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Counting Backwards
Three weeks ago I tried to run away from home. Now all I want is to go back.
When troubled Taylor Truwell is caught with a stolen car and lands in court for resisting arrest, her father convinces the judge of an alternative to punishment: treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. Sunny Meadows is anything but the easy way out, and Taylor has to fight hard just to hold on to her sanity as she battles her parents, her therapist, and vicious fellow patients. But even as Taylor struggles to hold on to her stubborn former self, she finds herself relenting as she lets in two unlikely friends--Margo, a former child star and arsonist, and AJ, a mysterious boy who doesn’t speak. In this striking debut, Laura Lascarso weaves together a powerful story of anger and self-destruction, hope and love.
When troubled Taylor Truwell is caught with a stolen car and lands in court for resisting arrest, her father convinces the judge of an alternative to punishment: treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. Sunny Meadows is anything but the easy way out, and Taylor has to fight hard just to hold on to her sanity as she battles her parents, her therapist, and vicious fellow patients. But even as Taylor struggles to hold on to her stubborn former self, she finds herself relenting as she lets in two unlikely friends--Margo, a former child star and arsonist, and AJ, a mysterious boy who doesn’t speak. In this striking debut, Laura Lascarso weaves together a powerful story of anger and self-destruction, hope and love.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2012
8 people are currently reading
3478 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lascarso
30 books499 followersMM+ AUTHOR | Romance so good it hurts
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 16, 2013
It is important, especially after the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, to take a careful look at the way mental illness is portrayed in popular media and literature. There is a stigma attached to mental illness and shrinks are almost always accompanied by an eye roll and a moue of disbelief in their capability to help. I found Counting Backwards to be really refreshing in its approach to mental illness or, if not illness, a disorder perhaps. An inability to work through your emotions and deal with what life gives you. Taylor is fifteen and her life is a wreck around her. After being caught stealing a car, she, at the behest of her father, is sent to what adds up to a mental asylum. A place for mentally disturbed teens. She swears up and down that she’s okay, she’s not crazy, there’s nothing wrong with her and as the reader follows along, she almost convinces everyone that it is the circumstances and not her that need changing.
Usually in books where the protagonist ends up in a mental asylum, hearing voices etc, there are almost always supernatural entities involved. In this case, there aren’t vampires, fairies or anything of that sort. Just one very angry little girl who thinks the world is against her. Taylor doesn’t make the right choices, she refuses to seek the help she won’t admit she needs and she thinks her five hundred dollars is a lot of money as she schemes to run away. She trusts only one person and when he betrays her, she breaks down.
I like how internal the novel is. How Taylor almost unwillingly concedes to getting help. My heart broke with her as she makes decisions no child ought to have to make. Counting Backwards portrays receiving help for mental illness or whatever you want to call it, in a positive light and that is a step in the right direction. Lascarso’s characters are all complicated and there are no easy ways out or glossing over terrible incidents. I think the message at the end is a positive one, though not especially didactic in tone or portrayal, and as I said earlier, I think it is time mental illness was given the gravitas it deserves. We cannot afford not to think about it anymore. As for the book, it’s one of those quiet reads that slip into your mind and stay there, making you think beyond the story and into the implications of what was left implicit. Strongly recommended.
Usually in books where the protagonist ends up in a mental asylum, hearing voices etc, there are almost always supernatural entities involved. In this case, there aren’t vampires, fairies or anything of that sort. Just one very angry little girl who thinks the world is against her. Taylor doesn’t make the right choices, she refuses to seek the help she won’t admit she needs and she thinks her five hundred dollars is a lot of money as she schemes to run away. She trusts only one person and when he betrays her, she breaks down.
I like how internal the novel is. How Taylor almost unwillingly concedes to getting help. My heart broke with her as she makes decisions no child ought to have to make. Counting Backwards portrays receiving help for mental illness or whatever you want to call it, in a positive light and that is a step in the right direction. Lascarso’s characters are all complicated and there are no easy ways out or glossing over terrible incidents. I think the message at the end is a positive one, though not especially didactic in tone or portrayal, and as I said earlier, I think it is time mental illness was given the gravitas it deserves. We cannot afford not to think about it anymore. As for the book, it’s one of those quiet reads that slip into your mind and stay there, making you think beyond the story and into the implications of what was left implicit. Strongly recommended.
September 17, 2012
The somber cover, the serious summary, even the title that conjures up hints of some ambiguous psychiatric disorder, all the signs point to Counting Backyards being a serious look at one girl’s stint in rehab. And it is, but don’t think for a second this is some depressing book that has its characters spewing a lifetime of regrets, failures, and issues in group therapy, Laura Lascarso’s debut is actually a surprisingly quirky and sometimes more than a little silly look at how to survive a behavioral treatment program.
I will say, though, that I probably like this book for mostly wrong reasons. Taylor Truwell isn’t like any other teen with an alcoholic mother I’ve ever read - she’s as scarred as the rest of them, but she’s not in denial, she’s a realist. That’s what lands her at the inartfully named Sunny Meadows “Therapeutic Boarding School” in the first place - she steals a car from her mother’s drunk one night stand so she can get away from it all. So while the book touches on her mommy issues, her resentment at being forced into rehab, and her own troubled past, that’s not the initial focus of the plot. Rather, I loved Taylor’s single minded determination to break out, reading as she deviously devises ever more clever means of escape, putting the little pieces she’s gathered into one overarching plot. And when her big break finally comes, as weeks of pent up anticipation finally becomes reality, I was laughing along with her as she gleefully puts her escape plan into action, following her step by step plan to freedom. What a ride.
Obviously, she doesn’t get very far. Oh well. But that’s another thing I like about Counting Backwards, Lascarso could’ve stretched out a lot of fairly predictable things and milked them for all they’re worth, but she doesn’t. Like Taylor's escape fiasco, it takes less than half the book. Or her initial foes at Sunny Meadows, a group of mean girls called the Latina Queens, they get a couple of chapters to predictably antagonize Taylor, but then Lascarso moves on and shakes up the story, putting Taylor and her tormentors in a different direction. Even AJ, it's really obvious he and Taylor's mysterious insider contact at Sunny Meadows are one and the same, and Lascarso doesn't take her time to confirm it, that confirmation comes quickly enough and the story moves on.
Rather than banking on these predictable elements of rehab, Taylor’s story is different and quite entertaining. She’s supported by her quirky peer mentor Margo, who’s both a supportive friend and a cheerful presence, along with the rest of the inmates at Sunny Meadows, all with their own, unique, memorable problems. I’m not surprised Taylor learns something from her whole experience, and even though much of the drama following her failed escape attempt is the result of her own stubborn and disappointing choices, her transition from messed up to rehabilitated doesn’t feel forced for the sake of ending the story, her flaws are played out in a believable way. My big disappointment, besides the slower pace and self inflicted drama of the second half, actually is her father’s characterization, Taylor blames him for abandoning her and her mother, but as feel good endings go, I don’t think those problems are entirely developed, explained, and resolved despite the best efforts of her therapist, Dr. Deb.
As rehab stories go, I could definitely do a lot worse. Sure, Counting Backwards stars one messed up girl who does some very stupid things during the course of the story, but still, she was very entertaining. And it mostly works out in the end.
I will say, though, that I probably like this book for mostly wrong reasons. Taylor Truwell isn’t like any other teen with an alcoholic mother I’ve ever read - she’s as scarred as the rest of them, but she’s not in denial, she’s a realist. That’s what lands her at the inartfully named Sunny Meadows “Therapeutic Boarding School” in the first place - she steals a car from her mother’s drunk one night stand so she can get away from it all. So while the book touches on her mommy issues, her resentment at being forced into rehab, and her own troubled past, that’s not the initial focus of the plot. Rather, I loved Taylor’s single minded determination to break out, reading as she deviously devises ever more clever means of escape, putting the little pieces she’s gathered into one overarching plot. And when her big break finally comes, as weeks of pent up anticipation finally becomes reality, I was laughing along with her as she gleefully puts her escape plan into action, following her step by step plan to freedom. What a ride.
Obviously, she doesn’t get very far. Oh well. But that’s another thing I like about Counting Backwards, Lascarso could’ve stretched out a lot of fairly predictable things and milked them for all they’re worth, but she doesn’t. Like Taylor's escape fiasco, it takes less than half the book. Or her initial foes at Sunny Meadows, a group of mean girls called the Latina Queens, they get a couple of chapters to predictably antagonize Taylor, but then Lascarso moves on and shakes up the story, putting Taylor and her tormentors in a different direction. Even AJ, it's really obvious he and Taylor's mysterious insider contact at Sunny Meadows are one and the same, and Lascarso doesn't take her time to confirm it, that confirmation comes quickly enough and the story moves on.
Rather than banking on these predictable elements of rehab, Taylor’s story is different and quite entertaining. She’s supported by her quirky peer mentor Margo, who’s both a supportive friend and a cheerful presence, along with the rest of the inmates at Sunny Meadows, all with their own, unique, memorable problems. I’m not surprised Taylor learns something from her whole experience, and even though much of the drama following her failed escape attempt is the result of her own stubborn and disappointing choices, her transition from messed up to rehabilitated doesn’t feel forced for the sake of ending the story, her flaws are played out in a believable way. My big disappointment, besides the slower pace and self inflicted drama of the second half, actually is her father’s characterization, Taylor blames him for abandoning her and her mother, but as feel good endings go, I don’t think those problems are entirely developed, explained, and resolved despite the best efforts of her therapist, Dr. Deb.
As rehab stories go, I could definitely do a lot worse. Sure, Counting Backwards stars one messed up girl who does some very stupid things during the course of the story, but still, she was very entertaining. And it mostly works out in the end.
November 21, 2021
This was an amazing book. A realistic fiction.
It showed our main character, Taylor, with a tragic life.The book highlights the importance of parenting and how bad parents can destroy your life. Taylor miserably suffered because of her parents. Thus, it lead to her committing a crime. Eventually she ends up in psychiatric facility where she faces problems too. She's not ready to change herself and her attitude. The story continues to show her struggle to get out but then being betrayed.
I always felt that usually in such books that I've read the therapist is unable to help and is just there for the sake of being there. Somehow when the MC ends up a wreck, a girl/boy takes them out of their misery with their "love". However, this book was a pleasant experience for me as it showed how the therapist was able to help Taylor. It showed Taylor's amazing progress to get better and deal with life and her flaws.
It showed our main character, Taylor, with a tragic life.The book highlights the importance of parenting and how bad parents can destroy your life. Taylor miserably suffered because of her parents. Thus, it lead to her committing a crime. Eventually she ends up in psychiatric facility where she faces problems too. She's not ready to change herself and her attitude. The story continues to show her struggle to get out but then being betrayed.
I always felt that usually in such books that I've read the therapist is unable to help and is just there for the sake of being there. Somehow when the MC ends up a wreck, a girl/boy takes them out of their misery with their "love". However, this book was a pleasant experience for me as it showed how the therapist was able to help Taylor. It showed Taylor's amazing progress to get better and deal with life and her flaws.
March 13, 2016
Grade: C-
One Word Description: Unremarkable.
After stealing a car, Taylor is sent to a juvenile therapeutic facility. She's angry, wearing her bad attitude on her forehead, intent on running the first change she gets.
Pained by her mother's alcoholism and father's coldness, Taylor is a difficult protagonist to embrace. She has almost no regard for her teachers, peers and parents. Lying comes easier than telling the truth. She wants what she wants and doesn't consider the impact of her behavior on those she considers friends.
Laura Lascarso used the clichéd script: MC with bad attitude enters hospital/treatment/therapy determined not to cooperate because s/he doesn't need help. Her depiction of the facility included a lot of creative liberties that could have been avoided with some research. For instance: patients participate in team meetings and are aware of their goals and objectives from the get go.
Lascarso's use of voice in Taylor's narration was the strongest quality of COUNTING BACKWARDS. I enjoyed the minor characters, although most were one dimensional.
THEMES: alcoholism, mental health, anxiety, friendship, light romance, family, parents
One Word Description: Unremarkable.
After stealing a car, Taylor is sent to a juvenile therapeutic facility. She's angry, wearing her bad attitude on her forehead, intent on running the first change she gets.
Pained by her mother's alcoholism and father's coldness, Taylor is a difficult protagonist to embrace. She has almost no regard for her teachers, peers and parents. Lying comes easier than telling the truth. She wants what she wants and doesn't consider the impact of her behavior on those she considers friends.
Laura Lascarso used the clichéd script: MC with bad attitude enters hospital/treatment/therapy determined not to cooperate because s/he doesn't need help. Her depiction of the facility included a lot of creative liberties that could have been avoided with some research. For instance: patients participate in team meetings and are aware of their goals and objectives from the get go.
Lascarso's use of voice in Taylor's narration was the strongest quality of COUNTING BACKWARDS. I enjoyed the minor characters, although most were one dimensional.
THEMES: alcoholism, mental health, anxiety, friendship, light romance, family, parents
August 13, 2012
I am POWERFUL, I am STRONG, I am in CONTROL.
Counting backwards tells the story of a misunderstood sixteen year old named Taylor Truewell, who is mistaken as a 'Troubled Teen.' Her mother is a drunk and a disconnected father who is the main reason why she was sent to Sunny Meadows after Taylor has runaway from home in a stolen car. Sunny Meadows is a maximum security facility where patience receive intensive psychiatric care and Taylor soon discovers it is not what it seems and is determined to find her way out. Read an inspiring story about a teenage girl finding herself and staying true to herself in the process of others trying to change her.
Main Character:Taylor Truewell I really liked Taylor's character and was glad that she was a well rounded character that I could connect to her emotionally and it really sucked me into the whole story.
Lover Boy: A.J I thought his character was okay and sweet. I kind of wish I knew more about him, I felt like his story was kind of rushed and forgotten. A.J was there for a reason after all because he did fit perfectly well with Taylor and really help her to keep her sanity at Sunny Meadows.
Favorite Character: Margo I LOVED THIS GIRLLLLL!!! She had me laugh mainly all through the book. She was so hilarious and really brought the story to life. I was said to see her leave the the story :( But YES I would definitely read a spin off series about Margo and her many adventures after Sunny Meadows!
Plot: Good. Nothing out of the ordinary, but the story was still nice and refreshing to read. What ever message Laura Lascarso was trying to put out there was executed perfectly!
LOL Moments: The Latina Queens, they were so ridiculous!!! The way Margo explained them really made me laugh. The Latina Queens really had it out for Taylor when she arrived at Sunny Meadows and you get to see what mischief they get into to make Taylor's life a living hell. But don't take Taylor as a weak king because she does fight back :)
Overall: I think you should read this book!!! It's a quick read that will move you in so many ways. This was a great debut from Laura Lascarso and can't wait to read more from here in the future :)
-Alice <3
August 17, 2013
When Taylor gets caught stealing a car to escape from her alcoholic mother and the panic attacks she gets, she is sent to a center in order to recover and also to complete her probation time. Taylor is angry with her parents, hates being at the center, and is determined to use any means necessary in order to escape.
After various attempts (which, by the way, was really fun to see her planning) and a refusal to participate in various aspects including therapy and school, Taylor starts to make friends, learn about herself, and face her fears.
While most of this book was a three-star read for me, my enjoyment of her recovery process bumped up the rating a bit.
After various attempts (which, by the way, was really fun to see her planning) and a refusal to participate in various aspects including therapy and school, Taylor starts to make friends, learn about herself, and face her fears.
While most of this book was a three-star read for me, my enjoyment of her recovery process bumped up the rating a bit.
April 8, 2013
It took me a while to pick this one up from my TBR pile. Why i waited so long to read this, I dont know.
I really enjoyed this book. It was similar to "Girl Interrupted" The characters all had growth and it kept you interested. It starts off with Taylor being sent to Sunny Medows, which is half boarding school, half psychiatric ward. Upon her arrival she meets Margo, has run ins with the "Latina Queens" and has mysterious late night meetings in the dark with a guy. I really liked Taylor, she was feisty and scared all at the same time and I was glad that by "playing the game" she ended up helping herself to get better.
I really enjoyed this book. It was similar to "Girl Interrupted" The characters all had growth and it kept you interested. It starts off with Taylor being sent to Sunny Medows, which is half boarding school, half psychiatric ward. Upon her arrival she meets Margo, has run ins with the "Latina Queens" and has mysterious late night meetings in the dark with a guy. I really liked Taylor, she was feisty and scared all at the same time and I was glad that by "playing the game" she ended up helping herself to get better.
October 16, 2013
A YA novel not just for teens, this book was a nice, easy read.
August 7, 2016
I enjoyed this book I really did, but I'm not sure about it either.
January 5, 2013
This was one that I borrowed from the library before Christmas, but kept putting off reading because there were other books I wanted to read first. Well, I finally got around to reading this, and it turned out to be a very quick read – I finished it in two sittings.
Here is the summary from the Kobo store:
Taylor Truwell is a sixteen-year-old girl from Florida with a troubled past, a neglectful mother, a seemingly callous father, and an urge to flee. When Taylor is caught with a stolen car, her violent reaction lands her in court for resisting arrest. Her father convinces the judge of an alternative to punishment: treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. And so Taylor arrives at Sunny Meadows.
Sunny Meadows is anything but the easy way out, and Taylor has to fight hard just to hold on to her sanity as she battles her parents, an intrusive therapist, and a group of particularly nasty fellow patients. But even as Taylor clings to her stubborn former self, she gradually relents to new friendships—and to unexpected romance. Sunny Meadows goes against everything Taylor stands for. But could it be the place that saves her?
I liked this book. I think I put off reading it for so long because I worried it would be dark and depressing, but it actually wasn’t.
The story picks up as Taylor is brought to Sunny Meadows by her father, and she argues with him until he leaves. Clearly their relationship needs some work. However, she quickly makes friends with Margo. Margo’s funny and I really liked her, but she had some enemies who promptly informed Taylor that if she was Margo’s friend, she was their enemy too. Thankfully, though, this didn’t really lead to much – I wasn’t eager to read a book about girls beating each other up or anything – but Taylor’s relationship with these girls was interesting to watch progress throughout the book.
Through Margo, Taylor meets A.J., who apparently doesn’t talk to anyone anymore. Taylor feels something for him though, and it was interesting to get to know A.J. and his story. In fact, getting to know a little about even some of the minor characters that become part of Taylor’s life, like Charlotte, McKenzie, and her classmates helped make the world feel big and real.
Other than memories or flashbacks, the whole story takes place at Sunny Meadows, and Taylor’s progression through her treatment program. Initially, she is rebellious and hellbent on getting out of there one way or another. Over time, though, she begins to see a purpose in the way things work and chooses to participate in her treatment. This notion of control over her own life, through decision-making, seemed to be a really important part of her growth.
Even when Taylor was being angry and acting out, I still liked her, because I understood why she was behaving that way. Sometimes when a main character is misbehaving on purpose, and out of anger, I get really frustrated and annoyed, but with Taylor, I sympathized. I don’t have any complaints about the characters in this book – I liked A.J. and appreciated that the romance between he and Taylor was slow going and took its time, and that their relationship was rocky at times. I also thought Margo was fabulous, and definitely my favourite character. Even some of the people I didn’t like much at first grew on me by the end of the story. The exception to that might be Margo’s mother. I didn’t like her, and I didn’t dislike her – I guess I was sad for her.
Much of Taylor’s issues to work through involved her relationships with her parents, who are separated. She sees her father as cold and distant, and she has been living with her alcoholic mother. Although Taylor loves her mother, she also feels abandoned by her. It seemed that Taylor had avoided dealing with her feelings about her mother for such a long time, and I thought the scenes where she finally began to address these feelings were really well-written.
In fact, I thought the whole book was well-written. The story flowed, and every time I told myself I’d put the book down after the current chapter, I wound up reading the next one because I just didn’t want to stop. Taylor’s growth seemed real to me and when she began to change, it seemed genuine and authentic, not just a ‘quick fix’ for the sake of the plot.
I don’t think I’ve read much contemporary YA fiction lately, so this was a nice change of pace and a really good book that I definitely recommend.
(From www.pingwings.ca)
Here is the summary from the Kobo store:
Taylor Truwell is a sixteen-year-old girl from Florida with a troubled past, a neglectful mother, a seemingly callous father, and an urge to flee. When Taylor is caught with a stolen car, her violent reaction lands her in court for resisting arrest. Her father convinces the judge of an alternative to punishment: treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. And so Taylor arrives at Sunny Meadows.
Sunny Meadows is anything but the easy way out, and Taylor has to fight hard just to hold on to her sanity as she battles her parents, an intrusive therapist, and a group of particularly nasty fellow patients. But even as Taylor clings to her stubborn former self, she gradually relents to new friendships—and to unexpected romance. Sunny Meadows goes against everything Taylor stands for. But could it be the place that saves her?
I liked this book. I think I put off reading it for so long because I worried it would be dark and depressing, but it actually wasn’t.
The story picks up as Taylor is brought to Sunny Meadows by her father, and she argues with him until he leaves. Clearly their relationship needs some work. However, she quickly makes friends with Margo. Margo’s funny and I really liked her, but she had some enemies who promptly informed Taylor that if she was Margo’s friend, she was their enemy too. Thankfully, though, this didn’t really lead to much – I wasn’t eager to read a book about girls beating each other up or anything – but Taylor’s relationship with these girls was interesting to watch progress throughout the book.
Through Margo, Taylor meets A.J., who apparently doesn’t talk to anyone anymore. Taylor feels something for him though, and it was interesting to get to know A.J. and his story. In fact, getting to know a little about even some of the minor characters that become part of Taylor’s life, like Charlotte, McKenzie, and her classmates helped make the world feel big and real.
Other than memories or flashbacks, the whole story takes place at Sunny Meadows, and Taylor’s progression through her treatment program. Initially, she is rebellious and hellbent on getting out of there one way or another. Over time, though, she begins to see a purpose in the way things work and chooses to participate in her treatment. This notion of control over her own life, through decision-making, seemed to be a really important part of her growth.
Even when Taylor was being angry and acting out, I still liked her, because I understood why she was behaving that way. Sometimes when a main character is misbehaving on purpose, and out of anger, I get really frustrated and annoyed, but with Taylor, I sympathized. I don’t have any complaints about the characters in this book – I liked A.J. and appreciated that the romance between he and Taylor was slow going and took its time, and that their relationship was rocky at times. I also thought Margo was fabulous, and definitely my favourite character. Even some of the people I didn’t like much at first grew on me by the end of the story. The exception to that might be Margo’s mother. I didn’t like her, and I didn’t dislike her – I guess I was sad for her.
Much of Taylor’s issues to work through involved her relationships with her parents, who are separated. She sees her father as cold and distant, and she has been living with her alcoholic mother. Although Taylor loves her mother, she also feels abandoned by her. It seemed that Taylor had avoided dealing with her feelings about her mother for such a long time, and I thought the scenes where she finally began to address these feelings were really well-written.
In fact, I thought the whole book was well-written. The story flowed, and every time I told myself I’d put the book down after the current chapter, I wound up reading the next one because I just didn’t want to stop. Taylor’s growth seemed real to me and when she began to change, it seemed genuine and authentic, not just a ‘quick fix’ for the sake of the plot.
I don’t think I’ve read much contemporary YA fiction lately, so this was a nice change of pace and a really good book that I definitely recommend.
(From www.pingwings.ca)
August 31, 2012
I graciously received a copy from Simon & Schuster, so big shout-out to them! Thank you!
Before I began to read this, I was a tad wary. I'm not sure why; it just was how I felt after reading the summary and examining the cover (I'm not a huge fan of covers with faces [or girls in dresses] but this one...it just had something...more...maybe the 3-D effect my sister said when she saw it). Anyway, going on. I finished Counting Backwards within a day, I was that hooked from start to finish.
Characters: I truly did like Taylor. She was a girl with problems, but she attempted to not let them define her (even though that was pretty much why she was in Sunny Meadows in the first place). She was determined to escape, no matter what the consequences, no matter who got in her way, and I respect that. That perseverance is something I can completely relate to. I'm a firm believer that if you want something badly enough, you have to get it yourself. (And the fact that she's part Native American made me like her even more--I'm white, but it's nice to finally see a character who isn't.)
Margo was an interesting character. I would have liked it more if she was a bit more mysterious--and from the way she was first introduced, I thought she'd be a kooky character. But she wasn't, and the way she acted reminded me of my own best friend. The same love of clothes and the same crazy personality.
Now A.J.... What do I say about him without giving away too much? He was interesting. I liked how he didn't talk. It was something that's not seen much in YA fiction these days (about the love interest, anyway). I liked how he came out of his shell, and the fact that he saw what he did was wrong but justified at the same time (I can also kinda relate to him, but that's another story).
Plot: The plot was, though simple, fantastic. It had a concise beginning, middle, and end, and left it open just enough for me to be satisfied but in a way that I could create my own scenario for all the characters involved. Taylor's arc was great--I loved watching her change, and found myself frustrated by her at times, and rooting for her at times. That's how you know you've got a good character. You're not going to like everyone every day of their lives. The same with characters in a novel. ()
And let me just tell you: I am SO GLAD this didn't have a paranormal twist to it. Don't get me wrong, paranormal is one of my favorite genres to read (so long as it is done well, like Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick or The Tiger Saga by Colleen Houck) but there are some books that are just plain ole better as a contemp. There have been quite a few books published lately with the Counting Backwards type setting but with a paranormal twist, and let me tell you that none have been so gripping as this.
Setting: I liked it. Sunny Meadows had a perfect blend of creepy (the building itself) and inviting (the garden).
Ending: Like I said previously, I liked it. It was concluding but open. Not something we see every day.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good book about a girl who, despite herself, gets better. It's a happy-ending book without being too gushy or perky. I look forward to reading more books by Laura Lascarso.
Before I began to read this, I was a tad wary. I'm not sure why; it just was how I felt after reading the summary and examining the cover (I'm not a huge fan of covers with faces [or girls in dresses] but this one...it just had something...more...maybe the 3-D effect my sister said when she saw it). Anyway, going on. I finished Counting Backwards within a day, I was that hooked from start to finish.
Characters: I truly did like Taylor. She was a girl with problems, but she attempted to not let them define her (even though that was pretty much why she was in Sunny Meadows in the first place). She was determined to escape, no matter what the consequences, no matter who got in her way, and I respect that. That perseverance is something I can completely relate to. I'm a firm believer that if you want something badly enough, you have to get it yourself. (And the fact that she's part Native American made me like her even more--I'm white, but it's nice to finally see a character who isn't.)
Margo was an interesting character. I would have liked it more if she was a bit more mysterious--and from the way she was first introduced, I thought she'd be a kooky character. But she wasn't, and the way she acted reminded me of my own best friend. The same love of clothes and the same crazy personality.
Now A.J.... What do I say about him without giving away too much? He was interesting. I liked how he didn't talk. It was something that's not seen much in YA fiction these days (about the love interest, anyway). I liked how he came out of his shell, and the fact that he saw what he did was wrong but justified at the same time (I can also kinda relate to him, but that's another story).
Plot: The plot was, though simple, fantastic. It had a concise beginning, middle, and end, and left it open just enough for me to be satisfied but in a way that I could create my own scenario for all the characters involved. Taylor's arc was great--I loved watching her change, and found myself frustrated by her at times, and rooting for her at times. That's how you know you've got a good character. You're not going to like everyone every day of their lives. The same with characters in a novel. ()
And let me just tell you: I am SO GLAD this didn't have a paranormal twist to it. Don't get me wrong, paranormal is one of my favorite genres to read (so long as it is done well, like Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick or The Tiger Saga by Colleen Houck) but there are some books that are just plain ole better as a contemp. There have been quite a few books published lately with the Counting Backwards type setting but with a paranormal twist, and let me tell you that none have been so gripping as this.
Setting: I liked it. Sunny Meadows had a perfect blend of creepy (the building itself) and inviting (the garden).
Ending: Like I said previously, I liked it. It was concluding but open. Not something we see every day.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good book about a girl who, despite herself, gets better. It's a happy-ending book without being too gushy or perky. I look forward to reading more books by Laura Lascarso.
August 21, 2012
**Originally HERE on Read-A-holicZ**
"This book was such an emotional ride, full of love, forgiveness, and finding out how to change & discover one's true self. I was COMPLETELY immersed in the book, it IS one of my FAVORITE YA contemporary debuts of this year!"
From the above praise, you know that I LOVED this book! I am always looking for those YA contemporary books that really attract me & can capture my attention, and this book did that from the start. The Summary in itself made me WANT to read it, I mean she is sent to a "juvenile psychiatric correctional facility", I always LOVE being inside a girls head in those type of situations. PLUS that cover is just so creepy & Beautiful!
This story from the begging snatches you into it's net of emotions. I was SO ANGRY with Taylors parent's and what she had to suffer, GOD! that was just the FIRST chapter. Then it gets even more crazy. She deals with so much & ur constantly living all these emotions & events with her. Their are a lot of events that bring her to rehabilitation. She tries to escape & that's when she completely loses herself & those chapter made me feel so alone, sad, and betrayed along with her. AH! I felt like I WAS going insane.
Then that whole think about "playing their game" made so much more sense to try instead of running. I really liked that part. She was clever but she never truly lost old self just made it better. You can actually see & feel the change & I LOVE it. Especially how she fixed her relationship with her parents.
I really got attached to these characters, they just grow on you. Taylor was so strong, stubborn, crazy, and an amazing person; she just didn't know it. Margo & Charlotte were so special & made me want to meet them so badly because they were just so sweet & encouraging.Even the therapist Dr. Debb grew on me & the Safeties. Really wished this book NEVER ENDED.
The romance brings me to A.J. He was so sweet, shy, troubled, and romantic. He went through a lot & even more to reach & make Taylor realize he LOVED her. Taylor had so many emotions when she was with him. How they met was so sweet & mysterious. I ALWAYS WANTED more of them. Then their is a betrayal & I was SHOCKED. it gets fixed very slowly & carefully. PLUS they really are made for each other. They LISTEN to each other & care deeply for one another.
Their is JUST SO MUCH I can't put into words because this book can't be explained in a simple review, it goes beyond that & makes u think & wonder, "What would I HAVE DONE in her place?" I was SO IMMERSED in this book and COULD NOT STOP READING!
I really could NOT part with this story, I was tearing, actual TEARS!!! by the ending. It just invoked so many emotions from you. She had just found a place & people to call home & then she has to leave...=*( Very emotional good-byes!
Overall it was an AMAZING debut! I will & always LOVE this BOOK! I highly recommend this book is you like sweet & fast reads, insane emotional rides, and it kinda reminded me of Simone Elkeles-Leaving Paradise series.
So if love those then this is the PERFECT book to read! I can't wait to read more books by this Author! You must read this book!!5/5 AMAZING GOLDEN STARS!
"This book was such an emotional ride, full of love, forgiveness, and finding out how to change & discover one's true self. I was COMPLETELY immersed in the book, it IS one of my FAVORITE YA contemporary debuts of this year!"
From the above praise, you know that I LOVED this book! I am always looking for those YA contemporary books that really attract me & can capture my attention, and this book did that from the start. The Summary in itself made me WANT to read it, I mean she is sent to a "juvenile psychiatric correctional facility", I always LOVE being inside a girls head in those type of situations. PLUS that cover is just so creepy & Beautiful!
This story from the begging snatches you into it's net of emotions. I was SO ANGRY with Taylors parent's and what she had to suffer, GOD! that was just the FIRST chapter. Then it gets even more crazy. She deals with so much & ur constantly living all these emotions & events with her. Their are a lot of events that bring her to rehabilitation. She tries to escape & that's when she completely loses herself & those chapter made me feel so alone, sad, and betrayed along with her. AH! I felt like I WAS going insane.
Then that whole think about "playing their game" made so much more sense to try instead of running. I really liked that part. She was clever but she never truly lost old self just made it better. You can actually see & feel the change & I LOVE it. Especially how she fixed her relationship with her parents.
I really got attached to these characters, they just grow on you. Taylor was so strong, stubborn, crazy, and an amazing person; she just didn't know it. Margo & Charlotte were so special & made me want to meet them so badly because they were just so sweet & encouraging.Even the therapist Dr. Debb grew on me & the Safeties. Really wished this book NEVER ENDED.
The romance brings me to A.J. He was so sweet, shy, troubled, and romantic. He went through a lot & even more to reach & make Taylor realize he LOVED her. Taylor had so many emotions when she was with him. How they met was so sweet & mysterious. I ALWAYS WANTED more of them. Then their is a betrayal & I was SHOCKED. it gets fixed very slowly & carefully. PLUS they really are made for each other. They LISTEN to each other & care deeply for one another.
Their is JUST SO MUCH I can't put into words because this book can't be explained in a simple review, it goes beyond that & makes u think & wonder, "What would I HAVE DONE in her place?" I was SO IMMERSED in this book and COULD NOT STOP READING!
I really could NOT part with this story, I was tearing, actual TEARS!!! by the ending. It just invoked so many emotions from you. She had just found a place & people to call home & then she has to leave...=*( Very emotional good-byes!
Overall it was an AMAZING debut! I will & always LOVE this BOOK! I highly recommend this book is you like sweet & fast reads, insane emotional rides, and it kinda reminded me of Simone Elkeles-Leaving Paradise series.
So if love those then this is the PERFECT book to read! I can't wait to read more books by this Author! You must read this book!!5/5 AMAZING GOLDEN STARS!
August 18, 2012
Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.sg/20...
I had been itching to start this one the moment I got home from vacation, and finally having to for the blog tour, I managed to read this in two sittings: before going to sleep and the first thing I did when I woke up. It was seriously that good. Counting Backwards is exactly what it says it is: an enrapturing novel about Taylor's challenge to find herself, love and come to terms with the people who surround her. Laura Lascarso's writing is beautiful, yet uncomplicated and easy to go with the flow, and this book, even though it's roughly 290 pages, it's surprisingly a quick read. I mean, perhaps that was just me being enthralled by this novel, but I was so into it I didn't seem to think it took that long at all. Now, I really wish I'd slowed myself down, because I want more!
I loved the characters, I think Lascarso had built them up extremely well. They're obviously not perfect, as all the characters (other than Taylor's parents) are at Sunny Meadows a treatment boarding school facility. However, like all books surrounding rehab, abuse, etc. you really can get attached to the characters.
Taylor was an compelling character. She was amusing at times with her smart comebacks and her crazy plans to run away, but other than that she's either angry or trying to figure out the means to get out of the facility. I loved her determination. I really enjoyed reading about her fight to accept her fears, her parents and herself. It was an emotional ride at times, and really sucks you into it, allowing you to feel how Taylor does at times. You will really get attached to her, I promise you.
There always has to be that boy, doesn't there? This one is slightly more interesting– he doesn't speak. It's not that he can't speak, it's just that he doesn't want to. A.J. was, to be honest, my favorite character (Taylor comes second). His life's so complicated, yet he wants to make things right, and he's just so sweet! You can't really help but feel a pang in your heart for him. Loved him. LOVED. HIM.
All the other characters were fabulous as well. Margo was amazing– that totally sassy girl with an attitude that you just adore. The Latina Queens were, to be frank, bitchy, but it was interesting to see another obstacle come up in Taylor's life. Dr. Deb at first kind of annoyed me, being the typical therapist, but then over time, you really do warm up to her. This cast of characters worked really well together, from screaming Charlotte to the over-dramatic McKenzie.
Counting Backwards is one book which I'll be sure to recommend to everyone– it's an extraordinary contemporary. It's got its own special sauce and I'm sure it'll stay with me for a while. Lascarso's debut will be sure to make many readers fall in love with it, as I have. Can't wait for more from her– I'll be eagerly waiting.
**Thank you so much to Laura Lascarso for allowing me to be apart of the blog tour and Atheneum Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) for sending me Counting Backwards for review!**
I had been itching to start this one the moment I got home from vacation, and finally having to for the blog tour, I managed to read this in two sittings: before going to sleep and the first thing I did when I woke up. It was seriously that good. Counting Backwards is exactly what it says it is: an enrapturing novel about Taylor's challenge to find herself, love and come to terms with the people who surround her. Laura Lascarso's writing is beautiful, yet uncomplicated and easy to go with the flow, and this book, even though it's roughly 290 pages, it's surprisingly a quick read. I mean, perhaps that was just me being enthralled by this novel, but I was so into it I didn't seem to think it took that long at all. Now, I really wish I'd slowed myself down, because I want more!
I loved the characters, I think Lascarso had built them up extremely well. They're obviously not perfect, as all the characters (other than Taylor's parents) are at Sunny Meadows a treatment boarding school facility. However, like all books surrounding rehab, abuse, etc. you really can get attached to the characters.
Taylor was an compelling character. She was amusing at times with her smart comebacks and her crazy plans to run away, but other than that she's either angry or trying to figure out the means to get out of the facility. I loved her determination. I really enjoyed reading about her fight to accept her fears, her parents and herself. It was an emotional ride at times, and really sucks you into it, allowing you to feel how Taylor does at times. You will really get attached to her, I promise you.
There always has to be that boy, doesn't there? This one is slightly more interesting– he doesn't speak. It's not that he can't speak, it's just that he doesn't want to. A.J. was, to be honest, my favorite character (Taylor comes second). His life's so complicated, yet he wants to make things right, and he's just so sweet! You can't really help but feel a pang in your heart for him. Loved him. LOVED. HIM.
All the other characters were fabulous as well. Margo was amazing– that totally sassy girl with an attitude that you just adore. The Latina Queens were, to be frank, bitchy, but it was interesting to see another obstacle come up in Taylor's life. Dr. Deb at first kind of annoyed me, being the typical therapist, but then over time, you really do warm up to her. This cast of characters worked really well together, from screaming Charlotte to the over-dramatic McKenzie.
Counting Backwards is one book which I'll be sure to recommend to everyone– it's an extraordinary contemporary. It's got its own special sauce and I'm sure it'll stay with me for a while. Lascarso's debut will be sure to make many readers fall in love with it, as I have. Can't wait for more from her– I'll be eagerly waiting.
**Thank you so much to Laura Lascarso for allowing me to be apart of the blog tour and Atheneum Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) for sending me Counting Backwards for review!**
December 15, 2012
I got this book also from my Teen Read Week pile. ;) I think this is the second to last so I've almost finished the whole pile!
The Cover:
Hmmm. I find the cover hard to look at. LOL. I don't know which person I should look at. But I must say, she looks pretty looking down like that. I don't think she has any make-up on. If she does, it must be light make-up.
The Characters:
Her name is Taylor Truwell. She goes to Sunny Meadows which is a place where teens get treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. Taylor doesn't have any mental problems. She just stole a car and resisted arrest. Oh and she ran away from home. But all those actions were triggered by her family problems. Her mom who just drinks everyday and night and brings guys home. Her dad who left her mom and her and doesn't even care. Now trying to run away from her life, she gets lock up in a prison instead.
A. J. A guy who also goes to the juvenile center with her. Taylor found her trust in him. This mysterious guy who doesn't talk. And A.J. turns out to be a very important person in the story. ;) (Also to the note, I know so much A.J's. Why is everyone's name that starts with both A and J gets initialed AJ? Hmmm. Let's see. There's an A Juan Silva. I forgot his first name. Then I know an Ayzher Jubilee Neri Ocsona. It's a SHE. LOL. Yeah. So much A.J's)
The Plot:
The plot? Hmmm. Taylor was forced to go this juvenile psychiatric facility for six months. She doesn't want to and tries many ways to escape, but later she soon realizes what she could gain out of this place. And with friends supporting her so much, does she really want to leave this place after all?
Book Comparisons:
This book sort of reminded me of Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson. Both main characters were forced to go to this juvenile psychiatric center when they haven't really done anything wrong. Well. They kinda did. But still, it's not like they did it on purpose. And both of them fell in love with someone form the facility, except in Ultraviolet, the romance is UGH. And in Counting Backwards, the romance is sweet and I totally encourage it to continue. ;)
The Ending:
The ending ended perfectly with a lesson taught both to the main character and the reader. But the only one I thing I wanted to know more about is the romance. Is it going to continue? I hope it does. ;D
The Bad:
The romance started to late. They didn't even have a first kiss till like 200 something pages into the book. ;(
The Good:
I totally enjoyed was there of the romance though. It's really sweet. The guy seems like a good guy. And I'm pretty sure you have an idea who it is, because there's only one guy I mentioned. LOL.
Rating: (1-10): 8.5
The Cover:
Hmmm. I find the cover hard to look at. LOL. I don't know which person I should look at. But I must say, she looks pretty looking down like that. I don't think she has any make-up on. If she does, it must be light make-up.
The Characters:
Her name is Taylor Truwell. She goes to Sunny Meadows which is a place where teens get treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. Taylor doesn't have any mental problems. She just stole a car and resisted arrest. Oh and she ran away from home. But all those actions were triggered by her family problems. Her mom who just drinks everyday and night and brings guys home. Her dad who left her mom and her and doesn't even care. Now trying to run away from her life, she gets lock up in a prison instead.
A. J. A guy who also goes to the juvenile center with her. Taylor found her trust in him. This mysterious guy who doesn't talk. And A.J. turns out to be a very important person in the story. ;) (Also to the note, I know so much A.J's. Why is everyone's name that starts with both A and J gets initialed AJ? Hmmm. Let's see. There's an A Juan Silva. I forgot his first name. Then I know an Ayzher Jubilee Neri Ocsona. It's a SHE. LOL. Yeah. So much A.J's)
The Plot:
The plot? Hmmm. Taylor was forced to go this juvenile psychiatric facility for six months. She doesn't want to and tries many ways to escape, but later she soon realizes what she could gain out of this place. And with friends supporting her so much, does she really want to leave this place after all?
Book Comparisons:
This book sort of reminded me of Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson. Both main characters were forced to go to this juvenile psychiatric center when they haven't really done anything wrong. Well. They kinda did. But still, it's not like they did it on purpose. And both of them fell in love with someone form the facility, except in Ultraviolet, the romance is UGH. And in Counting Backwards, the romance is sweet and I totally encourage it to continue. ;)
The Ending:
The ending ended perfectly with a lesson taught both to the main character and the reader. But the only one I thing I wanted to know more about is the romance. Is it going to continue? I hope it does. ;D
The Bad:
The romance started to late. They didn't even have a first kiss till like 200 something pages into the book. ;(
The Good:
I totally enjoyed was there of the romance though. It's really sweet. The guy seems like a good guy. And I'm pretty sure you have an idea who it is, because there's only one guy I mentioned. LOL.
Rating: (1-10): 8.5
September 13, 2012
"I’m not a person to them; I’m a problem that needs fixing. And there’s nothing wrong with me.”
For a tale of girl on self-destruct, COUNTING BACKWARDS went quickly… yet somehow also almost too neatly. It’s this last that could explain my lukewarm reception I have for it. I’d have loved it to be messier; I’d have been more than interested were Taylor less 1-2-3. She and her life certainly were all that at first, but there’s actually only one moment that had me chest-clutching because it was so painful. That when she finally imploded, she did so spectacularly… except despite that one moment that was so painful, everything else seemed to take away from what that had me feeling.
Taylor finds herself in a place where she’s to set herself to rights. But the set up felt a bit conventional with anything (anyone) a broken girl might need being there to fulfill the role. There’s a nemesis, an experienced older mentor type and yes even, a sweetheart. All of them had their roles to play, but it’s Taylor’s changing one that at first interested me but eventually lost me too.
It’s the first half of this story that’s the was the best: her not wanting to be where she was had her fighting and proving just how much she needed to be where she was. Then, it’s the second half when things are overcome, that felt a tad too neat to me, with one step leading to another, *tada* rehabilitation. Simply, I felt the strength of the book was how messy her life was, how not neat, not pretty but painful and sad and disappointing it all was all was:
“Love is not enough. Hate means even less. Anger is destruction...I feel more powerless than ever before.”
Except, all that’s overtaken by redemptive healing part which in and of itself is happy and nice, but I preferred the messy painful part of it. I believed how messy and messed up she was, she had an anger that I felt rang true.
3/5
***
there was a moment there (57%) that had my chest hurting from breathing in too long... except that was it all, that moment.
August 27, 2012
You've seen that cover and thought to yourself, "What is wrong with that girl?" I thought the same thing and that is exactly why I wanted to read this book. We meet Taylor as she is checking into a psychiatric facility after a failed runaway attempt. As you can guess, Taylor isn't too thrilled about being there. Even though she was absolutely miserable living with her alcoholic mother, home was better than this place. She gets on the wrong side of some female patients and just when she is at her breaking point, she befriends a feisty girl named Margo. I liked Margo and it took me a bit to try to figure out her character. I didn't know if she was going to go all Girl Interrupted on me. She was a bit of a comedic break in this sometimes gut wrenching story. Without Margo's friendship, I'm not sure how Taylor would have gotten through some of the rough times in that place.
Taylor is Seminole and every now and then she would reflect back on her father's wisdom and the stories and songs her grandmother would tell her. I thought about my own daughters, they are Osage, and wondered if this is something they did. Although Taylor has a different story than me and my girls, there is something familiar about Taylor's journey that we can all relate to. We all look for acceptance and love from our family. We all want to feel like we matter and are worth sacrificing things for. When it comes down to it, we all just want to be loved. When Taylor needs to get down to business and really start therapy, I felt for the girl. I wanted to tell her it would all be okay - that nothing was her fault. I couldn't blame her for just wanting to runaway from it all, including her feelings. Her journey will easily win the hearts over young readers.
Counting Backwards has the right balance of heartbreak, growth, and self discovery. It's like going to therapy without the expensive bill. Everyone will learn a little something about themselves.
Taylor is Seminole and every now and then she would reflect back on her father's wisdom and the stories and songs her grandmother would tell her. I thought about my own daughters, they are Osage, and wondered if this is something they did. Although Taylor has a different story than me and my girls, there is something familiar about Taylor's journey that we can all relate to. We all look for acceptance and love from our family. We all want to feel like we matter and are worth sacrificing things for. When it comes down to it, we all just want to be loved. When Taylor needs to get down to business and really start therapy, I felt for the girl. I wanted to tell her it would all be okay - that nothing was her fault. I couldn't blame her for just wanting to runaway from it all, including her feelings. Her journey will easily win the hearts over young readers.
Counting Backwards has the right balance of heartbreak, growth, and self discovery. It's like going to therapy without the expensive bill. Everyone will learn a little something about themselves.
September 24, 2013
Counting Backwards by Laura Lascarso Summary on GoodReads. Firstly, the cover doesn’t go with the content of the book. They should’ve put an angry girl on it, because that is what Taylor is, angry all the time. She has to spend time at this special boarding school --- read juvenile psychiatric correctional facility, after being arrested for stealing a car and trying to run away.
Annoying, heated and fuming Taylor is angry, well, at her parents – mostly - and nothing that it is said to her goes through. Being the new kid at this place comes with all the usual clichés: the girl who doesn't like her, the girl who does, the boy who changes all for her, her denial to be there and the fantastic reformation. Seriously, Counting Backwards is like a romance novel minus the romance: it starts with a conflict, it reaches its peak and then ends happily everafter.
I also felt rushed while reading it, or was it me wanting to get it over with? But what the heck! I don’t like a book if it goes fast and I won’t like it either if it is slow. Hard to please, eh?I am a sucker for boarding schools and rehab drama but this one didn't touch my cells. Probably I have higher standards on the subjects after reading The Little Woods and Cracked, but I just wasn't feeling the Alcatraz-Girl,Interrupted scenario. What I liked: Sassy Margo and her ways.
What I didn’t like: Taylor’s anger; it became old news pretty soon. A.J. and his almost instant change because of Taylor; I mean, after 2 years of being and acting a certain way a girl shows up and you just change like that? Romance old style right there. Different opinions here and here.
Annoying, heated and fuming Taylor is angry, well, at her parents – mostly - and nothing that it is said to her goes through. Being the new kid at this place comes with all the usual clichés: the girl who doesn't like her, the girl who does, the boy who changes all for her, her denial to be there and the fantastic reformation. Seriously, Counting Backwards is like a romance novel minus the romance: it starts with a conflict, it reaches its peak and then ends happily everafter.
I also felt rushed while reading it, or was it me wanting to get it over with? But what the heck! I don’t like a book if it goes fast and I won’t like it either if it is slow. Hard to please, eh?I am a sucker for boarding schools and rehab drama but this one didn't touch my cells. Probably I have higher standards on the subjects after reading The Little Woods and Cracked, but I just wasn't feeling the Alcatraz-Girl,Interrupted scenario. What I liked: Sassy Margo and her ways.
What I didn’t like: Taylor’s anger; it became old news pretty soon. A.J. and his almost instant change because of Taylor; I mean, after 2 years of being and acting a certain way a girl shows up and you just change like that? Romance old style right there. Different opinions here and here.
November 28, 2013
So many teen books these days make me think just about anyone can publish. But this book definitely feels like the author has some maturity as a writer and also hired an editor. There is a certain cleanness to the writing style.
This isn't anything like the other books I've read about youth lock-up facilities. She doesn't get away with running. And the author shows us the best world of therapy--no one in the book is an icky psychiatrist or cruel beyond belief security guard. You do really get the sense that Taylor has broken the law and is paying her dues. And yet, she is lucky beyond belief to get an alternative sentence at a place that she can move forward if she only commits her energy into doing so. Juvie breaks you. It made me see why alternative sentencing makes a lot of sense.
There is some sweetness in most of the characters so you feel a sense of hope that they will find redemption. I am glad the book wasn't about hardened child criminals. They are just kids that took a wrong turn due to psychological distress and adverse family circumstances.
I especially liked the slow buildup in the relationship between A.J. and Taylor. The promise of possibilities as they develop trust. It is so refreshing to have a book that stresses relationship over raging hormones. Sometimes when you've grown up listening to your mom having sex with strangers it dampens your desire to rush into a physical relationship without the love first. It is obvious that Taylor yearns to feel loved and cared for. You just hope she stops running away so she can face up to the fear and overcome the panic attacks.
The ending was satisfying. I even felt healed at the end as I repeated the mantra along with Taylor during her breathing therapy: I am powerful; I am strong; I am in control.
This isn't anything like the other books I've read about youth lock-up facilities. She doesn't get away with running. And the author shows us the best world of therapy--no one in the book is an icky psychiatrist or cruel beyond belief security guard. You do really get the sense that Taylor has broken the law and is paying her dues. And yet, she is lucky beyond belief to get an alternative sentence at a place that she can move forward if she only commits her energy into doing so. Juvie breaks you. It made me see why alternative sentencing makes a lot of sense.
There is some sweetness in most of the characters so you feel a sense of hope that they will find redemption. I am glad the book wasn't about hardened child criminals. They are just kids that took a wrong turn due to psychological distress and adverse family circumstances.
I especially liked the slow buildup in the relationship between A.J. and Taylor. The promise of possibilities as they develop trust. It is so refreshing to have a book that stresses relationship over raging hormones. Sometimes when you've grown up listening to your mom having sex with strangers it dampens your desire to rush into a physical relationship without the love first. It is obvious that Taylor yearns to feel loved and cared for. You just hope she stops running away so she can face up to the fear and overcome the panic attacks.
The ending was satisfying. I even felt healed at the end as I repeated the mantra along with Taylor during her breathing therapy: I am powerful; I am strong; I am in control.
August 5, 2012
*A copy was provided by Atheneum for review purposes*
I’ve been on a contemporary run these past few weeks, and this is yet another one to add to the list. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is sad, sad, sad. But it was still a good idea, and I loved how Lascarso wrote it very well. The story line was great, and the staging for the escape was really good too. I loved that Lascarso didn’t make it too easy and the events just came together perfectly. I always love happy endings, and this one was certainly happy, but also kind of sad. I really want to find out what happens to A.J.!
I’m going to mention Margo because I just really liked her. She’s feisty, funny, kick-butt, and defiant, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her.
The romance in this book was written perfectly. I liked how Lascarso kept it clean (no adult content) and made it sweet and soft. A.J. was perfect; he was cute, funny, sweet, and totally swoon-worthy.
And I also liked Taylor. Yes, she messed up, but seriously, it wasn’t really that bad, and it was her parents’ fault anyway. She was cool, nice, strong-minded, and kick-butt, and I really enjoyed reading about her road to recovery.
I can safely say I’ve never read a book like this before, with the same idea and all, and I really liked it. I also really want Lascarso to write a second book because I need to know if A.J. and Taylor can keep in touch and get back together. *hint, hint* aimed at Lascarso ;P
I’ve been on a contemporary run these past few weeks, and this is yet another one to add to the list. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is sad, sad, sad. But it was still a good idea, and I loved how Lascarso wrote it very well. The story line was great, and the staging for the escape was really good too. I loved that Lascarso didn’t make it too easy and the events just came together perfectly. I always love happy endings, and this one was certainly happy, but also kind of sad. I really want to find out what happens to A.J.!
I’m going to mention Margo because I just really liked her. She’s feisty, funny, kick-butt, and defiant, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her.
The romance in this book was written perfectly. I liked how Lascarso kept it clean (no adult content) and made it sweet and soft. A.J. was perfect; he was cute, funny, sweet, and totally swoon-worthy.
And I also liked Taylor. Yes, she messed up, but seriously, it wasn’t really that bad, and it was her parents’ fault anyway. She was cool, nice, strong-minded, and kick-butt, and I really enjoyed reading about her road to recovery.
I can safely say I’ve never read a book like this before, with the same idea and all, and I really liked it. I also really want Lascarso to write a second book because I need to know if A.J. and Taylor can keep in touch and get back together. *hint, hint* aimed at Lascarso ;P
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June 1, 2013Counting Backwards, by Laura Lascarso, was a touching novel about the complications of discovering oneself. The protagonist of Lascarso's debut finds it difficult to let go of her anger and trust anyone but herself, but she eventually realizes what it means to love and be loved.
Taylor is a 16 year old who is angry with the world. She's angry with her father, for leaving her mother, she's angry with her mother, an alcoholic, and she's angry that she's ended up in Sunny Meadows, a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. Taylor just wants a way out, and is reluctant to make any effort to change.
I really enjoyed this book because Taylor's journey is emotional and moving. Although it was often easy to get frustrated and annoyed with Taylor's decisions, I understood why she chose to do the things she did and my heart went out to her. The reader sees everything through Taylor's eyes, and it was interesting to watch her perspective slowly change.
The characters were quirky. Taylor's unlikely friends have much to do with her recovery. The plot was refreshing. Lascarso crafted a very realistic story, and I admire her for that. Taylor is a teenager who has gone through a lot. It shouldn't have been easy for her to change. Her issues, and her fears, were much deeper than even she realized.
This book is honest, something that readers appreciate. Definitely a must-read. :)
Taylor is a 16 year old who is angry with the world. She's angry with her father, for leaving her mother, she's angry with her mother, an alcoholic, and she's angry that she's ended up in Sunny Meadows, a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. Taylor just wants a way out, and is reluctant to make any effort to change.
I really enjoyed this book because Taylor's journey is emotional and moving. Although it was often easy to get frustrated and annoyed with Taylor's decisions, I understood why she chose to do the things she did and my heart went out to her. The reader sees everything through Taylor's eyes, and it was interesting to watch her perspective slowly change.
The characters were quirky. Taylor's unlikely friends have much to do with her recovery. The plot was refreshing. Lascarso crafted a very realistic story, and I admire her for that. Taylor is a teenager who has gone through a lot. It shouldn't have been easy for her to change. Her issues, and her fears, were much deeper than even she realized.
This book is honest, something that readers appreciate. Definitely a must-read. :)
July 6, 2013
This story is sweet and kind of deep because you get to identify with the MC so profoundly you feel very conflicted because you see what the MC does and you know that's wrong, but you also know that if you were in the MC's place, you would do the same thing...
Counting Backwards is about letting go. It's about knowing some things are screwed up but there is nothing you can do, so you have to let go of your anger, of your sadness and of your conflicted feelings because you're not getting anywhere... It is a very realistic and great story that leaves you feeling inside out, exposed. I felt like I was the MC, I felt like I was the one being analyzed and proved and locked up.
This book was very inspiring and great and I loved how it developed. I wish it had been longer but only so I could learn more, realize more things about myself and develop like the MC did.
I love what Lascarso did with this book, a book I was reluctant to read due to the fact I always hate this kind of book but Counting Backwards surprised me and amazed me and I loved it. I am glad I gave it a chance and I hope you guys give it a chance, too.
I hope to read more from L. Lascarso, she's a great writer, with a very light and easy-to-read and get-inside writing style that I completely adored.
Counting Backwards is about letting go. It's about knowing some things are screwed up but there is nothing you can do, so you have to let go of your anger, of your sadness and of your conflicted feelings because you're not getting anywhere... It is a very realistic and great story that leaves you feeling inside out, exposed. I felt like I was the MC, I felt like I was the one being analyzed and proved and locked up.
This book was very inspiring and great and I loved how it developed. I wish it had been longer but only so I could learn more, realize more things about myself and develop like the MC did.
I love what Lascarso did with this book, a book I was reluctant to read due to the fact I always hate this kind of book but Counting Backwards surprised me and amazed me and I loved it. I am glad I gave it a chance and I hope you guys give it a chance, too.
I hope to read more from L. Lascarso, she's a great writer, with a very light and easy-to-read and get-inside writing style that I completely adored.
November 20, 2013
Having gotten into several books with recovery themed plots, I was really looking forward to reading this. The cover art was gorgeous, which is also why I was interested in it.
Taylor is someone who can be incredibly annoying sometimes. Several times reading the book I wanted to step in and scream at her for letting the Latina Queens get away with things, but then again sometimes I thought she was doing exactly the right thing. She's complicated, that's for sure.
The characters in general were intriguing. I loved Margo, she was hilarious! I wished that it wasn't as easy to guess who the voice was underneath Taylor's room though. It was extremely predictable. Overall, though, it didn't subtract much from the rest of the story.
Thankfully Lascarso made the ending realistic and didn't make it sugarcoated. I thought the ending suited the story fine and I was satisfied. I didn't throw the book at a wall, and I didn't set it down without flipping through the pages again. There was a part of me screaming for Margo to show up again somehow, though! I felt like her character could've had some more closure.
So overall, although the writing was a bit predictable, it was still good. I enjoyed it a lot, and I don't regret reading!
Taylor is someone who can be incredibly annoying sometimes. Several times reading the book I wanted to step in and scream at her for letting the Latina Queens get away with things, but then again sometimes I thought she was doing exactly the right thing. She's complicated, that's for sure.
The characters in general were intriguing. I loved Margo, she was hilarious! I wished that it wasn't as easy to guess who the voice was underneath Taylor's room though. It was extremely predictable. Overall, though, it didn't subtract much from the rest of the story.
Thankfully Lascarso made the ending realistic and didn't make it sugarcoated. I thought the ending suited the story fine and I was satisfied. I didn't throw the book at a wall, and I didn't set it down without flipping through the pages again. There was a part of me screaming for Margo to show up again somehow, though! I felt like her character could've had some more closure.
So overall, although the writing was a bit predictable, it was still good. I enjoyed it a lot, and I don't regret reading!
May 27, 2013
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Counting Backwards. Lascarso does a masterful job of capturing the twisting and changing nature of people and she digs deep into all that Taylor was, is, and wants to be. Often it isn't pretty and it can be extremely frustrating watching Taylor ruin things for herself again and again. But ultimately, this is a story of redemption and hope, and it is definitely worth the time and will leave you thinking well after the last page.
*10/10*
Find my full review here .
*10/10*
Find my full review here .
April 28, 2015
I have to say that at first I was unsure on if this was a book I would actually be able to read. After page one I found that I wasn't able to put it down. Taylor is a character that I found easy to relate to, especially when it comes to emotionally relating. When I was in my early teen I found myself in the same emotional state and I am amazed at how well the author portrays these feelings. I was brought back in time and thrown into this role. In one part, the emotion was so real I almost felt like crying. I was not expecting this book to feel so real, it is definitely worth reading.
January 26, 2014
What happens when you are 16, and have hit rock bottom. Arrested for grand theft auto, parents separated, living with Mom who's an alcoholic, how does one cope? An insightful rendering of a girls journey through a juvenile rehabilitation facility for troubled teens. The story deals with modern day dilemmas of goring up in current times. A good read and well done.
August 27, 2014
I love this book, the characters were realistic and although the story is fast paced it was satisfying and whole. I loved the morals of the story and the overall concept of being honest with oneself in order to heal. I liked the romance since it was realistic and because it was not the main point of the story.
July 8, 2015
Won this Arc in an auction and was excited to give this a go.
Good read. I'd call it a YA Version of Girl, Interrupted. Nothing too unexpected in the plot, but the characters were great and I found myself getting choked up a bit at the end.
Good read. I'd call it a YA Version of Girl, Interrupted. Nothing too unexpected in the plot, but the characters were great and I found myself getting choked up a bit at the end.
September 2, 2015
Started off reminding me of Girl, Interrupted....but it ended up in it's own direction....good book, but too much like others that take place in an institution...and with a girl that needs to learn things....and change on her own...
December 12, 2012
mixed feeling. I love and hate Taylor. But the writing was solid.
September 24, 2013
Strong character driven novel about the power of letting oneself heal.
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