Author: Kathy Parks
Publication Date: 1March 2016
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Stand-alone
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Literature, FictionAge Recommendation: 16 and up
Rating: 4 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
Book Description:
Oh yeah. Croix. Denver never thought in a million years he’d ask her out, but who was she to question this miracle of fate? Well, that wasn’t the only surprise fate had in store.
During the party a tsunami hit the coast of California, wiping out everything in its path. Denver and a handful of others escaped death by holding onto the roof of the house and were swept out to sea. Of course, one of her fellow castaways was none other than Abigail, who could barely stand the sight of her.
Now that she’s floating in the ocean, stuck on a small boat with the most popular kids in school and waiting to be rescued, Denver wonders what might kill her first-dehydration, sunstroke, or the girl she used to think of as a sister?
A hilariously dark and twisted story that sparkles with a remarkably fresh voice, The Lifeboat Clique is Kathy Park’s irreverent yet insightful novel about how to survive in the most unthinkable circumstances.
My Review:
This is one of those books that you find yourself struggling to figure out how to review not because it was good or bad, great or horrid, but because you can emotionally connect with the characters on such a level that it is simply hard to voice your thoughts because they seem so personal. Now I will admit, although begrudgingly, high school was a long time ago for me but there is no doubt that when it came to my high school life I was in the same 'boat' (not to be puny) as Denver. I wasn't the cool kid, I wasn't the ostracized, I was simply there in the middle of the crowd just working my way through each day and waiting anxiously for it to be over. My brain shouted out a lot of the same things that Denver says...and therein lies the difference between Denver and myself, Denver says what is on her mind. Being the quiet girl that I am I have to say that I was at first a little put off by this. I wasn't originally very fond of Denver, but then the more I read the more I became enamored with the way she stood up for herself, the way she fought back, the way she refuses to be anyone other than herself and ultimately it is those things about her that save her.
The second reason I find myself struggling to review this book is because...well it's freaking laugh out loud funny and in truth their is a lot about this book that is not funny at all. I mean where do you go with that, one minute you are gasping because the author has gone all George R.R. Martin on these high school kids and the next you are laughing out loud at the sheer absurdity and clever quips. It leaves you feeling a tad bit guilty, but that guilty where you just can't stop giggling.
The third reason and this is strictly a me reason that I struggle is because I want redemption for people but I also want vengeance on others. I think I am a very black and white person in some respects and when it comes to books I have this burning desire for people to get their comeuppance when they deserve it and to be given a second chance when they show a deep and honest change. Sadly there are some situations where this doesn't happen and it left me feeling a little let down. I will say strongly that I think that comes right back to my red-headed Taurus old lady attitude though so take that with a huge grain of salt, but know that there may be some outcomes that leave you wanting.
The reasons this book isn't difficult to review. The writing style, the world that Kathy builds, the truth behind the clique behavior of high schoolers, the ups and downs of friendships and families. I loved how Kathy Parks writes these teenagers, there is nothing fake (unless it is meant to be) about them or their speech. There is a truth in the words she gives them, there is a truth in the feelings they project...these are teenagers (from any age...these are the same teenagers that went to high school with me and they will be the same teenagers that go to high school with my daughters), these are their thoughts, their feelings, their struggles. Yes, everything is magnified but what is amazing to me in this book is that honestly the craziness of the story isn't the story at all. The story is watching these teenagers live and grow. Watching them come to understand that life is more than what is happening at their school lunch tables but knowing that even in the end of everything the only thing that they can truly change is themselves and maybe in the end that is enough.
This is really a great read, one that I laughingly say is the perfect summer beach read. That may seem a tad ironic but it truly is. If you haven't put this on your summer TBR then do it, you will not be disappointed. Due to some of the conversations revolving around sex and drinking I do recommend a bit of a higher aged YA reader (Young Adult books are typically recommended from ages 12-18), the teens in this book are 'older' teens and they have some 'older' teen situations so keep that in mind when you are considering the book for your younger YA readers, you know your reader best! This book should be one of the hits of summer so grab it up now!
~ HAPPY READING ~
Giveaway:
3 Finished Copies of THE LIFEBOAT CLIQUE (US Only)
It’s about Denver Reynolds, an outcast at her high school, who ends up in a lifeboat with the popular kids who hate her.
It’s Mean Girls meets Life of Pi!
I live near the beach in Carpinteria, California with my husband and two cats.
I love questions and meeting other authors.
Hope you’ll check out The Lifeboat Clique!
Tour Schedule:
Week 1:
3/2: Bookiemoji - Review
3/4: Novel Ink - Review
Week 2:
Lovely review! This makes me very excited to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read it, it is a quick, fun, a bit quirky, and a whole lot of 'make you think' kind of book! Enjoy and Good Luck!
DeleteWow! You have had the best review of this book so far on this tour. I enjoyed your post very much. I have to read this book--I love humor and this is a topic and setting I want to read more about.
ReplyDeleteOh my! Thank you for those kind words! I hope you do read it, it's a great book that quietly and laughingly makes a big impact!! Enjoy!
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