The Survival Kit - Donna Freitas
Farrar, Straus and Giroux - October 11, 2011
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
"When Rose’s mom dies, she leaves behind a brown paper bag labeled Rose’s Survival Kit. Inside the bag, Rose finds an iPod, with a to-be-determined playlist; a picture of peonies, for growing; a crystal heart, for loving; a paper star, for making a wish; and a paper kite, for letting go.
As Rose ponders the meaning of each item, she finds herself returning again and again to an unexpected source of comfort. Will is her family’s gardener, the school hockey star, and the only person who really understands what she’s going through. Can loss lead to love?"
The story follows Rose and how a survival kit left by her mother (a paper bag with an iPod, a picture of peonies, a crystal heart, a paper star, and a paper kite) helps her heal. She begins spending time with Will, who understands the loss of a parent, attending school hockey games with old friends, and really living her life again.
I loved the idea of the survival kit. Rose wouldn’t have healed properly without it. It was what kept Rose together when her entire life was crashing down.
I loved Will and Rose together. They complimented each other well, both moving on from tragedies. Their romance slowly progressed and made it even better when they finally did get together.
The situation with Rose and her family was realistic and heart breaking. Her father turned to alcohol and her brother was away at school. Even though her brother was away, he was still very much a part of Rose’s life. Always checking and watching over her. I loved how Freitas handled the situation with her father. You hated him for being a drunk and Rose having to take care of him but were able to understand his behavior a little bit at the same time. He should have gone to counseling though to deal with it. Alcohol doesn’t solve anyone’s problems.
The Survival Kit was an amazing read. It made me smile and nearly cry. I would recommend it to those who are fans of Contemporary YA.
PAGE'S RATING: 4.5/5
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