A review by thepaperreels
Torn Away by Jennifer Brown

4.0

YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST HERE.

THIS REVIEW IS ALSO POSTED ON MY BLOG.

"Mom, it’s been hard. And scary.... And every day I wish I had died with you... Just that I wish I hadn’t been left behind, all alone. That part really sucks."

I devoured this book in one sitting, between tears.

It felt so real, it really scared me. I have no words for how ah-mazing Jennifer Brown is. I'll be honest and say that this is my first novel from her. And that I did not expect anything from Torn Away other than it's a sob story about a girl who lost her sister and mother. But wow. I'm still trying to figure out why I haven't read any of her other works yet. (I'll fix this soon) While reading this, all the things that I felt when our country were paralyzed by flooding came rushing back at me. I'm from Philippines by the way. I know that a tornado and flood are different, but the aftermath is pretty much the same. Nothing can prevent a Natural Disaster from happening, all we have to do is be ready. Something that Jersey was not.

This is what I got: A brilliantly written story with an honest and realistic protagonist.

Jersey is very easy to understand and relatable. You see, this kind of heartbreaking story will not be a success without characters that will touch the readers heart. And I strongly believe that Jennifer aced in that department because Jersey is one unforgettable protagonist.

The pacing is just plain perfect. Nothing is rushed, everything is explained and I felt everything that Jersey went through. I'm both glad and sad that I'm with Jersey through one of her most devastating point in her life.

All in all, Torn Away is a beautiful and poignant novel that will definitely make you think of all your priorities and will touch your heart.


TRACK LIST:
Paranoia in B Flat Major by The Avett Brothers

This is the song that immediately came in my mind when Jersey was introduced.

All I Want by Kodaline

I don't know why I keep listening to this song. It kills me.
"But If you loved me
Why'd you leave me?"

The Good Times Are Killing Me by Modest Mouse

Throughout the story, one of the things that keeps Jersey going is her memory of her mother and sister and she's trying to remember each memory as much as possible. Though those memories keeps them alive inside her, it also kills her a little inside.

Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan (Lea Michele Version)

Regret. If she can change the way she acted from those last moments between her and her sister, she would.

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

Jersey has yet to accept her loss, but one thing that she needs to be ready for: CHANGE.

Eye of your Storm by Kyler England

Jersey is drowning. From sorrow, grief, fear. And help will come from people that she never expected to care for her

Winding Road by Bonnie Somerville

"And it's a winding road
I've been walking for a long time
I still don't know
Where it goes
And it's a long way home
I've been searching for a long time
I still have hope
I'm gonna find my way home"