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Survive
"With that thought, the sharp clarity that we were going to die stamped itself into my brain." Sapphire wants nothing more than to survive. Everything in her body aches, she's barely eaten anything in days, she doesn't even know the time or date. But more than that, she wants her brother to wake up. He's too still and it's too cold out. Sapphire screams. Even if he can't hear, she punches his chest and releases her fury towards God and this frozen wasteland on her brother's frozen form. Sure, she wants to survive, but not by herself. Not like this. Survive is based on true events from the author's life when she was eleven years old.
- GenresMemoir
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2020
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 5, 2020
I couldn't put this down! From the first chapter I was gripped. A harrowing story well told. I found it totally engrossing.
November 4, 2020
From the first page of this story, I found myself drawn in to Sapphire's life. Her struggle for both mental and physical survival kept me reading way past my bedtime. I rejoiced at her triumphs and agonized over her setbacks. Most of all, I admired her perseverance in the face of unthinkable obstacles. This book is a must-read for anyone who is facing challenges in their life. It will inspire you to never give up, no matter how the odds seem to be stacked against you.
October 24, 2020
This novel, memoir, is at times hard to read. Other times it seems a little light hearted for the situation. But the author Sapphire Geer is telling a story no one but her could. Her family will make you thankful for yours that is for sure. As if growing up poor in a large family with a cast of characters, both good and bad, wasn't enough, with very little warning they pack up and leave for the Yukon territory. Where Life is hard enough for people born into it, let alone those that choose to relocate there. This is when the real story of survival starts. The story itself I am glad I read, no way I could fully imagine that life style choice in my own mind. But I was somewhat disappointed in the way the flow was and how how characters/family members were introduced. I feel everyone was hard to keep track of in the beginning because all of the names, personalities, and attributes were all just kind of lumped and dumped on the reader at once. Getting to know the quirky relative would have been much better if done slowly throughout the progress of the memoir.
October 22, 2020
While I appreciate the struggle told by the author, it felt like I had missed something, and I found myself flipping back to the beginning a couple times to find answers. The big question I had was why? Why did the family have to leave their home in civilization so abruptly? And why, just WHY, would a father send a girl so young on such a difficult task. At the age of eleven, she may not have completely understood the reasons herself, but I think a bit of current-day reflection would have provided a way to better connect with the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
Back in 1981 the progressive rock band STYX released a song entitled “Snowblind.” (Don’t worry, I’ll get to Sapphire Gere’s book SURVIVE shortly.) I looked up being snow blind in the hope the song had some kind of additional meaning beyond the obvious. It didn’t. It’s about what you think it’s about.
But ...
I did learn a little about “photokeratitis.” And I have read a handful of novels and stories that attempted to describe or portray it.
Sapphire Gere’s harrowing description of snow blindness in her book SURVIVE is the best I’ve read—and that’s because this is her story. She and her brother lived through this distressing episode—survived it.
There were times throughout this book I had to remind myself Sapphire was 11 years old at the time. Because of how she had been brought up (I’ll let you find out when you read the book), this young Sapphire had to grow up before her time. At 11 years old, she showed the courage and perseverance of a seasoned adult—not only in how she pushed through a dangerous trek ... but in how she planned and executed her departure from a broken and dysfunctional family. She was 11 years old. (Like I said, I keep having to remind myself.)
At the end of her book, I simply said, “Wow.”
It’s a quick read (even for me—I’m not a fast reader), and difficult to put down.
The only criticism I have for Sapphire’s book is this: I want to know what happened after the end (I don’t want to spoil it). There seems to be more there, and I know SURVIVE is about that specific ordeal, but I wanted to know about the next few years—or at least the next few months.
This criticism does not diminish the book in any way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I know you will, too.
But ...
I did learn a little about “photokeratitis.” And I have read a handful of novels and stories that attempted to describe or portray it.
Sapphire Gere’s harrowing description of snow blindness in her book SURVIVE is the best I’ve read—and that’s because this is her story. She and her brother lived through this distressing episode—survived it.
There were times throughout this book I had to remind myself Sapphire was 11 years old at the time. Because of how she had been brought up (I’ll let you find out when you read the book), this young Sapphire had to grow up before her time. At 11 years old, she showed the courage and perseverance of a seasoned adult—not only in how she pushed through a dangerous trek ... but in how she planned and executed her departure from a broken and dysfunctional family. She was 11 years old. (Like I said, I keep having to remind myself.)
At the end of her book, I simply said, “Wow.”
It’s a quick read (even for me—I’m not a fast reader), and difficult to put down.
The only criticism I have for Sapphire’s book is this: I want to know what happened after the end (I don’t want to spoil it). There seems to be more there, and I know SURVIVE is about that specific ordeal, but I wanted to know about the next few years—or at least the next few months.
This criticism does not diminish the book in any way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I know you will, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 12, 2020“What kind of cruel reality was I living in? Why did this life belong to me?”
11-year-old Sapphire immediately engages the reader with her earnest, God-questioning, no-nonsense account of the events of her life in the Yukon wild.
In this coming of age tale, Sapphire, our protagonist, lives out a doomsday tale come true. After a lifetime of emotional abuse by her step-father - the only father she’s ever known - she delivers a first-hand account of her efforts to save her family and herself from certain death in the wilds of the Yukon.
Authors Sapphire Greer and Lexi Mohney, write this convincing, first-person narrative of a young girl, who when faced with insurmountable odds, has the strength to question parental decisions, personal motives, and her relationship with God; even as she overcomes continuous challenges in her journey for survival.
“I worked on kindling my frustration, anger, and sadness into a will to survive.”
Sapphire
11-year-old Sapphire immediately engages the reader with her earnest, God-questioning, no-nonsense account of the events of her life in the Yukon wild.
In this coming of age tale, Sapphire, our protagonist, lives out a doomsday tale come true. After a lifetime of emotional abuse by her step-father - the only father she’s ever known - she delivers a first-hand account of her efforts to save her family and herself from certain death in the wilds of the Yukon.
Authors Sapphire Greer and Lexi Mohney, write this convincing, first-person narrative of a young girl, who when faced with insurmountable odds, has the strength to question parental decisions, personal motives, and her relationship with God; even as she overcomes continuous challenges in her journey for survival.
“I worked on kindling my frustration, anger, and sadness into a will to survive.”
Sapphire
October 17, 2020
Riveting!! Sapphire brings her story to life in a way that places you right in her shoes. I have been in snow one time in my life but she allowed me a way to feel her pain emotionally and physically. I could empathize with her heartache and struggle to survive. My heart ached for the unnecessary responsibilities she faced at just age 11.
She was a young woman of courage and strong will ,especially to live ! Her determination for life and the strength she had to find within herself are inspiring. Her story is what our children of today need to hear !
She was a young woman of courage and strong will ,especially to live ! Her determination for life and the strength she had to find within herself are inspiring. Her story is what our children of today need to hear !
October 17, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect when starting this book and wow was I surprised. Once I started, I couldn't put the book down. I read through the pages quickly, turning to see what the next one would reveal. I didn't realize it was a memoir until the end- my heart broke for this little girl, but it also solidified the fact that people, children, women are so strong and their will to survive can outweigh unbearable situations. I highly recommend everyone pick up a copy- you will think about your own situation, your own trials and tribulations through a very different lens!
November 4, 2020
It is amazing what people are asked to endure. Sapphire (11) and her older brother, who is deaf, are sent by their parents into the Alaska wilderness to retrieve supplies from their broken-down car, which is miles away, after their family retreats into a rural cabin for the winter.
The story is tragic and unbelievable. The outcome is hard to read.
I struggled with the writing. It also felt like the author struggled to face the real emotion of what happened. While relaying the physical tragedy and despair of the encounter, she does it all a bit detached especially with her decision after arriving back home. But people move through trauma in different ways.
I will leave my technical critiques out of this and simply go back to: it is amazing what some people are asked to endure and how blind we can to the pain our decisions cause.
The story is tragic and unbelievable. The outcome is hard to read.
I struggled with the writing. It also felt like the author struggled to face the real emotion of what happened. While relaying the physical tragedy and despair of the encounter, she does it all a bit detached especially with her decision after arriving back home. But people move through trauma in different ways.
I will leave my technical critiques out of this and simply go back to: it is amazing what some people are asked to endure and how blind we can to the pain our decisions cause.
November 14, 2020
This book started slow for me. I left it and didn't pick it up til a couple of weeks later. But when I did, I couldn't stop. What an incredible strong 11 year old girl surviving such a struggle! She's very tough and strong-willed. Her perseverance has paid off with strength and love for her family. She's smart and quick-learner. This is a must-read by pre-teens and inspiring. This book will keep your thoughts wonder what else happened.
November 12, 2020
I read this story in one sitting it was so good. I am hoping there will be a sequel! I felt like the plot was over such a short period, I would have loved to learn more of the characters prior to the climax of the story. I also cried at one point, very powerful story!
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December 12, 2020Quick read, beautiful use of language, speaks to all ages.
October 16, 2020
This book was captivating from the first page. An amazing story and a true story teller. I would recommend this book.
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December 19, 2020Wow this book was a page turner! I was hooked from the beginning didn’t want to put it down. I loved the attention to detail drawing the reader into the story. I cannot believe that was a true story such strength and courage to get thru that ordeal! The book definitely left me wanting more!
October 19, 2020
What a story! And it really happened? Wow.
I'm a picky reader and I'm slow. Despite that, this book was a quick read and one that I couldn't put down which is not the norm. After reading it, I felt so much tenderness for the author and wanted to know more about how the young woman in the story developed into the person she is today. I highly recommend this book for a winter read. It will have you clinging to your faux sherpa blanket, thanking your lucky stars for the comforts of home.
I'm a picky reader and I'm slow. Despite that, this book was a quick read and one that I couldn't put down which is not the norm. After reading it, I felt so much tenderness for the author and wanted to know more about how the young woman in the story developed into the person she is today. I highly recommend this book for a winter read. It will have you clinging to your faux sherpa blanket, thanking your lucky stars for the comforts of home.
December 7, 2020
This is a must Read!! Couldn't put it down. Her story is like no other and the writing puts you there with her. It really lets you feel her pain, her fear, etc. This is a story that anyone could read no matter their age or background.
October 5, 2020
Sapphire Geer shares her engaging memoir about being eleven years old and surviving her family's brokenness and neglect. Knowing her family's lives depend upon her fulfilling her mission, she braves the winter elements of the backwoods Yukon. The story is heartwrenching and infuriating, but I found myself cheering on young Sapphire's ingenuity and determination. The book starts rather slow, yet once in I could not put it down. This is a story of a child wizened well beyond her years, due to circumstances outside of her control. Thank you to Lexi Mahoney for supplying an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
Survive tells the harrowing story of a young girl combatting the Alaskan wilderness to save her family, enduring circumstances no adult should have to endure, let alone an eleven year old child.
While it has a bit of a slow start, the story is compelling and leaves the reader eager to finish. However, the writing quality definitely has room for improvement. While certainly a captivating story, the ending feels quite abrupt and I would have loved to learn a little bit more about her life after the fact.
While it has a bit of a slow start, the story is compelling and leaves the reader eager to finish. However, the writing quality definitely has room for improvement. While certainly a captivating story, the ending feels quite abrupt and I would have loved to learn a little bit more about her life after the fact.
October 6, 2020
Great story of how Sapph survived a terrible time. Reminded me that I can survive anything life throws at me.
October 29, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m still floored that this is a true story! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I only wish it told more about the rest of the authors life after the events she focuses on in the story.
October 4, 2020
Excellent story. Well written
December 6, 2020
Once this story got going, I really did want to keep reading to see how it all ended. With that being said, I had some issues with this story being believable. Without spoiling too much of the story, I wonder how the author could smell rotten flesh in the frigid temps she described? How could so little emphasis be placed on food and drink? Seriously? You spent a week hiking in winter in the Yukon, you only ate and drank three times, and we rarely heard about you ever being hungry? What???
Memoirs typically depict a transformation within the author. I thought this author hated her father and resented her mother throughout the entire story. None of the characters were truly likable, and I get the feeling the author is telling us a story from her adult perspective, while projecting it onto her 11-year old self, which makes her seem egotistical and selfish. By the end of the book, I was as ready to be done reading as the author was done writing, as the story hastily and abruptly ended with little reflection.
I would’ve liked to hear about how this experience molded the author’s views and perhaps how she used this to be an amazing mother herself or something along these lines.
Good start for a debut. GET A NEW EDITOR! This book is filled with cliches, misused words, misused cliches, double-negatives and shifting tenses at times, ruining the flow and making it difficult to understand at the first pass.
Memoirs typically depict a transformation within the author. I thought this author hated her father and resented her mother throughout the entire story. None of the characters were truly likable, and I get the feeling the author is telling us a story from her adult perspective, while projecting it onto her 11-year old self, which makes her seem egotistical and selfish. By the end of the book, I was as ready to be done reading as the author was done writing, as the story hastily and abruptly ended with little reflection.
I would’ve liked to hear about how this experience molded the author’s views and perhaps how she used this to be an amazing mother herself or something along these lines.
Good start for a debut. GET A NEW EDITOR! This book is filled with cliches, misused words, misused cliches, double-negatives and shifting tenses at times, ruining the flow and making it difficult to understand at the first pass.
November 1, 2020
From the first moment I read Survive, I knew it was a story that people would love to get into. You find yourself rooting for Sapphire as she overcomes every obstacle. You cannot help but want to see her succeed.
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November 28, 2020Black Friday Weekend Sale! Be sure to get your copy if you have not already. And it is easier than ever to gift an Ebook! https://www.amazon.com/Survive-Sapphi...
If you have already Read Survive, I would love to hear your feedback. Please be sure to leave a review here on Goodreads and or Amazon! Thank you
If you have already Read Survive, I would love to hear your feedback. Please be sure to leave a review here on Goodreads and or Amazon! Thank you
December 18, 2022
It is hard to believe that Sapphire survived through this harrowing experience. It felt as though I was listening to her recall this experience, with all of the raw emotions, while sitting in her living room with a cup of coffee. It was hard to put down and I enjoyed every moment.
I want more, I want to know more about her childhood and more about how she got to where she is today. Thank you for sharing your story.
Survive reminds me of a more intimate and personal version of Kristin Hannah's "The Great Alone"
I want more, I want to know more about her childhood and more about how she got to where she is today. Thank you for sharing your story.
Survive reminds me of a more intimate and personal version of Kristin Hannah's "The Great Alone"
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews