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Wide Awake #1
Wide Awake
A girl.
A coma.
A life she can't remember.
When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.
Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?
A coma.
A life she can't remember.
When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.
Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?
202 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 22, 2013
101 people are currently reading
7093 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Crane
37 books5,819 followersShelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author from a small town and loves everything about the south. She hoards paperbacks, devours sweet tea, searches year-round for candy corn, loves to site-see in the new areas they travel to with her husband's job, and adores reading but doesn’t have much time to these days with all the characters filling her head begging to come out.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.
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August 9, 2012So, so, so, so excited about this book.
Did I mention I was so excited? ;)
Did I mention I was so excited? ;)
July 8, 2020
3.5 stars
Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital after being in a coma for six months, and the first thing she wants to know is...
She doesn’t recognize herself, her parents, siblings or her boyfriend and she can’t connect with any of them. They all want her to act a certain way, be a certain way. They want their Emmie back. But Emma can’t be who she doesn’t know, who she doesn’t remember. There is one person she connects with, who she feels understands her and lets her be her. Her physical therapist, Mason.
As the weeks go by, Emma regains her strength. She and Mason grow closer. The more I learned about Mason, the more I liked him. As Emma learns more about the ‘old her’ she realizes that even if she regained her memories, that is not the person she wants to be anymore. This is very difficult on her parents. They just want their daughter back. It takes them a long time to get used to the Emma they have. Emma gets more and more frustrated the more she learns about her past, how vapid and shallow she used to be. But Mason shows her something important...
I loved Emma and Mason together. They both had a lot of guilt about things they had done in the past and choices they had made, but they were both wonderful people. I adored ‘the list’ and things that Mason helped Emma cross off.
There were a few twists, we learn some things about Emma and Mason’s past that show us exactly how connected they really are. And Emma’s former boyfriend Andy- don’t even get me started on him. Wow.
A great and unique ya book. I really enjoyed the story and most of the characters... Mason was fantastic, Emma was strong and resilient, and in the end- I really liked Emma’s mom as well. The ‘Useless facts’ at the beginning of each chapter were hilarious...
A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
A story about finding yourself, and making use of second chances when you get them.
Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital after being in a coma for six months, and the first thing she wants to know is...
“Who’s Emma?”
She doesn’t recognize herself, her parents, siblings or her boyfriend and she can’t connect with any of them. They all want her to act a certain way, be a certain way. They want their Emmie back. But Emma can’t be who she doesn’t know, who she doesn’t remember. There is one person she connects with, who she feels understands her and lets her be her. Her physical therapist, Mason.
Sometimes, knowing when to let go is just as important as knowing when to hold tight.
As the weeks go by, Emma regains her strength. She and Mason grow closer. The more I learned about Mason, the more I liked him. As Emma learns more about the ‘old her’ she realizes that even if she regained her memories, that is not the person she wants to be anymore. This is very difficult on her parents. They just want their daughter back. It takes them a long time to get used to the Emma they have. Emma gets more and more frustrated the more she learns about her past, how vapid and shallow she used to be. But Mason shows her something important...
I loved Emma and Mason together. They both had a lot of guilt about things they had done in the past and choices they had made, but they were both wonderful people. I adored ‘the list’ and things that Mason helped Emma cross off.
There were a few twists, we learn some things about Emma and Mason’s past that show us exactly how connected they really are. And Emma’s former boyfriend Andy- don’t even get me started on him. Wow.
A great and unique ya book. I really enjoyed the story and most of the characters... Mason was fantastic, Emma was strong and resilient, and in the end- I really liked Emma’s mom as well. The ‘Useless facts’ at the beginning of each chapter were hilarious...
A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
A story about finding yourself, and making use of second chances when you get them.
“A second chance. Most of us don’t get those.”
February 28, 2021
Ridiculous... shallow... boring.
That was totally a waste of time for me.
*********************************************
The blurb makes it sound interesting but the book is terrible. The characters are so unreal. I kept saying, "Who would do that?" and "Why?"
The heroine, Emma, who is a 19 year-old girl, wakes up from a coma and her character is changed. She was a selfish and spoiled girl but now she is a responsible and thoughtful one.
Her parents keep saying they want their daughter back.
What the hell!?
She is awake after a 6-months' coma; what else do you want? She already has amnesia and she is struggling to accept what happened to her and instead of feeling happy that she is awake, they miss their selfish and spoiled Emma and want her back!
"Who would do that?"
*********************************************
Then, there was this boyfriend of hers, Andy. He didn't visit her for all those 6 months. He thought she would die. He dated another girl. And when she is awake, he runs to the hospital and says he dumped the other girl and they will now be together again. She says no a million times but he says he won't accept the answer "no". He tries to kiss her many times, he comes to her house and says he will take her to school. She refuses to go to prom with him but he tells her mother to buy a dress for her because they will go to the prom together and she does. He keeps insisting and insisting that they should be together again. She says she doesn't feel anything but he keeps saying he will make her feel it again.
"Who would do that?" and "Why?"
*********************************************
Her parents didn't like this boyfriend in the past but now that her therapist Mason, who is 4 years older than her, is interested in her, they don't want it to happen so they push their daughter towards the douche-bag ex-boyfriend.
"Who would do that?"
Her mother even threatens Mason so that he doesn't see her daughter. All because he is poor and he is not good enough for their daughter. And also, he is 23 years old, which is too old for them.
*********************************************
The romance between Mason and Emma is also ridiculous.
Not many words.
Only some looks.
Looks mean more than words, right?
She feels attracted to him and thinks he is attracted to her, as well but he is hot and cold all the time so she cannot decide.
There is some push and pull, and then, with minimum words, they understand that they both feel the same, so why waste words? And ta ta ta, they are a couple.
*********************************************
Mason is too annoying, too feminine for me. I don't need a too tough alpha but he is such a whining cry baby! He helps people who reject his help, he is the angel in a world of humans and of course, he has a sob story that explains why he is this way.
*********************************************
The book is so full of inner monologues that I got bored to death. Nothing really happens. She can't remember her past. She tries to finish high school. Andy the douche-bag keeps bothering her. She needs her parents to accept Mason. Her parents want their awful daughter back, rinse repeat, rinse repeat...
This goes on like this up until the day Andy gives us the secret about the accident and another ridiculous thing happens that again made me say, "Who would do that?"
The book has a HFN (happy for now) ending, with a hope for the future. She still has amnesia and she still doesn't remember her past.
*********************************************
The book is told from first person point of view. (Emma's). There are some spelling mistakes but not too many.
I can't say that the writing was good as it didn't make me feel. There is no romance that I felt. I didn't feel their love. There is no passion or chemistry.
There are only a few kissing scenes, that's all, don't expect anything more than just a few kisses.
*********************************************
The book is safe as there is no cheating, but Andy kisses her a few times.
*********************************************
This is definitely a book that doesn't live up to the expectations its blurb created and I wouldn't recommend it at all.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
That was totally a waste of time for me.
*********************************************
The blurb makes it sound interesting but the book is terrible. The characters are so unreal. I kept saying, "Who would do that?" and "Why?"
The heroine, Emma, who is a 19 year-old girl, wakes up from a coma and her character is changed. She was a selfish and spoiled girl but now she is a responsible and thoughtful one.
Her parents keep saying they want their daughter back.
What the hell!?
She is awake after a 6-months' coma; what else do you want? She already has amnesia and she is struggling to accept what happened to her and instead of feeling happy that she is awake, they miss their selfish and spoiled Emma and want her back!
"Who would do that?"
*********************************************
Then, there was this boyfriend of hers, Andy. He didn't visit her for all those 6 months. He thought she would die. He dated another girl. And when she is awake, he runs to the hospital and says he dumped the other girl and they will now be together again. She says no a million times but he says he won't accept the answer "no". He tries to kiss her many times, he comes to her house and says he will take her to school. She refuses to go to prom with him but he tells her mother to buy a dress for her because they will go to the prom together and she does. He keeps insisting and insisting that they should be together again. She says she doesn't feel anything but he keeps saying he will make her feel it again.
"Who would do that?" and "Why?"
*********************************************
Her parents didn't like this boyfriend in the past but now that her therapist Mason, who is 4 years older than her, is interested in her, they don't want it to happen so they push their daughter towards the douche-bag ex-boyfriend.
"Who would do that?"
Her mother even threatens Mason so that he doesn't see her daughter. All because he is poor and he is not good enough for their daughter. And also, he is 23 years old, which is too old for them.
*********************************************
The romance between Mason and Emma is also ridiculous.
Not many words.
Only some looks.
Looks mean more than words, right?
She feels attracted to him and thinks he is attracted to her, as well but he is hot and cold all the time so she cannot decide.
There is some push and pull, and then, with minimum words, they understand that they both feel the same, so why waste words? And ta ta ta, they are a couple.
*********************************************
Mason is too annoying, too feminine for me. I don't need a too tough alpha but he is such a whining cry baby! He helps people who reject his help, he is the angel in a world of humans and of course, he has a sob story that explains why he is this way.
*********************************************
The book is so full of inner monologues that I got bored to death. Nothing really happens. She can't remember her past. She tries to finish high school. Andy the douche-bag keeps bothering her. She needs her parents to accept Mason. Her parents want their awful daughter back, rinse repeat, rinse repeat...
This goes on like this up until the day Andy gives us the secret about the accident and another ridiculous thing happens that again made me say, "Who would do that?"
The book has a HFN (happy for now) ending, with a hope for the future. She still has amnesia and she still doesn't remember her past.
*********************************************
The book is told from first person point of view. (Emma's). There are some spelling mistakes but not too many.
I can't say that the writing was good as it didn't make me feel. There is no romance that I felt. I didn't feel their love. There is no passion or chemistry.
There are only a few kissing scenes, that's all, don't expect anything more than just a few kisses.
*********************************************
The book is safe as there is no cheating, but Andy kisses her a few times.
*********************************************
This is definitely a book that doesn't live up to the expectations its blurb created and I wouldn't recommend it at all.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
March 28, 2013
3 Stars for the things I liked about the book.
I didn't feel the connection with this book nor the characters or story line. I liked it but didn't love it. I had high hopes but it lacked in depth for me. Also, certain people and story lines quickly fell off the face of the book too fast. Some parts of the story were never fully developed and too many loose ends were left. Too many people were let off easily and some of those people didn't have enough of a role in the story as they should have.I also felt like Andy's ending wasn't fair and I hate how that all worked out. I felt like it shouldn't have played out that way. So, now I will focus on what I liked about the book the most.
What I liked about this story:
1. The useless true facts (some were funny)
2. Once Mason and Emma get together- loved their relationship.
3. When Mason calls her: Baby
4. Mason's whole epilogue and the date he takes her on.
5. The connection Mason and Emma feel.
6. Mason, he was an honorable nice guy who cared about everyone. He was great for Emma.
7. Emma's connection with Mason's mom.
8. Emma, she wasn't the same girl as before the comma. Which is a very good thing. I liked that she didn't act like an immature 19 yr old still in HS. I loved that she had a brain, owns up to her actions and isn't a jelly spine.
9. Emma and Mason are good for each other. They needed each other. They ultimately save each other.
10. I love the cover.
11. I LOVED the turtle fact that Emma wrote to Mason and the fact he carries it around. The turtle fact is pretty funny and interesting. lol
I didn't feel the connection with this book nor the characters or story line. I liked it but didn't love it. I had high hopes but it lacked in depth for me. Also, certain people and story lines quickly fell off the face of the book too fast. Some parts of the story were never fully developed and too many loose ends were left. Too many people were let off easily and some of those people didn't have enough of a role in the story as they should have.I also felt like Andy's ending wasn't fair and I hate how that all worked out. I felt like it shouldn't have played out that way. So, now I will focus on what I liked about the book the most.
What I liked about this story:
1. The useless true facts (some were funny)
2. Once Mason and Emma get together- loved their relationship.
3. When Mason calls her: Baby
4. Mason's whole epilogue and the date he takes her on.
5. The connection Mason and Emma feel.
6. Mason, he was an honorable nice guy who cared about everyone. He was great for Emma.
7. Emma's connection with Mason's mom.
8. Emma, she wasn't the same girl as before the comma. Which is a very good thing. I liked that she didn't act like an immature 19 yr old still in HS. I loved that she had a brain, owns up to her actions and isn't a jelly spine.
9. Emma and Mason are good for each other. They needed each other. They ultimately save each other.
10. I love the cover.
11. I LOVED the turtle fact that Emma wrote to Mason and the fact he carries it around. The turtle fact is pretty funny and interesting. lol
April 24, 2013
Update March 26th
I can't even describe this book. It's sooo good. Everything that happens in the book should make it depressing to read, too dramatic or something like that, but it isn't. I could still read through it in one session without throwing it against the wall in irritation for being a depri kind of book.
I LOVED IT. will post a longer review soon.
Update March 24th
O M G IT'S OUT!
I GOT IT!
Now I'm just going to lock myself up in my room and read it in one sitting. I can't wait iiiiiiiii haha
I feel like I've been waiting on this book for months already.
O wait.. I HAVE.
I just can't wait any longer. The most depressing fact about this book is that there doesn't seem to be a date the book will be published. I can't even pre-order it. I'm just so excited that every time I think of this book I go 1. fangirling and 2. into depression.
I just can't take it any more!
I BEG YOU SHELLY CRANE. PLEASE PUBLISH IT!
I can't even describe this book. It's sooo good. Everything that happens in the book should make it depressing to read, too dramatic or something like that, but it isn't. I could still read through it in one session without throwing it against the wall in irritation for being a depri kind of book.
I LOVED IT. will post a longer review soon.
Update March 24th
O M G IT'S OUT!
I GOT IT!
Now I'm just going to lock myself up in my room and read it in one sitting. I can't wait iiiiiiiii haha
I feel like I've been waiting on this book for months already.
O wait.. I HAVE.
I just can't wait any longer. The most depressing fact about this book is that there doesn't seem to be a date the book will be published. I can't even pre-order it. I'm just so excited that every time I think of this book I go 1. fangirling and 2. into depression.
I just can't take it any more!
I BEG YOU SHELLY CRANE. PLEASE PUBLISH IT!
March 30, 2013
Dear Shelly Crane
Thank you for all the perfect specimens of maleness. Thank you for creating sensitive, handsome and witty guys whom we, as readers, will never get to meet in real life or marry. Thank you for teaching us that it is indeed possible to die from fangirling. Thank you for making us readers laugh, cry, swoon and smile through tears of happiness.
Hugs,
Readers
PS. If Mason is based on a real person I totally call dibs ;)
Thank you for all the perfect specimens of maleness. Thank you for creating sensitive, handsome and witty guys whom we, as readers, will never get to meet in real life or marry. Thank you for teaching us that it is indeed possible to die from fangirling. Thank you for making us readers laugh, cry, swoon and smile through tears of happiness.
Hugs,
Readers
PS. If Mason is based on a real person I totally call dibs ;)
April 8, 2013
Four. Solid. Stars.
***
Song on Repeat: Jason Reeves- Nobody Else Could Be You
"I want to kiss you when, if we go another second without it, one of us will combust." -Mason
"I know that bad boys are all the rage now, but... I want someone like you. Someone good and who I know cares about me. The tattoos do help your bad boy image though." -Emma
***
I haven't read much of Shelly Crane's books, but I was honestly very impressed with Wide Awake. It was one of the sweetest (and cleanest, with little to no sexual content) contemporary romances, but had all the passion and intensity of a New Adult read.
The story focuses on Emma, once she awakes from her 6 month coma. She's nineteen years old, a senior in high school, a varsity cheer captain, and Queen B (aka mean girl) ruler at her school. Or well, at least that's who she was before the mysterious hit and run that night after the party where she got butt-faced drunk. Anyway, Emma wakes up from a coma, and the first person she sees is her physical therapist, Mason.
So she forms a special bond with him; maybe because he was the first person she saw after she awoke, but maybe it's something else. He has a certain familiarity that she can't seem to fully comprehend... But she likes it. She likes him. The problem is that she has amnesia whereby all her memories prior to the accident has been wiped clean. She's shocked when her mom informs her that she was a cheerleader, or that her favorite color was pink and purple. Not only that, her boyfriend whom she does not remember, claims that she loved him. But there's no way, because Emma could have NEVER "loved" a meathead like Andy, right?
***
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded; although Mason and Emma's romance could be categorized as "insta-love" as the story progresses, it is apparent that isn't necessarily the case. The story is equal parts hopeful, sweet, satisfying, intense, and passionate. It's about second chances (when you least expect it, even in the worst conditions) and true unconditional love.
At first, I thought Emma's mom would turn out to be really evil; she had a mysterious, eerie air about her. But I was so touched during their mother/daughter moments. Crane truly moved me emotionally; Wide Awake was truly memorable.
***
Song on Repeat: Jason Reeves- Nobody Else Could Be You
"I want to kiss you when, if we go another second without it, one of us will combust." -Mason
"I know that bad boys are all the rage now, but... I want someone like you. Someone good and who I know cares about me. The tattoos do help your bad boy image though." -Emma
***
I haven't read much of Shelly Crane's books, but I was honestly very impressed with Wide Awake. It was one of the sweetest (and cleanest, with little to no sexual content) contemporary romances, but had all the passion and intensity of a New Adult read.
The story focuses on Emma, once she awakes from her 6 month coma. She's nineteen years old, a senior in high school, a varsity cheer captain, and Queen B (aka mean girl) ruler at her school. Or well, at least that's who she was before the mysterious hit and run that night after the party where she got butt-faced drunk. Anyway, Emma wakes up from a coma, and the first person she sees is her physical therapist, Mason.
So she forms a special bond with him; maybe because he was the first person she saw after she awoke, but maybe it's something else. He has a certain familiarity that she can't seem to fully comprehend... But she likes it. She likes him. The problem is that she has amnesia whereby all her memories prior to the accident has been wiped clean. She's shocked when her mom informs her that she was a cheerleader, or that her favorite color was pink and purple. Not only that, her boyfriend whom she does not remember, claims that she loved him. But there's no way, because Emma could have NEVER "loved" a meathead like Andy, right?
***
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded; although Mason and Emma's romance could be categorized as "insta-love" as the story progresses, it is apparent that isn't necessarily the case. The story is equal parts hopeful, sweet, satisfying, intense, and passionate. It's about second chances (when you least expect it, even in the worst conditions) and true unconditional love.
At first, I thought Emma's mom would turn out to be really evil; she had a mysterious, eerie air about her. But I was so touched during their mother/daughter moments. Crane truly moved me emotionally; Wide Awake was truly memorable.
April 26, 2013
I told Shelly Crane that I was stalking her...
And it's the truth...even more so now that I've finished this book. It was everything I was looking for. After having read a few super depressing stories that made me want to smack myself in the face--reading Shelly Crane was like walking into peace instead of chaos.
Beautifully written and quite possibly one of my favorite reads this year. It had the perfect amount of tragedy, humor, and romance.
Shelly has made me a fan for life...;)
And it's the truth...even more so now that I've finished this book. It was everything I was looking for. After having read a few super depressing stories that made me want to smack myself in the face--reading Shelly Crane was like walking into peace instead of chaos.
Beautifully written and quite possibly one of my favorite reads this year. It had the perfect amount of tragedy, humor, and romance.
Shelly has made me a fan for life...;)
March 27, 2013
Absolutely AMAZING!!! Shelly is a brilliantly talented writer and this story was so powerful... Just blew me away!!
For full review go to my blog..
http://www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot...
For full review go to my blog..
http://www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot...
April 8, 2013
2.5 stars
This is a story about Emma, hit and run victim, who wakes after spending six months in coma. By her side are her parents and Mason, her very hot and young physical therapist. She doesn't remember anyone from her life and her parents try really hard to make her be that same old Emmie. The girl who wore pink and a ponytail. The girl who was the Queen B in her high school. The girl who was selfish, shallow and cruel to others. Andrew, her boyfriend is also there and he's trying to make Emma love him again but it's not working because she starts having feelings for the guy who helped her every day, Mason.
Wide Awake was a solid story up until Emma left the hospital and returned home. Her parents were obsessed with trying to get her to love everything Emmie loved and Emma didn't object because she didn't wanted to disappoint them. She went along with everything and it made me so mad because I strongly dislike people who are afraid to show the world who they really are. Who has time to pretend to be anything but themselves?
Emma's friends were awful. Like those bullies who never stop torturing people who aren't 'as good as them'. I will never say, oh well, they're just kids and they're insecure, that's why they bully those who can't defend themselves. No! No! No! Bullies have corrupt souls, they enjoy torturing other people cause it's their mission to make others hate themselves so they would rather take their own life than endure it any longer. They deserve to burn in hell. There was this one scene with which seemed over the top for because I don't think there's no way any of them would get away with it but they did.
I didn't like the romance either. It was sweet but I didn't feel anything while reading it. Emma and Mason were apologizing all the time. I am sorry for this, I am sorry for that and it kept going, on and on.
You can read this review and much more over at YA Fanatic.
This is a story about Emma, hit and run victim, who wakes after spending six months in coma. By her side are her parents and Mason, her very hot and young physical therapist. She doesn't remember anyone from her life and her parents try really hard to make her be that same old Emmie. The girl who wore pink and a ponytail. The girl who was the Queen B in her high school. The girl who was selfish, shallow and cruel to others. Andrew, her boyfriend is also there and he's trying to make Emma love him again but it's not working because she starts having feelings for the guy who helped her every day, Mason.
Wide Awake was a solid story up until Emma left the hospital and returned home. Her parents were obsessed with trying to get her to love everything Emmie loved and Emma didn't object because she didn't wanted to disappoint them. She went along with everything and it made me so mad because I strongly dislike people who are afraid to show the world who they really are. Who has time to pretend to be anything but themselves?
Emma's friends were awful. Like those bullies who never stop torturing people who aren't 'as good as them'. I will never say, oh well, they're just kids and they're insecure, that's why they bully those who can't defend themselves. No! No! No! Bullies have corrupt souls, they enjoy torturing other people cause it's their mission to make others hate themselves so they would rather take their own life than endure it any longer. They deserve to burn in hell. There was this one scene with which seemed over the top for because I don't think there's no way any of them would get away with it but they did.
I didn't like the romance either. It was sweet but I didn't feel anything while reading it. Emma and Mason were apologizing all the time. I am sorry for this, I am sorry for that and it kept going, on and on.
You can read this review and much more over at YA Fanatic.
Want to read
March 31, 2013 March 24 2013
The synopsis blew me away
I will give this book a shot, IF i could get my hand on this book.
The cover is so pretty. They focused only her eyes. From my view of that, it is like she's seeing the world and trying to understand what's happening around her. Even the title of this book is Splendid
When i first found this book and saw the title i sang 'Wide awake' by Katy Perry
Girls, to be honest shits happened and good things happened too
Looking back is like seeing your past life burning in hell, wanting and waiting to be saved so history will repeat itself. You can look and question it but never ever help your past life from dying
DO IT RIGHT
The synopsis blew me away
I will give this book a shot, IF i could get my hand on this book.
The cover is so pretty. They focused only her eyes. From my view of that, it is like she's seeing the world and trying to understand what's happening around her. Even the title of this book is Splendid
When i first found this book and saw the title i sang 'Wide awake' by Katy Perry
Girls, to be honest shits happened and good things happened too
Looking back is like seeing your past life burning in hell, wanting and waiting to be saved so history will repeat itself. You can look and question it but never ever help your past life from dying
DO IT RIGHT
April 27, 2013
Wide Awake... one word A. M. A. Z. I. N. G!!!
At 33 years old, I am a BIG fan of young adult novels. While as a woman, I do enjoy smut, sex, and adult romance, I also LOVE books like Wide Awake with a hint of sexuality, without full out sex, and young romance.
Emma oh Emma. I felt for her. Every teenager feels the pressure to please everyone and often at some point succumbs to being someone they are not simply because it's who they feel others want them to be.
Through the events that happen to her, I love that she is able to embrace who SHE wants to be.
Mason... dear me... Mason. This is a young man I could have certainly loved. Without spoilers, just know that Mason is the type of guy that EVERY girl hopes to love and catch!
The relationship between Em and her parents really got to me as well.
Kids and their parents always have ups and downs in a "normal" relationship, but throw in a crazy accident and my heart just hurts for all of them.
Andy... eh Andy... While I never liked him in the book, and I sort of guessed what had happened in his and Emma's relationship... I did NOT expect the full of it and even Andy had my stomach clenching a little.
Without a second thought, I can give Wide Awake, my coveted 5 star review. It has likeable, realistic characters, young love, coming of age decisions, enough grit and angst to grab you, and relationships we've all experienced.
Reading Wide Awake will not be a disappointment!
And I do look forward to reading Milo's story.
At 33 years old, I am a BIG fan of young adult novels. While as a woman, I do enjoy smut, sex, and adult romance, I also LOVE books like Wide Awake with a hint of sexuality, without full out sex, and young romance.
Emma oh Emma. I felt for her. Every teenager feels the pressure to please everyone and often at some point succumbs to being someone they are not simply because it's who they feel others want them to be.
Through the events that happen to her, I love that she is able to embrace who SHE wants to be.
Mason... dear me... Mason. This is a young man I could have certainly loved. Without spoilers, just know that Mason is the type of guy that EVERY girl hopes to love and catch!
The relationship between Em and her parents really got to me as well.
Kids and their parents always have ups and downs in a "normal" relationship, but throw in a crazy accident and my heart just hurts for all of them.
Andy... eh Andy... While I never liked him in the book, and I sort of guessed what had happened in his and Emma's relationship... I did NOT expect the full of it and even Andy had my stomach clenching a little.
Without a second thought, I can give Wide Awake, my coveted 5 star review. It has likeable, realistic characters, young love, coming of age decisions, enough grit and angst to grab you, and relationships we've all experienced.
Reading Wide Awake will not be a disappointment!
And I do look forward to reading Milo's story.
March 24, 2013
Absolutely Amazing! Loved It.I loved that it kept me on the edge of my seat and I became instantly invested. This was very real and not candy coated. It was full of raw emotion. You felt like you were there. There were so many things that made it feel so genuine, but especially how when she awoke from her coma she didn't like anything they told her about who she was including her pompous boyfriend. I loved Emma and Mason and their bond. I loved the character of Isabella. I really loved the ending which was so true to real life. This was an amazing read!
April 12, 2013
Let me start off by saying that I absolutely, wholeheartedly, 100% love me some Mason. But what about Merrick you ask? Oh if you didn't know already, Merrick (from Crane's COLLIDE series) is my all-time favorite book boyfriend. Many have come close to stealing his thunder, but alas, he is still my main man. But wait! Mason seems to be coming in close, sneaking his way to the front on my heart. Ah, you are quite the catch Mason, but Merrick will probably always be in that top spot. Sorry,but you are a close runner up.
Now let me tell you about a girl named Emma. I just adored this girl for who she was…after the coma. Because apparently she wasn’t the greatest person before. But that is ok. While working through the therapy with Mason and her deleted memories we see her becoming such a strong person physically and emotionally. Every now and then we see her vulnerable side show, and that is ok too. I don’t know about you, but I like seeing someone that isn’t always strong…doesn't always got it together for sake of show. It makes them more human and easier to relate too. Crane has always given us those types of female leads. And to me it is refreshing for once. Females that are too strong or too hard headed can be exhausting at times.
There is a feeling I get before I start one of Crane's books. It’s an intense feeling of anticipation. I know her book is going to contain something beautiful...something that will make my heart ache in a 100 different ways. And I look forward to that feeling, because every time I read one of her books I am never disappointed. Ever. It is such a special thing knowing that a person can write a book and make you feel that way. Crane writes about romance...the kind that makes your breath shudder in a wonderful way…the kind that makes your eyes flutter when that absolute perfect line is read...the kind that makes you remember exactly what you felt the first time your realized you were in love. Yeah, she is that good.
WIDE AWAKE was written perfectly and had me in such an emotional state. Even though I kinda, sorta figured out a part in the storyline, the ramifications I did not. That blew my mind. I was reeling from that moment on until the very end. And I know Crane says this is a one-time deal, but she really should think about giving us a little more. I mean, just a little. Ah! Listen to me, I sound as if I am addicted and Crane is my supplier. Well, she kind of is, right? And I will gladly accept all she dishes out.
This is an awesome story that had my heart from the moment I cracked this book open. I think anybody who loves weak-in-the-knees romance will love this one. WIDE AWAKE is definitely in my TOP 3 books of 2013! Yeah, it is that swoony.
FAV LINES...
“He stole my first kiss. I mean,” I twists my fingers in the air in frustration, “I know it wasn’t my first kiss, technically, but I don’t remember any of the other ones. He just swooped in and stole it. And I let him.” (Emma)
****
“You know…every room in this place is just dark and tainted, and yours is the only light and life here. This job is going to suck without waiting to see you every day.” (Mason)
“Then you’ll just have to come see me,” I said coyly. (Emma)
****
A little later, he took me home. The make-out session in the front seat was another level of amazing that I had yet to experience until then. I felt like my lungs couldn’t keep up with my want to keep going. I was dying, drowning, and was perfectly fine with it. (Emma)
Now let me tell you about a girl named Emma. I just adored this girl for who she was…after the coma. Because apparently she wasn’t the greatest person before. But that is ok. While working through the therapy with Mason and her deleted memories we see her becoming such a strong person physically and emotionally. Every now and then we see her vulnerable side show, and that is ok too. I don’t know about you, but I like seeing someone that isn’t always strong…doesn't always got it together for sake of show. It makes them more human and easier to relate too. Crane has always given us those types of female leads. And to me it is refreshing for once. Females that are too strong or too hard headed can be exhausting at times.
There is a feeling I get before I start one of Crane's books. It’s an intense feeling of anticipation. I know her book is going to contain something beautiful...something that will make my heart ache in a 100 different ways. And I look forward to that feeling, because every time I read one of her books I am never disappointed. Ever. It is such a special thing knowing that a person can write a book and make you feel that way. Crane writes about romance...the kind that makes your breath shudder in a wonderful way…the kind that makes your eyes flutter when that absolute perfect line is read...the kind that makes you remember exactly what you felt the first time your realized you were in love. Yeah, she is that good.
WIDE AWAKE was written perfectly and had me in such an emotional state. Even though I kinda, sorta figured out a part in the storyline, the ramifications I did not. That blew my mind. I was reeling from that moment on until the very end. And I know Crane says this is a one-time deal, but she really should think about giving us a little more. I mean, just a little. Ah! Listen to me, I sound as if I am addicted and Crane is my supplier. Well, she kind of is, right? And I will gladly accept all she dishes out.
This is an awesome story that had my heart from the moment I cracked this book open. I think anybody who loves weak-in-the-knees romance will love this one. WIDE AWAKE is definitely in my TOP 3 books of 2013! Yeah, it is that swoony.
FAV LINES...
“He stole my first kiss. I mean,” I twists my fingers in the air in frustration, “I know it wasn’t my first kiss, technically, but I don’t remember any of the other ones. He just swooped in and stole it. And I let him.” (Emma)
****
“You know…every room in this place is just dark and tainted, and yours is the only light and life here. This job is going to suck without waiting to see you every day.” (Mason)
“Then you’ll just have to come see me,” I said coyly. (Emma)
****
A little later, he took me home. The make-out session in the front seat was another level of amazing that I had yet to experience until then. I felt like my lungs couldn’t keep up with my want to keep going. I was dying, drowning, and was perfectly fine with it. (Emma)
April 17, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
WIDE AWAKE is a determined effort by a strong and already successful author!
Emma Walker was in a serious accident. She's been in a coma for six months and suddenly wakens one day to find herself in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, who she was or who the strangers are in her room. There are those that desperately want her to remember who she was and reclaim her old life. However, the more she learns about the person she was, the more certain she becomes that she has no desire to be that person now. Her only lifeline is her young, handsome physical therapist, Mason, and the connection that leaps and sparks between them.
In all honesty, this is a difficult review to write. That stems from the fact I know the health issues this author has been dealing with, even while writing this book. In a note at the end of the book, she herself comments that it is not lost on her that while trying to write this story of a young woman in a coma from a head injury, she learned she had developed a tumor in her own head. If you ask me, the *only* success that matters here is that Shelly Crane fought her way through and finished this book. That takes perseverance, commitment, strength and courage. In my mind, this book is a win on that basis alone.
That said, I could feel the effort and the toll writing this book took. The usual depth of character and story is noticeably absent. The characterizations are just a bit cliche. Yet, even so, there are charming and poignant moments which shine through when you least expect them. WIDE AWAKE is worth the read for those alone.
Shelly Crane, congratulations! WIDE AWAKE is sort of more than just another book. Really, it's more like a testament to resilience, attitude and determination . I know you're taking your health one day at a time, and I also know you continue to write. Just so *you* know, we're all here, waiting patiently for, and looking forward to, that next book :-)
**Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
WIDE AWAKE is a determined effort by a strong and already successful author!
Emma Walker was in a serious accident. She's been in a coma for six months and suddenly wakens one day to find herself in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, who she was or who the strangers are in her room. There are those that desperately want her to remember who she was and reclaim her old life. However, the more she learns about the person she was, the more certain she becomes that she has no desire to be that person now. Her only lifeline is her young, handsome physical therapist, Mason, and the connection that leaps and sparks between them.
In all honesty, this is a difficult review to write. That stems from the fact I know the health issues this author has been dealing with, even while writing this book. In a note at the end of the book, she herself comments that it is not lost on her that while trying to write this story of a young woman in a coma from a head injury, she learned she had developed a tumor in her own head. If you ask me, the *only* success that matters here is that Shelly Crane fought her way through and finished this book. That takes perseverance, commitment, strength and courage. In my mind, this book is a win on that basis alone.
That said, I could feel the effort and the toll writing this book took. The usual depth of character and story is noticeably absent. The characterizations are just a bit cliche. Yet, even so, there are charming and poignant moments which shine through when you least expect them. WIDE AWAKE is worth the read for those alone.
Shelly Crane, congratulations! WIDE AWAKE is sort of more than just another book. Really, it's more like a testament to resilience, attitude and determination . I know you're taking your health one day at a time, and I also know you continue to write. Just so *you* know, we're all here, waiting patiently for, and looking forward to, that next book :-)
**Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
April 8, 2013
This was so disappointing.
I loved the premise; I wanted Emma to really explore who she was and the world around her, before the accident. Something carefully labelled and resonating about identity and teenagers.
Instead, we got shallow, overwrought fluff.
Instead of being a thoughtful look at identity and expectation through the eyes of a teenage girl, we are present with an overwrought soap opera-esque drama with credibility that disappears by chapter two. So disappointing, skip it.
I loved the premise; I wanted Emma to really explore who she was and the world around her, before the accident. Something carefully labelled and resonating about identity and teenagers.
Instead, we got shallow, overwrought fluff.
Instead of being a thoughtful look at identity and expectation through the eyes of a teenage girl, we are present with an overwrought soap opera-esque drama with credibility that disappears by chapter two. So disappointing, skip it.
April 3, 2013
My best friend had told me, "oh, you'll love that book. anything Shelly Crane touches is good." I was skeptical, and let me tell you, I shouldn't have been.
The book begins with a girl waking up. She has no idea where she is, who she is, why she's there, and who these people are that are staring at her.
Emma Walker awakens and has no recollection of the girl that she was. She has no idea why she's wearing pastel pink, why her "mother" is so concerned about her daughter having her legs shaved, her eyebrows done, and why she's wearing lip gloss when she's been in a coma for 6 months. She has no idea who she was, who her friends are and the more she learns, the more she questions how she could ever have been that person. She wants to know who this douchebag is that is insisting he's her boyfriend. She wants to know why she has such a connection to her therapist....
It's not often that people are given a second chance in life and it's not often that someone so young is wise enough to grasp that concept.
I absolutely adored this book. There are twists that totally caught me off guard, there is romance, there is that deeper meaning....I definitely say that Wide Awake is a must read.
The book begins with a girl waking up. She has no idea where she is, who she is, why she's there, and who these people are that are staring at her.
Emma Walker awakens and has no recollection of the girl that she was. She has no idea why she's wearing pastel pink, why her "mother" is so concerned about her daughter having her legs shaved, her eyebrows done, and why she's wearing lip gloss when she's been in a coma for 6 months. She has no idea who she was, who her friends are and the more she learns, the more she questions how she could ever have been that person. She wants to know who this douchebag is that is insisting he's her boyfriend. She wants to know why she has such a connection to her therapist....
It's not often that people are given a second chance in life and it's not often that someone so young is wise enough to grasp that concept.
I absolutely adored this book. There are twists that totally caught me off guard, there is romance, there is that deeper meaning....I definitely say that Wide Awake is a must read.
Want to read
March 24, 2013 I like the sound of this one!
BLURB --> A girl.
A coma.
A life she can't remember.
When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.
Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?
BLURB --> A girl.
A coma.
A life she can't remember.
When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.
Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?
March 25, 2013
Every once in a while you come across a book that changes you or has a message that you desperately needed to hear. For me, Wide Awake is that book. It is such an amazingly beautiful story about being given a second chance at life, about letting go of past mistakes and embracing the future and all its endless possibilities whole heartedly, about being the person you want to be and not the one others want to see.
I wont give any spoilers but i will say that i was hooked from the very beginning. Emma's determination to get better & get her life back on track had me rooting for her. And mason...sweet Mason...who I am just totally in love with is absolutely perfect. They just complement and complete each other perfectly. Emma's parents are a bit frustrating but you have to keep in mind that they're dealing with a traumatic event also & while they're overjoyed that their daughter has finally come out of a 6 month long coma when she wasn't even expected to live, they don't quite know how to handle the person she is now. The big twist towards the end caught me by surprise and was just so heart breaking, but the way it all ended was perfect and oh so bittersweet. I felt like I needed a good cry once it was all over. I know everybody is affected differently when reading a story such as this and I can only hope that others are lucky enough to take away the same message & feeling as I did. This is the type of story that will stick with you forever.
I would love to see a 2nd book as I'm now totally invested in this awesome story! I should also say that I have never written a lengthy review on any book I've read but felt compelled to do so with this one.
I wont give any spoilers but i will say that i was hooked from the very beginning. Emma's determination to get better & get her life back on track had me rooting for her. And mason...sweet Mason...who I am just totally in love with is absolutely perfect. They just complement and complete each other perfectly. Emma's parents are a bit frustrating but you have to keep in mind that they're dealing with a traumatic event also & while they're overjoyed that their daughter has finally come out of a 6 month long coma when she wasn't even expected to live, they don't quite know how to handle the person she is now. The big twist towards the end caught me by surprise and was just so heart breaking, but the way it all ended was perfect and oh so bittersweet. I felt like I needed a good cry once it was all over. I know everybody is affected differently when reading a story such as this and I can only hope that others are lucky enough to take away the same message & feeling as I did. This is the type of story that will stick with you forever.
I would love to see a 2nd book as I'm now totally invested in this awesome story! I should also say that I have never written a lengthy review on any book I've read but felt compelled to do so with this one.
March 25, 2013
I like the concept and there is absolutely no denying that it's well written, but I must confess that I did not love this book.
The first third of Wide Awake is actually fairly intriguing. Emma is a teenage girl who awakens in a hospice with no memory of her previous life. She has been in a coma for 6 months following a hit and run incident. I really enjoyed Emma's struggles to come to terms with her amnesia and the reactions of her friends and family (in some ways their trauma was greater than her own).
What I didn't enjoy quite so much was the romance. I swear, fully two-thirds of this novel revolved around Emma and the object of her affections apologising to each other for various imagined slights. I found myself skipping page after page as the tedium set in. I kept hoping and praying the author would leave the angst alone for a while. Please let Emma have some more conversations with her parents, Please let her go back to school again and have something, anything happen. But just when things were getting interesting, BAM! Off she'd run to her boyfriend to apologise about something.
I know the author can do better than this. Her prose is a notch above regular YA fare, but she needs to spend more time worrying about plot and less forcing high drama and romance into every single conversation.
The first third of Wide Awake is actually fairly intriguing. Emma is a teenage girl who awakens in a hospice with no memory of her previous life. She has been in a coma for 6 months following a hit and run incident. I really enjoyed Emma's struggles to come to terms with her amnesia and the reactions of her friends and family (in some ways their trauma was greater than her own).
What I didn't enjoy quite so much was the romance. I swear, fully two-thirds of this novel revolved around Emma and the object of her affections apologising to each other for various imagined slights. I found myself skipping page after page as the tedium set in. I kept hoping and praying the author would leave the angst alone for a while. Please let Emma have some more conversations with her parents, Please let her go back to school again and have something, anything happen. But just when things were getting interesting, BAM! Off she'd run to her boyfriend to apologise about something.
I know the author can do better than this. Her prose is a notch above regular YA fare, but she needs to spend more time worrying about plot and less forcing high drama and romance into every single conversation.
March 27, 2013
Shelly Crane never ceases to amaze me. This book was no different. I was thoroughly intrigued from the first page to the last. She left enough things unanswered in the beginning that it made you just want to keep reading to find out everything. I will admit there was one thing I wish would've been answered and that was about Adeline....I thought there was more there but we never find out. Maybe I just made it out to be more. Anyway, I love the storyline of this book. I'm not so sure I would've handled things as well as Emma did. I thought she was a very strong person, who realized that she got a second chance at life and realized what was really important. Mason was amazing from the get go....Definitely makes my list of best book boyfriends. He has to be one of the most caring and compassionate men I have read about. I will say that I did kind of figure out the big twist by about 50% but I didn't know the exact details. My biggest complaint about the book had to do with Andy....I didn't really like the way his story ended. I'm going to leave it at that....you'll just have to read the book to understand what I am talking about. But i will say that it in no means dimished how much I enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend this book to all YA fans out there.
March 24, 2013
Another amazing book by Shelly. I absolutely loved this story. I did not put it down until I read the last page. It was refreshing to read something with a whole new plot idea than what you see out there right now. And for her to finish this book while going through so much in her personal life says so much about Shelly's own character. You are amazing and now one of my heros Shelly.
Mason, Yum! Andy, WHAT?! Did not see that coming!
Amazing, simply amazing. Another hit!
Mason, Yum! Andy, WHAT?! Did not see that coming!
Amazing, simply amazing. Another hit!
November 5, 2019
Pleasantly surprised by this second chance story.
Emma wakes up after an accident that left her in a coma for more than 6 months. She has no memory of what happened, who she is or was before. Everyone around Emma from her parents to her boyfriend and best friends expect her to pick up her life from before her accident. But Emma doesn't like the persona who everyone claims her to be and struggles under the expectations. The only person who seems to understand her is her therapist Mason with who she feels a strange connection.
This was a quiet emotional and frustrating read. It's amazing how people cope with loss and create expectations. Emma's (ex)-boyfriend was a real jack-ass, but I never guessed the reason behind his facade.
Mason was a real good guy even when he was a bit hot and cold in the beginning, he had his reasons and their past is more interwoven than Emma could have anticipated. He really is an honorable guy who puts Emma's needs first. In the end they help each other to heal and make amends with what happened.
Emma wakes up after an accident that left her in a coma for more than 6 months. She has no memory of what happened, who she is or was before. Everyone around Emma from her parents to her boyfriend and best friends expect her to pick up her life from before her accident. But Emma doesn't like the persona who everyone claims her to be and struggles under the expectations. The only person who seems to understand her is her therapist Mason with who she feels a strange connection.
This was a quiet emotional and frustrating read. It's amazing how people cope with loss and create expectations. Emma's (ex)-boyfriend was a real jack-ass, but I never guessed the reason behind his facade.
Mason was a real good guy even when he was a bit hot and cold in the beginning, he had his reasons and their past is more interwoven than Emma could have anticipated. He really is an honorable guy who puts Emma's needs first. In the end they help each other to heal and make amends with what happened.
October 4, 2017
3.5/5.0 stars
This is a really good book and all, especially considering the struggle of being who you were or who you are, but the drama at the ending felt like it came out of nowhere... I guess there were some hints and all, but it all just suddenly become really intense...
This is a really good book and all, especially considering the struggle of being who you were or who you are, but the drama at the ending felt like it came out of nowhere... I guess there were some hints and all, but it all just suddenly become really intense...
March 29, 2013
4.5 out of 5 stars
Wide Awake is the latest offering from Shelly Crane. It is a stand alone novel about a young woman (Emma) who wakes from a six month coma following a hit and run accident. Her friends and family had been given little hope that she would ever wake, and when she does, Emma has absolutely no memory of her life before the accident. She must subsequently rebuild her life - her physical abilities, her personality and the relationships with her family and friends.
Understandably, this presents a significant challenge for Emma, particularly as those around her seem set on only accepting the 'Emmie' they knew and loved. Emma, on the other hand, can't seem to understand why any of the things people tell her about her old self were things she would value and works incredibly hard to become the person she wants to be, rather than the person she is expected to be.
Mason is the one person who encourages her to find 'Emma'. Mason is Emma's physical therapist and has spent the duration of her coma working with her to help keep her body in some form of condition. From the moment she wakes, Emma connects with Mason and feels a sense of security with him, as if there is an unspoken understanding of the challenge before her and a commitment to support her through the process. Of course it doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous.
The relationship that develops between Mason and Emma is just beautiful. Crane has created two characters struggling with the expectations of others and themselves, who manage to help each other navigate this complex maze and come to terms with who they are. Together they seem to have the capacity to find the best of themselves, which in turn makes them stronger for each other and the people around them. Along this path there are many twists and turns that they must negotiate - the most challenging ones involving Andy, Emma's pre-coma boyfriend. Despite having moved on fairly quickly after Emma's accident, once she wakes Andy is adament they will be the couple they used to be once again.
I can't imagine losing all memory of the life I've lived. The trauma for Emma was evident, as was the grief and loss of her parents, not to mention the confusion for her friends who almost didn't know how to be without their leader. There was one scene involving Emma, her dad Rhett and a peach that was just heartbreaking as the two of them were struggling to come to terms with what they had lost. The stark contrast between 'Emma' (post coma) and 'Emmie' (pre coma) was extreme and yet it was convincing.
While I was not surprised by the path the story took, Crane's writing style is so engaging that I was immersed in the story and happy to travel to what I felt was a very satisfying conclusion. There were a number of errors in the book, some that interrupted my connection with the story, and it is these that have kept me from giving Wide Awake a five star rating. I still very much loved the story, the characters and the messages that Crane has delivered in Wide Awake. I also want to acknowledge that this book was completed at a time when Crane was battling significant health issues (which she has publically disclosed). As a staunch fan of her work I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well as she takes some time out to focus on her health. Wide Awake will help me to wait patiently for the release of Altered (book 3 in the Devoured Series) and, of course, Significance the Movie!
Wide Awake is the latest offering from Shelly Crane. It is a stand alone novel about a young woman (Emma) who wakes from a six month coma following a hit and run accident. Her friends and family had been given little hope that she would ever wake, and when she does, Emma has absolutely no memory of her life before the accident. She must subsequently rebuild her life - her physical abilities, her personality and the relationships with her family and friends.
Understandably, this presents a significant challenge for Emma, particularly as those around her seem set on only accepting the 'Emmie' they knew and loved. Emma, on the other hand, can't seem to understand why any of the things people tell her about her old self were things she would value and works incredibly hard to become the person she wants to be, rather than the person she is expected to be.
Mason is the one person who encourages her to find 'Emma'. Mason is Emma's physical therapist and has spent the duration of her coma working with her to help keep her body in some form of condition. From the moment she wakes, Emma connects with Mason and feels a sense of security with him, as if there is an unspoken understanding of the challenge before her and a commitment to support her through the process. Of course it doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous.
The relationship that develops between Mason and Emma is just beautiful. Crane has created two characters struggling with the expectations of others and themselves, who manage to help each other navigate this complex maze and come to terms with who they are. Together they seem to have the capacity to find the best of themselves, which in turn makes them stronger for each other and the people around them. Along this path there are many twists and turns that they must negotiate - the most challenging ones involving Andy, Emma's pre-coma boyfriend. Despite having moved on fairly quickly after Emma's accident, once she wakes Andy is adament they will be the couple they used to be once again.
I can't imagine losing all memory of the life I've lived. The trauma for Emma was evident, as was the grief and loss of her parents, not to mention the confusion for her friends who almost didn't know how to be without their leader. There was one scene involving Emma, her dad Rhett and a peach that was just heartbreaking as the two of them were struggling to come to terms with what they had lost. The stark contrast between 'Emma' (post coma) and 'Emmie' (pre coma) was extreme and yet it was convincing.
While I was not surprised by the path the story took, Crane's writing style is so engaging that I was immersed in the story and happy to travel to what I felt was a very satisfying conclusion. There were a number of errors in the book, some that interrupted my connection with the story, and it is these that have kept me from giving Wide Awake a five star rating. I still very much loved the story, the characters and the messages that Crane has delivered in Wide Awake. I also want to acknowledge that this book was completed at a time when Crane was battling significant health issues (which she has publically disclosed). As a staunch fan of her work I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well as she takes some time out to focus on her health. Wide Awake will help me to wait patiently for the release of Altered (book 3 in the Devoured Series) and, of course, Significance the Movie!
April 18, 2013
Check out The Alternative Kryptonite's stop on whe Wide Awake blog tour with an INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY: http://bit.ly/ZqkNNu
FINALLY Shelly Crane becomes NY Times Bestselling Author.....
I can't say that Shelly Crane has made a novel as endearing and charming as this one. Ever. Yes, the Significance series is being made into a movie, and her other books are works of art, but this one was different. I am continually astounded by Crane's ability to capture the soul, rip it apart, and gently sow it back together, leaving you in awe of the story. Wide Awake is, in my opinion, one of her best books (maybe the best, CONSIDERING IT GOT ON THE NY TIMES BESTSELLER LIST). I can only describe Wide Awake as a brilliant quilt. Woven together near-perfectly, with dark colors and light colors. The book demonstrates these dark and dangerous emotions, along with bright, wonderful ones. With characters expertly written and a plot that takes twists and turns, this book is one of - if not - her best novel yet.
Emma Walker wakes up in a hospital to find that she had been involved in a hit-and-run and no memory of her past life. Throughout the book she has to grapple with re-discovering the old and discovering the new Emma. As always, the emotions in the novel were wonderfully written like you were inside her head, feeling the things she feels. But I think the thing that stands out about this book is the amount of things she has to worry about and how she handles and reacts to situations. I was surprised to find how... independent Emma was. I noticed in the Significance series, for example, conflicts arose with both Maggie and Caleb having to deal with them. In Wide Awake, she has to take a more individual approach with how to handle things, even if it wasn't the best way. I guess you could say I was a great example of the "human condition". Everything felt so real and Emma had such human reactions to everything that you couldn't help but connect with her.
Mason brings most of the charm to this story I have to say ;-). In Wide Awake, the main love interest is most definitely not perfect in my eyes. But I think that's what makes Mason so great. He has a completely human reaction to everything that makes you connect with not just Mason or Emma or Isabella, but everyone in the novel. This brilliant novel was able to capture me from the first page because of ALL the bad, ALL the pain, but also all the happiness, the swoonyness (that is a word.....), and relationships that are formed, broken, and reformed.
Overall, I loved this book with every kink and bump. The characters were wonderfully relatable, and the plot was as well. There were so many twists and surprises that it just heightened the awesomeness. Bravo, Shelly Crane, bravo.
5 out of 5 stars
P.S. NY-FREAKING-TIMES......
FINALLY Shelly Crane becomes NY Times Bestselling Author.....
I can't say that Shelly Crane has made a novel as endearing and charming as this one. Ever. Yes, the Significance series is being made into a movie, and her other books are works of art, but this one was different. I am continually astounded by Crane's ability to capture the soul, rip it apart, and gently sow it back together, leaving you in awe of the story. Wide Awake is, in my opinion, one of her best books (maybe the best, CONSIDERING IT GOT ON THE NY TIMES BESTSELLER LIST). I can only describe Wide Awake as a brilliant quilt. Woven together near-perfectly, with dark colors and light colors. The book demonstrates these dark and dangerous emotions, along with bright, wonderful ones. With characters expertly written and a plot that takes twists and turns, this book is one of - if not - her best novel yet.
Emma Walker wakes up in a hospital to find that she had been involved in a hit-and-run and no memory of her past life. Throughout the book she has to grapple with re-discovering the old and discovering the new Emma. As always, the emotions in the novel were wonderfully written like you were inside her head, feeling the things she feels. But I think the thing that stands out about this book is the amount of things she has to worry about and how she handles and reacts to situations. I was surprised to find how... independent Emma was. I noticed in the Significance series, for example, conflicts arose with both Maggie and Caleb having to deal with them. In Wide Awake, she has to take a more individual approach with how to handle things, even if it wasn't the best way. I guess you could say I was a great example of the "human condition". Everything felt so real and Emma had such human reactions to everything that you couldn't help but connect with her.
Mason brings most of the charm to this story I have to say ;-). In Wide Awake, the main love interest is most definitely not perfect in my eyes. But I think that's what makes Mason so great. He has a completely human reaction to everything that makes you connect with not just Mason or Emma or Isabella, but everyone in the novel. This brilliant novel was able to capture me from the first page because of ALL the bad, ALL the pain, but also all the happiness, the swoonyness (that is a word.....), and relationships that are formed, broken, and reformed.
Overall, I loved this book with every kink and bump. The characters were wonderfully relatable, and the plot was as well. There were so many twists and surprises that it just heightened the awesomeness. Bravo, Shelly Crane, bravo.
5 out of 5 stars
P.S. NY-FREAKING-TIMES......
April 28, 2013
When I started doing book reviews last year, I was new at it all. So any book that I found to be 'really good' was rated a 5 star rating.. I then realized, I was reading epic books that were worthy of much more than 5 stars and I was putting them on my 5 star shelf, with average 'just really good' books. I had to try and change that, because I have found epic books and it just wasn't fair..
This book is one of them.. This a book that deserves every single ounce of the 5 star status.. This a book that will stick with me.. This book was amazing, it was real, it was uncertain, and it was emotional without going over the top and leaving me in tears..
I loved Em. She wakes up from a 6 month coma and she doesn't remember a thing, she doesn't know who she is, what she likes, what she doesn't like or even who she loves. It's sad to read. It's hard to see her parents sitting by her side, and wanting their baby back and not knowing if she will ever wake up, and when she does, having her not know who you are. The mom in me, found that so terribly sad..
Mason who happens to be her PT was HOT.. he was sexy, and he was the sweetest guy, I believe I can honestly say I have read in all the 400 romance books I have read since last year.. He fights for her to get better, he holds her up and lets Em be who she wants to be, and the for me was huge. Even when he had things that kept him away from her, you always knew how much he cared for her, and how much he was willing to give up to make sure that she had the best life she could possibly have. That she didn't miss out on the things that are important to a girl, no matter how unimportant they seemed to Emmie at the time..
There are really sad, yet truthful parts of this book, that we know happen all the time.. Kids get drunk, they drink and drive, people's lives are shattered to bits when these things happened, and this book touched on all of that.. It didn't just skim and let us know it's possible, it slammed down and made us walk through the wreckage of what happens when these things happen.. Accidents can change lives, Em was changed, several other characters were changed by other accidents.. It was just all so real, and so beautifully done..
I don't think I say that often, that a book was 'beautifully' done. I can say it was good. I can say it was hot and full of sex and steam, which hey I really like, and almost seek out when looking for a read.. But this book is rare for me... This book was real and it was love.. It was about the kind of love we all want.. The kind of love not many people get a chance to find or feel.. and that is why I honestly know this book will be one that stands out in my mind for a very, very long time..
So read it.. Please
This book is one of them.. This a book that deserves every single ounce of the 5 star status.. This a book that will stick with me.. This book was amazing, it was real, it was uncertain, and it was emotional without going over the top and leaving me in tears..
I loved Em. She wakes up from a 6 month coma and she doesn't remember a thing, she doesn't know who she is, what she likes, what she doesn't like or even who she loves. It's sad to read. It's hard to see her parents sitting by her side, and wanting their baby back and not knowing if she will ever wake up, and when she does, having her not know who you are. The mom in me, found that so terribly sad..
Mason who happens to be her PT was HOT.. he was sexy, and he was the sweetest guy, I believe I can honestly say I have read in all the 400 romance books I have read since last year.. He fights for her to get better, he holds her up and lets Em be who she wants to be, and the for me was huge. Even when he had things that kept him away from her, you always knew how much he cared for her, and how much he was willing to give up to make sure that she had the best life she could possibly have. That she didn't miss out on the things that are important to a girl, no matter how unimportant they seemed to Emmie at the time..
There are really sad, yet truthful parts of this book, that we know happen all the time.. Kids get drunk, they drink and drive, people's lives are shattered to bits when these things happened, and this book touched on all of that.. It didn't just skim and let us know it's possible, it slammed down and made us walk through the wreckage of what happens when these things happen.. Accidents can change lives, Em was changed, several other characters were changed by other accidents.. It was just all so real, and so beautifully done..
I don't think I say that often, that a book was 'beautifully' done. I can say it was good. I can say it was hot and full of sex and steam, which hey I really like, and almost seek out when looking for a read.. But this book is rare for me... This book was real and it was love.. It was about the kind of love we all want.. The kind of love not many people get a chance to find or feel.. and that is why I honestly know this book will be one that stands out in my mind for a very, very long time..
So read it.. Please
July 6, 2013
Although I have seen Shelly Crane's books around the blogosphere a LOT, this is the first time I read one of her books. And I'm glad I did so .
The story is narrated by Emma Walker who wakes up from her six month coma to find out that she has no memory whatsoever of her life prior to the accident. She's wakes up and realizes that she has a family of who she has no recollection of. Finding out that pre-accident Emma was a bitch with a capital B was the icing on the cake.
Her friends, her family and her 'boyfriend' expect her to go back to being the pre-accident Emma. But post-accident Emma is nothing like the pre-accident Emma. Shelly Crane paints a clear picture of the struggles that Emma faces during her journey to find herself. Shelly forces the readers to experience every ounce of frustration, disappointment, regret and hope that Emma feels. Despite Emma's history it was hard not to like her and empathize with her.
Mason is her physical therapist-the guy who both literally and figuratively helps Emma stand on her own two feet. He was a refreshing change from the bad boys that seem to be taking over the Contemporary Romance genre. He was honorable, caring and he did the sweetest things ever for Emma!
"More than a poor boy that had nothing to offer, more than a tattooed guy who always had to prove he was something from judging eyes, more than I deserved.
I took her face in my hands and then took her mouth. That mouth that owned me, that mouth that made me forgot who and what I was and made me feel like I was better than all that."
The fact that the MCs were well thought out and lovable was a strong point for Wide Awake. But the supporting characters especially pre-accident Emma's friends fell kinda flat. Shelly portrayed Emma's moments with her mother really well. I would have loved to see more of this kind of interaction between Emma and her siblings too.
That being said Wide Awake had a great concept that was executed quite well. Each chapter starts with a useless fact-this added a nice, quirky touch to the book!
Useless Fact #1: A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why.
Useless Fact #: It's possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.
I'd definitely recommend Wide Awake to Contemporary fans who enjoy reading about second chances, hope and love.
The story is narrated by Emma Walker who wakes up from her six month coma to find out that she has no memory whatsoever of her life prior to the accident. She's wakes up and realizes that she has a family of who she has no recollection of. Finding out that pre-accident Emma was a bitch with a capital B was the icing on the cake.
Her friends, her family and her 'boyfriend' expect her to go back to being the pre-accident Emma. But post-accident Emma is nothing like the pre-accident Emma. Shelly Crane paints a clear picture of the struggles that Emma faces during her journey to find herself. Shelly forces the readers to experience every ounce of frustration, disappointment, regret and hope that Emma feels. Despite Emma's history it was hard not to like her and empathize with her.
Mason is her physical therapist-the guy who both literally and figuratively helps Emma stand on her own two feet. He was a refreshing change from the bad boys that seem to be taking over the Contemporary Romance genre. He was honorable, caring and he did the sweetest things ever for Emma!
"More than a poor boy that had nothing to offer, more than a tattooed guy who always had to prove he was something from judging eyes, more than I deserved.
I took her face in my hands and then took her mouth. That mouth that owned me, that mouth that made me forgot who and what I was and made me feel like I was better than all that."
The fact that the MCs were well thought out and lovable was a strong point for Wide Awake. But the supporting characters especially pre-accident Emma's friends fell kinda flat. Shelly portrayed Emma's moments with her mother really well. I would have loved to see more of this kind of interaction between Emma and her siblings too.
That being said Wide Awake had a great concept that was executed quite well. Each chapter starts with a useless fact-this added a nice, quirky touch to the book!
Useless Fact #1: A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why.
Useless Fact #: It's possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.
I'd definitely recommend Wide Awake to Contemporary fans who enjoy reading about second chances, hope and love.
February 9, 2015
The only saving grace this book has is that I didn't want to throw my tablet once I was done reading it.
But it was very close. Like, seriously close.
Okay, not true. I totally wanted to throw it.
Wide Awake is about a girl recovering from a traumatic brain injury. After getting hit by a car and left for dead on the side of the road, she wakes up from a coma to discover six months have past and she doesn't remember anything about her life before. Sure she can remember a song on the radio, but she can't remember her family or friends. The people they say are her parents are merely strangers to her. The boy claiming to love her offers her no comfort or even a memory jolt. The only one she feels a connection with her physical therapist, Mason, a reformed bad-boy with a heart of gold.
As Emma learns about her life and tries to regain a sense of self, she begins to hate everything she used to stand for. Emma was the queen bee, a vapid narcissist, and absolutely nothing about her was appealing. Her character was so far skewed that she wasn't even redeemable. Meanwhile, she's trying to balance her former relationship with the one she wants.
Andy, her high school boyfriend, apparently got a new girlfriend while she was in a coma to alleviate the pain of not having her. His garbage excuse made his character a douche from the start. . So while he acts like a crazy stalker, she starts falling for her physical therapist. Mason and her have an instant connection despite their differences: she's a prissy, trust-fund brat and he's a poor boy trying to repent for his sins. The stuff they go through is so dramatic and ridiculous and no young guy would put up with that.
Then the ending.
Oi.
The writing itself was weak and I'm shocked the book has such high ratings for that alone. I also really wish authors would do research before they write. There is a reason the phrase 'write what you know' exists. The hospital scenes were laughable and I find it hard she had much first hand knowledge with it prior to writing this book.
I was very disappointed in this one.
But it was very close. Like, seriously close.
Okay, not true. I totally wanted to throw it.
Wide Awake is about a girl recovering from a traumatic brain injury. After getting hit by a car and left for dead on the side of the road, she wakes up from a coma to discover six months have past and she doesn't remember anything about her life before. Sure she can remember a song on the radio, but she can't remember her family or friends. The people they say are her parents are merely strangers to her. The boy claiming to love her offers her no comfort or even a memory jolt. The only one she feels a connection with her physical therapist, Mason, a reformed bad-boy with a heart of gold.
As Emma learns about her life and tries to regain a sense of self, she begins to hate everything she used to stand for. Emma was the queen bee, a vapid narcissist, and absolutely nothing about her was appealing. Her character was so far skewed that she wasn't even redeemable. Meanwhile, she's trying to balance her former relationship with the one she wants.
Andy, her high school boyfriend, apparently got a new girlfriend while she was in a coma to alleviate the pain of not having her. His garbage excuse made his character a douche from the start. . So while he acts like a crazy stalker, she starts falling for her physical therapist. Mason and her have an instant connection despite their differences: she's a prissy, trust-fund brat and he's a poor boy trying to repent for his sins. The stuff they go through is so dramatic and ridiculous and no young guy would put up with that.
Then the ending.
Oi.
The writing itself was weak and I'm shocked the book has such high ratings for that alone. I also really wish authors would do research before they write. There is a reason the phrase 'write what you know' exists. The hospital scenes were laughable and I find it hard she had much first hand knowledge with it prior to writing this book.
I was very disappointed in this one.
May 20, 2021
I found this book on Amazon under the suggested titles section and bought it on a whim. And I'm really happy I did so.
Emma has been in a coma for six months. But what's worse is when she wakes up and discovers that she doesn't remember anything or anyone. And so begins her journey of finding out who she is and what matters most to her.
I really liked the character of Emma. She was well-thought out and you just connected with her as you followed alongside her discovering bits and pieces of her life. There were times I wished I could reach out and just hug her during her struggles to make the people around her see that she was no longer the Emma they all once knew but rather the Emma she wanted to be.
Mason was a close second for favorite character. It was obvious from the start that he cared about Emma and wanted to see her be truly happy and succeed. And the love he had for his mother and brother, even if it was fueled somewhat by guilt, was admirable. The curveball at the end regarding him surprised me a bit although I knew he was hiding something.
I wanted to throttle Emma's parents. I know that it had to be hard for them to realize their daughter didn't remember them or anything about her life with them but sometimes they just came off as really unsupportive to me, like that couldn't bear the thought of Emma following her own path. And it made me wonder just how blind they were to the kind of person Emma was before her accident. The same goes for her "friends", who were the epitome of Mean Girls.
And as much as I hated Andy throughout the book as I had him pegged correctly in the end, I hated how his story ended. It was a bit dramatic but definitely showed just how far guilt can push a person.
All in all, I think the story flowed well. I enjoyed seeing Emma find out who she truly was and what she wanted to be without everyone else running her life. In the end, I'm happy that she was on the road to getting her happily ever after as she deserved it.
Looking forward to reading more of Miss Crane's books!
Emma has been in a coma for six months. But what's worse is when she wakes up and discovers that she doesn't remember anything or anyone. And so begins her journey of finding out who she is and what matters most to her.
I really liked the character of Emma. She was well-thought out and you just connected with her as you followed alongside her discovering bits and pieces of her life. There were times I wished I could reach out and just hug her during her struggles to make the people around her see that she was no longer the Emma they all once knew but rather the Emma she wanted to be.
Mason was a close second for favorite character. It was obvious from the start that he cared about Emma and wanted to see her be truly happy and succeed. And the love he had for his mother and brother, even if it was fueled somewhat by guilt, was admirable. The curveball at the end regarding him surprised me a bit although I knew he was hiding something.
I wanted to throttle Emma's parents. I know that it had to be hard for them to realize their daughter didn't remember them or anything about her life with them but sometimes they just came off as really unsupportive to me, like that couldn't bear the thought of Emma following her own path. And it made me wonder just how blind they were to the kind of person Emma was before her accident. The same goes for her "friends", who were the epitome of Mean Girls.
And as much as I hated Andy throughout the book as I had him pegged correctly in the end, I hated how his story ended. It was a bit dramatic but definitely showed just how far guilt can push a person.
All in all, I think the story flowed well. I enjoyed seeing Emma find out who she truly was and what she wanted to be without everyone else running her life. In the end, I'm happy that she was on the road to getting her happily ever after as she deserved it.
Looking forward to reading more of Miss Crane's books!
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