Choosing to Grow Up

 

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Chosen Ones by YA author Veronica Roth is being touted as her big foray into adult storytelling being previously known for her very popular YA "Divergent" series. Even though I had not read that series I was very anxious to read something by her in my constant search for another great author. So I am very grateful for receiving a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and the opportunity it afforded me.

That being said, it seems that what goes for an adult story, in Roth's estimation, is having characters who are not teenagers, that use a lot of profanity, drink, and have live-in boyfriends. I wasn't even a chapter into it before the F-bomb had been dropped several times.

This book picks up with the same characters as the Divergent series and I had no trouble understanding their back story because Roth is able to insert it quite easily within the contents of this one. It is many years later and our heroes are being acclaimed as heroes on the anniversary of dispatching the "Dark One" and saving the world. But being a hero has its drawbacks and each character is dealing with the trauma of the previous battle. And not very well. For instance, Sloane is now a messed up, pill-popper struggling to deal with (her version of) PTSD. But she and her friends soon discover that old "Dark" nemesis' don't just lay down and die that easily.

But just because a character isn't an adult anymore, does not mean an author is ready to take on issues from an adult perspective. Issues like grief. (Hint. Hint) I felt like I was dealing with a situation of teenagers "playing house" and trying to get "dressed up in Mama's clothes."

Roth is a capable enough writer and the story bounces along at a quick pace too, but if she believes adulthood is living life at an R-rated level, I fear she is not there yet. I also feel bad for all the teenagers who will no doubt follow their beloved characters into this story and come to believe that these various elements are what make someone a grown-up. Veronica Roth just isn't ready to depict life, with a capital L. But she has time to grow too, so maybe next time.

I didn't come across any graphic sexual content, but neither did I finish this book. So also take note of that fact when you see the stars rating I gave it.

I hope my comments help. Thank you for reading another of my reviews.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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Surviving, the Laura Ingalls Way

 

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just read this book again but tried it as an audiobook narrated by Cherry Jones this time.

She has narrated previous Little House books and just keeps improving. In this one she completely "brings it"! From feeling the intensity of the predicament of trying to survive the long winter to understanding these beloved characters, to actually SINGING (even as Pa sometimes!) along with the fiddle, Jones takes this book to an even deeper level.

The Long Winter remains my favorite in the " Little House" series because it is by far the most realistic as the Ingalls family has to dig deep into their resources, (financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual) in order just to survive and not starve to death. Plus, the "shine" around Pa is tarnished a bit and Ma gets some of the appreciation she so deserves for being the anchor that pulls everyone through these true events.

There are lots of opportunities to learn life lessons (as well as survival techniques) and read between the lines as everyone works together using their creativity and ingenuity in order to keep going. Be transported to this hard place and time. But I warn you that you will end the book exhausted, emotionally depleted, and physically hungry. Yet grateful for the everyday blessings in your life. This one gets under your skin no matter what your age, gender, or location is.

I hope my review helps.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

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