03 NICE THINGS PEOPLE HAVE SAID 

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Good read and lesson

By Nic Thomas

5 stars via Amazon 

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"A cultural mashup, an American from one of the major musical centres in the states relocates to New Zealand where he starts his new life and his new band in the city of Wellington .Rob is a born organizer and a pretty decent talent spotter and with that skill he manages to create a band with great prospects for New Zealand. I think it’s a great book for kids, it teaches you that giving up is not an option and if you fail in one way there is always another way if you want success. It’s not often you have a good story mixed in with a learning lesson but I found this one very eloquent and well written and that’s the best way to learn a lesson by enjoyment."

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Out of Sight

By Arky, July 2015

5 stars via Amazon 

 

"I enjoyed this read. I have always wanted to be in a band since I was young, but never really had the people or resources to start one. I liked how this book  encourages yound people to do their dreams and accomplish something that they want to do with their lives. The message is inspiring and I liked the characters a lot. They were all very realistic and positive, which is perfect for a read that is meant to inspire others. I liked how Rob pulled together the band and created unity out of them. They all worked together to help out charity events and to raise money. The message is strong in that you can do whatever you want to do as long as you have determination."

 

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Book Review of the Week

By Karen McKenzie. May 2014 via Goodreads

 

Out of Sight by Benedict Reid.

 

"This is a fabulous young adult novel that completely grips from the opening page to the very satisfying ending. Robert Clarke is 16 years old, an American who now lives in New Zealand. He decides to start a band, Out of Sight, with some of his friends. He really loves music, but unfortunately despite his best efforts his guitar playing isn’t any good, he doesn’t have any rhythm on the drums, and he doesn’t have much of a singing voice. But realizing this he decides he is best to step back from performing to become the band’s manager.

This is a page-turning read as Robert manages the changing personal dynamics of the group as they enter a major competition and then they decide to do a fund-raiser for his friend Sarah, who needs to have some medical treatment overseas. The teenage characters are engaging and spot on – and Robert’s story of managing the band becomes something much bigger than he first thought, and by the end of the book it seems he is well on his way to having a career as a band manager, working at something he really loves.

Out of sight is a great and inspirational read – I’d recommend this novel to every teenager as it will open their eyes to so many possibilities in life."

 

 

Fantastic!

By Lindsey, July 2015

5 stars via Amazon 

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"This fun and entertaining read was great from the first page to the last. Not only were the characters unique and interesting, but the author’s voice is clear and concise, making this read really easy to get into. Loaded with lots of laughs, great dialogue and descriptive settings, I highly recommend this book."

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Michelle’s Review

July 2015

4 stars via Goodreads

 

"This book was fun and inspiring! Robert moves to New Zealand from Seattle and finds himself having to start over in many ways, including socially. Can the band he decides to start help he and his friends be cool and win the girls they like or will it be a really bad idea? It has great appeal for teens, especially guys. If you like reading about people just like you in bands, this book is perfect. It’s got a conversational tone, and it’s very easy to read. Great inspiration for teens (or anyone) who wants to start their own band or is interested in band culture, especially from a normal this-could-be-me perspective. It also has an interesting setting in New Zealand. Reid uses really cool songs and band references throughout the book, which lends a musical flavor and authenticity to the book. Finally, I think teens especially can really relate to the struggles of the characters, especially when it comes to dating and trying to fit in."

 

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Chris Johnson’s Review

July 2015

5 stars via Amazon 

 

"Fun and engaging YA story – I found author Benedict Reid’s “Out of Sight” to be a fun and engaging story that not only appealed to me as an adult who seems to enjoy reliving their younger years, but something that would likely be a good read for anyone from middle school age up. The story of Rob, who has moved from Seattle to New Zealand and is trying to fit in. He wants to be a member of a band but has no musical talent so finds his niche as the band’s manager. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, the minor conflicts and th idea of using the band’s talents to help someone else. Definitely a worthwhile read."

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Dream On!

By Amanda, July 2015

4 stars via Amazon 

 

"Rock music and teenage dreams, what more can you ask for? Out of Sight reaches out and gives the next generation insight into just how it feels to follow your heart and live your dreams. The main character of Out of Sight, Rob, finds his passion and finds a way to help a friend and also a way to make money doing what he loves. Too many people get sucked into a job they care little about, we could all use a little push in the right direction every once in a while, this book is that push! Read this book then go live your dream. Rock on and follow your heart!" 

 

 

Tale of Rock and Roll with a Positive twist

By Leigh Oates July 2015

5 stars via Amazon 

 

"Out of Sight is a great story for kids and teens about the challenges and rewards of starting a band. The story is told from the perspective of the band’s manager, Rob. He and his friends start a band, but as the story develops, Rob decides that managing the band is better suited for him. He decides to help his friend Sarah raise money for a MRI that she needs. The book tells the tale, as well as giving lessons and strategy for readers to learn about managing projects, researching, dealing with inevitable problems, and following through. Through teamwork and perseverance, the kids are able to successfully put on the big charity event, spend their free time with exciting projects, and even find love! A good read, would recommend for teens and young adults."

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 03   Contact Out of Sight HQ

"Excellent book with encouraging message"

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"This book isn't just about starting a band to gain popularity. It had so many great lessons in it for teens and preteens. Actually for people of all ages. It's about finding something you're passionate about, learning to work through issues with your friends and also staying committed. It really is a book that got me motivated again to accomplish things that I have put off in my life. I feel this is an excellent book for kids and adults to read to get a pick me up in their lives."  

 

Kelly Lynn, Goodreads.