A Review for The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 2nd, 2012
Finished Date: June 9th, 2013

Publishers:  Putnam Juvenile
Source: Bought

Format: Kindle
Pages: 224

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Seventeen-year-old Jane can’t quite face her mother’s alcoholism even though it sucks to spend all her time and energy keeping them afloat—making sure her mom gets to work, that the bills are paid when there’s money to pay them, and that no one knows her mom is so messed up. But when Jane’s mom drives drunk almost killing both them and Jane’s best friend, Jane can no longer deny her mom is spiraling out of control.

Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left years ago to go to college. A summer away with him and his tornado chasing buddies may just provide the time and space she needs to figure out whether her life still includes her mother.

But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty—is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture.

The Review: “Max's lips part slightly, and mine do the same. His tongue inside my mouth makes fireworks of color burst behind my closed eyelids. We explore and taste each other again and again, until Max finally pulls away. I want more-- I think I could survive on nothing but his mouth for weeks--but I try not to let it show too much.” 

This is one of them books that I've had on my Kindle since last year and never managed to get around to it. Finally, I can say I've read it and honestly, it's such a unique read - I've never read anything like it!

The Waiting Sky follows Jane, a teenage girl who has gone to stay with her brother - the tornado chaser, after her mother nearly killed her and her best friend for driving while drink. Jane's mother is an alcoholic and it's up to Jane to sort out the bills and what they will be eating etc. So getting away for the summer, chasing tornado's is just what Jane needs but she can't help feeling guilty for leaving her mother behind. While with Ethan, Jane meets Max and suddenly Jane is questioning everything she knows.

If any of you guys are a fan of the film Twister - then read this book! Seriously, it's awesome. While The Waiting Sky follows tornado's, I will say this story is not a rip off of the film. The Waiting Sky is a highly emotional and adrenaline pumping story - one filled with despair, heartbreak and first love. It's just so unique and I honestly believe there isn't another YA Contemporary novel like this out there. 

What is it lately with these problematic mothers? In the last 2/3 weeks I must have read at least 4 books with characters that have unreliable mothers. Seriously mothers, get it together! My heart always goes out to the characters and in this case, it's no different with Jane. Jane's mother is one of the worst I've read about in a long time. She lies and cheats just to get more drink. Jane has to deal with the household responsibilities and for a girl of her age, it's not fair. I was glad she had someone else to lean on - her brother, Ethan. 

Max and Jane have such a loving relationship. It's one that builds over time so you can truly see how much they've come to care for each other. I wasn't very hopeful they could make their relationship work, so I was very surprised by the outcome. 

And while this novel isn't long, it's like 220 odd pages - it's so easy to get through and such a quick read, I think anyone will be able to find the time to fit it in. Read it guys, you won't be disappointed!