my books. my life.

Title: This Side of Salvation
Author: Jere Smith-Ready
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Pages: 384
Year: 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Public Library
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

After David’s brother died, his family got religious. And then his parents got SUPER religious and joined up with a group of people who believe in the Rush – the rapture at a specific time and place. David doesn’t buy it and neither does his sister. But when they come back from an after-prom party the night of the alleged Rush, they find their parents gone. The two, along with David’s best friend and girlfriend go on a search, while – in alternating chapters – we learn exactly how they got to this point.

My Thoughts:

This book solidified my love of Jeri Smith-Ready. You all know I adored her Shade series. But, it turns out she can write about more than ghosts and solstices.

This book stays engaging by alternating between the past and the present. I would finish one chapter and just keep going with the next and the next. It was a perfect read to cope with this year-long reading slump.

I loved David. I loved Bailey. I loved Mara. The parents drove me crazy. The teenage angst was perfect. The conflicted relationships with God were realistic. I simply loved this story.

I hope you all check this out. I know Jeri’s Shade series wasn’t for everyone, but this book is. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.