About the Book
Book: Freerunner
Author: Kathy Cassel
Genre: YA fiction
Night is Kia’s favorite time, when she freeruns to outdistance the memories of abuse she suffered as a young child. But when former reality television star Terrence Jones arrives at their school as the new head track coach, things begin to change in unpredictable ways. Kia tries out for the team to fit in, but just as she’s gaining a new sense of normal, her abuser steps back into her life. Not only that, but being on the track team causes even more turmoil. Why does the assistant coach, Cassandra Clark, dislike Terrence Jones so much, and even more troubling, why does Coach Clark dislike her so much? As the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together, Kia realizes she has to choose between running from her past or saving a child from the same sort of abuse she suffered. But will she have the courage to do so?
My Thoughts:
This was a horribly hard book for me to read. It's not a horrible book, let me make that clear, but the subject matter breaks my heart to read about and it just made it difficult for me. The author did a good job making the characters realistic and relatable. She hit the nail on the head about the abuse/abuser issues and I think that is what bothers me the most. Why don't people believe kids?
Anyway, I think the story may be an eye opener for some who read it and see the signs but don't want to actually acknowledge what is going on in children's lives. That's my hope anyway. Kia is a strong girl with a lot that has happened and my heart just broke for her. Overall, it is a good book.
It was a 4/5 for me, though I don't believe I will ever read it again.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived in three different continents while her husband was
in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have four grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren.
In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving.
More from Kathy
Meet the cover model for Freerunner.
I asked a friend if I could photograph her daughter to give the design team an idea of what I envisioned for the cover of Freerunner. I took action shots and mood shots (and even have some fun bloopers). When I sent them to the design team, they actually chose to use one of my photos for the cover. Now one of my friend’s daughters is on the cover of my first teen fiction book. She’s an amazing young lady, so it’s special to me to have her as the cover model.
The cover model is fifteen–year-old Larissa (fourteen when the cover photo was taken), who is part of an adoptive family that has twelve children. She and her brother were adopted as toddlers, and while Larissa doesn’t share Kia’s story, she has had struggles of her own. To accommodate some medical issues, she is homeschooled. She is involved in modeling, dance, musical theater and singing. The amazing part about Larissa performing is that because of the trauma of spending three years in foster care she struggled with selective mutism, not able to talk to anyone outside of her family. Amazingly she has been able to overcome it and is now able to express herself verbally as well as through music and dance. Larissa’s newest interest is photography, and she loves llamas and collecting realistic dolls.
Here are a few fun facts about Larissa:
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite sport: dance
Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5
Favorite Bible character: Noah
Favorite activity: singing and dancing
What do you want to be as an adult? Performer and photographer
What one thing do you want to do more than anything else? Walk a runway in Italy
What advice would you give a girl in Kia’s situation or in any abusive situation? Pray and ask an adult for help. You are the victim, it isn’t your fault.
Blog Stops
Rebecca Tews, November 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 11
Texas Book-aholic, November 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 13 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, November 14
For Him and My Family, November 15
Library Lady Kid Lit, November 16
Wishful Endings, November 17 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 18
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 20
Stories By Gina, November 21 (Author Interview)
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 21
deb’s Book Review, November 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Books-A-Million Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/103e1/freerunner-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thank you for your review of my book. I hope it will be a faith based alternative to the secular, very graphic issue based books that are so popular with teens.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about this book and author. Thanks for sharing about the issues within the story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, it sounds like an emotionally difficult but worthwhile read.
ReplyDelete