Revew - The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Title: The Future of Us

Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 309

Published: November 21, 2011 by Razorbill

ISBN: 9781595144911

Source: Around The World Tours

 

Description: It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet. Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM. Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future. Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out. 

I Give This ...

 

Everything about this book called to me.  I loved Jay Asher's first book, and look forward to his next project.  And although I haven't read anything by Carolyn Mackler, I was intrigued by what the partnership might bring to the story.  I ended up liking it just as much as I thought I would.

I actually though Emma and Josh were perfect 90's teens.  There were so many references to the time period that I just loved.  I was a teen in this exact time period, so I really identified with everything that was going on.  I laughed at the memory of that first AOL CD, beepers, ancient cell phones, and all those things.  I really stopped to think of what my 15 year-old self would think of my posts on Facebook if it was accidentally stumbled upon.

I found it interesting that Josh was determined not to mess with the future.  At first I think it was because he liked the glimpse he got of it.  But then I think it was more to do with watching Emma drastically change her own just by the little things that she did.  I also thought it was interesting how knowing what happens in the future effected their day to day decisions on things.  I did have a little trouble with how Emma read everything to mean she was unhappy.  There really is so little information you can obtain for status updates on Facebook. 

I do think this story makes light of everything.  There are so many areas this story could have touched upon that would have made it darker.  But, it's just a fun story that really makes you think about what you are doing right now might have some sort of effect on the future.  I'm not sure how much today's teens will identify with the idea of no internet and few cellphones.  But, I think adults who like to read young adult will totally get a kick out of this book!

 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Published: October 2007
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781595141712
Source: Library

Description: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier.   On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.  Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

I Give This Book 5 Stars!

This book caught my interest from the first time I saw it.  I finally picked it up when I saw it at the library.  Within the first couple pages I was hooked.  They way the author presented this story was so real.  I could feel Clay's emotions as he listened to each of the tapes.  I wanted to reach out to Hannah and tell her that everything was going to be okay.   I've read reviews that state they felt Hannah was placing blame on those 13 people.  I never felt like that through the entire story.  I felt Hannah was trying to point out that a person's actions DO affect others.  Rumors, lies, bullying, etc are all ways that can cut a person down.  I think Hannah hoped that through the tapes, she could make someone (even just one) realize their behavior can change.  I was so raw in emotion towards the end, I needed to step back from the book for awhile and reflect over it.  You know the outcome of the story, but part of you hopes for that glimmer of help.  Something for Hannah to reach out and hold on to.  I hope this book becomes a must read for teens.  I think it has a very real portrayal of suicide and that things that may drive a person to believe that it may be the only option.

Cover Wars - Thirteen Reasons Why

I'm trying out something new.  I've been trying to post reviews 4 days a week while participating in book meme's the other 3.  The problem is I don't always read 4 books a week.  Eventually I'm going run out of reviews (and I like my reviews to post a week or two after I finish reading them).   I don't  really want to participate in another meme.  But, I'm having trouble coming up with something original for my blog.  So, I'm going to play with a couple ideas for my Saturday posts.  I'm thinking something different each Saturday of the month.

       So, my first Saturday post is going to be different countries covers of my favorite book for February.   If you haven't read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, I highly recommend it.  It was amazing!

                   

I'm not sure how to tell which cover belong to which countries :)   The first one is the one we get in the US.  And, I know the second one is the paperback version in the UK.   The red one reminds me more of the covers for adult suspense novels.  I assume it's suppose to be Clay on the cover of the blue one.   I like the tape one the last one.

I think my favorite in the US version.  I like the setting (the park fits in so well with the story).  And Hannah looks so lonely.   It's very fitting.