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Panic
This gripping, chillingly realistic novel from New York Times bestselling author Sharon Draper, “by turns pulse-pounding and inspiring” ( Kirkus Reviews ), shows that all it takes is one bad decision for a dream to become a nightmare.
Diamond knows not to get into a car with a stranger.
But what if the stranger is well-dressed and handsome? On his way to meet his wife and daughter? And casting a movie that very night―a movie in need of a star dancer? What then?
Then Diamond might make the wrong decision.
It’s a nightmare come Diamond Landers has been kidnapped. She was at the mall with a friend, alone for only a few brief minutes―and now she’s being held captive, forced to endure horrors beyond what she ever could have dreamed, while her family and friends experience their own torments and wait desperately for any bit of news.
From New York Times bestselling author Sharon Draper, this is a riveting exploration of how quickly we can lose it―and how we can take it back.
Diamond knows not to get into a car with a stranger.
But what if the stranger is well-dressed and handsome? On his way to meet his wife and daughter? And casting a movie that very night―a movie in need of a star dancer? What then?
Then Diamond might make the wrong decision.
It’s a nightmare come Diamond Landers has been kidnapped. She was at the mall with a friend, alone for only a few brief minutes―and now she’s being held captive, forced to endure horrors beyond what she ever could have dreamed, while her family and friends experience their own torments and wait desperately for any bit of news.
From New York Times bestselling author Sharon Draper, this is a riveting exploration of how quickly we can lose it―and how we can take it back.
272 pages, Library Binding
First published March 12, 2013
223 people are currently reading
5506 people want to read
About the author
Sharon M. Draper
55 books3,812 followersSharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award, and is a New York Times bestselling author. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
July 2, 2014
I am seriously disappointed with this book. I hated it so much.
It started out ok, like 3.5 star quality, but it quickly fell to a 1 star.
Draper could've made this so much better. She tried approaching the (how should i say this?) topic featured in this book, and it just didn't work.
A quarter of the way thorugh I was bored out of my mind, and I only wanted to finish it so I could turn it back into the library before it's overdue. That is not what I should be thinking when I'm reading a book.
The parts from Diamond's P.O.V. were too sparse, and the millions of other points of view were just way too much of a back and forth thing.
It seemed like Diamond's friends didn't even really care she was possibly dead or enduring horrific torture. They were all like, "Let's just continue our lives and worry about fickle things while our friend could be dying."
Speaking of friends, the book dwelled on their problems way too much. Oh but wait! They all have some kind of problem. One's mom died last year, one's dad is in jail and her boyfriend beats her up, god there was just way too much drama.
And speaking of Layla, the girl whos boyfriend beats her up, I just wanted to smack some sense into her. *spoiler alert begin* I mean I hate to be mean, but it's like "Oh My Gosh, you're trippin, and you made me feel beautiful once, so I'm going to let you take naked pictures of me without a second thought." I hate making fun of this because I had a friend who got herself into a situation like this, but that was how it was. And that girl used trippin way too much.
And then when the naked pictures get sent to everybody's phone and Mercedes told Justin just go look at your texts. Uhhh what?! You want him to see naked pictures of your friend. Go grab his phone and delete them stupid! *spoiler alert ended*
Oh and Justin. The sort of "romantic" thing Draper was trying to pull with him didn't work at all.
SO many things just didn't work with this book.
Draper tried to incorporate way too much text lingo and words like trippin to make it seem more like it was from a teenagers point of view, and it just didn't work.
The whole "Dance for Diamond" thing just didn't work. It didn't. It was cheesy and stupid.
Oh and the most important part! How Diamond got herself into that situation was just stupid. Once again I feel bad for saying this, but I mean come on? "You could be a star!" You're going to fall for that? Successful directors don't just ask random people in malls to audition for a movie immediately. I mean I have heard of producers finding people off the streets and at small plays and all, but they give them more time! It's like "Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy. But I'm making a 'movie', so be stupid and let me abduct you."
And the ending was all like *spoiler alert begin* let me stab you with a plastic spoon and I somehow manage to escape from 3 people in a locked room that somehow manage not to catch up with me. There are supposed to be more people coming but the house is empty so no one tries to stop me, and I'm just going to follow this dog and jump a ditch and go home. *spoiler alert end*
Half the time it felt like some 13 year old fanfiction writer wrote the story, not a well established New York Times bestselling author.
I'm truly sorry for being mean about this subject, but Draper could've done so much better.
I am also even more sory about my horrible grammar featured in this review. Frankly I'm angry I wasted my life on this book because I always have to finish a book once I start it.
It started out ok, like 3.5 star quality, but it quickly fell to a 1 star.
Draper could've made this so much better. She tried approaching the (how should i say this?) topic featured in this book, and it just didn't work.
A quarter of the way thorugh I was bored out of my mind, and I only wanted to finish it so I could turn it back into the library before it's overdue. That is not what I should be thinking when I'm reading a book.
The parts from Diamond's P.O.V. were too sparse, and the millions of other points of view were just way too much of a back and forth thing.
It seemed like Diamond's friends didn't even really care she was possibly dead or enduring horrific torture. They were all like, "Let's just continue our lives and worry about fickle things while our friend could be dying."
Speaking of friends, the book dwelled on their problems way too much. Oh but wait! They all have some kind of problem. One's mom died last year, one's dad is in jail and her boyfriend beats her up, god there was just way too much drama.
And speaking of Layla, the girl whos boyfriend beats her up, I just wanted to smack some sense into her. *spoiler alert begin* I mean I hate to be mean, but it's like "Oh My Gosh, you're trippin, and you made me feel beautiful once, so I'm going to let you take naked pictures of me without a second thought." I hate making fun of this because I had a friend who got herself into a situation like this, but that was how it was. And that girl used trippin way too much.
And then when the naked pictures get sent to everybody's phone and Mercedes told Justin just go look at your texts. Uhhh what?! You want him to see naked pictures of your friend. Go grab his phone and delete them stupid! *spoiler alert ended*
Oh and Justin. The sort of "romantic" thing Draper was trying to pull with him didn't work at all.
SO many things just didn't work with this book.
Draper tried to incorporate way too much text lingo and words like trippin to make it seem more like it was from a teenagers point of view, and it just didn't work.
The whole "Dance for Diamond" thing just didn't work. It didn't. It was cheesy and stupid.
Oh and the most important part! How Diamond got herself into that situation was just stupid. Once again I feel bad for saying this, but I mean come on? "You could be a star!" You're going to fall for that? Successful directors don't just ask random people in malls to audition for a movie immediately. I mean I have heard of producers finding people off the streets and at small plays and all, but they give them more time! It's like "Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy. But I'm making a 'movie', so be stupid and let me abduct you."
And the ending was all like *spoiler alert begin* let me stab you with a plastic spoon and I somehow manage to escape from 3 people in a locked room that somehow manage not to catch up with me. There are supposed to be more people coming but the house is empty so no one tries to stop me, and I'm just going to follow this dog and jump a ditch and go home. *spoiler alert end*
Half the time it felt like some 13 year old fanfiction writer wrote the story, not a well established New York Times bestselling author.
I'm truly sorry for being mean about this subject, but Draper could've done so much better.
I am also even more sory about my horrible grammar featured in this review. Frankly I'm angry I wasted my life on this book because I always have to finish a book once I start it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 7, 2012Panic was a crazy read for me. I as a mother would completely freak out if my child was to be kidnapped. This story starts out like any other story and what is so shocking is that Diamond would be so trusting. I have taught my children not to talk to strangers but to also go with their own gut feeling and if something is off run and scream and don't stop until you find a police officer.
Diamond is so trusting that when the stranger comes and talks to her she agrees to go with him. Then she wakes up and finds herself tied up and unable to move. What happens to her in unspeakable but what I love about this story is what the author did next. She took and told the story from everyone else's view and it showed a rare moment in time when Diamond's family and friends find out she has been kidnapped.
The author also did a side story that was EPIC in my mind because so many teen girls face abusive boyfriends and they just don't know how to handle them. This girl loved her boyfriend but he was abusive and she took it for a long time. Lord I will say this as nice as possible but God help the boy who lays a hand on my daughter because she has two brothers and she also has lots of boy cousins and they would hurt anyone who hurt her. Girls I will say this to you and I am speaking from experience abusive relationships are no good. Even if the boy says mean things to you get away and stay away! It is never healthy for someone to hurt you physically or emotionally I am telling you this because for 4 years I put up with some crazy stuff and in the end when I found someone who was not like that I ruined the relationship because I did not trust and I could not love them the way they deserved.
This is such a compelling book that every high school library should have a copy!
Diamond is so trusting that when the stranger comes and talks to her she agrees to go with him. Then she wakes up and finds herself tied up and unable to move. What happens to her in unspeakable but what I love about this story is what the author did next. She took and told the story from everyone else's view and it showed a rare moment in time when Diamond's family and friends find out she has been kidnapped.
The author also did a side story that was EPIC in my mind because so many teen girls face abusive boyfriends and they just don't know how to handle them. This girl loved her boyfriend but he was abusive and she took it for a long time. Lord I will say this as nice as possible but God help the boy who lays a hand on my daughter because she has two brothers and she also has lots of boy cousins and they would hurt anyone who hurt her. Girls I will say this to you and I am speaking from experience abusive relationships are no good. Even if the boy says mean things to you get away and stay away! It is never healthy for someone to hurt you physically or emotionally I am telling you this because for 4 years I put up with some crazy stuff and in the end when I found someone who was not like that I ruined the relationship because I did not trust and I could not love them the way they deserved.
This is such a compelling book that every high school library should have a copy!
May 25, 2014
3.5 stars
I felt like this book tried to address too many issues in one short book. One the one hand, you have a girl abducted, on the other there is a girl being abused by her boyfriend. It seemed like they were only dealt with superficially. A longer book might have been better to really delve into the problems that teens face.
The rape scenes were handled very well. They were not graphic, but there was no doubt in your mind what had happened. It was a hard enough book to read without intense descriptions. I appreciated how Draper handled it.
The use of the Peter Pan quotes was brilliant. Each quote felt like it had been written for that chapter. Also, I couldn't help but feel that Peter Pan's refusal to grow up sharply contrasted with the teens in this book who have been forced to grow up quickly and harshly. Peter Pan was a great choice to have intertwined in the story.
This is an important book for teens to read. Like I said it was a hard read. I had to put it down on several occasions because it was overwhelming. It simply needed to be longer to address the fallout of the abuse both girls suffered.
I felt like this book tried to address too many issues in one short book. One the one hand, you have a girl abducted, on the other there is a girl being abused by her boyfriend. It seemed like they were only dealt with superficially. A longer book might have been better to really delve into the problems that teens face.
The rape scenes were handled very well. They were not graphic, but there was no doubt in your mind what had happened. It was a hard enough book to read without intense descriptions. I appreciated how Draper handled it.
The use of the Peter Pan quotes was brilliant. Each quote felt like it had been written for that chapter. Also, I couldn't help but feel that Peter Pan's refusal to grow up sharply contrasted with the teens in this book who have been forced to grow up quickly and harshly. Peter Pan was a great choice to have intertwined in the story.
This is an important book for teens to read. Like I said it was a hard read. I had to put it down on several occasions because it was overwhelming. It simply needed to be longer to address the fallout of the abuse both girls suffered.
March 10, 2013
Let me preface this by saying I know the exact readership of this one. There are going to be reluctant readers taken in by the problems brought up in the novel and they will be satisfied with the swift pacing and the resolution.
That said, from the writing and plotting standpoint, this was a flop.
Diamond and her best friend go to the mall and while her best friend tries on a leotard at the dance store, Diamond finds herself engaging in a conversation with an older man who promises to get her a role in a movie. Diamond is a dancer, you see, and she's just learned she's gotten a small part in their group's performance of Peter Pan. This could be a great break for her.
So she goes with the man, sending a text to her friend saying she had a chance and she had to take it.
But when the man takes her to a house and she wakes up after being drugged in her drink, Diamond realizes this is a lot more sinister than she originally imagined.
The problems don't stop there -- and frankly, that's not the problematic element of the book. Diamond makes a stupid decision but it's rational in her own mind and to her own character. The problems emerge when the other characters in this story are suddenly tools for Messages. There's the character who is in an abusive relationship. Who has pictures taken of her and passed around the school. There's the character who is a male dancer and who isn't gay but has to fight against it. But worse than the messages driving the characters here is the stilted writing, unbelievable dialog, and the happily-ever-after ending (where the character themselves become cardboard stiff and poorly rendered in their willingness to accept they made mistakes and that they should all be better at supporting one another so these things don't happen again). Teens don't talk or act that way.
This story is told in alternating points of view from the third person. It's completely unnecessary -- when the story is told through Justin's eyes, it sounds and looks exactly the same as it does when it's told through Mercedes's eyes and Layla's. The only person who ever sounds different is Diamond, and that's because she's at the heart of the story. Likewise, by choosing third person to tell the story, the immediacy of it is removed and it does read much more like an after school special on not making poor choices than it does a story about characters who have a lot at stake.
I applaud Draper for not making this lurid, since I don't think the writing as it stood could have carried it. More than that, though, I think that in and of itself is why there is reader appeal here.
Mostly, though, other books have done these things better and offered deeper and more memorable characters.
That said, from the writing and plotting standpoint, this was a flop.
Diamond and her best friend go to the mall and while her best friend tries on a leotard at the dance store, Diamond finds herself engaging in a conversation with an older man who promises to get her a role in a movie. Diamond is a dancer, you see, and she's just learned she's gotten a small part in their group's performance of Peter Pan. This could be a great break for her.
So she goes with the man, sending a text to her friend saying she had a chance and she had to take it.
But when the man takes her to a house and she wakes up after being drugged in her drink, Diamond realizes this is a lot more sinister than she originally imagined.
The problems don't stop there -- and frankly, that's not the problematic element of the book. Diamond makes a stupid decision but it's rational in her own mind and to her own character. The problems emerge when the other characters in this story are suddenly tools for Messages. There's the character who is in an abusive relationship. Who has pictures taken of her and passed around the school. There's the character who is a male dancer and who isn't gay but has to fight against it. But worse than the messages driving the characters here is the stilted writing, unbelievable dialog, and the happily-ever-after ending (where the character themselves become cardboard stiff and poorly rendered in their willingness to accept they made mistakes and that they should all be better at supporting one another so these things don't happen again). Teens don't talk or act that way.
This story is told in alternating points of view from the third person. It's completely unnecessary -- when the story is told through Justin's eyes, it sounds and looks exactly the same as it does when it's told through Mercedes's eyes and Layla's. The only person who ever sounds different is Diamond, and that's because she's at the heart of the story. Likewise, by choosing third person to tell the story, the immediacy of it is removed and it does read much more like an after school special on not making poor choices than it does a story about characters who have a lot at stake.
I applaud Draper for not making this lurid, since I don't think the writing as it stood could have carried it. More than that, though, I think that in and of itself is why there is reader appeal here.
Mostly, though, other books have done these things better and offered deeper and more memorable characters.
Read
February 4, 2017THIS WAS THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ AND I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE WHO HAS AMAZING TASTE IS BOOKS! I loved the thrill and everything! 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000/10 rating
July 12, 2017
More comprehensive review to come.
It took me a while to complete this book because it included some very difficult subject matter. But, as always, it was well-written, observant of young people and their language, thought-processes and culture.
It took me a while to complete this book because it included some very difficult subject matter. But, as always, it was well-written, observant of young people and their language, thought-processes and culture.
June 14, 2013
This book was honestly a pain to endure, there were quite a few times I considered quitting the read. The characters all talk in a mock ghetto fashion- honestly, is this how she thinks teenagers talk like?- and yet none of them have the personality to match. One of the characters had a father who went to jail.. We never quite learn why, two of the dance studio members become porn stars by force but was that really necessary? No, it wasn't. The character development SUCKED and I mean that! It was absolutely terrible to learn about something with hardly any structure. The abduction victim, Diamond, had an escape route that pissed me off to no end because it was the most unrealistic situation you could think up and that made the author seem extremely desperate.
The whole story fell entirely too short for me, but I feel like her ideas were somewhat unique and telling the story from many povs was creative. I do not recommend this book to anyone wishing for a structured story, if you have patience go right ahead read it, but I feel that it does not accurately reflect real life in any way.
The whole story fell entirely too short for me, but I feel like her ideas were somewhat unique and telling the story from many povs was creative. I do not recommend this book to anyone wishing for a structured story, if you have patience go right ahead read it, but I feel that it does not accurately reflect real life in any way.
June 17, 2015
I'm sorry but what the hell?! I picked this book up because I thought the plot was interesting but I regret ever reading this book.
The abduction of Diamond was supposed to be the central conflict in the story but somehow the depiction of her situation didn't seem that grave in this book. Perhaps it was the narration and the use of slang that made it so.
Also, I despised Layla. She was so naive to the point of being stupid. I can't even begin to express my disgust.
Anyway, I felt nothing but irritation after I finished this book. I'm sorry but this just wasn't for me.
The abduction of Diamond was supposed to be the central conflict in the story but somehow the depiction of her situation didn't seem that grave in this book. Perhaps it was the narration and the use of slang that made it so.
Also, I despised Layla. She was so naive to the point of being stupid. I can't even begin to express my disgust.
Anyway, I felt nothing but irritation after I finished this book. I'm sorry but this just wasn't for me.
October 6, 2014
I didn't put this book down for two days until I finished it. It was thrilling and pulled me in like no other book has before. As I was reading I kept grasping for more, so I kept reading and reading. When I was finished I wanted more of her books. I am now on the look out for more. This book got me hooked on the first page and I can't wait for more. The only problem with this book is that it's like she tried too hard to make the characters stereo- typical black teenagers.
Read
December 9, 2012DNF
I found this boring for a kidnapping book. Diamond makes the mistake of trusting the wrong man. He offers her the chance to audition for the part of her dreams so she lets her logic fly out the window. The parts from Diamonds POV were disturbing but luckily not too many details were given. But it was no Stolen, Held, or The Breakaway. There was like one sentence of Stockholm Syndrome thrown in randomly. Diamond mentions that she looks forward to her captor bringing her clothes and food everyday. He then drugs her at night and films the awful things he does to her.
I never really connected to any of the characters and that is a very important part for these kinds of books. It didn't delve much into the kidnapper except that he likes to make "movies" And yes ewww. I prefer to learn of a tragic back story or something. I want to be conflicted and emotional!
A big part of the book was what was happening with her friends while she was away but not much was to do with Diamond. It was about dance and an abusive relationship. Her friend Layla is also in a bad situation with her boyfriend. I think the book delved into some tough issues but it just didn't hold my attention. I skipped many parts.
I found this boring for a kidnapping book. Diamond makes the mistake of trusting the wrong man. He offers her the chance to audition for the part of her dreams so she lets her logic fly out the window. The parts from Diamonds POV were disturbing but luckily not too many details were given. But it was no Stolen, Held, or The Breakaway. There was like one sentence of Stockholm Syndrome thrown in randomly. Diamond mentions that she looks forward to her captor bringing her clothes and food everyday. He then drugs her at night and films the awful things he does to her.
I never really connected to any of the characters and that is a very important part for these kinds of books. It didn't delve much into the kidnapper except that he likes to make "movies" And yes ewww. I prefer to learn of a tragic back story or something. I want to be conflicted and emotional!
A big part of the book was what was happening with her friends while she was away but not much was to do with Diamond. It was about dance and an abusive relationship. Her friend Layla is also in a bad situation with her boyfriend. I think the book delved into some tough issues but it just didn't hold my attention. I skipped many parts.
March 8, 2017
5/5 Amazing book!! Intense. Diamond goes through so much, and her friends care so much that everything becomes one chaotic mess. How has no one ever turned Thane in? This book is real. We all want to meet famous celebrities, even if it means going with a stranger and risking our lives...
That one sentence, "Think of how jealous your friends will be when they see you with celebs."
So true... we'll risk anything.
That one sentence, "Think of how jealous your friends will be when they see you with celebs."
So true... we'll risk anything.
October 16, 2012
Panic by Sharon M. Draper
I consider myself very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with the talented author Sharon M. Draper for more than 12 years. I love her books and I have had the opportunity many times over the years to accompany Sharon to events and award ceremonies and witness firsthand the power of her stories and the way they have deeply touched middle school and high school students, their teachers, and librarians. My personal favorites of hers include Copper Sun, Double Dutch and Out of My Mind. The impact Out of My Mind has had on readers of all ages is profound and has been moving to watch.
Now Sharon has written Panic, a novel for teens, and I can honestly say that her writing just gets better with every book. Here’s a sneak peek:
Diamond knows not to get into a car with a stranger.
But what if the stranger is tall and well dressed and handsome? On his way to meet his wife and daughter? And casting a movie that very night--a movie in need of a star dancer? What then?
Then Diamond might make the wrong decision.
It's a nightmare come true--Diamond Landers has been kidnapped. She was at the mall with a friend, alone for only a few brief minutes--and now she's being held captive, forced to endure horrors beyond what she ever could have dreamed, while her family and friends experience their own torments as they wait desperately for any bit of news.
This gripping and chillingly realistic novel shows that all it takes is one bad decision for everything to change.
The idea for this book came from a discussion Sharon had with some teens during one of her school visits. I was eager to read it when she first told me she was working on it, but when I finished reading the manuscript this summer, I was blown away.
I absolutely loved this book. I was so impressed by how Sharon managed to make Diamond's experience creepy, horrific, suspenseful, threatening, heartbreaking, and more without describing anything. There is nothing graphic about this book. Everything occurs off the pages. Sharon also devotes so many chapters to the other characters (Diamond’s friends and family and her dance studio buddies) which really balances out the story. There are so many wonderful lessons, discussion points, and situations to ponder. This is a book that teens and their parents and teachers should and will be talking about. In my opinion, if you read only one teen book in Spring 2013, this should be it.
—Michelle Fadlalla, Director of Simon & Schuster Education and Library Marketing
I consider myself very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with the talented author Sharon M. Draper for more than 12 years. I love her books and I have had the opportunity many times over the years to accompany Sharon to events and award ceremonies and witness firsthand the power of her stories and the way they have deeply touched middle school and high school students, their teachers, and librarians. My personal favorites of hers include Copper Sun, Double Dutch and Out of My Mind. The impact Out of My Mind has had on readers of all ages is profound and has been moving to watch.
Now Sharon has written Panic, a novel for teens, and I can honestly say that her writing just gets better with every book. Here’s a sneak peek:
Diamond knows not to get into a car with a stranger.
But what if the stranger is tall and well dressed and handsome? On his way to meet his wife and daughter? And casting a movie that very night--a movie in need of a star dancer? What then?
Then Diamond might make the wrong decision.
It's a nightmare come true--Diamond Landers has been kidnapped. She was at the mall with a friend, alone for only a few brief minutes--and now she's being held captive, forced to endure horrors beyond what she ever could have dreamed, while her family and friends experience their own torments as they wait desperately for any bit of news.
This gripping and chillingly realistic novel shows that all it takes is one bad decision for everything to change.
The idea for this book came from a discussion Sharon had with some teens during one of her school visits. I was eager to read it when she first told me she was working on it, but when I finished reading the manuscript this summer, I was blown away.
I absolutely loved this book. I was so impressed by how Sharon managed to make Diamond's experience creepy, horrific, suspenseful, threatening, heartbreaking, and more without describing anything. There is nothing graphic about this book. Everything occurs off the pages. Sharon also devotes so many chapters to the other characters (Diamond’s friends and family and her dance studio buddies) which really balances out the story. There are so many wonderful lessons, discussion points, and situations to ponder. This is a book that teens and their parents and teachers should and will be talking about. In my opinion, if you read only one teen book in Spring 2013, this should be it.
—Michelle Fadlalla, Director of Simon & Schuster Education and Library Marketing
November 4, 2013
This book really made me cry when I was reading it .. It was so good that I finished reading it in a day . I find that the way it talks about different stories through the teenage characters in the story is really intreating . And it helped me a lot , as a teenager I never thought that I could get in so much trouble just for wanting so much my dreams to come true or for being myself or for loving someone who dose not respect me . Us teenagers we should be really careful who we trust, find someone who deserve us and not treat us like a toy and never ever be ashamed for who we are I really think that every teenager should read this book .
Diamond as one of the characters , her story is that she is a strong smart girls, but the fact she wanted so baldy to make her dreams come true she get's in a car with a stranger believing that it's her moment to shine. Instand she wakes up finding her self in an awkward, scary positon. She was tied up , that's when she knew she got KIDNAPPED !!! What happens to her is so scary and so sad ( it's unspeakable) But I loved the fact that the writer showed how Diamond was living that bad experiment and showed how the rest of her family and her friends where feeling and living that moment when they heard the news about her .
Another story in the book is the life of Diamond's friend Layla , this girl loved a boy that did not treat her right , he was kind of an abusive boyfriend but Layla did not know how to handel him . Now this is another really good thing to talk about because there is lots of girls out there that are for some reason think that they don't deserve better and that they are not good . But I just got something to say that us girls we are so perfect and no one should make you feel that your a pice of trash . Find someone that is really worth you and your love . It's never ok to anyone to hurt you .
This was a really good book !! I LOVED IT !
Diamond as one of the characters , her story is that she is a strong smart girls, but the fact she wanted so baldy to make her dreams come true she get's in a car with a stranger believing that it's her moment to shine. Instand she wakes up finding her self in an awkward, scary positon. She was tied up , that's when she knew she got KIDNAPPED !!! What happens to her is so scary and so sad ( it's unspeakable) But I loved the fact that the writer showed how Diamond was living that bad experiment and showed how the rest of her family and her friends where feeling and living that moment when they heard the news about her .
Another story in the book is the life of Diamond's friend Layla , this girl loved a boy that did not treat her right , he was kind of an abusive boyfriend but Layla did not know how to handel him . Now this is another really good thing to talk about because there is lots of girls out there that are for some reason think that they don't deserve better and that they are not good . But I just got something to say that us girls we are so perfect and no one should make you feel that your a pice of trash . Find someone that is really worth you and your love . It's never ok to anyone to hurt you .
This was a really good book !! I LOVED IT !
March 3, 2013
I didn't think much of this latest offering from the renowned author of Tears of a Tiger and Copper Sun. The characters and plot never rang true for me. Everything felt very artificial, very much a device, rather than any sort of organic story unfolding.
The two main teenage female characters share dance classes at Crystal Pointe Academy where they are friendly rivals for parts like Wendy in Peter Pan, working under benign dictator Miss Ginger. On the afternoon of the spring showcase, Diamond is in the food court of the local mall waiting for her best friend Mercedes to finish trying on leotards in the dance store when a middle-aged man strikes up a conversation and reels the girl in on a hook baited with promises of an audition--right away--for a movie pulling in some teen stars. With her dying cell phone she texts Mercedes about the big break, but then no one hears from her again. We see that Thane has abducted Diamond for sexual slavery and internet pornography with himself and paying strangers.
All this issue heavy stuff isn't as graphic as one might expect, but it seems a little outlandish at times--not that such things don't happen, but that they aren't convincingly rendered here. It comes across as issue heavy, not just on its own merits but because readers only intermittently see the latest trauma for drugged and abused Diamond, while Layla, who appears to be the girlfriend of possible gang banger Donny, is intimidated an man-handled while participating in vigils for Diamond, dance therapy, waiting for her dad to make it home after six years in prison, and dealing with male dancer Justin's sincere admiration for her.
So lots more issues there. Actually the dance academy and its teacher, as well as the nurturing atmosphere it provides are the best things about a novel that desperately needed more good things. Perhaps some dance crazy teens will love it and not find Diamond's dilemma and its resolution as discordant as I did.
The two main teenage female characters share dance classes at Crystal Pointe Academy where they are friendly rivals for parts like Wendy in Peter Pan, working under benign dictator Miss Ginger. On the afternoon of the spring showcase, Diamond is in the food court of the local mall waiting for her best friend Mercedes to finish trying on leotards in the dance store when a middle-aged man strikes up a conversation and reels the girl in on a hook baited with promises of an audition--right away--for a movie pulling in some teen stars. With her dying cell phone she texts Mercedes about the big break, but then no one hears from her again. We see that Thane has abducted Diamond for sexual slavery and internet pornography with himself and paying strangers.
All this issue heavy stuff isn't as graphic as one might expect, but it seems a little outlandish at times--not that such things don't happen, but that they aren't convincingly rendered here. It comes across as issue heavy, not just on its own merits but because readers only intermittently see the latest trauma for drugged and abused Diamond, while Layla, who appears to be the girlfriend of possible gang banger Donny, is intimidated an man-handled while participating in vigils for Diamond, dance therapy, waiting for her dad to make it home after six years in prison, and dealing with male dancer Justin's sincere admiration for her.
So lots more issues there. Actually the dance academy and its teacher, as well as the nurturing atmosphere it provides are the best things about a novel that desperately needed more good things. Perhaps some dance crazy teens will love it and not find Diamond's dilemma and its resolution as discordant as I did.
February 27, 2017
This was an amazing book. There were many things that I loved about this book. It was telling stories from different characters points of views. There are so many things that you can learn from this book one important lesson is to not talk with strangers because throughout this book there is a big reason why.
October 18, 2018
Personal Response: I really loved reading this book. It caught my attention how fast and easy things could happen to anyone. When I first started reading this book, I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I think the author did a great job illustrating this book.
Plot: In Panic , Diamond Landers was a sixteen year old teenager. She lived with her mom, dad and little sister Shasta. Diamond had been a dancer since she was little. It was something she really enjoyed doing, along with her friends Mercedes, Layla and Justin. Diamond thought her life was going the way it should have been going until one day--a day that was going to change her life and the lives of the people in her town. Diamond was a bright girl, who made the wrong decision to let a handsome older man tell her she could star in a movie if she went with him. Mercedes was so mad at herself because she thought it was her fault Diamond left with him. Diamond and Mercedes had been at the mall that day and they split up and eventually met back in the food court. This was when Diamond left and texted Mercedes saying she was going to be in a movie. Mercedes did not believe it for one second, ever. Mercedes always thought Diamond should have known better than to leave with a stranger. Throughout the book, Diamond had a hard time trying to plan an escape. Diamond was mad at herself for letting herself believe she was going to be a lead role in a movie. Mercedes would go over to Diamonds house to check on Shasta and Diamond’s parents. They were devastated, just like so many other people. No one could believe what Diamond had done.
Characterization: Diamond was a sixteen year old girl, who loved to dance. It was her passion. She started at a young age, along with her friends. Throughout the book, Diamond learned to be stronger than she ever thought she could. She faced things no one would ever wish to happen. Diamond learned she had to be strong in order to get away.
Mercedes was Diamonds best friend. She loved to dance just as much as Diamond. When Diamond went missing she thought it was her fault because, they were at the mall together when Diamond left with the guy. Mercedes learned it was important to be strong when it comes to people going missing. She had to tell herself and all her friends Diamond would come back. She said she was going to come back no matter what happened. Mercedes would go over to Diamonds house and talk to her parents and little sister Shasta. Shasta was having a hard time with Diamond being gone so Mercedes would stay with her and help. Diamonds parents were worse and Mercedes would talk to them and try to comfort them.
Layla was another one of Diamond’s friends, but they were not as close as Diamond and Mercedes. Layla thought Diamond was crazy for going with a stranger. She knew there was something not right with the fact that "Diamond could have a lead role in a movie." Layla also had boyfriend, Donovan, who would hurt her whenever he was mad about something Layla did, for example, when she would dance with Justin. Throughout the book, Mercedes would tell Layla how bad Donovan was but Layla never realized it until the end of the book. After an incident happened, Layla could not take anymore abuse from Donovan and she finally left him.
Setting: Panic took place in Florida in honor of the dance academy that is there. The book took place in a mall, which was where Diamond was kidnapped. It also took place at a dance studio where Diamond was in a dance class at. All of her dance friends would always be there to dance and most of the time talk about Diamond. The events in this book could happen or very similar events have happened in real life.
Thematic Connection: The thematic connection in Panic was more of danger of ignorance because Diamond was so caught up in the fact she was going to meet two famous actresses and maybe play the lead role in a movie, she did not stop and think about it. She did not think about the dangerous possibilities it could and did lead to.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to high school girls because it makes girls aware of what could happen to them. There are events in this book some girls should be aware about. I think that more girls should be aware of the events in the book and they take things like this more maturely.
Plot: In Panic , Diamond Landers was a sixteen year old teenager. She lived with her mom, dad and little sister Shasta. Diamond had been a dancer since she was little. It was something she really enjoyed doing, along with her friends Mercedes, Layla and Justin. Diamond thought her life was going the way it should have been going until one day--a day that was going to change her life and the lives of the people in her town. Diamond was a bright girl, who made the wrong decision to let a handsome older man tell her she could star in a movie if she went with him. Mercedes was so mad at herself because she thought it was her fault Diamond left with him. Diamond and Mercedes had been at the mall that day and they split up and eventually met back in the food court. This was when Diamond left and texted Mercedes saying she was going to be in a movie. Mercedes did not believe it for one second, ever. Mercedes always thought Diamond should have known better than to leave with a stranger. Throughout the book, Diamond had a hard time trying to plan an escape. Diamond was mad at herself for letting herself believe she was going to be a lead role in a movie. Mercedes would go over to Diamonds house to check on Shasta and Diamond’s parents. They were devastated, just like so many other people. No one could believe what Diamond had done.
Characterization: Diamond was a sixteen year old girl, who loved to dance. It was her passion. She started at a young age, along with her friends. Throughout the book, Diamond learned to be stronger than she ever thought she could. She faced things no one would ever wish to happen. Diamond learned she had to be strong in order to get away.
Mercedes was Diamonds best friend. She loved to dance just as much as Diamond. When Diamond went missing she thought it was her fault because, they were at the mall together when Diamond left with the guy. Mercedes learned it was important to be strong when it comes to people going missing. She had to tell herself and all her friends Diamond would come back. She said she was going to come back no matter what happened. Mercedes would go over to Diamonds house and talk to her parents and little sister Shasta. Shasta was having a hard time with Diamond being gone so Mercedes would stay with her and help. Diamonds parents were worse and Mercedes would talk to them and try to comfort them.
Layla was another one of Diamond’s friends, but they were not as close as Diamond and Mercedes. Layla thought Diamond was crazy for going with a stranger. She knew there was something not right with the fact that "Diamond could have a lead role in a movie." Layla also had boyfriend, Donovan, who would hurt her whenever he was mad about something Layla did, for example, when she would dance with Justin. Throughout the book, Mercedes would tell Layla how bad Donovan was but Layla never realized it until the end of the book. After an incident happened, Layla could not take anymore abuse from Donovan and she finally left him.
Setting: Panic took place in Florida in honor of the dance academy that is there. The book took place in a mall, which was where Diamond was kidnapped. It also took place at a dance studio where Diamond was in a dance class at. All of her dance friends would always be there to dance and most of the time talk about Diamond. The events in this book could happen or very similar events have happened in real life.
Thematic Connection: The thematic connection in Panic was more of danger of ignorance because Diamond was so caught up in the fact she was going to meet two famous actresses and maybe play the lead role in a movie, she did not stop and think about it. She did not think about the dangerous possibilities it could and did lead to.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to high school girls because it makes girls aware of what could happen to them. There are events in this book some girls should be aware about. I think that more girls should be aware of the events in the book and they take things like this more maturely.
October 30, 2023
I am only halfway in the book,but so far,this book has me on the edge of my seat!
March 6, 2020
PERSONAL RESPONSE:
Panic by Sharon M. Draper is by far one of my favorite books. Throughout the book, I am amazed by how the author is feeling what the characters are feeling like emotional traumas. This book not only seems connected to the author, but it seems to have emotional ties to me too and to read a book like this makes me want to keep on reading.
PLOT:
This book is about a few teenagers named Diamond, Justin, Mercedes, Layla, and Donovan. Diamond is out with Mercedes, her best friend, at the mall when Mercedes wanders off and Diamond ends up going missing. She is now with a man named Thane who is by far one of the worst people on earth with many sexual offenses and so forth on his record. He gives her every day and then at night is getting paid by other guys to come and have fun with her. One day, she is lucid enough to save a spoon off her food tray. She breaks the end off of it to stab him in the back with it so she can escape. While Diamond is missing, a lot goes on without her. All of these teenagers are dancers but Donovan and that causes some issues because he gets jealous when Justin dances with Layla. One day, as they are waiting for school to start Justin, beats him up for grabbing and pulling on Layla’s wrist after they were all dancing in the hallway and Donovan got mad. Layla’s dad is also coming home from jail, so her life right now seems to be a big mess just as Diamond’s is. With Layla being someone to relate to, Diamond just coming home, and Thane abusing her, this book is very intense and pulls the reader in more and more.
CHARACTERIZATION:
Diamond is an amazingly strong girl throughout the book. She starts off as just a normal teenage girl at the mall shopping. By the end of the book, she is stronger than ever after going missing and her finding a way to escape. She is going to fight to get through this with her family and friends.
Layla starts as a teenager who likes most is blind-sighted by her love for her boyfriend, Donovan, who is abusing her and is very aggressive. As the book continues, she turns into a courageous woman who is starting to stick up for herself against Donovan. She is also building more relationships with friends as she gets Donovan out of her life.
SETTING:
Panic takes place mostly in the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy where the students dance. This book takes place in Ohio in the twenty-first century. With the big dance studio in Ohio and this being the twenty-first-century abuse such as Layla and Donovan’s case is left unseen. Things like this can make a huge impact on how a person dances out their feelings or how they text or lash out at the world. This period of them dancing is significant due to teenagers growing and needing to find themselves more than ever.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend this amazing book to anyone who loves being pulled into reading intense books. For some age-appropriate things, anyone lower than eighth grade should not read this book without parent or teacher permission/consent. I do not see anything in this book making a specific gender gravitate towards it; however, the subject of abuse and drugs has to be tolerated as the reader reads this book.
Panic by Sharon M. Draper is by far one of my favorite books. Throughout the book, I am amazed by how the author is feeling what the characters are feeling like emotional traumas. This book not only seems connected to the author, but it seems to have emotional ties to me too and to read a book like this makes me want to keep on reading.
PLOT:
This book is about a few teenagers named Diamond, Justin, Mercedes, Layla, and Donovan. Diamond is out with Mercedes, her best friend, at the mall when Mercedes wanders off and Diamond ends up going missing. She is now with a man named Thane who is by far one of the worst people on earth with many sexual offenses and so forth on his record. He gives her every day and then at night is getting paid by other guys to come and have fun with her. One day, she is lucid enough to save a spoon off her food tray. She breaks the end off of it to stab him in the back with it so she can escape. While Diamond is missing, a lot goes on without her. All of these teenagers are dancers but Donovan and that causes some issues because he gets jealous when Justin dances with Layla. One day, as they are waiting for school to start Justin, beats him up for grabbing and pulling on Layla’s wrist after they were all dancing in the hallway and Donovan got mad. Layla’s dad is also coming home from jail, so her life right now seems to be a big mess just as Diamond’s is. With Layla being someone to relate to, Diamond just coming home, and Thane abusing her, this book is very intense and pulls the reader in more and more.
CHARACTERIZATION:
Diamond is an amazingly strong girl throughout the book. She starts off as just a normal teenage girl at the mall shopping. By the end of the book, she is stronger than ever after going missing and her finding a way to escape. She is going to fight to get through this with her family and friends.
Layla starts as a teenager who likes most is blind-sighted by her love for her boyfriend, Donovan, who is abusing her and is very aggressive. As the book continues, she turns into a courageous woman who is starting to stick up for herself against Donovan. She is also building more relationships with friends as she gets Donovan out of her life.
SETTING:
Panic takes place mostly in the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy where the students dance. This book takes place in Ohio in the twenty-first century. With the big dance studio in Ohio and this being the twenty-first-century abuse such as Layla and Donovan’s case is left unseen. Things like this can make a huge impact on how a person dances out their feelings or how they text or lash out at the world. This period of them dancing is significant due to teenagers growing and needing to find themselves more than ever.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend this amazing book to anyone who loves being pulled into reading intense books. For some age-appropriate things, anyone lower than eighth grade should not read this book without parent or teacher permission/consent. I do not see anything in this book making a specific gender gravitate towards it; however, the subject of abuse and drugs has to be tolerated as the reader reads this book.
July 31, 2017
I hated this book.
First of all, the writing was bad to average. It wasn't the typographical errors, but the strange phrasing, repetition and bad dialogue tags that made it a pain to read.
And if I hear another song reference, I'm burning this book. One or two songs are alright, but there were so many the author had to make a list at the end. Find your own way to explain the emotion in a scene!
And how STUPID is Diamond? I'm alright with stupid characters, but she's clearly supposed to be smart based on what others say about her and, based on the other characters' input, the man's offer was supposed to be tempting. It isn't. She goes with a total stranger, "because famous people are going to be there and I'm obviously going to be a rock star." So either every single character in this book is stupid or the book is stupid. I wonder which it is.
Mary Sues unite. The characters in this book had three main problems: a) they were similar, b) they were boring and not well developed and c) they were all Mary Sues.
a) Their voices were all the same. They used the same phrases, used the same 'teenage slang' until they all blended together. Layla, Diamond, and Mercedes were too similar. How? They all had no personalities except "brave and kind."
b) Which brings me to my next point. These characters were boring and the development was either not done or rushed. Jillian was just thrown in there. She might have been a nice, typical character who seems cold but is actually nice, but she wasn't given enough time. Either write the character and do it well or don't do it all. (And how rushed was her development?) All the other characters were painfully two dimensional with little personality, so that they all blended together.
c) Why are Layla and Diamond Mary Sues? They're perfect characters. Any mistake they make is immediately forgiven. They're kind, and gullible, and sweet, and flawless. It bothers me.
If the book was longer or there were less characters or the characters were much, much more interesting, this might have been okay. But none of that happened, so.
Finally, how obvious does everything have to be? Symbolism is pushed in your face. Characters have random spontaneous therapy sessions, instead of the author explaining their emotions through actions or gestures or thoughts, where they say: "I'm scared." There is NOTHING subtle about this book. It's all obvious.
Don't read this book unless you enjoy throwing things across the room.
First of all, the writing was bad to average. It wasn't the typographical errors, but the strange phrasing, repetition and bad dialogue tags that made it a pain to read.
And if I hear another song reference, I'm burning this book. One or two songs are alright, but there were so many the author had to make a list at the end. Find your own way to explain the emotion in a scene!
And how STUPID is Diamond? I'm alright with stupid characters, but she's clearly supposed to be smart based on what others say about her and, based on the other characters' input, the man's offer was supposed to be tempting. It isn't. She goes with a total stranger, "because famous people are going to be there and I'm obviously going to be a rock star." So either every single character in this book is stupid or the book is stupid. I wonder which it is.
Mary Sues unite. The characters in this book had three main problems: a) they were similar, b) they were boring and not well developed and c) they were all Mary Sues.
a) Their voices were all the same. They used the same phrases, used the same 'teenage slang' until they all blended together. Layla, Diamond, and Mercedes were too similar. How? They all had no personalities except "brave and kind."
b) Which brings me to my next point. These characters were boring and the development was either not done or rushed. Jillian was just thrown in there. She might have been a nice, typical character who seems cold but is actually nice, but she wasn't given enough time. Either write the character and do it well or don't do it all. (And how rushed was her development?) All the other characters were painfully two dimensional with little personality, so that they all blended together.
c) Why are Layla and Diamond Mary Sues? They're perfect characters. Any mistake they make is immediately forgiven. They're kind, and gullible, and sweet, and flawless. It bothers me.
If the book was longer or there were less characters or the characters were much, much more interesting, this might have been okay. But none of that happened, so.
Finally, how obvious does everything have to be? Symbolism is pushed in your face. Characters have random spontaneous therapy sessions, instead of the author explaining their emotions through actions or gestures or thoughts, where they say: "I'm scared." There is NOTHING subtle about this book. It's all obvious.
Don't read this book unless you enjoy throwing things across the room.
June 6, 2024
⭐⭐⭐✨(3.7 stars)
Tags: Multiple POV; third person POVs; fiction; kidnapping; sexual abuse; domestic abuse; dance
Main Points:
-Enjoyed Peter Pan quotes
-Enjoyed sidelines, but felt they overshadowed the main storyline
-Powerful messages
-Discussion questions/paper ideas for students
I want to start off by saying that I finished this book in two days, but easily could have finished it in one. The chapters are short and the font is on the larger size, so it was a quick read. From the first chapter, Sharon Draper captivated me. Each chapter begins with quote(s) from Peter Pan, which I found to be a brilliant way to foreshadow the mood of the chapter.
For those who want a quick summary of the book: Diamond is a 15-year old girl who visits the mall with her friend, Mercedes. It was supposed to be a quick trip to purchase a new set of tights for their Spring Showcase. Diamond leaves Mercedes in the store and heads to the food court to get them a slice of pizza. Along the way, she encounters an older gentleman who convinces her to "audition" for a movie. After willingly leaving with the man, her life is turned upside down as is kidnapped, drugged, and undergoes numerous amounts of sexual abuse.
While Diamond's story is the basis of the book, the author includes perspectives of her friends (3rd person)- Mercedes, Justin, and Layla. While their perspectives give readers an insight into their lives, I personally felt the sidelines from their stories overshadowed the main storyline of the book. Layla deals with domestic abuse with her boyfriend, Donny. While this was a powerful message about the struggle of someone in this type of situation, and their journey to overcome it, I felt this took away from Diamond's story.
I would have also loved to have more of Diamond's perspective. Within 42 chapters of the book, only 12 chapters were from Diamond's perspective. I do want to give the writer props for the way she handled the writing of Diamond's abuse. These types of scenes can be extremely difficult to write. While the details were not overly descriptive, it was enough for readers to assume the events that occurred.
While I personally did not use the discussion questions and paper ideas provided at the end of the book, I did appreciate the author including them. I felt this book had several powerful messages that would make for great book discussions. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone may be interested.
Tags: Multiple POV; third person POVs; fiction; kidnapping; sexual abuse; domestic abuse; dance
Main Points:
-Enjoyed Peter Pan quotes
-Enjoyed sidelines, but felt they overshadowed the main storyline
-Powerful messages
-Discussion questions/paper ideas for students
I want to start off by saying that I finished this book in two days, but easily could have finished it in one. The chapters are short and the font is on the larger size, so it was a quick read. From the first chapter, Sharon Draper captivated me. Each chapter begins with quote(s) from Peter Pan, which I found to be a brilliant way to foreshadow the mood of the chapter.
For those who want a quick summary of the book: Diamond is a 15-year old girl who visits the mall with her friend, Mercedes. It was supposed to be a quick trip to purchase a new set of tights for their Spring Showcase. Diamond leaves Mercedes in the store and heads to the food court to get them a slice of pizza. Along the way, she encounters an older gentleman who convinces her to "audition" for a movie. After willingly leaving with the man, her life is turned upside down as is kidnapped, drugged, and undergoes numerous amounts of sexual abuse.
While Diamond's story is the basis of the book, the author includes perspectives of her friends (3rd person)- Mercedes, Justin, and Layla. While their perspectives give readers an insight into their lives, I personally felt the sidelines from their stories overshadowed the main storyline of the book. Layla deals with domestic abuse with her boyfriend, Donny. While this was a powerful message about the struggle of someone in this type of situation, and their journey to overcome it, I felt this took away from Diamond's story.
I would have also loved to have more of Diamond's perspective. Within 42 chapters of the book, only 12 chapters were from Diamond's perspective. I do want to give the writer props for the way she handled the writing of Diamond's abuse. These types of scenes can be extremely difficult to write. While the details were not overly descriptive, it was enough for readers to assume the events that occurred.
While I personally did not use the discussion questions and paper ideas provided at the end of the book, I did appreciate the author including them. I felt this book had several powerful messages that would make for great book discussions. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone may be interested.
May 18, 2018
Personal Response:
I really enjoyed Panic by Sharon Draper. This book was very eye-opening for me. The story this book told could happen to anyone. I think this book would help to be a good prevention for girls and boys. I also like that the stress through the book is merely resolved by dancing. The main character, Diamond, learned to channel her inner dance to help her free from her problems.
Plot:
This storyline started out as any other: happy. The main character, Diamond Landers who is fifteen years old, was in a dance academy along with her friends: Layla, Mercedes, and Justin, who are also all fifteen. The academy was getting ready to start a production of Peter Pan . All the girls wanted the part of Wendy, but there could only be one. Justin being the only boy, got the part of Peter Pan. Diamond and her best friend, Mercedes, decided to take a trip to the mall to get the very best tights. It was then that everything took a turn for the worst. While Mercedes was still looking at dance clothing, Diamond was starving and headed towards the mall cafeteria for a slice of pizza. On her way, she bumped into a tall, handsome man who had told her he was a famous producer who had a famous daughter. After some convincing was done, Diamond really believed she was going to be a star. She had decided to go home with the man. Diamond soon became struck with the truth that she was not starring in a movie. Diamond was, unfortunately, starring in sexual films that she was drugged and tied up for. As this was all happening to Diamond, the book shows the concern of the other dancers and family of Diamond. After a while, Diamond found a way to get outside and just run for as long as she could. She used her dancing skills to get away and soon was found by the police and returned to her friends and family.
Characterization:
Diamond Landers was a very strong girl who never gave up. She had a love for dance that helped her in hard situations. Diamonds best friend, Mercedes, also loved dance and played a big role in the situation by being the last person who had seen Diamond. Layla was also a friend of the girls from the dance academy. Layla was worried about Diamond but also had her own problems with her dad and boyfriend. Justin was the only boy in the dance academy, who was also deeply in love with Layla.
Setting:
This book took place at the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy in modern times. The other main place in the book was the man's house who kidnapped Diamond. The man who kidnapped Diamond lived in an unknown location. The setting was so important to this book because dancing was very important to every character in the book. The man’s house was important because Diamond was kidnapped and taken there.
Thematic Connection:
I believe the main theme of this book was to never go with strangers. Also, the theme of never settling for less or never giving up on a passion was evident. I believe the themes were important to help the storyline develop.
Recommendation:
I would highly recommend this book to young adults between the ages of 12-18. This book can be relatable to any gender. Though Panic is meant for a more mature reader because it contains sexual violence and kidnapping, the reading level is for middle schoolers. The things that happened could happen to anyone. This book does contain some material that may be hard for some to read.
January 7, 2022
3.5/5
Sharon M Draper is one of my favorite authors, so after reading Out of My Mind (go read it; it's the best!) I thought I was in for another book like that.
I was so wrong.
This book talked about topics even my english teacher struggled to talk about. I was amazed that Draper would talk about it, but I really do think think there should be more books like this so that people can understand that stuff like this really happens. Yes, it's completely wrong and horrible what happened to Diamond, but people have to understand that this stuff is real and I'm so glad that Draper was bold enough to discuss it.
Really trying hard not to spoil rn
But other than the fact that these topics were discussed? I didn't really like it. Sure, it was a quick read to fill my mind, but I wasn't invested in the characters. If I don't like the characters, I'm not going to like the book.
All in all, an eh book. Probably wouldn't read it again
Sharon M Draper is one of my favorite authors, so after reading Out of My Mind (go read it; it's the best!) I thought I was in for another book like that.
I was so wrong.
This book talked about topics even my english teacher struggled to talk about. I was amazed that Draper would talk about it, but I really do think think there should be more books like this so that people can understand that stuff like this really happens. Yes, it's completely wrong and horrible what happened to Diamond, but people have to understand that this stuff is real and I'm so glad that Draper was bold enough to discuss it.
Really trying hard not to spoil rn
But other than the fact that these topics were discussed? I didn't really like it. Sure, it was a quick read to fill my mind, but I wasn't invested in the characters. If I don't like the characters, I'm not going to like the book.
All in all, an eh book. Probably wouldn't read it again
June 11, 2023
Trigger warnings: abduction, rape, sex trafficking, pedophilia, domestic violence.
This book follows a group of ballet dancers, 15-16 years old. Each character is going through something heavy. When one of the girls is promised a chance to try out for a film, she goes missing. When one of the girls dances with the only guy in ballet class, she gets abused. Our lone male is trying to navigate unrequited love, the loss of his mom, and being the only guy in a ballet class.
The writing was good & these were important stories to tell. As the girla talk about, we are all taught to not talk to strangers or get in the car qith a stranger. Yet so many kids go missing each year. So many kids become victims & this world is not talking enough about the human trafficking that is happening under our noses.
The trigger warnings are not described graphically but are all represented. Definitely hard topics so I am glad the details were left to the readers imagination.
This book follows a group of ballet dancers, 15-16 years old. Each character is going through something heavy. When one of the girls is promised a chance to try out for a film, she goes missing. When one of the girls dances with the only guy in ballet class, she gets abused. Our lone male is trying to navigate unrequited love, the loss of his mom, and being the only guy in a ballet class.
The writing was good & these were important stories to tell. As the girla talk about, we are all taught to not talk to strangers or get in the car qith a stranger. Yet so many kids go missing each year. So many kids become victims & this world is not talking enough about the human trafficking that is happening under our noses.
The trigger warnings are not described graphically but are all represented. Definitely hard topics so I am glad the details were left to the readers imagination.
May 24, 2021
It’s a 7 hour audiobook that I finished in less than 4. I just wanted to get through it. I think if it had only focused on one story it might have been better but neither of them got the attention they needed, and both just made me uncomfortable. As did the forced attempt at the dialogue trying to sound like that of a teenager.
A part of me suspects that my feelings are mainly because of the audio, especially since after a while I switched it to twice the speed making a lot of moments sound frantic, but I doubt I would have gotten caught up in it just reading.
A part of me suspects that my feelings are mainly because of the audio, especially since after a while I switched it to twice the speed making a lot of moments sound frantic, but I doubt I would have gotten caught up in it just reading.
November 15, 2019
This YA book will appeal to young girls with its message about friendship, loyalty, and the dangers of sexual exploitation. Some of the content may be too adult for middle school girls, but most high schoolers will relate to many of the themes.
November 24, 2021
I had heard so many things about this book so I had to read it. That poor girl and all she went through. I don't think I could come back from something like that.
August 1, 2022
What a crazy book
June 7, 2019
Quick and easy read! Kind of cheesy, but what young adult novel isn’t? The author is from my hometown so I appreciated the little subtle mentions of Cincinnati :) I almost wish this book would have been longer. The book was climatic from start to finish!
September 29, 2024
I like Sharon Draper but I couldn't finish this book. It was bad. The characters were extremely childish and I really couldn't take them or what was going on seriously. I might come back to this one in the future but I don't know.
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February 16, 2022ummmm i definitely read this wayyy too young but also this is the same woman who wrote out of my mind??! anyways i reread it a couple of years ago and remember thinking it was so bad
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