"Gritty, unflinching and authentic … with a life-affirming warmth" – Carnegie Judging Panel"Lucid and sharp as broken glass, it’s a book filled with raw, elemental emotion" – The Guardian"Rook is an outstanding piece of writing … unflinching and authentic, funny and gritty and a treasured addition to my bookshelves" – Waterstones Bookseller"[McGowan’s] ability to accurately represent the inner lives of young people is unparalleled" – The Bookbag"[McGowan’s] writing manages to convey elements of anxiety, despair, fear and hopelessness but all is underscored with a dash of exuberant humour" – Letterpress Project
