Author: Susane Colasanti
Pages: 224
Publisher: Viking Juvenile/Penguin
Genre: Contemporary
Release: June 5th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Indigo Chapters
A romantic and empowering book about bullying Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on.
A Highly Inspiring and Encouraging Read
Susane Colasanti's Keep Holding On is an emotional and highly encouraging read that inspires to become a stronger person. In only 224 pages, Colasanti manages to build-up a consistent and relevant story about bullying, single parents, family issues, low self-esteem and much more. Keep Holding On is charged with well-developed and meaningful themes that makes this an excellent and solid read.
This is the first book by Susane Colasanti I read I have to say that I will definitely be picking up her previous novels very soon. First of all, Colasanti's writing is very dynamic and that makes it even easier to dive into her book. From the very first page, the voice hooked me into a poignant story that, even though it is fiction, we all know it happens everyday to many children and teenagers alike. As a student teacher, this will be something that I will face many, many times in the next years to come, and I really hope I can fix or do something for many of those students that may find themselves in the same unfortunate situation as Noelle (the protagonist) did.
The story is told from Noelle's point of view. Readers can easily put themselves in her shoes through this first person narration and feel all the problems, insecurities and fears that Noelle struggles with. I think it is the voice of this story that really makes this book what it is, it is real. In addition, Keep Holding On is a brilliant and emotional story that brings hope thanks to Colasanti's own experience and encouraging message. In this book, the author herself confess to have been bullied and consider her high school years, the worst time of her life. Yet, the outcome and message of this story inspires and encourages to overcome this horrible situation.
This book is not only about bullying, it is about family, friendship, love, and what it means to make a life "shaped by your choices." (from arc, p.201) Keep Holding On is an excellent and well-crafted story that provides a powerful amount of strength and hope. Colasanti clearly states that "[n]o matter what happens, never give up...There's enough happiness for everyone." (p.201) Things do get better. They did for Noelle, they did for Susane Colasanti and they can also get better for everyone else. I love this book. I really, really do! and I recommend it for everyone due to its rich and powerful content.
❤Thanks so much to Penguin Canada for providing me and arc of this book for review!❤
Visit the author's website at http://susanecolasanti.com
6 comments:
I got this book last week but I haven't started it yet. I have a feeling I'm going to be bawling my eyes out. I'm dying to see how Susane Colasanti tackled the bullying issue. I've heard that she has done a great job. Your review just confirmed that further.
Beautiful review, Natalia. :)
Great review sweety! ^^ I really want to find out how she tackles the bullying. I have a past with some bullying in it, so I want to dive into this story and find out about this girl. Bullying always make me so sad.. People just don't see what they are doing to someone else :(
I also haven't read any books from Colasanti, but I do have some of her titles on my list. Thanks for sharing! ^^
Amazing review! This one has been on my tbr list for a while and I can't wait to read it!!!! Bullying is a serious problem that I think everyone has faced directly or indirectly so I would love to read about it. I actually didn't know it was about bullying...I actually thought it was just a romance considering the cover but now it seems like it is so much more. Once again fabulous review Natalia! I haven't read anything by this author before but Keep Holding On seems like a great summer read!!!!
I NEED to read this book! I've heard it's Colasanti's best yet. :) I know a lot of people completely loved this book, and I hope I do, too, when I get to it. Thanks for the lovely review, Natalia! Bullying is a difficult topic to handle, but it sounds like Susane Colasanti excelled. :D
Hi Natalia! I am wanting to read this one. We just had a nasty bullying inciden here in Oregon and we need more voices and awareness to spread the word. I am glad this made an impact on you and I truly do hope in your career you can make a difference! Thanks for sharing!
Natalia, I haven't heard much about this one or read any of Colasanti's books but I think I'll check this one out. Your review makes it sound like the issue of bullying was properly dealt with and I like that the book has a hopeful message.
Post a Comment