What do you think?
Rate this book
Thaw
Dane is an ass. A smart, gifted ass. Until Guillain-Barre paralyzes him completely, and though seventy-five percent of GB patients make a full recovery, doctors don’t know when—or if—he’ll regain the use of his body.
235 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2008
6 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 12, 2009
First let me say that my dislike of this book is no reflection on the author’s abilities or skills. In fact, I found her writing style appealing. The story has a fascinating premise, a young man is sent to a rehab hospital in Florida to regain the use of his body after suffering from Guillain-Barre� Syndrome. Her depictions of the syndrome were interesting as were many of her characters, with the exception of one character—our main character Dane.
Dane is an extremely caustic narrator. He is self centered and selfish, and cares for no one but himself. Although he begins to “thaw� throughout the course of the book, I found it difficult reading about this highly intelligent teen with the emotional capacity of a computer. For instance, after one of his ski teammates injures himself in a meet, Dane states that he wishes we humans were like the rest of the animal kingdom and followed Darwin’s survival of the fittest. He says, “Why can’t we just cull out the dead weight so the rest of us can achieve the way we’re meant to?� He later goes on to show that his only interest is in himself and winning when he says “In spite of Forrester’s crap, I think we’ll still win this one.� Dane shows no concern for his injured teammate, and it is ironic that he ends up being the one that becomes dead weight that others have to help to survive.
As Dane struggles to regain the use of his body, he does begin to soften and become a little more considerate, but still for the most part he is obnoxious.
The book is well written, but I found a difficult read because I didn’t like Dane. It will find it s audience, but it definitely isn’t me.
Cautions for sensitive readers: Some sex (although nothing explicit) and foul language are present in this book.
Dane is an extremely caustic narrator. He is self centered and selfish, and cares for no one but himself. Although he begins to “thaw� throughout the course of the book, I found it difficult reading about this highly intelligent teen with the emotional capacity of a computer. For instance, after one of his ski teammates injures himself in a meet, Dane states that he wishes we humans were like the rest of the animal kingdom and followed Darwin’s survival of the fittest. He says, “Why can’t we just cull out the dead weight so the rest of us can achieve the way we’re meant to?� He later goes on to show that his only interest is in himself and winning when he says “In spite of Forrester’s crap, I think we’ll still win this one.� Dane shows no concern for his injured teammate, and it is ironic that he ends up being the one that becomes dead weight that others have to help to survive.
As Dane struggles to regain the use of his body, he does begin to soften and become a little more considerate, but still for the most part he is obnoxious.
The book is well written, but I found a difficult read because I didn’t like Dane. It will find it s audience, but it definitely isn’t me.
Cautions for sensitive readers: Some sex (although nothing explicit) and foul language are present in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
not too many boring parts, entertaining
Read
May 2, 2019Dnf around halfway through, the majn character was so unbearably unlikeable I couldn’t continue. I don’t normally mind flawed protagonists, like I saw the good in Bella Swan and many other flawed protagonists, but this one was especially awful. Anyone who defends a rapist is a no go in my book, sorry if he miraculously turns around I’m not gonna be there to see it!
March 3, 2009
This one was surprisingly good. I almost finished it in one sitting.
Dane lives in northern New York and loves to ski. Unfortunately, his family has sent him to one of the country's best neurological rehab facilities in Florida to recover from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a paralyzing disease. Dane knows from his doctors that there is a 75 percent chance that he will recover so he refuses help convinced he can recover on his own. But his physical recovery is slow and painful--things like turning pages in a book are impossible at first but Dane starts to improve. But Dane realizes after a while that he may not fully recover--what if he is in the 25 percent who don't make a full recovery?
Dane is not a likeable character--at least not at first--he becomes more likeable after you meet his family and understand why Dane is the way he is. They did after all ship him to Florida so that they wouldn't have to make weekend trips back and forth to see him--in fact, the one time they do stop to see him in Florida is as part of their vacation. Dane's brother really likes Dane but his parents, especially his father, exist in their own little perfect world where Dane in his current condition just doesn't fit. So, it's not hard to see how Dane came to exist by pushing other people away and spouting off ideas like "survival of the fittest." He won't even name his turtle because that's getting to attached--too personal. The way he treats his girlfriend as a relationship of convenience doesn't sit well either.
It isn't until he gets to Florida (and away from his family) and meets his therapists Joel and Anya that Dane starts to allow himself to feel and act like a normal human being with emotions (which was a hard transition). He comes to realize that it is okay not to be perfect even if his dad can't understand why his son can't stand up alone (and berates him for it on his one visit). By the end of the book, Dane is actually quite a likeable guy who realizes his past mistakes and is willing to go back and try to fix them.
I learned a lot about Guillan-Barre Syndrome from this book. It is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the nervous system causing weakness or tingling in the limbs and even paralysis in extreme cases. Most GBS patients do make a full recovery but it is unknown exactly what causes GBS.
Dane lives in northern New York and loves to ski. Unfortunately, his family has sent him to one of the country's best neurological rehab facilities in Florida to recover from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a paralyzing disease. Dane knows from his doctors that there is a 75 percent chance that he will recover so he refuses help convinced he can recover on his own. But his physical recovery is slow and painful--things like turning pages in a book are impossible at first but Dane starts to improve. But Dane realizes after a while that he may not fully recover--what if he is in the 25 percent who don't make a full recovery?
Dane is not a likeable character--at least not at first--he becomes more likeable after you meet his family and understand why Dane is the way he is. They did after all ship him to Florida so that they wouldn't have to make weekend trips back and forth to see him--in fact, the one time they do stop to see him in Florida is as part of their vacation. Dane's brother really likes Dane but his parents, especially his father, exist in their own little perfect world where Dane in his current condition just doesn't fit. So, it's not hard to see how Dane came to exist by pushing other people away and spouting off ideas like "survival of the fittest." He won't even name his turtle because that's getting to attached--too personal. The way he treats his girlfriend as a relationship of convenience doesn't sit well either.
It isn't until he gets to Florida (and away from his family) and meets his therapists Joel and Anya that Dane starts to allow himself to feel and act like a normal human being with emotions (which was a hard transition). He comes to realize that it is okay not to be perfect even if his dad can't understand why his son can't stand up alone (and berates him for it on his one visit). By the end of the book, Dane is actually quite a likeable guy who realizes his past mistakes and is willing to go back and try to fix them.
I learned a lot about Guillan-Barre Syndrome from this book. It is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the nervous system causing weakness or tingling in the limbs and even paralysis in extreme cases. Most GBS patients do make a full recovery but it is unknown exactly what causes GBS.
December 15, 2008
Roe, Monica M. 2008. Thaw.
Our narrator, Dane Rafferty, is a dumb boy. And that's not an exaggeration. He's a boy that really and truly doesn't get it. Doesn't get what it means to be considerate, be nice, be respectful, be humane, be compassionate. Stubborn. Angry. Self-centered. Frustrated.
Dane, when we first meet, him is helpless. Stricken with a disease--Guillain-Barre Syndrome--Dane is paralyzed. The good news, 75% of patients with GBS recover and gain back use of their bodies. Dane is past the worst--he's now able to breathe on his own. But the rest--control of his body from simple things like turning one's head, moving his arms, hands, fingers, sitting up, standing, walking, etc.--is all beyond him. For Dane, an active teen guy--a skier to be exact--this disease has crippled him mentally and emotionally.
The narrative is fractured, told in two parts--then and now. The now is March through May; the then is February. In just a few months, his life has changed--everything has changed. We meet his parents, his girlfriend, his friends through these passages. And what we see is not pretty. Dane is a jerk--pure and simple. But we are also seeing Dane in the present. We understand--or I suppose that should be I understood--why he was bitter and angry and cold. Why he put up such a defensive stand. He's angry at himself. Angry at his body. Frustrated with everybody including himself. He doesn't know how to trust. He doesn't know how to be patient. He doesn't know how to accept help.
The book is well-written. Very authentic. Even when Dane is acting like an a**, it feels like he's an authentic one. His coming-of-age story is powerful in its vulnerable honesty. This one's definitely worth sticking with, the pay off is very satisfying. One of my favorite aspects? The characterization. Everyone has depth. The story and characters are intricately done. Loved it.
Set in Florida and New York.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
August 14, 2009
First let me say that my dislike of this book is no reflection on the author’s abilities or skills. In fact, I found her writing style appealing. The story has a fascinating premise, a young man is sent to a rehab hospital in Florida to regain the use of his body after suffering from Guillain-Barre� Syndrome. Her depictions of the syndrome were interesting as were many of her characters, with the exception of one character—our main character Dane.
Dane is an extremely caustic narrator. He is self centered and selfish, and cares for no one but himself. Although he begins to “thaw� throughout the course of the book, I found it difficult reading about this highly intelligent teen with the emotional capacity of a computer. For instance, after one of his ski teammates injures himself in a meet, Dane states that he wishes we humans were like the rest of the animal kingdom and followed Darwin’s survival of the fittest. He says, “Why can’t we just cull out the dead weight so the rest of us can achieve the way we’re meant to?� He later goes on to show that his only interest is in himself and winning when he says “In spite of Forrester’s crap, I think we’ll still win this one.� Dane shows no concern for his injured teammate, and it is ironic that he ends up being the one that becomes dead weight that others have to help to survive.
As Dane struggles to regain the use of his body, he does begin to soften and become a little more considerate, but still for the most part he is obnoxious.
The book is well written, but I found a difficult read because I didn’t like Dane. It will find it s audience, but it definitely isn’t me.
Cautions for sensitive readers: Some sex (although nothing explicit) and foul language are present in this book.
Dane is an extremely caustic narrator. He is self centered and selfish, and cares for no one but himself. Although he begins to “thaw� throughout the course of the book, I found it difficult reading about this highly intelligent teen with the emotional capacity of a computer. For instance, after one of his ski teammates injures himself in a meet, Dane states that he wishes we humans were like the rest of the animal kingdom and followed Darwin’s survival of the fittest. He says, “Why can’t we just cull out the dead weight so the rest of us can achieve the way we’re meant to?� He later goes on to show that his only interest is in himself and winning when he says “In spite of Forrester’s crap, I think we’ll still win this one.� Dane shows no concern for his injured teammate, and it is ironic that he ends up being the one that becomes dead weight that others have to help to survive.
As Dane struggles to regain the use of his body, he does begin to soften and become a little more considerate, but still for the most part he is obnoxious.
The book is well written, but I found a difficult read because I didn’t like Dane. It will find it s audience, but it definitely isn’t me.
Cautions for sensitive readers: Some sex (although nothing explicit) and foul language are present in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2011
This book is hard to read because of the harsh language and abusive attitude. I think it is a great book for both girls and boys in their teens. The main character is extremely unlikable because of his superior attitude and lack of compassion despite the fact that he is popular, smart and a champion athlete. You really wonder what his exceptionally bright and beautiful and loving girlfriend can see in such a selfish young man. He may be confused about why she leaves him but the reader is not.
I believe though that it shows one example of the way some guys think and will truly be an eye opener to young women who wonder why guys are clueless. As an adult I found it very informative since I have no personal experience with macho guys. The main character is forced to learn humility and consideration by the end of the story. He is trapped in an unresponsive body when he suddenly acquires Guillian-Barre' syndrome and has to work to slowly regain the function of his limbs. The physical therapists are the only other characters that play a major part in the book so you have to be ready to spend most of the book in Dane's head. His flashbacks to his cross country ski races are interesting and you see his love of nature throughout the book so you can recognize that he does have redeeming qualities.
It is a compassionate view of an unusual medical problem that many people have never heard of. I was disappointed that most of the other characters aren't fleshed out. The book is extremely powerful and I would definitely recommend it.
I believe though that it shows one example of the way some guys think and will truly be an eye opener to young women who wonder why guys are clueless. As an adult I found it very informative since I have no personal experience with macho guys. The main character is forced to learn humility and consideration by the end of the story. He is trapped in an unresponsive body when he suddenly acquires Guillian-Barre' syndrome and has to work to slowly regain the function of his limbs. The physical therapists are the only other characters that play a major part in the book so you have to be ready to spend most of the book in Dane's head. His flashbacks to his cross country ski races are interesting and you see his love of nature throughout the book so you can recognize that he does have redeeming qualities.
It is a compassionate view of an unusual medical problem that many people have never heard of. I was disappointed that most of the other characters aren't fleshed out. The book is extremely powerful and I would definitely recommend it.
October 12, 2008
Dane Rafferty is perfect at pretty much everything he attempts... except connecting with other people. He's a star skier, takes AP classes, and has a magnetism that draws other people to him, even though he doesn't usually treat them very well. And Dane never needs help with anything. In fact, he looks down on anyone who asks for help. So when Dane is diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes temporary paralysis, he's determined to beat it. 75% of sufferers make a full recovery and Dane's certain that with those odds, he'll be back on his feet in no time. But when it starts to look like Dane might not regain full use of his body, he'll have to do some soul searching and figure out who he is when he can't be perfect anymore.
An interesting story with a passionate main character. Dane's really unlikeable for the first half of the book, but his story is compelling enough that it kept me turning the pages. Some awkward phrasing and Dane's not-quite cohesive transformation detract a bit, but overall I enjoyed this story and hope that Roe will continue writing.
Readalike suggestions: I'd suggest Inexcusable by Chris Lynch, The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon and maybe It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini.
Read more on my blog:
An interesting story with a passionate main character. Dane's really unlikeable for the first half of the book, but his story is compelling enough that it kept me turning the pages. Some awkward phrasing and Dane's not-quite cohesive transformation detract a bit, but overall I enjoyed this story and hope that Roe will continue writing.
Readalike suggestions: I'd suggest Inexcusable by Chris Lynch, The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon and maybe It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini.
Read more on my blog:
April 13, 2009
Like Alex Flinn's , which this reminded me of in mood rather than plot, the story is told by an unlikeable teenage narrator. Here, Dane's qualities are revealed to us gradually, as the perspective flips between his current stay in a rehabilitation center, where he's recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and the time prior to his paralysis, when he was a star athlete who resented his teammates who couldn't keep up. Oh, we think, and now he's partially paralyzed and will come to his senses and realize what a jerk he was! But of course it's all deeper than that, and Roe executes a fairly graceful exploration of Dane's character, making his progression to being a nicer person believably gradual. The ending isn't tidy or completely resolved, but hopeful. A solid, realistic story of a flawed teenage boy dealing with emotional and physical problems - but it never feels like an "issue book" or an after-school special. Mentions sex (nothing graphic), heavy drinking, and maybe some recreational drug use.
October 29, 2008
I was thoroughly taken with this book. I, and probably most people, had never heard of Guillan-Barre Syndrome and was intrigued to read about it.
Dane's character was one of the best parts of the story. He was completely unlikable at the beginning of the story, especially during the flashbacks, but his arrogance, anger, and frustration made the story more realistic. His anger at the beginning of the book, when he is first moved to Florida, was very real. I think most people take their health and their bodies for granted, so when something goes wrong, of course there will be anger, but most people don't get angry at themselves, so they take it out on the people around them. In Dane's case, the staff at the rehabilitation center. Although, I must say that if Letitia was my nurse and treated me in such a patronizing manner, I too, would scream at her everyday.
One of the best scenes in the book is the flashback when Dane's body totally shuts down on him. I could almost feel the same terror that he felt when he realized that he was conscious but unable to move.
Dane's character was one of the best parts of the story. He was completely unlikable at the beginning of the story, especially during the flashbacks, but his arrogance, anger, and frustration made the story more realistic. His anger at the beginning of the book, when he is first moved to Florida, was very real. I think most people take their health and their bodies for granted, so when something goes wrong, of course there will be anger, but most people don't get angry at themselves, so they take it out on the people around them. In Dane's case, the staff at the rehabilitation center. Although, I must say that if Letitia was my nurse and treated me in such a patronizing manner, I too, would scream at her everyday.
One of the best scenes in the book is the flashback when Dane's body totally shuts down on him. I could almost feel the same terror that he felt when he realized that he was conscious but unable to move.
May 7, 2009
This book tells the story of a very active, self-assured teen named Dane. He lives in the northeast United States where he is a star skier, dates a sweet and beautiful girl, and is expected to go on to an Ivy League school after graduation. A disease called Guillan-Barre Syndrome puts all his plans on hold and forces him to examine his own behavior and his relationship with his father.
I found this book to be fairly enjoyable, although it was hard for me to really connect with Dane as a character. For most of the book he is selfish, self-centered, petulant, and cocky. It is his Occupational Therapists and the daughter of another patient who make the book bearable. Although, after finishing the book and meeting Dane's father, you'll probably be inclined to cut the guy a break. A great selection for teens who like realistic stories that involve self-reflection and personal growth. Contains some cursing and makes mention of alcohol and sexual behavior, so older teens are probably the most appropriate audience.
I found this book to be fairly enjoyable, although it was hard for me to really connect with Dane as a character. For most of the book he is selfish, self-centered, petulant, and cocky. It is his Occupational Therapists and the daughter of another patient who make the book bearable. Although, after finishing the book and meeting Dane's father, you'll probably be inclined to cut the guy a break. A great selection for teens who like realistic stories that involve self-reflection and personal growth. Contains some cursing and makes mention of alcohol and sexual behavior, so older teens are probably the most appropriate audience.
February 21, 2009
Not knowing anything about Guillain-Barre Syndrome I found this book very interesting. The main character Dane is pretty clueless, but as a highly driven high school athlete I could buy into his attitudes. The author created very believable characters, and I liked the "flashback" style she used to tell the story. I have to admit that some of the student's behavior seemed more like what you would see with college students, for example Dane & his girlfriend take off for over night camping & road trips without telling anyone they are leaving, and Dane's girl friend casually gives Dane a beer while he is at her house for dinner one night. Perhaps I am out of touch with young people's behavior these days, but I never would have been allowed the liberties these kids have in their personal lives.
Over all I really enjoyed the book and found it a quick read. For a first published novel, this one certainly shines.
Over all I really enjoyed the book and found it a quick read. For a first published novel, this one certainly shines.
March 18, 2009
Wow! I feel kind of weird giving a book five stars when the main character was so awful. Total jerk. Major another-name-for-a-donkey. He was so dislikable. Not evil, but completly self absorbed. Watching him learn to be a human being while recovering from G.B. syndrome (I'm not even going to try to spell it) was at times like watching a train wreck and at times like cheering on the underdog. I'm so glad I picked this up.
November 18, 2009
High School ski star with a popular girlfriend comes down, suddenly, with Guillan-Bare Syndrome and his whole life is turned upside-down. Left in an out-of-state hospital to recover by his distant parents, dumped by his girlfriend, and unable to care for himself, the main character struggles to cope with his new reality. Character development is lacking and his constant abrasiveness to others wears thin. Not a very good read.
February 3, 2009
This was an excellent read; it only took me 4 plus years to get around to it. I'm surprised my library still carries it because it's a stand alone title with an odd cover, but the story was well written, though-provoking, and compelling. Enough so that I read it overnight.
March 16, 2010
Briefly, Dane is paralyzed and ungraciously refuses help or solace from anyone around him in the rehab center. This story follows his path as he slowly joins his fellows who are wonderfully tolerant of his antics. Great story about dealing with disability.
March 6, 2011
I actually really enjoyed this book. A very quick read. I'm a bit disappointed that it was so short. This novel is a nice addition to the kid-diagnosed-with-an-illness genre. I look forward to more work from this author.
August 27, 2013
An sich ein nettes Buch für zwischendurch. Die Krankheit war gut erklärt und auch realistisch dargestellt, jedoch sind einige Sachen was die Nebencharaktere betrifft nicht richtig dargestellt worden, was ich sehr schade finde (besonders in Bezug auf Joel, Anya und Carissa)
July 25, 2009
Dane has a disease that is no longer life threatening, but has left him with months of physical therapy. He was always challenged to be the best, and now he has to deal with not even being average.
October 23, 2011
This is one of the best books that I read recently. I was impressed with the medical knowledge especially, it really captures how life is for patients in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
December 10, 2012
The book Thaw was very strange. I wanted to keep reading, but it was very confusing. Overall this bok was good.
October 10, 2008
Thumbs Up Nominee 2009
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.