about friendship, love healing, and second chance.
Blog Post: 6/13/2021
Goodreads: 6/13/2021
Bookbub: 6/13/2021

This was such a lovely story of friendship, second chances and new beginnings. The way it was divided up made it really quick and easy to read and I genuinely really liked the two main characters. My only criticisms would be that it ended too abruptly (I’d have loved another few chapters) and also the author seemed to be confused as to whether it was being set in the U.K. or elsewhere as there were some linguistic inconsistencies

The Boy who Lived in the Ceiling is a poignant depiction of homelessness and how homeless people survive this world. I found many plot holes in the book, but I ignored it in the end. This was a very sweet and touching read. I’d recommend it, if you’re looking for a YA novel with social issues.


(Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the eARC.)

I thought this was a lovely and sad book. The story is about Freddie who is homeless and is dealing with a lot of emotional stuff from is past and then he ends up staying in Violet ceiling . Violent is a teenage going through her own stuff but they both seem to help each other. The story talks about homelessness, forgiveness, hurt struggling with your own demons and love.
I really enjoyed this book it is easy read and you warm to the characters straight the way. I will definitely be reading more of her books. I like the colour of the cover it is really vibrant. Definitely recommend this book.

"The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling" by Cara Thurlbourn is an insightful novel into the struggle of homelessness and how one teen's desperation gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.

Freddie and Violet form an unlikely friendship due to Freddie's split-second decision to take refuge off the streets in Violet's family home. As the two become close, they realize they are both hurting in ways only the two of them can understand. Together, the two find a way to help one another despite all the odds against them, including their strange living situation.

This novel touches on some difficult topics, such as substance abuse, depression and anxiety, sudden death, sexual assault, and homelessness. While there's a lot to grapple with, the story has light-hearted moments that highlight the unique friendship Violet and Freddie find with one another. The novel focuses on learning to cope with mental illness, overcoming one's situation, and how to rely on others for support. It's a touching story with lots of laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with some heartbreak.

Though the novel touches on some heavy topics, the mystery behind Freddie's homelessness and Violet's own issues keeps the story moving at a fast pace. Despite the rough life he's led, Freddie has a very upbeat and optimistic attitude. Not only does Freddie's personality create some hilarious moments but he also highlights the prejudices of society and the way people discriminate against the homeless. Violet is his opposite in some ways. She can be upbeat but she's also sensitive and very artistic which creates some deep moments between the two where they can really connect with one another.

The ending felt a little rushed as everything seemed to come together all at once and there wasn't much of a chance to sit with the mysteries that unraveled. Even still, this was a touching story that fans of teen fiction or contemporary fiction would really enjoy. It's well worth the read! Look for the book on its expected publication date of July 8th, 2021!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wise Wolf Books (IBPA) for providing me with a free e-arc of this novel and the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.

Freddie has been alone on the streets for a long time, ever since being kicked out by his alcoholic father. He has nothing to his name except for a couple of pounds and his backpack. When he sees a family leave on vacation, he only means to close the banging front door for them so that no one breaks in. The allure of warmth is too much for him, and the next thing he knows, he is inside the house. With strong convictions about what is allowed, he only eats some food that is turning bad and doesn’t allow himself to sit on the sleep in the beds. He gives up his last two pound to their money jar for the water and soap he uses. Seeing on the calendar that the family will be gone for three weeks, Freddie comes up with a plan to use the few weeks of break from the cold to get himself off the streets for good. However, when the family comes back a week early, he must run and hide in the attic.

Cara Thurlbourn’s The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling is a fantastic YA novel coming out in July 2021. While there is a slight romance aspect to it, the book is a coming of age story about finding oneself. It highlights the very real problem of homelessness and the great need for compassion.

I was very surprised how much I enjoyed The Boy Living In The Ceiling. This book grabs you from chapter one and you just can't put it down. This story follows two teens Freddie a homeless boy and Violet the girl whose house Freddy is hiding in. When Freddie stumbles across a family leaving on a trip and noticed their front door is open, He decided to live in their house till they return. But when they arrive early he is forced to hide in their attic. This story is told from Freddie and Violet. point of view and you really connect with these two teens. The only thing I didn't like was the story tied up the ending too quickly and I felt I needed more details on what happened.

In the blink of an eye, through no fault of his own, teenage Freddy is suddenly homeless. His path crosses with Violet’s in the most unimaginable way. Helpful, kind, and compassionate, she’s everything that’s been missing from his life. But will she feel the same when she finds out his deepest secret? Definitely a story that tugged at my heartstrings even if pieces of the plot were a bit far fetched

Love, love, loved this book! 💛

A beautifully written, moving story of friendship, relationships & the meaning of life.

Homelessness, mental health & death are touched upon in a sensitive, yet realistic manner.

'𝘼 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝!'

Freddie is homeless, very alone & carrying a big secret. Violet is beginning to find life a struggle, what with her Grandmother dying, her younger brother becoming mute & her parents always arguing.

Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

A beautiful tale of friendship told from the two perspectives of Freddie, a boy who feels invisible, and Violet, a girl whose world is falling apart. Dealing with the sensitive issues of homelessness, bullying and mental health, Cara Thurlbourn's wonderful novel serves as an emotional reminder that children and teens can feel the pain of living just as much as any adult. I suggest you buy this book to gift to any young person in your life who may be struggling.