Review: When I Was Joe by Keren David

                                             Book: When I Was Joe by Keren David
                                             Pages: 364
                                             Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
                                             Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: After witnessing a murder, Ty is now facing danger from the criminals he has outed. Living under a witness protection program, Ty must do everything he can to lay low and not be spotted by those than want him dead.

My Thoughts: A little slow at first, but as I continued reading, I was curious for more, and couldn't wait to find out what Ty was going to do next.

When Ty witnesses a stabbing, his own life is in danger from the criminals he’s named, and he and his mum have to go into police protection. Ty has a new name, a new look and a cool new image; life as Joe is good, especially when he gets talent spotted as a potential athletics star, special training from an attractive local celebrity and a lot of female attention. But his mum can’t cope with her new life, and the gangsters will stop at nothing to flush them from hiding. Joe’s cracking under extreme pressure, and then he meets a girl with dark secrets of her own. This wonderfully gripping and intelligent novel depicts Ty/Joe's confused sense of identity in a moving and funny story that teenage boys and girls will identify with - a remarkable debut from a great new writing talent.
--From Goodreads

Ty is a mess. He's witnessed a murder and told the police everything he knows. And because the criminals are still at large, he undergoes a full makeover and identity change. When I Was Joe is a very entertaining read about what goes on inside the witness protection program, and what the individuals involved have to go through.

Ty is a very interesting character. He's a shy and awkward character at first with only one best friend, but when these events make him a new individual, he has a chance to reinvent himself, and leave his past behind him. It was very entertaining to read the process of the witness protection program, and trying to protect an individual who always seems to have trouble finding him. 

As Ty enrolls in a new school, he meets a few colorful people like the ever popular Ashley, a strong, determined, Ellie, who helps Ty through running track races, and the shy, troubled, character, and Ellie's sister, Claire. David does an excellent job of disliking the character Ashley, who does everything in her power to keep the girls away from Ty and wants Ty for herself, but then, when things start getting a little hairy, she turns around and betrays him. 

I enjoyed reading the friendship of Claire and Ty, and how close they grew. The novel does turn a bit more dark, when the reader discovers Claire's secret and how it endangers her life. As Ty tries to navigate life through the eyes of a new identity named Joe, he has triumphs and struggles and must get through without being caught by those who want him dead. Overall, a great, entertaining thriller that leaves you wanting more.

Would I recommend this book: Yes (Sensitive issues involved)

Rating: I give this book a 4/5.