Dive: The Life and Fight of Reba Tutt

by Hannah Safren

Based on Reba Tutt’s heart-wrenching life and fight, “Dive” details the painful but empowering process of healing. A March court date, dissecting the murder of Reba’s older sister Ari, fuels an array of painful flashbacks and unstitches nearly eight years of healing. With just two months before graduation, Reba finds herself consumed by the past, lost in the present and hesitant for the future. With the support of Pittsburgh basketball player and long-time boyfriend Ronald Ramon, the guidance of her father, and the need to keep her final promise to her mother, Reba learns what it means to accept and persevere through life’s many tragedies. “Dive” details the empowering story of one female athlete’s incredible discovery of what it means to truly feel alive. Released Apr 12.By Hannah Safren

147 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2013

About the author

In 2013, Hannah Safren published her first book Dive under Write Bloody Publishing before pursuing construction sales at Polyglass, USA, where she still works today as a member of the commercial roofing team.
She resides in Surf City, a small beach town on the coast of North Carolina, with her wife, their daughter, June and son, Jett. They love being outside, so that’s where they spend much of their time. They hike, they kayak, they skip rocks off the dock, and they travel. Two of them drink good whiskey and none of them really sleep much thanks to the other two.
In Safren’s rare moments of silence, she enjoys writing at Diver Surfside Café, a modern coffee shop by her home that overlooks the intracoastal waterway. She dabbles in poetry, short stories, and occasionally she throws enough words together to call it a novel.
Mabel and Everything After is her debut novel with Bella Books.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dive: The Life and Fight of Reba Tutt, by Hannah Safren, is a quick read based on a real life story. Reba's older sister Ari was murdered eight years ago and the trial is just now happening - again - leading to a lot of buried feelings being brought to the surface. Reba is graduating soon and we see how being involved in sports has helped her overcome her past, as well as journaling and leaning on those around her, I felt it jumped around a little bit and could have been longer in order to explain some things better, but overall a good novel for a debut.

[Beth Pond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through Net Galley.

Actual rating 3.5 stars.

When her sister's killer goes on trial for the second time, Reba Tutt's world starts to unstitch. A talent college softball player, Tutt must deal with the painful memories of her past, losing both her mother and sister, Ari, just months apart when she was a young teen.

Tutt's niece, Anya, who was 5 at the time of Ari's death share a special bond as the two of them both lost a mother. At her sister's funeral, Tutt promised Ari that she'd take care of Anya and she does. Tutt is truly an example of perseverance and courage. Despite her heartache, she keeps going, finding solace in both sport and journal writing.

Tutt's journal entries were one of my favorite parts of the book. While whole manuscript was well-written, the journal entries were so beautifully written and seamlessly woven in with the rest of the narrative. Furthermore, the journals were honest and raw at times, making them both touching and thought-provoking.

This wasn't a must-read page-turner for me, but it was a deep, well-written book.

[Pam Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

See entire review here http://soimfifty.blogspot.com/2013/10/celebrating-teen-read-week-dive-by.html

This was a wonderful non-fiction about overcoming obstacles. I loved how Reba used her sports to relieve her stress and give her something to focus on. It would have been easy for her to just give-up and succumb to her sadness. Even though the story is a bit thin on character and plot development, the journal entries are enough to propel this to a great read for teens. Especially, anyone facing adversity. The message: Life is more than just surviving.

[Peachie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written book that tells the story of a great young lady. I have known both the author and subject for a long time. I'm not sure anyone could have told Reba's story better. Since Hannah's speech at my school a few students have read the book and loved it. One even asked when Hannah is going to write another book. This is definitely a one sitting book because it's so hard to put down.

[Ratri Anugrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you feel your life is hopeless, try to read this book. You'll find a lot of inspirating words from Reba Tutt. I didn't get the klimax actually. The story centered only on Reba because this book is based on her true story. Sometimes I could feel what Reba felt, but not completely.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Safren really gave Reba Tutt a strong voice. Definitely an enjoyable read.