The Personal and Private Notebook of Kevin Jones (Age 15 ½)

Kevin and his friends and relations are up against all sorts of issues in their daily lives. The challenge of passing exams. The business difficulties facing Kevin’s dad. Social issues like immigration and racial prejudice. Relationship challenges like being gay in a strictly religious family, or a black girl dating a white boy, or a Muslim dating a non-muslim. And, in the background, the economic and political challenges facing Britain and Europe.

Many of us face similar challenges in our own lives. They force us to think about who we are and the kind of society we want to live in – and that, in turn, raises questions about our basic values and beliefs. What do we think is good and what’s bad? What’s fair and unfair? Should our values and beliefs be based on religion or on reason? How do we react when those values and beliefs are questioned by people who see things differently?

What are my books for? They’re meant to entertain and interest you, of course, but also to get you thinking. Thinking about the problems we face in our complex, 21st-century world, but also about bigger, deeper questions that underlie those problems.

I would like the experiences and concerns of Kevin, Hassan, Liam and the rest to be the springboard for some honest reflection and friendly discussion.

You can also get back to me with your comments via the e-mail address for this website. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!