Scan barcode
randomly_kait's review
3.0
I don't know, I have conflicting emotions about this book. On one hand I liked how this story was about healing, and growing, and loving someone even if you also kind of hate them because they've done something terrible.
But also, this book hurt my soul. I felt so terrible for Laura and Brooke and her whole family because they're being treated terribly because of something Jason did. It was so unfair that they were treated the way they were, because they didn't do anything wrong. I get that those things happen in real life, but dude. I hurt so bad for them.
I'm not sold on the relationship between Heath and Brooke, to be honest. Yes, they can talk about everything and understand (kind of) what the other one is going through. But Heath was still kind of a jerk to Brooke. She has to be careful what she says and does because it will set him off and he'll get angry at her. I just... I don't know if I support their relationship yet.
I think that they all should have gone to counseling, they could have driven somewhere far enough away from their judge-y little small town to talk to someone, because I think that would have helped with a lot of the issues that were happening.
I have torn feeling about this book you guys, and I don't know what to do about it.
But also, this book hurt my soul. I felt so terrible for Laura and Brooke and her whole family because they're being treated terribly because of something Jason did. It was so unfair that they were treated the way they were, because they didn't do anything wrong. I get that those things happen in real life, but dude. I hurt so bad for them.
I'm not sold on the relationship between Heath and Brooke, to be honest. Yes, they can talk about everything and understand (kind of) what the other one is going through. But Heath was still kind of a jerk to Brooke. She has to be careful what she says and does because it will set him off and he'll get angry at her. I just... I don't know if I support their relationship yet.
I think that they all should have gone to counseling, they could have driven somewhere far enough away from their judge-y little small town to talk to someone, because I think that would have helped with a lot of the issues that were happening.
I have torn feeling about this book you guys, and I don't know what to do about it.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting concept but the execution was clumsy and often convoluted.
bestdressedbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
So here is the deal with this book. The story was full of emotion with this deep underlying angst that just never seems to go away which was amazing I loved that about it. I loved the realistic world that Brooke had to deal with being the sibling of a murderer, the way she was treated, the need to keep things a secret etc this was all done really well. But (personal reading taste) I hate over used prose and this book had a lot of them which stopped it being a 5 star read for me.
katkinney's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this is one of the very best books I’ve read so far this year! What a tearjerker. Brooke’s brother is “gone.” Heath’s brother is “gone.” But we find out as the book progresses that “gone” has very different meanings, and that one was responsible for the other’s death. Brooke is now the town pariah. Her mother runs obsessively, cries in closets, and relies on Brooke to keep the house functioning. Her dad doesn’t leave the basement and talks in grunts. Little sister has gone nearly catatonic. No one goes into town anymore but Brooke, where everyone in their small, West Texas community shuns her for what her brother did.
Here’s where things get interesting. Brooke and Heath meet and start to talk. There’s a lot of anger. Brooke is sure there is more to what happened that night than what her brother told the police. He can’t be a killer. Heath’s brother was his best friend. And as she goes searching for the truth and bits and pieces start to unfold, this goes in lots of directions I wasn’t expecting! So good, and takes a very sensitive, heartfelt look at all the sides of what it means to have a loved one in the prison system, and what it is to lose someone in a horrible senseless way. Very thought-provoking.
Here’s where things get interesting. Brooke and Heath meet and start to talk. There’s a lot of anger. Brooke is sure there is more to what happened that night than what her brother told the police. He can’t be a killer. Heath’s brother was his best friend. And as she goes searching for the truth and bits and pieces start to unfold, this goes in lots of directions I wasn’t expecting! So good, and takes a very sensitive, heartfelt look at all the sides of what it means to have a loved one in the prison system, and what it is to lose someone in a horrible senseless way. Very thought-provoking.
chroniclesofabookreader's review against another edition
5.0
**4.5 Stars**
Even If I Fall beautifully handled the parallels of love and guilt without sacrificing the voices of any of its characters. It was powerful to experience Brooke’s exploration of identity among the sharpness of others’ misplaced anger, and how it affected me as a reader—my anger in wanting to protect her while sympathizing with her every emotion. Johnson’s story in connecting two people on such contentious sides of each other wasn’t without its obvious tensions, but the beauty and maturity that grew from finding solace in one another was simply beyond words.
Brooke’s journey was mesmerizing in its ability to transport the reader into this heartbreaking and blanketed life of hers with ease. The ire, disgust, and downright ignorance of the small town was palpable and I wholly admired her for maintaining some semblance of self within it. She still held that fire, whether it was reserved for her own power or that of others she cared about, and that felt completely honest and inescapable of her character. And yet, watching her hold together a family on her own two shoulders was as heartbreaking as it was inspiring. I cherished what grew between her and Heath despite everything that should’ve disallowed it; how the draw they had to each other inspired this openness to be their true selves in spite of the drowning pain and grief. Johnson’s sensitivity to both of their narratives held true to the very end and I loved everything about how it created a well of hope to draw upon—for them and that of their families.
Even If I Fall held a real power in showing acceptance and hope even with an impossible darkness attached. I couldn’t help but become enamored by the resiliency of her character and how deeply she could both love and forgive. It was a story of family and what love can overcome, and it was so very well done.
Received an early copy; this had no bearing on my opinions
Even If I Fall beautifully handled the parallels of love and guilt without sacrificing the voices of any of its characters. It was powerful to experience Brooke’s exploration of identity among the sharpness of others’ misplaced anger, and how it affected me as a reader—my anger in wanting to protect her while sympathizing with her every emotion. Johnson’s story in connecting two people on such contentious sides of each other wasn’t without its obvious tensions, but the beauty and maturity that grew from finding solace in one another was simply beyond words.
Brooke’s journey was mesmerizing in its ability to transport the reader into this heartbreaking and blanketed life of hers with ease. The ire, disgust, and downright ignorance of the small town was palpable and I wholly admired her for maintaining some semblance of self within it. She still held that fire, whether it was reserved for her own power or that of others she cared about, and that felt completely honest and inescapable of her character. And yet, watching her hold together a family on her own two shoulders was as heartbreaking as it was inspiring. I cherished what grew between her and Heath despite everything that should’ve disallowed it; how the draw they had to each other inspired this openness to be their true selves in spite of the drowning pain and grief. Johnson’s sensitivity to both of their narratives held true to the very end and I loved everything about how it created a well of hope to draw upon—for them and that of their families.
Even If I Fall held a real power in showing acceptance and hope even with an impossible darkness attached. I couldn’t help but become enamored by the resiliency of her character and how deeply she could both love and forgive. It was a story of family and what love can overcome, and it was so very well done.
Received an early copy; this had no bearing on my opinions
kylieeason's review
5.0
This book is bloody brilliant, and so unexpectedly beautiful.
At first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate or enjoy this book, told from 17 year old Brooke’s perspective but I was wrong, delightfully so.
I go into all of my books 100% blind, I know what the cover looks like and the title, and that’s literally it.
I never expected to fall in love with such young characters, to feel their hurt, fear and triumphs. I never expected the relationship that blossoms in this book to give me hope for my own love story down the road.
While the two main characters (Brooke and Heath) are fantastic, the supporting characters Maggie and Lauren take this story to another level. They ad depth and dimension, a little bit of intrigue and mystery as well.
I would love love love for Maggie to get her own story
Outside of wanting Maggie’s own book I’m praying to the YA gods that there is a sequel to Even If I Fall, because they way this book ends has me BEGGING the world for more. These characters wormed their way right into my heart, and I want to hold them there a little bit longer.
At first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate or enjoy this book, told from 17 year old Brooke’s perspective but I was wrong, delightfully so.
I go into all of my books 100% blind, I know what the cover looks like and the title, and that’s literally it.
I never expected to fall in love with such young characters, to feel their hurt, fear and triumphs. I never expected the relationship that blossoms in this book to give me hope for my own love story down the road.
While the two main characters (Brooke and Heath) are fantastic, the supporting characters Maggie and Lauren take this story to another level. They ad depth and dimension, a little bit of intrigue and mystery as well.
I would love love love for Maggie to get her own story
Outside of wanting Maggie’s own book I’m praying to the YA gods that there is a sequel to Even If I Fall, because they way this book ends has me BEGGING the world for more. These characters wormed their way right into my heart, and I want to hold them there a little bit longer.
charmaineac's review
4.0
This was my least favourite of Abigail Johnson's books thus far, but it was still raw, amazing, and impeccably well-written. I have such a soft spot for figure skating, so I'm glad it played such a prominent role in this book. Brooke has my heart, and so do Heath and Laura.
This book doesn't take you where you expect it to, and that's a good thing (although it kind of feels like getting slapped in the face). The synopsis is misleading too! You expect this story to be about injustice and commentary on failure of the system, but instead, you get something a whole lot more human.
It's hard to find a balance between sympathy and horror in this type of story, and I think Abigail Johnson managed to hit that note. I wish we got more insight into all the cruel people in town (Mark! How could you? Jeff, do you have ANY redeeming qualities?), or at least saw them become a little less awful.
The twist is definitely still a twist that made sense, but it definitely threw me for a loop. I loved the foil for sure, and how Jason brought attention to it (how tragic).
This book doesn't take you where you expect it to, and that's a good thing (although it kind of feels like getting slapped in the face). The synopsis is misleading too! You expect this story to be about injustice and commentary on failure of the system, but instead, you get something a whole lot more human.
It's hard to find a balance between sympathy and horror in this type of story, and I think Abigail Johnson managed to hit that note. I wish we got more insight into all the cruel people in town (Mark! How could you? Jeff, do you have ANY redeeming qualities?), or at least saw them become a little less awful.
The twist is definitely still a twist that made sense, but it definitely threw me for a loop. I loved the foil for sure, and how Jason brought attention to it (how tragic).
philomath_in_phila's review
4.0
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
In "Even If I Fall" by Abigail Johnson, Brooke's life is destroyed when her beloved brother confesses to killing his best friend, Calvin. Beginning about a year after the confession, the story focuses on Brooke, her family, and the struggles they have while trying continue with their lives.Brooke can not talk to her family so, because of a rainy day and a broken drown truck, she finds the one person she can talk to and who will understand, Calvin's brother.
I work in the criminal justice system and have seen how families are affected by one person's crime. They often can not talk to other family members because they are hurting just as much. One case sticks out among all of the others I have seen. At the beginning of the trial, two grandmothers, the defendant's and the victim's, sat as far away as possible from each other. By the end of the trial, when the verdict was read, they held each other up for support and said, "No one wins. Two young men's lives are ruined". The grandmothers left the courtroom still holding each other.
I have added both of Johnson's other book to my want to read list.
In "Even If I Fall" by Abigail Johnson, Brooke's life is destroyed when her beloved brother confesses to killing his best friend, Calvin. Beginning about a year after the confession, the story focuses on Brooke, her family, and the struggles they have while trying continue with their lives.Brooke can not talk to her family so, because of a rainy day and a broken drown truck, she finds the one person she can talk to and who will understand, Calvin's brother.
I work in the criminal justice system and have seen how families are affected by one person's crime. They often can not talk to other family members because they are hurting just as much. One case sticks out among all of the others I have seen. At the beginning of the trial, two grandmothers, the defendant's and the victim's, sat as far away as possible from each other. By the end of the trial, when the verdict was read, they held each other up for support and said, "No one wins. Two young men's lives are ruined". The grandmothers left the courtroom still holding each other.
I have added both of Johnson's other book to my want to read list.
caitlin_gabrielle's review
5.0
This book is on that emotionally captures you, breaks your heart while filling your heart with so much hope.
Brook Covington's bro is in jail for the murder of his best friend Clavin. Because of this her fam becomes social pariahs and live in recluse in their home.
Brooke runs into Calvin's brother, Heath, stuck in the rain on the side of the road so she decides to give him a lift. This sparks the beginning of something brand new: a new, forbidden romance, a coming of age, and the ability to feel truly ALIVE amidst all the chaos.
Each fam is struggling to cope in the wake of a tragedy. The author did such a great job of portraying this from both sides. I was immediately sucked into the story and HAD to finish it ina. few hours. It's the reason I went to bed way too late and had a few hours of sleep before work this morning... oopss..
#noragrets.
I was in love with Heath and Brooke's story!!! I was rooting for them and their fams so much!! Ugh it was a such a beautiful story about two broken people finding their way into each other's arms
**SPOILER **
One thing is as slightly saddened by, was that Jason, Brooke's, the brother was actually guilty. PArtway through the book I was sure that he was taking the blame for someone else and he didn't actually do it.! :(
Turns out he did which is so awful.
Brook Covington's bro is in jail for the murder of his best friend Clavin. Because of this her fam becomes social pariahs and live in recluse in their home.
Brooke runs into Calvin's brother, Heath, stuck in the rain on the side of the road so she decides to give him a lift. This sparks the beginning of something brand new: a new, forbidden romance, a coming of age, and the ability to feel truly ALIVE amidst all the chaos.
Each fam is struggling to cope in the wake of a tragedy. The author did such a great job of portraying this from both sides. I was immediately sucked into the story and HAD to finish it ina. few hours. It's the reason I went to bed way too late and had a few hours of sleep before work this morning... oopss..
#noragrets.
I was in love with Heath and Brooke's story!!! I was rooting for them and their fams so much!! Ugh it was a such a beautiful story about two broken people finding their way into each other's arms
**SPOILER **
One thing is as slightly saddened by, was that Jason, Brooke's, the brother was actually guilty. PArtway through the book I was sure that he was taking the blame for someone else and he didn't actually do it.! :(
Turns out he did which is so awful.
jkjoy_books's review
5.0
Brooke pressured Jason "tell me who else was there that night Jase?" he slammed his hands against the table to push himself away, and he got up and told the guard "I'm ready to go back".
Talk about suspense, mystery and a who, how and why plot. Oh my goodness this book has got it for sure. I could not read the pages fast enough. I had to find out what was going to happen next. It also has pain, heartbreak, resentment, hatred, and a slow journey to healing.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, with out a doubt. I have never read anything by Abigail Johnson before, but you can bet I will now. Thank you to Harlequin TEEN & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic book. I received an eARC from them for my honest opinion. [bc:Even If I Fall|36511890|Even If I Fall|Abigail Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541605951s/36511890.jpg|58231854] [b:Even If I Fall|36511890|Even If I Fall|Abigail Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541605951s/36511890.jpg|58231854]
Read My Reviews hereandhere
Talk about suspense, mystery and a who, how and why plot. Oh my goodness this book has got it for sure. I could not read the pages fast enough. I had to find out what was going to happen next. It also has pain, heartbreak, resentment, hatred, and a slow journey to healing.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, with out a doubt. I have never read anything by Abigail Johnson before, but you can bet I will now. Thank you to Harlequin TEEN & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic book. I received an eARC from them for my honest opinion. [bc:Even If I Fall|36511890|Even If I Fall|Abigail Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541605951s/36511890.jpg|58231854] [b:Even If I Fall|36511890|Even If I Fall|Abigail Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541605951s/36511890.jpg|58231854]
Read My Reviews hereandhere