The Line

When I first begin a novel, no matter what genre, author, or length, I will know within three to five pages whether or not I'm going to have a good time. With [b:The Line 6494966 The Line (The Line, #1) Teri Hall http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348228871s/6494966.jpg 6686411], I knew, and I wasn't happy. We are roughly introduced to Rachel, her mother Vivian, and their world: The US, now a police-state, has placed an unyielding barrier around the border that is referred to as the Line. The land across is dubbed “Away” and the sightings of strange people and creatures across the Line are called “Others”. My frustration with this book stemmed purely from the writing. The whole book is in a telling form. The whole thing. It really served to yank me from the narration and beat me over the head with the fact that I was, indeed, reading a story. So why three stars and not one? I found discussion questions in the back. This is a book that is not geared for anyone near my age range. I realized that I was using an adult set of expectations to review a book geared way more toward children. To me, it seemed unfair. Yes, I took stars off because the writing was that frustrating to wade through. But Rachel is a pleasant protagonist to deal with, her relationship with Vivian was beautiful to see, and the plot itself is a great one. This is a review of of execution, not idea. I also took off a star for that ending: When Rachel Crossed, why did Vivian and Ms. Moore not follow? Both of them really had nothing else going for them in the US. Ms. Moore had Jonathan, but she could have what, written a note or something? Neither had ties to the US as it was, so why did they stay behind to jeopardize Rachel's safety as well as their own? IDGI.Overall a good book for readers much younger than I. Though the writing itself was difficult, I will most likely be reading the next installment [b:Away 7732360 Away (The Line, #2) Teri Hall http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311705255s/7732360.jpg 10515363], as I do want to see what happens next.

3.5 stars.

Interesting little post-apocalyptic/dystopian coming of age story. Teen-aged Rachel and her mother live on The Property, working for the elderly owner. The Property borders The Line, a storied section of the border between the Unified States and Away, which was cut off from the U.S. in a horrible battle with another country. Accounts of Away make it seem like an alien land, but Rachel is drawn to the adventure and mystery of the border, especially because of her mother's lesson plans, which are vaguely anti-government and suggest to Rachel that the people of Away aren't as bad, or unlike her, as official Government reports seem to indicate they are. One day, Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that came from across the border, and adventure becomes inevitable.

Looking forward to the follow-up.