Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles [Young Adult]Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: August 11, 2009
Pre-order it: Amazon.com
Summary: One pregnancy. Four friends. It all adds up to a profound time of change in this poignant, sensitively written YA novel. Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.
My Review: Jumping Off Swings has an interesting storyline which could relate to some teenagers that face the pressure of having sex. The novel does not shy away from the fact that having unprotected sex could lead to pregnancy. So, if sex is a touchy subject, especially for my young followers, do not read this book. I believe the storyline was there but it was poorly written and seemed amateurish at times. I felt like the characters subtly blamed their family problems for their poor choices. I don't necessarily agree with that because most teenagers know right from wrong and the book did not really touch on that subject. Also, everyone in the book drank excessively, as I read the book I thought, "Jeez, is everyone in this book alcoholics?" The plot had the potential to be inspirational but lacked the substance to carry it out. Overall, the book was okay but I would not recommend it.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Author's Website: http://www.joknowles.com/
My Review: Jumping Off Swings has an interesting storyline which could relate to some teenagers that face the pressure of having sex. The novel does not shy away from the fact that having unprotected sex could lead to pregnancy. So, if sex is a touchy subject, especially for my young followers, do not read this book. I believe the storyline was there but it was poorly written and seemed amateurish at times. I felt like the characters subtly blamed their family problems for their poor choices. I don't necessarily agree with that because most teenagers know right from wrong and the book did not really touch on that subject. Also, everyone in the book drank excessively, as I read the book I thought, "Jeez, is everyone in this book alcoholics?" The plot had the potential to be inspirational but lacked the substance to carry it out. Overall, the book was okay but I would not recommend it.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Author's Website: http://www.joknowles.com/
3 comments:
Aw, this sounds like it would be a good book. Oh well.
-Briana
Hmmm, I think I may still give this book a try but I know now, atleast, not to expect it to blow me away. Terrifically written review, btw.
~Briana :)
I think I may try this book. Although I won't have high expectations. Thanks for an honest review!
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