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Seeing Through Stones
From Award-Winning, Young Adult author Rajdeep Paulus comes the sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, a powerful reminder that life is a battle you don't fight alone.
"I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, 'Run to me,' but I just learned to walk."
After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday's nightmares. Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?
Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.
"I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, 'Run to me,' but I just learned to walk."
After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday's nightmares. Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?
Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.
274 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Rajdeep Paulus
7 books76 followersRajdeep decided to be a writer during her junior year in high school after her English teacher gave her an “F” but told her she had potential. She studied English Literature at Northwestern University, and she writes masala-marinated, Young Adult Fiction, blogging weekly at InSearchofWaterfalls dot com.
When Paulus is not tapping on her Mac, you can find her dancing with her four princesses, kayaking with her hubs, coaching basketball or eating dark chocolate while sipping a frothy, sugar-free latte. She secretly hopes to one day own a laptop that functions under water! Oops. The secret’s out.
When Paulus is not tapping on her Mac, you can find her dancing with her four princesses, kayaking with her hubs, coaching basketball or eating dark chocolate while sipping a frothy, sugar-free latte. She secretly hopes to one day own a laptop that functions under water! Oops. The secret’s out.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 30, 2015
*I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
This novel picks up right where the first one left us. Talia and Jesse have fled home and are now separated for the first time. Each of them is fighting their own internal battles as they try to come to terms with what happened to them growing up and how they will ever face their father again.
In the first novel the story was told entirely in first person from Talia's perspective. Here we get a dual perspective narrative with chapters narrated by Jesse and others by Talia. I love dual perspective stories, so this was an added bonus for me.
For Jesse's portions of the novel we follow him as he learns to make his own way in the world and fights his demons, trying to decide what to do about the hatred he carries for his abusive father. Through all of his struggles Jesse meets Summer, a girl with a bright personality and a love for churros. The two begin a friendship that will either make or break Jesse as he runs from the father that has always seemed two steps ahead.
Talia is dealing with her own demons as she adjusts to life in a women's shelter. Through group sessions, art therapy, and the other women, Talia begins to open up to the possibility of breaking free once and for all. She feels isolated since she is unable to see the two people that matter most in her world-Jesse and Lagan. But she has high hopes that she and Jesse can find a life together and Lagan sends her post-it not messages every chance he gets.
Jesse and Talia are beautifully written characters. I love that they each have their own distinct voices. There are similarities between the two (obviously, they are siblings after all), but they are most definitely their own characters. Their fear of their father is heart wrenching, but exactly what I would expect. They are such courageous characters.
The relationship between Lagan and Talia was just so sweet. This novel is so beautiful and Paulus's writing of this relationship is perfection. One thing that people who suffer this kind of abuse need to understand is that there really are people out there who will love you for you, no matter what you've been through. It just made me so happy.
Jesse and Talia are one of the best sibling pairings I've ever read. When you grow up like they did you're either driven apart or driven together and it's inspiring to see them cling to each other and want to protect each other from everything, even when it's out of their control. It's just a gorgeous story.
I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to read a story about the hope that you can find even through heartbreak. We're never truly alone.
You can read this and other reviews on my blog: www.courtneysreads.blogspot.com
This novel picks up right where the first one left us. Talia and Jesse have fled home and are now separated for the first time. Each of them is fighting their own internal battles as they try to come to terms with what happened to them growing up and how they will ever face their father again.
In the first novel the story was told entirely in first person from Talia's perspective. Here we get a dual perspective narrative with chapters narrated by Jesse and others by Talia. I love dual perspective stories, so this was an added bonus for me.
For Jesse's portions of the novel we follow him as he learns to make his own way in the world and fights his demons, trying to decide what to do about the hatred he carries for his abusive father. Through all of his struggles Jesse meets Summer, a girl with a bright personality and a love for churros. The two begin a friendship that will either make or break Jesse as he runs from the father that has always seemed two steps ahead.
Talia is dealing with her own demons as she adjusts to life in a women's shelter. Through group sessions, art therapy, and the other women, Talia begins to open up to the possibility of breaking free once and for all. She feels isolated since she is unable to see the two people that matter most in her world-Jesse and Lagan. But she has high hopes that she and Jesse can find a life together and Lagan sends her post-it not messages every chance he gets.
Jesse and Talia are beautifully written characters. I love that they each have their own distinct voices. There are similarities between the two (obviously, they are siblings after all), but they are most definitely their own characters. Their fear of their father is heart wrenching, but exactly what I would expect. They are such courageous characters.
The relationship between Lagan and Talia was just so sweet. This novel is so beautiful and Paulus's writing of this relationship is perfection. One thing that people who suffer this kind of abuse need to understand is that there really are people out there who will love you for you, no matter what you've been through. It just made me so happy.
Jesse and Talia are one of the best sibling pairings I've ever read. When you grow up like they did you're either driven apart or driven together and it's inspiring to see them cling to each other and want to protect each other from everything, even when it's out of their control. It's just a gorgeous story.
I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to read a story about the hope that you can find even through heartbreak. We're never truly alone.
You can read this and other reviews on my blog: www.courtneysreads.blogspot.com
May 14, 2014
Seeing Through Stones is the sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, covering Talia's journey right where we leave off from the first book. In contrast to the first book, in Seeing Through Stones we get two different points of view, Jesse's and Talia's. I loved being able to see the difference in their thought process towards how to deal with their father. If you haven't read the first book, I completely recommend you check it out! Here's my review. Once you finish these books, come back and the spoiler- filled review!
Full Review
Full Review
February 28, 2014
In this follow-up to her debut, Rajdeep Paulus quickly pulls her readers back into a heartfelt story that challenges our notions of family loyalty. Seeing Through Stones continues Talia’s healing journey, but, even better, it gives readers the long-awaited story of her heroic brother, Jesse. There’s something here for everyone, and perhaps the best part is Paulus’s weaving of multicultural characters and traditions into a rhythm as unique as it is refreshing.
July 17, 2015
Paulus has – once again – astounded me with a beautifully tragic novel. Her sequel to Swimming Through Clouds follows the healing process of the Vanderbilt siblings as they struggle to flee their history of domestic violence. Talia’s much-awaited story continues as she hides in a safe house for survivors of domestic violence, and Paulus contrasts this with the excitement of the story of heroic Jesse, who searches for his father in the streets of Chicago, thirsty for revenge.
Paulus’ slow, steady and intricate development of characters is going to be the reason I need emotional counseling. Thinking back to the first novel, where Talia was too afraid of her father to even talk to a single other person outside of her house, and comparing it to the way Talia grows throughout the second novel until she is finally presented as a strong, healed, independent woman brings tears to my eyes. And don’t even get me started on Jesse…
I’m not going to lie, when Paulus started the story with a chapter in Jesse’s point of view, I was more than a little cynical, and immediately felt a strong dislike towards his determination to get revenge on his father. However, about two-thirds of the way into the novel, I suddenly realized exactly how connected I felt to Jesse, and how I was empathizing with him even though I have never experienced anything remotely close to what he went through. Somehow, Paulus had managed to subconsciously attach me to Jesse as the story progressed. That is good writing at its finest.
Another thing that makes me go a little gooey inside is Talia and Lagan’s relationship. Usually, I despise perfect, overly cute and fluffy love stories, and yet somehow Paulus managed to make me fall in love with the way Talia and Lagan are in love. Despite the numerous times I had to groan at Lagan’s cheesy pick up lines, I had to smile just as often at the way their love story was beautifully unconventional. And I think Rajdeep Paulus should get a prize for inventing the most adorable relationship that manages to avoid the clichés constantly presented in romantic comedies that our society has grown to love.
Paulus’ seemingly effortless knack for comparisons made a serious impression on me as well. There were times when I had to pause for a moment so that I could think about their sheer genius before I carried on reading. Not only does each and every metaphor make complete logical sense, but they are also impressively unique and poetic.
I’ll admit, there were times where I started to find the story a little dull and repetitive, but as soon as I started to get bored, suddenly another climax would jerk me out of my daydreams and I would be caught up in a whirlwind of emotions once again. Let me also just point out that it is not a good idea to read the last few chapters of Seeing Through Stones in public, because the amount of times I gasped, squealed, bolted upright, and protested loudly against some of the events that occurred was enough to make my family later admit they didn’t want to be seen with me in public any more (let it also be known that I was inside my house at this point – so ensure you are in a soundproofed room as well).
Overall, this was another stunning and breathtaking novel from Rajdeep Paulus, and one that I highly recommend reading.
Paulus’ slow, steady and intricate development of characters is going to be the reason I need emotional counseling. Thinking back to the first novel, where Talia was too afraid of her father to even talk to a single other person outside of her house, and comparing it to the way Talia grows throughout the second novel until she is finally presented as a strong, healed, independent woman brings tears to my eyes. And don’t even get me started on Jesse…
I’m not going to lie, when Paulus started the story with a chapter in Jesse’s point of view, I was more than a little cynical, and immediately felt a strong dislike towards his determination to get revenge on his father. However, about two-thirds of the way into the novel, I suddenly realized exactly how connected I felt to Jesse, and how I was empathizing with him even though I have never experienced anything remotely close to what he went through. Somehow, Paulus had managed to subconsciously attach me to Jesse as the story progressed. That is good writing at its finest.
Another thing that makes me go a little gooey inside is Talia and Lagan’s relationship. Usually, I despise perfect, overly cute and fluffy love stories, and yet somehow Paulus managed to make me fall in love with the way Talia and Lagan are in love. Despite the numerous times I had to groan at Lagan’s cheesy pick up lines, I had to smile just as often at the way their love story was beautifully unconventional. And I think Rajdeep Paulus should get a prize for inventing the most adorable relationship that manages to avoid the clichés constantly presented in romantic comedies that our society has grown to love.
Paulus’ seemingly effortless knack for comparisons made a serious impression on me as well. There were times when I had to pause for a moment so that I could think about their sheer genius before I carried on reading. Not only does each and every metaphor make complete logical sense, but they are also impressively unique and poetic.
I’ll admit, there were times where I started to find the story a little dull and repetitive, but as soon as I started to get bored, suddenly another climax would jerk me out of my daydreams and I would be caught up in a whirlwind of emotions once again. Let me also just point out that it is not a good idea to read the last few chapters of Seeing Through Stones in public, because the amount of times I gasped, squealed, bolted upright, and protested loudly against some of the events that occurred was enough to make my family later admit they didn’t want to be seen with me in public any more (let it also be known that I was inside my house at this point – so ensure you are in a soundproofed room as well).
Overall, this was another stunning and breathtaking novel from Rajdeep Paulus, and one that I highly recommend reading.
March 25, 2015
Seeing Through Stones is the sequel to Swimming Through the Clouds. I would recommend reading the books in order. In Seeing Through Stones, we find Jesse and Talia escaping their father's clutches. But he's a high profile lawyer with a lot of resources, so how safe are they?
The story moves back and forth in viewpoint between the two of them because they are now separated. Talia's at a women's Center for Domestic Violence and Jesse has chosen to go on his own.
We learn more about both characters through flashbacks to earlier times with their father and our hearts are broken that a father could do such things to the ones he is supposed to love and protect. I could understand why Jesse felt the way he did, but I was relieved he changed his mind about carrying through with his plan.
Seeing Through Stones is an emotional wringer as the author takes you on a journey that survivors of abuse travel. It's a difficult road that leads to being strong enough to face the abuser, stand up to them and say "No, enough is enough! I will not take this any more!", and lay charges of abuse against them with the police.
There's more to this story than abuse however, because this is also a love story between Lagan and Talia. I am reminded of my own spouse when I see Lagan do everything he can to help both Talia and Jesse in each of their situations. Reading about Lagan helps me appreciate the man I married even more.
I liked that Seeing Through Stones didn't just look at women suffering abuse, but also looked at men who suffer abuse also. I think very little attention is paid to this subset of society. I know that there are shelters for women, but I wouldn't know where to send a young man for help.
The pace of this book was good. I liked the level of tension the author raised as Talia and Jesse's father was searching for them. The plot changes due to their decisions and actions kept the story fresh and interesting.
This book deserves all the praise that it was given above. The author truly brings the characters and their situations alive, making them real to the reader and a very gentle hand on such sensitive material.
I would highly recommend Seeing Through Stones for teens to 99. You won't be sorry you picked it up. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
The story moves back and forth in viewpoint between the two of them because they are now separated. Talia's at a women's Center for Domestic Violence and Jesse has chosen to go on his own.
We learn more about both characters through flashbacks to earlier times with their father and our hearts are broken that a father could do such things to the ones he is supposed to love and protect. I could understand why Jesse felt the way he did, but I was relieved he changed his mind about carrying through with his plan.
Seeing Through Stones is an emotional wringer as the author takes you on a journey that survivors of abuse travel. It's a difficult road that leads to being strong enough to face the abuser, stand up to them and say "No, enough is enough! I will not take this any more!", and lay charges of abuse against them with the police.
There's more to this story than abuse however, because this is also a love story between Lagan and Talia. I am reminded of my own spouse when I see Lagan do everything he can to help both Talia and Jesse in each of their situations. Reading about Lagan helps me appreciate the man I married even more.
I liked that Seeing Through Stones didn't just look at women suffering abuse, but also looked at men who suffer abuse also. I think very little attention is paid to this subset of society. I know that there are shelters for women, but I wouldn't know where to send a young man for help.
The pace of this book was good. I liked the level of tension the author raised as Talia and Jesse's father was searching for them. The plot changes due to their decisions and actions kept the story fresh and interesting.
This book deserves all the praise that it was given above. The author truly brings the characters and their situations alive, making them real to the reader and a very gentle hand on such sensitive material.
I would highly recommend Seeing Through Stones for teens to 99. You won't be sorry you picked it up. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
January 5, 2015
I picked this book up after reading the first in the series. It picked up right where Swimming Through Clouds left off and took the story through its completion.
In many ways, I liked Seeing Through Stones better than STC. Partly, because I already knew the characters and was invested in them but also because the beginning of STC was difficult to read due to the subject matter (necessary, not gratuitous).
I also enjoyed Stones because we learned more about Talia's brother, Jesse. His story was different than Talia's, but interwoven with hers like two branches off the same tree, each with their own knots and whorls.
Rajdeep Paulus did a great job of writing a compelling novel that many teens will enjoy reading because it's deep and honest. It talks about real life and real experience and gives the reader credit for being able to tackle big issues. These are not dandelion fluff stories.
Highly recommended.
In many ways, I liked Seeing Through Stones better than STC. Partly, because I already knew the characters and was invested in them but also because the beginning of STC was difficult to read due to the subject matter (necessary, not gratuitous).
I also enjoyed Stones because we learned more about Talia's brother, Jesse. His story was different than Talia's, but interwoven with hers like two branches off the same tree, each with their own knots and whorls.
Rajdeep Paulus did a great job of writing a compelling novel that many teens will enjoy reading because it's deep and honest. It talks about real life and real experience and gives the reader credit for being able to tackle big issues. These are not dandelion fluff stories.
Highly recommended.
March 3, 2014
5 star rating! Overall I LOVED this book. Finished it in a day, people. (Well if you want to get technical it was in a few hours but spread out throughout the day) It was such a beautiful and well written story and I loved it so much. So yeah, Overall? LOVED IT SO MUCH!
Also, I love all the characters in this story. (Except for those characters you are supposed to absolutely hate... *cough* I won't say any names in case you haven't read this or the first book but if you have then you know who I'm talking about.)
I loved how in this book we got Jesse's side of the story as well as Talia's. It was nice to see that switch.
Okay and Lagan... Lagan needs a fan club. That's all I'm saying.
Read the Full Review here: http://adrianagabriellewrites.wordpre...
Also, I love all the characters in this story. (Except for those characters you are supposed to absolutely hate... *cough* I won't say any names in case you haven't read this or the first book but if you have then you know who I'm talking about.)
I loved how in this book we got Jesse's side of the story as well as Talia's. It was nice to see that switch.
Okay and Lagan... Lagan needs a fan club. That's all I'm saying.
Read the Full Review here: http://adrianagabriellewrites.wordpre...
April 10, 2015
A few months ago I read Swimming Through Clouds. I love gritty stories with a steady stream of hope to pull me through. It was one of those books that stayed with me. However, I ALMOST deducted a star from my 5-star review. Why? Because it left dangling threads. It was like an unhemmed pair of perfect jeans.
And then Rajdeep Paulus gave us Seeing Through Stones. With the skill of a master seamstress, Rajdeep finished Talia, Lagan, and Jesse's story with perfect stitching. I loved Seeing Through Stones even more than Swimming Through Clouds. This time the story included Jesse's point-of-view. His voice was distinct from Talia's. While the POV character's name was at the top of the chapter, it wasn't needed. Jesse had an entirely different perspective from Talia.
The story moved so fast, I hated finishing it. But it was tied up so perfectly at the end, I was satisfied.
And then Rajdeep Paulus gave us Seeing Through Stones. With the skill of a master seamstress, Rajdeep finished Talia, Lagan, and Jesse's story with perfect stitching. I loved Seeing Through Stones even more than Swimming Through Clouds. This time the story included Jesse's point-of-view. His voice was distinct from Talia's. While the POV character's name was at the top of the chapter, it wasn't needed. Jesse had an entirely different perspective from Talia.
The story moved so fast, I hated finishing it. But it was tied up so perfectly at the end, I was satisfied.
January 1, 2016
Seeing Through Stones is a solid sequel to Swimming Through Clouds. We get to know Jesse, Talia's brother, more in this part of the story as Talia and Jesse's POVs alternate throughout the book. Usually I find flipping POVs annoying, but amazingly it didn't bother me at all in Seeing Through Stones. I give credit to the author who has got my attention with this Swimming Through series. Well done again! It seems like I read somewhere that there is going to be a third book in the series??? That wouldn't hurt my feelings.
April 15, 2015
Seeing Through Stones is a book of hope, and I would recommend it to everyone who has been hurt, to everyone who had enough.
Full review on my book blog: https://bibliophilesoprano.wordpress....
Full review on my book blog: https://bibliophilesoprano.wordpress....
October 20, 2019
Freedom at last?
Talia and Jesse's story continues, with support from Lagan and the women's refuge, Talia decides to finally take hold of her life. Jesse having met a girl called Summer, starts to think positively about the future. Talia and Jesse's father nearly finds Jesse and manages to track down Talia not once, but twice. Looking forward to finding out what happens next for the siblings , who have already been through so much. About to download the next book now.
Talia and Jesse's story continues, with support from Lagan and the women's refuge, Talia decides to finally take hold of her life. Jesse having met a girl called Summer, starts to think positively about the future. Talia and Jesse's father nearly finds Jesse and manages to track down Talia not once, but twice. Looking forward to finding out what happens next for the siblings , who have already been through so much. About to download the next book now.
January 17, 2018
Amazing!!
April 25, 2014
I received an e-copy of Seeing Through Stones in exchange for my honest review:
The sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, Seeing Through Stones is told by both points of views of Talia and Jesse, giving us more insight into Jesse’s world.
Jesse is also a loveable character that has had more than his share of heartbreak and pain. His failed suicide attempt as a young teen left him unable to walk or talk for several years. Unbeknownst to his abusive father, and eventually with the help of his sister, Talia, Jesse rehabilitated himself and set in motion a plan for he and his sister to escape their father’s reign of terror. His plan was derailed by Talia and her boyfriend, Lagan, and Jesse is determined to put it back on track to end his father’s control over them permanently.
In a safe house for women, Talia struggles with the feeling of freedom and of having to trust and depend on others. Kept away from Lagan and Jesse for her own safety, Talia battles her inner demons on her own, always terrified that her father will find her, and wanting nothing more than to see Lagan and Jesse again. The women in the house all have their own stories and Talia begins to take strength from their stories and bravery.
Their father, Gerard Vanderbilt, and Immigration Lawyer full of many dark secrets, knows his kids are out there and he uses all of his resources to try to find them and bring them back home. While Jesse is torn between putting an end to his father and starting a real life for himself, Gerard closes in on them both.
A riveting story of bravery, growth, and justice, Seeing Through Stones is captivating to the end.
Guest Reviewer – www.thecovercontessa.com
The sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, Seeing Through Stones is told by both points of views of Talia and Jesse, giving us more insight into Jesse’s world.
Jesse is also a loveable character that has had more than his share of heartbreak and pain. His failed suicide attempt as a young teen left him unable to walk or talk for several years. Unbeknownst to his abusive father, and eventually with the help of his sister, Talia, Jesse rehabilitated himself and set in motion a plan for he and his sister to escape their father’s reign of terror. His plan was derailed by Talia and her boyfriend, Lagan, and Jesse is determined to put it back on track to end his father’s control over them permanently.
In a safe house for women, Talia struggles with the feeling of freedom and of having to trust and depend on others. Kept away from Lagan and Jesse for her own safety, Talia battles her inner demons on her own, always terrified that her father will find her, and wanting nothing more than to see Lagan and Jesse again. The women in the house all have their own stories and Talia begins to take strength from their stories and bravery.
Their father, Gerard Vanderbilt, and Immigration Lawyer full of many dark secrets, knows his kids are out there and he uses all of his resources to try to find them and bring them back home. While Jesse is torn between putting an end to his father and starting a real life for himself, Gerard closes in on them both.
A riveting story of bravery, growth, and justice, Seeing Through Stones is captivating to the end.
Guest Reviewer – www.thecovercontessa.com
August 7, 2014
Teenage siblings Talia and Jesse escape from their sadistic father, Talia to a shelter and Jesse to the streets. But how long can they run from their relentless abuser and the sinister organization he represents? Talia must overcome her terror, face her demons and stand. Jesse, consumed with revenge, plots his father’s destruction, but what would revenge cost him?
Sequel to Swimming through Clouds, Seeing Through Stones resumes Talia’s story of physical escape and emotional healing from a nightmare life of the most horrific abuse. However, interestingly, especially for guys, the sequel adds the story of Jesse; the abused, isolated, awkward but courageous and resourceful younger brother. The characters’ inner journeys fascinate, the plot sucks you in, and the tension keeps you reading. Seeing through Stones is more of a suspense than a contemporary romance. Spirituality is again subtle; Talia’s apparent connection with God in the previous story, seems forgotten for the first twenty-three chapters while she navigates the darkest regions of her tunnel—but spirituality makes a crucial reappearance. Author, Rajdeep Paulus, well handles a difficult subject, offering hope from a Christian worldview. Seeing Through Stones is an excellent read. Age Range: 14 and up.
Sequel to Swimming through Clouds, Seeing Through Stones resumes Talia’s story of physical escape and emotional healing from a nightmare life of the most horrific abuse. However, interestingly, especially for guys, the sequel adds the story of Jesse; the abused, isolated, awkward but courageous and resourceful younger brother. The characters’ inner journeys fascinate, the plot sucks you in, and the tension keeps you reading. Seeing through Stones is more of a suspense than a contemporary romance. Spirituality is again subtle; Talia’s apparent connection with God in the previous story, seems forgotten for the first twenty-three chapters while she navigates the darkest regions of her tunnel—but spirituality makes a crucial reappearance. Author, Rajdeep Paulus, well handles a difficult subject, offering hope from a Christian worldview. Seeing Through Stones is an excellent read. Age Range: 14 and up.
September 19, 2014
Seeing Through Stones, the sequel of Swimming Through Clouds, rewards the reader with more Talia and Lagan, but even better, gives a surprising and exciting look into Jesse, Talia’s brother. Paulus does a wonderful job narrating Jesse’s story, and keeps the reader glued to the pages. Jesse, with his newly gained mobility, leaves home with one agenda: kill the one responsible for his family’s suffering. While Jesse crafts his revenge, Talia navigates the new world of hidden shelters for victims of domestic violence. Meanwhile, the disturbing motives of their father become clearer to the reader.
I loved Seeing Through Stones, but I think Swimming may even be better. Paulus is a wonderful storyteller, and the book is a page-turner. This is the kind of book that makes for good reading anytime, but preferably when you can hide away for several hours at once - you will not want to stop reading it. Like the first book, it’s full of deep questions and soul-stirring themes. This is also the kind of book I’d like my kids to explore in high school, not just because they’ll enjoy it, but because it gives great food for thought along the way. Two thumbs up!
I loved Seeing Through Stones, but I think Swimming may even be better. Paulus is a wonderful storyteller, and the book is a page-turner. This is the kind of book that makes for good reading anytime, but preferably when you can hide away for several hours at once - you will not want to stop reading it. Like the first book, it’s full of deep questions and soul-stirring themes. This is also the kind of book I’d like my kids to explore in high school, not just because they’ll enjoy it, but because it gives great food for thought along the way. Two thumbs up!
August 21, 2014
This novel was much, much better than the first. The first was full of very sappy romance that just really wasn't my thing, and was really hard to read due to scenes of abuse. However, this novel had plotlines I liked much better.
I thought Talia's experiences at the women's shelters was extremely interesting, and am curious as to what happens to her friend Jaya. Jesse too was a likeable and interesting narrator. And actually, it was very easy for me to tell the two narrative voices apart. That is a difficult thing for an author to achieve, and I applaud Ms. Paulus for it. I really enjoyed watching Jesse try to navigate life on his own, and the paranoia I felt waiting for their Dad to find them was great.
I read this book very quickly and really did enjoy it. If you're not sure after the first book, I would say give this one a go. It was a different style of novel, one which agreed with me more.
I thought Talia's experiences at the women's shelters was extremely interesting, and am curious as to what happens to her friend Jaya. Jesse too was a likeable and interesting narrator. And actually, it was very easy for me to tell the two narrative voices apart. That is a difficult thing for an author to achieve, and I applaud Ms. Paulus for it. I really enjoyed watching Jesse try to navigate life on his own, and the paranoia I felt waiting for their Dad to find them was great.
I read this book very quickly and really did enjoy it. If you're not sure after the first book, I would say give this one a go. It was a different style of novel, one which agreed with me more.
March 6, 2014
I patiently waited for this sequel, and when it was released, I simply could not put it down. I enjoyed reading about Jesse; reading about the man he's grown up to be, and how the need for seeking justice for what's been done to him, his sister, and his mother is so essential to his well being.
Lagan and Talia, the hero and the heroine of this story make it all the more enjoyable to read amidst the horror that Talia and Jesse are running away from. Watching Talia grow into this courageous free-spirited woman in this novel was captivating. I learned more about domestic abuse in the novel in addition to what I've already learned.
Paulus's latest release is poignant, riveting, and suspenseful to the very end, and you will not be disappointed.
Lagan and Talia, the hero and the heroine of this story make it all the more enjoyable to read amidst the horror that Talia and Jesse are running away from. Watching Talia grow into this courageous free-spirited woman in this novel was captivating. I learned more about domestic abuse in the novel in addition to what I've already learned.
Paulus's latest release is poignant, riveting, and suspenseful to the very end, and you will not be disappointed.
November 7, 2015
This is a wonderful novel to read.
Talia and Jesse (Justice) Vanderbilt decide to run away after a childhood of abuse from their father. With the help of Lagan, Talia's boyfriend, she finds a place to stay. A safe house for domestic violence survivors for women. The location can't be given out to anyone, so the residents' safety can be upheld. Meanwhile, Jesse Vanderbilt tries to find a decent place to stay using a couple hundred dollars, plus some money that he gets from helping someone else work.
Jesse later encounters a girl who might be able to help him and make his days sunnier, but how will he react to what's already happened to him, and the fact that his father won't leave a stone unturned to find both him, and his sister?
Talia and Jesse (Justice) Vanderbilt decide to run away after a childhood of abuse from their father. With the help of Lagan, Talia's boyfriend, she finds a place to stay. A safe house for domestic violence survivors for women. The location can't be given out to anyone, so the residents' safety can be upheld. Meanwhile, Jesse Vanderbilt tries to find a decent place to stay using a couple hundred dollars, plus some money that he gets from helping someone else work.
Jesse later encounters a girl who might be able to help him and make his days sunnier, but how will he react to what's already happened to him, and the fact that his father won't leave a stone unturned to find both him, and his sister?
September 17, 2014
In this captivating sequel to Swimming through Clouds,Talia, Jesse and Lagan continue the battle to find freedom from Talia and Jesse's abusive father, refusing to bow to fear or defeat. I loved getting to know Jesse on a deeper level, watching Lagan's commitment, devotion and love for Talia grow, and cheering for Talia's strength to endure in the face of extreme circumstances. Paulus explores this tough subject with hope and dignity.
June 29, 2014
Amazing follow-up.
Rajdeep, you did it again. Loved the sequel as much as the first book. Once again I felt like I was right there with Talia, Jesse and Lagan, cheering them on. I have but one question - when can we expect another book? Please keep writing!
Rajdeep, you did it again. Loved the sequel as much as the first book. Once again I felt like I was right there with Talia, Jesse and Lagan, cheering them on. I have but one question - when can we expect another book? Please keep writing!
November 20, 2014
3.5 almost 4
November 25, 2014
Have'nt read a good book lately.. This two book series stopped all that. wonderful story.
November 26, 2014
Beautiful sequel!!!
March 2, 2016
Good middle book, definitely leaves you wanting to read the last one.
April 18, 2016
4 stars
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