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Just in Case
The day David Case saves his brother's life, his whole world changes. Suddenly every moment is fizzing with what ifs, and it's up to David to outwit fate. Or try to. He changes his name and the way he looks. He leaves home and finds himself caught up in a series of strange and extraordinary misadventures. He even falls in love.
But is David really in control of his life? And if he isn't- who is?
But is David really in control of his life? And if he isn't- who is?
248 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2009
64 people are currently reading
1621 people want to read
About the author
Meg Rosoff
46 books1,166 followersMeg Rosoff was born in Boston and had three or four careers in publishing and advertising before she moved to London in 1989, where she lives now with her husband and daughter. Formerly a Young Adult author, Meg has earned numerous prizes including the highest American and British honors for YA fiction: the Michael L. Printz Award and the Carnegie Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews
October 21, 2016
Most often, young adult fiction leaves me quite cold. I read it for professional reasons, make suggestions regarding suitability for class reading, and put it aside again. Every once in a while, though, I come across beautifully crafted novels, containing the human condition in the making, made accessible to a younger reading audience without diluting content and message.
Just In Case is such a case. Pun intended as it is part of the story, as well. Justin Case, the main character, all of a sudden realises how fragile his reality is becoming and wants to make sure he stays in control. In order to do that, he has to take all possibilities of the world into account. Just in case... A quite impossible task, of course. He decides to trick Fate. He needs to change shape to go unnoticed!
I loved the idea of trying to hide from Fate by becoming another person, and how that decision ultimately becomes part of your Fate and your identity.
Justin Case is in many ways a typical teenager trying to find his way through the jungle of different options that suddenly open up as he is preparing to become an adult. His increasingly bizarre actions are motivated by his fear and wish to control the surrounding world. It is a genuine coming-of-age story, describing the vacuum between the protected world of childhood and the responsibility and agency of the grown-up.
When Justin understands that he has to give in to the fact that total control is impossible, he is ready to take charge of his own life.
I find that to be an important message not only for adolescents, but for adults as well. Sometimes hiding from Fate is the worst thing you can do. The ancient Greeks knew that already, as demonstrated in countless myths involving people trying to avoid the unpleasant news of the oracle and thus creating the stage for its fulfillment. Paris or Oedipus come to mind, for example.
In our modern world of perfectionist obsession, we can use a dose of Justin Case's medicine to let go of some of the fears that prevent us from enjoying what we are doing fully.
Just in case you have some time to spare, I highly recommend this novel!
Just In Case is such a case. Pun intended as it is part of the story, as well. Justin Case, the main character, all of a sudden realises how fragile his reality is becoming and wants to make sure he stays in control. In order to do that, he has to take all possibilities of the world into account. Just in case... A quite impossible task, of course. He decides to trick Fate. He needs to change shape to go unnoticed!
I loved the idea of trying to hide from Fate by becoming another person, and how that decision ultimately becomes part of your Fate and your identity.
Justin Case is in many ways a typical teenager trying to find his way through the jungle of different options that suddenly open up as he is preparing to become an adult. His increasingly bizarre actions are motivated by his fear and wish to control the surrounding world. It is a genuine coming-of-age story, describing the vacuum between the protected world of childhood and the responsibility and agency of the grown-up.
When Justin understands that he has to give in to the fact that total control is impossible, he is ready to take charge of his own life.
I find that to be an important message not only for adolescents, but for adults as well. Sometimes hiding from Fate is the worst thing you can do. The ancient Greeks knew that already, as demonstrated in countless myths involving people trying to avoid the unpleasant news of the oracle and thus creating the stage for its fulfillment. Paris or Oedipus come to mind, for example.
In our modern world of perfectionist obsession, we can use a dose of Justin Case's medicine to let go of some of the fears that prevent us from enjoying what we are doing fully.
Just in case you have some time to spare, I highly recommend this novel!
May 11, 2021
The narration in this one was quite weird. But I liked how it was unique.
I really liked Peter's character a lot, but that was it. I didn't feel much for David/Justin. I couldn't stand the romantic interest. And the parents were awful.
The story was just so... so strange?
The ending felt abrupt. Like it suddenly just stopped. And I didn't really have a message or opinion to take away from it. I couldn't really see the point of the story.
I really liked Peter's character a lot, but that was it. I didn't feel much for David/Justin. I couldn't stand the romantic interest. And the parents were awful.
The story was just so... so strange?
The ending felt abrupt. Like it suddenly just stopped. And I didn't really have a message or opinion to take away from it. I couldn't really see the point of the story.
August 23, 2008
I wanted to like this. I really did. I loved "How I Live Now", thought it one of the best written and innovative young adult books for a generation. And indeed, I did love the first third of this second novel. I felt the same sense of heady exhilaration at the sheer audacity and exuberance of Rosoff's prose.
But then I began to falter. Or rather the story did. First I noticed the frequent changes of viewpoint. Writers are recommended to stick to just one viewpoint per scene for a reason - to do otherwise is both distracting and distancing. You feel you are never truly in any one character's head, and frankly that's where you need to be for a story to really work.
Then I felt that the plot, quite simply, was floundering. All satisfying plots hinge on character development, and Justin didn't seem to develop at all. By the end of the story, he can barely even pull himself out of a coma. Without a compelling 'hero', all the other characters seem redundant, incidental to each other. I remember reading a publisher's warning not to bother sending in manuscripts about depressed teenage boys. It's the default option of young adult fiction, and not inherently interesting, unless you actually are J D Salinger. I think this may be a case in point.
To summarise, I still think Meg Rosoff is an immensely talented author, unsurpassed for her daring and honesty. But I am not at all sure this story was worthy of the telling - like Justin, it seemed to promised much, only to sicken and turn comatose, utlimately revealing itself as gloomy, self-absorbed, and not really going anywhere.
But then I began to falter. Or rather the story did. First I noticed the frequent changes of viewpoint. Writers are recommended to stick to just one viewpoint per scene for a reason - to do otherwise is both distracting and distancing. You feel you are never truly in any one character's head, and frankly that's where you need to be for a story to really work.
Then I felt that the plot, quite simply, was floundering. All satisfying plots hinge on character development, and Justin didn't seem to develop at all. By the end of the story, he can barely even pull himself out of a coma. Without a compelling 'hero', all the other characters seem redundant, incidental to each other. I remember reading a publisher's warning not to bother sending in manuscripts about depressed teenage boys. It's the default option of young adult fiction, and not inherently interesting, unless you actually are J D Salinger. I think this may be a case in point.
To summarise, I still think Meg Rosoff is an immensely talented author, unsurpassed for her daring and honesty. But I am not at all sure this story was worthy of the telling - like Justin, it seemed to promised much, only to sicken and turn comatose, utlimately revealing itself as gloomy, self-absorbed, and not really going anywhere.
November 6, 2007
Although I loved How I Live Now, Just In Case seriously didn't do it for me. This book just seemed to go nowhere. I mean, things happened, but it felt like nothing was happening at all, and the story line was just drifting along. It was like the author couldn't decide between fantasy and psychology. Also, I had a hard time believing David/Justin's parents would just let him run away from home and quit school and move in with that older girl without being just a little bit upset. Try again, Meg Rosoff. Your first book was so good I'd be willing to give you another chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2008
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Now that I've finished reading JUST IN CASE and it's time for me to write my review, I'm having a hard time thinking of how to describe it. I've had the pleasure of reading HOW I LIVE NOW, Ms. Rosoff's Michael L. Printz award-winning book, so I began reading JUST IN CASE with high expectations. I wasn't disappointed, not in the least, and have high hopes for the awards this book will garner over the coming year. It's just that, now that I need to put it in words, it's difficult to describe just who, exactly, the main character in this story is--David Case, now known as Justin, or Fate? I guess the book could be summed up, quite easily, by the words (actually, by the alphabet blocks) of eighteen-month-old Charlie Case: "JUST IN CASE WHAT?" Or, possibly, by the photograph of Agnes, the style-maven with the pink hair, entitled "ANTHEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH."
Regardless of how you describe the story, you'll find yourself quickly immersed in the life and times of Justin Case. A teen on the verge of sixteen, David Case is irrevocably changed on the day he saves his baby brother from falling out of an open window. For those of us who are privy to his story, we would see two lucky brothers, one narrowly avoiding a long fall to his death, and one heroic for his quick thinking. For David, though, this break isn't a lucky one. No, this is just one more example of how Fate has it in for him. How can he get away, escape, allude Fate, trick it? He begins by changing his name to Justin, follows it up by becoming even more quiet and withdrawn than he originally was, and finishes it up with a new way of dressing, walking, and talking.
When Justin meets Agnes, she immediately takes him under her wing--and uses him for her own purposes, although Justin doesn't realize it at first. Justin is too busy dodging Fate, avoiding certain death, worrying about the ways that Fate can trick him into an early grave. As Justin survives day to day, with the help of Boy, his imaginary dog, and Peter, his not imaginary friend and fellow runner, Justin is unable to see that Fate is still following him, hot on his heels.
JUST IN CASE is the story of David, who becomes Justin, who melds into a boy that simply wants to make his own choices in life, rather than having it mapped out for him in advance. It's the story of Agnes, who wants to fix Justin, but in the end doesn't even truly understand the ways in which he's broken. It's the story of Charlie, an abnormally bright child who wishes his brother could forgive himself. It is, most of all, the story of Fate, and Fate's wicked sense of humor.
Although it's hard to put JUST IN CASE neatly into a category, I can highly recommend it nevertheless. Once I started this story, I was unable to put it down until the very last word--and even then I was still entranced by Justin Case and his battle with Fate. This book is definitely one worth reading.
Now that I've finished reading JUST IN CASE and it's time for me to write my review, I'm having a hard time thinking of how to describe it. I've had the pleasure of reading HOW I LIVE NOW, Ms. Rosoff's Michael L. Printz award-winning book, so I began reading JUST IN CASE with high expectations. I wasn't disappointed, not in the least, and have high hopes for the awards this book will garner over the coming year. It's just that, now that I need to put it in words, it's difficult to describe just who, exactly, the main character in this story is--David Case, now known as Justin, or Fate? I guess the book could be summed up, quite easily, by the words (actually, by the alphabet blocks) of eighteen-month-old Charlie Case: "JUST IN CASE WHAT?" Or, possibly, by the photograph of Agnes, the style-maven with the pink hair, entitled "ANTHEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH."
Regardless of how you describe the story, you'll find yourself quickly immersed in the life and times of Justin Case. A teen on the verge of sixteen, David Case is irrevocably changed on the day he saves his baby brother from falling out of an open window. For those of us who are privy to his story, we would see two lucky brothers, one narrowly avoiding a long fall to his death, and one heroic for his quick thinking. For David, though, this break isn't a lucky one. No, this is just one more example of how Fate has it in for him. How can he get away, escape, allude Fate, trick it? He begins by changing his name to Justin, follows it up by becoming even more quiet and withdrawn than he originally was, and finishes it up with a new way of dressing, walking, and talking.
When Justin meets Agnes, she immediately takes him under her wing--and uses him for her own purposes, although Justin doesn't realize it at first. Justin is too busy dodging Fate, avoiding certain death, worrying about the ways that Fate can trick him into an early grave. As Justin survives day to day, with the help of Boy, his imaginary dog, and Peter, his not imaginary friend and fellow runner, Justin is unable to see that Fate is still following him, hot on his heels.
JUST IN CASE is the story of David, who becomes Justin, who melds into a boy that simply wants to make his own choices in life, rather than having it mapped out for him in advance. It's the story of Agnes, who wants to fix Justin, but in the end doesn't even truly understand the ways in which he's broken. It's the story of Charlie, an abnormally bright child who wishes his brother could forgive himself. It is, most of all, the story of Fate, and Fate's wicked sense of humor.
Although it's hard to put JUST IN CASE neatly into a category, I can highly recommend it nevertheless. Once I started this story, I was unable to put it down until the very last word--and even then I was still entranced by Justin Case and his battle with Fate. This book is definitely one worth reading.
June 7, 2010
I liked this book, but then I am drawn to weird books that do not make much sense, and this one is no exception.
It starts at once. David Case rescues his brother, who get annoyed. His brother tells him (well thinks it) what he wanted to do, of course out of the 1 year olds mouth nonsense comes out. Through out the book we can hear the baby's clever thoughts, and he is sure wondering why no one gets him.
David is dead sure that Fate is out after him, and he has a lot of gloomy thoughts. So he changes his name to Justin, starts wearing new clothes, and thinks that Fate can't find him any more. He also gets a dog, a greyhound, and the dog is of course not real. But he sees him. He gets a new friend, who also plays with the dog. I guess crazy attracts crazy. And then there is the older girl who wants to photograph him, and he falls in love. I think that was all teh crazy stuff.
Or was it? No, this book has a second POV, Fate with short sentences tells us that he actually is after David.
Why did I then like this book? I didn't think I would but suddenly I was drawn in to it and could not stop. David was so crazy, I guess it made me think of that Gyllenhaal movie with the rabbit. But David, or Justin really believed fate wanted him dead. And soon he saw dangers in everything, and that is not a way to live. His love affair with the girl was doomed, and it was rather painful to read who much he wanted her, when one could see her indifference. Even if she did care for him as a friend. Luckily he did meet Peter, who was great, and his little sister. That family was a pillar in Justin's life, even if they did talk about the dog. Like saying that Boy needed Justin to survive and exist...yes cos he was made up, duh. But then again Justin needed that dog, I think it made him stay sane.
There was the crazy, the weird thoughts, fate showing up and scaring me, first love, friendship and a wonder how this all would end. A great YA book in the end, with some amazing writing in it.
What can I say, I am a sucker for the weird,
Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Pretty, but pretty girl, but yes looks YA.
Reason for reading: library
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this strange tale, about a boy who lost is footing in the world.
It starts at once. David Case rescues his brother, who get annoyed. His brother tells him (well thinks it) what he wanted to do, of course out of the 1 year olds mouth nonsense comes out. Through out the book we can hear the baby's clever thoughts, and he is sure wondering why no one gets him.
David is dead sure that Fate is out after him, and he has a lot of gloomy thoughts. So he changes his name to Justin, starts wearing new clothes, and thinks that Fate can't find him any more. He also gets a dog, a greyhound, and the dog is of course not real. But he sees him. He gets a new friend, who also plays with the dog. I guess crazy attracts crazy. And then there is the older girl who wants to photograph him, and he falls in love. I think that was all teh crazy stuff.
Or was it? No, this book has a second POV, Fate with short sentences tells us that he actually is after David.
Why did I then like this book? I didn't think I would but suddenly I was drawn in to it and could not stop. David was so crazy, I guess it made me think of that Gyllenhaal movie with the rabbit. But David, or Justin really believed fate wanted him dead. And soon he saw dangers in everything, and that is not a way to live. His love affair with the girl was doomed, and it was rather painful to read who much he wanted her, when one could see her indifference. Even if she did care for him as a friend. Luckily he did meet Peter, who was great, and his little sister. That family was a pillar in Justin's life, even if they did talk about the dog. Like saying that Boy needed Justin to survive and exist...yes cos he was made up, duh. But then again Justin needed that dog, I think it made him stay sane.
There was the crazy, the weird thoughts, fate showing up and scaring me, first love, friendship and a wonder how this all would end. A great YA book in the end, with some amazing writing in it.
What can I say, I am a sucker for the weird,
Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Pretty, but pretty girl, but yes looks YA.
Reason for reading: library
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this strange tale, about a boy who lost is footing in the world.
May 6, 2008
I give this book a high review because it is different. I don't mean different in that flashy "oh my god this book changed my life" sort of way. No, this book is different in that it is unexpected. It is not altogether an incredibly happy book nor is in extremely depressing.
Just In Case
embodies the the full fledged confusion, angst and self centered mindset of the teenage adolescent and multiplies it by pi. This book both stretches the imagination and ties you firmly into a state of reality in a way that only a teenager both wanting to grow up and stay a child can.
I hope you find this book as enjoyable as I have. ;-P
I hope you find this book as enjoyable as I have. ;-P
May 10, 2008
This was probably one of the strangest books I have ever read. I didn't think it was as good as I thought it would be. Actually, to be honest I didn't even finish it! I made it to chapter thirty then just decided that I wasn't interested in reading it. It was pretty confusing because it switched from one persons thoughts to another, and even the little baby brother had thoughts. Also, there was almost no dialogue! So, even though I really hate stopping in the middle of a book, I could just not continue with this one.
May 30, 2017
YES. This is what actual YA literature looks like. This is what actually goes through the mind of an actual person who is actually grappling with life and adolescence and shit
September 3, 2024
It’s been months since ive read this book and i cannot even hear the phrase “just in case” without practically breaking into hives from how annoyed the guy in this book made me
June 30, 2018
Pfiioouuuuu ce lives était juste MA-GNI-FIQUE ! j'ai tout aimé de A à Z . David Case est un charmant garçon doté d'une superbe vision de la vie. Malheureusement comme chaque adolescent il a fait de mauvais choix , et ces mauvais choix on fait que certaines choses ce passent très mal .. En tout cas moi j'ai dévoré ce roman en trois jours , et je lui donne 4 étoiles car même si je l'ai adoré , y'a quelques points où le style d'écriture ne m'a pas charmer ..
July 3, 2020
Well, not bad but i was waiting for something like How I live now.
I should have read it when I was 15-16 years old, not then years later. But the end was a lottle surprise what I have liked.
It is a one time "lemonade" - even if there are some deeper thoughts also.
I should have read it when I was 15-16 years old, not then years later. But the end was a lottle surprise what I have liked.
It is a one time "lemonade" - even if there are some deeper thoughts also.
Read
January 29, 2012Meg Rosoff, the author of Just in Case wrote a ground breaking novel, with a complex plot through the intriguing believable mind of a teen age boy. Meg Rosoff won the Carnegie Medal in 2007 for the novel Just in Case. I found very similar plot lines and themes between Just in Case, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger and A&P by John Updike. Each of these novels uses the theme of coming of age. I would defiantly recommend Just in Case to fellow readers because it is very much a classic, a book recommended because of the metaphors and multifaceted characters. There are few characters in the novel, but the ones that are in it have their purpose, some of who play a large role in David Case’s life.
The novel Just in Case by Meg Rosoff is a realistic, coming of age novel with a genuine account of a 15 year old boy, who has a change of heart after a forbidding life or death moment with his toddler brother. David Case living in Lutton, England, was watching his baby brother Charlie Case when a blackbird flies by the window. Charlie gets the assumption that he can fly and was attempting to leap out the window to test his flight. David grabs his brother; he pulls him through the window only to saves his brother’s life. Some would take this as a lucky moment and be glad he saved his brother’s life, but David is a strange boy. He thinks fate is out to get him and will stop at nothing to deceive fate. David has a plan to outrun fate and disguise himself so fate will not find him ever again.
I quiet enjoyed reading about David’s life and his alteration of a new identity, I thought it was extremely ironic that the name of the book is Just in Case, the name he chooses for his new persona, Justin Case. My favorite aspect of the novel is David’s friend Anges, who meets Justin/David in a thrift store trying to decide on what type of style his identity should have. Anges is a photographer, she takes pictures of everything Justin does, and publicizes him as a character of “doomed youth”. She is my favorite character because she is Justin’s first friend in his new life. Another part of the novel I enjoyed reading is how he has an imaginary dog, name Boy. Even his friend Peter acknowledges his “dog” frequently. This novel gave me an intriguing outlook in the mind of a despondent teenage boy.
I would recommend this novel for others to read, because although there was not a lot of action and it only had engagement with people, it had an incredible, believable replication of an inside look of a boys mind. The novel is very similar to The Catcher in the Rye. The similarities are each boy is trying to find their way in life, while believe the world, and fate is out to get them. The Catcher in the Rye is a classic, and so is Just in Case, The New York Times even said Just in Case is, “A modern Catcher in the Rye”. Another reason why I recommend Just in Case is because in current times now, children and teenagers are acting older and wiser than their actual age, very much like David, so people can relate.
Throughout the novel the over dramatized ideas of David have a huge effect on the reader, making you ether sympathizes for him, or just think he is a crazy youngling trying to find problems in everything. In the novel it is once said, “Pouring breakfast cereal into a bowl, he saw his life crashing down in smoking ruins”, stressing the speculation of David’s life. David has his fellow grey hound, his family and friends but still feels he has a quandary with life. Like many obstructed teenagers he wants to blame fate for his problems but soon he finds out the true meaning of life, and it is not outrunning fate.
The novel Just in Case by Meg Rosoff is a realistic, coming of age novel with a genuine account of a 15 year old boy, who has a change of heart after a forbidding life or death moment with his toddler brother. David Case living in Lutton, England, was watching his baby brother Charlie Case when a blackbird flies by the window. Charlie gets the assumption that he can fly and was attempting to leap out the window to test his flight. David grabs his brother; he pulls him through the window only to saves his brother’s life. Some would take this as a lucky moment and be glad he saved his brother’s life, but David is a strange boy. He thinks fate is out to get him and will stop at nothing to deceive fate. David has a plan to outrun fate and disguise himself so fate will not find him ever again.
I quiet enjoyed reading about David’s life and his alteration of a new identity, I thought it was extremely ironic that the name of the book is Just in Case, the name he chooses for his new persona, Justin Case. My favorite aspect of the novel is David’s friend Anges, who meets Justin/David in a thrift store trying to decide on what type of style his identity should have. Anges is a photographer, she takes pictures of everything Justin does, and publicizes him as a character of “doomed youth”. She is my favorite character because she is Justin’s first friend in his new life. Another part of the novel I enjoyed reading is how he has an imaginary dog, name Boy. Even his friend Peter acknowledges his “dog” frequently. This novel gave me an intriguing outlook in the mind of a despondent teenage boy.
I would recommend this novel for others to read, because although there was not a lot of action and it only had engagement with people, it had an incredible, believable replication of an inside look of a boys mind. The novel is very similar to The Catcher in the Rye. The similarities are each boy is trying to find their way in life, while believe the world, and fate is out to get them. The Catcher in the Rye is a classic, and so is Just in Case, The New York Times even said Just in Case is, “A modern Catcher in the Rye”. Another reason why I recommend Just in Case is because in current times now, children and teenagers are acting older and wiser than their actual age, very much like David, so people can relate.
Throughout the novel the over dramatized ideas of David have a huge effect on the reader, making you ether sympathizes for him, or just think he is a crazy youngling trying to find problems in everything. In the novel it is once said, “Pouring breakfast cereal into a bowl, he saw his life crashing down in smoking ruins”, stressing the speculation of David’s life. David has his fellow grey hound, his family and friends but still feels he has a quandary with life. Like many obstructed teenagers he wants to blame fate for his problems but soon he finds out the true meaning of life, and it is not outrunning fate.
October 13, 2007
David Case wants a life that is just like everyone else's, but Fate just can't seem to leave him alone. In an attempt to outwit Fate, David changes his name to Justin, takes on a new persona and begins to run, quite literally, from what Fate has in store for him next. From causing bicycle accidents to being the target of a plane crash to a deadly disease that nearly kills him, Justin learns that it is not Fate that determines his future but the choices he makes and the people he surrounds himself with that guide his course.
The running dialogue between Justin and Fate can be quite disturbing at times with its intensity, but it helps you see how Justin's mind works. And Rosoff seems to understand that depression/anxiety/borderline schizophrenia can make the mind a dark place to dwell, especially for a teenage who is beginning to deal with it for the first time.
The most exciting aspect of this book actually comes from the case of supporting characters, all of who wait in the shadows of Justin's mind to lead him on new paths. With an imaginary dog that the most unexpected people seem to be able to see and an older girl whom Justin thinks is his lucky charm, Justin builds a life that is far from normal, but this book goes on to make you question what is normal in an entirely different way that any other book.
The running dialogue between Justin and Fate can be quite disturbing at times with its intensity, but it helps you see how Justin's mind works. And Rosoff seems to understand that depression/anxiety/borderline schizophrenia can make the mind a dark place to dwell, especially for a teenage who is beginning to deal with it for the first time.
The most exciting aspect of this book actually comes from the case of supporting characters, all of who wait in the shadows of Justin's mind to lead him on new paths. With an imaginary dog that the most unexpected people seem to be able to see and an older girl whom Justin thinks is his lucky charm, Justin builds a life that is far from normal, but this book goes on to make you question what is normal in an entirely different way that any other book.
December 30, 2011
Well, I usually find at least an enjoyable or worthy part of books that I don't like. However, "Just In Case" is not the case. I tried to think about what I like about this book, even a tiny-ti-nee one, surprisingly there are none!!!
I don't see the gist of the story. OK, I know that our lives are full of inconstancy and danger but this is the very bad way to convey this message. I think the theme could be carried out in a more interesting story. I happen to hate all the characters in the book which made me feeling nauseous about it. The characters are mentally scary and I don't want to imagine there are really such people out there. This book reminds me of the movie "Napoloen Dynamite" which is the freakiest movie ever. I am honestly and officially scared.
I know that there are quite a few people who like this book and I am sorry but I don't feel like it is my cup of tea. I obviously and utterly dislike this book. I was quite reluctant to read this book which is bad enough, but I have to go through a test about the book is unimaginably the worst.
I don't see the gist of the story. OK, I know that our lives are full of inconstancy and danger but this is the very bad way to convey this message. I think the theme could be carried out in a more interesting story. I happen to hate all the characters in the book which made me feeling nauseous about it. The characters are mentally scary and I don't want to imagine there are really such people out there. This book reminds me of the movie "Napoloen Dynamite" which is the freakiest movie ever. I am honestly and officially scared.
I know that there are quite a few people who like this book and I am sorry but I don't feel like it is my cup of tea. I obviously and utterly dislike this book. I was quite reluctant to read this book which is bad enough, but I have to go through a test about the book is unimaginably the worst.
August 27, 2015
I enjoyed this, but I couldn't quite connect to it. Possibly you would need to be a teenage boy to really connect with the main character? I found his struggles funny and at times very sad, but overall the book left me feeling a bit...nothing. Completely unlike the other Meg Rosoff books I've read. It still felt very clever and lots of fun, and I'll keep reading more from her.
May 14, 2016
okudugum en çarpıcı gençlik hikayesi. "just-in case" kaderinden kacabilecek mi? veya sorgulamalardan?
ismi pek duyulmamis bir kitapta neler gizliymis megerse :)
bazı yerler yuzeysel gecilmis gibi gelse de ergenlik dönemi çalkantilarini oldukca derinden incelemis yazar.
dorothea en sevdigim karakter oldu, keske daha yakindan taniyabilseydim
ismi pek duyulmamis bir kitapta neler gizliymis megerse :)
bazı yerler yuzeysel gecilmis gibi gelse de ergenlik dönemi çalkantilarini oldukca derinden incelemis yazar.
dorothea en sevdigim karakter oldu, keske daha yakindan taniyabilseydim
April 23, 2019
Meg Rosoff's books are usually interesting, as is this one. It's weird, offbeat and unpredictable, as are the characters. It doesn't matter if we know if it's a kind of sci fi or if Justin actually has some mental disorder. I liked it anyway.
November 15, 2020
"Así es como el mundo acaba...
No con una explosión sino con un gemido".
"Pensó en lo triste que era querer acostarse con alguien que te despreciaba".
"Quieres que te diga que te ama con locura, que te pida que te lo hagas con ella cinco o seis veces al día, y que te ruegue que te vayas a vivir con ella y que te quiera durante el resto de tu vida. Eso es todo. Eso es lo que te gustaría que hiciera".
No con una explosión sino con un gemido".
"Pensó en lo triste que era querer acostarse con alguien que te despreciaba".
"Quieres que te diga que te ama con locura, que te pida que te lo hagas con ella cinco o seis veces al día, y que te ruegue que te vayas a vivir con ella y que te quiera durante el resto de tu vida. Eso es todo. Eso es lo que te gustaría que hiciera".
June 24, 2021
I liked that 'fate' also had a voice in the story and that it seemed to be a very mean thing, because David/Justin feels about him that way. I even liked the ending more, because it shows that fate isn't entirely good or bad - like every human - and that the narrative is so important. Justin, as a young adult, is a bit of a pessimist, so the story is too, but the ending shows the optimistic sides.
NOTE: I do feel like the death of Justin/David was a better ending though. It seemed he slipped away, but then there comes this chapter "they live all happily ever after" - which I do not like. It was rushed, it felt unreal, no. Also, the dog, Boy, you need a lot of suspension of disbelief to keep this illusion in place, even more when his friends also start to see the dog. I mean. I like this bit of mindfuckery and the mind is very strong, but how far can you take this?
NOTE: I do feel like the death of Justin/David was a better ending though. It seemed he slipped away, but then there comes this chapter "they live all happily ever after" - which I do not like. It was rushed, it felt unreal, no. Also, the dog, Boy, you need a lot of suspension of disbelief to keep this illusion in place, even more when his friends also start to see the dog. I mean. I like this bit of mindfuckery and the mind is very strong, but how far can you take this?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
I got through this one really quick and I am glad I did as I didn't like it that much. I just didn't really see how fate was chasing Justin, I understand he saved his brothers life but then I don't know why he thought fate was after him, and why he thought changing his name would help, and why he said he didn't get on with his family when there was no evidence of that. There was a lot of questions I needed answers to, I think the idea was there but there was a lot that didn't really add up. Shame, as How I live Now is one of my favourite books.
May 24, 2018
This is my favourite Meg Rosoff book - I thought that nothing could beat 'What I Was', but this has. It was very moving and emotional and I loved it.
January 14, 2011
DISCLAIMER: This is my first review, and therefore as bad as this book.
I'm not going to lie. I picked up this book in the library because the cover was intriguing. That's a euphemism for the boy on the cover was very attractive . The name was actually intriguing. Just In Case, Justin Case. Clever. But the name, and the cover jacket blurb are extremely misleading. This book was not intriguing. It was all over the place, and I found it just a mash together of several implausible situations.
The book started off pretty mild, with a little boy trying to jump out the window and a teenager attempting to reinvent himself. The few words from fate got me interested, so I decided to stick around. I wish I hadn't.
This book, to put it mildly, was a complete and utter disappointment. Plot? What plot? The story is about a crazy kid, who no one seems to be able to figure out is crazy, despite the fact that he acts like a total schitzo. Only once in the entire book is it suggested that he go see a doctor or a counselor. Oh, but wait-there's more! Not only is this kid totally insane, he's also Fate's little plaything. Fate tries and tries again to... kill him? It's not always clear, Fate's a confusing guy. But, Justin manages to avoid death, once even saving himself from getting hit by a plane by... STEPPING OUT OF THE WAY.
What?
Here's a list of complaints, since I'm struggling with this whole review:
1. EVERYONE seems to have something to say in this book. But not vocally, no. In fact, there's hardly any dialogue in this book and the parts that are dialogue are extremely short. No, this book is in everyone's head. Even a baby, who is about 2 years old, seems to be having complex thoughts, and is the only one in the book that "gets" Justin.
2. Does no one care about this kid? His parents let him run away from home and move in with an older woman. The older woman gives up on him, so he moves in with his friend. Once again, the parents don't even care.
3. For someone who is mentally unstable and constantly thinking about fate, he sure thinks about sex a lot.
4. His friend's sister, Dorothea? Yeah, she aggravated me to no end.
I'm not going to lie. I picked up this book in the library because the cover was intriguing. That's a euphemism for the boy on the cover was very attractive . The name was actually intriguing. Just In Case, Justin Case. Clever. But the name, and the cover jacket blurb are extremely misleading. This book was not intriguing. It was all over the place, and I found it just a mash together of several implausible situations.
The book started off pretty mild, with a little boy trying to jump out the window and a teenager attempting to reinvent himself. The few words from fate got me interested, so I decided to stick around. I wish I hadn't.
This book, to put it mildly, was a complete and utter disappointment. Plot? What plot? The story is about a crazy kid, who no one seems to be able to figure out is crazy, despite the fact that he acts like a total schitzo. Only once in the entire book is it suggested that he go see a doctor or a counselor. Oh, but wait-there's more! Not only is this kid totally insane, he's also Fate's little plaything. Fate tries and tries again to... kill him? It's not always clear, Fate's a confusing guy. But, Justin manages to avoid death, once even saving himself from getting hit by a plane by... STEPPING OUT OF THE WAY.
What?
Here's a list of complaints, since I'm struggling with this whole review:
1. EVERYONE seems to have something to say in this book. But not vocally, no. In fact, there's hardly any dialogue in this book and the parts that are dialogue are extremely short. No, this book is in everyone's head. Even a baby, who is about 2 years old, seems to be having complex thoughts, and is the only one in the book that "gets" Justin.
2. Does no one care about this kid? His parents let him run away from home and move in with an older woman. The older woman gives up on him, so he moves in with his friend. Once again, the parents don't even care.
3. For someone who is mentally unstable and constantly thinking about fate, he sure thinks about sex a lot.
4. His friend's sister, Dorothea? Yeah, she aggravated me to no end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2013
Much like with "How I Live Now" I have mixed feelings about this one. I wasn't enthusiastic about the characters- with the exception of Charlie who was alternately hilarious and genius, and of course fate itself who was a great character- but I loved the concept.
There were times when I started to think that David/Justin had genuinely gone crazy. If it weren't for fate's chapters I would have taken this book as a is he/isn't he crazy book. Which would have been interesting but probably no more unsettling than this was anyway. Some parts of it I definitely didn't like. Agnes's relationship (if you can call it that) with him was disturbing and I found myself strongly disliking her for it.
I sympathised with Justin but I ultimately didn't care about him much. And for me this book was a little like watching a train crash. You know its not going anywhere good but you have to get to the end anyway.
That said, there were parts that were written exceptionally well. For example, there was a plane crash that was described perfectly. Or at least I think it was (I have never been in a plane crash so I wouldn't know exactly) but it felt realistic and surreal.
Overall I would say that this was better written than How I Live Now, but for character development and for ending (the ending in this was not one I liked) I prefer How I Live Now. And so if you are thinking of reading Meg Rosoff, read How I Live Now first. However if you read and enjoyed How I Live Now then you should enjoy this one. It is a little different and the perspective is different since it comes from a boy. But both have the same feeling of disaster and melancholy all the way through.
There were times when I started to think that David/Justin had genuinely gone crazy. If it weren't for fate's chapters I would have taken this book as a is he/isn't he crazy book. Which would have been interesting but probably no more unsettling than this was anyway. Some parts of it I definitely didn't like. Agnes's relationship (if you can call it that) with him was disturbing and I found myself strongly disliking her for it.
I sympathised with Justin but I ultimately didn't care about him much. And for me this book was a little like watching a train crash. You know its not going anywhere good but you have to get to the end anyway.
That said, there were parts that were written exceptionally well. For example, there was a plane crash that was described perfectly. Or at least I think it was (I have never been in a plane crash so I wouldn't know exactly) but it felt realistic and surreal.
Overall I would say that this was better written than How I Live Now, but for character development and for ending (the ending in this was not one I liked) I prefer How I Live Now. And so if you are thinking of reading Meg Rosoff, read How I Live Now first. However if you read and enjoyed How I Live Now then you should enjoy this one. It is a little different and the perspective is different since it comes from a boy. But both have the same feeling of disaster and melancholy all the way through.
May 30, 2014
This is an interesting coming of age story that starts with a bang: a depressive teen's baby brother almost falls out a window on his watch. He realized how his life could have been shattered and decides he is doomed, and needs to reinvent himself to hide from Fate. Fate is an actual character - there's no hiding. The baby brother is remarkably intelligent - we are privy to his thoughts, which then comically come out in babyish blurts that give no hint of the sweet, brilliant boy within. The depressed teen has an imaginary greyhound, a touch I loved. And it's ultimately redemptive. A really cool look at mental issues, and how they can be swayed.
I will say that it really struck a chord to be reading this when the Isla Vista massacre in Santa Barbara occurred. That was a privileged boy who wanted revenge on women who had spurned his advances/withheld love. That is a major catalyst for David/Justin Case's downward spiral, and it leapt off the page at me. Chilling.
Despite the heavy content, Rosoff lightens it with humor and quick dialogue.
"Eventually they left together and spent a steamy half hour in Alex's car, during which Shireen provided the requisite sexual satisfaction. Her new boyfriend did not return the favor, a fact she might have resented had she given it much thought."
"He opened the door, and the gallery coughed him out into the street."
"If you were eighteen months old and lucky, the world was one big shiny gift of needs fulfilled and fears allayed."
I will say that it really struck a chord to be reading this when the Isla Vista massacre in Santa Barbara occurred. That was a privileged boy who wanted revenge on women who had spurned his advances/withheld love. That is a major catalyst for David/Justin Case's downward spiral, and it leapt off the page at me. Chilling.
Despite the heavy content, Rosoff lightens it with humor and quick dialogue.
"Eventually they left together and spent a steamy half hour in Alex's car, during which Shireen provided the requisite sexual satisfaction. Her new boyfriend did not return the favor, a fact she might have resented had she given it much thought."
"He opened the door, and the gallery coughed him out into the street."
"If you were eighteen months old and lucky, the world was one big shiny gift of needs fulfilled and fears allayed."
September 15, 2016
A book for book meatings, a book that have many aspects you can discuss.
December 18, 2010
Favorite. Book. Ever!
I just adore this book! I love Rosoff's style, her characters, her theme, her story!
The story follows a British teen as he grows up. He believes that Fate is out to get him (he is. we hear from Fate occasionally) and decides to hide by changing his identity. However, poor Justin is doomed to play an unwelcome game with Fate.
The book uses something that I've heard referred to as 'magical realism'. I'm not sure if that's an accurate description, but Rosoff's use of the fantastic certainly adds intrigue to the story. Regardless,she's able to make each event seem significant and emotive, whether it's large or small. Her style is so beautiful and mellifluous, that I pick the book up again and again.
I just adore this book! I love Rosoff's style, her characters, her theme, her story!
The story follows a British teen as he grows up. He believes that Fate is out to get him (he is. we hear from Fate occasionally) and decides to hide by changing his identity. However, poor Justin is doomed to play an unwelcome game with Fate.
The book uses something that I've heard referred to as 'magical realism'. I'm not sure if that's an accurate description, but Rosoff's use of the fantastic certainly adds intrigue to the story. Regardless,she's able to make each event seem significant and emotive, whether it's large or small. Her style is so beautiful and mellifluous, that I pick the book up again and again.
August 22, 2007
Read this one several months ago. I was hoping for big things after How I live Now. This book was good, quite funny at times, but not even on the same level.
A kid name, I don't know, maybe Aaron Case or something, gets completely and totally preoccupied with fate/predestination and all the terrible things that could happen to him. So, he decides to adopt the name Justin Case (get it, Just In Case, har) and completely change his public identity in the hopes of outwitting fate. Cute premise, but the book itself falls a bit short. Still, I'm sure avid YA readers will enjoy it.
A kid name, I don't know, maybe Aaron Case or something, gets completely and totally preoccupied with fate/predestination and all the terrible things that could happen to him. So, he decides to adopt the name Justin Case (get it, Just In Case, har) and completely change his public identity in the hopes of outwitting fate. Cute premise, but the book itself falls a bit short. Still, I'm sure avid YA readers will enjoy it.
June 1, 2016
Just in case is a novel about a teenage boy who changes his identity when he believes that fate is after him. One thing that had intrigued me was the doggedness of David’s character and how he was convinced that he was vulnerable to disaster at any moment. Although, the notion of fate being after him was quite unbelievable and surreal, the voice of fate and the behaviors and thoughts of Justin solidified the idea. Overall, I enjoyed this book because it was an interesting and unpredictable read.
December 9, 2016
I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about this. It is beautifully crafted, extremely well written, and had really realistic characters (tho some of them - like the main character - are really hard to swallow). An interesting deliberation on life/death/identity in Young Adult novel, and, to be honest, one of the best YA books I've ever read.
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