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Still Waters
A gritty, powerful debut that evokes The Outsiders. You won't be able to look away.
High school senior Jason knows how to take a punch. Living with an abusive father will teach a kid that. But he’s also learned how to hit back, earning a reputation at school that ensures no one will mess with him. Even so, all Jason truly wants is to survive his father long enough to turn eighteen, take his younger sister, Janie, and run away.
Then one day, the leader of the in crowd at school, Michael, offers to pay Jason to hang out with him. Jason figures Michael simply wants to be seen with someone with a tough rep and that the money will add up fast, making Jason’s escape plan a reality. Plus, there’s Michael’s girl, Cyndra, who looks at Jason as if she sees something behind his false smile. As Jason gets drawn deeper into Michael’s game, the money keeps flowing, but the stakes grow ever more dangerous. Soon, even Jason’s fists and his ability to think on his feet aren’t enough to keep his head above water.
Still Waters is an intense, gritty thriller that pulls no punches—yet leaves you rooting for the tough guy. A powerful, dynamic debut.
High school senior Jason knows how to take a punch. Living with an abusive father will teach a kid that. But he’s also learned how to hit back, earning a reputation at school that ensures no one will mess with him. Even so, all Jason truly wants is to survive his father long enough to turn eighteen, take his younger sister, Janie, and run away.
Then one day, the leader of the in crowd at school, Michael, offers to pay Jason to hang out with him. Jason figures Michael simply wants to be seen with someone with a tough rep and that the money will add up fast, making Jason’s escape plan a reality. Plus, there’s Michael’s girl, Cyndra, who looks at Jason as if she sees something behind his false smile. As Jason gets drawn deeper into Michael’s game, the money keeps flowing, but the stakes grow ever more dangerous. Soon, even Jason’s fists and his ability to think on his feet aren’t enough to keep his head above water.
Still Waters is an intense, gritty thriller that pulls no punches—yet leaves you rooting for the tough guy. A powerful, dynamic debut.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
30 people are currently reading
1593 people want to read
About the author
Ash Parsons
6 books195 followersAsh Parsons is a graduate of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Clown College as well as other, more traditional schools. She is a PEN America Literary Award Winner for the Phyllis Naylor Fellowship, and a Literary Arts Fellow for the Alabama State Council of the Arts. She previously taught English to middle and high school students, as well as teaching creative writing through Troy University’s ACCESS program and Media Studies at Auburn University. Ash has spent some time stumbling around as a zombie on The Walking Dead and lives in Alabama with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 29, 2015
I received this from the publisher for an early read/review.
Excellent story that turned out more enjoyable than I anticipated. I don't read as much YA as some of my reading buddies, and I tend to rate it a little harsher, so I was surprised by how hooked I became to this one.
I was kept on my toes with the dark psychological twists as the main character, Jason, is pulled into compromising directions by a popular, rich group in school. The story reminds me a little of something Christopher Pike may have written when I was growing up, but not quite the same, enjoyed in the similar vein (I love Pike's twists too.) Whatever seems to be simple on the surface never is, and it's impossible to guess everything, impossible to never be surprised.
Thankfully I cared about the protagonist, which made whatever was going on even more riveting. Sometimes he seemed to have too stiff a shoulder, but it showed in the end that he was right to be that standoffish and I was the one giving too much benefit of the doubt. His driving focus, that which kept him determined to make sacrifices and to take chances, was a plausible one. Yucky home life to the extreme, this story touched not only on the manipulations played at school, but the very real trauma of child abuse and psychological torment played on children by demented father figures.
As one of several villains of the story, Michael's personality hypnotized me. Sociopaths are a dime a dozen in novels, but its not a simple issue. The play in this with the power of dominance and influence in the high school circle revved my interest up another notch. Even if he is playing a villain with no heart, there is always some heart there, no matter how dark. It's a simple label, but he's not a simple character. I prefer realistic villains, not just black and white stereotypes. Villains in this book are facinorous through and through, but they're still madly fascinating.
I never saw all that could be coming - who could? - but some of the guesses proved true. Even when they did, I wasn't let down as there were twists with how it played out still. Using your fists to fight through life isn't an answer, as the character already knows in his reasoning, but sometimes violence isn't avoidable if you're in a violent world.
It was almost painful to put this book down in between real-life reading breaks. Always something is going on to change things or upset balances, raise questions and make me bite my lip wondering what's coming next. There are a few scenes that stand out in my mind especially well, geared forth through the writer's writing style, where I can picture them clearly in my head.
Parsons employs short and sharp sentences to carry hefty meaning, but he ties this in between poetically pretty phrasing. Hard to describe, but it's a style that works.
While Jason is beset with monstrous companions and a horrible situation, he isn't mopey or whiny, only realistically strong and realistically fragile. I felt for him through all the trials, and think the author handled the ending well. There is no such thing in this situation as a realistic happy-go-lucky turnaround, even if some things look up for the moment. There has to be that down time in between tragedies where one slowly starts to heal, no magic rubber band that bounces back in perfect shape when it's done.
This YA is recommended for every age - it avoids triangles, young adult cliches, or anything too 'young.' It's an adult novel for adults, a young adult novel for young adults. Highly recommended. I'll definitely check out more of the authors' work when he writes it.
Excellent story that turned out more enjoyable than I anticipated. I don't read as much YA as some of my reading buddies, and I tend to rate it a little harsher, so I was surprised by how hooked I became to this one.
I was kept on my toes with the dark psychological twists as the main character, Jason, is pulled into compromising directions by a popular, rich group in school. The story reminds me a little of something Christopher Pike may have written when I was growing up, but not quite the same, enjoyed in the similar vein (I love Pike's twists too.) Whatever seems to be simple on the surface never is, and it's impossible to guess everything, impossible to never be surprised.
Thankfully I cared about the protagonist, which made whatever was going on even more riveting. Sometimes he seemed to have too stiff a shoulder, but it showed in the end that he was right to be that standoffish and I was the one giving too much benefit of the doubt. His driving focus, that which kept him determined to make sacrifices and to take chances, was a plausible one. Yucky home life to the extreme, this story touched not only on the manipulations played at school, but the very real trauma of child abuse and psychological torment played on children by demented father figures.
As one of several villains of the story, Michael's personality hypnotized me. Sociopaths are a dime a dozen in novels, but its not a simple issue. The play in this with the power of dominance and influence in the high school circle revved my interest up another notch. Even if he is playing a villain with no heart, there is always some heart there, no matter how dark. It's a simple label, but he's not a simple character. I prefer realistic villains, not just black and white stereotypes. Villains in this book are facinorous through and through, but they're still madly fascinating.
I never saw all that could be coming - who could? - but some of the guesses proved true. Even when they did, I wasn't let down as there were twists with how it played out still. Using your fists to fight through life isn't an answer, as the character already knows in his reasoning, but sometimes violence isn't avoidable if you're in a violent world.
It was almost painful to put this book down in between real-life reading breaks. Always something is going on to change things or upset balances, raise questions and make me bite my lip wondering what's coming next. There are a few scenes that stand out in my mind especially well, geared forth through the writer's writing style, where I can picture them clearly in my head.
Parsons employs short and sharp sentences to carry hefty meaning, but he ties this in between poetically pretty phrasing. Hard to describe, but it's a style that works.
While Jason is beset with monstrous companions and a horrible situation, he isn't mopey or whiny, only realistically strong and realistically fragile. I felt for him through all the trials, and think the author handled the ending well. There is no such thing in this situation as a realistic happy-go-lucky turnaround, even if some things look up for the moment. There has to be that down time in between tragedies where one slowly starts to heal, no magic rubber band that bounces back in perfect shape when it's done.
This YA is recommended for every age - it avoids triangles, young adult cliches, or anything too 'young.' It's an adult novel for adults, a young adult novel for young adults. Highly recommended. I'll definitely check out more of the authors' work when he writes it.
April 21, 2015
Review from an e-arc, provided by publisher
I'm so surprised by this book. It's so much better than I could have ever thought it would be.
The characters are all incredibly complex and interesting. Even the "bad guys" were extremely enjoyable to read about because they're were so well written.
I was really rooting for Jason though out the whole book. I really felt for him while reading this book and even though it took about 100 pages before I was fully emotionally invested in Jason and his story, I still really enjoyed those first 100 pages.
The writing style is awesome. Ash Parsons writes in such a realistic manner. He writes how people actually talk and it's not over done. It's really amazing that this is Parsons debut novel. I'll be auto-buying all of Persons' next books for sure.
I loved the plot so much. It was so engaging and so hard to put down. I was reading a couple other books before starting Still Waters and I found myself putting those books off just I could finish Still Waters.
Overall, I don't have a lot to say about Still Waters because I loved it so much. I'm a really critical reader but Still Waters made me forget to be critical. I was so engaged in the characters, the plot, and the realistic writing style. I'd be buying a hardcover of this book very soon because I enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Still Waters to everyone. I rarely recommend books to every single person but this book is fantastic.
I'm so surprised by this book. It's so much better than I could have ever thought it would be.
The characters are all incredibly complex and interesting. Even the "bad guys" were extremely enjoyable to read about because they're were so well written.
I was really rooting for Jason though out the whole book. I really felt for him while reading this book and even though it took about 100 pages before I was fully emotionally invested in Jason and his story, I still really enjoyed those first 100 pages.
The writing style is awesome. Ash Parsons writes in such a realistic manner. He writes how people actually talk and it's not over done. It's really amazing that this is Parsons debut novel. I'll be auto-buying all of Persons' next books for sure.
I loved the plot so much. It was so engaging and so hard to put down. I was reading a couple other books before starting Still Waters and I found myself putting those books off just I could finish Still Waters.
Overall, I don't have a lot to say about Still Waters because I loved it so much. I'm a really critical reader but Still Waters made me forget to be critical. I was so engaged in the characters, the plot, and the realistic writing style. I'd be buying a hardcover of this book very soon because I enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Still Waters to everyone. I rarely recommend books to every single person but this book is fantastic.
March 28, 2015
This book by 90% was a solid 3 star for me because it really felt like an after school special. A good after school special but one nonetheless. That last 10% blew me away! That ending deserved a star all itself so I have to go with 4!
Jason and his sister Janie have The Plan. All they both want is to escape the hell they live in with their abusive father. When Micheal the resident popular guy at Jason's high school offers Jason the chance to make money Jason thinks he can handle the situation. Only thing is Jason doesn't know all the rules for his new job and things spiral out of control.
Like I said this felt like an after school special, but a good one. I felt for Jason and his situation and I crossed my fingers and toes hoping that things wouldn't end bad for him. I hated the right people and felt compassion for the right ones. It doesn't get more cut and dry than this, but underlying all that is a great book that will grab your emotions. At one point my heart was pounding so hard that I had to skip a few pages ahead just to see what happened. Some times I can't take suspense and this was one of those times. I have to give the author a lot of credit for making heart beat so fast.
I will say that I didn't like Jason's decision with Cyndra. I can't say much because I don't want to spoil anything, but I wish he would have chosen a different path with her. He was stronger then he thought and I think he could have known what was good for him and what wasn't by the end of the book.
That was really my only hiccup. I thought the author did a tremendous job with each and every character and wow that ending. I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was so wrong and what happened made so much more sense. If I had really looked I might have been able to pick out clues throughout the story and others might be able to see the ending coming, but I loved that I didn't figure it out. My husband came downstairs right when I hit the OMG moment and he said my face was priceless. When reading if you have the OMG face it really doesn't get any better than that.
I have to give Clay an honorable mention. He played the best friend very well and when Jason has to hang out with another crowd that he isn't invited to Clay doesn't get upset and start drama. He is there for Jason when he needs them and is a strong force behind him. I loved him to pieces.
Great story that will definitely pull readers in and pull for Jason and Janie to escape!
Jason and his sister Janie have The Plan. All they both want is to escape the hell they live in with their abusive father. When Micheal the resident popular guy at Jason's high school offers Jason the chance to make money Jason thinks he can handle the situation. Only thing is Jason doesn't know all the rules for his new job and things spiral out of control.
Like I said this felt like an after school special, but a good one. I felt for Jason and his situation and I crossed my fingers and toes hoping that things wouldn't end bad for him. I hated the right people and felt compassion for the right ones. It doesn't get more cut and dry than this, but underlying all that is a great book that will grab your emotions. At one point my heart was pounding so hard that I had to skip a few pages ahead just to see what happened. Some times I can't take suspense and this was one of those times. I have to give the author a lot of credit for making heart beat so fast.
I will say that I didn't like Jason's decision with Cyndra. I can't say much because I don't want to spoil anything, but I wish he would have chosen a different path with her. He was stronger then he thought and I think he could have known what was good for him and what wasn't by the end of the book.
That was really my only hiccup. I thought the author did a tremendous job with each and every character and wow that ending. I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was so wrong and what happened made so much more sense. If I had really looked I might have been able to pick out clues throughout the story and others might be able to see the ending coming, but I loved that I didn't figure it out. My husband came downstairs right when I hit the OMG moment and he said my face was priceless. When reading if you have the OMG face it really doesn't get any better than that.
I have to give Clay an honorable mention. He played the best friend very well and when Jason has to hang out with another crowd that he isn't invited to Clay doesn't get upset and start drama. He is there for Jason when he needs them and is a strong force behind him. I loved him to pieces.
Great story that will definitely pull readers in and pull for Jason and Janie to escape!
April 2, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange of honest review.
Still Water is a powerful, dark, gritty, raw, and engrossing debut novel by Ash Parsons. This book takes readers down an intense, dauntless, gritty psychological thriller that will leave you feeling raw, exposed and rooting for the hero. Parson's impeccable writing and story-telling exposes subjects of abuse, violence, bullying, loss, and hardships. Parson's compelling story will touch your heart as a young man finds hope, strength, and courage.
“Scars prove that you're still here. That you can move on. Maybe missing a chunk of yourself, but here, goddamn it, surviving.”
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages
Still Water is a powerful, dark, gritty, raw, and engrossing debut novel by Ash Parsons. This book takes readers down an intense, dauntless, gritty psychological thriller that will leave you feeling raw, exposed and rooting for the hero. Parson's impeccable writing and story-telling exposes subjects of abuse, violence, bullying, loss, and hardships. Parson's compelling story will touch your heart as a young man finds hope, strength, and courage.
“Scars prove that you're still here. That you can move on. Maybe missing a chunk of yourself, but here, goddamn it, surviving.”
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages
March 23, 2015
Wow...just an amazing debut by this author. Dark, compelling, gritty - I finished this book for the most part in one day.
Although just a high school senior, Jason is hardened, distrustful, and wise beyond his years due to the trauma he's seen and experienced in his young life. His tough external shell hides an intelligent, loyal, and caring person who has learned to read people well - until he's offered money that could help with getting him and his sister to safety and a pretty girl comes into the picture, the downfall of many a man. Throughout this book, I was as suspicious as Jason of every character's motive. Were they to be trusted or were they playing him? Excellent suspense, pacing, and tension.
Exceptional major character development, all having their layers gradually revealed and still leaving me wondering about some characters at the end; however, most of the secondary characters were one-dimensional and several blurred together at times. The scenes in which Jason was abused by his father were entirely realistic and I cringed repeatedly - not for the tender-hearted.
One aspect of this plot bothered me, and maybe I missed the reasoning, but I kept wondering why Jason didn't hide the money he'd saved at Clay's house, as it would have been a safer place. The nicknames also seemed a little goofy to me, but that was easily overlooked.
I highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers/suspense. Looking forward to more from this author.
Thanks to Penguin First To Read for the digital ARC.
Although just a high school senior, Jason is hardened, distrustful, and wise beyond his years due to the trauma he's seen and experienced in his young life. His tough external shell hides an intelligent, loyal, and caring person who has learned to read people well - until he's offered money that could help with getting him and his sister to safety and a pretty girl comes into the picture, the downfall of many a man. Throughout this book, I was as suspicious as Jason of every character's motive. Were they to be trusted or were they playing him? Excellent suspense, pacing, and tension.
Exceptional major character development, all having their layers gradually revealed and still leaving me wondering about some characters at the end; however, most of the secondary characters were one-dimensional and several blurred together at times. The scenes in which Jason was abused by his father were entirely realistic and I cringed repeatedly - not for the tender-hearted.
One aspect of this plot bothered me, and maybe I missed the reasoning, but I kept wondering why Jason didn't hide the money he'd saved at Clay's house, as it would have been a safer place. The nicknames also seemed a little goofy to me, but that was easily overlooked.
I highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers/suspense. Looking forward to more from this author.
Thanks to Penguin First To Read for the digital ARC.
April 22, 2015
4.5 stars.
An absolutely haunting tale of abuse and manipulation, Still Waters is a stunning debut novel by Ash Parsons. Dark and violent, this young adult story is a mesmerizing psychological thriller with a compelling storyline and an unlikely hero.
Jason Roberts is no stranger to violence and he is fiercely protective of his younger sister, Janie. He meticulously plans every minute of his day with one goal in mind: stay out of the reach of his violent, ex-con and petty criminal father. Jason and Janie have devised a plan to escape their abusive father so when Michael Springfield, a popular student from a wealthy family, approaches him with a rather vague description of a well-paying job, Jason pushes aside his doubts and accepts his offer. What begins as a simple plan with Jason hanging out with Michael and his circle of friends soon spirals into one dangerous situation after another. Certain he has everything under control, Jason cannot resist the increasingly higher payoffs for each "job" but as he soon discovers, nothing is as simple as it appears and he is completely blindsided when he realizes the truth.
Jason is street smart and wise beyond his years due to his abusive home life. He has a well-earned tough guy reputation and no one messes with him, his sister or his best friend, Clay. He is a smart, loyal champion of the underdog and while he is extremely good at reading people, he seriously underestimates what he is getting into with Michael.
Michael is a well liked jock from an affluent, well respected family. With very little parental supervision, he is free to do just about whatever he wants and this has led him right into a problem with the wrong people. He concocts a rather brilliant scheme to reel Jason into his world and Michael then easily maneuvers the rest of his friends into carrying out his seemingly innocuous plans.
Jason glimpses the sometimes cruel streak Michael hides behind his mostly cheerful facade and he remains distrustful of Michael's motive for hiring him. In order to dispel Jason's suspicions, Michael tells a fairly believable story, but Jason is still pretty wary. Michael exploits Jason's vulnerabilities and Jason unknowingly does exactly what Michael wants. By the time Jason realizes that he is in way over his head, will it be too late for him to escape the diabolical scheme that is waiting for him?
Still Waters is truly remarkable young adult story that offers a heartbreaking and realistic portrayal of a desperate attempt to escape a violent childhood. Jason and Janie are finely crafted, multi-dimensional and devastatingly sympathetic characters. The plot is well-developed and engaging with plenty of action to keep the pages turning at a blistering pace. The story is full of unexpected plot twists and Ash Parsons brings this phenomenal novel to an absolutely spectacular, action filled conclusion.
An utterly outstanding psychological thriller I highly recommend to readers of all ages.
An absolutely haunting tale of abuse and manipulation, Still Waters is a stunning debut novel by Ash Parsons. Dark and violent, this young adult story is a mesmerizing psychological thriller with a compelling storyline and an unlikely hero.
Jason Roberts is no stranger to violence and he is fiercely protective of his younger sister, Janie. He meticulously plans every minute of his day with one goal in mind: stay out of the reach of his violent, ex-con and petty criminal father. Jason and Janie have devised a plan to escape their abusive father so when Michael Springfield, a popular student from a wealthy family, approaches him with a rather vague description of a well-paying job, Jason pushes aside his doubts and accepts his offer. What begins as a simple plan with Jason hanging out with Michael and his circle of friends soon spirals into one dangerous situation after another. Certain he has everything under control, Jason cannot resist the increasingly higher payoffs for each "job" but as he soon discovers, nothing is as simple as it appears and he is completely blindsided when he realizes the truth.
Jason is street smart and wise beyond his years due to his abusive home life. He has a well-earned tough guy reputation and no one messes with him, his sister or his best friend, Clay. He is a smart, loyal champion of the underdog and while he is extremely good at reading people, he seriously underestimates what he is getting into with Michael.
Michael is a well liked jock from an affluent, well respected family. With very little parental supervision, he is free to do just about whatever he wants and this has led him right into a problem with the wrong people. He concocts a rather brilliant scheme to reel Jason into his world and Michael then easily maneuvers the rest of his friends into carrying out his seemingly innocuous plans.
Jason glimpses the sometimes cruel streak Michael hides behind his mostly cheerful facade and he remains distrustful of Michael's motive for hiring him. In order to dispel Jason's suspicions, Michael tells a fairly believable story, but Jason is still pretty wary. Michael exploits Jason's vulnerabilities and Jason unknowingly does exactly what Michael wants. By the time Jason realizes that he is in way over his head, will it be too late for him to escape the diabolical scheme that is waiting for him?
Still Waters is truly remarkable young adult story that offers a heartbreaking and realistic portrayal of a desperate attempt to escape a violent childhood. Jason and Janie are finely crafted, multi-dimensional and devastatingly sympathetic characters. The plot is well-developed and engaging with plenty of action to keep the pages turning at a blistering pace. The story is full of unexpected plot twists and Ash Parsons brings this phenomenal novel to an absolutely spectacular, action filled conclusion.
An utterly outstanding psychological thriller I highly recommend to readers of all ages.
March 3, 2020
Actual Rating : 4.5 ⭐
This book was surprisingly better than I thought it was going to be.
This book was surprisingly better than I thought it was going to be.
April 11, 2015
I received this book as a giveaway. At first I really liked the book, I thought it was realistic and engaging but as the novel went on I found myself liking it a little less. The main character, Jason, is very passive and makes a lot of mistakes. Michael is really one-dimensional, very little effort is put into giving him any back story or motivation. I DETESTED Cyndra. She was poorly written and had no redeeming qualities outside of being pretty. Seriously, with the exception of Clay and Janie, who I really liked, none of the characters are developed and I found myself not really caring what happened to them. The plot got a bit muddled as the story went on and I feel the climax came with very little build up. The violence also seemed to accelerate from 0 to 60 as well.
However, It was very easy to read and a good debut. I look forward to seeing Ash Parsons develop as an author. There are some really great things about this story I just felt like the lacking character development detracted from the plot greatly.
However, It was very easy to read and a good debut. I look forward to seeing Ash Parsons develop as an author. There are some really great things about this story I just felt like the lacking character development detracted from the plot greatly.
March 5, 2015
Dark psychological tale of alpha teens exploiting social weaknesses of abused, outsider teen. The psychological skill sets, behaviors and illicit activities of the alpha teens are adult fantasies, not real teen capabilities. Does that make a good story? Mostly yes, because the story really moves forward with tension and a fast pace from the middle onward. Although the narrator would make more sense if he was a 40 year old hardened, tough ex- something or other telling his tale in retrospect. He just has no sense of being anywhere near his purported age, actually no one in the book does. It's really dark and violent so it should be appealing for someone with reading interests that bend towards actual fighting and siblings against the world tales. I received this ARC from Penguin's First to Read Program.
Read
November 10, 2017Still Waters by Ash Parsons was published in 2015 and is a well-written, attention grabbing novel. The book can be classified as realistic fiction as it is about high school, domestic violence, romance, and power. In the book, the main character is Jason, a high school senior with a reputation for fighting, an abusive father and a younger sister that he cares about deeply. The most popular guy in school, Michael, approaches Jason with deal. Jason has a plan to save enough money for his sister Janie and he to run away from their father. When Michael offers fifty dollars a day for Jason to pretend to be a part of his posse during school and fifty dollars for any overtime, it is impossible for Jason to refuse. However, Michael is the master of manipulation. As Jason’s journey with his new group continues, things spiral out of control as he falls in love with Michael’s girlfriend and learns firsthand about the users and the used. Overall, the plot is very original. It is unlike any other book I have read. The domestic violence portrayed throughout the book makes the audience feel sympathy towards Jason and his sister, while Jason’s relationship with Michael and his posse provides unpredictable events that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. While very few are likely to have the same struggles that Jason has,most schools have a popular crowd like Michael’s group and some can also relate to the family love between Jason and Janie. I would highly recommend this book to young adults. Male and female alike, this is a great read for those who seek an adventure filled, intriguing read.
January 21, 2018
Still Waters is by Ash Parson published in 2015 and is a very intriguing, enthralling novel. This novel can be classified as realistic fiction because the plot is not true, but includes very real scenarios with domestic violence, love, and power. Jason, a high school senior, is the main character. His background includes his abusive father and his sister who cares about deeply, but Jason has developed a known habit for fighting. The most popular guy in school, Michael, approaches Jason and offers a proposal that he can’t possibly refuse. Michael will offer Jason 50 dollars for pretending to be apart of their clique, and an extra 50 for over time. This is the perfect opportunity for Jason and Janie, Jason’s sister, to run away from their abusive father. However, as perfect as this plan may seem, everything sounds good in theory. Problems arise as Jason falls in love with Michael’s girlfriend. While enduring this emotional dilemma, Jason learns an important lesson about those who use people, and those who are used, and Jason quickly learns which one he is.
The plot of this novel is very original and is of its own breed. The portrayal of domestic violence shown by Jason and Janie’s father is very accurate and realistic. The reader has no choice but to sympathize with them for their traumatic experience with him. And of course, the conflicts that only seem to get worse with Michael and his clique are invigorating and keep the reader hooked for pages. While not many kids might not be able to relate to the struggles of Jason’s life, many high schools have “popular kids” that closely align with Michael and his gang that readers can surely understand the parallels. Although, the love shared between Jason and Janie is hopefully many siblings reality as it is a nearly unbreakable bond of love. I recommend this book for young adults, male or female. Also, readers looking for a journey of adrenaline and strong character development and breakthroughs. The plot of this novel is action-packed and filled with adventure.
The plot of this novel is very original and is of its own breed. The portrayal of domestic violence shown by Jason and Janie’s father is very accurate and realistic. The reader has no choice but to sympathize with them for their traumatic experience with him. And of course, the conflicts that only seem to get worse with Michael and his clique are invigorating and keep the reader hooked for pages. While not many kids might not be able to relate to the struggles of Jason’s life, many high schools have “popular kids” that closely align with Michael and his gang that readers can surely understand the parallels. Although, the love shared between Jason and Janie is hopefully many siblings reality as it is a nearly unbreakable bond of love. I recommend this book for young adults, male or female. Also, readers looking for a journey of adrenaline and strong character development and breakthroughs. The plot of this novel is action-packed and filled with adventure.
March 17, 2018
3.5 stars. Don't read a lot of YA, so little comparison. Gripping, compelling, not something to just sit back and enjoy. I did spend several days rethinking and unwinding "the (unexpected) sting".
September 16, 2021
I don't really like to trash books in reviews but this one deserves it, so here it goes: This book was poorly written, uninteresting, and gross. In short, you don't need to read it and you're welcome.
November 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend that others read it. This book was published in 2015 by Ash Parsons. This is the first book published by Parsons, but she has another in the works that is expected to be published in 2018. The author likes to create suspense to keep the reader engaged in the book. She creates new, unexpected turns throughout the entire book so the reader does not know what to expect next. This is a realistic fiction book about a high school boy named Jason that has learned to take a hit, as well as give one, because of the abusive father he grew up with. He and his sister Janie are simply waiting for the day Jason turns eighteen so they can escape their father together. When the popular boy in school, Michael, approaches Jason with the idea of becoming a sort of body guard for him, Jason takes the offer in order to make money and save up for the day he and Janie take off. The longer Jason keeps up this act for Michael though, the more dangerous the game becomes, and Jason struggles to keep up. The author focuses on developing each character in a way that the reader feels an emotional connection to them. At one point, the reader even feels bad for Michael, as the people he is running from catch him at a time Jason is not around and he gets badly beaten. Because Parsons takes the plot in so many different directions, it keeps the reader on their toes and is impossible to predict. I have never read anything like this before. It is incredibly unique and has not been done before, making it even more impressive. The audience should be aware that it includes under aged drinking and use of drugs, as well as violence and sex. I would not recommend it to younger kids because of this. This book is a survivor story and allows people to see abusive situations, which could help them to take care of themselves in the future. Anyone mature enough to get past the involvement of alcohol, drugs, violence, and sex would enjoy this book. Both male and female readers would be equally intrigued by this book and will have a hard time putting it down.
July 2, 2015
Jason lives a dead end life. His dad beats him, he's an outcast at school and his goal is to save enough money to get his sister and himself free. His prospects improve significantly when one of the school cool kids, Michael offers to pay him to be a friend. Jason knows it is too good to be true and that there must be strings attached. It takes a while to find out what the strings are and while he is figuring it all out the money is adding up. Jason is good with his hands and he figures he'll be able to fight his way out of any bad situations. That is until Michael raises the stakes to the point where guns are involved. At that point Jason has to decide if the money and potential freedom are worth the risk. And then there is his father who may know more about the Michael situation than is really safe. This book works well for reluctant readers as well as those wishing to read a good psychological thriller. A terrific debut from an author I'll definitely read more from.
December 28, 2015
3 Stars
While this book is supposed to be realistic YA fiction, the story line and character development have more of a UN-realistic YA fiction feel to me. The situations and abilities of the characters are just too unrealistic for me to believe. I understand the premise of someone in an abusive family wanting to get out and get their younger sibling out, but with that premise, there are points of no return and Jason (a.k.a. Ice), continues to go past these points. It is not understandable or realistic to think if the absolute focus in your life is to get you and your sister out from under an abusive father, that you would continue to put yourself into lethal situations with disregard to your sibling. It just doesn't sit.
Also, with the focus of teen readers, I believe the plot line takes too long develop initially, and then it is a roller coaster where things happen too quickly, and the ending easily could have been wrapped up with 50 less pages.
While this book is supposed to be realistic YA fiction, the story line and character development have more of a UN-realistic YA fiction feel to me. The situations and abilities of the characters are just too unrealistic for me to believe. I understand the premise of someone in an abusive family wanting to get out and get their younger sibling out, but with that premise, there are points of no return and Jason (a.k.a. Ice), continues to go past these points. It is not understandable or realistic to think if the absolute focus in your life is to get you and your sister out from under an abusive father, that you would continue to put yourself into lethal situations with disregard to your sibling. It just doesn't sit.
Also, with the focus of teen readers, I believe the plot line takes too long develop initially, and then it is a roller coaster where things happen too quickly, and the ending easily could have been wrapped up with 50 less pages.
March 23, 2015
An excellent choice for older YA readers can be found in this thriller. The themes are very mature and gritty, so parents, beware, you may want to screen this book for younger than high school readers. A high school male with an abusive father (a single parent household) and a younger sister gets mixed up with a really wrong crowd. The new clique are the football and cheerleader teens who are into the usual boy/girl games, but also are deeply into criminal activity which results in a seriously twisted plot and a horrendous outcome. It is a fast read taking only an afternoon for me to complete and I recommend this work without reservation. My thanks to the author and Penguin's First to Read program for a complimentary copy.
June 24, 2015
I hated pretty much everything about this book. It felt like a dumbed down style of writing that was trying to be edgy at the same time. The message was non existent, the characters were unlikeable, and the only redeeming quality it had for me was that it read really quickly and had a great plot twist that I didn't see coming. But in hind sight that might have been because I didn't care enough to look for it. One star. That's all I can give it.
May 13, 2018
DNF at page 190.
The plot didn't captured me much like I thought it would and neither did the characters. I hated Cyndra (with her drugging Jason or sleeping with him because of a 'bet') I just got annoyed by her and thought Jason could do better with another girl. I also got annoyed of the rotation of Michael and Cesare, Jason getting paid, Cyndra + Jason....it just wasn't my type of story anymore so I didn't see any point of finishing it.
The plot didn't captured me much like I thought it would and neither did the characters. I hated Cyndra (with her drugging Jason or sleeping with him because of a 'bet') I just got annoyed by her and thought Jason could do better with another girl. I also got annoyed of the rotation of Michael and Cesare, Jason getting paid, Cyndra + Jason....it just wasn't my type of story anymore so I didn't see any point of finishing it.
April 5, 2019
“It would be like unclenching your fist from the blade of a knife. You don’t feel how deep the cost is until you let go. But the wound can’t close until you do.” (Parsons 303)
This book was much more than I ever thought it would be. For all the violence, the plotting, the romantic subplots, it was never really about the user and the used. It was about pain, and loss, and getting better.
This book was much more than I ever thought it would be. For all the violence, the plotting, the romantic subplots, it was never really about the user and the used. It was about pain, and loss, and getting better.
June 30, 2015
Abused teen Jason gets involved with a privileged crowd at school in order to earn money for himself & younger sister to escape their alcoholic abusive dad. This one kept me guessing, and always rooting for Jason as he tries desperately to hold onto his integrity in spite of his dangerous life.
November 5, 2020
While the writing was strong and the storyline was good, I just can't believe someone is that stupid. Every. Single. Step. Jason was stupid.
I just can't with how the situations came up and what they were able to get away with.
I just can't with how the situations came up and what they were able to get away with.
June 21, 2015
3.5 stars
Review to come
Review to come
February 22, 2017
It was like a bad rap song with a decent beat and a catchy chorus.
October 13, 2017
12 October 2017
The book “Still Waters” written by Ash Parsons is a book about a boy named Jason who doesn’t have many friends other than one, Clay, and his younger sister, Janie. I found this book rummaging through the library shelves looking for a good thriller that will keep me on my toes.
Jason knows how to fight due to his dad starting to hit him. He wants to run away with his little sister, Janie, for living with his dad is a problem. The “popular jock” at his school, Michael, offers money for Jason to hangout with the group to give off a tough reputation and lets his plan to run away a dream to soon come true. He runs into a lot of problems while hanging around this group making it hard for him to hang around them, so Michael makes agreements and raises the stakes.
The book conveys a great story of a troubled kid trying to make it out alive and strive on his own with his little sister, safe from his dad. As someone reads this book, it’s thrilling and brings you to the edge of your seat. Michael gets easily triggered by how the “popular” people act and doesn’t buy into it. One of my favorite parts shows the humble side to Jason when Monique, a cheer girl, mentions Jason being ripped so he “twitched (his) arm out of her grip” (50) and shows he doesn’t want to show off his strenuous arms like the jocks.
This book is good for a someone in middle/high school possibly knows they could understand the feeling of being left out or not knowing anyone.
The book “Still Waters” written by Ash Parsons is a book about a boy named Jason who doesn’t have many friends other than one, Clay, and his younger sister, Janie. I found this book rummaging through the library shelves looking for a good thriller that will keep me on my toes.
Jason knows how to fight due to his dad starting to hit him. He wants to run away with his little sister, Janie, for living with his dad is a problem. The “popular jock” at his school, Michael, offers money for Jason to hangout with the group to give off a tough reputation and lets his plan to run away a dream to soon come true. He runs into a lot of problems while hanging around this group making it hard for him to hang around them, so Michael makes agreements and raises the stakes.
The book conveys a great story of a troubled kid trying to make it out alive and strive on his own with his little sister, safe from his dad. As someone reads this book, it’s thrilling and brings you to the edge of your seat. Michael gets easily triggered by how the “popular” people act and doesn’t buy into it. One of my favorite parts shows the humble side to Jason when Monique, a cheer girl, mentions Jason being ripped so he “twitched (his) arm out of her grip” (50) and shows he doesn’t want to show off his strenuous arms like the jocks.
This book is good for a someone in middle/high school possibly knows they could understand the feeling of being left out or not knowing anyone.
September 19, 2017
Still Waters by Ash Parsons is easily one of the best books i have ever read and i definitely recommend this book to any person who is into young adult or mystery/thriller reading. Jason, the main character in the book is a senior in high school who lives in an abusive home with his father and younger sister. Jason is an outcast who keeps mostly to himself and his best friend Clay. Jason is an intimidating kid who not many people mess with knowing his background at home. He has a plan to leave his father and take his sister Janie with him but he doesnt have the money to do that at the time. One day he is approached in schools by the school jock Michael who asks jason if he’d hang around Michael’s group and that if he chose to do so he would be payed a very large amount of money. Jason was skeptical knowing there had to be a reason behind this but throughout the book this mystery unfolds. Jason falls in love with Michael’s girlfriend Cyndra perhaps causing many problems in the group. This book hits every angle of a high school student and makes this story seem very real and easily captivates a young adult audience, from the moment i picked the book up, i could not put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2017
3.5 stars. When books are long, it makes the reader easier to poke hole. And I feel like there are many aspect of the book I don't like. I want to give it a lower rating, but the writing is so masterful and characters are so interesting. And the abuse is written as it is, not glossed over. It's action packed...
A problem I have is the ending. I want some happy fairy tale like ending, in which is "the plan"Because the book was very depressing, I was very much hoping for the bow on top. But in the end, the sibling got separated. I am also confused what did Jason said to the police, and they just believed him?
And making Michael a psychopath seems to be justifying, but the explanation didn't works for me. In the end, I would want something about conquering Micheal.
I don't really like the sister, she seems to be too overprotected by Jason. A slap, and few yelling threat and she just gives up all her brother fights for(money). As Jason said him self, his father would have to kill him before he reveal the money location.
A problem I have is the ending. I want some happy fairy tale like ending, in which is "the plan"Because the book was very depressing, I was very much hoping for the bow on top. But in the end, the sibling got separated. I am also confused what did Jason said to the police, and they just believed him?
And making Michael a psychopath seems to be justifying, but the explanation didn't works for me. In the end, I would want something about conquering Micheal.
I don't really like the sister, she seems to be too overprotected by Jason. A slap, and few yelling threat and she just gives up all her brother fights for(money). As Jason said him self, his father would have to kill him before he reveal the money location.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
I definitely felt what the back cover declared in three words: Intense, Gritty, Powerful, all while reading this book.
As a woman who thinks as is typical of her biological gender, and as a reader who has read mostly ya novels with many female protagonist's perspectives typical of their biological gender, this novel's voice and perspective was alien and fascinating to me. I have observed my brothers and a former boyfriend go between anger and numbness in terms of their emotions toward life circumstances which caused different reactions than I personally would have displayed. It was most rewarding reading about a protagonist like the men in my life.
I love that this novel dug in deep, not only into the life of a teenage male, but into the life of a teenage male who experienced so many different forms of abuse. There is much to be said positively for feminism taking a look into the male experience of abuse and this novel portrays what male victimhood looks like with a clever plot, eerily familiar characters, and real life setting.
As a woman who thinks as is typical of her biological gender, and as a reader who has read mostly ya novels with many female protagonist's perspectives typical of their biological gender, this novel's voice and perspective was alien and fascinating to me. I have observed my brothers and a former boyfriend go between anger and numbness in terms of their emotions toward life circumstances which caused different reactions than I personally would have displayed. It was most rewarding reading about a protagonist like the men in my life.
I love that this novel dug in deep, not only into the life of a teenage male, but into the life of a teenage male who experienced so many different forms of abuse. There is much to be said positively for feminism taking a look into the male experience of abuse and this novel portrays what male victimhood looks like with a clever plot, eerily familiar characters, and real life setting.
September 26, 2019
I've been reading this book for like the past two weeks, between classes, but not at home, it just wasn't thrilling enough, you know? It's a routine. Rinse, repeat. Get payed. That's what happening, or so I thought.
The first hundred pages, I read in two weeks: I wish the best for my Janie and Jason and the last two hundred pages, that I read in a day : holy fricking shit.
Halfway through the book, I thought, man, this one's predictable, you know, like, I think I know where this one's going. But, dammit, I wasn't ready for what was coming. Alot of the guesses were right, but so many plot twists and turns, I had the 'WTF' moment quite A LOT.
The last portion of the book, was what made everything worthwhile. The writing, the chatacters, the complexity, the will to survive, to move on. The gripping of the thrill, was what made this book a four star. Y'all should read this, too, it says it'll haunt you, and it most definitely will.
The first hundred pages, I read in two weeks: I wish the best for my Janie and Jason and the last two hundred pages, that I read in a day : holy fricking shit.
Halfway through the book, I thought, man, this one's predictable, you know, like, I think I know where this one's going. But, dammit, I wasn't ready for what was coming. Alot of the guesses were right, but so many plot twists and turns, I had the 'WTF' moment quite A LOT.
The last portion of the book, was what made everything worthwhile. The writing, the chatacters, the complexity, the will to survive, to move on. The gripping of the thrill, was what made this book a four star. Y'all should read this, too, it says it'll haunt you, and it most definitely will.
September 6, 2018
Still Waters introduces some of the most honest young adult characters since Hinton's "The Outsiders." Protagonist Jason accepts a seemingly innocuous challenge to escape a miserable home situation but the challenge and the action becomes increasingly complicated. Jason succeeds--not as he had planned but with acceptance of the options that result from multiple tragedies. All of Parsons' characters are authentic to the the youth I work with In both circumstances of life situations and in the personal honesty and affection they still display in spite of them. A great plot that takes readers places they probably won't anticipate lifts this first novel far above typical YA fare. Still Waters is most deserving of the awards it received and worth the attention of mature as well as maturing readers. Ash Parsons is a writer to watch1
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