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Through to You
A teen grieving the girl he loved. A parallel world. A second chance.
Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. He’d give anything to have just one more glimpse of her. But when Cam visits the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees an apparition—not Viv, but a girl named Nina from a parallel world. When Cam follows her there and makes an unbelievable discovery, it’s as if all his wildest dreams have come true. But things are very different in this other world. Nina is hiding a secret, and the window between their worlds is shrinking every day. As Cam comes to terms with an unsettling truth, he’s forced to make a choice that will change his life forever.
Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. He’d give anything to have just one more glimpse of her. But when Cam visits the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees an apparition—not Viv, but a girl named Nina from a parallel world. When Cam follows her there and makes an unbelievable discovery, it’s as if all his wildest dreams have come true. But things are very different in this other world. Nina is hiding a secret, and the window between their worlds is shrinking every day. As Cam comes to terms with an unsettling truth, he’s forced to make a choice that will change his life forever.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
44 people are currently reading
7340 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hainsworth
9 books248 followersEmily Hainsworth was raised in Syracuse, New York, until she fell in love and fled its gray skies for the sunny Rocky Mountains. Before she started writing full time, she worked as a turndown maid at a fancy golf club, scooped poop at a dog boarding kennel, worked retail in an upscale pet boutique, and owned a dog grooming business. She currently resides in Denver with her family. Emily's debut novel, THROUGH TO YOU, a romantic sci-fi thriller, was published in 2012 by Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins. It was on the Fall 2012 Kids Indie Next List, received a starred review from VOYA magazine, was translated into nine languages, and was optioned for film by Paramount Pictures. Her second novel, TAKE THE FALL, is a suspenseful YA thriller about a girl trying to understand why she escaped murder when her best friend didn’t.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
December 18, 2012
3.5 stars A bit uneven in the middle, verging on tv drama at times, and characters certainly could have been developed more, but I still found this to be extremely unusual and enjoyable and a bit bittersweet.
Fans of Cold Kiss' meditative take on grief and loss might enjoy this one. A promising debut.
Fans of Cold Kiss' meditative take on grief and loss might enjoy this one. A promising debut.
January 3, 2016
Boo Hoo, I don't care.
This review sums up everything.
This review sums up everything.
September 21, 2011
I truly don’t know where to start with my review of Emily Hainsworth’s debut. Maybe just to say this: THROUGH TO YOU is my favorite kind of book.
I have to admit, I really wanted to love this novel before I even opened it. Emily and I are friends, so of course I hoped I’d enjoy her story. Instead I was over-the-top impressed from beginning to end.
I devoured it in a matter of days, hiding away from friends and family just to sneak in another page or two before I was missed. I ultimately finished it between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 AM and payed the price the next day, but it was well worth it.
But just because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next doesn’t mean I missed a single moment—I didn’t. I often paused along the way to re-read and highlight sentences that were so beautifully crafted they gave me goosebumps. I stopped to appreciate all the clever plot twists, and to marvel at the moments I found myself caught completely off guard. The story tugged at my emotions from beginning to end.
And to me, this book deserves what I consider to be the ultimate compliment: it’s nearly a week later and I’m still thinking about these people. They stick in your head because they’re unique and complex. And the dialogue is so genuine, you can’t help but feel pulled into their world.
THROUGH TO YOU is beautifully written, perfectly plotted, & simply unforgettable.
I’m counting the days until this book hits shelves. Trust me, you’re going to want to read Emily’s imaginative story, meet her characters, and fall in love with her beautiful writing.
I have to admit, I really wanted to love this novel before I even opened it. Emily and I are friends, so of course I hoped I’d enjoy her story. Instead I was over-the-top impressed from beginning to end.
I devoured it in a matter of days, hiding away from friends and family just to sneak in another page or two before I was missed. I ultimately finished it between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 AM and payed the price the next day, but it was well worth it.
But just because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next doesn’t mean I missed a single moment—I didn’t. I often paused along the way to re-read and highlight sentences that were so beautifully crafted they gave me goosebumps. I stopped to appreciate all the clever plot twists, and to marvel at the moments I found myself caught completely off guard. The story tugged at my emotions from beginning to end.
And to me, this book deserves what I consider to be the ultimate compliment: it’s nearly a week later and I’m still thinking about these people. They stick in your head because they’re unique and complex. And the dialogue is so genuine, you can’t help but feel pulled into their world.
THROUGH TO YOU is beautifully written, perfectly plotted, & simply unforgettable.
I’m counting the days until this book hits shelves. Trust me, you’re going to want to read Emily’s imaginative story, meet her characters, and fall in love with her beautiful writing.
December 29, 2012
Initial reaction: I'm on the fence about "Through to You" because I think the novel became so much better towards the end, but the beginning and middle were muddled to heck and back. I was incredibly frustrated with it in parts. I read the audiobook version provided by my library, and Jesse Bernstein is an apt narrator for it, though I think I was more frustrated with Cam's viewpoint voice in general. I understood his grief and heck, even understood the emotions and desperation that came with it, but there were parts of this where I just couldn't necessarily get behind it, so to speak. Hopefully I can explain more in my full review.
Full review:
Emily Hainsworth's "Through to You" frustrated the ever-loving crumb out of me. Sometimes in meaningful ways, sometimes not. I have to give it credit though, it was one that held my attention once it hit a certain point and when a certain twist comes into play - my reaction was "Oh crud. Well played, I did not see that coming." It was also well written for the style of the narrative it took on.
But even considering the nature of the twist in this, I still had mixed sentiments concerning it, probably on a far more complex level than some of the overarching things this book had to say about grief, letting go, and even that you can't cheat death regardless of how good things might seem on the surface.
I'm getting somewhat ahead of myself on this, so let's talk about Camden (Cam), the novel's protagonist. From initial meeting, I didn't like him very much. One could say that when we meet him, Camden's going through quite a tough spell. His girlfriend died in an accident, he has an injury that turned out to be a dream killer for him - and he's dealing with the aftermath of all this alongside an antagonism with with a classmate he's never liked and his divorced parents. Quite a bit on one's plate to consider, sure, and more than enough reason why Cam might be on the bitter side of things and lashing out at the people who care for him.
But somehow, the way his voice comes across makes it hard for anyone to align themselves with his respective situations and grief. He comes across as a massive jerk in the scheme of things. A good portion in the story (close to half the book's length), while Cam's looking over the site where his girlfriend died, he discovers a mysterious portal and a young woman named Nina who announces herself to him - seemingly knowing him, but not. It's only then that Cam realizes there's another parallel world - where his girlfriend is alive and things aren't what they seem.
I'll admit that I had a hard time getting into the beginning of this novel and set it down several times despite a solid narration by Jesse Bernstein in the audiobook version. I felt the narrative took too long to get to the focal point of the story, despite wanting to establish the character relationships and Cam's points of grief. Part of this might be that Camden's exploration of grief comes across on the side of exposition, rather than felt with the punch gut emotional resonance that comes with losing someone or losing an opportunity. It feels less raw, more on the side of meandering (and I hate saying that because Hainsworth did a good job with showing some parts of this grief, but the overarching portrait didn't come across that way).
When the story started transitioning to Camden facing the realities of this "other dimension" - it opened up the story to many intriguing possibilities. One: his girlfriend (Viv) is still alive in this dimension. Considering he's had a hard time letting the one go in his own dimension, he sees it as a chance to start again, "get her back" so to speak. I think that was an interesting, and even plausible turn in the exploration of things. Yet, the reality is much more complex than it seems. Viv is an entirely different person with different perceptions of reality in comparison to the world that Cam knows, but Cam's willing to overlook certain parts of it, sometimes to the point of denial.
Yet, Nina, the girl that introduced him to this other dimension and warns him not to come back at all, knows a lot more than she's letting on. It's a slow burn getting to the point of what she knows that will throw Cam's perception of this reality into a tailspin.
I had a few mixed feelings about this turn in the story, because it kind of villainizes both girls in a sense - puts them up against each other even when Cam never really had anything but a surface relationship with Nina in the first place. I felt there was an awkward love triangle established here where it really didn't need to be and ventures into cliched territory. Still, at the very least, Hainsworth uses Cam's narrative to point out that Cam, Nina, and Viv are awkwardly navigating this weird scenario at first. Part of me was glad that Hainsworth approached a touchy situation, but the other part of me cringed thinking of how overused the "me versus she" troupe has been in YA works. Yet, I was drawn into Nina's character learning about her family life and her relationship with her little brother. I was also curious as to why Viv was so willing to go into Cam's world and didn't have any qualms about what she would leave behind - alongside the darker streak her character seemed to take on after a time.
After a certain point, I got it. Maybe even a little before the twist came about. I didn't know how to feel about that because on one hand - it was a darned good twist to things and showed that you can't cheat death without some kind of repercussions - that things aren't what they seem. As well, it's not an easily forgiven point despite the alternate reality. Cam showed the right action with walking away from that, and it was right for him to feel sickened by it. On the other hand, I don't know how I felt about the story completely shifting the morality meter to one side given that it took such a long time for that reveal to come, and given that Nina had many chances to tell Cam the truth of things. He might've reacted the same way he did in the latter part of the novel, claiming the "jealousy" route, but it could've came a lot sooner than what it did. At the same time - that's a pretty heavy revelation to consider in and of itself. I think it could've been vetted out just a tad more, and maybe it might've come across with just a bit more balance for all the characters involved.
I did appreciate the ending, however, and I think that was quite a nice note to end it on, coming full circle to what it means to come to terms and start over, even with all that happened.
Overall, I think Hainsworth's first novel was an interesting one in some considerations. It left me with mixed sentiments and ways that I think could've been better in its overarching presentation, but I'm certainly willing to see what other stories she has on her plate from here on out.
Overall score: 2.5/5
Full review:
Emily Hainsworth's "Through to You" frustrated the ever-loving crumb out of me. Sometimes in meaningful ways, sometimes not. I have to give it credit though, it was one that held my attention once it hit a certain point and when a certain twist comes into play - my reaction was "Oh crud. Well played, I did not see that coming." It was also well written for the style of the narrative it took on.
But even considering the nature of the twist in this, I still had mixed sentiments concerning it, probably on a far more complex level than some of the overarching things this book had to say about grief, letting go, and even that you can't cheat death regardless of how good things might seem on the surface.
I'm getting somewhat ahead of myself on this, so let's talk about Camden (Cam), the novel's protagonist. From initial meeting, I didn't like him very much. One could say that when we meet him, Camden's going through quite a tough spell. His girlfriend died in an accident, he has an injury that turned out to be a dream killer for him - and he's dealing with the aftermath of all this alongside an antagonism with with a classmate he's never liked and his divorced parents. Quite a bit on one's plate to consider, sure, and more than enough reason why Cam might be on the bitter side of things and lashing out at the people who care for him.
But somehow, the way his voice comes across makes it hard for anyone to align themselves with his respective situations and grief. He comes across as a massive jerk in the scheme of things. A good portion in the story (close to half the book's length), while Cam's looking over the site where his girlfriend died, he discovers a mysterious portal and a young woman named Nina who announces herself to him - seemingly knowing him, but not. It's only then that Cam realizes there's another parallel world - where his girlfriend is alive and things aren't what they seem.
I'll admit that I had a hard time getting into the beginning of this novel and set it down several times despite a solid narration by Jesse Bernstein in the audiobook version. I felt the narrative took too long to get to the focal point of the story, despite wanting to establish the character relationships and Cam's points of grief. Part of this might be that Camden's exploration of grief comes across on the side of exposition, rather than felt with the punch gut emotional resonance that comes with losing someone or losing an opportunity. It feels less raw, more on the side of meandering (and I hate saying that because Hainsworth did a good job with showing some parts of this grief, but the overarching portrait didn't come across that way).
When the story started transitioning to Camden facing the realities of this "other dimension" - it opened up the story to many intriguing possibilities. One: his girlfriend (Viv) is still alive in this dimension. Considering he's had a hard time letting the one go in his own dimension, he sees it as a chance to start again, "get her back" so to speak. I think that was an interesting, and even plausible turn in the exploration of things. Yet, the reality is much more complex than it seems. Viv is an entirely different person with different perceptions of reality in comparison to the world that Cam knows, but Cam's willing to overlook certain parts of it, sometimes to the point of denial.
Yet, Nina, the girl that introduced him to this other dimension and warns him not to come back at all, knows a lot more than she's letting on. It's a slow burn getting to the point of what she knows that will throw Cam's perception of this reality into a tailspin.
I had a few mixed feelings about this turn in the story, because it kind of villainizes both girls in a sense - puts them up against each other even when Cam never really had anything but a surface relationship with Nina in the first place. I felt there was an awkward love triangle established here where it really didn't need to be and ventures into cliched territory. Still, at the very least, Hainsworth uses Cam's narrative to point out that Cam, Nina, and Viv are awkwardly navigating this weird scenario at first. Part of me was glad that Hainsworth approached a touchy situation, but the other part of me cringed thinking of how overused the "me versus she" troupe has been in YA works. Yet, I was drawn into Nina's character learning about her family life and her relationship with her little brother. I was also curious as to why Viv was so willing to go into Cam's world and didn't have any qualms about what she would leave behind - alongside the darker streak her character seemed to take on after a time.
After a certain point, I got it. Maybe even a little before the twist came about. I didn't know how to feel about that because on one hand - it was a darned good twist to things and showed that you can't cheat death without some kind of repercussions - that things aren't what they seem. As well, it's not an easily forgiven point despite the alternate reality. Cam showed the right action with walking away from that, and it was right for him to feel sickened by it. On the other hand, I don't know how I felt about the story completely shifting the morality meter to one side given that it took such a long time for that reveal to come, and given that Nina had many chances to tell Cam the truth of things. He might've reacted the same way he did in the latter part of the novel, claiming the "jealousy" route, but it could've came a lot sooner than what it did. At the same time - that's a pretty heavy revelation to consider in and of itself. I think it could've been vetted out just a tad more, and maybe it might've come across with just a bit more balance for all the characters involved.
I did appreciate the ending, however, and I think that was quite a nice note to end it on, coming full circle to what it means to come to terms and start over, even with all that happened.
Overall, I think Hainsworth's first novel was an interesting one in some considerations. It left me with mixed sentiments and ways that I think could've been better in its overarching presentation, but I'm certainly willing to see what other stories she has on her plate from here on out.
Overall score: 2.5/5
October 2, 2012
I love looking at how many genres and subgenres this book is shelved as -- fantasy, paranormal, sci fi, dystopia, romance, contemporary, and thriller are just a few. But that in and of itself is one of the greatest strengths of Hainsworth's debut. It's got a little bit of each of these and because of that, this book is very fresh.
Camden Pike lost his girlfriend Viv in a car wreck, and he walks by the utility pole memorial everyday, hoping he'll see her just one more time. The accident was the result of carelessness on his part. He'd gotten distracted, made a mistake, and unintentionally ended her life. Then one day, Cam has the chance to see Viv again.
It's the same day he meets Nina.
Nina shows Cam the way through to a parallel world, where Viv is still alive and still very much in love with him. But there's something different about her, something that he doesn't quite remember being a part of who she was before the accident. Nina warns him not to get attached.
The longer Cam allows himself to travel through to this alternate world, the more opportunity we're allowed to see Viv's faults in the world where she was killed in that car accident.
Cam's voice is stand out in this book. He's tough and he's sarcastic and he's distant, but it's all because it's his way of dealing with loss and dealing with The writing is tight, and though there is a bit of a slow start, once the reader is hooked into the story, the pacing steadies. I could see many readers finding this a faster-paced book, but I think the strength lies in the fact it's the kind of book you do NOT want to speed through. There are so many layers to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems.
One of the elements that worked really well for me -- and which I related to on a pretty significant level -- was Cam's relationship with his father. His mom and dad have recently divorced, and Cam not only has to navigate the loss of his girlfriend but he also has to figure out where he stands with his family. There's a particularly brutal scene where he's on the phone with his dad, and the tension and pain sear. Cam realizes in that moment that adults can and do suck and he can't do a damn thing about it. Not only does Hainsworth construct parallel worlds in concept, but she develops them in actuality, too.
The females in this book are mysterious, but they're never of the manic pixie variety.
Through To You explores what the past is and whether or not it's something you can walk away from or learn from. About whether or not it defines what could lie ahead. The ending of the book didn't make me cry or tear up -- it actually just made me really happy.
Hainsworth's writing style is minimalist. She doesn't bog readers down in too much description of the parallel world because it's really about what the reader perceives this world to be. This book reminded me a lot of Lenore Appelhans's LEVEL 2 and I think they would make for great read alikes. Fans of science fiction, time travel, and fantasy will dig this one. There's a lot of potential appeal for contemporary fiction fans to enjoy this, too, because so much of the story is rooted in the real world.
Full review here: http://www.stackedbooks.org/2012/10/t...
Camden Pike lost his girlfriend Viv in a car wreck, and he walks by the utility pole memorial everyday, hoping he'll see her just one more time. The accident was the result of carelessness on his part. He'd gotten distracted, made a mistake, and unintentionally ended her life. Then one day, Cam has the chance to see Viv again.
It's the same day he meets Nina.
Nina shows Cam the way through to a parallel world, where Viv is still alive and still very much in love with him. But there's something different about her, something that he doesn't quite remember being a part of who she was before the accident. Nina warns him not to get attached.
The longer Cam allows himself to travel through to this alternate world, the more opportunity we're allowed to see Viv's faults in the world where she was killed in that car accident.
Cam's voice is stand out in this book. He's tough and he's sarcastic and he's distant, but it's all because it's his way of dealing with loss and dealing with The writing is tight, and though there is a bit of a slow start, once the reader is hooked into the story, the pacing steadies. I could see many readers finding this a faster-paced book, but I think the strength lies in the fact it's the kind of book you do NOT want to speed through. There are so many layers to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems.
One of the elements that worked really well for me -- and which I related to on a pretty significant level -- was Cam's relationship with his father. His mom and dad have recently divorced, and Cam not only has to navigate the loss of his girlfriend but he also has to figure out where he stands with his family. There's a particularly brutal scene where he's on the phone with his dad, and the tension and pain sear. Cam realizes in that moment that adults can and do suck and he can't do a damn thing about it. Not only does Hainsworth construct parallel worlds in concept, but she develops them in actuality, too.
The females in this book are mysterious, but they're never of the manic pixie variety.
Through To You explores what the past is and whether or not it's something you can walk away from or learn from. About whether or not it defines what could lie ahead. The ending of the book didn't make me cry or tear up -- it actually just made me really happy.
Hainsworth's writing style is minimalist. She doesn't bog readers down in too much description of the parallel world because it's really about what the reader perceives this world to be. This book reminded me a lot of Lenore Appelhans's LEVEL 2 and I think they would make for great read alikes. Fans of science fiction, time travel, and fantasy will dig this one. There's a lot of potential appeal for contemporary fiction fans to enjoy this, too, because so much of the story is rooted in the real world.
Full review here: http://www.stackedbooks.org/2012/10/t...
October 28, 2017
This book is very different.
I think the idea of two worlds that are connected through the place a tragic event happened on both "sides" is great.
I think how the author handled that specific aspect of the story -the two different/similar/switched worlds- was great.
I really liked how small things where different that didn't seem like a big deal but at the same time made a huge different to the actual lives of the people. Because that is just how it really is, isn't it? Even the simplest choice can end up making a big different overall.
I think one of the reasons why i liked this whole two worlds that are very similar aspect was that we never really get told if it is actually happening or if Cam is simply imagining it and with that helps himself get over his grief. Or if it is actually something that happened. And in a way i enjoyed that. Because i think it added a different layer to the book, this not really knowing for sure if Cam actually stepped into a different world, where things where slightly different or if he simply started to work through his grief.
I also mostly liked Cam -the main character- and while i think that overall he was very underdeveloped and i wish the author would have taken the time and wrote a few more pages, adding a bit more depth and feelings into the story, because than this book would have packed a way bigger punch and made a way bigger impact.
The actual writing was easy and nice to read, but the plot was a bit too easy and could have made fantastic with a few added moments and trying to make the world, the events that happen in the book and the characters more realistic feeling for/to the readers.
What i didn't like was how Vic was made into that made not a huge amount of sense to me. And i think it was a very easy way out of the entire two worlds thing and a very easy way for Cam to get over everything that happened and have him be able to start to move on.
I wish the author would have taken a bit of a different route there. That she would have kept Vic different and that Cam wouldn't have i personally think it would have been nicer and a better way to end the book if he would have seen a clear difference and that would have separated the worlds. That that would have made it clear that he made the right choice, that now he still has something to live for even if it might be something different than he always imaged it be.
And i actually think that would have made the ending that the book had be better.
Sadly that didn't happen. So i wasn't super happy with the ending.
Still overall?
Its a pretty good book that deals with the loose of a loved one in a good way. Its not the best book on the topic, its not the best book with parallel worlds or paranormal things happening or anything like that.
BUT its a solid read and if you want something, that deals with something more realistic in a different way and don't mind a reading about loosing someone you love?
Give this book a try.
I think the idea of two worlds that are connected through the place a tragic event happened on both "sides" is great.
I think how the author handled that specific aspect of the story -the two different/similar/switched worlds- was great.
I really liked how small things where different that didn't seem like a big deal but at the same time made a huge different to the actual lives of the people. Because that is just how it really is, isn't it? Even the simplest choice can end up making a big different overall.
I think one of the reasons why i liked this whole two worlds that are very similar aspect was that we never really get told if it is actually happening or if Cam is simply imagining it and with that helps himself get over his grief. Or if it is actually something that happened. And in a way i enjoyed that. Because i think it added a different layer to the book, this not really knowing for sure if Cam actually stepped into a different world, where things where slightly different or if he simply started to work through his grief.
I also mostly liked Cam -the main character- and while i think that overall he was very underdeveloped and i wish the author would have taken the time and wrote a few more pages, adding a bit more depth and feelings into the story, because than this book would have packed a way bigger punch and made a way bigger impact.
The actual writing was easy and nice to read, but the plot was a bit too easy and could have made fantastic with a few added moments and trying to make the world, the events that happen in the book and the characters more realistic feeling for/to the readers.
What i didn't like was how Vic was made into that made not a huge amount of sense to me. And i think it was a very easy way out of the entire two worlds thing and a very easy way for Cam to get over everything that happened and have him be able to start to move on.
I wish the author would have taken a bit of a different route there. That she would have kept Vic different and that Cam wouldn't have i personally think it would have been nicer and a better way to end the book if he would have seen a clear difference and that would have separated the worlds. That that would have made it clear that he made the right choice, that now he still has something to live for even if it might be something different than he always imaged it be.
And i actually think that would have made the ending that the book had be better.
Sadly that didn't happen. So i wasn't super happy with the ending.
Still overall?
Its a pretty good book that deals with the loose of a loved one in a good way. Its not the best book on the topic, its not the best book with parallel worlds or paranormal things happening or anything like that.
BUT its a solid read and if you want something, that deals with something more realistic in a different way and don't mind a reading about loosing someone you love?
Give this book a try.
October 20, 2012
Through to You and I do not love each other. For starters, Cam’s plight had me feeling more of ‘Get on with it, mope-y grieving boy,’ instead of my usual ‘I weep for you, sad one.’ He’s just got so angsty, him and his drowning in his grief. And I got, in fact I did get it the first couple of paragraphs in… but to drag it on for what seemed like chapters? It bored me, is all.
My indifference was not at all aided by that sudden shift into Twilight Zone. Instead of piquing my interest, I wound up confused and all brow a-furrow again, wondering WTF was going on. Too a jarring shift to be honest. So now, I’m struggling to sum it all up without spoiling things, but I will say things are not as they seem and once he steps through he and comes away completely changed. His view on what’s lost and his view on what’s important are altered.
But, let me try it this way: there’s a before and after to him. Most of the ‘before’ we learn from his recollections. He was top jock till’ till he got injured, then everything became simply about Viv. Forward years on when he loses her too, and his a wreck. wreck. Wreck. A fact made more obvious by his treatment of everyone still bothering with him. I mean sure, his parents are basically out of the picture, and yes the therapist says exactly what you’d think a therapist would (*predictable*), but my point is they barely don’t rate in his world at all. It’s all Viv was this and Viv was that. It’s all about her and that she’s not there. So obviously, him losing her wrecks him. That it wrecks him at all should signal that something s not quite right.
Then there’s after after, when the weird creeps in and the odd comes out. And I should have liked this introduction of the different; it’s just that I wasn’t buying it the easy explanations laid out. There’s barely any explanation actually, all just happening and no why-for. That’s my beef with it I suppose because in this after, we see how he must have been before it all. In love and happy and more than willing to do what another wants him to do (pushover?)
Revelations made and acceptance underway, it’s obvious he learns that what he made of people and what they really were weren’t always going to go together. Then there’s that obvious bit of feeling good does not equal the right thing. Mostly though it’s accepting that things are the way they are… and things change; that people do as well… I’m just wish it could have all been delivered in less angsty boy mope-y kind of way.
2/5
My indifference was not at all aided by that sudden shift into Twilight Zone. Instead of piquing my interest, I wound up confused and all brow a-furrow again, wondering WTF was going on. Too a jarring shift to be honest. So now, I’m struggling to sum it all up without spoiling things, but I will say things are not as they seem and once he steps through he and comes away completely changed. His view on what’s lost and his view on what’s important are altered.
But, let me try it this way: there’s a before and after to him. Most of the ‘before’ we learn from his recollections. He was top jock till’ till he got injured, then everything became simply about Viv. Forward years on when he loses her too, and his a wreck. wreck. Wreck. A fact made more obvious by his treatment of everyone still bothering with him. I mean sure, his parents are basically out of the picture, and yes the therapist says exactly what you’d think a therapist would (*predictable*), but my point is they barely don’t rate in his world at all. It’s all Viv was this and Viv was that. It’s all about her and that she’s not there. So obviously, him losing her wrecks him. That it wrecks him at all should signal that something s not quite right.
Then there’s after after, when the weird creeps in and the odd comes out. And I should have liked this introduction of the different; it’s just that I wasn’t buying it the easy explanations laid out. There’s barely any explanation actually, all just happening and no why-for. That’s my beef with it I suppose because in this after, we see how he must have been before it all. In love and happy and more than willing to do what another wants him to do (pushover?)
Revelations made and acceptance underway, it’s obvious he learns that what he made of people and what they really were weren’t always going to go together. Then there’s that obvious bit of feeling good does not equal the right thing. Mostly though it’s accepting that things are the way they are… and things change; that people do as well… I’m just wish it could have all been delivered in less angsty boy mope-y kind of way.
2/5
January 6, 2017
Was würdest Du tun, wenn sich eine Welt auftut, in der all deine Fehler vergessen sind?
Der achtzehnjährige Camden Pike trauert um seine große Liebe Viv. Seit sie bei einem Autounfall ums Leben kam, für den er sich zudem selbst die Schuld gibt, würde er alles dafür tun, Viv noch ein einziges Mal sehen zu können. Immer wieder besucht er die Unfallstelle und kann zuerst nicht glauben, was er dort eines Tages sieht: Ein Mädchen erscheint wie aus dem Nichts, und sie zeigt ihm den Weg in eine parallele Welt – eine Welt, in der Viv noch lebt …
Dieses Buch kam per Buchtippwichteln zu mir und ich muss sagen, dass ich sehr positiv überrascht bin. Wahrscheinlich hätte ich 'so' das Buch nicht zu Hand genommen aber dennoch fand ich sympatische Protagonisten, Spannung und gute Unterhaltung und am Ende ein mit einem guten Gefühl ausgelesenes Buch. Ein richtiger Pageturner, der mir sonst entgangen wäre.
Der achtzehnjährige Camden Pike trauert um seine große Liebe Viv. Seit sie bei einem Autounfall ums Leben kam, für den er sich zudem selbst die Schuld gibt, würde er alles dafür tun, Viv noch ein einziges Mal sehen zu können. Immer wieder besucht er die Unfallstelle und kann zuerst nicht glauben, was er dort eines Tages sieht: Ein Mädchen erscheint wie aus dem Nichts, und sie zeigt ihm den Weg in eine parallele Welt – eine Welt, in der Viv noch lebt …
Dieses Buch kam per Buchtippwichteln zu mir und ich muss sagen, dass ich sehr positiv überrascht bin. Wahrscheinlich hätte ich 'so' das Buch nicht zu Hand genommen aber dennoch fand ich sympatische Protagonisten, Spannung und gute Unterhaltung und am Ende ein mit einem guten Gefühl ausgelesenes Buch. Ein richtiger Pageturner, der mir sonst entgangen wäre.
March 26, 2020
3 Sterne
March 20, 2015
Well, this was an interesting story. (~ 3.5 stars)
These days I try to read all different books, and so far I've managed to get my hands on some very interesting and refreshing stories.
I've come to see that grief and paranormal/sci-fi can work pretty well together - this book is a nice example.
THE GOOD
The concept:
Two different worlds so different but so similar?
Choices that could change everything?
The other side if the coin?
What happens when two worlds collide? When people are dead on one side but safe on the other, when you would gladly wish to change sides; when the two worlds are incompatible and there's only one place for you...
This story was more about understanding things the way they are, accepting them as hard as it might be, understanding that maybe life is hard, but it can always get worse, having the strength to move on, to be happy again against all odds.
No, this sounds depressing. It is also about beginnings, about accepting the bad things but making better decisions, it's simply about "living" - with you heart and soul and everything you might believe in. No matter how broken you feel at the moment, you deserve to smile again and be happy.
Cam:
I understood his suffering and how much he wanted to change the night he lost everything.
I understand how much he loved Viv and how he wished to hold her one more time, to feel her heartbeat one more time, to save her from the unsaveable, to love her and be loved again.
To be honest, if I were in his shoes I would probably do the same mistakes, I would be as foolish as he was, hoping for a second chance and not thinking twice when given the chance to take back what has been lost.
At first sight the other world seemed to be so much better, they all seemed so happy and without worries, but as the story progresses, you realize that there's no better place, that all actions have consequences and all you need to do is find the strength to move on.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD
I couldn't connect with any other character except for Cam.
- Nina was not that present in the second half and I wished for more interaction with her.
- Viv seemed so off I could't make a connection between the both sides of her inner self. I know this was the whole point, but I wanted to understand better the actions that got her to that point (lips sealed, I'll say no more) in the other world. The one clue left behind was not enough for me.
- Cam was a bit naive and quite childish. I liked him in the first half, and I understand that his love makes him stubborn and blind, but at times i just wanted to punch him in the face. Also he was a bit slow with catching on things, and it felt strange at times because I saw things happen half book ahead and it was frustrating to see him beat around the bush uselessly for a hundred pages.
One more thing...
This is not good, not bad, just an observation: the cover has nothing really to do with this story. Except for the reflection that should hint to the mirrored world, the girl on the lake has nothing to do with the girl that died in the car crashing, and nothing to do with her mirrored self. It looks nice though, so for this reason alone I'll forgive it for not matching the story inside :D
Anyways, this book might appeal to a lot of people, so...
Happy midnight reading!
* This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
** ARC provided by the publisher for review
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
These days I try to read all different books, and so far I've managed to get my hands on some very interesting and refreshing stories.
I've come to see that grief and paranormal/sci-fi can work pretty well together - this book is a nice example.
THE GOOD
The concept:
Two different worlds so different but so similar?
Choices that could change everything?
The other side if the coin?
What happens when two worlds collide? When people are dead on one side but safe on the other, when you would gladly wish to change sides; when the two worlds are incompatible and there's only one place for you...
This story was more about understanding things the way they are, accepting them as hard as it might be, understanding that maybe life is hard, but it can always get worse, having the strength to move on, to be happy again against all odds.
No, this sounds depressing. It is also about beginnings, about accepting the bad things but making better decisions, it's simply about "living" - with you heart and soul and everything you might believe in. No matter how broken you feel at the moment, you deserve to smile again and be happy.
Cam:
I understood his suffering and how much he wanted to change the night he lost everything.
I understand how much he loved Viv and how he wished to hold her one more time, to feel her heartbeat one more time, to save her from the unsaveable, to love her and be loved again.
"I wake up reaching for her and she isn't there. I'm alone in my bed. I bury my head beneath my pillow and hate everything, whisper every impossible thing I've wished for since that night in August. All I get is a damp pillow."
To be honest, if I were in his shoes I would probably do the same mistakes, I would be as foolish as he was, hoping for a second chance and not thinking twice when given the chance to take back what has been lost.
At first sight the other world seemed to be so much better, they all seemed so happy and without worries, but as the story progresses, you realize that there's no better place, that all actions have consequences and all you need to do is find the strength to move on.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD
I couldn't connect with any other character except for Cam.
- Nina was not that present in the second half and I wished for more interaction with her.
- Viv seemed so off I could't make a connection between the both sides of her inner self. I know this was the whole point, but I wanted to understand better the actions that got her to that point (lips sealed, I'll say no more) in the other world. The one clue left behind was not enough for me.
- Cam was a bit naive and quite childish. I liked him in the first half, and I understand that his love makes him stubborn and blind, but at times i just wanted to punch him in the face. Also he was a bit slow with catching on things, and it felt strange at times because I saw things happen half book ahead and it was frustrating to see him beat around the bush uselessly for a hundred pages.
One more thing...
This is not good, not bad, just an observation: the cover has nothing really to do with this story. Except for the reflection that should hint to the mirrored world, the girl on the lake has nothing to do with the girl that died in the car crashing, and nothing to do with her mirrored self. It looks nice though, so for this reason alone I'll forgive it for not matching the story inside :D
Anyways, this book might appeal to a lot of people, so...
Happy midnight reading!
* This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
** ARC provided by the publisher for review
____________________________________________
Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________
September 18, 2012
Originally posted on A Reader of Fictions.
Through to You is one of those books that reminds me, in case I could forget, why I love to read YA fiction. It's a genre-blending, throught-provoking, creepy, beautiful, unique book. Prepare to be surprised, confused and refreshed by a read that doesn't fall into the usual YA plot lines.
At first, Through to You comes off a straight contemporary. We join Cam mired in his grief, two months after the death of his girlfriend Viv in a car accident. He was with her, but she died and he lived. He spends his time at the memorial at the site of the accident and wallowing, doing his best to avoid any connections with anyone, be it his psychiatrist, his family or his friend Mike. He feels responsible for Viv's death, and has little interest in his own life. His only real goal at this point his keeping his depression hidden enough that he won't be put on pills that might make him forget her.
Viv and Cam used to be the power couple, the star quarterback and the gorgeous cheerleader. Two years before, though, he hurt his leg in an accident and couldn't recover well enough for football. She quit cheerleading to spend more time with him. Their friends, caught up in the social activities, almost all abandoned them. They built their lives around one another. Now, with Viv gone, Cam's grief is tangible. I could feel his ache for her.
One of the most impressive things about Through to You is the authenticity of Camden's voice. He felt one hundred percent like a male to me. Writing a book from the perspective of a character with a different gender than one's own is tricky, but Hainsworth has pulled it off beautifully. The first person narration fit the story perfectly, and I really just loved Hainsworth's writing style.
The novel takes a science fiction/fantasy turn when he sees what he thinks is a ghost. Nina turns out to be a girl from an alternate universe, one where Viv still lives. What an impressive concept! If you were mired in grief, separated forever from the person you love, what would you do to get them back again? Would you leave your universe for another? The why of the situation never gets explained, but this wasn't the kind of book where that bothered me at all. The curiosity of why its happening is part of the fun.
From a philosophical perspective, I could not get enough of the alternate universe stuff. The people are the same physically, and many of their circumstances are identical. However, are they truly the same? How much can two counterparts differ? The characterization is almost entirely stunning. I say almost because I'm not entirely sure about Viv. It might have been helpful to get to see something of Viv and Cam's relationship before her death. Without it, I had no sense of who she'd really been as a person, so I had no real idea how to feel about her counterpart.
Emily Hainsworth packs a lot of emotion into this relatively brief novel. If you enjoyed C. K. Kelly Martin's My Beating Teenage Heart or Amy Garvey's Cold Kiss, get your hands on this book stat. Through to You alternately wowed me with its gorgeous prose and frightened me with its eeriness.
Through to You is one of those books that reminds me, in case I could forget, why I love to read YA fiction. It's a genre-blending, throught-provoking, creepy, beautiful, unique book. Prepare to be surprised, confused and refreshed by a read that doesn't fall into the usual YA plot lines.
At first, Through to You comes off a straight contemporary. We join Cam mired in his grief, two months after the death of his girlfriend Viv in a car accident. He was with her, but she died and he lived. He spends his time at the memorial at the site of the accident and wallowing, doing his best to avoid any connections with anyone, be it his psychiatrist, his family or his friend Mike. He feels responsible for Viv's death, and has little interest in his own life. His only real goal at this point his keeping his depression hidden enough that he won't be put on pills that might make him forget her.
Viv and Cam used to be the power couple, the star quarterback and the gorgeous cheerleader. Two years before, though, he hurt his leg in an accident and couldn't recover well enough for football. She quit cheerleading to spend more time with him. Their friends, caught up in the social activities, almost all abandoned them. They built their lives around one another. Now, with Viv gone, Cam's grief is tangible. I could feel his ache for her.
One of the most impressive things about Through to You is the authenticity of Camden's voice. He felt one hundred percent like a male to me. Writing a book from the perspective of a character with a different gender than one's own is tricky, but Hainsworth has pulled it off beautifully. The first person narration fit the story perfectly, and I really just loved Hainsworth's writing style.
The novel takes a science fiction/fantasy turn when he sees what he thinks is a ghost. Nina turns out to be a girl from an alternate universe, one where Viv still lives. What an impressive concept! If you were mired in grief, separated forever from the person you love, what would you do to get them back again? Would you leave your universe for another? The why of the situation never gets explained, but this wasn't the kind of book where that bothered me at all. The curiosity of why its happening is part of the fun.
From a philosophical perspective, I could not get enough of the alternate universe stuff. The people are the same physically, and many of their circumstances are identical. However, are they truly the same? How much can two counterparts differ? The characterization is almost entirely stunning. I say almost because I'm not entirely sure about Viv. It might have been helpful to get to see something of Viv and Cam's relationship before her death. Without it, I had no sense of who she'd really been as a person, so I had no real idea how to feel about her counterpart.
Emily Hainsworth packs a lot of emotion into this relatively brief novel. If you enjoyed C. K. Kelly Martin's My Beating Teenage Heart or Amy Garvey's Cold Kiss, get your hands on this book stat. Through to You alternately wowed me with its gorgeous prose and frightened me with its eeriness.
September 26, 2012
This novel surprised me by its depth. It was more substantial than I had expected it to be and reading it was a pleasure. While the premise is rather bleak with a bereaved Camden trying to search a way out of his all encompassing grief and finding a second chance, the execution of the novel saves it from being depressing and too emotional. I was not sure that I would like the male narrator as I usually have trouble with them but I needn’t have worried as Camden’s voice is readable and is not…how should I say it, there is no obvious effort to make him sound like a guy. What I mean by this is that usually when female writers write male characters, they add stuff like “man” and “dude” to their dialogue to make them sound manlier. Okay fine, not usually but enough times that I have to come to expect it. And there usually is a stilted awkwardness about the character which indicates that the author is not quite comfortable writing in a male voice.
However, there is none of that in Through to You. Camden is simply a teenager trying to deal with the loss of the most important person in his life. I found his sessions with his shrink to be engaging and revealing of his character. He is, in many ways, a typical teenager dealing with emotion in the only way he knows: by shutting down and retreating into himself. There is a lots of angst as there are parental issues but it is not needlessly melodramatic. Instead, it serves to deepen the reader’s understanding of Camden as a person.
Another thing I liked about this novel was how the character coming across the barrier separating the alternate worlds was not Camden’s dead girlfriend but someone else entirely. If you think about it, having the girlfriend show up would give the initial creepy factor but it would be too easy and too predictable. By switching things up, Hainsworth very cleverly portrays new facets of the story and develops Camden’s character in different ways.
The novel tackles the question of second chances; it asks whether you really know the people the way you think you do and it makes you think about the things (and people) you may be missing out or not seeing just because you are too occupied with one person or thing. It is a gripping story about coming to terms with loss, both of your own self and of other people. There are many more ways to lose people than just through death.
Camden was an interesting character as was Viv. The supporting cast of characters were also were developed. I found the pace to be spot on and the narrative to flow smoothly. I liked this one, you guys, and I think you will appreciate its fresh and innovative style too.
However, there is none of that in Through to You. Camden is simply a teenager trying to deal with the loss of the most important person in his life. I found his sessions with his shrink to be engaging and revealing of his character. He is, in many ways, a typical teenager dealing with emotion in the only way he knows: by shutting down and retreating into himself. There is a lots of angst as there are parental issues but it is not needlessly melodramatic. Instead, it serves to deepen the reader’s understanding of Camden as a person.
Another thing I liked about this novel was how the character coming across the barrier separating the alternate worlds was not Camden’s dead girlfriend but someone else entirely. If you think about it, having the girlfriend show up would give the initial creepy factor but it would be too easy and too predictable. By switching things up, Hainsworth very cleverly portrays new facets of the story and develops Camden’s character in different ways.
The novel tackles the question of second chances; it asks whether you really know the people the way you think you do and it makes you think about the things (and people) you may be missing out or not seeing just because you are too occupied with one person or thing. It is a gripping story about coming to terms with loss, both of your own self and of other people. There are many more ways to lose people than just through death.
Camden was an interesting character as was Viv. The supporting cast of characters were also were developed. I found the pace to be spot on and the narrative to flow smoothly. I liked this one, you guys, and I think you will appreciate its fresh and innovative style too.
November 7, 2012
As the end of this book was rolling into the station, I found myself yelling out loud--"Oh, no you didn't!" That was directed at Emily Hainsworth because she put in a little twist that I didn't quite expect. Nicely done! But it wasn't just that one, high-impact moment that stood out. This book was about subtle but powerful nuances of character, situation and perspective. And while this story reads like an exciting, sexy adventure, it also had my brain doing some very interesting mental gymnastics and I LOVED the challenge. Don't miss THROUGH TO YOU--it's a great read in any dimension!
September 27, 2012
Caution: those expecting lots of action and swooning heroines - this book is mostly about coping with loss - which is so very important within YA lit, where we deny loss the most. "Through to You" was a pleasantly fun little thrill ride, though there were parts that disappointed me (namely, things that weren't talked about at all but really needed to be talked about), it was mostly pretty awesome. If you're looking for a subversively quiet sci-fi/fantasy YA book, go for "Through to You".
Okay, so I think it needs to be said: this is not the feel-good book of the year. But you know what? Sometimes, that's really needed. We have our MC, Cam, mourning the recent loss of his girlfriend, Viv, and how things pretty much everywhere in his life have gone to hell. Dad is gone and took most of their family's stuff. Mom is a workaholic lawyer, and isn't around. Cam has a gimpy leg from a football injury gone wrong. His popular crowd friends have rejected him because he rejected football and physical therapy for said gimpy leg. Personally, I felt Hainsworth went a little far with building Cam as this character with nearly nothing left to lose, but at the same time, it works brilliantly with everything by the end of the book - because we see that the stakes have been reversed, and there's the chance that maybe, he has everything left to lose - he just doesn't see it.
Alongside the theme of loss is that of M-Theory/the Multiverse, and how things might have been different had we chosen differently. I can't help but think that Nina's name, as well as her role within the book was a bit of a tribute to "Fringe" (similar character, same name), which I really liked. That aside, what needed to be there and what wasn't there was the more thorough explanation of the multiverse. Yes, happily it's a theme that's finally getting explored more in YA as of late (this is fourth book this year alone being published with M-Theory as a large part of the plot), but as it's still being explored within the realm of quantum physics, I felt like there needed to be a bit more of an explanation. What we got was adequate, but just not thorough enough. I didn't need a whole monologue about it, but the explanation of "in my world x, in your world y" just didn't cut it for me. That's a really big part of worldbuilding that just didn't happen, and it really needed to. Had there been a little bit more worldbuilding in the explaining department, it definitely would have boosted my enjoyment of the book.
There's also the theme of regret attached to those choices - why did I choose X instead of Y? This theme is very, very quiet throughout most of the book, and it's only within the last 10% or so that we get Cam really thinking and acting on that theme, as well as reflecting on the fact that his Viv may not have been the wonderful goddess-like figure that he'd worshipped both before and after her death.
Generally, though, this is a wonderful book when it comes to exploring loss, death, and choices. Hainsworth crafts wonderful MCs, and fleshes them out via the relationship web of character building (which can also be used for worldbuilding - it wasn't here), making them all feel real. While we can't yet go over to parallel worlds and see what might have been, it might one day become a reality. But until then, we have stories like this to remind us the gravity of our everyday choices - from the smallest thing like choosing what to eat to life-altering choices like choosing to quit sports at school (life-altering for teens). It's very quiet, contemplative, and subversively good.
"Through to You" is out from Balzer+Bray/HarperTeen in North America on October 2, 2012, so be sure to check it out then. It's really a lovely read.
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
Okay, so I think it needs to be said: this is not the feel-good book of the year. But you know what? Sometimes, that's really needed. We have our MC, Cam, mourning the recent loss of his girlfriend, Viv, and how things pretty much everywhere in his life have gone to hell. Dad is gone and took most of their family's stuff. Mom is a workaholic lawyer, and isn't around. Cam has a gimpy leg from a football injury gone wrong. His popular crowd friends have rejected him because he rejected football and physical therapy for said gimpy leg. Personally, I felt Hainsworth went a little far with building Cam as this character with nearly nothing left to lose, but at the same time, it works brilliantly with everything by the end of the book - because we see that the stakes have been reversed, and there's the chance that maybe, he has everything left to lose - he just doesn't see it.
Alongside the theme of loss is that of M-Theory/the Multiverse, and how things might have been different had we chosen differently. I can't help but think that Nina's name, as well as her role within the book was a bit of a tribute to "Fringe" (similar character, same name), which I really liked. That aside, what needed to be there and what wasn't there was the more thorough explanation of the multiverse. Yes, happily it's a theme that's finally getting explored more in YA as of late (this is fourth book this year alone being published with M-Theory as a large part of the plot), but as it's still being explored within the realm of quantum physics, I felt like there needed to be a bit more of an explanation. What we got was adequate, but just not thorough enough. I didn't need a whole monologue about it, but the explanation of "in my world x, in your world y" just didn't cut it for me. That's a really big part of worldbuilding that just didn't happen, and it really needed to. Had there been a little bit more worldbuilding in the explaining department, it definitely would have boosted my enjoyment of the book.
There's also the theme of regret attached to those choices - why did I choose X instead of Y? This theme is very, very quiet throughout most of the book, and it's only within the last 10% or so that we get Cam really thinking and acting on that theme, as well as reflecting on the fact that his Viv may not have been the wonderful goddess-like figure that he'd worshipped both before and after her death.
Generally, though, this is a wonderful book when it comes to exploring loss, death, and choices. Hainsworth crafts wonderful MCs, and fleshes them out via the relationship web of character building (which can also be used for worldbuilding - it wasn't here), making them all feel real. While we can't yet go over to parallel worlds and see what might have been, it might one day become a reality. But until then, we have stories like this to remind us the gravity of our everyday choices - from the smallest thing like choosing what to eat to life-altering choices like choosing to quit sports at school (life-altering for teens). It's very quiet, contemplative, and subversively good.
"Through to You" is out from Balzer+Bray/HarperTeen in North America on October 2, 2012, so be sure to check it out then. It's really a lovely read.
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
August 24, 2012
2.5 stars
I downgraded this because, in all honesty, I think I was considering more my intense love of the premise rather than the weaknesses of the novel.
I love the idea of parallel dimensions. I love it! There seemed to be so many possibilities of interesting places that Hainsworth could take this...
MY READING EXPERIENCE IN STAGES
15%: Okay, so we're dropped into the typical Angsty Narrator. Poor baby, your girlfriend died...there is zero originality in this, and there's nothing original about Camden, our grieving male hero who wanders around in a fog since the death of his girlfriend, Vivian, in a crash which he survived. Well, where have I seen this before? But, you know, it's probably not Hainsworth's fault that the grieving process is so hackneyed in YA and besides...PARALLEL UNIVERSES! This is going to be cool. Just give Camden a minute to find his feet.
30%: Maybe this is moving a little slower than I expected. Blah blah blah, Camden's depressed, his leg hurts, he hates Logan, standard Jerk Jock...ooooh, this is promising. Who is this fascinating creature hanging around Camden, who insists that she know him? Well, of course, <>I know, but give Hainsworth some time, she has to build some tension and that takes time...
50%:
*READING COMES TO A SCREECHING HALT*
...a lot of time, apparently. Because we've just been introduced to the parallel universe now. Camden has just gone through the parallel "split" or whatever you call it.
50% of the novel is dedicated to his angsting process. 50%. And, Jesus freaking Christ, it's boring before that. Hainsworth has talent and that kept the pages moving, but it takes a lot of time to get the ball rolling.
And, frankly, I think Harpercollins are mis-selling this book, or at least erronously presenting it. Until the 50% mark, it's a tepid mystery and angst-mobile about 1) his grieving process (all the YA clichés are present and correct - his dad is absent, he mopes around school, ignores the supportive coach who tries to get him back in the game, hates the popular kids, breaks a phone...) and 2) what is that weird blue light and what is that weird girl who says she knows Cam doing here?
But, of course, if you've read the back of the book (the Goodreads blurb), you know the answer to that question already. All I could think while reading was "damn, this would be a lot more compelling if I DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER."
Onwards and upwards. Surely this book gets x1000 times better once Camden is through into the next dimension and we actually meet Viv?
Well...yes. Sort of.
It becomes a pretty solid 3-star read, but it lacks the suspense, drama and epic sweep that it could have had. It also takes Camden a long time to figure out the other twist (that Camden 2.0 died on this side and Viv lived) so it plods for a little while longer. But they get back together and - FIREWORKS! Right?
Ish. Viv and Cam have cute chemistry and it flows along nicely. There's well-written underlying menace in the slowly-closing "rip" in time and Cam's slow discovery of the parallel nature of the dimension is creepy and nicely written.
But then we get into the latter stage of the novel, and it becomes a whole different cliché: the bunny boiler novel. I guessed that it was probably going this way from Camden 2.0's message to Nina, but, even though it was quite thrillingly discovered and written, it all ended up as a bit of a damp squib. Camden's suddenly changes his mind on Vivian from his world and his view on their relationship, and while that should be quite interesting, it happens too jarringly and abruptly to properly be a twist or a real emotional development. There's a lot of potential here, but it doesn't amount to much.
I downgraded this because, in all honesty, I think I was considering more my intense love of the premise rather than the weaknesses of the novel.
I love the idea of parallel dimensions. I love it! There seemed to be so many possibilities of interesting places that Hainsworth could take this...
MY READING EXPERIENCE IN STAGES
15%: Okay, so we're dropped into the typical Angsty Narrator. Poor baby, your girlfriend died...there is zero originality in this, and there's nothing original about Camden, our grieving male hero who wanders around in a fog since the death of his girlfriend, Vivian, in a crash which he survived. Well, where have I seen this before? But, you know, it's probably not Hainsworth's fault that the grieving process is so hackneyed in YA and besides...PARALLEL UNIVERSES! This is going to be cool. Just give Camden a minute to find his feet.
30%: Maybe this is moving a little slower than I expected. Blah blah blah, Camden's depressed, his leg hurts, he hates Logan, standard Jerk Jock...ooooh, this is promising. Who is this fascinating creature hanging around Camden, who insists that she know him? Well, of course, <>I know, but give Hainsworth some time, she has to build some tension and that takes time...
50%:
*READING COMES TO A SCREECHING HALT*
...a lot of time, apparently. Because we've just been introduced to the parallel universe now. Camden has just gone through the parallel "split" or whatever you call it.
50% of the novel is dedicated to his angsting process. 50%. And, Jesus freaking Christ, it's boring before that. Hainsworth has talent and that kept the pages moving, but it takes a lot of time to get the ball rolling.
And, frankly, I think Harpercollins are mis-selling this book, or at least erronously presenting it. Until the 50% mark, it's a tepid mystery and angst-mobile about 1) his grieving process (all the YA clichés are present and correct - his dad is absent, he mopes around school, ignores the supportive coach who tries to get him back in the game, hates the popular kids, breaks a phone...) and 2) what is that weird blue light and what is that weird girl who says she knows Cam doing here?
But, of course, if you've read the back of the book (the Goodreads blurb), you know the answer to that question already. All I could think while reading was "damn, this would be a lot more compelling if I DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER."
Onwards and upwards. Surely this book gets x1000 times better once Camden is through into the next dimension and we actually meet Viv?
Well...yes. Sort of.
It becomes a pretty solid 3-star read, but it lacks the suspense, drama and epic sweep that it could have had. It also takes Camden a long time to figure out the other twist (that Camden 2.0 died on this side and Viv lived) so it plods for a little while longer. But they get back together and - FIREWORKS! Right?
Ish. Viv and Cam have cute chemistry and it flows along nicely. There's well-written underlying menace in the slowly-closing "rip" in time and Cam's slow discovery of the parallel nature of the dimension is creepy and nicely written.
But then we get into the latter stage of the novel, and it becomes a whole different cliché: the bunny boiler novel. I guessed that it was probably going this way from Camden 2.0's message to Nina, but, even though it was quite thrillingly discovered and written, it all ended up as a bit of a damp squib. Camden's suddenly changes his mind on Vivian from his world and his view on their relationship, and while that should be quite interesting, it happens too jarringly and abruptly to properly be a twist or a real emotional development. There's a lot of potential here, but it doesn't amount to much.
March 24, 2013
Through To You, by Emily Hainsworth
Book Review by Abigail Clayton
Through To You, by Emily Hainsworth, is a novel telling an “oh so classic” teenage love story, and what is a classic without a few twists? This teenage love story incorporates not only the drama and emotional aspects shown through the main character of Cam's life, but also the idea of there being another world. This world could be considered the “Realm of Being,” pertaining to The Great Chain Of Being. In the “Other World,” everything to Real World Cam seems so perfect, but to the Other World Viv, who could be considered Cam's girlfriend, things could not be worse.
Drama is apart of a teenager's everyday life. This novel shows how everything is not always what it seems. For Cam, his drama and emotional problems are not just superficial worries and insignificant events. Cam lost his girlfriend Viv in a car accident, along with his father leaving and a debilitating knee injury. He's an emotional wreck and can't seem to keep his life or emotions in check. Cam goes to Dr. Summers and she offers him medicine to cure him, but medicine can not cure theimpact of these tragic events. I think everyone in the world can relate to losing a loved one. It is a really hard task to go through and Cam represents how an average person can relate to this experience. However, Cam does have a cure. He has a way out of the pain and emotional problems. He has another world.
A major theme shown through Cam, Other World Viv and through out this novel is the theme of letting go and moving on. Both of the main characters are faced with letting go but now that they've found each other in these different worlds, the theme has suddenly become holding on. However, Nina, a girl who has been through the portal of the two worlds has two different roles. The role of helping Cam grieve and let go, and the role of her possibly being the better choice for him and moving on from Viv. Nina and Cam's relationship is awkward but steady and hasn't been broken off. While their relationship stays steady, Nina knows that the portal is closing and Cam will soon have to make up his mind. Cam has to understand that Viv has never been the right girl for him, and that letting go and opening his eyes up to a world of options is the best thing. If he can let go, he could see a perfect life within the life he has. Sometimes the realest things are the things you can't see.
Overall, Through to You, is a good read. I would recommend this novel to teenagers, and anyone who has lost a loved one. They could easily relate to Cam's grieving, Cam and Viv's relationship, or Cam and Nina's relationship. I do not recommend this book for people under the age of fifteen due to the fact that there is cursing, and sexual scenes. This novel can easily relate to readers and has a suspenseful, drama filled quality that really gets a reader hooked. Through To You has themes such as letting go, grieving, love, and holding on, which makes the overall plot relate to the reader and keeps the reader interested. I really enjoyed Through To You, and thought Emily Hainsworth did a great job constructing an exciting, love story that readers can relate to and love.
Book Review by Abigail Clayton
Through To You, by Emily Hainsworth, is a novel telling an “oh so classic” teenage love story, and what is a classic without a few twists? This teenage love story incorporates not only the drama and emotional aspects shown through the main character of Cam's life, but also the idea of there being another world. This world could be considered the “Realm of Being,” pertaining to The Great Chain Of Being. In the “Other World,” everything to Real World Cam seems so perfect, but to the Other World Viv, who could be considered Cam's girlfriend, things could not be worse.
Drama is apart of a teenager's everyday life. This novel shows how everything is not always what it seems. For Cam, his drama and emotional problems are not just superficial worries and insignificant events. Cam lost his girlfriend Viv in a car accident, along with his father leaving and a debilitating knee injury. He's an emotional wreck and can't seem to keep his life or emotions in check. Cam goes to Dr. Summers and she offers him medicine to cure him, but medicine can not cure theimpact of these tragic events. I think everyone in the world can relate to losing a loved one. It is a really hard task to go through and Cam represents how an average person can relate to this experience. However, Cam does have a cure. He has a way out of the pain and emotional problems. He has another world.
A major theme shown through Cam, Other World Viv and through out this novel is the theme of letting go and moving on. Both of the main characters are faced with letting go but now that they've found each other in these different worlds, the theme has suddenly become holding on. However, Nina, a girl who has been through the portal of the two worlds has two different roles. The role of helping Cam grieve and let go, and the role of her possibly being the better choice for him and moving on from Viv. Nina and Cam's relationship is awkward but steady and hasn't been broken off. While their relationship stays steady, Nina knows that the portal is closing and Cam will soon have to make up his mind. Cam has to understand that Viv has never been the right girl for him, and that letting go and opening his eyes up to a world of options is the best thing. If he can let go, he could see a perfect life within the life he has. Sometimes the realest things are the things you can't see.
Overall, Through to You, is a good read. I would recommend this novel to teenagers, and anyone who has lost a loved one. They could easily relate to Cam's grieving, Cam and Viv's relationship, or Cam and Nina's relationship. I do not recommend this book for people under the age of fifteen due to the fact that there is cursing, and sexual scenes. This novel can easily relate to readers and has a suspenseful, drama filled quality that really gets a reader hooked. Through To You has themes such as letting go, grieving, love, and holding on, which makes the overall plot relate to the reader and keeps the reader interested. I really enjoyed Through To You, and thought Emily Hainsworth did a great job constructing an exciting, love story that readers can relate to and love.
September 22, 2019
Buchinfo
Was würdest Du tun, wenn sich eine Welt auftut, in der all deine Fehler vergessen sind?
Der achtzehnjährige Camden Pike trauert um seine große Liebe Viv. Seit sie bei einem Autounfall ums Leben kam, für den er sich zudem selbst die Schuld gibt, würde er alles dafür tun, Viv noch ein einziges Mal sehen zu können. Immer wieder besucht er die Unfallstelle und kann zuerst nicht glauben, was er dort eines Tages sieht: Ein Mädchen erscheint wie aus dem Nichts, und sie zeigt ihm den Weg in eine parallele Welt – eine Welt, in der Viv noch lebt … (Quelle: Lesejury)
Meine Meinung
Im Vorfeld hatte ich mir ein paar Bewertungen zu dem Buch durchgelesen und hatte ein wenig Angst, dass ich mir da was Unnötiges ins Haus geholt habe. Die Bewertungen und Meinung reichten von "Es ist ok" bis über "Absoluter Müll"...es war alles dabei - nur kein "So ein wundervolles Buch".
Ich stand mit einigen Thrillern und Psychothrillern in der Hand am Wühltisch und dachte 'Franzy...irgendwie brauchst du einen Ausgleich zu all der Gewalt und dem Chaos'...also wühlte ich weiter.
Ich gab sicherlich ein sehr merkwürdiges Bild für alle um mich rum ab, die mich in dem Moment gesehen haben, als ich dieses Buch in den Händen hielt. Ruckartig hielt ich inne und starrte auf das Buch, während ich mich langsam wieder gerade aufrichtete. Den Stapel mit den Thrillern legte ich ab und hielt dieses Buch wie einen kleinen Schatz in meinen Händen. Ich drehte es und wusste noch bevor ich den Klappentext laß, dass ich es definitiv mitnehmen würde.
Meine Beute nach Hause gebracht lag es allerdings eine kurze Weile auf meinem SuB - jedoch schlich ich jeden Tag drum rum. Ich hatte noch so viel Angefangenes von dem ich mindestens eins beenden wollte bevor ich das nächste Buch beginnen würde.
Und dann war es soweit! Ich hatte das Buch an drei Abenden regelrecht verschlungen.
Wie ihr schon festgestellt habt, wird dies eine durch und durch positive Rezension :-D
Direkt zu Beginn wird man mitgenommen in die Trauer von Camden Pike, der zwei Monate zuvor seine Freundin verloren hat. Und man merkt direkt wie einsam dieser junge Mann ist.
Zum Teil hat er sich diesen Zustand selbst zuzuschreiben indem er sich von allen Freunden und Bekannten abgewendet hat und zum Teil muss er diesen Zustand einfach hinnehmen (Eltern geschieden, Vater ausgezogen, Mutter arbeitet viel).
Man sagt es gäbe vier Phasen der Trauer.
- Nichtwahrhabenwollen
- aufbrechende Emotionen
- suchen, finden, sich trennen
- neuer Selbst- und Weltbezug
Über die erste Phase scheint Cam schon hinaus zu sein. Wir steigen also mitten in der zweiten Phase mit ihm ein.
Er ist unglaublich wütend. Gibt sich selbst die Schuld an dem Tod seiner Freundin Viv und fragt sich immer wieder "Warum nicht ich?".
Die Autorin beschreibt sehr schön die Gefühle diesen jungen Mannes und was er durchlebt. Wie sein täglicher Gang in die Highschool zum Spießrutenlauf wird und wie er mehr oder weniger vor sich hinvegetiert ohne den Spaß und die Freude am Leben wieder zu finden - was nach zwei Monaten auch absolut verständlich ist.
Aufgrund des Klappentextes denke ich, dass ich nicht zu viel verrate wenn ich sage, dass wir auch die dritte Phase mit Cam durchleben.
Von diesem mysteriösen Mädchen bekommt er (ungeplant) einen Weg gezeigt, wie er in die besage Parallelwelt hineinkommt um Viv wieder zu treffen.
Er sucht sie und er findet sie. Ob sie sich trennen, wie in der Phase beschrieben, oder auch überhaupt wieder zueinander kommen, verrate ich nicht ;-)
Auch Phase vier dürfen wir mit Cam zusammen erleben, so viel sei gesagt. Mit neu gewonnenen Erkenntnissen kann er sich seine Welt auch wieder neu betrachten und schafft es, sich wie Baron Münchhausen am eigenen Schopfe aus der Trauer zu ziehen und sein Leben wieder zu leben.
Zu Beginn hatte ich leichte Probleme mit dem Schreibstil und wusste nicht, ob ich das Buch überhaupt durchstehen würde. Aber nach ein paar Seiten hatte ich mich reingefunden und es laß sich sehr flüssig.
Drei Abende im Bett und das Buch war verschlungen - ich hätte auch noch 500 weitere Seiten gelesen wenn es sie gegeben hätte.
Eingestellt hatte ich mich auf eine leicht kitschige Liebesgeschichte mit einem Happy End - wie das bei solchen Büchern eben üblich ist.
Doch so war es nicht (was nicht heißt, dass es vielleicht kein Happy End gab...lest es selbst und ihr wisst es :-P ).
Doch auch wenn sich die Geschichte nicht als das rausstellte was ich dachte, wurde ich keinesfalls enttäuscht. Es ist eine wunderschöne Geschichte über Trauer, Freundschaft, Liebe und der Weg zurück ins Leben.
Es handelt sich bei diesem Buch um eines, dass ich sicherlich irgendwann noch einmal lesen werde und was mir vermutlich nie mehr gänzlich aus dem Kopf gehen wird.
Und ich gestehe - ich habe weinen müssen :-D
Fazit
Wer eine gruselige Geistergeschichte erwartet ist hier vollkommen falsch. Auch eine schnulzige Liebesschmonzette gib es hier nicht.
Du willst eine schöne kleine, ruhige Geschichte über die Suche zurück ins Leben und zu sich selbst, die dich lehrt einen selbstkritischen Blick auf alles zu werfen, was doch so perfekt erschien? Herzlichen Glückwunsch! DAS ist genau dein Buch.
Was würdest Du tun, wenn sich eine Welt auftut, in der all deine Fehler vergessen sind?
Der achtzehnjährige Camden Pike trauert um seine große Liebe Viv. Seit sie bei einem Autounfall ums Leben kam, für den er sich zudem selbst die Schuld gibt, würde er alles dafür tun, Viv noch ein einziges Mal sehen zu können. Immer wieder besucht er die Unfallstelle und kann zuerst nicht glauben, was er dort eines Tages sieht: Ein Mädchen erscheint wie aus dem Nichts, und sie zeigt ihm den Weg in eine parallele Welt – eine Welt, in der Viv noch lebt … (Quelle: Lesejury)
Meine Meinung
Im Vorfeld hatte ich mir ein paar Bewertungen zu dem Buch durchgelesen und hatte ein wenig Angst, dass ich mir da was Unnötiges ins Haus geholt habe. Die Bewertungen und Meinung reichten von "Es ist ok" bis über "Absoluter Müll"...es war alles dabei - nur kein "So ein wundervolles Buch".
Ich stand mit einigen Thrillern und Psychothrillern in der Hand am Wühltisch und dachte 'Franzy...irgendwie brauchst du einen Ausgleich zu all der Gewalt und dem Chaos'...also wühlte ich weiter.
Ich gab sicherlich ein sehr merkwürdiges Bild für alle um mich rum ab, die mich in dem Moment gesehen haben, als ich dieses Buch in den Händen hielt. Ruckartig hielt ich inne und starrte auf das Buch, während ich mich langsam wieder gerade aufrichtete. Den Stapel mit den Thrillern legte ich ab und hielt dieses Buch wie einen kleinen Schatz in meinen Händen. Ich drehte es und wusste noch bevor ich den Klappentext laß, dass ich es definitiv mitnehmen würde.
Meine Beute nach Hause gebracht lag es allerdings eine kurze Weile auf meinem SuB - jedoch schlich ich jeden Tag drum rum. Ich hatte noch so viel Angefangenes von dem ich mindestens eins beenden wollte bevor ich das nächste Buch beginnen würde.
Und dann war es soweit! Ich hatte das Buch an drei Abenden regelrecht verschlungen.
Wie ihr schon festgestellt habt, wird dies eine durch und durch positive Rezension :-D
Direkt zu Beginn wird man mitgenommen in die Trauer von Camden Pike, der zwei Monate zuvor seine Freundin verloren hat. Und man merkt direkt wie einsam dieser junge Mann ist.
Zum Teil hat er sich diesen Zustand selbst zuzuschreiben indem er sich von allen Freunden und Bekannten abgewendet hat und zum Teil muss er diesen Zustand einfach hinnehmen (Eltern geschieden, Vater ausgezogen, Mutter arbeitet viel).
Man sagt es gäbe vier Phasen der Trauer.
- Nichtwahrhabenwollen
- aufbrechende Emotionen
- suchen, finden, sich trennen
- neuer Selbst- und Weltbezug
Über die erste Phase scheint Cam schon hinaus zu sein. Wir steigen also mitten in der zweiten Phase mit ihm ein.
Er ist unglaublich wütend. Gibt sich selbst die Schuld an dem Tod seiner Freundin Viv und fragt sich immer wieder "Warum nicht ich?".
Die Autorin beschreibt sehr schön die Gefühle diesen jungen Mannes und was er durchlebt. Wie sein täglicher Gang in die Highschool zum Spießrutenlauf wird und wie er mehr oder weniger vor sich hinvegetiert ohne den Spaß und die Freude am Leben wieder zu finden - was nach zwei Monaten auch absolut verständlich ist.
Aufgrund des Klappentextes denke ich, dass ich nicht zu viel verrate wenn ich sage, dass wir auch die dritte Phase mit Cam durchleben.
Von diesem mysteriösen Mädchen bekommt er (ungeplant) einen Weg gezeigt, wie er in die besage Parallelwelt hineinkommt um Viv wieder zu treffen.
Er sucht sie und er findet sie. Ob sie sich trennen, wie in der Phase beschrieben, oder auch überhaupt wieder zueinander kommen, verrate ich nicht ;-)
Auch Phase vier dürfen wir mit Cam zusammen erleben, so viel sei gesagt. Mit neu gewonnenen Erkenntnissen kann er sich seine Welt auch wieder neu betrachten und schafft es, sich wie Baron Münchhausen am eigenen Schopfe aus der Trauer zu ziehen und sein Leben wieder zu leben.
Zu Beginn hatte ich leichte Probleme mit dem Schreibstil und wusste nicht, ob ich das Buch überhaupt durchstehen würde. Aber nach ein paar Seiten hatte ich mich reingefunden und es laß sich sehr flüssig.
Drei Abende im Bett und das Buch war verschlungen - ich hätte auch noch 500 weitere Seiten gelesen wenn es sie gegeben hätte.
Eingestellt hatte ich mich auf eine leicht kitschige Liebesgeschichte mit einem Happy End - wie das bei solchen Büchern eben üblich ist.
Doch so war es nicht (was nicht heißt, dass es vielleicht kein Happy End gab...lest es selbst und ihr wisst es :-P ).
Doch auch wenn sich die Geschichte nicht als das rausstellte was ich dachte, wurde ich keinesfalls enttäuscht. Es ist eine wunderschöne Geschichte über Trauer, Freundschaft, Liebe und der Weg zurück ins Leben.
Es handelt sich bei diesem Buch um eines, dass ich sicherlich irgendwann noch einmal lesen werde und was mir vermutlich nie mehr gänzlich aus dem Kopf gehen wird.
Und ich gestehe - ich habe weinen müssen :-D
Fazit
Wer eine gruselige Geistergeschichte erwartet ist hier vollkommen falsch. Auch eine schnulzige Liebesschmonzette gib es hier nicht.
Du willst eine schöne kleine, ruhige Geschichte über die Suche zurück ins Leben und zu sich selbst, die dich lehrt einen selbstkritischen Blick auf alles zu werfen, was doch so perfekt erschien? Herzlichen Glückwunsch! DAS ist genau dein Buch.
Want to read
February 23, 2011whooa this sounds good.
May 26, 2018
Here is a nice, spoiler-free(-ish) review, from the heart. I rated by 5 stars and as you can see from the four yellow stars above, I rate this 4 stars overall. Here is why:
Characterization
3/5 Stars
Camdon Pike lost his girlfriend, and loss is not a new thing for many people--including me. Emily Hainsworth did wonderfully (for the most part) on showing how a human can crumble, although humans crumble differently. Cam crumbled exceptionally, for his father is absent and his mother as well--sometimes. His girlfriend, who you can tell he loves dearly, died (not a spoiler it is the plot of the book). And he has a screwed-up leg.
I would react like he did.
Viv, who he meets in a parallel world where she did not die, is very unreal to me.
Nina is really developed, almost 4-D.
Plot
5/5 Stars
The plot was original and very sweet. I was on the verge of tears at some parts specifically for the circumstance. If you didn't know, this story is about a boy named Camdon who lost his girlfriend, Viv, in a car accident. Soon he finds a portal that is slowly closing to another world where Viv is alive and rather different. It is about moving on. So sweet. I could ship Camon with Viv, then another person , and the author did a good job at slowly revealing the plot to the audience.
Writing
4/5 Stars
The writing was amazing. I found it easy to comprehend while still easy to connect with. Although, there could have been some extra parts thrown in there for extra emotion towards Viv herself so there is more of an impact .
Setting
3/5 Stars
The setting was fair, but it seemed throughout the book that there were only a few places: A restaurant called "Fast Break", a Drive-In, Cam's house, Viv's house, the corner, another restaurant that is obsessed with chickens, a street (that includes his best friend and Nina), and the High School. Those were places that were truly filled with meaning. It seems that this city is limited to only these places.
Overall
4/5 Stars
Yay!
I wouldn't consider this a favorite, but it is a good, quick read (only took me about three hours). I enjoyed these characters and I really will still wonder how Cam's life chugs on after the last words on these pages. I want to thank Emily Hainsworth for entertaining me at a boring day at work!
Characterization
3/5 Stars
Camdon Pike lost his girlfriend, and loss is not a new thing for many people--including me. Emily Hainsworth did wonderfully (for the most part) on showing how a human can crumble, although humans crumble differently. Cam crumbled exceptionally, for his father is absent and his mother as well--sometimes. His girlfriend, who you can tell he loves dearly, died (not a spoiler it is the plot of the book). And he has a screwed-up leg.
I would react like he did.
Viv, who he meets in a parallel world where she did not die, is very unreal to me.
Nina is really developed, almost 4-D.
Plot
5/5 Stars
The plot was original and very sweet. I was on the verge of tears at some parts specifically for the circumstance. If you didn't know, this story is about a boy named Camdon who lost his girlfriend, Viv, in a car accident. Soon he finds a portal that is slowly closing to another world where Viv is alive and rather different. It is about moving on. So sweet. I could ship Camon with Viv, then another person , and the author did a good job at slowly revealing the plot to the audience.
Writing
4/5 Stars
The writing was amazing. I found it easy to comprehend while still easy to connect with. Although, there could have been some extra parts thrown in there for extra emotion towards Viv herself so there is more of an impact .
Setting
3/5 Stars
The setting was fair, but it seemed throughout the book that there were only a few places: A restaurant called "Fast Break", a Drive-In, Cam's house, Viv's house, the corner, another restaurant that is obsessed with chickens, a street (that includes his best friend and Nina), and the High School. Those were places that were truly filled with meaning. It seems that this city is limited to only these places.
Overall
4/5 Stars
Yay!
I wouldn't consider this a favorite, but it is a good, quick read (only took me about three hours). I enjoyed these characters and I really will still wonder how Cam's life chugs on after the last words on these pages. I want to thank Emily Hainsworth for entertaining me at a boring day at work!
Want to read
August 2, 2019Twice I've started this book. Twice I've quit. Maybe I'll try again in 2 years. Third time's the charm?
December 11, 2019
3.5 stars. Quick read and interesting story
February 20, 2020
It was just an enjoyable read. Nothing very special but made me spend some good time
March 17, 2017
I loved the turn of events. It was a really enjoyable book
November 14, 2015
Khadiza Parvin
Period 6
Through To You
By: Emily Hainsworth
“For this is Wisdom; to love, to live,
To take what Fate, or the Gods, may give,
To ask no question, to make no prayer,
To kiss the lips and caress the hair
I assume that Through To You is more than a typical Twilight Series, that I have read several times, but this novel… just hits the bomb shell. As a matter of fact, Through To You is the type of book that shows me the will to love again, even though you’re facing difficulties in life regarding somethings. Out of all the books in YA shelf, I have found myself Through To You as one of my favorites.
Overall the novel is interesting. It just…creates a suspenseful vibe to it, like you can’t wait to read more and figure out what happens next as it leaves me hanging. There’s a lot of pressure building upon the protagonist as he faces through many challenging moments in life.
The story is basically about a 18-year old high school guy named Camden Pike who is in despair, along with being grief-stricken ever since his girlfriend Viv had passed away in a car accident and his life changes dramatically when he meets Nina in the green light… OMG the ghost girl that wasn’t actually considered A GHOST, but an ordinary person living a normal life. There is another world out there that’s unexpected that Camden discovers and as time eventually moves closer, things become twisted in this other universe, as the pathway between each other gradually gets smaller. And it is through a little secret kept away from him is forced to make a difficult choice that will change his life forever.
“Viv, you are missed. Why do bad things happen to good people? Miss you, Viv
Can’t believe you’re gone.”
The story is written in the perspective of Camden, who is sort of like the narrator in this case. Camden is a loner without Viv beside him and even though, he lives with the lawyer of the household, his mom while his dad is in another house. His parents divorced leaving the relationship between his father to fade.
“Various excuses scroll through my mind:
The phone fell off the wall. Don’t worry; I smashed it because of Dad, not you. Actually, if you were ever around, maybe he wouldn’t have left in the first place.”
Camden and Nina both become friends over the course of time and as he meets Viv in the other world, he notices that they don’t share a strong relationship with each other at Fowler High. There is love, isolation, family, and loss that the protagonist encounters throughout the book. I feel like the themes of this book just… HITS THE SPOT! It just suits everything together using the different types of themes.
This novel… its amazingly, impeccably written. The writing is clear to understand, its not confusing or any sort. HOWEVER, it doesn’t show the feelings of other characters mentioned in the book. There are dialogues in the book that are engaging-it hooks the reader in, making me want to constantly go on…
Period 6
Through To You
By: Emily Hainsworth
“For this is Wisdom; to love, to live,
To take what Fate, or the Gods, may give,
To ask no question, to make no prayer,
To kiss the lips and caress the hair
I assume that Through To You is more than a typical Twilight Series, that I have read several times, but this novel… just hits the bomb shell. As a matter of fact, Through To You is the type of book that shows me the will to love again, even though you’re facing difficulties in life regarding somethings. Out of all the books in YA shelf, I have found myself Through To You as one of my favorites.
Overall the novel is interesting. It just…creates a suspenseful vibe to it, like you can’t wait to read more and figure out what happens next as it leaves me hanging. There’s a lot of pressure building upon the protagonist as he faces through many challenging moments in life.
The story is basically about a 18-year old high school guy named Camden Pike who is in despair, along with being grief-stricken ever since his girlfriend Viv had passed away in a car accident and his life changes dramatically when he meets Nina in the green light… OMG the ghost girl that wasn’t actually considered A GHOST, but an ordinary person living a normal life. There is another world out there that’s unexpected that Camden discovers and as time eventually moves closer, things become twisted in this other universe, as the pathway between each other gradually gets smaller. And it is through a little secret kept away from him is forced to make a difficult choice that will change his life forever.
“Viv, you are missed. Why do bad things happen to good people? Miss you, Viv
Can’t believe you’re gone.”
The story is written in the perspective of Camden, who is sort of like the narrator in this case. Camden is a loner without Viv beside him and even though, he lives with the lawyer of the household, his mom while his dad is in another house. His parents divorced leaving the relationship between his father to fade.
“Various excuses scroll through my mind:
The phone fell off the wall. Don’t worry; I smashed it because of Dad, not you. Actually, if you were ever around, maybe he wouldn’t have left in the first place.”
Camden and Nina both become friends over the course of time and as he meets Viv in the other world, he notices that they don’t share a strong relationship with each other at Fowler High. There is love, isolation, family, and loss that the protagonist encounters throughout the book. I feel like the themes of this book just… HITS THE SPOT! It just suits everything together using the different types of themes.
This novel… its amazingly, impeccably written. The writing is clear to understand, its not confusing or any sort. HOWEVER, it doesn’t show the feelings of other characters mentioned in the book. There are dialogues in the book that are engaging-it hooks the reader in, making me want to constantly go on…
November 23, 2012
Earlier this week, this book showed up at my library because apparently I had put it on hold. I don't remember doing this, but I figured I might as well read it since I've heard good things about it and the concept sounded interesting. Just a warning, this review is going to have one spoiler, because it would be pretty difficult for me to write a. But otherwise I'm going to try to make it spoiler free :).
Through to You was definitely better than I expected it to be. The whole apparition thing had me wary because I'm not into ghosts or anything of the sort and I was really hoping the book wouldn't be focused on that. It turns out, this Nina that Cam sees is a real girl (I think?) and lives in a parallel world. Like the synopsis says, Cam follows Nina into her world and makes a wild discovery. In the parallel world, his girlfriend Viv is still alive! But the other Cam (the parallel world one), is dead. Both Cam and Viv think all their problems have been solved if they can figure out some way to stay together. But as Cam spends more time with both Viv and Nina, he learns that things in this world are not the same as they are in his world, and the two girls are not who he thinks they are.
I really liked Cam as the main character. I don't read many books from male viewpoints because I have a difficult time connecting, but Hainsworth did a great job getting the reader into Cam's head. His grief over losing his girlfriend was apparent, but not overdone. Viv, on the other hand, I was not a fan of. She came off as clingy, possessive, and much of her behavior was a bit bizarre. I think she's supposed to come off this way, though. Either way, she made me rather uncomfortable and I was questioning her sanity throughout. Nina was a great character. I think I connected with her the most out of the three. She's incredibly caring and thoughtful, and made a lot of difficult decisions throughout the novel that I found admirable. Overall, I was pleased with the various characters, even if I wasn't a fan of all of them (ahem, Viv).
The way Hainsworth combined elements of both the paranormal and contemporary genres was interesting. Because it was a very contemporary type novel, the paranormal part of the story came off as very realistic. How cool would it be if there was another world out there similar to our own? Ok, it would be kind of creepy, but in Through to You it felt perfectly normal. It wasn't overpowering and the paranormal elements were a minor part of the story. I think they added some depth and gave the story a twist that it wouldn't have had otherwise (considering there wouldn't really be a story without the parallel world).
Through to You was a very fast read for me. I kind of wished it would have been a longer book as some of it seemed a bit rushed, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This review (and more!) can be found at Rachel Reads
Through to You was definitely better than I expected it to be. The whole apparition thing had me wary because I'm not into ghosts or anything of the sort and I was really hoping the book wouldn't be focused on that. It turns out, this Nina that Cam sees is a real girl (I think?) and lives in a parallel world. Like the synopsis says, Cam follows Nina into her world and makes a wild discovery. In the parallel world, his girlfriend Viv is still alive! But the other Cam (the parallel world one), is dead. Both Cam and Viv think all their problems have been solved if they can figure out some way to stay together. But as Cam spends more time with both Viv and Nina, he learns that things in this world are not the same as they are in his world, and the two girls are not who he thinks they are.
I really liked Cam as the main character. I don't read many books from male viewpoints because I have a difficult time connecting, but Hainsworth did a great job getting the reader into Cam's head. His grief over losing his girlfriend was apparent, but not overdone. Viv, on the other hand, I was not a fan of. She came off as clingy, possessive, and much of her behavior was a bit bizarre. I think she's supposed to come off this way, though. Either way, she made me rather uncomfortable and I was questioning her sanity throughout. Nina was a great character. I think I connected with her the most out of the three. She's incredibly caring and thoughtful, and made a lot of difficult decisions throughout the novel that I found admirable. Overall, I was pleased with the various characters, even if I wasn't a fan of all of them (ahem, Viv).
The way Hainsworth combined elements of both the paranormal and contemporary genres was interesting. Because it was a very contemporary type novel, the paranormal part of the story came off as very realistic. How cool would it be if there was another world out there similar to our own? Ok, it would be kind of creepy, but in Through to You it felt perfectly normal. It wasn't overpowering and the paranormal elements were a minor part of the story. I think they added some depth and gave the story a twist that it wouldn't have had otherwise (considering there wouldn't really be a story without the parallel world).
Through to You was a very fast read for me. I kind of wished it would have been a longer book as some of it seemed a bit rushed, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This review (and more!) can be found at Rachel Reads
October 23, 2012
GENRE: YA Science Fiction
THEME: Angst/Romance
RECEIVED: ALA
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
Through to You by Emily Hainsworth was not particularly what I was expecting, the story was very well written and definitely hits the emotional notes for the loss of a loved one. But I felt that the synopsis pretty much gave away everything that happened in the book. I’m all for mystery and guessing what’s going to happen next and was a bit surprised on predicting most of the story.
Through to You follows a grieving Camden Pike, his girlfriend was tragically lost in a car accident and he is pretty much lost. After giving up his friends, his family and his love for football all he had was Viv. Now that she’s gone he feels nothing until one day he meets Nina. He discovers with her that there might be a place for second chances, but not everything is the same, especially the people.
Cam is a mess through half of the book, not only because the loss of Viv, but his mother is never home and his father abandoned them. He also was injured a while back and gave up trying to heal to play football again. It’s a really tough life he lives and the readers feel it. Through the authors writing I felt the emotional break and the sadness, I wanted him to finally have some happiness. I believe many people in Cam’s situation would probably act the same, seeing that person you lost alive and wishing there was a way to be able to be with them. He looses the sight of reality for a bit but the story is about him learning how to move forward.
Nina, I think her character was the strongest along with her brother Owen. They brought life and a bit more happiness into Cam’s. I felt bad for Nina most of the time because as the reader I knew she was right and Cam just couldn’t believe her. She’s the voice of reason all the way to the end.
Viv, well a lot happens with her but overall I didn’t like her character and felt that she just frustrated me with how fake she was. It was hard to compare both Viv’s since the readers only got glimpses and descriptions from Cam about his Viv. In the end I didn’t care for her much and though the story revolved around her and Cam being together, their scenes were just stale.
Overall the writing was great and I liked the concept of two worlds, even though I wished there was a reason for the portal, I enjoyed the differences that occurred on each side. There are highs and lows but this story is really about trying to recover from losing a loved one and being happy that you were able to meet that person. The ending was strong and had a great conclusion that was absolutely perfect for this type of story.
RECOMMENDATION:
This novel is a young adult story with high emotional elements. Fans of Silver by Talia Vance and Velveteen by Daniel Marks will enjoy Through to You by Emily Hainsworth.
THEME: Angst/Romance
RECEIVED: ALA
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
Through to You by Emily Hainsworth was not particularly what I was expecting, the story was very well written and definitely hits the emotional notes for the loss of a loved one. But I felt that the synopsis pretty much gave away everything that happened in the book. I’m all for mystery and guessing what’s going to happen next and was a bit surprised on predicting most of the story.
Through to You follows a grieving Camden Pike, his girlfriend was tragically lost in a car accident and he is pretty much lost. After giving up his friends, his family and his love for football all he had was Viv. Now that she’s gone he feels nothing until one day he meets Nina. He discovers with her that there might be a place for second chances, but not everything is the same, especially the people.
Cam is a mess through half of the book, not only because the loss of Viv, but his mother is never home and his father abandoned them. He also was injured a while back and gave up trying to heal to play football again. It’s a really tough life he lives and the readers feel it. Through the authors writing I felt the emotional break and the sadness, I wanted him to finally have some happiness. I believe many people in Cam’s situation would probably act the same, seeing that person you lost alive and wishing there was a way to be able to be with them. He looses the sight of reality for a bit but the story is about him learning how to move forward.
Nina, I think her character was the strongest along with her brother Owen. They brought life and a bit more happiness into Cam’s. I felt bad for Nina most of the time because as the reader I knew she was right and Cam just couldn’t believe her. She’s the voice of reason all the way to the end.
Viv, well a lot happens with her but overall I didn’t like her character and felt that she just frustrated me with how fake she was. It was hard to compare both Viv’s since the readers only got glimpses and descriptions from Cam about his Viv. In the end I didn’t care for her much and though the story revolved around her and Cam being together, their scenes were just stale.
Overall the writing was great and I liked the concept of two worlds, even though I wished there was a reason for the portal, I enjoyed the differences that occurred on each side. There are highs and lows but this story is really about trying to recover from losing a loved one and being happy that you were able to meet that person. The ending was strong and had a great conclusion that was absolutely perfect for this type of story.
RECOMMENDATION:
This novel is a young adult story with high emotional elements. Fans of Silver by Talia Vance and Velveteen by Daniel Marks will enjoy Through to You by Emily Hainsworth.
January 5, 2013
Emily Hainsworth’s debut novel is one you don’t want to miss. This story of parallel worlds will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
This review is going to be completely spoiler free but let me just tell you, it’s a little harder than normal for me to stick to that with this book. I just want to go on and on about it!
First up, the story is such a unique concept. I admit that I have been getting a little bored with all the similar stories in YA. Through To You definitely switches things up. Cam’s girlfriend is killed in a car accident and he can’t move on. Life just keeps getting worse for him until he discovers this light that leads to a parallel world where she is still alive. However things are quite what they seem in this alternate world and Cam has to figure out how to move on before it’s too late. It’s a blend of paranormal and contemporary and I adored it. And yes there were a few things that I predicted but nothing too major and nothing that made me like the book less.
Cam was a fabulous character. Emily Hainsworth managed to put readers into the mind of this grief stricken teenage boy and I fell totally in love with him. Everything he was feeling came through to me and he came across as a 100% real guy. He was cute, in a messed up way, and I really wanted him to get a happy ending, somehow. Nina was also a great character although I would have enjoyed getting to know more about her. She seemed like such an amazing girl and sister to Owen (who was adorable) and I would have liked to know more about her life before Cam. There were times when I weren’t quite sure of her motives but I never disliked her. As for Cam’s girlfriend, Viv, I can’t say I ever liked her. Both the original Viv and the Viv in the parallel world came across as really controlling and just kind of nasty. I’d be surprised if any readers really liked her but I think that’s how you’re supposed to feel about her. Oh and Cam’s mom was awesome. She seemed really absent at first but she had more of a presence throughout the book and you could tell that she was really trying with Cam.
I think the best part of Through To You though is the perfect blending of paranormal and contemporary. At it’s heart it is a story of love and loss and trying to move on no matter how much you don’t want to. I could feel Cam’s grief in every single page but as the book went on I could see it lessening even knowing that it would always be there. So many paranormal stories have this unrealistic feeling to them and that was so not the case with Through To You.
Overall, I highly recommend Emily Hainsworth’s debut novel. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
This review is going to be completely spoiler free but let me just tell you, it’s a little harder than normal for me to stick to that with this book. I just want to go on and on about it!
First up, the story is such a unique concept. I admit that I have been getting a little bored with all the similar stories in YA. Through To You definitely switches things up. Cam’s girlfriend is killed in a car accident and he can’t move on. Life just keeps getting worse for him until he discovers this light that leads to a parallel world where she is still alive. However things are quite what they seem in this alternate world and Cam has to figure out how to move on before it’s too late. It’s a blend of paranormal and contemporary and I adored it. And yes there were a few things that I predicted but nothing too major and nothing that made me like the book less.
Cam was a fabulous character. Emily Hainsworth managed to put readers into the mind of this grief stricken teenage boy and I fell totally in love with him. Everything he was feeling came through to me and he came across as a 100% real guy. He was cute, in a messed up way, and I really wanted him to get a happy ending, somehow. Nina was also a great character although I would have enjoyed getting to know more about her. She seemed like such an amazing girl and sister to Owen (who was adorable) and I would have liked to know more about her life before Cam. There were times when I weren’t quite sure of her motives but I never disliked her. As for Cam’s girlfriend, Viv, I can’t say I ever liked her. Both the original Viv and the Viv in the parallel world came across as really controlling and just kind of nasty. I’d be surprised if any readers really liked her but I think that’s how you’re supposed to feel about her. Oh and Cam’s mom was awesome. She seemed really absent at first but she had more of a presence throughout the book and you could tell that she was really trying with Cam.
I think the best part of Through To You though is the perfect blending of paranormal and contemporary. At it’s heart it is a story of love and loss and trying to move on no matter how much you don’t want to. I could feel Cam’s grief in every single page but as the book went on I could see it lessening even knowing that it would always be there. So many paranormal stories have this unrealistic feeling to them and that was so not the case with Through To You.
Overall, I highly recommend Emily Hainsworth’s debut novel. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
June 3, 2012
Wow, I agree with the back on the book this book defiantly is full of unexpected twists! In the beginning of the story we meet our main character Cam. As we know from the synopsis he has just lost his girlfriend Viv in a terrible car accident, and he's trying really hard to move on but he's having a really hard time. All of her friends set up a shrine for Viv right outside of school and Cam walks past it everyday. He's hoping that at one point it will get easier, but it doesn't seem like it's going to get easier anytime soon. While lingering around the shrine late one friday night, Cam see's this green glow. He walks over and see's this transparent girl who he believes is a ghost until one day she shows up on his door step. She frantically tells him she needs to get home but needs his help. After Cam helps her climb back into the green mist i guess you would call it he grows curious and one day he decides to check out what this other place is all about. I can't tell you anymore because that would lead to spoilers but I promise you the book was really great!
I felt for Cam ever since meeting him. I don't have a boyfriend now but I've had a couple in the past and I can't imagine how hard it would be to lose on of them like that. Cam deals with it better then most people would though. According to his family and friends he needs "help" but the only reason why they think this is because he's just not acting like the same Cam he used to be.
Now in the story we have two main girls, and it's a little hard to choose which girl your rooting for. Throughout the whole book I was going back and forth between Viv and Nina and it was so hard! But now that the book has ended I know who's side i'm on. I'm a little hurt about the reason why i'm on her side but at least I know for sure. As you already know Viv is Cam's girlfriend who dies in the car accident but (this isn't a spoiler you read this on the back of the book) This new world that Cam goes and investigates is a tad bit different from the world he lives in now and he finds out that in this world Viv is still alive but she's not quite the same girl that Cam fell for in his world... Who is Nina you ask? Well she is Cam's best friend in the other world, but in Cam's world he doesn't even know who she is.
I definitely give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because it was totally unique! I've never read anything like it before. Sure I've read books about people losing there other half but never have I once read a book about finding your other half again in a different world. It's crazy right?! I would totally read another book like this in a heartbeat!
I felt for Cam ever since meeting him. I don't have a boyfriend now but I've had a couple in the past and I can't imagine how hard it would be to lose on of them like that. Cam deals with it better then most people would though. According to his family and friends he needs "help" but the only reason why they think this is because he's just not acting like the same Cam he used to be.
Now in the story we have two main girls, and it's a little hard to choose which girl your rooting for. Throughout the whole book I was going back and forth between Viv and Nina and it was so hard! But now that the book has ended I know who's side i'm on. I'm a little hurt about the reason why i'm on her side but at least I know for sure. As you already know Viv is Cam's girlfriend who dies in the car accident but (this isn't a spoiler you read this on the back of the book) This new world that Cam goes and investigates is a tad bit different from the world he lives in now and he finds out that in this world Viv is still alive but she's not quite the same girl that Cam fell for in his world... Who is Nina you ask? Well she is Cam's best friend in the other world, but in Cam's world he doesn't even know who she is.
I definitely give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because it was totally unique! I've never read anything like it before. Sure I've read books about people losing there other half but never have I once read a book about finding your other half again in a different world. It's crazy right?! I would totally read another book like this in a heartbeat!
July 19, 2012
I flew through this book. Probably because Camden’s voice is amazing and I fell for him immediately!! He’s genuine and broken and an utter...guy—which I absolutely adore. *sighs* Yes, I liked Camden very much :)
But I also felt extremely bad for him. Because not only did he lose the ability to play football he also lost his girlfriend, Viv, in a terrible accident that he still blames himself for months after the fact.
So when Cam sees a girl materialize near Viv’s memorial, he thinks he’s finally lost it. He’s pretty sure he’s gone insane due to an over excessive amount of grief. Until the girl, Nina, appears again, frazzled and sprouting off things that don’t make sense—like how Cam is actually her best friend and Viv is still alive. *GASP*
Enter phase step-through-the-green-ghostly-light-by-Viv’s-memorial-where-Nina-keeps-poping-through. When Cam completes said phase he discovers a crazy parallel world where Viv’s alive, he can still play football and everything else is totally different yet completely the same...
Dude. It’s so cray! Like holy snap! The concept of walking through a portal into a different world!? Where everything you’ve lost is suddenly...not anymore?!? Insane.
But all that really matters to Cam is that he has Viv back.
And I actually really liked the alternate universe Viv. I was rooting for her and Cam most of the book because she made him SO HAPPY—and Cam’s just one of those guys you want to see happy, ya know!?
But the more time Cam spent in the alternate universe...the more time he talked with Nina too and I liked her a lot as well! Cam’s relationship with both girls was such a switch from the typical triangle and I loved every second of it!
Annywho! Cam tries to balance his time in that world and this world, but it proves to be difficult. Especially when a certain girlfriend refuses to stay where she belongs. So, INSERT A FREAKING HUGE TWIST HERE and you'll see me speechless and stunned. Like WHOA! Whoa. Insane.
This book ended way too quickly! And it was SO bittersweet, it was adorable in a way that made my heart clench and shocking in a way that made me not want to say goodbye to the characters!
Overall, Through to You is incredible story and I’d definitely say it’s a debut that should not be missed!
But I also felt extremely bad for him. Because not only did he lose the ability to play football he also lost his girlfriend, Viv, in a terrible accident that he still blames himself for months after the fact.
So when Cam sees a girl materialize near Viv’s memorial, he thinks he’s finally lost it. He’s pretty sure he’s gone insane due to an over excessive amount of grief. Until the girl, Nina, appears again, frazzled and sprouting off things that don’t make sense—like how Cam is actually her best friend and Viv is still alive. *GASP*
Enter phase step-through-the-green-ghostly-light-by-Viv’s-memorial-where-Nina-keeps-poping-through. When Cam completes said phase he discovers a crazy parallel world where Viv’s alive, he can still play football and everything else is totally different yet completely the same...
Dude. It’s so cray! Like holy snap! The concept of walking through a portal into a different world!? Where everything you’ve lost is suddenly...not anymore?!? Insane.
But all that really matters to Cam is that he has Viv back.
And I actually really liked the alternate universe Viv. I was rooting for her and Cam most of the book because she made him SO HAPPY—and Cam’s just one of those guys you want to see happy, ya know!?
But the more time Cam spent in the alternate universe...the more time he talked with Nina too and I liked her a lot as well! Cam’s relationship with both girls was such a switch from the typical triangle and I loved every second of it!
Annywho! Cam tries to balance his time in that world and this world, but it proves to be difficult. Especially when a certain girlfriend refuses to stay where she belongs. So, INSERT A FREAKING HUGE TWIST HERE and you'll see me speechless and stunned. Like WHOA! Whoa. Insane.
This book ended way too quickly! And it was SO bittersweet, it was adorable in a way that made my heart clench and shocking in a way that made me not want to say goodbye to the characters!
Overall, Through to You is incredible story and I’d definitely say it’s a debut that should not be missed!
June 26, 2012
It’s not often that one is given the opportunity to review a book that has yet to be released. I am pleased to say that I was lucky enough to be offered this opportunity by Byrd’s Books of Bethel, Connecticut. Byrd’s Books is one of those very rare ‘birds’ in today’s world; an independent, small shop book seller. Located in the center of the town of Bethel, the store resides in the upper floor of an old house, which is as quaint as the town itself. If you ever get to Connecticut you must visit Bethel (http://byrdsbooks.com).
One day while visiting the shop, I picked up a book; Through to You, by Emily Hainsworth. First, the cover caught my eye, which is usually the case, and I found the back cover blurb to be awfully intriguing. When I asked the price, the shop owner simply said, ‘Free. Just give me a review and it’s yours.’ Best price for a book ever, and a review, well, I can do that. The only concern was that the book was the author’s debut. Ummm… But I thought, why not. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. The book is a YA, sci-fi, romantic thriller. Wow, that seems to cover a lot of ground, but the story meets all the criteria. The main character is a young man, a high school student named Camden Pike, who is desperately trying to recover from the loss of his girlfriend, Viv. Viv died in a car accident; Camden survived it. Suffering from pangs of guilt, and ‘what-ifs,’ he would love to see Viv again, and would do just about anything to do so. When he visits the site of the accident, he sees an apparition of another girl. Nina is not a ghost. She is part of a parallel world, and in this parallel world Viv is still alive. But the Viv of this other world is not the same one he remembers, and she, and Nina, have secrets to hide. The doorway to this parallel world is slowly closing, and Camden must make choices before he can no longer cross into it. Filled with numerous plot twists that keep your eyes to the page, Through to You, was a very unexpected, face paced thriller that kept me guessing. I truly enjoyed the read. The book will be officially release on October 2, 2012, and I highly recommend it.
Enjoy!
Jeanne
One day while visiting the shop, I picked up a book; Through to You, by Emily Hainsworth. First, the cover caught my eye, which is usually the case, and I found the back cover blurb to be awfully intriguing. When I asked the price, the shop owner simply said, ‘Free. Just give me a review and it’s yours.’ Best price for a book ever, and a review, well, I can do that. The only concern was that the book was the author’s debut. Ummm… But I thought, why not. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. The book is a YA, sci-fi, romantic thriller. Wow, that seems to cover a lot of ground, but the story meets all the criteria. The main character is a young man, a high school student named Camden Pike, who is desperately trying to recover from the loss of his girlfriend, Viv. Viv died in a car accident; Camden survived it. Suffering from pangs of guilt, and ‘what-ifs,’ he would love to see Viv again, and would do just about anything to do so. When he visits the site of the accident, he sees an apparition of another girl. Nina is not a ghost. She is part of a parallel world, and in this parallel world Viv is still alive. But the Viv of this other world is not the same one he remembers, and she, and Nina, have secrets to hide. The doorway to this parallel world is slowly closing, and Camden must make choices before he can no longer cross into it. Filled with numerous plot twists that keep your eyes to the page, Through to You, was a very unexpected, face paced thriller that kept me guessing. I truly enjoyed the read. The book will be officially release on October 2, 2012, and I highly recommend it.
Enjoy!
Jeanne
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