SparrowBy:
Mary Cecilia Jackson
Publisher:
Tor Teen
Published:
March 17, 2020
Add to:
Goodreads
Source:
eARC from Tor Teen via FFBC in exchange for a honest review
Book Synopsis:
In the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, a devastating but hopeful YA debut about a ballerina who finds the courage to confront the abuse that haunts her past and threatens her future.
There are two kinds of people on the planet. Hunters and prey. I thought I would be safe after my mother died. I thought I could stop searching for new places to hide. But you can’t escape what you are, what you’ve always been. My name is Savannah Darcy Rose. And I am still prey.
Though Savannah Rose―Sparrow to her friends and family―is a gifted ballerina, her real talent is keeping secrets. Schooled in silence by her long-dead mother, Sparrow has always believed that her lifelong creed―“I’m not the kind of girl who tells”―will make her just like everyone else: Normal. Happy. Safe. But in the aftermath of a brutal assault by her seemingly perfect boyfriend Tristan, Sparrow must finally find the courage to confront the ghosts of her past, or lose herself forever….
My Thoughts:
Savannah "Sparrow" Rose endured abuse at the hands of her mother as a young girl, and nightmares continue to plague her. As a talented and aspiring professional ballerina, she has the life of a typical teenager. Her good friends Lucas and Delaney, as well as her father and doting aunt offer her an abundance of love, caring, nurturing, and support.
Sparrow is swept away by Tristan, a charming, rich, good looking, and popular athlete at her school. When he starts abusing her, she makes excuses for him, because she loves him, and thinks he loves her. However, what happens when you stay in an abusive relationship? Could it eventually be a matter of life and death?
What an intense and profound story! With Sparrow, we learn about the cycle of abuse, and how it effects everyone, not just the person being abused. In this story we get two points of view; Sparrow, and her best friend Lucas. Serious topics are addressed, such as abuse, death of a loved one, and how to heal; along with all of the emotions that come with these experiences.
I loved how much this story sucked me in, and how it consumed my emotions. It had a spectacular cast of characters that were real and relatable. Sparrow was a vulnerable, sweet, caring, and loving character. I loved reading about her dancing, and could picture her in the studio with Lucas. These two were very passionate about ballet, and as a reader, I was front and center as they performed.
Lucas was the type of friend that would give you the shirt off his back. He was loyal, kind, and always there for Sparrow. He was going through his own pain, but always made time for Sparrow and his family. I appreciated his persistence and perseverance in trying to make Sparrow realize that she deserved better, and needed to get out of her relationship. He was in love with his best friend, and I wanted her to see what was right in front of her face. His Grandma Deidre was a favorite character of mine. I loved spending time with her. She was wise, funny, and so caring.
If you are looking to get swept away in a story, check out Sparrow! This book delivered so many emotions, strong and loving friendships and familial relationships, as well as messages about life, hope and healing.
About the Author:
Mary Cecilia Jackson has worked as a middle school teacher, an adjunct instructor of college freshmen, a technical writer and editor, a speechwriter, a museum docent, and a development officer for central Virginia's PBS and NPR stations. Her first novel, Sparrow, was an honor recipient of the SCBWI Sue Alexander Award and a young-adult finalist in the Writers' League of Texas manuscript contest. She lives with her architect husband, William, in Western North Carolina and Hawaii, where they have a farm and five ridiculously adorable goats.
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram
Mary Cecilia Jackson has worked as a middle school teacher, an adjunct instructor of college freshmen, a technical writer and editor, a speechwriter, a museum docent, and a development officer for central Virginia's PBS and NPR stations. Her first novel, Sparrow, was an honor recipient of the SCBWI Sue Alexander Award and a young-adult finalist in the Writers' League of Texas manuscript contest. She lives with her architect husband, William, in Western North Carolina and Hawaii, where they have a farm and five ridiculously adorable goats. Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram
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It's not a setting I have read a lot about so I'm curious
ReplyDeleteThe Ballet world was an entertaining setting and one that pulled me in :)
DeleteWow Lindy, this sounds like it really pulls you in!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does!!!
DeleteThis sounds great and I love the cover for it too.
ReplyDeleteI loved it, and agree the cover is striking!
DeleteI had set this aside, but didn't DNF. I feel like I just wasn't in the mood when I read it. This is encouraging. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it, and think you will too, once you're in the right mood for it. I've had trouble focusing on my reading lately with everything going on too, so I can understand the struggle :)
DeleteI so hate to see people abused especially as children. I can see why your heart just ached for her. Glad she had some good people around her.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's really hard to read or hear about people being abused; especially children. Indeed, I loved the group of people that surrounded her, supported, and loved her.
DeleteI love a riveting story! Glad to hear this stirred your emotions and you enjoyed it, Lindy! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel :)
DeleteThis one is definitely going on my TBR pile. Thank you so much for sharing and for writing such a great review!
ReplyDeleteSharrice @Reese's Reviews
I'm glad Reese! I really enjoyed it :)
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