David Case never questions his ordinary suburban life -- until one fateful day, a brush with death brings him face to face with his own mortality. ...
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Aug 20, 2011
Meaghan
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Aug 23, 2008
Emma
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I wanted to like this. I really did. I loved "How I Live Now", thought it one of the best written and innovative young adult books for a generation. And indeed, I did love the first third of this second novel. I felt the same sense of heady exhilaration at the sheer audacity and exuberance of Rosoff's prose.
But then I began to falter. Or rather the story did. First I noticed the frequent changes of viewpoint. Writers are recommended to stick to just one viewpoint per scene More...
But then I began to falter. Or rather the story did. First I noticed the frequent changes of viewpoint. Writers are recommended to stick to just one viewpoint per scene More...
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Oct 13, 2007
Kathryn
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David Case wants a life that is just like everyone else's, but Fate just can't seem to leave him alone. In an attempt to outwit Fate, David changes his name to Justin, takes on a new persona and begins to run, quite literally, from what Fate has in store for him next. From causing bicycle accidents to being the target of a plane crash to a deadly disease that nearly kills him, Justin learns that it is not Fate that determines his future but the choices he makes and the people he surrounds himsel
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May 06, 2008
Haley
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I give this book a high review because it is different. I don't mean different in that flashy "oh my god this book changed my life" sort of way. No, this book is different in that it is unexpected. It is not altogether an incredibly happy book nor is in extremely depressing. Just In Case embodies the the full fledged confusion, angst and self centered mindset of the teenage adolescent and multiplies it by pi. This book both stretches the imagination and ties you firmly into a state of
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Dec 17, 2009
Marisa
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Read this one several months ago. I was hoping for big things after How I live Now. This book was good, quite funny at times, but not even on the same level.
A kid name, I don't know, maybe Aaron Case or something, gets completely and totally preoccupied with fate/predestination and all the terrible things that could happen to him. So, he decides to adopt the name Justin Case (get it, Just In Case, har) and completely change his public identity in the hopes of outwitting fate. Cut More...
A kid name, I don't know, maybe Aaron Case or something, gets completely and totally preoccupied with fate/predestination and all the terrible things that could happen to him. So, he decides to adopt the name Justin Case (get it, Just In Case, har) and completely change his public identity in the hopes of outwitting fate. Cut More...
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May 10, 2008
Janelle
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This was probably one of the strangest books I have ever read. I didn't think it was as good as I thought it would be. Actually, to be honest I didn't even finish it! I made it to chapter thirty then just decided that I wasn't interested in reading it. It was pretty confusing because it switched from one persons thoughts to another, and even the little baby brother had thoughts. Also, there was almost no dialogue! So, even though I really hate stopping in the middle of a book, I could just not c
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Jan 23, 2009
Jaemi
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David Case’s life took a definitive turn towards desolation the day his baby brother contemplated flight at the suggestion of a passing bird. Only happening to look up by chance, David is just in time to pull Charlie back from the window ledge before he leaps. Charlie can see his brother is very disturbed by this, but no matter how clearly he tries to explain himself, David doesn’t seem to understand.
Certain that fate is out to get him, David decides drastic action is needed. He must g More...
Certain that fate is out to get him, David decides drastic action is needed. He must g More...
Jan 29, 2012
Meg Rosoff, the author of Just in Case wrote a ground breaking novel, with a complex plot through the intriguing believable mind of a teen age boy. Meg Rosoff won the Carnegie Medal in 2007 for the novel Just in Case. I found very similar plot lines and themes between Just in Case, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger and A&P by John Updike. Each of these novels uses the theme of coming of age. I would defiantly recommend Just in Case to fellow readers because it is very much a classic, a book
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Dec 30, 2011
Pichaya
rated it:
Well, I usually find at least an enjoyable or worthy part of books that I don't like. However, "Just In Case" is not the case. I tried to think about what I like about this book, even a tiny-ti-nee one, surprisingly there are none!!!
I don't see the gist of the story. OK, I know that our lives are full of inconstancy and danger but this is the very bad way to convey this message. I think the theme could be carried out in a more interesting story. I happen to hate all the ch More...
I don't see the gist of the story. OK, I know that our lives are full of inconstancy and danger but this is the very bad way to convey this message. I think the theme could be carried out in a more interesting story. I happen to hate all the ch More...
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Sep 04, 2011
Mary Lou
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Jan 14, 2011
Margaret Sophia
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Oct 19, 2010
Julia
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At first glance, David Case appears to be a normal, if somewhat nerdy, teenage boy. In actuality, however, he’s a complete and utter nutjob, because he believes that Fate, for lack of a better word, is stalking him. That he, David Case, is doomed. And how best to avoid that doom? Why, by becoming someone else! Someone named Justin Case. Just in case. Get it?
It’s not a bad plan, actually, except for one teeny tiny little problem--the narrator of Justin’s tale is none other than Fate hi More...
It’s not a bad plan, actually, except for one teeny tiny little problem--the narrator of Justin’s tale is none other than Fate hi More...
Jul 07, 2010
E
rated it:
David Case has decided that Fate is out to get him, so he decides to change his name to Justin and his identity to something else non-specific (the signs of his supposed transformation are insomnia, a penchant for running, new clothes, an imaginary dog, and spiralling depression). Small interludes introduce Fate as a secondary narrator. Apparently Fate really IS out to get David/Justin. No way.
Maybe it's just personifying a concept as tired as Fate is just plain stupid, maybe it's be More...
Maybe it's just personifying a concept as tired as Fate is just plain stupid, maybe it's be More...
Mar 10, 2010
Tiffany
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“I can look down across the world and see everything. For Instance, I can see you.”
Certain that fate has it in for him, Justin Case (formerly known as David), creates a new identity and lifestyle in attempt to avoid fate`s dangerous actions. From light casualties to near death situations, Justin has definitely got it in for him.
This novel was the first that I have read from Meg Rosoff and I was not entirely impressed. My first impression of Justin’s life stor More...
Certain that fate has it in for him, Justin Case (formerly known as David), creates a new identity and lifestyle in attempt to avoid fate`s dangerous actions. From light casualties to near death situations, Justin has definitely got it in for him.
This novel was the first that I have read from Meg Rosoff and I was not entirely impressed. My first impression of Justin’s life stor More...
Jan 15, 2010
Mrs. Foley
rated it:
Convinced that fate is out to get him, fifteen-year-old David Case assumes a new identity in the hope of avoiding what he believes is certain doom. - Summary from library catalog
Although this is a unique story, I'm just not that impressed. I don't know why, but I don't seem to enjoy this author's books (this is the second I have read from her). She gets great reviews, but I just can't seem to make myself care about her characters. See below for a more glowing review. :)
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Although this is a unique story, I'm just not that impressed. I don't know why, but I don't seem to enjoy this author's books (this is the second I have read from her). She gets great reviews, but I just can't seem to make myself care about her characters. See below for a more glowing review. :)
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Jun 07, 2010
Blodeuedd
rated it:
I liked this book, but then I am drawn to weird books that do not make much sense, and this one is no exception.
It starts at once. David Case rescues his brother, who get annoyed. His brother tells him (well thinks it) what he wanted to do, of course out of the 1 year olds mouth nonsense comes out. Through out the book we can hear the baby's clever thoughts, and he is sure wondering why no one gets him.
David is dead sure that Fate is out after him, and he has a lot of glo More...
It starts at once. David Case rescues his brother, who get annoyed. His brother tells him (well thinks it) what he wanted to do, of course out of the 1 year olds mouth nonsense comes out. Through out the book we can hear the baby's clever thoughts, and he is sure wondering why no one gets him.
David is dead sure that Fate is out after him, and he has a lot of glo More...
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May 31, 2010
Gabriella
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I didn't like this book at all. It does not reflect anything for me. I mean, seriously, I think Justin Case is mentally ill. And his parents, friends, everyone in the story not realizing his illness just makes me hate this book even more. Even the idea of Justin's parents, thinking that Justin has dyslexia or is homosexual, is just plain stupid. And actually, I did not find Justin's fanaticity in fate interesting at all. I think it highlights Justin's annoying insanity even more. Oh and one more
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Feb 09, 2012
Sara
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Jan 09, 2009
I read the first chapter, and it really gave me a lot to think about... But I've heard its not very clean, so, as much as I would like to, I'm not going to read it.
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Sep 05, 2009
Kate
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(Note: Aussie version of Donnie Darko?? Talking bunnies, near miss plane crash?)
Another quirky novel from Rosoff. I did like this one better than What I Was, which also features a somewhat offputting male protagonist. Just In Case was more out-there. Aussie teen Justin (formerly David) psychologically links scary events and coincidences to what he decides must be his own impending doom. The perspective is third-person; usually it's Justin's, but it slips into omniscience, as several More...
Another quirky novel from Rosoff. I did like this one better than What I Was, which also features a somewhat offputting male protagonist. Just In Case was more out-there. Aussie teen Justin (formerly David) psychologically links scary events and coincidences to what he decides must be his own impending doom. The perspective is third-person; usually it's Justin's, but it slips into omniscience, as several More...
Jul 16, 2009
Khaybe
rated it:
checked out from the library - i have to admit, i was intrigued by the cover!
one of the promo comments on the cover said something about a "modern catcher in the rye" and the brief description on the back sounded interesting. ultimately, i wasn't disappointed!
the protagonist is a somewhat typical fifteen year old boy- he feels frustrated his parents are neglecting him to coo over his younger brother, he can't quite manage how to talk to girls, etc, but rosoff does s More...
one of the promo comments on the cover said something about a "modern catcher in the rye" and the brief description on the back sounded interesting. ultimately, i wasn't disappointed!
the protagonist is a somewhat typical fifteen year old boy- he feels frustrated his parents are neglecting him to coo over his younger brother, he can't quite manage how to talk to girls, etc, but rosoff does s More...
Feb 19, 2009
Amira
rated it:
This is a re-read.
Edit:
This was a very good book that I would recommend to every teenager. It covered many sensitive issues that were both enjoyable to read about, but also intriguing to know. It's surprising to even consider that a minority of teenagers think like this at some point in their adolescent phase. However, it was very well written (and fundamentally, is only fiction!)
On the other hand, I'm not entirely sure if I was satisfied with the ending of the nove More...
Edit:
This was a very good book that I would recommend to every teenager. It covered many sensitive issues that were both enjoyable to read about, but also intriguing to know. It's surprising to even consider that a minority of teenagers think like this at some point in their adolescent phase. However, it was very well written (and fundamentally, is only fiction!)
On the other hand, I'm not entirely sure if I was satisfied with the ending of the nove More...
Aug 16, 2011
Nikki
rated it: 
Když od knihy neočekáváte příliš, dopadne to tak, jak u tohoto výtisku. Při čtení prvních stránek jsem se opravdu cítila jako Alenka v říši divů... řekla jsem si však, že to nevzdám, jelikož ta myšlenka "rozmlouvání s vlastním osudem" se mi velmi líbila. V polovině knihy začalo všechno dávat smysl a šel z toho až mráz po zádech. V mysli se mi náhle začaly vynořovat řady teenagerů, kteří mohou být vlastně stejně bezradní a ztracení v sobě samých, jako hlavní postava - patnáctiletý Justi
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Mar 22, 2011
Phanee
rated it:
I have decided to start posting my reviews on here as well, as it will probably make it easier for those who are interested in reading what I have to say.
I actually found this book rather weird. David (or Justin) Case is a teenager who suddenly realises that life is not what it seems. After saving his brother from toppling out of the window in his bedroom, his whole life changes, as he realises that he has to outwit fate, some way or another. So, he decides to change his name t More...
I actually found this book rather weird. David (or Justin) Case is a teenager who suddenly realises that life is not what it seems. After saving his brother from toppling out of the window in his bedroom, his whole life changes, as he realises that he has to outwit fate, some way or another. So, he decides to change his name t More...
Dec 17, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Favorite. Book. Ever!
I just adore this book! I love Rosoff's style, her characters, her theme, her story!
The story follows a British teen as he grows up. He believes that Fate is out to get him (he is. we hear from Fate occasionally) and decides to hide by changing his identity. However, poor Justin is doomed to play an unwelcome game with Fate.
The book uses something that I've heard referred to as 'magical realism'. I'm not sure if that's an accurate description, but Rosoff's use More...
I just adore this book! I love Rosoff's style, her characters, her theme, her story!
The story follows a British teen as he grows up. He believes that Fate is out to get him (he is. we hear from Fate occasionally) and decides to hide by changing his identity. However, poor Justin is doomed to play an unwelcome game with Fate.
The book uses something that I've heard referred to as 'magical realism'. I'm not sure if that's an accurate description, but Rosoff's use More...
Apr 10, 2009
Robin
rated it:
Another unfinished book - I cheated and read the end halfway through. Reason? I was quite fed up with the main character- David aka Justin.
After a near accident involving his little brother, David Case became a paranoid 15 year old, thinking that fate is out to get him. He changed his name to Justin (Just-in Case, get it?), changed the his looks, so as to escape Fate. Fate too, become interested in Justin. I mean, who wouldn't, the more you try to get away from something, it'll alwa More...
After a near accident involving his little brother, David Case became a paranoid 15 year old, thinking that fate is out to get him. He changed his name to Justin (Just-in Case, get it?), changed the his looks, so as to escape Fate. Fate too, become interested in Justin. I mean, who wouldn't, the more you try to get away from something, it'll alwa More...
Dec 11, 2011
Laura
rated it:
For me the real strong draw of this book was the characters that surround Justin’s world from his baby brother, Agnes, the cool girl that helps him change, and Peter, his best friend that doesn’t judge him at all. I thought the themes in the story about life, death, chance and fate were so strong that even having the voice of fate haunting Justin’s moves was smart because it kept you guessing as to if he had actually lost his mind or were we reading the truth and Fate was talking to him. The i
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Aug 01, 2009
Sophia
rated it:
I have to echo others - I read Just In Case after Rosoff's outrageously good How I Live Now and it just can't compare.
The book is nonetheless interesting. I had a hard time getting into Justin's head, but I never went through the "doomed youth" phase myself, so that might just be a place I can't get to mentally. Rosoff throws a lot of weirdness at the reader, and even though I found myself struggling to completely suspend my disbelief, it wasn't regarding Boy or Peter -- bo More...
The book is nonetheless interesting. I had a hard time getting into Justin's head, but I never went through the "doomed youth" phase myself, so that might just be a place I can't get to mentally. Rosoff throws a lot of weirdness at the reader, and even though I found myself struggling to completely suspend my disbelief, it wasn't regarding Boy or Peter -- bo More...
Jan 17, 2010
Debs
rated it:
In my opinion, Meg Rosoff's novels have been unfairly categorized as young adult literature. While it's true that her protagonists are usually children or teenagers, the complexity of her characters and the beauty inherent in her wording serve to place her writing significantly above that of many popular young adult authors. I read this book immediately after reading Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver and the intellectual and emotional distance between these two novels is significant.
I hav More...
I hav More...
Mar 13, 2011
Summerc79
rated it:
The reason for which I wanted to read this book is the following quote. It is obviously taken from the story and really caught my eye:
“When a creature begins to emerge from its chrysalis there is a point at which it is neither one thing nor the other, not quite grown into a new identity nor rid of the old. Its wings are folded and sticky, its colors kidded. Whether it will emerge in shades of emerald and lapis lazuli or the color of mud is yet to be revealed. It is that long still moment o More...
“When a creature begins to emerge from its chrysalis there is a point at which it is neither one thing nor the other, not quite grown into a new identity nor rid of the old. Its wings are folded and sticky, its colors kidded. Whether it will emerge in shades of emerald and lapis lazuli or the color of mud is yet to be revealed. It is that long still moment o More...
