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Compass
Being a teenager is hard enough. To be hard of hearing on top of that is like being stuck in the middle of a never ending soap opera.
In Compass, the sequel to Sway, Jessie's life begins to change its course, sending her toward a new reality. When her world is suddenly ripped apart by an angry rival, the one person she trusted to stand by her side simply walks away. With her composure shattered, Jessie questions everything she believed about herself, and as her life takes her on a new path, it turns into a perilous journey full of surprising twists and turns.
In Compass, the sequel to Sway, Jessie's life begins to change its course, sending her toward a new reality. When her world is suddenly ripped apart by an angry rival, the one person she trusted to stand by her side simply walks away. With her composure shattered, Jessie questions everything she believed about herself, and as her life takes her on a new path, it turns into a perilous journey full of surprising twists and turns.
298 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2013
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Gibson
4 books36 followersJennifer is an award winning photographer, freelance Illustrator, graphic designer and published author.
Her photography & graphic design has been featured extensively in many media formats including CHEX TV, National Geographic, SNAP magazine and Watershed Magazine as well as various local tourism/promotional materials. Jennifer's current line of work features professionally designed book covers for authors from around the world.
Jennifer was selected as one of 12 winners for the prestigious 2010 Oticon Focus on People Award and the only Canadian to have won in this national competition (North America). She was nominated as an outstanding individual with a hearing loss and for the portrayal of a hearing impaired teen in her young adult novel entitled Sway.
The HearStrong Foundation has named Jennifer Gibson a HearStrong Champion! Jennifer's dedication to helping change the stigmas surrounding hearing loss makes her pretty amazing!
Her photography & graphic design has been featured extensively in many media formats including CHEX TV, National Geographic, SNAP magazine and Watershed Magazine as well as various local tourism/promotional materials. Jennifer's current line of work features professionally designed book covers for authors from around the world.
Jennifer was selected as one of 12 winners for the prestigious 2010 Oticon Focus on People Award and the only Canadian to have won in this national competition (North America). She was nominated as an outstanding individual with a hearing loss and for the portrayal of a hearing impaired teen in her young adult novel entitled Sway.
The HearStrong Foundation has named Jennifer Gibson a HearStrong Champion! Jennifer's dedication to helping change the stigmas surrounding hearing loss makes her pretty amazing!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 3, 2013
http://openbooksociety.com/article/co...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
*SPOILERS*
Compass is the second book in the series by Jennifer Gibson. I first want to express how much I respect Gibson for taking on such difficult issues.
Jessie is simply a wonderful person. She is humble, grateful. She does not behave as if she’s entitled due to her disability. Compass follows Jessie through some new struggles and some of the old issues. She is still bullied at school which is despicable.
It’s ironic that she gets in trouble for something that was done to her previously. I understood her need to make a bully understand what it’s like but it’s a lost cause in those cases. Most bullies refuse to change; they seem to enjoy it.
Jessie competes in a tournament and she does well. She has come a long way with her martial arts. During the fight Jessie gets a shiner and a concussion. The concussion and it’s side affects isolate her even more. She has a bit of memory loss as well. She really struggled with being injured.
The most difficult part of the book is when a close friend turns his/her back on Jessie. I was appalled. She felt so betrayed and so did I!!!!!! Jessie was heart-broken. It was painful to experience that with her.
Jessie also gets a new pet when a stray shows up at her house. Serena is a blessing to Jessie at a time when she most needs it.
Ethan and Jessie decide to work at a summer camp for kids with special needs. What a wonderful way to give back! I think Jessie might end up working in a field where she can help other children. She intuitively knows what they need and how to comfort them. Moreover, she can get them to respond when others cannot.
I think parents should read this series with their children. We all need to be more aware. That will happen only if we begin a dialogue about it. Compass is also a good teaching tool for teachers. I cannot express how much this series made me more aware.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
*SPOILERS*
Compass is the second book in the series by Jennifer Gibson. I first want to express how much I respect Gibson for taking on such difficult issues.
Jessie is simply a wonderful person. She is humble, grateful. She does not behave as if she’s entitled due to her disability. Compass follows Jessie through some new struggles and some of the old issues. She is still bullied at school which is despicable.
It’s ironic that she gets in trouble for something that was done to her previously. I understood her need to make a bully understand what it’s like but it’s a lost cause in those cases. Most bullies refuse to change; they seem to enjoy it.
Jessie competes in a tournament and she does well. She has come a long way with her martial arts. During the fight Jessie gets a shiner and a concussion. The concussion and it’s side affects isolate her even more. She has a bit of memory loss as well. She really struggled with being injured.
The most difficult part of the book is when a close friend turns his/her back on Jessie. I was appalled. She felt so betrayed and so did I!!!!!! Jessie was heart-broken. It was painful to experience that with her.
Jessie also gets a new pet when a stray shows up at her house. Serena is a blessing to Jessie at a time when she most needs it.
Ethan and Jessie decide to work at a summer camp for kids with special needs. What a wonderful way to give back! I think Jessie might end up working in a field where she can help other children. She intuitively knows what they need and how to comfort them. Moreover, she can get them to respond when others cannot.
I think parents should read this series with their children. We all need to be more aware. That will happen only if we begin a dialogue about it. Compass is also a good teaching tool for teachers. I cannot express how much this series made me more aware.
September 17, 2013
Compass is the second book of a series. It's both well-written and intriguing. As if being a female teenager isn't enough, Jessie has to struggle as being hearing impaired. You get to walk with her on a very personal journey, of school and relationships, of discovering her strength and herself. I found myself glued to my kindle, as I read page after page of this truly amazing account of her life. The story is inspirational and would be very eye-opening for any teenager.........for that matter, any adult! I will definitely recommend this book to others. I'll also be looking into the other two books of this trilogy.
August 16, 2014
Gibson has a knack for helping the reader really feel how it must be to be hearing impaired.
Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 5, 2015
Compass is book two in the life of Jessie, and I have to say I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than I did Sway. I know that sometimes a sequel is not always good but this one was for me.
Jessie is doing really good, life seems to be handing her a good one now a days. She is doing great in karate, she has a boyfriend, she has really grown a whole lot I feel.
We start off with a prequel to the story and it was one that had me going what is going happen to Jessie? Dizziness and confusion had me wondering if Jessie was okay and of course made me want to read on to see what could cause this. I have to say I am proud of her for getting a trophy though!
As the story progresses there is time while in the dojo and of course Ethan isn't there because of a tournament, one of the karate instructors takes it upon himself to treat Jessie like crap and I think she handled herself very very well the best she could. The outcome of is issue had me wanting to smack Ethan for not believing her when he asked her what happened. Yes he comes to his senses but he breaks her heart by not believing her he is so quick to judge when Jessie has never had a reason to lie about anything.
Fast forward a bit and she ends up getting a summer job!!!
Her job is going to camp and not just any camp but a camp where there are kiddos who have some things going on. For example some kids my have ADHD, other's come from a broken home, as well as having ADD and of course they are treated differently because of this. And Jessie makes a perfect camp counselor.
We get to see how she interacts with children and you can tell she can understand what some of them are going through, I enjoyed the ideas she had to make doing karate fun while in camp for the kids.
Jessie doesn't let being hearing impaired get her down at all, yes it is difficult at times but she always tries to see the light at the end of the tunnel so to say.
After reading this I am hoping Destiny is going to be just as good as this one. I want to know what else does life have in store for Jessie. Will she still get bullied at school? Will her relationship with Ethan stay going on? Will she even get her black belt?
Jessie is doing really good, life seems to be handing her a good one now a days. She is doing great in karate, she has a boyfriend, she has really grown a whole lot I feel.
We start off with a prequel to the story and it was one that had me going what is going happen to Jessie? Dizziness and confusion had me wondering if Jessie was okay and of course made me want to read on to see what could cause this. I have to say I am proud of her for getting a trophy though!
As the story progresses there is time while in the dojo and of course Ethan isn't there because of a tournament, one of the karate instructors takes it upon himself to treat Jessie like crap and I think she handled herself very very well the best she could. The outcome of is issue had me wanting to smack Ethan for not believing her when he asked her what happened. Yes he comes to his senses but he breaks her heart by not believing her he is so quick to judge when Jessie has never had a reason to lie about anything.
Fast forward a bit and she ends up getting a summer job!!!
Her job is going to camp and not just any camp but a camp where there are kiddos who have some things going on. For example some kids my have ADHD, other's come from a broken home, as well as having ADD and of course they are treated differently because of this. And Jessie makes a perfect camp counselor.
We get to see how she interacts with children and you can tell she can understand what some of them are going through, I enjoyed the ideas she had to make doing karate fun while in camp for the kids.
Jessie doesn't let being hearing impaired get her down at all, yes it is difficult at times but she always tries to see the light at the end of the tunnel so to say.
After reading this I am hoping Destiny is going to be just as good as this one. I want to know what else does life have in store for Jessie. Will she still get bullied at school? Will her relationship with Ethan stay going on? Will she even get her black belt?
April 22, 2013
Having read Sway, a novel based on a true story by Jennifer Gibson, I was ready to dig right into the sequel, Compass, as soon as I received it. The novel started where Sway left off telling the story of Jessie, a hearing impaired teenager, whose life if anything but ordinary. Imagine all of the hardships many teenagers face amplified due to a handicap that some choose to use as a reason to poke fun and behave with malice and hate. Jessie’s journey is made easier by a supportive boyfriend, loving parents, and two pet cats that seem to understand her better than anyone she knows. She focuses her energy on sports, academics and helping children like her who have found themselves facing hardships. The author’s descriptions of how one would experience the world as Jessie does pulls the reader right in and puts us in the middle of the story. I found myself clenching my fists with anger one moment and crying the next as I read of the treatment Jessie received from students and staff in school. Jessie is an amazing young woman who handles everything she is faced with maturity that rivals most adults and never lets her handicap bring her down. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this trilogy to see how Jessie continues to handle what she has been dealt with in life.
By Charissa Nelson for Platinum Book Reviews
By Charissa Nelson for Platinum Book Reviews
July 28, 2014
Compass is book two in Jennifer Gibson's heartening trilogy about Jessie, a young girl who is hearing impaired. Compass is solid as a stand-alone book, but is a wonderful read when followed by Sway, the first novel in her series which is based upon a true story. In book two we are reintroduced to Jessie who is plagued by bullies who capitalize on her disability to cause her merciless shame.
Despite her struggles, life is pretty good for Jessie. She has a boyfriend whom she adores and she enjoys karate, a sport at which she excels. But when a jealous karate coach and a competitor in a tournament pit against her, they manage to turn her life upside down, leaving her hurt and disheartened. Jessie is a very genuine and likable character struggling with some pretty powerful emotions, some of which she succumbs to, and some to which she rises above. But all the while she carries herself with dignity and grace as she searches herself for the truths that will help her sort out who she can really trust.
When Jessie and her boyfriend help at a summer camp working with challenged kids, she is able to connect with even the most troubled kids. These kids sense a true connection with her as she is able to empathize with them and their daily struggles. Compass is delightful, insightful and a joy to read. - This book comes highly recommended
Despite her struggles, life is pretty good for Jessie. She has a boyfriend whom she adores and she enjoys karate, a sport at which she excels. But when a jealous karate coach and a competitor in a tournament pit against her, they manage to turn her life upside down, leaving her hurt and disheartened. Jessie is a very genuine and likable character struggling with some pretty powerful emotions, some of which she succumbs to, and some to which she rises above. But all the while she carries herself with dignity and grace as she searches herself for the truths that will help her sort out who she can really trust.
When Jessie and her boyfriend help at a summer camp working with challenged kids, she is able to connect with even the most troubled kids. These kids sense a true connection with her as she is able to empathize with them and their daily struggles. Compass is delightful, insightful and a joy to read. - This book comes highly recommended
April 30, 2014
Jessie’s path is turning in a new direction. Even with Ethan by her side things are still a little tough for her. When someone with a little aggression isn’t happy with her, they suddenly become rivals and the one person she can always count on to be her positive rock and stand by her puts space between them. She fights to figure out if she was wrong to let someone close to her or trust them the way she has.
“Compass” continues right along with the story of Jessie and her life as a hard of hearing teenager. With Ethan by her side she pushes herself to be better and keep her positive outlook. I love the way she interacts and helps everyone that needs and will accept it. The way she can get to the heart of a person to help them is a great way to show how she can shine.
This story has a little bit of everyday life with a dash of martial arts and summer camp. You will enjoy the adoring characters and the challenges that they face. It makes you think about the unkind ways people can be treated and why. But most of all, it’s about overcoming and moving forward. I recommend this read to young adults and adults looking for a good read minus the sex. You don’t want to miss this series, it’s a keeper.
“Compass” continues right along with the story of Jessie and her life as a hard of hearing teenager. With Ethan by her side she pushes herself to be better and keep her positive outlook. I love the way she interacts and helps everyone that needs and will accept it. The way she can get to the heart of a person to help them is a great way to show how she can shine.
This story has a little bit of everyday life with a dash of martial arts and summer camp. You will enjoy the adoring characters and the challenges that they face. It makes you think about the unkind ways people can be treated and why. But most of all, it’s about overcoming and moving forward. I recommend this read to young adults and adults looking for a good read minus the sex. You don’t want to miss this series, it’s a keeper.
January 30, 2015
"Compass" by Jennifer Gibson is another wonderful instalment in her series about Jessie, a hearing impaired teenager. We follow her as she comes into her own and deals with self-esteem issues, doubt and the hardships of life. She is a great character with unusual hobbies and a lot going for her. The book covers important issues for teenagers: love and rejection, finding and achieving goals and not letting things get to you.
The book has a very likeable and deep heroine and some very inspiring moments and messages. Jessie persists through troubles and achieves so much, it's a true joy to read. I'm not surprised at the critical acclaim for this author and her books. A well worth read for young readers and those who want to know what it feels like for teenagers and hearing impaired people.
The book has a very likeable and deep heroine and some very inspiring moments and messages. Jessie persists through troubles and achieves so much, it's a true joy to read. I'm not surprised at the critical acclaim for this author and her books. A well worth read for young readers and those who want to know what it feels like for teenagers and hearing impaired people.
January 21, 2014
Compass by Jennifer Gibson
My favorite of the trilogy. In this book our main protagonist is really coming into her own. She goes to a Summer Camp as an instructor and manages to win the trust of the most difficult child at the camp while still shining as a natural leader. This book had a bit more angst to it as our heroin is growing up and feeling insecure not only due to her disability but also due to her being a normal teenager with a love affair of a near perfect boy. Dreams of a future not identified and problems with children and grownups who simply do not know how to deal with a person not identical to them.
WaAr
My favorite of the trilogy. In this book our main protagonist is really coming into her own. She goes to a Summer Camp as an instructor and manages to win the trust of the most difficult child at the camp while still shining as a natural leader. This book had a bit more angst to it as our heroin is growing up and feeling insecure not only due to her disability but also due to her being a normal teenager with a love affair of a near perfect boy. Dreams of a future not identified and problems with children and grownups who simply do not know how to deal with a person not identical to them.
WaAr
February 9, 2015
Second book from this author, and have to tell I love the way we are getting to live the life of Jessie through these books. Clearly liked this book more than the first one!
We follow her trying to cope with the normal things young people find in their life, like love, disappointment, rejection, hope, bullying...
The end of the book we have the summer holidays, and the first time Jessie tries out something new without her parents (at least that's what it seems like). Jessie clearly grows during that summer and at the end seems to be far more sure of herself.
Looking very much forward to the third book in this series!
We follow her trying to cope with the normal things young people find in their life, like love, disappointment, rejection, hope, bullying...
The end of the book we have the summer holidays, and the first time Jessie tries out something new without her parents (at least that's what it seems like). Jessie clearly grows during that summer and at the end seems to be far more sure of herself.
Looking very much forward to the third book in this series!
June 12, 2013
I received a copy in exchange for my review.
I really think that everyone needs to read these books. It was amazing to see how Jessie's life was growing and changing. Jessie has a boyfriend and thinks are looking a little brighter. My husband swears that two wrongs don't make a right, but I have to say that I like how Jessie handles things.
When she is abandoned by the one person that was supposed to have her back, I was devestated. This is a book that keeps you enthralled.
I really think that everyone needs to read these books. It was amazing to see how Jessie's life was growing and changing. Jessie has a boyfriend and thinks are looking a little brighter. My husband swears that two wrongs don't make a right, but I have to say that I like how Jessie handles things.
When she is abandoned by the one person that was supposed to have her back, I was devestated. This is a book that keeps you enthralled.
February 28, 2015
This is the second book in a series that follows Jessie, a teen with a hearing impediment. I really enjoyed this story!
Jessie McIntyre is a character I could relate to somewhat. I really liked her when I first met her in Sway, but also didn't like her at the same time. In Sway, she had built a wall around herself to prevent being hurt emotionally by bullies and could be rather surly and unfriendly to people in turn. Meeting Ethan brought her out of her shell somewhat and, along with her hobby of Karate, she finds herself opening up to new experiences. In Compass, we find her facing new challenges.
I think I like this book a lot better than Sway because of Jessie's growth, both emotionally as well as physically. She is not as inwardly focused on herself, and is taking interest in things and people around her. Her angst at being bullied is quite understandable, and watching her deal with that, and entering Karate contests to test herself and her abilities, made me feel quite proud of her. But watching her teaching Karate class (along with Ethan) at Camp Balsam (a summer camp for kids with various disabilities or disorders) is where she began to shine; showed me there is so many layers to this young woman. She has a natural talent and ability to teach. This book (and story arc) has an almost spiritual feel to it, especially Jessie's dreams of her spirit guide, who also happens to be her cat, Peter Parker.
The story is not especially fast paced, but when I reached the end I felt quite sad; I wanted to keep reading! Luckily, there is a bonus story called Awake, which is in the form of a dream, but I really enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to reading Destiny, the next book, soon.
Jennifer Gibson has written an intriguing and interesting YA story based in truth. I found the story a quick read. I love the way the story flows from scene to scene; it's extremely fluid and the descriptions were described in such a way that I could picture them with ease. This is an author I am looking forward to adding to my favourite authors list.
I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 12 to 16, and to adults who love reading younger YA romance or coming of age novels. - Lynn Worton
Jessie McIntyre is a character I could relate to somewhat. I really liked her when I first met her in Sway, but also didn't like her at the same time. In Sway, she had built a wall around herself to prevent being hurt emotionally by bullies and could be rather surly and unfriendly to people in turn. Meeting Ethan brought her out of her shell somewhat and, along with her hobby of Karate, she finds herself opening up to new experiences. In Compass, we find her facing new challenges.
I think I like this book a lot better than Sway because of Jessie's growth, both emotionally as well as physically. She is not as inwardly focused on herself, and is taking interest in things and people around her. Her angst at being bullied is quite understandable, and watching her deal with that, and entering Karate contests to test herself and her abilities, made me feel quite proud of her. But watching her teaching Karate class (along with Ethan) at Camp Balsam (a summer camp for kids with various disabilities or disorders) is where she began to shine; showed me there is so many layers to this young woman. She has a natural talent and ability to teach. This book (and story arc) has an almost spiritual feel to it, especially Jessie's dreams of her spirit guide, who also happens to be her cat, Peter Parker.
The story is not especially fast paced, but when I reached the end I felt quite sad; I wanted to keep reading! Luckily, there is a bonus story called Awake, which is in the form of a dream, but I really enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to reading Destiny, the next book, soon.
Jennifer Gibson has written an intriguing and interesting YA story based in truth. I found the story a quick read. I love the way the story flows from scene to scene; it's extremely fluid and the descriptions were described in such a way that I could picture them with ease. This is an author I am looking forward to adding to my favourite authors list.
I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 12 to 16, and to adults who love reading younger YA romance or coming of age novels. - Lynn Worton
February 19, 2013
The sequel to Jenn Gibson's debut novella "Sway", "Compass" follows karate lover, girlfriend of the gorgeous Ethan Jonas further on in her life.
Now Jessie has the gorgeous Ethan as her boyfriend, her life has changed for the better. That is until she keeps on getting dizzy spells and headaches.
Now Jessie has to overcome illness, Ethan and working at a karate summer camp. Will things turn out for the worse or the better?
A brilliant second novel by the author, I would highly reccomend to any teenager who wants a read of the different variety.
No "Ginger Snap" or "Cherry Stone" or anything like "Twilight"
This, is what you should be reading.
And the prequel. Also read that.
Georgia
Now Jessie has the gorgeous Ethan as her boyfriend, her life has changed for the better. That is until she keeps on getting dizzy spells and headaches.
Now Jessie has to overcome illness, Ethan and working at a karate summer camp. Will things turn out for the worse or the better?
A brilliant second novel by the author, I would highly reccomend to any teenager who wants a read of the different variety.
No "Ginger Snap" or "Cherry Stone" or anything like "Twilight"
This, is what you should be reading.
And the prequel. Also read that.
Georgia
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews