What do you think?
Rate this book
The Protected
I have three months left to call Katie my older sister. Then the gap will close and I will pass her. I will get older. But Katie will always be fifteen, eleven months and twenty-one days old.
Hannah's world is in pieces and she doesn't need the school counsellor to tell her she has deep-seated psychological issues. With a seriously depressed mum, an injured dad and a dead sister, who wouldn't have problems?
Hannah should feel terrible but for the first time in ages, she feels a glimmer of hope and isn't afraid anymore. Is it because the elusive Josh is taking an interest in her? Or does it run deeper than that?
In a family torn apart by grief and guilt, one girl's struggle to come to terms with years of torment shows just how long old wounds can take to heal.
Hannah's world is in pieces and she doesn't need the school counsellor to tell her she has deep-seated psychological issues. With a seriously depressed mum, an injured dad and a dead sister, who wouldn't have problems?
Hannah should feel terrible but for the first time in ages, she feels a glimmer of hope and isn't afraid anymore. Is it because the elusive Josh is taking an interest in her? Or does it run deeper than that?
In a family torn apart by grief and guilt, one girl's struggle to come to terms with years of torment shows just how long old wounds can take to heal.
254 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2014
99 people are currently reading
2629 people want to read
About the author
Claire Zorn
8 books175 followersClaire Zorn grew up in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. She studied Fine Arts at UWS and Writing at UTS. She currently lives on the South Coast of NSW with her husband and two small children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
June 30, 2015
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
Keep a close eye on Claire Zorn, guys, this author is going places. The Protected is my first novel by Claire Zorn, and it blew me away. This story centers around fifteen year old Hannah, whose sister passed away a year ago and is still trying to pick herself and her family up from the wreckage.
Hannah’s life has never been easy. Before the accident, she was bullied, treated like nothing different to a toy, just prodded and mocked at. After the accident, the bullying stopped, but Hannah became sisterless, her father was severely injured and her once professional homemaker mother got depressed and hasn’t left the house since her sister’s funeral. Honestly, I don’t know how Hannah does it, how she managed to endure it all. I absolutely adored her narration, it’s full of wit and raw emotion, and totally sucked me into her head.
Friendship is such a strong element in Claire Zorn’s novel. Josh was the new boy at school and he was so accepting and positive towards Hannah. I don’t really see him as a love interest even though he sort of becomes one throughout the novel but his role as a best friend is of utmost importance. I loved how Hannah found hope and saw Josh as a way to rebuild and reorganise her life, Hannah and Josh’s friendship was palpable and well developed, and their conversations always left a smile on my face.
The Protected isn’t just told in the present. Hannah shows us her past before the accident during the time she was bullied and how she lost her only friend, Charlotte, till the time after her accident when suddenly all the bullies had backed off. I found it truly heart-breaking but interesting to see how one small thing could lead to so much destruction. We also get to see glimpses of Katie and Hannah’s sisterly relationship. Not all sister relationships are perfect, and I liked how their relationship was portrayed–their grudges and occasional bitterness towards each other–and soon we begin to understand Hannah’s guilt and grief ourselves.
Furthermore, I loved the writing and how beautiful and raw it was. I was completely immersed into Hannah’s world, I could feel every emotion, and understand every thought.
Can I talk about the setting for a moment? I loved it. I loved the heat and the setting by the mountains. Something about it just made everything feel more real.
I think Claire Zorn has found a place on my favourite Aussie YA list, the realistic characters and beautiful relationships have all dug under my skin. There’s no doubt that I will be picking up The Sky So Heavy sometime soon.
~Thank you UQP Australia for sending me this copy!~
Keep a close eye on Claire Zorn, guys, this author is going places. The Protected is my first novel by Claire Zorn, and it blew me away. This story centers around fifteen year old Hannah, whose sister passed away a year ago and is still trying to pick herself and her family up from the wreckage.
Hannah’s life has never been easy. Before the accident, she was bullied, treated like nothing different to a toy, just prodded and mocked at. After the accident, the bullying stopped, but Hannah became sisterless, her father was severely injured and her once professional homemaker mother got depressed and hasn’t left the house since her sister’s funeral. Honestly, I don’t know how Hannah does it, how she managed to endure it all. I absolutely adored her narration, it’s full of wit and raw emotion, and totally sucked me into her head.
Friendship is such a strong element in Claire Zorn’s novel. Josh was the new boy at school and he was so accepting and positive towards Hannah. I don’t really see him as a love interest even though he sort of becomes one throughout the novel but his role as a best friend is of utmost importance. I loved how Hannah found hope and saw Josh as a way to rebuild and reorganise her life, Hannah and Josh’s friendship was palpable and well developed, and their conversations always left a smile on my face.
The Protected isn’t just told in the present. Hannah shows us her past before the accident during the time she was bullied and how she lost her only friend, Charlotte, till the time after her accident when suddenly all the bullies had backed off. I found it truly heart-breaking but interesting to see how one small thing could lead to so much destruction. We also get to see glimpses of Katie and Hannah’s sisterly relationship. Not all sister relationships are perfect, and I liked how their relationship was portrayed–their grudges and occasional bitterness towards each other–and soon we begin to understand Hannah’s guilt and grief ourselves.
Furthermore, I loved the writing and how beautiful and raw it was. I was completely immersed into Hannah’s world, I could feel every emotion, and understand every thought.
Can I talk about the setting for a moment? I loved it. I loved the heat and the setting by the mountains. Something about it just made everything feel more real.
I think Claire Zorn has found a place on my favourite Aussie YA list, the realistic characters and beautiful relationships have all dug under my skin. There’s no doubt that I will be picking up The Sky So Heavy sometime soon.
~Thank you UQP Australia for sending me this copy!~
September 29, 2017
Available to 'read now' on Netgalley here - https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley.)
This was a contemporary story about a girl whose sister died in a car accident.
I felt really sorry for Hannah, firstly because of the bullying she had been through, secondly for losing her sister the way she had, and thirdly for the impact of the accident on her life.
The storyline in this book was about Hannah coming to terms with the death of her sister, and also beginning to remember what had happened before the accident, and wondering if her father was at fault which was difficult for her. We got a bit of flirtation between Hannah and a boy at school who was the only person who would speak to her, and he slowly bought Hannah out of her shell.
The ending to this was a little bittersweet.
6.5 out of 10
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and NetGalley.)
This was a contemporary story about a girl whose sister died in a car accident.
I felt really sorry for Hannah, firstly because of the bullying she had been through, secondly for losing her sister the way she had, and thirdly for the impact of the accident on her life.
The storyline in this book was about Hannah coming to terms with the death of her sister, and also beginning to remember what had happened before the accident, and wondering if her father was at fault which was difficult for her. We got a bit of flirtation between Hannah and a boy at school who was the only person who would speak to her, and he slowly bought Hannah out of her shell.
The ending to this was a little bittersweet.
6.5 out of 10
February 13, 2019
A short, sweet, and perceptive view on what it’s like to experience your sibling’s death. Hannah carries a lot on her shoulders and does a pretty damn good job of keeping it together considering. I appreciated the lack of filler in this book. It was straight to the point.
August 1, 2020
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this lovely and insightful work by Claire Zorn. "The Protected" examines and seeks to work apart the effect the loss of a family member has on those who are left behind. We are introduced to Hannah and her parents nearly a year after her sister Kate was killed in an accident, where the family has been reduced to shattered crumbs. And the narrative style choice is interesting. It's very fragmented, which fits well with the mental state of all those involved. Sometimes the narrative seems to slow a bit, as we don't get to the truly meaningful questions of what happened to Hannah and what happened the day of the accident until late in the book, but the questions asked and their answers are very effective. It is a painful situation, and that is handled very appropriately. I loved the secondary characters, and the relationshps that formed with the protagonist.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
August 7, 2016
3.75 stars.
I've been meaning to read this book for a looooong time, especially since it won the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers last year. But between the boring cover, the fact that my students never seemed interested in it, and the super serious issues-y blurb, I just kept putting it off. Until now.
And honestly? I think there was a little bit too much going on in this book. I mean...
1. Hannah's sister died in a car accident nearly a year ago.
2. Hannah's father was driving and is about to go to court over it.
2a. The accident left him with amnesia, so he has no idea if he's responsible for his daughter's death or not.
2b. Hannah claims to also have amnesia, but she doesn't. She knows exactly what happened.
3. Hannah's mother basically hasn't left the house since her daughter died.
4. Hannah was bullied basically non-stop from her first day of year 7 until her sister died. She's now in year 11. It doesn't take a maths genius to figure out that that's FOUR SOLID YEARS OF BULLYING.
4a. Even if her parents didn't notice, I call bullshit on the fact that NOT A SINGLE TEACHER OR YEAR LEVEL COORDINATOR NOTICED.
4b. Sure, you can't MAKE a kid tell you what's going on. But she was having fruit thrown at her in the school grounds. Having her bag stolen. Having her uniform defaced. Having Facebook groups created calling her a lesbian and a man. There's no way in HELL the school wouldn't have stepped in.
4c.
It just...felt like too many problems. Too many issues. Add in the fact that there was nothing to distinguish between flashbacks and the present and I was left struggling a lot of the time. Frankly, it was the supporting characters that redeemed this one for me. Josh was adorable, and while he's clearly interested in Hannah, he never pressures her and is just happy to be her friend and spend time with her. Anne, the school counsellor, was fabulous. And Mrs. Van, the neighbour who no one will listen to but who knows what they're going through gave me a lot of feels.
Ultimately, it did have its emotional moments. And it made me angry and frustrated and sad all at the same time. And I DID enjoy how Australian it was. Plus, it's a quick read - it's only 250 odd pages. But there's no way Hannah wouldn't have been on the watch list of every year level coordinator and homeroom teacher she's ever had.
I've been meaning to read this book for a looooong time, especially since it won the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers last year. But between the boring cover, the fact that my students never seemed interested in it, and the super serious issues-y blurb, I just kept putting it off. Until now.
And honestly? I think there was a little bit too much going on in this book. I mean...
1. Hannah's sister died in a car accident nearly a year ago.
2. Hannah's father was driving and is about to go to court over it.
2a. The accident left him with amnesia, so he has no idea if he's responsible for his daughter's death or not.
2b. Hannah claims to also have amnesia, but she doesn't. She knows exactly what happened.
3. Hannah's mother basically hasn't left the house since her daughter died.
4. Hannah was bullied basically non-stop from her first day of year 7 until her sister died. She's now in year 11. It doesn't take a maths genius to figure out that that's FOUR SOLID YEARS OF BULLYING.
4a. Even if her parents didn't notice, I call bullshit on the fact that NOT A SINGLE TEACHER OR YEAR LEVEL COORDINATOR NOTICED.
4b. Sure, you can't MAKE a kid tell you what's going on. But she was having fruit thrown at her in the school grounds. Having her bag stolen. Having her uniform defaced. Having Facebook groups created calling her a lesbian and a man. There's no way in HELL the school wouldn't have stepped in.
4c.
It just...felt like too many problems. Too many issues. Add in the fact that there was nothing to distinguish between flashbacks and the present and I was left struggling a lot of the time. Frankly, it was the supporting characters that redeemed this one for me. Josh was adorable, and while he's clearly interested in Hannah, he never pressures her and is just happy to be her friend and spend time with her. Anne, the school counsellor, was fabulous. And Mrs. Van, the neighbour who no one will listen to but who knows what they're going through gave me a lot of feels.
Ultimately, it did have its emotional moments. And it made me angry and frustrated and sad all at the same time. And I DID enjoy how Australian it was. Plus, it's a quick read - it's only 250 odd pages. But there's no way Hannah wouldn't have been on the watch list of every year level coordinator and homeroom teacher she's ever had.
October 3, 2014
Claire Zorn's 'The Protected' is why adults read YA. Get a copy and find out.
October 20, 2014
This review appears on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews!
Why did it take me this long to pick up a Claire Zorn book? The Protected was so fantastic, I read it in one sitting.
The Protected covers really subject matter in a relatable manner that makes us not only emphasise with Hannah and the pain that she is going through, but really understand where she is coming from. Poor Hannah has always been bullied and picked on at school, simply for being her serious self and not caring about boys and fashion. But now that she’s lost her beautiful and popular sister, who was always mean to her anyway, the bullying has stopped. She’s never had an easier time.
Through her accounts to the guidance counsellor, the first person she’s opened up about the accident to, we see how lonely and tormented she felt during her first years of high school. My heart broke for Hannah, as she was constantly bullied and harassed by her peers and alienated by her sister. These past accounts are interchanged with the peace of today’s time, with Hannah slowly overcoming her pain and coming to terms with the trauma.
Despite all of the torment, grief, and guilt Hannah was going through, I really admired her strength of character. She just took everything in stride and never really let it wear her down, even during the toughest times. Hannah delivered a really tough exterior, and even though she let the tears flow behind closed doors, she was really just a misunderstood target. It just goes to show if you get to know people, you’ll find out that they are really lovely people, and Hannah was strong, smart and sharp and anyone would have been lucky to have her as a friend. Regardless of what anyone said or did to her.
Having siblings of my own, I can really appreciate books that really depict realistic sibling relationships, from the happy times to the sad. The Protected highlighted this really well, by showing us two sisters that were polar opposites to one another. While Hannah was the serious, studious one, Katie was the life of the party who was into boys, fashion and parties. The two sisters constantly thought, misunderstood each other, and held grudges, but at the end of the day they still loved each other. I wanted to shout at Katie and tell her to stick up for her sister, but at the end of the day, you can’t choose your siblings, and sometimes they are the meanest.
The appearance of Josh, a potential love interest was actually really sweet. He made Hannah feel like it was okay to be herself, that not everyone thinks she’s awful, and finally, to find hope and courage in herself.
I’m proud to say that The Protected is an YA book set in Australia, amongst the Blue Mountains. From the year levels, to the school, and the slang, it was really reminiscent of school in my country and I loved it.
The Protected is a magnificent account of a girl going through the trauma of bullying and dealing with the death of her sister. It’s raw, heart breaking and emotional, and has a really uplifting message to always stay true to yourself and not to bottle all the pain within. This was a really strong contemporary that dealt with the difficult topics and made it relatable and compelling at the same time. It makes me proud of high caliber Aussie YA that everyone can enjoy.
I received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Why did it take me this long to pick up a Claire Zorn book? The Protected was so fantastic, I read it in one sitting.
The Protected covers really subject matter in a relatable manner that makes us not only emphasise with Hannah and the pain that she is going through, but really understand where she is coming from. Poor Hannah has always been bullied and picked on at school, simply for being her serious self and not caring about boys and fashion. But now that she’s lost her beautiful and popular sister, who was always mean to her anyway, the bullying has stopped. She’s never had an easier time.
Through her accounts to the guidance counsellor, the first person she’s opened up about the accident to, we see how lonely and tormented she felt during her first years of high school. My heart broke for Hannah, as she was constantly bullied and harassed by her peers and alienated by her sister. These past accounts are interchanged with the peace of today’s time, with Hannah slowly overcoming her pain and coming to terms with the trauma.
Despite all of the torment, grief, and guilt Hannah was going through, I really admired her strength of character. She just took everything in stride and never really let it wear her down, even during the toughest times. Hannah delivered a really tough exterior, and even though she let the tears flow behind closed doors, she was really just a misunderstood target. It just goes to show if you get to know people, you’ll find out that they are really lovely people, and Hannah was strong, smart and sharp and anyone would have been lucky to have her as a friend. Regardless of what anyone said or did to her.
Having siblings of my own, I can really appreciate books that really depict realistic sibling relationships, from the happy times to the sad. The Protected highlighted this really well, by showing us two sisters that were polar opposites to one another. While Hannah was the serious, studious one, Katie was the life of the party who was into boys, fashion and parties. The two sisters constantly thought, misunderstood each other, and held grudges, but at the end of the day they still loved each other. I wanted to shout at Katie and tell her to stick up for her sister, but at the end of the day, you can’t choose your siblings, and sometimes they are the meanest.
The appearance of Josh, a potential love interest was actually really sweet. He made Hannah feel like it was okay to be herself, that not everyone thinks she’s awful, and finally, to find hope and courage in herself.
I’m proud to say that The Protected is an YA book set in Australia, amongst the Blue Mountains. From the year levels, to the school, and the slang, it was really reminiscent of school in my country and I loved it.
The Protected is a magnificent account of a girl going through the trauma of bullying and dealing with the death of her sister. It’s raw, heart breaking and emotional, and has a really uplifting message to always stay true to yourself and not to bottle all the pain within. This was a really strong contemporary that dealt with the difficult topics and made it relatable and compelling at the same time. It makes me proud of high caliber Aussie YA that everyone can enjoy.
I received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2018
My actual rating would be 3.5 stars if I could do half stars on Goodreads. I'm willing to round-up to 4 stars however as I think Protected is a good young adult/teen book about grief and loss of a family member. This is a very quick read that doesn't disappoint.
When I was a child the book I first read about grief and lost was Tiger Eyes from Judy Blume. Protected reminded me a lot of that book as it takes a difficult topic and breaks it down to just what our lead gal thinking and feeling. That's it. No fancy philosophy or over-the-top statements (no John Green here!). Our lead gal has complex thoughts of course that are scattered; but by having the story from her internal monologue Claire Zorn allows the reader to immediately connect.
Characters
Zorn has done a terrific job of immediately getting across to the readers that we are leading with a typical high school setting. Whether it be the typical popular 'clone' girl or the cute new boy in class, Zorn has laid out personalities that are slightly cliche but have their own nuances and feel like real people. Things like even the crappiest bully of all having moments of sympathy (just like in real life) or the best of intentions boy making a huge emotional mistake. These types of moments are very genuine and help remind us all that no one person is all good or all bad. We just are who we are as we try to exist in society.
Atmosphere
One thing I think is critical in contemporary teen novels is atmosphere. It's important to have the reader feel the anxiety, distress, grief, longing, excitement, etc. of a teen. Those of us (like myself) who were teens sometime ago can easily forget what it's like to feel like a teenager (I'm 35 now) and I think Zorn does a good job of connecting the reader to what our lead gal is feeling. This is also obviously critical in a story about the loss of a family member.
Accurate Bullying
During one scene, in which a backpack is 'stolen', I felt like a teen once again. The passive way that Zorn describes the bullying that happens to our lead gal is superb. I can honestly say that something very similar to the 'backpack incident' happened to me in high school and I felt like I was back while I read Zorn's words. It's difficult to really portray bullying in a way that makes you understand that the person being bullied knows what should or shouldn't happen and what they should or shouldn't do but that they are terrified to do anything for fear of further retribution. Zorn really captured this in a realistic and genuine way. This scene is easily the best bullying scene I've read in a contemporary book in a long time. That may be because it's so close to my own experience; but I believe it's because it's so well written.
Overall
I would happily purchase this book for anyone experiencing grief of a family member or someone close to them; be they an adult or child. The way that our lead gal is affected by those around her is important for everyone to remember when dealing with others grief and even for dealing with our own. Certainly any parent can gather some tips on what not to do from Mom and Dad at points; and also maybe what might connect with a teen. Not everyone experiences grief the same way (and I think that is portrayed well in Protected) The different kinds of grief portrayed in Protected are honest, well crafted, thought-out and impactful. I'm glad to have read Protected and look forward to suggesting it alongside Tiger Eyes (which is dated by technology). They are both solid contemporary teen resources on grief that are easy to read but still moving and impactful.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
When I was a child the book I first read about grief and lost was Tiger Eyes from Judy Blume. Protected reminded me a lot of that book as it takes a difficult topic and breaks it down to just what our lead gal thinking and feeling. That's it. No fancy philosophy or over-the-top statements (no John Green here!). Our lead gal has complex thoughts of course that are scattered; but by having the story from her internal monologue Claire Zorn allows the reader to immediately connect.
Characters
Zorn has done a terrific job of immediately getting across to the readers that we are leading with a typical high school setting. Whether it be the typical popular 'clone' girl or the cute new boy in class, Zorn has laid out personalities that are slightly cliche but have their own nuances and feel like real people. Things like even the crappiest bully of all having moments of sympathy (just like in real life) or the best of intentions boy making a huge emotional mistake. These types of moments are very genuine and help remind us all that no one person is all good or all bad. We just are who we are as we try to exist in society.
Atmosphere
One thing I think is critical in contemporary teen novels is atmosphere. It's important to have the reader feel the anxiety, distress, grief, longing, excitement, etc. of a teen. Those of us (like myself) who were teens sometime ago can easily forget what it's like to feel like a teenager (I'm 35 now) and I think Zorn does a good job of connecting the reader to what our lead gal is feeling. This is also obviously critical in a story about the loss of a family member.
Accurate Bullying
During one scene, in which a backpack is 'stolen', I felt like a teen once again. The passive way that Zorn describes the bullying that happens to our lead gal is superb. I can honestly say that something very similar to the 'backpack incident' happened to me in high school and I felt like I was back while I read Zorn's words. It's difficult to really portray bullying in a way that makes you understand that the person being bullied knows what should or shouldn't happen and what they should or shouldn't do but that they are terrified to do anything for fear of further retribution. Zorn really captured this in a realistic and genuine way. This scene is easily the best bullying scene I've read in a contemporary book in a long time. That may be because it's so close to my own experience; but I believe it's because it's so well written.
Overall
I would happily purchase this book for anyone experiencing grief of a family member or someone close to them; be they an adult or child. The way that our lead gal is affected by those around her is important for everyone to remember when dealing with others grief and even for dealing with our own. Certainly any parent can gather some tips on what not to do from Mom and Dad at points; and also maybe what might connect with a teen. Not everyone experiences grief the same way (and I think that is portrayed well in Protected) The different kinds of grief portrayed in Protected are honest, well crafted, thought-out and impactful. I'm glad to have read Protected and look forward to suggesting it alongside Tiger Eyes (which is dated by technology). They are both solid contemporary teen resources on grief that are easy to read but still moving and impactful.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
April 14, 2016
THIS, my friends, is how you write a YA novel focusing on a serious topic.
Claire Zorn is definitely an author to watch. I read her debut, The Sky So Heavy, in less than 24 hours and immediately after finishing it, I picked up this book because I couldn't get enough of Zorn's realistic and raw characters.
The Protected is about Hannah and how her and her family are torn apart by the loss of Hannah's older sister. It also realistically portrays horrific bullying, family troubles, panic attacks and the reality of being an outcast in high school. I am honestly blown away by Claire Zorn's ability to write so realistically.
What I absolutely adored about this novel is that it doesn't have your typical YA instalovey bullcrap that makes Hannah magically okay again. Yes, she meets a guy, but he's her friend and he helps her just by being there for her. Sure, they might get married in like 12 years, but at this point in time when the novel is set, THAT IS NOT IMPORTANT. What's important is Hannah's mental health and overcoming her guilt and her grief, overcoming years of horrific bullying and a year of having a mother completely disappear into herself and an injured father who can't remember anything that happened on the day they lost Katie.
My only complaint about this novel is that I wanted more, but I think this has more to do with me, not the book. The book ended beautifully, but personally, a lot of the time I crave more of the characters that I've grown to love.
Definitely go and check out The Sky So Heavy AND this book, because Claire Zorn is definitely an author to watch! She has a new book coming out soon and yOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR I'LL BE DEVOURING IT ASAP.
*disclaimer - I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Claire Zorn is definitely an author to watch. I read her debut, The Sky So Heavy, in less than 24 hours and immediately after finishing it, I picked up this book because I couldn't get enough of Zorn's realistic and raw characters.
The Protected is about Hannah and how her and her family are torn apart by the loss of Hannah's older sister. It also realistically portrays horrific bullying, family troubles, panic attacks and the reality of being an outcast in high school. I am honestly blown away by Claire Zorn's ability to write so realistically.
What I absolutely adored about this novel is that it doesn't have your typical YA instalovey bullcrap that makes Hannah magically okay again. Yes, she meets a guy, but he's her friend and he helps her just by being there for her. Sure, they might get married in like 12 years, but at this point in time when the novel is set, THAT IS NOT IMPORTANT. What's important is Hannah's mental health and overcoming her guilt and her grief, overcoming years of horrific bullying and a year of having a mother completely disappear into herself and an injured father who can't remember anything that happened on the day they lost Katie.
My only complaint about this novel is that I wanted more, but I think this has more to do with me, not the book. The book ended beautifully, but personally, a lot of the time I crave more of the characters that I've grown to love.
Definitely go and check out The Sky So Heavy AND this book, because Claire Zorn is definitely an author to watch! She has a new book coming out soon and yOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR I'LL BE DEVOURING IT ASAP.
*disclaimer - I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
October 5, 2017
PROTECTED is a glimpse into the grief process of Hannah, whose sister Katie died in the car accident Hannah survived. Her mom, who now never leaves the house, blames her dad, who was driving but can’t remember the crash. Truthfully, Katie participated in the relentless bullying Hannah endured, torment that stopped after her death. A new student befriends her, leaving her not totally alone, but she’s not sure he’s trustworthy while the school counselor tries to help Hannah navigate her grief.
Claire Zorn skillfully captures Hannah’s agony at home and at school, abandoned by her best friend and bullied before Katie’s death, Hannah truly feels alone. Her mother is too entrenched in her own pain, her father a shell of the man he was Zorn captures the agony of losing a sibling, even when that sibling was mostly unkind.
Anyone who has lost a loved one will identify with Hannah’s journey.
Claire Zorn skillfully captures Hannah’s agony at home and at school, abandoned by her best friend and bullied before Katie’s death, Hannah truly feels alone. Her mother is too entrenched in her own pain, her father a shell of the man he was Zorn captures the agony of losing a sibling, even when that sibling was mostly unkind.
Anyone who has lost a loved one will identify with Hannah’s journey.
June 14, 2016
Wow. I just read this in an afternoon, much of which was in a very crowded doctors' surgery, and it had me in tears, as well as at times with a big stupid grin on my face, and at others so angry I couldn't unclench my jaw. If you go into this novel expecting anything like Zorn's first novel The Sky So Heavy, you will be left wanting in only one way: there is not near future apocalypse here. Well, except for the apocalypse of a small family, torn apart by grief. But oh my, if one of the things you loved best about The Sky So Heavy was the immaculately paced tension on the writing, and the powerful emotional punch Zorn packs, well, you will not be disappointed. This is an amazing, powerful, heartbreaking and yet ultimately hopeful book and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
June 30, 2017
This is another book for YA that should be read by adults. It covers bullying and it's impact, coming to grips with the death of a sister in a car accident, dealing with guilt, grief and fragile parents, the dangers of unsuitable counselling and the power of friendship. And then there are the excellent minor characters of Mrs Van the neighbour and the school counsellor Ann. Its an unhappy happy story.
September 19, 2014
Read reviews, see awesome GIFS and see my rambling thoughts at my blog, The Loony Teen Writer
This is my second five-star book by Claire Zorn. Just so you know.
And it was sad. Oh, it was so sad. Throughout the book we get flashbacks to what happened before Katie’s death (Katie is our main character’s sister). Basically, Hannah was bullied – horribly. These moments are told in such detail that I wanted to cry. Seriously, teenagers suck. (said the teenager) I just can’t comprehend how this type of thing happens, how people can be so awful that they make someone else’s life miserable.
At my school, bullying isn’t so much of a problem as it might be elsewhere. That’s because it’s a nerd school and everyone’s too busy being a nerd to bully each other. Not that it’s non-existent. Wherever there are teenagers there is bullying, and it makes me so sad. And Claire Zorn writes these incidents with incredible voice, amazing description, so that I felt like I was looking at the incident.
But then we have Josh.
Josh calls Hannah “Jane,” like from Jane Eyre, because she’s quite serious and doesn’t say much (understandable…I mean, her sister’s just died). But Josh doesn’t give up on Hannah. He also provides a much-needed dose of comic relief, because he is HILARIOUS. Absolutely witty and very funny, all throughout the book. He can also be serious, and his friendship with Hannah was one of my favourite parts of the book. The blurb might lead you to think that it’s a romance, but it is first and foremost a tentative friendship.
Then there were Hannah’s confused thoughts about Katie. She could EASILY have seemed unlikeable, because even though of course she wants Katie’s back, there’s no denying that after her death, the bullying has stopped. And, like…that’s pretty confusing. That’s an awful set of circumstances to be in.
Also, DING DING DING, we have actual parents involved.
Isn’t that just amazing? I love when there are parents who feel real and involved within the lives of their kids – parents that aren’t missing or flat. These parents were developed, and the mother in particular existed in her own right – she’s depressed and hasn’t left the house since the death of Katie. The lovely neighbour keeps trying to get her out of the house, though, usually by giving them cake (the type of cake is called boterkoek, and yes, I am impressed that I remembered the name).
(I really want some)
I’ve said a lot about this book already, but I’d just like to end by saying that the setting is excellent (because it’s where I live). Well, sort of. It’s set in the Blue Mountains but some takes place in Penrith, my place of residence (no asking for addresses, that’s weird). The book referenced the antagonism between Blue Mountains people and Penrith people, which is so true by the way. It’s only the second time I’ve seen where I live in an actual book – the first was The Last Girl by Michael Adams.
In conclusion, this book is worthy of every single star I gave it. Sad, moving and with a tentative friendship at its heart, The Protected will tear your heart to pieces and glue them back together again.
And I adored every word.
This is my second five-star book by Claire Zorn. Just so you know.
And it was sad. Oh, it was so sad. Throughout the book we get flashbacks to what happened before Katie’s death (Katie is our main character’s sister). Basically, Hannah was bullied – horribly. These moments are told in such detail that I wanted to cry. Seriously, teenagers suck. (said the teenager) I just can’t comprehend how this type of thing happens, how people can be so awful that they make someone else’s life miserable.
At my school, bullying isn’t so much of a problem as it might be elsewhere. That’s because it’s a nerd school and everyone’s too busy being a nerd to bully each other. Not that it’s non-existent. Wherever there are teenagers there is bullying, and it makes me so sad. And Claire Zorn writes these incidents with incredible voice, amazing description, so that I felt like I was looking at the incident.
But then we have Josh.
Josh calls Hannah “Jane,” like from Jane Eyre, because she’s quite serious and doesn’t say much (understandable…I mean, her sister’s just died). But Josh doesn’t give up on Hannah. He also provides a much-needed dose of comic relief, because he is HILARIOUS. Absolutely witty and very funny, all throughout the book. He can also be serious, and his friendship with Hannah was one of my favourite parts of the book. The blurb might lead you to think that it’s a romance, but it is first and foremost a tentative friendship.
Then there were Hannah’s confused thoughts about Katie. She could EASILY have seemed unlikeable, because even though of course she wants Katie’s back, there’s no denying that after her death, the bullying has stopped. And, like…that’s pretty confusing. That’s an awful set of circumstances to be in.
Also, DING DING DING, we have actual parents involved.
Isn’t that just amazing? I love when there are parents who feel real and involved within the lives of their kids – parents that aren’t missing or flat. These parents were developed, and the mother in particular existed in her own right – she’s depressed and hasn’t left the house since the death of Katie. The lovely neighbour keeps trying to get her out of the house, though, usually by giving them cake (the type of cake is called boterkoek, and yes, I am impressed that I remembered the name).
(I really want some)
I’ve said a lot about this book already, but I’d just like to end by saying that the setting is excellent (because it’s where I live). Well, sort of. It’s set in the Blue Mountains but some takes place in Penrith, my place of residence (no asking for addresses, that’s weird). The book referenced the antagonism between Blue Mountains people and Penrith people, which is so true by the way. It’s only the second time I’ve seen where I live in an actual book – the first was The Last Girl by Michael Adams.
In conclusion, this book is worthy of every single star I gave it. Sad, moving and with a tentative friendship at its heart, The Protected will tear your heart to pieces and glue them back together again.
And I adored every word.
April 6, 2015
I read this book in 3 hours. It's that good.
Hannah's sister Katie is dead. Killed in a car accident in which Hannah's dad drove, and Hannah was a passenger, the accident happened almost a year ago. With a court case approaching the pressure is on for Hannah to remember what happened in the accident. But she can't. Or won't. Hannah's mum spends most of her days in bed,m not talking to anyone. When she does venture out an argument with Hannah's dad usually ensues and it is a miserable existence for all of them.
We learn that Hannah has been bullied ever since starting high school 3 years ago and that Katie was not the sister she should have been. In fact, Hannah's life was a living hell and Katie was a bystander - not bullying, but not standing up against it either.
Through a series of flashbacks we learn just how horrible Hannah's life was - until her sister died and everyone started treating her differently.
Hannah is one of the most hearbreaking characters I have read in reent years. She is gentle, sensitive, intelligent and good listener, but also timid and socially awkward. As I read about this girl who is not understood by anyone in her family I remembered the teasing I faced in my early high school years - about being the tallest, the one with the biggest boobs, and the nickname that stuck right up until year 12, FA (Fat Arse).
Hannah doesn't reach out to her parents for help, because she knows that nothing they can do or say is going to make a difference. She wants to break free of her isolated life, but can't because she is held back by her memories of Katie and the accident.
Hannah felt very real to me and Claire Zorn writes her perfectly. The way she talks, the way the other characters talk, feels authentic. Anne, the school counsellor, is wonderful - the right mix of concern and warmth, without being schmaltzy and Mrs Van, Hannah's next door neighbour is a peach.
Josh, the developing love interest, is great but he was a little Augustus Waters for me at first. He got better as the novel went on and seemed a perfect foil for Hannah in the end once his posturing was over.
This is a great book for anyone who has experienced the pain of not quite fitting in, and the tiny fluttering joy of finding someone who wants to stick around and help you find a niche.
This book has been long-listed for the 2015 Inkys and I am confident it will be on the shortlist - you read it here first.
Suitable for ages 13 and up. Highly recommended.
Hannah's sister Katie is dead. Killed in a car accident in which Hannah's dad drove, and Hannah was a passenger, the accident happened almost a year ago. With a court case approaching the pressure is on for Hannah to remember what happened in the accident. But she can't. Or won't. Hannah's mum spends most of her days in bed,m not talking to anyone. When she does venture out an argument with Hannah's dad usually ensues and it is a miserable existence for all of them.
We learn that Hannah has been bullied ever since starting high school 3 years ago and that Katie was not the sister she should have been. In fact, Hannah's life was a living hell and Katie was a bystander - not bullying, but not standing up against it either.
Through a series of flashbacks we learn just how horrible Hannah's life was - until her sister died and everyone started treating her differently.
Hannah is one of the most hearbreaking characters I have read in reent years. She is gentle, sensitive, intelligent and good listener, but also timid and socially awkward. As I read about this girl who is not understood by anyone in her family I remembered the teasing I faced in my early high school years - about being the tallest, the one with the biggest boobs, and the nickname that stuck right up until year 12, FA (Fat Arse).
Hannah doesn't reach out to her parents for help, because she knows that nothing they can do or say is going to make a difference. She wants to break free of her isolated life, but can't because she is held back by her memories of Katie and the accident.
Hannah felt very real to me and Claire Zorn writes her perfectly. The way she talks, the way the other characters talk, feels authentic. Anne, the school counsellor, is wonderful - the right mix of concern and warmth, without being schmaltzy and Mrs Van, Hannah's next door neighbour is a peach.
Josh, the developing love interest, is great but he was a little Augustus Waters for me at first. He got better as the novel went on and seemed a perfect foil for Hannah in the end once his posturing was over.
This is a great book for anyone who has experienced the pain of not quite fitting in, and the tiny fluttering joy of finding someone who wants to stick around and help you find a niche.
This book has been long-listed for the 2015 Inkys and I am confident it will be on the shortlist - you read it here first.
Suitable for ages 13 and up. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2017
*I received an ARC copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 4.5
Actual rating 4.5
August 28, 2017
4.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh. Have I been stabbed in the heart, or am I just bleeding from a gaping hole in my chest? DO I EVEN HAVE A HEART?! I HAVE A HEART?!?! WHAT IS THIS FEELING?!
EVERYTHING HURTS
Protected follows young Hannah and picks up almost a year after her sister Katie was killed in a car accident. Compounded with a seriously depressed mum and an injured dad, Hannah has deep psychological issues not only stemming from the untimely death of her sister.
Katie and Hannah did not have an easy relationship as is seen from the moment we are dropped in on Hannah's narrative. The book alternates between present day and the events leading up to the car accident. To say this is a book solely about grief and loss would be a mistake.
Hannah is largely ALONE in her life. She has no friends. Her mother is trapped in her own grief. Her father is dealing with his own physical pain and the lost memory of the car accident. The only one who knows what happens is Hannah, and her mind has protected her by blocking out the incident. We get glimpses of Hannah's life BEFORE and it isn't for the faint of heart.
It is hard to not sympathize with Hannah while she is being bullied. You can understand it even if you haven't been the victim of a bully in your life. I was bullied in middle school and so many painful memories were brought back to life. I reacted the same way that Hannah did, drawing inward and just trying to BE. It hurts to read the reactions of Katie and so-called ex-friend Charlotte. The most excruciating pain is when you feel that no one has your back. That your closest and only friend in life has turned their back on you.
DEEP BREATHS....
In present day, Hannah is off-limits so to speak. No one really talks to her, but no one bullies her anymore. That is, until Josh. Josh is a transfer from the public school who takes an active interest in Hannah. Josh is an everyman's man, but his treatment of Hannah is something special. Through him, Hannah finds a person who will not relent until they are friends. Which is what people need sometimes when they have retreated so far into themselves that they can hardly find the way out.
I LOVE LOVED Hannah's counselor, Anne. She treated Hannah like a person with feelings and never once blamed Hannah for her grief. She never pushed her to share what she wasn't ready to share. It was a lovely relationship that Hannah was in desperate need of.
I highly recommend this book. Be warned, this does address a heavy topic, bullying (as mentioned above), so take that into consideration if you need to. I still feel everyone should read this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh. Have I been stabbed in the heart, or am I just bleeding from a gaping hole in my chest? DO I EVEN HAVE A HEART?! I HAVE A HEART?!?! WHAT IS THIS FEELING?!
EVERYTHING HURTS
Protected follows young Hannah and picks up almost a year after her sister Katie was killed in a car accident. Compounded with a seriously depressed mum and an injured dad, Hannah has deep psychological issues not only stemming from the untimely death of her sister.
Katie and Hannah did not have an easy relationship as is seen from the moment we are dropped in on Hannah's narrative. The book alternates between present day and the events leading up to the car accident. To say this is a book solely about grief and loss would be a mistake.
Hannah is largely ALONE in her life. She has no friends. Her mother is trapped in her own grief. Her father is dealing with his own physical pain and the lost memory of the car accident. The only one who knows what happens is Hannah, and her mind has protected her by blocking out the incident. We get glimpses of Hannah's life BEFORE and it isn't for the faint of heart.
In short: BULLIES SUCK.
It is hard to not sympathize with Hannah while she is being bullied. You can understand it even if you haven't been the victim of a bully in your life. I was bullied in middle school and so many painful memories were brought back to life. I reacted the same way that Hannah did, drawing inward and just trying to BE. It hurts to read the reactions of Katie and so-called ex-friend Charlotte. The most excruciating pain is when you feel that no one has your back. That your closest and only friend in life has turned their back on you.
DEEP BREATHS....
In present day, Hannah is off-limits so to speak. No one really talks to her, but no one bullies her anymore. That is, until Josh. Josh is a transfer from the public school who takes an active interest in Hannah. Josh is an everyman's man, but his treatment of Hannah is something special. Through him, Hannah finds a person who will not relent until they are friends. Which is what people need sometimes when they have retreated so far into themselves that they can hardly find the way out.
I LOVE LOVED Hannah's counselor, Anne. She treated Hannah like a person with feelings and never once blamed Hannah for her grief. She never pushed her to share what she wasn't ready to share. It was a lovely relationship that Hannah was in desperate need of.
I highly recommend this book. Be warned, this does address a heavy topic, bullying (as mentioned above), so take that into consideration if you need to. I still feel everyone should read this.
October 5, 2017
Me and grief books are always a good match, and this one did not disappoint. So many feels and other complicated feeling felt as I devoured this book.
Pro: So. Many. Feels. I knew this would be emotional, but it was more than I expected.
Pro: The story structure employed by Zorn was well used. The places where she chose to flip between the past and the present were wisely selected, and added to the over all tension and mystery in the story.
Con: Katie was a huge disappointment. There were so many times she could have redeemed herself, but didn't. I was disappointed in Charlotte too, but I think I was supposed to feel this way about both these characters.
Pro: I really felt like Zorn dug deep into the strained relationship between Katie and Hannah. It was raw and honest, and although Hannah had reasons to be angry at Katie, deep down, she loved her, and I appreciated that Zorn let us see those parts too.
Pro: Anne was a rockstar of a therapists. I loved her candor and approach and I was so happy fate brought her and Hannah together.
Pro: I related to Hannah on so many levels. My sister was popular and I was bullied, and I know she considered me a burden.
Pro: Josh was a wonderful little muffin of a boy. Hannah was a tough customer, but he kept coming back and trying to scale her walls, however he treaded lightly, knowing when to push and when to recede.
Pro: The banter between Josh and Hannah was fantastic. With each interaction, I hoped for them to have more and more time on page together.
Con: This was a solid 4.5 star read for me, until the ending. I could have used a little more there. Zorn was so gracious, and gave me so many gifts towards the end of the book, but the very end was just ok.
Pro: This book takes place in a non-US setting (Australia). I liked all the little local bits Zorn fed to me, and enjoyed learning more about the Blue Mountains.
Pro: Mrs. Van was a little powerhouse. I love that she spoke her mind and shared her story with Hannah. She was a positive force for this family, and I was so happy she was around to help push them through their funk.
Overall: Simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, this was a beautiful story of healing, moving forward, and finding the strength inside oneself to accomplish those things.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Pro: So. Many. Feels. I knew this would be emotional, but it was more than I expected.
Pro: The story structure employed by Zorn was well used. The places where she chose to flip between the past and the present were wisely selected, and added to the over all tension and mystery in the story.
Con: Katie was a huge disappointment. There were so many times she could have redeemed herself, but didn't. I was disappointed in Charlotte too, but I think I was supposed to feel this way about both these characters.
Pro: I really felt like Zorn dug deep into the strained relationship between Katie and Hannah. It was raw and honest, and although Hannah had reasons to be angry at Katie, deep down, she loved her, and I appreciated that Zorn let us see those parts too.
Pro: Anne was a rockstar of a therapists. I loved her candor and approach and I was so happy fate brought her and Hannah together.
Pro: I related to Hannah on so many levels. My sister was popular and I was bullied, and I know she considered me a burden.
Pro: Josh was a wonderful little muffin of a boy. Hannah was a tough customer, but he kept coming back and trying to scale her walls, however he treaded lightly, knowing when to push and when to recede.
Pro: The banter between Josh and Hannah was fantastic. With each interaction, I hoped for them to have more and more time on page together.
Con: This was a solid 4.5 star read for me, until the ending. I could have used a little more there. Zorn was so gracious, and gave me so many gifts towards the end of the book, but the very end was just ok.
Pro: This book takes place in a non-US setting (Australia). I liked all the little local bits Zorn fed to me, and enjoyed learning more about the Blue Mountains.
Pro: Mrs. Van was a little powerhouse. I love that she spoke her mind and shared her story with Hannah. She was a positive force for this family, and I was so happy she was around to help push them through their funk.
Overall: Simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, this was a beautiful story of healing, moving forward, and finding the strength inside oneself to accomplish those things.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
December 3, 2017
This is YA fiction set in Australia in the aftermath of a family tragedy which Hannah, the main character, feels is her fault. I can see why it's picked up a few awards in Australia. It moves along at a pretty decent pace but still takes a enough time for some scenery.
It is definitely not disappointing. If you read the back of the book jacket and find the book appealing based on that, then you will definitely like this book. Because of the subject matter, it may not appeal to everyone. Ideal for people who like YA fiction and found the blurb interesting. :)
It is definitely not disappointing. If you read the back of the book jacket and find the book appealing based on that, then you will definitely like this book. Because of the subject matter, it may not appeal to everyone. Ideal for people who like YA fiction and found the blurb interesting. :)
February 4, 2019
I was crying off and on during most of this read. The author is masterful in setting the tone both for Hannah herself and those around her. The descriptions of her home and family made me feel like I was living there with her. I highly recommend this one.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for honest feedback.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for honest feedback.
February 5, 2023
I read this in like sixth grade and cried about it for so long tbh I wanna read it again to see if it like means as much as it did to me then than it will now
July 22, 2024
So much heartache, so much truth about the reverberating pain of grief. Why did it take me two years to find and read!?
The Protected won CBCA Book of The Year Older Readers 2015 and was shortlisted for the 2015 Inky Award and 2016 WA Premier’s Book Awards. I only just read it because I disliked her first book The Sky So Heavy and never finished it. I'm glad I realised my mistake and tried Claire Zorn again.
The refrain of every kid anywhere, but especially those who are bullied. I wish I could tell every teenager, what happens in high school isn't the blueprint for your life. The Protected goes some way to doing this.
That scene where Katie hands her sister a razor and tells her to shave her legs, but Hannah doesn't know to use soap and water - excruciating. I winced at every nick. And her pain never lets up. The time she joked to Katie,
Hannah's sister Katie died a year ago. No one in Hannah's family is coping as the court date looms for her Dad, who crashed the car that killed Katie, and is overwhelmed by guilt. Hannah's Mum doesn't believe her Dad's memory loss and won't leave the house. Hannah's Nanna shops and cleans for the family and badgers her daughter to snap out of it. Mrs Van next door tries to help with cake and friendship.
Hannah vacillates between her two broken parents. But how can she grieve for her sister when their relationship was ... complicated. And how can she forgive herself the inconsequential things that flapped butterfly wings.
Hannah's parents make her see Anne, the latest installment in the counsellor carousel. Katie joins her sister for every counselling session, with a snarky running commentary on the psychologist, the questions and the funniest answers. I don't know why Hannah doesn't repeat any of these answers out loud, I'm sure sarcastic Anne would appreciate them.
Anne the school counsellor is another well written therapeutic interaction I've read recently. When Anne explains to Hannah that she's having a panic attack and what she can do to calm herself, this is so well done.
With the start of the school year, Hannah meets transfer student Josh. He doesn't know her history and the unwritten rules of Hannah the pariah. Strange things start happening. There's subliminal socialising, sharing lunch out of bounds with the goats, and the offer of vengeful samurai services.
Always choose the cake.
I really disliked the cover design of The Protected (may have contributed to not wanting to read it). Claire Zorn posted a shot of the German cover to Instagram and I love it! Makes me want to leap into those butterfly wings.
Review from my blog http://ofceilingwax.wordpress.com/201...
"She would be pissed off about me invading her space, I'm sure. But she is gone, completely and utterly not here."
The Protected won CBCA Book of The Year Older Readers 2015 and was shortlisted for the 2015 Inky Award and 2016 WA Premier’s Book Awards. I only just read it because I disliked her first book The Sky So Heavy and never finished it. I'm glad I realised my mistake and tried Claire Zorn again.
"I wish I could rewind and start high school again, go back and do things differently - just small, seemingly insignificant things."
The refrain of every kid anywhere, but especially those who are bullied. I wish I could tell every teenager, what happens in high school isn't the blueprint for your life. The Protected goes some way to doing this.
That scene where Katie hands her sister a razor and tells her to shave her legs, but Hannah doesn't know to use soap and water - excruciating. I winced at every nick. And her pain never lets up. The time she joked to Katie,
"You'll probably be dead before you're thirty."
Hannah's sister Katie died a year ago. No one in Hannah's family is coping as the court date looms for her Dad, who crashed the car that killed Katie, and is overwhelmed by guilt. Hannah's Mum doesn't believe her Dad's memory loss and won't leave the house. Hannah's Nanna shops and cleans for the family and badgers her daughter to snap out of it. Mrs Van next door tries to help with cake and friendship.
Hannah vacillates between her two broken parents. But how can she grieve for her sister when their relationship was ... complicated. And how can she forgive herself the inconsequential things that flapped butterfly wings.
Hannah's parents make her see Anne, the latest installment in the counsellor carousel. Katie joins her sister for every counselling session, with a snarky running commentary on the psychologist, the questions and the funniest answers. I don't know why Hannah doesn't repeat any of these answers out loud, I'm sure sarcastic Anne would appreciate them.
Anne the school counsellor is another well written therapeutic interaction I've read recently. When Anne explains to Hannah that she's having a panic attack and what she can do to calm herself, this is so well done.
"I despise the term 'passed away.' It sounds peaceful and graceful and kind of magical. I don't think there was anything peaceful about Katie's death."
With the start of the school year, Hannah meets transfer student Josh. He doesn't know her history and the unwritten rules of Hannah the pariah. Strange things start happening. There's subliminal socialising, sharing lunch out of bounds with the goats, and the offer of vengeful samurai services.
"What am I to do? Left to choose between two lonely women fixated on death. I choose the one with the cake."
Always choose the cake.
I really disliked the cover design of The Protected (may have contributed to not wanting to read it). Claire Zorn posted a shot of the German cover to Instagram and I love it! Makes me want to leap into those butterfly wings.
Review from my blog http://ofceilingwax.wordpress.com/201...
May 25, 2015
Beautiful book. i need more people to read Claire Zorn's books.
The Protected is Claire Zorn’s second novel and you can see the recurring theme in her work - families and the relationships between their members. The Protected tells the story of Hannah, whose world is shattered after the death of her sister Katie, in a car accident. Her mother is suffering from major depression, her father is dealing with the aftermath of the accident, both physical and otherwise, and Hannah is left drifting, with no one who can offer true help. She eventually starts attending sessions with her school councilor, which help her open up and come to terms with what has happened.
Hanna’s story is heartbreaking. I have read my share of books that focus on the relationship between siblings and I have to say that throughout the novel, I wanted to high five Katie with a chair in her face. I understand that sibling relationships are difficult, especially when there’s a small difference in age, and they go to school roughly at the same time, but, man, she acted awful towards her little sister. Instead of encouraging her and protecting her, she basically told her: “at school, I don’t know you, you’re on your own”. Even when the other kids started bullying Hannah - viciously bullying, I might add (those parts were difficult to read) - she did nothing. She just…did nothing. I have a sister, and while our age difference is much bigger, she would have never let something like that happen to me. Which is why I had such difficulty with Katie’s character. Popularity isn’t everything. I wanted to yell that in her face.
After Katie’s death, the bullying stopped, but Hannah was forced to endure complete ignorance everywhere else in her life. Her mother just locked herself in her room, her father was dealing with his injury, and Hannah was left drifting, invisible to everyone around her. This was very frustrating to read, because I felt for Hannah so much. I wanted to shield her from everything. I wanted to make her be okay and I wanted her to be happy. I understand that losing a kid is heartbreaking, but your other kid needs you too. She needs you to be there for her, to grieve together, to heal together.
It’s a beautifully written book, that deals with loss, heartbreak, the falling apart of a family. It deals with bullying, with not belonging, with struggling to fit in, with friendship and how it helps heal even the biggest of wounds. I highly recommend it to fans of contemporary books. You need to read this.
★★★★
To everyone who got this far, thank you for reading and have a wonderful day! Also, feel free to share your thoughts, comment or tell me anything :)
The Protected is Claire Zorn’s second novel and you can see the recurring theme in her work - families and the relationships between their members. The Protected tells the story of Hannah, whose world is shattered after the death of her sister Katie, in a car accident. Her mother is suffering from major depression, her father is dealing with the aftermath of the accident, both physical and otherwise, and Hannah is left drifting, with no one who can offer true help. She eventually starts attending sessions with her school councilor, which help her open up and come to terms with what has happened.
Hanna’s story is heartbreaking. I have read my share of books that focus on the relationship between siblings and I have to say that throughout the novel, I wanted to high five Katie with a chair in her face. I understand that sibling relationships are difficult, especially when there’s a small difference in age, and they go to school roughly at the same time, but, man, she acted awful towards her little sister. Instead of encouraging her and protecting her, she basically told her: “at school, I don’t know you, you’re on your own”. Even when the other kids started bullying Hannah - viciously bullying, I might add (those parts were difficult to read) - she did nothing. She just…did nothing. I have a sister, and while our age difference is much bigger, she would have never let something like that happen to me. Which is why I had such difficulty with Katie’s character. Popularity isn’t everything. I wanted to yell that in her face.
After Katie’s death, the bullying stopped, but Hannah was forced to endure complete ignorance everywhere else in her life. Her mother just locked herself in her room, her father was dealing with his injury, and Hannah was left drifting, invisible to everyone around her. This was very frustrating to read, because I felt for Hannah so much. I wanted to shield her from everything. I wanted to make her be okay and I wanted her to be happy. I understand that losing a kid is heartbreaking, but your other kid needs you too. She needs you to be there for her, to grieve together, to heal together.
It’s a beautifully written book, that deals with loss, heartbreak, the falling apart of a family. It deals with bullying, with not belonging, with struggling to fit in, with friendship and how it helps heal even the biggest of wounds. I highly recommend it to fans of contemporary books. You need to read this.
★★★★
To everyone who got this far, thank you for reading and have a wonderful day! Also, feel free to share your thoughts, comment or tell me anything :)
July 23, 2016
4,5 Sterne!
Danke an NetGalley und den Thienemann Verlag für das Bereitstellen dieses Buches.
Inhalt:
Es war nur ein kleiner, dummer Zwischenfall auf einer Party und trotzdem verändert er Hannahs Leben schlagartig. Von einem Tag auf den anderen wird sie gemobbt – immer fieser werden die Attacken. Doch dann sind die Angriffe plötzlich vorbei, aber sie bleibt misstrauisch. Auch als der neue Schüler Josh ein echtes Interesse an ihr zu haben scheint. Er spricht sie auf das Buch an, das sie gerade liest, möchte mit ihr gemeinsam Mittagspause machen, bringt sie zum Lächeln. Wird Hannah es wagen, ihm und dem Leben wieder zu trauen?
Aufmachung:
Das Buch ist klassisch in Kapitel aufgeteilt. Zu Beginn einiger Kapitel findet man verschiedene Listen der Protagonistin, in denen man u. a. Sachen über ihre verstorbene Schwester erfährt, wie z. B. Katies Traumberufe oder Katies DVD's.
Die einzelnen Kapitel sind zum Teil aus der Gegenwart geschrieben, also nach Katies Tot, und z. T. aus der Vergangenheit, wo Katie noch lebte und wo Hannahs Leben mit den tagtäglichen Mobbing Angriffen beschrieben wird.
Meinung:
Das Buch hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen. Man konnte sich in Hannah hineinversetzten und mit ihr leiden. Nicht nur auf Grund des Mobbings in der Schule, sondern auch zu Hause, da auch die Familie unter Katies Tot litt.
Gegenüber Josh, dem 'Neuen' auf der Schule, ist Hannah zu Beginn eher zurückweisend, sie weiß nicht genau, wie sie mit der Situation umgehen soll, aber auch hier merkt man einfach, wie sie sich weiterentwickelt und langsam wieder aus ihrem Schneckenhaus rauskommt.
Klar, das Thema dieses Buches ist natürlich 'nichts schönes, sowas wünscht man keiner Familie und keinem Kind, aber es war trotzdem schön zu lesen, wie die Protagonistin es, auch dank Josh, geschafft hat, sich wieder in das 'normale' Leben zu etablieren.
Zu Beginn habe ich 2-3 Kapitel gebraucht, um in das Buch reinzukommen, aber danach hat es mir immer besser gefallen. Nach der Hälfte konnte ich das Buch einfach nicht mehr aus der Hand legen und habe es in einem Rutsch verschlungen.
Daher eine klare Leseempfehlung von mir!
Danke an NetGalley und den Thienemann Verlag für das Bereitstellen dieses Buches.
Inhalt:
Es war nur ein kleiner, dummer Zwischenfall auf einer Party und trotzdem verändert er Hannahs Leben schlagartig. Von einem Tag auf den anderen wird sie gemobbt – immer fieser werden die Attacken. Doch dann sind die Angriffe plötzlich vorbei, aber sie bleibt misstrauisch. Auch als der neue Schüler Josh ein echtes Interesse an ihr zu haben scheint. Er spricht sie auf das Buch an, das sie gerade liest, möchte mit ihr gemeinsam Mittagspause machen, bringt sie zum Lächeln. Wird Hannah es wagen, ihm und dem Leben wieder zu trauen?
Aufmachung:
Das Buch ist klassisch in Kapitel aufgeteilt. Zu Beginn einiger Kapitel findet man verschiedene Listen der Protagonistin, in denen man u. a. Sachen über ihre verstorbene Schwester erfährt, wie z. B. Katies Traumberufe oder Katies DVD's.
Die einzelnen Kapitel sind zum Teil aus der Gegenwart geschrieben, also nach Katies Tot, und z. T. aus der Vergangenheit, wo Katie noch lebte und wo Hannahs Leben mit den tagtäglichen Mobbing Angriffen beschrieben wird.
Meinung:
Das Buch hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen. Man konnte sich in Hannah hineinversetzten und mit ihr leiden. Nicht nur auf Grund des Mobbings in der Schule, sondern auch zu Hause, da auch die Familie unter Katies Tot litt.
Gegenüber Josh, dem 'Neuen' auf der Schule, ist Hannah zu Beginn eher zurückweisend, sie weiß nicht genau, wie sie mit der Situation umgehen soll, aber auch hier merkt man einfach, wie sie sich weiterentwickelt und langsam wieder aus ihrem Schneckenhaus rauskommt.
Klar, das Thema dieses Buches ist natürlich 'nichts schönes, sowas wünscht man keiner Familie und keinem Kind, aber es war trotzdem schön zu lesen, wie die Protagonistin es, auch dank Josh, geschafft hat, sich wieder in das 'normale' Leben zu etablieren.
Zu Beginn habe ich 2-3 Kapitel gebraucht, um in das Buch reinzukommen, aber danach hat es mir immer besser gefallen. Nach der Hälfte konnte ich das Buch einfach nicht mehr aus der Hand legen und habe es in einem Rutsch verschlungen.
Daher eine klare Leseempfehlung von mir!
July 22, 2015
4½ Stars.
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/07/t...
Claire Zorn, you are incredible. I absolutely loved Claire's dystopian, The Sky so Heavy and The Protected is absolutely brilliant. The characters are beautifully intricate, well developed with a raw and realistic quality. Claire allows each narrative to deliver their thoughts with a sassy and sarcastic wit, which is not only clever, but allows the reader to relate and invest in her characters through humour. The Protected follows the same premise, but explores the heartbreak of losing a family member, the breakdown of the family unit who are grieving and learning to live again.
While my heart ached for Hannah, I absolutely adored Josh. Even though he was aware of Hannah's grief, he never felt the need to console or tread lightly around the discussion of Katie's passing. He was a symbol of hope that Hannah was able to use as her anchor, as well as school counselor Anna. Anna was brilliant. A no nonsense woman who Hannah also felt connection to while her world was caving in. While both parents seemingly struggled to live for the daughter that lived, both were too consumed by grief and guilt to worry how Hannah was fairing.
It was an amazing story told in shades of grey, proving that grief is a personal journey to which we all endure individually. Claire Zorn is one of Australia's young adult authors that all authors should take note of. She can captivate an audience, paint us into her world with characters that stay with us long after the final page is read.
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/07/t...
Claire Zorn, you are incredible. I absolutely loved Claire's dystopian, The Sky so Heavy and The Protected is absolutely brilliant. The characters are beautifully intricate, well developed with a raw and realistic quality. Claire allows each narrative to deliver their thoughts with a sassy and sarcastic wit, which is not only clever, but allows the reader to relate and invest in her characters through humour. The Protected follows the same premise, but explores the heartbreak of losing a family member, the breakdown of the family unit who are grieving and learning to live again.
While my heart ached for Hannah, I absolutely adored Josh. Even though he was aware of Hannah's grief, he never felt the need to console or tread lightly around the discussion of Katie's passing. He was a symbol of hope that Hannah was able to use as her anchor, as well as school counselor Anna. Anna was brilliant. A no nonsense woman who Hannah also felt connection to while her world was caving in. While both parents seemingly struggled to live for the daughter that lived, both were too consumed by grief and guilt to worry how Hannah was fairing.
It was an amazing story told in shades of grey, proving that grief is a personal journey to which we all endure individually. Claire Zorn is one of Australia's young adult authors that all authors should take note of. She can captivate an audience, paint us into her world with characters that stay with us long after the final page is read.
February 11, 2017
It took me a little while to read this because I have been in bit of a slump, but today I buckled down and finished it all and enjoyed it quite a bit. I can relate to what Hannah dealt with at school in terms of bullying which really struck a cord with me. I loved how she grew and developed though and Josh was just an awesome guy. This was a good little contemporary.
August 9, 2014
The Protected is, so far, the best book I've ever read. Hannah reminded me a bit about myself, and I could connect with the characters even further because I had met Claire Zorn when she released The Protected at my school, so I had a bit of an insight to where the characters came from.
You don't read a good book, you experience it, which is exactly what I did with The Protected. I felt Hannah's emotions and cried when her mum said:
Claire signed my copy of the book "Dear Ben, You must keep writing. You must! which inspired me to pick up the book I had given up on and give it another chance. Claire Zorn is one of my role models, alongside "Weird Al" Yankovic.
~Ben Scott-Smith
You don't read a good book, you experience it, which is exactly what I did with The Protected. I felt Hannah's emotions and cried when her mum said:
Claire signed my copy of the book "Dear Ben, You must keep writing. You must! which inspired me to pick up the book I had given up on and give it another chance. Claire Zorn is one of my role models, alongside "Weird Al" Yankovic.
~Ben Scott-Smith
September 30, 2017
Honestly, because of my normal reluctance to read this genre, I picked this one up, not sure if I would even finish it. Not sure if I would like it. But then, as often happens I picked it up, and was sucked into the story. Because the author doesn't give it all away at the beginning, you have to kind of get the back story in bits and pieces of details given throughout the story, it keeps you turning pages to find out just what life was like for Hannah. You also aren't quite sure of what the exact accident was that caused her older sister to die. In fact, due to many things talking about this book having to do with bullying, I was definitely thinking that was the type of incident that happened.
Check out my full review on Lisa Loves Literature.
Check out my full review on Lisa Loves Literature.
December 14, 2015
Sad,but excellent. Bullying, fear, and then some hope, but very sad
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 9, 2020
I honestly spent most of this book on the verge of tears.
It's incredibly painful, but so well-written. Hannah is 15 and it's been one year since her older sister, Katie, was killed in a car crash. Before that she was heavily bullied at school; now nobody knows what to do with her. She drifts through life, with her parents on the verge of divorce, but a new boy is slowly bringing her out of her shell.
The portayal of grief is fantastic. Hannah had a terrible time at school; I was bullied in primary school myself, though nothing as bad as her, and I spent most of the time I was reading this book screaming at her to get up do something say something fight back! But of course, in the moment, you just can't sometimes. Katie is not idealised and her relationship with Hannah is the best part of the book. It's told in flashback chapters alternating with modern-day ones, until the timeline catches up with itself, but the nonlinear framing is pulled off well. ]
The romance is very sweet but left a little open-ended. I'd call it more of a burgeoning romance. The book is very short, only about 50k words, but it packs such an intense emotional punch that I felt as though the characters were real. There is almost no closure: no closure to the romance, no closure with the bullies, only a slight closure with Katie. This book is just a year in the life of Hannah McCann, aged 15, and nothing more.
But GOD I wish it were longer.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
It's incredibly painful, but so well-written. Hannah is 15 and it's been one year since her older sister, Katie, was killed in a car crash. Before that she was heavily bullied at school; now nobody knows what to do with her. She drifts through life, with her parents on the verge of divorce, but a new boy is slowly bringing her out of her shell.
The portayal of grief is fantastic. Hannah had a terrible time at school; I was bullied in primary school myself, though nothing as bad as her, and I spent most of the time I was reading this book screaming at her to get up do something say something fight back! But of course, in the moment, you just can't sometimes. Katie is not idealised and her relationship with Hannah is the best part of the book. It's told in flashback chapters alternating with modern-day ones, until the timeline catches up with itself, but the nonlinear framing is pulled off well. ]
The romance is very sweet but left a little open-ended. I'd call it more of a burgeoning romance. The book is very short, only about 50k words, but it packs such an intense emotional punch that I felt as though the characters were real. There is almost no closure: no closure to the romance, no closure with the bullies, only a slight closure with Katie. This book is just a year in the life of Hannah McCann, aged 15, and nothing more.
But GOD I wish it were longer.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
July 23, 2017
I was at first drawn to Protected because I am interested in family-oriented contemporaries that explore the bonds we have with our family members and how they are never truly lost. I have to say that this is a book that showcases that very clearly.
Hence, I enjoyed this story a lot and I am excited to read more from Claire Zorn in the future. Even though the protagonist wasn't the most likeable, the plot was executed well and the morals given out by the reading of this book are great.
Protected is basically about a teenage girl named Hannah. A while ago, her sister had died in a car crash, leaving her and her parents emotionally wounded. Her family has since drifted away from each other and cannot experience the joy they would if Katie had still been around. When Hannah gets to know Josh, she feels the best she's ever did since her sister's death. But is that enough to help her get through her grief?
As stated before, Hannah is very, very far from being the best protagonist I've ever read about. To be fair, I saw many good traits in her, but she was for sure flawed as well. She complained and sulked very often, which I understand because of her ongoing grief, but at times she refused to accept help offered to her, and that is what I disliked. In spite of this, Hannah's character grows immensely by the end of the novel as she becomes much more appreciative of what she has and learns to open up to others and talk to them about her troubles instead of storing it all in. Even so, it was quite evident that she still had a ways to go in developing a bit more afterwards.
As you would expect since this is by all means a contemporary story, there was romance involved. Was it good romance, though? Meh. I just found it to be unnecessary and forced- I feel like if Hannah hadn't lost her sister, the two would have never bonded like they did in the book. Josh, the love interest, only first showed up at about 2/3s of the book and he was honestly so bland! I am telling you that I did not see many sparks fly between the two.
All in all, I definitely liked Protected and would be willing to try out more books by this author. The characters were a little rusty, but I believe that this book should be read by more people once it comes out because of its messages about appreciating what you have and being able to get help if you need it. It's not the happiest of contemporaries, I'll say that, but if you are looking for a book that has powerful messages, I'd recommend this one in a heartbeat.
*I received a digital ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Hence, I enjoyed this story a lot and I am excited to read more from Claire Zorn in the future. Even though the protagonist wasn't the most likeable, the plot was executed well and the morals given out by the reading of this book are great.
Protected is basically about a teenage girl named Hannah. A while ago, her sister had died in a car crash, leaving her and her parents emotionally wounded. Her family has since drifted away from each other and cannot experience the joy they would if Katie had still been around. When Hannah gets to know Josh, she feels the best she's ever did since her sister's death. But is that enough to help her get through her grief?
As stated before, Hannah is very, very far from being the best protagonist I've ever read about. To be fair, I saw many good traits in her, but she was for sure flawed as well. She complained and sulked very often, which I understand because of her ongoing grief, but at times she refused to accept help offered to her, and that is what I disliked. In spite of this, Hannah's character grows immensely by the end of the novel as she becomes much more appreciative of what she has and learns to open up to others and talk to them about her troubles instead of storing it all in. Even so, it was quite evident that she still had a ways to go in developing a bit more afterwards.
As you would expect since this is by all means a contemporary story, there was romance involved. Was it good romance, though? Meh. I just found it to be unnecessary and forced- I feel like if Hannah hadn't lost her sister, the two would have never bonded like they did in the book. Josh, the love interest, only first showed up at about 2/3s of the book and he was honestly so bland! I am telling you that I did not see many sparks fly between the two.
All in all, I definitely liked Protected and would be willing to try out more books by this author. The characters were a little rusty, but I believe that this book should be read by more people once it comes out because of its messages about appreciating what you have and being able to get help if you need it. It's not the happiest of contemporaries, I'll say that, but if you are looking for a book that has powerful messages, I'd recommend this one in a heartbeat.
*I received a digital ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews