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Life on Loan
When seventeen year old Paige Daniels can no longer ignore the pangs of hunger, a dumpster is often her only source of nourishment. Paige has never had the opportunity to be a typical teenager. From the time she was thirteen, life has been lived on the streets. She steals what she needs to survive, but never without a silent apology and a promise to pay for whatever she took when she has the chance.
Paige finds herself with a new partner, twenty year old Noah, and her life changes in more ways than she ever thought possible. After waking up to the first snow fall of the year, Paige and Noah attempt to steal a blanket but end up taking more than they ever had before.
Will Paige and Noah just give up what they have come to know? Or will they do anything to keep the life they have begun to live?
Paige finds herself with a new partner, twenty year old Noah, and her life changes in more ways than she ever thought possible. After waking up to the first snow fall of the year, Paige and Noah attempt to steal a blanket but end up taking more than they ever had before.
Will Paige and Noah just give up what they have come to know? Or will they do anything to keep the life they have begun to live?
- GenresEmotional
178 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2013
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Adrianne James
12 books149 followersGrowing up, Adrianne couldn't get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn't have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books still make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world.
During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life's stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.
As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy.
During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life's stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.
As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2013
"Always remember who has helped you in any way, Paige" is what she tells me. "One day you can repay them. The bad in life doesn't last forever; remember that and you will be fine." I wish that were true.
Seventeen year old Paige Daniels has not had an easy life. In fact the last few years have been far from it. Paige lives on the streets, sleeping on park benches and scrounging for food in dumpsters. Everything she owns she carries around in a backpack. Her most prized possession is a journal that she uses to write down her thoughts and feelings. Sometimes in order to survive Paige has to resort to stealing food or a blanket to keep her warm through the bitter winter. She also uses the journal to keep track of everything she's stolen along the way and who she has stolen it from. Paige vows that one day when her life is back on track and she is in a better postion she will repay everyone to make up for it.
Living on the streets is a hard and lonely existence. It's hard to know who you can trust. But then twenty year old Noah enters her life at a time when she needs a friend the most. Noah hasn't been on the streets as long as Paige, so she teaches him the ropes. Theirs is a beautiful friendship. They care for and protect each other. But as things become harder in their world so to do the extremes they will go to to survive.
It's almost impossible not to feel for Paige and Noah and the lives that they are living, but more so Paige because she has lived it for so long and been through so much. But she is so strong and despite what she has endured both her and Noah still have hopes and dreams for something better.
"We will find a way. We'll have a house and a life together. We will always have groceries in our fridge and clean clothes on our bodies. We just need to figure out how. And we will. I promise we will."
Life on Loan is not your typical Young Adult read. There is no worrying about makeup or the latest fashions. There are no decisions about what party to attend on the weekend. There is no gossiping with friends or stressing about homework and grades. But what you will find is hardships, loneliness, a fierce desire for a better life and the power of love when it is least expected.
This was quite a quick read and I would love to see a sequel to Life on Loan. To know what happens after this. To see what life throws at them and if any of the decisions or actions that they took will have a greater impact on them than they already have.
A thoroughly enjoyable, well written read!!
4.5/5 Stars!!
Seventeen year old Paige Daniels has not had an easy life. In fact the last few years have been far from it. Paige lives on the streets, sleeping on park benches and scrounging for food in dumpsters. Everything she owns she carries around in a backpack. Her most prized possession is a journal that she uses to write down her thoughts and feelings. Sometimes in order to survive Paige has to resort to stealing food or a blanket to keep her warm through the bitter winter. She also uses the journal to keep track of everything she's stolen along the way and who she has stolen it from. Paige vows that one day when her life is back on track and she is in a better postion she will repay everyone to make up for it.
Living on the streets is a hard and lonely existence. It's hard to know who you can trust. But then twenty year old Noah enters her life at a time when she needs a friend the most. Noah hasn't been on the streets as long as Paige, so she teaches him the ropes. Theirs is a beautiful friendship. They care for and protect each other. But as things become harder in their world so to do the extremes they will go to to survive.
It's almost impossible not to feel for Paige and Noah and the lives that they are living, but more so Paige because she has lived it for so long and been through so much. But she is so strong and despite what she has endured both her and Noah still have hopes and dreams for something better.
"We will find a way. We'll have a house and a life together. We will always have groceries in our fridge and clean clothes on our bodies. We just need to figure out how. And we will. I promise we will."
Life on Loan is not your typical Young Adult read. There is no worrying about makeup or the latest fashions. There are no decisions about what party to attend on the weekend. There is no gossiping with friends or stressing about homework and grades. But what you will find is hardships, loneliness, a fierce desire for a better life and the power of love when it is least expected.
This was quite a quick read and I would love to see a sequel to Life on Loan. To know what happens after this. To see what life throws at them and if any of the decisions or actions that they took will have a greater impact on them than they already have.
A thoroughly enjoyable, well written read!!
4.5/5 Stars!!
January 31, 2013
Paige's story is not for the faint of heart and her story can be difficult to read at times. But that is exactly what makes it so worth the read. The opening scene is jarring in a good way. The author blindly leads you through what's happening and then-- boom!-- you're reading about something you didn't expect (keeping this sucker spoiler-free!)
Paige isn't the bubbly, happy teen you get a lot of times in contemporary YA-- nor should she be. She does well to straddle the line between her dual identities as that of a homeless person and as a teenager. Comparatively, Noah is a great character who plays well opposite Paige. He is less cynical and down-trodden than she is and it is exactly what she needs from a trusted companion. To be honest, without Noah in the story I couldn't have finished this book because I found myself so overcome with love for Paige that watching her life go from bad to worse was hard enough with Noah beside her, but alone? Nah. A girl can only take so much heartbreak.
The story is not only believable and realistic, but it's also moving the way the characters grow and develop their relationship. You won't be disappointed with the story one bit!
Paige isn't the bubbly, happy teen you get a lot of times in contemporary YA-- nor should she be. She does well to straddle the line between her dual identities as that of a homeless person and as a teenager. Comparatively, Noah is a great character who plays well opposite Paige. He is less cynical and down-trodden than she is and it is exactly what she needs from a trusted companion. To be honest, without Noah in the story I couldn't have finished this book because I found myself so overcome with love for Paige that watching her life go from bad to worse was hard enough with Noah beside her, but alone? Nah. A girl can only take so much heartbreak.
The story is not only believable and realistic, but it's also moving the way the characters grow and develop their relationship. You won't be disappointed with the story one bit!
January 22, 2013
From the beginning of this book the characters drew me in! I couldn't put the book down! It was a great read, that wasn't predictable (like so many books are now). The character struggles, both physical, emotional, and social had me emotionally involved with them, which is always a hard thing to accomplish with the written word, but this book accomplishes just that! I laughed, cried, worried and went on this emotional roller coaster with Paige. It was fantastic! I hope the author decides to continue the story, I can't wait to see what happens next! (I am anxious to learn if her long term goals are met)
January 27, 2021
Once I started reading this I couldn’t put it down. I gave it 3 stars because I felt it should be longer and the ending seemed rushed and too convenient.
March 15, 2014
The Basics:
Paige is a runaway foster kid, living on the street, dreaming of finding a way to a better life once she's old enough not to be sent back. She steals when she has to but keeps a record of everything she takes so she can pay it back someday. When she takes on Noah, a new addition to the local homeless population, as an apprentice and partner in survival, the two of them get to work on making those dreams a reality together, but it's going to take raising their criminal ambitions.
The Downside:
The editing's noticeably rough (according to the author, a re-edited re-release is in the works). There are some issues with excessive telling rather than showing. Both Paige and Noah tend to announce their thoughts in a formal, matter of fact way that matches the tone of Paige's internal narration and drains them of some live human feel. Noah's choice to become a transient rather than return home to Greece is underexplored, and beyond being the decent, innocent guy Paige learns to open up to and trust, he's a little flat. The treatment of homeless people by the background characters feels a little over the top to me at times. Ignoring them, fearing them, watching them closer if you're store security, sure, but who the hell goes out of their way to throw trash at them? Do I have too much faith in humanity here?
The Upside:
Paige is much better realized. She’s a sexual abuse survivor who doesn't instantly forget what happened to her when it becomes inconvenient to the plot, fall blithely into the next available man's arms, and live happily ever after, which is very refreshing. We see her through a long, difficult process of taking back her life with Noah.
Her internal clash of practicality and idealism under the pressures of her life and the guilt of being unable to take care of herself by legal, normal means are very relatable. There's a beautifully sad moment where she's the closest she's ever been to normality since ending up in the foster system, with a roof over her head and (stolen) money in her pocket, and she realizes she doesn't know how to work a washing machine, that will resonate with anyone in the midst of, or who remembers, the struggle to get on your feet as an young adult, even with the support of a normal family.
Young adult or not, Life on Loan challenges any reader to look at everyday joys, a partner, food, a hot shower, with fresh eyes, in a very nice Christmas classic sort of way. (Also it takes place at Christmas.)
Spoiler-y thoughts:
This didn't feel like a book that was going to have a happy ending. It felt like a tragedy in which the heroes' increasingly gray actions for good reasons eventually lead them to total ruin. I really didn't expect Paige and Noah to make it to that better life by robbing ATMs. I won't go so far as to call it unsatisfying; they're likeable enough and have been through so much that it's sweet watching things work out, but if that's the end we get, I would have liked to see one more thought given at the end to the chance they'll soon have to start paying their debts, wrapping up the whole Life on Loan theme.
(This review and others originally posted on www.fjrtitchenell.weebly.com)
Paige is a runaway foster kid, living on the street, dreaming of finding a way to a better life once she's old enough not to be sent back. She steals when she has to but keeps a record of everything she takes so she can pay it back someday. When she takes on Noah, a new addition to the local homeless population, as an apprentice and partner in survival, the two of them get to work on making those dreams a reality together, but it's going to take raising their criminal ambitions.
The Downside:
The editing's noticeably rough (according to the author, a re-edited re-release is in the works). There are some issues with excessive telling rather than showing. Both Paige and Noah tend to announce their thoughts in a formal, matter of fact way that matches the tone of Paige's internal narration and drains them of some live human feel. Noah's choice to become a transient rather than return home to Greece is underexplored, and beyond being the decent, innocent guy Paige learns to open up to and trust, he's a little flat. The treatment of homeless people by the background characters feels a little over the top to me at times. Ignoring them, fearing them, watching them closer if you're store security, sure, but who the hell goes out of their way to throw trash at them? Do I have too much faith in humanity here?
The Upside:
Paige is much better realized. She’s a sexual abuse survivor who doesn't instantly forget what happened to her when it becomes inconvenient to the plot, fall blithely into the next available man's arms, and live happily ever after, which is very refreshing. We see her through a long, difficult process of taking back her life with Noah.
Her internal clash of practicality and idealism under the pressures of her life and the guilt of being unable to take care of herself by legal, normal means are very relatable. There's a beautifully sad moment where she's the closest she's ever been to normality since ending up in the foster system, with a roof over her head and (stolen) money in her pocket, and she realizes she doesn't know how to work a washing machine, that will resonate with anyone in the midst of, or who remembers, the struggle to get on your feet as an young adult, even with the support of a normal family.
Young adult or not, Life on Loan challenges any reader to look at everyday joys, a partner, food, a hot shower, with fresh eyes, in a very nice Christmas classic sort of way. (Also it takes place at Christmas.)
Spoiler-y thoughts:
This didn't feel like a book that was going to have a happy ending. It felt like a tragedy in which the heroes' increasingly gray actions for good reasons eventually lead them to total ruin. I really didn't expect Paige and Noah to make it to that better life by robbing ATMs. I won't go so far as to call it unsatisfying; they're likeable enough and have been through so much that it's sweet watching things work out, but if that's the end we get, I would have liked to see one more thought given at the end to the chance they'll soon have to start paying their debts, wrapping up the whole Life on Loan theme.
(This review and others originally posted on www.fjrtitchenell.weebly.com)
April 23, 2015
This book was part of the eleven books in the From Darkness Comes Hope: A Sexual Assault Survivors Anthology. Being a survivor myself I wanted to be able to support the cause as well as read books by some amazing authors.
Life on Loan had me feeling emotions beyond what the book was about. I really wish there was more pages or at least another book to answer some of the questions I was left with. There isn't a cliffhanger but I wish there had been another book to see where some of the characters ended up, if the book expenses finally got paid off, and whether or not all the dreams had come true. It has a HEA but like I said, the author had me so wrapped up in the story that I wanted to know more about my new book family.
Life on Loan had me feeling emotions beyond what the book was about. I really wish there was more pages or at least another book to answer some of the questions I was left with. There isn't a cliffhanger but I wish there had been another book to see where some of the characters ended up, if the book expenses finally got paid off, and whether or not all the dreams had come true. It has a HEA but like I said, the author had me so wrapped up in the story that I wanted to know more about my new book family.
April 21, 2015
Wow! I can't say enough about this fantastic novel that broke my heart more times than I can count. This is the first story I have read by Author Adrianne James and I was fascinated from page one. A story of survival, strength, courage and heartbreak. A story of young love and trust. You will want to read this book and I now cannot wait to discover more of what this great author has written. Her characters have great personalities and strong ideas and the author's writing is excellent! I highly recommend this to readers of most ages (13+).
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January 25, 2014
What an intense emotional read. This book was well written and I was able to read it quickly. In this story the author brings a taboo situation in the spotlight. Which I think more of this needs to be done. The only issue I had I almost felt like the story was telling people its ok to steal if your in need instead of asking for help.
What Does Momma H Think?
Momma H Gives Life on Loan by Adrienne James 4 Cookies!
April 18, 2015
I received this book from United Indie Book Blog for an honest review.
I love the story-line of Life in Loan. And the different perspective on the homeless and the struggles they must endure everyday just to survive. We receive past history on Paige and her character is nicely developed. The writing flowed together even when having a flashback or journal entry. I enjoyed Life on Loan and recommend it to any one that wants to read an easy but emotional story.
Reviewed by Raychel
I love the story-line of Life in Loan. And the different perspective on the homeless and the struggles they must endure everyday just to survive. We receive past history on Paige and her character is nicely developed. The writing flowed together even when having a flashback or journal entry. I enjoyed Life on Loan and recommend it to any one that wants to read an easy but emotional story.
Reviewed by Raychel
November 6, 2015
I received this book from United Indie Book Blog for an honest review.
I love the storyline of Life on Loan. And the different perspective on the homeless and the struggles they must endure everyday just to survive. We receive past history on Paige and her character is nicely developed. The writing flowed together even when having a flashback or journal entry. I enjoyed Life on Loan and recommend it to any one that wants to read an easy but emotional story.
I love the storyline of Life on Loan. And the different perspective on the homeless and the struggles they must endure everyday just to survive. We receive past history on Paige and her character is nicely developed. The writing flowed together even when having a flashback or journal entry. I enjoyed Life on Loan and recommend it to any one that wants to read an easy but emotional story.
July 12, 2016
Paige is one heck of a strong character everything she has dealt with has only made her stronger. This isn't your typical read and while it was short it was very easy to feel for the characters and to see it as though their story was real.
May 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book..it was great it sucked me right in and i didn't stop reading til i was finished
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews