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Notes from My Captivity
Adrienne Cahill cares about three things: getting into a great college; becoming a revered journalist like her idol, Sydney Declay; and making her late father proud of her.
So when Adrienne is offered the chance to write an article that will get her into her dream school and debunk her foolish stepfather's belief that a legendary family of hermits is living in the Siberian wilderness, there's no question that she's going to fly across the world.
But the Russian terrain is even less forgiving than skeptical Adrienne, and when disaster strikes, none of their extensive preparations seem to matter. Now Adrienne's being held captive by the family she was convinced didn't exist, and her best hope for escape is to act like she cares about them, even if it means wooing the youngest son.
So when Adrienne is offered the chance to write an article that will get her into her dream school and debunk her foolish stepfather's belief that a legendary family of hermits is living in the Siberian wilderness, there's no question that she's going to fly across the world.
But the Russian terrain is even less forgiving than skeptical Adrienne, and when disaster strikes, none of their extensive preparations seem to matter. Now Adrienne's being held captive by the family she was convinced didn't exist, and her best hope for escape is to act like she cares about them, even if it means wooing the youngest son.
335 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2018
79 people are currently reading
5,826 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Parks
2books90followersHi, I’m Kathy Parks, author of The Lifeboat Clique. (Katherine Tegen Books, March 1 2016)
It’s about Denver Reynolds, an outcast at her high school, who ends up in a lifeboat with the popular kids who hate her.
It’s Mean Girls meets Life of Pi!
I live near the beach in Carpinteria, California with my husband and two cats.
I love questions and meeting other authors.
Hope you’ll check out The Lifeboat Clique!
It’s about Denver Reynolds, an outcast at her high school, who ends up in a lifeboat with the popular kids who hate her.
It’s Mean Girls meets Life of Pi!
I live near the beach in Carpinteria, California with my husband and two cats.
I love questions and meeting other authors.
Hope you’ll check out The Lifeboat Clique!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
July 6, 2018
It's mixed feelings time, y'all! Some parts of this book were kind of awesome. I mean, Siberia? Sign me up! I love survival stories in general, and in that respect this book delivered for sure. But then some things really threw me off, too. So let's discuss them all, shall we?
The Things I Liked:
Adrienne really grows a lot during the book. She starts off kind of bratty, honestly. And I get that she was still grieving the loss of her father (and I assume she always will, I don't think people "get over" such things) but that really didn't mean that she needed to be awful to her stepfather, who was kind of risking a lot to take her on this trip. Alas, she learns quite a bit about herself on this journey, and I really loved watching her development.
The survival part of the journey was awesome. Especially when the group her father worked with was in the mix, as they made me chuckle a lot. But even when there were moments of humor, it was clear that the terrain and climate were no joking matter. And frankly, I'm a sucker for a survival journey, so that worked.
It definitely had intense moments, and I wasn't always sure if or how things would work out. It was good that the story definitely didnot feel safe, and that the stakes seemed very high at every turn. Made for a very readable experience, as I was eager to know what was going to happen next. Plus, the intensity definitely made for some solid feels.
The Things I Didn't:
The first part of the story focuses aloton her stepdad's mission, and whether the family is real. Unfortunately, the synopsis tells us which way that played out (so don't read it if you don't want to know!) and so that part of the story seems a bit anticlimactic, maybe even unncessary to an extent. In addition, we spend a lot of time getting to know the members of her dad's team (and her dad himself), which is good. Until they aren't in most of the story (also in the synopsis)
There was a bit of magical realism in the book that didn't really attract me. I think it kind of made the story seem... a little "much"? Like if you're already in Siberia being captured by a family you thought was fake, maybe that is enough outlandish stuff for one book?
Bottom Line: Incredible setting, awesome adventure. It would have been a bit better if the title/synopsis hadn't given so much away, but still a fun read.
September 14, 2019
What possessed me to pick up this book? To start something so wildly outside my usual genres, with no personal recommendations and a summary so terrible it's writer should be immediately fired? I have no idea. But I did. And fortunately, the terrible summary is not indicative of the quality of the novel. It is not, as advertised, appropriating the experiences of abduction and loss and survival to add a touch of drama to an otherwise fluffy romance plot.
Notes from My Captivity is the profoundly moving story of Adrienne Cahill, aspiring reporter who, years after her father's death via drunk driver, is still bitter and angry and drowning in her grief. When the opportunity arises for Adrienne to join her anthropologist stepdad on a trip to Siberia in pursuit of a legendary wild family who left society when persecuted for supposed magical powers, she jumps at the chance. She just knows this is the story that will launch her career.
She's not wrong.
Notes from My Captivity is the first book I've read in a long time that gripped me from the start, mangled my heart, and then released me from its maw full of joy and sadness and anxiety and hope. Adrienne's journey (literal and emotional) and her transformation throughout the course of the novel is handled with exquisite care.
If you're looking for a novel that somehow interweaves adventure and horror and romance and magical realism into the single, perfectly executed tale of a young woman's emotional journey, I strongly suggest giving this one a go.
5 stars
Notes from My Captivity is the profoundly moving story of Adrienne Cahill, aspiring reporter who, years after her father's death via drunk driver, is still bitter and angry and drowning in her grief. When the opportunity arises for Adrienne to join her anthropologist stepdad on a trip to Siberia in pursuit of a legendary wild family who left society when persecuted for supposed magical powers, she jumps at the chance. She just knows this is the story that will launch her career.
She's not wrong.
Notes from My Captivity is the first book I've read in a long time that gripped me from the start, mangled my heart, and then released me from its maw full of joy and sadness and anxiety and hope. Adrienne's journey (literal and emotional) and her transformation throughout the course of the novel is handled with exquisite care.
If you're looking for a novel that somehow interweaves adventure and horror and romance and magical realism into the single, perfectly executed tale of a young woman's emotional journey, I strongly suggest giving this one a go.
5 stars
October 5, 2018
4.25 stars.
This was a surprisingly good book! I was actually really excited to read this because of the interesting premise until I saw a bunch of bad and not-so-great reviews from gr friends :( but I’m glad that I did read it.
This was a surprisingly good book! I was actually really excited to read this because of the interesting premise until I saw a bunch of bad and not-so-great reviews from gr friends :( but I’m glad that I did read it.
July 17, 2018
3.5/5 stars
Notes from My Captivity is a standalone Young Adult novel.
The book is divided into three parts. The narrator is Adrienne (1st person POV). The story starts in Colorado. Adrienne is planning to go to the Siberian wilderness with her step-father Dan.
Adrienne is 17 years old and wants to be a reporter. Dan has been studying a family (the Osinovs) who supposedly live in Siberia. But most people do not believe that they exist. Adrienne has been allowed to tag along on the adventure.
I found the beginning of this book to be very intriguing. The idea of Adrienne and her step-dad going to remote Siberia seemed fascinating. And would they come across this crazy family? I've never read a book about a trip to Siberia. So I found this premise to be unique and very different.
However, at the end of Part One something happens that I wasn't really expecting. It really changed the dynamics of the story a lot. It made the story much darker than I was expecting. And I didn't love that part of the book. Something happened that was just too much for me.
In Part Two the book takes a completely different direction, which I at first did not love. But it actually ended up growing on me. This story was not really what I was expecting. Also, the author included some magical realism in the story. I can't decide if I liked this part of the story. There was one aspect of it with the little girl that I loved. But another part just seemed too out there for me.
Overall, this book definitely had some enjoyable elements. I especially enjoyed everything to do with Siberia and Adrienne documenting what she saw and did.
Thanks to edelweiss and Katherine Tegen Books for allowing me to read this book.
Notes from My Captivity is a standalone Young Adult novel.
The book is divided into three parts. The narrator is Adrienne (1st person POV). The story starts in Colorado. Adrienne is planning to go to the Siberian wilderness with her step-father Dan.
Adrienne is 17 years old and wants to be a reporter. Dan has been studying a family (the Osinovs) who supposedly live in Siberia. But most people do not believe that they exist. Adrienne has been allowed to tag along on the adventure.
I found the beginning of this book to be very intriguing. The idea of Adrienne and her step-dad going to remote Siberia seemed fascinating. And would they come across this crazy family? I've never read a book about a trip to Siberia. So I found this premise to be unique and very different.
However, at the end of Part One something happens that I wasn't really expecting. It really changed the dynamics of the story a lot. It made the story much darker than I was expecting. And I didn't love that part of the book. Something happened that was just too much for me.
In Part Two the book takes a completely different direction, which I at first did not love. But it actually ended up growing on me. This story was not really what I was expecting. Also, the author included some magical realism in the story. I can't decide if I liked this part of the story. There was one aspect of it with the little girl that I loved. But another part just seemed too out there for me.
Overall, this book definitely had some enjoyable elements. I especially enjoyed everything to do with Siberia and Adrienne documenting what she saw and did.
Thanks to edelweiss and Katherine Tegen Books for allowing me to read this book.
July 16, 2018
This book was absolutely fantastic. It was such a confusing yet beautiful story that reminded me a tiny bit of Stolen by Lucy Christopher and you all know how much I love that book!
I can admit thought, this book is very flawed but yet it's so incredibly good.
I can admit thought, this book is very flawed but yet it's so incredibly good.
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April 12, 2020
Many thanks to HarperTeen for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
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July 10, 2019
Siberia: tinder of the tundra.
July 9, 2018
Adrienne thought this would be a summer to remember. She planned on writing THE article, which would be her ticket to college, but when their trip takes a tragic turn, Adrienne just hopes to get out alive.
� Pro: It was amazing to see the changes Adrienne experienced during this story. I really liked the way Park slowly peeled back her layers to let us actually see what was at the root of Adrienne's pain. I also thought she was quite funny, and her commentary during the first part of the book was pretty hilarious.
� Pro: After many years, Adrienne was still grieving her father's death. Her pain was heartbreaking, and I cheered as she made progress working through her grief.
� Pro: Faith was a big theme in this book. Faith in a higher power, faith in your family, faith in a legendary family, faith in yourself. It pops up over and over again in this story, and Parks approached it in a very thoughtful way.
� Pro: The Siberian setting was pretty much new for me, and Parks did a great job exposing us to both the beauty and the dangers of the land, as well as the challenges faced by those living there.
� Pro: There were tears! There were several moments in the book, which just hit me in the feels. The fact that I shed tears for these characters means I formed an attachment to them.
� Pro: The bond Adrienne formed with the Osinov's was really special. She worked hard to earn their trust and affection, but by the end, there was not doubt that the love was reciprocated.
� Pro: I wasn't expecting it, but I pleasantly surprised by the magical elements Parks incorporated in this story. They were used wisely and added a little mystery to this tale.
� Pro: There were some really heart-pumping moments in the story, and I really felt the urgency to survive during these scenes.
� Pro: What an unexpected, but beautiful ending. This book presented itself as one thing, but it was really about so much more, and the conclusion left me in a happy place.
Overall: An inventive and intriguing exploration of grief, faith, family, forgiveness, and love.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
� Pro: It was amazing to see the changes Adrienne experienced during this story. I really liked the way Park slowly peeled back her layers to let us actually see what was at the root of Adrienne's pain. I also thought she was quite funny, and her commentary during the first part of the book was pretty hilarious.
� Pro: After many years, Adrienne was still grieving her father's death. Her pain was heartbreaking, and I cheered as she made progress working through her grief.
� Pro: Faith was a big theme in this book. Faith in a higher power, faith in your family, faith in a legendary family, faith in yourself. It pops up over and over again in this story, and Parks approached it in a very thoughtful way.
� Pro: The Siberian setting was pretty much new for me, and Parks did a great job exposing us to both the beauty and the dangers of the land, as well as the challenges faced by those living there.
� Pro: There were tears! There were several moments in the book, which just hit me in the feels. The fact that I shed tears for these characters means I formed an attachment to them.
� Pro: The bond Adrienne formed with the Osinov's was really special. She worked hard to earn their trust and affection, but by the end, there was not doubt that the love was reciprocated.
� Pro: I wasn't expecting it, but I pleasantly surprised by the magical elements Parks incorporated in this story. They were used wisely and added a little mystery to this tale.
� Pro: There were some really heart-pumping moments in the story, and I really felt the urgency to survive during these scenes.
� Pro: What an unexpected, but beautiful ending. This book presented itself as one thing, but it was really about so much more, and the conclusion left me in a happy place.
Overall: An inventive and intriguing exploration of grief, faith, family, forgiveness, and love.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2019
So much potential.
However, my immense dislikes outweigh my slight likes on this one.
However, my immense dislikes outweigh my slight likes on this one.
March 27, 2019
3.5⭐️
These creatures exist. William knows this but a stupid journalist is trying to disprove him and she is doig a good job. So what else was he to do but go into the forest and find these creatures once ans for all. His step daughter Adrienne is coming with, it will be a trip of a lifetime but only if she survives.
They found these monster these monsters killed her step father and his crew. These monsters are keeping her alive for now but then what?
I really enjoyed this. I liked the relationship Adrienne had with the monsters and how she saw how they lived and why they were the way they were. I liked seeing the difference in how they lived in the middle of nowhere compared to how we live in the States and more civilized places. Also how we judge people so quickly when we dont know what they are going through.
These creatures exist. William knows this but a stupid journalist is trying to disprove him and she is doig a good job. So what else was he to do but go into the forest and find these creatures once ans for all. His step daughter Adrienne is coming with, it will be a trip of a lifetime but only if she survives.
They found these monster these monsters killed her step father and his crew. These monsters are keeping her alive for now but then what?
I really enjoyed this. I liked the relationship Adrienne had with the monsters and how she saw how they lived and why they were the way they were. I liked seeing the difference in how they lived in the middle of nowhere compared to how we live in the States and more civilized places. Also how we judge people so quickly when we dont know what they are going through.
May 5, 2019
This was an enjoyable read overall. It was very fast paced and action packed at the beginning and then it slowed in the middle a little before picking up again towards the end. I enjoyed the story however it wasn't really what I was expecting it to be. The blurb made it sound like she was a prisoner and that she was in a lot of danger at all times however, she was probably only truthfully in danger for small portions and the rest of the time, I was honestly waiting for bad things to happen but they never really did. There are some really beautiful moments in this book, some thrills and moments I was laughing out loud. Someone out there will love this book. Im just not them. I just liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 2, 2018Adrienne wants to be a reporter, and she thinks the best way to secure her entry into the college of her dreams is to pursue the story that's haunted her stepfather: that of the Osinov family, who left their home in Moscow and moved to a remote area of Siberia. Her stepfather believes they exist, and he's written fervently about it. Adrienne is skeptical -- in part because one of her favorite reporters penned a scathing takedown of her stepdad's work. She is convinced that, on this trip, she'll settle the score and earn her entry into Emory.
When Adrienne, her stepfather, and their Russian pals along for the trip arrive in Moscow, all seems fine. But it's when they begin making their trek into Siberia that things go south. And fast. Before long, the only person left alive is Adrienne.
That's when she meets the Ostinovs and learns how to survive with a broken arm and super broken Russian. How can she connect with them? Why are they out there? Why did they leave? And why did they choose to help keep her alive?
This is a book about grief, loss, and family. It's also about forgiveness and magical thinking. Adrienne lost her father tragically in a drunk driving accident, and that pulls through the story in really organic and honest ways. She struggles to believe her stepfather and love him the way he loves her because her grief is still there. Because leaning into that would mean leaning away from what was taken from her.
In Siberia, Adrienne develops a plan to get out: she'll make the oldest son in the family fall in love with her. It's manipulative, but it's also kind of effective. But when she learns why it is the family has gone off grid and developed this life outside the mainstream world, Adrienne is forced to confront not only what her goals are -- that of escape and that of writing this article all together -- but she's forced to confront grief head on and do so in a way that absolutely will transform this entire experience for her.
This book isn't entirely contemporary. It's got a bit of magic in it, likely best described as fabulism. It's engaging and powerful, and moreover, it's really funny. Adrienne has great comic timing, and her ability to read people easily induces laughter. More, as Adrienne removes some of the walls she has around her, she's able to better understand why people live as they do....and what that does or doesn't mean for her or society as a whole.
Great setting, great characters, and a memorable voice make for a unique story. I devoured it. I've not read Parks before but now I want to go revisit her other YA titles.
This would pair well with Jennifer Longo's UP TO THIS POINTE. I don't see the comparison to STOLEN -- this isn't that at all (& I like STOLEN a lot).
When Adrienne, her stepfather, and their Russian pals along for the trip arrive in Moscow, all seems fine. But it's when they begin making their trek into Siberia that things go south. And fast. Before long, the only person left alive is Adrienne.
That's when she meets the Ostinovs and learns how to survive with a broken arm and super broken Russian. How can she connect with them? Why are they out there? Why did they leave? And why did they choose to help keep her alive?
This is a book about grief, loss, and family. It's also about forgiveness and magical thinking. Adrienne lost her father tragically in a drunk driving accident, and that pulls through the story in really organic and honest ways. She struggles to believe her stepfather and love him the way he loves her because her grief is still there. Because leaning into that would mean leaning away from what was taken from her.
In Siberia, Adrienne develops a plan to get out: she'll make the oldest son in the family fall in love with her. It's manipulative, but it's also kind of effective. But when she learns why it is the family has gone off grid and developed this life outside the mainstream world, Adrienne is forced to confront not only what her goals are -- that of escape and that of writing this article all together -- but she's forced to confront grief head on and do so in a way that absolutely will transform this entire experience for her.
This book isn't entirely contemporary. It's got a bit of magic in it, likely best described as fabulism. It's engaging and powerful, and moreover, it's really funny. Adrienne has great comic timing, and her ability to read people easily induces laughter. More, as Adrienne removes some of the walls she has around her, she's able to better understand why people live as they do....and what that does or doesn't mean for her or society as a whole.
Great setting, great characters, and a memorable voice make for a unique story. I devoured it. I've not read Parks before but now I want to go revisit her other YA titles.
This would pair well with Jennifer Longo's UP TO THIS POINTE. I don't see the comparison to STOLEN -- this isn't that at all (& I like STOLEN a lot).
October 7, 2018
Adrienne is going on a trip with her stepfather Dan to Siberia. That’s where the Osinovs, a family of urban legend, is believed to be. Dan believes it wholeheartedly, Adrienne is a sceptic. They set off with their guides through the wilderness of Siberia. The plot is spoiled in the synopsis, they are real instead of urban legend.
This book is split into parts, and each part feels different. The first is an adventure story, the second is survival horror, the third is magical realism. It was a little much. There were some things that happened that I would rather have not, but it did move the story along. The romance could have been dropped and it would have been fine. It didn’t add much to the plot.
Adrienne starts off very bratty, but she gets great character development. It was a good story, but not a great one. Maybe if it had stuck to one thing, but it just felt cluttered. I recommend borrowing before buying.
This book is split into parts, and each part feels different. The first is an adventure story, the second is survival horror, the third is magical realism. It was a little much. There were some things that happened that I would rather have not, but it did move the story along. The romance could have been dropped and it would have been fine. It didn’t add much to the plot.
Adrienne starts off very bratty, but she gets great character development. It was a good story, but not a great one. Maybe if it had stuck to one thing, but it just felt cluttered. I recommend borrowing before buying.
July 17, 2019
2.5 🌟 maybe?
*sigh*
Having read The Lifeboat Clique and loved it, I expected to like this. A lot. And while I did like parts of it, I was disappointed by others.
Firstly, I felt like it dragged in the beginning. A lot was established during that part of the book so I get why it started off the way it did but we don't really see the Osinovs for almost the first half of the book.
Another big thing that disappointed me was the climax. We had all those ominous "He is coming" warnings and it built up to something that I guess was the climax of the book? Because if that wasn't it then it was this other scene briefly after that, while terrible, it was very short and also anticlimactic. I don't know. I'm generally not a huge fan of magical realism but I tried to go along with it and developed some insane theories around it and those warnings so I guess I was disappointed with the way things ended up being.
In conclusion, I don't know what happened here. I really can't say if not liking it is on me or the book but the result remains the same.
Special thanks to whoever managed to stay for the entire rant and happy reading!
*sigh*
Having read The Lifeboat Clique and loved it, I expected to like this. A lot. And while I did like parts of it, I was disappointed by others.
Firstly, I felt like it dragged in the beginning. A lot was established during that part of the book so I get why it started off the way it did but we don't really see the Osinovs for almost the first half of the book.
Another big thing that disappointed me was the climax. We had all those ominous "He is coming" warnings and it built up to something that I guess was the climax of the book? Because if that wasn't it then it was this other scene briefly after that, while terrible, it was very short and also anticlimactic. I don't know. I'm generally not a huge fan of magical realism but I tried to go along with it and developed some insane theories around it and those warnings so I guess I was disappointed with the way things ended up being.
In conclusion, I don't know what happened here. I really can't say if not liking it is on me or the book but the result remains the same.
Special thanks to whoever managed to stay for the entire rant and happy reading!
July 5, 2019
Rejält spännande!
March 27, 2018
Read Harder 2018 Challenge #5: A book set in or about one of the BRICS countries
Advanced E-Galley provided by the publisher for review
What does it remind me of? A little bit of Stolen by Lucy Christopher
What is it about? A girl determined to write an article exposing her step-father's theory of a long lost family of Siberia to be myth, heads out with her step-father and his team to locate evidence of the Osinov family. Many twists unfold after people start dying soon into their trek.
What did I love? I love the idea of a hidden family in the wilderness of Siberia. I loved the magical realism element that the family offers as well. I like the theme of communication and language throughout. Also - plenty of plot twists that will keep you guessing!
What I didn't love: I didn't really enjoy the MC in this one - she seemed unreliable and sometimes just mean. I think there were also too many themes/plot lines competing in this novel and distracted from the story itself. The writing itself was a little awkward at times and a little repetitive.
Overall: C
Interesting story, unique plot line, average writing, not a fantastic MC POV.
Advanced E-Galley provided by the publisher for review
What does it remind me of? A little bit of Stolen by Lucy Christopher
What is it about? A girl determined to write an article exposing her step-father's theory of a long lost family of Siberia to be myth, heads out with her step-father and his team to locate evidence of the Osinov family. Many twists unfold after people start dying soon into their trek.
What did I love? I love the idea of a hidden family in the wilderness of Siberia. I loved the magical realism element that the family offers as well. I like the theme of communication and language throughout. Also - plenty of plot twists that will keep you guessing!
What I didn't love: I didn't really enjoy the MC in this one - she seemed unreliable and sometimes just mean. I think there were also too many themes/plot lines competing in this novel and distracted from the story itself. The writing itself was a little awkward at times and a little repetitive.
Overall: C
Interesting story, unique plot line, average writing, not a fantastic MC POV.
July 19, 2018
Not what I was expecting but I quite liked it. Some mystery, drama, survival, love and a bit of magic, all in one book. The only thing I really didn't like was the main character in the beginning, but later on she grew up quite a lot (still made mistakes and acted stupid sometimes but who doesn't?). I kind of was hoping for a different ending but I think the one that we got fits the story quite well.
August 26, 2018
I don't usually love YA, but this one was so good! I actually had to stay up late to finish this one, because I had to know what happened! I only knew that the main character went on a trip and things went badly, but I didn't read the flap before I started the book -and I'm so glad! This book totally surprised me, and I loved it! And, it wasn't just the fun adventure, it was also about forgiveness, and healing, and I was so touched by the ending. It was really beautiful, despite the horrible things this girl has to face in her life. I will definitely reread this one someday, and I will be loaning it to everyone I know in the meantime!
July 27, 2018
Hands down one of the best books I've read in 2018! I loved Adrienne's character; her inner dialogue was so downright funny and snarky that at times I would laugh out loud. It really reminded me of myself. The mystery behind the Osinov family kept me on the edge of my seat, but I also fell for this family and was really upset to see how things ended.
Overall, this was a story about strength and forgiveness, and also a look into the things we take for granted in life. Highly recommended!
Overall, this was a story about strength and forgiveness, and also a look into the things we take for granted in life. Highly recommended!
August 27, 2018
I loved this so much more than I thought I would! It's truly a wild ride... You start out thinking it is one kind of story and then it takes two different sharp turns. In the end, I loved the experience and was very moved.
September 26, 2018
I was quite impressed by this book. Captivated my heart and mind from start to finish. Absolutely recommend.
October 9, 2018
Many thoughts but mostly....what?
September 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book a bit, and while the first 60% is a solid 3 stars, the last 40% really picked up and made me bump it up to 4 stars. My biggest gripe with this book is the constant references to instagram and tumblr. I understand that the main character is a 17 year old girl, but it really dates the book, and makes me cringe. I can't remember the exact line and don't have the book in front of me anymore but at one point Adrienne makes a statement that one of the guys would be instagram worthy with a shave. Just... ??? There is literally zero reason to mention instagram.
Mentally she brings up "dating guides and advice" she's seen on Tumblr as well. Again, zero point to all this other than to try and add more appeal and relatability(shh its a word even though spell check is telling me it isnt) to younger audiences. Another gripe... all those Taylor Swift references. Cheesus Christ. Other than that I expected your typical kidnapping story, but got something else entirely, and I rather quite liked it. The ending almost made me cry.
4/5 Stars from me!
Mentally she brings up "dating guides and advice" she's seen on Tumblr as well. Again, zero point to all this other than to try and add more appeal and relatability
4/5 Stars from me!
Want to read
February 9, 2019we STAN The Lifeboat Clique so Miss Parks DEFINITELY is gonna come through with this book
January 9, 2023
4.5 stars - I picked this up on a whim no idea what to expect and ended up really loving the last half of the book!
May 28, 2019
I really enjoyed the read throughout. I liked that you expected one thing at the beginning of the book but changed your thoughts and opinions throughout the story. It would have been a 4 star if it hadn't been for the ending. For a moment I was afraid it would be cliché but then it took another turn, which just got me and made me cry. Loved it!
March 11, 2019
I have so much to say about a book that left me speechless. I don't even know where to begin. I was a little wary to read this book because I read Lifeboat Clique and liked it but didn't love it. This book, however, I loved. The story leading up to her time with the Osinov's kept me on my toes and gobbling up the words to find out what happens next. (Side note, RIP Dan). And then during her captivity/time with the Osinov's I fell in love with the family and was just amazed how they could survive in the wilderness all alone. I was totally routing for her and Vanya and when he was going to go with her, I was yelling "TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY!!" And then the book had to do me dirty and kill off Marat, who was crabby but you had to like. The tears started and continued until the end, especially when you realize that most likely Adrienne will never see them again. And I hope it is because Adrienne told everyone they were dead that in the journal entry from Vanya, which made me cry harder, it said posthumously, and not because she went back and they were dead. If I could give this 10 stars I would, but I can't so I will have to settle for 5 and recommend it to everyone I know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2018
This book got off to a shaky start. I couldn't get used to Adrienne's voice, and the overdone snark didn't help. Even the premise seemed as though it might fall apart at the slightest pressure, and I was seriously considering abandoning the book very early on--something I rarely do.
I'm happy to say that the story gained momentum as it went on. The characters felt more credible, and the harsh landscape provided an excellent backdrop to a plot that got very dark, very quickly. As the material got more intense, the humour and emotional depth increased in equal measure, and by the end of the book I had tears in my eyes and was sad to say good-bye to characters I had swiftly come to love.
If you're having trouble getting into this book, I encourage you to keep at it. It really does get stronger with every page.
I'm happy to say that the story gained momentum as it went on. The characters felt more credible, and the harsh landscape provided an excellent backdrop to a plot that got very dark, very quickly. As the material got more intense, the humour and emotional depth increased in equal measure, and by the end of the book I had tears in my eyes and was sad to say good-bye to characters I had swiftly come to love.
If you're having trouble getting into this book, I encourage you to keep at it. It really does get stronger with every page.
May 6, 2020
Wow. Not at all what I was expecting from a book entitled NOTES FROM MY CAPTIVITY.
A beautiful story involving self-discovery, love, forgiveness and survival.
I was actually moved to tears by the end, a rarity for me.
A beautiful story involving self-discovery, love, forgiveness and survival.
I was actually moved to tears by the end, a rarity for me.
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