An unflinching LGBTQIA+ verse novel about a teenage boy who is sexually assaulted in an attack he struggles to remember. A Kirkus Best Teen & YA Verse Novel A Children's Book Council YA Favourite A School Library Journal Best Young Adult Book Jay wakes in a park, beaten and bruised. He can’t remember what happened the night before. But he has suspicions. Jay realises he has been raped — and that his ex-boyfriend may have been involved. Counselling sessions cause Jay to question everything. His new friend Rain encourages his pursuit of justice. Jay wants answers, but his search will lead him down a perilous path. Once the trigger is touched you can't tell who to trust. "So emotional and immersive" Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper (for Gut Feelings by C.G. Moore) "A survivor’s story portrayed with honest heaviness and caring vulnerability."  Kirkus Reviews "The book is extremely well written and the story compelling."  Michael Cart,  Booklist "A raw and fiercely gripping portrayal with paramount representation."  School Library Journal, STARRED review "A clever and important story."  Shirley-Anne McMillan, author of Grapefruit Moon "Pulls no punches in its exploration of consent and self-acceptance, through free-verse streams of consciousness which cut straight to the heart." Irish Examiner "Another important book by a talented young author."  Inis Magazine "Absolutely adored this verse novel by C.G. Moore. Moving, beautiful, filled with pain but also so much hope."  – Emma Finlayson-Palmer "This is an uncomfortable read but it is absolutely a story worth reading."  Paper Lanterns Magazine "An important book which I am sure will help many readers feel seen and less alone." Waterstones Bookseller Review "This book will stay with me for a long time."  Karla's Bookish Life Praise for Gut Feelings "A raw and powerful exploration of chronic illness. Moore's writing is so emotional and immersive - I couldn't put this book down!" Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper    " Gut Feelings is a deeply moving YA novel in verse about medical intervention and family dynamics. With every page you turn, you’ll be gripped by the story and blown away by the page design."  Dean Atta, author of The Black Flamingo "Brutal and emotional." –   Books for Keeps Chris is the author of Gut Feelings which was nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2022 and won the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Award in 2022. He has featured in magazines including Pink News, GCN Magazine and Manchester Evening News. Chris enjoys the challenge of weaving lived experience into his writing. He has hosted workshops exploring free verse poetry, invisible illness and more in schools across Ireland and the UK and has appeared at festivals including YALC and Bradford Literature Festival. Chris previously taught on the BA and MA in Publishing programmes at University of Central Lancashire. He’s a passionate advocate for reading and is happiest when he’s meeting and helping to inspire young people. PART 1 Survival HOLLOW I don’t remember Anything from that night. I don’t remember How I got The bruises down my thighs. I don’t remember How I woke up there, Wet grass splayed around me. I don’t remember When they scooped out All of me From this hollow husk Of a body. THE PARK Head heavy, Lifeless limbs, Muddled mind – Every sound Slices through my being, A waterfall of sensations Drowning me. I feel for my phone, Fingertips grazing the cracks. Hold down the power button. Nothing. A golf ball Whizzes overhead. I get to my feet, Stumble into tree cover, Face drenched in sweat, Dried blood and Fresh tears. SUNRISE I emerge from the trees To a ball of blazing red Setting the Sunday skyline On fire. Bones aching, Body beaten, Mind battered, I wonder how something So beautiful Can exist When I’m So lost? WET I traipse through the park, Avoiding Sunday-morning joggers. I glance around me, Dip a hand in my bottoms. I examine the slick liquid, Burning bright Against pale skin.