The author of Jerk, California (winner of the Schneider Family Book Award) returns with another great read.
The only thing that will clear the clouds from Jake’s head is risking his life. He jumps off of waterfalls, takes risky rides on his dirtbike, climbs the town watertower, and scales rock walls. His father and older brother don’t understand what he does at all. His father basically owns their town and his perfect brother is following in his footsteps as a firefighter, something that holds no appeal for Jake. One thing with appeal is his best friend Salome, but he can never let it become anything more than just friends, because he hurts anything he gets close to and he can’t do that to her. When Jake’s older brother loses his best friend and quits the firefighters, Jake is offered a place on a crew that rappels into wildfires. It is a crew with a record of young firefighters dying. Jake isn’t worried, this suits his thrill-seeking nature just fine, but Salome refuses to stand by and watch him die. He now has to choose between his friend and the rush.
My short summary above just scratches the surface of this novel. It is a novel of depression and trying anything to feel clarity and connection. It is a novel of family, exploring the tension-filled relationship between brothers as well as fathers and sons. It is a novel of love, of taking that final step and feeling a different kind of clarity and rush. It is a novel of bravery, of honor, of betrayal. It is a novel that reads at breakneck pace, yet never loses touch with the importance of character and setting.
Jake is a great character in the novel, exploring the reason why people take large risks. He is a tormented soul, unable to form connections with those he loves, able only to bond with the thrills. Yet at the same time, he has friends who love him, despite the ways he pushes them away. The novel is beautifully written, exploring the danger and power of fire, which is used as a perfect metaphor for Jake and his own destructive nature.
A novel that will appeal to a broad range of readers, from those who are thrill seekers themselves and want a great action-filled read to those who are interested in a well-drawn character facing incredible odds.
from http://kidslit.menashalibrary.org/2010/07/28/rush/
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Friesen Understands the Adolescent Mind
Today's 5 star post comes from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/ADFDMSQWQ99EU/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friesen understands the adolescent mind, August 6, 2010
By schlrn
This review is from: Rush (Paperback)
I read this book after thoroughly enjoying Friesen's other book, "Jerk California". I wasn't sure what to expect, as I read his first book because it dealt with a topic that is very personal for my family, Tourette Syndrome. What became stunningly clear to me while reading "Rush" is that Friesen has a wonderful understanding of how the mind of an adolescent with any disability works. Whether it is Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, or any other disability, self doubt and constant fear that one does not deserve to be loved are common themes. Both "Rush" and "Jerk California" deal honestly, humorously, and tenderly with these feelings. I would highly recommend this book for any teen or pre-teen who has navigated (or is about to navigate) the sometimes brutal teen years with a disability. This book would also make an excellent classroom reading and discussion book, as it might help others to understand the feelings of their peers with disabilities. Great job, Jonathan Friesen! I can't wait for your next book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friesen understands the adolescent mind, August 6, 2010
By schlrn
This review is from: Rush (Paperback)
I read this book after thoroughly enjoying Friesen's other book, "Jerk California". I wasn't sure what to expect, as I read his first book because it dealt with a topic that is very personal for my family, Tourette Syndrome. What became stunningly clear to me while reading "Rush" is that Friesen has a wonderful understanding of how the mind of an adolescent with any disability works. Whether it is Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, or any other disability, self doubt and constant fear that one does not deserve to be loved are common themes. Both "Rush" and "Jerk California" deal honestly, humorously, and tenderly with these feelings. I would highly recommend this book for any teen or pre-teen who has navigated (or is about to navigate) the sometimes brutal teen years with a disability. This book would also make an excellent classroom reading and discussion book, as it might help others to understand the feelings of their peers with disabilities. Great job, Jonathan Friesen! I can't wait for your next book.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Voya Reviews "RUSH"
From the Barnes & Noble web site for "RUSH".
VOYA
Get ready to have your breath catch in your throat or to be taken away. Award-winning author Jonathan Friesen's new book, Rush, is a captivating story that is told through the eyes of Jake King, an eighteen-year-old boy who will do anything to get his adrenaline going. The up-tempo plot keeps the story interesting, and the stunts keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Although confusing at some points, the book will show you unbelievable adventures, but also teach true lessons about friendship, family, and love. It is a good read for any boys or girls who love action and drama.
Reviewer: Nicole Drago, Teen Reviewer
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rush/Jonathan-Friesen/e/9780142412589#TABS
VOYA
Get ready to have your breath catch in your throat or to be taken away. Award-winning author Jonathan Friesen's new book, Rush, is a captivating story that is told through the eyes of Jake King, an eighteen-year-old boy who will do anything to get his adrenaline going. The up-tempo plot keeps the story interesting, and the stunts keep the reader on the edge of their seats. Although confusing at some points, the book will show you unbelievable adventures, but also teach true lessons about friendship, family, and love. It is a good read for any boys or girls who love action and drama.
Reviewer: Nicole Drago, Teen Reviewer
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rush/Jonathan-Friesen/e/9780142412589#TABS
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