Title: Torn Away
Author: Jennifer Brown
Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Classification: Young Adult, Contemporary
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Source: e-galley (I was pre-approved for this book on NetGalley. Thank you to Little Brown Books and NetGalley!)
Read: April 2014
Born and raised in the Midwest, Jersey Cameron knows all about tornadoes. Or so she thinks. When her town is devastated by a twister, Jersey survives -- but loses her mother, her young sister, and her home. As she struggles to overcome her grief, she's sent to live with her only surviving relatives: first her biological father, then her estranged grandparents. In an unfamiliar place, Jersey faces a reality she's never considered before -- one in which her mother wasn't perfect, and neither were her grandparents, but they all loved her just the same. Together, they create a new definition of family. And that's something no tornado can touch.
I have always been afraid of tornadoes. I have not been in one, so I cannot imagine what being in a tornado is like. But I feel that this book does a good job of making me have a small glimpse of what it would be like.
I feel that this book was realistic, powerful, and full of emotion. The author created a story that makes one stop and think about their life. And I feel that the book is very well written.
Although I would describe this as being an emotional heavy read, it was also a quick read. I was able to get sucked into the story, wondering what was going to happen in Jersey's life next.
The Story:
We start reading like it is just another day in Jersey's normal life. Coming home from school, trying to relax before doing chores. Then the story quickly shifts when the weather becomes bad. And we, the readers, experience from Jersey's point of view, the tornado that devastates her town and her life.
The story then continues on as we read about the new changes and challenges that Jersey must face after the tornado destroyed so much.
There were several things that I didn't see coming throughout reading this story and I feel that it kept the story interesting. There were a few things that I did predict and see coming, but I don't think it took away from my liking of the story.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book, and I even shed a few tears.
I really love that this story focuses on Jersey's path to overcome the challenges and hardships that she now faces in her life, without adding in the complications of romance and dating. This story is simply about Jersey. Yes, we see pieces of her new family members she must get to know, and we read about her relationships with her two best friends and the next door neighbor boy (also a friend).
Jersey is a well written character. I felt that I was able to connect with her emotions. The horrible fear that she felt during the tornado as well as,the sadness and anger that she felt afterwards. I wanted to pull her out of the book and just give her a hug and tell her that eventually everything will be okay.
My Recommendation:
If you enjoy reading young adult contemporary books, then I recommend you read this one. I feel that the story is very heartfelt and powerful. It makes me think about the important things in my life.
My Rating:
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