hazelstaybookish's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted at Stay Bookish
Letters To Nowhere is the most glorious YA Contemporary Sports Romance I’ve ever read. “Why oh why, do you say so,” you ask? Don’t worry, I’ll get there soon.
First off, what would you do if your parents died in a car accident? Wouldn’t you want some time away from real life? Karen Campbell, however, jumps right back in to her usual gymnastics routine. She also moves in to the home of her gym coach, who has kindly offered Karen to live in his house so she could continue with training.
Gymnastics was a huge part of Karen’s life and Julie Cross has done exceptionally well in writing about it. To be honest, I know nothing about gymnastics except that it entailed splits, flips and arabesques. (Okay, I may not know how an arabesque is done but at least I know how to spell it.) Having read about it in this book, I feel like I know so much more now. Cross’s portrayal of the life of elite gymnasts was vividly detailed. She perceptively elaborated about the intense practices that were involved and also how procedures in the competitions go. All these were unfamiliar territory but it was really great to have learned more about the sport.
Karen doesn’t know anyone outside of her gym but it was fun reading about her relationship with her team mates and coaches. Karen had a sisterly bond with Blair, Stevie and Ellen that was adorable. But as most sibling relationships go, there’s always some occasion where competition rises- which is acceptable for them since they’re gymnasts who are constantly trying to outdo each other. Stacey, the assistant coach was a hardass but she did a great job getting the girls to focus. Coach Bentley, the head coach and the one who’s house Karen had moved in to, was hard to understand at first. Even Karen was confused with what Bentley’s intentions were. As I read the story, Bentley became one of my favorite characters. He was a fantastic coach and he really helped Karen’s character grow more.
Grief was a crucial issue discussed in the book. Despite continuing gymnastics, a part of Karen was unable to move forward because of her loss. Haunted by nightmares, she was restless. Wanting to ease out of that restlessness, Karen began writing letters to her parents and the people surrounding her. She kept these letters to herself, but in it, I found her character sincere and immensely relatable. I loved how reflective Karen’s letters were. She pondered on so many things and her worries were relevant and real. Her thoughts and emotions were beautifully put- my heart completely ached.
“Are you so sad you can hardly breathe? Are you so sad you want to stop breathing?”
“I missed them both so much right now I thought my heart would break into a million pieces even before my head split open.”
I’ve saved the best part for last- sweet, innocent, amazing romance. Living in Coach Bentley’s house, Karen was forced to coexist with his son, Jordan Bentley. Oh my goodness, Jordan Bentley. Be still, my heart. Jordan, in Karen’s words is the “most perfect boy in the world.” I’d claim exaggeration but I completely agree with her. I love love love Jordan. Cross did such a fantastic job creating this male lead. Don’t get me wrong- Jordan is flawed, he has his own demons and anxieties. But what’s so great about Jordan is that he is so reliable and honest. He truly cared for Karen- there is no denying that. He said the sweetest words, but you could tell they came from the heart.
Jordan and Karen’s relationship- let’s just call it Jaren- won’t fail to make you fall in love. It took time to build, starting first from a friendship. The two were adorable, with their cute banter, and it was an easy decision to root for them to be together. Compared to other YA romances, Jaren did not come from a sudden, out-of-the-blue attraction but from a true connection. They shared the same grief but this wasn’t at all the base of their relationship. The love they had rooted from their concern for each other’s welfare and the fact that they enjoyed each other’s companionship. (Okay, I’m getting really cheesy but hey, I’m only stating truths.) Writers of insta-love romances, do take a lesson on how to write love stories from Julie Cross please.
So there. I’ve managed to pour all my heart in this review. I just really loved this book! It’s rare to find a self-published book that I truly enjoyed. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I’m still hoping for a book two for this one. (Need more Jaren!) Overall, if you’re looking for one helluva romance, you really should read Letters To Nowhere.
Letters To Nowhere is the most glorious YA Contemporary Sports Romance I’ve ever read. “Why oh why, do you say so,” you ask? Don’t worry, I’ll get there soon.
First off, what would you do if your parents died in a car accident? Wouldn’t you want some time away from real life? Karen Campbell, however, jumps right back in to her usual gymnastics routine. She also moves in to the home of her gym coach, who has kindly offered Karen to live in his house so she could continue with training.
Gymnastics was a huge part of Karen’s life and Julie Cross has done exceptionally well in writing about it. To be honest, I know nothing about gymnastics except that it entailed splits, flips and arabesques. (Okay, I may not know how an arabesque is done but at least I know how to spell it.) Having read about it in this book, I feel like I know so much more now. Cross’s portrayal of the life of elite gymnasts was vividly detailed. She perceptively elaborated about the intense practices that were involved and also how procedures in the competitions go. All these were unfamiliar territory but it was really great to have learned more about the sport.
Karen doesn’t know anyone outside of her gym but it was fun reading about her relationship with her team mates and coaches. Karen had a sisterly bond with Blair, Stevie and Ellen that was adorable. But as most sibling relationships go, there’s always some occasion where competition rises- which is acceptable for them since they’re gymnasts who are constantly trying to outdo each other. Stacey, the assistant coach was a hardass but she did a great job getting the girls to focus. Coach Bentley, the head coach and the one who’s house Karen had moved in to, was hard to understand at first. Even Karen was confused with what Bentley’s intentions were. As I read the story, Bentley became one of my favorite characters. He was a fantastic coach and he really helped Karen’s character grow more.
Grief was a crucial issue discussed in the book. Despite continuing gymnastics, a part of Karen was unable to move forward because of her loss. Haunted by nightmares, she was restless. Wanting to ease out of that restlessness, Karen began writing letters to her parents and the people surrounding her. She kept these letters to herself, but in it, I found her character sincere and immensely relatable. I loved how reflective Karen’s letters were. She pondered on so many things and her worries were relevant and real. Her thoughts and emotions were beautifully put- my heart completely ached.
“Are you so sad you can hardly breathe? Are you so sad you want to stop breathing?”
“I missed them both so much right now I thought my heart would break into a million pieces even before my head split open.”
I’ve saved the best part for last- sweet, innocent, amazing romance. Living in Coach Bentley’s house, Karen was forced to coexist with his son, Jordan Bentley. Oh my goodness, Jordan Bentley. Be still, my heart. Jordan, in Karen’s words is the “most perfect boy in the world.” I’d claim exaggeration but I completely agree with her. I love love love Jordan. Cross did such a fantastic job creating this male lead. Don’t get me wrong- Jordan is flawed, he has his own demons and anxieties. But what’s so great about Jordan is that he is so reliable and honest. He truly cared for Karen- there is no denying that. He said the sweetest words, but you could tell they came from the heart.
Jordan and Karen’s relationship- let’s just call it Jaren- won’t fail to make you fall in love. It took time to build, starting first from a friendship. The two were adorable, with their cute banter, and it was an easy decision to root for them to be together. Compared to other YA romances, Jaren did not come from a sudden, out-of-the-blue attraction but from a true connection. They shared the same grief but this wasn’t at all the base of their relationship. The love they had rooted from their concern for each other’s welfare and the fact that they enjoyed each other’s companionship. (Okay, I’m getting really cheesy but hey, I’m only stating truths.) Writers of insta-love romances, do take a lesson on how to write love stories from Julie Cross please.
So there. I’ve managed to pour all my heart in this review. I just really loved this book! It’s rare to find a self-published book that I truly enjoyed. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I’m still hoping for a book two for this one. (Need more Jaren!) Overall, if you’re looking for one helluva romance, you really should read Letters To Nowhere.
zoesnicholson's review against another edition
4.0
I won't hesitate to admit that I wasn't exactly the biggest fan of Tempest. I think that's probably why I was so hesitant to buy Letters to Nowhere. Nonetheless, I did end up getting a copy, and it was evident there was no need for me to worry because from page one onwards I was hooked.
“Of course it's hard,” I tell her. “If it wasn't hard, then the success wouldn't feel nearly as great.”17-year-old elite gymnast Karen Campbell's parents have just died in a car crash. When her gymnastics coach offers to take her in, Karen doesn't argue. But there she meets her coach's son - Jordan, who lost his mother and sister years before. As Karen begins to realize how much she and Jordan have in common, the more she begins to fall for him...and the more she begins to wonder about her parent's death...
The gymnastics element of the story was a definite plus and was portrayed with utmost accuracy. Letters to Nowhere is centered along Karen's journey as an elite gymnast, and I was quite interested in seeing how Julie Cross portrayed the sport.
There's lots of technical gymnastics terms, skills, and slang in the book ("stick," multiple skill names, etc), but Cross takes the time to explain each skill perfectly, so that even people without knowledge of elite gymnastics would be able to easily picture the skills in their heads as they read the story.
Gymnastics was a tough sport - mentally and physically - especially at the elite level, and I couldn't have made it without the support of my teammates.Regarding the main character, I loved Karen. She was so inspirational and brave, and she felt so realistic. But, despite this, she wasn't perfect, and that's what I loved about her. She made mistakes, she did bad things, but, to me, that made her all the more realistic.
Gymnastics has taught me to face fears head-on or they blow up so big you'll never be able to conquer them.Letters to Nowhere is a beautifully written book that I'd recommend to all fans of gymnastics, realistic fiction and / or romance. It's definitely emotionally heart-wrenching at times, yet completely humorous at times as well. Jordan Bentley and Karen Campbell are two characters you'll never forget.
Even though it was more Coach Cordes's style to give giant bear hugs, I got one from Coach Bentley. And then he said, right into my ear, so no one else could hear, “This is just the beginning, Karen.”Just the beginning. I like that.
emilyhei's review against another edition
4.0
Writing down her thoughts, Karen feels as if there is still a connection to her parents, even though they have passed away. As an elite gymnast it is a pivotal point in her life where she needs to decide who to stay with while still a minor, her gymnastic coach offers to give her a home forcing Karen to choose between her grandmother and coach.
She hadn't planned on Jordan though, the coaches son. Jordan is friendly, slightly bad boy from what she can figure out, and obviously doesn't have a close relationship with his father. As their new roommate status turns to friends and then to something more precious, Karen finds an unlikely alias in dealing with the aftermath of her parents death. The pressure is building and everything in Karen's life is shifting, with Karen willing to take the leap she might find amazing things can happen.
I thought the letters she wrote were beautiful, I shed a few tears while she is holding a one sided conversation with her parents. Profound story and I appreciated that Karen had to learn to deal with her grief and it was not just swept under the rug. Excellent story.
She hadn't planned on Jordan though, the coaches son. Jordan is friendly, slightly bad boy from what she can figure out, and obviously doesn't have a close relationship with his father. As their new roommate status turns to friends and then to something more precious, Karen finds an unlikely alias in dealing with the aftermath of her parents death. The pressure is building and everything in Karen's life is shifting, with Karen willing to take the leap she might find amazing things can happen.
I thought the letters she wrote were beautiful, I shed a few tears while she is holding a one sided conversation with her parents. Profound story and I appreciated that Karen had to learn to deal with her grief and it was not just swept under the rug. Excellent story.
hannahslibrary92's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. I though that it was a great blend of personal growth, emotional drama, and romance.
There were some really great characters and all round it was just a good read. I'd highly recommend it.
For my full review, and rating out of 10, please check out my full review on my website
http://the-book-tower.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/book-review-letters-to-nowhere-by-julie.html
There were some really great characters and all round it was just a good read. I'd highly recommend it.
For my full review, and rating out of 10, please check out my full review on my website
http://the-book-tower.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/book-review-letters-to-nowhere-by-julie.html
clairebinkley's review
5.0
So, I've recently been on a Julie Cross reading craze. I've pretty much picked up any and all of her books. I enjoy the characters, the settings, and the story as a whole. So, when I saw this book I decided to go for it and it did not disappoint.
Letters to Nowhere is a book about a gymnast named Karen who tragically looses both of her parents. After their death, she lives with her gymnastic coach and his son, Jordan. As Karen learns about the struggles in life and the power of grief, she finds comfort in Jordan.
This book was very good. It combined grief, companionship, internal struggles and used gymnastics as a coping method and a common ground. I would definitely add this to the recommendation list and maybe even to my reread list.
Letters to Nowhere is a book about a gymnast named Karen who tragically looses both of her parents. After their death, she lives with her gymnastic coach and his son, Jordan. As Karen learns about the struggles in life and the power of grief, she finds comfort in Jordan.
This book was very good. It combined grief, companionship, internal struggles and used gymnastics as a coping method and a common ground. I would definitely add this to the recommendation list and maybe even to my reread list.
priss's review against another edition
5.0
I expected this book to be cliched, even though there are almost no stories about gymnastics... (I don't really know why I expected this.)
What I didn't expect was this great story about a girl coping with her parents' deaths and finding love in the process.
I loved Karen and Jordan and how they were together, I loved that Karen characteristics (confident, innocent, sweet), I loved that Coach Bentley was such an awesome coach and I just totally loved this story. I also really liked reading about gymnastics, because I've always found the sport really interesting.
I recommend this story very much; I'd love to read it again and again, just to keep Karen and Jordan in my mind for a little while longer.
What I didn't expect was this great story about a girl coping with her parents' deaths and finding love in the process.
I loved Karen and Jordan and how they were together, I loved that Karen characteristics (confident, innocent, sweet), I loved that Coach Bentley was such an awesome coach and I just totally loved this story. I also really liked reading about gymnastics, because I've always found the sport really interesting.
I recommend this story very much; I'd love to read it again and again, just to keep Karen and Jordan in my mind for a little while longer.
samantha_randolph's review
5.0
When seventeen-year-old Karen's parents die, she doesn't know what to do. Life is a confusing mess, especially when her gymnastics coach, Bentley, asks her to move in with him and his son, Jordan. Determined to stay strong in practice so she can compete, Karen agrees, though her grief is often overwhelming. Can see cope with the grief while going after her dream? Can she get close to the guy who knows what she is going through and manage foreign feelings she may have for him?
Letters to Nowhere was an extremely gripping novel. From the first letter, I felt like I was wrapped in this world of Karen's, a world of heartache and grief and a struggle to hope and accept reality. Her emotions are often raw, but she doesn't always let those close to her know. She writes letters that they will never see, but shows the reader how she really feels. They were frequently short and simple, and in that, very powerful. This isn't a story where tragedy happens and the characters are suddenly okay again. This is a very real and clear display of the impact grief has and how it can carry over into the things we used to enjoy most.
I think what I liked most about this is the powerful hope expressed throughout. None of it is a fake or an oversimplified "everything with be ok eventually" kind. It was the kind of hope that starts with something small, like the ability to say a single sentence with the single most real truth out loud, and it continuously builds over time. It isn't an easy road for Karen, but sometimes just the visual of something to hope for, a new goal, can ease the pain.
As far as categorizing into young or new adult, I think it's a crossover. Jordan and Karen are technically in high school (though high school is not a major part of this story), they face mature issues. They deal with death, or try to, Karen learns what it's like to live without parents, and they both learn a lot about love. I won't give any spoilers away, but the relationship between Jordan and Karen is something very unique and something I haven't seen in a lot of books. They both have faced terrible tragedy, and it shows in their relationship. Jordan, who has his share of "just being a guy" moments, knows he can't take try to be only superficial with Karen. And though Karen hasn't had much experience with guys, she knows Jordan already understands a part of her that most people around her can't relate to. They have a serious emotional depth that only comes through experiencing the ups and downs of life. Yet even in their adult situation, they still have moments of just being two young people trying to find their way in life. They worry about grades, they think about college, and they try to figure out what sex means to them or doesn't mean. They are real and heartfelt.
Letters to Nowhere is a beautiful piece of literature. It has tragedy, it has depth, it has love, but I think the best thing it leaves you with is hope, no matter what hope may mean to you. 5/5 stars.
Letters to Nowhere was an extremely gripping novel. From the first letter, I felt like I was wrapped in this world of Karen's, a world of heartache and grief and a struggle to hope and accept reality. Her emotions are often raw, but she doesn't always let those close to her know. She writes letters that they will never see, but shows the reader how she really feels. They were frequently short and simple, and in that, very powerful. This isn't a story where tragedy happens and the characters are suddenly okay again. This is a very real and clear display of the impact grief has and how it can carry over into the things we used to enjoy most.
I think what I liked most about this is the powerful hope expressed throughout. None of it is a fake or an oversimplified "everything with be ok eventually" kind. It was the kind of hope that starts with something small, like the ability to say a single sentence with the single most real truth out loud, and it continuously builds over time. It isn't an easy road for Karen, but sometimes just the visual of something to hope for, a new goal, can ease the pain.
As far as categorizing into young or new adult, I think it's a crossover. Jordan and Karen are technically in high school (though high school is not a major part of this story), they face mature issues. They deal with death, or try to, Karen learns what it's like to live without parents, and they both learn a lot about love. I won't give any spoilers away, but the relationship between Jordan and Karen is something very unique and something I haven't seen in a lot of books. They both have faced terrible tragedy, and it shows in their relationship. Jordan, who has his share of "just being a guy" moments, knows he can't take try to be only superficial with Karen. And though Karen hasn't had much experience with guys, she knows Jordan already understands a part of her that most people around her can't relate to. They have a serious emotional depth that only comes through experiencing the ups and downs of life. Yet even in their adult situation, they still have moments of just being two young people trying to find their way in life. They worry about grades, they think about college, and they try to figure out what sex means to them or doesn't mean. They are real and heartfelt.
Letters to Nowhere is a beautiful piece of literature. It has tragedy, it has depth, it has love, but I think the best thing it leaves you with is hope, no matter what hope may mean to you. 5/5 stars.
creative_nicky's review
5.0
Executed with impressive precision, Letters To Nowhere is my new favourite YA contemporary novel. Not only did it inspire me as an individual to treasure every moment - it also left me raw from all the emotions I experienced while reading this book. The story takes place after Karen’s parents are killed in a car accident leaving Karen, a young talented gymnast, an orphan.
What makes this tale so special is Karen’s coping mechanism. When faced with what is likely a life time of questions, she writes letters to her deceased parents - and sometimes quick letters to those around her that are never posted. My heart bled for her throughout the entire book, as I’m sure others will also if you’ve ever lost someone.
Julie Cross, author of Letters To Nowhere, really illustrates her skills as a gifted writer by introducing well rounded and distinctive characters that you will instantly love, or instantly hate. Guiding the reader through a delicate choreography of emotions, Julie Cross gave a solid in depth look inside the gymnastic world, as well as a personal look into the mind, body and soul of an athlete. Upon completing the novel I instantly felt a loss for Karen and could easily envision what the future held for all the characters. It is, without a doubt, the kind of book that stays with you for a while.
Letters To Nowhere is so well written that I immediately pressed my fiancé to read the book, and he too enjoyed the book thoroughly. Without having any prior knowledge of gymnastics, I can guarantee by the end that you’ll be watching the Olympics next time with a better understanding of what these athletes go through.
If you enjoy reading books that are well written, interesting, and full of characters that you can’t help but instantly bond with, than this book is for you.
I gave Letters To Nowhere 5 out of 5 hearts.
What makes this tale so special is Karen’s coping mechanism. When faced with what is likely a life time of questions, she writes letters to her deceased parents - and sometimes quick letters to those around her that are never posted. My heart bled for her throughout the entire book, as I’m sure others will also if you’ve ever lost someone.
Julie Cross, author of Letters To Nowhere, really illustrates her skills as a gifted writer by introducing well rounded and distinctive characters that you will instantly love, or instantly hate. Guiding the reader through a delicate choreography of emotions, Julie Cross gave a solid in depth look inside the gymnastic world, as well as a personal look into the mind, body and soul of an athlete. Upon completing the novel I instantly felt a loss for Karen and could easily envision what the future held for all the characters. It is, without a doubt, the kind of book that stays with you for a while.
Letters To Nowhere is so well written that I immediately pressed my fiancé to read the book, and he too enjoyed the book thoroughly. Without having any prior knowledge of gymnastics, I can guarantee by the end that you’ll be watching the Olympics next time with a better understanding of what these athletes go through.
If you enjoy reading books that are well written, interesting, and full of characters that you can’t help but instantly bond with, than this book is for you.
I gave Letters To Nowhere 5 out of 5 hearts.