Review: Stronger!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 8, 2014
This was a very surprising and well written novel. I was constantly shocked by all of the situations Jasmine found herself in. Sometimes I was mad at her (especially when she left Nate) but most of the time I just felt sorry for her. She was constantly knocked down. I found it comforting, but also somewhat unrealistic, that there was always someone to help her after her quick fleeing episodes. I guess, she had spent too much time on the streets for her to have to deal with that again. It's nice that there was always a silver lining, even though most of the time it was just the overall feeling of the book, not necessarily expressed from Jasmine.I wish Jasmine would've said goodbye to Anne, her brief roommate of almost two months. Just seemed like that brief time in her life was insignificant after she found Nate's book.I really love her relationship with Nate and was really happy to see Jasmine in a healthy relationship, where each party gained something valuable. I wouldn't mind having a spontaneous, funny, creative, and sweet Nate in my life, despite the twist that threatened to ruin their love.I like that the book ended on a happy note, but also gave the impression that Jasmine's story wasn't finished. I wish I knew how old she was. That's another small complaint. At the start of the book Jasmine is 18 and I know she was only at Mama's for a few months and then with Brenda and Jeff through Christmas until March and then with Nate for while but then moved out but came back in April (confusing time line there). After they got back together six months went by but she still didn't have a birthday...is she supposed to be 18 this whole time? And if so, how old is Nate?! This probably isn't all that important but would be nice to know so the reader can think of her as an adult, instead of a child. It would definitely help transition the reader more easily into the romantic relationship between Nate and Jasmine. He is portrayed as this well off man who takes pity on this poor homeless girl, but then they fall in love. If I knew his age or at least Jasmine's age at this point in the novel it would help with the adjustment from caregiver to lover.The epilogue was great. It served as closure but also foreshadowed Cocoa's story. I'm sure the next book in the Runaway series will be equally as amazing! Definitely recommend this fast paced thrilling story. You won't be able to put it down. (I finished it in 2 days and it's currently 6:28 am--that's how good it is since I have to work in 6 hrs).