October Breezes (October Breezes #1)

Jun 22, 2011 Haley ~ YA-Aholic rated it 3 of 5 stars

October Breezes made me lose all my sleep last night..but was it worth it? Of course. October Breezes touches on some very..well touchy subjects. Now I would imagine for an author to write about these touchy subjects they would have to be much more careful with their writing and keep it tasteful..and can I just say that Maria Rachel Hooley does an amazing job at this? I could not put this book down! The story starts with Skye, Skye is a normal 16 yr old girl, but she has trust issues with men......more October Breezes made me lose all my sleep last night..but was it worth it? Of course. October Breezes touches on some very..well touchy subjects. Now I would imagine for an author to write about these touchy subjects they would have to be much more careful with their writing and keep it tasteful..and can I just say that Maria Rachel Hooley does an amazing job at this? I could not put this book down! The story starts with Skye, Skye is a normal 16 yr old girl, but she has trust issues with men...and why shouldn’t she? Her father dipped out of her life when she was a child...he never even sees her now..and now she has her moms new boyfriend Warren trying to come into her and her moms life..saying he is different but Skye knows better..or does she? As if her moms boy troubles aren’t enough Skye's best guy friend Devin is starting to act very strange, ever since handsome quarterback Kellin asks Skye out..and she says yes. Devin doesn’t trust him and their friendship slowly falls apart....soon enough Skye will find out Devin and Kellin are the least of her worries..Kellins 'best friend' Tyler wants her too..and he's wanted her for awhile..and Devin nor Kellin are gonna stop him from getting what he wants.

This book was very beautifully and pleasantly written, I found myself drawn in by Skye, you couldn't help but feel sorry for her for all of her horrible events happening lately, you honestly just wish you could be there and give her a freaking hug, and punch all her enemies in the face. I loved all of the characters, they were all very well developed threw out the story, they all grew which was nice to see, Devin and Kellin and Jimmy I especially loved, they were so cute sounding and so sweet to Skye and just wanted to help her.

The ending to this book did not disappoint and I look forward to reading Summer Sunsets and hearing more about Skye and Devin's relationship threw Devin's eyes (:

-COMPLAINT: Skye in the beginning..is very rude..and obnoxious..and annoying..I am so glad she changed her attitude or I probably wouldn't wanna pickup the second one..I have already bought the second one (:
-PS: This book is REALLY cheap on Amazon Kindle! Great Price for an even greater book!!
(less)

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Apr 11, 2012 Orchita rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started out with a good mind to give this book a 4. But that would be unfair, wouldn't it? I mean just because I went through an entire box of Kleenex doesn't mean that it was a bad book. In fact, it actually means it was an AMAZING book, if it got me, the ice queen, to bawl.

October Breezes is a very touchy book. Being a girl, I was just SO angry for Skye, and what she had to go through. I mean, no one deserves that to happen to them. Not fictional characters, not even my worst enemy. It was...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Marilla Kennell rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is one I'd really love to rate a five, but I'm sticking it with a 4.7 because it had a few grammar mistakes. Sad day, I wish more authors would go over their final drafts more carefully.

However, the plot, characters, and overall the writing of the book was absolutely captivating, and every twist was totally unexpected. The back cover really leads the reader to expect a normal love triangle teeny novel, where she dates the wrong guy only to find out she is meant to be with her best fri...more This book is one I'd really love to rate a five, but I'm sticking it with a 4.7 because it had a few grammar mistakes. Sad day, I wish more authors would go over their final drafts more carefully.

However, the plot, characters, and overall the writing of the book was absolutely captivating, and every twist was totally unexpected. The back cover really leads the reader to expect a normal love triangle teeny novel, where she dates the wrong guy only to find out she is meant to be with her best friend. But this is not the case.

The book opens with an angry teenager, Skye, and her best friend, Devan talking. As the plot moves, the reader discovers she is angry because her father abandoned her and her mother when she was five. This is shown through the way she treats her mom's boyfriend Warren, who she believes will leave like all the other men her mother has dated. But when her best friend tells her she needs to learn to trust, she takes it to far and begins to date a guy not because she loves him but because he's popular, although she does delude herself into thinking she loves him. In doing so she loses her best friend, Devan, and finds herself at a party where her boyfriend, Kellin's, best friend rapes her for not going out with him. After everything she feels alone and unwanted afraid to tell her mother and abused by the kids at school things finally get to where she can no longer take it and she attempts suicide. Her best friend Devan overlooks his own hurt long enough to check on her and ends up saving her. Finally, things are taken to the police, and things are resolved, but some scars are impossible to heal, and the wounds cut to deep to truly disappear.

I think what made this so realistic is that Skye is constantly insecure and angry. Even when she is dating Kellin, she is constantly looking over her shoulder and never fits in. I think it is also the reader has interesting that she is forced to make a decision over whether or not to have an abortion. It really spins the reader's mind as she has been abandoned by her father. I think what I liked most was that the author never says one way or another if abortion is right or wrong. She merely writes about the emotional turmoil that surrounds it, and how teenagers react to each other. Although high school is probably not as cruel as she painted it, I think she does capture bullying well and show what does happen to some people in different cases.

Furthermore several of the characters are developed so that each one becomes deeper than they first appear. And different obstacles force the characters to grow and develop into different people. I liked that I got to know Warren, Mom's boyfriend, Mom, Devan, Kellin, and even Becca as well as Skye and that all characters revealed they were more than they appeared on the surface.

Finally, the last thing I have to say, and the thing keeping me from giving this book a five star rating would be the grammar. I think that it is a tragedy that so many authors lose themselves in the story and forget to do a double grammar check because for the reader grammar mistakes go from bothersome to annoying to irritating. Even though I was completely captivated with the story the few grammar mistakes kept pulling me out. What made it so horrid was the fact that Marie Hooley is an amazing author, who really knew how to control her writing except for those grammar mistakes. I wish they didn't bother me so much, but they do, and I'll probably rant about them every time.(less)

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Aug 16, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

at first i thought this was set place in the early 90s or something cause of the way they acted, dressed and how they didnt have a cell phone... besides jimmy? found that quiet strong. when i first read the beginning i swore it was saying like Devin committed suicide.. obv that isn't how it all panned out. i knew they were in love with one another from the time they were laying together under the stars.. sometimes i wish Skye just listened to Devin and stayed away from Kellin... dating him basic...more

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Aug 02, 2011 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley had me conflicted. On one hand, it (and its sequel Summer Sunsets) was a great read. But on the other hand, it was pretty blatantly anti-abortion. I’m not one of those gung-ho pro-choice people–I really don’t know what to think about abortion.

The book is about a girl named Skye who gets unknowingly drunk (so naive, I know), raped and pregnant as a high school sophomore. If there were a poster child for pro-abortion advocates, it would be this case. But the...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Reading, Eating & Dreaming rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars

Click here to read more YA book reviews at READING, EATING AND DREAMING

Some books make me laugh out loud, some make me cry. Some books receive fist pumps (oh yeah!) and some cause me to roll my eyes and sigh. Some books barely skim the surface of my emotions and some FLIP MY WORLD UPSIDE DOWN! October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley falls into the last category.

October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley is phenomenal! It tells an extremely powerful, emotional and heartbreaking story.

Don’t judge this...more Click here to read more YA book reviews at READING, EATING AND DREAMING

Some books make me laugh out loud, some make me cry. Some books receive fist pumps (oh yeah!) and some cause me to roll my eyes and sigh. Some books barely skim the surface of my emotions and some FLIP MY WORLD UPSIDE DOWN! October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley falls into the last category.

October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley is phenomenal! It tells an extremely powerful, emotional and heartbreaking story.

Don’t judge this book based on its short description because, let me tell you, it doesn’t do this book justice!!! Judge this book based on what I am about to tell you ;) Personally, I am glad Hooley left this description vague because I don’t like when authors give away too much, too soon. I’ll tell you this: October Breezes tackles many pressing issues young adults face. And, in my opinion, if you were told which specific issues, before you read this novel, it would ruin the wonderful element of surprise and take away from your reading experience.

The book summary mainly highlights the supporting story in this novel- the conflict between Skye Williams and Warren Jacobs, her mom’s recent boyfriend. This was the best subplot I have ever read! It’s moving...it’s heartfelt…it’s creative…it brought me to tears! (Okay, I have to tell you my absolute favorite part!! If you haven’t read this book yet, what I am about to say will make very little sense. Don’t worry this isn’t a big spoiler…I am going to choose my wording carefully. But after you read this book, I want you to remember what I am about to say: To Kill a Mockingbird. I am obsessed with every sentence in this book that pertains to this book- the inscription, the struggle and mostly for what it represents).

The plot in October Breezes takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. It portrays how a single event can have a domino effect and put someone’s life on a complete spiral. It was one of those stories where I couldn’t help but wrap myself into the main character and feel everything Hooley transcribed. This story is disturbing (in a good way)! And, it offers realistic perspective. BRAVO Hooley!

I gave October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley 4 STARS. This suspenseful and tragic tale should be read, especially by females!! If you’re in search of a happy, fluffy read this isn’t the book you are looking for. But the next time you are ready to have your world flipped upside down…pick up this book!

-XOXO

READING, EATING AND DREAMING (less)

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Mar 06, 2011 Elizabeth Svigar Stephen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I admire writers who have courage, and Maria Rachel Hooley definitely has courage. She takes on powerful topics – rape, abortion, suicide – and keeps a compassionate pen in their depiction. She also manages to give space to many of the different sides of an issue without taking a side. That is a difficult feat — one in which the author must disappear as much as possible into the book.

Plot: Main character Skye and her best friend Devin are at a crossroads when Skye begins to date a popular guy on...more I admire writers who have courage, and Maria Rachel Hooley definitely has courage. She takes on powerful topics – rape, abortion, suicide – and keeps a compassionate pen in their depiction. She also manages to give space to many of the different sides of an issue without taking a side. That is a difficult feat — one in which the author must disappear as much as possible into the book.

Plot: Main character Skye and her best friend Devin are at a crossroads when Skye begins to date a popular guy on the football team. Skye is also wrestling with her mother’s new boyfriend and her feelings of anger toward the father who walked out on her. Devin, like her father, walks out on her when he disapproves of her choices.

Setting: High school, and this is high school as I remember it, with all of the cliques, yet a good deal of the cross-over. By that I mean that Skye is not one of the popular crowd, yet several popular boys are interested in her. In many books, the groups do not intersect, but in most high schools it seems that they do. We also have Becca, the queen bee mean girl in school, who has her own reasons for her actions.

Characters: I really liked Skye and found her reactions to be very true to how many teenage girls might act in her situation. Hooley does a good job of showing her distrust of her mother’s new boyfriend, and her difficulty accepting that someone cares about her. The dynamic between Skye and her mother is also well done. The football players, happily, do not all fall into stereotypical boxes. The only character that I found myself disliking was Devin — he seemed paternalistic and down the nose to Skye; instead of being a true friend, he walks out on her when he doesn’t like what she does. Unfortunately, his warnings have a ring of truth to them and Skye does find herself in a terrible situation. Because Hooley’s hand is so invisible in the writing, I couldn’t fault her for the paternalistic Devin; it’s impossible to tell if he’s being presented as the typical perfect male best friend, or if he is dealing with his own shortcomings.

Style: Well done, good writing for Y/A. Good “voice.” Some typos.

Overall Impression: Four stars. An excellent read for middle- to older-young adults and adults who enjoy reading young adult literature. A brave book.(less)

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Jan 20, 2011 Gavin Chester rated it 5 of 5 stars

Originally posted on My Blog

October Breezes follows the life of a young high-school girl, Skye Williams, through many of the terrible experiences she goes through. Other key characters include her mom; her mom's fiance, Warren; Her best friend, Devin, her new beau, Kellin; her unlikely ally in all the mess, Jimmy; the girl who wants her boyfriend, Becca; and the guy of her nightmares, Tyler. On the proverbial "high-school food-chain" Skye and Devin rank quite low, so low they don't exist to the...more Originally posted on My Blog

October Breezes follows the life of a young high-school girl, Skye Williams, through many of the terrible experiences she goes through. Other key characters include her mom; her mom's fiance, Warren; Her best friend, Devin, her new beau, Kellin; her unlikely ally in all the mess, Jimmy; the girl who wants her boyfriend, Becca; and the guy of her nightmares, Tyler. On the proverbial "high-school food-chain" Skye and Devin rank quite low, so low they don't exist to the "popular crowd". Kellin, Tyler, and Jimmy are all on the football team, and Kevin is the quarterback. Kellin and Jimmy are the opposite of all the stereotypes that just popped into your head. Tyler follows said stereotypes to the dot. Becca is the witch with a capital B who controls the minds and actions of all the girls in the popular crowd, the "queen bee" you could say. Throughout the book Skye runs into problems that threaten to destroy her life, usually caused by Tyler and Becca. Devin tries to warn her, but every time she ignores him they grow farther and farther apart. He doesn't like Kellin, but Kellin isn't the problem, Tyler is. Becca pretty much hates Skye's guts, because she has the guy Becca wants more than anything else.

I'd have to say I see through Devin's perspective the most, if I was asked. I can relate to being in his shoes, trying to stop your close friend from dating a guy that is going to hurt her. I sympathize with Skye, but as I'm not a teenage girl, and have been in almost none of her problems myself, I can't really imagine being in her shoes. This is really good book, but it isn't the kind of book I would ever say I "enjoyed", because its an extremely sad story. I didn't like the story, but there was a very loud message being said through the story, and the message is a good one. Throughout the book, I found myself on the edge of my seat, worrying for Skye, and wanting to punch Becca in the face. The writing is so good, it just drags you right into the story. I couldn't put it down My favorite part of the book was the ending, when we finally learn what the big deal with Becca is, and the couple that should have been together throughout the whole book finally come to terms with their feelings for each other. The ending to the book, was the best part because it ended all the sadness. My least favorite part was all the times Skye was abotu to do something stupid, and I couldn't warn her (I know that makes me sound silly, but its true). I wouldn't ever change anything to the story, it was written perfectly as it should have been, and for that I congratulate Mrs Hooley. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any and all young adults out there who enjoy reading, and even a lot of those who don't enjoy reading should read it. I would especially recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, or Brian Katcher's Almost Perfect. Thank you to Mrs. Hooley for giving me the chance to read this novel and enjoy it.

-Gavin Chester(less)

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Oct 09, 2010 Candy rated it 4 of 5 stars

While I admit that the first half of the book moves pretty slow, now that I’m 85% in, I can see that it was necessary to get the character development needed for a novel of this depth. This book is on the serious side, dealing with teen dating, rape and pregnancy and has some hot button issues, but the writing and the realism that the author manages to capture makes it mesmerizing to read. I cannot put it down now that I’m at a critical point in the story.

But therein lies the problem with this n...more

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Nov 11, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

What to say? This book certainly had some subject matter that will definitely touch a nerve with readers. I don't want to give away the story so I'll try to make this as spoiler free as I can.

I started out the book not minding Skye. She was obnoxious as some teenagers are but at first I could understand her fears with Warren dating her Mom since her read Dad left when she was younger. Once I got into the story I found myself wanting to slap her for being so stubborn, but at the same time I tota...more What to say? This book certainly had some subject matter that will definitely touch a nerve with readers. I don't want to give away the story so I'll try to make this as spoiler free as I can.

I started out the book not minding Skye. She was obnoxious as some teenagers are but at first I could understand her fears with Warren dating her Mom since her read Dad left when she was younger. Once I got into the story I found myself wanting to slap her for being so stubborn, but at the same time I totally understood her thought process because it was much like my own at points in my life. As I've stated, I don't want to say a lot on the story because I'll give it away. (view spoiler) Even though there were some very touchy subjects covered in this book; they were written in a way that any teenager could read and it was tastefully done.

I will say that some parts of this book were very personal for me and I found myself wanting to skip paragraphs because at some points Skye's thinking was so much like my own it was emotionally hard for me to keep reading. If any of the spoilers I mentioned above are a demon of your past, especially the first two listed, it's a good idea to make sure you have as much peace with your situation as possible before you start reading! The part that I related to still haunts me and honestly, this was the most difficult book I've read recently because of the subject.

Anyhow, the book was very well written and it's something I would let my daughter read when she's old enough. Though the subjects covered are very serious, this book can be used as good teaching tool for parents and young women.

I gave the book 5 stars for a few reasons. One was how well the subjects were covered. Two was because even though Skye was a pain in the ass at times, I related to her thought process so well I truly connected with her as a character. She was a completely believable character... when she hurt, I was hurting along with her and that made her so real to me. Lastly, I gave it 5 stars because the message in the book after someone reads it should be loud and clear. Going through tough obstacles alone is never a good idea! When you have friends and family that love you, it's always best to confide in someone no matter the situation. I felt like that message rang loud and clear at the end, hence my 5 stars.

I would certainly recommend this book but will caution that if personal experience weighs in to any of the subjects covered, it may be emotionally hard to get through, but well worth it! (less)

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May 16, 2013 Jillian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: characters-with-tragic-past, crush-worthy-boys, non-pn-romance, reviews, set-in-highschool

When I first read the summary in goodread I thought it'd be something normal about high school life and the struggles the main character had to go through. I never knew that it's be about a touchy subject.

Mostly I'm okay with reading touchy subjects since most of them were usually in the past but when I read that it happened in the present I was shocked, angry and sad at the same time. When characters had tragic pasts I can always get over it but with this book I don't think I can.

Hooley did s...more When I first read the summary in goodread I thought it'd be something normal about high school life and the struggles the main character had to go through. I never knew that it's be about a touchy subject.

Mostly I'm okay with reading touchy subjects since most of them were usually in the past but when I read that it happened in the present I was shocked, angry and sad at the same time. When characters had tragic pasts I can always get over it but with this book I don't think I can.

Hooley did such a great job in writing this book. It made me feel all kinds of emotions for the characters, although this book may seem a little too much for me Ms. Hooley did a good job in writing this book without making the reader feel that much uncomfortable.

In the start of the book I hated how Skye was selfish and inconsiderate but as time continues I can't seem to want to put the book down. Every emotion in this book felt real, every anger, pain, sorrow, love, happiness it was all here. I find myself imagining their world as I live through mine and I thought about al the hardships and struggles Skye had been through. As a girl I know no one deserves that to happen to them, not even the most evil person in the would had to have that to happen to them. This book made me learn a big lesson although at my young age I may not be able to understand things such as rape and abortion but this book taught me things I never knew would be such a big deal. It taught me plenty of things I never would have considered before and it also taught me things I should consider and learn from.
The characters in this book are realistic and I find myself wishing I could learn more about them. Although there were a few things that left me wondering like what happened to Jimmy's parents? Why did he help Skye? I know he was only being a good friend and it was sweet and all but I still wanted to dig into it. I also wondered why Tyler did those things? I get that he liked Skye and was angry that she dated Kellin and not him but still I want to know what got into his brain for doing something stupid and wrong as that. I wanted to know more about Bethany and the parts she partook in the story. I know characters like Bethany, Kelin and Devin were good but I've read plenty of other books to be suspicious of their acts. I also want to know about Skye and Kellin's relationship. I know they didn't end up together but I find myself saying "awww" at some scenes with them. Although I missed them I'm still rooting for Devin on this one! He totally deserved her after all they've been through.

 Some quotes that struck me in the story:

“Maybe because we don’t always recognize the happy moments when we’re in them, so we let them go, thinking the future will be even better—and sometimes it's not.”

“Love isn’t about what we deserve, Skye. It’s a gift. It’s the best thing we can give each other.”

This book is such an amazing read it deserves all 5 stars. (less)

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Jul 16, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is so much more than the description. It is so much deeper and really throws you into, unfortunately, common problems face in high school.
Skye is not used to be known in school until she grabs the attention of Kellin. Then her world is rocked, and not in a good way.
My heart broke for Skye, and it threw me back into the mind of a 16 year old. I could relate to her relationship (or lack thereof) with her Dad, the desire to keep secrets and try and forget, and the stress and struggles of...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Devyani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes nothing is as it seems. That's what I remember
thinking last October--six months that might as well have been a
lifetime ago. That was before I lost my best friend.

after starting out my reading with these words , my thoughts were like .. if this book has the superhero-cute-best friend-death in this book then I'M SO GONNA HATE IT

it turns out i was wrong..
October Breeze by Maria Rachel Hooley turns out to be a really strong book , much stronger and powerful than i had expected .
We come a...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Nicis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Qué manera de llorar con los últimos capítulos!

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Nov 27, 2011 Faith rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was a difficult read for me. It had subject matter that people have very strong opinions on and can be painful and angering to some readers. I had mixed feelings on this book. Most of the time I found myself annoyed to death with Skye, who wouldn't listen to anyone, pushed away everyone, and overall was extermly unlikable and annoying. She had so many chances with people that loved her to open up and share what had happend but she never did and I didn't understand why she would share i...more

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Dec 29, 2011 Anncleire rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-can-t-stop-to-think-about

Sometimes nothing is as it seems.

Di “October breezes” mi aveva molto incuriosita la trama ma poi per lungo tempo è rimasto, come al solito, nelle giacenze dei libri da leggere fino a che mi sono detta di prenderlo in mano.

La protagonista indiscussa della storia è Skye Williams una ragazza di sedici anni che il padre ha abbandonato quando era piccola. Incapace di fidarsi degli altri l’unico legame duraturo che ha, oltre alla madre, è quello con Devin Abbott il suo migliore amico che conosce dai t...more Sometimes nothing is as it seems.

Di “October breezes” mi aveva molto incuriosita la trama ma poi per lungo tempo è rimasto, come al solito, nelle giacenze dei libri da leggere fino a che mi sono detta di prenderlo in mano.

La protagonista indiscussa della storia è Skye Williams una ragazza di sedici anni che il padre ha abbandonato quando era piccola. Incapace di fidarsi degli altri l’unico legame duraturo che ha, oltre alla madre, è quello con Devin Abbott il suo migliore amico che conosce dai tempi dell’asilo.
Le cose con Devin iniziano ad incrinarsi quando Skye decide di accettare l’invito ad uscire di Kellin Morgan, un senior quarterback della squadra di football di cui Devin non si fida per niente. Un altro problema non indifferente è l’entrata in scena di Warren il compagno della madre che vuole sposarla e formare così una famiglia. Skye lo odia e cerca di fare di tutto per allontanarlo.
Ma soprattutto non ha preso in considerazione la rabbia di Becca, la capo cheerleader innamorata di Kellin e Tyler il migliore amico che ad un party daranno il via a una serie di errori che distruggeranno la vita di Skye e Devin. Riusciranno a sopravvivere e a rimanere insieme?

Skye è una protagonista che entra subito in sintonia con il lettore, non solo perché racconta in prima persona la sua storia ma perché è talmente tragica e ricca di sentimento che si è incapaci di non provare simpatia. Skye è arrabbiata con il mondo, si crede immeritevole di essere amata e allontana tutti coloro che cercano di aiutarla e di volerle bene tenendoli a distanza e costruendo un muro impenetrabile intorno a sé. Persino con la madre e con Devin. Continua a mettere alla prova la sua fedeltà certa che anche lui la abbandonerà. Non si rende conto che chi la ama rimane con lei e al suo fianco a rescindere e che le perdonano tutti i suoi errori anche se naturalmente alcuni la segneranno per sempre. Con una soglia del dolore altissima, sopporta delle ferite fisiche con un coraggio ammirevole più di nascondere la verità Skye è una ragazza che sopravvive a una delle scelte più terribili da compiere e anche alla messa in moto di un effetto domino incontrollabile.
Ho semplicemente adorato Devin, un ragazzo da sempre innamorato di Skye che si mette da parte e che cerca in ogni modo di rimanerle al fianco anche se a volte lei è semplicemente troppo da sopportare. Una di quelle che con una sola parola riescono a ferire incontrollabilmente. Ma Devin ha la pelle dura e una pazienza sconfinata. Vorrei avere al mio fianco un ragazzo così che nonostante gli errori di entrambi salva Skye in mille modi diversi sia psicologicamente che fisicamente. Con uno spirito di sacrificio raro da trovare in un ragazzo ci troviamo di fronte non al ragazzo perfetto, ma al tipico ragazzo della porta accanto che commette i suoi sbagli ma che risulta talmente dolce e adorabile che non si può rimanerne indifferenti. E tra l’altro sa anche battersi per proteggere la ragazza che ama. Fantastico!
Warren, il compagno della madre di Skye, è uno dei personaggi più riusciti e risulta il padre che sempre è mancato alla ragazza. Attento, comprensivo, capace di ascoltare, affettuoso per Skye c’è e riesce a farsi amare con i suoi gesti e i suoi discorsi ispirati. Irrinunciabile.
Un altro personaggio che voglio citare e che ha un ruolo importante nel corso della storia è Jimmy Sorenson un membro della squadra di football e un amico per Skye quando non c’è più nessuno.
La bravura della Hooley, di cui mi è molto piaciuto lo stile narrativo, sta nell’avermi fatto cambiare prospettiva, in modo corretto e non per rivoluzioni esagerate, sulla grande antagonista Becca. L’ho molto apprezzato non sempre lo si fa con una tale chiarezza di intenti.

Il libro affronta tematiche importanti e molto serie in modo approfondito e mai scontato. La lotta interiore che sconvolge Skye, le scelte che portano a conseguenze disastrose, il suo bisogno di sentirsi al sicuro e di rimanere lontana da coloro che potrebbero farle del male sono descritti molto bene mettendo in luce come solo una singola azione, andare ad una festa, possa portare ad una tale catastrofe che non poteva essere preveduta.
Le dinamiche della storia sono convincenti, la lettura scorrevole e avvincente e non c’è neanche nulla di banale nel classico cliché del migliore amico innamorato della protagonista. Tutto è ben calibrato tale che la romance non si nota perché il libro parla di ben altro.

Il particolare da tenere in mente è questo. È “To kill a mockingbird” il libro di Harper Lee. Che possiamo considerare una sorta di metafora.

Consiglio vivamente la lettura di “October breezes” non solo perché la Hooley ha fatto un ottimo lavoro ma perché la storia insegna tantissimo. Ulteriore motivo poi è senz’altro Devin che rimarrà nel mio cuore per un bel po’. Unico. Tra l’altro c’è anche il sequel uscito quest’anno. Correte a procurarvelo.

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Nov 30, 2011 Rachmi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

Selain Just Listen-nya Sarah Dessen, belum pernah baca novel YA tentang pelecehan seksual/perkosaan dikalangan remaja. Jadi selesai baca novel ini pembandingnya cuma Just Listen. Tapi October Breezes lebih bagus dari pada Just Listen. Baca novel ini bener-bener bikin emosional.

Walaupun di beberapa bab awal agak lambat, bosen & kesel sama Skye yang kekanak-kanakan & egois tapi lama-lama sifat itu jadi salah satu cara Hooley ngebangun karakter Skye. Begitu juga tokoh Devin, Sahabat Skye, s...more

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Feb 17, 2011 Shannon (aka Readergirl) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that, at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one. It had somewhat of a slow start for me. I also had issues with the main character, Skye, as she came across as a kind of whiny, self-centered brat at first. I’m not sure if that was actually intended by the author or not… and having read the rest of the story, I can see how it might have been an intentional device to show character growth throughout the story.

I stuck with it, and I am glad that I did. This book deals...more I have to admit that, at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one. It had somewhat of a slow start for me. I also had issues with the main character, Skye, as she came across as a kind of whiny, self-centered brat at first. I’m not sure if that was actually intended by the author or not… and having read the rest of the story, I can see how it might have been an intentional device to show character growth throughout the story.

I stuck with it, and I am glad that I did. This book deals with so many issues that teens face today, including a couple that a teenage girl should never have to face. But I know it happens more than we’d care to admit.

I don’t want to mention the exact circumstances, because they came as a surprise to me while reading, and I feel their impact would be lessened if the reader was forewarned. Suffice it to say that this character has a couple events to deal with that are a heck of a lot more heavy than just an absentee dad and the bitterness it causes. I found myself alternately shocked, saddened, and heartbroken for this heroine, especially toward the end. Skye’s circumstances cause her to grow so much as a person, and although it took these circumstances, she finally learns to love and trust the right people, and to love and trust herself.

I would have liked to have seen Devin stick by her a little bit more during these events, but let’s face it, in real life, he probably would have acted exactly how he did in this book. So I can’t say the author made the wrong choice here. I think she wrote it to be true to life, and it was. Devin comes through, and he comes through with his own growth. That was satisfying, and made me like him more.

The author handled three very sensitive issues with great, well, sensitivity, which marks her as an excellent author. I’m not sorry I stuck it out on the beginning. I’m glad to have read this. I would say that the subject matter is probably more suited for older teens, however.

I look forward to seeing what this author puts out in future. LATE BREAKING NEWS: As I was writing this review, I discovered this book has a sequel that I will want to get called Summer Sunsets.
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Oct 10, 2012 Eshani rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW.. I have noo words......just..

READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!

i just finished reading this book and i finished it in one sitting and now im going off to read the sequel

I have no words to say other than it made cry, it made angry, it made me frustrated and reallly cant believe someone would do what Becca did to Skye!!

that was just....... no words!!!......psychotic!

Although i have to say it took me sometime to sympathise with Skye in the beginning i did understand her and her reasons..as the story went on...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Ameil rated it 5 of 5 stars

Well, first I must admit I wasn't sure if I would like October breezes, the reviews were great and I told myself let's give a try.
While the story between Skye and her bestfriend was sweet, I am more of a romantic one with a happy ever after, and everything, here I was deeply saddened by skye's story and didn't stop crying.
OK, so I was a little overwhelmed, but I can stop myself for reacting like that when a story is well-written and tells about-I will call them "touchy subjects", I cry. Which m...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Mira rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star, all-time-favorites, apart-of-a-series, bad-quy, crazy-people, deserves-more-than-what-its-given, emotional, evil-meets-good, family-crisis, favorite-guys, favorites, keep-going-in-circles, keepers, love-a-shock, love-it, made-me-cry, pregnant, problems-from-past, touching, high-school

oh. my. god. This is one on those book that you have to sit down and cry about before you can even speak without blabbering. I cannot and will not give away anything in this book. Except Tyler is a dickheaded, arrogant, slimy, little thing in this book and I hated him will my entire being. Devin, I think, wasn't really a good friend even though she got into a lot of trouble, but friends are supposed to be there for you. Becca got on my last nerves throughout the whole book, except for the endi...more

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Sep 03, 2011 M.B. Mulhall rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rough topics in this book. When I started it I thought it was going to be cheesy and over dramatic. In the beginning the MC Skye seemed very naive and juvenile but as the book went on, it got better, more believable. There were a couple of instances where I scratched my head and thought "How would they have gotten away with that?" but for the most part, it was good. Depressing, but good, if you know what I mean.

There were a couple of typos to be found, but nothing major or totally distracting. N...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Zara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started this book yesterday and after reading half of it i couldn't sleep. I just kept thinking about Skye and everything she went through. I can't say i enjoyed this book. I was just sad throughout the whole thing and that's why i gave it 5 stars because it made me feel so much for the characters, even Skye who at first i thought was naive in the beginning but as the story progressed i felt like i was able to see things through her eyes and it was painful. Hooley touches on a lot of issues an...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, a-young-adult, b-favorite, g-romance-chick-lit

This book was tragic and completely amazing.

It is a rare thing for me to burst into tears while reading a book. In fact, it has only happened twice. This book was one of those times and it had me sobbing at points. The author is amazing at writing emotional, gut wrenching scenes. I don't typically go for books that cause me to cry, but this story drew me in and hooked me. The author did an amazing job of working with the emotions of a teenage girl who has an absent father who never wanted her a...more

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Jun 23, 2011 LeAnn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow.. what a rollercoaster. I was wanting to read something lighter since I had been reading a lot of dark paranormal books lately. I saw the cover and the title and I thought I had found lighter material... I have never been more wrong lol. Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover.

This book is about Skye, a 16-year-old sophomore, and the events that change her life forever. October Breezes deals with heavy subjects, and the struggles she goes through had me crying many times throughout t...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Marissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

(slight spoilers!) One of my best friends recommended this books to me so I was warned that it was sad but a great book. I have to agree, that it was a great book but VERY sad. Maria Hooley wrote a book with very hard topics: rape, abortion & a suicide attempt. I have to give her a hand for writing it all so well. Though there were some times when I really hated Skye. I wish she were a more likeable character but she wasn't so much. I have to say that besides Devin, Jimmy was also my favori...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Geraldine rated it 4 of 5 stars

October breeze was impossible to put down. It was good to read a book that showed that life isn't perfect that there are infact horrible things that happen to people. Skye was a wonderful character who was beautifully written. Devin made me want to fall in love with him. The realtionship they both shared is wonderful.

This is not a book that is all roses though and i think Maria Rachel Hooley did a great job of showing the struggle that Skye goes through. You felt like you actually knew skye and...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Leslie rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is probably more like a 3.5 instead of a 3.0, but I rounded down because it really doesn't fall in the same league as my other 4.0 ratings. It's hard, as a 30-year-old, to tolerate the DUMB thoughts and actions of a 16-year-old. You're sitting there reading, seeing clearly what's going on, and yelling at the characters because they don't see it. Things just got WAY out of hand for Skye. Poor girl. And it was rough what she went through. All in all, I enjoyed the main plot line of this book-...more

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Apr 02, 2011 Joy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

16-year-old Skye Williams has a tough enough time coping with her mother's engagement and her absentee father's reappearance with a new family, when her new relationship with the quarterback of the high school football team threatens her friendship with her best friend Devin Abbott and indirectly results in her rape at a drunken party. As things proceed down the drain in her life, will Devin be there for her when she needs it? I found this self-published book impossible to put down, although the...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Vanessa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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