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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beautifully written and full of emotion. This book perfectly embodies sisterhood and the lengths one will go to protect their family. It keeps an edge of mystery that paces the book very well. It’s not something I normally would pick up, but I definitely recommend it!
"If You Find Me" is the story of Carey and Jenessa Blackburn/Benskin, two girls who were essentially held captive by their bipolar and meth-addicted mother. Carey was kidnapped from her father's custody when she was very young, and Jenessa was born later while Carey and her mother were living in a camper in the woods. One day, their mother disappears, and shortly thereafter Carey and Jenessa are found by their father and a social services worker. The rest of the book details the girls struggling to fit into regular society after having been separated from it for so long, with particular attention paid to Carey's fight to overcome the inner demons she has to face after her terrible experiences living with her mother.
I really, really liked "If You Find Me" for the most part. The prose was beautiful and captured Carey's character perfectly. Although I had trouble suspending my disbelief about certain things, such as the ease with which the girls were turned over to their father's custody and the incredibly articulate, intelligent way Carey speaks despite having home schooled herself, the overall story swept me away so I barely cared. The book wasn't exactly what I had thought it would be - based upon the title, I thought it would focus more on Carey's life with her mother rather than the aftermath of it - but in the end I liked this way much better. Highly recommended.
I really, really liked "If You Find Me" for the most part. The prose was beautiful and captured Carey's character perfectly. Although I had trouble suspending my disbelief about certain things, such as the ease with which the girls were turned over to their father's custody and the incredibly articulate, intelligent way Carey speaks despite having home schooled herself, the overall story swept me away so I barely cared. The book wasn't exactly what I had thought it would be - based upon the title, I thought it would focus more on Carey's life with her mother rather than the aftermath of it - but in the end I liked this way much better. Highly recommended.
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-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:
No
I wasn’t particularly interested in this book when it first started popping up. And if I’m being perfectly honest, it’s because of the cover. I really hate it; I hate it in person even. I think it’s cheap looking and I kind of just ignored the book entirely because of it. But when Wendy launched a book tour for If You Find Me I checked out the blurb and knew I had to read it. And after reading Kara’s and Wendy’s reviews, that feeling only strengthened. I am so glad I took the plunge and bought this because If You Find Me is the perfect case of almost losing out because of prejudgments based on covers.
If You Find Me was exactly what I was looking for when I cracked open the cover. From the blurb, I knew it was going to be dark and depressing, but I was completely unprepared by how shattered I would feel after reading it, and for the quiet hopefulness sprinkled within. Carey was a wonderful heroine with a very realistic voice. I did find it a bit far fetched that she and her sister, Nessa, were quite so educated, but besides that, I felt that Carey had the perfect balance between toughness and naivete. Her strength and bravery in the face of her mother’s illnesses and addictions were admirable, as was her ability to step in and raise her sister as her own. I loved the bond between Nessa and Carey, and the fact that Carey was more than willing to make sacrifices for her younger sister.
I love books that have characters experiencing our modern world through fresh eyes. Carey has some memory of life outside of the woods, but since it’s been ten years since her mother took them in an RV to a Tennessee national park, it’s minimal; Nessa has never seen civilization. So watching them learn about life with people really opens your eyes to the things we take for granted, like warm running water, and clean laundry. The most rewarding part was watching Carey slowly learn to feel safe. She also had to learn to navigate a new relationship with an unexpected stepsister, and try to figure out the strange hierarchy of high school. Her tentative friendship with Ryan was particularly touching.
If You Find Me pictures read family life perfectly. While Carey’s mother was obviously unwell, having secreted her children away to an unimaginable life in the forest, Carey’s father and his wife Melissa are wonderful parents. They are patient and kind and so understanding of mute Nessa’s needs and Carey’s hesitations. They are clearly struggling, too, and also have to deal with a third daughter who has had her life changed, but they tackle their challenges together. I really felt for her father, but he was so steady in his love for his children that I know they’ll all be okay.
There was also a tear-jerker of an ending that I knew to expect, but still kind of punched me right in the gut. My heart absolutely broke for Carey when we learned more of her past, and it was mended by her father’s steadfast love and support for her. What she had been through was horrifying, but there is so much hope in the ending too.
Of course, lovers of contemporary will fall for If You Find Me, but I would also recommend it to those who love stories about amnesia patients and even post-apocalyptic books.
If You Find Me was exactly what I was looking for when I cracked open the cover. From the blurb, I knew it was going to be dark and depressing, but I was completely unprepared by how shattered I would feel after reading it, and for the quiet hopefulness sprinkled within. Carey was a wonderful heroine with a very realistic voice. I did find it a bit far fetched that she and her sister, Nessa, were quite so educated, but besides that, I felt that Carey had the perfect balance between toughness and naivete. Her strength and bravery in the face of her mother’s illnesses and addictions were admirable, as was her ability to step in and raise her sister as her own. I loved the bond between Nessa and Carey, and the fact that Carey was more than willing to make sacrifices for her younger sister.
I love books that have characters experiencing our modern world through fresh eyes. Carey has some memory of life outside of the woods, but since it’s been ten years since her mother took them in an RV to a Tennessee national park, it’s minimal; Nessa has never seen civilization. So watching them learn about life with people really opens your eyes to the things we take for granted, like warm running water, and clean laundry. The most rewarding part was watching Carey slowly learn to feel safe. She also had to learn to navigate a new relationship with an unexpected stepsister, and try to figure out the strange hierarchy of high school. Her tentative friendship with Ryan was particularly touching.
If You Find Me pictures read family life perfectly. While Carey’s mother was obviously unwell, having secreted her children away to an unimaginable life in the forest, Carey’s father and his wife Melissa are wonderful parents. They are patient and kind and so understanding of mute Nessa’s needs and Carey’s hesitations. They are clearly struggling, too, and also have to deal with a third daughter who has had her life changed, but they tackle their challenges together. I really felt for her father, but he was so steady in his love for his children that I know they’ll all be okay.
There was also a tear-jerker of an ending that I knew to expect, but still kind of punched me right in the gut. My heart absolutely broke for Carey when we learned more of her past, and it was mended by her father’s steadfast love and support for her. What she had been through was horrifying, but there is so much hope in the ending too.
Of course, lovers of contemporary will fall for If You Find Me, but I would also recommend it to those who love stories about amnesia patients and even post-apocalyptic books.
it's 1:24 am i just finished this book and the last time i looked at the clock it was 10. earlier today i was nearly speeding home, eager to get back to it. done lost myself in this one. someone said the ending was too neat, which, yeah. some things smoothed out too nicely to be realistic. but CAREY... well, read the other reviews to see how beautifully she was written. i'm so tired
I adored this book.
The main character, Carey, felt so real. I could understand why she acted the way she did, why she was scared, kept secrets, pretended to be ok. Even though I've never been in her situation her motivation was so clear and true.
I feel like this is a very important book, not just for people who have experienced abuse, or have hurt themselves, but for everyone.
Also, though this is unrelated to the plot I feel like it needs to be said. I put on twitter that I'd just finished a really good book and a friend asked me what it was. We are both blind, and I told her that it's available on kindle but I wasn't sure if any of the services for the blind would have it. Emily replied to us saying that her book is available in accessible formats, this includes bookshare for anyone who is interested.
I know very few authors who would even be aware of this kind of thing. Yes, with kindle blind people now have access to so, so many more books. But a lot still rely on the services for the blind like Bookshare. It was so nice to come across an author who would not only say they wanted everyone to be able to access their book, but could also point people in the right direction.
The main character, Carey, felt so real. I could understand why she acted the way she did, why she was scared, kept secrets, pretended to be ok. Even though I've never been in her situation her motivation was so clear and true.
I feel like this is a very important book, not just for people who have experienced abuse, or have hurt themselves, but for everyone.
Also, though this is unrelated to the plot I feel like it needs to be said. I put on twitter that I'd just finished a really good book and a friend asked me what it was. We are both blind, and I told her that it's available on kindle but I wasn't sure if any of the services for the blind would have it. Emily replied to us saying that her book is available in accessible formats, this includes bookshare for anyone who is interested.
I know very few authors who would even be aware of this kind of thing. Yes, with kindle blind people now have access to so, so many more books. But a lot still rely on the services for the blind like Bookshare. It was so nice to come across an author who would not only say they wanted everyone to be able to access their book, but could also point people in the right direction.
I kept rooting for these characters, even down to Delaney. Even though the story is heartbreaking and the height is a little anticipated, I just had to keep reading.
I liked this book, it’s an unbelievable tale of survival and love. I originally found it to be long winded but the pace quickens as you keep guessing and more is revealed.
it might just be the meth pipe talkin'. but i like how free sounds all poetic-like.
i loved if you find me! the book was both heartbreaking and full of joy, beautifully written and filled with great main characters.
my favorite thing in this book was the main story about carey and janessa. reading about how their lives in the camper with mama was, was just plain heartbreaking! i haven't felt this strong towards a book in a long time, and to think that this might as well be a true story is terrifying to think about.
this was definitely a strong debut for emily murdock, and i can't wait to read more from her.
ps: go read this book!!