Release Date: August 2, 2012
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 246
Genre: YA Contemporary/Twisters
Source: ARC
Purchase: Amazon
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter
One summer chasing tornadoes could finally change Jane's life for the better
Seventeen-year-old Jane McAllister can't quite admit her mother's alcoholism is spiraling dangerously out of control until she drives drunk, nearly killing them and Jane's best friend.
Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left the problems at home years ago for college. A summer with him and his tornado-chasing buddies may just provide the time and space Jane needs to figure out her life and whether it still includes her mother. But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty--is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture.
If you loved the movie Twister then I think you will enjoy this book. Twister is one of those movies I have watched a million times and get excited for when I see it playing on TV. There is also a good emotional family story in this as well. Jane lives with her alcoholic mother. Her brother Ethan moved out and got away from it and I think felt guilty for leaving his sister behind. He gets Jane a job for the summer taking pictures with his twister chasing team the Torbros. You can tell it's not a job they necessarily needed but one her very sweet brother made happen for her. Jane feels guilty leaving her mother with no one to help take care of her.
The Torbos were a great group. Two brothers started the group but one got caught in a bad twister so he is having trouble getting back into the chase. Sort of like in Twister, they have their invention named Polly that they are trying to get close to a good twister to get data. But there are other twister groups competing for the same thing. The Twister Blisters have shiny Escalades and The Weather Network with them. They also have Max, a guy that Jane finds herself falling for. Max was a very nice guy but the romance wasn't a huge plotline. The two teams then make a bet which raises the stakes really high for being the team that gets close to the most twisters. I loved watching the two teams compete. Things got a bit tense and crazy.
Jane is still constantly calling and worrying about her mother. Her brother wants Jane to move in with him permanently. Jane needs to let her mother go so her mother can learn that she needs help. If Jane keeps taking care of her, then her mother is never going to realize things need to change. It was really heartbreaking watch Jane struggle with deciding to leave her mom. I know it must be difficult to do such a thing. Her mother is her everything and even though her mother is not a good one it is still heartbreaking to have to let someone you love hit rock bottom. Jane's brother was really great and supportive as was the whole team of the Torbros. If your a Twister fan I definitely recommend checking it out. It has the perfect mix of action, romance, and family.
"Maybe I think you're cool, and I want to see more of you. I'd rather not wait for the next twister--whenever that might be. I'd rather make it so running into you happens less by chance and more by design."
Rating: 4/5
~Giveaway~
Sorry this is up late but I came home super tired and crashed :-/
Anyway this is a crisp new ARC.
I got it quite a bit after the book came out and only read it once so it is in perfect condition.
Rules in rafflecopter terms & conditions
I love books where family plays a large role. Jane's brother and the Torbos seems like a great lot, and Jane herself seems like a great girl. I'm definitely going to be checking this book out (and also the movie Twister). Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThe family aspect sound great, I love it when that is a featured or even present aspect.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like it was an emotional read for you. I think I have this one in my TBR pile because I loved the cover (shallow of me, I know!).
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Glad to hear it more than just a pretty cover.
This sounds fantastic. Also, I used to want to be a storm chaser. (Okay, I still kind of do, I'm fascinated with weather) I like that family is big in this book too. I have been wanting to read this one for a while. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteWOW... this sounds very interesting! I like the original premise... thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if it was like Twister. I loved that movie! crazy
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I haven't watched Twister, but this sounds like a very good book! I like that Jane's family plays a role in this book, and that there's even a bit of romance. I would love to read about the twister groups. Thank you! (:
ReplyDeleteI was curious about this one and was kind of on the fence about it. But it sounds good, and there's a very high probability that I'll like it if you do. :)
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Twister and think this sounds like such a cool story. I'm glad you enjoyed The Waiting Sky so much, Jennifer. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHa, I love Twister...watch it every time I see it on TV, too. :) I wanted to read this when it first came out. Great review, and thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteI read this last summer and really enjoyed it -- loved learning about the storm chasers!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book too. It is a perfect book for people that are fans with Twister, I agree with you there. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your review, but honestly the only part of twister I remember is the flying cow.
ReplyDeleteI do love the movie Twister! I used to watch it all the time. Love that quote you shared too. Thanks for sharing!
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