Review: How to Save a Life

October 5, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads): Jill MacSweeney just wants everything to go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she’s been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends–everyone who wants to support her. You can’t lose one family member and simply replace him with a new one, and when her mom decides to adopt a baby, that’s exactly what it feels like she’s trying to do. And that’s decidedly not normal. With her world crumbling around her, can Jill come to embrace a new member of the family?

Mandy Kalinowski knows what it’s like to grow up unwanted–to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, she knows she wants a better life for her baby. But can giving up a child be as easy as it seems? And will she ever be able to find someone to care for her, too?

My Thoughts: How to Save a Life is a book that I cannot read the title of without thinking of music! LOL Every time I read/think/say the title, I think of a song of the same name by The Fray. Every. single. time. So, before I proceed, here is the video for How to Save a Life by The Fray:

And now that I have that part out of the way, maybe we can get back to thinking about the book …

This book reads a bit more slowly than what I’ve been reading lately, so it took me a bit to get into it. Don’t get me wrong. I was interested from the very beginning, but not captivated right off the bat. Which is fine. Some books need a slower read. I really liked Jill, not so much Mandy. Not even after we learn more about her. I felt bad for her, but wanted to smack her more often than not. I liked Jill’s mom and the supporting characters, too. In all, a great group of characters to spend some time with.

I apologize for this being so short, but I was unable to write the review for a few days and have had a lot going on. So, I’m doing my best. Overall, How to Save a Life is very well-written, and a wonderful story. Would I recommend it? Yes. Will I read it again? I could see that happening. Added fact: I put it on my Favorites shelf on Goodreads. In short, I’m glad I made time for this one.

Favorite Quotes: A couple are just too good not to share. These are from an ARC copy, and could be altered, moved, or even completely gone (I sure hope not) when the final book becomes available.

There are so many pieces to grief. Sad pieces, angry pieces, guilty pieces,
pieces of regret, and pieces that are a certain kind of pain that doesn’t even have a word. ~ page 125

“I’ll tell you what it’s about: shared experience. That’s what makes a sibling a sibling. Going through stuff together, good and bad.” ~ page 252

Source: Received through Around The World Tours for review.

Read It: How to Save a Life is scheduled for release on October 18, 2011. You can pre-order your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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