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Malignant
This is an alternate cover edition for 9781530494033
Reese's life is great: she's got two loving parents and a cute best friend, Brandon. But Reese's family goes into a tailspin when her mom is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Reese's dad, crippled by grief, pulls away from them, leaving Reese to make an impossible choice. She can ignore the chaos at home and enjoy her last few years as a child. Or, she can step into adulthood to care for her mom.
And Reese doesn't know what to think about her flirtation with Brandon, who's been her best friend since forever.
Through a season of heartbreak and healing, Reese learns how to persevere in the face of crisis, and renews her trust in those who love her.
Reese's life is great: she's got two loving parents and a cute best friend, Brandon. But Reese's family goes into a tailspin when her mom is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Reese's dad, crippled by grief, pulls away from them, leaving Reese to make an impossible choice. She can ignore the chaos at home and enjoy her last few years as a child. Or, she can step into adulthood to care for her mom.
And Reese doesn't know what to think about her flirtation with Brandon, who's been her best friend since forever.
Through a season of heartbreak and healing, Reese learns how to persevere in the face of crisis, and renews her trust in those who love her.
- GenresFiction
150 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2015
5 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kazmierski
24 books99 followersEmily lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and two daughters. When she's not in her book dragon form devouring books, she can be found in the kitchen making homemade ice cream or baking something delicious. In addition to reading and writing, Emily loves watching police procedurals, playing with makeup, and cuddling with her two long-haired dachshunds Nestlé and Kiefer.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 11, 2017
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a super quick read, it’s like 155 pages. However don’t let that fool you, this book packs a punch. It doesn’t mess around by dragging the plot out. It’s emotional and beautiful. I went through a range of emotions over these 155 pages. I laughed, I was REALLY MAD, I was happy and then I was sad. If you need a short, drama filled read, well this is definitely the book for you.
This is a super quick read, it’s like 155 pages. However don’t let that fool you, this book packs a punch. It doesn’t mess around by dragging the plot out. It’s emotional and beautiful. I went through a range of emotions over these 155 pages. I laughed, I was REALLY MAD, I was happy and then I was sad. If you need a short, drama filled read, well this is definitely the book for you.
June 16, 2016
I expected tragedy in this book based on the prompt. It was incredibly sad to read, especially in light of personal loss of a loved one who went through the turmoil and defeat of cancer. It also opens up the reality of the way family and close friends can differently handle a situation such as this.
Despite the sadness, I also found incredible nostalgia of high school memories based on the detail of writing that Kazmierski offered. She uses great visuals of everyday things and tasks that many of us tend to pass over without afterthought. Page 43, which referenced to a drawer not shutting all the way and crammed with clothes, was a perfect embodiment of the extra workload she took on herself in balancing school, teen angst and the maturity that she had to take care of her mom while dad stayed secluded and subdued. I was taken back to memories of my old jeans which could relate to the reference of "jeans with the strings at the heels." I had a laugh when she referenced Syndrome monologuing (which he actually quotes himself in The Incredibles). Little details like that really resonated with me. I also found myself recalling the years of teenage dating when I read about the date scene nearing the end of the book.
Her mother's tenderness was beautiful as she taught Reese not only how to do tasks like sewing and cooking, but also gracefully taught how to overcome failures, which is an equally important life lesson. I was sad to see that there wasn't a heart to heart in her final days with Reese but I understand that life doesn't allow us closure to final moments in life much of the time. I thought it was a precious tribute to have Reese and Brandon wear their PJ's in tribute to her mom, which made me love Brandon's character even more than I had already enjoyed. Very touching.
Despite the sadness, I also found incredible nostalgia of high school memories based on the detail of writing that Kazmierski offered. She uses great visuals of everyday things and tasks that many of us tend to pass over without afterthought. Page 43, which referenced to a drawer not shutting all the way and crammed with clothes, was a perfect embodiment of the extra workload she took on herself in balancing school, teen angst and the maturity that she had to take care of her mom while dad stayed secluded and subdued. I was taken back to memories of my old jeans which could relate to the reference of "jeans with the strings at the heels." I had a laugh when she referenced Syndrome monologuing (which he actually quotes himself in The Incredibles). Little details like that really resonated with me. I also found myself recalling the years of teenage dating when I read about the date scene nearing the end of the book.
Her mother's tenderness was beautiful as she taught Reese not only how to do tasks like sewing and cooking, but also gracefully taught how to overcome failures, which is an equally important life lesson. I was sad to see that there wasn't a heart to heart in her final days with Reese but I understand that life doesn't allow us closure to final moments in life much of the time. I thought it was a precious tribute to have Reese and Brandon wear their PJ's in tribute to her mom, which made me love Brandon's character even more than I had already enjoyed. Very touching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
Malignant is an apt title. Besides the mother's cancer, the father is also malignant or causing harm in his relationships with both his wife and with his daughter Reese, the book's protagonist.
Fifteen-year-olds often live in many worlds, such as neighborhood, school, clubs, home. Reese juggles home, school, and her bff Brandon. Slowly, as her mother's health declines, Reese develops a malignancy of despondency and depression.
Interestingly, Kazmierski adds a malignancy to Reese's plant that she is to care for and write about for a semester. This was a genius device to use, but I think it could have been used even a bit more without being too heavy handed. The interactions with her teacher and Brandon in the greenhouse seemed to mirror some of the life events of others throughout the course of the novel.
The relationship that Reese had with her parents seemed almost lacking in true emotion and a mature love of parental units. There were words of love, but few actions that seemed constantly loving towards one another. Though I knew Reese loved them, she seemed more caught up in her own comfort and life than in helping her family and saying a good goodbye to her mother. I was surprised that I didn't see Reese interact with anyone besides Brandon. She and one girl smiled at each other, and Reese thought she might need to look for more friends than just Brandon, her bff, but we don't see this happening. I wondered why Reese seemed more of a recluse, if something in her life had impacted her.
The hint of friendship turning to romance is one point of caring that is clearly seen in the novel as first Reese's mother encourages her to ask Brandon to the Sadie Hawkins dance, and then a few days after her mother's funeral, her father tells her she should still go. The romance is a secondary plot line and doesn't overshadow the main story of how a teen lives through a parent's death without simple, clean resolutions. Life is messy and heartbreaking sometimes and this novel shows people how some individuals deal, or don't accept, a death in their family.
Fifteen-year-olds often live in many worlds, such as neighborhood, school, clubs, home. Reese juggles home, school, and her bff Brandon. Slowly, as her mother's health declines, Reese develops a malignancy of despondency and depression.
Interestingly, Kazmierski adds a malignancy to Reese's plant that she is to care for and write about for a semester. This was a genius device to use, but I think it could have been used even a bit more without being too heavy handed. The interactions with her teacher and Brandon in the greenhouse seemed to mirror some of the life events of others throughout the course of the novel.
The relationship that Reese had with her parents seemed almost lacking in true emotion and a mature love of parental units. There were words of love, but few actions that seemed constantly loving towards one another. Though I knew Reese loved them, she seemed more caught up in her own comfort and life than in helping her family and saying a good goodbye to her mother. I was surprised that I didn't see Reese interact with anyone besides Brandon. She and one girl smiled at each other, and Reese thought she might need to look for more friends than just Brandon, her bff, but we don't see this happening. I wondered why Reese seemed more of a recluse, if something in her life had impacted her.
The hint of friendship turning to romance is one point of caring that is clearly seen in the novel as first Reese's mother encourages her to ask Brandon to the Sadie Hawkins dance, and then a few days after her mother's funeral, her father tells her she should still go. The romance is a secondary plot line and doesn't overshadow the main story of how a teen lives through a parent's death without simple, clean resolutions. Life is messy and heartbreaking sometimes and this novel shows people how some individuals deal, or don't accept, a death in their family.
October 24, 2017
This is perhaps one of the best stories I've read. This story wonderfully portrays the trials and turmoils of the life of fifteen year old, Reese when her mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The situation made her father draw himself away from the family. The story beautifully describes how she cares for her mother, tries to hold the family together and balances between her family life and life as a teen. Her chemistry with her bestie, Brandon, seemed so cute. The story made me laugh and cry at the same time. The characters seem so real. This is a story of hope, heartbreak and healing. I must say the author has an uncanny ability make her readers stay glued to the book till the end. Simply wonderful!
The title is catchy and just appropriate. The theme is so nice. The plot is well chosen. The cover is really sweet. The language is lucid. The blurb is short and crisp. The characters have been well designed.
Cover - 4.7/5
Title - 4.5/5
Theme - 4.8/5
Plot - 4.5/5
Language - 4.5/5
Blurb - 4.5/5
Characterisation - 4.5/5
Overall I must say this is a very nice story. It surely touched my heart. Thank you Emily for giving me the opportunity to read such a wonderful story. 💟
The title is catchy and just appropriate. The theme is so nice. The plot is well chosen. The cover is really sweet. The language is lucid. The blurb is short and crisp. The characters have been well designed.
Cover - 4.7/5
Title - 4.5/5
Theme - 4.8/5
Plot - 4.5/5
Language - 4.5/5
Blurb - 4.5/5
Characterisation - 4.5/5
Overall I must say this is a very nice story. It surely touched my heart. Thank you Emily for giving me the opportunity to read such a wonderful story. 💟
May 26, 2017
I'm always a sucker for a good young adult book, and this one was no exception. The story starts with Reese going about her life with her mom, dad and best friend, Brandon. Except her mom starts to feel ill and a myriad of tests are run before it's discovered she has cancer. Opting to spend her last days at home with her family, the story follows Reese as she struggles to come to terms with her mother dying. It was beautifully told and heart-wrenching in places. Watching Reese's dad pull away as his way of dealing with his own grief was heartbreaking. The book is amazing and very much one I enjoyed. My only complaint was that it felt a little short in places, but other than that, a wonderful story and an author to keep an eye on. Recommended.
April 26, 2019
This is an emotional, quick read.
Reese is in high school, her Mother has been diagnosed with cancer and chooses to live out her final weeks at home, and her Dad is dealing with this revelation by withdrawing from the family. Thankfully Reese's best friend Brandon and his family are a huge source of comfort for Reese throughout this time.
Reese is such a likable character and to see how she has to step up in the family's household while her Dad is already grieving and doesn't understand how to cope with his emotions during such a tragic time is both brave and heartbreaking.
Though short, Malignant will punch you in the feels.
Reese is in high school, her Mother has been diagnosed with cancer and chooses to live out her final weeks at home, and her Dad is dealing with this revelation by withdrawing from the family. Thankfully Reese's best friend Brandon and his family are a huge source of comfort for Reese throughout this time.
Reese is such a likable character and to see how she has to step up in the family's household while her Dad is already grieving and doesn't understand how to cope with his emotions during such a tragic time is both brave and heartbreaking.
Though short, Malignant will punch you in the feels.
March 20, 2023
We are not immune from a life that comes with hardships. Kazmierski really hits home with the daily life of a girl named Reese going through high school, figuring out a relationship with a boy, and coping with the fast deteriorating health of a dearly loved parent. We see the very real comparisons of how different people cope and struggle with the news of a family member getting terrible news from the doctor. I found myself rooting for Reese and getting equally frustrated when the character was as well.
August 28, 2017
Growing up fast
This Book is about life and things a teenager faces. Choices she hats to make. Her support group. The help and understanding friend and
his family's love and understanding. Together with her mother's choice , and her father she gets through a very hard time in her young life.
This book is very well written on true life experience. It should be read by all teenagers. It's a eye opener.
This Book is about life and things a teenager faces. Choices she hats to make. Her support group. The help and understanding friend and
his family's love and understanding. Together with her mother's choice , and her father she gets through a very hard time in her young life.
This book is very well written on true life experience. It should be read by all teenagers. It's a eye opener.
June 20, 2019
A good read
I loved the characters in this book. They felt so real. This is a cute coming-of-age story.
The book is not without its flaws. Some typos etc. aside, what started to bug me over time was the author's need to describe every single piece of action, step by step. I like the little gestures - they make characters realistic - but I don't need detailed descriptions for everything.
Still an enjoyable read that touches the heart.
I loved the characters in this book. They felt so real. This is a cute coming-of-age story.
The book is not without its flaws. Some typos etc. aside, what started to bug me over time was the author's need to describe every single piece of action, step by step. I like the little gestures - they make characters realistic - but I don't need detailed descriptions for everything.
Still an enjoyable read that touches the heart.
November 29, 2021
Great Story
This book has it all! Great characters and a great story. It's a book that young teams will enjoy. It's a story that many teens might be able to relate to. A mom's cancer diagnosis and her rapidly declining health. I've seen it happen in many families but there was a sweet simplicity to this story. No romance, no sex, no vulgar language. That's the kind of book for young teens.
This book has it all! Great characters and a great story. It's a book that young teams will enjoy. It's a story that many teens might be able to relate to. A mom's cancer diagnosis and her rapidly declining health. I've seen it happen in many families but there was a sweet simplicity to this story. No romance, no sex, no vulgar language. That's the kind of book for young teens.
August 27, 2017
You smile, you cry and want to hold Reese into your arms and take care of her.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews