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Escalators
After enduring a childhood in poverty with his alcoholic and extremely neglectful father, Jason Schultz is now a grown man suffering from depression. Between his strained relationship with his sister, a job as a cook that he despises, and his overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, he struggles to make it through each day. When he falls in love with a new waitress at his work named Lydia, he imagines a better life with her but believes he can never have her. As his depression escalates, he makes a decision that will dramatically alter the course of his life.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This book contains strong language and adult content. It is intended for mature readers only.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This book contains strong language and adult content. It is intended for mature readers only.
ebook
First published June 7, 2012
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About the author
Danielle Tara Evans
4 books89 followersDanielle Tara Evans lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and three furry children. She has been writing fictional stories ever since she was a young child. Her first novel, Escalators, was published in 2012, and her other works include The Cleansing and The Revolt: The Sequel to The Cleansing.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 20, 2013
My general guideline for awarding 5 stars is that the book is either an outstanding read, with very few irritants, or a very good read with inimitable content. In this case, I think the latter is the criterion. At times, this book is brilliant.
The backdrop is the American Dream going sour for a working class man, as a boy neglected and impoverished, now locked into a routine of unremitting toil. The escalators, his dreams and the metaphor of his life, lead downwards. Social mobility in contemporary America is seen for what it is, almost an impossibility for those children who slip through the social net.
And yet the novel raises the question of personal choice. Jason suffers from the inertia of having a job that allows him to subsist but not to live. Love is a series of opportunities to be uncovered and acted on, or ignored or lost. Here, the author's characterisation of Jason comes into its own, the angry but morally upright, the occasionally vociferous but considerate, sweatshop cook. He is dominated by his upbringing and circumstances, yet tries to avoid visiting his limitations on others, sometimes succeeding and dramatically failing.
Depression is another theme of the story, with the drift towards suicide. Jason's untidy flat is not mere sloppiness. The escalators continue downwards.
The author chooses to write in the voice of the American working class, making it easier to immerse the reader into the language of her characters. There is strong language but this is not overdone. There are times when the author's writing style works against her. At some points, she over-writes, especially during the visits to Lydia's and Jason's families; succinct exchanges are generally more effective. Also, almost against the principle of presenting novels, the first chapter seems particularly weedy. The book can be difficult to read, but the effort is well worth it.
The characterisation, interweaving of social themes and the book's general ability to provoke thought, is something close to literary fiction. I suppose the language that offers verisimilitude and the occasional weaknesses in style detract from this, but as a dark romance with profound meaning, as well as intriguing twists and turns, this book offers a lot.
The backdrop is the American Dream going sour for a working class man, as a boy neglected and impoverished, now locked into a routine of unremitting toil. The escalators, his dreams and the metaphor of his life, lead downwards. Social mobility in contemporary America is seen for what it is, almost an impossibility for those children who slip through the social net.
And yet the novel raises the question of personal choice. Jason suffers from the inertia of having a job that allows him to subsist but not to live. Love is a series of opportunities to be uncovered and acted on, or ignored or lost. Here, the author's characterisation of Jason comes into its own, the angry but morally upright, the occasionally vociferous but considerate, sweatshop cook. He is dominated by his upbringing and circumstances, yet tries to avoid visiting his limitations on others, sometimes succeeding and dramatically failing.
Depression is another theme of the story, with the drift towards suicide. Jason's untidy flat is not mere sloppiness. The escalators continue downwards.
The author chooses to write in the voice of the American working class, making it easier to immerse the reader into the language of her characters. There is strong language but this is not overdone. There are times when the author's writing style works against her. At some points, she over-writes, especially during the visits to Lydia's and Jason's families; succinct exchanges are generally more effective. Also, almost against the principle of presenting novels, the first chapter seems particularly weedy. The book can be difficult to read, but the effort is well worth it.
The characterisation, interweaving of social themes and the book's general ability to provoke thought, is something close to literary fiction. I suppose the language that offers verisimilitude and the occasional weaknesses in style detract from this, but as a dark romance with profound meaning, as well as intriguing twists and turns, this book offers a lot.
October 27, 2015
Escalators Author Danielle Tara Evans
I brought Escalators because I liked the blurb and was intrigued by the title. I've only just finished this book and can hardly see through my tears.Danielle covered a very emotional subject in her novel, that said I loved so much about this novel because the build up to what happened was so real that I could almost feel just how Jason felt and the twist in the middle was so thought-provoking leaving the end very unexpected.
The story itself is about Jason who works as a chef and his work feels relentless. He has a sister who he loves very much and who he has protected throughout their lives, after losing his mother at a early age to an oncoming train and his father to drink. However, now he is grown up and so is his sister, but those unseen scars from his past and the pressure of life forces him to make a choice about his own life on feelings that are less than stable at the time. I also thought his dreams about Escalators going up and down as a metaphor for his life and his depression was really clever way of visualising how he was feeling and how as his anger, stress, sadness built and when his suicidal thoughts got worse that the Escalators went down or moved so fast he couldn't stop couldn't feel balanced.
This book had me thinking half way through after a lot had happened just how much emotion and hard time can change a person destiny just like that and then there is not much chance of second chances. Even if after the fact he could see how a different choice that could of lead to something else.
I also thought Danielle did a great job with her characters and showing the ripple effect of Jason's choices on his family and friend. As well as I think this book had a clear message throughout this story. Kindness, reaching out to someone who looks sad, giving someone a break at work or as a friend cost nothing and can be a life saver before a life may need saving.
This book is a roll coaster of emotion and a hard read in places when it comes to content of the story not the writing itself. I would recommend this book for adults who like an emotional read with lots of twist and great character.
I brought Escalators because I liked the blurb and was intrigued by the title. I've only just finished this book and can hardly see through my tears.Danielle covered a very emotional subject in her novel, that said I loved so much about this novel because the build up to what happened was so real that I could almost feel just how Jason felt and the twist in the middle was so thought-provoking leaving the end very unexpected.
The story itself is about Jason who works as a chef and his work feels relentless. He has a sister who he loves very much and who he has protected throughout their lives, after losing his mother at a early age to an oncoming train and his father to drink. However, now he is grown up and so is his sister, but those unseen scars from his past and the pressure of life forces him to make a choice about his own life on feelings that are less than stable at the time. I also thought his dreams about Escalators going up and down as a metaphor for his life and his depression was really clever way of visualising how he was feeling and how as his anger, stress, sadness built and when his suicidal thoughts got worse that the Escalators went down or moved so fast he couldn't stop couldn't feel balanced.
This book had me thinking half way through after a lot had happened just how much emotion and hard time can change a person destiny just like that and then there is not much chance of second chances. Even if after the fact he could see how a different choice that could of lead to something else.
I also thought Danielle did a great job with her characters and showing the ripple effect of Jason's choices on his family and friend. As well as I think this book had a clear message throughout this story. Kindness, reaching out to someone who looks sad, giving someone a break at work or as a friend cost nothing and can be a life saver before a life may need saving.
This book is a roll coaster of emotion and a hard read in places when it comes to content of the story not the writing itself. I would recommend this book for adults who like an emotional read with lots of twist and great character.
November 3, 2012
Review initially posted on The Indie Bookshelf!
I'm giving this one a strong 3.5 stars.
Wow, I’m not quite sure where to start with this review. I’ve taken a good amount of time from finishing this book to writing the review because I just needed that much time to process my thoughts. First and foremost, I would state that, for me, this book was a hard read and I struggled with it to no end. Yet, this is what I believe makes it a great book. Wait…I will explain.
Our main character, Jason, has a hard life. We learn about his troubled childhood and how it only led him to a life of depression. His story had me feeling like my heart was in a vice throughout the book. I felt his loneliness. I became utterly melancholy. When a book can evoke this amount of emotion, regardless of the emotion, then I have to give it kudos. The reason I struggled with this book was because of the excellent job the author did with making the reader FEEL Jason’s depression. Having my own bouts with depression, I could relate to him and I felt his despair.
Depression can feel like a dark rain cloud and the song It’s Raining Again by Stained kept creeping into my mind over and over as I read.
“It's raining again
There's a dark cloud
Over your head
It follows you 'round
It's bringing you down
It's raining
It's raining again”
It's Raining Again by Staind
We are soon introduced to Lydia. Maybe she will be Jason’s silver lining? She seems like she can help pull him out of his melancholy. Yes, I’ll admit it. I am a glutton for an HEA and I was really hoping for one and felt that was where we were heading, but the book took a very interesting twist in the end. I won’t say if I liked that twist or not, but I will tell you that it stayed with me, it affected me, it made me question things and, finally, it made me feel gratitude. Only a good book can do all that to a reader.
If you’re looking for a light and fun weekend read, then this book really isn’t for you. Yet, if you want a book that is going to make you think and feel, then I highly recommend it.
I'm giving this one a strong 3.5 stars.
Wow, I’m not quite sure where to start with this review. I’ve taken a good amount of time from finishing this book to writing the review because I just needed that much time to process my thoughts. First and foremost, I would state that, for me, this book was a hard read and I struggled with it to no end. Yet, this is what I believe makes it a great book. Wait…I will explain.
Our main character, Jason, has a hard life. We learn about his troubled childhood and how it only led him to a life of depression. His story had me feeling like my heart was in a vice throughout the book. I felt his loneliness. I became utterly melancholy. When a book can evoke this amount of emotion, regardless of the emotion, then I have to give it kudos. The reason I struggled with this book was because of the excellent job the author did with making the reader FEEL Jason’s depression. Having my own bouts with depression, I could relate to him and I felt his despair.
Depression can feel like a dark rain cloud and the song It’s Raining Again by Stained kept creeping into my mind over and over as I read.
“It's raining again
There's a dark cloud
Over your head
It follows you 'round
It's bringing you down
It's raining
It's raining again”
It's Raining Again by Staind
We are soon introduced to Lydia. Maybe she will be Jason’s silver lining? She seems like she can help pull him out of his melancholy. Yes, I’ll admit it. I am a glutton for an HEA and I was really hoping for one and felt that was where we were heading, but the book took a very interesting twist in the end. I won’t say if I liked that twist or not, but I will tell you that it stayed with me, it affected me, it made me question things and, finally, it made me feel gratitude. Only a good book can do all that to a reader.
If you’re looking for a light and fun weekend read, then this book really isn’t for you. Yet, if you want a book that is going to make you think and feel, then I highly recommend it.
June 18, 2013
Escalators by Danielle Tara Evans takes a unique look at love, depression, and isolation in the life of Jason, a chef in Barry’s diner. She uses sarcasm and irony to make her points. Her use of vivid language is quite good. Her descriptions make you feel like you have entered his world.
Her choice of Jason as the main character shows her ability to get into the mind of a young man who is full of contradictions. He calls himself a chef although he is nothing but a cook in an obscure dinner. He has had no formal training, just what he picked up from Barry. Barry hired him when he was thirteen to be a busboy and now he has taken over as chef. Barry uses him shamefully piling on additional work and long shifts. Jason feels obligated to do whatever Barry asks because he feels he owes Barry. He is feeling overwhelmed,. His girlfriend has broken up with him, his sister is hounding him to spend more time with her and her family, he is coerced into checking on their father, and he has fallen for a new waitress. His inability to make decisions is apparent when he converses with himself over the new waitress. His inability to talk to Lydia about his feelings makes you feel like you are in junior high and want to talk to someone of the opposite sex and just can’t do it. His rudeness towards the others in the café are in strict opposition to his niceness towards Lydia.
The unexpected twist to the story gives it a vibrancy that the rest of the book doesn’t seem to have. At times I almost had to put the book down because it seemed to be moving so slowly. I am so glad I persevered to finish the book because it was an excellent ending which brought tears to my eyes. When I cry in a book, it makes the book really good.
Her choice of Jason as the main character shows her ability to get into the mind of a young man who is full of contradictions. He calls himself a chef although he is nothing but a cook in an obscure dinner. He has had no formal training, just what he picked up from Barry. Barry hired him when he was thirteen to be a busboy and now he has taken over as chef. Barry uses him shamefully piling on additional work and long shifts. Jason feels obligated to do whatever Barry asks because he feels he owes Barry. He is feeling overwhelmed,. His girlfriend has broken up with him, his sister is hounding him to spend more time with her and her family, he is coerced into checking on their father, and he has fallen for a new waitress. His inability to make decisions is apparent when he converses with himself over the new waitress. His inability to talk to Lydia about his feelings makes you feel like you are in junior high and want to talk to someone of the opposite sex and just can’t do it. His rudeness towards the others in the café are in strict opposition to his niceness towards Lydia.
The unexpected twist to the story gives it a vibrancy that the rest of the book doesn’t seem to have. At times I almost had to put the book down because it seemed to be moving so slowly. I am so glad I persevered to finish the book because it was an excellent ending which brought tears to my eyes. When I cry in a book, it makes the book really good.
August 22, 2012
I highly recommend you read this book. This story is very well written and has excellent character development. I am not much of a reader, but couldn't put this book down. This story shows you just how much depression can interfere with your daily life. This story basically teaches you that you should really think before you make any huge decisions in your life because you might make a decision that is too late to change. Definitely take the time to read this great story from an excellent author. I look forward to reading more of Danielle Evan's work in the future. I loved this book.
August 2, 2012
Escalators was a wonderful book telling the story of a single man's life of hardship and depression. It immerses you in his sweat, blood and tears as the story unfolds. Strong character development and finding love gives you a sense of being there in the moment. The surreal emotional bond and many true to everyday life issues touches your soul as the main character confronts his obstacles head on. I highly enjoyed and recommend this book and look forward to her future work!
September 11, 2012
Escalators is a fictional story that could definitely happen and really leaves you feeling connected to the characters in some way. The author writes how real people talk; I didn't feel like I needed to look in a dictionary to find brilliant words I had never heard before. I am hoping to read more...
July 5, 2012
Good story with a surprising twist!
November 9, 2012
Well written, true to life story dealing with depression. The ending caught me by surprise. I won this book through a Good Reads giveway.
May 7, 2015
*I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
This isn't an entertaining book, it isn't funny or suspenseful nor very romantic, it is quite sad indeed. After a shocking start it describes the dreadful life of unfortunate and more and more depressive Jason who falls in love with Lydia. Both of them have family issues and it seems as if they are meant to be together.
But life isn't as we wish it to be and too often we realize what could have been after it is too late.
For the first 65% I kept some inner distance but then it took me in and I even started crying.
A book about difficult childhood, the influence of parents, the struggle of surviving and lost opportunities.
This isn't an entertaining book, it isn't funny or suspenseful nor very romantic, it is quite sad indeed. After a shocking start it describes the dreadful life of unfortunate and more and more depressive Jason who falls in love with Lydia. Both of them have family issues and it seems as if they are meant to be together.
But life isn't as we wish it to be and too often we realize what could have been after it is too late.
For the first 65% I kept some inner distance but then it took me in and I even started crying.
A book about difficult childhood, the influence of parents, the struggle of surviving and lost opportunities.
March 27, 2014
Escalators by Danielle Tara Evans seemed more like a true story than fiction. Jason's childhood was not a pleasant one, and despite his efforts to give himself a better life as an adult, he finds himself clinically depressed and suicidal.
I did like this story, but I was hoping for more. Because it seemed more like a true story that covered the day to day life and feelings of the main character, the plot was lacking. While I did want to know what was going to happen with Jason next, I didn't feel the urgency to constantly get back to the book to find out.
The characters had a true-to-life feel about them and were well-developed. Jason's struggle with feeling stuck in a life of merely existing, and the helplessness to do something about it, was very relatable. Some of the ways the author described his thoughts and feelings were very well done. Depression is a very real and common problem in today's world, and I applaud the author for taking on such a tough topic.
I have to say that I didn't notice one single spelling or grammatical error in this entire book. It's not that I was looking for them, but when it comes to self-published work, I tend to expect the odd error or two - we're all human after all. In fact, it's not uncommon to find the odd error in books that are not self-published. But not one here - so great job on editing!
The writing was good, but I believe it could have been better. While it was clean and easy to follow, it lacked a certain something, making it somewhat boring. The writing could have been more sophisticated and interesting with some use of 'showing instead of telling' and varying the sentence structure from time to time. There were also some awkward sentences at times, which seemed to stem from a tendancy to accidentally shift from past to present tense.
In summary, even though I feel it could be improved upon, I did like it. And again, I applaud the author for taking on tough subject matter and protraying it in a way that was easy to read and understand.
I did like this story, but I was hoping for more. Because it seemed more like a true story that covered the day to day life and feelings of the main character, the plot was lacking. While I did want to know what was going to happen with Jason next, I didn't feel the urgency to constantly get back to the book to find out.
The characters had a true-to-life feel about them and were well-developed. Jason's struggle with feeling stuck in a life of merely existing, and the helplessness to do something about it, was very relatable. Some of the ways the author described his thoughts and feelings were very well done. Depression is a very real and common problem in today's world, and I applaud the author for taking on such a tough topic.
I have to say that I didn't notice one single spelling or grammatical error in this entire book. It's not that I was looking for them, but when it comes to self-published work, I tend to expect the odd error or two - we're all human after all. In fact, it's not uncommon to find the odd error in books that are not self-published. But not one here - so great job on editing!
The writing was good, but I believe it could have been better. While it was clean and easy to follow, it lacked a certain something, making it somewhat boring. The writing could have been more sophisticated and interesting with some use of 'showing instead of telling' and varying the sentence structure from time to time. There were also some awkward sentences at times, which seemed to stem from a tendancy to accidentally shift from past to present tense.
In summary, even though I feel it could be improved upon, I did like it. And again, I applaud the author for taking on tough subject matter and protraying it in a way that was easy to read and understand.
August 3, 2014
I have to admit that I am a lover of HEA and light romance so Escalators is a departure for me. It is very well written and manages to create scenes that seem mundane that we have to plod through, but then are fused with a special atmospheric moment. Right at the beginning when Jason is driving home, I felt the atmosphere. I have worked late shifts and the author really manages to get that special feeling of driving home late at night. In an everyday event, she manages to create the essence of the simple pleasure and small joy you can savor in a unique moment, should you so choose.
This is one of the strengths of this novel. It is not a high romance; it does not have the classic alpha male, the feisty heroine and the HEA. Yet it has all these things. Ms Evans skillfully takes the story of Jason and Lydia and his other assembled cast and creates a complex plot from those everyday events. In what is in some ways a tragic story she gives us the dreams and hopes of her character Jason, both light and dark, and weaves them together to craft a story that is poignant because of what is possible if not what is actual.
Jason is in fact a hero. He has struggled all his life and yet performs above and beyond. Just because he does it in a diner, while living in a pathetic apartment and lives most of his life inside his head makes him no less a hero. I think this is what Ms Evans is trying to tell us - that the ordinary lived and dreams unrealized are still precious. If this was a Frank Capra movie, it would celebrate that in the classic HEA. To find out how Ms Evans celebrates it, you need to read Escalators.
First appeared under the Kindle Book Review at Amazon.com
“The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.”
This is one of the strengths of this novel. It is not a high romance; it does not have the classic alpha male, the feisty heroine and the HEA. Yet it has all these things. Ms Evans skillfully takes the story of Jason and Lydia and his other assembled cast and creates a complex plot from those everyday events. In what is in some ways a tragic story she gives us the dreams and hopes of her character Jason, both light and dark, and weaves them together to craft a story that is poignant because of what is possible if not what is actual.
Jason is in fact a hero. He has struggled all his life and yet performs above and beyond. Just because he does it in a diner, while living in a pathetic apartment and lives most of his life inside his head makes him no less a hero. I think this is what Ms Evans is trying to tell us - that the ordinary lived and dreams unrealized are still precious. If this was a Frank Capra movie, it would celebrate that in the classic HEA. To find out how Ms Evans celebrates it, you need to read Escalators.
First appeared under the Kindle Book Review at Amazon.com
“The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.”
April 15, 2014
Jason Michael Schultz (28, suicidal ideation) was driving home after a long day at work. He was a head cook at Barry’s Restaurant a combination bar & grill. Jason went to his nieces Ariel 1st birthday party. Jason got a call from his Dad Ed Schultz (alcoholic) boss he hadn't gone to work. Jason found him dead in his apartment. Jason Schultz (Ed’s son), Melanie Schultz (Ed’s daughter), Dave, Ariel, Dave’s parents, Fred, Ed’s brother Uncle Larry & Aunt Sheila, & their 2 teen daughters; Jen & Claire all came to the funeral. Lydia & Ryan were falling for each other. Dana & Nancy worked at Barry’s, they thought Ryan was a hunk.
Flashback; Jason got in a serious car accident, he had purposely ran into a tree. Jason was examined by Dr. Patel & then a psychiatrist. He was attending psychosocial groups & Jason & Cheng became good friends. For therapy he was to write poems.
Another flashback; Jason followed Lydia & Dylan down an escalator that led to the train. There was a confrontation.
The ups/downs & struggles with MI of a family. As a former school/crisis social worker I have not forgot the days. Nope, I didn't save everyone.
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written family type could be true-to-life mysterious book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. Quite a few twists/turns. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of interesting scenarios & a great set of characters to keep track of. This could make a great spooky movie or TV series. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this short story (book).
Thank you for the free short story (book)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Flashback; Jason got in a serious car accident, he had purposely ran into a tree. Jason was examined by Dr. Patel & then a psychiatrist. He was attending psychosocial groups & Jason & Cheng became good friends. For therapy he was to write poems.
Another flashback; Jason followed Lydia & Dylan down an escalator that led to the train. There was a confrontation.
The ups/downs & struggles with MI of a family. As a former school/crisis social worker I have not forgot the days. Nope, I didn't save everyone.
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written family type could be true-to-life mysterious book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. Quite a few twists/turns. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of interesting scenarios & a great set of characters to keep track of. This could make a great spooky movie or TV series. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this short story (book).
Thank you for the free short story (book)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 7, 2013
From the very first pages of this story, it becomes clear that Jason’s life is headed in a direction most of us would not wish on our enemies: his father is an alcoholic, and his mom dies in a tragedy as Jason and his sister helplessly look on. The first pages and such dramatic development of events immediately got my attention.
As Jason grows up and becomes an adult, he’s living his life under the dark shadow of his past. His past can probably explain Jason’s struggle with depression, his tense relationship with his sister, and his troubles at work. His character is realistic and believable, and his pain is easy to relate to, whether you have ever struggled with depression or not. His difficult life circumstances alone create enough empathy to want to continue reading.
Things seem to look up when Jason meets Lydia, one of the waitresses in the restaurant where he works. Jason and Lydia’s rocky relationship develops quickly, and it’s not an ordinary romance. One of the first topics they discuss is that of religion, their own faith (or lack thereof), and reasons people turn to faith. That discussion, like many other aspects of their relationship, felt to me (in hindsight, of course!) like interesting foreshadowing of the unexpected yet logical ending of this story. An interesting and thought-provoking book!
As Jason grows up and becomes an adult, he’s living his life under the dark shadow of his past. His past can probably explain Jason’s struggle with depression, his tense relationship with his sister, and his troubles at work. His character is realistic and believable, and his pain is easy to relate to, whether you have ever struggled with depression or not. His difficult life circumstances alone create enough empathy to want to continue reading.
Things seem to look up when Jason meets Lydia, one of the waitresses in the restaurant where he works. Jason and Lydia’s rocky relationship develops quickly, and it’s not an ordinary romance. One of the first topics they discuss is that of religion, their own faith (or lack thereof), and reasons people turn to faith. That discussion, like many other aspects of their relationship, felt to me (in hindsight, of course!) like interesting foreshadowing of the unexpected yet logical ending of this story. An interesting and thought-provoking book!
July 26, 2015
I won this book through the goodreads giveaway. I had a really hard time getting through this story. After just a few pages I knew I was going to have a hard time finishing it. It just did not hold my attention whatsoever. I get the whole depression thing, I too suffer from depression and yet the story itself is so boring. A guy goes to work, comes home, goes to work, comes home. Same old, same old. Jason complains about work, how he doesn't want to go and whatnot, yet he does nothing about it. Given he's work for the restaurant for so long, I'm surprised he doesn't just find a different job at another restaurant that is nicer to its employees.
His sister on the other hand, complete b*tch! She has to be one of the most annoying characters I've ever read about. Needless to say if I had a sister like that who was constantly talking crap all the time, I would not put up with it at all. When she was acting all upset after their father died, oh my gosh! And she was mad at Jason because he wasn't upset like her, seriously?! It's like she constantly needs attention and only thinks of herself.
In the end, I really don't get how there are so many good reviews for this story. There was really nothing going on in it.
His sister on the other hand, complete b*tch! She has to be one of the most annoying characters I've ever read about. Needless to say if I had a sister like that who was constantly talking crap all the time, I would not put up with it at all. When she was acting all upset after their father died, oh my gosh! And she was mad at Jason because he wasn't upset like her, seriously?! It's like she constantly needs attention and only thinks of herself.
In the end, I really don't get how there are so many good reviews for this story. There was really nothing going on in it.
September 26, 2013
This book holds nothing back. Though at times intensely real and dark, the insight into the psyche of a depressed individual is well thought out and portrayed.
Jason is an overworked, down on his luck character who can't seem to catch a break in life. He's highly relatable, and as the reader goes through his journey with him, it's easy to see how quickly depression can take over one's life. The plot moved along nicely, with some unexpected twists.
While this reads a bit on the heavier side, it's impossible to disregard the morals of this tale. Consider it a darkened enlightenment that should be experienced. Whether you have personal experience with depression, or none at all, this will be an eye opener.
Jason is an overworked, down on his luck character who can't seem to catch a break in life. He's highly relatable, and as the reader goes through his journey with him, it's easy to see how quickly depression can take over one's life. The plot moved along nicely, with some unexpected twists.
While this reads a bit on the heavier side, it's impossible to disregard the morals of this tale. Consider it a darkened enlightenment that should be experienced. Whether you have personal experience with depression, or none at all, this will be an eye opener.
October 19, 2013
This is the second book by this author that I’ve read and I’m waiting for what she does next. In Escalators by Danielle Tara Evans, we are dragged into the gritty world of Jason Schultz who, after an awful childhood, struggles through a depressing existence. But don’t worry this isn’t a tale of bleakness, Schultz meets a woman . . . Things get deeply interesting. But the author can explain it better than I. Evans manipulates her characters and story in ways that belie her status as a new author. This is definitely a moody book where you’ll feel the character’s lonely pain as if it was your own, but don’t let that bother you. This book is real like life. Recommended 5-stars.
February 20, 2014
This is a very heartfelt and interesting novel! As someone who's suffered from depression, Jason's journey felt like a realistic portrayal of what someone like this goes -- always looking for that silver lining on the other side. I really enjoyed the back-and-forth almost love/hate relationship that Jason has with his own psyche, and the way that he describes himself. I didn't see the ending coming!
July 25, 2016
A disturbing yet fascinating read
This novel veers from heartfelt, passionate, intriguing and often brilliant to dark, stark, depressing and sometimes downright hard to read. The end result is a story that’s almost overwhelming in its intensity and a book this reader found impossible to put down. It will ring true with anyone who has suffered depression or has concerns over the path they’ve chosen in life…and let’s face it that’s probably most of us!
A very worthy 5 Stars.
This novel veers from heartfelt, passionate, intriguing and often brilliant to dark, stark, depressing and sometimes downright hard to read. The end result is a story that’s almost overwhelming in its intensity and a book this reader found impossible to put down. It will ring true with anyone who has suffered depression or has concerns over the path they’ve chosen in life…and let’s face it that’s probably most of us!
A very worthy 5 Stars.
March 24, 2018
Repetative
Took 2/3 of the book before anything happened, and by then, I didn't care. I did not sympathize with the main character and the ending felt pointless. The repetition of the same dialogue, either between characters or internally was exhausting.
Took 2/3 of the book before anything happened, and by then, I didn't care. I did not sympathize with the main character and the ending felt pointless. The repetition of the same dialogue, either between characters or internally was exhausting.
November 26, 2012
Ugh. I hate not finishing a book that I started, even more so when it is a read-to-review book (a Goodreads win). However, I just couldn't push myself to read this book past 1/4 of the way through. I knew from the first page that this book wasn't for me. I didn't connect with the 3rd person writing style, and I often felt that the phrasing was awkward and stilted. I hope that someone else enjoys this book more than I did.
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May 30, 2013I just wanna know how to download this book,anyone helps me?
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