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Smashing
At sixteen, Francine Valhalla's head is filled with student council meetings, SAT words, and the tantalizing possibility that she might escape her type-A life for a while with a summer trip to Europe. Over-scheduled and always on her game, Franny and her dad are planning Ivy League acceptance, and nothing gets in the way of that. Neither of them suspects when he drops her off at the 5th Street Rec Center on a sunny April afternoon that it might be the last time they see each other. But within moments disaster strikes. Franny is trapped in the Rec Center's basement with 7 other teens, among them an enigmatic street kid who calls himself Smash. Smash is tall, charming, and the only one who keeps his cool when it seems like the whole world is falling apart. Franny finds it hard to believe that he's not scared, but Smash isn't fazed. Trapped for five days, the teens form a tight bond, looking to Smash to make the decisions that will save them. For Franny, Smash isn't like anyone she's ever met before. She almost can't help but fall for him. Although rescued, the teens are unable to locate their families and are taken to a temporary emergency shelter, dubbed Camp Freedom. With all the chaos and confusion, Smash is the one thing that serves as a distraction for Franny. Except that something about Camp Freedom changes him. Instead of being the guy with the killer grin that gives her serious butterflies, he pulls back, giving tantalizing hints about a troubled past.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 17, 2018
I downloaded this book ages ago. It was written by a friend and former colleague of mine and I was honestly nervous to read it - what if I didn't like it? What would I say? I should have known I was being ridiculous!!!! I had forgotten the premise of the book so I went in blind - and enjoyed every moment of it.
Those painfully awkward high school moments and feelings wrapped up in a dramatic and traumatic event that forged bonds between a group of kids you might not expect. I didn't want the story to end and was sad it did - my mind kept going on about what might happen from here.
Keep writing Melissa!
Those painfully awkward high school moments and feelings wrapped up in a dramatic and traumatic event that forged bonds between a group of kids you might not expect. I didn't want the story to end and was sad it did - my mind kept going on about what might happen from here.
Keep writing Melissa!
February 2, 2016
Constantine has done a great job with her first book! She has aced creating unique and believable characters as well as a unique and creative premise.
From the beginning of the book I was reeled in like a fish on a hook.
Smash and Francine have an interesting relationship. It moves fast but in dystopian novel’s that’s usually the case. When the world has gone to crap, we don’t have time to dilly dally.
Franny has a unique home life and I love that the author chose to highlight this situation in her book. It helps to normalize something that really is normal. Teenagers get mad at their parents…whether their parent is gay or not. It happens.
Smash was a deep character. As a former foster kid….I felt his pain. Smash is just a teen who has been hurt in too many ways too many times in life. All he wanted was a family.
A terrorist bombing was an interesting idea. It’s a fear I would say a lot of people have since 9/11. I enjoyed following this group of teenagers through this realistic event. I think the author does a great job of realistically portraying a possible reality where this has happened.
Fascinating stuff.
To see my full review, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on Wordpress!
From the beginning of the book I was reeled in like a fish on a hook.
Smash and Francine have an interesting relationship. It moves fast but in dystopian novel’s that’s usually the case. When the world has gone to crap, we don’t have time to dilly dally.
Franny has a unique home life and I love that the author chose to highlight this situation in her book. It helps to normalize something that really is normal. Teenagers get mad at their parents…whether their parent is gay or not. It happens.
Smash was a deep character. As a former foster kid….I felt his pain. Smash is just a teen who has been hurt in too many ways too many times in life. All he wanted was a family.
A terrorist bombing was an interesting idea. It’s a fear I would say a lot of people have since 9/11. I enjoyed following this group of teenagers through this realistic event. I think the author does a great job of realistically portraying a possible reality where this has happened.
Fascinating stuff.
To see my full review, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on Wordpress!
November 21, 2015
This book had me hooked from beginning to end. In the end, though, I was disappointed. The story was great! Kids (teens) trapped in a basement enduring a terrorist attack. Do they get rescued? Are their parents alive? What really happened in the streets? The book had me invested. The characters were relatable. It was interested in everyones individual story, especially Francine and Smash. I couldn't put the book down. But........of course there is a but, the ending seriously disappointed me. The epilogue (5 years later) seemed rushed and was a big let down. So much build up and angst then that's it, the end. Meh. I wished it would have ended more dramatically. Overall, it was good read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews