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The Fire Escape
A single decision landed Peter in a mental hospital, but Peter doesn't have a mental disability. The Fire Escape is a young adult novel with twists that will keep you reading with haste. The story is unique, and the characters are relatable.
196 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1815 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 5, 2021
I enjoyed this debut novel by Whitney Johnson. It’s an unusual story and that’s what caught my attention and prompted me to read it in the first place. The book is well written with interesting characters and a well-developed storyline. Peter Doyle has spent the last seven years growing up in a mental facility where his mother works as a nurse. It’s hard to imagine why an apparently loving mother would confine her son in this way, and I was intrigued to find out. The reason was not at all what I expected. The book kept me engaged throughout and I read it in a couple of days, which is always a good sign. I am looking forward to reading more books by this writer.
November 19, 2020
Transparency disclaimer: I know the author and her family. Which means I was lucky enough to get an ARC. But it also means that it was hard for me not to "see" her and her family in the characters. Not that the family, person by person, exists in the pages per se, but it is more that the relationships between, say, daughter and father or mature woman to child remind me of them(because family relationships and kindness take priority and it shows in all the good ways here #familyrelationshipgoals).
In some ways, it was really refreshing to read a story about family. So many books are about self-exploration or the development of self-esteem which, more and more, is getting old. But, I did think, though, that there could have been a bit more development of character.
Whitney is so good at describing the quiet moments, the sunsets, the surroundings that I wished that some of the characters(the main female character, in particular) had received the same treatment... not in terms of looks, but behaviors, personal quirks, hobbies etc. The gardening passages really stood out because a) it did that and b) you could tell that the writer knew this topic intimately.
was clever! It was a nice retreat back to a simple time in my life(when life wasn't all about COVID and evening meant a good night's sleep ;) ).
In some ways, it was really refreshing to read a story about family. So many books are about self-exploration or the development of self-esteem which, more and more, is getting old. But, I did think, though, that there could have been a bit more development of character.
Whitney is so good at describing the quiet moments, the sunsets, the surroundings that I wished that some of the characters(the main female character, in particular) had received the same treatment... not in terms of looks, but behaviors, personal quirks, hobbies etc. The gardening passages really stood out because a) it did that and b) you could tell that the writer knew this topic intimately.
was clever! It was a nice retreat back to a simple time in my life(when life wasn't all about COVID and evening meant a good night's sleep ;) ).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2021
"The Fire Escape" is a poignant story of loss and rescue, regret and healing
Fifteen year old Peter is held prisoner in his own makeshift home until the department of social services intervenes. He is placed in foster care and attends high school for the first time where he meets Jeddie, a girl who longs for a relationship with the mother she has never known. The two teens are paired together for a school project and their burdens of family fueled pain cause them to forge a welcome friendship. Eventually they discover that they have more in common than they ever would've imagined. Both together and apart, they wrestle with the ultimate question. Why?
At times I expected a culprit to be revealed as a true villain, or perhaps a psychopath. But life is not so black and white. One lie, motivated by fear of loss, starts a snowball rolling. Ultimately this was just another broken person making poor decisions that were fueled by despair. In fact, they were not alone in instigating the pain and hurt of years.
As I read this book I felt eager to see what the protagonists would discover as they pieced together the missing parts of their lives. The author did a fantastic job relating the motivations and emotions of the characters. I felt close to them, especially empathizing with each parent, as the story unfolded. Though sometimes emotionally raw, this book is appropriate for youth and will appeal to adults as well.
The story wraps up with a satisfying conclusion as the characters are able to find closure, to partially mend their broken family and take optimistic steps toward healing.
Fifteen year old Peter is held prisoner in his own makeshift home until the department of social services intervenes. He is placed in foster care and attends high school for the first time where he meets Jeddie, a girl who longs for a relationship with the mother she has never known. The two teens are paired together for a school project and their burdens of family fueled pain cause them to forge a welcome friendship. Eventually they discover that they have more in common than they ever would've imagined. Both together and apart, they wrestle with the ultimate question. Why?
At times I expected a culprit to be revealed as a true villain, or perhaps a psychopath. But life is not so black and white. One lie, motivated by fear of loss, starts a snowball rolling. Ultimately this was just another broken person making poor decisions that were fueled by despair. In fact, they were not alone in instigating the pain and hurt of years.
As I read this book I felt eager to see what the protagonists would discover as they pieced together the missing parts of their lives. The author did a fantastic job relating the motivations and emotions of the characters. I felt close to them, especially empathizing with each parent, as the story unfolded. Though sometimes emotionally raw, this book is appropriate for youth and will appeal to adults as well.
The story wraps up with a satisfying conclusion as the characters are able to find closure, to partially mend their broken family and take optimistic steps toward healing.
March 2, 2021
*Received an ARC for an honest review.*
What seems like a story of a boy's simple self-discovery unfolds into the unrevealing of a lie that effected an entire family.
4 out of 5 stars.
It was amazing to see how one lie, one simple act in the night, could cause such a ripple and effect the lives of so many. This story was not just about Peter's life leaving Lakeview. It was the story of discovery and second chances.
If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be real. The characters in this story were as real and as flawed as you and me. Peter felt like someone I knew. He wasn't the stereotypical foster child - bad mood, bad temper, angry at the world - nor was he perfect, oblivious to the problems he had faced and would soon face in the future. Peter was a good kid, but he was not perfect. I understood his motives, his pain, his desire to find answers.
And Jeddie was just the same way. At first I was a little concerned. I thought she had the very strong potential to be a two-dimensional character, who only existed for Peter's character development. But then she opened her mouth, and I saw so much in her. She had ambitions, she loved her father, she had pain in her life. And when the truth started to come out, when the lies of her father began falling apart, her approach to this new truth felt so real. She didn't ignore the faults of her father, nor turn a blind-eye to her mother.
And that's what made this story so beautiful. Not everything worked out perfectly in the end, there were no cakes and rainbows, but there was hope. And sometimes that's all you need.
The Fire Escape was a gem that I didn't realize I needed in my life. Its a story that will continue to live in my heart and I was continue to tell all my friends and family about. The story of Peter and Jeddie - of Lisa and Kent - is a story that I think everyone needs to read at least once in their life.
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the...
What seems like a story of a boy's simple self-discovery unfolds into the unrevealing of a lie that effected an entire family.
4 out of 5 stars.
It was amazing to see how one lie, one simple act in the night, could cause such a ripple and effect the lives of so many. This story was not just about Peter's life leaving Lakeview. It was the story of discovery and second chances.
If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be real. The characters in this story were as real and as flawed as you and me. Peter felt like someone I knew. He wasn't the stereotypical foster child - bad mood, bad temper, angry at the world - nor was he perfect, oblivious to the problems he had faced and would soon face in the future. Peter was a good kid, but he was not perfect. I understood his motives, his pain, his desire to find answers.
And Jeddie was just the same way. At first I was a little concerned. I thought she had the very strong potential to be a two-dimensional character, who only existed for Peter's character development. But then she opened her mouth, and I saw so much in her. She had ambitions, she loved her father, she had pain in her life. And when the truth started to come out, when the lies of her father began falling apart, her approach to this new truth felt so real. She didn't ignore the faults of her father, nor turn a blind-eye to her mother.
And that's what made this story so beautiful. Not everything worked out perfectly in the end, there were no cakes and rainbows, but there was hope. And sometimes that's all you need.
The Fire Escape was a gem that I didn't realize I needed in my life. Its a story that will continue to live in my heart and I was continue to tell all my friends and family about. The story of Peter and Jeddie - of Lisa and Kent - is a story that I think everyone needs to read at least once in their life.
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the...
January 16, 2021
A surprising tale with unique twists
This novel was really unique in its storyline and plot twists. The characters were simple but well developed and I felt an array of conflicting emotions about some of them, which I’m sure the author intended! I felt there was a bit of head-hopping within some scenes which was slightly distracting because I wasn’t sure whose POV I was meant to stay focused on, but the book was engaging and thoughtful right through. The book was touching and intriguing, and a great first novel for this author!
This novel was really unique in its storyline and plot twists. The characters were simple but well developed and I felt an array of conflicting emotions about some of them, which I’m sure the author intended! I felt there was a bit of head-hopping within some scenes which was slightly distracting because I wasn’t sure whose POV I was meant to stay focused on, but the book was engaging and thoughtful right through. The book was touching and intriguing, and a great first novel for this author!
November 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this young adult novel about Peter. Peter is rescued from living a very isolated life with his mother and when he attends high school for the first time he is befriended by a girl named Jeddie.
Throughout the book, the reader learns more about the effects of adult decisions on these two teens. There are twists that I didn’t anticipate. Both teens are very likable and I felt Peter’s fear and apprehension as he is thrust suddenly into a life without his mother.
Thank you Goodreads for this exciting ebook from a new writer.
Throughout the book, the reader learns more about the effects of adult decisions on these two teens. There are twists that I didn’t anticipate. Both teens are very likable and I felt Peter’s fear and apprehension as he is thrust suddenly into a life without his mother.
Thank you Goodreads for this exciting ebook from a new writer.
April 9, 2021
Thank you to the author gifting me a copy of her wonderful story to read. I read this story in one day and at no point was I bored with the plot. Peters story was heartbreaking but Jeddie’s story tugged at me even more. This story really points out how the choices we make as adults can really affect our children.
*** Lisa’s letter to her daughter left me feeling so sad and hopeful at the same time. Definitely a great read.
*** Lisa’s letter to her daughter left me feeling so sad and hopeful at the same time. Definitely a great read.
August 5, 2021
Bad turns better
A story of conflicted parents and two teens getting to know each other. When there is no hope for something you have wanted all your life and it suddenly happens if can throw your life upside down
A story of conflicted parents and two teens getting to know each other. When there is no hope for something you have wanted all your life and it suddenly happens if can throw your life upside down
September 14, 2021
Excellent book with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. How far will a mother go to protect her son? This book shows an extreme example.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
July 1, 2021
Twins
Loved this book. Gave a great story and enough detail to make you curious but I never would have guessed the ending til they started giving hints. Would like the story to have been a little longer so you would see how it progressed!
Loved this book. Gave a great story and enough detail to make you curious but I never would have guessed the ending til they started giving hints. Would like the story to have been a little longer so you would see how it progressed!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews