Most Likely

by Craig Hansen

Becky Howard is a teen under pressure. Pressure from her best friend not to breathe a word about the abuse she's suffering by her mother. Pressure from her sister to understand her marital difficulties. Pressure from her boyfriend to get more physical than she's ready for. And pressure from the rumors about her boyfriend that are eroding her trust in him. As she prepares for the biggest track meet of her life, Becky's about to learn that sometimes growing up is about more than having sex, and that clinging to ideals might not be as helpful as learning to expect whatever is Most Likely.

Genres: Young Adult

Audible Audio

First published May 23, 2011

About the author

Craig Hansen wrote his first SF published short story, “The S.S. Nova,” when he was fourteen. It was published in the Minnesota Writers in the Schools COMPAS program’s 1981 anthology of student writing, When It Grows Up, You Say Goodbye To It. That was when he decided to dedicate himself to writing.
Hansen earned two degrees at Minnesota State University at Mankato under the mentorship of young adult novelist Terry Davis. In the years that followed, Hansen worked a variety of jobs, including five years in journalism in northwestern Wisconsin, where he earned several state awards for his writing and editing.
His work has appeared in the Meadowbrook Press anthology, Girls to the Rescue, Book 1, as well as the true crime journal, Ripper Notes, in volume 28.
His first novel, Most Likely, was released in May 2011. Shada, the first installment of the Ember Cole series of young adult paranormal suspense books, was published in September 2011. Under Contract followed in the spring of 2012. The Devohrah Initiative appeared in August 2013. Nice Girl Like You appeared in June 2014, and Spoiled in September 2014. The Woodsman is his most recent work.
Hansen remains hard at work on several projects that will be announced when they are close to release, on his author website.
Hansen lives in Oregon with his wife, a dog, two cats, and his 92-year-old father, a World War II veteran.
Craig’s interests include the music of Johnny Cash, reading the novels of other independent authors, blogging, and the study of Messianic theology.
On his website, you can sign up to receive a periodic email newsletter that will notify you when he releases new books.
 
Connect With Me Online At:
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http://www.craig-hansen.com/
 
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Email:
craig@craig-hansen.com

Reviews

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I will address the style of writing first. It was so smooth and fluid that I believe even reluctant readers or those with reading difficulties will be able to pick up this book , read and enjoy it. I don’t know if it was just his style of writing or because I am a teacher that I was able to slip into the story and identify with these teens. Either way he is an author to watch out for.
As a teacher I see the pressures teens are under every day. No matter what your religious beliefs, teens all face the same pressures. They must deal with friendships, and decisions about their behavior in all situations. Most teens see themselves as invincible. The bad things won’t happen to them. I became a Christian as a child of eight years old. I can tell you that I faced the same pressures as my friends who were not Christians. Craig Hansen has crafted a realistic story that shows just some of the pressures your typical teen may face. He then throws in the pressure of abuse, keeping secrets, family problems and the emotions of dealing with all of these issues. I had difficulty stopping for anything while reading this book. I look forward to it coming out in physical form so that I can add it to my shelves at school. Although many people who read this might not think it is a book that should be placed in middle schools because of the topic of sexual pressure, I disagree. In the last three years I’ve known at least four middle school students who made bad choices and got pregnant. A book like this lets the reader know that the feelings are normal but that everything in life comes down to choices. The way the main character handled all of the situations she was faced with, made it extremely believable. It did not portray her as this super human teen able to conquer any problem thrown at her. It showed the emotional roller-coaster she was on. I not only look forward to reading more by this author, I plan on telling everyone I know about his work. I really enjoyed the light Christian theme. So many times our teens feel like they are in the world alone faced with decisions they don’t want to make. Christian or not this book fills that gap. Anytime a book can bring out the emotions this book brought out in me, it goes high on my list.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

'Most Likely' deals with the issues of abuse, infidelity, and waning faith. It deals with the issues well. This book was an easy one to read and I was able to read 'Most Likely' in one sitting.

Becky Howard is a track athlete and has a good chance of making it to state. She has been dating Tom, who is a swimmer, for almost a year, but she has loved him for much longer than that. The problem is that Tom doesn't share her beliefs, though she has tried, and failed, to convert him.

"You thought you could convert him." Becky nodded. Her face flushed. "Only instead of you moving him closer to God, dating him has been moving you away from God."

Geena, Becky's sister, lives in Arizona and is having marital problems. Geena is pregnant and close to her due date, when she leaves her husband. She comes home to her parents and sister, who are very surprised at her sudden departure from her husband.

"If I'd chosen my husband as carefully as I choose my dresses," Geena had written, "I think I might have been a lot better off."

There were some very shocking and unexpected things that happened in this book, which I thought made it all the more enjoyable, but I won't say what they are because if you choose to read this book it would spoil the story.

There were a couple of times that the characters swore, and a quite a few times that they took the names of Jesus and God in vain. For a book that was catergorized as a Christian book, I find this unacceptable.

'Most Likely' is a book that I will most likely (LOL) not read again - I just had to say that because of the title. Seriously, had it not been for the disrespectful use of God's name, I probably would have recommended it - as the rest of the story is great. But, I can't. I also feel that this book should not be classified as a Christian fiction novel - because true Christians wouldn't use the names of God in that way.

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Becky Howard would like to focus on nothing but her upcoming track meet and prepare for state competition. But her friend's in trouble - her abusive mom is out of control - and her boyfriend is unhappy - he wants more intimacy. Becky is caught between wanting to protect her friend and keep her promises, Tammy winds up in the hospital fighting for her life. Suddenly, running is not as important as it used to be.

I enjoyed this book, but it felt incomplete to me. Everything just sort of ends, with Becky not sure what's going to be next for her. Maybe this is part of a series, but still, it needed a stronger resolution.

I'm not sure that I would read more by this author, but I felt that for Christian teen fiction, it was pretty good. So I gave it 3 stars.

[Julia Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hansen did a great job dealing with teen drama and there was a lot in this book. Abuse, peer pressure, infidelity and issues dealing with faith to name a few. I really empathized with Tammy Jo. Becky is an amazingly strong character who faces more than anyone should. She comes out better than could be expected. The story was realistic and flowed well. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Misty Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sure that most of you have noticed by now that I am abstract. I say things that are often misconstrued and my opinions on things like faith, marriage and politics tend to vary from the norm. When I was in high-school this was a problem for me. As a matter of fact, it eventually broke me. I was, of course, well liked in my own circle of friends, but everyone else saw me as mouthy, opinionated and naive. It took a while for me (if I’m being honest with myself) to get past these “labels” (I guess you could say,) and view them in a different light.

Expressive. Passionate. Hopeful.

See, to everyone else I was just this girl who growled a lot and refused to go on weekend benders with my friends, but to me…well…I was just trying to be myself.

Why?

Because years earlier, someone much smarter than myself, told me that it was a good idea. His name was Dr. Seuss.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Peer pressure is a bitch. There really is no better way to describe it. As humans we crave acceptance, but as teenagers we are told that acceptance comes at a price. Some times it is our dignity. Sometimes our pride. But most of the time…it’s at the cost of our morals.

In Craig Hansen’s novel “Most Likely” Becky gets to learn about pressure the hard way.

“Becky Howard is a teen under pressure. Pressure from her best friend not to breathe a word about the abuse she’s suffering by her mother. Pressure from her sister to understand her marital difficulties. Pressure from her boyfriend to get more physical than she’s ready for. And pressure from the rumors about her boyfriend that are eroding her trust in him. As she prepares for the biggest track meet of her life, Becky’s about to learn that sometimes growing up is about more than having sex, and that clinging to ideals might not be as helpful as learning to expect whatever is MOST LIKELY.”

Let me first start by saying that this is, (in every way shape and form,) a Christian Themed novel. Now, while this doesn’t bother me, (since I’m a Christian and I have been known to dive into a faith filled read once or twice in my lifetime.) I DO know that people tend to get frustrated if that’s not divulged up front. So…in case you didn’t notice the cross on the cover of this book…God is a main character.

Now, moving on.

While I wasn’t all that impressed with the plot as a whole, (sorry Craig) there were parts of “Most Likely” that I really admired.

First…the characterization. Becky was clearly going through a crises of faith and her actions reflected this. She was lost, she had trouble concentrating and she second guessed even her most minute of actions, all of which displayed the wrenching inner turmoil she was dealing with in both her heart and her head. If the writing (as far as Becky’s traits are concerned) hadn’t been as strong as they were, the novel as a whole would have crashed and burned.

Second…Hansen’s ability to handle a touchy subject (child abuse) with grace was wildly impressive. While most authors shoot for “shock and awe” when dealing with a sensitive subject, Hansen chose a different road. Does that mean we aren’t given details as to what happened? Of course not, but instead of focusing on the bruises themselves, he chose to focus on the emotional ramifications of them which was a refreshing new take.

So…why wasn’t I a fan of the plot? Well…to be honest, I think it needed to be tightened up. (Don’t roll your eyes at my choice of verbs…let me explain.)

There were several moments throughout this book in which I thought Hansen started to repeat himself, (Most of these came after Becky’s sister showed up, if you were wondering) and because of this, the book started to drag about halfway through. The elements of the story were great, I just think the execution lacked finesse. If these issues were to be addressed, I think my opinion of the book would be slightly higher.

Overall…I think it was a nice CHRISTIAN read that could be helpful to any teen that is having an identity crises or at the very least pressure issues. For everyone else? I leave that up to you…you know your faith better than I do. I know books, and this one was average.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Sometimes it’s not about how FAST you are, but rather…about how STRONG you are.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever thought that being a christian is easy and a nice joyful road to take ? Not nessecarily , for many of us growing up as Christians we learn a whole lot of values, morals and sometimes compared to the worldly view - our sights can be seen as living in an idealistic world rather than reality. Growing up a Christian for any teenager can be a difficult and bumpy ride, especially when obstacles fall in our way that cause us to be jaded about God and his way. We think - How Could God let this happen ? What is happening in the world that is allowing God to do or let awful things happen to others and those we love and care for ? In Most Likely, we discover a storyline that many if not all can relate in one way or another too . Craig Hansen introduces us to High School student Becky , she is on the track team , has a great boyfriend, friends and a firm believer in Christ but she will find in the next few months that everything she ever knew or thought was the way is going to come crashing down around her. For years her best friend Tammy Jo has been recieving beatings and since the two became close friends in Eigth Grade- Becky has kept her secret , we read as it may be time for Becky to give up that secret as tragedy strike Tammy Jo and Beckyis left with the voice of "If Only she had told somebody earlier". The second big revelation is Becky's life is that her sister Geena is pregnant and is getting a divorce from her husband Peter. Though the bible preaches against Divorce , is this the right decision for Geena and her unborn child ?
This year with Most Likely Becky will face her biggest challenge and a decision that could affect her life as a Christian - Can she summon up enough of God's Faith and Grace to move forth as a Christian or will she find herself disillusioned and backsliding.
A Great read for any Teen/YA that has ever found themselves questioning God's motives in life.