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Every Last Promise
Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson and Gayle Forman, Every Last Promise is a provocative and emotional novel about a girl who must decide between keeping quiet and speaking up after witnessing a classmate's sexual assault.
Kayla saw something at the party that she wasn't supposed to. But she hasn't told anyone.
No one knows the real story about what happened that night—about why Kayla was driving the car that ran into a ditch after the party, about what she saw in the hours leading up to the accident, and about the promise she made to her friend Bean before she left for the summer.
Now Kayla's coming home for her senior year. If Kayla keeps quiet, she might be able to get her old life back. If she tells the truth, she risks losing everything—and everyone—she ever cared about.
Kayla saw something at the party that she wasn't supposed to. But she hasn't told anyone.
No one knows the real story about what happened that night—about why Kayla was driving the car that ran into a ditch after the party, about what she saw in the hours leading up to the accident, and about the promise she made to her friend Bean before she left for the summer.
Now Kayla's coming home for her senior year. If Kayla keeps quiet, she might be able to get her old life back. If she tells the truth, she risks losing everything—and everyone—she ever cared about.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
25 people are currently reading
4559 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Halbrook
6 books215 followersWhen Kristin was little, she wanted to be a writer, the President of the USA or the first female NFL quarterback. Despite being able to throw a wicked spiral, she didn't really grow to the size needed for the NFL. Then, as Kristin got older and studied more, she came to realize there were better ways to effect positive change than becoming president. The first one, however, stuck, and now she's a critically acclaimed author of children's fiction of all ages. Even when Kristin was pursuing other dreams, she always took time to write here and there. NOBODY BUT US will be published by HarperChildren's in 2013, followed by EVERY LAST PROMISE in 2015. Kristin also writes middle grade novels as K.D. Halbrook.
When she's not writing or reading, she's spending time her pixies, her Scottish-accent husband, and their floof; traveling across oceans and time; cooking and baking up a storm and watching sunsets and waves crash on the beach. She currently lives, loves and explores in The Emerald City, though she'll occasionally make wispy, dream-like plans to move to Mexico, Paris or a Scottish castle one day (if just temporarily). You can reach Kristin at kristinhalbrook@gmail.com.
When she's not writing or reading, she's spending time her pixies, her Scottish-accent husband, and their floof; traveling across oceans and time; cooking and baking up a storm and watching sunsets and waves crash on the beach. She currently lives, loves and explores in The Emerald City, though she'll occasionally make wispy, dream-like plans to move to Mexico, Paris or a Scottish castle one day (if just temporarily). You can reach Kristin at kristinhalbrook@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
April 30, 2015
“If I maintain my silence about my secret it is my prisoner...if I let it slip from my tongue, I am ITS prisoner.”
----Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher
Kristin Halbrook, an American author, pens her new novel, Every Last Promise that centers around the dangers and consequences of harvesting a secret within oneself and how it completely changes one's life.
Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson and Gayle Forman, Every Last Promise is a provocative and emotional novel about a girl who must decide between keeping quiet and speaking up after witnessing a classmate’s sexual assault.
Kayla saw something at the party that she wasn’t supposed to. But she hasn’t told anyone. No one knows the real story about what happened that night—about why Kayla was driving the car that ran into a ditch after the party, about what she saw in the hours leading up to the accident, and about the promise she made to her friend Bean before she left for the summer.
Now Kayla’s coming home for her senior year. If Kayla keeps quiet, she might be able to get her old life back. If she tells the truth, she risks losing everything—and everyone—she ever cared about.
This book is quite similar to Courtney Summer's new book, All the Rage and this book too deals with similar teen issues. Having read Halbrook's debut book, Nobody But Us previously, I was not too eagerly looking forward to her latest book. And I believe this book is far better than her first book and Halbrook, as a writer, has evolved a lot since her style of writing and plot building is pretty nice and the way she have unfolded the story through her protagonist, kept me engaged.
The story is set in past and present times of Kayla, where we are swayed to-and-fro from the night of that "event" to the present day where Kayla faces the ghost of this past secret that she safe-guards in her heart. This event where her friend was sexually assaulted and Kayla witnessed that event made her change her life and character. But it was bit difficult to adjust with the alternating scenes and times, where once we get to see Kayla as someone weak and foolish and then again as someone who is strong and determined.
Anyhow the book didn't even strike me that much, since the issues that were dealt with in this book were not that polished. But from the characters to the plot, everything has been kept quite realistic by the author. Again a small town comes into play where the townsfolk almost make Kayla an outcast and how people depend and believe on meager gossips to pass their days.
The author addresses with the issues of how to stand up for oneself by layering it with a hint of little romance. And if you enjoy reading a slow paced book, then this will be your ideal read. Other than that, there are some great insights on the value of friendship that the author tried to depict through this book, which might interest you. In short, this book is an average one, I'd recommend for you guys to go for Courtney Summers book.
Verdict: Not something to die for, so you can skip this one!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author's publicist, for the review copy.
----Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher
Kristin Halbrook, an American author, pens her new novel, Every Last Promise that centers around the dangers and consequences of harvesting a secret within oneself and how it completely changes one's life.
Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson and Gayle Forman, Every Last Promise is a provocative and emotional novel about a girl who must decide between keeping quiet and speaking up after witnessing a classmate’s sexual assault.
Kayla saw something at the party that she wasn’t supposed to. But she hasn’t told anyone. No one knows the real story about what happened that night—about why Kayla was driving the car that ran into a ditch after the party, about what she saw in the hours leading up to the accident, and about the promise she made to her friend Bean before she left for the summer.
Now Kayla’s coming home for her senior year. If Kayla keeps quiet, she might be able to get her old life back. If she tells the truth, she risks losing everything—and everyone—she ever cared about.
This book is quite similar to Courtney Summer's new book, All the Rage and this book too deals with similar teen issues. Having read Halbrook's debut book, Nobody But Us previously, I was not too eagerly looking forward to her latest book. And I believe this book is far better than her first book and Halbrook, as a writer, has evolved a lot since her style of writing and plot building is pretty nice and the way she have unfolded the story through her protagonist, kept me engaged.
The story is set in past and present times of Kayla, where we are swayed to-and-fro from the night of that "event" to the present day where Kayla faces the ghost of this past secret that she safe-guards in her heart. This event where her friend was sexually assaulted and Kayla witnessed that event made her change her life and character. But it was bit difficult to adjust with the alternating scenes and times, where once we get to see Kayla as someone weak and foolish and then again as someone who is strong and determined.
Anyhow the book didn't even strike me that much, since the issues that were dealt with in this book were not that polished. But from the characters to the plot, everything has been kept quite realistic by the author. Again a small town comes into play where the townsfolk almost make Kayla an outcast and how people depend and believe on meager gossips to pass their days.
The author addresses with the issues of how to stand up for oneself by layering it with a hint of little romance. And if you enjoy reading a slow paced book, then this will be your ideal read. Other than that, there are some great insights on the value of friendship that the author tried to depict through this book, which might interest you. In short, this book is an average one, I'd recommend for you guys to go for Courtney Summers book.
Verdict: Not something to die for, so you can skip this one!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author's publicist, for the review copy.
July 8, 2015
Initial Thoughts: About 3.5 stars. Never would I have thought that I would dislike a main character so much and still continue reading. Part of it was curiosity. I really wanted to know what happened that night. I kind of guessed about halfway through the book. But I still kept reading. I think that this book does have an important message and is worth reading, especially if you are in high school or know/have teens of that age.
The Review:
Every Last Promise is a powerful story that grabs the reader immediately. The book deals with the aftermath of a car accident which led to the death of a star football player. As the story unfolds, we learn that there is so much more.
As mentioned above in my initial thoughts, I found it hard to like the main character Kayla. In fact, I think that I probably despised her. Usually that's my cue to stop reading, but I felt compelled to keep reading.
The kids at school treat Kayla horribly, calling her Killer Kayla, bullying her, and treating her as a pariah. Kayla takes the nonstop abuse and hides behind her memory loss. As bits and pieces of her memory return, Kayla continues to be in denial, hiding behind the loss of memory.
Every Last Promise is a compelling book. A must-read for parents of teens, teens, and anyone who deals with teens.
Trigger warning: rape
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperTeen for a review copy of this book.
The Review:
Every Last Promise is a powerful story that grabs the reader immediately. The book deals with the aftermath of a car accident which led to the death of a star football player. As the story unfolds, we learn that there is so much more.
As mentioned above in my initial thoughts, I found it hard to like the main character Kayla. In fact, I think that I probably despised her. Usually that's my cue to stop reading, but I felt compelled to keep reading.
The kids at school treat Kayla horribly, calling her Killer Kayla, bullying her, and treating her as a pariah. Kayla takes the nonstop abuse and hides behind her memory loss. As bits and pieces of her memory return, Kayla continues to be in denial, hiding behind the loss of memory.
Every Last Promise is a compelling book. A must-read for parents of teens, teens, and anyone who deals with teens.
Trigger warning: rape
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperTeen for a review copy of this book.
April 21, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was an interesting mystery story, and I really wanted to know what had been going on!
Kayla was an okay character, but she really was a bit of a coward. She ran away and told people that she didn’t remember what had happened, when really she should have been standing up, telling the truth, and helping out a friend who really needed her. I know she was scared that people wouldn’t believe her, but with the evidence she had, and in the interests of being a good friend, she really needed the guts to do the right thing.
This story was told from Kayla’s point of view from the spring when whatever happened happened, and then from the fall after what had happened. There was both a mystery over who had died, as well as the mystery surrounding the events that had led up to the event, although the blurb totally ruins one of those mysteries! Such a spoiler-filled blurb!
There was a little hint of romance in this book but not a lot, the story was more focused on the mystery aspect than the romance.
The ending to this was good, and I liked that we finally found out what had happened; I hated how long it took for it to happen though, and I generally thought that Kayla and her friends were just generally quite selfish, and not very nice people.
6.5 out of 10
This was an interesting mystery story, and I really wanted to know what had been going on!
Kayla was an okay character, but she really was a bit of a coward. She ran away and told people that she didn’t remember what had happened, when really she should have been standing up, telling the truth, and helping out a friend who really needed her. I know she was scared that people wouldn’t believe her, but with the evidence she had, and in the interests of being a good friend, she really needed the guts to do the right thing.
This story was told from Kayla’s point of view from the spring when whatever happened happened, and then from the fall after what had happened. There was both a mystery over who had died, as well as the mystery surrounding the events that had led up to the event, although the blurb totally ruins one of those mysteries! Such a spoiler-filled blurb!
There was a little hint of romance in this book but not a lot, the story was more focused on the mystery aspect than the romance.
The ending to this was good, and I liked that we finally found out what had happened; I hated how long it took for it to happen though, and I generally thought that Kayla and her friends were just generally quite selfish, and not very nice people.
6.5 out of 10
December 31, 2014
I cannot rate this book. Not yet. I need to give it time beyond my intense feelings of pure rage. Because this is messed up.
ETA Full Review:
My initial feeling when I finished this book was rage. Pure, total, blinding rage. And disappointment. I just ... expected so much more. From Kristin Halbrook, from Kayla, from EVERY LAST PROMISE. Instead, I was left with anger and sadness and a bitter taste that almost had me hurling this book across the room, but I stopped because said eARC was on my iPad and not amount of book rage will have me hurling my baby across a room.
But then I received a physical ARC from HarperCollins with a letter from Kristin Halbrook about the book and Kayla enclosed.
And it made me pause.
A lot of my rage and confusion came from Kayla and the fact that this book ended without a lot of issues resolved. Kayla was weak, spineless. She ducked her head and for most of the book, let things happen, not wanting to rock the boat or her place amongst her "friends".
In Halbrook's note, she admits that Kayla isn't easy to like, but what Kayla is, is a real character. She is very much a realistic person. And the sad thing is, a lot of times, silence is easier than taking a stand. I've done it. I've put my head down or let things slide so I didn't rock the boat.
I'd be willing to bet you have done it, too.
It took some time and some reflection but I realized that my issues with Kayla and this book is that it struck a raw nerve with me. I read so many book with a Katniss or a Tris or even a Bella who fight for what they believe in and damn the consequences and I want to be like that. We all do. We want to be the hero or heroine. We want people to admire us for sticking to our guns even if it leads to all out war.
But the truth is, most of us are like a Kayla. We read and dream about being the hero, but when push comes to shove and you are actually threatened, when the people you love may suffer if you stand against the wrong doers, a lot of people stay silent.
I'm not passing judgement at all. It simply ... is what it is. It's human.
So while this book isn't something I personally loved or would re-read, I can say that it is relatable. I don't think anyone will pick up the "I want to be a Kayla!" war cry. But I can appreciate and understand Kayla's struggle and even most of her decisions.
ETA Full Review:
My initial feeling when I finished this book was rage. Pure, total, blinding rage. And disappointment. I just ... expected so much more. From Kristin Halbrook, from Kayla, from EVERY LAST PROMISE. Instead, I was left with anger and sadness and a bitter taste that almost had me hurling this book across the room, but I stopped because said eARC was on my iPad and not amount of book rage will have me hurling my baby across a room.
But then I received a physical ARC from HarperCollins with a letter from Kristin Halbrook about the book and Kayla enclosed.
And it made me pause.
A lot of my rage and confusion came from Kayla and the fact that this book ended without a lot of issues resolved. Kayla was weak, spineless. She ducked her head and for most of the book, let things happen, not wanting to rock the boat or her place amongst her "friends".
In Halbrook's note, she admits that Kayla isn't easy to like, but what Kayla is, is a real character. She is very much a realistic person. And the sad thing is, a lot of times, silence is easier than taking a stand. I've done it. I've put my head down or let things slide so I didn't rock the boat.
I'd be willing to bet you have done it, too.
It took some time and some reflection but I realized that my issues with Kayla and this book is that it struck a raw nerve with me. I read so many book with a Katniss or a Tris or even a Bella who fight for what they believe in and damn the consequences and I want to be like that. We all do. We want to be the hero or heroine. We want people to admire us for sticking to our guns even if it leads to all out war.
But the truth is, most of us are like a Kayla. We read and dream about being the hero, but when push comes to shove and you are actually threatened, when the people you love may suffer if you stand against the wrong doers, a lot of people stay silent.
I'm not passing judgement at all. It simply ... is what it is. It's human.
So while this book isn't something I personally loved or would re-read, I can say that it is relatable. I don't think anyone will pick up the "I want to be a Kayla!" war cry. But I can appreciate and understand Kayla's struggle and even most of her decisions.
March 23, 2015
Kayla witnessed something at a party that she wasn’t supposed to and it’s something that she’s trying to forget. She hasn’t told anybody because of the events that happened and how they’ve changed her world. She loved her home town and it was a place that loved her in return but now, after spending time at her Aunt’s house it’s a place that hates her and she has no-one but her family for support. As time goes on, Kayla’s guilt starts to eat away at her but can she reveal what happened that night when she knows there will be no turning back and she will forever be an out casted from the place she once loved?
Every Last Promise is a story that is very promising but unfortunately fell a little short for me. From the moment I started the story I struggled to connect to the main character Kayla. She was okay – I guess but she was really a hard character to like. She’s witnessed a terrible thing and rather than tell everyone what she saw, she keeps quite all for the sake of her reputation – even though no-one wants to know her because of something she did that night – which I’m not going to spoil for you. What Kayla did was a good twist to the story and it was all for the right reason – or so I believed. So for her to remain quiet over the thing she witnessed just because she thought no-one would believe her, in my eyes, was pretty unforgivable because it involved one of her close friends and mainly because she had the proof all along to back up the events that happened. As a character, Kayla focussed too much on trying to get her friends back. I just found her very shallow.
Kayla wasn’t the only character I didn’t really like or connect to – Jen and Kayla’s other friends as well as some of the boys in the story – who you weren’t meant to like – were just mostly horrid people. The only bright spark from the story was the love interest that was sweet but we don’t see as much from him and Kayla to really form a real connection to or even to root for their relationship.
The plot of the story does deal with some heavy real life issues and I applaud Kristin Halbrook for exploring the issues within her book, but unfortunately for me, I just didn’t enjoy the story as much as I hoped.
Thank you to HarperTeen for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
Every Last Promise is a story that is very promising but unfortunately fell a little short for me. From the moment I started the story I struggled to connect to the main character Kayla. She was okay – I guess but she was really a hard character to like. She’s witnessed a terrible thing and rather than tell everyone what she saw, she keeps quite all for the sake of her reputation – even though no-one wants to know her because of something she did that night – which I’m not going to spoil for you. What Kayla did was a good twist to the story and it was all for the right reason – or so I believed. So for her to remain quiet over the thing she witnessed just because she thought no-one would believe her, in my eyes, was pretty unforgivable because it involved one of her close friends and mainly because she had the proof all along to back up the events that happened. As a character, Kayla focussed too much on trying to get her friends back. I just found her very shallow.
Kayla wasn’t the only character I didn’t really like or connect to – Jen and Kayla’s other friends as well as some of the boys in the story – who you weren’t meant to like – were just mostly horrid people. The only bright spark from the story was the love interest that was sweet but we don’t see as much from him and Kayla to really form a real connection to or even to root for their relationship.
The plot of the story does deal with some heavy real life issues and I applaud Kristin Halbrook for exploring the issues within her book, but unfortunately for me, I just didn’t enjoy the story as much as I hoped.
Thank you to HarperTeen for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2016
I received a free copy via edelweiss for review purposes.
Every Last Promise surprised me. It deals with a very sensitive topic - sexual assault, so be warned if it's something that triggers you. It surprised me because the reader gets an in depth look into the inner workings of small town mentality on a range of issues. It's daring and raw, brutal and honest.
At first, it starts out with a car accident in which a teen ends up dead, and Kayla becomes a pariah. That same night, before the accident, Kayla witnessed her classmate being sexually assaulted, but no-one but the perpetrators, Kayla and the victim knows this. Kayla ends up leaving for the summer, returning to find herself shunned and verbally abused, labelled a murderer. Kayla must decide between speaking out about what she witnessed, and remaining quiet.
It's a deeply harrowing story. You get to see why witnesses and victims alike don't speak up, how they're targeted by this small town mentality, how they find it difficult to comprehend that their golden boy has committed a heinous act. Whilst I have no personal experience on the matter, Every Last Promise certainly changed my perspective.
Kayla was a fantastic character. To see her develop, to make some questionable choices, was an emotional turmoil that left me enthralled in the book, and it made Every Last Promise a book I won't be forgetting any time soon. She may be considered weak by some, and to a certain extent I agree. She didn't find the courage to speak up and it had some deeply damaging effects of betrayal on her friend. In the end, perhaps it's not resolved, but it's the beginning.
I find it's important that the reader is aware that this book is attempting to raise awareness for the rape culture we live in today and how this deeply affects small towns and the victims and witnesses of such crimes.
On a side note, I'd recommend reading the author's note when you finish the book, it's enlightening and makes you understand Kayla's POV a bit more.
Overall, an emotional and moving read that I would highly recommend.
Every Last Promise surprised me. It deals with a very sensitive topic - sexual assault, so be warned if it's something that triggers you. It surprised me because the reader gets an in depth look into the inner workings of small town mentality on a range of issues. It's daring and raw, brutal and honest.
At first, it starts out with a car accident in which a teen ends up dead, and Kayla becomes a pariah. That same night, before the accident, Kayla witnessed her classmate being sexually assaulted, but no-one but the perpetrators, Kayla and the victim knows this. Kayla ends up leaving for the summer, returning to find herself shunned and verbally abused, labelled a murderer. Kayla must decide between speaking out about what she witnessed, and remaining quiet.
It's a deeply harrowing story. You get to see why witnesses and victims alike don't speak up, how they're targeted by this small town mentality, how they find it difficult to comprehend that their golden boy has committed a heinous act. Whilst I have no personal experience on the matter, Every Last Promise certainly changed my perspective.
Kayla was a fantastic character. To see her develop, to make some questionable choices, was an emotional turmoil that left me enthralled in the book, and it made Every Last Promise a book I won't be forgetting any time soon. She may be considered weak by some, and to a certain extent I agree. She didn't find the courage to speak up and it had some deeply damaging effects of betrayal on her friend. In the end, perhaps it's not resolved, but it's the beginning.
I find it's important that the reader is aware that this book is attempting to raise awareness for the rape culture we live in today and how this deeply affects small towns and the victims and witnesses of such crimes.
On a side note, I'd recommend reading the author's note when you finish the book, it's enlightening and makes you understand Kayla's POV a bit more.
Overall, an emotional and moving read that I would highly recommend.
April 19, 2015
I really want to like this book.
Every Last Promise sounds so promising, and trust me it is. It has a very important, sensitive plot. But I just couldn't connect with the characters, and the writing seems so juvenile. And some parts feel so watered down as well.
Fun fact: the main guy is Filipino and Philippines was mentioned a couple of times, so there's that.
Every Last Promise sounds so promising, and trust me it is. It has a very important, sensitive plot. But I just couldn't connect with the characters, and the writing seems so juvenile. And some parts feel so watered down as well.
Fun fact: the main guy is Filipino and Philippines was mentioned a couple of times, so there's that.
July 20, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: This story dragged for longer than necessary and was too similar to Pretty Little Liars for my liking.
Opening Sentences: This is a story about heroes. I am not one of them.
The Review:
This is the second story of late that has reminded me of the television series Pretty Little Liars. At first, the resemblance was irritating: four popular and beautiful best friends living in a small town with their perfect simple lives, and then how suddenly all that changes. Their secrets tear them apart. However, towards the end the story became more unique and I was glad that I could no longer predict what would happen next.
Every Last Promise is told from Kayla’s perspective and the chapters alternate between the seasons Summer and Fall; which is essentially the ‘before’ and ‘after’ the ‘accident’ that changed everything.
My least favourite character has to be Selena. God she was infuriating. An immensely vain and typical mean girl; I couldn’t comprehend why the girls were friends with her especially when she deserted her best friend after, what I think is the most horrific thing that could happen to a girl.
“Well, I don’t believe in souls at all,” Selena said.
T.J. crossed the lunchroom and sat next to me, catching the end of Selena’s statement. “Why not?” he said.
“Because it’s inconvenient. My Catholic soul is destined to burn in hell if I do anything wrong. It’s not worth the anxiety to believe when it’s so much more freeing not to. If I went to confession, the priest would die of shock.”
I guess I should be disgusted by Kayla for not speaking up sooner and at first I was but as the story unraveled I realised that the situation was a lot more complicated than it first seemed. Her hesitancy was, in a weird and twisted way, understandable. Kayla craved her old, simple life, she was scared of what would happen if she revealed the truth and was further confused because Bean hadn’t spoken up herself. I felt sorry for her — how do you stand up to bullies that are idolized by the rest of the town?
“I don’t care what they say or think. If they forgive you or not. Do you ever think you don’t need it? Forgiveness. From anyone. That an accident is just that? Something awful that happened. Not anyone’s fault.” It’s a whisper, gentle and inexplicably caring, and I want to enfold myself in the comfort of it.
“It’s my fault if people say it is.”
The main flaw with this book was that although it’s clear that something big had caused a rift between the girls and Bean, we see very little of Bean. I thought that was a shame and given the subject matter it would have been useful to understand how she felt in the aftermath. As a result, out of all the girls, I found it hardest to connect with Bean simply because she was always brushed aside and I knew so little about her.
Another annoying thing was how everyone hates Kayla when she returns and then as soon as Jay forgives her, they all suddenly become her besties. It’s like the ‘being mean to Kayla’ button is switched off automatically. I thought it was beyond unrealistic.
It took forever for Kayla to reveal her secret but I was so annoyed that I didn’t get to find out what actually happened afterwards. How did everyone react? Was there a trial? Did Bean get any justice? Did Selena feel any remorse for keeping quiet? The ending was a shame, the story line dragged and was too similar to the TV show for my liking but give it a try and let me know what you think!
Notable Scene:
Kayla Martin. Running away again.
I don’t care. I hurry away. People are watching. My movements are staggered, jagged-edge like a broken window. My shoes slam against the concrete of the sidewalk, and I wish my skin was thicker, dense enough to not care about what I know everyone’s thinking. What they’re all saying.
About the girl who killed a boy then skipped town.
A sob escapes and my shoulders quake and I can’t help it. I wish I could. I don’t want sympathy.
I don’t.
I want home.
I want this place so much.
But they don’t want me back.
FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Every Last Promise. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: This story dragged for longer than necessary and was too similar to Pretty Little Liars for my liking.
Opening Sentences: This is a story about heroes. I am not one of them.
The Review:
This is the second story of late that has reminded me of the television series Pretty Little Liars. At first, the resemblance was irritating: four popular and beautiful best friends living in a small town with their perfect simple lives, and then how suddenly all that changes. Their secrets tear them apart. However, towards the end the story became more unique and I was glad that I could no longer predict what would happen next.
Every Last Promise is told from Kayla’s perspective and the chapters alternate between the seasons Summer and Fall; which is essentially the ‘before’ and ‘after’ the ‘accident’ that changed everything.
My least favourite character has to be Selena. God she was infuriating. An immensely vain and typical mean girl; I couldn’t comprehend why the girls were friends with her especially when she deserted her best friend after, what I think is the most horrific thing that could happen to a girl.
“Well, I don’t believe in souls at all,” Selena said.
T.J. crossed the lunchroom and sat next to me, catching the end of Selena’s statement. “Why not?” he said.
“Because it’s inconvenient. My Catholic soul is destined to burn in hell if I do anything wrong. It’s not worth the anxiety to believe when it’s so much more freeing not to. If I went to confession, the priest would die of shock.”
I guess I should be disgusted by Kayla for not speaking up sooner and at first I was but as the story unraveled I realised that the situation was a lot more complicated than it first seemed. Her hesitancy was, in a weird and twisted way, understandable. Kayla craved her old, simple life, she was scared of what would happen if she revealed the truth and was further confused because Bean hadn’t spoken up herself. I felt sorry for her — how do you stand up to bullies that are idolized by the rest of the town?
“I don’t care what they say or think. If they forgive you or not. Do you ever think you don’t need it? Forgiveness. From anyone. That an accident is just that? Something awful that happened. Not anyone’s fault.” It’s a whisper, gentle and inexplicably caring, and I want to enfold myself in the comfort of it.
“It’s my fault if people say it is.”
The main flaw with this book was that although it’s clear that something big had caused a rift between the girls and Bean, we see very little of Bean. I thought that was a shame and given the subject matter it would have been useful to understand how she felt in the aftermath. As a result, out of all the girls, I found it hardest to connect with Bean simply because she was always brushed aside and I knew so little about her.
Another annoying thing was how everyone hates Kayla when she returns and then as soon as Jay forgives her, they all suddenly become her besties. It’s like the ‘being mean to Kayla’ button is switched off automatically. I thought it was beyond unrealistic.
It took forever for Kayla to reveal her secret but I was so annoyed that I didn’t get to find out what actually happened afterwards. How did everyone react? Was there a trial? Did Bean get any justice? Did Selena feel any remorse for keeping quiet? The ending was a shame, the story line dragged and was too similar to the TV show for my liking but give it a try and let me know what you think!
Notable Scene:
Kayla Martin. Running away again.
I don’t care. I hurry away. People are watching. My movements are staggered, jagged-edge like a broken window. My shoes slam against the concrete of the sidewalk, and I wish my skin was thicker, dense enough to not care about what I know everyone’s thinking. What they’re all saying.
About the girl who killed a boy then skipped town.
A sob escapes and my shoulders quake and I can’t help it. I wish I could. I don’t want sympathy.
I don’t.
I want home.
I want this place so much.
But they don’t want me back.
FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Every Last Promise. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 1, 2015
Every Last Promise is a Young Adult contemporary novel. The narrator is high school student Kayla. She lives in a small town.
The chapters alternate back and forth between Spring and Fall.
I would highly recommend not reading the book blurb for this book. IMO, the things it discusses are mainly things that we only become aware of towards the end of the story. I am very happy that I only read the blurb months ago when I requested this book. I feel like finding out the details of the story would not be the same if I already knew most of what would be happening.
Past/Present books can be difficult to read. But in this case I think that the author did a pretty good job. Since I basically went into this book blind I had no idea what happened in the Spring. And I really feel like the story would have lost much of its impact had I known. And the repercussions in the Fall (Kayla's senior year) were very interesting. I really enjoyed both parts.
In the Spring section we know that something happened that Kayla was involved in. I enjoyed having all of the pieces come together bit by bit.
In the Fall section Kayla has returned home after leaving for the summer. The way her friends and classmates react towards her was very intriguing. I also enjoyed having all of these pieces come together.
I am torn because I think that readers who know what this book is about before reading it might get something different from the story. But to me so much of what made it interesting was the mystery of not knowing what had happened.
This would be a good story for those who like YA books with real situations. There was a little bit of romance. But it was mostly about friendship and the cost of doing the right thing.
Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperTeen for allowing me to read this book.
April 20, 2015
3 stars (liked it)
I wanted to read Last Promise because I looked Halbrook's other novel and I am drawn to these types of books and subjects. It deals with such hard real life topics and I like when authors address then realistically and give an in to discuss such subjects like sexual assault and think through things like what would I do if I witnessed something like that. Or if I were the victim....
It was pretty confusing with the time line jumping back and forth. I never really got a sense of how everyone related for awhile into the story because there was a group of four friends in the before. and that is always harder for me to to get a handle on the dynamics and the different personalities even without the jumps in time where all of the alliances change and so many people were calling the main character Kayla a killer when the reader is left not knowing the details.
But I wanted to know what happened and connect with Kayla even though it took longer than I wanted for that to happen I finally realized how it all connected and I understood why she was so scared and why she acted the way she did. I was glad she finally had the courage to do the right thing.
There was a nice little romance in this one. I liked that it never took eve front seat tho the bigger issues but targeted reinforced Kayla and the strengths she had but didn't realize.
I wish that stories like this didn't happen in real life but hope that this can make some one brave with to speak up either for themselves or for someone else.
Bottom Line: Confusing time jumps but good mystery.
I wanted to read Last Promise because I looked Halbrook's other novel and I am drawn to these types of books and subjects. It deals with such hard real life topics and I like when authors address then realistically and give an in to discuss such subjects like sexual assault and think through things like what would I do if I witnessed something like that. Or if I were the victim....
It was pretty confusing with the time line jumping back and forth. I never really got a sense of how everyone related for awhile into the story because there was a group of four friends in the before. and that is always harder for me to to get a handle on the dynamics and the different personalities even without the jumps in time where all of the alliances change and so many people were calling the main character Kayla a killer when the reader is left not knowing the details.
But I wanted to know what happened and connect with Kayla even though it took longer than I wanted for that to happen I finally realized how it all connected and I understood why she was so scared and why she acted the way she did. I was glad she finally had the courage to do the right thing.
There was a nice little romance in this one. I liked that it never took eve front seat tho the bigger issues but targeted reinforced Kayla and the strengths she had but didn't realize.
I wish that stories like this didn't happen in real life but hope that this can make some one brave with to speak up either for themselves or for someone else.
Bottom Line: Confusing time jumps but good mystery.
December 29, 2015
"We are taught fear, we girls."
This is another amazing story about the struggle to fit in and belong and have everyone love you versus telling the truth and revealing the ugly secrets everyone hides.
It's so well done and I thought Kayla's struggle was very real. And I thought Bean, Selena, Jen and Jay were all captured in a way that was very real as well - even if I didn't like them. I like that Kayla wasn't squeaky clean and came with her own flaws and issues - but who doesn't.
We don't have to be perfect to make the right decision.
This is another amazing story about the struggle to fit in and belong and have everyone love you versus telling the truth and revealing the ugly secrets everyone hides.
It's so well done and I thought Kayla's struggle was very real. And I thought Bean, Selena, Jen and Jay were all captured in a way that was very real as well - even if I didn't like them. I like that Kayla wasn't squeaky clean and came with her own flaws and issues - but who doesn't.
We don't have to be perfect to make the right decision.
July 6, 2015
Rape stories always leave me agitated and violent, this one was no exception. The guys deserved serious jail time. I felt so sorry for Bean.
April 19, 2015
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book was a quick and easy read for fans of YA. Not only was it easy to get through but it also dealt with a very relevant subject. As I was reading I was reminded of numerous stories on TV that were similar. Some of them were on the news and others on those news magazine shows. I remember watching a few and getting so infuriated over the way an entire town could turn a blind eye simply because someone brings pride to their town, specifically when it comes to sports. This story tackled this subject in a relatively successful way.
The story is told in two different time frames, Spring and Fall/ before and after the accident. This is a style that I really like and keeps the pages turning. I found myself more drawn to the Fall/after because I really liked how it showed the way that the students could so easily ostracise Kayla because of one person and how that one person determined the way everyone acted and treated her. This is real and typical in high schools and small communities. I also liked how Kayla struggled with what to do. It is so easy when you are on the outside to say what is the right thing but when you are living it it's much harder. I feel that the author did a good job at showing this.
My really big problem with this book is with the synopsis. It tells too much of the story which ruined the impact that the book would have had. It would have been so much better had I not already known what Kayla witnessed before the accident. A reader would be way more riveted if they didn't know in advance particularly because of the way the book was layed out. I liked the book but I think I would have loved it if there was more of a mystery around what happened. Unfortunately because of the synopsis, too much of the story is given away.
My recommendation would be to read it without reading the synopsis and you will enjoy it a lot more. I try not to read them when I can but I had read this one and it did impact my enjoyment and my rating.
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book was a quick and easy read for fans of YA. Not only was it easy to get through but it also dealt with a very relevant subject. As I was reading I was reminded of numerous stories on TV that were similar. Some of them were on the news and others on those news magazine shows. I remember watching a few and getting so infuriated over the way an entire town could turn a blind eye simply because someone brings pride to their town, specifically when it comes to sports. This story tackled this subject in a relatively successful way.
The story is told in two different time frames, Spring and Fall/ before and after the accident. This is a style that I really like and keeps the pages turning. I found myself more drawn to the Fall/after because I really liked how it showed the way that the students could so easily ostracise Kayla because of one person and how that one person determined the way everyone acted and treated her. This is real and typical in high schools and small communities. I also liked how Kayla struggled with what to do. It is so easy when you are on the outside to say what is the right thing but when you are living it it's much harder. I feel that the author did a good job at showing this.
My really big problem with this book is with the synopsis. It tells too much of the story which ruined the impact that the book would have had. It would have been so much better had I not already known what Kayla witnessed before the accident. A reader would be way more riveted if they didn't know in advance particularly because of the way the book was layed out. I liked the book but I think I would have loved it if there was more of a mystery around what happened. Unfortunately because of the synopsis, too much of the story is given away.
My recommendation would be to read it without reading the synopsis and you will enjoy it a lot more. I try not to read them when I can but I had read this one and it did impact my enjoyment and my rating.
March 22, 2015
A warning to those who are going to read the book: don't read the blurb. It basically gives away the entire plot, or at least gives enough away that it's easy to guess the rest of the plot. Seriously, why do publishers do this? It's so irritating when a blurb gives away everything. One of the reasons why I tend not to read them, in any case.
Every Last Promise is definitely not one of the best contemporary novels I have read. The reason for this lies in all aspects of the book: pacing, characters, plot, writing- none of these were anything spectacular, and I feel like in general, the book just wasn't that engaging.
The pacing is on the slow side, with there being chapters set in the present and chapters set in the past (set at the party), i.e. before and after the "event" that main character Kayla must keep a secret, or "risk losing everything". I felt like the alternation of the timelines wasn't done that well, in terms of how you'd only just start to get interested in one of the timelines before you're whisked away to the other.
Pretty much all of the characters were either unlikeable or average. Kayla especially wasn't someone I really empathised with, or wanted to be, or admired, or even liked. But I can't deny that she's realistic. She was weak-willed and foolish- but she was definitely a character who, for example, could have been someone at my high school. Not every character can be as strong as Katniss, or as badass as Celaena, after all.
Despite the book being quite realistic, to be frank, it just wasn't something that interested me enough. Yes, it tackles serious issues, yes, it's somewhat emotional, but I wasn't really invested enough in it to feel anything myself. Overall, it was just very average.
Ratings
Overall: 4/10
Plot: 2.5/5
Romance: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Cover: 1/5
Every Last Promise is definitely not one of the best contemporary novels I have read. The reason for this lies in all aspects of the book: pacing, characters, plot, writing- none of these were anything spectacular, and I feel like in general, the book just wasn't that engaging.
The pacing is on the slow side, with there being chapters set in the present and chapters set in the past (set at the party), i.e. before and after the "event" that main character Kayla must keep a secret, or "risk losing everything". I felt like the alternation of the timelines wasn't done that well, in terms of how you'd only just start to get interested in one of the timelines before you're whisked away to the other.
Pretty much all of the characters were either unlikeable or average. Kayla especially wasn't someone I really empathised with, or wanted to be, or admired, or even liked. But I can't deny that she's realistic. She was weak-willed and foolish- but she was definitely a character who, for example, could have been someone at my high school. Not every character can be as strong as Katniss, or as badass as Celaena, after all.
Despite the book being quite realistic, to be frank, it just wasn't something that interested me enough. Yes, it tackles serious issues, yes, it's somewhat emotional, but I wasn't really invested enough in it to feel anything myself. Overall, it was just very average.
Ratings
Overall: 4/10
Plot: 2.5/5
Romance: 2/5
Writing: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Cover: 1/5
Read
January 12, 2015FINALLY! I've been waiting for years for another Kristin Halbrook book!
April 25, 2015
I don't know how to feel about this book, how I feel about this book. Don't know how to review it, how to rate it, basically it's complicated. Because this is one of those books about one of those topics, subjects, real life cruelties, that has to be written about and has to be read but..you can't really love the book, you can't enjoy it. Maybe becuase it's too real? Maybe because it happens too often in real life and books are an escape? I don't know.
I don't know if I can call this a good book, was it well written? Yes. Was it very realistic and slightly annoying because people make stupid decisions in real life and how can you blame characters for making those same decisions? Yes. But to me when I call a book good it's because I enjoyed it, and whether it was fun or completely devastating I still loved reading it. I can't really say that about this book. Taking my own feelings out of the equation it is a good book, about a hard topic that was very well written, with a main character I kind of hated but couldn't completely hate because if she acted how I wanted her to act she wouldn't have been so real.
This is a book about a very hard subject, rape, and a girl who wants to protect her friends but also wants to protect her own beliefs. Kayla's grown up in this small town that she loves and while everyone else has been counting down days until they can finally leave, she wants to stay here for the rest of her life. Then she witnesses something she can't unsee, does something she can't undo but doesn't really regret, and she grows up without wanting to admit it to herself. She's a very flawed character, a very real character who loves her life and knows that by telling the truth she could be ruining her life, her family's lives, and her friends. There's nothing easy about this book, even the slight romance, and even though towards the end I was getting so tired of the same old same old with Kayla, just when she starts to make progress she goes back on everything, I think she's probably the most realistic character I've ever read, not my favorite but the most real.
I kind of wanted more from it though. I wanted more of the friendship between Kayla, Jen, Bean, and Selena. I wanted more...emotion I guess. The whole book is about Kayla wanting her life and her beliefs back, which I get and I loved and I liked that so much of it was about this town she loves. But I wanted more emotion at the same time, through the whole book Kayla is very self-involved and very high strung and real but at the same time I wanted to see more of her relationships and how this was effecting them.
Overall: Even after writing this review, that's admittedly kind of lame, I don't know how I feel about this book. I don't know how to describe it or if I recommend it. The book just is what it is, it's very short and full of very hard things, and I both hate and respect it.
I don't know if I can call this a good book, was it well written? Yes. Was it very realistic and slightly annoying because people make stupid decisions in real life and how can you blame characters for making those same decisions? Yes. But to me when I call a book good it's because I enjoyed it, and whether it was fun or completely devastating I still loved reading it. I can't really say that about this book. Taking my own feelings out of the equation it is a good book, about a hard topic that was very well written, with a main character I kind of hated but couldn't completely hate because if she acted how I wanted her to act she wouldn't have been so real.
This is a book about a very hard subject, rape, and a girl who wants to protect her friends but also wants to protect her own beliefs. Kayla's grown up in this small town that she loves and while everyone else has been counting down days until they can finally leave, she wants to stay here for the rest of her life. Then she witnesses something she can't unsee, does something she can't undo but doesn't really regret, and she grows up without wanting to admit it to herself. She's a very flawed character, a very real character who loves her life and knows that by telling the truth she could be ruining her life, her family's lives, and her friends. There's nothing easy about this book, even the slight romance, and even though towards the end I was getting so tired of the same old same old with Kayla, just when she starts to make progress she goes back on everything, I think she's probably the most realistic character I've ever read, not my favorite but the most real.
I kind of wanted more from it though. I wanted more of the friendship between Kayla, Jen, Bean, and Selena. I wanted more...emotion I guess. The whole book is about Kayla wanting her life and her beliefs back, which I get and I loved and I liked that so much of it was about this town she loves. But I wanted more emotion at the same time, through the whole book Kayla is very self-involved and very high strung and real but at the same time I wanted to see more of her relationships and how this was effecting them.
Overall: Even after writing this review, that's admittedly kind of lame, I don't know how I feel about this book. I don't know how to describe it or if I recommend it. The book just is what it is, it's very short and full of very hard things, and I both hate and respect it.
April 20, 2015
When I saw on Goodreads that this was "perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson," I thought, "Wow, that's some big shoes to fill!" Anderson is one of my most favorite authors of all time and I knew there was no way they could compare someone to her awesomeness. Don't you love being proven wrong?
At first I was a little confused...the story kept jumping around to different times and I couldn't figure it out. Honestly, I almost gave up on it! I'm glad I didn't though, because I loved this story. It took a few pages in to get used to the flashbacks. It's broken up into Spring, which is the flashback, and the fall, which is the present. I loved how it was set up and it helped the reader put all of the pieces together. It made the story unique and stand out from the other books I've been reading.
I also adored Kayla as a character. Some people would think she's crazy for wanting to stay home in a small town while all of her friends are heading off to college. Some people would say that it's not realistic. I beg to differ. If you grew up in a small Texas town like me, you feel the nostalgia that Kayla feels for hers. The late night parties, the football gods, and the sense of family throughout the whole town makes you feel safe and relaxed. I like that Kayla was real and you could feel her struggles with her. She had something major happen to her and her whole life turned upside down. The book isn't all roses, it deals with some heavy stuff.
Overall, I truly loved this story and can't wait for it to get into the hands of the readers. Because of some of the scenes and the topic of sexual assault, I wouldn't give this to anyone under thirteen. I would feel comfortable giving it to my older middle school and high school students. I look forward to reading more from this author! - Laura
At first I was a little confused...the story kept jumping around to different times and I couldn't figure it out. Honestly, I almost gave up on it! I'm glad I didn't though, because I loved this story. It took a few pages in to get used to the flashbacks. It's broken up into Spring, which is the flashback, and the fall, which is the present. I loved how it was set up and it helped the reader put all of the pieces together. It made the story unique and stand out from the other books I've been reading.
I also adored Kayla as a character. Some people would think she's crazy for wanting to stay home in a small town while all of her friends are heading off to college. Some people would say that it's not realistic. I beg to differ. If you grew up in a small Texas town like me, you feel the nostalgia that Kayla feels for hers. The late night parties, the football gods, and the sense of family throughout the whole town makes you feel safe and relaxed. I like that Kayla was real and you could feel her struggles with her. She had something major happen to her and her whole life turned upside down. The book isn't all roses, it deals with some heavy stuff.
Overall, I truly loved this story and can't wait for it to get into the hands of the readers. Because of some of the scenes and the topic of sexual assault, I wouldn't give this to anyone under thirteen. I would feel comfortable giving it to my older middle school and high school students. I look forward to reading more from this author! - Laura
October 20, 2015
On the surface, this is a story about the aftermath of rape---and so it is---but it's also a story about how there can be more victims beyond the person who suffers the actual assault. Those peripheral victims need to cope in a different sort of way and the guilt they feel can be enormous, guilt that they could have done something more, guilt that they might do the wrong thing after the fact, guilt that they've kept secrets, maybe even guilt that someone else was the one attacked. These people are survivors in their own way, certainly not lessening the impact of the true victim's pain and recovery, but survivors nonetheless.
Unfortunately, Kayla is not the heroic figure we would like her to be and it's very easy to decide that she's a coward, more interested in her own well-being than anyone else's. That actually is true but I think it's important to acknowledge that many of us, myself included, have looked the other way at least once in our lives. Can we honestly say that we're "better" than Kayla is?
Ms. Halbrook's intent is laudable and I wish I could have connected with Kayla in a more positive way but her narcissism is just a bit too overwhelming. Yes, I understood her but I didn't care much about her. Still, the author has an important message and I hope this book will end up encouraging others to stand forth when circumstances call for it. In the meantime, I believe this author is one worth watching and I'll be reading more by her.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, April 2015.
Unfortunately, Kayla is not the heroic figure we would like her to be and it's very easy to decide that she's a coward, more interested in her own well-being than anyone else's. That actually is true but I think it's important to acknowledge that many of us, myself included, have looked the other way at least once in our lives. Can we honestly say that we're "better" than Kayla is?
Ms. Halbrook's intent is laudable and I wish I could have connected with Kayla in a more positive way but her narcissism is just a bit too overwhelming. Yes, I understood her but I didn't care much about her. Still, the author has an important message and I hope this book will end up encouraging others to stand forth when circumstances call for it. In the meantime, I believe this author is one worth watching and I'll be reading more by her.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, April 2015.
April 23, 2015
Okay. This book was effing brilliant. It was smart, well paced, tense, heart-achingly real, and beautifully written. Kayla's a character who doesn't always make good choices but we still want her to do the right thing, to be OK, to find her people again, to find herself again, and I love that. Kayla--and Bean, and Selena, and Jen--all feel very real and while I don't always like their choices, I think they made real choices, and I think the decisions they are decisions I understand and can empathize with. They're real girls. Their story is messy. It's about the cost of friendship and alliances and about home. Like Warsan Shire, the poet, said, "You can't make homes out of human beings." That's a rough lesson and I remember having to learn it, though it took me longer than Kayla to her credit.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoyed FAR FROM YOU and ALL THE RAGE. It's one of a growing canon of wonderful books about imperfect girls living in a world that is hellbent on hurting them in every possible way, in making it nearly impossible to be your own person, in pitting girl against girl to support institutional structures that just keep this wheel turning. This canon's going to break that wheel and I cannot wait.
(But forewarning, horse fans, the horse stuff in this book is just plain dumb. Try not to roll your eyes. It's not relevant to the plot so just try to bear it. Other than that, the book is perfect.)
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoyed FAR FROM YOU and ALL THE RAGE. It's one of a growing canon of wonderful books about imperfect girls living in a world that is hellbent on hurting them in every possible way, in making it nearly impossible to be your own person, in pitting girl against girl to support institutional structures that just keep this wheel turning. This canon's going to break that wheel and I cannot wait.
(But forewarning, horse fans, the horse stuff in this book is just plain dumb. Try not to roll your eyes. It's not relevant to the plot so just try to bear it. Other than that, the book is perfect.)
November 2, 2015
Kristin Halbrook does not get enough credit for her writing. She is able to take every day life stories and pull you into every aspect of her characters and their individual stories. Every Last Promise is haunting in its realism. I think that it sends a very important message about family, friends, and society. It's the type of book that we need today. It's not the book to fangirl over--meaning that this book is not about girl meets boy and they fall in love--this is about something more important. Halbrook tackles our current rape culture and brings to light most of the issues involved. Every Last Promise is beautifully tragic.
For my full review go to my blog here. Beware of spoilers.
For my full review go to my blog here. Beware of spoilers.
February 5, 2016
I read this book cover to cover in one sitting because Halbrook does an incredible job of building suspense that does not let up until the end when the truth of what happened the night so many lives were changed is revealed. A harrowing, poignant story exploring how fear colors logic and the bonds of friendship are tenuous. Really powerful story that hits you in the gut.
September 11, 2017
I read this book because it seemed interesting from the blurb. what I got was the opposite. To start, I feel like when a book has many characters in it, the authors usually do a pretty good job of making the character names very unique or at least different from each other, this book did not. I was very confused which character was which because they all had very.. umm, basic names? I think basic is a good word... so when I first read it I put it down because I was so confused. I picked up again later because I really wanted to know what huge secret the main character was keeping about "what happened last summer". So I read it. I don't think it was worth it at all, there were no "SHOCKERS" or "TWISTS" it was very boring. I think the only think going for it was that for some reason I was set on finding out what happened "last summer" and although the topic it self was very touchy and shocking, I think the author didn't play it right...
this whole thing was very negative but its just my review... but don't get sucked into finding out "what happened last summer!!!"
this whole thing was very negative but its just my review... but don't get sucked into finding out "what happened last summer!!!"
November 3, 2017
Non so quanto sarà lunga questa recensione perché c'è molto da dire, ci sono molte cose da considerare, c'è una protagonista da analizzare.
Quindi spero che, alla fine di tutto, quello che segue abbia un senso.
Siamo a Winbrooke, un paesino di campagna del Missouri - uno di quelli lontani dalle città, uno di quelli pieni di fattorie in cui si conoscono tutti e d'estate si lavora sodo e il quarterback della squadra di football è l'idolo indiscusso di tutti per aver portato il paese ai campionati.
La protagonista Kayla è al penultimo anno ed è amata da tutti: suo fratello è una simpatica canaglia e sta per andare al college, ha tre migliori amiche e a scuola sono popolari, il fratello gemello della sua migliore amica Jen è il quarterback della squadra di football e con tutti gli altri ragazzi formano un gruppo unito.
E soprattutto Kayla ama profondamente Winbrooke: i suoi campi sterminati, i colori del tramonto, le persone che ci vivono, le feste in riva al fiume, la bevanda segreta al coffee shop che non risulta sul listino.
Mentre tutti fanno programmi per visitare il mondo e andarsene al più presto, lei è l'unica che vuole restare - è l'unica che non vuole lasciare Winbrooke, nemmeno per il college, perché semplicemente è casa sua.
La storia si alterna tra la primavera del penultimo anno a partire dal ritorno dallo spring break e tra l'autunno dell'ultimo anno di scuola, al ritorno di Kayla dopo tre mesi passati a Kansas City da sua zia.
In primavera, durante la festa organizzata per la fine della scuola a casa di Jen e Jay, Kayla ad un certo punto ha visto qualcosa che non avrebbe dovuto vedere.
Nessuno sa perché fosse al volante: quello che tutti sanno è che lei stava guidando e l'auto è finita in un fosso, uccidendo uno dei ragazzi che era a bordo con lei e ferendone un altro. Lei stessa ne è uscita con traumi, contusioni e una caviglia distrutta.
Mandata via dai suoi genitori per essere protetta dai pettegolezzi, quando non ha saputo di notizie e denunce riguardo a quello che aveva visto, Kayla si è convinta di essersi sbagliata - si è convinta che se la stessa persona non aveva denunciato nulla, allora andava bene anche per lei stare zitta. Che quello era il tacito accordo.
E così Kayla torna a casa per l'ultimo anno, tutti la chiamano Killer Kayla e nessuno è contento di rivederla. Dove sono finite le persone che le volevano bene? Perché il paese che tanto ama le si sta rivoltando contro?
Kayla è vittima di bullismo, vede come sono cambiate le cose in sua assenza e fa di tutto per tornare ad appartenere a casa sua. E lo fa fingendo di non ricordare quella notte, lo fa nonostante i sensi di colpa e il continuo ricordo di quella promessa che aveva fatto - quella promessa di tornare indietro e aiutare.
Perché è convinta che se starà zitta, allora tutto e tutti torneranno come prima.
Kayla Martin non è un bel personaggio. Per niente.
Molti hanno massacrato questo libro su Goodreads proprio a causa sua, a causa della sua codardia e delle sue promesse non mantenute.
Eppure il libro a me è piaciuto - non per Kayla in sé, ma per quello che racconta e il modo in cui lo fa, perché costringe il lettore a mettersi in discussione.
Come si fa a vivere divisi tra il dovere di mantenere una promessa fatta a qualcuno e la voglia di restare zitti per proteggersi?
A tutti piacciono le eroine nei libri, quelle ragazze badass che sono altruiste e si battono per le cose giuste. Quelle che non si inchinano di fronte alla paura.
Kayla è il contrario di questi personaggi: è vigliacca, preda della paura delle conseguenze, egoista perché rivuole tutto com'era prima pur sapendo cosa è cambiato e l'orrore di quell'evento che ha scatenato il cambiamento, interessata più alla sua auto-conservazione che alla giustizia.
Però a me piace leggere di queste protagoniste perché sono umane.
Per quanto spiacevoli e sgradevoli e assolutamente colpevoli - se non direttamente, per complicità - mostrano fin quanto in basso è in grado di scendere l'essere umano.
A tutti piacciono le eroine, tutti noi siamo convinti che in certe circostanze saremmo in grado di fare la cosa giusta - di porci a paladini contro chi ha commesso un crimine - ma saremmo davvero in grado di farlo?
C'è un libro - che ho solamente in digitale, ma che prima o poi comprerò cartaceo - che si chiama Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World, in cui cui 44 scrittrici tra cui la mia adorata Courtney Summers, parlano delle loro storie e dei loro personaggi e della loro idea di femminismo.
Se avete letto le mie recensioni dei libri di Courtney Summers, sapete che le sue protagoniste non sono affatto dolci e gentili e generose - sono difficili, a volte cattive, spesso lottano tra il fare la cosa giusta e stare zitte.
Courtney Summers la chiama "The Likability Rule", quella regola secondo la quale un personaggio femminile deve essere piacevole al di sopra di ogni cosa altrimenti viene meno l'ideale femminile dato per scontato.
Nel momento in cui un personaggio femminile esce dal seminato e non è più gentile, generoso, pacato e deferente, ecco che si è portati ad odiarlo.
Kayla non è nessuna delle cose sopra - credeva di esserlo, ma non lo è ed è per questo che molti l'hanno massacrata. Perché viene vista come un personaggio non meritevole di tempo, compassione, empatia o gentilezza.
Questa regola non si applica esattamente a Kayla perché lei è diversa dalle ragazze Summers - non presenta le medesime caratteristiche, gli stessi presupposti di "vittima" che hanno le ragazze Summers - però in qualche modo è pertinente, in qualche modo è scattata l'associazione nella mia mente.
Avevo già capito dove la storia volesse andare a parare, cosa avesse visto Kayla quella notte alla festa.
C'erano indizi nel modo in cui notava alcune cose un po' strane osservando certe dinamiche, ma io sono ormai avvezza a certi temi nei libri e quindi l'ho subito intuito.
E pur essendo anche lei unlikable, Kayla è diversa dalle ragazze Summers.
Le atmosfere sono quelle di All the Rage, ma non coinvolgono Kayla - perlomeno non direttamente. Come Regina in Some Girls Are, Kayla si trova al di fuori del suo giro di amiche cercando una chance per poter rientrare nel gruppo ma facendo amicizia con chi aveva sempre snobbato fino a quel punto - e quanto è stato dolce il personaggio di Noah. Kayla è forse più simile a Parker di Cracked Up to Be - entrambe hanno visto qualcosa durante una festa, ma se Parker decide di dire addio al mondo di cui aveva sempre fatto parte, Kayla non ci vuole rinunciare e questo a dispetto della giustizia e delle promesse che aveva fatto.
Kayla è diversa dalle ragazze Summers perché mentre Regina e Parker tentano di auto-distruggersi, i sensi di colpa di Kayla non sono mai così forti da stemperare la sua voglia - il suo bisogno - di appartenenza.
Come vi ho detto, Kayla non è un bel personaggio - non è uno di quelli che ci aspettiamo di trovare nei libri - e non sempre prende la decisione giusta.
Nessuno dei personaggi all'interno di questo libro lo fa, e forse più di Kayla ho trovato sgradevoli le sue amiche Jen e Selena. Eppure sono tutti così reali nei loro difetti e nelle loro mancanze e nei loro sbagli.
La cosa inquietante di questo romanzo è però come Kayla si renda conto - troppo tardi e troppo lentamente - che il paese e coloro che lo abitano non sono come li aveva sempre visti e immaginati.
Winbrooke è un paese che vive e respira e osserva e il romanzo dà al lettore un senso di claustrofobia perché gli abitanti si muovono come una sola persona e si aizzano contro chiunque provi a minacciare lo status quo parlando e rivelando i piccoli sporchi segreti.
Fondamentalmente è un paese che si basa sull'omertà, dove tutti chiudono gli occhi perché i ragazzi sono ragazzi e la famiglia Brewster detta le regole. È un paese dove nessuno pensa male degli eroi del paese, dove le scelte vengono fatte da altri e se ti ribelli sei costretto a vivere nella paura di quello che ti potrebbero fare.
Kayla non è un bel personaggio: è codarda, si convince che stare zitta sia quello che vogliono tutti a dispetto della giustizia che la stessa vittima ha paura a chiedere, si odia per la sua vigliaccheria perché ama il suo paese e non riesce a fare la cosa giusta e odia anche coloro che hanno tolto la patina dorata a Winbrooke mettendo in mostra tutte le sue brutture.
Kayla però verso la fine è anche comprensibile - non dico che si arrivi ad apprezzarla, ma di sicuro si arriva a capire la sua paura e c'è un evento che finalmente le fa aprire gli occhi. Perché quando i nostri eroi ci deludono, ci rifiutiamo di vedere la verità e di vedere che i loro fallimenti sono anche i nostri.
Non ho amato Kayla - non come ho amato le ragazze Summers - perché lei è davvero difficile da amare. Anche da capire, forse - sebbene alla fine ci si riesca.
Forse perché, appunto, siamo convinti che noi faremmo meglio - che noi faremmo la cosa giusta incuranti della paura e dei cambiamenti.
Forse perché io ancora credo che non mi sarei comportata come Kayla, che un segreto del genere non sarei riuscita a tenermelo dentro in nome dell'amore verso il proprio paese e delle amicizie di una vita.
Ma poi penso a dove sono cresciuta e alle persone con cui l'ho fatto e a quelle che ho osservato e da cui sono stata osservata a mia volta durante l'adolescenza e allora non ne sono più tanto sicura - perché è rassicurante vivere in un posto in cui tutti conoscono tutti fino a quando non lo è più.
Non ho avrò amato Kayla, però mi è piaciuta perché reale e conscia delle sue mancanze - conscia della sua codardia. E lei e la sua storia non le dimenticherò tanto facilmente perché sono un monito di insegnamento.
Every Last Promise non è un libro che ti incalza perché tutto viene scoperto poco alla volta e di azione effettivamente ce n'è poca perché il conflitto di Kayla occupa la maggior parte dello spazio. Però è reale, crudele e spinge il lettore a notare le piccole cose rinchiudendolo in questa piccola bolla di nome Winbrooke, osservato e giudicato.
Un paese che credi resterà sempre uguale con i suoi dei del football, la sua routine, le sue feste popolari, ma che sotto la patina di sicurezza e familiarità nasconde ben altro.
Quindi spero che, alla fine di tutto, quello che segue abbia un senso.
Siamo a Winbrooke, un paesino di campagna del Missouri - uno di quelli lontani dalle città, uno di quelli pieni di fattorie in cui si conoscono tutti e d'estate si lavora sodo e il quarterback della squadra di football è l'idolo indiscusso di tutti per aver portato il paese ai campionati.
La protagonista Kayla è al penultimo anno ed è amata da tutti: suo fratello è una simpatica canaglia e sta per andare al college, ha tre migliori amiche e a scuola sono popolari, il fratello gemello della sua migliore amica Jen è il quarterback della squadra di football e con tutti gli altri ragazzi formano un gruppo unito.
E soprattutto Kayla ama profondamente Winbrooke: i suoi campi sterminati, i colori del tramonto, le persone che ci vivono, le feste in riva al fiume, la bevanda segreta al coffee shop che non risulta sul listino.
Mentre tutti fanno programmi per visitare il mondo e andarsene al più presto, lei è l'unica che vuole restare - è l'unica che non vuole lasciare Winbrooke, nemmeno per il college, perché semplicemente è casa sua.
La storia si alterna tra la primavera del penultimo anno a partire dal ritorno dallo spring break e tra l'autunno dell'ultimo anno di scuola, al ritorno di Kayla dopo tre mesi passati a Kansas City da sua zia.
In primavera, durante la festa organizzata per la fine della scuola a casa di Jen e Jay, Kayla ad un certo punto ha visto qualcosa che non avrebbe dovuto vedere.
Nessuno sa perché fosse al volante: quello che tutti sanno è che lei stava guidando e l'auto è finita in un fosso, uccidendo uno dei ragazzi che era a bordo con lei e ferendone un altro. Lei stessa ne è uscita con traumi, contusioni e una caviglia distrutta.
Mandata via dai suoi genitori per essere protetta dai pettegolezzi, quando non ha saputo di notizie e denunce riguardo a quello che aveva visto, Kayla si è convinta di essersi sbagliata - si è convinta che se la stessa persona non aveva denunciato nulla, allora andava bene anche per lei stare zitta. Che quello era il tacito accordo.
E così Kayla torna a casa per l'ultimo anno, tutti la chiamano Killer Kayla e nessuno è contento di rivederla. Dove sono finite le persone che le volevano bene? Perché il paese che tanto ama le si sta rivoltando contro?
Kayla è vittima di bullismo, vede come sono cambiate le cose in sua assenza e fa di tutto per tornare ad appartenere a casa sua. E lo fa fingendo di non ricordare quella notte, lo fa nonostante i sensi di colpa e il continuo ricordo di quella promessa che aveva fatto - quella promessa di tornare indietro e aiutare.
Perché è convinta che se starà zitta, allora tutto e tutti torneranno come prima.
Kayla Martin non è un bel personaggio. Per niente.
Molti hanno massacrato questo libro su Goodreads proprio a causa sua, a causa della sua codardia e delle sue promesse non mantenute.
Eppure il libro a me è piaciuto - non per Kayla in sé, ma per quello che racconta e il modo in cui lo fa, perché costringe il lettore a mettersi in discussione.
Come si fa a vivere divisi tra il dovere di mantenere una promessa fatta a qualcuno e la voglia di restare zitti per proteggersi?
A tutti piacciono le eroine nei libri, quelle ragazze badass che sono altruiste e si battono per le cose giuste. Quelle che non si inchinano di fronte alla paura.
Kayla è il contrario di questi personaggi: è vigliacca, preda della paura delle conseguenze, egoista perché rivuole tutto com'era prima pur sapendo cosa è cambiato e l'orrore di quell'evento che ha scatenato il cambiamento, interessata più alla sua auto-conservazione che alla giustizia.
Però a me piace leggere di queste protagoniste perché sono umane.
Per quanto spiacevoli e sgradevoli e assolutamente colpevoli - se non direttamente, per complicità - mostrano fin quanto in basso è in grado di scendere l'essere umano.
A tutti piacciono le eroine, tutti noi siamo convinti che in certe circostanze saremmo in grado di fare la cosa giusta - di porci a paladini contro chi ha commesso un crimine - ma saremmo davvero in grado di farlo?
C'è un libro - che ho solamente in digitale, ma che prima o poi comprerò cartaceo - che si chiama Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World, in cui cui 44 scrittrici tra cui la mia adorata Courtney Summers, parlano delle loro storie e dei loro personaggi e della loro idea di femminismo.
Se avete letto le mie recensioni dei libri di Courtney Summers, sapete che le sue protagoniste non sono affatto dolci e gentili e generose - sono difficili, a volte cattive, spesso lottano tra il fare la cosa giusta e stare zitte.
Courtney Summers la chiama "The Likability Rule", quella regola secondo la quale un personaggio femminile deve essere piacevole al di sopra di ogni cosa altrimenti viene meno l'ideale femminile dato per scontato.
Nel momento in cui un personaggio femminile esce dal seminato e non è più gentile, generoso, pacato e deferente, ecco che si è portati ad odiarlo.
Kayla non è nessuna delle cose sopra - credeva di esserlo, ma non lo è ed è per questo che molti l'hanno massacrata. Perché viene vista come un personaggio non meritevole di tempo, compassione, empatia o gentilezza.
Questa regola non si applica esattamente a Kayla perché lei è diversa dalle ragazze Summers - non presenta le medesime caratteristiche, gli stessi presupposti di "vittima" che hanno le ragazze Summers - però in qualche modo è pertinente, in qualche modo è scattata l'associazione nella mia mente.
Avevo già capito dove la storia volesse andare a parare, cosa avesse visto Kayla quella notte alla festa.
C'erano indizi nel modo in cui notava alcune cose un po' strane osservando certe dinamiche, ma io sono ormai avvezza a certi temi nei libri e quindi l'ho subito intuito.
E pur essendo anche lei unlikable, Kayla è diversa dalle ragazze Summers.
Le atmosfere sono quelle di All the Rage, ma non coinvolgono Kayla - perlomeno non direttamente. Come Regina in Some Girls Are, Kayla si trova al di fuori del suo giro di amiche cercando una chance per poter rientrare nel gruppo ma facendo amicizia con chi aveva sempre snobbato fino a quel punto - e quanto è stato dolce il personaggio di Noah. Kayla è forse più simile a Parker di Cracked Up to Be - entrambe hanno visto qualcosa durante una festa, ma se Parker decide di dire addio al mondo di cui aveva sempre fatto parte, Kayla non ci vuole rinunciare e questo a dispetto della giustizia e delle promesse che aveva fatto.
"[***] lo vede.
Quello che stavo per fare. La persona forte abbastanza che credevo di essere.
Non dicono che, nei momenti di disperazione, diventiamo più forti di quanto fossimo stati fino a quel momento? Forti abbastanza da sollevare macchine da sopra dei corpi per portare le persone al sicuro? Da promettere di salvare qualcuno? Da dire la verità quando tutto è finito?
Eventualmente però la forza scompare e diventiamo di nuovo mortali."
Kayla è diversa dalle ragazze Summers perché mentre Regina e Parker tentano di auto-distruggersi, i sensi di colpa di Kayla non sono mai così forti da stemperare la sua voglia - il suo bisogno - di appartenenza.
Come vi ho detto, Kayla non è un bel personaggio - non è uno di quelli che ci aspettiamo di trovare nei libri - e non sempre prende la decisione giusta.
Nessuno dei personaggi all'interno di questo libro lo fa, e forse più di Kayla ho trovato sgradevoli le sue amiche Jen e Selena. Eppure sono tutti così reali nei loro difetti e nelle loro mancanze e nei loro sbagli.
La cosa inquietante di questo romanzo è però come Kayla si renda conto - troppo tardi e troppo lentamente - che il paese e coloro che lo abitano non sono come li aveva sempre visti e immaginati.
Winbrooke è un paese che vive e respira e osserva e il romanzo dà al lettore un senso di claustrofobia perché gli abitanti si muovono come una sola persona e si aizzano contro chiunque provi a minacciare lo status quo parlando e rivelando i piccoli sporchi segreti.
Fondamentalmente è un paese che si basa sull'omertà, dove tutti chiudono gli occhi perché i ragazzi sono ragazzi e la famiglia Brewster detta le regole. È un paese dove nessuno pensa male degli eroi del paese, dove le scelte vengono fatte da altri e se ti ribelli sei costretto a vivere nella paura di quello che ti potrebbero fare.
Kayla non è un bel personaggio: è codarda, si convince che stare zitta sia quello che vogliono tutti a dispetto della giustizia che la stessa vittima ha paura a chiedere, si odia per la sua vigliaccheria perché ama il suo paese e non riesce a fare la cosa giusta e odia anche coloro che hanno tolto la patina dorata a Winbrooke mettendo in mostra tutte le sue brutture.
Kayla però verso la fine è anche comprensibile - non dico che si arrivi ad apprezzarla, ma di sicuro si arriva a capire la sua paura e c'è un evento che finalmente le fa aprire gli occhi. Perché quando i nostri eroi ci deludono, ci rifiutiamo di vedere la verità e di vedere che i loro fallimenti sono anche i nostri.
Non ho amato Kayla - non come ho amato le ragazze Summers - perché lei è davvero difficile da amare. Anche da capire, forse - sebbene alla fine ci si riesca.
Forse perché, appunto, siamo convinti che noi faremmo meglio - che noi faremmo la cosa giusta incuranti della paura e dei cambiamenti.
Forse perché io ancora credo che non mi sarei comportata come Kayla, che un segreto del genere non sarei riuscita a tenermelo dentro in nome dell'amore verso il proprio paese e delle amicizie di una vita.
Ma poi penso a dove sono cresciuta e alle persone con cui l'ho fatto e a quelle che ho osservato e da cui sono stata osservata a mia volta durante l'adolescenza e allora non ne sono più tanto sicura - perché è rassicurante vivere in un posto in cui tutti conoscono tutti fino a quando non lo è più.
Non ho avrò amato Kayla, però mi è piaciuta perché reale e conscia delle sue mancanze - conscia della sua codardia. E lei e la sua storia non le dimenticherò tanto facilmente perché sono un monito di insegnamento.
Every Last Promise non è un libro che ti incalza perché tutto viene scoperto poco alla volta e di azione effettivamente ce n'è poca perché il conflitto di Kayla occupa la maggior parte dello spazio. Però è reale, crudele e spinge il lettore a notare le piccole cose rinchiudendolo in questa piccola bolla di nome Winbrooke, osservato e giudicato.
Un paese che credi resterà sempre uguale con i suoi dei del football, la sua routine, le sue feste popolari, ma che sotto la patina di sicurezza e familiarità nasconde ben altro.
April 15, 2015
This review and more can be found on my blog, The Library Canary.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***
This was a story of a girl faced with a choice. A choice to do the right thing or keep her shiny, sparkly life. All of us have been faced with the choice between right and wrong. And I’m sure that all of us have been faced with some kind of choice where doing the right thing will mean negative consequences for yourself. So I think that a lot of people will be able to relate to the main character, Kayla.
Kayla witnessed a sexual assault. And now she has to decide whether to speak up about it or keep her secret. If she speaks up, she’ll lose everything, her friends, her life, maybe even her home. Because the perpetrator is one of the small town’s golden boys. He comes from a rich, influential family and no one can touch him. Speaking out against him will be social suicide. It was hard to watch Kayla struggle through this choice. I wanted to scream at her to tell someone the whole time. I ached for the victim. The fact that she had to go to school every day and walk the same halls as that scumbag made me sick. And I wanted to shake Kayla and tell her to help, to do the right thing, to stop being a coward. But in truth, I wonder what I would have done at her age in that situation. I want to say that I would have come forward immediately. But I also remember how important it was to fit in high school, to not upset the wrong people, to be popular, have friends. High school with no friends is rough, to say the least. I wish that Kayla had spoken out sooner, but I guess in a way, I understood her struggle.
And Kayla wasn’t the only one at fault here. There were other people who knew that kept quiet the whole time. This whole town really was at fault. They were at fault for protecting their golden boy. For not believing the girl when it first happened. It disgusted me the way that people fell all over themselves for this young man. It disgusted me the way he treated the victim and Kayla. Like he was all powerful and they would regret opening their mouths. He was controlling and scary and I hated him.
There are a lot of good messages in this book that young girls can learn from. It’s pointed out several times how society will tell girls that it’s their fault. They shouldn’t have worn a short dress. They shouldn’t have flirted with him. They shouldn’t have walked off alone. And then this book tells the reader that all of this is wrong. That it isn’t your fault. That this is a violent crime and the only person at fault is the perpetrator. It teaches the reader to stand up for themselves, even if standing up for yourself is the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do. It teaches the reader to do the right thing, no matter the cost. Keeping quiet about a sexual assault only allows the perpetrator to claim another victim.
Something that I really loved about this book was Kayla’s family, especially her brother. Caleb was there for her and I think he knew more than he let on. But he was patient with his sister and understanding. I loved their easy banter and the way that they said they couldn’t stand each other, but so obviously loved each other unconditionally. And I loved Kayla’s parents and their need to protect her, even if that meant sending her away for a while because they knew how bad it was going to get at school. This family was a united front and they stood by Kayla’s side during the whole ordeal.
There’s a little bit of romance in this book which was sweet, but it’s definitely in the background which I appreciated. The main point of this story was to teach a lesson about doing the right thing and I was really glad the romance didn’t take precedence over that. Although it was hard to read at times, I think this is a really important story that teens and adults alike should read.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***
This was a story of a girl faced with a choice. A choice to do the right thing or keep her shiny, sparkly life. All of us have been faced with the choice between right and wrong. And I’m sure that all of us have been faced with some kind of choice where doing the right thing will mean negative consequences for yourself. So I think that a lot of people will be able to relate to the main character, Kayla.
Kayla witnessed a sexual assault. And now she has to decide whether to speak up about it or keep her secret. If she speaks up, she’ll lose everything, her friends, her life, maybe even her home. Because the perpetrator is one of the small town’s golden boys. He comes from a rich, influential family and no one can touch him. Speaking out against him will be social suicide. It was hard to watch Kayla struggle through this choice. I wanted to scream at her to tell someone the whole time. I ached for the victim. The fact that she had to go to school every day and walk the same halls as that scumbag made me sick. And I wanted to shake Kayla and tell her to help, to do the right thing, to stop being a coward. But in truth, I wonder what I would have done at her age in that situation. I want to say that I would have come forward immediately. But I also remember how important it was to fit in high school, to not upset the wrong people, to be popular, have friends. High school with no friends is rough, to say the least. I wish that Kayla had spoken out sooner, but I guess in a way, I understood her struggle.
And Kayla wasn’t the only one at fault here. There were other people who knew that kept quiet the whole time. This whole town really was at fault. They were at fault for protecting their golden boy. For not believing the girl when it first happened. It disgusted me the way that people fell all over themselves for this young man. It disgusted me the way he treated the victim and Kayla. Like he was all powerful and they would regret opening their mouths. He was controlling and scary and I hated him.
There are a lot of good messages in this book that young girls can learn from. It’s pointed out several times how society will tell girls that it’s their fault. They shouldn’t have worn a short dress. They shouldn’t have flirted with him. They shouldn’t have walked off alone. And then this book tells the reader that all of this is wrong. That it isn’t your fault. That this is a violent crime and the only person at fault is the perpetrator. It teaches the reader to stand up for themselves, even if standing up for yourself is the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do. It teaches the reader to do the right thing, no matter the cost. Keeping quiet about a sexual assault only allows the perpetrator to claim another victim.
Something that I really loved about this book was Kayla’s family, especially her brother. Caleb was there for her and I think he knew more than he let on. But he was patient with his sister and understanding. I loved their easy banter and the way that they said they couldn’t stand each other, but so obviously loved each other unconditionally. And I loved Kayla’s parents and their need to protect her, even if that meant sending her away for a while because they knew how bad it was going to get at school. This family was a united front and they stood by Kayla’s side during the whole ordeal.
There’s a little bit of romance in this book which was sweet, but it’s definitely in the background which I appreciated. The main point of this story was to teach a lesson about doing the right thing and I was really glad the romance didn’t take precedence over that. Although it was hard to read at times, I think this is a really important story that teens and adults alike should read.
May 9, 2015
Title: Every Last Promise
Author: Kristin Halbrook
Age Group: Teen/Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Series: N/A
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
This book was given to me by the publisher, Balzer and Bray, through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review--thank you so much!
Trigger warning: rape/sexual assault
Again, as I've said before, 2015 seems like the golden year for contemporary fiction. I love the way authors this year have taken tough issues and crafted stories from them, using fiction to tell readers about hard truths--and the reward of doing what's right. Rape is something that happens all the time. And excuses are made. "Boys will be boys." "Well, she was asking for it. Look at how short her skirt was!" "She shouldn't have flirted with him." Halbrook's debut novel isn't just a story, or a warning, or a moral.
She's speaking out for the victims who are too frightened or traumatized to speak out, and for the people who have witnessed such an assault who fear retribution.
Kayla has returned to her home after an excruciating time in Kansas City. In the aftermath of a scarring event, the home she loves so much--with every fiber of her being--doesn't love her back anymore. Harassed or ignored entirely by peers, bullied and frightened, fragile, broken Kayla wrestles with guilt large enough to crush the soul, torn between doing the right thing and belonging in the home she cares so much for.
This book was by all turns terrifying, and terribly sad. Who do you go to when you have no one else? Where do you go, when you lose your place in the world? Despite Kayla's hesitation, I really felt for her. She was so scared, and so scarred. Was it a party simply gone out of control? Or did she actually witness a heinous, horrible crime? What was interesting for me about Kayla, too, was that for most of the book, even she isn't altogether certain what happened.
It really hurt me, as well, to watch Kayla lose her friends, her one support system in the dog-eat-dog world of high school. And in high school, nothing is more important to you than your friendships. But I also remember how quickly people can turn on you--and it brought back some intense memories.
I loved that every single character in this book is important: Selena, Kayla's former best friend, Bean, another friend who has mysteriously cut ties with them, Caleb, Kayla's older brother, who is wrestling with his own burden of guilt. Jay, the golden boy who can do no wrong, and the whole town that worships him and his family.
The bottom line: A beautiful, darkly terrifying book revealing the ugly side of small town living, Every Last Promise should be a must-read for all. A greatly important piece of fiction--one of my favorite contemporary books of the entire year!
literatureobsessed.blogspot.com
Author: Kristin Halbrook
Age Group: Teen/Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Series: N/A
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
This book was given to me by the publisher, Balzer and Bray, through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review--thank you so much!
Trigger warning: rape/sexual assault
Again, as I've said before, 2015 seems like the golden year for contemporary fiction. I love the way authors this year have taken tough issues and crafted stories from them, using fiction to tell readers about hard truths--and the reward of doing what's right. Rape is something that happens all the time. And excuses are made. "Boys will be boys." "Well, she was asking for it. Look at how short her skirt was!" "She shouldn't have flirted with him." Halbrook's debut novel isn't just a story, or a warning, or a moral.
She's speaking out for the victims who are too frightened or traumatized to speak out, and for the people who have witnessed such an assault who fear retribution.
Kayla has returned to her home after an excruciating time in Kansas City. In the aftermath of a scarring event, the home she loves so much--with every fiber of her being--doesn't love her back anymore. Harassed or ignored entirely by peers, bullied and frightened, fragile, broken Kayla wrestles with guilt large enough to crush the soul, torn between doing the right thing and belonging in the home she cares so much for.
This book was by all turns terrifying, and terribly sad. Who do you go to when you have no one else? Where do you go, when you lose your place in the world? Despite Kayla's hesitation, I really felt for her. She was so scared, and so scarred. Was it a party simply gone out of control? Or did she actually witness a heinous, horrible crime? What was interesting for me about Kayla, too, was that for most of the book, even she isn't altogether certain what happened.
It really hurt me, as well, to watch Kayla lose her friends, her one support system in the dog-eat-dog world of high school. And in high school, nothing is more important to you than your friendships. But I also remember how quickly people can turn on you--and it brought back some intense memories.
I loved that every single character in this book is important: Selena, Kayla's former best friend, Bean, another friend who has mysteriously cut ties with them, Caleb, Kayla's older brother, who is wrestling with his own burden of guilt. Jay, the golden boy who can do no wrong, and the whole town that worships him and his family.
The bottom line: A beautiful, darkly terrifying book revealing the ugly side of small town living, Every Last Promise should be a must-read for all. A greatly important piece of fiction--one of my favorite contemporary books of the entire year!
literatureobsessed.blogspot.com
March 15, 2015
This was an interesting story which alternated in time from Spring to Fall. The story begins with these two intriguing sentences: "This is a story about heroes. I am not one of them."
It is told by Kayla Martin about the events that happened at the end of the year party alternating with her return to school in the fall as a social pariah. She loves her home town. Despite the urging of her best friends, she has no desire to leave after high school. She loves the scenery, the people, and the lifestyle. She has three best friends - Jen, Bean and Selena. They are part of the in-crowd. Jen and her twin brother Jay are from a rich family. Jay is the football quarterback of their championship team. He has grown up with a sense of entitlement encouraged by his mother. Jen sometimes loves him and sometimes hates him because of the privileges he gets.
When we switch to the fall scenes we see a different Kayla than the care-free one from last spring. She is accused of killing one of the other boys in their class and she has major guilt about the whole thing. Gradually we find out what happened at the end of the year party and how she came to be involved in the accident that took a life.
We see Kayla's disillusionment as she discovers that her home town is the magic, innocent place that she had thought it was. We see her struggling to try to fit back in at the place that she wanted to be her home for her whole life. All she has to do to fit back in is to forget what she saw and pretend that what she knows never happened.
As she is trying to decide what to do, she connects again with a boy who has always been there but who has perfected his ability to be invisible. Noah Michaelson was a childhood friend but has been on the fringe of her life since they grew up. He's different from the other guys both because he has a Filipino mother and because he is interested in music rather than sports. Now Kayla is running into him where ever she goes. She has begun to realize that many people know the secret she is keeping and are keeping it for their own reasons.
This was a fascinating story about having to make a hard decision that will certainly change the course of a life.
It is told by Kayla Martin about the events that happened at the end of the year party alternating with her return to school in the fall as a social pariah. She loves her home town. Despite the urging of her best friends, she has no desire to leave after high school. She loves the scenery, the people, and the lifestyle. She has three best friends - Jen, Bean and Selena. They are part of the in-crowd. Jen and her twin brother Jay are from a rich family. Jay is the football quarterback of their championship team. He has grown up with a sense of entitlement encouraged by his mother. Jen sometimes loves him and sometimes hates him because of the privileges he gets.
When we switch to the fall scenes we see a different Kayla than the care-free one from last spring. She is accused of killing one of the other boys in their class and she has major guilt about the whole thing. Gradually we find out what happened at the end of the year party and how she came to be involved in the accident that took a life.
We see Kayla's disillusionment as she discovers that her home town is the magic, innocent place that she had thought it was. We see her struggling to try to fit back in at the place that she wanted to be her home for her whole life. All she has to do to fit back in is to forget what she saw and pretend that what she knows never happened.
As she is trying to decide what to do, she connects again with a boy who has always been there but who has perfected his ability to be invisible. Noah Michaelson was a childhood friend but has been on the fringe of her life since they grew up. He's different from the other guys both because he has a Filipino mother and because he is interested in music rather than sports. Now Kayla is running into him where ever she goes. She has begun to realize that many people know the secret she is keeping and are keeping it for their own reasons.
This was a fascinating story about having to make a hard decision that will certainly change the course of a life.
April 27, 2015
Every Last Promise was a great story dealing with growing up and dealing with issues no one should at a young age. Kayla was your avenge teen who spent her weekends with her best friends having slumber parties, hanging out and going to football games. All of this came to a halt when one night at a party Kayla was a witness to something that not only affects her but also someone she loves not to mention the whole town. After the tragedy that took a life, which changed another and one that could have ruined their future. Not really remembering what happened Kayla was sent away to recover and deal with what happened that night, once home she realized that everything has changed. She comes home to no friends and even worse that everyone blames her for what happened. Life is hard but Kayla is determined to move on and not let the town and her ex friends ruin her life. She knows what happened was wrong and wants those to pay for what they did even if that means having literally the whole town hate her. But first she must find out what exactly happened and most importantly talk to her friend Bean and honor what she wants.
This book deals with some serious issues and I felt that it dealt with it in a good way. It shows us that we should stand up for what is right and that people should pay for the wrong they do. Though it is hard to stand up for yourself sometimes it will only make you stronger. You might feel that your power has been taken from you but it takes a real strong person to make those responsible for what they’ve done. While this read has some serious issues there is a little romance but what I love most is the friendships and although there are bumps in the road when it comes to that, you always find out who your real friends are when the chips are down. Anyone can be around when it’s all fun and games but those who stick by you otherwise are the REAL friends.
This book deals with some serious issues and I felt that it dealt with it in a good way. It shows us that we should stand up for what is right and that people should pay for the wrong they do. Though it is hard to stand up for yourself sometimes it will only make you stronger. You might feel that your power has been taken from you but it takes a real strong person to make those responsible for what they’ve done. While this read has some serious issues there is a little romance but what I love most is the friendships and although there are bumps in the road when it comes to that, you always find out who your real friends are when the chips are down. Anyone can be around when it’s all fun and games but those who stick by you otherwise are the REAL friends.
January 31, 2015
I enjoyed this one, it as a bit on the slow side and I got a little confused but the mystery kept me going. This is the first book of Hallbrok’s I have read but I think I will be checking more from her out!
Kayla sees something that no one wants to see, something that if most friends see it they make sure they intervene right away. But she cowards away and begins to act like she could not remember anything that had happened. As you read you get more info on the events on that night her friend was attacked.
As you read there are flashbacks between past and present, and the promise she made to her friend and events of that night start to become clearer. One girl will have to make a choice; will keeping a promise to someone be worth losing herself?
Overall the story for me was a bit on the slower side, it did take forever to find out the truth but hey that’s what keeps you reading right!! But overall it was an interesting book and I liked the plot and how things all came out in the end. I would recommend this one to the YA crowed and someone who is looking for adventure and anticipation.
November 11, 2017
After reading Every Last Promise I have to say I am very disappointed I was not able to meet her at the book signing we had at my store.
Every Last Promise is a book that will have you on an emotional roller coaster. I feel Ms. Halbrook captured the reality of what teens go through in junior and senior high school.
There's always a group that is the "popular" crowd......there's always the star football player, there's always one kid everyone picks on....there's always petty differences between friends, and more often then you may think, there is usually a deep, dark secret no one wants to admit too because then THEY will be the outsider looking in.
Every Last Promise is exactly that......a book about teenagers and the battle they go through to stay with the "in" crowd, what the effects of keeping a secret causes within the "in" crowd and how telling the truth may not set you free but it will put you on the right track.
Kudos Ms. Halbrook for tackling what our teens go through or see others go through and the struggle they may have with telling the truth.
Every Last Promise is a book that will have you on an emotional roller coaster. I feel Ms. Halbrook captured the reality of what teens go through in junior and senior high school.
There's always a group that is the "popular" crowd......there's always the star football player, there's always one kid everyone picks on....there's always petty differences between friends, and more often then you may think, there is usually a deep, dark secret no one wants to admit too because then THEY will be the outsider looking in.
Every Last Promise is exactly that......a book about teenagers and the battle they go through to stay with the "in" crowd, what the effects of keeping a secret causes within the "in" crowd and how telling the truth may not set you free but it will put you on the right track.
Kudos Ms. Halbrook for tackling what our teens go through or see others go through and the struggle they may have with telling the truth.
March 23, 2015
I will be purchasing this title for the high school library because I think it contains a great message about courage and about what it takes to do the right thing. Kayla has been holding in a secret for a long time because she is afraid of what will happen to her life and the lives of her family and friends if she reveals what she knows. Unfortunately, the truth is eating away at her and when she discovers how much information other people are keeping to themselves, she realizes that keeping her secret is doing more harm than good. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the ones you love.
There were a lot of similarities to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson in that Kayla is shunned because of her involvement in the death of an innocent classmate who it turns out was not very innocent.
There were a lot of similarities to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson in that Kayla is shunned because of her involvement in the death of an innocent classmate who it turns out was not very innocent.
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