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Twenty2
Have you ever reflected on your life and thought, “If I knew then what I know now, my life would be very different”? I want to be the one to tell you my story so you’ll understand me. So you’ll see more than some guy who’s been thrown in jail more times than he can remember. More than a guy who’s thrown away a promising future in baseball to party instead. More than the thug you see when you look at all my tattoos. More than what you see when I’m messed up on drugs, or drunk on more alcohol than humanly possible. So listen up because I have a lot to tell you. Take a walk with me through my life, at a time when everything started to go wrong but I was too young to know. If I could go back and know what I know now, everything would be different.
334 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2015
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 5, 2015
I had the absolute privilege to beta read this compelling, profoundly emotional book by Grace Waters. Through the pages, Grace introduced you to a bright, handsome, loving, compassionate young man. Chase's story is one you'll never forget. The emotions literally jumped off the pages, and right into my heart. I felt what he felt. I felt what his family felt. After reading Twenty2, I can honestly say I will never forget this story. It has left a mark on my heart, as it should have. I dare you to read it and not feel the same... Thank you Grace Waters for the honor of learning Chase's story.
February 6, 2015
I honestly don't even know where to start for this review. This book completely and utterly wrecked me. I have never been more in a place of I just don't know what to say before. There are no words that could ever describe how important I think this book is especially in today's society and also justify how freaking awesome this book truly is. The author really makes you feel like you are right there in the book going through every single thing each character goes through, makes you feel all the ups and downs. And I'm telling you it is a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I have to say that the epilogue is my absolute favorite part. I am not going to say anything more because it would give things away, so my advice is GO GET THIS BOOK!!! It is a phenomenal book that every single person needs to read!!! A HUGE 5 AMAZEBALLS stars for me!! I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for Ms. Waters.
Review by Tabitha
Review by Tabitha
February 18, 2015
I went into this book not knowing anything of the story. The teasers sounded very interesting and I decided to give it a go. I was not disappointed. This is not a love story, but one of a very troubled young man who takes us on his journey and allows us to see the struggles that he coped with on a daily basis. It will have you laughing at some moments, but mostly, it will have you feeling bad and crying over someone who seriously needed help.
Chase gives us a glimpse into his life…surrounded by the love of his family, he still felt something was missing. His journey takes you down a path of drugs, alcohol, abuse, jail, and rehabs. The author does a great job capturing all the emotions this young man goes through with such clarity and realistically, you feel like you are right there with him, watching him and experiencing them at his side.
There is so much heartache and pain amongst the moments of happiness and laughter. Chase doesn’t want to acknowledge he has a problem at first, but once he does, he works at trying to “fix” himself for the sake of his family. He loves his mother immensely, but he struggles to maintain himself clean and in line. You can see the love he has for his family and the love they in turn have for him, always there and never, regardless of how low he gets, giving up on him.
It was difficult to read this book because seeing the pain Chase was going through and knowing that this is very much real, you can’t help feel the need to talk to him and offer help. This story shows you the very essence of human life as one struggles, going through the motions and hoping for survival.
It was also difficult because although I felt bad for his situation, I felt at times that he could've handled things differently. He had a strong support system in his family and the rehab center, but he tended to ignore that and think about the partying. I haven't been in this situation and I hope I never am, and I cant' even begin to imagine how difficult it must be, but I can't think that he couldn't have tried just a bit harder to seek help.
The book is well written and kept me interested throughout. I was always hoping for Chase to overcome his pain, his struggle, and lean more on his family to help him along the way. The story has some light moments to overcome some of the darkness that will drag you in, but more than anything, it will make you think and evaluate life.
I recommend this book and hope that everyone who hears about it seriously gives it a chance.
Chase gives us a glimpse into his life…surrounded by the love of his family, he still felt something was missing. His journey takes you down a path of drugs, alcohol, abuse, jail, and rehabs. The author does a great job capturing all the emotions this young man goes through with such clarity and realistically, you feel like you are right there with him, watching him and experiencing them at his side.
There is so much heartache and pain amongst the moments of happiness and laughter. Chase doesn’t want to acknowledge he has a problem at first, but once he does, he works at trying to “fix” himself for the sake of his family. He loves his mother immensely, but he struggles to maintain himself clean and in line. You can see the love he has for his family and the love they in turn have for him, always there and never, regardless of how low he gets, giving up on him.
It was difficult to read this book because seeing the pain Chase was going through and knowing that this is very much real, you can’t help feel the need to talk to him and offer help. This story shows you the very essence of human life as one struggles, going through the motions and hoping for survival.
It was also difficult because although I felt bad for his situation, I felt at times that he could've handled things differently. He had a strong support system in his family and the rehab center, but he tended to ignore that and think about the partying. I haven't been in this situation and I hope I never am, and I cant' even begin to imagine how difficult it must be, but I can't think that he couldn't have tried just a bit harder to seek help.
The book is well written and kept me interested throughout. I was always hoping for Chase to overcome his pain, his struggle, and lean more on his family to help him along the way. The story has some light moments to overcome some of the darkness that will drag you in, but more than anything, it will make you think and evaluate life.
I recommend this book and hope that everyone who hears about it seriously gives it a chance.
February 5, 2015
I was given the absolute honor to beta read this astonishingly heartfelt book by Grace Waters.
From page one Chase will completely captivate you. Grace will make you feel every emotion not only from Chase but from his family, his friends and his girl friend. It's as if you are in the story riding along the bumpy road of life right along with them in Twenty2. There were moments for me when my eyes were wide open, eyebrows furrowed and the next I'm taking large, deep breaths and on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what's to come. Trust me when I say Twenty2 by Grace Waters will never leave you once you have read it!
From page one Chase will completely captivate you. Grace will make you feel every emotion not only from Chase but from his family, his friends and his girl friend. It's as if you are in the story riding along the bumpy road of life right along with them in Twenty2. There were moments for me when my eyes were wide open, eyebrows furrowed and the next I'm taking large, deep breaths and on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what's to come. Trust me when I say Twenty2 by Grace Waters will never leave you once you have read it!
February 9, 2015
I’ll tell you up front that this book is not a romance. Nothing about this story is fantastical or sweet. Twenty2 is a story of pain, struggle, and that overwhelming fear that comes from watching yourself fall and feeling absolutely powerless to stop it. Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book. Grace Waters has a voice. A voice that is strong, sure, and terrifyingly honest. I hope that this book is only the beginning, because Grace has the potential to touch innumerable hearts with her words.
It’s hard to measure this book by the usual criteria because it never felt like a story. There wasn’t a specific plotline; there was just the reality of being. There was no character development, only the genuine essence of human life and struggle and hope. Chase grew and changed and broke and lived as authentically on those pages as anyone can hope to out in the world. This book is his story, completely and unquestionably. Grace Waters did not create a voice, she absolutely captured one, and the emotional weight of that daunting task is staggering.
Somewhere along the way, this story had me falling in love with a beautifully broken boy whose inimitable journey will undoubtedly leave its mark. Twenty2 is a storm of emotions all at once until I was left in the hardest ugly cry I’ve had in a while. Despite the devastating darkness of this book, moments of light and love speckled the blackness to allow for a sense of peace to settle over this story. I hope people will read this book and be as moved to action and as inspired to hope as I have been. Chase’s story is not for the faint of heart, but then again life rarely is.
It’s hard to measure this book by the usual criteria because it never felt like a story. There wasn’t a specific plotline; there was just the reality of being. There was no character development, only the genuine essence of human life and struggle and hope. Chase grew and changed and broke and lived as authentically on those pages as anyone can hope to out in the world. This book is his story, completely and unquestionably. Grace Waters did not create a voice, she absolutely captured one, and the emotional weight of that daunting task is staggering.
Somewhere along the way, this story had me falling in love with a beautifully broken boy whose inimitable journey will undoubtedly leave its mark. Twenty2 is a storm of emotions all at once until I was left in the hardest ugly cry I’ve had in a while. Despite the devastating darkness of this book, moments of light and love speckled the blackness to allow for a sense of peace to settle over this story. I hope people will read this book and be as moved to action and as inspired to hope as I have been. Chase’s story is not for the faint of heart, but then again life rarely is.
February 8, 2015
This book was an emotional read, more so because it was based on true events. The ending was unexpected and heart wrenching.
The story is told to you by Chase, looking back on how he got to where he is now, and the regrets he has. At first I found it a little difficult because of the drug abuse, but it's not there to glorify a story or shock you, it's there because it's part of how he came to be where he is.
It's an insightful look into addiction and mental illness. Chase is brutally honest about his weaknesses, that said knowing you're doing something self destructive doesn't mean you can stop doing it.
It gives you an insight into how one persons actions can impact a whole family, and at times a whole community. There's a very poignant scene on a bridge with lighted candles floating down a river.
It's well written as you find yourself willing Chase to succeed, and inwardly groaning each time he loses his way. There are characters you'll want to shake or shout at, beg them to leave Chase alone, and there are characters you would love to hug and wipe away their tears.
This isn't a soft and fluffy read. It's dark, gritty and emotional. It's real and by the end you'll wish it wasn't.
The story is told to you by Chase, looking back on how he got to where he is now, and the regrets he has. At first I found it a little difficult because of the drug abuse, but it's not there to glorify a story or shock you, it's there because it's part of how he came to be where he is.
It's an insightful look into addiction and mental illness. Chase is brutally honest about his weaknesses, that said knowing you're doing something self destructive doesn't mean you can stop doing it.
It gives you an insight into how one persons actions can impact a whole family, and at times a whole community. There's a very poignant scene on a bridge with lighted candles floating down a river.
It's well written as you find yourself willing Chase to succeed, and inwardly groaning each time he loses his way. There are characters you'll want to shake or shout at, beg them to leave Chase alone, and there are characters you would love to hug and wipe away their tears.
This isn't a soft and fluffy read. It's dark, gritty and emotional. It's real and by the end you'll wish it wasn't.
February 11, 2015
Get your tissues and take this journey with chase. You will be laughing at funny man Chase and crying your eyes out the next moment. He will take you through his life of abuse, drugs, alcohol, jail, rehabs, and his family life. Grace captures the scenarios and emotions with such reality you feel as though you are actually taking the journey yourself. Never have I read a book and experienced the feelings, the pain, the heartbreak, and the humor as I did with this book. It will take you through the worst parts and best parts as Chase tells his story of abuse, addiction, partying, rehabilitation, and redemption. The Epilogue is my favorite part but I could not put the book down and could not read ahead. I wanted to savor every word and fall in love with Chase over and over again. If you never read another book in your life, don't miss this one. It is a fiction but is based on a true story and is excellent reading for middle school and high school students, parents, teachers, and law enforcement personnel and especially if you are dealing with addiction and mental illness. Get to know Chase and his family. You won't regret it!!! This is b far the best book i have ever read.
February 9, 2015
I don't even know how to write this review because the tears are still falling. This book was such an emotional pull on your heartstrings story, yet at the sametime it really make you appreciate your family AND you just want to give them all a big hug.
I totally love Chase, the mum in me just wants to hug (and slap) him. For all his faults he really is a sweet boy with a heart of gold, he would do anything for those that he loves.
I love the relationship that this family has. Even though Chase has his faults they ALL love one another very muchly and would so anything to help.
For a debut novel, Grace Waters has done a spectacular job
I totally love Chase, the mum in me just wants to hug (and slap) him. For all his faults he really is a sweet boy with a heart of gold, he would do anything for those that he loves.
I love the relationship that this family has. Even though Chase has his faults they ALL love one another very muchly and would so anything to help.
For a debut novel, Grace Waters has done a spectacular job
May 23, 2015
Wow.....
My daughter died from an overdose. I had so many questions. This book helped me to understand and answered many questions. This is real, I could resonate with so much and I realized I wasn't alone. I am deeply affected by this and it will stay with me indefinitely
Thank you for delving so deep to make me understand.
My daughter died from an overdose. I had so many questions. This book helped me to understand and answered many questions. This is real, I could resonate with so much and I realized I wasn't alone. I am deeply affected by this and it will stay with me indefinitely
Thank you for delving so deep to make me understand.
February 13, 2015
This book was recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. It's a haunting look inside the mind of the frequently misunderstood; one the author handled with enough rawness to accurately portray the seriousness of the subject matter. Well written.
February 13, 2015
Wow! This book was something I didn't expect - totally blew my mind.
When you start this book the reader thinks it's a typical new adult love story -- let me tell you this book is SO MUCH MORE! Without giving away anything, because I truly feel you must go into this story blind to get the full effects, let me tell you some things about this 5 star read.
Overall Grading:
5 Mind Bending Emotional Stars
Plot: yes This book had a definite plot
Character Development: A -- the characters are raw and real
Book Hangover - Definite
Emotional - Yes, grab your Kleenex for ugly cries
This story is not your typical story, it is RAW. REAL. EMOTIONAL.
If you could look back on your life and see where you went wrong, before it's too late, would you? Would you fix your wrongs or would you keep repeating them. Would you be able to beat an addiction to please your family, well would you? How about if you knew this addiction could lead to your downfall? Would you care? If you were battling emotional demons and had to make drastic changes .. Would you do it? If you had the love and support of your family no matter how many times you messed up...would you strive for change?
Or would you keep repeating your mistakes and mantra of "this time I will change" ...... What if there is no next time?
This book will make you want to scream at the main character and at the same time you want to grab him and give him a huge hug --- a one-click you won't regret
** WARNING - this book deals with addiction issues, Bipolar Depression, Family Repercussions of having an addict in the family, Abuse, teenage Drinking, Teenage Drugs, Drinking & Driving, Attempted Suicide and other subjects that may cause emotional problems for readers suffering or who have suffered from these conditions - please know this going in and be ready for it --it is still a book worth reading and handles these subjects well**
When you start this book the reader thinks it's a typical new adult love story -- let me tell you this book is SO MUCH MORE! Without giving away anything, because I truly feel you must go into this story blind to get the full effects, let me tell you some things about this 5 star read.
Overall Grading:
5 Mind Bending Emotional Stars
Plot: yes This book had a definite plot
Character Development: A -- the characters are raw and real
Book Hangover - Definite
Emotional - Yes, grab your Kleenex for ugly cries
This story is not your typical story, it is RAW. REAL. EMOTIONAL.
If you could look back on your life and see where you went wrong, before it's too late, would you? Would you fix your wrongs or would you keep repeating them. Would you be able to beat an addiction to please your family, well would you? How about if you knew this addiction could lead to your downfall? Would you care? If you were battling emotional demons and had to make drastic changes .. Would you do it? If you had the love and support of your family no matter how many times you messed up...would you strive for change?
Or would you keep repeating your mistakes and mantra of "this time I will change" ...... What if there is no next time?
This book will make you want to scream at the main character and at the same time you want to grab him and give him a huge hug --- a one-click you won't regret
** WARNING - this book deals with addiction issues, Bipolar Depression, Family Repercussions of having an addict in the family, Abuse, teenage Drinking, Teenage Drugs, Drinking & Driving, Attempted Suicide and other subjects that may cause emotional problems for readers suffering or who have suffered from these conditions - please know this going in and be ready for it --it is still a book worth reading and handles these subjects well**
February 17, 2017
Depression
Twenty 2 started off a slow read for me. The ending was very predictable. Depression is real and alive for all ages. This disease does discriminate. It's a silent killer among so many people.
Twenty 2 started off a slow read for me. The ending was very predictable. Depression is real and alive for all ages. This disease does discriminate. It's a silent killer among so many people.
February 11, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.. I have to say this book was amazing. Amazing to the fact that this isn't a typical novel as far as a wonderful love story. Grace Waters tells a story about a young adult who is battling with depression as well as being an addict. The story touches on love,feeling of not being loved or knowing your loved but not understanding it, suicide,addiction,prison and all sorts of challenges that come up in life. Shows the daily struggles that addicts have. Also shows that sometimes you might not know why you do the things you do or hurt the ones you love when you really don't want to hurt them. Shows you about making good and bad choices in life. Also shows you the outcome of your actions. Grace did a fantastic job with this. Yes there is a story there and I find it a must read. Very well written. I kept wanting to know more of what was going to happen. I love how she also shows that you don't always know what happens when your impaired whether due to drugs or alcohol or both.
February 13, 2015
I was given this book for an honest review! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!! I had to wait a while before I could write this review! My emotions were running wild with this book! So many feels! There were times when I just wanted to sob! I did at times because I just couldn't hold it in! There were times I wanted to scream & there were A Lot of times I just wanted to give Chase a hug!
It's based on true events about the horror of addiction. Chase was awesome! He was funny, charismatic, the "fun" guy, handsome & super friendly! He made friends with everyone! However, Chase was also troubled! This book takes you through his life! It showcases the good, bad & ugly! It's raw, like very raw! It's real! It's necessary! Amazing job Grace Water!
It's based on true events about the horror of addiction. Chase was awesome! He was funny, charismatic, the "fun" guy, handsome & super friendly! He made friends with everyone! However, Chase was also troubled! This book takes you through his life! It showcases the good, bad & ugly! It's raw, like very raw! It's real! It's necessary! Amazing job Grace Water!
February 18, 2015
This book was a hard one to read. I felt bad for Chase but I also thought that he put himself in the situations and he should man up to the things that he did. No one forced him to do the things he did, no one held a gun to him. If he was struggling with the things he brought upon himself then he should have seeked out the help that was availible to him. He had a good support team with his family, and the other people that was in his life so the only person he failed was himself. But I believe that if someone was sitting in his place and read this book that it might make them finally open their eyes and see that life is more then just a party. That people like you for who you are not for what you do. It was a emotional roller coaster on this book and I hope that you find my review helpful. And when I say a hard read be open minded when you start this journey that will have you pissed in one moment and happy and almost in tears the next. I give this book four stars.
February 25, 2015
This is a highly emotional read that will elicit numerous emotions. As I was reading my feelings towards the book kept going back and forth. You will have a love hate relationship with Chase. He makes choices that you may not understand or agree with, but this book is his journey and struggle. It is raw and honest and like nothing I have ever read. It is not an easy read because it is real and not sugar coated. I cried, I yelled at my Kindle, and I was left with thinking wow that is one I won't forget. This book gives a huge message and I hope that it does help others in the same situation as Chase. Chase had an amazing support group in his family but sometimes fate has different plans for us. This was an amazing, emotional debut novel for author Grace Waters.
March 29, 2015
OMG What a book. If you haven't read it you need to. This book was amazing and so heartbreaking. I cried so much during this book. All the emotions I felt in this book I have never felt this much heartbreak and sadness with a book. This book really broke my heart. Grace Waters is amazing and I can't wait for more of her amazing stories. Wow what a book. This book felt so real to me.
August 30, 2015
A good read
You can't understand the mind of an addict or the mind of anyone who truly suffers from depression. You will never actually know fully what someone is thinking or who the really are the author told us
Some
of the thought process I am able to relate to well
You can't understand the mind of an addict or the mind of anyone who truly suffers from depression. You will never actually know fully what someone is thinking or who the really are the author told us
Some
of the thought process I am able to relate to well
February 17, 2015
I wish I could give this more stars. Probably because it hits really close to home having lost my addict brother in law to suicide.
July 20, 2017
Great read
Great book. surprising ending. was well written. just kinda jumped around for my taste. Good read tho.
I love addiction books!
Great book. surprising ending. was well written. just kinda jumped around for my taste. Good read tho.
I love addiction books!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews