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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
For This Life Only is very different from Stacey's other books. It doesn't contain her usual quick wit and humor that I have come to expect. In fact, it was a bit of a tearjerker at the end, so you may want to keep that in mind if you are planning on reading this book in public. Stacey grew up as a PK (pastor's kid), so I'm sure this book was harder for her to write than most of the others because it certainly hits closer to home than ghosts and aliens.
Overall, this was a very thought provoking book. Stacey doesn't attempt to provide the answers to Jace's questions about loss and the afterlife. She does; however, share some research and evidence that allows readers a chance to explore their own thoughts on the subject without pressuring anyone into a certain set of beliefs. We also get to see Jace mature and stand up for himself and the things he believes in, which provided a silver lining in this otherwise tragic story.
My full review is on my blog: https://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2016/10/review-for-this-life-only-by-stacey-kade.html
Overall, this was a very thought provoking book. Stacey doesn't attempt to provide the answers to Jace's questions about loss and the afterlife. She does; however, share some research and evidence that allows readers a chance to explore their own thoughts on the subject without pressuring anyone into a certain set of beliefs. We also get to see Jace mature and stand up for himself and the things he believes in, which provided a silver lining in this otherwise tragic story.
My full review is on my blog: https://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2016/10/review-for-this-life-only-by-stacey-kade.html
For This Life Only is a poignant story of grief, and of living with expectations. Jacob and Eli are the twin sons of Pastor Micah Palmer. While Eli was the obedient, overachieving one, Jace questions his beliefs and is always known to be the odd one in the family. An accident took away Eli's life, and Jace finds himself lost without his better half. As he learns to rebuild himself, he finds out the truth behind Eli's secrets, and strives to continue his twin brother's mission to save the church from the corrupt council president. This story also deals with the struggles of an individual born into a family where he feels like a misfit - Jace is a passionate and strong-willed boy born into a family of devout Christians, and faces problems trying to find his place in the world. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story.
Thought-provoking. Engaging. Hopeful.
I stayed up late to finish this one and it was worth every minute of sleep I lost.
Stacey Kade takes an honest, realistic look at family, faith, and the importance of discovering for yourself what you believe. No one can do it for you.
Jace and Eli are PKs (Preacher's Kids). As so often happens to offspring of religious leaders, they've been cast in their roles as Sinner and Saint. They're held to a higher moral standard, expected to always make the right choice, but aren't afforded the same forgiveness and grace as their peers when they don't. Neither is Thera. Everyone thinks they have her and her mother all figured out. They would be wrong.
Eli is the one everyone loves, depends on and respects. He's the one expected to do great things with his life. And Jace? Well, it'd be awesome if he could manage to stay out of trouble just once. When Eli dies leaving everyone, Jace included, with too many questions and not enough answers, Thera may be the only person who can help.
I was convinced I knew what the twist was, but like they say, pride goes before a fall. ;) I'm glad I was wrong, it made for a more compelling story.
I stayed up late to finish this one and it was worth every minute of sleep I lost.
Stacey Kade takes an honest, realistic look at family, faith, and the importance of discovering for yourself what you believe. No one can do it for you.
Jace and Eli are PKs (Preacher's Kids). As so often happens to offspring of religious leaders, they've been cast in their roles as Sinner and Saint. They're held to a higher moral standard, expected to always make the right choice, but aren't afforded the same forgiveness and grace as their peers when they don't. Neither is Thera. Everyone thinks they have her and her mother all figured out. They would be wrong.
Eli is the one everyone loves, depends on and respects. He's the one expected to do great things with his life. And Jace? Well, it'd be awesome if he could manage to stay out of trouble just once. When Eli dies leaving everyone, Jace included, with too many questions and not enough answers, Thera may be the only person who can help.
I was convinced I knew what the twist was, but like they say, pride goes before a fall. ;) I'm glad I was wrong, it made for a more compelling story.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
I found it easy to identify with the emotional journey both through grief and questioning what he believes that Jace experiences. It feels like a strong beginning to that journey but it doesn't answer all the questions by the last page of the book, which also feels so real to me. That's so how life is.
The relationships between Jace and his family members and friends felt really authentic to me, too. As someone who was raised in a church, I felt like I could see some of the people I've known in my life reflected in some of the characters.
Overall I liked it though the deep emotions made it a little bit of a tough read for me.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The relationships between Jace and his family members and friends felt really authentic to me, too. As someone who was raised in a church, I felt like I could see some of the people I've known in my life reflected in some of the characters.
Overall I liked it though the deep emotions made it a little bit of a tough read for me.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
For This Life Only is a contemporary YA novel that focuses on learning to cope with grief and loss, all while being a teenager. This book has so much growth and development in it, packed inside a YA book that also has romance, drama, and intrigue. I seriously loved this book, more than words can convey. It was such a strong book that tackles grief and loss in a unique yet very real way, and all the while made the book enjoyable (because death, grief, and loss are kind of difficult topics to tackle without sounding depressing).
I seriously loved the drama of our lead wanting to be himself, learn about his brother's true self, and coming to acceptance of what has happened in his life. Making his own friends, making his own decisions, and coming to terms with what it means to be your own person. It was such an amazing book, I highly recommend it! It might not be fast paced or the drama fest most YA books can be, but it's worth the read.
Four out of five stars.
I seriously loved the drama of our lead wanting to be himself, learn about his brother's true self, and coming to acceptance of what has happened in his life. Making his own friends, making his own decisions, and coming to terms with what it means to be your own person. It was such an amazing book, I highly recommend it! It might not be fast paced or the drama fest most YA books can be, but it's worth the read.
Four out of five stars.