Torn Away by Jennifer Brown.

Jersey Cameron has always loved a good storm. Watching the clouds roll in and the wind pick up. Smelling the electricity in the air. Dancing barefoot in the rain. She lives in the Midwest, after all, where the weather is sure to keep you guessing. Jersey knows what to do when the tornado sirens sound. But she never could have prepared for this.
When her town is devastated by a tornado, Jersey loses everything. As she struggles to overcome her grief, she's sent to live with relatives she hardly knows-family who might as well be strangers. In an unfamiliar place, can Jersey discover that even on the darkest of days, there are some things no tornado can destroy?

Thoughts!

Torn Away is a thought provoking emotive book. It revolves around a difficult emotional subject and asked the all important question, what does happen after your life has been devastated? 
Jersey was a very determined and brave lead character. I admired how she stayed strong despite the awful circumstances, mean relatives and uncertainty.  I especially liked how she dealt with disappointing family and friends.
I found Ronnie to be quite selfish and mean. To begin with I could see his logic but his decisions were just cruel and high-handed. I really felt for Jersey as his betrayal and dismissal on top of the tornado would have be devastating. Dani, her best friend, didn't seem to grasp how awful Jersey's situation was which I think may have been due to the fact she wasn't too affected by the tornado. Dani's Mum seemed to be very self absorbed and unwilling to inconvenience herself to help out.
Jersey's experience in Caster City was harshly realistic. Her family were very rude and unsympathetic. I did like Terry and how kind she was to Jersey. 
Waverley provided a much more stable home for Jersey. I loved the journey she went on to build relationships and rebuild her life.
Kolby was my favourite character other than Jersey. He was strong, supportive and brave. I spent a lot of the book worried over him though!
Torn Away is a character driven book with a focus on Jersey's journey through the confusion of a devastating natural disaster, unknown family members and an uncertain future. I loved the character growth and development and the hopeful conclusion.


Rating!

Such an emotional and refreshing book that asks the questions what happens after the 'worst disaster'? How do you move on? I will definitely be looking out for more of Jennifer's books.

Have you read Torn Away?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx