Natalie Lund

CW: loss of loved ones, terminal cancer, homophobia, sexual assault, disordered eating

Well I appreciate that this book was tackling some fairly challenging topics however, it was incredibly slow.

I didn't connect with the characters so didn't get the 'feels' that this book seems to have given many Readers. I loved the concept but the pacing was way off for me. The writing was lovely in parts and there were some eerie moments. I'm not going to write much more because I think this was simply a case of 'just not for me'.… (plus d'informations)

This debut was terrific! Fifty years ago, a tornado tore through rural Illinois, killing fifty teenagers in a small town. The memories of that day haunt the town, and local lore talks of ghosts who haven’t yet moved on. Fifty years later, another tornado comes. This is an interesting tale that’s perfect for a cool fall day, part ghost story, part a story of growing up and not fitting in. It chronicles the story of three teens who are dealing with complex, painful struggles in their lives and at school. Some really good emotional writing, and I liked the way the pov shifts and glimpses back to the past slowly tie everything together.

Trigger Warnings: cancer, death of a parent, sexual assault

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
… (plus d'informations)

Reading this is like watching an approaching storm from an emotional standpoint. When you open it, you find half the main characters, Izzy, Cass and Janie on a beach amidst classmates and the aftermath of an end of school party. Suddenly the sky above is rent with the sound, then the sight, of a low flying plane. Right after it passes overhead, it starts a steep climb, stalls and plunges, nose first into the ocean. It's not long before the three girls begin to suspect the worst, that Izzy's twin brother, Israel, Cass' ex-boyfriend, Shane and Janie's next door neighbor Nate, who's given her mixed messages forever, are in the plane and most likely dead.
How did three high school kids manage to get a plane and why did they fly it? Those, along with the dynamics of all six teens, plus their parents, are what you the reader discovers as the book moves along. Told in alternate viewpoint and time lines, each chapter takes you ever deeper into the mind of each teen, peeling away layers of secrets and pain until you, and the three girls are left with an answer. It's a masterfully done revelation and a book many public and school libraries should have on their shelves.… (plus d'informations)

I can confidently say that this is the best book I've read in the past couple of years. Natalie Lund did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, along with the story itself. When I grabbed this book, I wasn't really that excited for it, seeing as it didn't sound nor look like any book I've ever read and enjoyed. However, from the very first page, I couldn't put it down.

The way Lund worked with grief and bullying was phenomenal. The entire plot stayed steady, not rushing nor being drawn out. My only issue with the book was Callie. Although I now understand why she acted the way she did with her mother while she was dying, when I was reading the book it stressed me out. Having lost my own mother without warning or time to prepare, I hated the way she kept shying away from her mother, avoiding her as often as possible. Of course, I wasn't thinking about what it would be like to watch your mother slowly dying, but the only thing I could focus on while reading was her behavior. When I finished the book, after thinking about it, I did understand.

Other than that, I loved the characters - the ones that were meant to be loved, of course. I've recommended this book to anyone who's asked for a book to read, and I'll continue doing so.… (plus d'informations)