Swallow

by Jayna Ostler

Seventeen-year-old Ashton has no interest in doing anything with his life besides creating art. So when a new student, Kaelee, starts skipping class in the same hall, he does everything in his power to not become friends with the girl who might have more problems than he does. Although, the more they talk and are around each other, the more he realizes that there might be more to life than drawing and not eating. Will they both be able to help one another overcome their depression and destructive habits or drag each other down?

226 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2014

About the author

Jayna Ostler grew up in Northern Utah. When she's not busy writing her next novel, she's adding to her personal library, attending concerts, contemplating her next tattoo, fangirling hard over one of many fandoms, and balancing work life with her creative one. Swallow, her debut book, was written in fifteen days. The Openers and Stereo followed quickly after in their publishing. Seven Cities is her fourth book and she continues to plan and plot many more to come.

Reviews

[Jan Ostler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Yes, I know, my daughter wrote the book, but she doesn't get this creative brilliance from her parents. Must be her Grandma Rosemary. Wonderful writing! Wonderful story. Wonderful characters! Great job for your first published book Jayna!

[Claustropheobe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that even though this is just a shout into the void, I have every right to shout it, and to the prospective people who might read this review hoping for some insight, know that these are my humble opinions and may not be the same as yours, but I'm someone trying to be a person. So from one trying person to another, I can, with unwavering strength, say that this book is beautiful. It captured me in its almost sterile little plane, and though it started off with a bit of a stumble, it picked itself right back up and briskly jogged the rest of the way. There is no excess of words. In fact, sometimes I felt like there were too little. Too little indication of fact, with only a vague opinion to give us insight. We are told this and we are to go along with it. And yet that quality itself is something that makes this novel as human as it is. No unnecessary flashbacks or random revelations that will flippantly change the character of the mc. Just sweet and gentle pushes in the right, or even wrong, direction. I found myself cursing out the main character for not realizing the things I was. I became so attached; I wanted all the questions answered but these things tend to only be so obvious in retrospect, I know. Inversely, there are questions which are never even answered, but left so wide open that I wonder if even the characters themselves know. So I have concluded for myself that here we have the bare bones. But this is Jayna Ostler's first novel, and as a piece written in only 15 days for Nation Novel Writing Month, I believe the best is yet to come.

[Marbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swallow is a story that shouldn't be underestimated. I know I did at first. The first few chapters had annoyed me to the point that I had to share my frustrations with my little brother. Then he said, "It sounds like the Breakfast Club. I thought you loved that movie." It wasn't until that moment that I realized Swallow is like a very personal version of The Breakfast Club, its story extending from before "the detention" to long after. I enjoyed that Jayna Ostler brought attention to multiple matters of my personal importance, such as adolescent mental health, the arts, the importance of friendship, and more.

In a nutshell: Considering that this was written for NaNoWriMo, it was amazing. I cried at the end. You should definitely read Swallow.

[Ephraim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready for this. I had no idea what I was stepping into. I just finished the book and I feel destroyed. Could not put down, finished it in a 24 hour period. Very well written, fast paced, and a book to truly haunt your soul.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a beautiful young woman who taught me to play guitar hero and baby sat my kids. To be honest that is why I picked it up without even knowing what it was about. I am so grateful I did because this is one of the best books I have ever read. Once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. I was so caught up in how Kae was going to make Ash better that I didnt expect it to end the way it did and the epilogue was perfect. This book fed all of my emotions. Yes, I cried and yes I will read this book again and recommend it. It does have some language in it, so if you are easily offended by that it may not be for you. Happy Reading!

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book cuts deeply. It left me feeling extremely raw. Refreshingly present and very real. It stumbled a bit at first, but built momentum. Great characterization and growth in the main character. Could have used a bit more fleshing out of the secondary characters. The epilogue was cute, but unnecessary.

[Ashton Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of seeing Swallow in the infant stages. Since then, it has matured into a great story with strong characters, painful moments, and a great ride you'll want to take again and again.