Much Smaller Things by Georgie James

This was an incredible book from a debut author! I'm eager to see what else this author creates next.


From the blurb:

One kind gesture. Two shattered lives. MUCH SMALLER THINGS is a love story about the power of second chances, and proof that even the smallest acts of kindness can change everything.

When the only home Alfie has ever known is worse than a winter without one, he must do what it takes to survive to eighteen.

Meanwhile, Tom feels like his life is falling apart piece by piece. Until one snowy evening, he finds a mysterious boy hiding inside the garden shed.

And now Alfie and Tom feel like their lives may be changing—but this time, maybe they want it to. Maybe this time, something in their lives will actually start to make sense.

But can love outrun the past?

Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Young Mungo, Much Smaller Things is like a wholesome and angsty mix of the two!


Angel's review:

Alfie and Tom have two very different lives, one has a family, a home, food.. whereas the other constantly lives in danger, with no food, no home, and while he does have some people who are like family, he can't always stay with them. They are different but I think that's why they work together so well.

Alfie has been through a lot, as I kept reading and learned what all he's been through, my heart was breaking the whole time. What Liam did to him and continue to do to him is horrific, it makes sense why he's more jaded and weary of people.

Tom is the more bubbly one of the two, he's got a bit of golden retriever energy going on. That's not to say that he hasn't gone through his own hardships either though. The people he thought were his best friends left him once he came out, and now they bully him alongside everyone else. And his own sister treats him like he's an enemy. These two ended up being what each other needed, and more than they ever thought they wanted too.

For this being Georgie James's debut release, I am very surprised and happy that the writing was as good as it is. The pacing was great, everything developed smoothly and gradually overtime. Tom and Alfie's relationship wasn't rushed which I really appreciated, the side characters all added an extra layer of depth to the plot along with adding more engaging dialogue. This does remind me of a more angstier Heartstopper, when I read that in the description I was a bit skeptical, but it is pretty similar. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author releases next.


Much Smaller Things is currently available as an e-book and paperback