Katie KacvinskyCritiques

This book made me uncomfortable. The bare bones plot is that in the future everything is digital--school, interaction, everything. You could never leave your house and still live a full 'life' in fact. Our MC Maddie is the daughter of the inventor of DS (Digital School), a fact she tries to hide. She meets a charismatic young man named Justin through an online course, they meet in person and suddenly everything goes to heck.

Kacvinsky tries to portray Justin and his group as the 'right' side (or at least, the lesser of two evils) and Maddie's dad's side as the 'Big Bad'. The thing is, the deeper we got into the world Justin was dragging Maddie into the more it began to feel like a cult. His cohorts felt like terrorists. Any good their ideals and beliefs may have had was buried under a fanatical belief that the entire world is completely wrong in every way. There was no gray area--either you believed as they did or you were part of the problem.

Not that Maddie's father is much better--he goes from being a controlling, emotionally negligent (if not abusive) father to a controlling, manipulative psychopath. Maddie herself is either very gullible or way too willing to let things go because Justin is 'gorgeous'. In the beginning of the book especially she comes off as wishy-washy; if I had money for the number of times Maddie had thought 'Why am I trusting Justin so much? I don't know anything about him!' but proceeded to do everything he said anyhow, I'd be rich! Then she decides, after Justin explicitly says 'Don't rely on me too much', she can't live without him. Its that kind of back and forth characterization that frustrated me the most.

Why it made me feel uncomfortable however...neither side of the argument appealed to me. They were both so fanatical and 'absolute' that I couldn't see either side of the equation, couldn't relate or grasp the reason why a compromise could not be met. All digital life isn't a great thing, but some of what Maddie's father accomplished was worth thinking about. Free education avail to everyone? That should be worth thinking about at least...

At first I emphasized with Maddie--I live a very 'digital' life. I'm such a socially anxious and awkward person its easier for me. But as the book wore on (and trust me, it wears on you) I began to feel more and more alienated.

This book

(Actually 3.5 stars)

Now that I've read this book the cover makes so much more sense! Wow. I'm pretty sure that about sums up how I feel about Awaken, unless you'll permit me to say FREAKIN' WOW! Yup. That's more accurate.

I think what most drew me in about the world that Katie Kacvinsky builds is how close to home it hits. In Maddie's world, everyone is trapped behind computer screens. Constantly plugged in, because that is the best way to stay "safe". For a long time Maddie has seen this as the norm, and a happy existence. Then Justin enters her life and everything is thrown upside down. Don't think that the irony is lost on me that I'm sitting at a computer screen typing this review. Watching Maddie's life change, and her story unfold hit really close to home. It made me think about how much time I spend behind these devices. If she wasn't living, am I? Thank you Katie Kacvinsky for making me think about that.

Maddie is a character I fell into step with instantly. Her questioning attitude, her need to please her parents despite how she feels, her inability to voice her own opinion, it's all woven into a girl who has been trapped for too long. I felt for her. Then sweet, reserved, and life changing Justin comes onto the scene. The Maddie that exists after this happens is entirely different, and yet the same person at the same time. It's a metamorphosis of the best kind. I promise that if you fall in love with her in the beginning, you'll love her even more as you watch her be born all over again.

It also needs to be said that this is one of the sweetest and most frustrating romances I've read. Justin keeps to himself because that's how he has always been. Maddie used to, but Justin breaks her out of that and now the one person she wants she can't seem to have. Frustrating right? However lest you think that this is another book with a girl pining hopelessly after a boy, Maddie is different. It made my heart soar when one of the characters in the book explained to her that pining never did anyone an ounce of good (not her exact words but I'm paraphrasing here). She tells Maddie that we must learn to love ourselves and feel whole alone, before we can truly be invested in someone else. Are you floored? I was! Thank you to an author for finally saying that! Thank you for showing us a girl who knows she needs to learn to be alone! I'll end my slightly feminist rant here, but that made me fall in love with Awaken even more than I already had.

Point being, if you couldn't tell from my incoherent thoughts above, I completely adored this book. The message is clear, and I fully agree. Maddie and Justin teach us how important it is to get out there and really live, and to do it for yourself and no one else. Awaken crawled into my mind and made me think, and if a book can do that then I'm sold. Pure and honest love is all I have for this book.

First of all, I love that this book included an online schooler. I did most of my high school over the internet, so I love reading about characters who do that as well. And this was only the second book I've ever found with an online schooled character so... big thumbs up for that.

But I don't completely understand how things became so isolated. Online schooling becoming a big thing because of safety -- I get that. Doing things online in general because of technological advances -- I get that, too. But getting to the point where you don't go to the beach or a cafe? That, I couldn't quite wrap my head around.

And maybe that's because I've spent a lot of my life doing things -- like going to school, making friends, and working -- online. The future portrayed in Awaken is probably not that far off from my own life... but I still know what chocolate cake tastes like.

I needed more of a reason for why Maddie's life was the way it was, and it kept on distracting me. I liked the school aspect, I liked the author's writing style, I thought Maddie was a compelling character, I just wanted more information.

Mit "Die Rebellion der Maddie Freeman" hat die Autorin Katie Kacvinsky, eine sehr interessante Thematik aufgegriffen. Ein Funken Gegenwart steckt schon in der Geschichte, wenn man bedenkt, dass schon heutzutage kaum Jemand exisitert, der nicht auf Facebook oder Twitter vertreten ist. Social Networks sind der Treffpunkt für viele Jungendliche. Anstatt sich wie früher "Offline" zu treffen, trifft man sich beim Chatten oder Posten auf Facebook. In dem Buch ist das nicht anders. Am Anfang des Buches lernt man Maddie, ein 17jähriges Mädchen der Zukunft und ihren Alltag kennen. Ihr Vater ist der Direktor der Digital School, wobei der Unterricht nur Online stattfindet. Ihr Leben dreht sich nur um die digitale Welt und "Online" fühlt sie sich am wohlsten. Bis sie Justin in einem Chatroom kennenlernt, der sie dazu bewegt, sich mit ihm in einer Lerngruppe zu treffen.
Der Erzählstil der Autorin ist sehr fesselnd und verleitet dazu, mehr lesen zu wollen, um das Ende der Geschichte zu erfahren.

An intriguing story, set in the future, where everyone is connected all of the time. This is the premise behind Awaken. You meet Madeline right away, and are instantly drawn into her digital life. It's very scary, because you can see the world becoming this sometime soon - a world where why go for a walk on the beach, when you can take a virtual walk in your own home? Why go to a bookstore for a book group, when you can go online? Why go to school, when there is DS (digital school)?



Overall, it's an interesting book, though the plot develops a little too slow for my preferences. I definitely see this as a book that everyone needs to read, especially teenagers who already spend too much time "plugged in".

Okay, 2 years ago, I had to write a science fiction story for my english class. I wrote it with my friend, and it took place in the future... and everything was done through computers.

In the year 2060, when people hardly ever leave the security of their houses and instead do everything online, Madeline Freeman, the seventeen-year-old daughter of the man who created the national digital school attended by all citizens, is wooed by a group of radicals who are trying to get people to "unplug."

This was one of many young adult dystopians I've read recently. However, this one stood out for me. The writing, the dialogue and the plot were all stellar. I love how "real" the setting felt and also how realistic she made the characters- I thought that on the whole, their reactions and emotions were very well done and really made them come to life. Some of the descriptions of the technology could have used a broader stroke- for example, the ceiling canvas? Borderline cartoonish. Overall, I can't wait for the next book in this series.

This book has a solid premise. It did felt like it needed more narrative and less infatuation and pining.

This is one of the best (and cutest) books I've ever read!!!!

Actual rating: 3.0

Oh me, oh my!

A good, intelligently written book by [a:Katie Kacvinsky|4143266|Katie Kacvinsky|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1303113462p2/4143266.jpg], [b:Awaken|8665876|Awaken (Awaken, #1)|Katie Kacvinsky|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1311474171s/8665876.jpg|13537440] is a dystopia novel based around one sole fact: the impact of technology in the future.

It's already visible now how much people depend on their technology: to keep in contact with friends/family, to pass the time, to solve arithmetic problems, for gaming, shopping, watching films etc. It's very hard to find the teenager/adult that doesn't know their way around technology and feel like this if they don't have it:





So I guess I can say it delves into a subject quite close to the truth.

Now, for the review!

Are you ready?

No?

TOO BAD.

Maddie Freeman lives in a technology-dependant world where everything, including school, is done on line. She doesn't know who she really talks to (her identity is also kept hidden on line), she doesn't know what real grass feels like or what real trees look like, or even what fire feels like.

She's your typical Mary Sue. The only difference is her father is the creator of DS (Digital School) and the person who created the mayhem of technology-based living in the first place.

Enter, Justin! He's a bad boy (of course), 'hot' (duh) and is the instigator of the rebellions... nat--



Well of course! Justin and his gang members, along with their families are so opposed to Digital School and living their lives online that they nurture a rebellion to take down the fool that created said idea. All they need is, you got it! Maddie!

Huzzah!



Alas it is not meant to be!




Maddie's association with said rebels (and her icky past with the law) immediately puts her family's reputation in danger and she is shipped off to 'rehab'. Or rather, prison. Along the way, dun DUN DUNNNNNN! Justin saves the day!

So yeah, you could say it's your typical, overdone, overused, overeveryotherwordyoucanthinkof, but something about this book made it likeable.

Don't get me wrong, Maddie is a boring, shabby narrator that whines and bitches about everything far too much and I picture Justin's no-lady-friends idea to be for this reason:



But I guess it's because it struck quite close to home (the technology thing, anyway) and it's realistic enough -- technology advances every day, and what if this is what our future really looks like?



Because of its appeal, people will venture less and less into the world and will rather stay at home. After all, they wouldn't be missing anything there.

So I guess I'm still dwelling on whether I REEEEALLY like it or just 'meh'-like it, but it was definitely an enjoyable read (if not predictable at times) and would recommend it to those who are fans of dystopia.

Now, have a picture of a cute kitten:



Aw, man. Gets me every time!

3.5 stars

Review coming on Booknerd777.Blogspot.com

Formula Dystopian but with a slight twist.
Madeline's father has invented a digital school where no one interacts with anyone else anymore in 2040. No more school violence, no more teen pregnancy, no more teen vandalism, etc. etc. However, when she meets up with Justin she realizes that there is a whole new world out there that she had been missing out on. With "real" music and conversation and cars.....

Speaks to the heart of the times of multi-media. A more realistic dystopia than the Divergent series. Which makes it scarier.

Excellent characterization in a unique plot format. This story made me want to meet the characters.

I really liked this book! It was sweet and angsty with a touch of humor. I love how its is written in both Gray and Dylan's POV, with Dylan being carefree spirit and Gray being kind of stiff, but when they came together it was sweet. I also love how they both had a great love of music and the playlists in the back of the book. I like both covers for this book and loved Kacvinsky's writing style. The book and story was very realistic with the characters and the love story being normal. Dylan with her quirky-oddness and Gray with his numb make the cutest odd couple.

Swoonworthy Points: 7.5
There were multiple layers of swoonworthiness in First Comes Love. In the beginning Dylan was swooning Gray and by the end the roles were reversed. It was very sweet (gave me butterflies) and steamy at times.

Summary
Girl on the sidewalk watching ants; Boy hiding in the shadows alone. Their paths cross literally, and thus begins their friendship... but not by Gray's choice. Dylan is voracious in her attempts to make him smile, to figure out the enigma of Gray. Eventually they come together and form a strong bond. But when the summer ends, Dylan and her free spirit take off for a new destination. Is their love strong enough to pull them back together?

If you are in the mood for a great Contemporary Romance.. I would strongly recommend this book!!!

Sometimes you fall in love with the most unconventional person. At the most unreasonable timing in your life. At the worst point in your life. And despite all of that, it was exactly what you needed. This is the basic story of the relationship between Gray and Dylan in the first book of this series, First Comes Love.
And all I can say is, the first book is no comparison to how this book completely shattered me.

Second Chance starts of six months after the ending of First Comes Love, and Dylan is travelling across Europe with very limited communication between the two over the past few months. Gray is depressed and bitter over Dylan's constant in-and-outs in his life and comes to the conclusion that despite the fact that he may love her more than anything, he didn't want to wait for a girl who was never going to be there.

And long story short, she comes back. She fights for him. For them. She changes every aspect of herself to fit into his picture perfect life. Because she loves him.

But Gray know Dylan better than anyone. He knows her dreams and her wishes and every aspect about her. Most importantly, he knows that she is selfless in their love as he was bitter and guarded.

And at the end of the day, there is a right time for love. A right time, a right place, a right moment. And for Dylan and Gray, it just wasn't at this point in their lifetimes.

Second Chance is the story of just that: a second chance for a relationship between two extremely different people who fell in love in the span of a summer. It is a story of heartbreak, of dreams, of fate. It the story of Dylan, a free-spirit young woman who fell in love with a boy and was willing to put her own dreams on hold for him. It is the story of Gray, a young man who learns of selflessness in the most painful of ways. It is the story of Dylan and Gray, a couple who is still searching for the right moment for their love.

And the best part? This story isn't over yet.

I was so surprised by this book. All in a good way. Like when someone makes you a banana and peanut butter sandwich and you wonder how insane they are and it turns out tasting so good, you wonder why it took you so long to try it.

You hear that, Katie Kacvinsky? Thats the sound of Jiffy Banana swammiches being made all over the internets. Cause people want to read your book now. Youre welcome.

I opened the book and I saw the date "2060" and blinked. I wasnt in a swammich coma yet, so no...I didnt realize this was set in the future. A functioning dysfunctional future ruled and dictated by technology. (All the cool bibliophilic kids call this "dystopia". Whatever.)

I loved seeing the world unfold through the eyes of someone so isolated by what was considered normal technology usage. This isolation developed to the point that society forgot the positives of human interaction. Im an extrovert turned introvert. I could envision not just the idea of technology taking over our lives but also our cognitive self. Ideas not our own, face-to-face encounters being replaced with fear of the unknown all couched in a safe bubble of touch screens. Add a resistance movement. I then wondered why the french I didnt think of a storyline like this. Brilliant.

I felt that Katie penned a lovely balance between adventure, drama, love story, and substance in her characters. The writing never detracted from the story and flowed with each chapter.

Maddie's character has a lot of growing up, soul searching... but she never came across as some cute, vacuous character. The maybe-they-like-me, emotional family ties, as well as the complications in Maddie and Justin's relationship were also quite believable and never forced. Books that have "I love you, erhmahgerd, youre my Soul Mate" within days of meeting make me blergh so I appreciated the pacing of the story. I hope to see Maddie and Justin's relationship solidify and unfold in the coming books.

Overall, I ate that proverbial sandwich. Crust and all....and I liked it.

(Gird your loins, book 2, here I come....)

Title : First Comes Love
Series : -
Author : Katie Kacvinsky
Pages : 198
Release Date : May 8th 2012
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / Thomas Allen & Son
Format : Hardcover
Source :
*An hardcover copy was provided by TM & Son in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!*



My Opinion :

I was curious about this book because, for one, I had read the author's debut novel, Awaken, and it definitely was a great read. Second... well, don't you just love the cover? I find it... so pretty, and romantic; which represents the book.

First Comes Love wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it would be a fun and light, but still great and romantic kind of book. But boy, it was NOT. It was sad, even a bit dark at times, and it was not the kind of funny and light romance I was expecting. It was a punch-you-in-the-gut kind of romance.

In the book, there's Gray and Dylan. Gray... he's dark, almost in depression since his twin sister, Amanda, got killed by a serious car crash accident. And Dylan; she'S as bright as the sun and fun to be around. Now... why would they like each other? I guess opposites attract...

First comes love is a really short book, which makes it a really fast-paced read. Some authors can pull it off. Others... not. Fortunately, this one was the former! The writing was just fast-paced enough.

Although I found the book quite enjoyable, it just wasn't a big hit for me. It was between a 'Okay' and a 'Good'... although I'm leaning towards the good for a few reasons (the first one being GRAY :D Love him A LOT)

The romance was definitely the best aspect of the book (well, that'S good, Cathee, because it was one of the ONLY aspects! *sarcastic*)

The character building was really strong; the two main characters' personalities were well developped and didn't waver or become something else (well, Gray's did change a little, but it had something to do with the book :D)

This was a remarkable story about a girl who is struggling with her relationship with her father in a dystopian society. It takes a look at what could happen with our society if we become too focused on social media and technology that allows us to live our lives behind closed doors with very little physical interaction with others. I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

The scariest part of AWAKEN is that the scenario is so very plausible.

Increased numbers of school shootings across the US caused schools to become almost like fortresses, so the bombings started, frantic parents started to homeschool their children and almost overnight the Digital School (DS) commenced. Now it is 2060 and no-one leaves their homes as there is no need. Processed food and artificial trees mean that no-one needs to go out shopping or into the garden. Socialization is all done on line with the occasional and increasingly rare face to face events. It is a virtual existence in a real world.

Far-fetched you think? Well, consider how much time you spend with computers right now – 8 hours at work, then another few hours at home doing personal stuff. Catching up with friends, playing games, watching movies – almost sounds like Maddie’s world doesn’t it?

AWAKEN makes you think. Just how much virtual reality is good for us? Would your life come to an end if you couldn’t get onto Facebook today? The online world is not all evil, there are many good things about virtual technology, but it shouldn’t be our whole life either. There is one very poignant scenario where Maddie is asked out on a date – the date means using simulation screens and treadmills to go for a walk; or watching a movie on the computer and chatting while watching it – not going to a real theatre to watch it. When Maddie sees a real sunset for the first time she is amazed, So much more enjoyable than the destination of virtual date she had been asked out on.

AWAKEN is well written, believable and not as totalitarian or gloomy as other books of this genre. There is a second book in the series out now – ‘Middle Ground’

Awaken has an intriguing backstory that could easily happen five or ten years from now. School violence forces a radical change - to move all education online, to the safety of one's home. The fallout of this change is that soon everything moves online. You meet in virtual coffee shops while drinking coffee from your own house, you "screen" movies with friends from your bedroom, alone. The dominoes begin to fall as living becomes more and more obsolete.

Don't get me wrong - people do get out in the book. People go out for work, they go out for occasional social events, it's just not the norm. And it is rather sad. Maddie's responses to finally interacting with the real world are so naive, they're almost heartbreaking.

I also really liked the love story in this one. It didn't jump off the page, like other dystopian relationships in other books, but it grew rather nicely. Maddie questions many things about the boy she likes, instead of just letting him steamroll her own thoughts and ideas down.

I had two issues and both issues are small. 1. I didn't find the big, climactic confrontation scene to be that climactic. Maybe I'm crazy, but it didn't seem like Maddie put forth too much of an effort. 2. While I thought the backstory was well developed, I could have used a bit more current world building. I never really grasped what society was really like in this changed environment. (Which, now that I type that, maybe I couldn't know because Maddie was so in her own world she didn't know? Perhaps?)

This one was on my TBR pile for a good, long while and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. Does it top my list of favorite dystopian novels? No. But it's a good, interesting read if you're a fan of the genre.