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theellabelle's review
3.0
It's always nice to read a YA novel with a male protagonist and making Travis a returning vet with a host of PTSD issues felt particularly timely as we come to the end of more than a decade of war in this country. While not a cheerful read, it was a hopeful one.
stephkmcg's review
3.0
Great read! The characters were very engaging and the story kept me reading till the end. I was really impressed with Doller's writing of Travis. It was really refreshing to see a YA romance from a male's perspective that was extremely believable. (Also, not many books have narrators 19 years old, which is a shame!) But it wasn't just a romance, it dealt with other issues, like post-tramatic stress disorder, death, regret and guilt. It is a perfect, satisfying summer read. My only complaint is that is was too short! I will definitely be looking forward to more books from this author in the future.
jaimearkin's review
4.0
I think I'd like to give this book 4.5 stars (half stars goodreads... we needs em)
I didn't have a noble purpose in joining the Marines. I didn't do it to protect American freedom and I wasn't inspired to action by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I was in grade school then, and the biggest priority in my life was any bell that signaled it was time to leave school. I enlisted mostly because I wanted to escape my dad, who'd made my life hell since I quit the football team at the end of sophomore season.
Travis is home from a tour in Afghanistan... it's the first time he's been home in a year, and what he's coming home to isn't the best situation. His parents are miserable, his brother has stolen his girlfriend and he is having bouts of severe post traumatic stress disorder after losing his best friend.
He's only home for 30 days... it won't be too bad will it?
From the very beginning I loved Travis. He seemed so real to me... and I loved the male narrative. He came across as someone I might know and that hooked me.
This book certainly has the angst, sadness, and anger... but it also has romance and sweet moments and hope.
An unexpected encounter with a girl from his past really gives us a totally different side of Travis...
"You might not remember me, but --"
"Travis Stephenson," she interrupts, her words like a roadblock. "Welcome home. Now leave me alone."
But he doesn't let her cold shoulder deter him. He's determined to change her opinion of him.
Harper comes up alongside me, all green eyes and tousled hair. I could probably look at her forever and not get tired of that face.
Not exactly the tough 19 year old we're led to believe he is. But what I think I like best about Travis is the fact that he has grown... we see snippets of who he was before he joined the marines through the eyes of people who don't really know him anymore ... his father, his brother, friends he had... but he has owned up to the mistakes he made and has done something to change them and that includes making good with Harper.
The relationship with Harper was also incredibly realistic, especially for their ages. Neither one talked of forever, instead living in the moment and enjoying what they had. Travis accepted the fact that he owed the Marines three more years of his life.
The other thing I really liked were the bonds and friendships that he had created with his 'brothers'. The men he had literally been through war with. They leaned on each other and supported each other and the things they had seen and done could have been enough to break them, yet they were still able to joke and laugh and love.
"Solo, man, that was so not fair," Kevlar protests.
I snap the bill between my fingers. "I'd say it almost makes us even."
Moss laughs and fist-bumps me, and I feel the most normal I've felt since the day we got back from Afghanistan--except when I'm alone with Harper. These are my brothers. This is my family.
Yes, this book is about the effects of war, but it's not a political book in the least. While Travis suffers from PTSD, it isn't a book about PTSD, and while he was in the war stationed in Afghanistan, it isn't about the war. Instead it's about the characters that Doller has created and the lives they have and creating a 'new normal' for themselves... it might not match anyone else's definition, but it works for them.
The one thing that bothered me and the reason I didn't give it five stars is the quick forgiveness on Harper's part. If I run into a guy who initiated a rumor about me that basically impacted the last 5 years of my life... I'm not forgiving him after a single punch to the face. although I also tend to hold grudges too, so maybe it's just me.
I will also say that I don't think the cover of this book does it justice. While romance is there... I just don't feel like it was the main focus of this book and the cover here really just focuses on the YA romance aspect and that's all I'll say about that!
Travis has wedged his way into my heart, and to be honest I'm still thinking about him a bit ... even a few days after finishing this wonderful book. Definitely go give it a read!
I didn't have a noble purpose in joining the Marines. I didn't do it to protect American freedom and I wasn't inspired to action by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I was in grade school then, and the biggest priority in my life was any bell that signaled it was time to leave school. I enlisted mostly because I wanted to escape my dad, who'd made my life hell since I quit the football team at the end of sophomore season.
Travis is home from a tour in Afghanistan... it's the first time he's been home in a year, and what he's coming home to isn't the best situation. His parents are miserable, his brother has stolen his girlfriend and he is having bouts of severe post traumatic stress disorder after losing his best friend.
He's only home for 30 days... it won't be too bad will it?
From the very beginning I loved Travis. He seemed so real to me... and I loved the male narrative. He came across as someone I might know and that hooked me.
This book certainly has the angst, sadness, and anger... but it also has romance and sweet moments and hope.
An unexpected encounter with a girl from his past really gives us a totally different side of Travis...
"You might not remember me, but --"
"Travis Stephenson," she interrupts, her words like a roadblock. "Welcome home. Now leave me alone."
But he doesn't let her cold shoulder deter him. He's determined to change her opinion of him.
Harper comes up alongside me, all green eyes and tousled hair. I could probably look at her forever and not get tired of that face.
Not exactly the tough 19 year old we're led to believe he is. But what I think I like best about Travis is the fact that he has grown... we see snippets of who he was before he joined the marines through the eyes of people who don't really know him anymore ... his father, his brother, friends he had... but he has owned up to the mistakes he made and has done something to change them and that includes making good with Harper.
The relationship with Harper was also incredibly realistic, especially for their ages. Neither one talked of forever, instead living in the moment and enjoying what they had. Travis accepted the fact that he owed the Marines three more years of his life.
The other thing I really liked were the bonds and friendships that he had created with his 'brothers'. The men he had literally been through war with. They leaned on each other and supported each other and the things they had seen and done could have been enough to break them, yet they were still able to joke and laugh and love.
"Solo, man, that was so not fair," Kevlar protests.
I snap the bill between my fingers. "I'd say it almost makes us even."
Moss laughs and fist-bumps me, and I feel the most normal I've felt since the day we got back from Afghanistan--except when I'm alone with Harper. These are my brothers. This is my family.
Yes, this book is about the effects of war, but it's not a political book in the least. While Travis suffers from PTSD, it isn't a book about PTSD, and while he was in the war stationed in Afghanistan, it isn't about the war. Instead it's about the characters that Doller has created and the lives they have and creating a 'new normal' for themselves... it might not match anyone else's definition, but it works for them.
The one thing that bothered me and the reason I didn't give it five stars is the quick forgiveness on Harper's part.
I will also say that I don't think the cover of this book does it justice. While romance is there... I just don't feel like it was the main focus of this book and the cover here really just focuses on the YA romance aspect and that's all I'll say about that!
Travis has wedged his way into my heart, and to be honest I'm still thinking about him a bit ... even a few days after finishing this wonderful book. Definitely go give it a read!
randiroo's review
5.0
I don't know what to say about this book, other than it's my favorite book that I've read this year. And that it is now in my top 5 favorites of all time. It was perfect. It was heart-wrenching, sweet, and gritty, but what a beautiful story, and just as beautifully written. I love the relationship between Travis and his mom, and I love Travis, all his Marine Corps brothers, Harper, and Ellen. I can't wait to see what Trish Doller comes up with next. I will definitely be recommending this. Thinking of making my husband (a Marine) read this. Superb book - definitely worth the hype. And I'm not huge on rereading books, but I'm already looking forward to rereading this one, despite the tissues I'll require.
binncheol's review
1.0
So incredibly linear and predictable. I bought it by accident so decided to read it. Now, on to better things!
bibliophilebynight's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book. It made me happy, it made me sad. I haven't really read anything like this before and it's amazing how guy-like the male voice sounded in this book. It was really realistic.
jbenando's review
4.0
WOW!! I really enjoyed this book. It broke my heart to read about a 19 yr old Marine with PTSD, but I'm sure this type of story is more common than we think.