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Would you listen to How to Save a Life again? Why?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. I'd never read (or listened to) anything by Emma Scott before, and I was delightfully surprised. The story grabbed me right from the start; Jo and Evan are characters you can't help but feel for. Life has treated them both harshly - they don't fit in, and they've been conditioned to believe they deserve their isolation and the scorn heaped on them by their peers, teachers, and families. In each other, however, they find acceptance and love. They are allowed to experience joy - and then it is all stripped away in the blink of an eye. Their journey back to each other was beautifully written, and I was sorry to come to the end of their story. As I stated at the start of this review, I was provided a copy of the audiobook free of charge. However, when I was less than 1/3 of the way into the story, I was compelled to purchase a paper copy of the book (at full price!) - that's how taken I was with How to Save a Life. The narration was excellent, and I look forward to reading or listening to more by this author. One caveat: a few glaring grammatical errors detracted from what otherwise would have been a near perfect experience. I did not search for these instances in the book to check whether they were unique to the audio version or if they're in the text as well, but it is BETWEEN EVAN AND ME (not I - please, please, please!) and TO EVAN and ME (again - not I!!!). Ms. Scott thanked her editor in the acknowledgements. If an editor does not understand the difference between subject and object pronouns, then perhaps he or she should seek other work.

2 people found this helpful

Extraordinaire

This story moved me. Evan and Josephine experienced so much tragedy in their young lives but found each other their senior year of high school. They became each other's compass and anchor. They still had more to go through before finding their happily ever after but they did. This was a long book but if you stick with it you will be blessed. I got this ARC via audiobook boom.

2 people found this helpful

A MEH (SHRUG) OKAY YA/NA DOOMED PNR

Jo's new to town, she's 17 when she first meets 18 yr old Evan at High School - she's the feisty School outcast and he's the School's so-called freak. Their broken souls instantly connect and reformed as the mysterious handsome tortured boy meets the scarred school slut and, as the days quickly pass, Jo and Evan become everything to each other and an unbreakable bond is formed. They are both damaged, both had heartbreaking stories to tell and both are misunderstood.. but together they become strong, dream of a better life and plan big. But, before they can make their longed for escape, Fate throws in a cruel and vicious wrench that'll have dire consequences on those tender hopes, those dreams.. and it will be four long and challenging years before they will get a second chance.

But their second chance will come at a price.. with bloodshed, murder, grief and insecurity.. and uncharted tomorrows will follow as they desperately run with Evan's ESP dreams and senses guiding them along unknown roads. Roads that are dangerous, roads where they will be hunted fugitives as the Police close in.. and roads that will lead them to their ultimate destruction.. as well as their hard won salvation.

I know the Publisher's Summary says not YA but, IMO, it is.. yes, there are a few sex scenes which makes it an 'adult' listen but nevertheless it's still a YA/NA romance as these two teens connect under very difficult circumstances. Even when they meet again in their early 20's I couldn't shake off the image of High School sweethearts and this image may have been fuelled by the young voice of the narrator. The H/H were devoted to each other - Evan was besotted with Jo who mentally called to him during the dark days of their enforced separation.. and Evan felt the danger, answered her call and came no matter the cost and consequences to himself. Just about an insta-connection, insta-love and an unrealistic romance.. but hey I like to be swept away by the implausible, the fictional, the fantasy world where every story ends with a HEA. Mainly told from Jo's POV but there were a few from Evans too.

Worth a credit? I will admit that I was a little disappointed with the whole NA/YA vibe. There was romance, tension, heartache, sex, sweet times and dangerous times - and I liked them all.. but don't spend your credit if you want a more mature listen, a true to real life listen or a 5* star listen coz this, IMO, ain't it.

5 people found this helpful

Beautiful Story

What did you like best about this story?
Jo and Evan of course.


Which scene was your favorite?
When Jo and Evan first met at the pool and all the meetings after. I liked that that was the time they could be honest and themselves.


Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The scene where the incident happened. I was so mad for Evan I wished I could just jump in the book and get someone to see the truth.


Any additional comments?
This book had two parts. The beginning of Jo and Evan and the after many years apart. It seemed like in part one Jo was the strong one and Evan in part two. I did enjoy this book even though some parts just made me angry because of how some people were treated. Evan was so devoted to Jo and she really needed that after everything she was put through. I enjoyed the narration even though at times I think some characters were a little overdone but I listened to another book by this narrator and I see that is kind of her style. Overall I would recommend this book if you like YA/NA romance reads. Copy provided by Audiobook Boom for review.

1 person found this helpful

OMG, I could not love this book more.

This is such a beautiful story. I love the tone, the characters, the storytelling, everything about it. Love the narrator, her voice is warm and clean.

This is my first book by Emma Scott, but I'm already stalking her other books.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful and touching book.

5 stars all the way.

1 person found this helpful

❤️ loved it

Only 2 wishes I had while listening is 1- maybe a male narrator for Evan, or a better differentiation of the voices. But she still did a phenomenal job. 2- I wish there had been more to Evan's back story with the dream walking. But over all, definitely a favorite over the last year. Thanks for an awesome story!

Not for me, didn’t finish

I was really annoyed with the narration, which was cartoonish and it detracted from the story. The story didn’t really captivate me the way I thought it would. I was intrigued with Evan’s “powers”, but it had too much gloom that wasn’t balanced by a good enough story.

I was captivated by this story from start to end!

Such a captivating story! I really enjoyed both main characters in part 1. Part 2 was a little mind blowing and threw me for a loop but it was still a great addition to the read. I love Emma’s writing and the emotional depth she brings to every story she writes. I was in the grips of the characters’ trauma and struggles from the start!

Dreamers

This is another amazing book by Emma Scott...who never disappoints her readers as she keeps each of her books interesting and unique. This time around you have Jo and Evan meeting at a time in high school when each needs to find someone who can accept them for who they are....only to be torn away from each other when they are ready to reach for happiness with each other. This story takes them through the 4 years of painful experiences only to find each other again and fight for their life together and freedom to be who they are. The Native American influence of this story weaves it way into the plot and you will feel the mysticism that comes with the spiritual gifts that are there when we need them most. You will love this dream walker tale..so worthy of 5 stars..

Moving story of love, pain, and sacrifice

Evan and Jo meet in a small town where neither of them are favored. They find solace in a neighborhood pool. Evan an Jo become special to each other and when trouble arises they become each others everything. Evan takes so good care of Jo that when he makes the ultimate sacrifice for her with a promise to her you feel it deep in your soul. It was an amazing twist and such a beautiful listen. The narrator captured all the emotions that run high in this story. Overall it was a great story of true love and a excellent listen.
I was provided a free a copy this audiobook in exchange for a honest review.