What do you think?
Rate this book
Safe Harbour
As crazy as her father’s plan sounds, sticking to it is easy for Harbour — until it isn’t.
Fourteen-year-old Harbour is living in a tent in a Toronto ravine with her dog, a two-month supply of canned tuna, and an eccentric reading list. She’s not homeless, she tells herself. She’s merely waiting for her home — a thirty-six-foot sailboat — to arrive with her father at the helm. Why should she worry when the clouds give her signs that assure her that she’s safe and protected?
When her credit card gets declined, phone contact from her father stops, and summer slips into a frosty fall, Harbour is forced to face reality and accept the help of a homeless girl named Lise to survive on the streets. Lise shows Harbour how to panhandle and navigate the shelter system while trying to unravel Harbour's mysterious past. But if Harbour tells her anything, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Fourteen-year-old Harbour is living in a tent in a Toronto ravine with her dog, a two-month supply of canned tuna, and an eccentric reading list. She’s not homeless, she tells herself. She’s merely waiting for her home — a thirty-six-foot sailboat — to arrive with her father at the helm. Why should she worry when the clouds give her signs that assure her that she’s safe and protected?
When her credit card gets declined, phone contact from her father stops, and summer slips into a frosty fall, Harbour is forced to face reality and accept the help of a homeless girl named Lise to survive on the streets. Lise shows Harbour how to panhandle and navigate the shelter system while trying to unravel Harbour's mysterious past. But if Harbour tells her anything, the consequences could be catastrophic.
264 pages, ebook
First published November 16, 2019
17 people are currently reading
1954 people want to read
About the author
Christina Kilbourne
16 books110 followersChristina Kilbourne is an award-winning young adult author who handles complex subjects with sensitivity and tact while covering issues of critical significance to youth.
Her novel, Dear Jo, was the recipient of three Canadian young reader’s choice awards in British Columbia (Red Cedar), Saskatchewan (Snow Willow) and Manitoba (MYRCA). It was also shortlisted for a young reader’s choice award in New York (New York State Charlotte Award). She is a four-time recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Works in Progress Grant.
Christina Kilbourne was born in Southwestern, Ontario, then moved and spent her elementary and high school years in Muskoka, a resort area two hours north of Toronto, Canada.
She graduated with an Honours BA in English Literature and Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters degree in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Windsor, Ontario.
Upon graduating Christina travelled across Africa, Mexico, Central, South America, Australia and parts of the South Pacific. She lived two years in New Zealand.
She writes adult, young adult and middle grade fiction and has had her work translated into Slovenian, Portuguese, Ukrainian and Spanish.
Christina currently lives with her husband and two children near Bracebridge, Canada. She is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada.
Her novel, Dear Jo, was the recipient of three Canadian young reader’s choice awards in British Columbia (Red Cedar), Saskatchewan (Snow Willow) and Manitoba (MYRCA). It was also shortlisted for a young reader’s choice award in New York (New York State Charlotte Award). She is a four-time recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Works in Progress Grant.
Christina Kilbourne was born in Southwestern, Ontario, then moved and spent her elementary and high school years in Muskoka, a resort area two hours north of Toronto, Canada.
She graduated with an Honours BA in English Literature and Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters degree in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Windsor, Ontario.
Upon graduating Christina travelled across Africa, Mexico, Central, South America, Australia and parts of the South Pacific. She lived two years in New Zealand.
She writes adult, young adult and middle grade fiction and has had her work translated into Slovenian, Portuguese, Ukrainian and Spanish.
Christina currently lives with her husband and two children near Bracebridge, Canada. She is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 30, 2019
Safe Harbour by Christina Kilbourne is classified for Teens and Young Adults but I feel many older adults will think this book is fantastic.
Fourteen year old Harbour has been living on a boat in and around Florida with her father for several years when he sends her and her dog Tuff (Tuff Stuff) on a bus to Toronto. She is living there in a tent in a ravine with her dog, canned tuna and a reading list unlike that for most teenagers. Then her father is late meeting her and stops calling; her credit card is declined and winter is approaching.
Most of the novel is heart-rend, but it has moments that are heart-warming. It makes you think about those that are less fortunate or different or just going through a hard time and how they are treated. With today’s polarization, this book should get us to think long and hard about our attitudes toward others.
This is a well-written story that has characters with depth in Harbour and her friend Lise. There are also several great supporting characters including a librarian. Most readers will likely experience a wide range of emotions just as Harbour went from anticipation to sadness to fear to trust to joy. The book also gives us an interesting twist at the end.
Where is Harbour’s father? Why is he late to meet her in Toronto? How does Harbour survive the winter? I highly recommend that you read Safe Harbour to find out and experience this fantastic book. I look forward to reading more of Christina Kilbourne’s books.
Many thanks to Dundurn Press, Christina Kilbourne and Net Galley for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Fourteen year old Harbour has been living on a boat in and around Florida with her father for several years when he sends her and her dog Tuff (Tuff Stuff) on a bus to Toronto. She is living there in a tent in a ravine with her dog, canned tuna and a reading list unlike that for most teenagers. Then her father is late meeting her and stops calling; her credit card is declined and winter is approaching.
Most of the novel is heart-rend, but it has moments that are heart-warming. It makes you think about those that are less fortunate or different or just going through a hard time and how they are treated. With today’s polarization, this book should get us to think long and hard about our attitudes toward others.
This is a well-written story that has characters with depth in Harbour and her friend Lise. There are also several great supporting characters including a librarian. Most readers will likely experience a wide range of emotions just as Harbour went from anticipation to sadness to fear to trust to joy. The book also gives us an interesting twist at the end.
Where is Harbour’s father? Why is he late to meet her in Toronto? How does Harbour survive the winter? I highly recommend that you read Safe Harbour to find out and experience this fantastic book. I look forward to reading more of Christina Kilbourne’s books.
Many thanks to Dundurn Press, Christina Kilbourne and Net Galley for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
December 3, 2019
Rating: 4 street-smart stars
Oh Harbour, how have you found yourself in this situation? We first meet fourteen-year-old Harbour as she is camping out in a park ravine in Toronto, Ontario. It’s the middle of summer and she’s got plenty of tuna fish and crackers to keep her fed, and her dog, Tuff Stuff (‘Tuff’ for short) to keep her company. Harbour’s Dad selected the spot. Then he sent her up by bus from Florida to get the tent camp set up in Toronto. He insisted that he would sail their live-aboard boat up from southern Florida in just a few weeks.
The weeks turn into months. Dad’s credit card stops working. Dad stops answering his phone. Harbour runs out of money. The only bright spot in Harbour’s life is Lise. Lise is a homeless teenager who knows how to survive on the streets. She befriends Harbour and shows her ins-and-outs of living on the street. Harbour can’t move into a shelter because they don’t allow dogs. Harbour cannot abandon Tuff. Every day turns into a struggle to gather food and stay warm as winter sets in. While this book is categorized as a Young Adult novel, it tackles some very adult issues. It shines a bright light on the plight of the homeless and mental illness.
This book is full of compassion and wit. I cared what happened to Harbour and Lise. After reading this book, I had a better idea of what homeless face as daily struggles; finding food and safe shelter; staying clean; and trying to move forward away from homelessness. There was also an element of mental illness in the story. The author skillfully described the symptoms and inner voices of the mentally ill. The characters struggling with it were humanized and three-dimensional. As this story shows, mental illness touches many people in the orbit of the actual person suffering from the illness.
The only thing that I take issue with in the book is that Harbour and Lise’s storylines were just too neatly wrapped up. The rest of the story was so realistic, but the ending was just a bit fantastical. Hence, my 4-star rating. I would recommend this to readers (young adult, or adult) who like a mystery accompanied by some relevant social commentary. I have whole-heartedly recommend this entertaining read to my friends.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Dundurn Press; and the author, Christina Kilbourne for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh Harbour, how have you found yourself in this situation? We first meet fourteen-year-old Harbour as she is camping out in a park ravine in Toronto, Ontario. It’s the middle of summer and she’s got plenty of tuna fish and crackers to keep her fed, and her dog, Tuff Stuff (‘Tuff’ for short) to keep her company. Harbour’s Dad selected the spot. Then he sent her up by bus from Florida to get the tent camp set up in Toronto. He insisted that he would sail their live-aboard boat up from southern Florida in just a few weeks.
The weeks turn into months. Dad’s credit card stops working. Dad stops answering his phone. Harbour runs out of money. The only bright spot in Harbour’s life is Lise. Lise is a homeless teenager who knows how to survive on the streets. She befriends Harbour and shows her ins-and-outs of living on the street. Harbour can’t move into a shelter because they don’t allow dogs. Harbour cannot abandon Tuff. Every day turns into a struggle to gather food and stay warm as winter sets in. While this book is categorized as a Young Adult novel, it tackles some very adult issues. It shines a bright light on the plight of the homeless and mental illness.
This book is full of compassion and wit. I cared what happened to Harbour and Lise. After reading this book, I had a better idea of what homeless face as daily struggles; finding food and safe shelter; staying clean; and trying to move forward away from homelessness. There was also an element of mental illness in the story. The author skillfully described the symptoms and inner voices of the mentally ill. The characters struggling with it were humanized and three-dimensional. As this story shows, mental illness touches many people in the orbit of the actual person suffering from the illness.
The only thing that I take issue with in the book is that Harbour and Lise’s storylines were just too neatly wrapped up. The rest of the story was so realistic, but the ending was just a bit fantastical. Hence, my 4-star rating. I would recommend this to readers (young adult, or adult) who like a mystery accompanied by some relevant social commentary. I have whole-heartedly recommend this entertaining read to my friends.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Dundurn Press; and the author, Christina Kilbourne for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2020
3.5/5 stars
Fourteen year old Harbour is not homeless, she tells herself. She’s merely waiting for her home — a thirty-six-foot sailboat — to arrive with her father at the helm… Until then, she spends her summer living in a tent with her dog, a credit card, an eccentric reading list and her dad’s promise that he’ll be within a few weeks. But when months go by without a word from dad, her credit card gets declined and summer turns to frosty fall, things are starting to look fairly bleak.
With the help of a homeless girl named Lise, Harbour struggles to navigate her life on the streets, and tries to find out the truth about what happened to her father.
Before we start: a small disclaimer:
Christina Kilbourne choses to tackle some heavy topics, some of which like homelessness and the American shelter system, do not get featured much in YA fiction. I very much appreciated that, and curious to see how she would approach this. This subject matter however, does make it hard for me to give you an informed opinion. I’m not from the U.S. and social security, child welfare and the shelter system are very different where I’m from. In short: it was hard for me to suspend my disbelief at times, as I kept thinking that none of this would fly, and there’s no way a child could slip through the cracks this much.
At the same time, I’m aware that it might be far from the reality I know, but maybe not far from the reality in America. I truly hope it isn’t, but if it is: please America, get your social system together… This shouldn’t be our reality…
About the book:
Despite all the heavy topics, Christine Kilbourne does a brilliant job of balancing out the heavy moments with the lighter ones. Most of that comes from the character of Harbour herself, who is a wonderful character to read from. It’s often difficult for an adult-author to write from the perspective of a child or teen, but Kilbourne nails it with the portrayal of this 14-year old teen: she has the right amount of maturity to take basic care of herself for now, but has enough naivety and childlike wonder in her to show she’s far from a grown-up.
It’s this childlike lookout that makes the book a bit lighter: like a true child, Harbour is able to see the fun and adventure in some aspects of her situation. In her friendship with Lise and childlike naivety, she tries to create her own fun be pretending this is all a big camping trip, instead of a life-altering crisis. As an adult it’ frustrating to see her behave like this, but it’s authentic for her age, and Kilbourne makes sure never to cross the line to romanticising Harbours circumstances.
The writing style and pacing are accessible and match the target audience well, making for an engaging story that fourteen-year-old-me would have loved and learned a lot from.
Apart from all the good, I have two points of critique that got in the way of my enjoyment. I mentioned suspension of disbelief earlier. Throughout the book we learn that Harbours father has some eccentric beliefs, and that the circumstances surrounding his boat trip may have been a bit suspicious. Although I can see how Harbour wouldn’t have recognized this, being a child and unable to distance herself from the situation, I’m not buying that nobody else noticed. I just couldn’t understand why nobody would step. Even Lise who’s a bit older ánd has distance to the situations should have been able to see something was off… I don’t think it’s the best message to send to young teens to tell them it’s okay not to call in authorities in this case…
My second dislike was the ending. About 70% in I began to prepare for a tear-jerker ending. Harbours situation seemed so bleak that there was no way this was going to lead to a happy ending. Yet somehow, the author tried to put that spin on it in the end. It felt very rushed and unbelievably convenient, and took a lot away from the messages the book had to give.
Many thanks to Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fourteen year old Harbour is not homeless, she tells herself. She’s merely waiting for her home — a thirty-six-foot sailboat — to arrive with her father at the helm… Until then, she spends her summer living in a tent with her dog, a credit card, an eccentric reading list and her dad’s promise that he’ll be within a few weeks. But when months go by without a word from dad, her credit card gets declined and summer turns to frosty fall, things are starting to look fairly bleak.
With the help of a homeless girl named Lise, Harbour struggles to navigate her life on the streets, and tries to find out the truth about what happened to her father.
Before we start: a small disclaimer:
Christina Kilbourne choses to tackle some heavy topics, some of which like homelessness and the American shelter system, do not get featured much in YA fiction. I very much appreciated that, and curious to see how she would approach this. This subject matter however, does make it hard for me to give you an informed opinion. I’m not from the U.S. and social security, child welfare and the shelter system are very different where I’m from. In short: it was hard for me to suspend my disbelief at times, as I kept thinking that none of this would fly, and there’s no way a child could slip through the cracks this much.
At the same time, I’m aware that it might be far from the reality I know, but maybe not far from the reality in America. I truly hope it isn’t, but if it is: please America, get your social system together… This shouldn’t be our reality…
About the book:
Despite all the heavy topics, Christine Kilbourne does a brilliant job of balancing out the heavy moments with the lighter ones. Most of that comes from the character of Harbour herself, who is a wonderful character to read from. It’s often difficult for an adult-author to write from the perspective of a child or teen, but Kilbourne nails it with the portrayal of this 14-year old teen: she has the right amount of maturity to take basic care of herself for now, but has enough naivety and childlike wonder in her to show she’s far from a grown-up.
It’s this childlike lookout that makes the book a bit lighter: like a true child, Harbour is able to see the fun and adventure in some aspects of her situation. In her friendship with Lise and childlike naivety, she tries to create her own fun be pretending this is all a big camping trip, instead of a life-altering crisis. As an adult it’ frustrating to see her behave like this, but it’s authentic for her age, and Kilbourne makes sure never to cross the line to romanticising Harbours circumstances.
The writing style and pacing are accessible and match the target audience well, making for an engaging story that fourteen-year-old-me would have loved and learned a lot from.
Apart from all the good, I have two points of critique that got in the way of my enjoyment. I mentioned suspension of disbelief earlier. Throughout the book we learn that Harbours father has some eccentric beliefs, and that the circumstances surrounding his boat trip may have been a bit suspicious. Although I can see how Harbour wouldn’t have recognized this, being a child and unable to distance herself from the situation, I’m not buying that nobody else noticed. I just couldn’t understand why nobody would step. Even Lise who’s a bit older ánd has distance to the situations should have been able to see something was off… I don’t think it’s the best message to send to young teens to tell them it’s okay not to call in authorities in this case…
My second dislike was the ending. About 70% in I began to prepare for a tear-jerker ending. Harbours situation seemed so bleak that there was no way this was going to lead to a happy ending. Yet somehow, the author tried to put that spin on it in the end. It felt very rushed and unbelievably convenient, and took a lot away from the messages the book had to give.
Many thanks to Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
This was such a unique story!
The story follows fourteen year old Harbour as she, and her dog Tuff navigate the city of Toronto. The plan is to wait for her father to arrive on Starlight, their thirty six foot sailboat. As time passes by, Harbours food supply starts to dwindle, there's zero contact from her father, and the cold of winter has arrived. That's when reality starts to sink in...
I found this to be such an enjoyable read. Especially for one that touches on some hard hitting topics, including homelessness and mental illness. I felt such a love for both Harbour and her friend Lise.
Huge thank you to Dundurn Press for my gifted copy!
The story follows fourteen year old Harbour as she, and her dog Tuff navigate the city of Toronto. The plan is to wait for her father to arrive on Starlight, their thirty six foot sailboat. As time passes by, Harbours food supply starts to dwindle, there's zero contact from her father, and the cold of winter has arrived. That's when reality starts to sink in...
I found this to be such an enjoyable read. Especially for one that touches on some hard hitting topics, including homelessness and mental illness. I felt such a love for both Harbour and her friend Lise.
Huge thank you to Dundurn Press for my gifted copy!
October 19, 2019
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
What a moving book. It really makes you feel like you should count your blessings, because not everyone lives in an easy, safe environment. Some kids have to sleep outside in a tent or the street when the weather is freezing. And it makes you think, what did the kid ever do to deserve this kind of life? Nobody deserves it. But it's so easy to slip through the cracks of society. And we rarely tend to think or write stories about these people. We should. We shouldn't forget.
I'm glad I read this book. It's easily readable, moving and has a strong topic. Makes you remember you should be thankful for what you have.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
What a moving book. It really makes you feel like you should count your blessings, because not everyone lives in an easy, safe environment. Some kids have to sleep outside in a tent or the street when the weather is freezing. And it makes you think, what did the kid ever do to deserve this kind of life? Nobody deserves it. But it's so easy to slip through the cracks of society. And we rarely tend to think or write stories about these people. We should. We shouldn't forget.
I'm glad I read this book. It's easily readable, moving and has a strong topic. Makes you remember you should be thankful for what you have.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
August 3, 2019
I didn't really know what to expect from the synopsis for Safe Harbour, but it's safe to say I was pleasantly surprised.
For a novel that addresses some hard-hitting issues (including homelessness and mental illness), I found it quite a gentle read, told with care and empathy. Harbour and Lise are very real, sympathetic characters, and I felt a sense of connection to them early on. Kilbourne shows a real understanding of her teen protagonists and their world, striking the perfect balance between making them tough and practical, without being overly emotionally mature. Harbour is a refreshing YA heroine: I loved her innocence and her resilience.
There are moments that might have benefited from a little more action, and there were a couple of loose threads I wish were explored (perhaps Harbour's pov was a bit too blinkered at times), but I was so captivated by the characters that it didn’t really matter. Safe Harbour is an engaging, thoughtful read – and a pretty unique YA.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
For a novel that addresses some hard-hitting issues (including homelessness and mental illness), I found it quite a gentle read, told with care and empathy. Harbour and Lise are very real, sympathetic characters, and I felt a sense of connection to them early on. Kilbourne shows a real understanding of her teen protagonists and their world, striking the perfect balance between making them tough and practical, without being overly emotionally mature. Harbour is a refreshing YA heroine: I loved her innocence and her resilience.
There are moments that might have benefited from a little more action, and there were a couple of loose threads I wish were explored (perhaps Harbour's pov was a bit too blinkered at times), but I was so captivated by the characters that it didn’t really matter. Safe Harbour is an engaging, thoughtful read – and a pretty unique YA.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
October 18, 2022
Awww! This book was all kinds of amazing!
5-star amazing!
It was heartbreaking and uplifting, despairing and hopeful, all at the same time.
IT WAS ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS!
if you like books like See You in the Cosmos and Wonder , that are sad but at the same time uplifting, you may like this book. And I hope you love it as much as I did!
This is one of those books that has a "magical quality" that is always hard to describe. It's contemporary and realistic but it's the combination of beautiful writing, whimsical descriptions of emotions and setting that gives it that quality.
I don’t even know how to review it
I had never read the topic of homelessness, and I have never been homeless so I can really speak of the representation, but it felt beautifully done to me: realistic but at the same time compassionate and with so much human dimension. I was SO HAPPY to read about this topic in such way because I think it is one of those situations that are usually very much stigmatized.
There is also a mental health component that was also a plot twist that I didn't see coming (and I see them coming 99% of the time!) that was just PERFECT!
When this is disclosed it was very well represented in my opinion (I do have much experience with loved ones afflicted)
Because of the topics of abandonment and homelessness the entire book has a mood of despair but then you can't help but feel gratitude for the things we often take for granted like a warm home in winter and homemade meals. You can't also help but to connect with Harbour and root for her.
The story develops more like a slow mystery but there is not getting bored with all the hardships Harbour has to face and the adventures in which she embarks. You'll keep turning the pages wondering how on earth Harbour is going to survive another day homeless and alone without her dad.
I'm adding this book to my collection of "dear books that touch my heart" :)
I cannot recommend it enough!
5-star amazing!
It was heartbreaking and uplifting, despairing and hopeful, all at the same time.
IT WAS ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS!
if you like books like See You in the Cosmos and Wonder , that are sad but at the same time uplifting, you may like this book. And I hope you love it as much as I did!
This is one of those books that has a "magical quality" that is always hard to describe. It's contemporary and realistic but it's the combination of beautiful writing, whimsical descriptions of emotions and setting that gives it that quality.
I don’t even know how to review it
I had never read the topic of homelessness, and I have never been homeless so I can really speak of the representation, but it felt beautifully done to me: realistic but at the same time compassionate and with so much human dimension. I was SO HAPPY to read about this topic in such way because I think it is one of those situations that are usually very much stigmatized.
There is also a mental health component that was also a plot twist that I didn't see coming (and I see them coming 99% of the time!) that was just PERFECT!
When this is disclosed it was very well represented in my opinion (I do have much experience with loved ones afflicted)
Because of the topics of abandonment and homelessness the entire book has a mood of despair but then you can't help but feel gratitude for the things we often take for granted like a warm home in winter and homemade meals. You can't also help but to connect with Harbour and root for her.
The story develops more like a slow mystery but there is not getting bored with all the hardships Harbour has to face and the adventures in which she embarks. You'll keep turning the pages wondering how on earth Harbour is going to survive another day homeless and alone without her dad.
I'm adding this book to my collection of "dear books that touch my heart" :)
I cannot recommend it enough!
February 12, 2020
I am saying 3.5 stars rounded up. This was a pretty good YA novel! I enjoyed the story, though the end was a bit "deus ex machina"*, I still liked the book quite a lot overall. I would have no doubt loved it as a 13-14 year old! Something about survival stories seem to really appeal to kids and teens I think.
Fun, fairly quick read with a happy ending. I'd probably have a different rating or thoughts if this was a book for adults with the same story, but I am judging it for what it is.
*Does my grade 9 English teacher follow me on Goodreads? YES. Did I learn what this means in her class? ALSO YES.
Fun, fairly quick read with a happy ending. I'd probably have a different rating or thoughts if this was a book for adults with the same story, but I am judging it for what it is.
*Does my grade 9 English teacher follow me on Goodreads? YES. Did I learn what this means in her class? ALSO YES.
August 5, 2019
I'm not sure what I expected from this book and to be honest, started it without refreshing my memory on the story line. All I can say is WOW. devastating. I ugly cried at the end. I really loved this book for the incredibly powerful and confronting journey it took me on, looking at youth homelessness, homelessness in general and mental illness. All themes that I have not come across a lot in the fiction that I've read. A quick explanation of the plot; 14 year old Harbour has arrived in Toronto, Canada just prior to the cold season and is camping with her dog in a ravine close to the city. She is awaiting the arrival of her Dad, whom is Captaining their yacht up to Lake Ontario from Florida. But all is not as it seems. This is a beautiful story of friendship, survival and heartbreak. Thankyou to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
December 5, 2019
For other fun bookish things, visit my blog!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. Safe Harbour debuts December 10th.
Safe Harbour is one of a few books I’ve read this year that I’d put in the category of “issue books,” i.e., books that focus on particular real world situations that might not affect all readers, but help give insight and understanding. Myself I wouldn’t normally peg as an issue book kind of reader since I can really bristle at anything that feels too preachy, but Safe Harbour really spoke to me; I was rooting for the MC from page one, especially because she’s in such a perilous situation: a fourteen-year-old on her own in Toronto waiting for her transient father to arrive on his boat. All she has to her name is a tent, a meager stash of cash, a maxed-out credit card, a phone, tuna cans, and soda crackers–oh, and she has a dog that she also has to provide for. And winter is coming, and the MC, who is used to warmer Florida weather, has no idea of the scope of a northern winter.
It’s an unlikely story, but Kilbourne does a great job helping readers see how events could have led to this point. Be prepared for a harrowing story: Safe Harbour illustrates real nice and clear how easily someone can become a victim of sex trafficking, lose a finger to frost bite, or let love (for example, for a pet or a family member struggling with mental illness) keep you from taking steps toward safety. Things worked out okay in the end, but I was praying for the MC along the way.
The characters are the shining feature of this story. For once, I was fully on board the unreliable narrator wagon–I’m not always into unreliable narrators, but I thought it worked splendidly for Safe Harbour. I did think the end wrapped up a bit too neatly and wasn’t that believable, but it didn’t spoil the book in any way. If you’re looking for an issue book that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and doesn’t get too preachy, Safe Harbour is a good choice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. Safe Harbour debuts December 10th.
Safe Harbour is one of a few books I’ve read this year that I’d put in the category of “issue books,” i.e., books that focus on particular real world situations that might not affect all readers, but help give insight and understanding. Myself I wouldn’t normally peg as an issue book kind of reader since I can really bristle at anything that feels too preachy, but Safe Harbour really spoke to me; I was rooting for the MC from page one, especially because she’s in such a perilous situation: a fourteen-year-old on her own in Toronto waiting for her transient father to arrive on his boat. All she has to her name is a tent, a meager stash of cash, a maxed-out credit card, a phone, tuna cans, and soda crackers–oh, and she has a dog that she also has to provide for. And winter is coming, and the MC, who is used to warmer Florida weather, has no idea of the scope of a northern winter.
It’s an unlikely story, but Kilbourne does a great job helping readers see how events could have led to this point. Be prepared for a harrowing story: Safe Harbour illustrates real nice and clear how easily someone can become a victim of sex trafficking, lose a finger to frost bite, or let love (for example, for a pet or a family member struggling with mental illness) keep you from taking steps toward safety. Things worked out okay in the end, but I was praying for the MC along the way.
The characters are the shining feature of this story. For once, I was fully on board the unreliable narrator wagon–I’m not always into unreliable narrators, but I thought it worked splendidly for Safe Harbour. I did think the end wrapped up a bit too neatly and wasn’t that believable, but it didn’t spoil the book in any way. If you’re looking for an issue book that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and doesn’t get too preachy, Safe Harbour is a good choice.
August 13, 2020
Due to my infrequent association with middle-grade fiction, I have very minimal expectations once I realise I am reading one. I do not read the blurb of a book once I have queued it into my reading for thrills. This is one book which tackles quite desperate situations, prejudices, all the while not talking down to the audience.
Harbour is waiting; she has instructions from her father to hunker down in Canada and wait for his arrival. She has been trained by him and is 'odd' by comparison with other kids of her age. The guiding light that she is unaware she needs comes in the form of a homeless girl who left home years ago. The content is sad for the most part, but there are twists hinted at which are never quite the expected ones when the revelations come around.
There is a lot of story within fewer pages, and the author's narrative skill kept me invested. It is probably too harsh for a much younger audience, but teens could read, learn from and enjoy it. Some events seem a little far-fetched but suit the story and therefore its presence(s) can be accepted.
Harbour is waiting; she has instructions from her father to hunker down in Canada and wait for his arrival. She has been trained by him and is 'odd' by comparison with other kids of her age. The guiding light that she is unaware she needs comes in the form of a homeless girl who left home years ago. The content is sad for the most part, but there are twists hinted at which are never quite the expected ones when the revelations come around.
There is a lot of story within fewer pages, and the author's narrative skill kept me invested. It is probably too harsh for a much younger audience, but teens could read, learn from and enjoy it. Some events seem a little far-fetched but suit the story and therefore its presence(s) can be accepted.
November 7, 2019
This is a great YA for readers at the younger end of that demographic. It’s a stark and sympathetic look at homelessness, with relatable characters and strong friendships.
The two main characters – Harbour and Lise – come from very different backgrounds, something that doesn’t matter a great deal when in the same dire situation, especially in a city with particularly harsh winters.
The mystery of Harbour’s past, although really a subplot, is well executed, and at the end I was left considering that everyone in the story is a victim of some kind. The shift from a rose-tinted vision of her past to the reality was well paced and shocking, even when (possibly particularly as an adult reader) you can see it coming.
I found this a quick and engaging read, highly recommended for younger readers.
The two main characters – Harbour and Lise – come from very different backgrounds, something that doesn’t matter a great deal when in the same dire situation, especially in a city with particularly harsh winters.
The mystery of Harbour’s past, although really a subplot, is well executed, and at the end I was left considering that everyone in the story is a victim of some kind. The shift from a rose-tinted vision of her past to the reality was well paced and shocking, even when (possibly particularly as an adult reader) you can see it coming.
I found this a quick and engaging read, highly recommended for younger readers.
October 19, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. It is based on a young girl named Harbour who, at 14, is camping waiting on the return of her father. This little girl survives living between a camp and a homeless shelter. The story tackles homelessness for young adults and mental health also. They are both dealt with beautifully and respectfully, not sensationalising them just for a story. Ultimately it is a book about courage, hope and the ties that can bind people together regardless of their circumstances. I have this book 5 stars as I loved it!!
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting. It is based on a young girl named Harbour who, at 14, is camping waiting on the return of her father. This little girl survives living between a camp and a homeless shelter. The story tackles homelessness for young adults and mental health also. They are both dealt with beautifully and respectfully, not sensationalising them just for a story. Ultimately it is a book about courage, hope and the ties that can bind people together regardless of their circumstances. I have this book 5 stars as I loved it!!
December 16, 2021
If you saw 14 year old Harbour Mandrayke and her dog Tuff Stuff on the street, you’d assume they were homeless, but she’d quickly tell you that they were just waiting for her father to sail into Ashbridges Bay piloting their 36 foot sailboat, Starlight.
With the days passing by quicker and quicker, her food dwindling and her credit card declined Harbour starts to feel rumblings in her self conscious that maybe something has happened to her dad.
There’s nothing she can do except continue to wait, try to avoid the pitfalls of living outdoors in Toronto and hope that her gut feeling is incorrect and her dad will show up momentarily.
Red Maple nominee 2020
With the days passing by quicker and quicker, her food dwindling and her credit card declined Harbour starts to feel rumblings in her self conscious that maybe something has happened to her dad.
There’s nothing she can do except continue to wait, try to avoid the pitfalls of living outdoors in Toronto and hope that her gut feeling is incorrect and her dad will show up momentarily.
Red Maple nominee 2020
November 19, 2019
A solid, intriguing and emotional read for YAs - and beyond! I enjoyed this quick read and found myself really feeling for Harbour, the main character. I wasn't sure where it was headed for a good part of the plot, but eventually it all worked itself out. I wish the mental health aspect was a little deeper, but it was relevant and powerful nonetheless.
I enjoyed this novel, and would definitely recommend it for ages 14 and up. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I enjoyed this novel, and would definitely recommend it for ages 14 and up. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
August 20, 2019
I was drawn to this book for a couple of reasons - first, the setting - my high school hometown, Toronto; second, I liked the idea of diving into the world of homeless teens. At first, the premise for how Harbour ends up in Toronto turned me off - what fourteen year old girl actually believes that her father would send her to camp out in a big city while he sails from Florida all the way to Toronto? As the book continues and Harbour begins to develop a relationship with a homeless teen named Lise, however, Kilbourne weaves a more and more believable explanation, slowly revealing bits and pieces of the whole story until you can see exactly how this could have come to be. This slow reveal is what really made this book for me; it kept me reading and it kept me guessing as to what the next little piece was going to be.
The look in to the lives of homeless teens is well done - revealing both the positives (the kind and caring shelter worker) and the negatives (predatory men, eating out of dumpsters, addiction, cold weather) with empathy and respect. The ending, while a little to coincidental for my taste, is not picture perfect and you are left with just enough questions to keep it from feeling like it was wrapped up with a tidy bow.
Safe Harbour is not a gritty look at the life of teens on the streets of Toronto as the flyleaf might lead you to believe; rather, it is an exploration of a young girl coming to terms with her family, friends and the harsh realities of life. Sure, the desperation of life camping out in a ravine in the middle of a big city, with no money and no lifelines underscores the story and provides the background for pivotal moments, but the true beauty of this book lies in the gradual unfolding of Harbour herself. As Harbour says at the very end of the book "I don't know everything about how I feel, or anything about how I should feel. I don't even know how I want to feel. But I know without a doubt that the ground is solid beneath my feet and it feels good."
Gr. 7 and up. Be aware of language and some content (drinking mouthwash, sexual predators - - implied). There is mention of a free downloadable teacher's guide but I was unable to find it on the Dundurn Press website (perhaps it will be available after the book is officially released Nov 2019).
The look in to the lives of homeless teens is well done - revealing both the positives (the kind and caring shelter worker) and the negatives (predatory men, eating out of dumpsters, addiction, cold weather) with empathy and respect. The ending, while a little to coincidental for my taste, is not picture perfect and you are left with just enough questions to keep it from feeling like it was wrapped up with a tidy bow.
Safe Harbour is not a gritty look at the life of teens on the streets of Toronto as the flyleaf might lead you to believe; rather, it is an exploration of a young girl coming to terms with her family, friends and the harsh realities of life. Sure, the desperation of life camping out in a ravine in the middle of a big city, with no money and no lifelines underscores the story and provides the background for pivotal moments, but the true beauty of this book lies in the gradual unfolding of Harbour herself. As Harbour says at the very end of the book "I don't know everything about how I feel, or anything about how I should feel. I don't even know how I want to feel. But I know without a doubt that the ground is solid beneath my feet and it feels good."
Gr. 7 and up. Be aware of language and some content (drinking mouthwash, sexual predators - - implied). There is mention of a free downloadable teacher's guide but I was unable to find it on the Dundurn Press website (perhaps it will be available after the book is officially released Nov 2019).
September 2, 2019
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book gripped me from page one. It follows fourteen-year-old Harbour as she endures countless adversities while living homeless day by day, through the harsh winters of Toronto. The only things keeping her going are her dog Tuff and the promise from her father that he will soon come back for her.
I was deeply captivated by Harbour’s story; there wasn’t a part of me that ever wanted to put this book down. I think it’s in the way that Harbour is written as a character. She’s so young and still has that certain naive, childlike essence to her that wants to have faith in what she’s always been told despite everything that points to the opposite, that holds onto the belief that everything will work out. Yet at the same time, there’s also a quiet determination to her, even as she’s facing all of these challenges and clinging to that last ounce of hope. Behind everything she goes through, what ultimately drives her, is that sheer determination in believing that her father will return and that she must keep enduring until he gets here. I think that’s ultimately the driving theme behind this novel: emotional endurance and finding the strength and will within you to keep moving forward, in spite of your circumstances. From the first page, this theme is introduced when Harbour begins her daily ritual of finding her mother’s face in the cloud formations before she can truly start her day—AKA, searching for that silver lining, that positive force that motivates her to continue pushing through, day after day.
Beyond Harbour’s strength as a character, the plot will immediately draw you in deeper and deeper as Harbour starts to reveal more about her past, describing scattered and visceral memories of her father, leaving it up to you to gradually put the pieces together. As you’re reading the story, you have to decide whether you can trust Harbour’s father, as well as whether you can trust Harbour herself and the blind faith that she has in him.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this book, but it by and far blew me away, and I think everyone should read this. Harbour is a character whose combined perseverance and hope will move you as you follow alongside her in her journey, and her story is one that will linger with you long after you've turned the last page.
This book gripped me from page one. It follows fourteen-year-old Harbour as she endures countless adversities while living homeless day by day, through the harsh winters of Toronto. The only things keeping her going are her dog Tuff and the promise from her father that he will soon come back for her.
I was deeply captivated by Harbour’s story; there wasn’t a part of me that ever wanted to put this book down. I think it’s in the way that Harbour is written as a character. She’s so young and still has that certain naive, childlike essence to her that wants to have faith in what she’s always been told despite everything that points to the opposite, that holds onto the belief that everything will work out. Yet at the same time, there’s also a quiet determination to her, even as she’s facing all of these challenges and clinging to that last ounce of hope. Behind everything she goes through, what ultimately drives her, is that sheer determination in believing that her father will return and that she must keep enduring until he gets here. I think that’s ultimately the driving theme behind this novel: emotional endurance and finding the strength and will within you to keep moving forward, in spite of your circumstances. From the first page, this theme is introduced when Harbour begins her daily ritual of finding her mother’s face in the cloud formations before she can truly start her day—AKA, searching for that silver lining, that positive force that motivates her to continue pushing through, day after day.
Beyond Harbour’s strength as a character, the plot will immediately draw you in deeper and deeper as Harbour starts to reveal more about her past, describing scattered and visceral memories of her father, leaving it up to you to gradually put the pieces together. As you’re reading the story, you have to decide whether you can trust Harbour’s father, as well as whether you can trust Harbour herself and the blind faith that she has in him.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this book, but it by and far blew me away, and I think everyone should read this. Harbour is a character whose combined perseverance and hope will move you as you follow alongside her in her journey, and her story is one that will linger with you long after you've turned the last page.
November 3, 2019
Fourteen-year-old Harbour's mother passed away when she was young. Since then, she and her father have been living on their sailboat, sailing from port to port. He drops her off with a phone, a credit card, some cash and her dog, Tuff, in a port city in the States and tells her to catch a bus and make her way to Toronto, where her mother was from. He is going to sail there and join her in about five weeks. While Harbour waits for her dad, she and Tuff camp out in a tent in a ravine, keeping a low profile.
Harbour meets Lise, a homeless girl who spends her days panhandling and knows where to get handouts of food, and spends her nights in a shelter. When her credit card is declined, she is running out of money and her father is not answering his phone, Harbour must accept the help of Lise while she stubbornly waits for her father and never gives up hope that he will come for her even as summer becomes fall and then becomes winter.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I liked it, though I'm older that its target audience. I liked the writing style ... it is written in first person perspective in Harbour's voice. It's not a happy story and I'll admit that at chapter 13 I did jump ahead to the end (chapter 18) as I wanted to see if there would be a happy ending ... and then I jumped back to chapter 13 and carried on. I live in Toronto so it was fun that it was set here because I tried to figure out where the action was happening.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/11...
Harbour meets Lise, a homeless girl who spends her days panhandling and knows where to get handouts of food, and spends her nights in a shelter. When her credit card is declined, she is running out of money and her father is not answering his phone, Harbour must accept the help of Lise while she stubbornly waits for her father and never gives up hope that he will come for her even as summer becomes fall and then becomes winter.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I liked it, though I'm older that its target audience. I liked the writing style ... it is written in first person perspective in Harbour's voice. It's not a happy story and I'll admit that at chapter 13 I did jump ahead to the end (chapter 18) as I wanted to see if there would be a happy ending ... and then I jumped back to chapter 13 and carried on. I live in Toronto so it was fun that it was set here because I tried to figure out where the action was happening.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/11...
October 30, 2019
Harbour is doing just fine living all on her own. She knows how to hide her campsite so no one finds her is living in a ravine outside downtown Toronto. She knows she can “shower” and charge her phone every morning at the public library while keeping up on her reading. And she knows she has enough tuna and soda crackers to last her until her father makes it up to Toronto in their boat, or thought she did until he is few weeks late. As winter approaches, Harbour realizes that her plan may not be as perfect as she thought and that she may need some help.
I really hope the author’s note that was included in the advanced reader copy is also included in the final version as I think it perfectly sums about the book. Kilbourne says that she hopes the book is an antidote to chaos and a tool to teach tolerance and it does both of those things perfectly. I think this is because Harbour’s character is so well developed through the thoughts in her head and her gradual willingness to open up to other characters. The plot also helped to highlight her struggle with made small struggles but I did feel like some of these struggles had gaps or were left un-concluded which messed up the pacing of the novel towards the end.
Overall, this is such a unique book that sheds light on a topic I have never read before in young adult literature.
I really hope the author’s note that was included in the advanced reader copy is also included in the final version as I think it perfectly sums about the book. Kilbourne says that she hopes the book is an antidote to chaos and a tool to teach tolerance and it does both of those things perfectly. I think this is because Harbour’s character is so well developed through the thoughts in her head and her gradual willingness to open up to other characters. The plot also helped to highlight her struggle with made small struggles but I did feel like some of these struggles had gaps or were left un-concluded which messed up the pacing of the novel towards the end.
Overall, this is such a unique book that sheds light on a topic I have never read before in young adult literature.
July 27, 2019
Where do I even start.? This is one of few books where if a 6th star was available I would utilize it. This is outside my normal murder/mystery genre but it sounded like a well thought out unique story and it sure was. I am Canadian myself so the thought of a 14 year old girl learning to fend for herself on the streets of Toronto was heart wrenching. Add in her dog and a missing father and you have the makings of an epic story. I literally could not put this book down I read it in one sitting and I cried like a baby at the end. This book had everything one could ask for, GREAT characters (and I mean truly amazingly developed characters), suspense and fear, a plot twist and one heck of an ending. This will be a book I reread for sure and one I will be buying for my 18 year old daughter as soon as it is released as I’m certain she will enjoy it too. I am already trying to hunt down the other books for this author and I certainly hope to see more from her. Well done!
Thanks #netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this amazing book.
Thanks #netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this amazing book.
August 6, 2019
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review**
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but I enjoyed it. I liked the character of Harbour and found myself sympathising with her plight. She was very streetwise for a kid her age and I don't think I would last even a few days living like she did.
A pleasing story with a good conclusion.
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but I enjoyed it. I liked the character of Harbour and found myself sympathising with her plight. She was very streetwise for a kid her age and I don't think I would last even a few days living like she did.
A pleasing story with a good conclusion.
November 2, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and Dundurn Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I would give this book 3.75 stars. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put the book down. I read any chance I could get with this one. This book is so well written. I felt as though I was in Canada right with these characters. While the book does address some serious issues that can arise in life, it doesn't do a huge dive into them which I was hoping for a little bit more of. (Not going too much in depth about it myself as I don't like to provide spoilers in reviews). I do highly recommend this book.
August 10, 2019
This story comes to life as a young girl of 14 finds her way through life in Toronto alone. She lives in a tent and braves the cold while waiting for her father to retrieve her. I felt for her and her friend who tries to convince her to move to the shelter. Life on the streets is not kind or easy, but there was an honesty to it. I liked the book and will look for others by this author. I give it a B+ or 4/5 stars.
January 30, 2020
ARC provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
i really enjoyed this book, it covered topics that are rarely talked about or even skimmed at all in the book community; such as homelessness in youth and schizophrenia.
harbour has lived most of her short life on a boat, called starlight with her dad and her dog, tuff stuff. when one day, her dad has to do things on his own for awhile and lets harbour off at a dock and tells her he will meet her in toronto in five weeks.
knowing nobody and being so young has left her living on the streets with tuff. with winter fast approaching and no word from her dad on when he will be arriving, she has to figure something out fast and how to get food before the cold snap hits and they freeze to death.
i recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that touches on the topics mentioned previously. this was a hard read because you start feeling a connection to tuff and harbour and just want them to be loved and warm and well fed.
the ending hit me harder than i was expecting and i shed a few tears. worth the read and i will be purchasing my own copy in the future to have on my shelves.
also, this cover is so simple, yet so meaningful to the story and breathtakingly beautiful.
i really enjoyed this book, it covered topics that are rarely talked about or even skimmed at all in the book community; such as homelessness in youth and schizophrenia.
harbour has lived most of her short life on a boat, called starlight with her dad and her dog, tuff stuff. when one day, her dad has to do things on his own for awhile and lets harbour off at a dock and tells her he will meet her in toronto in five weeks.
knowing nobody and being so young has left her living on the streets with tuff. with winter fast approaching and no word from her dad on when he will be arriving, she has to figure something out fast and how to get food before the cold snap hits and they freeze to death.
i recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that touches on the topics mentioned previously. this was a hard read because you start feeling a connection to tuff and harbour and just want them to be loved and warm and well fed.
the ending hit me harder than i was expecting and i shed a few tears. worth the read and i will be purchasing my own copy in the future to have on my shelves.
also, this cover is so simple, yet so meaningful to the story and breathtakingly beautiful.
September 15, 2019
Harbour is awaiting the arrival of her father while camping out on the side of a ravine in Toronto. Her father is expected to arrive any day on their sailboat, Starlight. Harbour and her father have planned out her entire stay in Toronto, however Harbour’s father does not arrive on time. Harbour, with her friend Lise, adapt to the streets during the cold Canadian winter.
Very well written book, which made you feel concerned for the main character and whether her story was real or a fabrication.
I was provided this copy of Safe Harbour from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Very well written book, which made you feel concerned for the main character and whether her story was real or a fabrication.
I was provided this copy of Safe Harbour from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2019
A twisting story of a girl left to survive in a Cabadian park while awaiting her father's return. Full of unusual twists, the character was endearing and the story unique.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2019
ORIGINAL POST: http://www.nerdprobs.com/feature/book...
**A copy of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I was instantly intrigued after reading the description of Safe Harbour by Christina Kilbourne. I love finding books with story lines I’ve never even remotely seen before and this story was unique.
The story follows Harbour Mandrayke as she works her way through the streets of Toronto trying to survive until her father arrives on their sailboat. Problem is he doesn’t show up on time and it’s getting cold.
I love Harbour. I love her fiesty-ness and her ability to take care of herself at such a young age. The side characters in this story really helped build up the story and make it more interesting. Lise was one of my favorites. While she was still young herself, she had a maturity about her that you could see she earned from years on the street. The friendship she builds with Harbour right from the beginning shows that big sister instinct to protect those younger than yourself. Frank and Josh were fun side characters that gave the view from the rough edges of homeless life in a big, freezing cold city.
For most, being homeless is something we cannot fathom or even comprehend what these people do on the daily to survive. I think this book showed the realities of life on the street in such a raw and pure way that it put a lot into perspective for me. I love that Kilbourne was able to showcase this side of society that most don’t understand so openly. Kilbourne gave us characters that were easy to love and you found yourself hoping they make it. I wanted all of Harbour’s ideas about life to end up coming true. I also like that while this story may have a “happy ending” in some aspects, it didn’t really in others and that holds true to real life.
Kilbourne’s story telling abilities are supreme and I felt emotionally attached to these characters by the end. I also was not able to see the ending coming, even though I thought about quarter of the way through I knew what was going to happen. I was wrong, just in case you were wondering. I am a fan and I will be looking into reading more from Christina Kilbourne very soon. A new favorite of mine amongst the Teen and YA Fiction genre.
**A copy of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I was instantly intrigued after reading the description of Safe Harbour by Christina Kilbourne. I love finding books with story lines I’ve never even remotely seen before and this story was unique.
The story follows Harbour Mandrayke as she works her way through the streets of Toronto trying to survive until her father arrives on their sailboat. Problem is he doesn’t show up on time and it’s getting cold.
I love Harbour. I love her fiesty-ness and her ability to take care of herself at such a young age. The side characters in this story really helped build up the story and make it more interesting. Lise was one of my favorites. While she was still young herself, she had a maturity about her that you could see she earned from years on the street. The friendship she builds with Harbour right from the beginning shows that big sister instinct to protect those younger than yourself. Frank and Josh were fun side characters that gave the view from the rough edges of homeless life in a big, freezing cold city.
For most, being homeless is something we cannot fathom or even comprehend what these people do on the daily to survive. I think this book showed the realities of life on the street in such a raw and pure way that it put a lot into perspective for me. I love that Kilbourne was able to showcase this side of society that most don’t understand so openly. Kilbourne gave us characters that were easy to love and you found yourself hoping they make it. I wanted all of Harbour’s ideas about life to end up coming true. I also like that while this story may have a “happy ending” in some aspects, it didn’t really in others and that holds true to real life.
Kilbourne’s story telling abilities are supreme and I felt emotionally attached to these characters by the end. I also was not able to see the ending coming, even though I thought about quarter of the way through I knew what was going to happen. I was wrong, just in case you were wondering. I am a fan and I will be looking into reading more from Christina Kilbourne very soon. A new favorite of mine amongst the Teen and YA Fiction genre.
April 18, 2020
In Christina Kilbourne’s young adult novel, Safe Harbour, fourteen-year-old Harbour Mandrayke settles into a Toronto ravine to wait for her father. Their plan: he will sail Starlight, their 34-foot sailboat, from Florida to the Great Lakes where they will be reunited. All there is for Harbour to do is bunker down and wait.
Armed with canned fish, soda crackers, and the family’s border collie, Tuff Stuff, the shortening days and the approaching winter do little to deter her from the carefully navigated plan. Where is her father and why is he late to meet her? The kindness of strangers illuminates the otherwise disastrous situation. After befriending a homeless teen, Lise, Harbour, learns how to navigate the streets—the food, the shelter, other people.
Kilbourne breaks down big problems into small chunks. From societal issues such as homelessness and underage drinking, to the more subtle complications of predators and mental illness. At the forefront, the novel aims to navigate personal problems like who to trust, how to love, and when to let go. The obstacles and characters are realistic reflections of city life, with twists and turns that pilot in the plot.
The novel is full of daily struggles, especially those that Canadian homeless face; finding food, securing shelter, staying clean, getting out. Kilbourne reminds readers how easy it is to slip through the cracks, showing an understanding of her protagonists and their environments.
Though Harbour’s first-person narrative is confident, despite her less-than-typical upbringing, her friendship with Lise is where readers will find the easiest connection. Readers have to confront the fact that, as dissimilar as Harbour’s life is to their own, there can be something to be found in the lives of others.
“These stories, the facts of my life and my father’s life, are so familiar to me I never bother to think how they might sound to someone else, to someone who grew up without much of anything and especially without parents.”
In a story about survival and the journey towards adulthood, Harbour must learn how to unravel the dark secrets of her past while facing an undetermined future. Kilbourne handles everything at face value and doesn’t shy away from unpleasant truths and readers of all ages will learn empathy and determination.
Armed with canned fish, soda crackers, and the family’s border collie, Tuff Stuff, the shortening days and the approaching winter do little to deter her from the carefully navigated plan. Where is her father and why is he late to meet her? The kindness of strangers illuminates the otherwise disastrous situation. After befriending a homeless teen, Lise, Harbour, learns how to navigate the streets—the food, the shelter, other people.
Kilbourne breaks down big problems into small chunks. From societal issues such as homelessness and underage drinking, to the more subtle complications of predators and mental illness. At the forefront, the novel aims to navigate personal problems like who to trust, how to love, and when to let go. The obstacles and characters are realistic reflections of city life, with twists and turns that pilot in the plot.
The novel is full of daily struggles, especially those that Canadian homeless face; finding food, securing shelter, staying clean, getting out. Kilbourne reminds readers how easy it is to slip through the cracks, showing an understanding of her protagonists and their environments.
Though Harbour’s first-person narrative is confident, despite her less-than-typical upbringing, her friendship with Lise is where readers will find the easiest connection. Readers have to confront the fact that, as dissimilar as Harbour’s life is to their own, there can be something to be found in the lives of others.
“These stories, the facts of my life and my father’s life, are so familiar to me I never bother to think how they might sound to someone else, to someone who grew up without much of anything and especially without parents.”
In a story about survival and the journey towards adulthood, Harbour must learn how to unravel the dark secrets of her past while facing an undetermined future. Kilbourne handles everything at face value and doesn’t shy away from unpleasant truths and readers of all ages will learn empathy and determination.
September 3, 2021
Safe Harbour is a powerful book that touches on several important topics including homelessness, child welfare system and mental illness told with compassion, understanding and sensitivity.
Fourteen year old Harbour has found herself living in a Toronto ravine in a tent with her dog Tuff Stuff while she waits for her Dad to join her on his sailboat. As we learn, this is not unusual – Harbour has had a very interesting childhood. She has been homeschooled in an untraditional manner – learning more about real life application about topics close to her Father’s heart. Harbour is kind, thoughtful and independent. She is used to being on her own and making do, this time getting by on cans of tuna and crackers. But this time, something is not quite right as the days turn in to weeks waiting for her Father. She develops a friendship with a young woman named Lise, who helps show her how to survive on the streets of Toronto especially as fall is closing in quickly and the weather is changing quite quickly. She also helps her to realize and support her when it appears something bad has happened to her Father and he may not be coming.
This was a beautifully written book that many times had me in tears over the kindness and compassion that Harbour finds in Lise. Being witness to their struggles on the streets of Toronto hurts, hearing the stories of the youth, their struggles with the system breaks your heart because you know that these stories hold true for so many of our youth. Lise approaches life with caution but with humour, getting by by trusting her instincts and the people who have been there for her judgement free. Both young women are trying to get through each day looking for food for themselves and Tuff Stuff, to keep warm and clean, and to find a way to move forward while facing extreme weather, mistrust of the system and being judged by society. While the ending may not be an ending that all youth will experience, it warmed my heart and helped bring the story full circle.
Safe Harbour was an incredible read from start to finish that I could not put down. It is perfect for all age groups and covers some very important topics with compassion. Safe Harbour is a definite must read novel this summer!
Fourteen year old Harbour has found herself living in a Toronto ravine in a tent with her dog Tuff Stuff while she waits for her Dad to join her on his sailboat. As we learn, this is not unusual – Harbour has had a very interesting childhood. She has been homeschooled in an untraditional manner – learning more about real life application about topics close to her Father’s heart. Harbour is kind, thoughtful and independent. She is used to being on her own and making do, this time getting by on cans of tuna and crackers. But this time, something is not quite right as the days turn in to weeks waiting for her Father. She develops a friendship with a young woman named Lise, who helps show her how to survive on the streets of Toronto especially as fall is closing in quickly and the weather is changing quite quickly. She also helps her to realize and support her when it appears something bad has happened to her Father and he may not be coming.
This was a beautifully written book that many times had me in tears over the kindness and compassion that Harbour finds in Lise. Being witness to their struggles on the streets of Toronto hurts, hearing the stories of the youth, their struggles with the system breaks your heart because you know that these stories hold true for so many of our youth. Lise approaches life with caution but with humour, getting by by trusting her instincts and the people who have been there for her judgement free. Both young women are trying to get through each day looking for food for themselves and Tuff Stuff, to keep warm and clean, and to find a way to move forward while facing extreme weather, mistrust of the system and being judged by society. While the ending may not be an ending that all youth will experience, it warmed my heart and helped bring the story full circle.
Safe Harbour was an incredible read from start to finish that I could not put down. It is perfect for all age groups and covers some very important topics with compassion. Safe Harbour is a definite must read novel this summer!
March 11, 2021
Safe Harbor is a novel out there that will pull you close into the story itself. As you read this book, you follow a fourteen-year-old girl, Harbour she encountering difficult obstacle and challenges that the Toronto ravines offer.
Harbour and Tuff have a basic way of how they live and act but, the day harbour met Lise, her life loosens up a bit to acknowledge the fact her dad is not coming any time. The overall novel has a quantity of imagination and depth, the way Christina Kilbourne expresses the content in a single book. Safe Harbor is an interesting novel because of how it has been a way to travel with the character and really connect and feel what they are feeling at the moment. Unlike non - fiction books, put imagination first instead of factual content, and express and help better comprehend the novel.
"She reaches out to touch my shoulder as I step back. Her voice softens. They said he's dead, harbour" (Kilbourne 160). Christina Kilbourne make it so that Harbour slowly accepts that her dad is not coming back and makes plans for surviving Canada's crucial winters. Christina shows the many obstacles for Harbour, Lise and Tuff had to face during the never day on the thirty - eight foot Catalina from Miami. She really digs deep into the impact a relationship with somebody can alter the way you may have felt, Lise help breaks barriers to open Harbour eyes to the actual world and how to survive. Examples of challenges they had to face were: her credit card gets declined, phone contact from her father stops and summer slips into a frosty fall. Harbour is not ready to accept the fact she is homeless and her father won't come soon, Lise is ready for the task to help in the overall pain and confusion Harbour is feeling.
To conclude this review on Safe Harbor by Christina Kilbourne, it was an imagination rollercoaster and a journey to be along on. Christina Kilbourne made the story have many sides to it; Fun Melonconly and overall love behind it. Reading this novel opened my eyes to how life can transform you and how you behaved in the past. Safe Harbor is a great book teaching the readers what it's like to accept different things in life.
Harbour and Tuff have a basic way of how they live and act but, the day harbour met Lise, her life loosens up a bit to acknowledge the fact her dad is not coming any time. The overall novel has a quantity of imagination and depth, the way Christina Kilbourne expresses the content in a single book. Safe Harbor is an interesting novel because of how it has been a way to travel with the character and really connect and feel what they are feeling at the moment. Unlike non - fiction books, put imagination first instead of factual content, and express and help better comprehend the novel.
"She reaches out to touch my shoulder as I step back. Her voice softens. They said he's dead, harbour" (Kilbourne 160). Christina Kilbourne make it so that Harbour slowly accepts that her dad is not coming back and makes plans for surviving Canada's crucial winters. Christina shows the many obstacles for Harbour, Lise and Tuff had to face during the never day on the thirty - eight foot Catalina from Miami. She really digs deep into the impact a relationship with somebody can alter the way you may have felt, Lise help breaks barriers to open Harbour eyes to the actual world and how to survive. Examples of challenges they had to face were: her credit card gets declined, phone contact from her father stops and summer slips into a frosty fall. Harbour is not ready to accept the fact she is homeless and her father won't come soon, Lise is ready for the task to help in the overall pain and confusion Harbour is feeling.
To conclude this review on Safe Harbor by Christina Kilbourne, it was an imagination rollercoaster and a journey to be along on. Christina Kilbourne made the story have many sides to it; Fun Melonconly and overall love behind it. Reading this novel opened my eyes to how life can transform you and how you behaved in the past. Safe Harbor is a great book teaching the readers what it's like to accept different things in life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews