Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter | Book Review

                 

Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O’Porter was published by Hot Key Books in 2013.

I first heard about O’Porter’s debut novel Paper Aeroplanes through Sanne Vliegenthart’s review (2014, February 10) on her Youtube channel, and her praise along with the premise and vibrant design of the cover intrigued me.

Paper Aeroplanes is an incredibly relatable young adult (YA) contemporary novel centring around Flo and Rennee, two teenage girls who, in the midst of a gritty, gossip ridden high school, find friendship together.

There’s a lot of things about this book that I love: it’s female centric; has fantastic character development; and isn’t afraid to tell it how it is. The most poignant however, is just how relatable it is. Anyone that has ever been in an English high school and has had to endure the endless circulation of rumours and cattiness will be able to resonate with its witty undertones. Set in the early 90’s, there’s no internet, no one is absorbed in technology, and there’s no mobile phones. This was incredibly refreshing as it felt like I was being transported back in time to my school years, which was slightly terrifying, but entertaining nonetheless!

What I also found intensely interesting was the portrayal of different friendships; how they form, are tolerated, and sometimes torn apart. The friendship between Sally and Flo exists purely for Sally’s own personal gain, using Flo as a stepping stone in her life. The novel starts in the midst of this friendship, with Flo enduring Sally’s harsh remarks towards her, constantly putting her down and making her feel unwanted. The way O’Porter portrays these toxic kind of friendships was especially important when juxtaposed with the healthy, caring friendship between Rennee and Flo.

Another aspect I loved was the way O’Porter didn’t tip-toe around issues that all teenage girls face, but rarely seem to be talked about in YA novels. Peppered throughout was talk about periods, sex, stretch marks and general teenage stress and concerns. I mean, what other YA book has a scene in which one of the main characters is found in a school office, furiously stuffing panty liners down her bra? The scene is then followed up by her Grandpa being called into the school to have a hilariously embarrassing conversation with the headmistress about it.  I think this part showcases that this novel, whilst classed as YA, can be thoroughly enjoyed not just by teenage girls, but by all women in general that can sympathise with the confusion and embarrassment that is your first period.

Whilst focusing on two teenage girls trying to make it through high school, Paper Aeroplanes also has a focus on dysfunctional families, eating disorders and how these issues can have a knockdown effect on other aspects of your life. Flo is left to look after her younger sister when her father dies and her mother is disinterested in Flo’s wellbeing. Similarly, Rennee struggles with her mother dying when she was younger, and has to cope with a verbally abusive grandfather and a sister who refuses all help. Yet through these hardships, Rennee and Flo connect with each other and it is this strong focus on positive female friendship that is most important, and the most touching to read.

Overall, you wouldn't suspect that this is O'Porter's first novel, and i'm especially excited to pick up the sequel, Goose.

Best wishes!

References

Vliegenthart, S [booksandquills]. (2014, February, 10). Book Review | Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O’Porter. [video file].  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFQtVOzFADA