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Notes to Self
Two climbed up. Two fell down.
One woke up.
Robin Saunders is a high school sophomore with an awesome best friend, a hard-working single mom, and a complicated relationship with a sweet guy named Reno. She's coasting along, trying to get through yet another tedious year of high school, when Em suggests something daring. They live in Florida-- tourist central--and Emily wants to sneak into a theme park after midnight and see what they're made of.
When things get out of control, Robin wakes up in a hospital bed and Emily doesn't wake up at all. Just getting dressed becomes an ordeal as Robin tries to heal and piece together the details of that terrible night. Racing to remember everything in the hopes of saving Emily, Robin writes a series of notes to herself to discover the truth.
One woke up.
Robin Saunders is a high school sophomore with an awesome best friend, a hard-working single mom, and a complicated relationship with a sweet guy named Reno. She's coasting along, trying to get through yet another tedious year of high school, when Em suggests something daring. They live in Florida-- tourist central--and Emily wants to sneak into a theme park after midnight and see what they're made of.
When things get out of control, Robin wakes up in a hospital bed and Emily doesn't wake up at all. Just getting dressed becomes an ordeal as Robin tries to heal and piece together the details of that terrible night. Racing to remember everything in the hopes of saving Emily, Robin writes a series of notes to herself to discover the truth.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2011
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March 24, 2012
After a brain injury, Robin is dealing with amnesia, having to learn her likes, dislikes, but most importantly: what really happened that night, the night she and her friend fell. A short book, but one dripping with emotions and filled with mystery.
From the very start, Robin is someone I understood. She took me in her head and made herself open so I could see her vulnerability, her worries and fears. She also has a great sense of humor that I adored. It's incredibly easy to get caught up in her story, making this a very quick read. However, it's not an easy one. Her best friend is in a coma for which her classmates blame her. In addition, she's unable to remember random details about her life, like how she likes her coffee, where her classes are, or how to shower - it's heartbreaking. The reactions around her are also really frustrating. These kids, they bully her, they mock her, they're endlessly cruel - it's incredibly sad but what's worse is it's realistic.
Avery takes the complex subject of brain damage and executes it extremely well. Robin's thoughts would wander, she would get confused, then we see her re-learn everything; figuring out how to become herself again. Flashbacks solidify this by showing us who Robin was before the accident, at the same time helping us understand how deep her friendship with Emily is. All the while, we're lead to the big mystery of how the fall happened exactly, and what Emily said that night that Robin keeps feeling is very important.
I didn't expect this book to be so profound, so packed with different emotions ranging from love to despair; I truly enjoyed it. Ultimately, Notes to Self tackles survivor's guilt: it's about finding oneself, finding the strength to move on after such a traumatizing accident, but also accepting that things happen out of our control.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
From the very start, Robin is someone I understood. She took me in her head and made herself open so I could see her vulnerability, her worries and fears. She also has a great sense of humor that I adored. It's incredibly easy to get caught up in her story, making this a very quick read. However, it's not an easy one. Her best friend is in a coma for which her classmates blame her. In addition, she's unable to remember random details about her life, like how she likes her coffee, where her classes are, or how to shower - it's heartbreaking. The reactions around her are also really frustrating. These kids, they bully her, they mock her, they're endlessly cruel - it's incredibly sad but what's worse is it's realistic.
Avery takes the complex subject of brain damage and executes it extremely well. Robin's thoughts would wander, she would get confused, then we see her re-learn everything; figuring out how to become herself again. Flashbacks solidify this by showing us who Robin was before the accident, at the same time helping us understand how deep her friendship with Emily is. All the while, we're lead to the big mystery of how the fall happened exactly, and what Emily said that night that Robin keeps feeling is very important.
I didn't expect this book to be so profound, so packed with different emotions ranging from love to despair; I truly enjoyed it. Ultimately, Notes to Self tackles survivor's guilt: it's about finding oneself, finding the strength to move on after such a traumatizing accident, but also accepting that things happen out of our control.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
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September 16, 2012Notes to Self is about a high school sophomore named Robin Saunders. She makes a bad decision and ends up with a traumatic brain injury. Her best friend Emily was there that night, too, and Emily is in a coma. As Robin recovers, Emily does not--and Robin has to learn to cope in the wake of the tragedy. As she tries to remember what happened, her reality and her past shift and settle as she writes a series of Notes to Self.
Notes to Self is a story about identity, family, memory, growing up in a world that isn't perfect and finding beauty in small moments.
I wrote this book, so I don't think I'm the right person to review it. All I can do is ask you to read it. I put a lot of myself into this book and I'm proud of it.
Notes to Self is a story about identity, family, memory, growing up in a world that isn't perfect and finding beauty in small moments.
I wrote this book, so I don't think I'm the right person to review it. All I can do is ask you to read it. I put a lot of myself into this book and I'm proud of it.
May 3, 2012
A fabulous read! Robin wants so badly to remember what happened to her and Emily the night they fell from the amusement park ride that they so stupidly climbed. Sadly the fall has affected her memory and there is a lot more than what happened that night that she can't remember. Robin has to face all of the students back at school without Emily, and finds that many of her classmates blame her for Emily's accident. Between the traumatic head injury and what boarders on bullying at school Robin is having a decidedly hard time getting back to life without Emily. Luckily her friend Reno starts coming around again when he hears of Emily accident. I loved Reno he is such a gentle soul, and you can tell even when at first he is awkward around Robin that he really does care about her. Notes to Self definitely gets a recommendation from me.
Plot: Like nothing else I've read, In a good way!
Characters: Fantastically flawed
Writing: Engaging, I didn't want to put it down
Ending: In one way wonderful but in another it left me hanging
Kid Friendly: Some smoking, drinking, drugs, are mentioned
Overall: A touching book about friendship and family.
Should You Read It? YES!
Plot: Like nothing else I've read, In a good way!
Characters: Fantastically flawed
Writing: Engaging, I didn't want to put it down
Ending: In one way wonderful but in another it left me hanging
Kid Friendly: Some smoking, drinking, drugs, are mentioned
Overall: A touching book about friendship and family.
Should You Read It? YES!
January 26, 2012
I saw a couple of people receiving this book for review in their mailboxes, so I decided to pick it up and give it a try. I was a little reluctant at first, since I thought it was one of those in-a-coma, out-of-body-experience types of books, but it turned out to be much better than what I expected: a beautiful story about friendship, growth, and love.
The setup for this book was unique: it was in present tense, and then it often took the reader back to Robin's old memories with her friend, Emily. The story starts off with a bang (not literally) with Robin and her bestfriend Emily falling off a structure, and both of them ending up in the hospital. Only, Emily doesn't wake up. Robin does. Robin goes through the stress at school when people think she pushed Emily. Robin also has a difficult time remembering what happened that night. Some chapters simply relive Robin's old memories with Emily, and how great of a friend she was, how loyal. One of my favorite parts of the book HAD to be those memories. Some of the memories were just so special and really pulled at my heartstrings. Notes to Self was strong in the areas of describing Robin's growth as she tries to remember everything again.
The characters, I loved the characters. ESPECIALLY Reno! Reno was such a sweet darling, I couldn't have asked for a better person to take Robin under his wing. Although she wasn't mentioned until the very end, Josie was really special to me. Her character changed so suddenly, but she turned out to be a good friend. And Robin: her character was so innocent and real, I believed her emotions just as if they were mine. I sincerely felt her stress and her frustration.
The ending, guys, the ENDING. Too good to be true. It was so ambiguous, yet breathtaking at the same time. What a great conclusion to the novel. Couldn't have asked for more! A very satisfying wrap up.
Overall, I'm very delighted to have read this emotional and compassionate story of Avery's. Definitely recommended for anyone who loves a good finding-yourself story! I can't wait to find out what Avery has next in store for us.
Grade: A-
The setup for this book was unique: it was in present tense, and then it often took the reader back to Robin's old memories with her friend, Emily. The story starts off with a bang (not literally) with Robin and her bestfriend Emily falling off a structure, and both of them ending up in the hospital. Only, Emily doesn't wake up. Robin does. Robin goes through the stress at school when people think she pushed Emily. Robin also has a difficult time remembering what happened that night. Some chapters simply relive Robin's old memories with Emily, and how great of a friend she was, how loyal. One of my favorite parts of the book HAD to be those memories. Some of the memories were just so special and really pulled at my heartstrings. Notes to Self was strong in the areas of describing Robin's growth as she tries to remember everything again.
The characters, I loved the characters. ESPECIALLY Reno! Reno was such a sweet darling, I couldn't have asked for a better person to take Robin under his wing. Although she wasn't mentioned until the very end, Josie was really special to me. Her character changed so suddenly, but she turned out to be a good friend. And Robin: her character was so innocent and real, I believed her emotions just as if they were mine. I sincerely felt her stress and her frustration.
The ending, guys, the ENDING. Too good to be true. It was so ambiguous, yet breathtaking at the same time. What a great conclusion to the novel. Couldn't have asked for more! A very satisfying wrap up.
Overall, I'm very delighted to have read this emotional and compassionate story of Avery's. Definitely recommended for anyone who loves a good finding-yourself story! I can't wait to find out what Avery has next in store for us.
Grade: A-
December 31, 2011
"Why don’t they let you sleep if you’re supposed to sleep? Nurses kept coming in to check on me. All I wanted to do was pass out, because every time I opened my eyes, everything was too bright, too loud, too painful. I didn’t want food. No, I don’t want a drink of water. Yes, my head still hurts. Yes, I still feel like puking my brains out. When will this all stop?
Please, just leave me alone.
I fell.
I fell."
--p.8
Beautiful cover, no?
I have to admit I refuse most self-published requests that come my way. I expect the same quality out of a self-published novel that I do a traditionally published one. That may not be strictly fair, but there are a lot of resources out there for self-published authors--to make their manuscript professional quality (ie editing services, writing conferences, group critiques, etc.)
NOTES TO SELF is a Sarah Dessen-isque novel. It’s a reflective journey of a high school student who falls thirty feet from the top of a mall amusement ride and suffers some brain injury. Her memory is affected, including of the actual fall itself. She can’t remember why she was up there. Her friend who was with her ends up in a coma.
Robin must now figure out how to live her life in a type of slow-motion, not remembering everything, and having to remind herself constantly how to do the most basic of tasks. Her longtime friend, Reno, stays with her throughout her search, offering her a kind of sweet support.
Here’s my take: While the writing is poetic at times, Avery Sawyer could improve her writing by studying Sarah Dessen. Dessen doesn’t sacrifice pacing to show her main character’s journey of discovery. By halfway through this book, I felt the pacing slowed far, far too much.
If you like realistic YA fiction, then you should definitely take a look at this book. Sawyer’s writing is better than 99% of any other YA self-pubs I’ve read.
Content Warning: Profanity, f-words, swearing. Recommended for ages 16+.
Please, just leave me alone.
I fell.
I fell."
--p.8
Beautiful cover, no?
I have to admit I refuse most self-published requests that come my way. I expect the same quality out of a self-published novel that I do a traditionally published one. That may not be strictly fair, but there are a lot of resources out there for self-published authors--to make their manuscript professional quality (ie editing services, writing conferences, group critiques, etc.)
NOTES TO SELF is a Sarah Dessen-isque novel. It’s a reflective journey of a high school student who falls thirty feet from the top of a mall amusement ride and suffers some brain injury. Her memory is affected, including of the actual fall itself. She can’t remember why she was up there. Her friend who was with her ends up in a coma.
Robin must now figure out how to live her life in a type of slow-motion, not remembering everything, and having to remind herself constantly how to do the most basic of tasks. Her longtime friend, Reno, stays with her throughout her search, offering her a kind of sweet support.
Here’s my take: While the writing is poetic at times, Avery Sawyer could improve her writing by studying Sarah Dessen. Dessen doesn’t sacrifice pacing to show her main character’s journey of discovery. By halfway through this book, I felt the pacing slowed far, far too much.
If you like realistic YA fiction, then you should definitely take a look at this book. Sawyer’s writing is better than 99% of any other YA self-pubs I’ve read.
Content Warning: Profanity, f-words, swearing. Recommended for ages 16+.
September 17, 2012
Well, this certainly was an emotional story. I was drawn in on the first page. It begins with a brief glimpse of what happened the night of the accident. Once Robin wakes up, she doesn't remember anything, accept that she and her friend Emily fell. This story is about how Robin puts the pieces of her life back together.
Despite the fact that Robin has a brain injury, she does heal relatively quickly. The problem is that she doesn't remember the details of the accident. Her best friend is in a coma and Robin feels like she needs to remember the accident so that she can help Emily heal. Her doctor suggests that she writes notes to herself about anything she thinks about from her past. As memories surface, the puzzle pieces come together.
I felt that Robin learned a lot about herself during this healing process. Family secrets are revealed and she begins to see the reality of what her friendship with Emily was really like.
After the accident, her friend Reno comes back into her life and tries to help her. I absolutely loved Reno. He is her childhood friend, but they've gone through a bit of a rough patch. I loved that their feelings for each other came to the surface. He is such a sweet guy.
One of the things I liked about the story was that it takes place in the greater Orlando area. I live north of Orlando, but I know the area that Robin lives in. I could picture the girls at the park the night of the accident. It made it seem real to me.
Notes to Self was a fast read and well written. I would recommend this book to a parent or teen. Be advised that it does have some mature content, such as underage drinking and drug use.
Despite the fact that Robin has a brain injury, she does heal relatively quickly. The problem is that she doesn't remember the details of the accident. Her best friend is in a coma and Robin feels like she needs to remember the accident so that she can help Emily heal. Her doctor suggests that she writes notes to herself about anything she thinks about from her past. As memories surface, the puzzle pieces come together.
I felt that Robin learned a lot about herself during this healing process. Family secrets are revealed and she begins to see the reality of what her friendship with Emily was really like.
After the accident, her friend Reno comes back into her life and tries to help her. I absolutely loved Reno. He is her childhood friend, but they've gone through a bit of a rough patch. I loved that their feelings for each other came to the surface. He is such a sweet guy.
One of the things I liked about the story was that it takes place in the greater Orlando area. I live north of Orlando, but I know the area that Robin lives in. I could picture the girls at the park the night of the accident. It made it seem real to me.
Notes to Self was a fast read and well written. I would recommend this book to a parent or teen. Be advised that it does have some mature content, such as underage drinking and drug use.
December 28, 2011
Robin and her best friend Emily have fallen from a ride at the Fun Towne Amusement Park after climbing up the maintenance ladder to look at the view of the town. Both girls ended up falling from the ride, but only Robin woke up. With Emily in a coma, life has to go on for Robin; school, family, and learning to remember things all over again thanks to her Traumatic Brain Injury. But one thing keeps bugging Robin, she was supposed to remember something from the night of the fall, but her brain just won’t allow it. Her doctor advises Robin to start making notes to help her remember things. So when Robin makes a new discovery about herself, she jots it down.
Reading the book, we see through the eyes of Robin as she is learning to deal with her new life after the brain injury. We get a glimpse every now and then back into her past and how it relates to her present. In a lot of ways it reminds me of Gayle Foreman’s If I Stay. Be warned readers…this book will bring about every possible emotion. I was angry, scared, happy and even cried a bit towards the end of the story. How can one little book spark so much emotion? Notes to Self has an amazing storyline that will have you hooked the entire book, you will not want to put it down.
Reading the book, we see through the eyes of Robin as she is learning to deal with her new life after the brain injury. We get a glimpse every now and then back into her past and how it relates to her present. In a lot of ways it reminds me of Gayle Foreman’s If I Stay. Be warned readers…this book will bring about every possible emotion. I was angry, scared, happy and even cried a bit towards the end of the story. How can one little book spark so much emotion? Notes to Self has an amazing storyline that will have you hooked the entire book, you will not want to put it down.
February 3, 2012
I came across this book by accident. A random tweet announced that it was being offered free for one day, so I snapped it up, knowing nothing about it. Then I started reading it and couldn't put it down.
One reason this book pulls you in is that it's a mystery. From the first page, no one knows what those two girls were doing up on that FunTown ride late at night or why they fell. Emily's in a coma, and Robin's trying to remember what happened.
You also read it because Robin's an interesting, likable heroine (you gotta like someone who refers to a bad manicure as "nail fail.") You hope she gets together with Reno, her friend but not boyfriend, and that she works things out with her mother. You hope that Robin recovers fully from her traumatic brain injury, and you especially hope that Emily wakes up.
Set in a lower-income neighborhood near Orlanda, Florida, this story is gritty, realistic, and tender. I'm glad I discovered it.
One reason this book pulls you in is that it's a mystery. From the first page, no one knows what those two girls were doing up on that FunTown ride late at night or why they fell. Emily's in a coma, and Robin's trying to remember what happened.
You also read it because Robin's an interesting, likable heroine (you gotta like someone who refers to a bad manicure as "nail fail.") You hope she gets together with Reno, her friend but not boyfriend, and that she works things out with her mother. You hope that Robin recovers fully from her traumatic brain injury, and you especially hope that Emily wakes up.
Set in a lower-income neighborhood near Orlanda, Florida, this story is gritty, realistic, and tender. I'm glad I discovered it.
August 26, 2012
If you're a long time reader of my blog/reviews, you'll probably know that I'm always up for a contemporary read. Therefore, when I first heard about Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer, I was beyond excited. It sounded like such an interesting read and with even a little mystery thrown in as well. Plus it sounded a similar to another all time favorite book of mine- Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott. Anyhow, I recently dove right into, and I ended up loving it! Suspenseful as well as insightful, Notes to Self is yet another excellent Indie published novel, one that has continued to give me hope in this area of books.
Notes to Self tells the story of Robin Saunders, a high school sophomore who recently had the worst night of her life. It all started when Em, her best friend, decided that they should climb to the top of an amusement park ride late at night. It would be something fun to do she said, but in the end, it ended up being nothing but deadly. Now Robin is facing amnesia, complicated feelings for an old friend, and guilt over the accident all without Em by her side. Plus that's not even adding in the fact that Robin knows they were was more to that night than she remembers. Now on a race to save her friend, Robin embarks on a journey like no other...but will she be able to save the day in time? Only time and more pages can tell in this intriguing and twisty read that will have nearly any reader on the edge of their seat.
From the first page, I was instantly hooked on Robin's story. Her voice, one filled with regret as well as hope, grabbed me and didn't let me go. Plus it didn't hurt that I thought she was a great character, one that was relatable as well as likable. Robin was someone who always thought she would be nothing without her extraordinary best friend, but in this, she found out that wasn't true and really evolved as a person because of it. It was always interesting to see her face new issues and dilemmas...ranging from her feelings over her old best friend Reno to her complicated relationship with her mother and father. The one character I liked as much as Robin, though, was Reno. He was so funny and sweet. I was always happy when he appeared on the page since he added such a great little spark to the book. I also enjoyed finding more about Em out..she was dangerous yet incredibly strong and I always felt a mixed bag of emotions about her.
The plot in this one was also incredible! I really enjoyed the mystery angle to the story as it caused for the book to move in a fast and furious pace, as Robin as well as I tried to piece together what happened that horrible night. I also loved the romance sub-plot, because it was sweet as well as cute, even though it didn't always go smoothly. Most importantly, Notes to Self is a book about self-discovery as well as coming to piece with what life throws at its core, and I thought Avery did a great job of making that happen.
Lastly, Avery's writing was excellent. I loved the addition of Robin's notes as well as how she split up the story into quick yet important segments. I also enjoyed the use of present test...as mentioned before, it let me be able to discover everything out at the same time Robin did. Plus it added a good little twist to the book to say the least.
In all, Notes to Self is an emotional and moving book, one that I highly suggest you pick up. Trust me..you won't regret it!
Grade: B+
Notes to Self tells the story of Robin Saunders, a high school sophomore who recently had the worst night of her life. It all started when Em, her best friend, decided that they should climb to the top of an amusement park ride late at night. It would be something fun to do she said, but in the end, it ended up being nothing but deadly. Now Robin is facing amnesia, complicated feelings for an old friend, and guilt over the accident all without Em by her side. Plus that's not even adding in the fact that Robin knows they were was more to that night than she remembers. Now on a race to save her friend, Robin embarks on a journey like no other...but will she be able to save the day in time? Only time and more pages can tell in this intriguing and twisty read that will have nearly any reader on the edge of their seat.
From the first page, I was instantly hooked on Robin's story. Her voice, one filled with regret as well as hope, grabbed me and didn't let me go. Plus it didn't hurt that I thought she was a great character, one that was relatable as well as likable. Robin was someone who always thought she would be nothing without her extraordinary best friend, but in this, she found out that wasn't true and really evolved as a person because of it. It was always interesting to see her face new issues and dilemmas...ranging from her feelings over her old best friend Reno to her complicated relationship with her mother and father. The one character I liked as much as Robin, though, was Reno. He was so funny and sweet. I was always happy when he appeared on the page since he added such a great little spark to the book. I also enjoyed finding more about Em out..she was dangerous yet incredibly strong and I always felt a mixed bag of emotions about her.
The plot in this one was also incredible! I really enjoyed the mystery angle to the story as it caused for the book to move in a fast and furious pace, as Robin as well as I tried to piece together what happened that horrible night. I also loved the romance sub-plot, because it was sweet as well as cute, even though it didn't always go smoothly. Most importantly, Notes to Self is a book about self-discovery as well as coming to piece with what life throws at its core, and I thought Avery did a great job of making that happen.
Lastly, Avery's writing was excellent. I loved the addition of Robin's notes as well as how she split up the story into quick yet important segments. I also enjoyed the use of present test...as mentioned before, it let me be able to discover everything out at the same time Robin did. Plus it added a good little twist to the book to say the least.
In all, Notes to Self is an emotional and moving book, one that I highly suggest you pick up. Trust me..you won't regret it!
Grade: B+
December 1, 2011
I have a tendency so say things like "I don't really enjoy contemporary YA" and then realize later that I clearly don't know what I'm talking about. I love a good emotional roller coaster of a book--the kind of books that tugs on your heart-strings and makes you so engrossed in the characters' well-being that you can't stop turning the pages. This week, Notes to Self became one of those books.
I don't believe everything happens for a reason. But I still search for reasons anyway. It's like I don't want to admit that maybe everything really is totally random...that people are just molecules in the air, bumping into each other and floating away again.
-p150
Robin is having trouble coping. She climbed up a theme park ride in the middle of the night with her best friend and everything went wrong. Emily is still in a coma and Robin thinks that maybe, just maybe, if she could remember what happened that night things would be different. Maybe Emily would wake up. Maybe the kids at school would stop calling her "Short Bus." Maybe she could let life move on to whatever is coming next. But she can't--not until she figures out what happened that night...and along the way learns more about herself and her best friend than she could possibly imagine.
I think insomnia is a sign that a person is interesting.
-p138
At the suggestion of her doctor, Robin begins writing notes to herself to help her remember things--from mundane daily tasks such as washing her hair to snippets of memories about her past and her personality. I found Robin a really interesting character to read about because she doesn't even really know who she is after the accident so the reader discovers her personality right alongside her. It also opens up the possibility of changing and growing where maybe before she never would have imagined it. It was intense watching her get picked on at school because of how much she was suffering--you just want to reach out and hit those other kids.
It's going to be okay. That's what everyone says when they really have no idea how it's going to be.
-p37
The side characters, such as Robin's mom and her friend, Reno, make a huge difference in this story and how Robin regains her memories. I liked how each of them played into her healing process and experiencing the memories that they sparked for her throughout. Reno is such a fabulous friend, willing to be there for her all the time even though they had, apparently, not been as close lately.
There were a few nit-picky things that bothered me just the slightest bit about this novel, one thing being a tad more use of slang than I generally like (i.e. the use of "totes"...which I say all the time but for some reason don't expect characters to say. Double standard, I know). However, overall, I enjoyed this read quite a bit. It reminded me a lot of If I Stay by Gayle Forman and Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott with the unique twist that the MC is dealing with a traumatic brain injury herself. It added an extra layer of intrigue that really drew me in. I think fans of emotional drama in contemporary YA will enjoy this novel and it's truly a steal for only $3.99!
I don't believe everything happens for a reason. But I still search for reasons anyway. It's like I don't want to admit that maybe everything really is totally random...that people are just molecules in the air, bumping into each other and floating away again.
-p150
Robin is having trouble coping. She climbed up a theme park ride in the middle of the night with her best friend and everything went wrong. Emily is still in a coma and Robin thinks that maybe, just maybe, if she could remember what happened that night things would be different. Maybe Emily would wake up. Maybe the kids at school would stop calling her "Short Bus." Maybe she could let life move on to whatever is coming next. But she can't--not until she figures out what happened that night...and along the way learns more about herself and her best friend than she could possibly imagine.
I think insomnia is a sign that a person is interesting.
-p138
At the suggestion of her doctor, Robin begins writing notes to herself to help her remember things--from mundane daily tasks such as washing her hair to snippets of memories about her past and her personality. I found Robin a really interesting character to read about because she doesn't even really know who she is after the accident so the reader discovers her personality right alongside her. It also opens up the possibility of changing and growing where maybe before she never would have imagined it. It was intense watching her get picked on at school because of how much she was suffering--you just want to reach out and hit those other kids.
It's going to be okay. That's what everyone says when they really have no idea how it's going to be.
-p37
The side characters, such as Robin's mom and her friend, Reno, make a huge difference in this story and how Robin regains her memories. I liked how each of them played into her healing process and experiencing the memories that they sparked for her throughout. Reno is such a fabulous friend, willing to be there for her all the time even though they had, apparently, not been as close lately.
There were a few nit-picky things that bothered me just the slightest bit about this novel, one thing being a tad more use of slang than I generally like (i.e. the use of "totes"...which I say all the time but for some reason don't expect characters to say. Double standard, I know). However, overall, I enjoyed this read quite a bit. It reminded me a lot of If I Stay by Gayle Forman and Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott with the unique twist that the MC is dealing with a traumatic brain injury herself. It added an extra layer of intrigue that really drew me in. I think fans of emotional drama in contemporary YA will enjoy this novel and it's truly a steal for only $3.99!
December 12, 2011
I first want to thank Ms. Sawyer (or should I say Ms. Schaefer) for giving me an ebook version! Notes to Self was a very captivating read that had me absorbed in Robin's story. I'm usually not too big on the whole 'sad' experience/re-growth/traumatic idea but I felt differently about this one compared to others I have read!
Robin to me was the perfect narrator for this story. She had such a distinctive voice - a fifteen year olds to be exact - that I felt myself nodding at her feelings and explanations (after all that is how old I am). It made it very easy to connect with her since she had such a strong voice. I also enjoyed her narrating because we see the experience through her eyes - which = knowing barely anything since she can't remember what happened due to her injury- and it made me keep reading in anticipation and mystery. Her best friend Emily I felt was such a big part of this story (naturally) but also in the sense that although she wasn't there literally, as the reader I still connected with her and she had a major presence. Reno is another great person in Notes to Self. I loved him. I mean I love him. He cared so much about Robin and as the only real friend she had (besides Em) he really filled up the part. I felt so touched by what he did and said. All the characters were well written and 'fleshed out' in the sense that they each had their own dynamic personality.
Although there wasn't too much of a plot. The summary does nothing to help you at all but let me say that I didn't once get bored. Not because of action but it just kept me absorbed. The way Robin pieced things together - the notes she left for herself. It all had me sucked in, the writing style was very good. I was expecting a super sad, boring, and pitiful MC and what I got was not expected (I even laughed at a few moments). The growth of Robin's character is such an amazing transformation. And I really appreciated the ending. When you read Notes to Self know this: you'll be satisfied.
I recommend this to readers of contemporary BUT please don't write it off because 'oh I don't deal with subjects like that'. It wasn't your typical traumatic story. I really really enjoyed it and I think if you have any liking to contemporary, you will too.
Robin to me was the perfect narrator for this story. She had such a distinctive voice - a fifteen year olds to be exact - that I felt myself nodding at her feelings and explanations (after all that is how old I am). It made it very easy to connect with her since she had such a strong voice. I also enjoyed her narrating because we see the experience through her eyes - which = knowing barely anything since she can't remember what happened due to her injury- and it made me keep reading in anticipation and mystery. Her best friend Emily I felt was such a big part of this story (naturally) but also in the sense that although she wasn't there literally, as the reader I still connected with her and she had a major presence. Reno is another great person in Notes to Self. I loved him. I mean I love him. He cared so much about Robin and as the only real friend she had (besides Em) he really filled up the part. I felt so touched by what he did and said. All the characters were well written and 'fleshed out' in the sense that they each had their own dynamic personality.
Although there wasn't too much of a plot. The summary does nothing to help you at all but let me say that I didn't once get bored. Not because of action but it just kept me absorbed. The way Robin pieced things together - the notes she left for herself. It all had me sucked in, the writing style was very good. I was expecting a super sad, boring, and pitiful MC and what I got was not expected (I even laughed at a few moments). The growth of Robin's character is such an amazing transformation. And I really appreciated the ending. When you read Notes to Self know this: you'll be satisfied.
I recommend this to readers of contemporary BUT please don't write it off because 'oh I don't deal with subjects like that'. It wasn't your typical traumatic story. I really really enjoyed it and I think if you have any liking to contemporary, you will too.
April 8, 2012
"...Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after." - Traditional English Nursery Rhyme
Robin Saunders and her best friend Emily Sampson sneak inside the Fun Towne midway after midnight. they climb the maintenance ladder of the Sling Shot ride and are about five stories up when an accident occurs. they fall down and are rushed to the hospital. only one wakes up...
writing as Avery Sawyer, author Laura Schaefer's novel invites the reader to experience vicariously the slow and painful healing of a high school sophomore suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ms. Schaefer also presents realistically how people react and deal with those who are infirm.
Robin's pain clearly leaps off the pages especially from the small notes she writes to herself. we not only get to know Robin better but also those around her as bits and pieces of her memory come back.
although she has the support of her mother and friend Reno, Robin incurs the ire of a girl from school who blames her for the accident while other students laugh at her condition.
i commend Ms. Schaefer's prose. it flows smoothly from the first page to the last. she leaves out any superfluous details or medical jargon about TBI and allows instead her protagonist Robin to speak about it to us. this approach works well and is very effective in its delivery.
from the get go, i knew i had in my hands a beautiful heartfelt story and i was not proven wrong. i love everything about this book and its message of hope, love, forgiveness and letting go.
the last three lines were so unexpected that it choked me up. i would not be surprised if that happens to some of you as well.
Ms. Schaefer has done an excellent job and this novel definitely has my vote!
Robin Saunders and her best friend Emily Sampson sneak inside the Fun Towne midway after midnight. they climb the maintenance ladder of the Sling Shot ride and are about five stories up when an accident occurs. they fall down and are rushed to the hospital. only one wakes up...
writing as Avery Sawyer, author Laura Schaefer's novel invites the reader to experience vicariously the slow and painful healing of a high school sophomore suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ms. Schaefer also presents realistically how people react and deal with those who are infirm.
Robin's pain clearly leaps off the pages especially from the small notes she writes to herself. we not only get to know Robin better but also those around her as bits and pieces of her memory come back.
although she has the support of her mother and friend Reno, Robin incurs the ire of a girl from school who blames her for the accident while other students laugh at her condition.
i commend Ms. Schaefer's prose. it flows smoothly from the first page to the last. she leaves out any superfluous details or medical jargon about TBI and allows instead her protagonist Robin to speak about it to us. this approach works well and is very effective in its delivery.
from the get go, i knew i had in my hands a beautiful heartfelt story and i was not proven wrong. i love everything about this book and its message of hope, love, forgiveness and letting go.
the last three lines were so unexpected that it choked me up. i would not be surprised if that happens to some of you as well.
Ms. Schaefer has done an excellent job and this novel definitely has my vote!
May 11, 2012
I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for reading and reviewing it.
Avery Sawyer’s Notes to Self is a short, mostly introspective book, her first for young adults. The premise is straightforward – two friends, Robin and Emily climb the “Sling Shot” ride at a theme park one night. Both of them fall, but only Robin wakes up in the hospital while Emily remains in a coma. The story is told from Robin’s point of view as she tries to come to terms with her injury, its traumatic effects and the difficulties she has navigating her life.
While there is not much direct action in the story – as a fair amount of the active scenes take place as Robin’s flashback memories – Sawyer does a very good job of keeping the story moving. She achieves this mainly through the use of short, pointed chapters which follow Robin through her new reality. Throughout the book, Robin writes short notes to herself to help her memory and these also serve as an anchor to the various stages of her progress.
My favorite thing about this book was the balance the author achieved between Robin’s difficulties in dealing with, on one hand, brain injury and her residual guilt about Emily, and on the other, the normal problems that face many teenage girls – bullying at school, problems with her mom, an absentee father, loneliness, falling in love. The technique actually brings Robin’s struggles front and center and give a fascinating insight into how her personality and life changes after the accident.
With a solid premise, good storytelling technique and an engaging main character, this book was a pleasure to read. I would recommend it for adults as well as teenagers, and I would also seek out more of the author’s books.
Avery Sawyer’s Notes to Self is a short, mostly introspective book, her first for young adults. The premise is straightforward – two friends, Robin and Emily climb the “Sling Shot” ride at a theme park one night. Both of them fall, but only Robin wakes up in the hospital while Emily remains in a coma. The story is told from Robin’s point of view as she tries to come to terms with her injury, its traumatic effects and the difficulties she has navigating her life.
While there is not much direct action in the story – as a fair amount of the active scenes take place as Robin’s flashback memories – Sawyer does a very good job of keeping the story moving. She achieves this mainly through the use of short, pointed chapters which follow Robin through her new reality. Throughout the book, Robin writes short notes to herself to help her memory and these also serve as an anchor to the various stages of her progress.
My favorite thing about this book was the balance the author achieved between Robin’s difficulties in dealing with, on one hand, brain injury and her residual guilt about Emily, and on the other, the normal problems that face many teenage girls – bullying at school, problems with her mom, an absentee father, loneliness, falling in love. The technique actually brings Robin’s struggles front and center and give a fascinating insight into how her personality and life changes after the accident.
With a solid premise, good storytelling technique and an engaging main character, this book was a pleasure to read. I would recommend it for adults as well as teenagers, and I would also seek out more of the author’s books.
December 19, 2011
As i read the synopsis of the book, i knew it was going to be a very touching story that i'll remember. I enjoy reading real-life stories tremendously. To know that this story can actually happen in real life, or has happened to someone in this world, breaks my heart.
Robin and her best friend Emily fall, and only one of them wakes up, which is Robin. Robin struggles between praying that her best friend Emily wakes up from a coma, and remembering how to do simple automated activities, such as how to take a shower. Her love for her best friend Emily is so heart-warming, that I also started praying and hoping that she wouldn't die in her coma or just never wake up.
Since Robin is the same age as me, I can relate to her a lot. Her struggle at school, and how the people in her school are all heartless losers who actually made fun of her for being injured! She was always struggling at school, and how she wouldn't remember things, which was very sad for me.
I loved her relationship with Reno. Reno is a close friend of Robin since they were young. Reno was so nice to her! He would visit her everyday, and ask if she was fine. He would drive her places, and do everything she would ask for, which was adorable. I also loved his style, which was different than most male protagonists. He was a nerd, a tall nerd, with hipster glasses and all. Which I loved to bits.
Over all, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It might have been a bit draggy at first, but then the story developed and became much more interesting. It was touching, and a very fun read. I would totally recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading real-life stories.
Robin and her best friend Emily fall, and only one of them wakes up, which is Robin. Robin struggles between praying that her best friend Emily wakes up from a coma, and remembering how to do simple automated activities, such as how to take a shower. Her love for her best friend Emily is so heart-warming, that I also started praying and hoping that she wouldn't die in her coma or just never wake up.
Since Robin is the same age as me, I can relate to her a lot. Her struggle at school, and how the people in her school are all heartless losers who actually made fun of her for being injured! She was always struggling at school, and how she wouldn't remember things, which was very sad for me.
I loved her relationship with Reno. Reno is a close friend of Robin since they were young. Reno was so nice to her! He would visit her everyday, and ask if she was fine. He would drive her places, and do everything she would ask for, which was adorable. I also loved his style, which was different than most male protagonists. He was a nerd, a tall nerd, with hipster glasses and all. Which I loved to bits.
Over all, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It might have been a bit draggy at first, but then the story developed and became much more interesting. It was touching, and a very fun read. I would totally recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading real-life stories.
January 4, 2012
All Robin remembers is that she and Emily both climbed up the Sling Shot at Fun Towne, and then they fell. When Robin wakes up she can’t remember the details of that evening, but knows there is something important there. Worse, Emily hasn’t woken up yet and Robin must learn to live her life anew with the results of a traumatic brain injury.
I can’t tell you how much this novel amazed me. The premise intrigued me from the beginning, but the writing and the story are so engrossing I couldn’t put it down. Robin is a likable narrator who is struggling to put her life back together after the fall. She knows there is something about that night that she is missing and she wants so badly to remember, but when she can’t even remember how to take a shower, how can she expect to remember that one night.
The character development in this novel is well done. You can believe that Robin is a real person, and you can feel and understand her pain. Her support system is so small you really can see how hard it is for her to find people she can really trust.
The story often flashes back to memories from Robins past, and especially memories of Emily. This isn’t at all distracting to the story, and adds quite a bit of dimension to the writing. You can see how she and Emily got to the places they are now, and it does much to further the character development.
Overall this novel was a fast and interesting read. I highly recommend it to readers of realistic fiction. It was definitely a hard one to put down.
Cautions for sensitive readers: None.
March 27, 2015
Robin doesn't remember much about the night she and Emily climbed up on an old amusement park ride, only that she fell and now Emily is in a coma. Robin's traumatic brain injury makes it hard for her to do even simple everyday tasks, so she starts writing notes to herself. She really wants to remember that night, but as she sifts through her memories, she begins to discover many new things about her life.
This was an interesting idea, but I felt like through most of the middle of the novel, it went off-track. There were a lot of plotlines, such as mean-girl Josie, her friend-zoned friend Reno, and a weird little bit about her Aunt Susan that seemed to come out of nowhere and go nowhere, unless it's just that Robin is taking care of a lot of things in her life that she ignored or avoided even before the accident. I felt like what happened with Emily should have been more central to the plot than it was, and the climax felt mostly anti-climactic because of it.
At times I felt Robin's behavior was very true to a brain injury, when she couldn't remember how to complete a simple task or grasped at words or even said the wrong words. But other times she'd have trouble brushing her teeth or knowing that her dad left her mom years ago, then launch into a long flashback. I also had a few issues with slang used in the novel, I can imagine someone saying, "I feel like I'm going to vom" but when the narrator is just describing how she felt, to me that seems like a weird choice.
Overall the novel had a good pace and the flashbacks were interesting enough even if they meandered a bit.
This was an interesting idea, but I felt like through most of the middle of the novel, it went off-track. There were a lot of plotlines, such as mean-girl Josie, her friend-zoned friend Reno, and a weird little bit about her Aunt Susan that seemed to come out of nowhere and go nowhere, unless it's just that Robin is taking care of a lot of things in her life that she ignored or avoided even before the accident. I felt like what happened with Emily should have been more central to the plot than it was, and the climax felt mostly anti-climactic because of it.
At times I felt Robin's behavior was very true to a brain injury, when she couldn't remember how to complete a simple task or grasped at words or even said the wrong words. But other times she'd have trouble brushing her teeth or knowing that her dad left her mom years ago, then launch into a long flashback. I also had a few issues with slang used in the novel, I can imagine someone saying, "I feel like I'm going to vom" but when the narrator is just describing how she felt, to me that seems like a weird choice.
Overall the novel had a good pace and the flashbacks were interesting enough even if they meandered a bit.
February 23, 2012
When I agreed to review Notes to Self, I had no idea how much I was going to love this book. Everything about it was amazing. The characters, the writing, the story, everything was beautiful. I have absolutely no complaints!
The book starts off with Robin and her best friend Emily climbing up one of the rides in an amusement park. What started off as something fun to do, turned into a terrible accident, which left Robin with some brain damage and Emily in a coma. Robin is forced to deal with everything alone, while feeling guilty that she is ok and Emily isn't waking up. She also has no memories of the night and doesn't remember what happened or why they were climbing the ride in the first place.
When Robin goes back to school, she is ostracized by everyone, because they all blame her for Emily's accident. Her only friend is Reno, a childhood friend she has since lost touch with. Through her friendship with him, as well as her close relationship with her mom, Robin starts to heal and figures out what actually happened that night.
Written in present tense, as well as in flashbacks, the reader really gets a sense of who Robin is and why her friendship with Emily is so important. I loved watching Robin grow as a person throughout the story.
Notes to Self was beautifully written and it flowed nicely. Robin was hilarious and I found myself laughing so many times. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fell-good contemporary read!
The book starts off with Robin and her best friend Emily climbing up one of the rides in an amusement park. What started off as something fun to do, turned into a terrible accident, which left Robin with some brain damage and Emily in a coma. Robin is forced to deal with everything alone, while feeling guilty that she is ok and Emily isn't waking up. She also has no memories of the night and doesn't remember what happened or why they were climbing the ride in the first place.
When Robin goes back to school, she is ostracized by everyone, because they all blame her for Emily's accident. Her only friend is Reno, a childhood friend she has since lost touch with. Through her friendship with him, as well as her close relationship with her mom, Robin starts to heal and figures out what actually happened that night.
Written in present tense, as well as in flashbacks, the reader really gets a sense of who Robin is and why her friendship with Emily is so important. I loved watching Robin grow as a person throughout the story.
Notes to Self was beautifully written and it flowed nicely. Robin was hilarious and I found myself laughing so many times. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fell-good contemporary read!
February 2, 2012
As Robin wakes up in the hospital with a brain injury the only thing she repeats over and over is "we fell" we spend the rest of the story piecing together what happened and wondering if Emily will ever come out of her coma. Robin decides to go back to school, maybe sooner than she should have. By writing little notes to herself to help her remember how to do things, because her brain is having a hard time making connections as easily as the process of showering and remembering her locker number.
You could feel her confusion and frustration as you read. The loss of her best friend and how hopeless she feels knowing there is nothing she can do for her and having to live each day knowing that her friend is stuck in the hospital. As well as the guilt that she feels every time she goes to class and the other students treating her differently , as to make her feel even worse that she made it and Emily is still in limbo.
I enjoyed Robin's mother in this one, you could really tell that she was trying her best to help Robin work through her healing process. I also liked Reno and his down to Earth approach on the situation and starting up a romance in the middle of what is happening.
I was completely drawn into this story, I think it portrays a lot of emotions that we all feel in our own life. There are some thought provoking realizations that Robin comes to that got me wondering about how I would feel in her shoes.
You could feel her confusion and frustration as you read. The loss of her best friend and how hopeless she feels knowing there is nothing she can do for her and having to live each day knowing that her friend is stuck in the hospital. As well as the guilt that she feels every time she goes to class and the other students treating her differently , as to make her feel even worse that she made it and Emily is still in limbo.
I enjoyed Robin's mother in this one, you could really tell that she was trying her best to help Robin work through her healing process. I also liked Reno and his down to Earth approach on the situation and starting up a romance in the middle of what is happening.
I was completely drawn into this story, I think it portrays a lot of emotions that we all feel in our own life. There are some thought provoking realizations that Robin comes to that got me wondering about how I would feel in her shoes.
February 24, 2012
I finished it in two days it seemed short or maybe I am just a fast reader but I loved it. It had a great story line and it was interesting couldn't put it down. only thing I didn't like was the cussing but other than that I loved it!!
December 28, 2012
Loved the idea of this book and was ready to give it four stars until the last page. Just didn't care for the ending at all.
February 13, 2012
For full review: http://rebecca-books.blogspot.com/201...
This is one short read, I can tell you. But boy, is it intense.
The book starts with just before the fall and much like Robin, the narrative jumps to when Robin wakes up. From then on, we, and Robin, are trying to find out her past and more importantly, the accident itself where something is nagging Robin that if she remembers, it will save Emily. This all happens in a series of flashbacks throughout the book which piece together all our questions ending in the ultimate and last flashback - the fall.
I liked how Sawyer didn't reveal everything straight away to us - it made it a much more interesting read. I would say this story is unique, because in some ways I think it is especially the way it is done. But there are a lot of books out there that reminded me of this one while reading - Speak and If I Stay to name a few.
This book takes some time to break in. At first, while reading, I didn't like it at all - I got annoyed at Robin and I found the hospital scenes disturbing and uninteresting. Not a good mix, I assure you. But when Robin finally gets out of hospital and starts to try and find out what happened, the story suddenly lifts up. The thing about Robin is that she is someone I could relate to.
So I haven't broken anything, had concussion or hurt in any way part of my brain, I felt and understood what she was going through. For me, her point of view is written like a typical teenager and the problem of her not remembering anything was linked with other teenage 'tragedies' such as not sure if you like a guy and people being mean to you at school. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick or I totally lost the whole point - but that's what I felt. I related to Robin because her injury was linked with things I have gone through in my teenagehood.
Robin, I thought was going to be annoying. I feel bad saying this but I get annoyed when something happens to the protagonist and they whine on and on about their problems. I would be the same, I know, but still. Surprisingly, Robin wasn't. She got on with her life and I liked the determination to find out what happened on that night. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that Robin was a great narrator and I liked her character and the way she just got on with everything after the accident.
The writing was easy to read and flowed really well. There are a lot of chapters for such a short book and almost act as episodes. Despite this, the narrative was never snappy or broken up, it all flowed into a wondering book very well. Because of the episodes, it became very visual in my head while reading and I can totally imagine this as a movie in the way it is written.
Although I thought the opening could have been better, the ending...well, let's say that some may expect it happening, I did not. I had already made my decision on what happened at the end but this was changed completely.
Now, my problems. Wow, Josie is a total bitch and the way the people treat Robin when she returns to school, wow, that is harsh. At times I felt that the story seemed a little...dramatised. Like the way people treated Robin at school - yes it happens but I don't think it would have been that bad especially as they know about her brain injury. Another example is Susan (I won't reveal why) but I was like 'Seriously? That's a bit too coincidental. It was like Sawyer wanted to get the mother out of the story so introduced her.
NOTES TO SELF tackles multiple issues that teenagers have to deal with as well as the ultimate and tragic problem of brain damage - something we all fear and hope will never happen to ourselves and those around us. Avery Sawyer has successful created a book where people can somehow relate to Robin, even though she is in a rare situation. The writing and characters craft this book into something that I think most people would enjoy at any age. With the length of this book, I think everyone should read this book - even if it isn't totally perfect.
Verdict: I would give it a go - but I don't think it is everyone's cup of tea.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5
This is one short read, I can tell you. But boy, is it intense.
The book starts with just before the fall and much like Robin, the narrative jumps to when Robin wakes up. From then on, we, and Robin, are trying to find out her past and more importantly, the accident itself where something is nagging Robin that if she remembers, it will save Emily. This all happens in a series of flashbacks throughout the book which piece together all our questions ending in the ultimate and last flashback - the fall.
I liked how Sawyer didn't reveal everything straight away to us - it made it a much more interesting read. I would say this story is unique, because in some ways I think it is especially the way it is done. But there are a lot of books out there that reminded me of this one while reading - Speak and If I Stay to name a few.
This book takes some time to break in. At first, while reading, I didn't like it at all - I got annoyed at Robin and I found the hospital scenes disturbing and uninteresting. Not a good mix, I assure you. But when Robin finally gets out of hospital and starts to try and find out what happened, the story suddenly lifts up. The thing about Robin is that she is someone I could relate to.
So I haven't broken anything, had concussion or hurt in any way part of my brain, I felt and understood what she was going through. For me, her point of view is written like a typical teenager and the problem of her not remembering anything was linked with other teenage 'tragedies' such as not sure if you like a guy and people being mean to you at school. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick or I totally lost the whole point - but that's what I felt. I related to Robin because her injury was linked with things I have gone through in my teenagehood.
Robin, I thought was going to be annoying. I feel bad saying this but I get annoyed when something happens to the protagonist and they whine on and on about their problems. I would be the same, I know, but still. Surprisingly, Robin wasn't. She got on with her life and I liked the determination to find out what happened on that night. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that Robin was a great narrator and I liked her character and the way she just got on with everything after the accident.
The writing was easy to read and flowed really well. There are a lot of chapters for such a short book and almost act as episodes. Despite this, the narrative was never snappy or broken up, it all flowed into a wondering book very well. Because of the episodes, it became very visual in my head while reading and I can totally imagine this as a movie in the way it is written.
Although I thought the opening could have been better, the ending...well, let's say that some may expect it happening, I did not. I had already made my decision on what happened at the end but this was changed completely.
Now, my problems. Wow, Josie is a total bitch and the way the people treat Robin when she returns to school, wow, that is harsh. At times I felt that the story seemed a little...dramatised. Like the way people treated Robin at school - yes it happens but I don't think it would have been that bad especially as they know about her brain injury. Another example is Susan (I won't reveal why) but I was like 'Seriously? That's a bit too coincidental. It was like Sawyer wanted to get the mother out of the story so introduced her.
NOTES TO SELF tackles multiple issues that teenagers have to deal with as well as the ultimate and tragic problem of brain damage - something we all fear and hope will never happen to ourselves and those around us. Avery Sawyer has successful created a book where people can somehow relate to Robin, even though she is in a rare situation. The writing and characters craft this book into something that I think most people would enjoy at any age. With the length of this book, I think everyone should read this book - even if it isn't totally perfect.
Verdict: I would give it a go - but I don't think it is everyone's cup of tea.
I give it a 3.5 out of 5
April 28, 2013
Wow. Where do I start? First, let me say I'm having issues with my vision right now, so please forgive any issues with my writing.
I read about a third of this novel and had to find out, before I continued, the back story. I contacted the author on Twitter and learned, to my disappointment, that she researched TBIs. I was so hopeful that she, herself, or someone she knew had one. So with that sad reality, I continued after looking into other's reviews.
I have to point out there are many reviews, all over the internet, referring to how "funny" it was. I just finished this book. I have a moderate TBI. Funny? I sat and cried through the first part of the book. Funny? I'm thinking most mean the shower section. Yeah, it's real funny when you can't remember how to take a shower. Or in my case: how to drive, how to turn on the sink, how to turn on the oven, how to operate the TV, how to open even a door. Real funny there. I'm being sarcastic, btw. It's not funny. It's pure hell for those that have been there, that are there.
That being said, the book was good. I did cry for a very long time and struggled to read it, especially early on, due to how close it was to my life. To reality of a TBI. I had no idea it was a YA book, because I had no memory of even getting this book. I must have gotten it from Amazon at some point. So I was a little surprised it was YA. Don't get me wrong, it was a great YA. It was in the right genre, it was myself who just wasn't aware - you know, TBI and all.
I'm trying to figure out how to form my words right now. It is a great book. Very accurate, in the beginning. The story line of the two friends and the one's struggles without her were very well written and kept me hooked.
I loved this book. I really did. So, why 4 stars instead of 5? Simple: TBIs that last more than a few months tend to not have a full recovery. I mean, the wounds close, some things come back, actually in some cases, most things come back. But you are still changed. There is something still not the same as you were before. Something different. It could be minor, it could be major (like in my case: I can't remember a single thing for more than about a week since 2007 when I had my TBI, can't do basic math, hearing issues, vision issues, headaches that make migraines look like a picnic, concentration issues, anger issues, personality changes, and the most devastating one: I lost my ability to manipulate words into a beautiful story.) It was not clear what little issues she had. It's not usual for someone to have a complete and total recovery with no signs of it ever happening. I even asked my neurologist about this as well. I needed to know in case I was wrong. Nope, it's very very rare.
I think the story would have been better if she continued to write notes to herself. That she learned to adapt to the new girl she became. That she is doing well despite still having some issues. Instead, it was written in a way that made one think she totally recovered. I was hopeful to read a more common ending - that she accepted who she was and her little quirks.
That being said: I didn't write this novel. It was totally on the author how it would end and it was a very happy ending. I can understand that, on the other hand, because it is YA and it is not based on any real person. I just can't help but wonder if someone reads this, who is a teenager, because they or a friend has a TBI. They might expect the same sort of happy ending. They may get it, but it's more likely that they will have some remaining issues that, with time, they will learn to adapt to - like I am.
I still write notes to myself - otherwise I wouldn't have a clue about anything, still, all these years later.
I will suggest others read this, especially my children, but will explain, as they already know, not everyone fully recovers, most have some issues - I happen to have a number of them, but we get by. Day by day.
I read about a third of this novel and had to find out, before I continued, the back story. I contacted the author on Twitter and learned, to my disappointment, that she researched TBIs. I was so hopeful that she, herself, or someone she knew had one. So with that sad reality, I continued after looking into other's reviews.
I have to point out there are many reviews, all over the internet, referring to how "funny" it was. I just finished this book. I have a moderate TBI. Funny? I sat and cried through the first part of the book. Funny? I'm thinking most mean the shower section. Yeah, it's real funny when you can't remember how to take a shower. Or in my case: how to drive, how to turn on the sink, how to turn on the oven, how to operate the TV, how to open even a door. Real funny there. I'm being sarcastic, btw. It's not funny. It's pure hell for those that have been there, that are there.
That being said, the book was good. I did cry for a very long time and struggled to read it, especially early on, due to how close it was to my life. To reality of a TBI. I had no idea it was a YA book, because I had no memory of even getting this book. I must have gotten it from Amazon at some point. So I was a little surprised it was YA. Don't get me wrong, it was a great YA. It was in the right genre, it was myself who just wasn't aware - you know, TBI and all.
I'm trying to figure out how to form my words right now. It is a great book. Very accurate, in the beginning. The story line of the two friends and the one's struggles without her were very well written and kept me hooked.
I loved this book. I really did. So, why 4 stars instead of 5? Simple: TBIs that last more than a few months tend to not have a full recovery. I mean, the wounds close, some things come back, actually in some cases, most things come back. But you are still changed. There is something still not the same as you were before. Something different. It could be minor, it could be major (like in my case: I can't remember a single thing for more than about a week since 2007 when I had my TBI, can't do basic math, hearing issues, vision issues, headaches that make migraines look like a picnic, concentration issues, anger issues, personality changes, and the most devastating one: I lost my ability to manipulate words into a beautiful story.) It was not clear what little issues she had. It's not usual for someone to have a complete and total recovery with no signs of it ever happening. I even asked my neurologist about this as well. I needed to know in case I was wrong. Nope, it's very very rare.
I think the story would have been better if she continued to write notes to herself. That she learned to adapt to the new girl she became. That she is doing well despite still having some issues. Instead, it was written in a way that made one think she totally recovered. I was hopeful to read a more common ending - that she accepted who she was and her little quirks.
That being said: I didn't write this novel. It was totally on the author how it would end and it was a very happy ending. I can understand that, on the other hand, because it is YA and it is not based on any real person. I just can't help but wonder if someone reads this, who is a teenager, because they or a friend has a TBI. They might expect the same sort of happy ending. They may get it, but it's more likely that they will have some remaining issues that, with time, they will learn to adapt to - like I am.
I still write notes to myself - otherwise I wouldn't have a clue about anything, still, all these years later.
I will suggest others read this, especially my children, but will explain, as they already know, not everyone fully recovers, most have some issues - I happen to have a number of them, but we get by. Day by day.
January 17, 2012
Read the complete and original review at Word Spelunking
When I first began Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer, I never imagined how deeply and profoundly this book would end up moving me, but it did.
MY BRIEF SUMMARY
One windy night in Florida, 15 year old BFF’s Robin and Emily climb up an amusement park ride and end up falling. Robin wakes up, Emily doesn’t. Suffering from a brain injury, Robin has trouble remembering even the most basic things and cannot recall what happened the night of the accident, no matter how hard she tries. Returning to her “regular” life proves difficult as Robin is consumed with guilt over the fact that Emily remains in a coma and is ostracized by her peers. With only her friend Reno, her mother, and the notes she writes to herself to rely on, Robin must figure out just what happened that night and uncovers a few surprising truths she never expected.
STORY
I’ve found that the less Contemporary Fiction I read, the more it takes to impress me when it comes to this genre…well, Notes to Self has definitely impressed. Sawyer has written a breath-taking, heart-breaking, thought-provoking story.
Told from Robin’s perspective, Notes to Self is perfectly paced and executed. Being told from Robin’s perspective allows the reader to intimately and intrinsically experience the story being told.
Robin’s emotional journey throughout this book is so wonderfully written and explored. The emotions are palpable and believable, never overwhelming or not enough. There’s something absolutely stunning in the way Sawyer has infused so much humor, captivating heartache, beauty, and pain into one quick read.
Robin may be the main character, but her story isn't the only one being told. Sawyer has given life and a voice to the other characters as well, creating a very layered story.
Notes to Self will take you on a very emotional and powerful journey and will leave you thoughtful and hopeful.
CHARACTERS
Sawyer's characters are wonderfully compelling and realistic. Robin is easy to like and connect with. She's an engaging mix of vulnerable, smart, guarded, strong, and independent yet needy. She's very much stuck in that fragile place between desperately wanting to truly find oneself and simply terrified of what one may find, and Sawyer explores this with honesty and relatability. As a character, Robin grows and matures naturally and captivatingly so.
Emily and Reno make for two very different best friends. Reno is an easy character to like and fall for; he's sweet and genuine. We meet Emily briefly in the beginning of the book, but really only get to know her through Robin's memories, yet she's still a very dimensional and layered character.
Robin's mother is as equally compelling as her daughter. I love that her own emotional story and journey is not ignored or eclipsed by her daughter’s.
ROMANCE/RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships play an important role in this book. Robin really seems to define herself based on her relationships with other people- her mom, Emily, Reno, even her dad- and I was fascinated by how well this was explored. Each of these separate, yet connected relationships give readers a different, yet equally important, glimpse into who Robin is.
There is romance in this book, but I don’t want to give anything away. I will say that the romance is well written, believable, and not insta-love.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I loved this book! Notes to Self is a powerful and captivating book that will impress and move readers. A MUST read!
When I first began Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer, I never imagined how deeply and profoundly this book would end up moving me, but it did.
MY BRIEF SUMMARY
One windy night in Florida, 15 year old BFF’s Robin and Emily climb up an amusement park ride and end up falling. Robin wakes up, Emily doesn’t. Suffering from a brain injury, Robin has trouble remembering even the most basic things and cannot recall what happened the night of the accident, no matter how hard she tries. Returning to her “regular” life proves difficult as Robin is consumed with guilt over the fact that Emily remains in a coma and is ostracized by her peers. With only her friend Reno, her mother, and the notes she writes to herself to rely on, Robin must figure out just what happened that night and uncovers a few surprising truths she never expected.
STORY
I’ve found that the less Contemporary Fiction I read, the more it takes to impress me when it comes to this genre…well, Notes to Self has definitely impressed. Sawyer has written a breath-taking, heart-breaking, thought-provoking story.
Told from Robin’s perspective, Notes to Self is perfectly paced and executed. Being told from Robin’s perspective allows the reader to intimately and intrinsically experience the story being told.
Robin’s emotional journey throughout this book is so wonderfully written and explored. The emotions are palpable and believable, never overwhelming or not enough. There’s something absolutely stunning in the way Sawyer has infused so much humor, captivating heartache, beauty, and pain into one quick read.
Robin may be the main character, but her story isn't the only one being told. Sawyer has given life and a voice to the other characters as well, creating a very layered story.
Notes to Self will take you on a very emotional and powerful journey and will leave you thoughtful and hopeful.
CHARACTERS
Sawyer's characters are wonderfully compelling and realistic. Robin is easy to like and connect with. She's an engaging mix of vulnerable, smart, guarded, strong, and independent yet needy. She's very much stuck in that fragile place between desperately wanting to truly find oneself and simply terrified of what one may find, and Sawyer explores this with honesty and relatability. As a character, Robin grows and matures naturally and captivatingly so.
Emily and Reno make for two very different best friends. Reno is an easy character to like and fall for; he's sweet and genuine. We meet Emily briefly in the beginning of the book, but really only get to know her through Robin's memories, yet she's still a very dimensional and layered character.
Robin's mother is as equally compelling as her daughter. I love that her own emotional story and journey is not ignored or eclipsed by her daughter’s.
ROMANCE/RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships play an important role in this book. Robin really seems to define herself based on her relationships with other people- her mom, Emily, Reno, even her dad- and I was fascinated by how well this was explored. Each of these separate, yet connected relationships give readers a different, yet equally important, glimpse into who Robin is.
There is romance in this book, but I don’t want to give anything away. I will say that the romance is well written, believable, and not insta-love.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I loved this book! Notes to Self is a powerful and captivating book that will impress and move readers. A MUST read!
February 26, 2012
Wow!
Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer is Robin Saunder's story about both forgetting and remembering, even when it's tough, and true self discovery. It's about struggling to come to terms with the night of the horrific accident that changed her life, and it centers on her finally believing she should live, even though she feels guilty and undeserving of the chance she has when her best friend Emily is stuck fighting for her life. This book is unbelievable, it's the kind of story that truly makes your heart break with how real everything is. The best part? Robin's voice and humor she has this distinct personality that Avery did a wonderful job creating! While it's a book that will make you cry, you'll do it with a smile on your face.
How messed up is my brain? Hella.
The very first thing I want to say is, High School sucks. For Robin, it's worse than any experience I've read about. After an accident that leaves her forgetting things like taking her sandwich out of the bag before eating and leaves her best friend in a coma, Robin has a horrible time facing things. She doesn't remember much about the accident that shattered her world, and throughout the book she tries repeatedly to get something out of nothing from her thoughts.
This book made me incredibly angry, it's one of the first books to elicit such strong negative emotions, Avery created some of the meanest rudest characters, who seriously got under my skin. Robin's struggle to get back into her routine of life is tarnished by the scum at school, especially Josie. It's real life mean girls, and the bullying is relentless and just sad.
When we first meet Robin she's lost and unsure of everything, but as the story progresses so does her status. Her character is strong and capable of healing. Thanks in part to a friend who is there for her, Reno, the boy next door type. Then, Robin starts to notice him as more than a friend and well things change. One very neat aspect of this book is it takes place in Central Florida, me being originally from Florida had to squee when certain locals were discussed (like Sanibel! Favorite vacation spot ever!). The author takes this incredibly touristy town and brings it to life.
I absolutely loved the way Avery Sawyer captured the past events and told them to the reader. Robin could be anywhere and think of something and the narration would branch off to that thought and a story to go along with it. The whole book is like being inside this poor damaged brain of hers that is trying its best to recover, and slowly is.
The chapter titles made me smile, Avery is such a great storyteller! Here are a few:
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Pressure Monitor
We're Here to Help You Freak Out
Thanks for Nothing, Brain
I Went to Fun Towne and all I Got Was this Brain Injury
Definitely a book I recommend and here are some more that fall along some of the same lines. If you liked these you'll enjoy Notes to Self! Thank you to the wonderful author for the chance to read and review Notes to Self.
Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer is Robin Saunder's story about both forgetting and remembering, even when it's tough, and true self discovery. It's about struggling to come to terms with the night of the horrific accident that changed her life, and it centers on her finally believing she should live, even though she feels guilty and undeserving of the chance she has when her best friend Emily is stuck fighting for her life. This book is unbelievable, it's the kind of story that truly makes your heart break with how real everything is. The best part? Robin's voice and humor she has this distinct personality that Avery did a wonderful job creating! While it's a book that will make you cry, you'll do it with a smile on your face.
How messed up is my brain? Hella.
The very first thing I want to say is, High School sucks. For Robin, it's worse than any experience I've read about. After an accident that leaves her forgetting things like taking her sandwich out of the bag before eating and leaves her best friend in a coma, Robin has a horrible time facing things. She doesn't remember much about the accident that shattered her world, and throughout the book she tries repeatedly to get something out of nothing from her thoughts.
This book made me incredibly angry, it's one of the first books to elicit such strong negative emotions, Avery created some of the meanest rudest characters, who seriously got under my skin. Robin's struggle to get back into her routine of life is tarnished by the scum at school, especially Josie. It's real life mean girls, and the bullying is relentless and just sad.
When we first meet Robin she's lost and unsure of everything, but as the story progresses so does her status. Her character is strong and capable of healing. Thanks in part to a friend who is there for her, Reno, the boy next door type. Then, Robin starts to notice him as more than a friend and well things change. One very neat aspect of this book is it takes place in Central Florida, me being originally from Florida had to squee when certain locals were discussed (like Sanibel! Favorite vacation spot ever!). The author takes this incredibly touristy town and brings it to life.
I absolutely loved the way Avery Sawyer captured the past events and told them to the reader. Robin could be anywhere and think of something and the narration would branch off to that thought and a story to go along with it. The whole book is like being inside this poor damaged brain of hers that is trying its best to recover, and slowly is.
The chapter titles made me smile, Avery is such a great storyteller! Here are a few:
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Pressure Monitor
We're Here to Help You Freak Out
Thanks for Nothing, Brain
I Went to Fun Towne and all I Got Was this Brain Injury
Definitely a book I recommend and here are some more that fall along some of the same lines. If you liked these you'll enjoy Notes to Self! Thank you to the wonderful author for the chance to read and review Notes to Self.
February 28, 2012
My review copy of Notes to Self was graciously provided by the author, Avery Sawyer.
Notes to Self. I love this title – I actually have a work-in-progress WITH this title, actually. (teehee) It could not be more different than Avery Sawyer’s delicate novel about the weighty angst of being a teenager though. Sawyer’s Notes to Self relates the aftermath of a mysterious “accident” that has left her protagonist, Robin, memory-less and her protagonist’s best friend, Emily, in a long-term coma. (Mine is a snarky collection of stories – with nothing particularly delicate anywhere to be found.)
Robin’s memory loss is a strange thing – odd bits of everyday life are lost, as well as the events surrounding the tremendous fall from an amusement park tower that put her and Emily into comas. Comas that were matching, right up until the beginning of the novel, when Robin realized she had no memory of the fall – or of how to be a “regular” person. At the advice of her doctor, she begins to write notes to her self to help to avoid the confusion that threatens her equilibrium as she begins to recover – physically, mentally, and emotionally – from the trauma of the fall.
I really enjoyed this book. Robin’s journey to rediscover the lost moments at the amusement park – and her own feelings about herself, Emily, and the rest of her life – is managed deftly, in a raw and honest voice that more than occasionally breaks your heart. Throughout the story, whenever she finds herself subject to stress or tension or the persistent questioning of the other girls at school (Emily was fairly popular, Robin was not – people are not amused that Emily hasn’t woken up yet and want to hold Robin responsible), she repeats a single, plaintive phrase: “I fell…” Over and over. “I fell…” And she did – literally and figuratively.
I found myself wanting to protect Robin from the cutthroat world of teenage girl politics while simultaneously wondering, just a teensy bit, whether the other girls might be right and there might not, in fact, be something Robin is deliberately holding back. Sawyer keeps the reader balanced on a rather fine edge for much of the story, teetering between sympathy and suspicion. She does a fine job of capturing what it is to be all-consumed by life as a teenager while providing a solid reminder of why we need to yank ourselves back.
The voice was authentic and took me right back to high school (in a good way) – I never felt like an adult reading about a kid’s life. This was a well-assembled story, with just enough suspense – and questions about Robin’s motivations and mental state – to make it difficult to put down. Well done Avery Sawyer…
Notes to Self. I love this title – I actually have a work-in-progress WITH this title, actually. (teehee) It could not be more different than Avery Sawyer’s delicate novel about the weighty angst of being a teenager though. Sawyer’s Notes to Self relates the aftermath of a mysterious “accident” that has left her protagonist, Robin, memory-less and her protagonist’s best friend, Emily, in a long-term coma. (Mine is a snarky collection of stories – with nothing particularly delicate anywhere to be found.)
Robin’s memory loss is a strange thing – odd bits of everyday life are lost, as well as the events surrounding the tremendous fall from an amusement park tower that put her and Emily into comas. Comas that were matching, right up until the beginning of the novel, when Robin realized she had no memory of the fall – or of how to be a “regular” person. At the advice of her doctor, she begins to write notes to her self to help to avoid the confusion that threatens her equilibrium as she begins to recover – physically, mentally, and emotionally – from the trauma of the fall.
I really enjoyed this book. Robin’s journey to rediscover the lost moments at the amusement park – and her own feelings about herself, Emily, and the rest of her life – is managed deftly, in a raw and honest voice that more than occasionally breaks your heart. Throughout the story, whenever she finds herself subject to stress or tension or the persistent questioning of the other girls at school (Emily was fairly popular, Robin was not – people are not amused that Emily hasn’t woken up yet and want to hold Robin responsible), she repeats a single, plaintive phrase: “I fell…” Over and over. “I fell…” And she did – literally and figuratively.
I found myself wanting to protect Robin from the cutthroat world of teenage girl politics while simultaneously wondering, just a teensy bit, whether the other girls might be right and there might not, in fact, be something Robin is deliberately holding back. Sawyer keeps the reader balanced on a rather fine edge for much of the story, teetering between sympathy and suspicion. She does a fine job of capturing what it is to be all-consumed by life as a teenager while providing a solid reminder of why we need to yank ourselves back.
The voice was authentic and took me right back to high school (in a good way) – I never felt like an adult reading about a kid’s life. This was a well-assembled story, with just enough suspense – and questions about Robin’s motivations and mental state – to make it difficult to put down. Well done Avery Sawyer…
May 11, 2012
Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer gets 4 stars.
This book is about 15 year old Robin who, along with her best friend Emily, climbs a rollercoaster at a local amusement park. Robin and Emily both fall causing Emily to be in a coma and Robin to have a traumatic brain injury. While Emily remains in the hospital, Robin has to go back to her life. But life isn't so easy for Robin. She feels like she doesn't know who she is and she's not sure she knew before the accident either. So, she proceeds to write notes to herself about the things she likes, how to get to her classes, how to open her locker, her favorite candy, etc. And thus she begins to figure out who she is.
Notes to Self gave me a new perspective on some things. I suppose you never think about what it would be like to have a traumatic brain injury unless someone you know has had one and you might wish to relate or empathize. But this book does a really good job of showing what someone with such an injury might have to go through. For instance, Robin realizes that she has feelings for a longtime friend, Reno, but Reno doesn't accept her feelings for him. Because she showed no signs of an attraction to him before her accident, he doesn't trust her current feelings--worrying that those feelings might go away with time as her injury heals. I would have never thought about how no one would trust your ability to make decisions because you're "different" than you were before, or because you "can't think correctly" since you have a brain injury.
I found it a smidge hard to believe that everyone at her school would treat her the way they do--horribly. I mean sure teenagers can be awful, mean, and bullying has become a major issue these days. I can imagine that some kids that didn't like Robin before might continue feeling that way towards her, but just random kids....I don't know. She has a brain injury. It's not something that can be helped. HOWEVER, considering the way that children with mental disorders are treated sometimes, I suppose it's really not that far fetched--which is horrible.
Because of her injuries, Robin learns what's really important in life. She appreciates life now that she's been close to death, and since Emily isn't able to live her's anymore. There are lessons here that we could all stand to learn.
I read through this one pretty quickly. The fall happens in either the first or second chapter, so you don't have to wait long for the story to begin. I really enjoyed my 2nd Amazon Prime Kindle Lending Library book, Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer. Check it out. 4 Stars.
This book is about 15 year old Robin who, along with her best friend Emily, climbs a rollercoaster at a local amusement park. Robin and Emily both fall causing Emily to be in a coma and Robin to have a traumatic brain injury. While Emily remains in the hospital, Robin has to go back to her life. But life isn't so easy for Robin. She feels like she doesn't know who she is and she's not sure she knew before the accident either. So, she proceeds to write notes to herself about the things she likes, how to get to her classes, how to open her locker, her favorite candy, etc. And thus she begins to figure out who she is.
Notes to Self gave me a new perspective on some things. I suppose you never think about what it would be like to have a traumatic brain injury unless someone you know has had one and you might wish to relate or empathize. But this book does a really good job of showing what someone with such an injury might have to go through. For instance, Robin realizes that she has feelings for a longtime friend, Reno, but Reno doesn't accept her feelings for him. Because she showed no signs of an attraction to him before her accident, he doesn't trust her current feelings--worrying that those feelings might go away with time as her injury heals. I would have never thought about how no one would trust your ability to make decisions because you're "different" than you were before, or because you "can't think correctly" since you have a brain injury.
I found it a smidge hard to believe that everyone at her school would treat her the way they do--horribly. I mean sure teenagers can be awful, mean, and bullying has become a major issue these days. I can imagine that some kids that didn't like Robin before might continue feeling that way towards her, but just random kids....I don't know. She has a brain injury. It's not something that can be helped. HOWEVER, considering the way that children with mental disorders are treated sometimes, I suppose it's really not that far fetched--which is horrible.
Because of her injuries, Robin learns what's really important in life. She appreciates life now that she's been close to death, and since Emily isn't able to live her's anymore. There are lessons here that we could all stand to learn.
I read through this one pretty quickly. The fall happens in either the first or second chapter, so you don't have to wait long for the story to begin. I really enjoyed my 2nd Amazon Prime Kindle Lending Library book, Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer. Check it out. 4 Stars.
June 6, 2012
“Two climbed up. Two fell down.One woke up.”
That’s the tag line of Avery Sawyer’s Notes to Self, a contemporary and realistic YA novel. The girl who woke up is our narrator, Robin Saunders. Robin is reeling from an accident that’s she’s unable to remember. Robin and best friend, Emily, climbed the Sling Shot, a ride in a local amusement park. Both girls fell thirty feet to the cold pavement below and were rescued by local paramedics. Only Robin awakes with a serious brain injury, while her best friend remains in a coma.
Robin awakes a different girl than she was before she and her BFF acted so recklessly. She’s dealing with major survivor’s guilt and she knows if she could just remember what happened up there, she may be able to save her friend’s life. Only remembering seems impossible, when Robin can barely remember how to take a shower. Her doctor suggests she start keeping notes on how to do things and the things she likes. Only these notes become so much more to Robin. They begin to help her unlock the secrets of her past and take her on a journey of remarkable self-discovery.
Using the pen name, Avery Sawyer, Laura Schaefer is able to deliver a believable and emotionally gripping narrative from the point of view of a fifteen-year-old girl. The novel is ultimately surprising, with a very tight ending and no questions left unanswered. The book is very introspective, but the narrative moves at a good place and keeps the pages turning. In fact, the narrative had me feeling like I was stuck in Robin’s head with her. Her confusion and pain were mine to share. That’s the mark of a good narrative.
Laura Schaefer clearly understands teenage girls. The narrative is intelligent, but at times very juvenile. Like most teenagers, Robin Saunders expresses herself with expletives. This is a smart teenager, someone who hasn’t quite realized that she’s not living up to her full potential, but she’s still a teenage girl. Set with Disney Land and Strip Malls as its background, Robin is like most teenagers – a bit nihilistic about where she comes from. From its onset, I felt this is an honest depiction of teenage life and I was rooting for Robin the whole way through.
Notes to Self is an emotional journey that any woman, teenager or otherwise, can relate to. It made me think about my own formative years and that connected me to the narrator on a deep level. I recommend Notesto Self to readers who appreciate honest contemporary fiction.
That’s the tag line of Avery Sawyer’s Notes to Self, a contemporary and realistic YA novel. The girl who woke up is our narrator, Robin Saunders. Robin is reeling from an accident that’s she’s unable to remember. Robin and best friend, Emily, climbed the Sling Shot, a ride in a local amusement park. Both girls fell thirty feet to the cold pavement below and were rescued by local paramedics. Only Robin awakes with a serious brain injury, while her best friend remains in a coma.
Robin awakes a different girl than she was before she and her BFF acted so recklessly. She’s dealing with major survivor’s guilt and she knows if she could just remember what happened up there, she may be able to save her friend’s life. Only remembering seems impossible, when Robin can barely remember how to take a shower. Her doctor suggests she start keeping notes on how to do things and the things she likes. Only these notes become so much more to Robin. They begin to help her unlock the secrets of her past and take her on a journey of remarkable self-discovery.
Using the pen name, Avery Sawyer, Laura Schaefer is able to deliver a believable and emotionally gripping narrative from the point of view of a fifteen-year-old girl. The novel is ultimately surprising, with a very tight ending and no questions left unanswered. The book is very introspective, but the narrative moves at a good place and keeps the pages turning. In fact, the narrative had me feeling like I was stuck in Robin’s head with her. Her confusion and pain were mine to share. That’s the mark of a good narrative.
Laura Schaefer clearly understands teenage girls. The narrative is intelligent, but at times very juvenile. Like most teenagers, Robin Saunders expresses herself with expletives. This is a smart teenager, someone who hasn’t quite realized that she’s not living up to her full potential, but she’s still a teenage girl. Set with Disney Land and Strip Malls as its background, Robin is like most teenagers – a bit nihilistic about where she comes from. From its onset, I felt this is an honest depiction of teenage life and I was rooting for Robin the whole way through.
Notes to Self is an emotional journey that any woman, teenager or otherwise, can relate to. It made me think about my own formative years and that connected me to the narrator on a deep level. I recommend Notesto Self to readers who appreciate honest contemporary fiction.
February 21, 2012
I was unexpectedly captivated by Notes to Self. Since it is an indie, I was expecting it to be a little rough around the edges, but in honestly it had the feel and flow of many published contemporary young adult novels. In fact, I’m surprised that a publisher hasn’t picked this book up yet.
On a windy evening, Robin and her best friend Emily decide to climb a ladder of a theme park ride in order to get a better view and to carry out their duty as teenagers to do something reckless every once and a while. The ladder is unstable and dangerous but Emily continues her climb and Robin reluctantly follows. All it takes a is a loose bar to send the girls into a free-fall. Robin wakes up in the hospital with a slight case of amnesia and is unable to remember the events of that night. Emily does not wake up. Robin is left alone to put the pieces together.
Notes to Self is a touching story of a teenage girl putting her life back together. As the reader, I was moved by Robin’s experience and her efforts to remember and stay strong. Her situation isn’t easy but she doesn’t completely cave under the circumstances. Instead she pushes herself to get better so that she can hopefully help her Emily To help her remember, she writes sticky notes to herself and this is a cute touch. I actually wish the author had Robin write more notes to her self.
From the book’s description, you may think this is a sad story but it isn’t. Rather than sad and depressing, I found it inspiring and intriguing. You are pulled in from the beginning and remain connected to the character throughout the entire story. I appreciated that I was not hit over the head with her physical and mental challenges. Instead, Robin perseveres through her difficulties and grows into a better a person than she was before the fall. I’m always a fan of character growth and not dwelling in the problem throughout the entire book.
Overall, Notes to Self is a wonderful book. It’s heart warming, engaging, and has a tiny touch of a love interest – the makings of a great story. I still can’t believe it’s an indie novel. I highly recommend this to young adult novel fans of all ages.
If you would like to learn more about Notes to Self, I also hosted and interview with Laura Schaefer/Avery Sawyer. Thank you to Avery Sawyer for providing a copy of her book to review in exchange for an honest review.
On a windy evening, Robin and her best friend Emily decide to climb a ladder of a theme park ride in order to get a better view and to carry out their duty as teenagers to do something reckless every once and a while. The ladder is unstable and dangerous but Emily continues her climb and Robin reluctantly follows. All it takes a is a loose bar to send the girls into a free-fall. Robin wakes up in the hospital with a slight case of amnesia and is unable to remember the events of that night. Emily does not wake up. Robin is left alone to put the pieces together.
Notes to Self is a touching story of a teenage girl putting her life back together. As the reader, I was moved by Robin’s experience and her efforts to remember and stay strong. Her situation isn’t easy but she doesn’t completely cave under the circumstances. Instead she pushes herself to get better so that she can hopefully help her Emily To help her remember, she writes sticky notes to herself and this is a cute touch. I actually wish the author had Robin write more notes to her self.
From the book’s description, you may think this is a sad story but it isn’t. Rather than sad and depressing, I found it inspiring and intriguing. You are pulled in from the beginning and remain connected to the character throughout the entire story. I appreciated that I was not hit over the head with her physical and mental challenges. Instead, Robin perseveres through her difficulties and grows into a better a person than she was before the fall. I’m always a fan of character growth and not dwelling in the problem throughout the entire book.
Overall, Notes to Self is a wonderful book. It’s heart warming, engaging, and has a tiny touch of a love interest – the makings of a great story. I still can’t believe it’s an indie novel. I highly recommend this to young adult novel fans of all ages.
If you would like to learn more about Notes to Self, I also hosted and interview with Laura Schaefer/Avery Sawyer. Thank you to Avery Sawyer for providing a copy of her book to review in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2014
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
Notes To Self is a story that follows Robin as she tries to piece together what happened the night she and her best friend Emily fell. Robin’s journey post-brain-injury is probably one of the most brilliant tales I’ve read. No matter what happens, she does what she can. She can’t do everything she would like to, but it’s admirable that she keeps trying to move forward. She wants to remember what happened that night, hoping that if she can she would be able to do something to help Emily, who is still in a coma.
Her brain damage does not make this easy. She struggles at first to manage the easiest of tasks, like how to take a shower. As per her doctor’s suggestion, she starts to write down notes to help her remember things. It doesn’t trigger the memory she wants to have back, but it helps. Although she finds herself more prone to crying, she still manages to stay strong considering what she went through and what she’s dealing with.
Aside from her own injury and her friend in a coma, she is having to face mean people at school. Her classmates make fun of and laugh at her when she can’t do things normally. They also constantly ask her when Emily will be getting out of her coma. There is one person she has to rely on, and that’s her friend Reno. He is a very sweet guy from her childhood who, despite not having spoken in awhile, comes by and does what he can for her.
No matter what she does, nothing seems to be helping her to remember what happened. How can she remember? The fall has caused her to forget so much, and it has brought forward strange feelings and mixed emotions about the people in her life. She doesn’t give up, she keeps pressing on and staying strong regardless of the obstacles in her way.
Notes To Self is a story of growth and learning (and relearning) about oneself. Many things Robin kept in the dark (in her subconscious) were brought to light, making her a remarkable person for understanding them. This book kept me captivated chapter after chapter. Avery Sawyer has given us a story to remember. I, for one, hope to see something else from her soon.
My Rating:
Very Good: Stay up late
My Thoughts:
Notes To Self is a story that follows Robin as she tries to piece together what happened the night she and her best friend Emily fell. Robin’s journey post-brain-injury is probably one of the most brilliant tales I’ve read. No matter what happens, she does what she can. She can’t do everything she would like to, but it’s admirable that she keeps trying to move forward. She wants to remember what happened that night, hoping that if she can she would be able to do something to help Emily, who is still in a coma.
Her brain damage does not make this easy. She struggles at first to manage the easiest of tasks, like how to take a shower. As per her doctor’s suggestion, she starts to write down notes to help her remember things. It doesn’t trigger the memory she wants to have back, but it helps. Although she finds herself more prone to crying, she still manages to stay strong considering what she went through and what she’s dealing with.
Aside from her own injury and her friend in a coma, she is having to face mean people at school. Her classmates make fun of and laugh at her when she can’t do things normally. They also constantly ask her when Emily will be getting out of her coma. There is one person she has to rely on, and that’s her friend Reno. He is a very sweet guy from her childhood who, despite not having spoken in awhile, comes by and does what he can for her.
No matter what she does, nothing seems to be helping her to remember what happened. How can she remember? The fall has caused her to forget so much, and it has brought forward strange feelings and mixed emotions about the people in her life. She doesn’t give up, she keeps pressing on and staying strong regardless of the obstacles in her way.
Notes To Self is a story of growth and learning (and relearning) about oneself. Many things Robin kept in the dark (in her subconscious) were brought to light, making her a remarkable person for understanding them. This book kept me captivated chapter after chapter. Avery Sawyer has given us a story to remember. I, for one, hope to see something else from her soon.
My Rating:
Very Good: Stay up late
December 4, 2011
Two climbed up. Two fell down.
One woke up.
In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, Robin Saunders has to relearn who she is and find out what happened the night everything changed.
Well written,Laura-Avery-or whatever she would like me to refer to her as, has created a novel worth reading at least once and I will most definatly re-read this one when I am not on such a tight schedule and am trying to review all of the books authors are sending me in a reasonible amount of time. So if you are an author and you have asked me to do a review, give me time, I am a busy gal-most of the time and I wont break my promise it will be reviewed.
So it begin with the night of the accident, Robin and Emily both falling off the roof of the Slingshot.All 30 feet of it.How both of them did not die immediately beats me but o well. So, Robin wakes up in a hospital with VERY little remembrance of what happened that night at the Sling Shot other than the main workds I fell . Soon her mother and her friend Reno are helping her recall her slight case of amnesia as she soon gets out of the hospital and home.
Soon after going home, she returns school where kids turn into snot-nose brats. Alot of them call her "Short bus kid" and make fun of her hair . Many of them blame her for the incedent that left her BFF,Emily, in coma. The only people she can really friend are the ones she had all along- Reno and her Mother.
Such a good drama filled contemporary that would have gotten a five from me but it took me a while to get ahold of the story in the beginning and I am still thinking about a 5 star rating just give me time to think about it. It deserves it but I am not too big of a softie... I can't handle it it. I am changing it to a five star rating.
So it had an original,sad beginning story to start with even though it took me a little while to get hooked into the story line. The author did a good job portraying everything most people want in a YA book- romance,drama,friends,a happy ending.
I won't put anything that will ruin the story plot for those who haven't read it but if you like contemporary you can get it for a bargain Price of 3.99 for your Kindle or Nook or any ereader you own
One woke up.
In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, Robin Saunders has to relearn who she is and find out what happened the night everything changed.
Well written,Laura-Avery-or whatever she would like me to refer to her as, has created a novel worth reading at least once and I will most definatly re-read this one when I am not on such a tight schedule and am trying to review all of the books authors are sending me in a reasonible amount of time. So if you are an author and you have asked me to do a review, give me time, I am a busy gal-most of the time and I wont break my promise it will be reviewed.
So it begin with the night of the accident, Robin and Emily both falling off the roof of the Slingshot.All 30 feet of it.How both of them did not die immediately beats me but o well. So, Robin wakes up in a hospital with VERY little remembrance of what happened that night at the Sling Shot other than the main workds I fell . Soon her mother and her friend Reno are helping her recall her slight case of amnesia as she soon gets out of the hospital and home.
Soon after going home, she returns school where kids turn into snot-nose brats. Alot of them call her "Short bus kid" and make fun of her hair . Many of them blame her for the incedent that left her BFF,Emily, in coma. The only people she can really friend are the ones she had all along- Reno and her Mother.
Such a good drama filled contemporary that would have gotten a five from me but it took me a while to get ahold of the story in the beginning and I am still thinking about a 5 star rating just give me time to think about it. It deserves it but I am not too big of a softie... I can't handle it it. I am changing it to a five star rating.
So it had an original,sad beginning story to start with even though it took me a little while to get hooked into the story line. The author did a good job portraying everything most people want in a YA book- romance,drama,friends,a happy ending.
I won't put anything that will ruin the story plot for those who haven't read it but if you like contemporary you can get it for a bargain Price of 3.99 for your Kindle or Nook or any ereader you own
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