Name: The Weight of a Thousand Feathers
Rating: 3.875 (8 reviews)
ISBN: 9781408871539

Brian Conaghan

How far would you go for someone you love? What would you do if they asked? When Bobby Seed's mum asks him the impossible question, how will he answer?

The Weight of a Thousand Feathers

Angry, stirring and tender, this is a bold, questioning exploration of the lengths to which we'll go for the people we love. From the Costa Children's Book Award winning author of When Mr Dog Bites and The Bombs That Brought Us Together. Bobby Seed has questions. What's another word for 'thesaurus'? How can I tell Bel I want her as my girl friend, not my girlfriend? How much pain is Mum in today? Has she taken her pills? And sometimes, secretly, Why us? Bobby's little brother Danny has questions too. Will Bobby let him have Rice Krispies for dinner? And can he stay up late on the computer? And why won't Mum's stupid illness just GO AWAY? But it's Mum's question for Bobby that could turn everything on its head. It's the Big One. The Unthinkable One. If Bobby agrees, he won't just be soothing her pain. He'll be helping to end it. Would he? Could he? Perfect for readers of Patrick Ness and Malorie Blackman.

Nina Koen

The weight of a Thousand Feathers follows the life of young carer, Bobby Seed. He looks after his mother with MS and well as his brother, Danny. Throughout the book we learn about the troubles and challenges all the young carers out there must face on a daily basis.

Oh wow! This REALLY touched me. It was really intriguing and shows the life of a young carer.
The hopes and dreams really made me emotional and I loved the way the characters were portrayed. 
I think everyone can learn something out of this and it does bring a few issues to the forefront which I were totally unaware of before. 

I did however struggle to follow along with the first few chapters. They were kind of out of context but you just need to keep reading and it will definitely be a book you'll remember.
It does grow on you and it is quick-read you'll enjoy. I like the short chapters but it does contains cussing and adult themes. I wouldn't recommend reading it if you are triggered by harsh topics such as death or alcohol and drug abuse.

Amanda Kordeliski

Eleanor Luhar

I actually finished this nearly two months ago, so this review is only going to be short. But I definitely thought this book deserved a review!
Bobby Seed is a young carer, looking after his mother who has MS. This book describes how her condition declined, affecting her every day life. Bobby not only has to care for himself and his poorly mother, but his younger brother who has an undiagnosed learning difficulty.
Because of his responsibilities, Bobby doesn’t have much time for any normal teenager activities. Then he finds a support group for young carers like him, providing a much-needed break from his daily routine. He begins to make friends there, and even goes on a weekend break with the group.
Bobby’s mum begins to request things for her birthday. First, she asks to get stoned – it relieves the pain and reminds her of her younger days, she says. But then things get darker, and Bobby finds himself stuck in an awful place, with a decision no son should ever have to make.
I found this to be incredibly raw and honest. Obviously I don’t know whether it’s actually accurate or relatable, but it was definitely emotional. And there was a certain part with Lou, a friend Bobby makes at the carers’ group, that was just… wow. It was shocking and strange but sad, too, really. I thought it was really fantastic overall. 4.5 stars.

The Weight of a Thousand Feathers

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