Scan barcode
A review by heykellyjensen
High Dive by Tammar Stein
4.0
Arden is a character with wit, intelligence, and adventure-driven. Stein writes a fast-paced but descriptive story of a girl who goes out of her way to take on an adventure in Europe with three strangers. The book is well-written and perfectly paced, and Stein does not dwell on details but inserts enough to make the story colorful and vivid. The entire plot hinges on one character choosing adventure, and from there, the story unfolds to develop her character and her story past to present. The characters with whom Arden interact are also well developed and become individuals.
One thing that struck me as unnecessary throughout, though, was Madison's pregnancy. I almost felt like Stein needed to add another hook to the story and it was something not resolved in the end. The story was so well written without this subplot and since the subplot never develops, it should have been left out all together. The couple of pages this subplot adds would have been better used on other aspects of the story or even in description. The military subplot with the contemporary elements made it a relevant story that does not get political the way a lot of similar story lines do. Well done, and definitely for anyone with an interest in adventure, growing up, alternative family life, or, well, Europe!
One thing that struck me as unnecessary throughout, though, was Madison's pregnancy. I almost felt like Stein needed to add another hook to the story and it was something not resolved in the end. The story was so well written without this subplot and since the subplot never develops, it should have been left out all together. The couple of pages this subplot adds would have been better used on other aspects of the story or even in description. The military subplot with the contemporary elements made it a relevant story that does not get political the way a lot of similar story lines do. Well done, and definitely for anyone with an interest in adventure, growing up, alternative family life, or, well, Europe!