Jessie is determined not to let her hearing loss hold her back. She aims her sights even higher as she ventures in a new direction. With a Black Belt on the horizon, and so close to achieving it, she is unaware of the danger closing in on her. Until one day, everything suddenly changes and she finds herself standing on the precipice of life. Will she be strong enough to hold on or will she succumb to the darkness that surrounds her?
Jennifer 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!
I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Destiny by Jenn Gibson was a very entertaining story. It comes to us as the third part of a series by Gibson, the first book being Sway, followed by Compass and now Destiny. All three books follow the life of Jessie McIntyre, who by all intents and purposes is a normal teenager. But there’s something that makes her stand out from the rest that I’m not going to tell you because that would ruin it!
Let me say this though—it’s not very often that you come across a book written from the point of view of someone with a very real problem. Most young adult books nowadays are filled with heroines who are burdened by some blossoming magical power or a boyfriend who grows fangs and claws on the full moon. Destiny is a refreshing change in that our protagonist is so normal and what burdens her is very real.
Jessie is at a disadvantage straight out of the gate, with just about everyone---her teachers, her classmates, her potential employers. The frustration she feels towards the adults in her life is just as potent as the mistrust the adults feel towards teenagers in general. Gibson does a very good job at catching the volatile mood swings that plague a teenager’s temperament. The people Jessie encounters outside of school seem to be more accepting of her, which is usually the case anyway, especially when one is trapped in the hell that is high school. But the animosity and the cruelty Jessie faces on a day-to-day basis is nothing short of genuine.
The thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was her relationship with Ethan. It was too perfect. Is it possible for a boyfriend to be too perfect? The way he was written made me distrust him which made me feel like I was missing something because Jessie trusted him with absolute certainty and her parents treated him as one of their own. I also felt that Gibson could’ve done a better job at showing emotions rather than telling. Emotions were rampant through-out this book; there was enough of them going around that she didn’t really need the words to say it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. As I said before, it was a refreshing change. I rooted for Jessie the whole way through. She endured and survived when it would’ve been so easy for her to drift away into the darkness.
This was for me a real pageturner. Don't know why, but I managed to finish the book in no time at all. Perhaps the fact that I was interested in karate when I was still very small (never got to do anything about it as my parents didn't have the money), worked as volunteer in a hospital or because I'm interested in arts too, hard to know. The book continues right away where the second part stopped, and we get to follow the life of Jessie through good days and bad days, with disappointments and joyful moments, and see her grow more and more towards the end of the book. Would have been nice to have still one more book about her adult life, but that wouldn't be in the same category then...
Certainly a book series I would recommend to teenage persons that like karate, are ok with romance in their books and want to learn something more about how life can be different for other young persons.
Destiny by Jennifer Gibson The last in the trilogy our heroin is now really growing up, working as a candy striper she learns that her future is not set in stone and that the world outside of her high school is larger than she ever imagined. The theme of her life changing with the seasons carries on and this time she experience a death of a class mate. The further loss of her hearing and the idea that she can be whatever she wants not withstanding her hearing disability. She also has a bit of a temper these days and is no longer simply taking what life gives her. A very nice coming of age story which I feel all people should read if only to express their own understanding of a disability very little of us non-affected have any understanding off. WaAr
"Destiny" by Jennifer Gibson is a very inspiring and important book in my view. It follows teenager Jessie as she returns from a happy holiday camp to a harsh school environment where she is lost and is being bullied. Jessie has guardians to help her but it is tough. Her main problem is her loss of hearing and the themes of bullying and disabilities is well presented. In a time where we believe that everything is politically correct we underestimate the harsh reality for some of those who are different. Jessie persists and has her Black Belt Grading to focus on, with the help of her perfect boyfriend Ethan. The books seems aimed at young adults but has something to offer for everyone.
Jennifer Gibson continues the story of Jessie as she faces obstacles that all teenagers face, trying to be accepted at school but still wanting to be herself.
This is the third 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 easily. She has faced many difficult challenges over the last couple of years, what with being bullied at school and competing at Karate tournaments. Now heading towards her eighteenth birthday, Jessie is finding life even more complicated. Will she overcome the obstacles placed in her way? And can she find out what her destiny has in store?
After finishing Compass, I was eager to start reading Destiny and started reading it as soon as I could. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Jessie overcome more than her fair share of problems over the series. She is a very determined young woman, but I found her insecurity caused by her hearing is one issue that seems to hold her back at times.
This story sees Jessie trying her hand at working, first at a art class as an assistant, and then as a volunteer candy-striper at the hospital. I can remember my first attempts at the job market; I remember how nervous I was, worried I would make a complete idiot of myself. Therefore, I could certainly understand and sympathize with Jessie as she tries to figure out the intricacies of those jobs and the people she interacts with. She also is determined to get her black belt in Karate, which I admire her for. It takes a lot of dedication to attain a black belt, and Jessie seems to have that in spades. However, as I was reading this story, I couldn't help but feel that Jessie is actually suffering with depression. I don't know if I am reading too much between the lines into the story by saying this, but I had been reading a presentation my sister had asked me to look at on her behalf about depression. It got me to thinking about Jessie (as I was reading this story at the time) - the bullying, her hearing issues and her attitude at times, and it all seemed to fit. However, as I am not meant to be psychoanalyzing her, but reviewing the book, I will leave that for another day.
The story is again well written, and the scenes are very easy to picture. I did, however, feel that the scene with the stalker was wrapped up a bit too quickly. I think I would have liked to see a bit of a tussle between the guy and Jessie, where she did Karate to protect herself. But, as this promotes violence, even in self defense, I suppose it was best to leave it out. The character development is fantastic and I could see each character, whether already known or new, in my minds eye with clarity. I certainly didn't think much of Bob, another volunteer at the hospital, but I really liked Nicole and Sarah. They seemed nice enough and likable.
I have enjoyed watching Jessie and Ethan's relationship grow closer over the series. They have had their ups and downs, as most couples do, but I love the way they interact; you can almost feel their love for each other, it's that palpable. There is a twist that I didn't see coming in this tale, and it made me feel rather sad. I will not say what it was, as I feel that would be a spoiler and will leave it to you to decide if you would like to find out what the twist is. I reached the end of the story and felt sad that it had ended. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find there is a bonus short story called "Happy Holidays... Or Is It?" to read. I really enjoyed that story, as it gave Jessie a chance to do something on her own, away from her family and even Ethan. I think it gave Jessie the opportunity to explore her environment more, and become more confident and "grown up" as she did things for herself.
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
Destiny picks up right where Compass leaves off. Jessie has really grown into a remarkable young woman. She is determined to get her black belt which I think is amazing as she is really good at it. Jessie ends up getting pretty sick and I was really getting concerned about her as it was really taking an effect on her but of course she gets over it but something doesn't seem okay with Jessie. Her and Ethan are doing great and you can tell he really cares for her and that is just amazing especially because Jessie is hearing impaired and does everything in his power to make her feel special. With Jessie slowly coming out of shell we see her starting to get a bit of a voice when she isn't happy with how she is being treated which all I can say is it is about time. It has been a great journey following Jessie as she has gone from quiet, to learning karate, to now speaking up for herself. Now there were times in the story that I could feel myself getting angry. One being when we read about a memory of hers where a teacher threw her school items outside of the classroom door and made her go out there. What teacher does that? One quote I love in this book and it is said by Ethan to Jessie. " You have the power to be in control of everything that happens, especially now." One of the funny parts in this story was when Jessie was volunteering in the hospital and she witnessed one of the nurses escorting one of the patients to the bathroom. This patient was dropping tootsie rolls on the floor. I could do nothing but laugh and I will no longer look at that candy the same again. The only problem I had with the story was there seemed to be some either formatting issues or maybe misspellings. It wasn't bad but you noticed them when it happened.
This is a great coming of age story that I think everyone would love to read this series.
Destiny is another great continuation story with Jessie. I have come to worry about her and how her life is progressing. Jessie is a wonderful character to enjoy. She is many things but especially courageous. It is a joy to be on a journey with her.
In this installment Jessie gets a job. She first helps with teaching art at a gallery. I am extremely disappointed in the gallery owner. She was unfair with Jessie more than once. Jessie’s life is difficult enough. She does not need an employer who refuses to believe in her.
After the difficult gallery experience, Jesse gets a job as a candy striper at the hospital where her uncle works.
It is a huge commitment on her part. She is a bit anxious about the job but she begins with a good attitude. Jessie finds things at the hospital are difficult as she is consistently misjudged as well as misunderstood.
During this time, Jessie is working toward getting her black belt. It is extremely hard work. Ethan coaches her the whole way. I cheered for Jessie when she finally achieved the black belt.
Jessie also deals with losing all hearing in one of her ears. While we may not understand, it is a huge thing for her. At one point, Ethan gives her an iPod for her birthday. It seems like a thoughtful gift but Jessie struggles with how to use it.
As always, Jessie has her guardians. I love their input, their love for her.
Again, this is a great series to teach about disabilities and bullying. I think the book especially appeals to young adults. Destiny is a perfect book for a book club.
Jessie is determined as ever not to let the fact that she is hard of hearing keep her from doing things just like everyone else and achieving some new set goals. She has worked hard to get her black belt and it is just around the corner for her. Just about hitting her boiling point, Jessie struggles hard to keep back the clouds and continue to let the sun shine down on her. Will her enchanting dreams and the support she does have be enough for her or will she have to learn to stand on her own?
The story continues just how it started. It progresses, however it still holds that touching, captivating, and heartwarming feel from start to finish. “Destiny” may be the third in the series, but it definitely is not least. One of the things I didn’t mention in the reviews for the previous books was how she had her little guardians. It was a great way to incorporate lessons and positivity for the character. I simply adored the idea.
It will put a little warmth in your heart and remind you there is still good in everyone; it just needs to be brought to the surface to really shine. So if you are looking for a sweet read, grab this series and start reading today.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of Shut Up and Reads Read It and Reap programme. **
This is the 3rd book in the series following Jessie as she goes through life overcoming prejudice and bullying due to hearing loss. In this book Jessie gets a job, first in an art gallery and then in the hospital her uncle works at as a candy striper. Jessie’s determination to succeed is inspiring and a lot of people could learn a lot from this book. The author has wrote about a real life issue that affects many people but she hasn’t wrote it so we feel sorry for Jessie, its more to show us that if we put our mind to it, we can achieve anything. I loved this book and I really felt like I was with Jessie and experiencing her journey with her. I loved Ethan and how he supported Jessie, nothing seemed to get to him though which kind of made me wonder whether he had a hidden agenda. Overall a wonderful read that’s jam packed with emotion but very sweet too.
Jessie is adjusting to her life after camp, she has Ethan by her side though helping her with positive encouragement. The weight of wanting to be accepted weighs on Jessie, there is a mistrust that seems to constantly swirl around Jessie and she needs to find a way to break through. As she continues on her path of getting her black belt, Jessie finds her life changing in many ways finding contentment along the way.
This is the third in the Jennifer Gibson series. I had not read Sway or Compass and found myself a little lost in the very beginning, however after the first few pages it was easy to catch onto what was going on. I thought Destiny had a wonderfully unique point of view. You do not often find heroines facing issues with hearing and having to find a balance between normal and what is perceived as not normal. Beautifully written.
Destiny is book #3 in a series about Jessie, a high school student who is hearing impaired. Jessie wants to fit in, she wants to be treated like the other students in her school. But the truth is, she needs to struggle harder than her classmates in order to succeed at most things. It's not an easy road for Jessie. But through it all, as she matures, she gains confidence and becomes a stronger person as she works beyond her disability to achieve her goals.
Author Jennifer Gibson continues to engage and inspire readers as they follow the life of Jessie, a young girl who has learned compassion for others through her own personal struggles. Destiny is a book that will appeal to readers young and old.
This is a cute read about a teenager who has difficulty hearing. I have not read the first two books in the series, and was able to jump right in. I think the author did a great job bringing the girl's perspective into play and helping us understand what someone with this impairment would go through. The characters really pulled you into the story line and made the story come to life. Over great read that is unique and truly makes you think about how you treat others.
Possible spolier: I didn't understand why her different employers seemed to dislike her so much. If maybe I was missing something that was in the first two books?
In another year or two I can read this with my daughter. I cannot wait. I want her to learn that she needs to expect people to have problems. And not that she is the only person with a problem at any given moment, I want her to learn how to be human and have empathy and I am convinced books like this one will do just that. How can they not? The book is a stellar example of how each of us carries our own disability. Some more visible than others, and that we should accept people for what they are not how we want them to be.
Truly a good read. I think everybody should read this book and others like it if they can.
I loved this book. It has emotion, some real life problems. It has a girl woman trying to find out how she fits into a world that she always finds hard to navigate due to her hearing impairment. It has some sticky situations. It has some moments worth a giggle, it had everything that I wanted to keep glued to the page, thus my 5* rating. I loved it and am sure you will as well. WaAr rrg
I found this book to be truly inspiring. The life of a deaf teenager trying to adapt to a hearing world had me feeling passion, tears, all the emotions possible.
I received a copy of this book for review but I would love to read the rest of the series.
Teased and bullied at school because of her hearing difficulties after meningitis, Jessie works hard to keep up with her lessons. She excels at art and sport, training after school to acquire her black belt in karate. She takes on after school commitments helping children at an art class and volunteering at a hospital.
Written in the first person, the author tells her story of a hard of hearing teenager and it was this style of recounting I really didn't enjoy. The whole book is NADGE (needs a damn good edit) and is crammed with clichés and adverbs so, for me, the writing didn't flow.