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A Hundred Hours of Night
Part love letter to New York, part portrait of a girl and a city in crisis as Hurricane Sandy hits New York City.
When Emilia de Wit ran away to New York City, she planned everything to a T. Plane ticket, purchased. Cute apartment, rented online. Subway map, printed and highlighted. This was no ordinary trip -- this was Emilia's declaration of independence. Her chance to escape the life her parents were ruining. To get away from the horrible scandal that had rocked Amsterdam, the scandal that was all her dad's fault. To see if her mom, the glamorous, world-famous artist, would even notice.
New York steals Emilia's heart at first sight -- even though absolutely nothing goes to plan. She didn't plan to end up homeless on a stranger's doorstep. She didn't plan to make friends with Seth, Abby, and Jim. And she could never have known that Hurricane Sandy would be barreling up the coast, straight for the city.
All she wanted was to get away from her parents, her problems, her life . . . and when the storm hits and the power goes out, Emilia feels farther from home than she could have imagined.
When Emilia de Wit ran away to New York City, she planned everything to a T. Plane ticket, purchased. Cute apartment, rented online. Subway map, printed and highlighted. This was no ordinary trip -- this was Emilia's declaration of independence. Her chance to escape the life her parents were ruining. To get away from the horrible scandal that had rocked Amsterdam, the scandal that was all her dad's fault. To see if her mom, the glamorous, world-famous artist, would even notice.
New York steals Emilia's heart at first sight -- even though absolutely nothing goes to plan. She didn't plan to end up homeless on a stranger's doorstep. She didn't plan to make friends with Seth, Abby, and Jim. And she could never have known that Hurricane Sandy would be barreling up the coast, straight for the city.
All she wanted was to get away from her parents, her problems, her life . . . and when the storm hits and the power goes out, Emilia feels farther from home than she could have imagined.
242 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2014
62 people are currently reading
2087 people want to read
About the author
Anna Woltz
43 books116 followersAnna Woltz (b. London, 29 December 1981) is a Dutch writer. She has written twenty-eight books for young readers. Some of her books are adventurous stories for ten-year-olds, others are challenging young adult novels. Her books have been translated into twenty-seven languages (English, German, French, Swedish, Italian, Slovenian, Czech, Slovak, Serbian, Albanian, Croatian, Turkish, Arabic, Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, Ukrainian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese) and have won many prizes.
Woltz’s books are loved by both children and adults. Children enjoy the exciting, funny and sometimes crazy adventures and the lovable characters. Adults have praised Woltz for her beautiful language, psychological depth and fresh, humorous narrative voice.
Themes that are particularly close to Woltz’s heart are family relationships, growing up and the question all people have to face sooner or later: how am I going to do this – this amazing and complicated thing called life? Quite a few of her books are about young characters who discover their parents are no different from all other human beings: sometimes they make mistakes and sometimes they have no clue what to do. Part of growing up is about accepting this. (Source: https://annawoltz.nl/english/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealanna...
Woltz’s books are loved by both children and adults. Children enjoy the exciting, funny and sometimes crazy adventures and the lovable characters. Adults have praised Woltz for her beautiful language, psychological depth and fresh, humorous narrative voice.
Themes that are particularly close to Woltz’s heart are family relationships, growing up and the question all people have to face sooner or later: how am I going to do this – this amazing and complicated thing called life? Quite a few of her books are about young characters who discover their parents are no different from all other human beings: sometimes they make mistakes and sometimes they have no clue what to do. Part of growing up is about accepting this. (Source: https://annawoltz.nl/english/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealanna...
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January 12, 2022Your life sucks? Your family is shit? You want out? Great! Overreact, pack a bag and book a flight to America, cause you're 14 and it makes total sense.
That's what Emilia did, when she found out that her father cheated on her mom. She arrives in New York and promptly faces a few difficulties. Not only does she not have a place to stay, Hurricane Sandy is threatening to shut down the city.
I enjoyed this book. It was short and simple and I read it in one sitting. I'm not sure I liked the main character - I usually read books with characters that are a bit older - since she still was a bit childish here and there. The story wasn't the most realistic one either. But I feel like this is a book that many young teenagers would connect with. It's a light story overall but still manages to include topics like anxiety and death. It's okay to ask questions, it's okay to doubt yourself sometimes, it's okay to not be okay all the time. What matters are honesty and friendship.
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That's what Emilia did, when she found out that her father cheated on her mom. She arrives in New York and promptly faces a few difficulties. Not only does she not have a place to stay, Hurricane Sandy is threatening to shut down the city.
I enjoyed this book. It was short and simple and I read it in one sitting. I'm not sure I liked the main character - I usually read books with characters that are a bit older - since she still was a bit childish here and there. The story wasn't the most realistic one either. But I feel like this is a book that many young teenagers would connect with. It's a light story overall but still manages to include topics like anxiety and death. It's okay to ask questions, it's okay to doubt yourself sometimes, it's okay to not be okay all the time. What matters are honesty and friendship.
Find more of my books on Instagram
May 14, 2024
You know, this wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
The story line was actually really good and the friend group was really cute. I did think that Emilia and Jim becoming friends happened a bit too fast after he was a jerk to her though.
I felt like the end was a bit unfinished. There were some stuff that I feel still weren't really resolved and it felt a bit rushed. I think the book would've been a lot better if there was an epilogue to make it feel more complete.
It also would've been cool to have a second book or a novella or something but from Seth's perspective. Because sometimes I'm really wondering what he's thinking. And I think it would be so cute and good to see his thoughts at parts like when he and Emilia went to the Statue of Liberty or when Emilia was having one of her breakdowns or when she dyed her hair.
Seth was honestly one of the best characters in this. He's so under appreciated. He's literally the reason that Abbey, Emilia and Jim are alive right now.
Abbey was the fiercest 9 year old ever and it was hilarious. She's so sweet too though. They way she set up the hurricane asylum for the 4 of them was so cute.
Jim got on my nerves most of the time tbh. Emilia was telling him about her tragic past and why she moved to New York and he was laughing and making jokes?!?
It was really cool to read from Emilia's perspective actually because of her being a clean freak and because of how she sees the world kind of differently from everyone else. The character development for her was sooo good too! Like can we just give her a little applause pls?👏👏👏 She really got over her fears.
I also liked that Emilia, Jim and Abbey and Seth all had their own kind of tragic back story and that they all helped each other heal and get over it.
Something that was really weird was that sometimes, her name was spelled Emilia and sometimes it was spelled Eemielia. At first I thought it was that some people said her name weird or something but it said it in the narrative too which was really weird and confusing.
The book was fine once you get past the beginning. I'd say like a 3.3 - 3.4 stars.
The story line was actually really good and the friend group was really cute. I did think that Emilia and Jim becoming friends happened a bit too fast after he was a jerk to her though.
I felt like the end was a bit unfinished. There were some stuff that I feel still weren't really resolved and it felt a bit rushed. I think the book would've been a lot better if there was an epilogue to make it feel more complete.
It also would've been cool to have a second book or a novella or something but from Seth's perspective. Because sometimes I'm really wondering what he's thinking. And I think it would be so cute and good to see his thoughts at parts like when he and Emilia went to the Statue of Liberty or when Emilia was having one of her breakdowns or when she dyed her hair.
Seth was honestly one of the best characters in this. He's so under appreciated. He's literally the reason that Abbey, Emilia and Jim are alive right now.
Abbey was the fiercest 9 year old ever and it was hilarious. She's so sweet too though. They way she set up the hurricane asylum for the 4 of them was so cute.
Jim got on my nerves most of the time tbh. Emilia was telling him about her tragic past and why she moved to New York and he was laughing and making jokes?!?
It was really cool to read from Emilia's perspective actually because of her being a clean freak and because of how she sees the world kind of differently from everyone else. The character development for her was sooo good too! Like can we just give her a little applause pls?👏👏👏 She really got over her fears.
I also liked that Emilia, Jim and Abbey and Seth all had their own kind of tragic back story and that they all helped each other heal and get over it.
Something that was really weird was that sometimes, her name was spelled Emilia and sometimes it was spelled Eemielia. At first I thought it was that some people said her name weird or something but it said it in the narrative too which was really weird and confusing.
The book was fine once you get past the beginning. I'd say like a 3.3 - 3.4 stars.
December 18, 2019
Priča počinje vrlo dinamično od prve strane. Emilija se nalazi na aerodromu. Seda u avion uprkos velikom strahu od letenja jer želi da pobegne. Beži iz Holandije, od svoje porodice, jer je njen otac napravio skandal koji je u centru medijske pažnje, razočarana je jer je uvek bila uzorna, a sada je deo skandala ni kriva ni dužna. Odlazi u Njujork koji je želela oduvek da poseti. Tamo igrom slučajeva upoznaje prijatelje, sa kojima zajedno prolazi kroz uragan: mrak, nedostatak struje, vode, odrasle osobe koja će upravljati situacijom. Ne tako tipičan tinejdž roman, preporučen tek za starije od 14 godina. Ono zbog čega sam dala ovoj knjizi 4 zvezdice je jer sam se jako povezala sa likovima. Navijala sam sve vreme, radnja je većim delom bila realna i ovaj tinejdz roman nazvala bih dramom. Nisam naslućivala ni kako će se razvijati, ni kako će se završiti. Sve u svemu - poglavlja su kratka, ima 206 strana i brzo se čita, a izdavačku kuću Odiseja moram da pohvalim za dizajn :)
November 27, 2019
http://www.bukmarkic.com/ana-volc-sto...
Sto sati mraka je roman koji počinje u Holandiji, i na samom početku se upoznajemo sa glavnom junakinjom ovog romana, Emilijom Decembar de Vit. Svesni smo činjenice da Emilija potiče iz jedne bitne porodice, ali isto tako da je izuzetno razočarana u svog oca, koji je napravio ogromnan skandal (u kome je prevario svoju suprugu) o kom svi portali, sve društvene mreže i svi tabloidi pričaju. Upravo je to razlog zbog kog ona pakuje svoje kofere i beži od kuće. Međutim, Emilija ne beži od kuće kao svaki drugi tinejdžer i ode da spava kod najboljeg prijatelja ili kod babe – ona pakuje svoje kofere, falsifikuje odobrenje roditelja da sme sama da putuje, pomoću kartice svog oca kupuje avionsku kartu i beži ni manje ni više nego u Njujork, grad koji je oduvek želela da poseti. Međutim, iako uspeva da stigne bezbedno do Njujorka, ona će shvatiti da je prevarena i da stan koji je izdala ne postoji. Emilija tada shvata da će morati narednih nekoliko dana da provede na ulici, ne znajući gde da ode niti šta da radi. U međuvremenu, upoznaje Seta, Ebi i Džim, koji će joj postati dobri prijatelji i koji će joj biti saputnici u ovoj avanturi. Ono što ni jedno od njih ne shvata jeste da je uragan Sendi vrlo opasan i da dolazi u Njujork.
Ovo je glavni zaplet ovog romana, kao i ono što Emiliju i ovu družinu očekuje u toku uragana Sendi. Sam naslov romana ne odnosi se samo na nestajanje struje koje je usledilo zbog vremenskih nepogoda, već i na Emilijino duševno stanje, jer se kao četrnaestogodišnjakinja u metropoli, bez roditetelja koji su joj blizu, u jednoj napetoj ljubavnoj priči (kao i svaki drugi tinejdžer) oseća kao da je u mraku. Ovo je ono što je Ana Volc lepo uradila u romanu – svaki nesnađeni tinejdžer bi mogao lako da se poistoveti sa Emilijom. Osim toga, sa Emilijom će moći da se poistovete i svi tinejdžeri koji su iz nekog razloga besni na svoje roditelje. Naravno, ovaj roman ne ohrabruje tinejdžere da pobegnu od kuće, jer je veliki broj čitalaca to tako shvatio. On objašnjava do koje mere tinejdžer može daleko da ide jer razmišlja srcem a ne glavom, i koje su posledice toga.
Kao i svaki drugi roman iz žanra omladinske književnosti, i Sto sati mraka je napisan jednostavnim jezikom koji će se toj ciljnoj publici svideti i koji će svima biti prijemčiv. Međutim, Sto sati mraka je u neku ruku čak i deskriptivniji, pa njegovo čitanje nije jednolično. Opisi Emilijinog mentalnog stanja, opisi samog Njujorka, kao i to šta Njujork pruža svojim stanovnicima (kao što je npr scena u kojoj Emilija shvata da je u Njujorku svake godine popularno neko drugo povrće) su zaista lepo opisani. Roman ne može da se svrsta u savršenu književnost, niti je Sto sati mraka najbolji roman iz žanra omladinske književnosti, ali je izuzetno čitljiv, pitak, jednostavan i što je najbitnije, interesantan.
Roman Ane Volc nije samo tu da bi bio sladak i čitljiv. Vidi se da se Ana potrudila da ubaci bitne teme u roman, kao što je recimo i tema feminizma, jer u nekoliko navrata objašnjava da žene koje su prevarene to ne bi trebalo da trpe samo zato što su žene. Dakle, ovo nije roman koji bi trebalo da pročitaju samo tinejdžeri – ovo je svakako nešto što će možda i Vama značiti. Kako to tinejdžeri razmišljaju, na šta su sve spremni i kako to sprečiti? Ono što je takođe odlično jeste da Ana Volc zna kada da stane. Dvestra strana ovog romana je sasvim dovoljno, jer bi možda nekoliko strana više već bilo previše. Priča nekad zna da zađe u neke sapuničaste momente koji su sve samo ne realni, ali u svakom slučaju ovo jeste roman za tinejdžere, i svi znamo do koje mere oni znaju da budu dramatični, te ovde ne predstavlja neki veliki problem.
Sto sati mraka je roman koji počinje u Holandiji, i na samom početku se upoznajemo sa glavnom junakinjom ovog romana, Emilijom Decembar de Vit. Svesni smo činjenice da Emilija potiče iz jedne bitne porodice, ali isto tako da je izuzetno razočarana u svog oca, koji je napravio ogromnan skandal (u kome je prevario svoju suprugu) o kom svi portali, sve društvene mreže i svi tabloidi pričaju. Upravo je to razlog zbog kog ona pakuje svoje kofere i beži od kuće. Međutim, Emilija ne beži od kuće kao svaki drugi tinejdžer i ode da spava kod najboljeg prijatelja ili kod babe – ona pakuje svoje kofere, falsifikuje odobrenje roditelja da sme sama da putuje, pomoću kartice svog oca kupuje avionsku kartu i beži ni manje ni više nego u Njujork, grad koji je oduvek želela da poseti. Međutim, iako uspeva da stigne bezbedno do Njujorka, ona će shvatiti da je prevarena i da stan koji je izdala ne postoji. Emilija tada shvata da će morati narednih nekoliko dana da provede na ulici, ne znajući gde da ode niti šta da radi. U međuvremenu, upoznaje Seta, Ebi i Džim, koji će joj postati dobri prijatelji i koji će joj biti saputnici u ovoj avanturi. Ono što ni jedno od njih ne shvata jeste da je uragan Sendi vrlo opasan i da dolazi u Njujork.
Ovo je glavni zaplet ovog romana, kao i ono što Emiliju i ovu družinu očekuje u toku uragana Sendi. Sam naslov romana ne odnosi se samo na nestajanje struje koje je usledilo zbog vremenskih nepogoda, već i na Emilijino duševno stanje, jer se kao četrnaestogodišnjakinja u metropoli, bez roditetelja koji su joj blizu, u jednoj napetoj ljubavnoj priči (kao i svaki drugi tinejdžer) oseća kao da je u mraku. Ovo je ono što je Ana Volc lepo uradila u romanu – svaki nesnađeni tinejdžer bi mogao lako da se poistoveti sa Emilijom. Osim toga, sa Emilijom će moći da se poistovete i svi tinejdžeri koji su iz nekog razloga besni na svoje roditelje. Naravno, ovaj roman ne ohrabruje tinejdžere da pobegnu od kuće, jer je veliki broj čitalaca to tako shvatio. On objašnjava do koje mere tinejdžer može daleko da ide jer razmišlja srcem a ne glavom, i koje su posledice toga.
Kao i svaki drugi roman iz žanra omladinske književnosti, i Sto sati mraka je napisan jednostavnim jezikom koji će se toj ciljnoj publici svideti i koji će svima biti prijemčiv. Međutim, Sto sati mraka je u neku ruku čak i deskriptivniji, pa njegovo čitanje nije jednolično. Opisi Emilijinog mentalnog stanja, opisi samog Njujorka, kao i to šta Njujork pruža svojim stanovnicima (kao što je npr scena u kojoj Emilija shvata da je u Njujorku svake godine popularno neko drugo povrće) su zaista lepo opisani. Roman ne može da se svrsta u savršenu književnost, niti je Sto sati mraka najbolji roman iz žanra omladinske književnosti, ali je izuzetno čitljiv, pitak, jednostavan i što je najbitnije, interesantan.
Roman Ane Volc nije samo tu da bi bio sladak i čitljiv. Vidi se da se Ana potrudila da ubaci bitne teme u roman, kao što je recimo i tema feminizma, jer u nekoliko navrata objašnjava da žene koje su prevarene to ne bi trebalo da trpe samo zato što su žene. Dakle, ovo nije roman koji bi trebalo da pročitaju samo tinejdžeri – ovo je svakako nešto što će možda i Vama značiti. Kako to tinejdžeri razmišljaju, na šta su sve spremni i kako to sprečiti? Ono što je takođe odlično jeste da Ana Volc zna kada da stane. Dvestra strana ovog romana je sasvim dovoljno, jer bi možda nekoliko strana više već bilo previše. Priča nekad zna da zađe u neke sapuničaste momente koji su sve samo ne realni, ali u svakom slučaju ovo jeste roman za tinejdžere, i svi znamo do koje mere oni znaju da budu dramatični, te ovde ne predstavlja neki veliki problem.
February 8, 2016
Unfortunately I can't recommend this book. It's about a Dutch girl with OCD who runs away to NYC after the eruption of a texting scandal about her father, a high school principal. She makes friends, gets caught in Hurricane Sandy, and eventually her whole family moves to NYC. The writing is not bad but the whole scenario is so unrealistic in every way. First of all, she manages to get out of Holland and into the U.S. That could never happen. OK, suspend disbelief. She is befriended by a middle class brother and sister whose mother happens to be away. Another piece of improbability: after Sandy hits, her new friends don't go to their relatives who have heat and power because they want to protect her and this other guy who needs them. More improbability: When her parents finally do track her down and come to NYC, they don't make her leave her friends right away and come with them. And then finally they agree to move to NYC because her mother, a famous artist, decides she likes NYC and they have to escape her father's texting scandal. The last straw for me was when her OCD suddenly gets better because of her experiences in Hurricane Sandy. That is too many improbable events, too many pat resolutions of seemingly unresolvable problems, and just plain doesn't ring true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2019
Sa Emilijom na celu vidimo kako losa komunikacija u porodici, vrsnjacko i digitalno nasilje mogu da naprave totalnu pometnju u zivotu jedne tinejdzerke i kako se ona bori sa tim.
Ova knjiga je i za roditelje jer mozda shvate da roditeljstvo nije sala i da mnoge stvari koje oni cine jos kako uticu i ticu se i njihove dece.
Ova knjiga je i za roditelje jer mozda shvate da roditeljstvo nije sala i da mnoge stvari koje oni cine jos kako uticu i ticu se i njihove dece.
July 12, 2018
Päris armas raamat, kuigi tüdruk vahepeal oli paras vingats, aga selliste vanematega ei ole väga ime kah...Aga kogu see New Yorgi seiklus ise oli armas ja südamlik, meenutas vanemaid romantilisi noortekomöödiaid (I feel old now) :) Täielikult ebausutav, aga nunnnnnuuu :D
April 26, 2020
Opnieuw een ontzettend mooi boek van Anna Woltz. De manier hoe zij vriendschap kan beschrijven vind ik zo bijzonder en deze (vaak onwaarschijnlijke) vriendschappen laten me elke keer weer intens genieten van haar verhalen.
December 2, 2024
Vaata igasugune LOOGIKA ütleb et see raamat ei peaks mulle meeldima aga ma lugesin selle läbi VÄHEM KUI KOLME TUNNIGA (hello hyperfocus my old friend). See on nii ebausutav ja eriti algus oli kirjutatud nagu keskmine 2008 reidi järjejutt aga nagu bänger ikkagi??? Mdea ma nüüd tahaks ka võõraste poistega kuskil newyorgis orkaanivangis istuda
July 18, 2017
This was a very endearing book that I finished in a few hours due to the writing style and easy flow. It revolves around the time that Hurricane Sandy hit New York, and a Dutch girl who ran away from home, stole her father's credit card and flew all the way to New York. Alone.
Perhaps that sounds a bit farfetched and silly, and maybe it is, but I was in the mood for a quick YA and so it didn't bother me in the least and I went with it, enjoying the story and the events that were to unfold soon thereafter.
Emilia is a fifteen year old girl, with a strong case of OCD, who was caught up in a huge scandal in Amsterdam thanks to her father, who is also the principal at her school, and his indecent involvement with a minor. Following these events and her the continuous neglect of her parents towards her and the attacks she was getting from social media and elsewhere, she decides to take things into her own hands and runs away. All the way to New York city. Her favorite city in the world.
She thinks she has everything under control. She booked the flights, rented out the apartment she was going to stay in, got her stories straightened out for when she arrived at the immigration desk and took her father's credit card so had cash on hand when needed. Only upon arriving to New York, she soon found out that the apartment she thought she had paid for was actually already inhabited by other people (namely a sixteen year old boy and his eleven year old troublesome sister) and was one of those internet scams and so she had nowhere to stay.
However, she somehow strikes a friendship with Seth and Abby (the current tenants of the apartment) and ends up staying with them temporarily. Of course, then the announcements that Hurricane Sandy is approaching begin and Emilia panics. She predicts impending doom, especially given her intense fear of bacteria and dirt. With the help of Seth and Abby - and later Jim - they begin preparations for the hurricane by buying food and water. Yet nothing really prepares them for the actual impact of the storm and the darkness that engulfs them for the duration and days after.
It was very interesting to read about this from young people's perspective. To live through the storm through their eyes and experience how they dealt with all of it afterwards. To see how every little thing mattered, from using the toilets and relying on gas and batteries and candles, to finding outlets that work to charge their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with their families and check the news. To see them band together in the throes of this disaster and help each other out. To see them - in true New York fashion - still find the will to celebrate Halloween in the deserted destruction and aftermath of the hurricane.
Emilia's OCD could get frustrating at times, as it is such a paralyzing factor especially in such circumstances where dust and dirt and bacteria are everywhere basically! However, she was strong enough to deal with it and find ways around it, which I appreciated. I loved the Seth and Jim triangle, it wasn't the annoying kind of triangles, but the endearing and humorous kind. They are both extremely likable characters, and their interactions with Emilia were so different, but so important in their own ways. Abby was a central character as well, although she is only eleven years old.
The only thing I will say that would sometimes really get on my nerves, is that I felt Abby acted a lot younger than her eleven years. I don't know. Maybe I haven't been around many eleven year old girls, so I'm not sure. I think back to my eleven year old self, and I don't remember being this...innocently childish. She felt more like an 8 or 9 year old girl, which kept throwing me off. Especially this generation, which I believe is maturing early. Again, that could just be me and a lack of tween knowledge. It did get on my nerves at times, but it didn't put me off the story or the book.
This is a great and easy read that I very much enjoyed and devoured within a few hours.
Perhaps that sounds a bit farfetched and silly, and maybe it is, but I was in the mood for a quick YA and so it didn't bother me in the least and I went with it, enjoying the story and the events that were to unfold soon thereafter.
Emilia is a fifteen year old girl, with a strong case of OCD, who was caught up in a huge scandal in Amsterdam thanks to her father, who is also the principal at her school, and his indecent involvement with a minor. Following these events and her the continuous neglect of her parents towards her and the attacks she was getting from social media and elsewhere, she decides to take things into her own hands and runs away. All the way to New York city. Her favorite city in the world.
She thinks she has everything under control. She booked the flights, rented out the apartment she was going to stay in, got her stories straightened out for when she arrived at the immigration desk and took her father's credit card so had cash on hand when needed. Only upon arriving to New York, she soon found out that the apartment she thought she had paid for was actually already inhabited by other people (namely a sixteen year old boy and his eleven year old troublesome sister) and was one of those internet scams and so she had nowhere to stay.
However, she somehow strikes a friendship with Seth and Abby (the current tenants of the apartment) and ends up staying with them temporarily. Of course, then the announcements that Hurricane Sandy is approaching begin and Emilia panics. She predicts impending doom, especially given her intense fear of bacteria and dirt. With the help of Seth and Abby - and later Jim - they begin preparations for the hurricane by buying food and water. Yet nothing really prepares them for the actual impact of the storm and the darkness that engulfs them for the duration and days after.
It was very interesting to read about this from young people's perspective. To live through the storm through their eyes and experience how they dealt with all of it afterwards. To see how every little thing mattered, from using the toilets and relying on gas and batteries and candles, to finding outlets that work to charge their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with their families and check the news. To see them band together in the throes of this disaster and help each other out. To see them - in true New York fashion - still find the will to celebrate Halloween in the deserted destruction and aftermath of the hurricane.
Emilia's OCD could get frustrating at times, as it is such a paralyzing factor especially in such circumstances where dust and dirt and bacteria are everywhere basically! However, she was strong enough to deal with it and find ways around it, which I appreciated. I loved the Seth and Jim triangle, it wasn't the annoying kind of triangles, but the endearing and humorous kind. They are both extremely likable characters, and their interactions with Emilia were so different, but so important in their own ways. Abby was a central character as well, although she is only eleven years old.
The only thing I will say that would sometimes really get on my nerves, is that I felt Abby acted a lot younger than her eleven years. I don't know. Maybe I haven't been around many eleven year old girls, so I'm not sure. I think back to my eleven year old self, and I don't remember being this...innocently childish. She felt more like an 8 or 9 year old girl, which kept throwing me off. Especially this generation, which I believe is maturing early. Again, that could just be me and a lack of tween knowledge. It did get on my nerves at times, but it didn't put me off the story or the book.
This is a great and easy read that I very much enjoyed and devoured within a few hours.
October 29, 2018
Oké. Zonder de cursus jeugdliteratuur zou ik nooit voor dit boek gekozen hebben. Ik vond het persoonlijk niet zo leuk. Ik vond Abby en Seth geniaal, Jim was irritant en Emilia idk. Ik vond het verhaal TE traag op gang komen en daarna was de storm zo voorbij en meh ik vond het gewoon saai, terwijl ik normaal wel van dit soort boeken houd. Mja niet alles is altijd even goed en leuk als wat ik gewend ben. Het was zeker geen slecht boek, maar het was gewoon niet zo mijn ding.
Boeken Jeugdliteratuur 2: 2/5
Boeken Jeugdliteratuur 2: 2/5
May 21, 2024
this book was really annoying and unrealistic
August 12, 2018
Een boek dat je wilt blijven lezen.
April 21, 2016
So, the first thing that you'll need to know before reading A Hundred Hours of Night, is that it's unusual.
I've read many a MG/YA contemporary over the past couple of years, and I don't think I've ever read a book that's both uniquely structured and involves a devastating real-world event - Hurricane Sandy, in this particular case. But all of this is a good thing, because it's helped A Hundred Hours of Night become one of my favorite new contemporary books of this year.
Author Anna Woltz introduces us to Emilia, who has done what every teenager has dreamed of doing: run off to a foreign city after getting into a fight with her parents. However, her starry-eyed dreams of living big in New York are quickly altered, as a mismanaged booking, a chance encounter and an impeding storm, leaves her hunkering down with three newfound friends as nature prepares to batter the city...
What's utterly fascinating about A Hundred Hours of Night, is that it's a book with so many different interwoven threads. When we first meet Emilia, readers learn that she's running away from an uncomfortable situation with her father. Though we don't get the pertinent details until later in the book, one thing is clear: this is a young, slightly immature girl, who is actively choosing to run away from her life.
However, as Emilia's journey begin to unfold in the advancing wake of Hurricane Sandy, Woltz is careful to show that Emilia's attitude may be more situationally based, than a permanent mindset. Without the advantage of family to protect her in this foreign environment, it's now up to her to step up and make sure that she and her newfound friends have the resources to make it through the duration of the storm.
To her own surprise, Emilia manages brilliantly. As she dictates everything from grocery shopping to managing the drinking water of her temporary residence, Woltz does a nice job of showing that Emilia has been internalizing her natural leadership skills up until this point, because of the situation at home. She is forced to make tough decisions and become a better person in this new and ongoing environment, because she is burdened by the expectations of her family, nor her family's influence.
Though many books with similar themes would likely have characters peeling off and living their own life after coming to this conclusion, Emilia finds the strength to not only confront the press, but also her own family. Wolk brilliantly depicts several tough conversations between Emilia and her parents, and the reader and Emilia both learn a little more at just how human her parents can be. But rather than incriminate and accuse her parents, Emilia takes her time away from them as a reminder to accept their failings, because there are bigger challenges in the world.
It's not an easy lesson to absorb, but it's an important one. It's one that I still struggle to learn even though I'm almost twice Emilia's age, and I applaud Wolk for making sure to include it in this book.
While some readers may feel like the ending of the book veers slightly into wish-fullfilment, I personally found it fitting for Emilia's story. She's able to take her newfound confidence and start over, which is a solid nod to her story.
***
Final verdict:
In a brief two hundred and forty-two pages, author Anna Woltz has written a fascinating study on familial and interpersonal relationships, and the resulting closeness that comes from unusual circumstances.
Though Emilia arrives in New York feeling angry and resentful of her life, her experiences with Hurricane Sandy and her newfound friends, leave her with the innate strength and
Highly recommend Anna Woltz's unusually beautiful and realistic look at life and relationships, full stop.
I've read many a MG/YA contemporary over the past couple of years, and I don't think I've ever read a book that's both uniquely structured and involves a devastating real-world event - Hurricane Sandy, in this particular case. But all of this is a good thing, because it's helped A Hundred Hours of Night become one of my favorite new contemporary books of this year.
Author Anna Woltz introduces us to Emilia, who has done what every teenager has dreamed of doing: run off to a foreign city after getting into a fight with her parents. However, her starry-eyed dreams of living big in New York are quickly altered, as a mismanaged booking, a chance encounter and an impeding storm, leaves her hunkering down with three newfound friends as nature prepares to batter the city...
What's utterly fascinating about A Hundred Hours of Night, is that it's a book with so many different interwoven threads. When we first meet Emilia, readers learn that she's running away from an uncomfortable situation with her father. Though we don't get the pertinent details until later in the book, one thing is clear: this is a young, slightly immature girl, who is actively choosing to run away from her life.
However, as Emilia's journey begin to unfold in the advancing wake of Hurricane Sandy, Woltz is careful to show that Emilia's attitude may be more situationally based, than a permanent mindset. Without the advantage of family to protect her in this foreign environment, it's now up to her to step up and make sure that she and her newfound friends have the resources to make it through the duration of the storm.
To her own surprise, Emilia manages brilliantly. As she dictates everything from grocery shopping to managing the drinking water of her temporary residence, Woltz does a nice job of showing that Emilia has been internalizing her natural leadership skills up until this point, because of the situation at home. She is forced to make tough decisions and become a better person in this new and ongoing environment, because she is burdened by the expectations of her family, nor her family's influence.
Though many books with similar themes would likely have characters peeling off and living their own life after coming to this conclusion, Emilia finds the strength to not only confront the press, but also her own family. Wolk brilliantly depicts several tough conversations between Emilia and her parents, and the reader and Emilia both learn a little more at just how human her parents can be. But rather than incriminate and accuse her parents, Emilia takes her time away from them as a reminder to accept their failings, because there are bigger challenges in the world.
It's not an easy lesson to absorb, but it's an important one. It's one that I still struggle to learn even though I'm almost twice Emilia's age, and I applaud Wolk for making sure to include it in this book.
While some readers may feel like the ending of the book veers slightly into wish-fullfilment, I personally found it fitting for Emilia's story. She's able to take her newfound confidence and start over, which is a solid nod to her story.
***
Final verdict:
In a brief two hundred and forty-two pages, author Anna Woltz has written a fascinating study on familial and interpersonal relationships, and the resulting closeness that comes from unusual circumstances.
Though Emilia arrives in New York feeling angry and resentful of her life, her experiences with Hurricane Sandy and her newfound friends, leave her with the innate strength and
Highly recommend Anna Woltz's unusually beautiful and realistic look at life and relationships, full stop.
November 1, 2017
THIS BOOK. *Clutches to chest* It gave me warm fuzzy feelings and I love it, ajdksdk.
Definitely not for younger or more sheltered teens though. It had a lot of swearing, slight alcohol abuse, and it also dealt with harsher topics such as suicide, cyber bullying, and other bad life choices.
One of the characters, who was acholic was slightly glorified for it. As mentioned before, there was a large amount of swearing in this book, which normally would make me DNF it, but besides these two things and a few other cons which I'll talk about soon, I loved it.
PROS:
-I love Emilia, she’s one of the first YA main characters that I’ve genuinely liked in a long time. Finally, a teenager who isn’t misrepresented completely! Emilia is brash and impulsive at times, but she’s also cautious and tries her hardest to think things through, although her emotions often take the lead.
-May I adopt Abby? Seriously. This eleven year old is SO ADORABLE, but she’s still realistic with fears and flaws too.
-Oh, look! An actual teenage boy in YA! Seth was awkward, but kind. He was never really described or made out to be cute his personality speaks for itself, and I really like that. Most books just have a random love interest like, “HE’S HOT. SHE THINKS HE’S HOT. BOOM! INSTALOVE, BE HAPPY WITH IT!” Instead it was just like, “Meet Seth, he’s not amused at the moment, he may or may not be cute, but the main character doesn’t care right now, so you can decide.” THANK YOU.
-It describes the horrors of Hurricane Sandy, which is amazing and touching, and I felt like I was really there.
-It talks about the importance of family, friendship, and talking things through.
CONS:
-Bad decisions galore. Emilia is only fifteen, I know, but you’d think she’d be a bit more careful. And just look at Jim, he’s the biggest mess ever.
-Jim. I didn’t really like Jim, I’m sorry. There were times I did, and times I wanted too, but I just couldn’t. He was a bit too whiney for me, I wasn’t a fan of his swearing, and he was too hot. Yes, he was flawed, but I don’t know, something just felt missing from his character.
-The swearing. It wasn’t that bad until page forty, when we first meet Jim, it rapidly picks up from there though.
And also,
All things considered, I really really liked this book! I hope to re-read it in the future.
Definitely not for younger or more sheltered teens though. It had a lot of swearing, slight alcohol abuse, and it also dealt with harsher topics such as suicide, cyber bullying, and other bad life choices.
One of the characters, who was acholic was slightly glorified for it. As mentioned before, there was a large amount of swearing in this book, which normally would make me DNF it, but besides these two things and a few other cons which I'll talk about soon, I loved it.
PROS:
-I love Emilia, she’s one of the first YA main characters that I’ve genuinely liked in a long time. Finally, a teenager who isn’t misrepresented completely! Emilia is brash and impulsive at times, but she’s also cautious and tries her hardest to think things through, although her emotions often take the lead.
-May I adopt Abby? Seriously. This eleven year old is SO ADORABLE, but she’s still realistic with fears and flaws too.
-Oh, look! An actual teenage boy in YA! Seth was awkward, but kind. He was never really described or made out to be cute his personality speaks for itself, and I really like that. Most books just have a random love interest like, “HE’S HOT. SHE THINKS HE’S HOT. BOOM! INSTALOVE, BE HAPPY WITH IT!” Instead it was just like, “Meet Seth, he’s not amused at the moment, he may or may not be cute, but the main character doesn’t care right now, so you can decide.” THANK YOU.
-It describes the horrors of Hurricane Sandy, which is amazing and touching, and I felt like I was really there.
-It talks about the importance of family, friendship, and talking things through.
CONS:
-Bad decisions galore. Emilia is only fifteen, I know, but you’d think she’d be a bit more careful. And just look at Jim, he’s the biggest mess ever.
-Jim. I didn’t really like Jim, I’m sorry. There were times I did, and times I wanted too, but I just couldn’t. He was a bit too whiney for me, I wasn’t a fan of his swearing, and he was too hot. Yes, he was flawed, but I don’t know, something just felt missing from his character.
-The swearing. It wasn’t that bad until page forty, when we first meet Jim, it rapidly picks up from there though.
And also,
All things considered, I really really liked this book! I hope to re-read it in the future.
March 4, 2019
Gewoon een erg leuk jeugdboek, goed en leuk verhaal, geloofwaardig en met een lekker tempo geschreven.
April 20, 2017
Das Buch hat mir vom Klappentext her etwas völlig anderes vermittelt. Allein schon, dass das Hauptthema erst in der Mitte des kurzen Buches beginnt, hat mich schon etwas gestört. Aber als das ganze Szenario dann auch noch relativ schnell wieder vorüber war und es gar nicht so extrem ausgeführt wurde, wie ich mir erhofft hatte, hat mich dann echt enttäuscht.
Es gab zwischendurch Ansätze eines tiefgründigeren Gesprächs zwischen irgendwem, aber wirklich ausgeführt wurde da selten etwas. Allgemein fand ich auch, dass die Sprache wirklich zweierlei war. Zum Einen war der Schreibstil unglaublich gut leserlich, schnell, flüssig, anders. Aber dann gab es auf der anderen Seite diese bescheuerte Jugendsprache, die mich oftmals gestört hat. Für mich war's übertrieben und ich finde nicht, dass man Jugendlichen in Büchern auch noch eine solche Gossensprache beibringen sollte, sondern gerade mit Geschichten an ein vernünftiges Deutsch appellieren, das überall vorzeigbar ist. Mag sein, dass ich da etwas penibel bin, aber gerade heutzutage finde ich es wichtig, der Gossensprache etwas entgegenzusetzen.
Ansonsten würde ich das Buch auch eher der Altersklasse 14-18 empfehlen. Für mich hatte es nicht viel übrig. Das einzig Gute daran war der leichte Schreibstil, der das Buch sehr schnelllebig und flüssig gemacht hat. Denn auch die Charaktere waren mir leider unsympathisch. Sogar alle bis auf einen. Und das bei mindestens vier präsenten Menschen während der gesamten Handlung.
War wohl einfach nicht mein Buch. Am Thema vorbei hätte man in der Schule gesagt und so fühlte sich das Buch für mich irgendwie an. Von Wirbelsturm Sandy gab es mir da zwischen endlosen Belanglosigkeiten zu wenig und allgemein auch viel zu wenig Ernsthaftigkeit bei dieser Thematik. Man hätte mehr daraus machen können, auch im Jugendbuch.
Es gab zwischendurch Ansätze eines tiefgründigeren Gesprächs zwischen irgendwem, aber wirklich ausgeführt wurde da selten etwas. Allgemein fand ich auch, dass die Sprache wirklich zweierlei war. Zum Einen war der Schreibstil unglaublich gut leserlich, schnell, flüssig, anders. Aber dann gab es auf der anderen Seite diese bescheuerte Jugendsprache, die mich oftmals gestört hat. Für mich war's übertrieben und ich finde nicht, dass man Jugendlichen in Büchern auch noch eine solche Gossensprache beibringen sollte, sondern gerade mit Geschichten an ein vernünftiges Deutsch appellieren, das überall vorzeigbar ist. Mag sein, dass ich da etwas penibel bin, aber gerade heutzutage finde ich es wichtig, der Gossensprache etwas entgegenzusetzen.
Ansonsten würde ich das Buch auch eher der Altersklasse 14-18 empfehlen. Für mich hatte es nicht viel übrig. Das einzig Gute daran war der leichte Schreibstil, der das Buch sehr schnelllebig und flüssig gemacht hat. Denn auch die Charaktere waren mir leider unsympathisch. Sogar alle bis auf einen. Und das bei mindestens vier präsenten Menschen während der gesamten Handlung.
War wohl einfach nicht mein Buch. Am Thema vorbei hätte man in der Schule gesagt und so fühlte sich das Buch für mich irgendwie an. Von Wirbelsturm Sandy gab es mir da zwischen endlosen Belanglosigkeiten zu wenig und allgemein auch viel zu wenig Ernsthaftigkeit bei dieser Thematik. Man hätte mehr daraus machen können, auch im Jugendbuch.
April 3, 2020
Luisterboeken tijdens vervelende klusjes, of hersendode klusjes, heerlijk! Tijdens strijken, schoonmaken, of het schilderen van een trapkast :)
Het werk van Anna Woltz vind ik ook gewoon geweldig. Als je iets van haar gelezen hebt, snap je denk ik wel waarom ik er dol op ben. Ik vind het ook moeilijk uitleggen, maar alles klopt gewoon.
Als je houdt van goede kinderboeken, raad ik je gewoon alles van haar blindelings aan.
Ze zijn in de luisterboekenapp van de bibliotheek ook erg fijn voorgelezen vind ik!
Het werk van Anna Woltz vind ik ook gewoon geweldig. Als je iets van haar gelezen hebt, snap je denk ik wel waarom ik er dol op ben. Ik vind het ook moeilijk uitleggen, maar alles klopt gewoon.
Als je houdt van goede kinderboeken, raad ik je gewoon alles van haar blindelings aan.
Ze zijn in de luisterboekenapp van de bibliotheek ook erg fijn voorgelezen vind ik!
April 29, 2024
uhm this book is so unrealistic
March 15, 2018
3.5
It had magic but something was missing and the ending left everything almost the same as the beginning.
It had magic but something was missing and the ending left everything almost the same as the beginning.
November 6, 2022
wat een vurrukkulluk boek!
May 28, 2018
Raamatu osas olid päris suured eelarvamused, kuid õnneks nii hull ei olnudki. Kõige rohkem pani mind kulmu kergitama see, et 14aastane otsustab üksinda USAsse lennata. Kujutasin juba ette, kuidas see lahendatud on aga õnneks oli autor uurimistööd teinud ja asja reaalsemaks kirjutanud. Endiselt oleks selle läbiminek vähetõenäoline, ent vähemalt on protsessi täpsemalt kirjeldatud kui "lennuk väljus Hollandist, maandusin USAs ja kõndisin lihtsalt passikontrollist läbi".
Raamatus käsitletakse raskeid teemasid, ent mõnes mõttes kulgevad asjad palju kergemalt, kui reaalses maailmas. OCD'st saadakse lahti põhimõtteliselt sõrmenipsuga, Jim muutub mässajast ontlikuks perepojaks jne. Natuke jäi õhku ka mulje, et äkki kirjutatakse raamatule järg, kuid ma loodan et seda ei juhtu. Las ta olla niimoodi üks ilus raamat.
Raamatus käsitletakse raskeid teemasid, ent mõnes mõttes kulgevad asjad palju kergemalt, kui reaalses maailmas. OCD'st saadakse lahti põhimõtteliselt sõrmenipsuga, Jim muutub mässajast ontlikuks perepojaks jne. Natuke jäi õhku ka mulje, et äkki kirjutatakse raamatule järg, kuid ma loodan et seda ei juhtu. Las ta olla niimoodi üks ilus raamat.
August 3, 2016
Honderd uur nacht is zo'n boek dat al jaren op mijn to-read list staat, maar dat niet echt bekend is. Hierdoor zie je het weinig voorbij komen en pak je hem ook minder snel op. Tot nu toe althans.
De 14-jarige Emilia staat plots in de spotlights, nadat een geheim van haar vader is uitgelekt. De roddels ontvluchtend vertrekt Emilia naar New York, in haar eentje..
Een duk boekje, dat ontzettend snel leest. Niet bepaald realistisch, maar wel leuk om te lezen over Emilia, Jim, Seth en Abby. Een hoop drama, een hoop avontuur. Je vliegt van de ene gebeurtenis in de andere en plots sla je de laatste bladzijde al weer om. Dit voelde een beetje las het lezen van Abeltje. Het is meer een kinderboek (+/- 14 jaar) trouwens, maar alsnog wel leuk om eens tussendoor te lezen.
De 14-jarige Emilia staat plots in de spotlights, nadat een geheim van haar vader is uitgelekt. De roddels ontvluchtend vertrekt Emilia naar New York, in haar eentje..
Een duk boekje, dat ontzettend snel leest. Niet bepaald realistisch, maar wel leuk om te lezen over Emilia, Jim, Seth en Abby. Een hoop drama, een hoop avontuur. Je vliegt van de ene gebeurtenis in de andere en plots sla je de laatste bladzijde al weer om. Dit voelde een beetje las het lezen van Abeltje. Het is meer een kinderboek (+/- 14 jaar) trouwens, maar alsnog wel leuk om eens tussendoor te lezen.
September 12, 2021
ciężko ją ocenić. trochę "dziwna" i absurdalna 🤷♀️
Doceniam za opis Nowego Jorku podczas huraganu. Da się wyczuć, że autorka odwiedziła NY podczas trwania Sandy🌪
Doceniam za opis Nowego Jorku podczas huraganu. Da się wyczuć, że autorka odwiedziła NY podczas trwania Sandy🌪
January 7, 2022
Heel leuk boek, soms misschien een klein beetje te lang dradig maar heel spannend en ook grappig. Zeker een aanrader. En als je 100 uur nacht leuk vind, dan kan je ook de tunnel lezen van Anna woltz
February 13, 2023
1.4
Absolutely horrendous
Absolutely horrendous
September 21, 2025
Sinds 'Onweer' hield ik van de weerbarstige meisjes die Woltz als hoofdpersoon opvoert. Haar boeken hebben ergens eenzelfde ritme en opbouw als de boeken van John Green steeds de nerd bevat die een onbereikbaar meisje adoreert. Je weet wat je krijgt, en in welke taal - en daar lees je een Woltz voor.
Met de andere 13+ titel 'De Tunnel' ben ik echter een beetje afgehaakt denk ik, en ook deze jeugdroman begon veelbelovend maar kon ik uiteindelijk niet op z'n waarde schatten.
De smetvrees van de hoofdpersoon voelt als onnodige kers op de taart van haar reden naar New York te vertrekken zonder echt plan. Hoewel ik weet dat smetvrees gradaties en obsessies kan hebben, is die van Emilia nogal ruggengraatloos.
De karakters blijven vrij plat, het New York tijdens de orkaan Sandy behoorlijk van bordkarton, Sandy zelf van snel voorbijgaande aard voor een boek dat zich afspeelt tijdens en na Sandy, de personages allemaal behoorlijk quirky maar oninteressant, de romantische lijntjes erg random en de volwassenen stuk voor stuk onvolwassen en ongeïnteresseerd in hun kroost.
Ik vond het verhaal op een gegeven moment nogal saai en de ontwikkeling van de hoofdpersoon van weglopen tot niet meer onzichtbaar willen zijn wat ongeloofwaardig. Het decor leek meer aandacht te hebben gekregen dan de personages. Met af en toe een voor de boze Emilia erg intelligent aandoende, mooi geschreven zin waarin ik vooral Woltz bleef horen en niet Emilia.
'Ik hoop dat ik nooit in mijn leven een fout zal maken die andere levens verwoest. Want als je andere levens verwoest, dan wil je verder stilletjes in een duinpan gaan liggen en onzichtbaar zijn. En daar heb ik dus totaal geen zin in.
Ik wil in New York wonen. Ik wil leven.'
Ik snap de allure die die boek heeft voor bepaalde lezers nu wel wat beter, en dat is voldoende.
---
Tijdens het lezen
21
'Maar ik geloof niet in God.
Ik geloofde in grote mensen. En nu geloof ik nergens meer in.'
24
'indianen' - auw. Mag er in een herdrukje wel uit, redactie (ik lees de versie van 2019).
Sowieso is de Columbus-lore vrij strong in this one en het nogal cliché geschetste New York voor een echte yank waarschijnlijk van bordkarton.
121
Voor een meisje met een dusdanig inconsequente smetvrees en paniekerige gedachtewereld zegt hoofdpersoon Emilia tussen het gebruik van ontsmettende billenpoetsdoekjes en het negeren van berichtjes van haar vader wel erg vaak dat ze zich zo 'vrij' voelt in New York.
126
Ik kan het niet op papa's van 50 jaar met een ongezonde voorliefde voor te jonge exemplaren van het andere geslacht.
---
Voor het lezen
Lang geleden in begonnen en niet doorgekomen, maar nu zit ik er meteen in. Ik had destijds misschien even een Woltz-detox nodig. Als deze me bevalt, lees ik 'De spin...' ook nog. Let's go!
Met de andere 13+ titel 'De Tunnel' ben ik echter een beetje afgehaakt denk ik, en ook deze jeugdroman begon veelbelovend maar kon ik uiteindelijk niet op z'n waarde schatten.
De smetvrees van de hoofdpersoon voelt als onnodige kers op de taart van haar reden naar New York te vertrekken zonder echt plan. Hoewel ik weet dat smetvrees gradaties en obsessies kan hebben, is die van Emilia nogal ruggengraatloos.
De karakters blijven vrij plat, het New York tijdens de orkaan Sandy behoorlijk van bordkarton, Sandy zelf van snel voorbijgaande aard voor een boek dat zich afspeelt tijdens en na Sandy, de personages allemaal behoorlijk quirky maar oninteressant, de romantische lijntjes erg random en de volwassenen stuk voor stuk onvolwassen en ongeïnteresseerd in hun kroost.
Ik vond het verhaal op een gegeven moment nogal saai en de ontwikkeling van de hoofdpersoon van weglopen tot niet meer onzichtbaar willen zijn wat ongeloofwaardig. Het decor leek meer aandacht te hebben gekregen dan de personages. Met af en toe een voor de boze Emilia erg intelligent aandoende, mooi geschreven zin waarin ik vooral Woltz bleef horen en niet Emilia.
'Ik hoop dat ik nooit in mijn leven een fout zal maken die andere levens verwoest. Want als je andere levens verwoest, dan wil je verder stilletjes in een duinpan gaan liggen en onzichtbaar zijn. En daar heb ik dus totaal geen zin in.
Ik wil in New York wonen. Ik wil leven.'
Ik snap de allure die die boek heeft voor bepaalde lezers nu wel wat beter, en dat is voldoende.
---
Tijdens het lezen
21
'Maar ik geloof niet in God.
Ik geloofde in grote mensen. En nu geloof ik nergens meer in.'
24
'indianen' - auw. Mag er in een herdrukje wel uit, redactie (ik lees de versie van 2019).
Sowieso is de Columbus-lore vrij strong in this one en het nogal cliché geschetste New York voor een echte yank waarschijnlijk van bordkarton.
121
Voor een meisje met een dusdanig inconsequente smetvrees en paniekerige gedachtewereld zegt hoofdpersoon Emilia tussen het gebruik van ontsmettende billenpoetsdoekjes en het negeren van berichtjes van haar vader wel erg vaak dat ze zich zo 'vrij' voelt in New York.
126
Ik kan het niet op papa's van 50 jaar met een ongezonde voorliefde voor te jonge exemplaren van het andere geslacht.
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Voor het lezen
Lang geleden in begonnen en niet doorgekomen, maar nu zit ik er meteen in. Ik had destijds misschien even een Woltz-detox nodig. Als deze me bevalt, lees ik 'De spin...' ook nog. Let's go!
March 14, 2019
Toen ik aan dit boek begon had ik totaal wat anders verwacht. Na het lezen van de flaptekst en recensies, dacht ik eerlijk gezegd dat het een YA-dystopian verhaal was. Die indrukken werden toch telkens gewekt als ik wat over het boek las of hoorde.
Niets is minder waar. Ik zou het boek eerder als een tienerfictie bestempelen, voor YA is ie nog net wat te jeugdig. Niet erg eerlijk gezegd. Het zorgt voor afwisseling, leest lekker weg en toont vooral de eerste jaren van de puberteit. Doordat ik de afgelopen jaren eerder focuste op YA, was ik even vergeten hoe het was om veertien te zijn.
Het verhaal zit goed in elkaar, ook al is het niet altijd even geloofwaardig. Een meisje van veertien dat de wereld over reist naar een land zoals de Verenigde Staten? Daar heb ik mijn vragen bij.
De personages spelen goed op elkaar in en het is ook fijn om te zien hoe ze zo snel een sterke band opbouwen. Hier merk je ook wel dat het boek zeer jeugdig is. Die eenvoudige manier van vrienden maken en het beste zien in de ander. Ik vond het heerlijk om te lezen. Gewoon de eenvoud van de personages maakte net dat het volle karakters waren. Ze zorgde ervoor dat het verhaal gevuld geraakte met humor.
De setting was op zich wel goed, maar ik had toch net wat meer gewild. Dat je die orkaan toch wat meer beleefd en niet omschrijvend mee krijgt. Dat was het enige puntje dat ik best jammer vond, hoe weinig er in werd gegaan op de orkaan en dergelijke zaken.
De cover vond ik voor het lezen van het boek geweldig. Maar nadien merkt ik er zeer veel fouten op. Waar is de kleine Abby? Die zowat een belangrijk personage vormt in dit boek. Hoe komt het dat er nog lichten branden op de achtergrond, als ze in het duistere deel van de stad wonen?
Niet dat het bijzaak is, maar voor de lezer is dit deels moeizaam om zomaar te aanvaarden. Het zijn details die de verbeelding net beïnvloeden.
De schrijfstijl is vlot en zeker ook interessant. Het geeft niet zozeer een twist aan het verhaal, maar brengt eerder meer inzichten met zich mee. Ondanks het ene perspectief krijg je toch het idee dat je vanuit meerdere perspectieven de gebeurtenissen mag aanschouwen.
De spanningsopbouw vond ik (naarmate dat het nodig was in dit verhaal) ook zeer goed uitgewerkt.
Helaas van het -deels- open einde. Want uiteindelijk heb ik het idee alsof de plot niet 'opgelost' is. Dat ik niet verder sta dan wanneer ik begon met lezen.
Het boek lijkt eerder een scene, enkele dagen, uit het leven van de hoofdpersoon. Niet zozeer een uitgewerkt plot moet een doel.
Niets is minder waar. Ik zou het boek eerder als een tienerfictie bestempelen, voor YA is ie nog net wat te jeugdig. Niet erg eerlijk gezegd. Het zorgt voor afwisseling, leest lekker weg en toont vooral de eerste jaren van de puberteit. Doordat ik de afgelopen jaren eerder focuste op YA, was ik even vergeten hoe het was om veertien te zijn.
Het verhaal zit goed in elkaar, ook al is het niet altijd even geloofwaardig. Een meisje van veertien dat de wereld over reist naar een land zoals de Verenigde Staten? Daar heb ik mijn vragen bij.
De personages spelen goed op elkaar in en het is ook fijn om te zien hoe ze zo snel een sterke band opbouwen. Hier merk je ook wel dat het boek zeer jeugdig is. Die eenvoudige manier van vrienden maken en het beste zien in de ander. Ik vond het heerlijk om te lezen. Gewoon de eenvoud van de personages maakte net dat het volle karakters waren. Ze zorgde ervoor dat het verhaal gevuld geraakte met humor.
De setting was op zich wel goed, maar ik had toch net wat meer gewild. Dat je die orkaan toch wat meer beleefd en niet omschrijvend mee krijgt. Dat was het enige puntje dat ik best jammer vond, hoe weinig er in werd gegaan op de orkaan en dergelijke zaken.
De cover vond ik voor het lezen van het boek geweldig. Maar nadien merkt ik er zeer veel fouten op. Waar is de kleine Abby? Die zowat een belangrijk personage vormt in dit boek. Hoe komt het dat er nog lichten branden op de achtergrond, als ze in het duistere deel van de stad wonen?
Niet dat het bijzaak is, maar voor de lezer is dit deels moeizaam om zomaar te aanvaarden. Het zijn details die de verbeelding net beïnvloeden.
De schrijfstijl is vlot en zeker ook interessant. Het geeft niet zozeer een twist aan het verhaal, maar brengt eerder meer inzichten met zich mee. Ondanks het ene perspectief krijg je toch het idee dat je vanuit meerdere perspectieven de gebeurtenissen mag aanschouwen.
De spanningsopbouw vond ik (naarmate dat het nodig was in dit verhaal) ook zeer goed uitgewerkt.
Helaas van het -deels- open einde. Want uiteindelijk heb ik het idee alsof de plot niet 'opgelost' is. Dat ik niet verder sta dan wanneer ik begon met lezen.
Het boek lijkt eerder een scene, enkele dagen, uit het leven van de hoofdpersoon. Niet zozeer een uitgewerkt plot moet een doel.
October 3, 2024
Ik heb dit boek gelezen voor Nederlands, en daarom moest het aan een aantal vereisten voldoen, maar dit is gewoon niet helemaal mijn type boek. Het boek leest heel makkelijk weg, want zowel de verhaallijn als de manier waarop het boek is geschreven zijn erg makkelijk. Ik kan me alleen niet echt inleven in Emilia, de viertienjarige hoofdpersoon van dit boek. Ze heeft ergens wel eigenschappen die ook best wel op die van mij lijken, maar de manier waarop ze praat en denkt geeft naar mijn idee niet echt een realistisch beeld van hoe een veertienjarige denkt. Ze lijkt soms wel een kind van drie en op een ander moment is ze -ineens- weer heel volwassen. De verhaallijn is ook niet heel realistisch, no way dat dit echt zou kunnen gebeuren. En het is dan wel fictie, maar het is geen fantasy ofzo. Kortom, het is wel een oké boek, maar ik raad het niet echt aan.
January 15, 2025
Ik kan maar 5 sterren geven, terwijl ik echt een ster of 8 zou willen geven 😭.
Dit boek is precies wat ik nu nodig heb. Een familiedrama waar je uit kunt vluchten en waar dingen beter worden. (mijn thuissituati is niet waauw sorry) Je gaat naar New York zonder iemand en zorgt ervoor dat je er komt en overleeft terwijl er een orkaan aan komt. Ze komt zoveel leuke mensen tegen die je aan het lachen maken, je problemen laten vergeten en je helpen om in het hier en nu te leven, buiten je bubbel. Je kunt er echt jezelf zijn en zelfs jezelf verbeteren. Echte vriendschap waar je uit leert en je goed bij voelt.
Dit boek was veel te snel uit; dit is een record voor mij, want soms lees ik een boek in een week, niet in een dag!
Also fun fact als je kust dan komen er 7 miljard bacteriën in je mond wie wist dit nu😅
Quotes
" Internet ligt eruit en ik heb zelfs geen bereik meer. Midden op Manhattan, dat geloof je toch niet?’‘Serieus?’ vraagt Abby. ‘Ik heb nog nooit van mijn leven geen bereik gehad!’ Ze kijkt op haar telefoon. ‘En ik heb nog maar een heel klein beetje batterij... Dát had de burgemeester moeten zeggen: mensen, laad uw mobieltjes op voordat het te laat is!’ "
" Ik wil roepen: google dan even wat er aan de hand is! Maar dat kan dus niet" (me)
Dit boek is precies wat ik nu nodig heb. Een familiedrama waar je uit kunt vluchten en waar dingen beter worden. (mijn thuissituati is niet waauw sorry) Je gaat naar New York zonder iemand en zorgt ervoor dat je er komt en overleeft terwijl er een orkaan aan komt. Ze komt zoveel leuke mensen tegen die je aan het lachen maken, je problemen laten vergeten en je helpen om in het hier en nu te leven, buiten je bubbel. Je kunt er echt jezelf zijn en zelfs jezelf verbeteren. Echte vriendschap waar je uit leert en je goed bij voelt.
Dit boek was veel te snel uit; dit is een record voor mij, want soms lees ik een boek in een week, niet in een dag!
Also fun fact als je kust dan komen er 7 miljard bacteriën in je mond wie wist dit nu😅
Quotes
" Internet ligt eruit en ik heb zelfs geen bereik meer. Midden op Manhattan, dat geloof je toch niet?’‘Serieus?’ vraagt Abby. ‘Ik heb nog nooit van mijn leven geen bereik gehad!’ Ze kijkt op haar telefoon. ‘En ik heb nog maar een heel klein beetje batterij... Dát had de burgemeester moeten zeggen: mensen, laad uw mobieltjes op voordat het te laat is!’ "
" Ik wil roepen: google dan even wat er aan de hand is! Maar dat kan dus niet" (me)
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