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The See-Through Leopard
From bestselling and award winning author, Sibel Hodge, comes a inspirational coming of age novel...
Most sixteen-year-old girls are obsessed with their looks, but Jazz Hooper's obsessed for a different reason. After a car accident that kills her mum, Jazz is left with severe facial scars and retreats into a dark depression.
Fearing what will happen if Jazz doesn't recover, her dad makes a drastic decision to move them from England to a game reserve in Kenya for a new start. And when Jazz finds an orphaned leopard cub, it sets off a chain of events that lead her on a two year journey of discovery, healing, and love.
“A percentage of the royalties from the sale of this book will be contributed to Panthera, a leading international conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s big cats.” -- Sibel Hodge, Author
Most sixteen-year-old girls are obsessed with their looks, but Jazz Hooper's obsessed for a different reason. After a car accident that kills her mum, Jazz is left with severe facial scars and retreats into a dark depression.
Fearing what will happen if Jazz doesn't recover, her dad makes a drastic decision to move them from England to a game reserve in Kenya for a new start. And when Jazz finds an orphaned leopard cub, it sets off a chain of events that lead her on a two year journey of discovery, healing, and love.
“A percentage of the royalties from the sale of this book will be contributed to Panthera, a leading international conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s big cats.” -- Sibel Hodge, Author
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2013
27 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Sibel Hodge
53 books924 followersSibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.
For Sibel’s latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 29, 2013
A safari (Swahili for long journey) in many different ways...
The See-Through Leopard by Sibel Hodge is listed as YA/coming of age literature, but I think this book will have a much broader appeal, especially those among us who care about the planet, environment and all living animals. The subject matter is one which cannot fail to touch both your heart and spirit.
The story begins with a child woman of 16, Jazz.
Jazz has many problems: the loss of her mother in a fatal car accident and the horrific scars which deface both her body and spirit. Jazz also blames herself for her mother's death. Her father, who is a vet, takes up a new position where he is responsible for the well-being of the animals on a Kenyan game reserve. Both father and daughter move to Africa from the UK (against Jazz's agreement) and he hopes the change of life will bring Jazz out of the mire of grief, self-pity and depression she has fallen into.
Readers will find they are taken on an almost spiritual journey of the healing of mind and body, a beautiful adventure with an orphaned leopard cub and falling in love for the first time.
But for me, apart from the lovely story of Jazz and her raising of the orphaned leopard cub, Asha, there was the impassioned plea concerning the terrible truth of poaching endangered - or indeed any wild animal. As a lover of Africa and all things wildlife, this book touched me deeply. Sibel has done a fantastic job in raising awareness of the plight of African animals. Fuelled by the voracity and arrogance of the West, the misconceptions of the East and the abject poverty in Africa, animals are being heartlessly poached at a disturbing rate. A rate which cannot be allowed to continue.
Life on the African plains is realistically portrayed, danger, hunting, being chased by wild animals and watching a `kill'.
Sibel Hodge has highlighted how loving oneself focuses the return to recovery by turning the attention outwards. Jazz cares for the cub and after time finally realises she has healed and is at peace with herself. This is an uplifting story, despite some grueling topics.
At the end of the story, Jazz gives a heart rendering speech to an audience of conservationists, preservationists' World Wildlife Organisations et al. It is a passionate speech and covers everything one would expect at such an august meeting. At the end of the book Sibel Hodge has listed endangered wildlife statistics and contact information for wildlife organizations. We may have seen some of it all before, but it is reinforcing a call for everyone to sit up and take note. We have one planet, one earth - we need to share it, not rape it. Let's ensure we keep it.
Highly recommended for everyone.
The See-Through Leopard by Sibel Hodge is listed as YA/coming of age literature, but I think this book will have a much broader appeal, especially those among us who care about the planet, environment and all living animals. The subject matter is one which cannot fail to touch both your heart and spirit.
The story begins with a child woman of 16, Jazz.
Jazz has many problems: the loss of her mother in a fatal car accident and the horrific scars which deface both her body and spirit. Jazz also blames herself for her mother's death. Her father, who is a vet, takes up a new position where he is responsible for the well-being of the animals on a Kenyan game reserve. Both father and daughter move to Africa from the UK (against Jazz's agreement) and he hopes the change of life will bring Jazz out of the mire of grief, self-pity and depression she has fallen into.
Readers will find they are taken on an almost spiritual journey of the healing of mind and body, a beautiful adventure with an orphaned leopard cub and falling in love for the first time.
But for me, apart from the lovely story of Jazz and her raising of the orphaned leopard cub, Asha, there was the impassioned plea concerning the terrible truth of poaching endangered - or indeed any wild animal. As a lover of Africa and all things wildlife, this book touched me deeply. Sibel has done a fantastic job in raising awareness of the plight of African animals. Fuelled by the voracity and arrogance of the West, the misconceptions of the East and the abject poverty in Africa, animals are being heartlessly poached at a disturbing rate. A rate which cannot be allowed to continue.
Life on the African plains is realistically portrayed, danger, hunting, being chased by wild animals and watching a `kill'.
Sibel Hodge has highlighted how loving oneself focuses the return to recovery by turning the attention outwards. Jazz cares for the cub and after time finally realises she has healed and is at peace with herself. This is an uplifting story, despite some grueling topics.
At the end of the story, Jazz gives a heart rendering speech to an audience of conservationists, preservationists' World Wildlife Organisations et al. It is a passionate speech and covers everything one would expect at such an august meeting. At the end of the book Sibel Hodge has listed endangered wildlife statistics and contact information for wildlife organizations. We may have seen some of it all before, but it is reinforcing a call for everyone to sit up and take note. We have one planet, one earth - we need to share it, not rape it. Let's ensure we keep it.
Highly recommended for everyone.
January 12, 2016
‘The See-through Leopard’ is a well-written book; once started it is very difficult to put down. It is at times very sad, illustrating how cruel some people can be; at other times I found the story uplifting. ‘The See-through Leopard’ demonstrates that there are also very kind and caring people out there: people that want a better world for our wildlife. I think it is brilliant that a percentage of the royalties from sales of this book are going to help save big cats in the wild.
June 13, 2016
I was delighted to receive a copy of The See Through Leopard for review through a giveaway on All About Animals. It’s a YA novel about a griefstricken British teenager whose life is transformed by a leopard. Last year I'd read Endangered by Eliot Schrefer which received the National Book Award. Endangered focuses on an African teen whose mother runs a refuge for primates. I consider it the best novel I read in 2012. I hoped to be as impressed by Sibel Hodge's book.
I thought that the cover was wonderful, but it did lead me to expect a sentimental novel without realism. This is not the case. Sibel Hodge has evidently done a great deal of research on leopards and the situation of wildlife in Kenya. A portion of the profits from this book's sale will be going to Panthera, an organization for the preservation of big cats.
The book opened in England where the protagonist, Jazz, was shattered by the death of her mother and the circumstances surrounding it. It was obvious that Jazz was in crisis. Jazz's father, a veterinarian, decided to move them to a game reserve in Kenya where he and his wife had worked before Jazz was born. It's there that Jazz encountered the leopard who changed her life.
The See Through Leopard isn't all lectures about animals. There are action plot elements and the characters are well-portrayed. I particularly liked Zach, the young aspiring filmmaker whose father runs the reserve. Zach becomes Jazz's friend, and he is terrifically supportive.
Although I liked this novel very much for its compelling themes and characterization, it's not flawless. There are times when the lectures get out of hand. Readers who are more tolerant of overt didacticism in fiction may not consider this a problem. The most notable example is Jazz's speech toward the end of the novel. I would have preferred breaking up the speech's text with Jazz's thoughts while giving the speech, or a bit of audience response. Including context makes fiction more evocative.
I do recommend this book. I actually loved most of it, but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't include the flaws of a book along with its strengths in my review.
I posted a longer version of this review in September 2013 called "Crimes Against Animals Valiantly Opposed in The See Through Leopard by Sibel Hodge". It can be found at http://www.maskedpersona.blogspot.com
I thought that the cover was wonderful, but it did lead me to expect a sentimental novel without realism. This is not the case. Sibel Hodge has evidently done a great deal of research on leopards and the situation of wildlife in Kenya. A portion of the profits from this book's sale will be going to Panthera, an organization for the preservation of big cats.
The book opened in England where the protagonist, Jazz, was shattered by the death of her mother and the circumstances surrounding it. It was obvious that Jazz was in crisis. Jazz's father, a veterinarian, decided to move them to a game reserve in Kenya where he and his wife had worked before Jazz was born. It's there that Jazz encountered the leopard who changed her life.
The See Through Leopard isn't all lectures about animals. There are action plot elements and the characters are well-portrayed. I particularly liked Zach, the young aspiring filmmaker whose father runs the reserve. Zach becomes Jazz's friend, and he is terrifically supportive.
Although I liked this novel very much for its compelling themes and characterization, it's not flawless. There are times when the lectures get out of hand. Readers who are more tolerant of overt didacticism in fiction may not consider this a problem. The most notable example is Jazz's speech toward the end of the novel. I would have preferred breaking up the speech's text with Jazz's thoughts while giving the speech, or a bit of audience response. Including context makes fiction more evocative.
I do recommend this book. I actually loved most of it, but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't include the flaws of a book along with its strengths in my review.
I posted a longer version of this review in September 2013 called "Crimes Against Animals Valiantly Opposed in The See Through Leopard by Sibel Hodge". It can be found at http://www.maskedpersona.blogspot.com
November 30, 2015
Many thanks to Joseph at Relax and Read Book Reviews and the author as I won an e copy of this book in a give away over on Joseph's blog page.
The See-Through Leopard is a YA novel but one that can be very much enjoyed by adults also.
Nearly the whole story is set in Kenya. Even though it is a part of the world I have yet to travel to, through the authors descriptions, I could easily visualise the animals and the breath taking scenery that Jazz was seeing for herself.
Jazz has so little confidence in herself due to the loss of her mother and the mental and physical scars she has been left with. It really was heart breaking reading certain parts and I felt a mixture of wanting to give her a big hug as well as give her a good shake and tell her how beautiful she still was.
The bond that Jazz has with Asha is one that I am sure many of us would truly love. Having to be a surrogate mother to Asha is just what Jazz needs. Her fears that she once had for herself are now transferred onto Asha and I have to say that it makes Jazz turn into one pretty remarkable young lady.
The See-Through Leopard will certainly open your eyes to the dangers that the animals have to face and it is sadly not other animals. Humans are the biggest killers of these wonderful and majestic animals and if something isn't done soon even more animals will be extinct.
A wonderful coming of age novel and one that I hope we can learn from.
The See-Through Leopard is a YA novel but one that can be very much enjoyed by adults also.
Nearly the whole story is set in Kenya. Even though it is a part of the world I have yet to travel to, through the authors descriptions, I could easily visualise the animals and the breath taking scenery that Jazz was seeing for herself.
Jazz has so little confidence in herself due to the loss of her mother and the mental and physical scars she has been left with. It really was heart breaking reading certain parts and I felt a mixture of wanting to give her a big hug as well as give her a good shake and tell her how beautiful she still was.
The bond that Jazz has with Asha is one that I am sure many of us would truly love. Having to be a surrogate mother to Asha is just what Jazz needs. Her fears that she once had for herself are now transferred onto Asha and I have to say that it makes Jazz turn into one pretty remarkable young lady.
The See-Through Leopard will certainly open your eyes to the dangers that the animals have to face and it is sadly not other animals. Humans are the biggest killers of these wonderful and majestic animals and if something isn't done soon even more animals will be extinct.
A wonderful coming of age novel and one that I hope we can learn from.
September 4, 2014
Sibel Hodge’s The See-Through Leopard combines an excellent story-line with a wealth of fascinating detail, taking readers from everyday England to the depths of the Kilingi Game Reserve in Africa, as a teenaged once-cool girl grows into a truly cool and wonderful young woman. Once obsessed about the quest for beauty, sixteen-year-old Jazz will find a different and deeper meaning to the word, in a story that flows convincingly, builds powerful emotional involvement, and bucks the trend of trivial young adult romance.
Author Sibel Hodge has a deft way with creating character, and readers are led to care about Jazz long before they learn her history. Depressed and lonely, she’s giving up on life. But soon both she and her readers are exploring a place as dangerous on the outside as Jazz’s heart inside, as beautiful as Jazz’s dreams, and as alluring as all that she’s lost. Hearing criticism all around, reading criticism into every sound, she’ll grow to see through other eyes and hear through other ears. Love grows with unexpected guises, from unexpected places. And this land with its dangers will prove as surprisingly beautiful and skittish as the girl with her demons.
A tale of life, death and romance, set in the wilds of Africa, contrasting the trivial cruelties of teens with the destruction wrought by poachers, the time-wasting addictions of Western riches with the wonders of the natural world, and the self-absorption of the beautiful with beauty that lies within, this novel is surely a classic; the best teen romantic tale I’ve read yet.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to win a copy, and I offer my honest review
Author Sibel Hodge has a deft way with creating character, and readers are led to care about Jazz long before they learn her history. Depressed and lonely, she’s giving up on life. But soon both she and her readers are exploring a place as dangerous on the outside as Jazz’s heart inside, as beautiful as Jazz’s dreams, and as alluring as all that she’s lost. Hearing criticism all around, reading criticism into every sound, she’ll grow to see through other eyes and hear through other ears. Love grows with unexpected guises, from unexpected places. And this land with its dangers will prove as surprisingly beautiful and skittish as the girl with her demons.
A tale of life, death and romance, set in the wilds of Africa, contrasting the trivial cruelties of teens with the destruction wrought by poachers, the time-wasting addictions of Western riches with the wonders of the natural world, and the self-absorption of the beautiful with beauty that lies within, this novel is surely a classic; the best teen romantic tale I’ve read yet.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to win a copy, and I offer my honest review
September 25, 2013
Jazz is a teenager whose problems began when her mum was killed in a car accident for which Jazz blames herself. She was also facially scarred and is naturally insecure about this and stubbornly on the defensive. Her dad takes her back to Kenya where he and her mum worked before she was born. She hates it and feels everyone is staring and judging her as a freak. Early on, she finds an orphan leopard and a bond between two motherless creatures is forged. It’s through rearing the young leopard that Jazz finds her purpose and her life comes together. It’s heartening to watch her surmount her personal problems to come to the aid of the wild creatures which are subjected to human greed and poaching.
This Young Adult novel deals sensitively with issues of self-doubt and insecurity all piled on top of the all-purpose teenage angst we’ve all felt. The book’s beautifully written, the characters are believable and I think it’s a great read whatever your age. A proportion of the profits will go to Panthera and other charities dealing with wildlife crime.
This Young Adult novel deals sensitively with issues of self-doubt and insecurity all piled on top of the all-purpose teenage angst we’ve all felt. The book’s beautifully written, the characters are believable and I think it’s a great read whatever your age. A proportion of the profits will go to Panthera and other charities dealing with wildlife crime.
October 21, 2013
Jazz is sixteen years old, she lost her mother in a car accident that gave her scars to her face. She is very conscious of this and everyone pointing and staring at her. Her father (a Longleat vet) decides they are going to Kenya for a year to work at his friend’s safari lodge. Jazz doesn’t want to go and doesn’t want to join in. Soon after arriving, at her lowest, she finds a leopard cub whose mother has been killed and decides she wants to take care of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was just lovely. It wasn’t soppy or over the top, the story also deals with the harsh side of running lodges, with poaching and killing. As I was reading it, my eyes often misted over for a range of emotions, happiness, pride, sadness.
This was a lovely story (can you tell I thought it was lovely, lol) just the right mix for teenagers and adults. It’s a coming of age story for both humans and leopards.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was just lovely. It wasn’t soppy or over the top, the story also deals with the harsh side of running lodges, with poaching and killing. As I was reading it, my eyes often misted over for a range of emotions, happiness, pride, sadness.
This was a lovely story (can you tell I thought it was lovely, lol) just the right mix for teenagers and adults. It’s a coming of age story for both humans and leopards.
October 3, 2013
This was an excellent book. I was immediately engaged with the characters and I couldn't wait to see what happened. This is similar to Born Free, except the leopard is the focus and there is also The story of Jazz. The story was well researched, contained interesting information, and had a strong anti-poaching message.
I obtained a free copy of this book from the author through a contest. I am happy I read it and would read more from this author. The only negative was that two or three chapters were cut off; I'm not sure if if was a technical problem with the download or something else. There was also another chapter or two that didn't appear to be cut off, but had an abrupt transition. These were minor issues and did not detract from a complete understanding of the story. Thanks for writing this and sending your message, Sibel!
I obtained a free copy of this book from the author through a contest. I am happy I read it and would read more from this author. The only negative was that two or three chapters were cut off; I'm not sure if if was a technical problem with the download or something else. There was also another chapter or two that didn't appear to be cut off, but had an abrupt transition. These were minor issues and did not detract from a complete understanding of the story. Thanks for writing this and sending your message, Sibel!
April 3, 2015
Although probably written with young adults in mind, this book has a message for everyone.
Written with great insight and sensitivity it's the moving story of a teenage girl's journey from despair to hope.
When we first meet Jazz she is in a dark place, physically and mentally scarred after a car accident which killed her mother and for which she blames herself.
Everything changes when her father (a vet) takes her to live on a reserve in Africa. here she finds an abandoned leopard cub which helps her through the grieving process and teaches her to grow emotionally and spiritually.
Her story is captivating, her relationship with the leopard, the romantic interest and not least, the message carried about human greed and the need to stop poachers and conserve wild life.
Moving and inspiring, a great book which I highly recommend.
Written with great insight and sensitivity it's the moving story of a teenage girl's journey from despair to hope.
When we first meet Jazz she is in a dark place, physically and mentally scarred after a car accident which killed her mother and for which she blames herself.
Everything changes when her father (a vet) takes her to live on a reserve in Africa. here she finds an abandoned leopard cub which helps her through the grieving process and teaches her to grow emotionally and spiritually.
Her story is captivating, her relationship with the leopard, the romantic interest and not least, the message carried about human greed and the need to stop poachers and conserve wild life.
Moving and inspiring, a great book which I highly recommend.
August 28, 2013
A lovely story about fighting for survival, healing, and recognizing that our scars don’t define us. The author did a great job of weaving Jazz’s story with the stories of the animals on the wildlife preserve. I especially loved how even though the topics in the story were heavy, overall the effect of the story is uplifting. This quote from the book sums it up for me, “Sometimes it’s the things you can’t change that end up changing you.”
September 4, 2018
This may be my all-time favorite YA book. Such a good coming of age story. A 5-Star Read.
February 10, 2019
On reading the first couple of chapters of The See-Through Leopard, I thought I had here exactly what I had signed up for - a Young Adult fiction novel based around teen angst: social media, friendship groups, fashion, appearance and make up, relationships etc. Jazz is a 16 year old girl who has been in a fatal car accident in which her mum has died and she has been badly scarred. The remaining family - Jazz, her dad and her mum's identical twin - are all grieving in different ways a year later.
Initially, whilst sympathetic to her situation, I found Jazz irritating and completely self absorbed (I say this as a mother of a 16 year old!) - she was unable and unwilling to see beyond her own grief and her own situation to her father's grief and need to move forward. The move to Kenya for her father to take up a position as a vet did nothing to alter her teenage tantrums - at first. But the day that Jazz found an orphaned leopard cub was the turn about in the story - in my opinion - as the teenager grew into a young woman. I was then able to appreciate the need to show her as the self absorbed teen first.
The relationship that grows between Jazz and the leopard, Asha, is wonderful - I was completely hooked and read the book cover to cover over one sleepless night. With the help of a growing friendship with Zach, 18 year old gamekeeper and son of the reserve owners, Jazz learns to appreciate the life going on around her and to worry less about herself. Body image is huge part of any teen's identity and as an ex head and neck cancer nurse, I can honestly say that facial scarring and deformity is extremely difficult to come to terms with as it is so immediately obvious. But this is where the "See Through" leopard of the title comes in as Asha loves Jazz unconditionally - she is completely reliant upon Jazz to care for her as her mother would and does not see physical scars.
The close bond between Jazz and Asha helps Jazz to grow in confidence, take on responsibility and to slowly move beyond the intense feelings of grief for her mum. She is able to join the world around her again, appreciate her dad and his work as a vet, and also to develop the complex feelings of falling in love for the first time. Sibel Hodge reeled me in as a reader and I fell in love with Jazz and was completely routing for her being able to rear Asha and release her back into the reserve. I felt her pride as Asha took each step toward adulthood as she learnt to climb trees and to hunt, and I felt her heartbreak as she let her baby go into the reserve.
The author writes with integrity and conviction about animal preservation and poaching, her research and interest is evident. This piqued my interest and I felt that I want to know more beyond Asha's story.
This started as a young adult book but grows into something so much more that will engage a much wider audience. A beautiful, touching story with a magical tale of relationships and trust - I loved it!
Initially, whilst sympathetic to her situation, I found Jazz irritating and completely self absorbed (I say this as a mother of a 16 year old!) - she was unable and unwilling to see beyond her own grief and her own situation to her father's grief and need to move forward. The move to Kenya for her father to take up a position as a vet did nothing to alter her teenage tantrums - at first. But the day that Jazz found an orphaned leopard cub was the turn about in the story - in my opinion - as the teenager grew into a young woman. I was then able to appreciate the need to show her as the self absorbed teen first.
The relationship that grows between Jazz and the leopard, Asha, is wonderful - I was completely hooked and read the book cover to cover over one sleepless night. With the help of a growing friendship with Zach, 18 year old gamekeeper and son of the reserve owners, Jazz learns to appreciate the life going on around her and to worry less about herself. Body image is huge part of any teen's identity and as an ex head and neck cancer nurse, I can honestly say that facial scarring and deformity is extremely difficult to come to terms with as it is so immediately obvious. But this is where the "See Through" leopard of the title comes in as Asha loves Jazz unconditionally - she is completely reliant upon Jazz to care for her as her mother would and does not see physical scars.
The close bond between Jazz and Asha helps Jazz to grow in confidence, take on responsibility and to slowly move beyond the intense feelings of grief for her mum. She is able to join the world around her again, appreciate her dad and his work as a vet, and also to develop the complex feelings of falling in love for the first time. Sibel Hodge reeled me in as a reader and I fell in love with Jazz and was completely routing for her being able to rear Asha and release her back into the reserve. I felt her pride as Asha took each step toward adulthood as she learnt to climb trees and to hunt, and I felt her heartbreak as she let her baby go into the reserve.
The author writes with integrity and conviction about animal preservation and poaching, her research and interest is evident. This piqued my interest and I felt that I want to know more beyond Asha's story.
This started as a young adult book but grows into something so much more that will engage a much wider audience. A beautiful, touching story with a magical tale of relationships and trust - I loved it!
February 10, 2019
The see-through Leopard by Sibel hodge.
Most sixteen-year-old girls are obsessed with their looks, but Jazz Hooper's obsessed for a different reason. After a car accident that kills her mum, Jazz is left with severe facial scars and retreats into a dark depression.
Fearing what will happen if Jazz doesn't recover, her dad makes a drastic decision to move them from England to a game reserve in Kenya for a new start. And when Jazz finds an orphaned leopard cub, it sets off a chain of events that lead her on a two year journey of discovery, healing, and love.
Omg what an absolutely fantastic read. I had tears in my eyes a few times while reading this book. I loved who jazz had become. I loved the part where they saw Ashas cub. That was my favourite part. I really do hope there is more to come. 5*.would give more if I could. Highly recommended.
Most sixteen-year-old girls are obsessed with their looks, but Jazz Hooper's obsessed for a different reason. After a car accident that kills her mum, Jazz is left with severe facial scars and retreats into a dark depression.
Fearing what will happen if Jazz doesn't recover, her dad makes a drastic decision to move them from England to a game reserve in Kenya for a new start. And when Jazz finds an orphaned leopard cub, it sets off a chain of events that lead her on a two year journey of discovery, healing, and love.
Omg what an absolutely fantastic read. I had tears in my eyes a few times while reading this book. I loved who jazz had become. I loved the part where they saw Ashas cub. That was my favourite part. I really do hope there is more to come. 5*.would give more if I could. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the book club reviewer - thank you
Although this book has been created as a Young Aduly novel its so well written that it will definitely appeal to a much broader section of readers
Sibel has taken some challenging teenage drama (looks) and added a much darker twist (looks damaged by an attack)
I loved the way that she tackles these issues and it really made me think (very hard to review without spoiling the book which I’m loath to do)
Cannot recommend this highly enough
Although this book has been created as a Young Aduly novel its so well written that it will definitely appeal to a much broader section of readers
Sibel has taken some challenging teenage drama (looks) and added a much darker twist (looks damaged by an attack)
I loved the way that she tackles these issues and it really made me think (very hard to review without spoiling the book which I’m loath to do)
Cannot recommend this highly enough
January 24, 2019
A fabulous story of cruelty, life and death as well as romance that takes you on a journey from England to the game reserves of Africa. Although a YA novel it can also be enjoyed by adults as well. I loved the descriptions and attention to detail and would like to thank tbc for giving me the opportunity to read this informative book.
January 26, 2019
This was simply a wonderful read. It was pacy, interesting and a great book. I wanted to know more about the characters, even the stroppy teen, Jazz, who has gone through a terrible ordeal and lost her Mum, but I found Zach, Jazz's Dad, and all the other characters believable and real too. The real bonus with this book is how much a reader learns about environmental issues as part of the storyline. I shared Jazz's revulsion for the trophy hunters and the poachers who don't need to eat but want to cash in on the world's desire to own animals/parts at any cost.
This is a fantastic book. When I was a child I read Willard Price which, I'm sure wasn't as ethical a read as it should have been but was modelled around the era and our understanding of 'conservation'. I loved these books but I'm glad that Sibel Hodge and authors like her have moved our understanding along. Thank you.
This is a fantastic book. When I was a child I read Willard Price which, I'm sure wasn't as ethical a read as it should have been but was modelled around the era and our understanding of 'conservation'. I loved these books but I'm glad that Sibel Hodge and authors like her have moved our understanding along. Thank you.
February 10, 2019
A beautiful, compelling read. Sibel made you feel as if you are in Kenya and I want to get on a plane and head there right now. It was both uplifting and heart-breaking and I loved every page. Don't let the YA branding put you off as it can be enjoyed by all ages.
January 24, 2019
This is a well researched and well written young adult/coming of age book about Jazz, a teenager who is left with terrible facial scars after a car accident which claimed her mothers life. After moving to Kenya to live on a game reserve with her veterinarian father she finds an orphaned leopard cub and becomes her surrogate mother. Working with Zach, the reserve owners son, she learns to re-wild the leopard whilst also growing in confidence herself and finding a purpose in life.
There is a very strong theme running through the book about the effects poaching has on the animal kingdom and a percentage of all the sales of this book will be donated to Panthera.org which is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems.
Highly recommend!
There is a very strong theme running through the book about the effects poaching has on the animal kingdom and a percentage of all the sales of this book will be donated to Panthera.org which is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems.
Highly recommend!
October 3, 2013
Sibel Hodge’s THE SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD is the poignant and gripping story of sixteen-year-old Jazz Hooper, whose mother was killed in a car accident. Jazz is convinced the accident was her fault; she was running late, urging her mother to drive too fast, and her carelessness distracted her mother at just the wrong minute, causing the accident. Jazz survived, but with a terribly scarred face to remind her of her loss. In the months after the accident, those scars have become a symbol for her of her guilt over her mother’s death, and she hides in her room, wallowing in depression and self-loathing. So when her father decides to move his veterinary practice from England to a game preserve in Kenya (a place both he and his late wife always loved), Jazz is horrified. She’ll have to be around people, who will likely stare at her scarred face, make fun of her, and say cruel things. But her father is adamant, and Jazz is forced to confront a very challenging future. When she finds an orphaned leopard cub, she begins to see that there are much bigger problems in the world than her guilt and scarred face. Jazz’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace all that life has to offer. “Sometimes it’s the things you can’t change that end up changing you,” Jazz’s aunt tells her when she leaves England for Kenya. And that’s exactly what Jazz comes to realize.
On one level, SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD is a fairly ordinary feel-good story with all the right messages – “life is a gift,” Hodge tells us, and “savour every moment” and “everything happens for a reason.” But there’s more here than those platitudes. Hodge uses her story to illustrate the plight of millions of endangered animals who fall victim each year to poachers. The leopard cub Jazz rescues (she names it Asha) was orphaned when her mother was brutally killed. And as Hodge points out, poachers are killing leopards for their fur, tigers for their bones, rinos for their horns, and elephants for their tusks, all of which bring in big bucks for the poachers – and all of which are leading to the extinction of scores of species of wildlife. As Jazz works with Asha, hoping to be able to eventually “re-wild” her, she learns more and more about what’s happening in Kenya and other African countries. By the end, she is no longer the self-absorbed girl we met at the start of the novel – she’s a committed and determined young woman, “a girl with a purpose who ha[s] hope for the future.”
There’s also a romance in SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD, between Jazz and Zach, the son of her father’s veterinary partners. This is another milestone for Jazz, since her initial insecurities and negativity make it difficult for her to accept friendship, much less love. As Zach works with Jazz to re-wild Asha, their romance develops very slowly over two years. Theirs is a sweet and identifiable relationship that works to illustrate Jazz’s personal journey.
I enjoyed SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD very much, but I have to admit that Hodge’s agenda is always front and center. She was preaching to the choir with me, since I totally agree that more needs to be done to protect endangered wildlife. And I do think that Jazz’s story is good enough and engaging enough to stand on its own. But the agenda is there, and there are times in the story when it reads less like a novel than a treatise on the horrors of poaching. Since the message is so important, I was willing to give Hodge some latitude. The story is a good one, in spite of the politically charged message. And that message is very, very important.
I recommend SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD to anyone interested in an emotionally satisfying story about a young woman’s coming-of-age and recovery from grief. Jazz is a wonderful and believable character, and her relationship with Asha is truly inspirational. I will never forget either of them. And readers will learn a lot about what human selfishness can do to the world around us. The world and its wonders are not here for the benefit of humans, Hodge tells us – we are interconnected in a web of life that makes us responsible for the things we do in our pursuit of money. As Jazz points out at the end of the novel, “you cannot eat money.” This is something we all need to recognize and embrace. Great story, important message. Highly recommended.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
On one level, SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD is a fairly ordinary feel-good story with all the right messages – “life is a gift,” Hodge tells us, and “savour every moment” and “everything happens for a reason.” But there’s more here than those platitudes. Hodge uses her story to illustrate the plight of millions of endangered animals who fall victim each year to poachers. The leopard cub Jazz rescues (she names it Asha) was orphaned when her mother was brutally killed. And as Hodge points out, poachers are killing leopards for their fur, tigers for their bones, rinos for their horns, and elephants for their tusks, all of which bring in big bucks for the poachers – and all of which are leading to the extinction of scores of species of wildlife. As Jazz works with Asha, hoping to be able to eventually “re-wild” her, she learns more and more about what’s happening in Kenya and other African countries. By the end, she is no longer the self-absorbed girl we met at the start of the novel – she’s a committed and determined young woman, “a girl with a purpose who ha[s] hope for the future.”
There’s also a romance in SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD, between Jazz and Zach, the son of her father’s veterinary partners. This is another milestone for Jazz, since her initial insecurities and negativity make it difficult for her to accept friendship, much less love. As Zach works with Jazz to re-wild Asha, their romance develops very slowly over two years. Theirs is a sweet and identifiable relationship that works to illustrate Jazz’s personal journey.
I enjoyed SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD very much, but I have to admit that Hodge’s agenda is always front and center. She was preaching to the choir with me, since I totally agree that more needs to be done to protect endangered wildlife. And I do think that Jazz’s story is good enough and engaging enough to stand on its own. But the agenda is there, and there are times in the story when it reads less like a novel than a treatise on the horrors of poaching. Since the message is so important, I was willing to give Hodge some latitude. The story is a good one, in spite of the politically charged message. And that message is very, very important.
I recommend SEE-THROUGH LEOPARD to anyone interested in an emotionally satisfying story about a young woman’s coming-of-age and recovery from grief. Jazz is a wonderful and believable character, and her relationship with Asha is truly inspirational. I will never forget either of them. And readers will learn a lot about what human selfishness can do to the world around us. The world and its wonders are not here for the benefit of humans, Hodge tells us – we are interconnected in a web of life that makes us responsible for the things we do in our pursuit of money. As Jazz points out at the end of the novel, “you cannot eat money.” This is something we all need to recognize and embrace. Great story, important message. Highly recommended.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
January 17, 2019
OMG she does it again. I was honestly blown away by this book. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and an amazing story about grief, courage and hardship and how a damaged girl rebuilds her life with an orphaned leopard. I loved it.
January 17, 2019
Such an amazing yet sad story! Did and amazing job of highlighting the really troubles of both bullying and poaching. Would recommend to both animal lovers and non animal lovers alike! Defiently going to read again.
January 15, 2019
Amazing!!!
Wow!!I LOVED this book!! I laughed,cried and felt anger all these emotions which you would feel reading about cubs being made orphans by poachers. This story really touched my heart and made me think a lot about how privileged we are ,and how we take life for granted. I love Sibel's book and am a huge fan. Thanks Sibel!! Once again an amazing book!!
Wow!!I LOVED this book!! I laughed,cried and felt anger all these emotions which you would feel reading about cubs being made orphans by poachers. This story really touched my heart and made me think a lot about how privileged we are ,and how we take life for granted. I love Sibel's book and am a huge fan. Thanks Sibel!! Once again an amazing book!!
September 23, 2013
When grief & loss collide with teen angst & overwhelming guilt, sometimes it takes a helpless little bundle of mewling fur to convince someone to step onto the grueling path toward ultimate healing.
"Everyone has scars. Whether they're on the outside or inside, everyone's got them." So observes Zach, the wise-beyond-his-years mentor and secret love interest of Jazz Hooper. At this point in the story, Jazz is far from certain that she's ready to believe him.
Still reeling from the accidental death of her mother quite some time earlier, an accident for which she unswervingly blames herself, her grief is compounded by the fact that the accident left her permanently disfigured. Abandoned by her friends, who now revile her with taunts like "freak" and "weirdo," she has retreated from the cruelty of the world into which she was born. And if the inability to bear looking at her reflection in a mirror isn't bad enough, her very name -- her mother's favorite music genre -- provides a constant reminder of everything precious that she has lost.
Her veterinarian father also struggles with his grief while ineffectually watching his daughter sink further into the throes of hers. His solution is to relocate his decimated family from England to Kenya, where he and his late wife had worked prior to Jazz's birth. Naturally afraid of the unknown, and possessing zero interest in animals, Jazz drags her feet about the move. Being a minor gives her no choice in the matter.
Jazz's new life in Kenya begins to play out just as disastrously as her post-accident life in England had become... until she is confronted with the pitiful spectacle of a starving young leopard cub whose mother had been killed by poachers. Fortunately for all concerned, Jazz chooses to help the cub. Thus begins a nearly two-year process as Jazz, with Zach's invaluable help, becomes "mama leopard" to Asha, teaching her all the skills Asha will need to survive as an adult back in the wild.
I chose to review this book based on its cover blurb, and I'm happy to report that I wasn't disappointed.
There were some elements to the book for which, collectively, I knocked one point off its rating. Several technical errors slipped by the copyeditor (and I'm not talking about the differences between American English & British English), the storyline was fairly predictable, the author resorted to causing romantic conflict between Jazz and Zach by failing to have them simply talk to each other, and Jazz's father made at least two questionable parenting decisions: he didn't seek professional grief counseling for Jazz right after the accident, and he allowed his underage and highly fragile daughter to be interviewed alone by a reporter whose agenda proved to be less than honorable.
All in all, however, I found The See-Through Leopard to be a quick and engaging read, and I highly recommend it to any parent or teen coping with loss, or who is interested in learning more about the plight of animals in Africa and across our entire planet.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for this review.
"Everyone has scars. Whether they're on the outside or inside, everyone's got them." So observes Zach, the wise-beyond-his-years mentor and secret love interest of Jazz Hooper. At this point in the story, Jazz is far from certain that she's ready to believe him.
Still reeling from the accidental death of her mother quite some time earlier, an accident for which she unswervingly blames herself, her grief is compounded by the fact that the accident left her permanently disfigured. Abandoned by her friends, who now revile her with taunts like "freak" and "weirdo," she has retreated from the cruelty of the world into which she was born. And if the inability to bear looking at her reflection in a mirror isn't bad enough, her very name -- her mother's favorite music genre -- provides a constant reminder of everything precious that she has lost.
Her veterinarian father also struggles with his grief while ineffectually watching his daughter sink further into the throes of hers. His solution is to relocate his decimated family from England to Kenya, where he and his late wife had worked prior to Jazz's birth. Naturally afraid of the unknown, and possessing zero interest in animals, Jazz drags her feet about the move. Being a minor gives her no choice in the matter.
Jazz's new life in Kenya begins to play out just as disastrously as her post-accident life in England had become... until she is confronted with the pitiful spectacle of a starving young leopard cub whose mother had been killed by poachers. Fortunately for all concerned, Jazz chooses to help the cub. Thus begins a nearly two-year process as Jazz, with Zach's invaluable help, becomes "mama leopard" to Asha, teaching her all the skills Asha will need to survive as an adult back in the wild.
I chose to review this book based on its cover blurb, and I'm happy to report that I wasn't disappointed.
There were some elements to the book for which, collectively, I knocked one point off its rating. Several technical errors slipped by the copyeditor (and I'm not talking about the differences between American English & British English), the storyline was fairly predictable, the author resorted to causing romantic conflict between Jazz and Zach by failing to have them simply talk to each other, and Jazz's father made at least two questionable parenting decisions: he didn't seek professional grief counseling for Jazz right after the accident, and he allowed his underage and highly fragile daughter to be interviewed alone by a reporter whose agenda proved to be less than honorable.
All in all, however, I found The See-Through Leopard to be a quick and engaging read, and I highly recommend it to any parent or teen coping with loss, or who is interested in learning more about the plight of animals in Africa and across our entire planet.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for this review.
April 26, 2014
My copy was provided to me by Netgalley.
Jazz was a regular teenage girl who cared only about her looks and guys, but after a terrible car accident that killer her mother, all Jazz cares about is hiding herself. This accident left her with terrible facial scars and she had to suffer through the humiliation of people talking about her openly. She withdrew in herself, regarding herself as a freak, ashamed of herself and her appearance. Her father decided to move to Kenya, hoping the move would help Jazz realize her self-worth.
Yet the move seemed to do the opposite effect by making Jazz withdraw even further. But one fateful day, Jazz found a starving leopard cub whose mother was just killed by poachers. Jazz sees herself in the cub and decides to attempt the two-year struggle of raising a leopard while realizing what she looks like isn't important with the help of her friends and the cub she considers her best friend.
I loved this book. It was so heartfelt and amazing. I felt so bad for Jazz who got picked up unstop for her appearance. She tried to hide from her troubles by concealing her face and avoiding people, but Jazz just needed to find a way to life again, to live a worthwhile life.
This book was all about raising the cub, Asha, while helping Jazz learn to grow. An important message was broadcasted throughout the whole book. This message helped me realize the chaos poaching causes. The author included so much information that really helped me understand the issue and it made me want to help the animals that are captured and murdered, some even alive when parts of their body are removed.
Jazz had to realize how hard it is to be a mother, to love something so much that you had to let it go. While realizing this, Jazz finally accepted her mother's death and began to move on.
I really liked the relationship between Jazz and the cub. They felt a connection between each other and the author was excellent in describing how to re-wild a wild cat and how both Jazz and Asha loved each other very much.
The ending made me cry, especially the speech Jazz made at the end. It was so empowering, so full of emotion that tied in with poaching and with Jazz's own life. It just filled me with emotion and made me cry.
This book was a heartfelt, amazing story that tugs on the heart. Jazz dealt with overcoming her fears, accepting herself, growing up, and coming of age all while trying to help a cub grow up without a mom, just like Jazz had to do. Jazz was so strong and confident. I loved her and this book so much.
If you're an animal lover or someone who wants to know more about the terrible deeds poachers have done and are still doing today, read this book!
Jazz was a regular teenage girl who cared only about her looks and guys, but after a terrible car accident that killer her mother, all Jazz cares about is hiding herself. This accident left her with terrible facial scars and she had to suffer through the humiliation of people talking about her openly. She withdrew in herself, regarding herself as a freak, ashamed of herself and her appearance. Her father decided to move to Kenya, hoping the move would help Jazz realize her self-worth.
Yet the move seemed to do the opposite effect by making Jazz withdraw even further. But one fateful day, Jazz found a starving leopard cub whose mother was just killed by poachers. Jazz sees herself in the cub and decides to attempt the two-year struggle of raising a leopard while realizing what she looks like isn't important with the help of her friends and the cub she considers her best friend.
I loved this book. It was so heartfelt and amazing. I felt so bad for Jazz who got picked up unstop for her appearance. She tried to hide from her troubles by concealing her face and avoiding people, but Jazz just needed to find a way to life again, to live a worthwhile life.
This book was all about raising the cub, Asha, while helping Jazz learn to grow. An important message was broadcasted throughout the whole book. This message helped me realize the chaos poaching causes. The author included so much information that really helped me understand the issue and it made me want to help the animals that are captured and murdered, some even alive when parts of their body are removed.
Jazz had to realize how hard it is to be a mother, to love something so much that you had to let it go. While realizing this, Jazz finally accepted her mother's death and began to move on.
I really liked the relationship between Jazz and the cub. They felt a connection between each other and the author was excellent in describing how to re-wild a wild cat and how both Jazz and Asha loved each other very much.
The ending made me cry, especially the speech Jazz made at the end. It was so empowering, so full of emotion that tied in with poaching and with Jazz's own life. It just filled me with emotion and made me cry.
This book was a heartfelt, amazing story that tugs on the heart. Jazz dealt with overcoming her fears, accepting herself, growing up, and coming of age all while trying to help a cub grow up without a mom, just like Jazz had to do. Jazz was so strong and confident. I loved her and this book so much.
If you're an animal lover or someone who wants to know more about the terrible deeds poachers have done and are still doing today, read this book!
September 25, 2014
This is an extremely captivating novel on many levels. Jazz was a typical self-absorbed teenager before the auto accident that killed her mother and left her with devastating facial scars. Now, a year later, she is still drowning in self-pity and guilt because she feels like she was solely responsible for causing the accident. Her father, being a large animal vet, and her mother lived and worked in Kenya at Kilingi Game Reserve before Jazz was born, so it was not unusual when he decided to try for a new start there when an opening for a new large animal vet became available at the same game reserve. Nathan, Jazz’s father, is hoping against all odds to draw Jazz out of her isolation and depression by changing the scenery.
The story is told through Jazz’s eyes so the reactions of school friends and strangers to Jazz’s scarred face was colored by her own insecurities, in some cases, but taunts continued in Kenya as well. When Jazz comes across a baby leopard cub, whose mother had been killed by poachers, she vows to raise the cub that she names Asha, with plans to release the leopard back into the wild when the time is right. With the help of Zach, who educates Jazz in all things leopard, she learns this is no small undertaking. Zach is a few years older than Jazz and is the son of the owners who run the Kilingi Game Reserve. He was born and raised in Kenya and plans to follow in his parent’s footsteps.
It is clear that Ms. Hodge did a lot of research to write this story as realistically possible. The prose used to paint the picture of Kenya made it easy to see and step into the African landscape. The education Jazz received about large predators was enlightening. One of the toughest lessons Jazz had to learn and accept was the whole circle of life theme. She had to be able to teach Asha how to hunt live game or she wouldn't be able to be re-released into the wild. The information about poachers, poaching, and its consequences’ is heart-breaking and needs to be heard far and wide.
As Jazz immerses herself in rearing Asha and becomes an advocate for endangered species she gains a confidence in herself that helps her see past her own scars. This is a beautiful, educational, and inspirational story to be enjoyed by all ages. I would encourage everyone to pick up this book, read it, and then share it with a friend.
FYI: "A percentage of the royalties from the sale of this book will be contributed to Panthera, a leading international conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world's big cats, plus other wildlife conservation groups."
Format/Typo Issues: No issues with formatting or editing.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 18, 2014
The story is told through Jazz’s eyes so the reactions of school friends and strangers to Jazz’s scarred face was colored by her own insecurities, in some cases, but taunts continued in Kenya as well. When Jazz comes across a baby leopard cub, whose mother had been killed by poachers, she vows to raise the cub that she names Asha, with plans to release the leopard back into the wild when the time is right. With the help of Zach, who educates Jazz in all things leopard, she learns this is no small undertaking. Zach is a few years older than Jazz and is the son of the owners who run the Kilingi Game Reserve. He was born and raised in Kenya and plans to follow in his parent’s footsteps.
It is clear that Ms. Hodge did a lot of research to write this story as realistically possible. The prose used to paint the picture of Kenya made it easy to see and step into the African landscape. The education Jazz received about large predators was enlightening. One of the toughest lessons Jazz had to learn and accept was the whole circle of life theme. She had to be able to teach Asha how to hunt live game or she wouldn't be able to be re-released into the wild. The information about poachers, poaching, and its consequences’ is heart-breaking and needs to be heard far and wide.
As Jazz immerses herself in rearing Asha and becomes an advocate for endangered species she gains a confidence in herself that helps her see past her own scars. This is a beautiful, educational, and inspirational story to be enjoyed by all ages. I would encourage everyone to pick up this book, read it, and then share it with a friend.
FYI: "A percentage of the royalties from the sale of this book will be contributed to Panthera, a leading international conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world's big cats, plus other wildlife conservation groups."
Format/Typo Issues: No issues with formatting or editing.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 18, 2014
September 4, 2013
As a native of Africa this book touched me deeply. Sibel has done a wonderful job in raising awareness of the plight of African animals. Fuelled by the greed and vanity of the West, the superstitions of the East and the abject poverty in Africa, animals are being brutally poached at an alarming rate.
Don't be fooled however into thinking this is a boring, preachy book about conservation. The story starts with sixteen year old Jazz in the depths of depression about her scarred face. This girl, disfigured on the outside and the inside, shunned by humanity and agonising over the belief that she was responsible for her mother's death, is dragged off with her father against her will to start a new life in Africa at the Kilinga Game Reserve. Here Jazz begins the slow journey of recovery. After a disastrous first meeting with Zach and an incident with a shallow, bitchy girl, Jazz takes off and serendipitously finds an orphaned leopard cub. The pair, both having lost their mothers, connect instantly. Jazz names the cub Asha and takes on the responsibility of raising her and re-wilding her. The process is documented on film and Jazz faces many setbacks including misrepresentation by the media, a horrific poaching incident and .....well I can't give everything away now can I?
The reality of danger in the African bush is realistically portrayed and there are some heart-stopping moments involving Asha, Jazz and Zach in situations of grave danger. And then there's the mysterious Kira.....
In this beautifully poignant novel, Sibel gently leads us through Jazz's recovery and return to normality. Some powerful lessons are learnt along the way. Without sermonising, Sibel has highlighted the importance of self love and acceptance but even more importantly she nudges her character along the path of recovery by turning her focus outwards. By caring for and nurturing Asha, Jazz heals and is finally at peace with herself. The result is a wonderfully happy outcome for Jazz beyond her wildest expectations.
I've rewritten this review several times and I still feel that I haven't done it justice. You'll have to read it yourself. It will resonate with young and old alike.
Don't be fooled however into thinking this is a boring, preachy book about conservation. The story starts with sixteen year old Jazz in the depths of depression about her scarred face. This girl, disfigured on the outside and the inside, shunned by humanity and agonising over the belief that she was responsible for her mother's death, is dragged off with her father against her will to start a new life in Africa at the Kilinga Game Reserve. Here Jazz begins the slow journey of recovery. After a disastrous first meeting with Zach and an incident with a shallow, bitchy girl, Jazz takes off and serendipitously finds an orphaned leopard cub. The pair, both having lost their mothers, connect instantly. Jazz names the cub Asha and takes on the responsibility of raising her and re-wilding her. The process is documented on film and Jazz faces many setbacks including misrepresentation by the media, a horrific poaching incident and .....well I can't give everything away now can I?
The reality of danger in the African bush is realistically portrayed and there are some heart-stopping moments involving Asha, Jazz and Zach in situations of grave danger. And then there's the mysterious Kira.....
In this beautifully poignant novel, Sibel gently leads us through Jazz's recovery and return to normality. Some powerful lessons are learnt along the way. Without sermonising, Sibel has highlighted the importance of self love and acceptance but even more importantly she nudges her character along the path of recovery by turning her focus outwards. By caring for and nurturing Asha, Jazz heals and is finally at peace with herself. The result is a wonderfully happy outcome for Jazz beyond her wildest expectations.
I've rewritten this review several times and I still feel that I haven't done it justice. You'll have to read it yourself. It will resonate with young and old alike.
October 6, 2013
First off I love the imagery as the scenes with the native wildlife are told. The author does an amazing job of making the reader feel as if they are really there. Throughout the book she writes about the animals in a way that captures nature perfectly.
The author also does a very good job spreading the word about animal conservation and the more serious issue of animal poaching in a way that is realistic yet entertaining. It is clear that the author is highly passionate about these subjects.
Though not overly so for a YA book, because of the subject matter there are a few scenes that are a little graphic and can potentially be highly emotional for some readers, especially animal lovers. However, through these moments is when the authors message comes across clearest to readers and all the good moments in this book, of which there are plenty, make these more difficult moments worth the read.
This book also contains some very entertaining and funny moments.
The only problem I had with this book was an inability to understand and identify with the main character of Jazz. Overall I liked her but aside from the feelings about the leopard and her attitude towards conservation, I had nothing in common with her.
I also have some mixed feelings about the books ending. Although I was not particularly fond of the way the final chapter ended, I still really liked it in a way especially because its not how I expected it to end so it came as a surprise and it also did a really good job of reinforcing the real life issues presented in this book.
I would definitely recommend to any and all animal lovers but particularly those who have found themselves in the situation of bonding with an animal, either wild or domestic as a foster or caretaker whose job is now or has been in the past to prepare the animal they have bonded with for the new life that it would live upon leaving their care.
Besides the general message about poaching and animal conservation I think this book also serves as a good reminder for why animal fosters and those who rehabilitate wild animals do what they do.
The author also does a very good job spreading the word about animal conservation and the more serious issue of animal poaching in a way that is realistic yet entertaining. It is clear that the author is highly passionate about these subjects.
Though not overly so for a YA book, because of the subject matter there are a few scenes that are a little graphic and can potentially be highly emotional for some readers, especially animal lovers. However, through these moments is when the authors message comes across clearest to readers and all the good moments in this book, of which there are plenty, make these more difficult moments worth the read.
This book also contains some very entertaining and funny moments.
The only problem I had with this book was an inability to understand and identify with the main character of Jazz. Overall I liked her but aside from the feelings about the leopard and her attitude towards conservation, I had nothing in common with her.
I also have some mixed feelings about the books ending. Although I was not particularly fond of the way the final chapter ended, I still really liked it in a way especially because its not how I expected it to end so it came as a surprise and it also did a really good job of reinforcing the real life issues presented in this book.
I would definitely recommend to any and all animal lovers but particularly those who have found themselves in the situation of bonding with an animal, either wild or domestic as a foster or caretaker whose job is now or has been in the past to prepare the animal they have bonded with for the new life that it would live upon leaving their care.
Besides the general message about poaching and animal conservation I think this book also serves as a good reminder for why animal fosters and those who rehabilitate wild animals do what they do.
August 26, 2013
The See-Through Leopard by Sibel Hodge
Sibel Hodge crafts a wonderful story that goes beyond entertainment into the world of impassioned people who care about all species on this earth. This story is a tumultuous ride along sixteen-year-old Jazz as she recovers from a horrific car accident that leaves her scarred and motherless.
The stages of grief are one thing, but the ridicule and hate she has to endure by mean-spirited people is another. It is a wonderful look that when a person leaves behind self-centered thinking into the service of someone else, true healing can occur. When Jazz is mired in grief and self pity, her father moves them to a game reserve in Kenya and adventures take to foot from there. Conflict, controversy, drama, heroism, life altering events all come together to bring a suspenseful story to a full circle of life.
Added to this is the educational value of this terrible situation of poaching and endangered/extinct animals. It is so much more than a coming-of-age story, it is a cry for action for people to help save the species of this planet, even saving humankind in the process. This story is raw at times, portraying a gruesome scene that happens all too often. It is emotionally real, leaving the reader to empathize just as much as the characters. By the end of the story you can't help but feel as impassioned as Jazz.
Sibel Hodge takes it a step further by ending the book with endangered wildlife statistics and contact information for organizations that are deep into the cause. This goes beyond mere animal activists, it is a step toward finding a solution to share this earth with all species. It is a wake up call that as humans we may be the smartest animals but at the same time the most ignorant.
To read other works by Sibel Hodge visit her website at http://www.sibelhodge.com/
Sibel Hodge crafts a wonderful story that goes beyond entertainment into the world of impassioned people who care about all species on this earth. This story is a tumultuous ride along sixteen-year-old Jazz as she recovers from a horrific car accident that leaves her scarred and motherless.
The stages of grief are one thing, but the ridicule and hate she has to endure by mean-spirited people is another. It is a wonderful look that when a person leaves behind self-centered thinking into the service of someone else, true healing can occur. When Jazz is mired in grief and self pity, her father moves them to a game reserve in Kenya and adventures take to foot from there. Conflict, controversy, drama, heroism, life altering events all come together to bring a suspenseful story to a full circle of life.
Added to this is the educational value of this terrible situation of poaching and endangered/extinct animals. It is so much more than a coming-of-age story, it is a cry for action for people to help save the species of this planet, even saving humankind in the process. This story is raw at times, portraying a gruesome scene that happens all too often. It is emotionally real, leaving the reader to empathize just as much as the characters. By the end of the story you can't help but feel as impassioned as Jazz.
Sibel Hodge takes it a step further by ending the book with endangered wildlife statistics and contact information for organizations that are deep into the cause. This goes beyond mere animal activists, it is a step toward finding a solution to share this earth with all species. It is a wake up call that as humans we may be the smartest animals but at the same time the most ignorant.
To read other works by Sibel Hodge visit her website at http://www.sibelhodge.com/
September 18, 2013
(I received this book for free in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
From a really early age, I've loved animals. Well, with a few exceptions (spiders and wasps are the main ones that spring to mind). I've always been fascinated the few times I've seen wildlife programs on television - particularly ones about big cats, such as leopards, or lions, or tigers, etc.
Jazz was a character who was easy to relate to. I really felt for her and I thought that her feelings about her scarring came across really well. She really started the book with a sense of bitterness and grief that made me immediately emphasise with her.
I felt that this book was one with a lot of layers to it. There were two main storylines as well as the intertwining subplots that I really liked - the one about Asha; and, of course, Jazz's own personal journey.
I liked the other characters in the book as well, like Zach and Jazz's Dad. I was a bit disappointed that the reporter turned out to be a mean woman - I've noticed that reporters always seem to come across as nosy people who twist the truth in fiction. Sadly, I saw the way the article was written coming a mile off.
I loved meeting and seeing the various animals in the book. I ached right along with Jazz and the others at what happened to Bella. I think the sort of issues raised in this book are ones that are a serious problem right now. Killing animals for food is one thing. Killing for other things? That's just plain cruel... and humans are the only animals that kill for sport.
I do wish that more of Jazz's and Zach's relationship was shown. A lot of time was skipped over and it felt like it had taken much less than two years.
I loved the way Jazz was with Asha. I really felt that the author did a good job of capturing a re-wilding of an animal and what needs to go into that. I highly recommend this book.
(This review may contain spoilers).
From a really early age, I've loved animals. Well, with a few exceptions (spiders and wasps are the main ones that spring to mind). I've always been fascinated the few times I've seen wildlife programs on television - particularly ones about big cats, such as leopards, or lions, or tigers, etc.
Jazz was a character who was easy to relate to. I really felt for her and I thought that her feelings about her scarring came across really well. She really started the book with a sense of bitterness and grief that made me immediately emphasise with her.
I felt that this book was one with a lot of layers to it. There were two main storylines as well as the intertwining subplots that I really liked - the one about Asha; and, of course, Jazz's own personal journey.
I liked the other characters in the book as well, like Zach and Jazz's Dad. I was a bit disappointed that the reporter turned out to be a mean woman - I've noticed that reporters always seem to come across as nosy people who twist the truth in fiction. Sadly, I saw the way the article was written coming a mile off.
I loved meeting and seeing the various animals in the book. I ached right along with Jazz and the others at what happened to Bella. I think the sort of issues raised in this book are ones that are a serious problem right now. Killing animals for food is one thing. Killing for other things? That's just plain cruel... and humans are the only animals that kill for sport.
I do wish that more of Jazz's and Zach's relationship was shown. A lot of time was skipped over and it felt like it had taken much less than two years.
I loved the way Jazz was with Asha. I really felt that the author did a good job of capturing a re-wilding of an animal and what needs to go into that. I highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2015
Exciting and enlightening!
I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I always choose audio books as the narrators tend to breathe life into the books like a heartbeat! This is so true about this book.
This book is about the healing of a young girl and how she helps to save a leopard all while the leopard helps to save her. I found it exciting, enlightening and educational at the same time. I feel I learned a lot from it about saving animals and to love animals even more.
Jazz a young girl of 16, is so badly scarred up from an automobile accident in which she also lost her mother in and blames herself for it. Jazz always hung out with the popular girls, but now they don't know how to act around her and some even stare and call her a freak. Totally withdrawn and depressed, Jazz's father moves her to Africa where they used to live before she was born. A wildlife conservation is where Jazz's parents used to call home.
One day Jazz finds a little leopard cub by it's mom who is dead. Jazz takes it upon herself to raise this cub and dad suggest, they could make a documentary for National geographic for public awareness about poachers and animals about to be extinct.
This is an amazing story, safe for the entire family to read. The author Sibel Hodge did a fantastic job getting the message out for helping animals and held my interest at the same time! The narrator, Rada Sullivan did a superb delivery to us and was perfect for the young Jazz's voice. I found her multiple voices to be very believable. Kudos to you both!
I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I always choose audio books as the narrators tend to breathe life into the books like a heartbeat! This is so true about this book.
This book is about the healing of a young girl and how she helps to save a leopard all while the leopard helps to save her. I found it exciting, enlightening and educational at the same time. I feel I learned a lot from it about saving animals and to love animals even more.
Jazz a young girl of 16, is so badly scarred up from an automobile accident in which she also lost her mother in and blames herself for it. Jazz always hung out with the popular girls, but now they don't know how to act around her and some even stare and call her a freak. Totally withdrawn and depressed, Jazz's father moves her to Africa where they used to live before she was born. A wildlife conservation is where Jazz's parents used to call home.
One day Jazz finds a little leopard cub by it's mom who is dead. Jazz takes it upon herself to raise this cub and dad suggest, they could make a documentary for National geographic for public awareness about poachers and animals about to be extinct.
This is an amazing story, safe for the entire family to read. The author Sibel Hodge did a fantastic job getting the message out for helping animals and held my interest at the same time! The narrator, Rada Sullivan did a superb delivery to us and was perfect for the young Jazz's voice. I found her multiple voices to be very believable. Kudos to you both!
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