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foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Erin
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 1
Talky Talk: The Revolution Is Nigh
Bonus Factors: Mysterious Loner Dude, The Answer
Relationship Status: Comrades In Arms
Read the full book report here.
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 1
Talky Talk: The Revolution Is Nigh
Bonus Factors: Mysterious Loner Dude, The Answer
Relationship Status: Comrades In Arms
Read the full book report here.
hikereadbeer's review
5.0
I actually LOVED this! Quick, easy read but also very powerful. Felt almost dystopian, which is one of my favorite genres.
mackenzierm's review
3.0
I received this novel as a Christmas present from one of my really good friends, and she's really good at picking out books.. so I figured I'd really like it, that it'd be something up my alley. Grace was and it wasn't. It's a very unique novel, but it's not something I'd have expected be written by Elizabeth Scott. The plot was interesting, but it's not the type of novel I'd normally like to read.. which made it harder for me to really get into.
I felt that the ending was kind of abrupt.. but I really liked the characters. This novel is fairly short, but it took me quite a while to fully understand what was going on. I don't feel that I could give it more than 2.5 stars, but I think that Scott's style of writing warrants a boost. I normally love her works, just this one really wasn't what I was expecting.
I felt that the ending was kind of abrupt.. but I really liked the characters. This novel is fairly short, but it took me quite a while to fully understand what was going on. I don't feel that I could give it more than 2.5 stars, but I think that Scott's style of writing warrants a boost. I normally love her works, just this one really wasn't what I was expecting.
lizpatanders's review
4.0
I have to admit that when I first started Grace, I didn’t think I would be too fond of it. While I found the setting to be very original, I was frustrated because the novel begins with my primarily descriptive passages, and I felt like Scott was throwing a dystopian world at me without explaining its backstory as much as I would like. I also felt that the writing, though “spare” as the description said, erred dangerously close to the melodramatic and choppy side. Thankfully, as I continued to read, I found myself pleasantly surprised.
It was easy for me to feel sympathetic towards Grace, considering what she had to go though. Her narration created a world that was a horrifying mixture of barren and lifeless or excessively sterile to the point where I refused to pick this book up right before bed for fear of nightmares. Yet as sad as her story was, I felt that I finally connected with her when she thought more in depth about her surroundings and the people around her.
For me, the strongest part of this novel was, without a doubt, the last 50 pages. I loved the way the story ended both in terms of plot and the emotional tone. Scott’s final message is one which I believe any reader can relate to: it’s a message for anyone who has ever sought to live life more fully, or lived in a violent time.
Considering how grim certain parts of this book are, I certainly don’t think this book is a good choice for readers who are uncomfortable with violence. Given its length and the way its told, I’m not sure if I’d call it your typical dystopian novel. I do, however, believe that Scott’s final message will stick with readers long after they’ve read the book.
It was easy for me to feel sympathetic towards Grace, considering what she had to go though. Her narration created a world that was a horrifying mixture of barren and lifeless or excessively sterile to the point where I refused to pick this book up right before bed for fear of nightmares. Yet as sad as her story was, I felt that I finally connected with her when she thought more in depth about her surroundings and the people around her.
For me, the strongest part of this novel was, without a doubt, the last 50 pages. I loved the way the story ended both in terms of plot and the emotional tone. Scott’s final message is one which I believe any reader can relate to: it’s a message for anyone who has ever sought to live life more fully, or lived in a violent time.
Considering how grim certain parts of this book are, I certainly don’t think this book is a good choice for readers who are uncomfortable with violence. Given its length and the way its told, I’m not sure if I’d call it your typical dystopian novel. I do, however, believe that Scott’s final message will stick with readers long after they’ve read the book.
tigerkat's review
4.0
Grace was raised to be an Angel. Not the kind of Angel that you and I know, but one that will bring honor to the People when she dies by suicide bomb. But, just before she is to fulfil that destiny, Grace realizes that she wants to live. She turns her back on the way of life in which she was raised, and ends up on a train bound for possible freedom. Traveling with the mysterious Kerr, Grace must consider the life she was raised for, and what life, freedom, and faith really mean to her.
I love Elizabeth Scott's books, but I will admit I was a bit worried about reading this one. It sounded like it would be very political, and I will say that my politics don't always resonate with the rest of the literary world. That said, I think this book handled a very delicate subject amazingly well. Grace and Kerr are both characters who are sympathetic even when they should not be. They are survivors, who have survived on the death of others. The subject matter is a political one, but is handled without politics in this novel. Neither Grace nor Kerr are from any real countries that we know of today. The struggles they face though are real, and relevant.
This novel will introduce teens to concepts they might not have thought of, and it does so in a straightforward way that will speak to teens, and keep their interest. This book may be a bit different than Scott's normal work, but her writing style is still very present, and fans of her books (especially Living Dead Girl) should give this one a chance.
I love Elizabeth Scott's books, but I will admit I was a bit worried about reading this one. It sounded like it would be very political, and I will say that my politics don't always resonate with the rest of the literary world. That said, I think this book handled a very delicate subject amazingly well. Grace and Kerr are both characters who are sympathetic even when they should not be. They are survivors, who have survived on the death of others. The subject matter is a political one, but is handled without politics in this novel. Neither Grace nor Kerr are from any real countries that we know of today. The struggles they face though are real, and relevant.
This novel will introduce teens to concepts they might not have thought of, and it does so in a straightforward way that will speak to teens, and keep their interest. This book may be a bit different than Scott's normal work, but her writing style is still very present, and fans of her books (especially Living Dead Girl) should give this one a chance.
dukesangel002's review
4.0
This review is going to be hard to write so please forgive me if it isn't exactly wonderful.
Grace was a really tough subject matter to read about. The thought of a young girl being raised to believe that her whole life and purpose is to be a herald of death. To think that it will bring her glory to go out and kill herself and others in a bomb explosion is difficult for me to process. I cringed almost the whole time I was reading this book.
The book starts with Grace being on the train as she runs away from the community where she grew up, all because she decided she wanted to live. As the story goes along her past, and why she ran away from it, is revealed. Also, the boy she is traveling with reveals his past, and I don't want to give anything away, but it was gruesome and just as hard to read as Grace's tragic life.
The writing was beautiful, but I just couldn't get past the subject matter to the point where I could say that I loved it. All I know is that I will be glad to read more by Elizabeth Scott, but I never want to read about this type of subject matter again!
Grace was a really tough subject matter to read about. The thought of a young girl being raised to believe that her whole life and purpose is to be a herald of death. To think that it will bring her glory to go out and kill herself and others in a bomb explosion is difficult for me to process. I cringed almost the whole time I was reading this book.
The book starts with Grace being on the train as she runs away from the community where she grew up, all because she decided she wanted to live. As the story goes along her past, and why she ran away from it, is revealed. Also, the boy she is traveling with reveals his past, and I don't want to give anything away, but it was gruesome and just as hard to read as Grace's tragic life.
The writing was beautiful, but I just couldn't get past the subject matter to the point where I could say that I loved it. All I know is that I will be glad to read more by Elizabeth Scott, but I never want to read about this type of subject matter again!
greenbeanteenqueen's review
5.0
About the Book: Grace was raised to be an angel-a suicide bomber who would honor her mission. But Grace can't die for the cause so instead she's on the run trying to get to a new life of freedom. She escapes to a train where she hides in plain site with her strange traveling companion Kerr, who has secrets of his own.
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Grace is a stunning book that proves to me that Elizabeth Scott can write anything! Grace is a dystopian book that doesn't feel like a dystopian. It's a raw and powerful read that is chilling because readers can see the events easily unfolding today. Grace comes from a society that is blindly following Keran Berj and is part of a group that opposes his rule. Keran Berj's rule is frighteningly familiar and terrifying. Just look at history to see how a ruler like this could take over and it's easy to believe in Grace's tale.
The reader is thrown right into the story of Grace's escape. We are not given a background to understand what's happening, we're thrown right in and at first this is a little jarring. But I love this because it's up to the reader to figure out what's happening instead of being told the entire story upfront. Events unfold and we're given new details slowly throughout the novel-the plot unfolds in subtle layers and it's something as a reader you want to savor. There are moments when we come to a realization or discover something the same time Grace does-and I love those moments when reading! There are also moments that made me gasp in shock and surprise-I truly felt like I was there with Grace and going through everything with her.
Grace is different from other dystopian novels that I've read in that this one is not action packed and full of adventure. This is a quieter sort of dystopian that's more pensive-Grace is on the train thinking about her actions and the choices she's made and the outcome and path before her because of these choices. Grace is a look at one person's choices and how much power just one person can have, even if they don't realize it. The ending is something I can't wait to discuss with my teens because I'm curious to see if they view it differently than I do. Grace screams to be discussed-with other readers, in book clubs, in schools. Make sure you read this one with someone so you can talk about it after.
Grace is an amazing addition to the young adult dystopian fare and will stay with you long after you read it. I read this one a month ago and my thoughts are still haunted by Grace's story. A must read release for 2010!
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Grace is a stunning book that proves to me that Elizabeth Scott can write anything! Grace is a dystopian book that doesn't feel like a dystopian. It's a raw and powerful read that is chilling because readers can see the events easily unfolding today. Grace comes from a society that is blindly following Keran Berj and is part of a group that opposes his rule. Keran Berj's rule is frighteningly familiar and terrifying. Just look at history to see how a ruler like this could take over and it's easy to believe in Grace's tale.
The reader is thrown right into the story of Grace's escape. We are not given a background to understand what's happening, we're thrown right in and at first this is a little jarring. But I love this because it's up to the reader to figure out what's happening instead of being told the entire story upfront. Events unfold and we're given new details slowly throughout the novel-the plot unfolds in subtle layers and it's something as a reader you want to savor. There are moments when we come to a realization or discover something the same time Grace does-and I love those moments when reading! There are also moments that made me gasp in shock and surprise-I truly felt like I was there with Grace and going through everything with her.
Grace is different from other dystopian novels that I've read in that this one is not action packed and full of adventure. This is a quieter sort of dystopian that's more pensive-Grace is on the train thinking about her actions and the choices she's made and the outcome and path before her because of these choices. Grace is a look at one person's choices and how much power just one person can have, even if they don't realize it. The ending is something I can't wait to discuss with my teens because I'm curious to see if they view it differently than I do. Grace screams to be discussed-with other readers, in book clubs, in schools. Make sure you read this one with someone so you can talk about it after.
Grace is an amazing addition to the young adult dystopian fare and will stay with you long after you read it. I read this one a month ago and my thoughts are still haunted by Grace's story. A must read release for 2010!
andye_reads's review
3.0
3.5 out of 5
Well, where to begin with this book....
It was disturbing. It's hard for me to read a book like this because I really do read to escape into another world, and this world hits way too close to home. Not my home, but the home of so many in the world today. Yes, this is a dystopian, but there are far too many similarities to countries that actually exist now to ignore. This book was like taking North Korea, Nazi Germany, and Al Qaeda and shoving them together in one crazy, messed-up country. In fact, about halfway through the book, I was so depressed that I almost quit reading it. If it hadn't been such a short read, I probably would have. HOWEVER! I am really glad that I didn't give up. I don't want you to think the writing was bad, or that the story wasn't interesting, because that isn't the case at all. It was just really a downer for me. But, sometimes you need a good dose of reality to make you think about this world and just how badly things can get messed up.
The scary thing about Grace, is that it seems so unrealistic and far-fetched that a country can be so horrific....but it isn't really far-fetched at all. We've seen it in history, and we continue to see it now. And something I think that Grace brings to light is how, when faced with something we don't agree with on one side of the pendulum, we often swing so far to the other side that we're just as wrong as the people we were opposing. This is demonstrated by the People, who are a group of "freedom fighters" struggling against the evil dictatorship that has taken over their country. They are so busy fighting against this evil, that they cease to see the evil they themselves are introducing to the world. Namely, raising young girls (Angels) to infiltrate the regime and blow up a bomb, killing themselves and as many of the "enemy" as possible, including women, children, and anyone else who happens to be there.
The first half of the book switches back and forth between the past and the present while Grace is on a train, trying to escape the wrath of her country, who view her as a terrorist, and of the People, who aren't pleased with her abandoned mission and see her as a coward. The second half of the book actually got pretty exciting and interesting as Kerr and Grace find out more about each other, and Grace begins to see just how hypocritical her thoughts and beliefs are. The world that Elizabeth Scott has borrowed, twisted, and molded is a terrifying one, and one that I won't be able to forget reading about for a long time.
~Andye (http://ReadingTeen.net/)
Well, where to begin with this book....
It was disturbing. It's hard for me to read a book like this because I really do read to escape into another world, and this world hits way too close to home. Not my home, but the home of so many in the world today. Yes, this is a dystopian, but there are far too many similarities to countries that actually exist now to ignore. This book was like taking North Korea, Nazi Germany, and Al Qaeda and shoving them together in one crazy, messed-up country. In fact, about halfway through the book, I was so depressed that I almost quit reading it. If it hadn't been such a short read, I probably would have. HOWEVER! I am really glad that I didn't give up. I don't want you to think the writing was bad, or that the story wasn't interesting, because that isn't the case at all. It was just really a downer for me. But, sometimes you need a good dose of reality to make you think about this world and just how badly things can get messed up.
The scary thing about Grace, is that it seems so unrealistic and far-fetched that a country can be so horrific....but it isn't really far-fetched at all. We've seen it in history, and we continue to see it now. And something I think that Grace brings to light is how, when faced with something we don't agree with on one side of the pendulum, we often swing so far to the other side that we're just as wrong as the people we were opposing. This is demonstrated by the People, who are a group of "freedom fighters" struggling against the evil dictatorship that has taken over their country. They are so busy fighting against this evil, that they cease to see the evil they themselves are introducing to the world. Namely, raising young girls (Angels) to infiltrate the regime and blow up a bomb, killing themselves and as many of the "enemy" as possible, including women, children, and anyone else who happens to be there.
The first half of the book switches back and forth between the past and the present while Grace is on a train, trying to escape the wrath of her country, who view her as a terrorist, and of the People, who aren't pleased with her abandoned mission and see her as a coward. The second half of the book actually got pretty exciting and interesting as Kerr and Grace find out more about each other, and Grace begins to see just how hypocritical her thoughts and beliefs are. The world that Elizabeth Scott has borrowed, twisted, and molded is a terrifying one, and one that I won't be able to forget reading about for a long time.
~Andye (http://ReadingTeen.net/)
inconceivably's review
3.0
This is a really short story, but it packs a punch. As pieces of the world Grace lives in are revealed, the lives these people live become more and more disturbing.
I love the awkward interactions between Grace and Kerr. This book could, under no circumstances, be described as a romance...but their short time together bonds them in a powerful way that will leave you thinking about them long after the book is over.
While I do understand that the short length and the sparsity of details add to the mystery and horror of the story, I do really wish it had been longer. This could have been a Grade A Dystopian, as good or better than The Hunger Games. Instead, it remains just a small snapshot of another world. Even though I was very sympathetic to Grace and interested in her story, I wish there could have been more development and back story. Kerr definitely needed more development so that when the secret of his life is discovered it is more of a shock.
So, while I did enjoy reading this, mainly I am just left dissatisfied and wanting more.
I love the awkward interactions between Grace and Kerr. This book could, under no circumstances, be described as a romance...but their short time together bonds them in a powerful way that will leave you thinking about them long after the book is over.
While I do understand that the short length and the sparsity of details add to the mystery and horror of the story, I do really wish it had been longer. This could have been a Grade A Dystopian, as good or better than The Hunger Games. Instead, it remains just a small snapshot of another world. Even though I was very sympathetic to Grace and interested in her story, I wish there could have been more development and back story. Kerr definitely needed more development so that when the secret of his life is discovered it is more of a shock.
So, while I did enjoy reading this, mainly I am just left dissatisfied and wanting more.
fairyfri3nd's review
5.0
Really good. A little tense at parts for someone my age, but a truly fascinating story in all. Totally heartfelt and meaningful.