Review: "Floored: When Seven Lives Collide" by Sara Barnard, Holly Bourne, Tanya Byrne, No

When six teenagers, from across the country and all walks of life, met in a lift, they had no ideas their lives were about to change. Inextricably linked from that day, the six meet annually - finding comfort in their new relationships.

Synopsis:

When they got in the lift, they were strangers.

Sasha - who is desperately trying to deliver a parcel

Hugo - who knows he's the best-selling guy in the lift and is eyeing up

Velvet - who knows what that look means

Dawson - who used to be on TV, used to be handsome, and is sincerely hoping no-one recognised him

Kaitlyn - who's losing her sight but won't admit it, and

Joe - who shouldn't be here at all, but wants to be here the most

And one more person, who will bring them together again on the same day every year.

Overview:

When Sasha, Hugo, Dawson, Velvet, Kaitlyn and Joe find themselves in a lift together at UKB - the UK's biggest broadcasting company - they don't expect the ride to change their lives forever. Lost in their own worlds and own problems they have little time for each other.

That is until another man wanders into the lift, and his heart gives out in front of them.

Drawn together from this event, the six find themselves forming an unlikely friendship, organising annual meet ups and supporting each other through their toughest times.

Floored follows the lives of these six, through the highs-and-lows of the following five years. From unlikely relationships, to drunken mistakes and families falling apart, this book paints a very real picture of teenage life.

Although sad at times it offers a great reflection of teenagers growing up, discovering new opportunities and new possibilities for their future. From Hugo's transformation from the posh (and self-described asshole) into a charitable man, Kaitlyn's ongoing adaption as her sight deteriorates, and Velvets new found zeal for education and broader horizons, I loved how the book shows how possibilities can open up, as long as you are open to them.

As their friendships grow, they all find comfort in each other - often finding themselves increasingly distance from their oldest friends, and increasingly closer to each other.

Overall:

I would definitely recommend this book. All six of the characters are really well-written, and their difficulties and development are relatable to a variety of people.

The story offers a unique perspective on how one event can change your life and bring you together with people you wouldn't otherwise know.

Moreover it shows how different perspectives can change your life, and how sometimes those that you've known the longest are not that ones that know you the best.