When I was Joe(When I was Joe #1) by Keren David

When Ty witnesses a stabbing, his own life is in danger from the criminals he's named, and he and his mum have to go into police protection. Ty has a new name, a new look and a cool new image -- life as Joe is good, especially when he gets talent spotted as a potential athletics star, special training from an attractive local celebrity and a lot of female attention. But his mum can't cope with her new life, and the gangsters will stop at nothing to flush them from hiding. Joe's cracking under extreme pressure, and then he meets a girl with dark secrets of her own. This wonderfully gripping and intelligent novel depicts Ty/Joe's confused sense of identity in a moving and funny story that teenage boys and girls will identify with - a remarkable debut from a great new writing talent.

My Thoughts/Review:

I really liked this book, because it kept me wanting to know more, and I was instantly drawn into the story. Joe was a great character, and a lot of the reason that I liked the book so much, but not all of the reasons. Oh, gosh. How to start. I loved how the author made it a big mystery surrounding why Joe ended up where he was, and what he didn't say. He seemed real, because of the way he dealt with stuff, and the way he regretted things he had and hadn't done. Also, you get little pieces of information at a time about who he is, what he did, and why he's there. To be honest, I just really loved Joe. His story draws you in so easily, and kind of shocks you sometimes. I also liked Claire, because she was just so sweet and tiny, hiding a huge secret. Back to the story, because that's what you really want to know about. It. Was. Awesome. I  think the way the author presented it was what got me, but dang, I couldn't put it down. Here's to Joe! May you read his story.

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I wonder if one day in the future I'll be Ty again, and able to say, "Once I had to go into hiding because I witnessed a crime. It wasn't all bad, When I was Joe." It's unimaginable. This is never going to be something that I can own, that I can talk about.