Wednesday 16 October 2013

Blog Tour - Falling Behind by Dee Avila


 



 

Going into the her second year of high school in the rural town of Laton, Reese was ready to come out of her shell, experience life with her best friends and find a way to tell Titus she wanted to be more than friends. When Josh, the new student, shows up on the first day and a whirlwind relationship starts between him and Reese, she was in her own world and barely noticed her friend spiraling downhill. The night Josh pushed her to far her best friend died, causing her own world to spiral. 

Trying to move on from losing her best friend and ignore what Josh did to her, Reese pulls away from everyone. She had to overcome her fears and face her demons to be able to move forward.
 
 

 



 



I normally try to keep my reviews to the light side, but today I’m putting on my “Let’s have a serious chat, Internet” pants and will be keeping it somber. This book deserves that.


The intense subject matter of Falling Behind left me a bit taken aback. Because I’m older (decades past High School) I didn’t see myself in the main characters as much as I saw myself in the parents. I plan on holding on to this book for a decade or more, until my daughters are old enough to read it. This isn’t something I’ve ever considered doing with a book before, but never before had I read such a strong and vital message for teenage girls. (Honestly, dear Internet, I normally just read smut.)

During college I had a childhood friend confess that she had been abused by her boyfriend. Not really knowing what to do, I tried to get her to leave him and move in with me. She didn’t. She wouldn’t. Saying that he loved her, it was only the one time, it was really her fault. I didn’t know what to do or if it was really any of my business.  I can’t imagine my daughters (or other girls close to our family) having the same helpless feelings.  Here we are, years later, and she’s still with him and still being abused.

Reading (for me anyway) can provide a thorough way of looking at a subject or issue.  Falling Behind  allows the message to be felt, rather than heard, and gives a different perception with the character’s experiences.  I hope that this book will give my daughters a glimpse into that other view and allow them another tool in recognizing abuse. I hope it will give them more than just my words telling them that they should NEVER stand for being abused. I hope it gives us another avenue to discuss a difficult topic.
I’m not certain what the author wanted me to feel, but I can tell you I was left with love, sadness… and still hope.
 


 
 ~ Review by Jennifer



 
 

 



 
I'm a wife and mother of four. I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I use to write fairy tales when I was in grade school, but now I love writing about those tough high school years and how one decision can change the course of your life. Friendships, first loves and over coming the odds all interest me.
 
Three years ago, I decided life was too short to waste my stories by letting them collect dust on my shelves. I researched querying, took a few writing workshops and wrote the whole time. I first ventured away from what I normally wrote and tried a Paranormal Romance. That novel is tucked safely away. A year ago I chose to go back to my roots and write what I love - friendships, love and choices - how speaking out can save a life, maybe yours or a friends.
 
I talked to other authors and made wonderful friends. That's when I learned about self-publishing. I'm glad I followed through. I was so nervous to hit publish, but now I am grateful for the encouragement. It was the best decision I've ever made.
 
I'm usually in front of my laptop. When I'm not writing I am either trying to catch up on a weeks worth of laundry or on Facebook. I am a huge procrastinator. Usually close to a deadline, you can find me actually cleaning house just so I don't have to hit send. I think sending my books out to betas and my editor is the second scariest thing in the world. I love Rockstars and PB&J sandwiches. (Not the healthiest I know but it’s the fastest and it tastes good.)
 
I love meeting new people, find me on Facebook/deeavilaauthor or Twitter @deeavilabooks.
 
 


 
 
 






 

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