What do you think?
Rate this book
Finding Hope
To escape her small town, her parents' crumbling marriage, and her drug-addicted brother, Hope jumps at the chance to attend the exclusive Ravenhurst Academy. But her problems follow her to school, her online boyfriend asks her to pose for some photos that go viral, and Hope falls into a dark place she is not sure she can find her way out of.
306 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2016
9 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Nelson
32 books131 followersColleen Nelson is the author of YA fiction books Finding Hope (2016), 250 Hours (2015), The Fall (2013) and Tori by Design (2011). 'The Fall' and 'Tori by Design' both won the McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award. 'The Fall' was also nominated for the White Pine Award. Currently living in Winnipeg with her husband, two young sons and three grown step-children, Colleen manages to eke out time to write everyday, but usually in the early morning after a strong cup of coffee. A junior high school teacher for ten years before having children, Colleen is familiar and comfortable with the tricky phase of life called 'adolescence'. Now a Teacher-Librarian in Winnipeg, Canada, Colleen is constantly on the look-out for books that will catch the attention of her reading-reluctant sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 15, 2016
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I hadn't heard of it before I picked it up but I definitely think this book needs some more attention. I haven't seen a lot of positive reviews for Finding Hope but I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing style was really great and the characters felt very believable. I liked how a big portion of this book centered about family and wasn't overly saturated in a romantic aspect like most YA books. I thought the poetry through out the book was really cool and different. I do wish it was longer though. It's only 200 pages and I felt like there wasn't quite enough to completely feel like a full length novel.
I absolutely loved this book. I hadn't heard of it before I picked it up but I definitely think this book needs some more attention. I haven't seen a lot of positive reviews for Finding Hope but I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing style was really great and the characters felt very believable. I liked how a big portion of this book centered about family and wasn't overly saturated in a romantic aspect like most YA books. I thought the poetry through out the book was really cool and different. I do wish it was longer though. It's only 200 pages and I felt like there wasn't quite enough to completely feel like a full length novel.
January 20, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Dundurn and NetGalley.)
This was an okay YA contemporary story, but it felt a bit choppy.
Hope was a good sister to Eric, even when he wasn’t nice to her. She went out of her way to give him food, clothes and cash, and he just threw it all back in her face.
The storyline in this was about Hope starting at a new school and getting into trouble with some mean girls, and Eric struggling with his addiction. The story felt a bit choppy though as we were constantly switching from following Hope to following Eric every page or two. There was a bit of a twist in the storyline, but I guessed it really early on, I was a little annoyed that Hope didn’t guess it.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased that Hope and Eric both got a happy ending.
6 out of 10
“I couldn’t handle the memories this clean. I needed a fix.”
This was an okay YA contemporary story, but it felt a bit choppy.
Hope was a good sister to Eric, even when he wasn’t nice to her. She went out of her way to give him food, clothes and cash, and he just threw it all back in her face.
The storyline in this was about Hope starting at a new school and getting into trouble with some mean girls, and Eric struggling with his addiction. The story felt a bit choppy though as we were constantly switching from following Hope to following Eric every page or two. There was a bit of a twist in the storyline, but I guessed it really early on, I was a little annoyed that Hope didn’t guess it.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased that Hope and Eric both got a happy ending.
6 out of 10
December 2, 2015
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I find this book an okay read. It started off really good but as I go on.. I just started to lose my interest because the main characters annoyed the crap out of me. Let's say it tackles several issues on it like drug addiction, bullying and abuse but I can't stand how the characters tolerate them. They aren't perfect and commit mistakes, I get it. There are some things that I find really stupid. Like... are you even THINKING?
I think Hope dates a guy online irked me the most and she sends NUDE photos to him. THIS IS PURE STUPIDITY. GIRL.. You haven't seen the guy or don't even know if he truly EXIST. I don't think she's in the right senses or probably she is.. but it's just plain stupid.
It's a pretty sad book with trigger warnings but I just don't feel connected to it. The writing is great, don't get me wrong. It's just not for me.
I find this book an okay read. It started off really good but as I go on.. I just started to lose my interest because the main characters annoyed the crap out of me. Let's say it tackles several issues on it like drug addiction, bullying and abuse but I can't stand how the characters tolerate them. They aren't perfect and commit mistakes, I get it. There are some things that I find really stupid. Like... are you even THINKING?
I think Hope dates a guy online irked me the most and she sends NUDE photos to him. THIS IS PURE STUPIDITY. GIRL.. You haven't seen the guy or don't even know if he truly EXIST. I don't think she's in the right senses or probably she is.. but it's just plain stupid.
It's a pretty sad book with trigger warnings but I just don't feel connected to it. The writing is great, don't get me wrong. It's just not for me.
May 24, 2017
I feel like this novel wasn't long enough to actually form an opinion on. I got no time to get to know the characters, root for them during their struggles, or care for their successes. I think I read that the author cut out like a third of this book and I'm trying to decide if introducing that chunk back in would make it better, or just draw out the story in a negative way.
This is the story of Hope and Eric, a brother and sister each going through their own life trials, but the story centering around their relationship and how their lives impact each other. I really commend the author on writing from the perspective of a drug addict (Eric), a point of view we don't see in YA often - however, for me it was unsuccessful. I did not find him to be a convincing narrator but I did appreciate how the author tackled some intense subject matter that is often not talked about when it comes to males, whether it be in literature or in real life. However, I felt Eric's storyline was just too short - more time could have been spent seeing his struggles, learning his backstory and watching him overcome his situation.
I had mixed feelings on the length of the chapters, the narrator switches too abrupt and didn't allow me to connect in a meaningful way to either characters. Hope's story was hard to read because while she is not completely in control of her situation, she really did not make things easy for herself. I think we as readers are meant to feel compassion for Hope, but it was difficult when her behavior was so juvenile and naive - I did not find her character believable. I also strongly disliked Hope's poetry, I wasn't sure why it was included. She's a teenager, so in that way I understand why the poems were not...uh...well written..but it was just distracting when the page would be broken up with this horrendous poetry - that aspect just felt very forced. Perhaps if this storyline was taken further as well I may have enjoyed it, like we got a small idea of this seemingly compulsive behavior, but I wish it went deeper.
Overall I did not actively dislike this book, but it didn't have a lot of positive elements for me.
*A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the story of Hope and Eric, a brother and sister each going through their own life trials, but the story centering around their relationship and how their lives impact each other. I really commend the author on writing from the perspective of a drug addict (Eric), a point of view we don't see in YA often - however, for me it was unsuccessful. I did not find him to be a convincing narrator but I did appreciate how the author tackled some intense subject matter that is often not talked about when it comes to males, whether it be in literature or in real life. However, I felt Eric's storyline was just too short - more time could have been spent seeing his struggles, learning his backstory and watching him overcome his situation.
I had mixed feelings on the length of the chapters, the narrator switches too abrupt and didn't allow me to connect in a meaningful way to either characters. Hope's story was hard to read because while she is not completely in control of her situation, she really did not make things easy for herself. I think we as readers are meant to feel compassion for Hope, but it was difficult when her behavior was so juvenile and naive - I did not find her character believable. I also strongly disliked Hope's poetry, I wasn't sure why it was included. She's a teenager, so in that way I understand why the poems were not...uh...well written..but it was just distracting when the page would be broken up with this horrendous poetry - that aspect just felt very forced. Perhaps if this storyline was taken further as well I may have enjoyed it, like we got a small idea of this seemingly compulsive behavior, but I wish it went deeper.
Overall I did not actively dislike this book, but it didn't have a lot of positive elements for me.
*A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
March 3, 2016
***I received an eARC from Dundurn and Netgalley on a read-to-review basis. This does not influence my review in any way.***
**4 out of 5 stars**
Cover rating: 5 out of 5 stars!!
**Covergasm!** I love the cover, and all the birds ( I’m guessing they’re ravens?) they have near the chapter headers! Or maybe it’s just because I love minimalistic designs.
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Recommended for: Everyone
***THERE ARE GOING TO BE SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.***
TRIGGER ALERT: Talks about drugs, addiction, rape, sexual assault, bullying.
The book is narrated by Hope, and Eric, her brother, a drug addict.
It’s beautiful . Deals about the effects of drugs – how they can affect the addict and their family and everyone around them.
Eric is addicted to drugs. Any money given to him, take it as wasted. He spends it all for drugs, because.. uhh.. you know, as I said earlier, he’s an addict.
His sister, Hope, gives him chances. She believes that there is still a shred of humanity, of who he used to be before getting addicted, left in him.
I really liked the plot. Well…at least Eric’s side of the story. Well crafted, I must admit.
Eric’s story was painful to read. Very very. I hated the fact that no one ever wanted to know why he went the wrong way, why he got addicted, why the hockey-player in him just disappeared, when he clearly loved as though his life depended on it. URGH. ANTAGONIZING LIFE.
Oh! And when When Eric picked up the puppy, the inner me started screaming – I KNEW HE AIN’T BAD. ANYONE WHO IS KIND TO PUPPIES CANNOT BE BAD!!!! XD Yeah… I don’t think he was bad. It was just that the situation he was in, made him the way he seemed to be. And the parts of the book where he had to search the dumpsters for food... WAIT.... DID YOU HEAR THAT? SOMETHING JUST SHATTERED OUT THERE. I'M PRETTY SURE (brings hand near heart) I'M PRETTY SURE THAT THAT WAS MY HEART SHATTERING. ;-;
I actually jotted something down while reading this, and since I’m not a poet, not guaranteeing that they’ll be good poems, but, yeah..
A story that needed ears,
Ears you did not provide.
The teller kept it all in,
Until led, he was astray.
Judge him, you definitely did,
For deeds, not all his.
Questions, ensued,
Along with looks, wary and strange.
Life of his, broke,
Like shattered glass shards,
To be put back,
It was hard.
Here’s another one:
Tantalizing pain,
I hadn’t let out
I suffered every bit,
Until it wasted me.
Okayyyyy! Before I proceed...time for a few gifs!
Mike, CEO of the Shit And Shit Co. (just kidding~) makes Eric do things in exchange for hiking a ride, which was not all so free, like all addict-in-distress rides are supposed to be. It made me cry like a baby. ;-;
[image error]
Oh! And the puppy.
[image error]
When I realized what Eric’s coach might be doing to him. Every person has a story that demands to be heard. Don’t lend your ears, and the person goes astray, in this case, to meth.
[image error]
Lizzie – the mean girl. The bitch. Oh you have no idea how much she deserves the title.
[image error]
What I did not like about the story was – HOW CAN THE MUM JUST GIVE UP HOPE ON HER SON? No pun intended. Like, why? I don’t think any mother would want her son to live like a homeless hobo (okay, Eric wasn’t LIKE a homeless hobo - he was one) when they have a perfectly good house. How can she not even try to find out what was wrong with him? Why didn’t she ask why Eric went such ways? Like I have a million questions about the Mum.
Honestly, Hope wasn’t my favourite person. I don't know... I really appreciate the fact that she went out of her way to help Eric, she supported him, when no one else did, and when he didn't do anything deserving her support. Yes, she was good to Eric, really good to Eric, but when it came to her case well.. she kinda lacked a few screws in her head. Sorry to be mean. She back-stabbed her roommate and started hanging out with Lizzie and Co., when she had clearly expressed her dislike for the bunch on the first day she met them.
And WHY. Would. Anyone. Give. (sexy) Pictures. To. Someone. Met (okay, or rather, 'never met' seems more appropriate). On. The. Internet?
[image error]
Like obviously you couldn’t believe him, could you? Puh-lease Hope. Hasn't your Mum drilled those basic sentences, I believe every kid in our generation knows -*Momma voice* "Never talk to a stranger." "Don't accept candies from them."
(Oh. And I don't really follow that particular rule of my Mum either. But still.)
He did not come to meet you the day you were supposed to meet and instead gave you some lame excuse for not being able to meet up. And above all of that, you met LIZZIE AND CO. over there!! Why would it take you so long to put the pieces of the puzzle together? That was disappointing , Hope.
Overall, I’d recommend the book to everyone interested in a realistic, contemporary young adult novel. Apart from those flaws stated above, I think the story was pretty good!
**4 out of 5 stars**
Cover rating: 5 out of 5 stars!!
**Covergasm!** I love the cover, and all the birds ( I’m guessing they’re ravens?) they have near the chapter headers! Or maybe it’s just because I love minimalistic designs.
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Recommended for: Everyone
***THERE ARE GOING TO BE SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.***
TRIGGER ALERT: Talks about drugs, addiction, rape, sexual assault, bullying.
The book is narrated by Hope, and Eric, her brother, a drug addict.
It’s beautiful . Deals about the effects of drugs – how they can affect the addict and their family and everyone around them.
Eric is addicted to drugs. Any money given to him, take it as wasted. He spends it all for drugs, because.. uhh.. you know, as I said earlier, he’s an addict.
His sister, Hope, gives him chances. She believes that there is still a shred of humanity, of who he used to be before getting addicted, left in him.
I really liked the plot. Well…at least Eric’s side of the story. Well crafted, I must admit.
Eric’s story was painful to read. Very very. I hated the fact that no one ever wanted to know why he went the wrong way, why he got addicted, why the hockey-player in him just disappeared, when he clearly loved as though his life depended on it. URGH. ANTAGONIZING LIFE.
Oh! And when When Eric picked up the puppy, the inner me started screaming – I KNEW HE AIN’T BAD. ANYONE WHO IS KIND TO PUPPIES CANNOT BE BAD!!!! XD Yeah… I don’t think he was bad. It was just that the situation he was in, made him the way he seemed to be. And the parts of the book where he had to search the dumpsters for food... WAIT.... DID YOU HEAR THAT? SOMETHING JUST SHATTERED OUT THERE. I'M PRETTY SURE (brings hand near heart) I'M PRETTY SURE THAT THAT WAS MY HEART SHATTERING. ;-;
I actually jotted something down while reading this, and since I’m not a poet, not guaranteeing that they’ll be good poems, but, yeah..
A story that needed ears,
Ears you did not provide.
The teller kept it all in,
Until led, he was astray.
Judge him, you definitely did,
For deeds, not all his.
Questions, ensued,
Along with looks, wary and strange.
Life of his, broke,
Like shattered glass shards,
To be put back,
It was hard.
Here’s another one:
Tantalizing pain,
I hadn’t let out
I suffered every bit,
Until it wasted me.
Okayyyyy! Before I proceed...time for a few gifs!
Mike, CEO of the Shit And Shit Co. (just kidding~) makes Eric do things in exchange for hiking a ride, which was not all so free, like all addict-in-distress rides are supposed to be. It made me cry like a baby. ;-;
[image error]
Oh! And the puppy.
[image error]
When I realized what Eric’s coach might be doing to him. Every person has a story that demands to be heard. Don’t lend your ears, and the person goes astray, in this case, to meth.
[image error]
Lizzie – the mean girl. The bitch. Oh you have no idea how much she deserves the title.
[image error]
What I did not like about the story was – HOW CAN THE MUM JUST GIVE UP HOPE ON HER SON? No pun intended. Like, why? I don’t think any mother would want her son to live like a homeless hobo (okay, Eric wasn’t LIKE a homeless hobo - he was one) when they have a perfectly good house. How can she not even try to find out what was wrong with him? Why didn’t she ask why Eric went such ways? Like I have a million questions about the Mum.
Honestly, Hope wasn’t my favourite person. I don't know... I really appreciate the fact that she went out of her way to help Eric, she supported him, when no one else did, and when he didn't do anything deserving her support. Yes, she was good to Eric, really good to Eric, but when it came to her case well.. she kinda lacked a few screws in her head. Sorry to be mean. She back-stabbed her roommate and started hanging out with Lizzie and Co., when she had clearly expressed her dislike for the bunch on the first day she met them.
And WHY. Would. Anyone. Give. (sexy) Pictures. To. Someone. Met (okay, or rather, 'never met' seems more appropriate). On. The. Internet?
[image error]
Like obviously you couldn’t believe him, could you? Puh-lease Hope. Hasn't your Mum drilled those basic sentences, I believe every kid in our generation knows -*Momma voice* "Never talk to a stranger." "Don't accept candies from them."
(Oh. And I don't really follow that particular rule of my Mum either. But still.)
He did not come to meet you the day you were supposed to meet and instead gave you some lame excuse for not being able to meet up. And above all of that, you met LIZZIE AND CO. over there!! Why would it take you so long to put the pieces of the puzzle together? That was disappointing , Hope.
Overall, I’d recommend the book to everyone interested in a realistic, contemporary young adult novel. Apart from those flaws stated above, I think the story was pretty good!
November 23, 2015
4.5 stars!
Everything about this book attracted me towards it, the minimalist cover, the blurb, the author and then the story. I first discovered this book on NetGalley and after seeing the cover and reading the blurb, I knew I had to request for this book, and luckily I got accepted. As it was a very short novel, I decided to start the book right away, without waiting for my exams to end. It was one of the best decisions I ever took.
The story is narrated by two characters Eric, the drug addict brother who tries to live his life with meth and getting high, and Hope, the naïve sister who uses poetry to live through her problems. After Eric was thrown out of his house, Hope is the one who provides him money and food that still allows him to survive. But when Hope moves away from her home town to discover a new life, Eric is left with no one to support.
What really kept me going through the book was the use of powerful prose intertwined with beautiful poetry. Colleen Nelson's writing is one of the most beautiful and the most powerful among the ones I've read. When things seem unfair and cruel, Nelson's writing gave me a hope for happiness and love. The poems written suiting to various situations was simply stunning.
Hope is a starry-eyed but a very strong girl. Her life has never been easy, with a drug addict brother, a messed up and complicated family, and she was a misfit everywhere she goes, without an identity. It is only natural for her to long for a normal life with a boyfriend and a bunch of good friends. What happened to her broke what little was left inside her. Yet she emerged out of the problems strongly and bravely. Her poems helped her get through. She is one of the strongest female characters I've had the honor of meeting.
What really moved me was Eric and his life as a drug addict. He was the star of his school's hockey team and a single event changed his life. Reading his mind when he was high and when he was sober gave me a shocking relevation on the kind of thoughts that moved through his mind. While I totally hated the character, I really loved the way he was described and how his thoughts were translated into words. I couldn't blame him for what he became.
This book is frighteningly beautiful and I am glad I got the opportunity to read this book.
Originally posted on : https://nivthebooklovingnerd.wordpres...
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me a free copy of this book for review!
Everything about this book attracted me towards it, the minimalist cover, the blurb, the author and then the story. I first discovered this book on NetGalley and after seeing the cover and reading the blurb, I knew I had to request for this book, and luckily I got accepted. As it was a very short novel, I decided to start the book right away, without waiting for my exams to end. It was one of the best decisions I ever took.
The story is narrated by two characters Eric, the drug addict brother who tries to live his life with meth and getting high, and Hope, the naïve sister who uses poetry to live through her problems. After Eric was thrown out of his house, Hope is the one who provides him money and food that still allows him to survive. But when Hope moves away from her home town to discover a new life, Eric is left with no one to support.
What really kept me going through the book was the use of powerful prose intertwined with beautiful poetry. Colleen Nelson's writing is one of the most beautiful and the most powerful among the ones I've read. When things seem unfair and cruel, Nelson's writing gave me a hope for happiness and love. The poems written suiting to various situations was simply stunning.
"Dangling
From a thread
Suspended, breath
Catching in my throat.
That Drop won't kill me.
But how will I catch
What I lost?"
Hope is a starry-eyed but a very strong girl. Her life has never been easy, with a drug addict brother, a messed up and complicated family, and she was a misfit everywhere she goes, without an identity. It is only natural for her to long for a normal life with a boyfriend and a bunch of good friends. What happened to her broke what little was left inside her. Yet she emerged out of the problems strongly and bravely. Her poems helped her get through. She is one of the strongest female characters I've had the honor of meeting.
What really moved me was Eric and his life as a drug addict. He was the star of his school's hockey team and a single event changed his life. Reading his mind when he was high and when he was sober gave me a shocking relevation on the kind of thoughts that moved through his mind. While I totally hated the character, I really loved the way he was described and how his thoughts were translated into words. I couldn't blame him for what he became.
This book is frighteningly beautiful and I am glad I got the opportunity to read this book.
Originally posted on : https://nivthebooklovingnerd.wordpres...
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me a free copy of this book for review!
January 19, 2016
*** I received an ARC of this book from Dundurn and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. However, this does not influence my opinions in any way.***
I found the majority of this book very difficult to read. It isn't written badly by any means, but it deals with very dense subjects that are no laughing matter. I loved seeing the contrast between Hope and Eric. They both had very different life experiences, but they both felt a wide range of hurt and anger. They both felt just as passionate for what was happening to each of them personally and it was interesting to see them both go through rough periods in their lives.
I'll be honest, the characters in this book all frustrated me. I wanted to scream at Hope for how blind she was being and I wanted someone to take in Eric and give him the help and justice he really needs. Overall though, this wasn't a bad book. It touches on dark subjects that most people struggle dealing with or talking about. It is by no means a light read. That being said, it is quite short and definitely worth picking up if you get the chance. It is a well done representation of real life and how normal people act in very bad situations.
I found the majority of this book very difficult to read. It isn't written badly by any means, but it deals with very dense subjects that are no laughing matter. I loved seeing the contrast between Hope and Eric. They both had very different life experiences, but they both felt a wide range of hurt and anger. They both felt just as passionate for what was happening to each of them personally and it was interesting to see them both go through rough periods in their lives.
I'll be honest, the characters in this book all frustrated me. I wanted to scream at Hope for how blind she was being and I wanted someone to take in Eric and give him the help and justice he really needs. Overall though, this wasn't a bad book. It touches on dark subjects that most people struggle dealing with or talking about. It is by no means a light read. That being said, it is quite short and definitely worth picking up if you get the chance. It is a well done representation of real life and how normal people act in very bad situations.
March 27, 2018
First off, Colleen's writing is beautiful. I love the rhythmic choppier style.
This book deals with so many issues such as drug abuse, sexual assault, and sexting, so definitely for older or more mature teens.
I never connected to Hope, but I really felt bad for Eric, but I could see his parents point of views (maybe because one of my own character's has a dad like them), so I appreciated the conflict.
All in all, this was a short thought-provoking read.
This book deals with so many issues such as drug abuse, sexual assault, and sexting, so definitely for older or more mature teens.
I never connected to Hope, but I really felt bad for Eric, but I could see his parents point of views (maybe because one of my own character's has a dad like them), so I appreciated the conflict.
All in all, this was a short thought-provoking read.
February 8, 2016
I received a digital copy of this book by Dundurn and NetGalley. 2.5/3, Finding Hope was just okay for me. I went into it with an open mind but unfortunately had such a hard time getting started. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and that was because everything happened SO fast. The chapters are from the two main characters POV, a sister and brother. The brother who is a meth addict and the sister who just wants him to get better. However, I couldn't find a true connection between them. Some chapters were literally 3 paragraphs, making conversations and events seem rushed and unrealistic. I needed another 150 pages of this book, which would have helped the story flow and give me the information I wanted. This book really did have potential, I enjoyed the writing style and it was an interesting story but like I said it lacked detail which would have made it great.
December 15, 2015
**Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn for the chance to read this ARC**
4/5 Stars
This is the first Colleen Nelson book I have read and it definitely will not be the last. I loved the way that the story started as the introduction of the main characters was done really well. The way the characters spoke at the beginning, particularly Hope, really made for an interesting start.
I enjoyed Colleen’s writing style and the character development of the main characters. Hope and her brother’s complex personalities and life choices were so beautifully and heartbreakingly expressed in such a real way. Hopes use of her love for poetry to express how she feels was something I had never come across in a book I’ve read before, and I loved it.
For a YA read I found some of this book had a darker feel to it and that might not be for everyone. There are multiple issues that are addressed in this book and Colleen wrote about them in such a realistic, informative and candid way. Overall, I enjoyed reading Finding Hope, it was a heart-warming, honest and well written novel.
*Finding Hope will be published March, 2016*
4/5 Stars
This is the first Colleen Nelson book I have read and it definitely will not be the last. I loved the way that the story started as the introduction of the main characters was done really well. The way the characters spoke at the beginning, particularly Hope, really made for an interesting start.
I enjoyed Colleen’s writing style and the character development of the main characters. Hope and her brother’s complex personalities and life choices were so beautifully and heartbreakingly expressed in such a real way. Hopes use of her love for poetry to express how she feels was something I had never come across in a book I’ve read before, and I loved it.
For a YA read I found some of this book had a darker feel to it and that might not be for everyone. There are multiple issues that are addressed in this book and Colleen wrote about them in such a realistic, informative and candid way. Overall, I enjoyed reading Finding Hope, it was a heart-warming, honest and well written novel.
*Finding Hope will be published March, 2016*
December 28, 2015
2.75* After reading the reviews for 'Finding Hope' I feel as though I'm in the minority of people who didn't love it. On the positive side, it was a quick read, which was just want I needed whilst stuck in traffic and I thought the subject of the plot was great. I found it really interesting to see the effects of addiction on both the addict and on those close to them. I think the main thing I didn't love about this book was that I didn't find myself warming to the characters at all. I found them a little irritating, and in Hope's case, irritatingly naive. I wish there had been more focus on the family relationships and less about Hope's new school. (On the other hand, another positive it that the cover is gorgeous!!) 'Finding Hope' was an interesting read but unfortunately I didn't love it.
(A free copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley.)
(A free copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley.)
February 9, 2022
I think It'd be fascinating to read the 40,000 words that were edited out and know more about the situations within the story. Each chapter was very short and I would've loved to know more about the characters and their story.
*Gifted by Dundurn Press*
*Gifted by Dundurn Press*
January 11, 2016
Read this review at Brilliant Bookshelf
Netgalley provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Finding Hope was a quick read for me, as I finished it in a few hours. I appreciated the book’s themes, but thought it was an okay read.
The book deals with a variety of controversial themes, such as drug addiction, bullying and sexual abuse. Because of this, Finding Hope might not be everybody’s cup of tea. I was pleasantly surprised that the author decided to tackle these issues, since Young Adult books often tend to shy away from topics too serious. It made me appreciate the book more and also gave it a more realistic vibe than other books in the genre.
However, I do feel as though some of these very issues were addressed fleetingly, their exploration to superficial for my taste. The drug abuse problem was accurate enough in its cause and the constant struggle to survive and get quick fixes, but that was about it. It appalled me that there was a quick solution at the end of the book, that magically cured everything. It often does not work like that in the real world and it kind of sends out the wrong message about addicts. For some, treatment simply does not do the trick. For some it does but they end up relapsing anyway.
Other issues were portrayed more accurately, but still in a quick manner. I think it might be because the author decided to incorporate more than one topic in the book, or because the book was simply too short, both in general length and in chapter length. Either way, this disappointed me.
Furthermore, there were also times when I did not like one of the protagonists, Hope. Her poor decisions and naivety annoyed me to no end. Who lets people waltz all over themselves like that? Who trusts a boy they’ve never met in real life? Until the realization came that Hope’s behavior can in fact be seen as accurate and realistic, since it happens to teenagers (and adults) in real life. It could be an adequate reaction on Hope’s part, especially given her family issues . So while I was initially going to frame that as criticism , I’ve changed my mind.
Things I really liked were Nelson’s writing style, which was both attractive and fitting for the genre. Mostly, I adored the addition of the poems. They were extremely beautiful and a nice change in the interface of the book.
All in all, Finding Hope was an adequate read. I think it’s great that the author decided to introduce more adult topics in her book, but I was a little less enthusiastic about the execution.
April 3, 2016
3.5 stars
And yes, I read this in January, but my work kept me away from goodreads and books in general, so review is posted only now.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So the story runs about "just a small town girl, living in the lonely world", Hope, her very problematic brother, Eric + drug addiction, bullying, sexual abuse and more. When I started reading, I thought that I'll like this book because stories about problematic teens growing up is definitely my cup of tea. But starting from Hope going to Ravenhurst, it became hard for me to read because seriously! And it may sound strange, but I liked Eric's chapters more, than Hope's, although it was not an easy read either - meth addict, who is desperate for help. I saw that Eric's character was more developed than Hope's and that's why his story more.
The main problem of Finding Hope is the portraying of problems the author touches upon - some were well-written, some were not. And the end, as for me, was a bit toooo rushed as if someone put a good spell on Hope and Eric and everything became suddenly good.
All in all, the book is okay. But it was just not for me.
June 22, 2017
I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
It was a dark edgy contemporary read, and really liked it. It was about a girl named Hope, who studies in a boarding school. It was interesting see her struggles with her family and friends, and especially her boyfriend. It's a story about trust, and family. There are multiple issues that occur through the book, such as the online boyfriend, Devon.
The characters are so complex and different. It is intriguing to see the different ways of thinking between Hope and Eric. Hope is a naive character at times, but I really like her character. Her brother, Eric, stole my heart and made the book for me. He was the most loving, caring and understanding character that I've ever read. Overall, a great read.
It was a dark edgy contemporary read, and really liked it. It was about a girl named Hope, who studies in a boarding school. It was interesting see her struggles with her family and friends, and especially her boyfriend. It's a story about trust, and family. There are multiple issues that occur through the book, such as the online boyfriend, Devon.
The characters are so complex and different. It is intriguing to see the different ways of thinking between Hope and Eric. Hope is a naive character at times, but I really like her character. Her brother, Eric, stole my heart and made the book for me. He was the most loving, caring and understanding character that I've ever read. Overall, a great read.
January 20, 2016
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
I felt quite sorry for Hope in this at points, but I didn't love her character.
This was slightly confusing at first, because the POV changes between Hope and her brother changed every few pages, so it felt quite jumpy. It got better as it went on though, and it was an okay read overall.
I felt quite sorry for Hope in this at points, but I didn't love her character.
This was slightly confusing at first, because the POV changes between Hope and her brother changed every few pages, so it felt quite jumpy. It got better as it went on though, and it was an okay read overall.
October 24, 2015
Hope leaves her small town for a fresh start, but her plans are derailed by an online romance and the appearance of her brother.
Hope lives in a small town with nothing to do and nowhere to go. With a drug addict for a brother, she focuses on the only thing that keeps her sane, writing poetry. To escape, she jumps at the chance to attend Ravenhurst Academy as a boarding student. She’ll even put up with the clique-ish Ravens if it means making a fresh start.
At first, Ravenhurst is better than Hope could have dreamed. She has a boyfriend and a cool roommate, and she might finally have found a place she can fit in. But can she trust her online boyfriend? And what can she do after her brother shows up at the school gates, desperate for help, and the Ravens turn on her? Trapped and unsure, Hope realizes that if she wants to save her brother, she has to save herself first.
- - - - -
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: heart-wrenching, gut-churning contemporary; this is not a novel for the faint of heart!; complex, flawed, and realistic characters; compelling prose; moments of beautiful, wise writing; tragic backstory that is not heralded with “so this makes it okay!”
Huge thanks go out to Netgalley, Dundurn Publishing, and Colleen Nelson for sending me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review! (This in no way changed how I read or considered this book)
First, I feel I need to preface this with a trigger warning: this is a HEAVY read. The following subjects are touched on or detailed throughout the read: drug use/addiction; homelessness; rape; sexual assault; abuse (mostly emotional); slut-shaming; bullying; cyber-bullying; violence. If you are triggered by or made uncomfortable reading about those things, I don't suggest picking this read up unless you feel you can handle it.
The characters for this book are realistic, flawed, and complex. The story is two-person POV: Hope, who is leaving her home town to go to a boarding school nearby, and her brother Eric, who is struggling with his addiction to meth. I found myself almost immediately liking Eric's POV more; I don't know WHY, I can't honestly explain why—it's the harder of the two to read, to be honest. Something about his snarky stream of consciousness, perhaps, drew me closer to him and his journey. There is SO MUCH that happens in this story, though, it would be unfair of me to say that I didn't also connect with Hope. I did. It just took a little bit longer; she needed a bit more “warming up to” from me.
While the prose is pretty simple, the read was quick, and there was more than one moment where “simple” became “wise” in the middle of a sentence. Where the words shifted, taking me by surprise with their depth. I wish there had been more of this, to be honest—Hope lauds herself a poet, and while the later poems begin hinting at the talent she possesses for words, the first few had me wrinkling my nose. I wish the wisdom moments had happened more often; it's those quotes that stood out to me the most from this read.
Despite the fact they're siblings, though, I wasn't real convinced of their closeness. It's apparent Hope cares for Eric, and obviously I know (from my own experiences) that in the midst of his addiction he won't quite portray the same amount of caring, but... Something about it felt a bit stiff, I guess? A bit off? Perhaps it's just that Hope had finally reached her breaking point; she just didn't seem quite as concerned about him as I expected her to be. It felt a bit unrealistic or rehearsed. Of course, Hope had her own things to worry about, so perhaps this is to be expected.
This was a harrowing, hard-hitting read, and I saw myself in a LOT of it. Again, I wouldn't recommend to those who are easily triggered; I'd also say more mature readers only should pick up this book, as it deals with some very heavy and emotionally-charged situations. I'd recommend for those who enjoy books from the likes of Jay Asher or Jodi Picoult—or reads like The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I definitely can't wait to see what's next from Colleen Nelson!
Hope lives in a small town with nothing to do and nowhere to go. With a drug addict for a brother, she focuses on the only thing that keeps her sane, writing poetry. To escape, she jumps at the chance to attend Ravenhurst Academy as a boarding student. She’ll even put up with the clique-ish Ravens if it means making a fresh start.
At first, Ravenhurst is better than Hope could have dreamed. She has a boyfriend and a cool roommate, and she might finally have found a place she can fit in. But can she trust her online boyfriend? And what can she do after her brother shows up at the school gates, desperate for help, and the Ravens turn on her? Trapped and unsure, Hope realizes that if she wants to save her brother, she has to save herself first.
- - - - -
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: heart-wrenching, gut-churning contemporary; this is not a novel for the faint of heart!; complex, flawed, and realistic characters; compelling prose; moments of beautiful, wise writing; tragic backstory that is not heralded with “so this makes it okay!”
Shame isn't a weight or something that gets worn. It's elastic, stretching and strangling anything in its reach. But slowly, slowly, the noose was being loosened.
Each day would get better. I had to believe that.
Huge thanks go out to Netgalley, Dundurn Publishing, and Colleen Nelson for sending me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review! (This in no way changed how I read or considered this book)
First, I feel I need to preface this with a trigger warning: this is a HEAVY read. The following subjects are touched on or detailed throughout the read: drug use/addiction; homelessness; rape; sexual assault; abuse (mostly emotional); slut-shaming; bullying; cyber-bullying; violence. If you are triggered by or made uncomfortable reading about those things, I don't suggest picking this read up unless you feel you can handle it.
The characters for this book are realistic, flawed, and complex. The story is two-person POV: Hope, who is leaving her home town to go to a boarding school nearby, and her brother Eric, who is struggling with his addiction to meth. I found myself almost immediately liking Eric's POV more; I don't know WHY, I can't honestly explain why—it's the harder of the two to read, to be honest. Something about his snarky stream of consciousness, perhaps, drew me closer to him and his journey. There is SO MUCH that happens in this story, though, it would be unfair of me to say that I didn't also connect with Hope. I did. It just took a little bit longer; she needed a bit more “warming up to” from me.
Twenty eight days in a hospital, sixty seven days and counting as an outpatient, and I still crave the high meth gave me, gritting my teeth sometimes for the want of it. Some days, I miss it like a friend who's died, mourning its absence. And other days, I fly into rages, ranting against what it did to me. I don't remember the ugly days and nights of withdrawal in the hospital, and I won't let Mom tell me about them. It's all just a fog of pain now, a black hole I don't ever want to go back into.
While the prose is pretty simple, the read was quick, and there was more than one moment where “simple” became “wise” in the middle of a sentence. Where the words shifted, taking me by surprise with their depth. I wish there had been more of this, to be honest—Hope lauds herself a poet, and while the later poems begin hinting at the talent she possesses for words, the first few had me wrinkling my nose. I wish the wisdom moments had happened more often; it's those quotes that stood out to me the most from this read.
Despite the fact they're siblings, though, I wasn't real convinced of their closeness. It's apparent Hope cares for Eric, and obviously I know (from my own experiences) that in the midst of his addiction he won't quite portray the same amount of caring, but... Something about it felt a bit stiff, I guess? A bit off? Perhaps it's just that Hope had finally reached her breaking point; she just didn't seem quite as concerned about him as I expected her to be. It felt a bit unrealistic or rehearsed. Of course, Hope had her own things to worry about, so perhaps this is to be expected.
I wasn't going to be another victim. I'd left Lumsville to find a place where I fit in, that made sense for me. To escape Eric. Going back meant giving up, resigning myself to the idea that this was all my life would be.
This was a harrowing, hard-hitting read, and I saw myself in a LOT of it. Again, I wouldn't recommend to those who are easily triggered; I'd also say more mature readers only should pick up this book, as it deals with some very heavy and emotionally-charged situations. I'd recommend for those who enjoy books from the likes of Jay Asher or Jodi Picoult—or reads like The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I definitely can't wait to see what's next from Colleen Nelson!
March 3, 2016
Actual raiting: 4.5 stars.
First things first: I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The book comes out March 19th. And you should really check it out.
Before I tell you more about the book I want to mention a few trigger warnings, just in case a few things about the book will be bad for you. There is drug abuse, there is mention of sexual assault and there is bullying involved in the story. So be careful of that.
So let's start with the review. There are some spoilers. I couldn't review this book without giving some things away (cause I would have exploded if I couldn't get all my thoughts out).
The book is about Hope. She lives in a pretty small town where everybody knows her story. Her brother, a guy who was pretty good at hockey, turned into a meth addict. Things at home are not that great because of that. She tries to help him out without her parents finding out. She then gets the chance to go to a boarding school. She is really excited to have a new start, where people don't know what or who her brother is. She's kind of torn between being friends with her roomate, Cassie, or a bunch of girls who call themselves 'Ravens'. And trouble starts.
This book is frustrating but it's beautiful at the same time, cause it feels super real.
Hope made some choices in the book that just made me shake my head, at the same time I know people like that, so that's something that made her real to me. She tries so hard to help and care for her brother, being there whenever he needs her. It didn't surprise me at all when she jumped into the relationship with Devon, even if it was just online. And even though I didn't understand how you can someone pictures like that when you have never seen him face to face, I could understand her desperation to just have someone that she felt she could talk to and that she was scared that he would leave her. That being sad. Kids, don't send nude pics to someone you have never seen in person before. Don't. I know you want to believe that the world is full of good and honest people, but it's not. On that note let's also mention, that even though it's the internet. Don't pretend to be someone else, get someone to like or love you and betray this person in the end. It's not nice. It's not cute. It's rude. It's mean and it's making you are horrible person.
Eric. Her brother. I'm full of emotions about him. I'm not here to justife his choices, cause let's be real. Drugs don't solve problems, they make even more. But, once again, I understood why he did the things he did. After being assaulted by a man that wasn't just a coach but kinda like a father figure to him, there are so many ways his story could've gone and for him it was meth that at least for a while put his mind at ease.
In the end, I'm happy where both characters ended up. Hope is still at school. Instead of just packing her bags and run back home, like she originally planned, she's standing up for herself and shows how strong she really is. For me she is really one of these characters that actually doesn't realize how strong she is. She took care of her brother. Tried and failed to begin a new life at school. With the Ravens and her brother showing up. And also Eric. I'm so glad that he got help and that he told what happened to him, instead of getting the revenge he planned to have. They both are not in a perfect place but I feel like things are getting better for them.
All of that being sad. I really enjoyed the writing, the switches between Hope and Eric's POV. And I LOVED the poems that Hope wrote. That was a really sweet touch to the whole book that she found a way to express herself in these poems and that they helped her through all of it.
I wasn't ready to give this book a full 5 stars yet. But it's pretty close. It's definitly one of the books that will stick with me for a while.
Also the cover!!!!! I requested the book because of the cover. What else is new. But it worked out this time.
First things first: I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The book comes out March 19th. And you should really check it out.
Before I tell you more about the book I want to mention a few trigger warnings, just in case a few things about the book will be bad for you. There is drug abuse, there is mention of sexual assault and there is bullying involved in the story. So be careful of that.
So let's start with the review. There are some spoilers. I couldn't review this book without giving some things away (cause I would have exploded if I couldn't get all my thoughts out).
The book is about Hope. She lives in a pretty small town where everybody knows her story. Her brother, a guy who was pretty good at hockey, turned into a meth addict. Things at home are not that great because of that. She tries to help him out without her parents finding out. She then gets the chance to go to a boarding school. She is really excited to have a new start, where people don't know what or who her brother is. She's kind of torn between being friends with her roomate, Cassie, or a bunch of girls who call themselves 'Ravens'. And trouble starts.
This book is frustrating but it's beautiful at the same time, cause it feels super real.
Hope made some choices in the book that just made me shake my head, at the same time I know people like that, so that's something that made her real to me. She tries so hard to help and care for her brother, being there whenever he needs her. It didn't surprise me at all when she jumped into the relationship with Devon, even if it was just online. And even though I didn't understand how you can someone pictures like that when you have never seen him face to face, I could understand her desperation to just have someone that she felt she could talk to and that she was scared that he would leave her. That being sad. Kids, don't send nude pics to someone you have never seen in person before. Don't. I know you want to believe that the world is full of good and honest people, but it's not. On that note let's also mention, that even though it's the internet. Don't pretend to be someone else, get someone to like or love you and betray this person in the end. It's not nice. It's not cute. It's rude. It's mean and it's making you are horrible person.
Eric. Her brother. I'm full of emotions about him. I'm not here to justife his choices, cause let's be real. Drugs don't solve problems, they make even more. But, once again, I understood why he did the things he did. After being assaulted by a man that wasn't just a coach but kinda like a father figure to him, there are so many ways his story could've gone and for him it was meth that at least for a while put his mind at ease.
In the end, I'm happy where both characters ended up. Hope is still at school. Instead of just packing her bags and run back home, like she originally planned, she's standing up for herself and shows how strong she really is. For me she is really one of these characters that actually doesn't realize how strong she is. She took care of her brother. Tried and failed to begin a new life at school. With the Ravens and her brother showing up. And also Eric. I'm so glad that he got help and that he told what happened to him, instead of getting the revenge he planned to have. They both are not in a perfect place but I feel like things are getting better for them.
All of that being sad. I really enjoyed the writing, the switches between Hope and Eric's POV. And I LOVED the poems that Hope wrote. That was a really sweet touch to the whole book that she found a way to express herself in these poems and that they helped her through all of it.
I wasn't ready to give this book a full 5 stars yet. But it's pretty close. It's definitly one of the books that will stick with me for a while.
Also the cover!!!!! I requested the book because of the cover. What else is new. But it worked out this time.
March 11, 2016
Intense!
Finding Hope seriously had my emotions all over the place. When I started the book, I noticed it was somewhat short and I was worried it wouldn't make an impact on me if the story wasn't fully fleshed out. Well, I was wrong, and am honestly impressed with the way the author delivered the intensity of abuse and how it affects the user, as well as the lives of everyone around that person.
I liked that the story was told in two POVs, taking us inside the heads of both siblings. It was obvious from the beginning that Eric was on drugs, but it was also obvious something terrible had happened, leading him down that painful path. Not many would have turned to meth as a way to escape what he'd been through, and at times I found myself angry at Eric for going that route while that bastard continued to live his life, but at the same time I understood and sympathized. He needed a way to cope with his demons and meth gave him the ability to numb that hurt. It was horrible, the way he lived and what he had to do for his next high, but I found this depiction rather realistic to that of drug abusers in society.
Now in Hope's case, she was an enabler. Big time. Their Dad had done the tough love thing and the Mom was trying to do that as well, but Hope would leave things like food, clothes, and money for Eric in a secret spot. I kept rolling my eyes at her because, duh, clearly he would use the money for drugs and would sell the stuff she gave him for money to buy drugs. But again, I understood her character. She was his sister, and she felt like she had to look out for her brother because she was afraid he'd end up dead if she turned him away. Hope had some issues of her own too. While she may not have been on drugs like her brother, the effect of his abuse on her became more obvious when she went off to the all girls boarding school.
Hope seemed desperate for a life where she could feel like she mattered too. A life that wasn't all about Eric. She needed to feel accepted. And it was hard for her to find friends at Ravenhurst. That is where some issues with her character started for me. I thought that maybe she could have looked for friends in her class, instead of trying to fit in with Lizzie and her followers. Also, her roommate was off-putting. She could have been nicer but hey, there really are people like her out there. And Hope was just too gullible. So quick to believe the nonsense spewed by that cruel clique, and often times her brother. Even worse, she believed that crap about the online guy who liked her. I just couldn't believe she'd fall for someone she hadn't met in real life and who never even called her on the phone. It was always through text or email, so it baffled me that she'd fall for that BS and send off that kind of picture. All in the name of trying to hold on to something that didn't drain her as much as Eric, and made her feel wanted.
While Hope was beyond stupid in doing that, I found her naivety somewhat realistic because there are girls who really do that. It happens on social media constantly. But I also blamed her mother. I felt like if she had paid more attention to her daughter and made her understand her value then Hope probably wouldn't be seeking it from anywhere else. Also, the Dad wasn't very present in the story. It would have been good to have him be more involved. Just so I could understand his character more. Regardless, it was still a good story. Wonderful writing. Very realistic when it came to drug abuse. And even though there were times I didn't quite get Hope's poetry, I still liked it and found it rather deep and intriguing. I highly recommend giving this one a read if you're looking for a story that's not too draggy while on the more serious side.
Finding Hope seriously had my emotions all over the place. When I started the book, I noticed it was somewhat short and I was worried it wouldn't make an impact on me if the story wasn't fully fleshed out. Well, I was wrong, and am honestly impressed with the way the author delivered the intensity of abuse and how it affects the user, as well as the lives of everyone around that person.
I liked that the story was told in two POVs, taking us inside the heads of both siblings. It was obvious from the beginning that Eric was on drugs, but it was also obvious something terrible had happened, leading him down that painful path. Not many would have turned to meth as a way to escape what he'd been through, and at times I found myself angry at Eric for going that route while that bastard continued to live his life, but at the same time I understood and sympathized. He needed a way to cope with his demons and meth gave him the ability to numb that hurt. It was horrible, the way he lived and what he had to do for his next high, but I found this depiction rather realistic to that of drug abusers in society.
Now in Hope's case, she was an enabler. Big time. Their Dad had done the tough love thing and the Mom was trying to do that as well, but Hope would leave things like food, clothes, and money for Eric in a secret spot. I kept rolling my eyes at her because, duh, clearly he would use the money for drugs and would sell the stuff she gave him for money to buy drugs. But again, I understood her character. She was his sister, and she felt like she had to look out for her brother because she was afraid he'd end up dead if she turned him away. Hope had some issues of her own too. While she may not have been on drugs like her brother, the effect of his abuse on her became more obvious when she went off to the all girls boarding school.
Hope seemed desperate for a life where she could feel like she mattered too. A life that wasn't all about Eric. She needed to feel accepted. And it was hard for her to find friends at Ravenhurst. That is where some issues with her character started for me. I thought that maybe she could have looked for friends in her class, instead of trying to fit in with Lizzie and her followers. Also, her roommate was off-putting. She could have been nicer but hey, there really are people like her out there. And Hope was just too gullible. So quick to believe the nonsense spewed by that cruel clique, and often times her brother. Even worse, she believed that crap about the online guy who liked her. I just couldn't believe she'd fall for someone she hadn't met in real life and who never even called her on the phone. It was always through text or email, so it baffled me that she'd fall for that BS and send off that kind of picture. All in the name of trying to hold on to something that didn't drain her as much as Eric, and made her feel wanted.
While Hope was beyond stupid in doing that, I found her naivety somewhat realistic because there are girls who really do that. It happens on social media constantly. But I also blamed her mother. I felt like if she had paid more attention to her daughter and made her understand her value then Hope probably wouldn't be seeking it from anywhere else. Also, the Dad wasn't very present in the story. It would have been good to have him be more involved. Just so I could understand his character more. Regardless, it was still a good story. Wonderful writing. Very realistic when it came to drug abuse. And even though there were times I didn't quite get Hope's poetry, I still liked it and found it rather deep and intriguing. I highly recommend giving this one a read if you're looking for a story that's not too draggy while on the more serious side.
January 22, 2016
3.25 stars.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Hope may have started off a little bumpy, but it improved drastically as I continued reading. The beginning was unclear and confusing, but I began to enjoy the book more as the character's began to develop. Overall, I did like it, but there were too many flaws to bump it to a four star rating.
The Characters
The characters are what really did this book for me. Both Eric and Hope developed as the story progressed, making mistakes, learning from them, changing before our eyes. Having a brother myself, I really connected and enjoyed the scenes where Eric and Hope interacted. The bond they had felt real.
At first, I didn't even like Eric. I thought he was just caught up in drugs, using his family for money. But once I got to hear his story, my heart broke for him. What he went through is an issue many don't take seriously enough. The book highlighted this, but also what kind of things can lie at the roots of drug addiction. Eric's struggle was real, and I liked being able to see through his eyes, especially the way people looked at him. I also liked being able to see the immense impact his past had on him.
Similarly, I really liked Hope. As much as she wants to leave behind her brother's shadow, her love for him is apparent. When she transfers to a new school, she has trouble making friends, and eventually falls into the popular crowd. This is a little cliche, but I was glad when she broke away from them. We really see Hope develop when she makes decisions. She makes some mistakes, but in the end she learns from them, and doesn't let these mistakes destroy her.
Aside from these two, however, the other characters aren't very developed. I would've liked to have seen Cassie and the sibling's mom change. While Hope and Eric's mom develops a little at the end, I wanted to see her development further.
The Writing
Despite its flaws, Finding Hope is very well-written. The writing flows and the author manages to paint very clear scenes and settings. I can clearly visualize everything. There's a good amount of description--enough to let us know what Hope and Eric are thinking, but not so much that it's suffocating.
The Beginning & End
Despite everything else, the beginning and end didn't sit well with me. The beginning was confusing and awkward; at first I thought Hope didn't know Eric was her brother. It needed to be fleshed out more, and their situation explained further. The prologue/intro was unnecessary and, in my opinion, should've been taken out.
The ending was a rush, stuffed into a single chapter. While everything was resolved, the author didn't dwell on anything, instead summarizing everything very quickly. Just like the beginning, it should've been fleshed out more and taken up more chapters than just one.
I liked Finding Hope but it's not something I would rave about. It has its perks, but also its flaws, and as a result I would have to give it 3.25 stars. As much as I loved the characters and the writing, it wasn't strong enough for a 4 or even a 3.5 star rating.
I would most likely not recommend this to a friend.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Hope may have started off a little bumpy, but it improved drastically as I continued reading. The beginning was unclear and confusing, but I began to enjoy the book more as the character's began to develop. Overall, I did like it, but there were too many flaws to bump it to a four star rating.
The Characters
The characters are what really did this book for me. Both Eric and Hope developed as the story progressed, making mistakes, learning from them, changing before our eyes. Having a brother myself, I really connected and enjoyed the scenes where Eric and Hope interacted. The bond they had felt real.
At first, I didn't even like Eric. I thought he was just caught up in drugs, using his family for money. But once I got to hear his story, my heart broke for him. What he went through is an issue many don't take seriously enough. The book highlighted this, but also what kind of things can lie at the roots of drug addiction. Eric's struggle was real, and I liked being able to see through his eyes, especially the way people looked at him. I also liked being able to see the immense impact his past had on him.
Similarly, I really liked Hope. As much as she wants to leave behind her brother's shadow, her love for him is apparent. When she transfers to a new school, she has trouble making friends, and eventually falls into the popular crowd. This is a little cliche, but I was glad when she broke away from them. We really see Hope develop when she makes decisions. She makes some mistakes, but in the end she learns from them, and doesn't let these mistakes destroy her.
Aside from these two, however, the other characters aren't very developed. I would've liked to have seen Cassie and the sibling's mom change. While Hope and Eric's mom develops a little at the end, I wanted to see her development further.
The Writing
Despite its flaws, Finding Hope is very well-written. The writing flows and the author manages to paint very clear scenes and settings. I can clearly visualize everything. There's a good amount of description--enough to let us know what Hope and Eric are thinking, but not so much that it's suffocating.
The Beginning & End
Despite everything else, the beginning and end didn't sit well with me. The beginning was confusing and awkward; at first I thought Hope didn't know Eric was her brother. It needed to be fleshed out more, and their situation explained further. The prologue/intro was unnecessary and, in my opinion, should've been taken out.
The ending was a rush, stuffed into a single chapter. While everything was resolved, the author didn't dwell on anything, instead summarizing everything very quickly. Just like the beginning, it should've been fleshed out more and taken up more chapters than just one.
I liked Finding Hope but it's not something I would rave about. It has its perks, but also its flaws, and as a result I would have to give it 3.25 stars. As much as I loved the characters and the writing, it wasn't strong enough for a 4 or even a 3.5 star rating.
I would most likely not recommend this to a friend.
January 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wowza this book is small in terms of pages but HUGE in terms of subject matter. If you are looking for a light YA book, this is not the book for you. This book deals with sexual abuse, bullying, mean pranks and drug addiction.
In Finding Hope, Colleen Nelson tells the story of two siblings: Hope and Eric. The book is told through both of their points of view. This really worked for me. I liked how we learn about each characters thoughts and emotions. Their story unravels at a good pace using this technique. Their POV chapters show how they relate to not only to each other but also how they relate to those around them. The POV chapteers also give the reader a glimpse into a drug addicts mind and also into the mind of their loved ones. I found that Eric's POV chapters were the most moving due in part, to them being more troubling and heartbreaking.
Hope is a young girl who is accepted into Ravenhurst, a private boarding school that she views as a ticket out of her small town. It is also her Mother's dream for her. She is an avid poetry writer, who uses poetry as an outlet for her innermost thoughts and feelings. In her public school, she felt like an outside who never fit in. At Ravenhurst, she jumps at the chance at acceptance, even if that acceptance is by the "mean" girls at the school.
Eric, once a talented Hockey player is a Meth Addict always looking for the next score. He wasn't always an addict. He was once a good looking talented teenager with a talent for playing Hockey. What could have possibly happened to change his life so drastically. It doesn't take long to figure out as the Author gives us hints and clues along the way thorough Eric's point of view.
This book was very good and I really enjoyed the poetry. I loved how it added to the story. It was a very good reflection on Hope's feeling and emotions. The ending did not feel rushed and it was nice to see that both characters found some "hope" at the end.
Received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wowza this book is small in terms of pages but HUGE in terms of subject matter. If you are looking for a light YA book, this is not the book for you. This book deals with sexual abuse, bullying, mean pranks and drug addiction.
In Finding Hope, Colleen Nelson tells the story of two siblings: Hope and Eric. The book is told through both of their points of view. This really worked for me. I liked how we learn about each characters thoughts and emotions. Their story unravels at a good pace using this technique. Their POV chapters show how they relate to not only to each other but also how they relate to those around them. The POV chapteers also give the reader a glimpse into a drug addicts mind and also into the mind of their loved ones. I found that Eric's POV chapters were the most moving due in part, to them being more troubling and heartbreaking.
Hope is a young girl who is accepted into Ravenhurst, a private boarding school that she views as a ticket out of her small town. It is also her Mother's dream for her. She is an avid poetry writer, who uses poetry as an outlet for her innermost thoughts and feelings. In her public school, she felt like an outside who never fit in. At Ravenhurst, she jumps at the chance at acceptance, even if that acceptance is by the "mean" girls at the school.
Eric, once a talented Hockey player is a Meth Addict always looking for the next score. He wasn't always an addict. He was once a good looking talented teenager with a talent for playing Hockey. What could have possibly happened to change his life so drastically. It doesn't take long to figure out as the Author gives us hints and clues along the way thorough Eric's point of view.
This book was very good and I really enjoyed the poetry. I loved how it added to the story. It was a very good reflection on Hope's feeling and emotions. The ending did not feel rushed and it was nice to see that both characters found some "hope" at the end.
February 1, 2016
Thank you NetGalley and Dundurn for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hope and Eric - brother and sister with some serious problems.
Hope is an outcast who can't find friends, and the only thing that keep her sane is her poetry. The only way for her to have a better life is to get out of her hometown.
Eric is Hope's big brother. He used to be a hockey player with a great future. But then something happened and he started using meth. Now he has no future, no family, no home.
When Hope receives a letter from Ravenhurst Academy she decides that this is a good chance to make a fresh start. There she meets some girls who seems to be someone with whom she can be friends. Also, she starts receiving e-mails from the boy who attends another boarding school. She can't even imagine that it all will end in the worst way possible.
After Hope leaves the town Eric breaks in a pharmacy looking for some money but in the end he stels only some mistures. He desperately needs money so he decides to go to his sister.
I will not tell you what happens in the end, I just can say that it will be some sort of a happy ending.
What I liked about this book:
1. Minimalist cover.
2. Short chapters.
3. Chapters are divided between Hope and Eric.
4. Hope and Eric's chapters take turns.
5. Deals with the serious issues - drug addiction, bullying, abuse.
6. Happy ending.
What I didn't like:
1. Hope's naivete and unwarranted trustfulness.
2. Hope and Eric's mother's nonchalant attitude towards her son.
All in all, it's a good book even though sometimes I wanted to grab Hope and start shaking her, screaming "Open your eyes! How can you not see that it's all is one big lie!"
It's a good short story and it's definitely worth reading!
Hope and Eric - brother and sister with some serious problems.
Hope is an outcast who can't find friends, and the only thing that keep her sane is her poetry. The only way for her to have a better life is to get out of her hometown.
Eric is Hope's big brother. He used to be a hockey player with a great future. But then something happened and he started using meth. Now he has no future, no family, no home.
When Hope receives a letter from Ravenhurst Academy she decides that this is a good chance to make a fresh start. There she meets some girls who seems to be someone with whom she can be friends. Also, she starts receiving e-mails from the boy who attends another boarding school. She can't even imagine that it all will end in the worst way possible.
After Hope leaves the town Eric breaks in a pharmacy looking for some money but in the end he stels only some mistures. He desperately needs money so he decides to go to his sister.
I will not tell you what happens in the end, I just can say that it will be some sort of a happy ending.
What I liked about this book:
1. Minimalist cover.
2. Short chapters.
3. Chapters are divided between Hope and Eric.
4. Hope and Eric's chapters take turns.
5. Deals with the serious issues - drug addiction, bullying, abuse.
6. Happy ending.
What I didn't like:
1. Hope's naivete and unwarranted trustfulness.
2. Hope and Eric's mother's nonchalant attitude towards her son.
All in all, it's a good book even though sometimes I wanted to grab Hope and start shaking her, screaming "Open your eyes! How can you not see that it's all is one big lie!"
It's a good short story and it's definitely worth reading!
November 1, 2015
4 Hope and Eric Stars!!
I really loved this book!
Quite different in its own way and that's what I loved about it! :)
The Gist : The books is about Eric and Hope who are siblings. Eric is addicted to drugs and Hope is troubled at her boarding school because of some of her school mates. The book shows how they fight, run away and then help each other to get out of their problems. [I won't give more as I don't want to give spoikers.]
My Views : The book has dual POV. Yeah, just like in Eleanor & Park, but this time it is about two siblings talking about each others problem and how they try to help each other out of it :')
I really loved it but still only 4 stars because I didn't like Hope's mother's character. I found her to be weak and I could really connect to her or feel anything for her.
The best part, I think, was Eric's character. I loved his POV and I loved the way his character was written. I could actually feel bad for him and Hope because his narration was really good.
Now about the recommendation. I really won't personally recommend it to anyone because everyone is not comfortable with 'sexual abuse on teenagers' genre or 'a teenager on drugs' genre, so I would say that you can try this book if you are familiar with these kinda stories.
4 stars in all :)
P.S. I completed this book in two days even when I was sick in bed for the whole time :')
P.P.S. I received the ebook from Netgalley.
I really loved this book!
Quite different in its own way and that's what I loved about it! :)
The Gist : The books is about Eric and Hope who are siblings. Eric is addicted to drugs and Hope is troubled at her boarding school because of some of her school mates. The book shows how they fight, run away and then help each other to get out of their problems. [I won't give more as I don't want to give spoikers.]
My Views : The book has dual POV. Yeah, just like in Eleanor & Park, but this time it is about two siblings talking about each others problem and how they try to help each other out of it :')
I really loved it but still only 4 stars because I didn't like Hope's mother's character. I found her to be weak and I could really connect to her or feel anything for her.
The best part, I think, was Eric's character. I loved his POV and I loved the way his character was written. I could actually feel bad for him and Hope because his narration was really good.
Now about the recommendation. I really won't personally recommend it to anyone because everyone is not comfortable with 'sexual abuse on teenagers' genre or 'a teenager on drugs' genre, so I would say that you can try this book if you are familiar with these kinda stories.
4 stars in all :)
P.S. I completed this book in two days even when I was sick in bed for the whole time :')
P.P.S. I received the ebook from Netgalley.
January 6, 2016
3.5/5*
Starting off this book I was a little unsure if I was going to like it at all. I wasn't a fan of the beginning and how it all started. The book itself felt a little choppy. The POV's were the "chapters" and most of them super short so it kind of threw me off at times.
☽ Eric:
I did not like Eric 80% of the book. Yes he was a druggie and his behaviors were "normal" for a drug addict. But something about it kind of bothered me. I did however start to feel for him as we learned about his past, and everything started to make sense. I liked that. I kinda wish we were introduced to his past earlier, but it all ended well.
☽ Hope:
My little hopey :) This poor girl went through so much and gave her all to people who gave nothing in return. Not even respect. Hope was just your typical teenager who didn't fit in, had a hard past with a druggie for a brother. So naturally, kids who know about that will make fun of you, or see you and/or your family as "weird". Going away to school was a nice fresh start where nobody knew of her or her family. Unfortunately her natural nice-ness and giving self got hurt in the mix of trying to make friends. I felt bad for Hope most the book but also some of her actions I was just like:
Anyway, the ending was super short. The book in general was super short, but a nice read. Loved the ending, but kind of wished it was longer and more in depth. Pretty interesting story overall.
Starting off this book I was a little unsure if I was going to like it at all. I wasn't a fan of the beginning and how it all started. The book itself felt a little choppy. The POV's were the "chapters" and most of them super short so it kind of threw me off at times.
☽ Eric:
I did not like Eric 80% of the book. Yes he was a druggie and his behaviors were "normal" for a drug addict. But something about it kind of bothered me. I did however start to feel for him as we learned about his past, and everything started to make sense. I liked that. I kinda wish we were introduced to his past earlier, but it all ended well.
☽ Hope:
My little hopey :) This poor girl went through so much and gave her all to people who gave nothing in return. Not even respect. Hope was just your typical teenager who didn't fit in, had a hard past with a druggie for a brother. So naturally, kids who know about that will make fun of you, or see you and/or your family as "weird". Going away to school was a nice fresh start where nobody knew of her or her family. Unfortunately her natural nice-ness and giving self got hurt in the mix of trying to make friends. I felt bad for Hope most the book but also some of her actions I was just like:
Anyway, the ending was super short. The book in general was super short, but a nice read. Loved the ending, but kind of wished it was longer and more in depth. Pretty interesting story overall.
Read
May 13, 2017
An Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) was provided by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
----
This review was so painful to write and I am sorry but I think this book isn’t really for me. I am having a hard time getting into the story and it was so frustrating.
I think the book was well written, but in my own opinion, dual or alternating 1st person point of view is not suitable for this Finding Hope. 1st off, because it seems like Eric and Hope’s point of view aren’t connected with each other (Or it’s just me…. Yes, maybe it’s just me…)
I am also having a hard time connecting with the characters and the flow of the story like I was at 21% and I don’t know what on Earth I was reading.
So there, maybe I can give this book a chance or maybe not.
But I love the poems… So much.
And I am really sorry.
----
This review was so painful to write and I am sorry but I think this book isn’t really for me. I am having a hard time getting into the story and it was so frustrating.
I think the book was well written, but in my own opinion, dual or alternating 1st person point of view is not suitable for this Finding Hope. 1st off, because it seems like Eric and Hope’s point of view aren’t connected with each other (Or it’s just me…. Yes, maybe it’s just me…)
I am also having a hard time connecting with the characters and the flow of the story like I was at 21% and I don’t know what on Earth I was reading.
So there, maybe I can give this book a chance or maybe not.
But I love the poems… So much.
And I am really sorry.
November 6, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn for a copy of this book.
The story of this book revolves around Hope, a teenage girl who is being shipped out of her small town and off to an exclusive boarding school, and her older brother Eric, a drug addict who was recently kicked out of his home. It deals with the relationship that the siblings have, especially with how the sister is the brother’s only hope (pun not intended, I swear to God), the only person who takes care of him.
Once Hope is off to boarding school, the problems seem like they’re far away. But that illusion soon gets crushed to pieces.
The rest of the review can be found here.
The story of this book revolves around Hope, a teenage girl who is being shipped out of her small town and off to an exclusive boarding school, and her older brother Eric, a drug addict who was recently kicked out of his home. It deals with the relationship that the siblings have, especially with how the sister is the brother’s only hope (pun not intended, I swear to God), the only person who takes care of him.
Once Hope is off to boarding school, the problems seem like they’re far away. But that illusion soon gets crushed to pieces.
The rest of the review can be found here.
February 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Sad as it was, dealing with a meth junkie and bullying. I especially loved the poems that the character, Hope, wrote. This is definitely a YA book that I think all young adults should read. I, as an adult, appreciated it as well. There was some teenage angst but not so much that I gave up on the characters. I truly felt for these characters. Both trying to deal with common teenage issues in their own way. Eric, of course, had to have lots of help and I love the way Hope took matters into her own hands and dealt with hers.
Thanks to Dundurn for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I would definitely recommend this book to all YA's and adults who enjoy them as well.
Thanks to Dundurn for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I would definitely recommend this book to all YA's and adults who enjoy them as well.
March 25, 2016
I got this book as an advanced reader copy from Netgalley - thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity.
This is the first fiction Netgalley book I've given five stars to. If you like YA fiction then you really need to check this out!
I loved the author's writing style - very easy read, a real page turner. I connected deeply with Hope; I think every teenage girl goes through a stage of ostracism and the author really captures the emotion that surrounds this so perfectly. For such a short book, so many themes were explored and I'm surprised at how well everything resolved at the end. Often I'm left feeling like I didn't get all my questions answered and it was quite refreshing to not feel that way.
I will definitely be seeking out more of this author's work.
This is the first fiction Netgalley book I've given five stars to. If you like YA fiction then you really need to check this out!
I loved the author's writing style - very easy read, a real page turner. I connected deeply with Hope; I think every teenage girl goes through a stage of ostracism and the author really captures the emotion that surrounds this so perfectly. For such a short book, so many themes were explored and I'm surprised at how well everything resolved at the end. Often I'm left feeling like I didn't get all my questions answered and it was quite refreshing to not feel that way.
I will definitely be seeking out more of this author's work.
April 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I though that it was easy to follow and I liked reading it. At times it could be boring, but overall I think it is worth the read. I think that Eric being a drug addict made the book more exciting because of how unpredictable he could be.
September 13, 2020
I loved this book. It is a very quick read but packs a powerful punch emotionally. Pieces of poetry cut through the narrative and give extra meeaning. Although as a reader you could see where it was going at times it really spoke to me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews