The storyline seemed interesting but was very slow paced ( )

i feel like the themes were good, and the story could have been good, but unfortunately the frequent cuts to the romance subplot really took so much away from the story. ( )

I really enjoyed this. Told in alternate chapters by the two main characters, Jake and Emery, this is an exploration of the tragic consequences of PTSD. The characters, including the villain of the piece, Mr Stutts, are sympathetically treated and the children are wonderfully realised. Terrific! ( )

This is a quick, easy read dealing with a school shooting which makes it a topical issue at the moment. Narrated by Jake and Emery, in alternating chapters, the reader shares the experience, but the tension is never really there. Also I found myself having to go back to the start of the chapter to find out whose point of view I was reading. It was the young first graders who really made this book - Patrick, Rosie, Natalie, Simon and the others. Their naivety and innocence made this story heart-warming. Although not a bad little thriller, the storyline felt rushed and all the lose ends came together too easily at the end. ( )

This was a super quick read about an intense situation. For what it is, I thought it was very well done, although I didn't agree with the explanation of how Patrick was shot and why he was ok. In a situation like that there would not be rookie cops on the front lines, especially if the SWAT and other forces are already in place. That just didn't work for me. Also, I know they are just teenagers, and everyone does dumb things, but it felt like she just jumped back in his arms as soon as she read his letter. I know she had spent time thinking before, and it had been months since it happened, but let's face it - he was a jerk and will have to be careful not to mess up in the future. However, I'm sure the stress of a situation like that would make anyone feel extra strong emotions, so it still could work like that.

Overall, a decent read. ( )