Hit by Lorie Ann GroverMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
FROM GOODREADS:
After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah's future is all laid out before her that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket one that will declare her feelings once and for all. Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah's attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning. But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her."
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I loved that this book was based on true events that a friend of the author went through (that may sound horrible!). I was drawn into the story immediately. Sarah is a likable character and though she is mature, she still thinks like a teenager. This made the story more real to me. I enjoyed seeing Sarah and her mother go through real mother-daughter conversations. I enjoyed that the story was told from both Sarah and Haddings' points-of-view. I felt the pain of what each character went through emotionally.
I think that when you read a book and are able to place yourself into more than one of the character's shoes, that is very impressive. I saw myself in the young girl of Sarah. I saw myself as the driver who is temporarily distracted. (I've never hit anyone! But all drivers do get distracted...) I saw myself as the overprotective mom. I saw myself as the overprotective friend. This made me get totally into the story. I read the book very quickly because I couldn't put it down.
I recommend this book for readers: who enjoy clean reads, novels based on true events, contemporary young adult novels. I have recommended HIT to my students and they have made a "waiting list" for who can read the book next. :-)
**Book received for free from Blink/Zondervan for an honest review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lorie Ann Grover is an awarded YA novelist and board book author whose works include Kirkus Starred Review, Firstborn, and Parents Magazine Best Children's Book, Bedtime Kiss for Little Fish. She co-founded readergirlz and readertotz. Living with her husband in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, she writes, practices weapons tai chi, and watches hawks take flight.
*Personal note* I met Lorie Ann through mutual friends. She gave me advice when I first started to write. I appreciate her wisdom very much! She is a sweet lady who has much perseverance. I admire her greatly.
