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watsonle2011's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
My all time favorite book series. I’ve probably read it 10 times.
heather4994's review against another edition
5.0
This is a smart, beautifully written, coming of age story about a young girl who has lived a sheltered life in the world of gymnastics. She's been taking her high school classes on-line, her only friends are the ones from her gym, she's never even talked to a boy. Then suddenly, she finds herself living with her coach and his teenage son. It's great for her so she can stay with her teammates and her coach, but it's weird.
As Karen learns how to live with Jordan, shuddering as he gulps from the milk jug, composing mental letters to him to correct things he might think about her, she also has to learn to live with her coach. He is one man at the gym, her coach, and another at his place (it won't ever be home).
There are a lot of ups and downs. So many emotional hurdles not just for Karen, but there is a surprising emotional scar that Jordan and Coach Bentley are hiding that they too have to face. Karen's hurdles come slowly, but the bandaid gets ripped off the scar with Jordan and Coach Bentley. Julie Cross handles both easily and in a believable way. She interweaves the loss and love with the story of Karen's gymnastic career and the support of her friends and Jordan and even her coach.
I fell for Karen as soon as the story started. She was numb and hardly able to follow what was happening. But she was so refreshingly honest and free of teenage drama. Don't get me wrong, there is some drama, but it's to be expected when she's dealing with the stages of grief. And Jordan, he's funny and vulnerable and honest as well which really endeared him to me. I loved the two of them together. And he does the most amazing things for Karen.
So, when someone shot me an email and asked if I wanted to read Julie Cross' new contemporary, what would you have said?
Thanks to the author for a copy of the novel for review. I was not influenced by this. The opinions expressed are my own.
As Karen learns how to live with Jordan, shuddering as he gulps from the milk jug, composing mental letters to him to correct things he might think about her, she also has to learn to live with her coach. He is one man at the gym, her coach, and another at his place (it won't ever be home).
There are a lot of ups and downs. So many emotional hurdles not just for Karen, but there is a surprising emotional scar that Jordan and Coach Bentley are hiding that they too have to face. Karen's hurdles come slowly, but the bandaid gets ripped off the scar with Jordan and Coach Bentley. Julie Cross handles both easily and in a believable way. She interweaves the loss and love with the story of Karen's gymnastic career and the support of her friends and Jordan and even her coach.
I fell for Karen as soon as the story started. She was numb and hardly able to follow what was happening. But she was so refreshingly honest and free of teenage drama. Don't get me wrong, there is some drama, but it's to be expected when she's dealing with the stages of grief. And Jordan, he's funny and vulnerable and honest as well which really endeared him to me. I loved the two of them together. And he does the most amazing things for Karen.
So, when someone shot me an email and asked if I wanted to read Julie Cross' new contemporary, what would you have said?
Thanks to the author for a copy of the novel for review. I was not influenced by this. The opinions expressed are my own.
maggiemaggio's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars
Letters to Nowhere had so much working against it in my world. First, I bought it for 99cents on Amazon. I cannot tell you the number of books I've bought because they're 99cents. A number that's a lot less than that? The number of 99cent books I've actually read. That number is probably between zero and five. Second, it's self-published. I am always skeptical of the self-published book. Third, it's about gymnastics. This is mean, but gymnastics has always freaked me out. When I was in sixth grade (yes, 6th) I read Little Girls in Pretty Boxes and all these years later I've just never been able to look at gymnasts without getting freaked out.
But, despite all those negatives, I really enjoyed this book! I just thought it was so well done and so interesting. The book starts off right after Karen's parents died in a car accident. Karen is an elite gymnast, she doesn't go to regular school, she doesn't have friends outside of the gymnastics world, and she's rarely interacted with boys. Not only is Karen trying to come to terms with her parents death, she's also trying to figure out where she'll live, her only family is her grandmother who lives far away, and how she'll be able to continue with gymnastics.
The where she'll live question is settled by her coach. Seriously, I loved the romance between Karen and her coach's son, Jordan, but my favorite relationship in the book was the one between Karen and Coach Bentley. When the book starts out Karen doesn't know her coach that well, he's just this quiet, strict guy. But as Karen lives with him and learns more about him, he's still quiet and strict, but his kindness and how he cared for Karen made me so happy.
Karen still has to come to terms with her parents' deaths and she does that through these letters that are scattered throughout the book. Before Karen's parents died they had made a deal that Karen would go to college rather than continuing to pursue the elite gymnastics route. As part of coming to terms with her parents' deaths Karen also has to decide if she sticks to the path they all decided together (which was mostly what her parents wanted) or if she forges her own path. Karen writes letters about lots of things and to lots of people (I also loved the ones to Jordan), but the ones to her parents were so poignant/sweet/heartbreaking.
My favorite part of the book though was Karen's honesty, confidence, and curiosity. Yes, she had a lot of issues to deal with with her parents' deaths, but I found her confidence really refreshing. And part of that confidence was her honesty and curiosity. I guess this mostly had to do with Jordan, but I liked how even though she wasn't experienced with guys she still pursued Jordan. And as she learned what it was like to date a guy and make out with a guy and do more with a guy she said and did things that I bet a of people want to say or do but are too shy or insecure to say or do.
Bottom Line: This book is certainly about gymnastics, but as someone who doesn't like gymnastics I can tell you it's a good read regardless. Karen is a great main character and I really enjoyed watching her deal with her parents' deaths, figure out her own path in life, and fall in love with a guy who may or may not be good for her. This is a great YA romance (it actually kind of reminds me of Stir Me Up in some ways) and I definitely recommend it.
Letters to Nowhere had so much working against it in my world. First, I bought it for 99cents on Amazon. I cannot tell you the number of books I've bought because they're 99cents. A number that's a lot less than that? The number of 99cent books I've actually read. That number is probably between zero and five. Second, it's self-published. I am always skeptical of the self-published book. Third, it's about gymnastics. This is mean, but gymnastics has always freaked me out. When I was in sixth grade (yes, 6th) I read Little Girls in Pretty Boxes and all these years later I've just never been able to look at gymnasts without getting freaked out.
But, despite all those negatives, I really enjoyed this book! I just thought it was so well done and so interesting. The book starts off right after Karen's parents died in a car accident. Karen is an elite gymnast, she doesn't go to regular school, she doesn't have friends outside of the gymnastics world, and she's rarely interacted with boys. Not only is Karen trying to come to terms with her parents death, she's also trying to figure out where she'll live, her only family is her grandmother who lives far away, and how she'll be able to continue with gymnastics.
The where she'll live question is settled by her coach. Seriously, I loved the romance between Karen and her coach's son, Jordan, but my favorite relationship in the book was the one between Karen and Coach Bentley. When the book starts out Karen doesn't know her coach that well, he's just this quiet, strict guy. But as Karen lives with him and learns more about him, he's still quiet and strict, but his kindness and how he cared for Karen made me so happy.
Karen still has to come to terms with her parents' deaths and she does that through these letters that are scattered throughout the book. Before Karen's parents died they had made a deal that Karen would go to college rather than continuing to pursue the elite gymnastics route. As part of coming to terms with her parents' deaths Karen also has to decide if she sticks to the path they all decided together (which was mostly what her parents wanted) or if she forges her own path. Karen writes letters about lots of things and to lots of people (I also loved the ones to Jordan), but the ones to her parents were so poignant/sweet/heartbreaking.
My favorite part of the book though was Karen's honesty, confidence, and curiosity. Yes, she had a lot of issues to deal with with her parents' deaths, but I found her confidence really refreshing. And part of that confidence was her honesty and curiosity. I guess this mostly had to do with Jordan, but I liked how even though she wasn't experienced with guys she still pursued Jordan. And as she learned what it was like to date a guy and make out with a guy and do more with a guy she said and did things that I bet a of people want to say or do but are too shy or insecure to say or do.
Bottom Line: This book is certainly about gymnastics, but as someone who doesn't like gymnastics I can tell you it's a good read regardless. Karen is a great main character and I really enjoyed watching her deal with her parents' deaths, figure out her own path in life, and fall in love with a guy who may or may not be good for her. This is a great YA romance (it actually kind of reminds me of Stir Me Up in some ways) and I definitely recommend it.
hazelstaybookish's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted at Stay Bookish
Letters To Nowhere is the most glorious YA Contemporary Sports Romance I’ve ever read. “Why oh why, do you say so,” you ask? Don’t worry, I’ll get there soon.
First off, what would you do if your parents died in a car accident? Wouldn’t you want some time away from real life? Karen Campbell, however, jumps right back in to her usual gymnastics routine. She also moves in to the home of her gym coach, who has kindly offered Karen to live in his house so she could continue with training.
Gymnastics was a huge part of Karen’s life and Julie Cross has done exceptionally well in writing about it. To be honest, I know nothing about gymnastics except that it entailed splits, flips and arabesques. (Okay, I may not know how an arabesque is done but at least I know how to spell it.) Having read about it in this book, I feel like I know so much more now. Cross’s portrayal of the life of elite gymnasts was vividly detailed. She perceptively elaborated about the intense practices that were involved and also how procedures in the competitions go. All these were unfamiliar territory but it was really great to have learned more about the sport.
Karen doesn’t know anyone outside of her gym but it was fun reading about her relationship with her team mates and coaches. Karen had a sisterly bond with Blair, Stevie and Ellen that was adorable. But as most sibling relationships go, there’s always some occasion where competition rises- which is acceptable for them since they’re gymnasts who are constantly trying to outdo each other. Stacey, the assistant coach was a hardass but she did a great job getting the girls to focus. Coach Bentley, the head coach and the one who’s house Karen had moved in to, was hard to understand at first. Even Karen was confused with what Bentley’s intentions were. As I read the story, Bentley became one of my favorite characters. He was a fantastic coach and he really helped Karen’s character grow more.
Grief was a crucial issue discussed in the book. Despite continuing gymnastics, a part of Karen was unable to move forward because of her loss. Haunted by nightmares, she was restless. Wanting to ease out of that restlessness, Karen began writing letters to her parents and the people surrounding her. She kept these letters to herself, but in it, I found her character sincere and immensely relatable. I loved how reflective Karen’s letters were. She pondered on so many things and her worries were relevant and real. Her thoughts and emotions were beautifully put- my heart completely ached.
“Are you so sad you can hardly breathe? Are you so sad you want to stop breathing?”
“I missed them both so much right now I thought my heart would break into a million pieces even before my head split open.”
I’ve saved the best part for last- sweet, innocent, amazing romance. Living in Coach Bentley’s house, Karen was forced to coexist with his son, Jordan Bentley. Oh my goodness, Jordan Bentley. Be still, my heart. Jordan, in Karen’s words is the “most perfect boy in the world.” I’d claim exaggeration but I completely agree with her. I love love love Jordan. Cross did such a fantastic job creating this male lead. Don’t get me wrong- Jordan is flawed, he has his own demons and anxieties. But what’s so great about Jordan is that he is so reliable and honest. He truly cared for Karen- there is no denying that. He said the sweetest words, but you could tell they came from the heart.
Jordan and Karen’s relationship- let’s just call it Jaren- won’t fail to make you fall in love. It took time to build, starting first from a friendship. The two were adorable, with their cute banter, and it was an easy decision to root for them to be together. Compared to other YA romances, Jaren did not come from a sudden, out-of-the-blue attraction but from a true connection. They shared the same grief but this wasn’t at all the base of their relationship. The love they had rooted from their concern for each other’s welfare and the fact that they enjoyed each other’s companionship. (Okay, I’m getting really cheesy but hey, I’m only stating truths.) Writers of insta-love romances, do take a lesson on how to write love stories from Julie Cross please.
So there. I’ve managed to pour all my heart in this review. I just really loved this book! It’s rare to find a self-published book that I truly enjoyed. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I’m still hoping for a book two for this one. (Need more Jaren!) Overall, if you’re looking for one helluva romance, you really should read Letters To Nowhere.
Letters To Nowhere is the most glorious YA Contemporary Sports Romance I’ve ever read. “Why oh why, do you say so,” you ask? Don’t worry, I’ll get there soon.
First off, what would you do if your parents died in a car accident? Wouldn’t you want some time away from real life? Karen Campbell, however, jumps right back in to her usual gymnastics routine. She also moves in to the home of her gym coach, who has kindly offered Karen to live in his house so she could continue with training.
Gymnastics was a huge part of Karen’s life and Julie Cross has done exceptionally well in writing about it. To be honest, I know nothing about gymnastics except that it entailed splits, flips and arabesques. (Okay, I may not know how an arabesque is done but at least I know how to spell it.) Having read about it in this book, I feel like I know so much more now. Cross’s portrayal of the life of elite gymnasts was vividly detailed. She perceptively elaborated about the intense practices that were involved and also how procedures in the competitions go. All these were unfamiliar territory but it was really great to have learned more about the sport.
Karen doesn’t know anyone outside of her gym but it was fun reading about her relationship with her team mates and coaches. Karen had a sisterly bond with Blair, Stevie and Ellen that was adorable. But as most sibling relationships go, there’s always some occasion where competition rises- which is acceptable for them since they’re gymnasts who are constantly trying to outdo each other. Stacey, the assistant coach was a hardass but she did a great job getting the girls to focus. Coach Bentley, the head coach and the one who’s house Karen had moved in to, was hard to understand at first. Even Karen was confused with what Bentley’s intentions were. As I read the story, Bentley became one of my favorite characters. He was a fantastic coach and he really helped Karen’s character grow more.
Grief was a crucial issue discussed in the book. Despite continuing gymnastics, a part of Karen was unable to move forward because of her loss. Haunted by nightmares, she was restless. Wanting to ease out of that restlessness, Karen began writing letters to her parents and the people surrounding her. She kept these letters to herself, but in it, I found her character sincere and immensely relatable. I loved how reflective Karen’s letters were. She pondered on so many things and her worries were relevant and real. Her thoughts and emotions were beautifully put- my heart completely ached.
“Are you so sad you can hardly breathe? Are you so sad you want to stop breathing?”
“I missed them both so much right now I thought my heart would break into a million pieces even before my head split open.”
I’ve saved the best part for last- sweet, innocent, amazing romance. Living in Coach Bentley’s house, Karen was forced to coexist with his son, Jordan Bentley. Oh my goodness, Jordan Bentley. Be still, my heart. Jordan, in Karen’s words is the “most perfect boy in the world.” I’d claim exaggeration but I completely agree with her. I love love love Jordan. Cross did such a fantastic job creating this male lead. Don’t get me wrong- Jordan is flawed, he has his own demons and anxieties. But what’s so great about Jordan is that he is so reliable and honest. He truly cared for Karen- there is no denying that. He said the sweetest words, but you could tell they came from the heart.
Jordan and Karen’s relationship- let’s just call it Jaren- won’t fail to make you fall in love. It took time to build, starting first from a friendship. The two were adorable, with their cute banter, and it was an easy decision to root for them to be together. Compared to other YA romances, Jaren did not come from a sudden, out-of-the-blue attraction but from a true connection. They shared the same grief but this wasn’t at all the base of their relationship. The love they had rooted from their concern for each other’s welfare and the fact that they enjoyed each other’s companionship. (Okay, I’m getting really cheesy but hey, I’m only stating truths.) Writers of insta-love romances, do take a lesson on how to write love stories from Julie Cross please.
So there. I’ve managed to pour all my heart in this review. I just really loved this book! It’s rare to find a self-published book that I truly enjoyed. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I’m still hoping for a book two for this one. (Need more Jaren!) Overall, if you’re looking for one helluva romance, you really should read Letters To Nowhere.
zoesnicholson's review against another edition
4.0
I won't hesitate to admit that I wasn't exactly the biggest fan of Tempest. I think that's probably why I was so hesitant to buy Letters to Nowhere. Nonetheless, I did end up getting a copy, and it was evident there was no need for me to worry because from page one onwards I was hooked.
“Of course it's hard,” I tell her. “If it wasn't hard, then the success wouldn't feel nearly as great.”17-year-old elite gymnast Karen Campbell's parents have just died in a car crash. When her gymnastics coach offers to take her in, Karen doesn't argue. But there she meets her coach's son - Jordan, who lost his mother and sister years before. As Karen begins to realize how much she and Jordan have in common, the more she begins to fall for him...and the more she begins to wonder about her parent's death...
The gymnastics element of the story was a definite plus and was portrayed with utmost accuracy. Letters to Nowhere is centered along Karen's journey as an elite gymnast, and I was quite interested in seeing how Julie Cross portrayed the sport.
There's lots of technical gymnastics terms, skills, and slang in the book ("stick," multiple skill names, etc), but Cross takes the time to explain each skill perfectly, so that even people without knowledge of elite gymnastics would be able to easily picture the skills in their heads as they read the story.
Gymnastics was a tough sport - mentally and physically - especially at the elite level, and I couldn't have made it without the support of my teammates.Regarding the main character, I loved Karen. She was so inspirational and brave, and she felt so realistic. But, despite this, she wasn't perfect, and that's what I loved about her. She made mistakes, she did bad things, but, to me, that made her all the more realistic.
Gymnastics has taught me to face fears head-on or they blow up so big you'll never be able to conquer them.Letters to Nowhere is a beautifully written book that I'd recommend to all fans of gymnastics, realistic fiction and / or romance. It's definitely emotionally heart-wrenching at times, yet completely humorous at times as well. Jordan Bentley and Karen Campbell are two characters you'll never forget.
Even though it was more Coach Cordes's style to give giant bear hugs, I got one from Coach Bentley. And then he said, right into my ear, so no one else could hear, “This is just the beginning, Karen.”Just the beginning. I like that.
emilyhei's review against another edition
4.0
Writing down her thoughts, Karen feels as if there is still a connection to her parents, even though they have passed away. As an elite gymnast it is a pivotal point in her life where she needs to decide who to stay with while still a minor, her gymnastic coach offers to give her a home forcing Karen to choose between her grandmother and coach.
She hadn't planned on Jordan though, the coaches son. Jordan is friendly, slightly bad boy from what she can figure out, and obviously doesn't have a close relationship with his father. As their new roommate status turns to friends and then to something more precious, Karen finds an unlikely alias in dealing with the aftermath of her parents death. The pressure is building and everything in Karen's life is shifting, with Karen willing to take the leap she might find amazing things can happen.
I thought the letters she wrote were beautiful, I shed a few tears while she is holding a one sided conversation with her parents. Profound story and I appreciated that Karen had to learn to deal with her grief and it was not just swept under the rug. Excellent story.
She hadn't planned on Jordan though, the coaches son. Jordan is friendly, slightly bad boy from what she can figure out, and obviously doesn't have a close relationship with his father. As their new roommate status turns to friends and then to something more precious, Karen finds an unlikely alias in dealing with the aftermath of her parents death. The pressure is building and everything in Karen's life is shifting, with Karen willing to take the leap she might find amazing things can happen.
I thought the letters she wrote were beautiful, I shed a few tears while she is holding a one sided conversation with her parents. Profound story and I appreciated that Karen had to learn to deal with her grief and it was not just swept under the rug. Excellent story.
hannahslibrary92's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. I though that it was a great blend of personal growth, emotional drama, and romance.
There were some really great characters and all round it was just a good read. I'd highly recommend it.
For my full review, and rating out of 10, please check out my full review on my website
http://the-book-tower.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/book-review-letters-to-nowhere-by-julie.html
There were some really great characters and all round it was just a good read. I'd highly recommend it.
For my full review, and rating out of 10, please check out my full review on my website
http://the-book-tower.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/book-review-letters-to-nowhere-by-julie.html
clairebinkley's review
5.0
So, I've recently been on a Julie Cross reading craze. I've pretty much picked up any and all of her books. I enjoy the characters, the settings, and the story as a whole. So, when I saw this book I decided to go for it and it did not disappoint.
Letters to Nowhere is a book about a gymnast named Karen who tragically looses both of her parents. After their death, she lives with her gymnastic coach and his son, Jordan. As Karen learns about the struggles in life and the power of grief, she finds comfort in Jordan.
This book was very good. It combined grief, companionship, internal struggles and used gymnastics as a coping method and a common ground. I would definitely add this to the recommendation list and maybe even to my reread list.
Letters to Nowhere is a book about a gymnast named Karen who tragically looses both of her parents. After their death, she lives with her gymnastic coach and his son, Jordan. As Karen learns about the struggles in life and the power of grief, she finds comfort in Jordan.
This book was very good. It combined grief, companionship, internal struggles and used gymnastics as a coping method and a common ground. I would definitely add this to the recommendation list and maybe even to my reread list.
priss's review against another edition
5.0
I expected this book to be cliched, even though there are almost no stories about gymnastics... (I don't really know why I expected this.)
What I didn't expect was this great story about a girl coping with her parents' deaths and finding love in the process.
I loved Karen and Jordan and how they were together, I loved that Karen characteristics (confident, innocent, sweet), I loved that Coach Bentley was such an awesome coach and I just totally loved this story. I also really liked reading about gymnastics, because I've always found the sport really interesting.
I recommend this story very much; I'd love to read it again and again, just to keep Karen and Jordan in my mind for a little while longer.
What I didn't expect was this great story about a girl coping with her parents' deaths and finding love in the process.
I loved Karen and Jordan and how they were together, I loved that Karen characteristics (confident, innocent, sweet), I loved that Coach Bentley was such an awesome coach and I just totally loved this story. I also really liked reading about gymnastics, because I've always found the sport really interesting.
I recommend this story very much; I'd love to read it again and again, just to keep Karen and Jordan in my mind for a little while longer.