While He Was Away by Karen Halvorsen Schreck

Nov 15, 2012 Isamlq rated it liked it

Don’t let the pastel colored sunset fool you into thinking this is a love conquers all thing. This is not just some sweet love story of a couple seeing things through to their happily ever after. IT’S BETTER THAN THAT. Mainly because it’s more real but more importantly less dramatic about the goings on.

There’s no closely held dark secret to discover; there’s no big mystery to solve… here it’s more on learning to hold on. But, instead of holding on to each other, it’s really about holding on Don’t let the pastel colored sunset fool you into thinking this is a love conquers all thing. This is not just some sweet love story of a couple seeing things through to their happily ever after. IT’S BETTER THAN THAT. Mainly because it’s more real but more importantly less dramatic about the goings on.

There’s no closely held dark secret to discover; there’s no big mystery to solve… here it’s more on learning to hold on. But, instead of holding on to each other, it’s really about holding on to yourself. Sure there are other key moments of certain people moving on, letting go, and then making things right… but all of it leads to her not forgetting herself.

From the start one sees where things might go wrong: with the one left behind wrapping her life around the one who’s not there. She’s not really present merely just waiting for the next time he’s in the picture. For a good long while that is exactly what happens until more and more people come into focus.

Like her mother who has her own issues to deal with. She reads tough and no nonsense but has this big hurt she’s not hiding but can’t get away from. Like those people from the past, people whom she knew nothing about, but people she’d come close to and feel connected with for some odd reason or another. Or like all those other “new” people who make their presence felt in her life, so felt that the story no longer is just about David being elsewhere. So that’s what this becomes: it’s not just about the love of your life (love of her life?)

It’s about life moving on
…and her moving on with it.

But things could get slow and frustrating, especially how quickly (slowly) those realization came to her, that their each their own person, that they’re necessarily this something “big” she’d describe them to be. That she’s a life of her own. That he’s a life of his own, too … and that both their lives indeed move forward. So if at first she folds in on herself and doesn’t quite know where to pick up again, things still march on anyway… and so does she.

3.75/5

(I do feel this was better than both If I Lie and Personal Effects) ...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Emily Blake rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-review, own, 2012, favorites, blog-tour, review, ya-romance, young-adult, arc, love-the-cover

*An ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review*

First off, let me just say that I LOVE this cover. It is amazing. I mean, look at it. I love it. The girl is so pretty and the guy's back is totally cute! ;p Anyway, on to the review! :P

I loved it. I don't usually like books like these, but I loved it. It was like reading a Sarah Dessen book, only a little better. I've never read a book about the army before, and this was a great introduction to the genre. The idea was ama ...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Arlene rated it liked it

Shelves: ya-contemporary, young-adult, read-2012, military-war

://:some spoilery involved in my review…

From the cover of While He Was Away, I fell hard for the concept of this book and the possibilities of where Penna’s story could lead, so it pains me to give it only 3 stars. However, I feel I’m justified in my rating because I truly feel this book is in serious need of an epilogue – a solid ending that gives us a glimpse of what unfolds after David comes back from the war in Iraq.

I’ve been called a lazy reviewer in the past, but does wanting a conclusive ://:some spoilery involved in my review…

From the cover of While He Was Away, I fell hard for the concept of this book and the possibilities of where Penna’s story could lead, so it pains me to give it only 3 stars. However, I feel I’m justified in my rating because I truly feel this book is in serious need of an epilogue – a solid ending that gives us a glimpse of what unfolds after David comes back from the war in Iraq.

I’ve been called a lazy reviewer in the past, but does wanting a conclusive ending make me a lazy reader as well? Sure I can use my overactive imagination to take me there, but that’s why I bought this book - to enjoy a story and with it should come “The End.” So 3 stars for an incomplete ending and some other issues I had as well, which I’ll get to in a few.

While He Was Away tells the story of Penna (Penelope) as she sees her boyfriend David go off to fight the war in Iraq. Both know their lives are about to drastically change. She’s off to complete her senior year in high school, and he’s on his way to embark on a mission he hopes will alter his perspective of the world. Penna has a tough time with the transition because not only is she having a hard time connecting with her boyfriend while he’s away, but she’s also facing some family challenges that involve a grandmother she never knew and a mom who’s closing the doors on the possibilities of a reunion. Penna soon finds out that as her life begins to alter around her, so does she and wonders if she’ll be the same person David knew before he left for the war.

All very emotionally gripping, or possibly so if the delivery were just a bit more tight and solid. I don’ t feel anything was really accomplished and to just end at such a random spot seems a bit frustrating. I’ll also have to admit that the characters seemed a bit flat and forgettable. It’s been a few days since I read the book and I slightly struggled to remember their names. That can’t be very good.

Overall, this story did makes me interested to read other “boyfriend’s-gone-off-to-fight-the-war” type books, but I don’t think this is a best of examples on the possibilities of what could be delivered. Okay read that didn’t wow me or leave a lasting impression really… ...more

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Jan 11, 2012 ~Tina~ rated it really liked it

Shelves: cover-crazz, young-adult, contemporary, read-2012, kobo-own

While He Was Away is a story about going through the motions of being an army-girlfriend and all the hopes and sorrow that comes with it.

Beautifully and powerfully portrayed, David and Penna's story really hit something deep within me. I was surprised how invested I was with these characters since David wasn't physically present throughout the story, but Karen Schreck did a great job of connecting us with him and what he's going through on the other side. All those little moments during the phon ...more

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May 03, 2012 Amy rated it liked it

Have you ever forced yourself to read a book, hoping that it will get better?

Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. In the case of Karen Schreck's While He Was Away, it just didn't get better. At least not for me.

I really struggled to get into this book. I tried to care about Penna and David, she an 18-year-old on the cusp of her senior year of high school and he a high school graduate fresh out of boot camp and headed to Iraq. But you know it's bad when you hope the hero gets injured during ...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Kristen marked it as not-for-me

Shelves: young-adult, no-steam, unhappy-ending

Not for me due to the unhappy ending. I'm a Happily-Ever-After type of girl.

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May 14, 2013 Taylor Poe rated it liked it

The books plot is mainly about a girl named Penna. Penna is 18 years old and she she has a boyfriend named David. David is also 18 years old. David and Penna are really close then David joins the army and has to be deployed to Iraq. Penna was heart broken the day that she and Davids family saw him off at the airport. For the longest time she didn't know what to do with herself. One day her and her mother went up into the attic and Penna found an old photograph of her grandmother Justine, so whi ...more

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Jan 19, 2016 Paige Bookdragon marked it as to-read

Shelves: dying-to-have

I normally wouldn't read this kind of book (because llama drama) but Jeff is leaving for California, I'm alone and sad and I can fucking relate to the heroine.

description

Good thing he is just going to be chef there instead of joining any war. ...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Evie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sourcebooks-fire, contemporary, raincoast-books, very-enjoyable, ya, arc, pure-awesomeness, 2012-arcs, made-me-cry, thought-provoking

***Originally posted to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and news! ^___^

When I first heard about this book, I was hesitant to pick it up. Mainly because of its premise. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read a novel about teenage sweethearts separated by war. I admit, I was afraid that it would be either cheesy or over-dramatic, and I definitely didn't need another Hurt Locker. But then the reviews started pouring in, and they were all so gushy ***Originally posted to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and news! ^___^

When I first heard about this book, I was hesitant to pick it up. Mainly because of its premise. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read a novel about teenage sweethearts separated by war. I admit, I was afraid that it would be either cheesy or over-dramatic, and I definitely didn't need another Hurt Locker. But then the reviews started pouring in, and they were all so gushy and enthusiastic, I knew I had to give this book a chance. And guys, I am so happy that I did! This book proved to be nothing short of brilliant. Absolutely and utterly amazing! Everything, from the poignant narrative voice, to the convincing characters and engaging plot, is excellent. It took me less than a day to devour it, and every moment I spent reading it was filled with emotions. In tender and almost poetic prose, Schreck captures not only the sweetness, anticipation and hopefulness of young love, but also angst, uncertainty and pain that comes from long-term separation. And she does it in a way that really pulls on your heart strings.

The premise of this book is very simple. A boy, a girl, first-love, and the war in Iraq. David signed up for the military service before Penna moved to Killdeer, but even if he could change his mind later, he probably wouldn't. It's something he wants/needs to do - for himself, for his family, for the country. He's scared, but also proud. He's a good kid, and although Penna's far from happy to see him go, she understands how much it means to him. And she promised him she'll wait for him as long as it takes. They will write letters and frequently call each other, and she will support him all the way through it. But that's the thing about life... Things don't always go as planned. Stuff happens. People change, bonds weaken, and fear and doubt slowly take over. In the end, the only thing that stays the same is the distance.

I honestly don't know what it is about this novel, but I absolutely adored it. It's a very melancholic and atmospheric read, full of warmth and thoughtfulness. And it's so incredibly authentic, so harrowing and moving.. I couldn't help but to fell under its charm. It is not a silly, cheesy romance, and definitely not a light summer fling. At the same time, though, it's not by any means a heavy or traumatizing story either. It's something in between, with just the perfect amount of happy and sad. It has its darker moments, when our characters go into withdrawal and seem to lose faith, but its overall tone is rather hopeful and positive. I liked how balanced it was, and how it made me feel a whole palette of emotions: from making me laugh, swoon, long, hope, to almost making me cry. Few books have ever given me so many feelings.

The characters.. oh, the characters! At times they are disturbingly real. There were moments when I felt like I was reading my own diary (and I know how weird it sounds, considering my husband never went to war). It's just that Penna's narrative voice was so authentic, vibrant and moving.. it really spoke to me! I was totally immersed in the story, to the point of losing track of time, skipping meals and - at times - forgetting to blink! I was mesmerized and spellbound, and I couldn't help but to sympathize with both Penna and David. I loved the chemistry between them. Their love was strong, beautiful and gentle, and it seemed more mature than what you usually see in YA. And let's not forget about Ravi, either! Ravi was another fascinating character, and one that really stood out to me. Sweet, charming, thoughtful and shy, he bounded with Penna and became her support system and a trusted friend. I can't put my finger on what it was exactly that made me like him so much, but I couldn't help it, I trusted him.

Overall, While He Was Away was a fantastic read, and one executed with utter skill and believability. It's a novel that takes two teenagers and a seemingly mundane premise, and turns it into a piece of fiction that is just as enthralling as it is touching, and just as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. ...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Justin rated it really liked it

While He Was Away ended up being much more than I had first anticipated. I knew it was going to be a story about a couple being separated due to the guy going off to war. But I wasn't quite expecting the other things I found within this book. I was really impressed that Karen put a lot of effort into trying to figure out how people that are going through this with the Iraq war are impacted. I've never dealt with having a love one at war, nor can I imagine how it must feel. But from reading this While He Was Away ended up being much more than I had first anticipated. I knew it was going to be a story about a couple being separated due to the guy going off to war. But I wasn't quite expecting the other things I found within this book. I was really impressed that Karen put a lot of effort into trying to figure out how people that are going through this with the Iraq war are impacted. I've never dealt with having a love one at war, nor can I imagine how it must feel. But from reading this book, I really felt like everything portrayed in it was believable.

The story is heart wrenching. It's sad enough seeing everything Penna goes through while David is away. There is so much to the story though. It's a story about the importance of family, and the things you can learn if you just take the time to ask. It's about how you can overcome loss and cherish the moments you have with the people you care about. It's just a beautiful story, while the main plot line revolves around Penna and David there is so much more that makes it even more powerful of a story than it would be just with that plot line.

I loved these characters. There is absolutely nothing about any of the characters in While He Was Away that I disliked. They are all extremely real and believable. With a story such as this, that is something you want to see. You really feel the sadness, happiness, and everything else that the characters feel while you're reading this book. Penna and David's relationship is put to a test, but you really find yourself pulling for them to make it through the things they're going through. And then you have Penna and David's friends that are there for her and try and do everything they can to keep her strong. Things get interesting once you learn more about Penna's family though, there are several characters I won't talk about but they have a huge impact on the story and really help make this story amazing.

I found the ending to be somewhat disappointing. This always tends to happen to me when I am really enjoying a story. I just really would of liked to have found out more of what happened with Penna, David and her family. There was closure, but I always feel like things could be explained a little better. I know that is a difficult thing to do with contemporary, especially since most of the times I run into this issue it's in a contemporary novel. I do think Karen did a good job wrapping things up. I think my disappointment simply comes from me trying to grasp for more, not that is was a bad ending.

While He Was Away is a great read. It has a powerful story that can really play with your emotions. Karen did an amazing job writing this novel, and as I mentioned above I love the fact that she went through so much effort to make this book feel real to readers. I really think she accomplished that, I know I felt it. I hope you all will check this book out whenever you get a chance. It's well worth it. ...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Reut rated it it was ok

Originally reviewed on reutreads, a young adult book blog.

*2.5 stars

You guys, I love learning about new things in my contemporary. It happens in Joan Bauer novels, it happens in John Green books, it happens in Ally Carter books, and it is awesome. Whether those things are shoes or stocks or spies, I love learning in books. Which is part of the reasons why I like this whole Marine/Army sub-genre I see starting in YA. So now we have a book like While He Was Away.

Guys, I'm sad to say this, but this ...more

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May 23, 2012 Lianna rated it did not like it

1 and 1/2 stars.

This book didn't keep my interest and it just ended on a cliffhanger type of note. It was so slow and just a bore. I feel like I'm forgetting what even happened in this book as I type this.

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May 10, 2012 Angel rated it did not like it

Shelves: sourcebooks, 2012-release, ya, contemporary

You can find this review and many more at Mermaid Vision Books!

Source: ARC received from publisher

Tell Me More: Whirlwind romances, summer flings, desperate Romeo/Juliet situations--they're the stuff of teenage dreams and wishes. I'd be lying if I said I never wanted any of those things, and most people can attest to the same. There's something about being a teenager that makes one feel as though anything is possible and everything is open to you. Interestingly enough, the tag line for this nove ...more

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May 28, 2012 Majibookshelf Juhina & Farah rated it it was ok

I had hopes that While He Was Away would be an eye opening, emotional experience for me, but unfortunately, it was not that. I understood it was about a girl's boyfriend being drafted and going off to Iraq, and the struggles she will be facing once he was gone. However, throughout the whole book I did not feel any emotional connection towards Penna. I felt like there were too many things going on in the book. Unnecessary things that do not have any relation to the main plot of the book but were I had hopes that While He Was Away would be an eye opening, emotional experience for me, but unfortunately, it was not that. I understood it was about a girl's boyfriend being drafted and going off to Iraq, and the struggles she will be facing once he was gone. However, throughout the whole book I did not feel any emotional connection towards Penna. I felt like there were too many things going on in the book. Unnecessary things that do not have any relation to the main plot of the book but were added to just increase the page count. Penna needing so much to look for her long lost grandmother all of a sudden raised a lot of question marks for me. Her weird relationship with her mother and blaming her for everything just ticked me off. I felt like she was the most ungrateful child ever! Even though her mother sacrificed SO MUCH for her, she still treated her like dirt and that totally rubbed me the wrong way.
Then we've got her relationship with David's fallen out best friend Ravi. After David left to Iraq, Penna had only a handful of encounters with him but somehow the idea of more kept on wedging in to the plot. I was just so confused on WHY would Penna even need to assure herself multiple times that he is just David's friend. Even though all they ever did was exchange a few awkward conversations. Yes, the plot could have gone in that direction, but with barely anything happening and for her to feel that way was just absurd.
To be honest, what really made me so disconnected with all the characters was a scene that happened with David and Penna. They went on a website to play this game where the target was an arabic guy, and the point of the game was to shoot red paintballs so they will splatter all over him (as if he is bleeding). While Penna was hesitant, David told her "Think of 9/11, he totally deserves this". Now THAT was so unbelievably offensive towards me and such an unbelievable generalization that I was stunned for a minute or two. I am muslim and arabic and like the rest of the world, I was horrified by what happened on 9/11. I really hate how as soon as people hear arabs and muslims nowadays they associate it with the act of terrorism. Which is why it hurt a little to read about that incident and I just lost all connection with these characters, which was why I just couldn't get into the story. I do know the author wanted to portray the reality of how many people think, I respect her for that, but I lost all connection or care for these characters after that.
All in All, While He Was Away held promise, however the main plot was not strong enough and the addition of many secondary plots somehow ruined the overall experience of the book. I hoped for more emotional, soul searching type of book, but that was not what I got. However, as always, if the book seems interesting, pick it up! you might enjoy it way more than I did. ...more

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May 08, 2012 heather - NightlyReading rated it really liked it

This book brought on many different emotions. Sadness, pride, love, fear, just to name a few.

Sadness

I felt sad for Penna. She was losing the one person who kept her stable. The one person that she felt that she could count on. He was leaving and it was very scary for her not knowing when she would see him again.

Pride

David was sure that he wanted to serve in the military. He had described it “as the right thing to do.” I was very proud that a young man made such an important decision and still fe ...more

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May 16, 2012 GW rated it it was ok

So confused - uh, was that an ending? Not gonna lie, I didn't feel like that was an ending. It didn't conclude for me... I felt like I was left on a cliffhanger - even though this is a stand alone book (?) I guess it's one of those books where you don't really find out what happens in the end? Greeeaat!

Anyways, I did like it. But I felt so frustrated at times because this is a story about Peena and what happens when her boyfriend's away at war. The ending didn't help me out at all, and (view spo ...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Bips rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, romance, loved-it, had-me-in-tears, tbr-challenge, chick-lit, contemporary-romance

I loved this story. From the moment I started reading it, it sucked me right in. I don't usually like books like these and I have no idea what attracted me to read this one, but I just loved it. I sobbed almost through the whole story.

I loved the cover. The cover pretty much perfectly captures this couple and the emotions they are going through.

I loved David, though we have seen very little of him in this book, I really liked him.
Penna is portrayed as such a strong character, I loved her almost ...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Zemira (Kylo Ren fangirl) Warner rated it it was ok

Shelves: contemporary, youve-got-to-be-kidding-me, realistic, yawn, how-rude

I knew I shouldn't read this book. I knew it!

This book definitely isn't for those who want things to happen. LOL I know,this sounds weird,but nothing was happening. That's why it took me a couple of days to finish it. I felt bad for Penna and I feel bad for the real women who are waiting for their boyfriends/husbands/brothers to come back home.

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May 06, 2012 Devyani added it

Shelves: you-are-now-abandoned

to be honest , i was unable to get inside the book . it didn't interest me much and it felt forced for when i picked up my tablet to read it .
and that for me is Not Cool .

Maybe i'll read it some other time , until then this book is not for me .

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Mar 05, 2020 Alecia (The Staircase Reader) rated it it was ok

I just picked up a used copy of While He Was Away by Karen Schreck at my local used book store. It was honestly a cover love pick. I couldn't walk away from this cover, so without reading the blurb or even looking at previous reviews I picked this bad boy up.

I do have to say, this story had promise at the beginning. I'm a sucker for novels that have to do with young love and trying to get through a big change such as enlisting in the military. There are so many hurdles you have to go through to ...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Hannah rated it liked it

Shelves: 2012

I was so, so excited to read While He Was Away - I love the whole idea, and it looked right up my alley. I hate when I'm disappointed by a book I had such high hopes for, but sadly, that's the case with While He Was Away. I wouldn't say it's a bad book, but it didn't live up to my expectations.

While He Was Away turned out to be a little different from what I'd expected. I'm not sure why - maybe because of the last sentence of the description - but I thought it would be about the time when David I was so, so excited to read While He Was Away - I love the whole idea, and it looked right up my alley. I hate when I'm disappointed by a book I had such high hopes for, but sadly, that's the case with While He Was Away. I wouldn't say it's a bad book, but it didn't live up to my expectations.

While He Was Away turned out to be a little different from what I'd expected. I'm not sure why - maybe because of the last sentence of the description - but I thought it would be about the time when David comes back, about how war changed him, that kind of thing. Rereading the description, I know that's my fault, since it's clear it's actually about how David leaves and what happens immediately after he leaves, but still, I ended up a little disappointed, seeing how little the "war changed him" aspect is addressed.

But first, the postive: Family turns out to play a much more important part in the story than you could tell from the description, and I really liked that aspect. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's some family drama that relates to Penna's current situation. I liked reading about Penna's grandmother and her struggle with Alzheimer's, as well as how her family's past influences Penna now. That was probably my favorite part of the novel.

What I didn't like, though, are the characters. I started out disliking Penna because she's so dependent on her boyfriend. I know, it's got to be hard, knowing her boyfriend is in danger, but how much of her life revolves around him still bugged me. Even before David leaves for Iraq, at which point it would be understandable, David is the most important thing in her life - she has no real girlfriends, and she does art but that isn't mentioned all that much early on. It just bugged me how dependent Penna is on David, how he's more important than taking care of herself. Later on, as Penna becomes stronger and more independent, I liked her better, but I still don't feel like she's a great character - I never felt like I really got to know her. It seemed like the reader couldn't go beneath the surface to really understand who Penna is.

The secondary characters are okay. I liked reading about Ravi and wish he'd played a more important role. The two girls Penna befriends, Caitlyn and Julie, are kind of bland, and I don't think the reader gets to know enough of their personalities.

Then there's the relationship between David and Penna. I wanted to like this part, I really did. But I just couldn't feel their relationship. I wanted to get to know David, even though he's not here, and I wanted to feel his absence and what it means for Penna, but I didn't. I would have liked some more flashbacks, some more scenes to show how Penna and David used to be, because the way it is, I never felt the chemistry between the two. That made it hard for me to feel for Penna missing David.

One thing I did like is what we find out about Iraq. I don't know much about the subject, so it was interesting to hear from David what it's like, serving in Iraq. I liked reading about life as a soldier, and especially about the orphanage and how that ties into the story.

I didn't care for the characters or the romance, so that made it hard for me to get into this book. It didn't make me feel all the things I was hoping it would. Still, While He Was Away isn't a bad book - I might have just had too high expectations, since this was one of my most-anticipated 2012-releases. I don't want to discourage you from reading this book - it just didn't make me, personally, feel as much as I had hoped it would. It's not a bad book, but it won't be going on my favorites-shelf, like I had thought it would when I first heard about it.

Reviewed at http://www.paperbacktreasures.blogspo... ...more

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Apr 12, 2012 eileen rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary

Check out more of my reviews at my blog, ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

While He Was Away is a perfect read for those who are or were army girlfriends or boyfriends. It's a sweet story that portrays how a couple in love and what happens when they're forced apart. From the synopsis, I thought it would be an extremely heart-wrenching story that was extremely emotional, and while I'm sure many people thought that, I didn't really get that opinion from the story. I think it was because, as st Check out more of my reviews at my blog, ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***!

While He Was Away is a perfect read for those who are or were army girlfriends or boyfriends. It's a sweet story that portrays how a couple in love and what happens when they're forced apart. From the synopsis, I thought it would be an extremely heart-wrenching story that was extremely emotional, and while I'm sure many people thought that, I didn't really get that opinion from the story. I think it was because, as stupid as this sounds, I was so distracted by the cover. I really don't like the girl model for some reason. I was irked by it, and I imagined Penna to look like that girl, but I didn't like the fact that I envisioned that as her, especially when I couldn't remember any description of what she really looked like.

However, despite my very petty complaint about the cover, I also felt like the romance wasn't too developed. We went into the novel very quickly and I had no time to see Penna and David's feelings for each other be proven, so really, in the end, it was just as if we had to assume there was a romance, which kind of threw me off at first because I couldn't really believe any of their actions, but I slowly grew to just assume they really had that unbreakable bond with each other and really cared for each other and would go to the ends of the Earth for each other. That was a really insignificant issue with the novel, since it didn't affect my reading too much, but if anybody really loves to feel the romance in a book, I wouldn't recommend While He Was Away to them because it might not be a very easy read.

While David was serving in the military, Penna was able to get many new friends. She felt her heart was shattered and spent most of her days just wasting away on her computer waiting for an email, willing to have some contact with the boy she's temporary lost. However, her mother (who she calls by her first name) convinces Penna to work at their family restaurant to help take her mind off David, and she agrees. Penna meets many new friends from working at the restaurant, and I feel like she slowly healed from the wounds that were inflicted when David left her.

Although While He Was Away didn't have any romance, I was still hooked. I felt like Penna's story was really something and it was super emotional and inspirational. This is unlike other contemporaries, where it either deals with romance or bullying or death. It's about having found true love, and for it to be ripped away from you for an indefinite amount of time. You have no idea what's going to happen to them, you have no idea if there's going to be a happy ending, and you can't help but wish for a happy ending no matter what.

In the end, While He Was Away was an emotional read that explored the uncharted waters of what it was like to have a loved one ripped away indefinitely without the promise of return. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of the book, and I felt like I really wanted to know what would happen, and I could envision what Penna was doing, although I didn't feel too affected by the romance that there claimed to be between Penna and David. I'd definitely recommend this to people who are looking for a sweet contemporary read that's also really emotional.

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Mar 22, 2012 Mitchii rated it it was ok

Shelves: young-adult, 2012-reads, romance, drama, realistic-fiction

2.5/5

I tried to like this book. But in the end, we didn’t get along.

I don’t have a huge expectations with While He Was Away, I just wanted a light read, maybe some drama, or romance. So I decide to read this one last night. But for something that is short, I noticed that it was taking me a while to get there. Until I realized I will never get to my desired endpoint. The reality is the book and I have different destination.

I ‘get’ the story but I failed to connect to everything there was to conne 2.5/5

I tried to like this book. But in the end, we didn’t get along.

I don’t have a huge expectations with While He Was Away, I just wanted a light read, maybe some drama, or romance. So I decide to read this one last night. But for something that is short, I noticed that it was taking me a while to get there. Until I realized I will never get to my desired endpoint. The reality is the book and I have different destination.

I ‘get’ the story but I failed to connect to everything there was to connect. The story? the characters? the romance? Nothing, as in nada, zilch, zero. And it wasn’t that it was terrible because definitely it was not. The book was so plain to me. This is a story of two lovers who were separated, I was kinda assumed that it will give me something in an emotional level but the plainness of the story left me detached.

Just like what the title implied, the story is about Penna while her boyfriend was away. David enlisted himself to military and was sent off to Middle East to do his duty. Penna left with her missing him and was struggling to keep their communication intact. But it was getting harder as time went by. Penna also tried to know more about Justine, who also had the same experience as her.

There are a lot of characters in this book; I don’t know which ones are which. There’s David her boyfriend. Linda who I assumed was her mother (I don’t understand why she called her by her first name, but admittedly I sort of skimmed a few pages so I might miss that detail). Ravi, David’s friend who has problem of his own, about his future, him going back to school, work and family related (which I originally thought will end falling in love with Penna . Since one of David’s email to her has a slight indication of jealousy? and wanted to know how they interacted). Then there are Jules Caitlin, Zach, Tom, Justine and maybe some more. For me it’s a lot to take in. I felt that the book was trying to send me some message here, that perhaps each one of them represents something important with the story—to Penna. I just don’t know what it was. If there were really was. Only when I read some tips at the end of the book that having friends (who understand your situation) to keep you company is essential.

Now that I mentioned about the tips. That’s the only interesting thing I find in the book. Penna and how she dealt with the separation was little impassive to me that I didn’t feel the weight of her feelings—for him and her constant thoughts of his safety. I don’t think I have to experience it just to have an emotional connection, there are books that led me to tears and I haven’t experience the actual thing.

The ending will leave you confused and hanging. I felt there’s room for more but at the same time I’m grateful because I’m tired, and not in the mood to go on because like I said we have different goals. Maybe readers like Penna (army girlfriend) will like this more than I did. Let me repeat it: it wasn’t a bad book; I apologize for throwing some cliché here but let’s just say we’re just too different. ;) ...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Brenna rated it really liked it

Shelves: e-galley, sourcebooks

While He Was Away had such a description that instantly stood out to me, and I knew it was one I would want to read once it came out. But I was utterly taken back when I was reading it, because it was so much more moving and striking than I ever thought it would be.

Reasons to Read:

1.A sympathetic story:

I've never been in either David or Penna's position, so I can't speak for a minute to what they went through as he left for Iraq. I have no idea what that would be like for a couple, but I have t While He Was Away had such a description that instantly stood out to me, and I knew it was one I would want to read once it came out. But I was utterly taken back when I was reading it, because it was so much more moving and striking than I ever thought it would be.

Reasons to Read:

1.A sympathetic story:

I've never been in either David or Penna's position, so I can't speak for a minute to what they went through as he left for Iraq. I have no idea what that would be like for a couple, but I have to tell you how much my heart bled for the two of them; it was absolute agony as Karen expertly wove her story of David and Penna and their transition to this change. But it was worth it. As Penna questioned the war her boyfriend was fighting in, the nature of love and so much more, I found myself asking the same things along with her.

2.A coming of age story:

I really liked that David and Penna were just a bit older than most other YA characters (the story takes place the summer before Penna's senior year begins and just after David has graduated) so they're adults technically, but still very young ones. Penna's struggles with her mother and trying to be supportive for David are perfect indicators of the stage she's at in her own life. I think there's something very endearing about that.

3.A REAL romance story:

David and Penna don't live in a fairytale, they live in the real world with very real problems. Their story is one that many couples go through, but isn't as shared as often as it should be. And it's truly heartbreaking to watch it all unfold as you read their story in While He Was Away. All you want is for them to be together, and the aching they feel for each other is so fierce it just radiates off the pages. Yet they are so sweet and caring towards each other, it made my heart melt a little bit for them. THIS is a book couple to root for, and they need that support.

My one, tiny, minuscule complaint was that there were times when the plot itself moved along rather slowly. Not too much would be happening, because most of the story revolves around Penna's internal dialogue and personal transformation. Because of that, the story didn't feel as fully fleshed out and revealed as it could have been, which is why I'm hoping to read more about David and Penna to see where they end up (especially with that ending). Just throwing it out there, but I think it would be great to hear some more of their story from David's perspective because I imagine it would be drastically different from Penna's point of view!

It's also kind of neat to see the other stories going on as Penna explores life without David, and the other people around her. There's a lot to be told with those stories as well, although I wish a bit more background had been given.

This is truly an impeccable story of growing up, and the changes which occur within individuals and in their relationships with those around them. It keeps tugging at your heart, and it just doesn't let go.

E-galley received from publisher for blog tour via Net Galley. ...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Kassiah rated it liked it

Shelves: ya, ft-high-school, pub-2012

I've been flip-flopping on exactly what to say about this book since I read it. There are parts that I absolutely loved. And there are parts (like the end)--not so much.

I loved the cover. A lot of times, the cover doesn't match the book or what I think the couple looks like. This isn't the case with this book. The cover pretty much perfectly captures this couple and the emotions they are going through.

I felt like the Summary was a little misleading though: She knows in her heart he will come hom ...more

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Dec 17, 2012 04TrishB rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-review

Whirlwind romances, summer flings, desperate Romeo/Juliet situations–they’re the stuff of teenage dreams and wishes. I’d be lying if I said I never wanted any of those things, and most people can attest to the same. There’s something about being a teenager that makes one feel as though anything is possible and everything is open to you. Interestingly enough, the tag line for this novel is in that same optimistic vein: “Love can conquer any distance…right?” But While He Was Away suffers from much Whirlwind romances, summer flings, desperate Romeo/Juliet situations–they’re the stuff of teenage dreams and wishes. I’d be lying if I said I never wanted any of those things, and most people can attest to the same. There’s something about being a teenager that makes one feel as though anything is possible and everything is open to you. Interestingly enough, the tag line for this novel is in that same optimistic vein: “Love can conquer any distance…right?” But While He Was Away suffers from much more than just distance between the two characters, and doesn’t manage to raise itself from those depths in time for the ending.

I’ve spoken to former soldiers and learned about the military experience from ex-Navy SEALS and their families. I’ve read excellent Harlequins with military characters. So to a point, I can certainly agree that Karen Schreck’s narrative rings true regarding the difficulties of living an army/navy life. I just could not get past the sheer immaturity of the characters. Penna is particularly grating–she is barely developed enough to be more than just David’s girlfriend, and yet the story relies on her narration. Because she is so underdeveloped, there is very little to like about her (try as one might) and worse for the story, there is very little to care about. Penna’s experiences as an Army Girlfriend (emphasis mine) had the potential to be compelling and powerful, and it was disappointing to see them reduced to scenes that had little to no emotional power.

Beyond these problems with the story, I would have still recommended it to beginning YA readers, but there was one scene that bothered me enough to change my initial rating from a 2 to 1 star. Penna and David go on a website where they can “shoot” an Iraqi artist with paintballs. The simulation bothers Penna enough to have her hesitating, but David encourages her.

“Holy crap,” David said. He laughed nervously. He said it was my turn. “Come on,” David said. “Just think about 9/11. Shoot him.”
The artist was bent over, collecting the messy shreds of newspaper when I took my shot. I aimed off to the side, but even when the paintball just burst bloodily against the floor, I practically hyperventilated.
“I don’t like this,” I said.
David stuttered around for a little bit—9/11 this, 9/11 that. Finally he said he didn’t really like this either. Not really. The guy reminded him too much of Ravi. David rolled his eyes then. “Total stereotyping, right? Seen one, you seen ’em all. God. I sound like my worst enemy.” We left that site then and went somewhere else where we shot droids, not humans.”

I understand that this may have been Schreck illustrating the stereotype, but the scene still made me angry enough to stop reading the book for a few days. My best friend is Muslim, and I dislike anything that insinuates, in any way, that people from any race are interchangeable, that they are all to blame for one evil act. I cannot stomach that ignorance, and it makes me angry that Schreck thought this would be the best way to illustrate her point.
...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Juhina rated it it was ok

Shelves: raincoast, ebook, netgalley, for-review, disappointment

I had hopes that While He Was Away would be an eye opening, emotional experience for me, but unfortunately, it was not that. I understood it was about a girl's boyfriend being drafted and going off to Iraq, and the struggles she will be facing once he was gone. However, throughout the whole book I did not feel any emotional connection towards Penna. I felt like there were too many things going on in the book. Unnecessary things that do not have any relation to the main plot of the book but were I had hopes that While He Was Away would be an eye opening, emotional experience for me, but unfortunately, it was not that. I understood it was about a girl's boyfriend being drafted and going off to Iraq, and the struggles she will be facing once he was gone. However, throughout the whole book I did not feel any emotional connection towards Penna. I felt like there were too many things going on in the book. Unnecessary things that do not have any relation to the main plot of the book but were added to just increase the page count. Penna needing so much to look for her long lost grandmother all of a sudden raised a lot of question marks for me. Her weird relationship with her mother and blaming her for everything just ticked me off. I felt like she was the most ungrateful child ever! Even though her mother sacrificed SO MUCH for her, she still treated her like dirt and that totally rubbed me the wrong way.

Then we've got her relationship with David's fallen out best friend Ravi. After David left to Iraq, Penna had only a handful of encounters with him but somehow the idea of more kept on wedging in to the plot. I was just so confused on WHY would Penna even need to assure herself multiple times that he is just David's friend. Even though all they ever did was exchange a few awkward conversations. Yes, the plot could have gone in that direction, but with barely anything happening and for her to feel that way was just absurd.

To be honest, what really made me so disconnected with all the characters was a scene that happened with David and Penna. They went on a website to play this game where the target was an arabic guy, and the point of the game was to shoot red paintballs so they will splatter all over him (as if he is bleeding). While Penna was hesitant, David told her "Think of 9/11, he totally deserves this". Now THAT was so unbelievably offensive towards me and such an unbelievable generalization that I was stunned for a minute or two. I am muslim and arabic and like the rest of the world, I was horrified by what happened on 9/11. I really hate how as soon as people hear arabs and muslims nowadays they associate it with the act of terrorism. Which is why it hurt a little to read about that incident and I just lost all connection with these characters, which was why I just couldn't get into the story. I do know the author wanted to portray the reality of how many people think, I respect her for that, but I lost all connection or care for these characters after that.

All in All, While He Was Away held promise, however the main plot was not strong enough and the addition of many secondary plots somehow ruined the overall experience of the book. I hoped for more emotional, soul searching type of book, but that was not what I got. However, as always, if the book seems interesting, pick it up! you might enjoy it way more than I did. ...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Emily rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

Review originally posted at Doodle's Book Blog

My reason for picking up While He Was Away is simple: two teenage sweethearts separated by war and distance. I've made it my goal this year to read all of the YA military related books that are being released. Why? Because my brother has been deployed three times and I know what I go through when he leaves. While He Was Away didn't go exactly as I thought it would, but it held my attention and took me along for a ride I'll never forget.

David and Penn ...more

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May 23, 2012 Maddy rated it it was ok

Shelves: american-humanities

Penna Weaver’s boyfriend, David, is leaving for Iraq for a year. Sure, long distance relationships are tough. But they were gonna make it work. They were gonna write, call, email, they won’t let anything come between them, right? It’s only a year. David was going away to fight and protect his country, he was putting his life before everything. But a lot can change in a year. Penna could change. David could change. What if David was never to return home? Penna has to learn to deal with these que ...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Ilene rated it it was ok

Shelves: cliffhanger, stand-alone

The cover is beautiful...that is about ALL the nice things I have to say about the book.

I need a HEA BUT the very least I need some type of completion. Even if its sad, I may not like it but something is better then nothing. This story had so much potential with Daniel and Penna. But then all the other characters. The story was way more about Justine. I get the symbolism/parallels between Owen & Justine to Daniel & Penna's relationships.

To me thus book was a cliffdangler, yes that's right not ...more

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