What do you think?
Rate this book
The Survival Kit
When Rose’s mom dies, she leaves behind a brown paper bag labeled Rose’s Survival Kit. Inside the bag, Rose finds an iPod, with a to-be-determined playlist; a picture of peonies, for growing; a crystal heart, for loving; a paper star, for making a wish; and a paper kite, for letting go.
As Rose ponders the meaning of each item, she finds herself returning again and again to an unexpected source of comfort. Will is her family’s gardener, the school hockey star, and the only person who really understands what she’s going through. Can loss lead to love?
As Rose ponders the meaning of each item, she finds herself returning again and again to an unexpected source of comfort. Will is her family’s gardener, the school hockey star, and the only person who really understands what she’s going through. Can loss lead to love?
351 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2011
36 people are currently reading
8579 people want to read
About the author
Donna Freitas
34 books553 followersDonna Freitas is the author of The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano, Consent: A Memoir of Unwanted Attention, and many other novels and nonfiction books for adults, children, and young adults. Her latest YA novel is a rom-com that takes place in her favorite city, Barcelona: Stefi and the Spanish Prince. She has been featured on NPR and The Today Show, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The LA Times, among many other places. Donna currently serves on the faculty at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MFA program. She also lives half the year in Barcelona where she loves partaking of its many bakeries and delicious restaurants galore. Learn more about Donna at www.donnafreitas.com and on Substack: https://donnafreitas.substack.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
February 9, 2012
4.5 stars
Close to perfect, really close. Why hasn't everybody read Donna Freitas already? That's right, because this book is not out on e-format yet, that's why. Publishing house(s), whatcha waiting for?
Ok, let me start by saying that I was choking up on page SIX.
Let me introduce myself: my middle name is cynical. I don't choke up. I just don't. This book had me swallowing tears at least 5 times. Geeze.
Unfortunately, it hit too close to home but nevermind that, it's not exactly the point. The point is that Freitas managed to write a story that is extremely poignant and touching, that deals with the death of a beloved one (hold your horses, it is yet another of THOSE stories, but a better one) in such a sweet and intelligent way I couldn't help but wishing I lived it in a similar way.
The story starts with the death of Rose's mom. On the day of her funeral, attached to a dress hanging from her closet, Rose finds one of her mom's famous Survival Kits, with her name on it. Inside, a picture, some crayons, a paper star, a heart, a kite and an iPod. Rose will have to figure out how to put the pieces of the kit - and of her life - together to go on living.
I don't have much to say except that this is a really sweet, intense and well written book. There are some great characters which you will certainly love - Rose's self-destructive dad or her rough-round-the-edges grandma - and I wish I could have spent more time with them, I wasn't really ready to let them go.
There's also a hot hockey player/gardener involve (isn't that the hottest combination EVER? :D)
I'm not giving this book a full five star because some other characters weren't, in my opinion, as well developed as they should have been. I'm talking about Krupa and Kecia mainly, Rose's best friends, whose role as mere plot devices left them out for some big chunks of the story.
Nevertheless, for lovers of this genre, this is one book you don't really want to miss.
For this review and more follow The Nocturnal Library.
Close to perfect, really close. Why hasn't everybody read Donna Freitas already? That's right, because this book is not out on e-format yet, that's why. Publishing house(s), whatcha waiting for?
Ok, let me start by saying that I was choking up on page SIX.
Let me introduce myself: my middle name is cynical. I don't choke up. I just don't. This book had me swallowing tears at least 5 times. Geeze.
Unfortunately, it hit too close to home but nevermind that, it's not exactly the point. The point is that Freitas managed to write a story that is extremely poignant and touching, that deals with the death of a beloved one (hold your horses, it is yet another of THOSE stories, but a better one) in such a sweet and intelligent way I couldn't help but wishing I lived it in a similar way.
The story starts with the death of Rose's mom. On the day of her funeral, attached to a dress hanging from her closet, Rose finds one of her mom's famous Survival Kits, with her name on it. Inside, a picture, some crayons, a paper star, a heart, a kite and an iPod. Rose will have to figure out how to put the pieces of the kit - and of her life - together to go on living.
I don't have much to say except that this is a really sweet, intense and well written book. There are some great characters which you will certainly love - Rose's self-destructive dad or her rough-round-the-edges grandma - and I wish I could have spent more time with them, I wasn't really ready to let them go.
There's also a hot hockey player/gardener involve (isn't that the hottest combination EVER? :D)
I'm not giving this book a full five star because some other characters weren't, in my opinion, as well developed as they should have been. I'm talking about Krupa and Kecia mainly, Rose's best friends, whose role as mere plot devices left them out for some big chunks of the story.
Nevertheless, for lovers of this genre, this is one book you don't really want to miss.
For this review and more follow The Nocturnal Library.
February 14, 2012
Bracing yourself for an impact that never arrives is a strange sensation.
When it becomes clear that the anticipated pain is not going to make an appearance, there’s a moment of confusion before the tensed muscles release, before the flinch fades, before the shielding hands come down. A suspended second where the expectation and the reality don’t quite connect, and you have to reassess what’s going on.
As I read The Survival Kit, I think I had been unconsciously readying myself for an emotional kick in the solar plexus, only to reach the epilogue without any such violent impact. If anything, as I put the book down, I felt the distinct empty space where I had expected the strong emotional response to be. And I can’t help but think that this does a disservice to the book, and the things I actually did feel about it.
Have I confused you yet?
In a genre with no shortage of “grief books”, Donna Freitas’ writing and approach to a heavy subject sets The Survival Kit apart. Her approach is both respectful and empathetic, striking a balance between the inherent sadness of her topic and a genuinely uplifting subtext, without coming off either deliberately tear-jerky or TV-movie cheesy. The focus is on Rose’s growth, her progression through grief, and the eventual affirmation of her personal beliefs about life.
The story opens after the death of Rose’s mother, with the discovery a survival kit. A signature gift that Rose’s mother has been making for other people over the years, the survival kit is a paper bag filled with small personalised objects and mementos, like tiny tethering devices, keeping hope alive in their recipients. The sections of Rose’s story loosely centre each object in her survival kit. Originally seeing them as specific clues or pieces of a message, Rose slowly comes to find her own interpretation of the gifts, a way to incorporate them in her life and rediscover what she thought she had lost.
What was almost immediately apparent to me, and definitely a welcome change to the prevailing trend, was the lack of high school clichés to found in this book. Cheerleaders who are not stereotypes! Football players who are not written as mindless jocks! Diversity! An absence of Mean Girl caricatures. Beautifully rendered friendships. The passing of real, actual time and the gradual burgeoning of romantic feelings. While there is more than a nod to what I what I can only assume is an average US high school experience, this felt refreshingly down to earth, with meaningful, well-developed relationships and a strong supporting cast of characters.
The symbolism of the items in Rose’s survival kit, while appropriate, occasionally felt a little heavy-handed and I have to question a few incidents which didn’t feel strictly realistic. Neither can I say that this book held any huge surprises in terms of the direction the plot took – the dramatic moments are not too difficult to predict.
That said, I don’t feel that this outweighs that strong positive themes running through this story. I very much appreciated Freitas’ care in showing Rose as a vulnerable, mourning character, yet also one that didn’t rely on the love interest to “save” her. This story, particularly the latter half, speaks very much to Rose’s self-determination, character growth and belief in her herself. I love the fact that while the story encompasses a range of people and events that have a direct bearing on the plot, it always remains very much about Rose, her decisions, and her passage through experiencing loss. There is a beautiful sentiment underpinning Rose’s narrative that though she has lost her mother physically, she still retains so much of her essence: in her surroundings, her daily life, her family, even within Rose herself.
Evidently, I have a lot of very positive things to say about this book, and I think it’s an exceptional read both in terms of its style and content. But to circle back to my original comments, I had expected to feel a deeper emotional connection to the story. I can’t say that my response to it was quite what I anticipated. I’d go so far as to say, for me, there a certain something lacking and I can’t entirely overlook its absence. I don’t mean to say it isn’t moving, because it really is, but I think I had been looking for a heavier, more lingering reaction.
However, I’m convinced of Freitas’ ability to write a strong, relevant contemporary story, and will definitely read her work again. I’d also recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for a quiet, thoughtful read with beautifully developed characters.
When it becomes clear that the anticipated pain is not going to make an appearance, there’s a moment of confusion before the tensed muscles release, before the flinch fades, before the shielding hands come down. A suspended second where the expectation and the reality don’t quite connect, and you have to reassess what’s going on.
As I read The Survival Kit, I think I had been unconsciously readying myself for an emotional kick in the solar plexus, only to reach the epilogue without any such violent impact. If anything, as I put the book down, I felt the distinct empty space where I had expected the strong emotional response to be. And I can’t help but think that this does a disservice to the book, and the things I actually did feel about it.
Have I confused you yet?
In a genre with no shortage of “grief books”, Donna Freitas’ writing and approach to a heavy subject sets The Survival Kit apart. Her approach is both respectful and empathetic, striking a balance between the inherent sadness of her topic and a genuinely uplifting subtext, without coming off either deliberately tear-jerky or TV-movie cheesy. The focus is on Rose’s growth, her progression through grief, and the eventual affirmation of her personal beliefs about life.
The story opens after the death of Rose’s mother, with the discovery a survival kit. A signature gift that Rose’s mother has been making for other people over the years, the survival kit is a paper bag filled with small personalised objects and mementos, like tiny tethering devices, keeping hope alive in their recipients. The sections of Rose’s story loosely centre each object in her survival kit. Originally seeing them as specific clues or pieces of a message, Rose slowly comes to find her own interpretation of the gifts, a way to incorporate them in her life and rediscover what she thought she had lost.
What was almost immediately apparent to me, and definitely a welcome change to the prevailing trend, was the lack of high school clichés to found in this book. Cheerleaders who are not stereotypes! Football players who are not written as mindless jocks! Diversity! An absence of Mean Girl caricatures. Beautifully rendered friendships. The passing of real, actual time and the gradual burgeoning of romantic feelings. While there is more than a nod to what I what I can only assume is an average US high school experience, this felt refreshingly down to earth, with meaningful, well-developed relationships and a strong supporting cast of characters.
The symbolism of the items in Rose’s survival kit, while appropriate, occasionally felt a little heavy-handed and I have to question a few incidents which didn’t feel strictly realistic. Neither can I say that this book held any huge surprises in terms of the direction the plot took – the dramatic moments are not too difficult to predict.
That said, I don’t feel that this outweighs that strong positive themes running through this story. I very much appreciated Freitas’ care in showing Rose as a vulnerable, mourning character, yet also one that didn’t rely on the love interest to “save” her. This story, particularly the latter half, speaks very much to Rose’s self-determination, character growth and belief in her herself. I love the fact that while the story encompasses a range of people and events that have a direct bearing on the plot, it always remains very much about Rose, her decisions, and her passage through experiencing loss. There is a beautiful sentiment underpinning Rose’s narrative that though she has lost her mother physically, she still retains so much of her essence: in her surroundings, her daily life, her family, even within Rose herself.
Evidently, I have a lot of very positive things to say about this book, and I think it’s an exceptional read both in terms of its style and content. But to circle back to my original comments, I had expected to feel a deeper emotional connection to the story. I can’t say that my response to it was quite what I anticipated. I’d go so far as to say, for me, there a certain something lacking and I can’t entirely overlook its absence. I don’t mean to say it isn’t moving, because it really is, but I think I had been looking for a heavier, more lingering reaction.
However, I’m convinced of Freitas’ ability to write a strong, relevant contemporary story, and will definitely read her work again. I’d also recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for a quiet, thoughtful read with beautifully developed characters.
May 25, 2013
The Survival Kit is written for the readers who painstakingly shy away from issue novels; from the inevitable pain and hurt and pure emotion that they bring. While Freitas's novel is beautifully written, capturing the emotions of grief and heartache in a seamless manner and integrating within this story a romance that is both deep and palpable, the inevitable "punch" that is common to most grief novels - you know, that moment when it seems as if the wind has been knocked out from you and the floor has fallen beneath you and all of a sudden your vision is blurry with pooling tears - never comes. Unfortunately, sometimes all I want is a real kick to my gut; a true feeling that reminds me that my life isn't all that bad, that my own feelings don't matter in the realm of this book or this character. Although The Survival Kit evidently deliver in the way I wanted it to, I can't say that I've regretted a single moment I spent with this breathtaking novel in my hands.
Arguably, the beginning of this novel is the weakest. Although its first few pages are gripping - a funeral, a dead mother, a survival kit put together by a dying mother to help her daughter cope - the following chapters are forgettable. As is Rose, our main character. Until, that is, the story suddenly picks up and before I knew it, the pages were flying beneath my fingertips. While Rose is inscrutable and hidden to us at first, after the initial slow start, she slowly blooms, opening up to the reader and becoming strikingly real. Not only does her narration become far more accessible, de-cluttering from the previous tiresome passages of description or introspective boredom, but her journey truly begins as well. Once Rose begins to take that first peek into the survival kit her mother made her - full of items such as an iPod, a star, or a box of crayons - and then makes the conscious decision to survive life, not just get by, I began to love her. Honestly, there is nothing I love more than a protagonist who is willing to take her future into her hands and mold it. While Rose was still grieving heavily, unable to return to cheerleading or listen to music, I love that she allowed others to help her. Whether it was her grandmother who became her rock to lean on or her best friend, Krupa, who lent her her hand and shoulder whenever she needed it, Rose slowly began to emerge from the shroud of depression.
As a character, Rose is three-dimensional and real, never succumbing to unnecessary drama and proving to be every bit as real with others in her life as she is with the reader. And while her support system is incredible, that doesn't mean her life isn't falling apart. For one, her father has resorted to drinking away his problems, unable to cope with the death of his wife. Furthermore, her older brother, Jim, is struggling in his own way. While Rose was able to slowly handle her mother's death on her own and with the help of her friends, seeing her come to a full circle and help her family heal together was a touching journey. All too often, grief novels neglect others in their portrayal of one individual's grief, but I'm glad that Freitas gave ample attention to the grief of a father, a son, and a daughter with this one. Furthermore, Rose is not the only grieving character in our tale. Enter: Will. As the gardener in Rose's home, Will has been overlooked quite often - until he suddenly isn't. For me, the greatest strength of this novel lies within its love story. Will and Rose's blooming romance is slow, deliberate, and utterly adorable. Seriously, the swoons and "aww!"s will just keep coming when it's about these two. And yet, their relationship was real and went through hurdles that were realistic, not contrived. All the more, Will becomes a truly in-depth character as well, proving to be more than just the love interest of our tale. Freitas's integration of both the romance and self-growth in this novel was beautifully rendered, all with the theme of the survival kit in the background.
Still, not all is perfect in this novel. Honestly, I can forgive a novel for a slow start, but what I cannot forgive are the mixed feelings. As I mentioned before, I was seeking a punch with this one - one that never came although I expected it to. Additionally, though, I felt as if some aspects of Rose's life were just too convenient. For one, her cheerleading friends - and Krupa - were supportive all the time and while this is ideal, it isn't realistic. As much as we'd all like to be that perfect friend, life happens. We have good days, we have bad days, we have days when we can't deal with a moping, depressed friend, no matter how bad their life is. For me, these friends were rocks for Rose, but never characters in their own right. Where was their depth? Furthermore, Rose's mother is also cast as an angelic figure in this book. And although I understand the need to create a perfect image of a deceased person, the truth is, people are not perfect. And I doubt Rose's mother was too. What happened to the classic mother/daughter arguments that are characteristic of teen years? Where was the guilt, the anger, the betrayal? Surely, not all of that could have been lost simply because Rose's mother had cancer. For me, small aspects like this one went a long way into making the overall impact of this novel suffer.
The Survival Kit, though, is one of the rare beauties that contemporary has to offer. On a rainy afternoon like this one, Donna Freitas managed to capture - and hold - my attention long enough for the pages of her unexpectedly little-known novel to pass by. And although The Survival Kit is not perfect and often left me swinging between feelings of pure elation from one minute and disappointment to the next, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Not at all.
Arguably, the beginning of this novel is the weakest. Although its first few pages are gripping - a funeral, a dead mother, a survival kit put together by a dying mother to help her daughter cope - the following chapters are forgettable. As is Rose, our main character. Until, that is, the story suddenly picks up and before I knew it, the pages were flying beneath my fingertips. While Rose is inscrutable and hidden to us at first, after the initial slow start, she slowly blooms, opening up to the reader and becoming strikingly real. Not only does her narration become far more accessible, de-cluttering from the previous tiresome passages of description or introspective boredom, but her journey truly begins as well. Once Rose begins to take that first peek into the survival kit her mother made her - full of items such as an iPod, a star, or a box of crayons - and then makes the conscious decision to survive life, not just get by, I began to love her. Honestly, there is nothing I love more than a protagonist who is willing to take her future into her hands and mold it. While Rose was still grieving heavily, unable to return to cheerleading or listen to music, I love that she allowed others to help her. Whether it was her grandmother who became her rock to lean on or her best friend, Krupa, who lent her her hand and shoulder whenever she needed it, Rose slowly began to emerge from the shroud of depression.
As a character, Rose is three-dimensional and real, never succumbing to unnecessary drama and proving to be every bit as real with others in her life as she is with the reader. And while her support system is incredible, that doesn't mean her life isn't falling apart. For one, her father has resorted to drinking away his problems, unable to cope with the death of his wife. Furthermore, her older brother, Jim, is struggling in his own way. While Rose was able to slowly handle her mother's death on her own and with the help of her friends, seeing her come to a full circle and help her family heal together was a touching journey. All too often, grief novels neglect others in their portrayal of one individual's grief, but I'm glad that Freitas gave ample attention to the grief of a father, a son, and a daughter with this one. Furthermore, Rose is not the only grieving character in our tale. Enter: Will. As the gardener in Rose's home, Will has been overlooked quite often - until he suddenly isn't. For me, the greatest strength of this novel lies within its love story. Will and Rose's blooming romance is slow, deliberate, and utterly adorable. Seriously, the swoons and "aww!"s will just keep coming when it's about these two. And yet, their relationship was real and went through hurdles that were realistic, not contrived. All the more, Will becomes a truly in-depth character as well, proving to be more than just the love interest of our tale. Freitas's integration of both the romance and self-growth in this novel was beautifully rendered, all with the theme of the survival kit in the background.
Still, not all is perfect in this novel. Honestly, I can forgive a novel for a slow start, but what I cannot forgive are the mixed feelings. As I mentioned before, I was seeking a punch with this one - one that never came although I expected it to. Additionally, though, I felt as if some aspects of Rose's life were just too convenient. For one, her cheerleading friends - and Krupa - were supportive all the time and while this is ideal, it isn't realistic. As much as we'd all like to be that perfect friend, life happens. We have good days, we have bad days, we have days when we can't deal with a moping, depressed friend, no matter how bad their life is. For me, these friends were rocks for Rose, but never characters in their own right. Where was their depth? Furthermore, Rose's mother is also cast as an angelic figure in this book. And although I understand the need to create a perfect image of a deceased person, the truth is, people are not perfect. And I doubt Rose's mother was too. What happened to the classic mother/daughter arguments that are characteristic of teen years? Where was the guilt, the anger, the betrayal? Surely, not all of that could have been lost simply because Rose's mother had cancer. For me, small aspects like this one went a long way into making the overall impact of this novel suffer.
The Survival Kit, though, is one of the rare beauties that contemporary has to offer. On a rainy afternoon like this one, Donna Freitas managed to capture - and hold - my attention long enough for the pages of her unexpectedly little-known novel to pass by. And although The Survival Kit is not perfect and often left me swinging between feelings of pure elation from one minute and disappointment to the next, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Not at all.
December 18, 2023
As always: 5/5 stars or even more if it would be possible 🌟
I just finished it and now I‘m sitting here on my bed, crying. Yes, I love this book a lot.
There has never been a book I felt ALL the emotions whilst reading. I was angry, I cringed, I laughed, I cried. And everything in between.
This story is something so special and unique for me. Rose‘s journey finding back to life after the death of her mother, reconnecting with old friends, coping with a family grieving in the different ways, finding new love. But especially finding back to life, to fully live her life. Trying to keep her mom in her heart, always, but trying to to let the grief dictate and overrule her life anymore. Just living. And everything started with that brown paperback with big letters on it: ROSE‘S SURVIVAL KIT.
I just finished it and now I‘m sitting here on my bed, crying. Yes, I love this book a lot.
There has never been a book I felt ALL the emotions whilst reading. I was angry, I cringed, I laughed, I cried. And everything in between.
This story is something so special and unique for me. Rose‘s journey finding back to life after the death of her mother, reconnecting with old friends, coping with a family grieving in the different ways, finding new love. But especially finding back to life, to fully live her life. Trying to keep her mom in her heart, always, but trying to to let the grief dictate and overrule her life anymore. Just living. And everything started with that brown paperback with big letters on it: ROSE‘S SURVIVAL KIT.
January 3, 2016
Everyone knows there isn’t a cure—your brain absorbs this unconsciously from ads you see on television and all those races for the cure that people sponsor. But when someone you love is diagnosed, all rationality disappears. You think there has to be exceptions to this rule, and I wanted Dr. Stellar to tell us that Mom was one of these.
As someone who lost a parent after a horrible battle to cancer,I completely enjoyed in this amazing book.For the last couple of months I've been reading fantasy/sci-fi books,so I was kind of craving for a good realistic story.This one was the perfect choice,trust me.
Things I really liked in this book:
1. The main character Rose.I went through every phase of grieving,just like her,so for me she was very relatable and realistic.She tries her best to keep a good memory of her mom,to do things she would wanted her to do and to keep her family from falling apart.While doing these things,she finds her true self and starts discovering how loyal her friends are and how her life can be beautiful...even if she's not ''the footballer's girlfriend''.
2. Survival kits.Making these was such an amazing idea and I kinda wish my dad made me one before he passed away.But who knows,maybe I'll make one for someone else in the future.
Things I didn't like in this book:
1. I just wish that there were more information about Krupa and Keicia,they seemed pretty cool.
Favourite quotes:
''Each day before I left for school I took the crystal heart from a tiny dish on my bedside table and clasped the chain around my neck, careful to keep it hidden under the shirts and sweaters I bundled on to stave off the icy air. I carried both hearts, my own, filled with growing feelings for Will, and my mother’s gift, like secrets.''
''Why is it that when we lose something big, we begin to lose everything else along with it?''
“Yes, I’ll go to the prom with you. I have to, right? Apparently, it’s the oldest story in the book. The former cheerleader and the hockey player. You know the one I’m talking about,” I said, and took Will’shand and led him toward the house.''
February 14, 2012
A lot of what I liked in Survival Kit had to do with Rose and Will then only later with Rose with and her family, particularly her with her brother as they dealt with what they had to. It’s an emotional read, but not as emotional as I was thinking it was going to be. Sure, most of what I felt for them was something quiet and sad, yet there were moments too that felt sweet and lovely and only a couple of bits that had me (or was it Rose?) feeling maybe bitterly disappointed.
Will. I thought I had him pegged. In fact, the moment he was in the picture memories of Sarah Dessen books came flying back. Were they to be another one of those pairs, her - sad and broken, him - there to help her? If I felt that way for some pages, I was soon disabused of such a notion because things between the two? Were glacial, and I don’t mean “cold” but rather glacial… as in glacially slow in progression which is not necessarily a bad thing, because then we saw, or at least, I saw them go from the barely there idea of a ‘them’ to something more. And what’s more is Will wasn’t, didn’t really prop her up all the time because how could he when he was similarly situated?
Supporting cast. I love that not once were any of them negative. Most of them are considerate, thinking individuals, and never was there a moment of them falling into stereotypes. Take Chris, the ex boyfriend. He's there and could actually be rather thoughtful. Add that fact that he (and yes, even Rose) were not the long-suffering types. They each knew where the other was coming from and acted appropriately… well, him more than her.
What added more to this for me were the moments with her family. The feelings of ‘being worried about and angry at’ one or some or all? Or even moments of jealousy or being overwhelmed about what needed doing? It all felt accurate. Sure, before the book had started there were hints that maybe Rose was wallowing, running away and not confronting certain things, but it's in this where she tries to cope; where they try to cope… sometimes successfully, other times not all. It all felt accurate, the portrayal of grief and moving on. But like I said, for her, it wasn’t the boy, but her own actions, decisions that got the ball rolling… with a little push from the rather meaningful contents of her Kit.
3.5/5
Will. I thought I had him pegged. In fact, the moment he was in the picture memories of Sarah Dessen books came flying back. Were they to be another one of those pairs, her - sad and broken, him - there to help her? If I felt that way for some pages, I was soon disabused of such a notion because things between the two? Were glacial, and I don’t mean “cold” but rather glacial… as in glacially slow in progression which is not necessarily a bad thing, because then we saw, or at least, I saw them go from the barely there idea of a ‘them’ to something more. And what’s more is Will wasn’t, didn’t really prop her up all the time because how could he when he was similarly situated?
Supporting cast. I love that not once were any of them negative. Most of them are considerate, thinking individuals, and never was there a moment of them falling into stereotypes. Take Chris, the ex boyfriend. He's there and could actually be rather thoughtful. Add that fact that he (and yes, even Rose) were not the long-suffering types. They each knew where the other was coming from and acted appropriately… well, him more than her.
What added more to this for me were the moments with her family. The feelings of ‘being worried about and angry at’ one or some or all? Or even moments of jealousy or being overwhelmed about what needed doing? It all felt accurate. Sure, before the book had started there were hints that maybe Rose was wallowing, running away and not confronting certain things, but it's in this where she tries to cope; where they try to cope… sometimes successfully, other times not all. It all felt accurate, the portrayal of grief and moving on. But like I said, for her, it wasn’t the boy, but her own actions, decisions that got the ball rolling… with a little push from the rather meaningful contents of her Kit.
3.5/5
February 14, 2012
Readalong with Reynje. My copy was given to me by her too. I can't thank her enough.
This one is hard to rate and review.
Let me just say that I was out of sync with this book from the start. The author and I are not cognitively compatible. If you liked the book, please skip the next part or know that this is my personal reactioin and just an example of bad chemistry between an author and a reader.
The book starts with, "I found it on the day of my mother's funeral, tucked in a place she knew I would look." There is nothing wrong with this sentence. It's that for me it set a tone that the book was written in first person (which is fine) and that the main character, Rose, was looking back to what she discovered on her mum's funeral day, in other words, what happened to her in the PAST (let it be months ago or a week ago it doesn't matter). As I read through I realised that the envents in the book were happening to her in the present although it's written in the past tense. Again, it would've been absolutely fine. However, Rose is just too aware of her surroundings. My mind kept saying, "How did she know about all that without looking around? How would she be able to pay so much attention when she's grief-stricken?" It's poetic at a time, which I LOVED, but Rose pays attention to such details it felt unrealistic and completely pulled me out of the story. Or more like it made me very aware that I was reading a story. If it had been written in a way Rose was looking back or even in third person, this book would've been less distracting for me. Am I picky? Maybe, but it felt as if it was trying too hard to be two things (first person - subjective / poetic & descriptive - all-seing and objective in a way) when it's impossible to be two. Also, particularly during the first half of the book, Rose verbalises and explains the obvious and it felt as if the author was in my head correcting my interpretation. This didn't go too well with being poetic as it didn't allow me to just 'feel.' :(
I imagine a person behind each character in a book, with a complete set of personality, temperament, feelings, motivation, intention etc so that I will be able to see reason in their behaviours or comments. I couldn't do that with Rose or any of the characters partly because some of the lines were just so unnatural to me! I wanted to yell, "Nobody talks like that!" or "She/He wouldn't say/do that!" Or some of Rose's behaviours are so unacceptable to me I actually said WTH! (and I don't swear in general). As I said, it is probably just the case of the author and I not being on the same wavelength, but boy was that, too, distracting! So was a number of "I love you"s being thrown around. (Sorry!)
So as you can see, the book had its (not-so-good) moments with me. BUT I enjoyed it. Some scenes were so visual and atmospheric and I loved those bits. Reading the scene with snow, I felt cold and was reminded of my memories with snow, the light and quiet on a snowy night. I enjoyed the extras in the story, including her crystal heart, peonies, the midnight dress, and Rose's father's coffee. I'm glad I read this. I'm happy I own the copy. I think I'm harsh in thie review BECAUSE I enjoyed it so much, because it could've been so much better.
Same with Psych Major Syndrome, this book's receiving three stars from me for its overall quality, but it's going to be in my 'enjoyed' folder.
Thanks again to Reynje!
This one is hard to rate and review.
Let me just say that I was out of sync with this book from the start. The author and I are not cognitively compatible. If you liked the book, please skip the next part or know that this is my personal reactioin and just an example of bad chemistry between an author and a reader.
The book starts with, "I found it on the day of my mother's funeral, tucked in a place she knew I would look." There is nothing wrong with this sentence. It's that for me it set a tone that the book was written in first person (which is fine) and that the main character, Rose, was looking back to what she discovered on her mum's funeral day, in other words, what happened to her in the PAST (let it be months ago or a week ago it doesn't matter). As I read through I realised that the envents in the book were happening to her in the present although it's written in the past tense. Again, it would've been absolutely fine. However, Rose is just too aware of her surroundings. My mind kept saying, "How did she know about all that without looking around? How would she be able to pay so much attention when she's grief-stricken?" It's poetic at a time, which I LOVED, but Rose pays attention to such details it felt unrealistic and completely pulled me out of the story. Or more like it made me very aware that I was reading a story. If it had been written in a way Rose was looking back or even in third person, this book would've been less distracting for me. Am I picky? Maybe, but it felt as if it was trying too hard to be two things (first person - subjective / poetic & descriptive - all-seing and objective in a way) when it's impossible to be two. Also, particularly during the first half of the book, Rose verbalises and explains the obvious and it felt as if the author was in my head correcting my interpretation. This didn't go too well with being poetic as it didn't allow me to just 'feel.' :(
I imagine a person behind each character in a book, with a complete set of personality, temperament, feelings, motivation, intention etc so that I will be able to see reason in their behaviours or comments. I couldn't do that with Rose or any of the characters partly because some of the lines were just so unnatural to me! I wanted to yell, "Nobody talks like that!" or "She/He wouldn't say/do that!" Or some of Rose's behaviours are so unacceptable to me I actually said WTH! (and I don't swear in general). As I said, it is probably just the case of the author and I not being on the same wavelength, but boy was that, too, distracting! So was a number of "I love you"s being thrown around. (Sorry!)
So as you can see, the book had its (not-so-good) moments with me. BUT I enjoyed it. Some scenes were so visual and atmospheric and I loved those bits. Reading the scene with snow, I felt cold and was reminded of my memories with snow, the light and quiet on a snowy night. I enjoyed the extras in the story, including her crystal heart, peonies, the midnight dress, and Rose's father's coffee. I'm glad I read this. I'm happy I own the copy. I think I'm harsh in thie review BECAUSE I enjoyed it so much, because it could've been so much better.
Same with Psych Major Syndrome, this book's receiving three stars from me for its overall quality, but it's going to be in my 'enjoyed' folder.
Thanks again to Reynje!
June 19, 2011
Nothing has been the same since Rose’s mother died. Rose misses her more than anything, and her absence makes Rose’s entire life feel off kilter. When Rose finds a Survival Kit that her mom made especially for her, she realizes that she needs to at least try to heal. Her mother left her a paper bag containing a picture of peonies, a crystal heart, a box of crayons, a paper star, an iPod with an empty playlist, and a paper kite, and Rose owes it to her mother to make the most of what she’s been given. It’ll take time, but with help and comfort from a surprising source, Rose will come to realize that even though she can’t change what’s already happened, she can still look forward to new beginnings and happiness.
The Survival Kit is a beautiful look at coming to terms with the absence of a loved one. I’ve read a good amount of novels similar to this one, and despite the similarity in storyline, I love The Survival Kit just as much as those other books. Freitas’s strength is by far her ability to so realistically capture the emotions of the moment in each of her characters. Her writing, both delicate and beautiful, draws readers in and refuses to let them leave Rose’s story until it’s over. Though I completely love this story, I’m not sure if the strength of Freitas’s writing is enough to distinguish The Survival Kit from other stories like it, if only because my favorites from these stories have been equally as well written and moving. There is no doubt though that this novel is a truly powerful story of healing that is worth reading.
The Survival Kit appeals to readers who also enjoyed The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark, A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell, Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabeley, and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
The Survival Kit is a beautiful look at coming to terms with the absence of a loved one. I’ve read a good amount of novels similar to this one, and despite the similarity in storyline, I love The Survival Kit just as much as those other books. Freitas’s strength is by far her ability to so realistically capture the emotions of the moment in each of her characters. Her writing, both delicate and beautiful, draws readers in and refuses to let them leave Rose’s story until it’s over. Though I completely love this story, I’m not sure if the strength of Freitas’s writing is enough to distinguish The Survival Kit from other stories like it, if only because my favorites from these stories have been equally as well written and moving. There is no doubt though that this novel is a truly powerful story of healing that is worth reading.
The Survival Kit appeals to readers who also enjoyed The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark, A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell, Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabeley, and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
February 22, 2015
„Jederzeit, selbst in den Momenten größten Glücks, kann unsere Welt ohne Vorwarnung in Stücke zerbrechen. Der Verlust lauert überall und zeigt uns sein hässliches Antlitz immer dann, wenn wir es am wenigsten erwarten.“ (S. 325)
Zum Buchinhalt
Ein iPod mit Liedern, ein Foto mit Pfingstrosen, ein Kristallherz, Papiersterne – das alles befindet sich in der schlichten braunen Papiertüte mit der Aufschrift Roses Survival Kit, die Rose am Tag der Beerdigung ihrer Mutter findet. Es ist ein letztes Geschenk ihrer Mutter und der Beginn einer Reise. Zögernd lässt Rose sich darauf ein und jeder Gegenstand scheint sie dabei auf seltsame Art zu Will zu führen, für den sie schon bald mehr empfindet als bloße Freundschaft.
Meine Meinung
„Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte?“ ist ein Buch, auf das ich ohne die liebe Bloggerwelt niemals aufmerksam geworden wäre, was wirklich schade gewesen wäre, da mir eine der schönsten Geschichten, die ich jemals gelesen habe, durch die Lappen gegangen wäre.
Donna Freitas hat sich mit ihrem wunderschönen und feinfühligen Schreibstil direkt in mein Herz geschrieben. Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite war ich in der Geschichte versunken und habe es einfach nur genossen dieses Buch zu lesen bzw. durch die Zeilen zu fliegen. Mit zunehmender Seitenzahl ist in mir schließlich der Wunsch aufgekommen, dass „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte“ niemals enden mag :)
Seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter hat sich in Rose’s Leben einiges verändert; sie hat sich verändert. Von dem einst fröhlichen und lebenslustigen Mädchen, das Musik und Tanzen über alles geliebt hat, ist nur noch wenig übrig geblieben. Rose hat sich fast vollkommen in sich zurückgezogen und hält ihre Freundinnen sowie ihren Freund Chris zunehmend auf Distanz, da sie mit ihrer Trauer allein sein möchte. Hinzukommt, dass sich Rose große Sorgen um ihren Vater macht, der seinen Schmerz über den Verlust seiner Frau, immer häufiger im Alkohol ertränkt.
Ein Lichtblick in dieser schweren Zeit, gibt ihr das letzte Geschenk ihrer Mutter: ein Survival Kit, in dem sich einige Dinge befinden, die Rose helfen sollen langsam zurück ins Leben zu finden. Und tatsächlich zeigt das Survival Kit seine Wirkung: Es verändert Rose und ihr Leben Stück für Stück. Nicht ganz unbeteiligt an dieser Entwicklung ist aber auch Will, mit dem Rose auf fast schicksalhafte Art und Weise immer wieder zusammengeführt wird.
Rose war mir vom ersten Augenblick an sympathisch und ich konnte ihre Trauer nur zu gut verstehen. Mit dem Tod eines geliebten Menschen klarzukommen ist alles andere als leicht, da es ein tiefgreifender Einschnitt in das eigene Leben ist. In einem Moment scheint noch alles in Ordnung zu sein, man ist glücklich, sorglos etc. und dann plötzlich ist diese heile Welt verschwunden. Was bleibt ist der Schmerz und ein Haufen Erinnerungen an die glücklichen Tage, die nun so weit entfernt scheinen. Einen Verlust zu akzeptieren und nach vorne zu schauen, braucht seine Zeit. Zum Glück ist Rose nicht ganz allein, sondern hat ihre Freundinnen, das Survival Kit und Will an ihrer Seite.
Will versteht so gut wie kein anderer was Rose gerade durchmacht, da er in seiner Vergangenheit wie sie einen schweren Schicksalsschlag erlitten hat. Darum ist er auch ein eher ruhiger und in sich gekehrter Junge, der lieber unauffällig bleibt. Rose und Will verbringen im Verlauf der Geschichte mehr und mehr Zeit miteinander, führen Gespräche und kommen sich dabei langsam näher, was sooo schön zu beobachten ist ♥♥
Donna Freitas hat ihre Charaktere sehr liebevoll gestaltet, sodass man sie einfach in sein Herz schließen muss. Sie haben für mich diese Geschichte auch ausgezeichnet.
Ach ja ich weiß gar nicht, was ich noch sagen soll außer, dass „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte?“ ein kleiner Schatz ist. Natürlich bekommt man nicht nur fröhliche Momente zu lesen, sondern auch traurige – um ehrlich zu sein habe ich innerhalb der knapp 400 Seiten jegliche Art von Emotionen durchlebt - wobei am Ende die Freude überwiegt.
Mein Fazit
Mit „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte“ erzählt Donna Freitas eine wirklich berührende Geschichte über das Abschied nehmen und wie man nach einem großen Verlust langsam zurück ins Leben findet. Mich hat das Buch von Anfang an gefangen genommen, sodass ich es gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte. Darüber hinaus waren mir die beiden Protagonisten Rose und Will so sympathisch, dass ich sie einfach in mein Herz schließen musste. Alles in allem war „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte“ ein wahres Lesehighlight, das ich euch nur wärmstens empfehlen kann!
Zum Buchinhalt
Ein iPod mit Liedern, ein Foto mit Pfingstrosen, ein Kristallherz, Papiersterne – das alles befindet sich in der schlichten braunen Papiertüte mit der Aufschrift Roses Survival Kit, die Rose am Tag der Beerdigung ihrer Mutter findet. Es ist ein letztes Geschenk ihrer Mutter und der Beginn einer Reise. Zögernd lässt Rose sich darauf ein und jeder Gegenstand scheint sie dabei auf seltsame Art zu Will zu führen, für den sie schon bald mehr empfindet als bloße Freundschaft.
Meine Meinung
„Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte?“ ist ein Buch, auf das ich ohne die liebe Bloggerwelt niemals aufmerksam geworden wäre, was wirklich schade gewesen wäre, da mir eine der schönsten Geschichten, die ich jemals gelesen habe, durch die Lappen gegangen wäre.
Donna Freitas hat sich mit ihrem wunderschönen und feinfühligen Schreibstil direkt in mein Herz geschrieben. Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite war ich in der Geschichte versunken und habe es einfach nur genossen dieses Buch zu lesen bzw. durch die Zeilen zu fliegen. Mit zunehmender Seitenzahl ist in mir schließlich der Wunsch aufgekommen, dass „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte“ niemals enden mag :)
Seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter hat sich in Rose’s Leben einiges verändert; sie hat sich verändert. Von dem einst fröhlichen und lebenslustigen Mädchen, das Musik und Tanzen über alles geliebt hat, ist nur noch wenig übrig geblieben. Rose hat sich fast vollkommen in sich zurückgezogen und hält ihre Freundinnen sowie ihren Freund Chris zunehmend auf Distanz, da sie mit ihrer Trauer allein sein möchte. Hinzukommt, dass sich Rose große Sorgen um ihren Vater macht, der seinen Schmerz über den Verlust seiner Frau, immer häufiger im Alkohol ertränkt.
Ein Lichtblick in dieser schweren Zeit, gibt ihr das letzte Geschenk ihrer Mutter: ein Survival Kit, in dem sich einige Dinge befinden, die Rose helfen sollen langsam zurück ins Leben zu finden. Und tatsächlich zeigt das Survival Kit seine Wirkung: Es verändert Rose und ihr Leben Stück für Stück. Nicht ganz unbeteiligt an dieser Entwicklung ist aber auch Will, mit dem Rose auf fast schicksalhafte Art und Weise immer wieder zusammengeführt wird.
Rose war mir vom ersten Augenblick an sympathisch und ich konnte ihre Trauer nur zu gut verstehen. Mit dem Tod eines geliebten Menschen klarzukommen ist alles andere als leicht, da es ein tiefgreifender Einschnitt in das eigene Leben ist. In einem Moment scheint noch alles in Ordnung zu sein, man ist glücklich, sorglos etc. und dann plötzlich ist diese heile Welt verschwunden. Was bleibt ist der Schmerz und ein Haufen Erinnerungen an die glücklichen Tage, die nun so weit entfernt scheinen. Einen Verlust zu akzeptieren und nach vorne zu schauen, braucht seine Zeit. Zum Glück ist Rose nicht ganz allein, sondern hat ihre Freundinnen, das Survival Kit und Will an ihrer Seite.
Will versteht so gut wie kein anderer was Rose gerade durchmacht, da er in seiner Vergangenheit wie sie einen schweren Schicksalsschlag erlitten hat. Darum ist er auch ein eher ruhiger und in sich gekehrter Junge, der lieber unauffällig bleibt. Rose und Will verbringen im Verlauf der Geschichte mehr und mehr Zeit miteinander, führen Gespräche und kommen sich dabei langsam näher, was sooo schön zu beobachten ist ♥♥
Donna Freitas hat ihre Charaktere sehr liebevoll gestaltet, sodass man sie einfach in sein Herz schließen muss. Sie haben für mich diese Geschichte auch ausgezeichnet.
Ach ja ich weiß gar nicht, was ich noch sagen soll außer, dass „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte?“ ein kleiner Schatz ist. Natürlich bekommt man nicht nur fröhliche Momente zu lesen, sondern auch traurige – um ehrlich zu sein habe ich innerhalb der knapp 400 Seiten jegliche Art von Emotionen durchlebt - wobei am Ende die Freude überwiegt.
Mein Fazit
Mit „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte“ erzählt Donna Freitas eine wirklich berührende Geschichte über das Abschied nehmen und wie man nach einem großen Verlust langsam zurück ins Leben findet. Mich hat das Buch von Anfang an gefangen genommen, sodass ich es gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte. Darüber hinaus waren mir die beiden Protagonisten Rose und Will so sympathisch, dass ich sie einfach in mein Herz schließen musste. Alles in allem war „Wie viel Leben passt in eine Tüte“ ein wahres Lesehighlight, das ich euch nur wärmstens empfehlen kann!
November 11, 2023
Cute story telling and sometimes very emotional.
September 2, 2016
Sigh.
The Survival Kit was just one of those beautifully wistful, yet tender and gut-wrenching and haunting kind of reads. I tumbled through a dizzying cycle of emotions, as Rose dealt with the loss of her mother, and as the burden of "moving on" crushed Rose. Her life, her whole world, and her sense of self deteriorates around her, and her only way out of it all is to just survive.
At first, I was shocked and disappointed with Will. But then his indiscretion and my disappointment reaffirmed the initial heartbreak and aching loss I felt when I first started reading this book. I guess the story wasn't meant to necessarily be a "happy" one, in terms of the fantastical romance, and fairy-tale love story. How can it be? One cannot possibly be the same [ever] after losing a MOM, or in Will's case, a dad. Therefore, for a moment, I was equally shocked when things all of a sudden "turned around for the better" between Will and Rose. I think the story would have been just as good, if not more powerful if Rose and Will separated completely.
Nevertheless, I deeply felt each meaning, concept, symbolism and emotion behind each word in this book. I liked the romance aspect, but I loved seeing Rose picking up the remaining pieces of her life, and learning to move forward. The items in the Survival Kit were so touching, heartfelt and sad; yet I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope for Rose.
And as others have mentioned, the characters in this story are deep, heartfelt, endearing, full of flaws, and far from embodying predictable stereotypes.
I'm glad the book progressed from the morose, heartbreaking, wistful and tragic start to the hopeful and promising ending.
The Survival Kit was just one of those beautifully wistful, yet tender and gut-wrenching and haunting kind of reads. I tumbled through a dizzying cycle of emotions, as Rose dealt with the loss of her mother, and as the burden of "moving on" crushed Rose. Her life, her whole world, and her sense of self deteriorates around her, and her only way out of it all is to just survive.
At first, I was shocked and disappointed with Will. But then his indiscretion and my disappointment reaffirmed the initial heartbreak and aching loss I felt when I first started reading this book. I guess the story wasn't meant to necessarily be a "happy" one, in terms of the fantastical romance, and fairy-tale love story. How can it be? One cannot possibly be the same [ever] after losing a MOM, or in Will's case, a dad. Therefore, for a moment, I was equally shocked when things all of a sudden "turned around for the better" between Will and Rose. I think the story would have been just as good, if not more powerful if Rose and Will separated completely.
Nevertheless, I deeply felt each meaning, concept, symbolism and emotion behind each word in this book. I liked the romance aspect, but I loved seeing Rose picking up the remaining pieces of her life, and learning to move forward. The items in the Survival Kit were so touching, heartfelt and sad; yet I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope for Rose.
And as others have mentioned, the characters in this story are deep, heartfelt, endearing, full of flaws, and far from embodying predictable stereotypes.
I'm glad the book progressed from the morose, heartbreaking, wistful and tragic start to the hopeful and promising ending.
May 16, 2015
Reread: March 2015
I picked this back up randomly because I wanted to see if my rating would change but nope, it's still a 4.5-5 star read for me. I still have the songs from this book in my playlist, and I still cried at the same spots I remember crying at the first time (me and my paper heart). I love the idea of the Survival Kit, and watching Rose navigate her way through her grief from losing her mother with the things she left her.
Still a fab read.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Read: July 2012
I love Rose's character, I love the playlist, I love everything about this book.
I picked this back up randomly because I wanted to see if my rating would change but nope, it's still a 4.5-5 star read for me. I still have the songs from this book in my playlist, and I still cried at the same spots I remember crying at the first time (me and my paper heart). I love the idea of the Survival Kit, and watching Rose navigate her way through her grief from losing her mother with the things she left her.
Still a fab read.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Read: July 2012
I love Rose's character, I love the playlist, I love everything about this book.
March 22, 2012
Rose was always close to her mother. After her mother dies from cancer, she and her family (her father & older brother Jim) must recover from her death. Rose’s mother was infamous for making Survival Kits for the parents of children she taught. These kits contained items to help the parents through their difficulties of missing their children and they were very popular. Rose discovers one of these kits in her closet, containing six items that will allow her to move on from her grief. As she tries to break out of the grief and return to her normal life, she wonders if she can ever love again.
Now, this book came recommended heavily. I figured that since I enjoy contemporary fiction it would be a good read for me. The theme of grief, while important, has been a bit overused in fiction as of late, and the romance (a key part) isn’t my forte. I found myself disliking the book quite a bit even as I liked some parts.
In the end, I feel kind of unsure on what I think.
I’ll start with the good. The characters were all very unique. Where Freitas could have fallen into stereotypes – cheereladers, football boyfriends – she managed to subvert clichés and make them unique, original characters that avoided tropes. However, I felt like most of the characters didn’t get much development. Rose and Will developed, changing as they continued their (very cute) romance. But the other characters seemed static, never changing or developing. I also felt like I didn’t know many of the characters. Rose and Will had personalities and I understood their feelings, families, and histories. But the others – like Rose’s three best friends – never seemed to even really be developed. They were simply there, almost like props, just to move the story along.
For the plot, it was yes, a bit predictable. I expected it to be predictable almost instantly, though I may have been being cynical. But it was sweet, and the romance made me smile. The romance is also very well developed, forming over a long period of time instead of the dreaded “instalove” formula that appears in so many books. There were some things that seemed off, however. The Dad’s sudden change is very predictable and his character seemed to suddenly change after his pivotal event. I felt like the climax of the story was also a little off, as it was all based around one event (the dad’s pivotal moment). However, the story was sweet and it would make a nice fit for romance fans.
The writing was nice, smooth and easy to read. I thought that Freitas’s authors note also added a bit to the story (read: always read the authors notes!). She explained that the Survival Kits actually did exist. Her mother, whose situation parallels some parts of the story (she sadly also died from cancer) created the Survival Kits for her friends and family, and like Rose’s fictional mother, became infamous for her kits. I thought that changed my reading of the book a bit, as I could see it more as an semi-autobiographical novel as well as a sweet romantic read.
One final note: I would absolutely love to get my own Survival Kit someday.
Now, this book came recommended heavily. I figured that since I enjoy contemporary fiction it would be a good read for me. The theme of grief, while important, has been a bit overused in fiction as of late, and the romance (a key part) isn’t my forte. I found myself disliking the book quite a bit even as I liked some parts.
In the end, I feel kind of unsure on what I think.
I’ll start with the good. The characters were all very unique. Where Freitas could have fallen into stereotypes – cheereladers, football boyfriends – she managed to subvert clichés and make them unique, original characters that avoided tropes. However, I felt like most of the characters didn’t get much development. Rose and Will developed, changing as they continued their (very cute) romance. But the other characters seemed static, never changing or developing. I also felt like I didn’t know many of the characters. Rose and Will had personalities and I understood their feelings, families, and histories. But the others – like Rose’s three best friends – never seemed to even really be developed. They were simply there, almost like props, just to move the story along.
For the plot, it was yes, a bit predictable. I expected it to be predictable almost instantly, though I may have been being cynical. But it was sweet, and the romance made me smile. The romance is also very well developed, forming over a long period of time instead of the dreaded “instalove” formula that appears in so many books. There were some things that seemed off, however. The Dad’s sudden change is very predictable and his character seemed to suddenly change after his pivotal event. I felt like the climax of the story was also a little off, as it was all based around one event (the dad’s pivotal moment). However, the story was sweet and it would make a nice fit for romance fans.
The writing was nice, smooth and easy to read. I thought that Freitas’s authors note also added a bit to the story (read: always read the authors notes!). She explained that the Survival Kits actually did exist. Her mother, whose situation parallels some parts of the story (she sadly also died from cancer) created the Survival Kits for her friends and family, and like Rose’s fictional mother, became infamous for her kits. I thought that changed my reading of the book a bit, as I could see it more as an semi-autobiographical novel as well as a sweet romantic read.
One final note: I would absolutely love to get my own Survival Kit someday.
January 4, 2012
Donna Freitas is arguably YA’s best kept secret: her books are released with little fanfare, yet they are all beautifully, subtly written contemporary stories that linger in readers’ emotions for a long time to come. THE SURVIVAL KIT takes on a premise that has become unfortunately conventional in terms of contemporary YA plots, and manages to make it into a heartwarming, memorable, and utterly unique story.
Strangely enough, THE SURVIVAL KIT begins with a slew of clichés: the dead mother, the alcoholic father, the ex-cheerleader protagonist with her quarterback boyfriend and token POC best friend. It wasn’t long, however, before THE SURVIVAL KIT began to set itself apart from other books containing these clichéd elements. There may be cheerleaders and football players in this book, but the characters are not gag-inducing stereotypes: they are truly nice, flawed, well-intentioned…refreshingly normal people.
Rose is grieving, yes, but she’s working to get back to a place where she was once a creative and golden-hearted girl, and is thus not only defined by her grief for her mother. Other characters, too, retain that level of subtlety. Props go to Rose’s quarterback boyfriend and her former cheerleading teammates for not sounding like cardboard characters. Will is appreciably swoony, but THE SURVIVAL KIT’s strength lies in gradual and immersive character development, which puts this book a cut above other YA books about grief.
A successful retelling of an easily clichéd premise and characters that feel truly real combine to make me say: Bravo, Donna Freitas. THE SURVIVAL KIT may not have the flashy synopsis that bestselling lists love, but I hope that word of mouth will help this well-deserving book find a home in the hands of numbers of appreciative readers.
Strangely enough, THE SURVIVAL KIT begins with a slew of clichés: the dead mother, the alcoholic father, the ex-cheerleader protagonist with her quarterback boyfriend and token POC best friend. It wasn’t long, however, before THE SURVIVAL KIT began to set itself apart from other books containing these clichéd elements. There may be cheerleaders and football players in this book, but the characters are not gag-inducing stereotypes: they are truly nice, flawed, well-intentioned…refreshingly normal people.
Rose is grieving, yes, but she’s working to get back to a place where she was once a creative and golden-hearted girl, and is thus not only defined by her grief for her mother. Other characters, too, retain that level of subtlety. Props go to Rose’s quarterback boyfriend and her former cheerleading teammates for not sounding like cardboard characters. Will is appreciably swoony, but THE SURVIVAL KIT’s strength lies in gradual and immersive character development, which puts this book a cut above other YA books about grief.
A successful retelling of an easily clichéd premise and characters that feel truly real combine to make me say: Bravo, Donna Freitas. THE SURVIVAL KIT may not have the flashy synopsis that bestselling lists love, but I hope that word of mouth will help this well-deserving book find a home in the hands of numbers of appreciative readers.
February 24, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up
ALL the feels for this book! I was swooning over the love interest, and I really felt for Rose and all that she went through. I loved her brother and grandmother. I went into this book with fairly average expectations and ended up really loving it. It was well written, and seemed to be a realistic portrayal of grief. I’m glad I picked it up!
ALL the feels for this book! I was swooning over the love interest, and I really felt for Rose and all that she went through. I loved her brother and grandmother. I went into this book with fairly average expectations and ended up really loving it. It was well written, and seemed to be a realistic portrayal of grief. I’m glad I picked it up!
October 3, 2017
It was cute and all but I got bored halfway through and just wanted to get it over with.
May 20, 2017
I'd give it a 4.5 because it was really cute and I needed a sweet and easy read right now. I loved how the titles of chapters were her playlist and how everything connected so flawlessly. It really sent your emotions on a twisting rollercoaster of a ride.
July 11, 2020
Es la segunda vez que leo este libro y me sigue pareciendo hermoso
February 21, 2015
One of the best read so far... Hehe. Habis ngasih rate 1 bintang, dapet buku yang bisa di-rate 5 bulet-bulet itu rasanya... "HUWAAAAAHHH!!!!" Seneng banget.
Ceritanya bittersweet banget. Rose Madison baru kehilangan ibunya karena kanker. Sejak itu, ia menutup diri. Dia berhenti dari cheerleaders, dia nggak bisa lagi denger musik. Dan hal ini membuat dia terancam kehilangan popularitasnya juga, karena pacarnya, pemain football andalah sekolah, Chris, nggak bisa menerima perubahan Rose dan memutuskan dia. Selain itu, di rumah, Rose juga dipaksa menghadapi ayahnya yang jadi pemabuk. Kakak Rose, Jim, kuliah di luar kota, jadi nggak bisa bantu Rose.
Suatu hari, Rose menemukan Survival Kit yang dibuat ibunya sebelum meninggal dunia. Ibu Rose yang seorang guru punya kebiasaan bikin Survival Kit buat orang tua muridnya buat membantu orang tua beradaptasi karena anaknya mulai masuk sekolah. Isi Survival Kit ada Ipod, kalung hati dari kristal, bintang perak, layang-layang, foto bunga peony. Selain itu, ibu Rose juga meninggalkan gaun yang selama ini Rose pengen banget pakai.
Rose lalu meminta tolong tukang kebun keluarga Madison sekaligus senior Rose di sekolah, Will, buat menanam peony. Will ini aneh banget, pendiam dan kayak nggak punya ekspresi. Tapi sejak itu, Rose jadi lebih dekat dengan Will. Apalagi pas Rose tahu kalau Will juga punya masa lalu seperti Rose; ayah Will meninggal dua tahun lalu.
Donna Freitas, menurut gue, berhasil menggambarkan kehilangan Rose tanpa membuat Rose jadi cengeng. Apa yang terjadi sama Rose rasanya wajar banget terjadi. Dan karakter Rose juga bukannya tanpa cela. Sebenarnya beberapa kali gue sebel sama dia yang sepertinya self-centered banget *hehe*. Trus, pas tiba2 cerita jadi manis, gue sempet ngerasa kalo ceritanya too good to be true, kenapa sih si Rose bisa segitu beruntungnya? Tapi pas sampai ke klimaksnya... Oke.. Life is so like that; it can bring you up up in the sky right after you went underground, only to slam you hard again in split second. Mirip2 main saham di Indo lah, kena rumor dikit langsung dah... *mendadak curhat*
Ada saat di mana gue mau nangis pas gue baca buku ini di Transjak. gila ya itu tenggorokan gue udah kayak disumpel pake apaan. Hahahaha...
Sebenernya, ada juga adegan2 yang terasa "film anak sekolahan banget sih!" alias pasaran, tapi kalo nggak gitu ya gak asyik juga sih. Hahaha.. Iya, bikin adegan pasaran nggak apa-apa kok, asal masih nyambung sama keseluruhan cerita.
Please dong terjemahin... Penerbit mana aja dehhh... Ini buku bagus bangeeeddhh....
Ceritanya bittersweet banget. Rose Madison baru kehilangan ibunya karena kanker. Sejak itu, ia menutup diri. Dia berhenti dari cheerleaders, dia nggak bisa lagi denger musik. Dan hal ini membuat dia terancam kehilangan popularitasnya juga, karena pacarnya, pemain football andalah sekolah, Chris, nggak bisa menerima perubahan Rose dan memutuskan dia. Selain itu, di rumah, Rose juga dipaksa menghadapi ayahnya yang jadi pemabuk. Kakak Rose, Jim, kuliah di luar kota, jadi nggak bisa bantu Rose.
Suatu hari, Rose menemukan Survival Kit yang dibuat ibunya sebelum meninggal dunia. Ibu Rose yang seorang guru punya kebiasaan bikin Survival Kit buat orang tua muridnya buat membantu orang tua beradaptasi karena anaknya mulai masuk sekolah. Isi Survival Kit ada Ipod, kalung hati dari kristal, bintang perak, layang-layang, foto bunga peony. Selain itu, ibu Rose juga meninggalkan gaun yang selama ini Rose pengen banget pakai.
Rose lalu meminta tolong tukang kebun keluarga Madison sekaligus senior Rose di sekolah, Will, buat menanam peony. Will ini aneh banget, pendiam dan kayak nggak punya ekspresi. Tapi sejak itu, Rose jadi lebih dekat dengan Will. Apalagi pas Rose tahu kalau Will juga punya masa lalu seperti Rose; ayah Will meninggal dua tahun lalu.
Donna Freitas, menurut gue, berhasil menggambarkan kehilangan Rose tanpa membuat Rose jadi cengeng. Apa yang terjadi sama Rose rasanya wajar banget terjadi. Dan karakter Rose juga bukannya tanpa cela. Sebenarnya beberapa kali gue sebel sama dia yang sepertinya self-centered banget *hehe*. Trus, pas tiba2 cerita jadi manis, gue sempet ngerasa kalo ceritanya too good to be true, kenapa sih si Rose bisa segitu beruntungnya? Tapi pas sampai ke klimaksnya... Oke.. Life is so like that; it can bring you up up in the sky right after you went underground, only to slam you hard again in split second. Mirip2 main saham di Indo lah, kena rumor dikit langsung dah... *mendadak curhat*
Ada saat di mana gue mau nangis pas gue baca buku ini di Transjak. gila ya itu tenggorokan gue udah kayak disumpel pake apaan. Hahahaha...
Sebenernya, ada juga adegan2 yang terasa "film anak sekolahan banget sih!" alias pasaran, tapi kalo nggak gitu ya gak asyik juga sih. Hahaha.. Iya, bikin adegan pasaran nggak apa-apa kok, asal masih nyambung sama keseluruhan cerita.
Please dong terjemahin... Penerbit mana aja dehhh... Ini buku bagus bangeeeddhh....
August 25, 2011
I received this book as a First Reads Giveaway.
If there was a half star option, I might have given this 4 1/2 stars, but there isn't and I honestly couldn't put this one down.
The story follows Rose, a sixteen year old girl, as she struggles to come to terms with her mother's death. The different family members and those around them use different techniques to deal with their grief, and overall I found it to be quite realistic. The romance in the novel is measured in pace while still reflecting the overwhelming nature of love from the teenage point of view. I also particularly enjoyed the ways in which the survival kits appeared throughout, a pay-it-forward gesture in various ways.
This teen book lacks the bickering and bullying that appears in most contemporary realistic high school fiction. Perhaps this is because Rose's world is preoccupied and drama would have taken away from the story. Perhaps it is because as a former cheerleader, she is part of the 'elite' group- either way, it was refreshing to read about supportive friends instead, suggesting that perhaps teenagers are capable of empathy instead of only negativity. Although many of the friends are relatively flat characters, they are caring while still portraying the priorities of students of that age.
The ending is not so much "happily ever after" as "life goes on." Still, if the events veered toward too good to be true, who could begrudge the characters that after what they had been through.
If there was a half star option, I might have given this 4 1/2 stars, but there isn't and I honestly couldn't put this one down.
The story follows Rose, a sixteen year old girl, as she struggles to come to terms with her mother's death. The different family members and those around them use different techniques to deal with their grief, and overall I found it to be quite realistic. The romance in the novel is measured in pace while still reflecting the overwhelming nature of love from the teenage point of view. I also particularly enjoyed the ways in which the survival kits appeared throughout, a pay-it-forward gesture in various ways.
This teen book lacks the bickering and bullying that appears in most contemporary realistic high school fiction. Perhaps this is because Rose's world is preoccupied and drama would have taken away from the story. Perhaps it is because as a former cheerleader, she is part of the 'elite' group- either way, it was refreshing to read about supportive friends instead, suggesting that perhaps teenagers are capable of empathy instead of only negativity. Although many of the friends are relatively flat characters, they are caring while still portraying the priorities of students of that age.
The ending is not so much "happily ever after" as "life goes on." Still, if the events veered toward too good to be true, who could begrudge the characters that after what they had been through.
March 9, 2012
As good as all the reviews claim.
Rose’s mother died on June fourth. After the funeral she discovers one of her mother’s infamous Survival Kits made especially for her. Her mom was a preschool teacher and dealt with sad parents at the start of every school year. The kits were a family project every August so that all of her new parents would have something to help them let go of their little ones. Rose discovers a hodgepodge of items in her bag and sets out to accomplish what her mother intended, whatever it is, however long it takes. She quit cheerleading, never sets foot in the football stadium and so never sees her boyfriend’s games, and has stopped talking to a lot of her friends. Life after her mother’s death is a lot emptier so she has the time. That is, when she’s not taking care of her devastated and usually drunk father.
The book takes its time with Rose. The way months passed and her grieving progressed felt genuine. She hit mini milestones and experienced setbacks. What happened with her father was devastating and incredibly frustrating at the same time. I loved the relationship she had with best friend Krupa (although I usually prefer for The Friend in books to be more three dimensional than their label). I appreciated the character of both Will and Chris. I cared about these people and was sad, but the book was always hopeful and moving forward. It was cathartic and reassuring. Glad I read it.
Rose’s mother died on June fourth. After the funeral she discovers one of her mother’s infamous Survival Kits made especially for her. Her mom was a preschool teacher and dealt with sad parents at the start of every school year. The kits were a family project every August so that all of her new parents would have something to help them let go of their little ones. Rose discovers a hodgepodge of items in her bag and sets out to accomplish what her mother intended, whatever it is, however long it takes. She quit cheerleading, never sets foot in the football stadium and so never sees her boyfriend’s games, and has stopped talking to a lot of her friends. Life after her mother’s death is a lot emptier so she has the time. That is, when she’s not taking care of her devastated and usually drunk father.
The book takes its time with Rose. The way months passed and her grieving progressed felt genuine. She hit mini milestones and experienced setbacks. What happened with her father was devastating and incredibly frustrating at the same time. I loved the relationship she had with best friend Krupa (although I usually prefer for The Friend in books to be more three dimensional than their label). I appreciated the character of both Will and Chris. I cared about these people and was sad, but the book was always hopeful and moving forward. It was cathartic and reassuring. Glad I read it.
March 27, 2012
Just a short few sentences on why I didn't like this...
I read to page 119 and gave up. There was nothing really wrong with the story... I just found it boring and hard to get into. Rose's mom is already dead at the start and the snippets that we read about her are too far apart to spark any feelings. (in the beginning, at least)
The rest of the characters were a little flat too. There's Rose, the grieving girl, Dad, the depressed guy, Krupa, the faithful sidekick, Will, the hidden depths guy, and Chris, the footballer who actually isn't a bad person.
All good people... but that's it. In the 119 pages I read, there was no conflict because everyone is a Good Person Who's Grieving/Helping The Bereaved.
1/3 of the way through the book, Rose uses the first item in the survival kit... I'm just not that patient. It's not terrible; I just expected a more engaging story. The Survival Kit read more like an account of an average girl's life after a death and while that's fine for most people (look how great the reviews are!) I like my "realistic" YA novels with a sprinkle of "this /probably/ wouldn't happen."
I read to page 119 and gave up. There was nothing really wrong with the story... I just found it boring and hard to get into. Rose's mom is already dead at the start and the snippets that we read about her are too far apart to spark any feelings. (in the beginning, at least)
The rest of the characters were a little flat too. There's Rose, the grieving girl, Dad, the depressed guy, Krupa, the faithful sidekick, Will, the hidden depths guy, and Chris, the footballer who actually isn't a bad person.
All good people... but that's it. In the 119 pages I read, there was no conflict because everyone is a Good Person Who's Grieving/Helping The Bereaved.
1/3 of the way through the book, Rose uses the first item in the survival kit... I'm just not that patient. It's not terrible; I just expected a more engaging story. The Survival Kit read more like an account of an average girl's life after a death and while that's fine for most people (look how great the reviews are!) I like my "realistic" YA novels with a sprinkle of "this /probably/ wouldn't happen."
February 9, 2012
Oh my God! This book is so... I'm not sure how to describe my feelings right now. I finished it yesterday and I'm still speechless. Ms. Freitas writing was so beautiful and this book had my crying several times. It felt like it was my own part of a Survival Kit.
I loved, loved Rose. She was so sweet and I could defintely see why she was so lost and "empty". She was also so caring and was there for her brother and father. Even though I loved Chris, I felt like he was like a rock, weighing her down. I was so happy when she started spending time with Will. It felt like they clicked together from the second she opened her mouth and started talking to him. Will was so wonderful! I loved everything about him.
This book is so sweet and I adored every single word from it. Ms. Freitas is a very talented author and I can't wait to see where she's going to stand next! The Survival Kit should definitely be apart of your Survival Kit.
Book Angel
I loved, loved Rose. She was so sweet and I could defintely see why she was so lost and "empty". She was also so caring and was there for her brother and father. Even though I loved Chris, I felt like he was like a rock, weighing her down. I was so happy when she started spending time with Will. It felt like they clicked together from the second she opened her mouth and started talking to him. Will was so wonderful! I loved everything about him.
This book is so sweet and I adored every single word from it. Ms. Freitas is a very talented author and I can't wait to see where she's going to stand next! The Survival Kit should definitely be apart of your Survival Kit.
Book Angel
March 4, 2012
Wow. Just wow. I feel like there are plenty reviews full of the synopsis. So I'm just going to share my honest opinion about this book. This woman really knows how to write. I could NOT be pulled away from the story. I loved Rose and Will and all her friends and family. The right characters were tangible, and the right ones were just out of reach. It was amazing how the author was able to bring the emotions alive SO wonderfully. I giggled and blushed with Rose, and then I cried my eyes out for Rose during practically every flashback.
The one complaint I have with this book is only because of what I believe in. I do believe that after someone dies, they are not gone forever and we will see them again one day. Rose did not believe this, so that threw my mind off the storyline. But that's just me!
Loved it so much. I have a song for every memory, so I can say I really connected. I'm listening through the playlist provided right now and it brings the book alive even more!
The one complaint I have with this book is only because of what I believe in. I do believe that after someone dies, they are not gone forever and we will see them again one day. Rose did not believe this, so that threw my mind off the storyline. But that's just me!
Loved it so much. I have a song for every memory, so I can say I really connected. I'm listening through the playlist provided right now and it brings the book alive even more!
November 4, 2015
Three and one half stars. Mild spoiler alert: I loved the concept of the creative "survival kits" and I'm sorry Jim's wasn't more integrated into the story. The characters are relatable and sympathetic, especially hockey star Will. My only quibble is that I think even a seven year old would have understood why Will couldn't go to the hospital with Rose near the end. It's impossible for me to believe that Rose didn't.
This book is partly about the power of music to heal and support the listener. But in an understated way, it is also a tribute to friendship. Although Rose gives her friends every reason to give up on her, they don't, especially Krupa (who else would like to know more about Krupa?), unlike friends in most books where the protagonist is alienated from her friends and companions. And they are cheerleaders! (Look at The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West for an example of friendships gone disastrously wrong).
This book is partly about the power of music to heal and support the listener. But in an understated way, it is also a tribute to friendship. Although Rose gives her friends every reason to give up on her, they don't, especially Krupa (who else would like to know more about Krupa?), unlike friends in most books where the protagonist is alienated from her friends and companions. And they are cheerleaders! (Look at The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West for an example of friendships gone disastrously wrong).
October 14, 2012
After finishing The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas, I had to immediately let my contemporary loving friends know how great it is. I practically burst into song with praises for The Survival Kit. You see, on first glass at the description, a reader might thing blah, joust another grief book, but I’m here to say with ALL my wisdom – don’t dismiss The Survival Kit. Donna Freitas’s style is similar to Sarah Dessen and honestly The Survival Kit is such a tender book, I loved it.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
May 2, 2012
I loved the pacing of this novel. Freitas revealed just enough to keep me satisfied while wanting more. I found myself thinking about this book every time I put it down--it has such depth. Rose's emotional strength amid the crises in her life was incredibly admirable. I didn't want to finish reading because I was so attached to her! By the end, I was already planning my own survival kits. This is a great, great novel. I would recommend it to all readers. Sarah Dessen lovers will enjoy it, but boys would appreciate it, as well.
August 4, 2022
Das Buch kann man gut lesen, obwohl es dick ist gibt es wegen der großen Schrift ein gutes Lesegefühl.
Die Story war nett und hat einen durch visuelles Beschreiben teils sehr gefesselt, allerdings hat der Fokus etwas gefehlt.
Vieles wurde angeschnitten, aber nicht vertieft (Vergangenheit, Trauer um den Tod der Mutter, Freundschaften, Familienprobleme). Charaktere wie die engsten Freundinnen wurden nicht richtig herausgearbeitet. Die Trauer wird immer wieder angesprochen, allerdings nur oberflächlich und nicht in der Tiefe beschrieben. Andererseits wechselt der Fokus dann zu ihrem Liebesleben.
Teilweise war die Story auch etwas unglaubwürdig. Klar ist es verständlich, dass sie sich von Will besser verstanden fühlt, allerdings direkt wieder bereit für etwas Neues zu sein, scheint für mich unrealistisch. Gerade weil es beides die Top-Spieler von Sportmannschaften sind, die jedes Mädchen haben will, welche aber nur Augen für sie haben. In dem Bezug wurden andere Mädchen, die Interesse an Will hatten, als gehässig dargestellt, was das Klischee bedient, dass Frauen sich gegenseitig anfeinden, da sie einen Mann begehren (aus meiner Sicht unnötig). Dadurch, dass diese Liebesgeschichte sich allerdings langsam aufgebaut hat und es erst relativ spät körperliche Nähe gab, finde ich die Entwicklung ihrer Beziehung zu verteidigen.
Generell scheint sie viel im Haushalt helfen zu müssen etc., dafür dass sie so viel zu verarbeiten hatte, schien es unrealistisch, dass sie es so gut weggesteckt hat und kaum Gespräche darüber geführt hat. Auch dass sie ihren Bruder im Bezug auf ihrem Vater im Stich lässt, welcher vorher immer angeboten hat zu ihr zu fahren und ihr zu helfen, also für sie da sein wollte, erschien in meinen Augen nicht fair und machte sie eher unsympathisch.
Um auf das Survival Kit zu sprechen zu kommen. Ich empfand es zwar als eine schöne Idee als Leitmotiv durch den Roman zu leiten, es war für mich allerdings zu aufgesetzt und hat mich daran erinnert, dass es sich hierbei um eine fiktive Handlung handelt. Gleiches gilt für die Songs. Es fühlt sich etwas zwanghaft an.
Trotz allem hat mir der Roman insgesamt gefallen, er war einfach zu lesen und ich bereue es nicht ihn gelesen zu haben. Zwar hatte er wenig Tiefe und hat wenig Emotionen geweckt (was die Liebesgeschichte angeht schon eher als im Bezug auf die Trauer), war in sofern aber angenehm zu lesen und hat einen nicht anschließend belastet oder mitgenommen.
(Alles eine subjektive Meinung) :)
Die Story war nett und hat einen durch visuelles Beschreiben teils sehr gefesselt, allerdings hat der Fokus etwas gefehlt.
Vieles wurde angeschnitten, aber nicht vertieft (Vergangenheit, Trauer um den Tod der Mutter, Freundschaften, Familienprobleme). Charaktere wie die engsten Freundinnen wurden nicht richtig herausgearbeitet. Die Trauer wird immer wieder angesprochen, allerdings nur oberflächlich und nicht in der Tiefe beschrieben. Andererseits wechselt der Fokus dann zu ihrem Liebesleben.
Teilweise war die Story auch etwas unglaubwürdig. Klar ist es verständlich, dass sie sich von Will besser verstanden fühlt, allerdings direkt wieder bereit für etwas Neues zu sein, scheint für mich unrealistisch. Gerade weil es beides die Top-Spieler von Sportmannschaften sind, die jedes Mädchen haben will, welche aber nur Augen für sie haben. In dem Bezug wurden andere Mädchen, die Interesse an Will hatten, als gehässig dargestellt, was das Klischee bedient, dass Frauen sich gegenseitig anfeinden, da sie einen Mann begehren (aus meiner Sicht unnötig). Dadurch, dass diese Liebesgeschichte sich allerdings langsam aufgebaut hat und es erst relativ spät körperliche Nähe gab, finde ich die Entwicklung ihrer Beziehung zu verteidigen.
Generell scheint sie viel im Haushalt helfen zu müssen etc., dafür dass sie so viel zu verarbeiten hatte, schien es unrealistisch, dass sie es so gut weggesteckt hat und kaum Gespräche darüber geführt hat. Auch dass sie ihren Bruder im Bezug auf ihrem Vater im Stich lässt, welcher vorher immer angeboten hat zu ihr zu fahren und ihr zu helfen, also für sie da sein wollte, erschien in meinen Augen nicht fair und machte sie eher unsympathisch.
Um auf das Survival Kit zu sprechen zu kommen. Ich empfand es zwar als eine schöne Idee als Leitmotiv durch den Roman zu leiten, es war für mich allerdings zu aufgesetzt und hat mich daran erinnert, dass es sich hierbei um eine fiktive Handlung handelt. Gleiches gilt für die Songs. Es fühlt sich etwas zwanghaft an.
Trotz allem hat mir der Roman insgesamt gefallen, er war einfach zu lesen und ich bereue es nicht ihn gelesen zu haben. Zwar hatte er wenig Tiefe und hat wenig Emotionen geweckt (was die Liebesgeschichte angeht schon eher als im Bezug auf die Trauer), war in sofern aber angenehm zu lesen und hat einen nicht anschließend belastet oder mitgenommen.
(Alles eine subjektive Meinung) :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
Am so ziemlich schlimmsten Tag ihres Lebens, der Beerdigung ihrer Mutter, findet Rose ein letztes Geschenk von ihr. Ein Survival Kit. Eine Tüte mit vielen verschiedenen kleinen Dingen, die ihr helfen sollen nach ihrem Verlust zurück ins Leben zu finden. Ein neues, anderes Leben ohne ihre Mutter, aber dennoch ein lebenswertes Leben. Zögernd begibt sich Rose auf diese Reise und stellt fest, dass jeder Gegenstand sie irgendwie zu Will führt, einem Jungen aus ihrer Schule, der ihr bislang gar nicht so aufgefallen ist. Langsam kommen sie sich näher und merken, dass sie einiges gemeinsam haben. Stück für Stück findet sie zurück ins Leben.
Man könnte meinen, man hat es hier mit einer typischen Highschool Geschichte zu tun, aber dem ist nicht so. Die Autorin schafft es aus einem traurigen Thema eine wundervolle Geschichte zu machen. Ich habe das Buch innerhalb von Stunden verschlungen. Rose Entwicklung im ersten Jahr nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter ist beeindruckend. Sie hat in der Geschichte nicht nur den Tod verarbeitet, sondern ist auch erwachsen geworden und hat zu sich selbst gefunden. Anfangs war sie die Cheerleaderin die im Schatten ihres Freundes, dem Footballstar der Schule, steht. Zum Schluss ist sie eine selbstbewusste junge Frau, die weiß, was sie möchte. Der Schreibstil ist gut zu lesen, die Kapitel sind kurz und beginnen alle mit einem Songtitel. Was es damit auf sich hat, erfährt man während des Lesens.
Eine einfühlsame Geschichte, die ich sehr gerne gelesen habe.
Man könnte meinen, man hat es hier mit einer typischen Highschool Geschichte zu tun, aber dem ist nicht so. Die Autorin schafft es aus einem traurigen Thema eine wundervolle Geschichte zu machen. Ich habe das Buch innerhalb von Stunden verschlungen. Rose Entwicklung im ersten Jahr nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter ist beeindruckend. Sie hat in der Geschichte nicht nur den Tod verarbeitet, sondern ist auch erwachsen geworden und hat zu sich selbst gefunden. Anfangs war sie die Cheerleaderin die im Schatten ihres Freundes, dem Footballstar der Schule, steht. Zum Schluss ist sie eine selbstbewusste junge Frau, die weiß, was sie möchte. Der Schreibstil ist gut zu lesen, die Kapitel sind kurz und beginnen alle mit einem Songtitel. Was es damit auf sich hat, erfährt man während des Lesens.
Eine einfühlsame Geschichte, die ich sehr gerne gelesen habe.
August 2, 2024
5-stars is a lofty review, I get that. This is a YA novel, so that is taken into consideration in the style of prose, which is good, but not earth shattering.
What sets this book apart, for me, is how real it feels. It deals with a teenage girl’s grief (not a spoiler, it’s in the very 1st chapter) over the death of her mother from cancer. It tackles the depths of her despair and the way her mother’s death has dismantled her life and family.
It is heart wrenching and a bit like a gut punch, but in a good cathartic way. I truly think this book would be helpful to anyone dealing with grief and working through that process, during or even after the fact. It normalizes that everyone’s grieving is personal and different, and that there is no proper timeline to heal. It had me in tears within the first four chapters and multiple times throughout.
As an adult reading this book, there are parts that feel nostalgic and make you laugh and smile and cry and hopeful.
This is definitely going on my high school classroom library shelf. The themes of this book are ever enduring, love, loss, grief, friendship, and hope.
Trigger warnings in the book:
Cancer, death, alcoholism
What sets this book apart, for me, is how real it feels. It deals with a teenage girl’s grief (not a spoiler, it’s in the very 1st chapter) over the death of her mother from cancer. It tackles the depths of her despair and the way her mother’s death has dismantled her life and family.
It is heart wrenching and a bit like a gut punch, but in a good cathartic way. I truly think this book would be helpful to anyone dealing with grief and working through that process, during or even after the fact. It normalizes that everyone’s grieving is personal and different, and that there is no proper timeline to heal. It had me in tears within the first four chapters and multiple times throughout.
As an adult reading this book, there are parts that feel nostalgic and make you laugh and smile and cry and hopeful.
This is definitely going on my high school classroom library shelf. The themes of this book are ever enduring, love, loss, grief, friendship, and hope.
Trigger warnings in the book:
Cancer, death, alcoholism
Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews