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No Fences in Alaska
GOLD Medal IPPY Award Young Adult Fiction Ebook“A love letter to family relationships and Alaskan life, No Fences in Alaska is a gratifying young adult novel.” –Foreword Reviews"All told, readers will find No Fences in Alaska impossible to put down." –BlueInk Starred ReviewReaders' Favorite Gold Medal Award - Young Adult Social IssuesFirst Place Pencraft Award - Young Adult
Their worlds are about to come crashing down…
At sixteen years old, Harper Lyon’s life is spinning out of control. She threatens her parents with suicide unless she can meet her drug-dealing boyfriend, a college student who doesn’t know she’s pregnant. Cooper Lyons, her estranged grandfather, lives in rural Alaska with only his dog and cat for company. He has just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, and he doesn’t plan on letting the disease run its course. Harper needs to escape her parents and decide what to do about the baby. She and her grandpa are worlds apart, but they may be exactly what the other needs. When Harper calls her grandfather, he welcomes the opportunity to help her and redeem his previous failure with his daughter Heather, who died from a drug overdose years ago.
Can they save each other?
Their worlds are about to come crashing down…
At sixteen years old, Harper Lyon’s life is spinning out of control. She threatens her parents with suicide unless she can meet her drug-dealing boyfriend, a college student who doesn’t know she’s pregnant. Cooper Lyons, her estranged grandfather, lives in rural Alaska with only his dog and cat for company. He has just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, and he doesn’t plan on letting the disease run its course. Harper needs to escape her parents and decide what to do about the baby. She and her grandpa are worlds apart, but they may be exactly what the other needs. When Harper calls her grandfather, he welcomes the opportunity to help her and redeem his previous failure with his daughter Heather, who died from a drug overdose years ago.
Can they save each other?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2020
72 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Glen Sobey
2 books16 followersGlen Sobey taught and lived in Alaska Native villages for many years and continues to live in rural Alaska with his wife, three dogs, and two forest cats. He plays several musical instruments, hikes, kayaks, catches fish (sometimes), builds things, repairs more things, gardens, shovels lots of snow, splits too much wood, enjoys his family, and writes as often as he can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 23, 2019
A good read but could have been better.
A little too many cheesy anecdotes towards the end but the introduction of a warm, likeable and interesting character in the second half of the book saved it for me.
Worth a read, if not for anything other than the wonderful visual descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness.
A little too many cheesy anecdotes towards the end but the introduction of a warm, likeable and interesting character in the second half of the book saved it for me.
Worth a read, if not for anything other than the wonderful visual descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness.
November 14, 2019
This was a wonderfully, tough and thought provoking read.
In many places the depth of the plot and the characters sucked me in and spat me out a few chapters on.
To use the phrase " emotional rollercoaster " would be a sin, it was so much more. It was like surfing on a rough sea of mixed emotions.
I had trouble liking Harper in the beginning, but soon realised how common her lifestyle and choices actually are. I feel it shed alot of light on important relevant issues and delt with some very difficult and challenging situations gently and with respect.
My heart broke many times while reading and I still couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
In many places the depth of the plot and the characters sucked me in and spat me out a few chapters on.
To use the phrase " emotional rollercoaster " would be a sin, it was so much more. It was like surfing on a rough sea of mixed emotions.
I had trouble liking Harper in the beginning, but soon realised how common her lifestyle and choices actually are. I feel it shed alot of light on important relevant issues and delt with some very difficult and challenging situations gently and with respect.
My heart broke many times while reading and I still couldn't put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2019
I was searching my kindle for my next read and the cover of this one caught my eye. I then saw the byline of “No fences in Alaska sweetheart, “Never let them build one round you” which made me want to read the blurb which had me want to start reading the book. The genre’s listed for this book are New Adult, YA, & Teens, which this book is certainly suitable for but I would like to add I think the book should also be classed as General Fiction as I think many adults would thoroughly enjoy reading it.
The very basics of the story are that Harper Lyon is a young 16yr old who is not getting on with her parents. Harper’s mother Natalie and her parents are very religious and strict and Harpers father Greg, found religion later in life and is trying to be very strict with his children. Natalie’s parents put a lot of pressure and have exceedingly high expectations from Greg as headmaster of a school they are funding. The slightest infraction of rules is to be punished no matter who that individual is. Which is how Harper finds herself expelled from the school her parents both work at. Greg also carries what some would say is emotional baggage from his childhood. The baggage he carries is in reference to this emotional baggage is in connection to his younger sister Heather who had been into boys, drink and drugs. Heather had died despite the best efforts of Greg’s parents. Greg blamed his father for his sister’s death and also for having an affair and causing the total breakdown of the family. This is one reason that he comes down so hard on Harper, but it is also a reason she feels she cannot talk to her parents. As Greg presumes Harper is on the same track of behaviour his sister was and attempts to clamp down even more on Harper. This however just pushes Harper further away, and into the arms of an older boyfriend, Zachary who uses her insecurities and ends up having her meet him in secret, gives her drugs and when she wakes up next to one of Zachary’s friends in bed at the side of her she realises she is in fact being used. I won’t go into much more detail but Harper decides to go to her Grandfather, (her father dad who they haven’t seen or spoken to for years) to live with him. Harper uses blackmail to get her parents to purchase her a ticket. Sadly, the blackmail is in a way a last cry for help from Harper to her parents but her father is so worried about losing his job that he caves and buys her the flight ticket. Harper doesn’t know what life will be like with her paternal Grandfather but assumes at this stage it can’t get any worse. Harper is totally unaware that her Grandfather, Cooper has just been given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and is still coming to terms with that. Cooper admits he may not have done everything right in bringing up his children or his marriage but he is sure and really wants to help this granddaughter that he hasn’t seen since she was a young child that stood on a table during a boat journey and sang at the top of her voices. Those on the boat applaud her singing, however her father Greg did not, pulling her from the table saying people have to eat from those etc and telling her off. In fact, he argued with his father about it and they had never visited each other since. Cooper hopes Harper still has a love of singing as it is something, they will have in common that they can build on. Which they do become increasingly close yet still keep their biggest secrets to themselves. Eventually there comes a point where the secrets reveal themselves. It is through the process of tackling one of the secrets that Harper meets a boy around her age who works as an EMT and plays his guitar and sings around different venues for money. It’s not long before Cooper has them set up singing in different venues for payment. Then things take a turn for the worse for both Harper and Cooper…..who can help?
I feel like I want to tell you so much more, but to go into more detail, reveals far too much of the plot, and you need to have the sequence of events to be revealed in the order and at the time the book does so.
My favourite character is Cooper, the man who has been living alone without his family for such a long time with only his cat Houdini and dog Snowball for company. He is desperate to help his granddaughter when she reaches out to him, despite him not knowing the whole story of her situation. As time goes on in the book, Cooper becomes eager to help Harper find new interests and “set her on the right track” whilst he is still well enough to do so. He is determined to help to set up Harper’s future before he succumbs to Alzheimer’s. Having said that Cooper is determined no one will have to look after him when he gets to a stage in his illness that he can no longer take care of himself.
I seriously loved this book, I was easily drawn into the book and went from thinking Harper was going to be a maybe “wayward”, alcoholic teen but the further you read into the book you realise that she is somewhat misunderstood. In that when an alcoholic drink was found in her bag at school and it is reported to the headmaster who is also her dad, she is immediately presumed guilty and expelled then blamed for “ruining” her father Greg’s reputation. Her father seems very quick to believe the worst of his daughter, he cannot seem to help himself but compare Harper to his sister Heather. As a reader you can understand why she feels she cannot approach her parents to talk about her situation and problems. When she couldn’t see that Zachary was just using her I wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her and shout, you are worth so much more. Then her rushed decision to go to Alaska to her grandfather, to me showed her maturing and wanting to do better for herself. After reading some of her interactions with Cooper I wanted to hug her and shout at them both for keeping secrets lol. This book does take you through a wide range of emotions. I found it difficult to put this book down and was frantically wishing for a happy ever after ending for Cooper, Harper and her family, but that wouldn’t have been realistic and this book really represents Alzheimer’s and the other issues featured accurately and in an honest, way. I think this book covered a lot of different issues really very well. There’s the dementia, the drugs, drink, peer pressure, family issues and more all dealt with so well in this book. The descriptions of the area are so good you can envision them easily. The byline, is said by the character I adored and kind of gives you a lump in your throat and then you totally understand how powerful it is within the book too.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were, Wow! What an amazing read! I am not ashamed to admit this book had me sobbing for the last 2% of it. Alzheimers/Dementia is portrayed honestly, truthfully and without frills or lies. Absolutely loved the relationship between Cooper and Harper. Would love to hear from these characters again a few years on, I will certainly be adding Glen Sobey's other book, The War Blog to my Want To Read List and keeping an eye out for any more titles written by him.
As a final sum up what can I say? I highly recommend reading, No Fences in Alaska!
Just make sure you have some tissues handy!
The very basics of the story are that Harper Lyon is a young 16yr old who is not getting on with her parents. Harper’s mother Natalie and her parents are very religious and strict and Harpers father Greg, found religion later in life and is trying to be very strict with his children. Natalie’s parents put a lot of pressure and have exceedingly high expectations from Greg as headmaster of a school they are funding. The slightest infraction of rules is to be punished no matter who that individual is. Which is how Harper finds herself expelled from the school her parents both work at. Greg also carries what some would say is emotional baggage from his childhood. The baggage he carries is in reference to this emotional baggage is in connection to his younger sister Heather who had been into boys, drink and drugs. Heather had died despite the best efforts of Greg’s parents. Greg blamed his father for his sister’s death and also for having an affair and causing the total breakdown of the family. This is one reason that he comes down so hard on Harper, but it is also a reason she feels she cannot talk to her parents. As Greg presumes Harper is on the same track of behaviour his sister was and attempts to clamp down even more on Harper. This however just pushes Harper further away, and into the arms of an older boyfriend, Zachary who uses her insecurities and ends up having her meet him in secret, gives her drugs and when she wakes up next to one of Zachary’s friends in bed at the side of her she realises she is in fact being used. I won’t go into much more detail but Harper decides to go to her Grandfather, (her father dad who they haven’t seen or spoken to for years) to live with him. Harper uses blackmail to get her parents to purchase her a ticket. Sadly, the blackmail is in a way a last cry for help from Harper to her parents but her father is so worried about losing his job that he caves and buys her the flight ticket. Harper doesn’t know what life will be like with her paternal Grandfather but assumes at this stage it can’t get any worse. Harper is totally unaware that her Grandfather, Cooper has just been given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and is still coming to terms with that. Cooper admits he may not have done everything right in bringing up his children or his marriage but he is sure and really wants to help this granddaughter that he hasn’t seen since she was a young child that stood on a table during a boat journey and sang at the top of her voices. Those on the boat applaud her singing, however her father Greg did not, pulling her from the table saying people have to eat from those etc and telling her off. In fact, he argued with his father about it and they had never visited each other since. Cooper hopes Harper still has a love of singing as it is something, they will have in common that they can build on. Which they do become increasingly close yet still keep their biggest secrets to themselves. Eventually there comes a point where the secrets reveal themselves. It is through the process of tackling one of the secrets that Harper meets a boy around her age who works as an EMT and plays his guitar and sings around different venues for money. It’s not long before Cooper has them set up singing in different venues for payment. Then things take a turn for the worse for both Harper and Cooper…..who can help?
I feel like I want to tell you so much more, but to go into more detail, reveals far too much of the plot, and you need to have the sequence of events to be revealed in the order and at the time the book does so.
My favourite character is Cooper, the man who has been living alone without his family for such a long time with only his cat Houdini and dog Snowball for company. He is desperate to help his granddaughter when she reaches out to him, despite him not knowing the whole story of her situation. As time goes on in the book, Cooper becomes eager to help Harper find new interests and “set her on the right track” whilst he is still well enough to do so. He is determined to help to set up Harper’s future before he succumbs to Alzheimer’s. Having said that Cooper is determined no one will have to look after him when he gets to a stage in his illness that he can no longer take care of himself.
I seriously loved this book, I was easily drawn into the book and went from thinking Harper was going to be a maybe “wayward”, alcoholic teen but the further you read into the book you realise that she is somewhat misunderstood. In that when an alcoholic drink was found in her bag at school and it is reported to the headmaster who is also her dad, she is immediately presumed guilty and expelled then blamed for “ruining” her father Greg’s reputation. Her father seems very quick to believe the worst of his daughter, he cannot seem to help himself but compare Harper to his sister Heather. As a reader you can understand why she feels she cannot approach her parents to talk about her situation and problems. When she couldn’t see that Zachary was just using her I wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her and shout, you are worth so much more. Then her rushed decision to go to Alaska to her grandfather, to me showed her maturing and wanting to do better for herself. After reading some of her interactions with Cooper I wanted to hug her and shout at them both for keeping secrets lol. This book does take you through a wide range of emotions. I found it difficult to put this book down and was frantically wishing for a happy ever after ending for Cooper, Harper and her family, but that wouldn’t have been realistic and this book really represents Alzheimer’s and the other issues featured accurately and in an honest, way. I think this book covered a lot of different issues really very well. There’s the dementia, the drugs, drink, peer pressure, family issues and more all dealt with so well in this book. The descriptions of the area are so good you can envision them easily. The byline, is said by the character I adored and kind of gives you a lump in your throat and then you totally understand how powerful it is within the book too.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were, Wow! What an amazing read! I am not ashamed to admit this book had me sobbing for the last 2% of it. Alzheimers/Dementia is portrayed honestly, truthfully and without frills or lies. Absolutely loved the relationship between Cooper and Harper. Would love to hear from these characters again a few years on, I will certainly be adding Glen Sobey's other book, The War Blog to my Want To Read List and keeping an eye out for any more titles written by him.
As a final sum up what can I say? I highly recommend reading, No Fences in Alaska!
Just make sure you have some tissues handy!
June 14, 2019
This book was a very fast-paced action filled read! I was surprised by how much I engaged with and fell in love with the characters. Harper is our main character and her journey from being a wild, sex and drug addicted Texas teen to living and thriving in the Alaskan wilderness is a journey I’m glad I got to enjoy. Her grandfather Cooper is easily my favorite character and I hope to keep some of his wisdom in my heart for future use. I highly recommend this book and was so glad I got the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
June 10, 2019
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book.
It was such an amazingly important read I honestly couldn’t get enough.
At some points this book was really heavy reading if I’m being honest.
The story I feel is a really Important one and I’m glad I got the chance to read it.
4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book.
It was such an amazingly important read I honestly couldn’t get enough.
At some points this book was really heavy reading if I’m being honest.
The story I feel is a really Important one and I’m glad I got the chance to read it.
4 stars.
June 3, 2019
A beautiful book about teenage life. The struggles that they face. Not feeling like you fit in, and being alone in the world. But having just one person in the whole world that understands what you are going through, who is willing to listen and who want to help. Is the thing that you need most. Which is what our hero finds in her grandpa. This book is really touching and beautifully written.
December 13, 2019
4 stars for No Fences in Alaska!
Cooper Lyons hasn't spoken to his son or grandchildren in years. Every year, he sends Christmas cards with gift cards in them. Year after year goes by without any responses. He chose to start over in Alaska years ago when his reputation was scarred by lies and deceit. Out of the blue, he gets a phone call from his teenage granddaughter, also desperate for a chance to start over and get away from her difficult parents.
What develops as soon as Harper arrives to stay with her grandfather is incredibly moving. Odds are, if you have a grandparent that has loved you into being, you'll see pieces of them in this book and you'll reflect on that love and the impact it has had on your life.
Harper struggles with so many of the things that have been plaguing young adults for as long as humans been wandering this earth. Author Glen Sobey does a really great job weaving in acceptance, freedom, peer pressure, the search for unconditional love, and self-identity as key threads in No Fences In Alaska. And, he really wrote like he has experience with all of the above from the perspective of a grandparent, a parent, sibling, and teenager.
The other thing that I loved about No Fences in Alaska was the scenery. Glen does a magnificent job describing the setting in the book. I felt like I was also among the moose and bears, hiking, and surrounded by majestic views and the smell of moss and cold air.
I hesitate to put this one in the hands of a young teenager and that's why it didn't get 5 shining stars from me. Y'all please don't throw tomatoes at me. I'm aware of how many awards this book has won. There are 2 sides of the fence (pun intended). And, since all of my kids are preteens, my opinion may be a little biased. Maybe they'll all get a copy the first time drugs, sex, or naked pictures turn up on their phones. Teenagerdom is going to hit my household like a wrecking ball, I'm sure of it.
Cooper Lyons hasn't spoken to his son or grandchildren in years. Every year, he sends Christmas cards with gift cards in them. Year after year goes by without any responses. He chose to start over in Alaska years ago when his reputation was scarred by lies and deceit. Out of the blue, he gets a phone call from his teenage granddaughter, also desperate for a chance to start over and get away from her difficult parents.
What develops as soon as Harper arrives to stay with her grandfather is incredibly moving. Odds are, if you have a grandparent that has loved you into being, you'll see pieces of them in this book and you'll reflect on that love and the impact it has had on your life.
Harper struggles with so many of the things that have been plaguing young adults for as long as humans been wandering this earth. Author Glen Sobey does a really great job weaving in acceptance, freedom, peer pressure, the search for unconditional love, and self-identity as key threads in No Fences In Alaska. And, he really wrote like he has experience with all of the above from the perspective of a grandparent, a parent, sibling, and teenager.
The other thing that I loved about No Fences in Alaska was the scenery. Glen does a magnificent job describing the setting in the book. I felt like I was also among the moose and bears, hiking, and surrounded by majestic views and the smell of moss and cold air.
I hesitate to put this one in the hands of a young teenager and that's why it didn't get 5 shining stars from me. Y'all please don't throw tomatoes at me. I'm aware of how many awards this book has won. There are 2 sides of the fence (pun intended). And, since all of my kids are preteens, my opinion may be a little biased. Maybe they'll all get a copy the first time drugs, sex, or naked pictures turn up on their phones. Teenagerdom is going to hit my household like a wrecking ball, I'm sure of it.
August 10, 2019
This book gave me goosebumps! A first class story of love and understanding in a family setting, even if it's a generation apart. It's a great read for anyone and everyone.
June 26, 2019
No Fences in Alaska is one of those books that is difficult to review. At the start, I wasn’t sucked into this one. As the book went on, I found myself more interested. Towards the end, my interest started to wane. There were some parts of this I really liked, and other parts I was indifferent to. I think, overall, it’s a case of ‘it’s me, not the book’, as I’m extremely picky with my young adult contemporary reads.
No Fences in Alaska is a book that deals with a lot of things, covering a range of topics. Some of these topics I feel were done better than others, and I think this comes down to how much was included in the story. Some elements received a lot more attention that others, which resulted in certain things feeling as though they were dragging and other things feeling as though they were over and done with in the blink of an eye.
Due to this, I never felt the connection with the characters I could have. I was certainly interested in seeing how things played out, I was curious what would happen in the end, but it was a case of curiosity about the story and not an investment in it.
As I said, this is really a case of ‘it’s me, not the book’. I’m sure many will love this book as it deals with so much throughout, but for me it didn’t quite connect.
No Fences in Alaska is a book that deals with a lot of things, covering a range of topics. Some of these topics I feel were done better than others, and I think this comes down to how much was included in the story. Some elements received a lot more attention that others, which resulted in certain things feeling as though they were dragging and other things feeling as though they were over and done with in the blink of an eye.
Due to this, I never felt the connection with the characters I could have. I was certainly interested in seeing how things played out, I was curious what would happen in the end, but it was a case of curiosity about the story and not an investment in it.
As I said, this is really a case of ‘it’s me, not the book’. I’m sure many will love this book as it deals with so much throughout, but for me it didn’t quite connect.
May 30, 2019
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
No Fences in Alaska, by Glen Sobey, is a classical coming-of-age novel that traces a young, wild-child from her shenanigans in San Antonio, Texas to the wild great outdoors of the Alaskan hinterland. Harper Lyons is a typical sixteen-year-old rebellious child. Feeling rejected by her God-fearing, strict parents, Harper set out, from the age of twelve to show them there was nothing they could do to stop her rebellious nature. Expelled from her Father’s strict Christian school, Harper begins a wild ride of drugs, alcohol, sex, and throwing herself at any good-looking male in the hope of finding the love she so desperately craves from her parents but seems so unable to find. When Harper discovers she is pregnant and the baby’s father wants nothing to do with her anymore, she realises an abortion is the only hope for her. Texas, however, has strict abortion laws that require parental consent but Harper is too terrified to even tell her parents she is pregnant, let alone ask for an abortion. Discovering Alaska has no parental consent rules for abortions, she decided to contact her Grandfather, Cooper, who has had no contact with the family since Harper was six to try to wheedle a way into getting sent to Alaska to be with him. Cooper, who is suffering his own difficult trials, is thrilled with the idea of seeing his family again and so begins a voyage of discovery for both Grandfather and Granddaughter.
This is the second Glen Sobey book I have read and No Fences in Alaska greatly fulfilled the promise I saw in this author’s first work. This story is tough, uncompromising and at times, harsh but it is told with such love and compassion, the characters were so easy to identify with. I love the author’s conversational writing style and his willingness to confront teenage issues that we so often sweep under the table, head on. Harper, was a character that you loved to get angry with. It was so easy, as a reader, to identify with her Dad, Greg’s anger and frustration at her behaviour but Sobey quickly showed us that underneath all the teenage rebellion and lashing out was a young woman whose heart was crying out for love, for comfort and just generally for a family. This story will pluck at your emotional heartstrings and on more than one occasion you will find your eyes watering as you become intimately involved in the real-life, everyday struggles these characters are dealing with. One of the best parts of being a professional editorial reviewer is the opportunity to watch writers' grow and expand their abilities as they stretch their literary boundaries. I definitely see that in Sobey’s second book and I can only say that it is one of my favourite reads of the year and I definitely look forward to more from this incredibly talented author. This is definitely a book every teenager and every parent could benefit from reading and I can recommend it most highly.
No Fences in Alaska, by Glen Sobey, is a classical coming-of-age novel that traces a young, wild-child from her shenanigans in San Antonio, Texas to the wild great outdoors of the Alaskan hinterland. Harper Lyons is a typical sixteen-year-old rebellious child. Feeling rejected by her God-fearing, strict parents, Harper set out, from the age of twelve to show them there was nothing they could do to stop her rebellious nature. Expelled from her Father’s strict Christian school, Harper begins a wild ride of drugs, alcohol, sex, and throwing herself at any good-looking male in the hope of finding the love she so desperately craves from her parents but seems so unable to find. When Harper discovers she is pregnant and the baby’s father wants nothing to do with her anymore, she realises an abortion is the only hope for her. Texas, however, has strict abortion laws that require parental consent but Harper is too terrified to even tell her parents she is pregnant, let alone ask for an abortion. Discovering Alaska has no parental consent rules for abortions, she decided to contact her Grandfather, Cooper, who has had no contact with the family since Harper was six to try to wheedle a way into getting sent to Alaska to be with him. Cooper, who is suffering his own difficult trials, is thrilled with the idea of seeing his family again and so begins a voyage of discovery for both Grandfather and Granddaughter.
This is the second Glen Sobey book I have read and No Fences in Alaska greatly fulfilled the promise I saw in this author’s first work. This story is tough, uncompromising and at times, harsh but it is told with such love and compassion, the characters were so easy to identify with. I love the author’s conversational writing style and his willingness to confront teenage issues that we so often sweep under the table, head on. Harper, was a character that you loved to get angry with. It was so easy, as a reader, to identify with her Dad, Greg’s anger and frustration at her behaviour but Sobey quickly showed us that underneath all the teenage rebellion and lashing out was a young woman whose heart was crying out for love, for comfort and just generally for a family. This story will pluck at your emotional heartstrings and on more than one occasion you will find your eyes watering as you become intimately involved in the real-life, everyday struggles these characters are dealing with. One of the best parts of being a professional editorial reviewer is the opportunity to watch writers' grow and expand their abilities as they stretch their literary boundaries. I definitely see that in Sobey’s second book and I can only say that it is one of my favourite reads of the year and I definitely look forward to more from this incredibly talented author. This is definitely a book every teenager and every parent could benefit from reading and I can recommend it most highly.
July 19, 2019
I received an eArc of this via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion!
What makes this book so different than the rest? It deals with a ton of issues that are real life issues it does so in a way that makes it seem like someone's actual story instead of a work of fiction. The topics that are dealt with are written described so well. I can't comment on the exact representation of them because I've not personally dealt with them except for losing someone to suicide almost losing myself to suicide.
This book is in one word, amazing. I read the synopsis immediately requested to read this book via NetGalley was approved. I'm so grateful I was approved. This book deals with issues such as dementia, drug use, drug addiction, suicide, teen pregnancy over coming difficulties in life. The characters are all amazing so realistic. The character development story development are absolutely amazing. This book is beautifully done I 100% recommend it. There were some parts that shocked me broke my heart but also some that made me laugh sometimes get mad at. I think everyone needs to read this book. While reading it after finishing it, I cried so much. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for but it was no less a great ending to a great book. In my eyes its an easy 5 star book I can't wait until its published so I can get a physical copy. I'm so glad that I read this book.
What makes this book so different than the rest? It deals with a ton of issues that are real life issues it does so in a way that makes it seem like someone's actual story instead of a work of fiction. The topics that are dealt with are written described so well. I can't comment on the exact representation of them because I've not personally dealt with them except for losing someone to suicide almost losing myself to suicide.
This book is in one word, amazing. I read the synopsis immediately requested to read this book via NetGalley was approved. I'm so grateful I was approved. This book deals with issues such as dementia, drug use, drug addiction, suicide, teen pregnancy over coming difficulties in life. The characters are all amazing so realistic. The character development story development are absolutely amazing. This book is beautifully done I 100% recommend it. There were some parts that shocked me broke my heart but also some that made me laugh sometimes get mad at. I think everyone needs to read this book. While reading it after finishing it, I cried so much. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for but it was no less a great ending to a great book. In my eyes its an easy 5 star book I can't wait until its published so I can get a physical copy. I'm so glad that I read this book.
June 24, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. REALLY.
The premise is interesting and sth right up my alley but unfortunately the execution is just plain bad.
90% of this book is exposition and it's horrible! If you're an Author that has the audacity to literally write in your book that when writing a book you should show and not tell, then PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU show and don't tell. Show us the family dynamics, don't tell us yet another story from the past that is supposed to explain characters' motivations and actions.
Also, unfortunately, this book spunds very preachy, very pro-birth (without even meaning to I think).
And don't get me started on nsta-love between Harper and Gabriel. Just. Don't.
The premise is interesting and sth right up my alley but unfortunately the execution is just plain bad.
90% of this book is exposition and it's horrible! If you're an Author that has the audacity to literally write in your book that when writing a book you should show and not tell, then PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU show and don't tell. Show us the family dynamics, don't tell us yet another story from the past that is supposed to explain characters' motivations and actions.
Also, unfortunately, this book spunds very preachy, very pro-birth (without even meaning to I think).
And don't get me started on nsta-love between Harper and Gabriel. Just. Don't.
May 21, 2019
What another wonderful book by this author! Harper is a troubled teen who faces difficult obstacles in her life, pushing away her family who is trying to help her. She needed to get away from everyone in her town and not face reality so she decides to move in with her grandfather. Not only was her grandfather her savior but he brought the best out of her as well as she did for him. Take my word for it, this book is amazing in so many levels. The relationship she had with Cooper her grandpa was such a joy to read. And Harper's character felt so real and brought deep emotions out of me for this character. I rooted for her the entire way. Wonderful Book.
July 19, 2019
No Fences in Alaska is about a girl named Harper who is going through some things at the age of 16 and feels like her parents just dont understand her. When Harper gets herself into a lot of trouble she ends up in Alaska with her grandfather that she hasn't seen in years.
Harper and her relationship with her grandfather Cooper is just beautiful. I loved their understanding and needing of one another. This story deals with a lot of issues. Trigger warning for sex, drugs, rape, death, and mental abuse. I enjoyed this story it was definitely a page Turner, but there was some parts of the story that made me cringed with cheesiness and insta love.
Harper and her relationship with her grandfather Cooper is just beautiful. I loved their understanding and needing of one another. This story deals with a lot of issues. Trigger warning for sex, drugs, rape, death, and mental abuse. I enjoyed this story it was definitely a page Turner, but there was some parts of the story that made me cringed with cheesiness and insta love.
May 12, 2019
No Fences in Alaska is a very timely read that explores family relationships in a meaningful and emotional way. I was especially impressed by Harper's character development -- while she begins the story as a party girl who tries to numb her pain with illicit substances, she grows into a confident young woman with a real purpose in life. The book is definitely on the mature side, and it deals with some heavy themes, but it also evokes a sense of the joy that comes with having a complete family (whether biological or chosen).
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
August 14, 2019
First of all, I would like to give heartfelt thanks to Glen Sobey for providing me with a digital review copy to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary.
Having previously read the first book by glen, 'War Blog', I was keenly waiting for his next book. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined this book to leave me emotionally and physically drained. At first, it was difficult for me to connect with the main character since I come from a completely different background and cultural setup. But having interacted with Glen I was able to see and understand the context better. The story is not unfamiliar or unknown, but its the treatment that sets it apart. Glen Sobey's book will leave you crying, sobbing inconsolably, laughing, smiling, and endless other emotions. It's an emotional roller coaster that will leave you teary-eyed and numb for a while.
Plot: The book is about a young girl, Harper Lyons, who like any typical teenager wants to be part of the in-crowd. So, to be part of the crowd she does things which she otherwise would not. She ends up with drug abuse, drinking, boys, unprotected sex, and the list goes on. The situation at home is no different, growing up in a strict God-fearing family, Harper finds it difficult to communicate with either of her parents. Her only fault is that she grew up too soon and had no one to guide her or correct her with love. The distance between her and her parents augment to such an extent that she blindly lands into the arms of an older boyfriend, Zachary. He is conniving, manipulative and good for nothing, who happens to trap innocent girls into drugs and misuse their situation by landing them in situations that he can make use of like blackmailing them into submission for sex and drugs. It is sad to see Harper tear herself away from her family once she realizes she is with a child. She cannot reach out to her parents, who also happen to wish their hands off her before she becomes a bad influence on her siblings. The family dynamics will leave you scarred, and thinking as to why as parents we often stop listening to our kids and pay attention selectively.
Harper reaches out to her estranged grandfather who helps her find her reason to live. However, Harper is unaware that her Grandfather, Cooper has Alzheimer’s disease and is still coming to terms with that. Cooper too has a strained relationship with his wife and son, Greg(Harper's father). Greg blames Cooper for the death of his sister Heather by drug abuse, wherein Greg was more to blame. The ensuing years saw them drift apart and Cooper ended up alone in Alaska. The rest of the story will have you spellbound with scenic landscapes and raw human emotions which hit you in the gut, leaving you breathless and at times snot-nosed. The journey of Harper and Cooper is awe-inspiring and also heartwarming. The novel takes you on their journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Cooper teaches you many life lessons that may seem trivial but on second thought you will realize its mettle.
I found myself connecting with some part of every character, which made the book all the more special for me. I connected with Harper when she felt lonely and isolated, unable to connect with her parents. She is labeled and written off and becomes synonymous for mistakes. The parents fail to see the daughter who wants to let go of her mistakes and start fresh. But they assume her to be guilty, which leads her to further alienation from her family.
I took a long time to read the book because many scenes were like reliving my pain. It is definitely a page-turner, that will feel like a roller coaster ride of emotions. I foolishly wished for Cooper to recover even though I knew that people suffering from Alzheimer's never recover. This book represents Alzheimer’s and the other related issues accurately and in an honest, way. A lot of topics have been discussed in the book; dementia, drug abuse, drinking issues, peer pressure, family issues, family fragmentation, religion, the concept of god and more have been dealt with so well. The descriptions of the Alaskan terrain are so real that while reading you can see in your mind's eye the various landscapes.
The one thing I am taking away from the book is the byline, is said by Cooper. The words will find a keeper in all who have faced hardships and have risen from ashes, stronger. The line is powerful and it symbolizes the very spirit of the book. The by-line of “No fences in Alaska sweetheart, “Never let them build one around you” will stay with you forever. Though listed as YA, I personally feel that the book is suitable even for adults and everyone would enjoy the journey of Harper and Cooper.
Warning: Carry a box of tissues when you sit to read.
Having previously read the first book by glen, 'War Blog', I was keenly waiting for his next book. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined this book to leave me emotionally and physically drained. At first, it was difficult for me to connect with the main character since I come from a completely different background and cultural setup. But having interacted with Glen I was able to see and understand the context better. The story is not unfamiliar or unknown, but its the treatment that sets it apart. Glen Sobey's book will leave you crying, sobbing inconsolably, laughing, smiling, and endless other emotions. It's an emotional roller coaster that will leave you teary-eyed and numb for a while.
Plot: The book is about a young girl, Harper Lyons, who like any typical teenager wants to be part of the in-crowd. So, to be part of the crowd she does things which she otherwise would not. She ends up with drug abuse, drinking, boys, unprotected sex, and the list goes on. The situation at home is no different, growing up in a strict God-fearing family, Harper finds it difficult to communicate with either of her parents. Her only fault is that she grew up too soon and had no one to guide her or correct her with love. The distance between her and her parents augment to such an extent that she blindly lands into the arms of an older boyfriend, Zachary. He is conniving, manipulative and good for nothing, who happens to trap innocent girls into drugs and misuse their situation by landing them in situations that he can make use of like blackmailing them into submission for sex and drugs. It is sad to see Harper tear herself away from her family once she realizes she is with a child. She cannot reach out to her parents, who also happen to wish their hands off her before she becomes a bad influence on her siblings. The family dynamics will leave you scarred, and thinking as to why as parents we often stop listening to our kids and pay attention selectively.
Harper reaches out to her estranged grandfather who helps her find her reason to live. However, Harper is unaware that her Grandfather, Cooper has Alzheimer’s disease and is still coming to terms with that. Cooper too has a strained relationship with his wife and son, Greg(Harper's father). Greg blames Cooper for the death of his sister Heather by drug abuse, wherein Greg was more to blame. The ensuing years saw them drift apart and Cooper ended up alone in Alaska. The rest of the story will have you spellbound with scenic landscapes and raw human emotions which hit you in the gut, leaving you breathless and at times snot-nosed. The journey of Harper and Cooper is awe-inspiring and also heartwarming. The novel takes you on their journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Cooper teaches you many life lessons that may seem trivial but on second thought you will realize its mettle.
I found myself connecting with some part of every character, which made the book all the more special for me. I connected with Harper when she felt lonely and isolated, unable to connect with her parents. She is labeled and written off and becomes synonymous for mistakes. The parents fail to see the daughter who wants to let go of her mistakes and start fresh. But they assume her to be guilty, which leads her to further alienation from her family.
I took a long time to read the book because many scenes were like reliving my pain. It is definitely a page-turner, that will feel like a roller coaster ride of emotions. I foolishly wished for Cooper to recover even though I knew that people suffering from Alzheimer's never recover. This book represents Alzheimer’s and the other related issues accurately and in an honest, way. A lot of topics have been discussed in the book; dementia, drug abuse, drinking issues, peer pressure, family issues, family fragmentation, religion, the concept of god and more have been dealt with so well. The descriptions of the Alaskan terrain are so real that while reading you can see in your mind's eye the various landscapes.
The one thing I am taking away from the book is the byline, is said by Cooper. The words will find a keeper in all who have faced hardships and have risen from ashes, stronger. The line is powerful and it symbolizes the very spirit of the book. The by-line of “No fences in Alaska sweetheart, “Never let them build one around you” will stay with you forever. Though listed as YA, I personally feel that the book is suitable even for adults and everyone would enjoy the journey of Harper and Cooper.
Warning: Carry a box of tissues when you sit to read.
July 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I admired that even though Harper was rebellious; she wanted something different for her sister, Alex. The story is a tad bit repetitive of how Harper had her innocence took and no one believed her, so she lashed out and became the girl everyone believed her to be.
I felt sorry for the dad all he wanted to do was to keep his daughter safe and to keep history from repeating itself. The guilt of his late sister still affects him and his father all throughout the book.
I enjoyed seeing the grandfather get a second chance with Harper. I won't go too much into detail, but this hit home in a lot of ways. I definitely recommend this book.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I felt sorry for the dad all he wanted to do was to keep his daughter safe and to keep history from repeating itself. The guilt of his late sister still affects him and his father all throughout the book.
I enjoyed seeing the grandfather get a second chance with Harper. I won't go too much into detail, but this hit home in a lot of ways. I definitely recommend this book.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
July 30, 2019
I was so excited to read this book because it felt like something I could recommend to all of my students. I liked the book, but it was far to explicit for my 7th graders. I would recommend this book to every single high school student I know, however - the truth in how adolescents today treat each other, the prevalence of drug culture in all areas of the country, and the redemptive power of love are all themes I think every adolescent should read about.
For fans of YA, this is a definite read! For middle schoolers, probably best to hold off until they get to high school.
For fans of YA, this is a definite read! For middle schoolers, probably best to hold off until they get to high school.
July 31, 2019
Fabulous
Simply put this was a fantastic story. I laughed a LOT, I cried a LOT and just got swept into a great book. I definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a deep meaningful tale.
Simply put this was a fantastic story. I laughed a LOT, I cried a LOT and just got swept into a great book. I definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a deep meaningful tale.
June 27, 2019
Harper is a troubled sixteen-year-old. She is going down a path that her parents never thought a daughter of theirs would travel. Deeply religious, her father is the head of a Christian School. Harper has been expelled from the school and is dabbling in sex and drugs. Searching for herself in the cocoon of religious righteousness has not been easy. She feels as though her family has chosen religion over the love for her they once had.
When Harper finds herself over her head and can’t see a way out of the trouble she is in, she turns to the grandfather she hasn’t seen in years. He lives in Alaska, far away from the family that turned their backs on him many years ago. Her grandpa, Cooper, welcomes her without judgement or conditions. Little does Harper know that he is hiding a secret that will soon affect all of their lives.
Even though Harper knows what she wants to do, she so soon realizes that even the best laid plans are subject to change. As she grows closer to Cooper and the lifestyle in Alaska, she begins to change. Cooper encourages her to focus on her love of music again. Her outlook on life changes drastically, but will it be too late to repair the relationship with her father? Is he willing to give her the chance she needs to become herself instead of the perfect person he has tried to create?
Cooper and Harper are the perfect pair. The characters are both deeply flawed, much like most human beings. It is not the flaws that we should judge by, it is how obstacles are overcome and challenges are met. Sobey does a magnificent job of bringing real issues to the forefront and meeting them head on. That is not to say the characters always choose the best or easiest options, but realistically, who does?
Classified as a YA Novel, adults will also find that No Fences in Alaska is a heartwarming tale of redemption, love and change. The setting of Alaska is perfect. Bears, moose and the cold all play roles in the book. The beauty and serenity of the Alaskan wilderness allows more introspect than any state in the lower 48 could possibly offer.
This is the first book I’ve read by Glen Sobey. His previous book, The War Blog was also set in Alaska. Both of his novels are standalone, but both seem to have the same common thread of love, coming of age and the sharp truths some teens have to live with.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
When Harper finds herself over her head and can’t see a way out of the trouble she is in, she turns to the grandfather she hasn’t seen in years. He lives in Alaska, far away from the family that turned their backs on him many years ago. Her grandpa, Cooper, welcomes her without judgement or conditions. Little does Harper know that he is hiding a secret that will soon affect all of their lives.
Even though Harper knows what she wants to do, she so soon realizes that even the best laid plans are subject to change. As she grows closer to Cooper and the lifestyle in Alaska, she begins to change. Cooper encourages her to focus on her love of music again. Her outlook on life changes drastically, but will it be too late to repair the relationship with her father? Is he willing to give her the chance she needs to become herself instead of the perfect person he has tried to create?
Cooper and Harper are the perfect pair. The characters are both deeply flawed, much like most human beings. It is not the flaws that we should judge by, it is how obstacles are overcome and challenges are met. Sobey does a magnificent job of bringing real issues to the forefront and meeting them head on. That is not to say the characters always choose the best or easiest options, but realistically, who does?
Classified as a YA Novel, adults will also find that No Fences in Alaska is a heartwarming tale of redemption, love and change. The setting of Alaska is perfect. Bears, moose and the cold all play roles in the book. The beauty and serenity of the Alaskan wilderness allows more introspect than any state in the lower 48 could possibly offer.
This is the first book I’ve read by Glen Sobey. His previous book, The War Blog was also set in Alaska. Both of his novels are standalone, but both seem to have the same common thread of love, coming of age and the sharp truths some teens have to live with.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
July 20, 2019
Amazing adventures
Well written story about the struggles a family goes through and the healing that happens when God sets them on a path of forgiveness and bonding in the wilderness of Alaska. Great read!
Well written story about the struggles a family goes through and the healing that happens when God sets them on a path of forgiveness and bonding in the wilderness of Alaska. Great read!
July 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It is well written and the characters are described well. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Thank you netgalley for letting me review this book. @brwpublisher
June 24, 2019
This is such a heartfelt read! I immediately fell in love with the range of character personalities and the way the author was able to dive into the mind of a teenager and really bring the reader in from the first page. This is the story of Harper, a wild, drug-addicted, boy-crazy party girl and her journey to redefine herself in backwoods Alaska with her estranged grandfather. As the mother of a teenage girl, the trials Harper faces truly resonated with me. Her need to fit in, to rebel against her parents, to be the girl the boys want her to be, are all things that young girls go through in real life. Harper, however, finds herself pregnant by an older college boy who wants nothing to do with her or her baby. She isn't even sure what to do about the baby herself. When she sets off for Alaska to visit her grandfather, Cooper, whom she hasn't seen since she was six years old, her intentions aren't to get attached. But they end up being everything the other needs at that moment in time. Cooper was hands-down my favorite character. His wisdom and unconditional love for his family (and pets) is what ties the whole book together.
The plot was a little predictable and cheesy, but was still a real page turner. The writing was amazing. I am so impressed with how well the author describes the Alaskan scenery. I have never been to Alaska, but had no trouble picturing the beauty of it. After some research on the reader, I have found that the other lives in rural Alaska, so that vast beauty is something he sees every day. I really like that he chose a setting that he knows so well. This is a perfect summer read - I laughed, I cried, I rooted for characters at times and hated them at times. I was truly engaged in the story. It was like a movie playing in my head; I couldn't put it down. It is the perfect beach read for parents of teenagers, or any fan of YA fiction.
The plot was a little predictable and cheesy, but was still a real page turner. The writing was amazing. I am so impressed with how well the author describes the Alaskan scenery. I have never been to Alaska, but had no trouble picturing the beauty of it. After some research on the reader, I have found that the other lives in rural Alaska, so that vast beauty is something he sees every day. I really like that he chose a setting that he knows so well. This is a perfect summer read - I laughed, I cried, I rooted for characters at times and hated them at times. I was truly engaged in the story. It was like a movie playing in my head; I couldn't put it down. It is the perfect beach read for parents of teenagers, or any fan of YA fiction.
July 2, 2019
Labeling this as a "coming of age" novel is too simplistic when a more accurate description of the plot would be an onion peel. But that's what dysfunctional families are... a multitude of hidden layers that must be revealed and peeled back over time. Grandpa is the liberal who blames himself for the drug-related death of his daughter, while his son, adopts a conservative attitude towards childrearing. Seems logical that a more routined upbringing would provide different results right? As you can guess, it doesn't. Told from the perspective of the grand-daughter, we watch her progression from suicidal rebel to party girl, master manipulator, and runaway, all leading up to the ultimate adventure of her life. Fun fact: No Fences is a continuation of The War Blog universe with the grandfather as the fictional author and songwriter of the novel that started the series. Lots of camping and peeing outdoors in this one. Remember: there's "no fences in Alaska."
For more book reviews (independent reviewer here) please visit: http://www.wildgrunge.com
For more book reviews (independent reviewer here) please visit: http://www.wildgrunge.com
June 28, 2019
I really loved this book, I was simply drawn into the story and went from thinking Harper was going to be a maybe “wayward”, alcoholic teen but the more I read into the book I realised that she is rather misunderstood. The characters and story line were very well done it explores family relationships and character development. The book is on the mature side, dealing with some intense themes. It does, however, induce a sense of joy that happens when one is part of a complete family, chosen or biological.
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October 15, 2019I DNF'ed this book.
OK, I have to say that I did like the writing with this one. But I could not get past the content, which should have had so many trigger warnings, including: assisted suicide, abortion, drug abuse, underage drinking, drug and alcohol abuse while pregnant… I mean, there’s a huge difference between suicide (hinted at in the blurb) and asking your 16-year-old, pregnant, drug-addicted granddaughter to help you kill yourself.
Also, I really did not like Harper. I don’t know if she gets better as the book goes on, but I found her unnecessarily abrasive and too smart for her own good. The lengths she goes to when blackmailing her parents was horrific. Essentially, this one was a no for me.
I received a digital ARC of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
OK, I have to say that I did like the writing with this one. But I could not get past the content, which should have had so many trigger warnings, including: assisted suicide, abortion, drug abuse, underage drinking, drug and alcohol abuse while pregnant… I mean, there’s a huge difference between suicide (hinted at in the blurb) and asking your 16-year-old, pregnant, drug-addicted granddaughter to help you kill yourself.
Also, I really did not like Harper. I don’t know if she gets better as the book goes on, but I found her unnecessarily abrasive and too smart for her own good. The lengths she goes to when blackmailing her parents was horrific. Essentially, this one was a no for me.
I received a digital ARC of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2019
Wow, this book gave a very honest and realistic view into the mind of a troubled teen who just wants love and acceptance from her strict father but she is lashing out in all the wrong ways. Her father, in turn, is trying to protect her but is only succeeding at pushing her away. Harper’s grandfather becomes a voice or reason for them both. I am so impressed how the author was able to understand and convey where each person was coming from and how sometimes we do wrong things for the right reason. A great read for teens and adults alike.
May 15, 2019
Firstly the Author`s writing style is wow. From the start, the story was alive and compelling me as a reader to want to continue reading more and more. I want to compliment the author on such a job well done in creating such a unique, emotional and exciting plot! I also loved the way i was made as a reader to feel emotionally connected to the story and the characters especially Harper. I highly recommend this story!
May 14, 2019
This book combines a complex story about family relationships, teen pregnancy, dementia, drugs and the beauty and freedom of Alaska. Full of emotions, this story will make you laugh and cry. Excellent YA book with a realistic story and an ending that is both happy and sad.
July 23, 2019
Warning this book does have triggers to mental health issues drug related issues and Abuse.
I enjoyed the story it's a very hard hitting from the start this book does not gloss over hard hitting issues.the book follows 16 year old Harper whose life is a train wreck she has a abusive boyfriend is addicted to drugs dresses up and blackmails her parents. And her younger sister wants To be like her. Untill one day she gets in contact with her estranged grandpa Cooper who is struggling with his diagnosis of dementia and together they form a unbreakable relationship and are great together.
I liked the chracture of Harper towards the end. At the beginning she was a bitch but as her story unfolds we find out she has a abusive boyfriend who gives her drugs and has sex with her I felt overwhelmed with how many issues that Harper has and I couldn't keep up I just wanted to shout at her and disliked her. When she goes to Alaska I am rooting for her she had a great relationship with her grandfather and I liked that. At 16 she has a tough journey but by the end of the book I was rooting for her. good chracture progression you can have issues and come out the other side.
Cooper is Harpers Grandpa at thebstart you find out he has dementia and is estranged from his family. I loved Cooper as a chracture I really connected with him. The dements rep was spot on and I was in tears reading Coopers dementia getting worse but still determined to do things and show Harper his Alaska before the dementia sets in.
Harpers Family especially her dad is overprotective understandable as his sister Heather died and is worries about Harper going the same way. Harpers dad likeable towards the end and goes on a good parent learning curve. Harpers mum is ok as a chracture she has a lot of backstory throughout the book.
Harpers siblings Harper has a older brother Chris who is in the Army he is mentioned a couple of times but not alot wich is a shame would of liked him to join the family at the end.Alex and Jack are the younger siblings ok chractures they dont really add to the story in my opinion.
Rachel. Harpers Grandmother is sensible wanted to find out more about her apart from being Greg and Heather's mum.
All in all I enjoyed it the plot was good easy to follow. this book is very emotion and Raw very gritty doesnt gloss over anything. I loved the description of Alaska. I enjoyed the book would of liked a but more about Chris Harpers older brother cried at the end.
Raiting: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
I enjoyed the story it's a very hard hitting from the start this book does not gloss over hard hitting issues.the book follows 16 year old Harper whose life is a train wreck she has a abusive boyfriend is addicted to drugs dresses up and blackmails her parents. And her younger sister wants To be like her. Untill one day she gets in contact with her estranged grandpa Cooper who is struggling with his diagnosis of dementia and together they form a unbreakable relationship and are great together.
I liked the chracture of Harper towards the end. At the beginning she was a bitch but as her story unfolds we find out she has a abusive boyfriend who gives her drugs and has sex with her I felt overwhelmed with how many issues that Harper has and I couldn't keep up I just wanted to shout at her and disliked her. When she goes to Alaska I am rooting for her she had a great relationship with her grandfather and I liked that. At 16 she has a tough journey but by the end of the book I was rooting for her. good chracture progression you can have issues and come out the other side.
Cooper is Harpers Grandpa at thebstart you find out he has dementia and is estranged from his family. I loved Cooper as a chracture I really connected with him. The dements rep was spot on and I was in tears reading Coopers dementia getting worse but still determined to do things and show Harper his Alaska before the dementia sets in.
Harpers Family especially her dad is overprotective understandable as his sister Heather died and is worries about Harper going the same way. Harpers dad likeable towards the end and goes on a good parent learning curve. Harpers mum is ok as a chracture she has a lot of backstory throughout the book.
Harpers siblings Harper has a older brother Chris who is in the Army he is mentioned a couple of times but not alot wich is a shame would of liked him to join the family at the end.Alex and Jack are the younger siblings ok chractures they dont really add to the story in my opinion.
Rachel. Harpers Grandmother is sensible wanted to find out more about her apart from being Greg and Heather's mum.
All in all I enjoyed it the plot was good easy to follow. this book is very emotion and Raw very gritty doesnt gloss over anything. I loved the description of Alaska. I enjoyed the book would of liked a but more about Chris Harpers older brother cried at the end.
Raiting: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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