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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Actual rating 3.5 stars
1. Bernapaslah
2. Kau baik-baik saja
3. Kau tidak sekarat
Saya membeli buku ini karena melihat beberapa ulasan di instagram yang bilang kalo buku ini bagus. Ketika saya membacanya, memang buku ini bagus dan saya suka ketika membacanya.
Bercerita tentang cewek berusia 16 tahun bernama Morgan Grant yang tidak bisa keluar apartemennya karena mengalami trauma yang sangat parah. Selamat 6 bulan setelah kejadian 15 Oktober Morgan memang tidak pernah menapakkan kaki keluar apartemen. Hingga ketika ada cowok ganteng yang pindah ke sebelah apartemennya, cowok tersebut bernama Evan. Kepindahan Evan di sebelah apartemen Morgan membawa perubahan yang signifikan bagi hidup Morgan.
Buku ini cukup memberikan saya rasa penasaran, karena dalam sampul depan buku versi Bahasa yang diterbitkan oleh Spring terdapat gambar surat dan senjata api. Jadi saya penasaran apa yang terjadi pada tanggal 15 Oktober itu, apa yang membuat Morgan sampai sebegitunya tidak berani keluar apartemen? Sehingga saya menghabiskan buku ini sampai selesai.
WHAT I LIKE
- Ide cerita yang memang sudah umum bagi genre kontemporer, buku ini menyajikan sesuatu yang baru yang menurut saya membuat penasaran pembacanya.
- Terjemahan buku ini baik sekali, jadi tidak seperti membaca buku terjemahan.
- Penyajian konflik yang sebenarnya tidak begitu kompleks, dibalut dengan cukup baik. Sehingga membuat saya tidak "memutar bola mata" dan bosan ketika membacanya.
- Pesan yang dibawa oleh buku ini saya suka, yaitu belajarlah memaafkan diri sendiri.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pengembangan karakter kurang, saya berekspektasi Evan akan berpengaruh besar pada perubahan diri Morgan. Misalnya, Evan yang melakukan hal-hal manis, imut, dll seperti yang tertera di sinopsis bahwa Morgan berubah setelah Evan pindah ke sebelah apartemennya. Namun, ternyata perubahan Morgan disebabkan oleh dirinya sendiri.
- Karena center point dari buku ini adalah mengenai kesembuhan Morgan agar dapat berani keluar apartemen, maka konflik-konflik lainnya seperti Ayah Morgan yang menjadi veteran perang yang pemabuk tidak begitu diperdalam dan terlihat hanya selingan.
Tapi keseluruhan, saya menikmati buku ini. Morgan & Evan, mereka manis sekali.
1. Bernapaslah
2. Kau baik-baik saja
3. Kau tidak sekarat
Saya membeli buku ini karena melihat beberapa ulasan di instagram yang bilang kalo buku ini bagus. Ketika saya membacanya, memang buku ini bagus dan saya suka ketika membacanya.
Bercerita tentang cewek berusia 16 tahun bernama Morgan Grant yang tidak bisa keluar apartemennya karena mengalami trauma yang sangat parah. Selamat 6 bulan setelah kejadian 15 Oktober Morgan memang tidak pernah menapakkan kaki keluar apartemen. Hingga ketika ada cowok ganteng yang pindah ke sebelah apartemennya, cowok tersebut bernama Evan. Kepindahan Evan di sebelah apartemen Morgan membawa perubahan yang signifikan bagi hidup Morgan.
Buku ini cukup memberikan saya rasa penasaran, karena dalam sampul depan buku versi Bahasa yang diterbitkan oleh Spring terdapat gambar surat dan senjata api. Jadi saya penasaran apa yang terjadi pada tanggal 15 Oktober itu, apa yang membuat Morgan sampai sebegitunya tidak berani keluar apartemen? Sehingga saya menghabiskan buku ini sampai selesai.
WHAT I LIKE
- Ide cerita yang memang sudah umum bagi genre kontemporer, buku ini menyajikan sesuatu yang baru yang menurut saya membuat penasaran pembacanya.
- Terjemahan buku ini baik sekali, jadi tidak seperti membaca buku terjemahan.
- Penyajian konflik yang sebenarnya tidak begitu kompleks, dibalut dengan cukup baik. Sehingga membuat saya tidak "memutar bola mata" dan bosan ketika membacanya.
- Pesan yang dibawa oleh buku ini saya suka, yaitu belajarlah memaafkan diri sendiri.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pengembangan karakter kurang, saya berekspektasi Evan akan berpengaruh besar pada perubahan diri Morgan. Misalnya, Evan yang melakukan hal-hal manis, imut, dll seperti yang tertera di sinopsis bahwa Morgan berubah setelah Evan pindah ke sebelah apartemennya. Namun, ternyata perubahan Morgan disebabkan oleh dirinya sendiri.
- Karena center point dari buku ini adalah mengenai kesembuhan Morgan agar dapat berani keluar apartemen, maka konflik-konflik lainnya seperti Ayah Morgan yang menjadi veteran perang yang pemabuk tidak begitu diperdalam dan terlihat hanya selingan.
Tapi keseluruhan, saya menikmati buku ini. Morgan & Evan, mereka manis sekali.
this was a book i needed to read, I haven't read a more current-events based story in a while. it covered school shootings from all perspectives. although it was only published in 2016, it relates to the US specifically now. the protagonist Morgan is what I hope the NRA is aware of; guns can ruin ppl without even being shot at them. of course the idea of mental health is brought up with this topic, and the author is spot on with this concept. this didn't turn political at all, which is how it should be. I was and still am deeply touched by this book. but the one thing I want is a sequel, knowing Morgan has opened up more. it's just hard to say that this mostly happened because of Evan, a boy, but he did show Morgan she isn't the only one. also props to reichardt for using the old child rule of writing:show not tell; it made a significant impact on Morgan's narrative. ok one more thing (lmao) the cover art is incredible. however this brings me to one more (haha) thing that I wanted to see, and that is more about swimming. afterall the book is called underwater and Morgan has an immense connection with water/swimming. really, in the end it all comes down to being touched by the students like Morgan and Evan, and mental health awareness. most importantly, this book. it's not for everyone is suppose but I recommend it to those who question being underwater and those who are figuring out what to make of parkland. just know the blurb is wrong, it isn't all about a guy helping a gal for love (which is what is said in the blurb).
edit: Morgan was shaken because she played a role in the event, a big one to her. this is what I found most inspiring: her journey and her thoughts on people (like the gunman). I wanted to make it clear that the nra and guns (which weren't mentioned whatsoever) weren't the only thing I took away from this book. I look forward to reading more from reichardt.
edit: Morgan was shaken because she played a role in the event, a big one to her. this is what I found most inspiring: her journey and her thoughts on people (like the gunman). I wanted to make it clear that the nra and guns (which weren't mentioned whatsoever) weren't the only thing I took away from this book. I look forward to reading more from reichardt.
Istyria book blog ~ A World of Enchanted Books
4.5 stars
I don't quite know how to put my thoughts on Underwater into words. It reminds me of another 2016 release I read a while back because it has the same impact and a similar storyline, but still very different. Needless to say Underwater is a very important book on multiple levels.
Underwater is about Morgan. She didn't mean to do any harm that day. She actually did something kind. But her kind act ended up playing a role in a deadly tragedy. Now Morgan has to move on. She has to forgive. First someone who did something unforgivable. Then herself. But she can't. She lives at home. She never leaves the appartment she shares with her mother and little brother. But that all changes on the day a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of everything she's missing and might just be the one person she needs to finally step outside again.
This book reminds me a lot of another 2016 release that I read earlier. It has a similar storyline, but in very different ways. I can't give specifics because that would be a spoiler for this book and I want to keep up the mystery as to what happened to Morgan. The other book (which I won't mention by name because that would betray the mystery too) dealt with the thing while its happening, Underwater deals with the aftermath of it for one of the people involved. Both are insanely important because it's such a real thing these days, which is a sad thing to say. Both of these books had the same impact on me and touched me deeply. Both are very emotional reads and I'm so happy that both are executed very well and don't oversell the drama of it all.
I loved Morgan as a protagonist. She's such a strong character. I didn't know what she'd been through at first and I had my guesses after a while and I was right. If I'd been in her shoes, I'd probably be a lot worse off. A character can be strong in so many different ways, mentally and physically, but Morgan definitely was. I also loved her mother and her brother Ben, who's just so cute. Her mother also has a lot to deal with surrounding their father, but again, I'm not giving anything away because of spoilers. I also loved Evan, a lot. He's so sweet and understanding with Morgan and yes, he does lose his patience sometimes. Who wouldn't though. He's just a great guy and who doesn't love that?
But this brings me to the things that irked me just a little. First off, the romance. I really enjoyed Morgan's new and growing friendship with Evan and I found the jump to romance a bit sudden. I can't say why specifically because I don't want to give anything away. Next to that, and this could just be me because I know nothing about this sort of thing, Morgan's recovery seemed to go a bit fast once she'd taken the first step. Again, I have no experience with any of this, but it just came over this way.
Overall Underwater is touching, heartbreaking, sweet, emotional and such an important book to read. I highly recommend it to fans of contemporary. Definitely a 2016 must-read!
4.5 stars
I don't quite know how to put my thoughts on Underwater into words. It reminds me of another 2016 release I read a while back because it has the same impact and a similar storyline, but still very different. Needless to say Underwater is a very important book on multiple levels.
Underwater is about Morgan. She didn't mean to do any harm that day. She actually did something kind. But her kind act ended up playing a role in a deadly tragedy. Now Morgan has to move on. She has to forgive. First someone who did something unforgivable. Then herself. But she can't. She lives at home. She never leaves the appartment she shares with her mother and little brother. But that all changes on the day a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of everything she's missing and might just be the one person she needs to finally step outside again.
This book reminds me a lot of another 2016 release that I read earlier. It has a similar storyline, but in very different ways. I can't give specifics because that would be a spoiler for this book and I want to keep up the mystery as to what happened to Morgan. The other book (which I won't mention by name because that would betray the mystery too) dealt with the thing while its happening, Underwater deals with the aftermath of it for one of the people involved. Both are insanely important because it's such a real thing these days, which is a sad thing to say. Both of these books had the same impact on me and touched me deeply. Both are very emotional reads and I'm so happy that both are executed very well and don't oversell the drama of it all.
I loved Morgan as a protagonist. She's such a strong character. I didn't know what she'd been through at first and I had my guesses after a while and I was right. If I'd been in her shoes, I'd probably be a lot worse off. A character can be strong in so many different ways, mentally and physically, but Morgan definitely was. I also loved her mother and her brother Ben, who's just so cute. Her mother also has a lot to deal with surrounding their father, but again, I'm not giving anything away because of spoilers. I also loved Evan, a lot. He's so sweet and understanding with Morgan and yes, he does lose his patience sometimes. Who wouldn't though. He's just a great guy and who doesn't love that?
But this brings me to the things that irked me just a little. First off, the romance. I really enjoyed Morgan's new and growing friendship with Evan and I found the jump to romance a bit sudden. I can't say why specifically because I don't want to give anything away. Next to that, and this could just be me because I know nothing about this sort of thing, Morgan's recovery seemed to go a bit fast once she'd taken the first step. Again, I have no experience with any of this, but it just came over this way.
Overall Underwater is touching, heartbreaking, sweet, emotional and such an important book to read. I highly recommend it to fans of contemporary. Definitely a 2016 must-read!
Comfort book, čeprav tema, o kateri govori, ni lahka. Slog je očarljiv in preprost, super se bere in lepo sporočilo ima. Kot nekomu, ki je malce agorafoben, mi je ta knjiga malce v tolažbo, makes me feel seen na nek način. Prebrala že drugič.
This, this was just amazing. What a ride this book was! I loved every moment of it. Highly recommended.
Another one of my most anticipated reads, and another book that I loved to bits. A book that moved me, a book that made me cheer so hard for the MC, a book filled with tears, hope, loss, family problems.
Because while the book focusses on Morgan, while Morgan and what happened at her school is important, there is an undercurrent of something different as well. I will discuss that later in the review.
First up Morgan. I adored the girl, I could feel her fear, even if I never experienced what she did, even if I never have felt fear to leave my house, I could feel her fear, her sadness, her worries. At first we have no clue what caused Morgan to be stuck in her house. Following lessons online, never going outside, getting panic attacks when she see stuff that reminds her of that one day. That one day that changed everything. Because as the story continues we see snippets of what happened at her school, and why she slowly, but surely lost herself and went hiding in her home.
I have to say it was very effective, the way the author didn't immediately shows us what has happens, but instead goes for the snippets and hints here and there. A memorial wall, a news bulletin on her school, her school closed, her neighbour and his connection, and so much other hints. Slowly, we can piece together that fateful day that changed so many lives. And it was horrific, the event that happened. I won't say what, you will just have to read the book to find out.
I felt so sorry for Morgan, especially when we find out what her biggest fear/secret is about that day.
But, but, Morgan is trying. She is talking to a therapist, she is getting help, and with the addition of a lovely neighbour, who tries his best to help her, she is getting there.
At times it felt a bit rushed. One moment she would be afraid to go out, but the next she would be able to go so much further, and I wondered if it really was a logical pace. But then you would see Morgan going in hyperventilation mode, panic mode, and you knew that she was straining herself to get out there, to find the world again, to not be afraid of each and everything. Still I was wondering how we went from not daring to step out, to going outside and shop at a store. And sure, it was difficult, but it felt hurried. We were running towards events that wouldn't be complete if Morgan was just staying inside her house.
Ben, Morgan's little brother, was really cute and he was a great addition to the book. How Morgan smothered him, loved him, and did so much for him, it was amazingly sweet.
Then we have Evan. Awww, I just loved Evan. One or two times he wasn't that nice though, but I could imagine it must be so frustrating for him to see Morgan do all sorts of things and then go back to how she was. Shut-in, alone, afraid, crying, losing it. Not knowing how to handle her negativity while also battling loss and other things.
But, he is also sweet and wonderful. He truly cares about Morgan, and I think he was a great addition to this book. The romance (duh, no spoiler there, it is immediately clear what these 2 are/will be) was sweet and totally not rushed or hurried. It felt all perfectly in place, like finding that one jigsaw puzzle piece you still needed to complete your puzzle. They make such a sweet couple, and Evan is always there for her when she needs him. He will calm her down, he will do amazingly sweet things for her that will make you go awww.
Brenda was a really sweet character, and I loved how she helped out Morgan. She is an amazing woman and she deserves all the praise.
Now we still have that one other thing that is there in the story next to the whole what happened on that fateful day. And that is Morgan's dad. His troubles, his problems, what he did, what happened to him during his military days. How his family thinks of him, how that causes problems. As the story continues, we find out more and more about him each time, and it was really interesting and I like that it was added. When we first encountered stuff I was worried it would be overwhelming, or it would draw away from the first story, but it doesn't do that. If anything it adds so much more to the first story itself.
The ending was just perfect and I was just smiling and cheering all the time. I hope that Morgan will be fine, I hope that she will be able to move further in her life. With Evan, with friends, with family.
Like I said at the beginning, I would highly recommend this book!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Another one of my most anticipated reads, and another book that I loved to bits. A book that moved me, a book that made me cheer so hard for the MC, a book filled with tears, hope, loss, family problems.
Because while the book focusses on Morgan, while Morgan and what happened at her school is important, there is an undercurrent of something different as well. I will discuss that later in the review.
First up Morgan. I adored the girl, I could feel her fear, even if I never experienced what she did, even if I never have felt fear to leave my house, I could feel her fear, her sadness, her worries. At first we have no clue what caused Morgan to be stuck in her house. Following lessons online, never going outside, getting panic attacks when she see stuff that reminds her of that one day. That one day that changed everything. Because as the story continues we see snippets of what happened at her school, and why she slowly, but surely lost herself and went hiding in her home.
I have to say it was very effective, the way the author didn't immediately shows us what has happens, but instead goes for the snippets and hints here and there. A memorial wall, a news bulletin on her school, her school closed, her neighbour and his connection, and so much other hints. Slowly, we can piece together that fateful day that changed so many lives. And it was horrific, the event that happened. I won't say what, you will just have to read the book to find out.
I felt so sorry for Morgan, especially when we find out what her biggest fear/secret is about that day.
But, but, Morgan is trying. She is talking to a therapist, she is getting help, and with the addition of a lovely neighbour, who tries his best to help her, she is getting there.
At times it felt a bit rushed. One moment she would be afraid to go out, but the next she would be able to go so much further, and I wondered if it really was a logical pace. But then you would see Morgan going in hyperventilation mode, panic mode, and you knew that she was straining herself to get out there, to find the world again, to not be afraid of each and everything. Still I was wondering how we went from not daring to step out, to going outside and shop at a store. And sure, it was difficult, but it felt hurried. We were running towards events that wouldn't be complete if Morgan was just staying inside her house.
Ben, Morgan's little brother, was really cute and he was a great addition to the book. How Morgan smothered him, loved him, and did so much for him, it was amazingly sweet.
Then we have Evan. Awww, I just loved Evan. One or two times he wasn't that nice though, but I could imagine it must be so frustrating for him to see Morgan do all sorts of things and then go back to how she was. Shut-in, alone, afraid, crying, losing it. Not knowing how to handle her negativity while also battling loss and other things.
But, he is also sweet and wonderful. He truly cares about Morgan, and I think he was a great addition to this book. The romance (duh, no spoiler there, it is immediately clear what these 2 are/will be) was sweet and totally not rushed or hurried. It felt all perfectly in place, like finding that one jigsaw puzzle piece you still needed to complete your puzzle. They make such a sweet couple, and Evan is always there for her when she needs him. He will calm her down, he will do amazingly sweet things for her that will make you go awww.
Brenda was a really sweet character, and I loved how she helped out Morgan. She is an amazing woman and she deserves all the praise.
Now we still have that one other thing that is there in the story next to the whole what happened on that fateful day. And that is Morgan's dad. His troubles, his problems, what he did, what happened to him during his military days. How his family thinks of him, how that causes problems. As the story continues, we find out more and more about him each time, and it was really interesting and I like that it was added. When we first encountered stuff I was worried it would be overwhelming, or it would draw away from the first story, but it doesn't do that. If anything it adds so much more to the first story itself.
The ending was just perfect and I was just smiling and cheering all the time. I hope that Morgan will be fine, I hope that she will be able to move further in her life. With Evan, with friends, with family.
Like I said at the beginning, I would highly recommend this book!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Morgan's anxiety keeps her from leaving the apartment. She's lost contact with all her friends and the only people she talks to is her mother, little brother, and therapist. Then Evan moves next door and Morgan finds herself longing for her old life.
Here's what I loved about this book.
This is one of the best depictions of anxiety I've read. Reichhardt doesn't shy away from the gritty side of anxiety. The way you push everyone away without meaning to but also fearing they're getting tired of you. You don't want to be a burden. I also like how Morgan takes medication for anxiety when it gets out of control and isn't ashamed to do so. The description of an anxiety attack and Morgan's negative thoughts are accurate. I'm also relieved to see no one has complained about Morgan being "too whiny". Her negative thoughts are normal for someone who suffers from anxiety. This is how her brain tells her to think. BUT she also recognizes when her anxiety manipulates her decisions.
This is also a great depiction of therapy. Brenda is supportive and doesn't push Morgan to take on more than she can handle. Brenda helps her create realistic goals and encourages her to take tiny steps.
Overall this is a great story about a girl suffering from anxiety but slowly learning to regain her old life.
Here's what I loved about this book.
This is one of the best depictions of anxiety I've read. Reichhardt doesn't shy away from the gritty side of anxiety. The way you push everyone away without meaning to but also fearing they're getting tired of you. You don't want to be a burden. I also like how Morgan takes medication for anxiety when it gets out of control and isn't ashamed to do so. The description of an anxiety attack and Morgan's negative thoughts are accurate. I'm also relieved to see no one has complained about Morgan being "too whiny". Her negative thoughts are normal for someone who suffers from anxiety. This is how her brain tells her to think. BUT she also recognizes when her anxiety manipulates her decisions.
This is also a great depiction of therapy. Brenda is supportive and doesn't push Morgan to take on more than she can handle. Brenda helps her create realistic goals and encourages her to take tiny steps.
Overall this is a great story about a girl suffering from anxiety but slowly learning to regain her old life.
I know my opinion is an unpopular one as a lot of people seemed to love this book.
Before I begin, I am not trying to trash this book and I am aware that it is about mental illness, which is a serious topic.
I had to DNF this book after only making it to page 56 (chapter 8). I admit that when reading this, I was in a bit of a reading slump and so this is a key reason as to why I wasn't enjoying this book. However, the writing and the plot were very slow and the 'mystery event' was very predictable from the start.
I understand that Morgan is struggling with PTSD and panic attacks from the trauma, however, most of the book takes place at her home and the days are the same. This makes the writing very repetitive and boring as we follow her schedule.
The fact that it takes an insta-love interest to help her recover and get her outdoors is also annoying. A guy moves next door and she falls for him instantly and BAM, romance.
Before I begin, I am not trying to trash this book and I am aware that it is about mental illness, which is a serious topic.
I had to DNF this book after only making it to page 56 (chapter 8). I admit that when reading this, I was in a bit of a reading slump and so this is a key reason as to why I wasn't enjoying this book. However, the writing and the plot were very slow and the 'mystery event' was very predictable from the start.
I understand that Morgan is struggling with PTSD and panic attacks from the trauma, however, most of the book takes place at her home and the days are the same. This makes the writing very repetitive and boring as we follow her schedule.
The fact that it takes an insta-love interest to help her recover and get her outdoors is also annoying. A guy moves next door and she falls for him instantly and BAM, romance.
Synopsis
Morgan can't step beyond the doorway of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Beyond the door is life and the beach and the friends she had before, but she can't move. She only meant to do something right. There are so many things she can't forgive and even more that she can't forget. Unable to go to school, Morgan spends her days sequestered in the apartment taking online high school courses and remembering the details of the day when everything changed. She's particular about where she sits. She likes things to be to the left of her, but when new neighbors move in she's curious and moves to hear the voices. Then there's a knock at the door and there's boy standing beyond it, one of her new neighbors who reminds her of salty ocean air and the feeling of strength she felt while swimming. The world is behind him and beyond the door. It's terrifying, but parts of it call out to her.
Thoughts
I didn't know what to expect when this book showed up on my desk. I actually put off reading it, which is probably a good thing because I got to devour it in the safety of my own home. This review is going to be much more personal than my usual attempts to sound like a cool and collected librarian who knows what she's doing in life. Sometimes a book or a song or a quote comes into your life at the exact moment you need it, even though you didn't know it. This book was that to me. My relationship with anxiety is much, much different from the narrator's. Morgan suffers from PTSD after a traumatic event; I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. But Morgan's voice moved me beyond words. Her voice is so genuine, while also having a lyrical and almost poetic feel to it. While Evan is a bit too perfect, he reminds me of my husband (who at one time was a teenage boy helping teenage me through panic attacks of my own), but the cute next door neighbor is only one part to this story. There are layers upon layers in this book. There are different forms of grief and different ways of coping. It is messy and it is beautiful and it hurts, but it also gives hope and humor to a difficult topic.
Thank you to Farrar Straus Giroux for sending me this ARC to review.
Thanks to Marisa Reichardt for making me cry and for writing this powerful debut.
Publication Date: January 12, 2016
*This book was recieved for free through Goodreads Giveaways*
When I first recieved this book, my initial thoughts were that it had a pretty cover and that it might be a cute read. It was definitely cute (and adorable and gave me all the feels) but I was totally blown away by the depth of Morgan's character and how her current struggles would affect me as a reader. As someone with anxiety I was able to completly relate to Morgan's inability to leave the house and really rooted for her and was invested in her development. I've never read anything about a school shooting before and was unprepared for the level of emotion and raw honesty that Marisa Reichardt was able to convey. Evan's character was finely crafted to balance the visceral first person narrative from Morgan. He brought relief to me as a reader and to Morgan as a character and I found myself crossing my fingers for potential romance as he was such a positive influence in an otherwise candid novel about the tragic events that occur so often in high schools in our century. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ben and Morgan and having such a strong family unit also felt like a really positive thing to include and a message to readers that there is always something worth holding on for, no matter how hard it may become. Overall this was a touching and poignant novel and it left my very impressed; considering it is a debut. Authors work for years to evoke such impassioned responses in their readers, yet Marisa has done it first time. I'll definitely be keeping any eye out for her future books and would wholeheartedly reccomend this. P.S bring a box of tissues to the book party, 'cause you're going to need them!
When I first recieved this book, my initial thoughts were that it had a pretty cover and that it might be a cute read. It was definitely cute (and adorable and gave me all the feels) but I was totally blown away by the depth of Morgan's character and how her current struggles would affect me as a reader. As someone with anxiety I was able to completly relate to Morgan's inability to leave the house and really rooted for her and was invested in her development. I've never read anything about a school shooting before and was unprepared for the level of emotion and raw honesty that Marisa Reichardt was able to convey. Evan's character was finely crafted to balance the visceral first person narrative from Morgan. He brought relief to me as a reader and to Morgan as a character and I found myself crossing my fingers for potential romance as he was such a positive influence in an otherwise candid novel about the tragic events that occur so often in high schools in our century. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ben and Morgan and having such a strong family unit also felt like a really positive thing to include and a message to readers that there is always something worth holding on for, no matter how hard it may become. Overall this was a touching and poignant novel and it left my very impressed; considering it is a debut. Authors work for years to evoke such impassioned responses in their readers, yet Marisa has done it first time. I'll definitely be keeping any eye out for her future books and would wholeheartedly reccomend this. P.S bring a box of tissues to the book party, 'cause you're going to need them!
4.5 stars, actually
Morgan doesn't leave her apartment-- ever. Not to take her 5 year old beloved brother to ice cream, not for school, and certainly not for any new neighbors in her small, aging apartment complex.
Until surfer-boy Evan moves in next door and won't be pushed away by her fear and insecurity like her old friends were. You see, Morgan wasn't always like this. But then one day, another student changed her life and lives of everyone at her high school, and instead of living out her life as the straight-A, swim champ, california girl, Morgan is now a shut-in who is visited by a volunteer psychotherapist who wears dreads and a biker jacket.
Evan slowly chips away at her fears by providing a compelling reason to slowly come back to life (or at least come out onto the welcome mat of her apartment)
And as Morgan slowly begins to leave her apartment, she has to finally face the issues keeping her there: not only the actions of the student on that terrible day, but her own fateful meeting with him prior to the event, the effective loss of her father to addiction, and the self-destructive tendencies she has to push people away.
This was a slow, sad, lovely story of people caring for each other even when its painful. At times, I found Morgan to be a bit of a Mary Sue character in that she was beautiful, smart, swim champion, popular, etc, but still had time to notice outcasts. when her therapist drives home that she's being a bit selfish (others were majorly affected by that fateful day as well) I wanted it to break her open a bit more. Or at least have her work a bit harder for forgiveness from Evan.
Still, how many readable, accessible YA books are there out there touching on the this subject in a way that doesn't leave us all terrified for our lives? By giving Morgan the added issue of her addicted father, it brings home how, despite the traumatic events undisputed impact, its the long-term relationships we have that should be our focus: how they wear us down or how they can lift us up.
Morgan doesn't leave her apartment-- ever. Not to take her 5 year old beloved brother to ice cream, not for school, and certainly not for any new neighbors in her small, aging apartment complex.
Until surfer-boy Evan moves in next door and won't be pushed away by her fear and insecurity like her old friends were. You see, Morgan wasn't always like this. But then one day, another student changed her life and lives of everyone at her high school, and instead of living out her life as the straight-A, swim champ, california girl, Morgan is now a shut-in who is visited by a volunteer psychotherapist who wears dreads and a biker jacket.
Evan slowly chips away at her fears by providing a compelling reason to slowly come back to life (or at least come out onto the welcome mat of her apartment)
And as Morgan slowly begins to leave her apartment, she has to finally face the issues keeping her there: not only the actions of the student on that terrible day, but her own fateful meeting with him prior to the event, the effective loss of her father to addiction, and the self-destructive tendencies she has to push people away.
This was a slow, sad, lovely story of people caring for each other even when its painful. At times, I found Morgan to be a bit of a Mary Sue character in that she was beautiful, smart, swim champion, popular, etc, but still had time to notice outcasts. when her therapist drives home that she's being a bit selfish (others were majorly affected by that fateful day as well) I wanted it to break her open a bit more. Or at least have her work a bit harder for forgiveness from Evan.
Still, how many readable, accessible YA books are there out there touching on the this subject in a way that doesn't leave us all terrified for our lives? By giving Morgan the added issue of her addicted father, it brings home how, despite the traumatic events undisputed impact, its the long-term relationships we have that should be our focus: how they wear us down or how they can lift us up.