Melanie P Smith

Intriguing Idea

Revisado: 12-25-14

**I was given an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

This book is told from the viewpoint of Piper Willow, a young girl who was victimized at a party while a teen. Soon after her attack, her best friend is killed in a car accident. Piper eventually commits suicide, unable to deal with the stress and the guilt. Immediately after death Piper finds herself at The Station, a fork in the road for people who ended their lives early. She is informed that she will need to make a decision; opt out and move on (basically to hell) or volunteer to be the subconscious voice of reason for other people on the verge of suicide. Piper volunteers.

The author does an excellent job of describing the characters and leading us where she wants us to go. She creates a believable world whose premise is based on second chances. I also liked the message that all actions have consequences and these wounded souls find redemption by helping others. I have to admit this is not my typical choice of story line. The book was emotional and depressing at times as we learn the details of each new supporting character’s lives, and what has brought them to the brink of committing such a terrible and desperate act. Having said that, Dawson creatively turns a tragic topic into a message of hope. The book was narrated by Kimberly Woods who was the perfect choice for this story. Her voice fit well with the age and personality of the “heroine”, bringing Piper’s character to life.

What did not work for me was Piper’s second assignment. The author did such a masterful job of pulling you into the story of Sloan I expected the same level of understanding and effort when she met her second assignment, Abby. Instead the solution seemed shallow and unbelievable. Not to the point it ruined the story, but enough that I was left wanting more when she returned to The Station. Additionally, as much as I understand the temptation to end a book with a cliffhanger, I personally hate that technique. Sure, it forces the reader to buy the next book but I prefer my books to have a beginning and an end with the next book in the series picking up with a new kind of beginning. I do realize that is a personal choice and many will disagree.

Overall, this book did keep me interested and engaged until the very end. I’m not sure I would recommend it to young adults, as this book does not adequately portray the realities of suicide or teenage trials. However I did find it thought provoking and an intriguing idea.

Melanie P. Smith | Author

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