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Jump When Ready #1
Jump When Ready
Since he drowned, Henry has remained with the same group of teenagers and he keeps wondering why. After all, what could he possibly have in common with a Mohawk-sporting punker from the 80s, a roller skater from the 70s with a thing for kimonos, and an English "rocker" from the 60s? Add to that, Henry can hear the other groups but he never sees them. Soon, Henry learns that his new friends all possess unique skills for making themselves noticed by the living. Is Henry's group kept isolated because of their abilities? If so, are they considered gifted or seen only as a potential bad influence?
Before Henry can reach any conclusions, he witnesses his sister being kidnapped. He knows who did it, where she's being held and what will happen if the kidnappers don't get what they want. As the police chase false leads, Henry comes to realize that he's his sister's only hope. But for Henry to even have a chance, he has to convince a group of teenagers that dead doesn't mean helpless.
Before Henry can reach any conclusions, he witnesses his sister being kidnapped. He knows who did it, where she's being held and what will happen if the kidnappers don't get what they want. As the police chase false leads, Henry comes to realize that he's his sister's only hope. But for Henry to even have a chance, he has to convince a group of teenagers that dead doesn't mean helpless.
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First published April 1, 2013
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About the author
David Pandolfe
10 books73 followersDavid Pandolfe is the author of the Streetlights Like Fireworks and Jump When Ready series. Reading his books, you'll soon learn that he likes writing stories about psychics, ghosts, unusual settings and characters who approach adventure with a sense of humor. He's not sure where the ghost obsession came from but he figured he might as well roll with it.
Before becoming a writer, David did a few other things. For example, he was once a bartender in Seattle, a singer/songwriter in a Los Angeles rock band and a college writing teacher in Richmond (not all at the same time, of course). These days, he lives near Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, two kids and a dog who's terrified of thunder. Not the best situation for their dog since it thunders from spring until fall in Richmond.
Before becoming a writer, David did a few other things. For example, he was once a bartender in Seattle, a singer/songwriter in a Los Angeles rock band and a college writing teacher in Richmond (not all at the same time, of course). These days, he lives near Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, two kids and a dog who's terrified of thunder. Not the best situation for their dog since it thunders from spring until fall in Richmond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 11, 2013
What can I say? Of course, I'm giving this one five stars since I wrote it. I'm really excited about JUMP WHEN READY being published and I hope you all enjoy the novel!
July 22, 2016
Are You Ready?,
When I first read the blurb for this book I had two distinct reactions. On the one hand I thought this could be an imaginative, exciting, thoughtful and creative variation on the teen adventure/thriller. On the other hand this could be a heavyhanded teen crime/suspense novel with an odd take on life/death or heaven/hell, and heavy reliance on teen angst and drama. Guess what? First reaction was right, and this is even better than I could have hoped.
We have a motley crew of teens who have to resolve their differences and come together as a team to save our hero's sister. But, they have to do it as spirits - teens who have died but have not yet crossed over. So, they have to come to grips with their limited ability to effect the real world and they have to rely on each other's unique strengths and abilities to accomplish their task. This isn't some heaven/hell allegory; if anything it is a very sly and knowing engagement with the powerlessness that teens often feel as they confront the real world. And that just slips in there between the lines.
What is up front is the camaraderie, banter, general good humor and fundamental decency of the teens. What spices it all isn't just the suspense plot, but the marvelously creative in-between world the author has imagined. That world is not presented through exposition or monologuing. Our recently deceased hero has to figure out how things work and what's going on, and understanding is parceled out in bits and pieces as the story unfolds. This keeps the reader focused and invested in the in-between world, and how it works and what it means is slowly unveiled. It is a wonderful job of timing and pacing, and sometimes the reader is ahead of the curve and sometimes behind, but is always into following the action.
So, this is well conceived, well crafted, a bit challenging for a YA reader, and very rewarding. What a nice find. Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
When I first read the blurb for this book I had two distinct reactions. On the one hand I thought this could be an imaginative, exciting, thoughtful and creative variation on the teen adventure/thriller. On the other hand this could be a heavyhanded teen crime/suspense novel with an odd take on life/death or heaven/hell, and heavy reliance on teen angst and drama. Guess what? First reaction was right, and this is even better than I could have hoped.
We have a motley crew of teens who have to resolve their differences and come together as a team to save our hero's sister. But, they have to do it as spirits - teens who have died but have not yet crossed over. So, they have to come to grips with their limited ability to effect the real world and they have to rely on each other's unique strengths and abilities to accomplish their task. This isn't some heaven/hell allegory; if anything it is a very sly and knowing engagement with the powerlessness that teens often feel as they confront the real world. And that just slips in there between the lines.
What is up front is the camaraderie, banter, general good humor and fundamental decency of the teens. What spices it all isn't just the suspense plot, but the marvelously creative in-between world the author has imagined. That world is not presented through exposition or monologuing. Our recently deceased hero has to figure out how things work and what's going on, and understanding is parceled out in bits and pieces as the story unfolds. This keeps the reader focused and invested in the in-between world, and how it works and what it means is slowly unveiled. It is a wonderful job of timing and pacing, and sometimes the reader is ahead of the curve and sometimes behind, but is always into following the action.
So, this is well conceived, well crafted, a bit challenging for a YA reader, and very rewarding. What a nice find. Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
September 1, 2014
Mortality. Yikes: heavy stuff. The sort of heavy stuff that most of us don’t really want to think about because it’s scary and depressing and unpleasant, but also something heavy that’s utterly inevitable and part of everyone’s life. Everyone has different views of what happens after we die, some more pleasant than others. But we really don’t know. In Jump When Ready, author David Pandolfe provides his take on the afterlife: an uplifting but not cliché vision.
When 14-year-old Henry drowns in a freak accident, he’s transported to a realm that can best be considered between-lives. In this realm, he meets a variety of characters roughly his own age, each with their own tragic backstory, each in the process of transitioning from their last life to the one that lies ahead. While trying to process his own death and the general consensus that he did away with himself, Henry’s older sister Bethany is abducted. Using his ability to communicate with the living, and the similar powers of some of his fellow departed friends, Henry undertakes a mission to save his sister at all costs.
While in description the plot may seem a bit contrived, Jump When Ready is a well-written, entertaining, and thought-provoking story about life, family, love, and what really happens to us — and our loved ones — when we die. It’s written in a conversational, casual and gripping voice. One can’t help but feel for Henry. His confusion comes across as very real, as does his frustration at the seeming futility of trying to help his sister after she’s kidnapped.
Whether you’re 14 or 24, this book is a fun read with endearing characters and a quick-moving plot. Jump When Ready is not a book to miss — especially not at a price point of $2.99. Pick it up. You won’t regret it.
When 14-year-old Henry drowns in a freak accident, he’s transported to a realm that can best be considered between-lives. In this realm, he meets a variety of characters roughly his own age, each with their own tragic backstory, each in the process of transitioning from their last life to the one that lies ahead. While trying to process his own death and the general consensus that he did away with himself, Henry’s older sister Bethany is abducted. Using his ability to communicate with the living, and the similar powers of some of his fellow departed friends, Henry undertakes a mission to save his sister at all costs.
While in description the plot may seem a bit contrived, Jump When Ready is a well-written, entertaining, and thought-provoking story about life, family, love, and what really happens to us — and our loved ones — when we die. It’s written in a conversational, casual and gripping voice. One can’t help but feel for Henry. His confusion comes across as very real, as does his frustration at the seeming futility of trying to help his sister after she’s kidnapped.
Whether you’re 14 or 24, this book is a fun read with endearing characters and a quick-moving plot. Jump When Ready is not a book to miss — especially not at a price point of $2.99. Pick it up. You won’t regret it.
April 22, 2013
It's 2:12 am and I just finished it. I usually can't stay awake past 11. That's an engaging book!!
July 8, 2013
As seen on my blog:
What a great throwback to the contemporary YA fiction I started off reading a year ago. It also didn't hurt that Jump When Ready had a great paranormal twist added to it. I appreciated the subtlety of it more than anything else, the idea of "ghosts" and "haunting" doesn't play as big a role as trust, self-realization, and essentially, coming-of-age, even if it is after death.
Jump When Ready reminded me of a Five People You Meet in Heaven , but for teens, and with a quick-paced, heart-thumping plot line. The main lead, Henry, has found himself in a place not quite far off from the reality he lived in before his death, but with more questions about his life than he ever had when he was breathing. Missing his family, and devastated for causing them pain, he's determined to get through to them somehow. What he didn't predict, was that he'd become witness to a horrific scene involving his sister being abducted and held against her will. What ensues is a world of rules, bending those rules, and learning from the new group of people around him, all of whom have spent much more time being "dead." How will he help his sister before it's too late? Who is willing to help him do that?...
I loved the almost dual storyline played out in Jump When Ready . Henry struggling to accept his new fate, while desperately trying to prevent his sister from meeting hers. It was the perfect grounds for what I think the author was trying to achieve, a coming-of-age story with elements of the age-old questions: What happens after we die? Is it possible to get another chance? I soaked in every last bit of detail that described Henry's new surroundings, the fact that anything was possible in his new state, every wish, every thought, manifested before your eyes-it made for some beautifully descriptive scenery. Who said the dead don't eat? You want the biggest burger you can fathom? Done. It was those little elements, mixed with such deep, and profound ones, that made Jump When Ready a solid piece of literature.
I've been spoiled with trilogies, sequels, and companion novels, and as much as I want the chance to spend more time with the characters I met in Jump When Ready , I loved (and hope), that this book was/is a standalone. It impacted my thoughts in a serious way, and I will most likely spend the next few days going over it, and over it, in my head.
Recommended for Fans of: YA Contemporary, Paranormal, and Mitch Albom
What a great throwback to the contemporary YA fiction I started off reading a year ago. It also didn't hurt that Jump When Ready had a great paranormal twist added to it. I appreciated the subtlety of it more than anything else, the idea of "ghosts" and "haunting" doesn't play as big a role as trust, self-realization, and essentially, coming-of-age, even if it is after death.
Jump When Ready reminded me of a Five People You Meet in Heaven , but for teens, and with a quick-paced, heart-thumping plot line. The main lead, Henry, has found himself in a place not quite far off from the reality he lived in before his death, but with more questions about his life than he ever had when he was breathing. Missing his family, and devastated for causing them pain, he's determined to get through to them somehow. What he didn't predict, was that he'd become witness to a horrific scene involving his sister being abducted and held against her will. What ensues is a world of rules, bending those rules, and learning from the new group of people around him, all of whom have spent much more time being "dead." How will he help his sister before it's too late? Who is willing to help him do that?...
I loved the almost dual storyline played out in Jump When Ready . Henry struggling to accept his new fate, while desperately trying to prevent his sister from meeting hers. It was the perfect grounds for what I think the author was trying to achieve, a coming-of-age story with elements of the age-old questions: What happens after we die? Is it possible to get another chance? I soaked in every last bit of detail that described Henry's new surroundings, the fact that anything was possible in his new state, every wish, every thought, manifested before your eyes-it made for some beautifully descriptive scenery. Who said the dead don't eat? You want the biggest burger you can fathom? Done. It was those little elements, mixed with such deep, and profound ones, that made Jump When Ready a solid piece of literature.
I've been spoiled with trilogies, sequels, and companion novels, and as much as I want the chance to spend more time with the characters I met in Jump When Ready , I loved (and hope), that this book was/is a standalone. It impacted my thoughts in a serious way, and I will most likely spend the next few days going over it, and over it, in my head.
Recommended for Fans of: YA Contemporary, Paranormal, and Mitch Albom
June 6, 2013
I don't read a lot of "afterlife" books, generally, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone. But I'm so glad I made the jump (Har har. See what I did there?) because JUMP WHEN READY was an engaging, poignant book that stayed with me long after I read the last word.
Henry is a great character with a consistent, realistic teenage voice. At first I had a little trouble keeping his new friends straight, but soon enough their personalities emerged and I loved the interaction between them. The idea of a group of friends from different decades, with different experiences and frames of reference, is really cool, and worked well within the world David created.
The story of Henry's sister's abduction is intense and heart-wrenching. David kept me guessing as to how it would all play out, and I felt Henry's desperation and fear for Bethany right along with him. All of the characters in this book were really well developed, and that included the "bad guys" who kidnapped Bethany as well.
There are difficult topics addressed in this book - suicide, abduction, and the obvious - death - and I think all are handled with sensitivity and respect. Despite the serious themes, the story stays surprisingly upbeat, with an incredibly poignant ending that had me in tears (the good kind!). Seriously. The ending made this book for me. All the pieces were engaging and kept me reading, but the way David tied everything up made me want to go back to the beginning and read it all over again, just to appreciate how it all comes together. When I came to the end, I was happy to have had the experience of following Henry's story and touched by the time I spent in David's world.
I highly recommend this book, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Henry is a great character with a consistent, realistic teenage voice. At first I had a little trouble keeping his new friends straight, but soon enough their personalities emerged and I loved the interaction between them. The idea of a group of friends from different decades, with different experiences and frames of reference, is really cool, and worked well within the world David created.
The story of Henry's sister's abduction is intense and heart-wrenching. David kept me guessing as to how it would all play out, and I felt Henry's desperation and fear for Bethany right along with him. All of the characters in this book were really well developed, and that included the "bad guys" who kidnapped Bethany as well.
There are difficult topics addressed in this book - suicide, abduction, and the obvious - death - and I think all are handled with sensitivity and respect. Despite the serious themes, the story stays surprisingly upbeat, with an incredibly poignant ending that had me in tears (the good kind!). Seriously. The ending made this book for me. All the pieces were engaging and kept me reading, but the way David tied everything up made me want to go back to the beginning and read it all over again, just to appreciate how it all comes together. When I came to the end, I was happy to have had the experience of following Henry's story and touched by the time I spent in David's world.
I highly recommend this book, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
December 26, 2013
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I was not disappointed, what an excellent book. The main focus of the book is a fourteen year old boy who has the misfortune of becoming a ghost. It is a tale of his becoming aware of himself and of other ghost that help him fulfill his mission while helping each other to realize their own talents.
This is an excellent read for Tweens and young adults. I highly recommend this to the younger readers or even the young at heart old readers. It is a thought provoking read that will keep you interested from beginning to end.
I would give this an easy 4.5 to 5 star rating. I appreciate the author for providing me this opportunity and look forward to the next book in what I hope to be an exciting series.
I know this type of book is not for everyone but I have never met or do not know the author at all. I find it unnecessary to make accusations of other readers and reviewers just because you did not care for the book
This is an excellent read for Tweens and young adults. I highly recommend this to the younger readers or even the young at heart old readers. It is a thought provoking read that will keep you interested from beginning to end.
I would give this an easy 4.5 to 5 star rating. I appreciate the author for providing me this opportunity and look forward to the next book in what I hope to be an exciting series.
I know this type of book is not for everyone but I have never met or do not know the author at all. I find it unnecessary to make accusations of other readers and reviewers just because you did not care for the book
April 24, 2013
I absolutely loved this book, and read it in two sittings, I didn't want to stop! I wished the main characters were my friends (around whom I could wrap my arms and with whom I could spend my free afternoons), and the story is so beautifully written so real that I actually felt their struggle. It's a fresh and exciting one: a "who am I" story, inside a really cool spiritual ("bigger-than-us") perspective, and tied together by an exciting thriller. Jump When Ready stuck with me - what vivid vulnerability and strength, the core of coming of age. Young adults will relate to (and adults will remember) the feeling of 'in-between,' and any reader will be fully entertained by the have-you-on-edge, nail-biter of a plot.
January 4, 2014
Definitely a good read! I'm sure the author had as much fun writing this story as I had fun reading it.
A tale of a teenager who seemed lost in afterlife but eventually find his place among his group of 'between-lifers'. When tragedy strikes the living, he finds that a certain 'ability' may help him change the course of the living... but things don't go as smoothly as hoped. The author paints a wonderfully magical afterlife, sprinkled with teenage wonderment, friendship, family love and an exciting dose of the supernatural to make a story that is just heart warming to read.
David Pandolfe has imagined an afterlife that opens up so many doors to untold stories... wish this story was longer! will be on the lookout for more works from him.
A tale of a teenager who seemed lost in afterlife but eventually find his place among his group of 'between-lifers'. When tragedy strikes the living, he finds that a certain 'ability' may help him change the course of the living... but things don't go as smoothly as hoped. The author paints a wonderfully magical afterlife, sprinkled with teenage wonderment, friendship, family love and an exciting dose of the supernatural to make a story that is just heart warming to read.
David Pandolfe has imagined an afterlife that opens up so many doors to untold stories... wish this story was longer! will be on the lookout for more works from him.
May 10, 2013
Fantastic read. I'm looking forward to future stories from this author.
Great plot, likeable characters and good pace at storytelling. I haven't noticed any grammar, spelling or editing issues.
I got this book for free and I was a surprise how much I enjoyed it.
Great plot, likeable characters and good pace at storytelling. I haven't noticed any grammar, spelling or editing issues.
I got this book for free and I was a surprise how much I enjoyed it.
October 27, 2013
Good book. Thought provoking. Really fast read and the type of book that makes you want to read it in one sitting. Like you want to read more than sleep.
June 29, 2020
A great story
I loved this story. It was the perfect afterlife with all the feels. The characters and storyline all fit do well together.Definitely recommend
I loved this story. It was the perfect afterlife with all the feels. The characters and storyline all fit do well together.Definitely recommend
September 9, 2016
Jump When Ready by David Pandolfe is a well done after-life story about 14-year-old Henry who accidentally drowns while wading in a river during a teen party. He finds himself in the company other “dead kids” and an older woman, Martha, in another place – a nice, “normal” place that changes according to the desires of the kids and Martha. The kids have their own home together, each with their own private room that suits their personalities and interests from the lives they just left. A food court provides any type of meal.
As part of the process of settling in to his new “life,” the other kids take Henry to his own funeral. Although undetectable by the living, Henry discovers that by really trying he can make his family hear him talking to them in their heads – if only they would believe it was really him! What begins as Henry desperately trying to get through to his family and make them understand that his death was accidental rather than suicide becomes a critical ability when his older sister, Bethany, is kidnapped and held for ransom by a sinister online acquaintance.
Henry and his new friends attempt to save Bethany and bring her captors to justice as they come to understand their afterlife, begin to develop their newly discovered ghostly skills, and avoid becoming ghostly shades trapped in their former lives.The author’s vision of the kids’ afterlife was great and well described. Explanations of “how things worked” were gradually worked into the storyline so there was a nicely drawn out feeling of discovery. Henry is initially confused and the gradual unveiling of the story was nicely done and progressed at what I felt was a natural pace.
I really liked the main characters. The author provided a nice variety of young teenage characters to populate the new surroundings, and their voices, attitudes, and actions sounded true and appropriate to their ages and situations.The gradual “reveal” of what heaven is, what hell is, and the soul was gentle, positive, and hopeful, and left me interested in knowing where things might go next for all the main characters.
July 6, 2013
Actual rating: 4.5/5
As soon as I started this book, I knew it was going to be good. I absolutely loved the style and voice of the writing. It charmed me right away and I was pulled in to this really cool world. Jump When Ready is a book that you would think would be kind of sad and depressing, as it's about a boy who dies and tries to help his family from the "in between" but the author does an excellent job of incorporating humour into it and keeps the story with a lightness to it. Here's a quote from the beginning that I liked:
"I’d drowned, met a bunch of kids in a tree, slept in a hammock
that had turned into a house which had disappeared again, then gone
to my own funeral. Now I basically had an apartment in a house the
size of Texas with an arcade, food court and inside pool."
I thought the writing was really well done and I was never bored with the story. The characters were all very distinct, which is one thing that always sticks out to me in a book, and they were very well developed as well. Another plus to this book was the pacing. It was fast-paced and exciting, because even though it was an 'after-life story,' it was still suspenseful and the story was always moving. My heart ached for Henry as he watched his sister's kidnapping take place and the fact that he couldn't do anything about it... I was constantly guessing how it would turn out and I couldn't stop reading until I found out.
Overall, Jump When Ready was an impressive debut that I would recommend to anyone, really. I loved this book and am looking forward to seeing what the author will come up with next!
As soon as I started this book, I knew it was going to be good. I absolutely loved the style and voice of the writing. It charmed me right away and I was pulled in to this really cool world. Jump When Ready is a book that you would think would be kind of sad and depressing, as it's about a boy who dies and tries to help his family from the "in between" but the author does an excellent job of incorporating humour into it and keeps the story with a lightness to it. Here's a quote from the beginning that I liked:
"I’d drowned, met a bunch of kids in a tree, slept in a hammock
that had turned into a house which had disappeared again, then gone
to my own funeral. Now I basically had an apartment in a house the
size of Texas with an arcade, food court and inside pool."
I thought the writing was really well done and I was never bored with the story. The characters were all very distinct, which is one thing that always sticks out to me in a book, and they were very well developed as well. Another plus to this book was the pacing. It was fast-paced and exciting, because even though it was an 'after-life story,' it was still suspenseful and the story was always moving. My heart ached for Henry as he watched his sister's kidnapping take place and the fact that he couldn't do anything about it... I was constantly guessing how it would turn out and I couldn't stop reading until I found out.
Overall, Jump When Ready was an impressive debut that I would recommend to anyone, really. I loved this book and am looking forward to seeing what the author will come up with next!
June 13, 2013
I was given this book to review by the author on goodreads. It did not disappoint. I was immediately taken in with the main character Henry and his transition into the in between and his goal to help save his sister Bethany. It touches on many points in a subtle way. It presents the side of a love one passing (Henry) and his difficulty with the fact that he is gone. We get the perspective of the loved ones left behind (his family) and the different grieving processes: his father's drinking, the mother's depression and the reaching out to strangers by his sister Bethany.
One of the best parts of this book was the understanding of the roles of each of the kids in the "in between" and the histories behind their death. While most people would think that reading about the death of young boy and his struggle to help his family would be in a way upsetting, the author does a great job of incorporating humor and the traits of teen emotion into his characters. As seen with the inability of his brother John to focus with the problem at hand but rather on a girl.
My favorite character while a bit elusive at first was Curtis. He provides an air of mystery. He is the bad boy with a heart. One that is not seen until it really counts.
Overall, this book captivates its reader since the beginning and gives a well rounded conclusion. I highly recommend it.
One of the best parts of this book was the understanding of the roles of each of the kids in the "in between" and the histories behind their death. While most people would think that reading about the death of young boy and his struggle to help his family would be in a way upsetting, the author does a great job of incorporating humor and the traits of teen emotion into his characters. As seen with the inability of his brother John to focus with the problem at hand but rather on a girl.
My favorite character while a bit elusive at first was Curtis. He provides an air of mystery. He is the bad boy with a heart. One that is not seen until it really counts.
Overall, this book captivates its reader since the beginning and gives a well rounded conclusion. I highly recommend it.
July 4, 2013
I read this book in one sitting. I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Originally I thought this would be a depressing book since the main character is dead and stuck “in-between” worlds, but it wasn’t doom and gloom. There is witty banter and strong bonds between characters. And speaking of characters, I loved all of the characters that Henry meets upon his arrival to the in-between world. They are realistic and each have their own quirkiness that makes me want to be their friend (Yes, even Curtis). The pacing was fast and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was exciting to get to know each kid in the in-between world and the group dynamics. It was even more exciting to watch Henry try to save his sister Bethany from the world beyond. The combination of coming-of-age, philosophical and thriller story comes together to make a fascinating and engaging book. It makes you think about what the afterlife will be like and if the “in-between” world will be as frustrating as it is for Henry. I can’t wait for my students to read this book in the fall. I think there will be many amazing conversations that come from reading this book.
January 7, 2014
I received a free copy of this book as an exchange for an honest review. Jump When Ready is an interesting take on the afterlife of a teenage boy who accidentally drowned. Sitting in a tree occupied by other teens hardly feels like being dead, but that's what Henry is - dead. Yet, Henry can talk to the other deceased teens, travel to places just by imagining being there, and he can see the world of the "living" as if he never left. The only thing he cannot do is to communicate with the living and change the course of their lives... Until Henry's sister is kidnapped and her life is in grave danger...
In his book Jump When Ready, David Pandolfe creates a unique "between-life" scenario where the deceased teens learn how their actions as mere ghosts can affect the physical world they no longer belong to, and how the spiritual part of their physical being continues into the afterlife. The book is very well written, has many interesting and thought-provoking elements, and definitely makes one wish the "afterlife" really existed. I especially liked the interesting teen characters and my only regret is that I did not learn more about them.
In his book Jump When Ready, David Pandolfe creates a unique "between-life" scenario where the deceased teens learn how their actions as mere ghosts can affect the physical world they no longer belong to, and how the spiritual part of their physical being continues into the afterlife. The book is very well written, has many interesting and thought-provoking elements, and definitely makes one wish the "afterlife" really existed. I especially liked the interesting teen characters and my only regret is that I did not learn more about them.
May 3, 2013
I really didn't mean to read it in one sitting, but the suspense started early and stayed until the end. "Jump When Ready" manages to tell a story that involves drowning, kidnapping and suicide without being sad and still maintaining respect. The supernatural gives it a little edge, the humor keeps it light, the suspense keeps it moving and the character development and interactions keep it engaging. I also enjoyed reading the basic "teenage-ness" applied to a group of kids from different decades with different backgrounds. And really, throw The Smiths and The Cure into a story and I am sold! I will definitely be passing this to my 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son; I know they will both enjoy it! (Potential for a great film soundtrack...)
May 13, 2013
Jump When Ready grabs you by the shirt collar right from the start. I cared immediately about the story and the characters; and couldn’t wait to join their journey. A quick-paced and fully engaging read that leaves you wanting. More! More! More! These wonderful children “in-between” with their real-life challenges, witty banter, heroics and emotional insights will be with me for a long time to come. A thought-provoking take on life after life. Jump When Ready closes generation gaps, shortens the distance felt between the living and those who have passed before us, and leaves one certain of the wisdom and magic we are all capable of.
June 25, 2013
This book was absolutely amazing! I loved how despite it's somewhat depressing storyline about death/suicide and kidnapping, the book itself was very light and really a joy to read. I hated having to put it down to do other stuff! I got so engrossed and was cheering on Henry as he tried to navigate his situation and help his sister at the same time. The ending had me tearing up. I'm so glad I read this book.
December 26, 2013
David Pandolfe takes death and gives you a whole new way to look at it. When 14 year old Henry dies he doesn't end up quite where he expected. He finds himself in a tree surrounded by a cast of colorful characters. They embark on a journey to save Henry's sister Bethany, but what can of group of kids between life do? Can they really help her?
This is an amazingly fast paced book that you are not going to want to miss!
This is an amazingly fast paced book that you are not going to want to miss!
January 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down, lovely concept to it. It would be nice to think that this is what happens to you when you die, sorry I mean when you are "between lives" I got this book free in exchange for a review and I can honestly say I would've happily paid for it now that I've read it. I will be looking out for this author now, it would be nice if there was more books following this story! Please write a sequel :)
January 7, 2014
A fascinating world, lovable characters and a nail-biter story, what else can one ask for in a novel?
David Pandolfe took a situation that I would have assumed to be sad and terrifying and turned it into a surprisingly thought-provoking and upbeat page-turner.
What a great read!
David Pandolfe took a situation that I would have assumed to be sad and terrifying and turned it into a surprisingly thought-provoking and upbeat page-turner.
What a great read!
July 2, 2016
This book has a very interesting take on death. It's a fast but very engaging read. I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of it, especially near the end. Extremely well-written. Can't wait to read the next two books.
May 26, 2013
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and suggest that the other 9 reviews were written by friends and family of the author.
October 28, 2013
Good book with an interesting take on the afterlife.
August 5, 2021
Well it was a really surprising little gem, I loved all the characters in this book. What happens when you find yourself dead and on the other side of the curtain, where nobody in the living world can see or hear you. Or can they?
Henry discovers that he is dead, to make matters worse, he sees his sister being kidnapped. Now dead, there is nothing much he can do. Even though he tries to warn his family, but that doesn't end well for them or for himself.
Can Henry save his sister or is she doomed to be on the same side as him? It is a race against time, and he is trying to convince his new dead friends to save his sister.
Masterful written, it is about life after death, friendship mixed with some action. There are surprisingly twist in the story and the emotional heartfelt state of Henry that keeps your reading.
Henry discovers that he is dead, to make matters worse, he sees his sister being kidnapped. Now dead, there is nothing much he can do. Even though he tries to warn his family, but that doesn't end well for them or for himself.
Can Henry save his sister or is she doomed to be on the same side as him? It is a race against time, and he is trying to convince his new dead friends to save his sister.
Masterful written, it is about life after death, friendship mixed with some action. There are surprisingly twist in the story and the emotional heartfelt state of Henry that keeps your reading.
October 6, 2021
Jump When Ready— David Pandolfe (15 chapters) Oct. 5, 2021
Henry just accidentally died, never mind what everyone else thinks. However, crossing over to the in-between puts him with other kids his age, and they all have one thing in common.
But before Henry can figure that out, he starts having nightmares about his sister, and when he realizes what is happening, he enlists his new friends to try and save her.
A fun quick read, but it kind of went silly in the end. I can’t decide if I plan to read the next two book or not.
Aside from the danger his sister gets into (which may be a trigger alert for some people,) and the Pollyanna approach the author took with this plot, it might be all right for the younger reader set, but I suggests parents and guardians read first to be better informed.
Three stars.
Henry just accidentally died, never mind what everyone else thinks. However, crossing over to the in-between puts him with other kids his age, and they all have one thing in common.
But before Henry can figure that out, he starts having nightmares about his sister, and when he realizes what is happening, he enlists his new friends to try and save her.
A fun quick read, but it kind of went silly in the end. I can’t decide if I plan to read the next two book or not.
Aside from the danger his sister gets into (which may be a trigger alert for some people,) and the Pollyanna approach the author took with this plot, it might be all right for the younger reader set, but I suggests parents and guardians read first to be better informed.
Three stars.
March 22, 2017
This was a quick read ... and as the main characters here are all teens, it felt very "teen" to me. It was a little hard to take seriously. Several teen ghosts hanging out together, it turns out they all have special abilities (one can move things, one can talk to the living, one can be seen by the living, one can hear the livings thoughts). This all comes in handy when Henry's sister is kidnapped (being held for ransom). With their ghostly powers, I'm surprised it takes as long as it does to rescue her ... I guess the other ghosts haven't really used their powers to DO anything for all the years they've been hanging around (Henry is new, only having been dead a short while).
The topic of suicide is discussed a few times (Henry didn't kill himself, but it looks that way. One of the other ghosts did commit suicide though). Some interesting thoughts on what an afterlife could be like ... not your traditional pearly gates.
Still ... just so so for me.
The topic of suicide is discussed a few times (Henry didn't kill himself, but it looks that way. One of the other ghosts did commit suicide though). Some interesting thoughts on what an afterlife could be like ... not your traditional pearly gates.
Still ... just so so for me.
July 13, 2021
I read it all, in one day. So that's a big plus. But it's a very Young adult approach to what may happen after death. I liked it but I would be hesitant to recommend. It's pretty basic writing and characterizations. On one level, I hate it when teens sound and act like people in their thirties. These teens are definitely teen agers, on the young side, there is no sex, nor thought of sex here. On the other hand, they are not big on insight, and the voice of the narrator is not very sophisticated either, so there is that. There are more books in this series but I think I am done here.
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