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Travesty
Waking up in a house she doesn’t recognize, sixteen-year-old, Sophia Sawyer, tries not to let the blankness of her mind terrorize her from the inside out. How can she not know who she is? How has she ended up chained in a basement? Trying to work through her fear, she sets her sights on escaping. When an opportunity arises, she puts her trust in a boy she doesn’t know, praying he will save her life.
At age four, Abram Scott learned life owes him nothing, while fourteen taught him how to throw a punch—and take one. Seventeen though… seventeen provides him with the best and worst year of his life. Before he is old enough to fight for his country, he will escape his own personal hell, save a life, live a lie, break the law, fall in love, betray that love… then lose it.
Letting Sophia go while not knowing if she will return, turns into the scariest decision Abram will ever make. But that’s the problem with living a lie; at some point, you have to decide which one is your truth.
At age four, Abram Scott learned life owes him nothing, while fourteen taught him how to throw a punch—and take one. Seventeen though… seventeen provides him with the best and worst year of his life. Before he is old enough to fight for his country, he will escape his own personal hell, save a life, live a lie, break the law, fall in love, betray that love… then lose it.
Letting Sophia go while not knowing if she will return, turns into the scariest decision Abram will ever make. But that’s the problem with living a lie; at some point, you have to decide which one is your truth.
Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
About the author
Carrie Thomas
25 books131 followersCarrie Thomas is the author of young adult and new adult romances. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her traveling or going to concerts with friends. Museums, theater, and music are at the top of her list when traveling to a new place. Writing romance is her favorite genre to write because everyone can relate to it. She lives in the South with her husband, two sons, and a dog named Oscar De La Hoya Meyer Weiner. She’s a firm believer that book lovers should stick together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 28, 2016
This is a dark, edgier story compared to Carrie's other works. The emotions are as intense as is the subject matter yet you can always recognize this author's unique style as the story plays out. That thread of romance that readers can always expect in a Thomas story, and the solid characters shine through. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2016
Carrie Thomas is an author full of surprises. I got a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I must admit that this book exceeded any expectations I could have possibly imagined. Travesty is definitely different than any other book Carrie has written. It has a darker side to it. Every single book has some ups and downs. That is what makes the best of stories. Carrie takes you through an emotional journey with the two main characters, Abram and Sophia, which has pain, heartache, and most of all, the power of love.
Sophia is strong and dynamic. She creates a sense of ease around her and inspires you to take some of the strength and use it in your everyday life. While Abram is damaged and believes nothing in life will ever come easy. He needs to fight for everything until the very end. They both are thrown into a world of fear and confusion that no young person should ever have to live through. Together they prove that nothing in life is easy, except falling in love and fighting for it to last forever.
The best books I have ever read are the ones that I can walk through the story with the characters. Carrie Thomas never fails to do that. I feel I can read this book many times and still find something new I didn’t see before. The bumps along the road is what makes the end so much sweeter. I have a connection to each of the characters and fell in love with the writing more as the story went on. Every book should have a takeaway from it. Whether it be the happiness of reading it or a quote that will keep you on your toes. This book has both. Now I believe instead of “Diffican’t” anything is “Diffican.”
Sophia is strong and dynamic. She creates a sense of ease around her and inspires you to take some of the strength and use it in your everyday life. While Abram is damaged and believes nothing in life will ever come easy. He needs to fight for everything until the very end. They both are thrown into a world of fear and confusion that no young person should ever have to live through. Together they prove that nothing in life is easy, except falling in love and fighting for it to last forever.
The best books I have ever read are the ones that I can walk through the story with the characters. Carrie Thomas never fails to do that. I feel I can read this book many times and still find something new I didn’t see before. The bumps along the road is what makes the end so much sweeter. I have a connection to each of the characters and fell in love with the writing more as the story went on. Every book should have a takeaway from it. Whether it be the happiness of reading it or a quote that will keep you on your toes. This book has both. Now I believe instead of “Diffican’t” anything is “Diffican.”
June 9, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas 5 Stars
This is a well written YA Novel by Carrie Thomas. It is not your typical YA read. It deals with a sensitive subject, but written in such a way that it pulls on the heartstrings yet leaves the reader with hope. With alternating Pov, this book will keep you turning the pages and anticipating what is going to happen next! Just when you think you know what is going to happen, the story takes a turn and keeps you on your toes! This story is a must read book. Travesty was my first book by Carrie Thomas, but won't be my last. She caught me hook, line, and sinker!
Sophia is your normal teenage girl. She has a best friend Courtney and Sophia escapes her dad and step mother by spending time with her. She also enjoys spending time alone. She enjoys escaping behind the lens of her camera. Sophia would wonder for hours just taking pictures of anything and everything. She was hoping that her photos would help her to escape to college and away from her parents permanently.
Abram was not your typical teenage boy. His parents died when he was 4 and he hopped from foster home to foster home. Each set of foster parents seemed to be worse than the last. The foster parent he has lived with for the past 3 years broke him the first week. Now that he is older, his goal is to escape and never look back.
All in one night, their paths crossed and their dreams were drastically changed in a blink of an eye. Abram was ready to escape when Sophia was drug into his hell. She had no recollection of her life before, and Abram didn't know how to save them both. From that moment on, they only had each other to lean on and very little hope to live by.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. A perfect book for people who want to escape the cookie cutter romance novel.
This is a well written YA Novel by Carrie Thomas. It is not your typical YA read. It deals with a sensitive subject, but written in such a way that it pulls on the heartstrings yet leaves the reader with hope. With alternating Pov, this book will keep you turning the pages and anticipating what is going to happen next! Just when you think you know what is going to happen, the story takes a turn and keeps you on your toes! This story is a must read book. Travesty was my first book by Carrie Thomas, but won't be my last. She caught me hook, line, and sinker!
Sophia is your normal teenage girl. She has a best friend Courtney and Sophia escapes her dad and step mother by spending time with her. She also enjoys spending time alone. She enjoys escaping behind the lens of her camera. Sophia would wonder for hours just taking pictures of anything and everything. She was hoping that her photos would help her to escape to college and away from her parents permanently.
Abram was not your typical teenage boy. His parents died when he was 4 and he hopped from foster home to foster home. Each set of foster parents seemed to be worse than the last. The foster parent he has lived with for the past 3 years broke him the first week. Now that he is older, his goal is to escape and never look back.
All in one night, their paths crossed and their dreams were drastically changed in a blink of an eye. Abram was ready to escape when Sophia was drug into his hell. She had no recollection of her life before, and Abram didn't know how to save them both. From that moment on, they only had each other to lean on and very little hope to live by.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. A perfect book for people who want to escape the cookie cutter romance novel.
January 26, 2017
Travesty is raw, real, and has the glimmer of hope that shines bright!
Y’all have you ever read a book that makes you want to hold the characters in your arms and tell them that it will be okay?
Travesty is the story of Abram & Sophia. Both of their stories intertwine together and a new journey begins for two teens. One that no teen or individual of any age should have to endure.
If you’re looking for a story that is against the norm, but full of love and light in darkness then Travesty is for you.
Y’all have you ever read a book that makes you want to hold the characters in your arms and tell them that it will be okay?
Travesty is the story of Abram & Sophia. Both of their stories intertwine together and a new journey begins for two teens. One that no teen or individual of any age should have to endure.
If you’re looking for a story that is against the norm, but full of love and light in darkness then Travesty is for you.
June 25, 2017
5 Stars
Travesty is a somewhat dark and intense New Adult story by Carrie Thomas. It is full of danger, fear, mystery and love. It isn’t your typical New Adult story; it is deep, raw and edgy. The book completely captivated me and had me flipping the pages frantically trying to find out what would happen next.
Sophia Sawyer is a sixteen year old student who hasn’t had the best of times lately. Her father has remarried a woman half his age and her new stepmother has gone out of her way to make Sophia feel alienated and unwanted in her own home. But Sophie is biding her time till she can attend college and fills her time with her passion of photography. When her parents go away for a weekend, Sophie stays at home to work on her photographic portfolio. But a turn of events finds her abducted and chained up in the basement of a strange home. She is frightened and confused. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. She soon discovers that her situation is much worse than she feared and she will need to draw on all the strength she can muster if she is to find any way out of her predicament.
Abram Scott is seventeen years old and has spent the past thirteen years in the foster care system, bouncing in and out of homes never staying in one place for very long, until the home he finds himself in now. He was only thirteen when he arrived and his foster parents broke him in the very first week there. His life has been miserable and the only thing that keeps him going is counting down the days till he turns eighteen and can leave this place for good. His eighteenth birthday is the next day and Abram has money put aside ready to set off and gain his freedom.
But his plans receive a serious setback when he discovers a mysterious, injured girl chained up in the basement. He knows he can’t leave her there and he needs to save her. He also realises that his plans won’t be working out the way he thought they would. He has only just met this girl, but he finds himself bonding with her quite quickly. And so the story takes off. Will Abram be able to save Sophia? Will Sophia regain her memories? How did she end up in the basement? What secret is Abram keeping from her? What happens when the truth is revealed? Do they have a chance at a future together?
This was a really surprising find. I hadn’t read any of Ms. Thomas’ work before, but after reading this I will certainly be reading more in the futures.
The depiction of abduction, violence and abuse was quite graphic, but the author handled it in an honest and educational way- that showcased the strength and resilience of the people who experience such horror. It certainly made me think.
I am so happy that these two found each other and I was cheering them on and wishing them a happy ending.
Kudos! .... and thank you Ms. Thomas!
Travesty is a somewhat dark and intense New Adult story by Carrie Thomas. It is full of danger, fear, mystery and love. It isn’t your typical New Adult story; it is deep, raw and edgy. The book completely captivated me and had me flipping the pages frantically trying to find out what would happen next.
Sophia Sawyer is a sixteen year old student who hasn’t had the best of times lately. Her father has remarried a woman half his age and her new stepmother has gone out of her way to make Sophia feel alienated and unwanted in her own home. But Sophie is biding her time till she can attend college and fills her time with her passion of photography. When her parents go away for a weekend, Sophie stays at home to work on her photographic portfolio. But a turn of events finds her abducted and chained up in the basement of a strange home. She is frightened and confused. She has no idea where she is or how she got there. She soon discovers that her situation is much worse than she feared and she will need to draw on all the strength she can muster if she is to find any way out of her predicament.
Abram Scott is seventeen years old and has spent the past thirteen years in the foster care system, bouncing in and out of homes never staying in one place for very long, until the home he finds himself in now. He was only thirteen when he arrived and his foster parents broke him in the very first week there. His life has been miserable and the only thing that keeps him going is counting down the days till he turns eighteen and can leave this place for good. His eighteenth birthday is the next day and Abram has money put aside ready to set off and gain his freedom.
But his plans receive a serious setback when he discovers a mysterious, injured girl chained up in the basement. He knows he can’t leave her there and he needs to save her. He also realises that his plans won’t be working out the way he thought they would. He has only just met this girl, but he finds himself bonding with her quite quickly. And so the story takes off. Will Abram be able to save Sophia? Will Sophia regain her memories? How did she end up in the basement? What secret is Abram keeping from her? What happens when the truth is revealed? Do they have a chance at a future together?
This was a really surprising find. I hadn’t read any of Ms. Thomas’ work before, but after reading this I will certainly be reading more in the futures.
The depiction of abduction, violence and abuse was quite graphic, but the author handled it in an honest and educational way- that showcased the strength and resilience of the people who experience such horror. It certainly made me think.
I am so happy that these two found each other and I was cheering them on and wishing them a happy ending.
Kudos! .... and thank you Ms. Thomas!
June 11, 2017
Travesty
Author Carrie Thomas
4 Stars
Abram
Checked to see if the barrel he was using as a dressing table had been moved. His concern if it was moved his large amount of money that he had saved over the year was still safe from his foster parents. The foster parents he was living with had abused him and now he was looking forward to turning eighteen so he could get his Pa’s money and leave this home for good. He remembers the first year he lived with Jim and Pat he wished he was dead, and the only attention he got from them was when the social worker came to visit. Tomorrow he was looking forward to leaving for work again taking him away from the two people he hated the most.
Sophia
Was home alone since her father and step mother had gone away for the weekend. Sophia had received a phone call from her best friend Court to see if she wanted to attend a party. Sophia declined the invitation and decided to stay home and work on her photography portfolio. Later in the evening as she was going down stairs she thought she had heard a noise in the house. Nervously she crept down the stairs to the kitchen and got some water, sighing with relief she noticed that the back door was indeed latched, deciding she was hearing things, she checked the front door and to her horror noticed it was unlocked. When she saw someone in the house she tried to run but was suddenly surrounded by blackness. Waking up Sophia didn’t know where she was or how she got to where she was. Her head was aching and opening and closing her eyes she winced in pain. Looking around she saw she was handcuffed and chained to a dirty freezer. She then realized she was in someone’s basement.
Abram and Sophie
Abram was down in the basement getting a bag he had hidden when he heard a soft moan coming from the basement. Looking around he saw Sophia curled up in the corner and it was obvious to him that she had been beaten. Sophia on seeing Abram had the look of horror in her eyes as she didn’t know if Abram was going to harm her. While talking to her he heard a noise upstairs and worried he would get caught told Sophia he would be back for her.
Abram had to get Sophia out of the basement and to safety, he also knew he would not be leaving tomorrow as planned.
Author Carrie Thomas
4 Stars
Abram
Checked to see if the barrel he was using as a dressing table had been moved. His concern if it was moved his large amount of money that he had saved over the year was still safe from his foster parents. The foster parents he was living with had abused him and now he was looking forward to turning eighteen so he could get his Pa’s money and leave this home for good. He remembers the first year he lived with Jim and Pat he wished he was dead, and the only attention he got from them was when the social worker came to visit. Tomorrow he was looking forward to leaving for work again taking him away from the two people he hated the most.
Sophia
Was home alone since her father and step mother had gone away for the weekend. Sophia had received a phone call from her best friend Court to see if she wanted to attend a party. Sophia declined the invitation and decided to stay home and work on her photography portfolio. Later in the evening as she was going down stairs she thought she had heard a noise in the house. Nervously she crept down the stairs to the kitchen and got some water, sighing with relief she noticed that the back door was indeed latched, deciding she was hearing things, she checked the front door and to her horror noticed it was unlocked. When she saw someone in the house she tried to run but was suddenly surrounded by blackness. Waking up Sophia didn’t know where she was or how she got to where she was. Her head was aching and opening and closing her eyes she winced in pain. Looking around she saw she was handcuffed and chained to a dirty freezer. She then realized she was in someone’s basement.
Abram and Sophie
Abram was down in the basement getting a bag he had hidden when he heard a soft moan coming from the basement. Looking around he saw Sophia curled up in the corner and it was obvious to him that she had been beaten. Sophia on seeing Abram had the look of horror in her eyes as she didn’t know if Abram was going to harm her. While talking to her he heard a noise upstairs and worried he would get caught told Sophia he would be back for her.
Abram had to get Sophia out of the basement and to safety, he also knew he would not be leaving tomorrow as planned.
June 10, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas
5 out of 5 Stars
Travesty is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas and it is raw and real, and has the glimmer of hope that shines bright! This book is not your typical YA read. It deals with sensitive subjects, but written in such a way that it pulls on the heart and emotions yet leaves the reader with hope. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, the story takes a turn and keeps you on your toes!
We get to meet Abram & Sophia. They each have a story and there intertwine together and a new journey begins for two teens. A journey that know individual of any age should have to endure. These characters are well written and so feel real. I also love the secondary characters they helped make this dark story turn into a light hearted story.
Sophia Sawyer is a sixteen year old who wakes up in a house she doesn’t recognize she tries not to let the blankness of her mind terrorize her from the inside out. How can she not know who she is? How has she ended up chained in a basement? Trying to work through her fear, she sets her sights on escaping. When an opportunity arises, she puts her trust in a boy she doesn’t know, praying he will save her life.
Abram Scott learned life owes him nothing at an early age. At fourteen he learned how to throw a punch—and take one. Seventeen though… seventeen provides him with the best and worst year of his life. Before he is old enough to fight for his country, he will escape his own personal hell, save a life, live a lie, break the law, fall in love, betray that love… then lose it.
Letting Sophia go while not knowing if she will return, turns into the scariest decision Abram will ever make. But that’s the problem with living a lie; at some point, you have to decide which one is your truth.
This story is a must read book. I can’t wait to read Ms. Thomas’s other work…. I hope to see more of Sophia and Abe I would like to see what happens in their lives.
By
Tracy
5 out of 5 Stars
Travesty is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas and it is raw and real, and has the glimmer of hope that shines bright! This book is not your typical YA read. It deals with sensitive subjects, but written in such a way that it pulls on the heart and emotions yet leaves the reader with hope. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, the story takes a turn and keeps you on your toes!
We get to meet Abram & Sophia. They each have a story and there intertwine together and a new journey begins for two teens. A journey that know individual of any age should have to endure. These characters are well written and so feel real. I also love the secondary characters they helped make this dark story turn into a light hearted story.
Sophia Sawyer is a sixteen year old who wakes up in a house she doesn’t recognize she tries not to let the blankness of her mind terrorize her from the inside out. How can she not know who she is? How has she ended up chained in a basement? Trying to work through her fear, she sets her sights on escaping. When an opportunity arises, she puts her trust in a boy she doesn’t know, praying he will save her life.
Abram Scott learned life owes him nothing at an early age. At fourteen he learned how to throw a punch—and take one. Seventeen though… seventeen provides him with the best and worst year of his life. Before he is old enough to fight for his country, he will escape his own personal hell, save a life, live a lie, break the law, fall in love, betray that love… then lose it.
Letting Sophia go while not knowing if she will return, turns into the scariest decision Abram will ever make. But that’s the problem with living a lie; at some point, you have to decide which one is your truth.
This story is a must read book. I can’t wait to read Ms. Thomas’s other work…. I hope to see more of Sophia and Abe I would like to see what happens in their lives.
By
Tracy
June 14, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is a Young Adult novel with a difference. Some dark themes but a touching love story at the heart of it.
Sophia Sawyer is 16 and has experienced heartbreak in her life but she is trying to live a normal teenage life before she goes to college. She lives with her Dad & Step mom until one weekend they go out of town and everything changes for her. She wakes up, tied up in a dark basement with a headache and no idea of who she is and where she comes from. The amnesia is unsettling but the situation she finds herself in is far worse..
Abram is 17. He has been in and out of Foster homes since the age of 4 & has learned very early to be self-sufficient. The latest “home” has been its own version of Hell since he was 13 and he is about to make a break for freedom when he discovers a mysterious girl in the basement. His first instinct is to save her and together they can start to build a new life together while she tries to remember who she is and where she comes from. Early on, Abram discovers something about her life that he hides from her to protect her. How would she feel if she found out the truth, the boy she loves kept something back from her?
This was a really interesting book. I was definitely rooting for Sophia and Abram to escape and to get their happy ending. The characters were well written and although the subject of kidnapping & torture was a little deeper than the usual YA novels I really enjoyed it. It was a thriller which was more grown up than the classification of YA implies. I would recommend this to my friends who would not normally read this genre. Definitely a good holiday read.
Sophia Sawyer is 16 and has experienced heartbreak in her life but she is trying to live a normal teenage life before she goes to college. She lives with her Dad & Step mom until one weekend they go out of town and everything changes for her. She wakes up, tied up in a dark basement with a headache and no idea of who she is and where she comes from. The amnesia is unsettling but the situation she finds herself in is far worse..
Abram is 17. He has been in and out of Foster homes since the age of 4 & has learned very early to be self-sufficient. The latest “home” has been its own version of Hell since he was 13 and he is about to make a break for freedom when he discovers a mysterious girl in the basement. His first instinct is to save her and together they can start to build a new life together while she tries to remember who she is and where she comes from. Early on, Abram discovers something about her life that he hides from her to protect her. How would she feel if she found out the truth, the boy she loves kept something back from her?
This was a really interesting book. I was definitely rooting for Sophia and Abram to escape and to get their happy ending. The characters were well written and although the subject of kidnapping & torture was a little deeper than the usual YA novels I really enjoyed it. It was a thriller which was more grown up than the classification of YA implies. I would recommend this to my friends who would not normally read this genre. Definitely a good holiday read.
June 14, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas. Rated 5 stars
Wow! I was hooked from on this book from the first couple pages. The writing drew me in along with the Abrams plight. I enjoyed that there was enough detail in the story so I could envision what Abram was talking about but not so much detail that I lost interest. It was perfect. This is a great story with completely believable characters. I was intrigued just from reading the synopsis and the full story of these two wonderful people and how they become friends is crazy good.
Abram is an amazing kid! I was very very impressed with his character! What he did for Sophia....I have no words. Not because I don't want to tell you but because I am in awe of him. The strength, honor, protectiveness and resourcefulness are all traits I associate with Abram. Granted he told a few lies and broke a few laws but I don't really think he knows how else to protect them. He might have lived through a lot but he is still young himself.
Sophia has been through a little of what Abram’s life was like during her week stay. After an injury occurred during the event she became dependent on Abram not that she cares because she worships and trusts him. He figures everything out for them to move forward and does anything to take care of her. Will she still think so highly of him when a few lies come out?
This is the first time I have read this author and I loved the wording and flow of story. It kept me interested and I read it pretty quickly. I will have to check out her other books and pick up something else from a new favorite author.
Wow! I was hooked from on this book from the first couple pages. The writing drew me in along with the Abrams plight. I enjoyed that there was enough detail in the story so I could envision what Abram was talking about but not so much detail that I lost interest. It was perfect. This is a great story with completely believable characters. I was intrigued just from reading the synopsis and the full story of these two wonderful people and how they become friends is crazy good.
Abram is an amazing kid! I was very very impressed with his character! What he did for Sophia....I have no words. Not because I don't want to tell you but because I am in awe of him. The strength, honor, protectiveness and resourcefulness are all traits I associate with Abram. Granted he told a few lies and broke a few laws but I don't really think he knows how else to protect them. He might have lived through a lot but he is still young himself.
Sophia has been through a little of what Abram’s life was like during her week stay. After an injury occurred during the event she became dependent on Abram not that she cares because she worships and trusts him. He figures everything out for them to move forward and does anything to take care of her. Will she still think so highly of him when a few lies come out?
This is the first time I have read this author and I loved the wording and flow of story. It kept me interested and I read it pretty quickly. I will have to check out her other books and pick up something else from a new favorite author.
June 15, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is a book has very dark content and carries thorough emotions making this the best of stories. Carrie takes you through an emotional journey with the two main characters, Abram and Sophia, which has pain, anguish, and most of all, the power of love. It has dark themes including abuse within the foster care system, and kidnapping which for some may make it distressing.
Sophia is resilient and dynamic. Creating a sense of ease around her that inspires some of the strength used in everyday life. While Abram is broken and believes nothing in life will ever come easy. He needs to fight for everything until the very end. Ehen they are both thrown into a world of fear and confusion which no young person should ever have to live through the battle on together and together they prove that nothing in life is easy we see the pits and downfalls of their everyday struggles except falling in love and fighting for it to last forever. Abram was ready to escape, Sophia was drug into his hell. Having no recollection of her life before, Abram didn't know how to save them both. From that moment on, they only had each other to lean on and very little hope to live by. This stand alone YA book is very unique. Carrie did a wonderful job of making all of the characters very representative and relatable. You could actually imagine running across any one of the characters and recognizing who they were, the things they might say, and what their mannerisms would be
Sophia is resilient and dynamic. Creating a sense of ease around her that inspires some of the strength used in everyday life. While Abram is broken and believes nothing in life will ever come easy. He needs to fight for everything until the very end. Ehen they are both thrown into a world of fear and confusion which no young person should ever have to live through the battle on together and together they prove that nothing in life is easy we see the pits and downfalls of their everyday struggles except falling in love and fighting for it to last forever. Abram was ready to escape, Sophia was drug into his hell. Having no recollection of her life before, Abram didn't know how to save them both. From that moment on, they only had each other to lean on and very little hope to live by. This stand alone YA book is very unique. Carrie did a wonderful job of making all of the characters very representative and relatable. You could actually imagine running across any one of the characters and recognizing who they were, the things they might say, and what their mannerisms would be
June 7, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas
Four Stars
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be the last. This is a YA book with some dark subject matter of abduction and abuse. Ms. Thomas throws us on a roller coaster of ups and downs of emotions from the first page to the last. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what would come next. That author did a really good job with dealing with the emotional issues.
Sophie Sawyer is a teenage girl with a dysfunctional family. She lost her mother when she is young and lives with her father and stepmother. They leave her alone for the weekend and when they are gone Sophie is abducted. They think she has run away so don't notify the authorities. Sophie wakes up with no memory of where she is or how she got there, but she is chained to a wall in a dark and dank basement. She is looking for a way to escape, when a boy shows up. Can she trust him to get her out?
Abram Scott has been in foster care since he was four years old. At age thirteen he is placed with foster parents from hell. When he went to this foster family, they lock him in the basement and starved an beat him until he was compliant. He has worked hard for four years and secretly saved to get out and start a new life. He had to go into the basement to get his personal belongings before he leaves the foster system behind. When he goes into the basement he finds Sophie chained to the wall. What will he do? Will he help her escape?
They are on the run heading for Texas. What will happen? Sophie is slowly regaining her memories. Will she stay with Abe or will she go back to her family? Will they learn to trust each other? Will Abe let her go knowing she may not come back?
This book was dark read with many twists and turns. The emotions were powerful and had me hooked from the first page. This was the first book I have read from this author and I can't wait to read more.
Four Stars
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be the last. This is a YA book with some dark subject matter of abduction and abuse. Ms. Thomas throws us on a roller coaster of ups and downs of emotions from the first page to the last. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what would come next. That author did a really good job with dealing with the emotional issues.
Sophie Sawyer is a teenage girl with a dysfunctional family. She lost her mother when she is young and lives with her father and stepmother. They leave her alone for the weekend and when they are gone Sophie is abducted. They think she has run away so don't notify the authorities. Sophie wakes up with no memory of where she is or how she got there, but she is chained to a wall in a dark and dank basement. She is looking for a way to escape, when a boy shows up. Can she trust him to get her out?
Abram Scott has been in foster care since he was four years old. At age thirteen he is placed with foster parents from hell. When he went to this foster family, they lock him in the basement and starved an beat him until he was compliant. He has worked hard for four years and secretly saved to get out and start a new life. He had to go into the basement to get his personal belongings before he leaves the foster system behind. When he goes into the basement he finds Sophie chained to the wall. What will he do? Will he help her escape?
They are on the run heading for Texas. What will happen? Sophie is slowly regaining her memories. Will she stay with Abe or will she go back to her family? Will they learn to trust each other? Will Abe let her go knowing she may not come back?
This book was dark read with many twists and turns. The emotions were powerful and had me hooked from the first page. This was the first book I have read from this author and I can't wait to read more.
June 10, 2017
Travesty
By Carrie Thomas
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel. Written as a YA, although it does contain a dark theme, as well as language may be a little rough.
Sophia Sawyer wakes in a home she does not recognize. She is cuffed to a locked refrigerator, down in a basement. She has no idea who she is, or how she come to be in such an awful situation. What she knows for sure is she has been beaten. She is hungry and she must find a way out. But how? Where will she go, how will she get there. She has no memory of her former life.
Abram Scott has been in and out of foster homes since he was 4 years old. This home since he was 13. At 14 he learned how to defend himself and got odd jobs to try and make a better life for himself. At 17 he has decided to get out of the horrible home he is forced to stay in. While gathering his meager belongings he finds the unexpected. Now he is on the run, always looking over his shoulders and telling lies to keep safe.
Carrie Thomas has written a story so real in its storyline, you would think it came from experience. She has done her homework in writing this novel. Her characters are people we may walk by everyday. Just not realizing it. In this page turner, you will really what the best for these two young teens. One moment I was happy and cheering them on. The next moment I was crying my eyes out wondering why. She really makes me think how blessed I am to not have their life. Job well done Carrie Thomas!! I know you will enjoy this heart wrenching story for the end will bring you full circle.
By Carrie Thomas
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel. Written as a YA, although it does contain a dark theme, as well as language may be a little rough.
Sophia Sawyer wakes in a home she does not recognize. She is cuffed to a locked refrigerator, down in a basement. She has no idea who she is, or how she come to be in such an awful situation. What she knows for sure is she has been beaten. She is hungry and she must find a way out. But how? Where will she go, how will she get there. She has no memory of her former life.
Abram Scott has been in and out of foster homes since he was 4 years old. This home since he was 13. At 14 he learned how to defend himself and got odd jobs to try and make a better life for himself. At 17 he has decided to get out of the horrible home he is forced to stay in. While gathering his meager belongings he finds the unexpected. Now he is on the run, always looking over his shoulders and telling lies to keep safe.
Carrie Thomas has written a story so real in its storyline, you would think it came from experience. She has done her homework in writing this novel. Her characters are people we may walk by everyday. Just not realizing it. In this page turner, you will really what the best for these two young teens. One moment I was happy and cheering them on. The next moment I was crying my eyes out wondering why. She really makes me think how blessed I am to not have their life. Job well done Carrie Thomas!! I know you will enjoy this heart wrenching story for the end will bring you full circle.
October 16, 2016
Sophia is not the average 16-year-old girl. She attends high school, prefers her camera to socializing with her peers and exists on the periphery of her life. While her life at home isn’t bad, her emotionally detached father has caused her to retreat more into herself. Sophia prefers to see life through her camera lens, making her the perfect target. How easy is it to disappear when no one’s around to realize you’re missing?
Abram spent his life in the foster system and by the age of seventeen learned that the only thing life will hand you is a beating. He was forced to work for every scrap and depending on only himself. Abe is determined to escape the cards that were dealt him and start over. All of that changed on the night he planned to leave when he found a young girl chained in the basement.
The author handled a dark subject with style. The characters work through a lot of emotional pain in their lives and even though Sophia and Abe had completely different upbringings, they have the lack of familial love in common. The story wasn’t rushed and time was taken to develop the story completely. I was given time to understand the characters and why they were making the decisions they did. I felt like I was going on the journey with Sophia and Abe. Everything was wrapped up in the end (no cliffhanger) and while short, it fit. The story was more about how the characters were growing and finding themselves.
Travesty is a dark, well-written YA novel that is told from alternating points of view. I look forward to the next emotional journey Carrie Thomas will take her readers on.
Abram spent his life in the foster system and by the age of seventeen learned that the only thing life will hand you is a beating. He was forced to work for every scrap and depending on only himself. Abe is determined to escape the cards that were dealt him and start over. All of that changed on the night he planned to leave when he found a young girl chained in the basement.
The author handled a dark subject with style. The characters work through a lot of emotional pain in their lives and even though Sophia and Abe had completely different upbringings, they have the lack of familial love in common. The story wasn’t rushed and time was taken to develop the story completely. I was given time to understand the characters and why they were making the decisions they did. I felt like I was going on the journey with Sophia and Abe. Everything was wrapped up in the end (no cliffhanger) and while short, it fit. The story was more about how the characters were growing and finding themselves.
Travesty is a dark, well-written YA novel that is told from alternating points of view. I look forward to the next emotional journey Carrie Thomas will take her readers on.
June 6, 2017
Travesty is such a bittersweet read. The standalone by Carrie Thomas will have you crying in pain, joy, and vice versa. This novel will take you on a journey of two people with nothing but each other.
Travesty takes you into the lives of Abram Scott and Sophia Sawyer. Sophia, young and vulnerable, is trapped with no memory of how it happened. Here comes Abram, an emotional and physical punch bag to his foster parents, stumbles on a vulnerable Sophia, and saves her from further pain. Suffering from amnesia, Abram promises to care for her as she recovers to regain her memory, but what happens through their journey, changes their lives, and their hearts, forever.
Sophia is a young, vulnerable girl. What she goes through in such a short amount of time, would affect anybody, but she fights to be a normal young woman. She is strong, and cares for Abram, a lot. All Sophia wants is a normal life, and Abram is trying to give her that. She is extremely loyal to Abram, and no matter her feelings for him, she will listen to Abram, and protect him just as much as he is protecting her.
Abram is a sweet and kind man. He is protective of Sophia, and wants to make sure that she is never in the position to be in danger again. Abram is loyal, and does what he can to make sure that Sophia has everything she needs, and for her to recover from the trauma that she went through. Abram is a decent young man, and he deserves a better life than what he was given.
Carrie Thomas did an exceptional job on Travesty, and it kept me on my toes. I never wanted the novel to end, but wanting more and more pieces of the puzzle that is Sophia and Abram. This novel is a five star read, and I’d recommend this novel to be read! Brilliant!
Travesty takes you into the lives of Abram Scott and Sophia Sawyer. Sophia, young and vulnerable, is trapped with no memory of how it happened. Here comes Abram, an emotional and physical punch bag to his foster parents, stumbles on a vulnerable Sophia, and saves her from further pain. Suffering from amnesia, Abram promises to care for her as she recovers to regain her memory, but what happens through their journey, changes their lives, and their hearts, forever.
Sophia is a young, vulnerable girl. What she goes through in such a short amount of time, would affect anybody, but she fights to be a normal young woman. She is strong, and cares for Abram, a lot. All Sophia wants is a normal life, and Abram is trying to give her that. She is extremely loyal to Abram, and no matter her feelings for him, she will listen to Abram, and protect him just as much as he is protecting her.
Abram is a sweet and kind man. He is protective of Sophia, and wants to make sure that she is never in the position to be in danger again. Abram is loyal, and does what he can to make sure that Sophia has everything she needs, and for her to recover from the trauma that she went through. Abram is a decent young man, and he deserves a better life than what he was given.
Carrie Thomas did an exceptional job on Travesty, and it kept me on my toes. I never wanted the novel to end, but wanting more and more pieces of the puzzle that is Sophia and Abram. This novel is a five star read, and I’d recommend this novel to be read! Brilliant!
June 9, 2017
Travesty is an extremely gripping read and I was drawn in from the very beginning. There are some emotional and difficult issues involved in the storyline which makes it a hard read at times. However, there is a shining light of hope entwined in the dark storylines to provide some light-hearted moments.
The book opens with Abram and his life growing up in abusive foster homes, the most recent proving to be the worst, forcing him to run away from the horrible situation and start a fresh somewhere else. Everything changes when his foster parents commit a horrendous crime to maintain their lifestyle when Abe is gone.
Sophia is a sixteen-year-old girl who is feeling rejected and unhappy at home. However, being kidnapped and abused by Abe’s abusive foster parents completely changed both their lives forever.
After being thrown together in this awful situation, Abe and Sophia manage to escape their captors and focus on starting a new life. The characters are very strongly written and battle through their physical and emotional scars. It was lovely to read how they sort comfort in each other to get through their shared pain.
This book is shocking from the start, the difficult topics are handled very well, and the characters are strong from beginning to end. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
The book opens with Abram and his life growing up in abusive foster homes, the most recent proving to be the worst, forcing him to run away from the horrible situation and start a fresh somewhere else. Everything changes when his foster parents commit a horrendous crime to maintain their lifestyle when Abe is gone.
Sophia is a sixteen-year-old girl who is feeling rejected and unhappy at home. However, being kidnapped and abused by Abe’s abusive foster parents completely changed both their lives forever.
After being thrown together in this awful situation, Abe and Sophia manage to escape their captors and focus on starting a new life. The characters are very strongly written and battle through their physical and emotional scars. It was lovely to read how they sort comfort in each other to get through their shared pain.
This book is shocking from the start, the difficult topics are handled very well, and the characters are strong from beginning to end. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
October 14, 2016
It’s a travesty that this book is over. I was in it from beginning to end. The pain and uncertainty was so thrilling. You didn’t know what could come next.
Sophia is just going through the motions of life. The relationship between her father and herself is lacking the bond most have. Her stepmother is a witch the worst kind. Her dad is a dead beat not because he mistreats her but she might as well be invisible. One night when she was out taking pictures she felt like she was being watched. When she returned home the feeling was still there. Next thing she knew she woke up in a basement handcuffed and chained with no memory.
Abe was in a foster home that sadly a lot of kids have to live in. People who are just looking for a easy payday. They were abusive and cruel. Until he got big enough that they feared him. One night when he came home from work he decided that he'd had enough. Going into the basement to find something he heard a moan. Little did he know his world was about to be forever changed.
I enjoyed this book the strength it took both characters to get out of their situation. For Sophia to trust Abe and move on from her trauma. Abe knew the risk of crossing state lines with a minor but he figured he had no choice. Not knowing if her life was just as bad as his had been. His courage in the face of the unknown was so brave. The bond between them was unshakeable. I was upset with Sophia for taking so long to figure out that she belonged with Abe on the ranch. But any great story needs a little drama and heart ache.
Sophia is just going through the motions of life. The relationship between her father and herself is lacking the bond most have. Her stepmother is a witch the worst kind. Her dad is a dead beat not because he mistreats her but she might as well be invisible. One night when she was out taking pictures she felt like she was being watched. When she returned home the feeling was still there. Next thing she knew she woke up in a basement handcuffed and chained with no memory.
Abe was in a foster home that sadly a lot of kids have to live in. People who are just looking for a easy payday. They were abusive and cruel. Until he got big enough that they feared him. One night when he came home from work he decided that he'd had enough. Going into the basement to find something he heard a moan. Little did he know his world was about to be forever changed.
I enjoyed this book the strength it took both characters to get out of their situation. For Sophia to trust Abe and move on from her trauma. Abe knew the risk of crossing state lines with a minor but he figured he had no choice. Not knowing if her life was just as bad as his had been. His courage in the face of the unknown was so brave. The bond between them was unshakeable. I was upset with Sophia for taking so long to figure out that she belonged with Abe on the ranch. But any great story needs a little drama and heart ache.
June 6, 2017
This book kept on my toes from the very first page until the end. It starts with the abduction of a 16 years old teenager Sophia and it's impossible not to have an impact on you, to drag you in. When it comes along a hero in the true sense of words, set to keep Soph safe you just buckle in for the ride. Our main characters are two teenagers who are forced to grow up way too fast giving the circumstances. While Sophia is still insecure and acting her age, I, as our heroine, admired and fell in love with Abe. Always in control, not letting place for insecurities, fears and doubts and being there for her on so many levels. His bravery and tenderness never ceased to amaze me.
There is an amazing development of the main characters and their relationship as the plot goes on but nothing is too forced. And even though the book lacks steamy scenes, there is a palpable chemistry between them that you fell it every time Sophia and Abe are around each other. What starts with two teenagers on the run, uncertain of what the future beholds for them grows fast into a story about survival, healing innocent and unconditional love.
A gripping story that is beautifully written. Every character, from the main ones (Sophia and Abe) to the secondary ones (Tonya, Cal, Paco, Sam) have their own purpose in this book and the reason why I devoured it until the end, letting me crave for more. Although the plot starts with an unfortunate event and the drama and struggle are real for Soph and Abe, there is plenty of banter, light and funny moments so I would really recommend to give this book a try.
There is an amazing development of the main characters and their relationship as the plot goes on but nothing is too forced. And even though the book lacks steamy scenes, there is a palpable chemistry between them that you fell it every time Sophia and Abe are around each other. What starts with two teenagers on the run, uncertain of what the future beholds for them grows fast into a story about survival, healing innocent and unconditional love.
A gripping story that is beautifully written. Every character, from the main ones (Sophia and Abe) to the secondary ones (Tonya, Cal, Paco, Sam) have their own purpose in this book and the reason why I devoured it until the end, letting me crave for more. Although the plot starts with an unfortunate event and the drama and struggle are real for Soph and Abe, there is plenty of banter, light and funny moments so I would really recommend to give this book a try.
November 15, 2024
Wow…I did not expect to cry from relating to this book. Someone feel free to send a therapist for my mommy & daddy issues, thank you💀
For starters, this book is YA and I think it’s perfect for people who liked the concept of still beating but found it too graphic. But that said there were definitely still some parts that made my stomach turn just because of how heartbreaking they were.
These characters were just so lovable and their bond was so special. My annotation tabs and my highlighters were put to WORK. The pacing of the whole story was perfect in my opinion and the slow burn..slow burned SO WELL❤️🔥 I seriously had an ache in my chest for the last 30% or so of this and that’s a feeling I’m ALWAYS chasing after when I read😩👏🏼
This one is gonna hold a special place in my heart🥺
For starters, this book is YA and I think it’s perfect for people who liked the concept of still beating but found it too graphic. But that said there were definitely still some parts that made my stomach turn just because of how heartbreaking they were.
These characters were just so lovable and their bond was so special. My annotation tabs and my highlighters were put to WORK. The pacing of the whole story was perfect in my opinion and the slow burn..slow burned SO WELL❤️🔥 I seriously had an ache in my chest for the last 30% or so of this and that’s a feeling I’m ALWAYS chasing after when I read😩👏🏼
This one is gonna hold a special place in my heart🥺
June 6, 2017
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is the first by this author for me but will not be the last. I really liked this heart wrenching and heart healing story. Watching the main characters, Sophia and Abram, grow throughout the story was touching. Knowing what they each went through and where they finally ended up at the end of the story, really brought out many feelings. I wouldn’t be opposed to reading about them in the future.
There were many lines that I wanted to include in this review but this one stuck with me the most. Things have happened to Sophia and she chooses how she handles it. She shows such maturity throughout the story. This quote could be the tag line for all “victims” and even for people who just want to better themselves.
“I wanted to become someone who’d walk taller, be more compassionate, and realize that even though tragedy struck in random ways, it did not have to define a person. It didn’t have to define me.”
It. Does. Not. Define. Me.
Powerful feelings. I was shocked at how this story started but the title alone could have been a clue. The characters are very young in this story, Sophia being just 16 and Abe being 17. Sophia says it herself “Honestly, I felt like I’d already lived two lives…”. While Abe deals with his travesty his entire life, Sophia doesn’t know real travesty until much later.
This book could have triggers for those readers that may be sensitive to abuse and neglect. This is not a rainbow and unicorn type of story. I do still recommend you read it. I am looking forward to reading Carrie Thomas’ other books.
There were many lines that I wanted to include in this review but this one stuck with me the most. Things have happened to Sophia and she chooses how she handles it. She shows such maturity throughout the story. This quote could be the tag line for all “victims” and even for people who just want to better themselves.
“I wanted to become someone who’d walk taller, be more compassionate, and realize that even though tragedy struck in random ways, it did not have to define a person. It didn’t have to define me.”
It. Does. Not. Define. Me.
Powerful feelings. I was shocked at how this story started but the title alone could have been a clue. The characters are very young in this story, Sophia being just 16 and Abe being 17. Sophia says it herself “Honestly, I felt like I’d already lived two lives…”. While Abe deals with his travesty his entire life, Sophia doesn’t know real travesty until much later.
This book could have triggers for those readers that may be sensitive to abuse and neglect. This is not a rainbow and unicorn type of story. I do still recommend you read it. I am looking forward to reading Carrie Thomas’ other books.
June 7, 2017
Carrie Thomas' novel, Travesty, is a teen/young adult story with a darker theme. This is not a sweet roses and romantic longings type of read. This is a story that has a darkness that lingers, it twists the characters on a path that may be their salvation or their ultimate downfall. This was my first novel I have read by Carrie Thomas and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reading the synopsis for this story, you are immediately intrigued with the plot – but it does not truly prepare you for what this story holds inside. This story is much deeper than what could be shared in a couple of paragraphs. It is a story of betrayal, disappointment, loss of trust, hatred, darkness, and light. Carrie Thomas weaves a dramatic tale in Travesty that will have you torn inside out as you read the trials and tribulations that will unfold.
Two teenagers, Sophia Sawyer and Abram Scott, are the main characters of this story. Sophia wakes in this story not knowing who she is, how she got to where she is or how she is going to get out. Everything is an utter unknown to this sixteen year old girl. Enter Abram Scott, is he her knight in shining armor or another downfall she cannot prepare herself for? I liked these characters as the story progressed. They were solidly written and we see them develop as the story progresses. There were a mix of disappointing characters that you hated as you read this story, but then there are others that are fully likable.
Reading the synopsis for this story, you are immediately intrigued with the plot – but it does not truly prepare you for what this story holds inside. This story is much deeper than what could be shared in a couple of paragraphs. It is a story of betrayal, disappointment, loss of trust, hatred, darkness, and light. Carrie Thomas weaves a dramatic tale in Travesty that will have you torn inside out as you read the trials and tribulations that will unfold.
Two teenagers, Sophia Sawyer and Abram Scott, are the main characters of this story. Sophia wakes in this story not knowing who she is, how she got to where she is or how she is going to get out. Everything is an utter unknown to this sixteen year old girl. Enter Abram Scott, is he her knight in shining armor or another downfall she cannot prepare herself for? I liked these characters as the story progressed. They were solidly written and we see them develop as the story progresses. There were a mix of disappointing characters that you hated as you read this story, but then there are others that are fully likable.
October 22, 2016
CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!
The opening of this story packed quite an impact. We begin with Abram at his foster home. He is an angry 14 year old boy who is desperate to escape his foster parents, and the hell he endures every day. He saves every penny he makes, so he can get out on his own as soon as possible.
Sophia is a 16 year old girl living at home with her Dad and stepmother. She has her best friend, Courtney, to go to, but usually spent a lot of time at the library, on her own. Her stepmum doesn’t want her around, and always talks her father into leaving Sophia behind while they go go away together.
While home alone one night, Sophia thought she heard a strange noise in the house. Now that is not the bravest, and often hears things that go bump in the night, so she tells herself it is nothing to worry about. She is right to be frightened this time. Someone is in the house. They hit her over the head, making that the last thing Sophia remembers before the lights go out.
Abe is getting closer to getting away from the hellhole he inhabits with his foster parents. He is just about ready to leave when he hears a moan. He investigates, and gets the shock of his life when he finds a girl a couple of years younger than him, bound and with a helmut on her head. He doesn’t know who she is, and when questions her, she has no idea who she is. Abe knows she is frightened. It appears that he won’t be leaving until he frees the girl and she will go with him. The intrigue is immense now.
Sophia has lost her memory, which makes this situation even more scary for her. Abe will have more difficulty travelling with her, but there is no way he can leave without her. Abe picks a moment releases Sophia from her bonds. He had to get physical with his foster parents to free her, but he refuses to leave her to endure their cruelty alone. Abram is so gentle with Sophia, and even though she is petrified of what the future holds, she knows that she is choosing the lesser evil, by going with Abram. He only wants to protect her and keep her safe until she regains her memory. If she goes to Texas with him, he promises to return her home when she remembers who she is, if that is her wish. Sophia and Abe arrive in Texas and Abe scores a job on a ranch belonging to a lovely couple. Cal and Tonya take
them in, believing they are brother and sister. Sophia needs to finish school, so Abe gets her some ID so she can enrol.
While all this is unfolding, the feelings strengthen between Abe and Sophia. And there is nothing brotherly or sisterly about those feelings. Cal and Tonya know something has forced them into hiding, but could not imagine what it really is. Abe knows it is only a matter of time before they are found out, but will keep up the pretence until all is revealed. With Abe away for a couple of days, it gives Sophia time to reflect on what type of person she wants to be and what kind of life she wants to live. She realised she is stronger that she first thought, and she doesn’t want to be totally dependent on Abe. She needs to prove that she is independent, can confidently make her own decisions and not be a burden, but a contributor.
Day by day, Abe and Sophia get closer, and day by day, their feelings deepen. It is getting increasingly difficult to deny those feelings, but they do, because if they don’t, they fear they will lose one another.
“I can see the book in my room. It’s brown leather and it has a bunch of cool pictures I’ve been collecting for a year. I was working on them for a portfolio. Abe, my bedroom is blue. There are quotes on some hanging boards. I can see it all.”
Piece by piece, Sophia is gaining back small fragments of her memory. Abe’s only hope is that once she out the secret he carries, she will not break. He will protect her from any more hurt with he has, even himself, so he will keep this secret to himself.
“I’m going to marry you one day.”
Abe and Sophia finally admit they are in love with each other. They still have to keep their secret until Sophia finishes school, but at least there will be no more hiding from each other. But no secret stays hidden forever. Sophia finds out once she regains her memory, that Abe went to see her stepmother, and she was not heartbroken in the slightest that Sophia was no longer living at home. She despises Sophia and would be glad if she never saw her again. Sophia is understandably upset with Abe and heated words are exchanged. Sophia flees Texas and returns home to Oklahoma. Abe is devastated and does not cope well with Sophia’s absence.
Sophia is back home at her Dad’s house. She tries to settle back into her old life, but that is impossible. She has changed and grown up while she was away. She realises that while her father loves her, he loves his wife more. Abe was constantly on her mind, and she misses him like crazy. Sophia comes to the conclusion that she is not whole without Abe, and she cannot breathe when he is not by her side.
Travesty was testament to a love built in the strangest of circumstances. Proof that love does conquer all. Their love for each other shines in its innocence and purity. Abe’s and Sophia’s journey began with a kidnapping, but ended with the joining of two hearts. A thrilling and sweet story that was just beautiful to read.
The opening of this story packed quite an impact. We begin with Abram at his foster home. He is an angry 14 year old boy who is desperate to escape his foster parents, and the hell he endures every day. He saves every penny he makes, so he can get out on his own as soon as possible.
Sophia is a 16 year old girl living at home with her Dad and stepmother. She has her best friend, Courtney, to go to, but usually spent a lot of time at the library, on her own. Her stepmum doesn’t want her around, and always talks her father into leaving Sophia behind while they go go away together.
While home alone one night, Sophia thought she heard a strange noise in the house. Now that is not the bravest, and often hears things that go bump in the night, so she tells herself it is nothing to worry about. She is right to be frightened this time. Someone is in the house. They hit her over the head, making that the last thing Sophia remembers before the lights go out.
Abe is getting closer to getting away from the hellhole he inhabits with his foster parents. He is just about ready to leave when he hears a moan. He investigates, and gets the shock of his life when he finds a girl a couple of years younger than him, bound and with a helmut on her head. He doesn’t know who she is, and when questions her, she has no idea who she is. Abe knows she is frightened. It appears that he won’t be leaving until he frees the girl and she will go with him. The intrigue is immense now.
Sophia has lost her memory, which makes this situation even more scary for her. Abe will have more difficulty travelling with her, but there is no way he can leave without her. Abe picks a moment releases Sophia from her bonds. He had to get physical with his foster parents to free her, but he refuses to leave her to endure their cruelty alone. Abram is so gentle with Sophia, and even though she is petrified of what the future holds, she knows that she is choosing the lesser evil, by going with Abram. He only wants to protect her and keep her safe until she regains her memory. If she goes to Texas with him, he promises to return her home when she remembers who she is, if that is her wish. Sophia and Abe arrive in Texas and Abe scores a job on a ranch belonging to a lovely couple. Cal and Tonya take
them in, believing they are brother and sister. Sophia needs to finish school, so Abe gets her some ID so she can enrol.
While all this is unfolding, the feelings strengthen between Abe and Sophia. And there is nothing brotherly or sisterly about those feelings. Cal and Tonya know something has forced them into hiding, but could not imagine what it really is. Abe knows it is only a matter of time before they are found out, but will keep up the pretence until all is revealed. With Abe away for a couple of days, it gives Sophia time to reflect on what type of person she wants to be and what kind of life she wants to live. She realised she is stronger that she first thought, and she doesn’t want to be totally dependent on Abe. She needs to prove that she is independent, can confidently make her own decisions and not be a burden, but a contributor.
Day by day, Abe and Sophia get closer, and day by day, their feelings deepen. It is getting increasingly difficult to deny those feelings, but they do, because if they don’t, they fear they will lose one another.
“I can see the book in my room. It’s brown leather and it has a bunch of cool pictures I’ve been collecting for a year. I was working on them for a portfolio. Abe, my bedroom is blue. There are quotes on some hanging boards. I can see it all.”
Piece by piece, Sophia is gaining back small fragments of her memory. Abe’s only hope is that once she out the secret he carries, she will not break. He will protect her from any more hurt with he has, even himself, so he will keep this secret to himself.
“I’m going to marry you one day.”
Abe and Sophia finally admit they are in love with each other. They still have to keep their secret until Sophia finishes school, but at least there will be no more hiding from each other. But no secret stays hidden forever. Sophia finds out once she regains her memory, that Abe went to see her stepmother, and she was not heartbroken in the slightest that Sophia was no longer living at home. She despises Sophia and would be glad if she never saw her again. Sophia is understandably upset with Abe and heated words are exchanged. Sophia flees Texas and returns home to Oklahoma. Abe is devastated and does not cope well with Sophia’s absence.
Sophia is back home at her Dad’s house. She tries to settle back into her old life, but that is impossible. She has changed and grown up while she was away. She realises that while her father loves her, he loves his wife more. Abe was constantly on her mind, and she misses him like crazy. Sophia comes to the conclusion that she is not whole without Abe, and she cannot breathe when he is not by her side.
Travesty was testament to a love built in the strangest of circumstances. Proof that love does conquer all. Their love for each other shines in its innocence and purity. Abe’s and Sophia’s journey began with a kidnapping, but ended with the joining of two hearts. A thrilling and sweet story that was just beautiful to read.
October 22, 2016
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is a young adult novel, that tells the story of Abram and Sophia. It has dark themes including abuse within the foster care system, and kidnapping. Despite these, the book has a light, hopeful love story unfold. I loved the book, and the way the author developed the characters, making you feel for their situations. The characters, including the supporting characters, were all believeable and I fell in love with them. I give this book a 5 star review, and cant wait to read more by Carrie Thomas.
Sophia Sawyer is a 16 year old, who lives with her dad, and his new wife. She feels like a burden in her own home, because he father spends more time with his new bride, than his daughter. She spends a lot of her time at her friend's house, or in the city with her camera and headphones. Typical lifestyle of a teen, that is, until she wakes up in a dark basement, chained to a freezer. She doesnt know where she is, or who she is, or why she is there. After a few days, a boy comes into the basement, and helps break her free. She is hesitant to trust him, but what choice does she have?! She must then put all her trust and faith into a boy she just met, in order to stay alive long enough to remember her past and where she came from.
Abram Scott is a 17 year old boy, living with his crappy foster parents. He has been with them for 4 years, after being shuffled through a couple foster homes since he entered the system at the age of four. His foster parents beat him, and make him work and hand over his paychecks to them. It has been miserable, and he has been hiding away money for years, planning his get away. He is gathering his stuff in order to run away, when he finds a girl chained in his basement. He doesnt know her, but knowing what he has endured for years, he cant bring himself to leave her. He decides to take her with him, even if it makes things harder on him.
Abram and Sophia have only known each other for a couple hours when the cross over state lines, and begin a life of lies together. They must trust each other, and live a lie, in order to keep each other safe. But the problem with living lies, is they eventually unravel, into an even bigger mess. The truth is finally told, leaving them with greater pain and heartache either of them have ever felt.
Sophia Sawyer is a 16 year old, who lives with her dad, and his new wife. She feels like a burden in her own home, because he father spends more time with his new bride, than his daughter. She spends a lot of her time at her friend's house, or in the city with her camera and headphones. Typical lifestyle of a teen, that is, until she wakes up in a dark basement, chained to a freezer. She doesnt know where she is, or who she is, or why she is there. After a few days, a boy comes into the basement, and helps break her free. She is hesitant to trust him, but what choice does she have?! She must then put all her trust and faith into a boy she just met, in order to stay alive long enough to remember her past and where she came from.
Abram Scott is a 17 year old boy, living with his crappy foster parents. He has been with them for 4 years, after being shuffled through a couple foster homes since he entered the system at the age of four. His foster parents beat him, and make him work and hand over his paychecks to them. It has been miserable, and he has been hiding away money for years, planning his get away. He is gathering his stuff in order to run away, when he finds a girl chained in his basement. He doesnt know her, but knowing what he has endured for years, he cant bring himself to leave her. He decides to take her with him, even if it makes things harder on him.
Abram and Sophia have only known each other for a couple hours when the cross over state lines, and begin a life of lies together. They must trust each other, and live a lie, in order to keep each other safe. But the problem with living lies, is they eventually unravel, into an even bigger mess. The truth is finally told, leaving them with greater pain and heartache either of them have ever felt.
November 1, 2016
I am going to be honest and say that this book was a first for me by this author. I have to warn you some of the information in this story is graphic. I really liked this book though. Abe has lived a hard life, but he’s managing and planning on leaving his foster home. That all changes one night when he discovers Sophia chained to the deep freeze. He realizes he can’t just leave her; he needs to get her out of there too. Poor Sophia being taken from her home and having no memories of who she is and where she lived. She clings to Abe as he tells her he’s going to help her and keep her safe. He is successful at getting her away from his foster parents and fleeing. Eventually Sophia gets memories back one at a time. What Sophia didn’t know was that while Abe went back to Oklahoma he convinced his former foster parents to tell him everything about Sophia. What he discovered, he kept from Sophia, and I am glad he did, but also sad that he did. Her stepmother said she was dead when he inquired about her, I can see why he kept it from her. He loves Sophia, although the lie about them being brother and sister (I really think that they both screwed it up, but I can see why they said that) is a major complication.
Once they finally admitted their true feelings for each other I was happy for them, but worried that they would get caught in the lies they told. The plan they made was good, but part of me said you have to let her go. That old saying if it’s meant to be it will be, is how I felt about what they were doing. I felt bad for Sophia, realizing that your own dad didn’t want you and felling like a stranger in your own home. That truly made me sad for Sophia, but her realizing who her real family was…that was awesome. I was so glad she finally realized where she felt at home and belonged. When I got to the part where she reunited with Abe I had happy tears; I loved that part!
This is an amazing book about 2 people who made the best of a very bad situation. I applaud Carrie Thomas for writing about such a sensitive topic and showing that good things can come from a very bad and dangerous situation. I was worried I wouldn’t like this book, but I loved it!!!! It’s a great read and I recommend that everyone read this amazing story!!!
Once they finally admitted their true feelings for each other I was happy for them, but worried that they would get caught in the lies they told. The plan they made was good, but part of me said you have to let her go. That old saying if it’s meant to be it will be, is how I felt about what they were doing. I felt bad for Sophia, realizing that your own dad didn’t want you and felling like a stranger in your own home. That truly made me sad for Sophia, but her realizing who her real family was…that was awesome. I was so glad she finally realized where she felt at home and belonged. When I got to the part where she reunited with Abe I had happy tears; I loved that part!
This is an amazing book about 2 people who made the best of a very bad situation. I applaud Carrie Thomas for writing about such a sensitive topic and showing that good things can come from a very bad and dangerous situation. I was worried I wouldn’t like this book, but I loved it!!!! It’s a great read and I recommend that everyone read this amazing story!!!
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October 22, 2016This book is nothing short of EXCELLENT!!!!! I think the author chose an awesome title and a beautiful cover to her wonderful story!! A story that will be kept in my own personal kindle library for very long time!!!!!!! It was a beautiful story about how two very young individuals found each other in the worst of times to make the best of times!!! The pace of the story was nice and easy!!!! There were definitely some horrific issues going on in the beginning but it did not take away from the sweetness created in this book. I think what I read about what Sophia and Abram went through only made them stronger as human beings! All of the characters were awesome for this story!!!! The author did an excellent job in creating a picture of what was going on from page to page with each character. I was able to get a sense of what everyone was feeling. The dialogue was clear with each character!
The author did an amazing job blending the characters together from speaking about them separately at the beginning of the story! It was absolutely clear what Abram wanted to do when he first met Sophia in a dark and filthy place. It was horrifying to read what Sophia was going through and alone she felt in that dark and lonely place.
I was also clear what Sophia and Abram wanted at another time in the story!! They tried to live their own lives in different directions by meeting people and doing things and going places but no one will have their connection.
I liked the details that were written into the story to make it real and believable. I could see how much things had changed for each character from Oaklama to Texas. I loved that they stumbled into in a good place one they were in Texas with wonderful people. People who aided in making them strong and confident young people who were ready to make mature decisions about their future. I think this story should get five stars! Again, the author did an excellent job in writing a story with some difficult issues to say the least.
The author did an amazing job blending the characters together from speaking about them separately at the beginning of the story! It was absolutely clear what Abram wanted to do when he first met Sophia in a dark and filthy place. It was horrifying to read what Sophia was going through and alone she felt in that dark and lonely place.
I was also clear what Sophia and Abram wanted at another time in the story!! They tried to live their own lives in different directions by meeting people and doing things and going places but no one will have their connection.
I liked the details that were written into the story to make it real and believable. I could see how much things had changed for each character from Oaklama to Texas. I loved that they stumbled into in a good place one they were in Texas with wonderful people. People who aided in making them strong and confident young people who were ready to make mature decisions about their future. I think this story should get five stars! Again, the author did an excellent job in writing a story with some difficult issues to say the least.
October 29, 2016
****4 stars****
Travesty by Carrie Thomas
4 stars for Carrie Thomas’ stand alone novel “Travesty.” The book tells the story of Abram Scott, a foster kid who is finally ready to leave his hellish foster family to start fresh somewhere safe. The day he finally decides he has enough money saved, he attempts to collect his most treasured item from the basement only to find a mysterious young girl has been taken captive, tortured, and starved by his foster parents and he just can't leave without saving her from the possibility of having to go through all the awful things he had to go through in that house. This young girl, who suffers from amnesia from a head injury she received when being taken from her home, is Sophia Sawyer, and Abram saves her and includes her in his plan to start a new life while hopefully allowing her time to remember who she really is. They run off to Texas where they find shelter, work, and people that make them feel safe in the form of a couple and their ranch. This story follows Abram and Sophie’s attempt to move beyond the trauma of their past while cautiously finding love and trust in people they don't even know.
This is a nice stand alone YA book. The writer did a wonderful job of making all of the characters very realistic. You could actually imagine running across any one of the characters and recognizing who they were, the things they might say, and what their mannerisms would be. The tragedy and struggle to overcome all of the physical and emotional damage was well described. The story was able to show the hope and love that can still be found in even the most unexpected places, if only given the chance. I would love to catch up with the characters in a few years to see what has transpired. For my first time reading Carrie Thomas’ work I was very impressed. Her writing was great and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
Travesty by Carrie Thomas
4 stars for Carrie Thomas’ stand alone novel “Travesty.” The book tells the story of Abram Scott, a foster kid who is finally ready to leave his hellish foster family to start fresh somewhere safe. The day he finally decides he has enough money saved, he attempts to collect his most treasured item from the basement only to find a mysterious young girl has been taken captive, tortured, and starved by his foster parents and he just can't leave without saving her from the possibility of having to go through all the awful things he had to go through in that house. This young girl, who suffers from amnesia from a head injury she received when being taken from her home, is Sophia Sawyer, and Abram saves her and includes her in his plan to start a new life while hopefully allowing her time to remember who she really is. They run off to Texas where they find shelter, work, and people that make them feel safe in the form of a couple and their ranch. This story follows Abram and Sophie’s attempt to move beyond the trauma of their past while cautiously finding love and trust in people they don't even know.
This is a nice stand alone YA book. The writer did a wonderful job of making all of the characters very realistic. You could actually imagine running across any one of the characters and recognizing who they were, the things they might say, and what their mannerisms would be. The tragedy and struggle to overcome all of the physical and emotional damage was well described. The story was able to show the hope and love that can still be found in even the most unexpected places, if only given the chance. I would love to catch up with the characters in a few years to see what has transpired. For my first time reading Carrie Thomas’ work I was very impressed. Her writing was great and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
October 29, 2016
Travesty by Carrie Thomas is a story about how two teens who are running from their past in search of a new start. This story will make you sad, angry and compassion for these two teens. This story will give you hope that even when things are not right in your world, people still have compassion when it really counts.
Sophie Sawyer is a teenage girl who loves photography and has a dysfunctional family. She wakes to find herself in a strange basement and doesn't remember who she is. Then he comes to rescue her. She wonders if she will ever remember who she is? When she leaves town with him, she feels safe and secure with him, will she want to go home? Will she find love with him? What will she do when she remembers who she is?
Abram Scott is a teenage boy who has been in foster care since he has been four years old. The last couple who took him in was abusive and used him. When he decides he has had enough and is ready to leave, he goes to the basement and finds her. He knows that he can't leave her there so he takes her with him. He learns the truth about her family but keeps it to himself, what will she do when she finds out? Will he set her free and will she return? Will he find love with her?
Sophie and Abram's story is one of true teen love. These two will keep you wanting. Will they find love? Will they face the truth? He made a promise to keep her safe and protect her, will he keep that promise? Will they get a new start?
This is my first read by Carrie Thomas. Carrie lives in the south with her husband and two sons. When she is not reading or writing, she is spending time with them and traveling the U.S. This story is a fast, easy read and I highly suggest it. I think that everyone will enjoy this story, adult or young adults as much as I did.
Sophie Sawyer is a teenage girl who loves photography and has a dysfunctional family. She wakes to find herself in a strange basement and doesn't remember who she is. Then he comes to rescue her. She wonders if she will ever remember who she is? When she leaves town with him, she feels safe and secure with him, will she want to go home? Will she find love with him? What will she do when she remembers who she is?
Abram Scott is a teenage boy who has been in foster care since he has been four years old. The last couple who took him in was abusive and used him. When he decides he has had enough and is ready to leave, he goes to the basement and finds her. He knows that he can't leave her there so he takes her with him. He learns the truth about her family but keeps it to himself, what will she do when she finds out? Will he set her free and will she return? Will he find love with her?
Sophie and Abram's story is one of true teen love. These two will keep you wanting. Will they find love? Will they face the truth? He made a promise to keep her safe and protect her, will he keep that promise? Will they get a new start?
This is my first read by Carrie Thomas. Carrie lives in the south with her husband and two sons. When she is not reading or writing, she is spending time with them and traveling the U.S. This story is a fast, easy read and I highly suggest it. I think that everyone will enjoy this story, adult or young adults as much as I did.
October 29, 2016
Travesty
By: Carrie Thomas
5 out of 5 stars
The story Travesty by Carrie Thomas is a YA/Coming of age book. Sophia Sawyer wakes up chained in a basement. She doesn’t know how she got there and more importantly who she is. Abram has lived in his current foster home since he was 13. He has been abused and as his 18th birthday is coming he as a plan to leave. All of that changes when he finds Sophia in the basement. Not willing to leave her, as he knows what she was taken for, he takes her with him. This begins a new way of living for both of them. Abram does all he can to make sure Sophia is cared for. In the process protective feelings turn to more. Once their secret is found out, Abram has to let Sophia go. All he can think of is will she come back to him or has he lost her forever.
When I first start reading a book I sometimes have preconceived ideas on what the story is about. It was that way with this book however by the third chapter I was so hooked you would have had to pry me away from it, if you were able. The story and the way it is told is amazing and it deals with sensitive subjects, such as abuse that can happen in foster homes, in a compassionate manner. The characters of Sophia and Abram are both strong and independent. They don’t let their past make them bitter or unable to care and love each other. There are also a list of others that they both meet who show them what a family really is meant to be. Abram’s foster parents are not a main part of the book however when they are the impact of their actions had my blood boiling.
This YA story is very powerful and does have many dark themes and language. Every young adult matures differently so I would just recommend keeping this in mind.
By: Carrie Thomas
5 out of 5 stars
The story Travesty by Carrie Thomas is a YA/Coming of age book. Sophia Sawyer wakes up chained in a basement. She doesn’t know how she got there and more importantly who she is. Abram has lived in his current foster home since he was 13. He has been abused and as his 18th birthday is coming he as a plan to leave. All of that changes when he finds Sophia in the basement. Not willing to leave her, as he knows what she was taken for, he takes her with him. This begins a new way of living for both of them. Abram does all he can to make sure Sophia is cared for. In the process protective feelings turn to more. Once their secret is found out, Abram has to let Sophia go. All he can think of is will she come back to him or has he lost her forever.
When I first start reading a book I sometimes have preconceived ideas on what the story is about. It was that way with this book however by the third chapter I was so hooked you would have had to pry me away from it, if you were able. The story and the way it is told is amazing and it deals with sensitive subjects, such as abuse that can happen in foster homes, in a compassionate manner. The characters of Sophia and Abram are both strong and independent. They don’t let their past make them bitter or unable to care and love each other. There are also a list of others that they both meet who show them what a family really is meant to be. Abram’s foster parents are not a main part of the book however when they are the impact of their actions had my blood boiling.
This YA story is very powerful and does have many dark themes and language. Every young adult matures differently so I would just recommend keeping this in mind.
October 23, 2016
Wow such an emotional book. This book is about abuse and foster families and abduction. Sophia had lost her mother at a young age and her dad had remarried and the lady he remarried was young and did not care anything about Sophia at all. Sophia ended up being abducted and her dad did not even know. He had found a note and thought that she had run away which is really sad. Sophia ended up at a home that a boy named Abram was living at with his foster family. He had been living in this foster home for quite a while and his foster parents basically just wanted him to work and make money so he could buy them cigarettes and alcohol. They were abusive and did not take care of him at all. He pretty much raised himself and did what he had to do to get by and not get abused by them. He found Sophia tied up in the basement and he helped her escape and they left Oklahoma and went to Texas and ended up working on a ranch. Sophia went back to school so she could graduate. They had feelings for each other but just pretended that they were brother and sister since they were both underage. Abram went back to Oklahoma one time to get Sophia’s birth certificate before she went back to school and he found her dad and step mom but they did not want anything to do with Sophia so he went back and took care of her. This story has its good and bad moments but it was well written and lets the reader see how bad it can really be.
October 28, 2016
This is an engrossing story that will haunt me for a long time to come. I was not expecting this deep of a story when I read the blurb and I am surprised at the voracity in which I read this. I couldn’t put it down; I had to know what was going to happen to these two innocent people. I sat and hoped horrible things to happen to those that prey on innocence and then I wanted to hug those that help instead. This is a pretty serious read that does a fantastic job of though be very heavy, it shows that there is also good in the world. It’s like taking medicine with a teaspoon of sugar.
Sophia is your typical sixteen tear old, she just wants to be loved by her father, to be a part of her family. Abram just wants out from his foster home and away from the vile people who take everything from him except his dignity. The two paths cross in a disgusting fashion that had my heart racing but their story of friendship and love calmed me in ways that were unexpected. They have to face more uphill battles than they should and how they do it is an inspiration.
This gripped me mind, body and soul. The will they won’t they dynamic was riveting. Their relationships they built were things of beauty and how they dealt with the turmoil was brilliant. I found myself not wanting this story to end and I hope to all that is good in this world that there is a sequel so I can see these two grow into the people I think they will be.
Sophia is your typical sixteen tear old, she just wants to be loved by her father, to be a part of her family. Abram just wants out from his foster home and away from the vile people who take everything from him except his dignity. The two paths cross in a disgusting fashion that had my heart racing but their story of friendship and love calmed me in ways that were unexpected. They have to face more uphill battles than they should and how they do it is an inspiration.
This gripped me mind, body and soul. The will they won’t they dynamic was riveting. Their relationships they built were things of beauty and how they dealt with the turmoil was brilliant. I found myself not wanting this story to end and I hope to all that is good in this world that there is a sequel so I can see these two grow into the people I think they will be.
October 29, 2016
Carrie done a great job of keeping you on your toes and dragging you thorugh a emotional rollcoaster right from the start .It starts of with Abe who is in foster care since hes been four the people well i wouldnt call them that i would call them sadistic animals who took Abe in just for there own benefit they made him stop going to school so he could work and gave all the money to them they starved him and beat him it really gets to you when you read what happened to him but the amazing thing is after all hes been through hes still the sweetest guy you could meet also a hero in my eyes . Things were starting to look up for Abe as he secretly hid money away so he could escape when he turned eighteen he had everything planned to leave thats til he heard the noises coming from the basement ...
Travesty is a emotional read i think Carrie did a excellent job with issues that come to light with this book it is a romance but its not you typical boy meets girl they hit off and live happily ever after there are bumps in the road and there are moments you think it wont happen but it so worth it in the end it do play at your heartstrings and if you like me will make you cry but i absolutely recommend tra
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