Review: This Is Not A Drill
Nov •
16 •
2012
Title: This Is Not A Drill
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary
Author: Beck McDowell
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Release Date: October 25, 2012
Book: Edelweiss
“Two teens try to save a class of first-graders from a gun-wielding soldier suffering from PTSD
When high school seniors Emery and Jake are taken hostage in the classroom where they tutor, they must work together to calm both the terrified children and the gunman threatening them–a task made even more difficult by their recent break-up. Brian Stutts, a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq, uses deadly force when he’s denied access to his son because of a custody battle. The children’s fate is in the hands of the two teens, each recovering from great loss, who now must reestablish trust in a relationship damaged by betrayal. Told through Emery and Jake’s alternating viewpoints, this gripping novel features characters teens will identify with and explores the often-hidden damages of war.”
Another story that is strong yet impacting, it’s really hard to separate your emotions while reading this.
The plot of the book is just heart-breaking. After going to war, a father comes back different. The soldier, suffering from PTSD holds a classroom of kids hostage. Okay, lets stop right there. This alone is devastating He served our country and is facing demons that I can not even dream of. I felt for this guy immediately. It’s not like he is crazy, he’s been through traumatic things, killed people, face death over and over. But, the other hand, he is putting harm on innocent children. It’s makes you really think twice about this plot. I knew that once I got the gist of the story that there is no going back for me.
There is a love interest as well a past friendship. Both Emery and Jake have a past with a mistake that separated them. I like that in this dangerous time, they kept their cool. They complied with Brain requests and even took are of the kids. They handled the situation extremely well and among all thought, managed to find love. Jake and Emery faced such a hardship together that makes them think differently about their life and how short it is.
This Is Not A Drill is a unique perspective of what war causes, chaos. An insanely gripping yet heart-felt story, comes to life beautifully in front of the readers eyes. The authenticity of what happens in the mind of a solider and those around them is so realistic. This Is Not A Drill pulls the reader into a mix of amazing yet raises the hair on the back of our necks.
I give it 5 BITES!
Happy Reading!
3 Comments
Categories
Currently Reading
Spread the Bite…
I’ve heard good things about this book, and my heart goes out to Brian despite the harm he’s causing. It hurts me to know soldiers like him are suffering so much even after coming home. I think I would really enjoy this one Savy!
I have read a few reviews on this book the past couple weeks and it sounds like a really great book. It’s a book I will most likely read at some point. Awesome review!
I’ve heard such good things about this book. I like when you even feel for the “bad” guy. He becomes human even while doing bad things. I would feel for him too, but have problems with what he is doing. The kids also sound like great characters. I do think I should read this one.