the_lady_reads's review against another edition
5.0
There are some books that take awhile for you to decipher your feelings towards. Other books you know immediately that you are going to dislike. Then there are the little gems that you connect with from the very first page. For me, Jumped In fits into the third category. From the first mention of Nirvana--my favorite band, if you didn't already know that--I knew I would love this book. This was a fantastic debut that made me believe that this is an author to watch.
Sam has mastered "slackerdom." He knows how to get by in school, and in life, without attention. He spends his times in the sounds of grunge classics and reminiscing about the days where he was happy with his mom and his two best friends, Dave and Rupe. When his English teacher pairs him up with Luis Cárdenas for a poetry assignment, the facade that Sam built slowly starts to unravel and he must rewrite everything he's come to believe.
This book was not what I was expecting, and I loved it. Sam's voice is the best part of this story. It's raw, and real enough to pass emotions onto the books readers. I, myself, teared up at the end. This is a truly powerful story that had me bound. Jumped In teaches its readers a lesson that is invaluable, especially in the world in which we are a part of today. The author excellently weaves a contemporary tale that nails the nitty gritty, and leaves us feeling hope. The book moves at an excellent pace. It's an easy book to read through, and it's even easier to enjoy--it helps that there are constant references to the greatest grunge band of all time (and nothing anyone can say will ever make me change my mind about this).
Jumped In is one of the few stories that doesn't have a focus of romance, or a main character even really thinking about romance, that has been able to hook me. Sam's a very realistic main character, I believe. He's afraid, and unsure of himself. He has trouble dealing with reality, which makes it impossible for him to do more with his life. He is very set in the past, which is why he acts the way he does. He's a smart kid, but he's lost. His emotional journey throughout this novel is breathtaking. It's one that I'm very glad I was able to witness because what Sam goes through is something to which everyone can relate. This is really a novel about growing up, and finding yourself through the blender into which life throws you. The minor characters tied in wonderfully, and each fulfilled their purpose in helping Sam complete his journey.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who like their contemporaries a little edgy, and very heartfelt. This book is more than just a story, it has a deeper meaning that will hit its readers in their very core. It's gorgeous, and real, and even after more than a week later, the message still lingers. There are a few minor exaggerations, but they are easy to look past as this book really pushes its lesson. Jumped In tells us that there is more to a person than just their outer appearance. What matters is the person inside, and you can't know that until you take a chance and speak up.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review.
This review can be seen here on my blog as well.
Sam has mastered "slackerdom." He knows how to get by in school, and in life, without attention. He spends his times in the sounds of grunge classics and reminiscing about the days where he was happy with his mom and his two best friends, Dave and Rupe. When his English teacher pairs him up with Luis Cárdenas for a poetry assignment, the facade that Sam built slowly starts to unravel and he must rewrite everything he's come to believe.
This book was not what I was expecting, and I loved it. Sam's voice is the best part of this story. It's raw, and real enough to pass emotions onto the books readers. I, myself, teared up at the end. This is a truly powerful story that had me bound. Jumped In teaches its readers a lesson that is invaluable, especially in the world in which we are a part of today. The author excellently weaves a contemporary tale that nails the nitty gritty, and leaves us feeling hope. The book moves at an excellent pace. It's an easy book to read through, and it's even easier to enjoy--it helps that there are constant references to the greatest grunge band of all time (and nothing anyone can say will ever make me change my mind about this).
Jumped In is one of the few stories that doesn't have a focus of romance, or a main character even really thinking about romance, that has been able to hook me. Sam's a very realistic main character, I believe. He's afraid, and unsure of himself. He has trouble dealing with reality, which makes it impossible for him to do more with his life. He is very set in the past, which is why he acts the way he does. He's a smart kid, but he's lost. His emotional journey throughout this novel is breathtaking. It's one that I'm very glad I was able to witness because what Sam goes through is something to which everyone can relate. This is really a novel about growing up, and finding yourself through the blender into which life throws you. The minor characters tied in wonderfully, and each fulfilled their purpose in helping Sam complete his journey.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who like their contemporaries a little edgy, and very heartfelt. This book is more than just a story, it has a deeper meaning that will hit its readers in their very core. It's gorgeous, and real, and even after more than a week later, the message still lingers. There are a few minor exaggerations, but they are easy to look past as this book really pushes its lesson. Jumped In tells us that there is more to a person than just their outer appearance. What matters is the person inside, and you can't know that until you take a chance and speak up.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review.
This review can be seen here on my blog as well.
ellanapton's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
electricvaps's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death
msnikkiwilks's review against another edition
4.0
I appreciated the fact that this book showed that masculinity is as diverse as people are.
nagam's review
4.0
Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading...
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Jumped In is a fast, quick-moving story that was extremely touching and heart-warming. Two boys, both disinterested in school for very different reasons, are pushed by their English teacher, Miss Cassidy, to engage and participate in her class. She intentionally pinpoints Sam and Luis each class, waiting for them to answer and making sure they know the material. Sam’s just trying to get by, unnoticed, because he feels worthless and abandoned after his mother left him several years before. He has no friends and tries to be a wallflower. Luis is an exceptionally bright student, but his father and brother have set a pattern in motion he’s expected to follow: join a gang. How can he uphold his bad-boy reputation if he shows how much he really cares about school?
As they begin a poetry unit, Miss Cassidy announces that their final project will be to read their poetry aloud in a poetry slam. Sam and Luis pair up and begin working on something they hope will unexpectedly blow the class away. While the majority of the story is told from Sam’s perspective, we see bits of Luis blended in via the poetry he writes (but doesn’t share it with anyone). As the boys prepare for the poetry slam, they decide to allow more of themselves to filter into the piece they’re writing together.
But one day, Luis disappears. Sam goes on a hunt for him — searching everywhere he can think of to find out what happened to Luis. Is he okay? Was he pulled into some kind of gang-related activity? Is he alive?
Ultimately, Jumped In is one of those kinds of books that makes you feel warm and fuzzy when you’ve read the final pages. (Which seems like such a contradiction to the subject matter and stories the boys tell throughout the book.) It reminds me of the many, many movies I would watch with my mom, a former teacher, about how the teacher completely turned a group of ill-fated students around. (Sister Act 2, anyone?)
Jumped In hasn’t received nearly the recognition it should in the blogosphere. If you’re looking for something quick to read, but with a more serious undertone, definitely check it out.
<>
Jumped In is a fast, quick-moving story that was extremely touching and heart-warming. Two boys, both disinterested in school for very different reasons, are pushed by their English teacher, Miss Cassidy, to engage and participate in her class. She intentionally pinpoints Sam and Luis each class, waiting for them to answer and making sure they know the material. Sam’s just trying to get by, unnoticed, because he feels worthless and abandoned after his mother left him several years before. He has no friends and tries to be a wallflower. Luis is an exceptionally bright student, but his father and brother have set a pattern in motion he’s expected to follow: join a gang. How can he uphold his bad-boy reputation if he shows how much he really cares about school?
As they begin a poetry unit, Miss Cassidy announces that their final project will be to read their poetry aloud in a poetry slam. Sam and Luis pair up and begin working on something they hope will unexpectedly blow the class away. While the majority of the story is told from Sam’s perspective, we see bits of Luis blended in via the poetry he writes (but doesn’t share it with anyone). As the boys prepare for the poetry slam, they decide to allow more of themselves to filter into the piece they’re writing together.
But one day, Luis disappears. Sam goes on a hunt for him — searching everywhere he can think of to find out what happened to Luis. Is he okay? Was he pulled into some kind of gang-related activity? Is he alive?
Ultimately, Jumped In is one of those kinds of books that makes you feel warm and fuzzy when you’ve read the final pages. (Which seems like such a contradiction to the subject matter and stories the boys tell throughout the book.) It reminds me of the many, many movies I would watch with my mom, a former teacher, about how the teacher completely turned a group of ill-fated students around. (Sister Act 2, anyone?)
Jumped In hasn’t received nearly the recognition it should in the blogosphere. If you’re looking for something quick to read, but with a more serious undertone, definitely check it out.
libraryalexa's review against another edition
5.0
Didn’t expect to get as invested as I did in the story, which made my cry A LOT. Super excited the author is visiting my school this week, his newest book American Road Trip is also excellent!
cryforhelp's review against another edition
3.0
Im literally just trying to read something fucking light hearted. Why aren't these hoes saying-
Okay. So this has been in my want to read for good knows how long, but looked at the blurb what must be an two hours ago.
Troubled teens. N-nirvana. Slam. Poetry. Then I read the first few chapters, and oh my god there's a preppy English teacher. I'm going to be honest. I balked. I was scared it was going to be ridiculous, and tbh it was but it had some really funny moments. I was ready for a nice, heartwarming friendship, and then the nigga went and died, like...
These ya authors need to start advertising their shit as heart breaking fr, I'm done.
Okay. So this has been in my want to read for good knows how long, but looked at the blurb what must be an two hours ago.
Troubled teens. N-nirvana. Slam. Poetry. Then I read the first few chapters, and oh my god there's a preppy English teacher. I'm going to be honest. I balked. I was scared it was going to be ridiculous, and tbh it was but it had some really funny moments. I was ready for a nice, heartwarming friendship, and then the nigga went and died, like...
These ya authors need to start advertising their shit as heart breaking fr, I'm done.
jmshirtz's review against another edition
5.0
I love the characters, their growth, the poetry, and the message in this book. It is all profoundly moving to me. I'm having a hard time putting this review into words; I just love all of it!
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