I recently finished Michele G. Miller's "From the Wreckage" and let me tell you, it is such an awesome book. The best part about this book (among so many other wonderful things) is the emotional connection the reader feels with the characters. I think anyone who has experienced loss and tried to move on with life after their loss will connect with this book.
Book Overview
"Minutes - that's all it takes to change your entire life. How do you deal with that?"
For high school senior Jules Blacklin surviving the storm is only the beginning. Faced with the new reality of her life, she must find a way to rise From The Wreckage and answer the question - how do you get back to normal, when everything that was normal is gone?
My Take
"From the Wreckage" introduces us to Jules, who with her best friends Katie and Tonya, are having a regular night out in their Texas town. Most of the kids from their high-school are hanging out at the popular Ice Shack when out of nowhere, a tornado sweeps through the town causing Jules and her friends to scramble for cover and pray for their safety.
Unfortunately, the town suffers a significant loss. Jules and her friends struggle to understand how their lives were turned upside down in the matter of minutes. For Jules, she copes with trying to understand new feelings that surface for her long-forgotten friend West, who helped protect her during the storm. Of course, we have to insert a complication, hence Jules struggle with her feelings for West when her own boyfriend Stuart is trying to provide her with comfort while dealing with his own family issues. Will Jules be able to relax in Stuart's embrace while every fiber of her being is aching to be held by West who makes her feel safe and secure? How will she and her friends survive after being pulled "From the Wreckage"?
Michele G. Miller has created such a world that sucked me straight in. The story is written as a "remembering" of events as Jules is filming her story for a film project (and I believe as a therapeutic mechanism). The switching between present day recording of the story and the events leading up to the filming are seamless and really provide an extra glimpse into feelings Jules is having. I think this is what helps make the story so engaging. Michele breaks down the "fourth wall" and connects with the readers. I couldn't help but feel like I was behind the camera and Jules was telling her story to me. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie, it would be awesome!
I give this book:
Superb writing, a realistic plot, sympathetic characters, and story of love and hope relay an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. I've already purchased the next book and can't wait to get started reading it!
At the time of this post, "From the Wreckage" is free in ebook format on all platforms. Here's how to get your copy:
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Amazon (Kindle)
Amazon UK, AU, CA
Smashwords
iBooks
Kobo
About the Author
Having grown up in both the cold, quiet town of Topsham, Maine and the steamy, southern hospitality of Mobile, Alabama, Michele is something of a enigma. She is an avid Yankees fan, loves New England, being outdoors and misses snow. However she thinks southern boys are hotter, Alabama football is the only REAL football out there and sweet tea is the best thing this side of heaven and her children's laughter!
Her family, an amazing husband and three awesome kids, have planted their roots in the middle of Michele's two childhood homes in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Connect with the Author:
Website
Amazon
Goodreads
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Michele G Miller