Reviews for How I Became a Teenage Survivalist
Review from Salvation and Survival
The Perfect Book For Your Teenager
World events are hard enough to comprehend and face for adults. In fact, I would venture that many will find themselves uninformed and ill-prepared should any number of likely scenarios come to fruition. So, if mature Americans are scared of facing their fears, think of what it is like for our younger generations; especially those in their teenage years who are on the cusp of reaching for their future goals. How do we brace them for the possibility of disruption to their daily lives, and instruct them on getting through the coming chaos, without scaring the living daylights out of them? The profusion of "Survival" books on the market have not been suitable for our younger populace ... until now.
Author Julie L. Casey has provided not only an informative approach, but an educational and entertaining way to reach our kids and move them towards a prepper mindset. She has written a book, entitled How I Became A Teenage Survivalist, in which she appeals to the teenage sense of adventure while subtly tutoring them in the fine art of survival. The book is written from the viewpoint of sixteen-year-old Bracken, but has characters that will appeal to younger teenagers as well as the older ones about to enter adulthood.
Bracken begins his story after the advent of PF (Power Failure) Day. He recounts how a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun changed his and his family's lives abruptly and permanently. The author is able to weave survival situations into the plot that will make your teenagers think of the repercussions of such an event. At the same time, she provides the solutions that the family and their neighbors develop so that your kids can see that they can adapt and thrive without modern conveniences. I especially liked that the storyline was appealing and natural; it wasn't contrived in order to present a "how to" survival manual. That would be a turnoff to teenage readers.
Instead, the book is able to present events in a manner that will captivate the interest of this age group. What would it be like to live in a world where there is no electricity? Bracken and his brothers are resourceful in inventing ways to make pop bottle "lightbulbs", and homemade washing machines. They learn the value of working the land for their food, how to conserve the gasoline they have, and enjoy riding horses into town to visit their friends. Their mother introduces them to the many ways herbs can be used for medicinal purposes, and ... gasp! ... they even realize that they don't miss all the electronic gadgets and technological time-wasters they had before PF Day!
The author also includes a touch of light romance in her story that is sure to appeal to both girls and boys as they begin to explore the concept of love in their teenage years. But lest you think the book is all sunshine and lollipops, Julie Casey introduces her readers to the dark side of what an electro-magnetic pulse can bring. She doesn't shy away from the violence that will inevitably come as those who live in the city begin roaming the countryside in search for food and shelter. She introduces the concept of martial law (being careful to keep it more benign than it likely will be) and the right to defend one's self and property. She also informs her readers that many people will die due to the lack of life-saving equipment and medical supplies. She doesn't overly sentimentalize what our lives will be like, and she presents the information in an ever-widening awareness of the reality of life without electricity, without uniform law, and with only our ingenuity and our ability to care for each other to see us through.
If you are struggling with a way to approach your teenagers with the topic of survival training or prepping for The End of The World As We Know It (TEOTWAWKI), I suggest that you use this book as a conversation starter. Your teenager will likely have lots of questions about your own personal situation and you can begin a dialogue about how he/she can take part in preparing your family for a possible breakdown of society. In fact, this book stresses the importance of family. Everyone, including grandparents and the youngest sibling, have value in protecting the family unit during turbulent times. Think of I Was A Teenage Survivalist as a kinder, gentler strategy to introduce the younger members of your family to some scary concepts. And to be honest, it's not too juvenile for the timid adults among us, either. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest
When the power goes out on PF Day (PF for Power Failure), Bracken, the main character in How I Became A Teenage Survivalist by Julie L. Casey, realizes that he is quite lucky. He lives on a farm with his family and they have everything they need to survive: their own vegetables and animals, and a will to adapt. And adapting is something that becomes very important when you have no power - which means there is no fridge to keep things cool, no lights, no heaters, and no video games. Bracken's family will have to learn to survive - not only will they have to become even more self-sufficient than before, there's also the problem with looters who would like to help themselves to whatever they can find.
Reading How I Became A Teenage Survivalist had a number of effects on me: it entertained me, it taught me about a variety of alternative power sources, and it kept me thinking about what I would do if something like the PF day ever happened to me. That's a whole heap of things for a book to do! Usually books either entertain or teach you - but only the really good ones combine this. Julie L. Casey did a great job. The book is well written and very well researched. If you manage to keep all of the information in your head, then you'll already have a few good pointers on what to do if you ever find yourself without power for a long time. But if you only look for entertainment, the book also delivers - it's really hard to put down.
ABNA (Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award) Expert Reviewer
Bracken is a most appealing narrator. The author has provided great insights into his character--his teenaged boy's reaction to Silky's short sweater, his resentment of his brother Alex--and leavens the seriousness of his predicament with a bit of humor.
I particularly like that the author set this story on a Midwest farm. Post-apocalyptic cities have been done to death and IMO, a rural community has much more story potential in the circumstances than endless garbage piling up on city streets.
Sometimes this type of story can get tedious and depressing, but this author seems to have given Bracken a lightness of tone that promises a fresh and down to earth perspective on appalling circumstances.
This is a very good beginning to a post-apocalyptic tale. The hero/narrator has a fresh, appealing voice, and the author allows the reader to discover the parameters of his predicament along with him. This reader looks forward to his further experiences.
ABNA (Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award) Expert Reviewer
The strongest part of this excerpt are the interesting twists on a semi-familiar "doomsday" scenario. It also helps that the main character is dynamic and can carry the story from the beginning.
Overall this is a very interesting twist on the "doomsday" scenario. There are dynamic characters and the writing is very successful in sounding like a teenage boy. It is a story that pulls you in and makes you want to read more.
ABNA Publishers Weekly Reviewer
In November 2012, the Midwest is hit with a solar superstorm, and 15-year-old Bracken and his family must figure out how to survive without electricity. “There are no phones, no TV, no video games, no lights to read by at night, not to mention no refrigeration, no microwave, and no cars after the gas ran out.” The story builds and is engrossing, and the situations are realistic. The appeal of this story is its simplicity and pacing.
5.0 out of 5 stars
PF Day or PF Day(s)!, June 2, 2013
By A Navy Vet...VT town - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Written from the perspective of Bracken, a 16 year old, this is quite the book!
After a power failure his farm family bands together to overcome the lack of electricity. It is like the good old days and stresses the resourcefulness of people. Amazing how little the teenagers miss their electronic devices when there is work to be done for the benefit of their family...
I liked the quote about life "Sometimes the worst catastrophes can result in the best things". How true that is, the more I age!!
Toss in a couple of teen age romances for some added challenges!
Lots of tips for building solar items and web sites are listed at the end of the book.
All in all, a great read from a unique perspective.
Highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book about survival, December 12, 2013
By Rosa Cantu - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This book was so well written that I had trouble putting it down. The characters were real and the setting was described so perfectly! If you like Hunger Games and Divergent then you will love this novel!
5.0 out of 5 stars
TEOTWAWKI with a positive slant, June 28, 2013
By JMDinGa - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Paperback)
Having read a large number of books in this genre, this one was an interesting change of pace. The key characters have to face some of the same challenges as in other stories of this type, but it is all with a positive point of view. The reality is that this difference was not only the result of their attitudes, but the fact that they live in a rural area where they have a substantial farm. This is exactly what you would want in a grid-down situation. I would happily trade my upscale country club home in the burbs of a major city for what these folks have. And due to that difference in my circumstances, I have prepped more on the stored food and defensive/offensive weapons side of the equation - growing a garden is against club covenants, even if you have the space. I have to admit that I have now given some further thought to my "shoot first and talk later" policy for a SHTF/TEOTWAWKI scenario. The concept of mercy and forgiveness to pillaging marauders has not been in my vocabulary. This story has given me pause to consider that there may be some circumstances where mercy should be on the table. Readers who aren't into prepping often fail to understand how bad it could get, and how any hesitation on your part in a defensive scenario could be your last. Somehow though, we will need to balance "surviving" with "living", which includes kindness and mercy where possible.
Without doubt, the best chances for longer-term survival would be on a rural farm. The limited amount of violence the protagonists faced in this story is not likely to be the real world situation for those of us who don't live on rural farms in a grid down scenario. But in the longer term, these are probably the majority of people who will survive. The really hopeful thought that arises is that there are probably no better people on earth to carry on in a "new world" than these good salt-of-the-earth farmers and others in rural areas. They have the work ethic, the family values and many other attributes that make them worthy of carrying the torch forward.
This book is a real pleasure to read, and very well written (only five errors total - that's almost unheard of, especially with only two of them being grammar mistakes). I definitely invested in the characters; and the flow of the story line was smooth and well sequenced. It's easy to see how this book did so well in the writing competition. I would highly recommend "How I Became a Teenage Survivalist". From the ending, I strongly suspect the author will follow with a sequel - it would be interesting to see how Brack and Sky and Alex and Robin, et al, carry on with their lives, and what else might develop.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Captivating Read with Lessons in Survival, May 21, 2013
By judyp - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
How would your family cope if there suddenly was no electricity - not just for a few days but for months? What do you do when the conveniences we all take for granted are suddenly unavailable? Julie Casey has written a provocative book about one family's efforts to survive when the unthinkable happens. Realizing that his family is fortunate to live in the countryside instead of in a crowded city, Bracken's thoughts turn from girls (well mostly, although there is a nice smattering of romance in the book) to ingenious ways to helping his family survive. From fighting off a group of marauders to developing new ways to cope without electricity, Bracken and his family give new meaning to self sufficiency and becoming a true community. Casey has written a thought-provoking read that young adults are sure to enjoy.
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Intriguing Tale, May 31, 2013
By Michelle Brown - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
At the heart of How I Became a Teenage Survivalist is the story of Bracken's adjustment to life without the modern conveniences we take for granted. After two major solar flares, Bracken's town must come up with ingenious ways to survive, such as finding new methods of getting water from a well, heating their homes, and washing clothes. What struck me the most about this tale was the positive outlook the characters had in the face of a crisis. I thoroughly enjoyed the various survival techniques described in the novel, as they made me think about how I would cope if I had to live without electricity.
5.0 out of 5 stars
PF Day!, August 27, 2013
By Tissa Cseko (WA, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Paperback)
"Bracken is a typical teenage boy, more interested in the angles of the girl's exposed back teasing him from the seat ahead of him than in anything the geometry teacher could present. His life is filled with school, video games, and thoughts of girls, not necessarily in that order. Life just flows along uneventfully and unacknowledged, like the electricity that courses through the power lines -- until PF (Power Failure) Day."
Finally a book written from the perspective of a boy. Bracken, a 16 year old, is like every other teen from the digital age. But what happens when there's no more electricity and the survival of his family depends on him? Bracken has to adjust to a life without the modern conveniences that we often take for granted. Julie Casey has written an amazing and realistic scenario to how our lives would be like if one day we wake up and there's no electricity. How would you survive if you have to live in ingenious ways?
This book will take you through an amazing journey. Definitely an eye-opener!
I would recommend this book for all ages. Teenagers boy would definitely enjoy the ride!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!!, June 5, 2013
By AROG15 - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This book had my attention from the get go. I couldn't put it down! Not only is the scenario completely realistic, but the author does an amazing job referencing resources and tactics for survival. Being from a rural community, I could completely relate! However, this book is for anyone! It's a definite eye-opener! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a suspenseful, yet accurate account of what life would be like without electrical power! Great topic and story line!
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved this!, July 6, 2013
By Single_Teacher_Mama - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the idea of the boy writing as assigned homework from his mom, since it is, you know the end of the world, and there are no schools in session. I loved the detail that went into explaining what happened and how it happened, and the focus on this one family's survival.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!!!, May 25, 2013
By Tossy (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I just loved this story! Bracken is a very caring and devoted young man. His family comes first even though at times he is uncertain of what the future will bring. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. You do not want to miss out on this story!
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an intriguing book!, May 22, 2013
By qwertybird - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
How I Became A Teenage Survivalist is told as journal passages by a 15 year old boy named Bracken sharing the experiences of his family when the power goes out throughout the world. That means no video games, cars, or even a washing machine! (Poor Bracken's mom and her laundry troubles. As a mother, I guess I related to her a lot.) Once they realize the power isn't coming back on, they discover how to survive without it. I learned so much from this book, like how create solar heaters, and how to make a solar light bulb from a water bottle! I could really picture Bracken telling his story, and could see any teenage boy not only relating to Bracken and his experiences, but also learning a thing or two about how to survive without electricity.
5.0 out of 5 stars
HIBATS is a HIT!, May 21, 2013
By Whitney Lawrence Grady - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
How I Became A Teenage Survivalist is more than a story...it is a way of life. The survival information embedded in the rich story is truly interesting and is completely engaging! I plan to buy this for graduation gifts for all of my children's friends and teachers!
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great!, May 26, 2013
By Emily Savant (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I grew up on a farm in the middle of the country surrounded by rice fields and cattle pastures. Living off the land has always just been a way of life to me. I'm always surprised when I see people from, like Portland or San Francisco, who have just discovered growing gardens for food, like it was their idea or something. Nope, it's been around forever. We've just become so spoiled to grocery stores and supermarkets.
I love the open space of the country. It's real freedom.
Anyways, this book was a breath of fresh air. I hate to think about any of this actually happening, but the hard reality is that it probably could.
It felt like an episode of Doomsday Preppers, except not so extreme and a lot more rational. (Let's face it; some of those people are damn fools.) I hope that my family could live a somewhat normal life if something like this were to happen.
I liked stepping into Bracken's mind. He was very blunt about everything, and I definitely didn't have to imagine as to what he was thinking about. I loved his family. So sweet!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful read!, January 18, 2014
By akelim - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Gives a great glimpse of what life would be like in the event of widespread, long term power loss. Characters and scenarios are very well written. Sparks the imagination.
4.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent TEOTWAWKI book for the Teen/Young-Adult group, December 10, 2013
By Amazon Customer "JPM" (Hampton Roads, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This is a very good teen/young adult TEOTWAWKI story. I enjoyed it and appreciated a how the author detailed many challenges of working a farm and raising livestock. I thought the recovery of the town and surrounding community was quite plausible and passage into adulthood for the main characters was heart-warming. My youngest daughter read it and enjoyed it as well. This was a great way for her to expand her understanding of how so many parts of our daily life are really interdependent and vulnerable to disruption.
4.0 out of 5 stars
what an enjoyable story..., December 7, 2013
By Wm. A. Mesmer (Olathe, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I am aware of the risks that are presented by a CME event, however I have adopted the "head in the sand" method of dealing with the possibility of one occurring. So I appreciate Ms Casey's efforts to make this an educational as well as entertaining story. I may have enjoyed this story more that others given the fact that the action takes place very close geographically to my home. Critically there is little I can say about the writing or the story itself. I read a lot of apocalyptic fiction, but this story grabbed me and held my attention until I finished it. Additionally, I felt in good spirits afterwards, which is not always the case with end-of-the-world stories, nor did I feel that the premises the story is based on were unrealistic. All in all, this was a good read, with a fair bit of schooling thrown in too boot.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great story, November 23, 2013
By Judy Marcum - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Enjoyed the story very much. Though this is a best case scenario and the family coped with the unexpected hardships ingeniously, some of the harsher aspects of such a disaster were touched upon also. I am far beyond being a youth but enjoy many types of literature and this was no exception Thank you Ms Casey.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent writing that takes you away and makes one contemplate. A+!, November 19, 2013
By Charles TP - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
An excellent book emphasizing the importance of family, friends and being responsible for oneself. Couldn't put it down and will reference it many times to come here on our small farm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
good read, November 17, 2013
By sboyle - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
read it in one sitting.....ready for the sequel! Good job Julie! Would make a good stocking stuffer. would highly suggest
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very well written book!, November 12, 2013
By Robert - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This is a very well written book. The author's grammar is as close to perfect as I have seen. The storyline kept my attention all throughout the book, I learned a lot of interesting ways to survive in a real world situation if this were to ever really happen. Good read!
4.0 out of 5 stars
A real eye-opener!, November 10, 2013
By Laura Lewis "LC Lewis" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Bracken is a sixteen-year-old Midwest boy preoccupied with the normal teenage concerns. The background hum of his world revolves around farm life at home with his parents, school, the normal one-upmanship between him and his older brother Alex, his annoyance with his younger brother Calvin, and the inch of skin playing peek-a-boo between Silky Henderson's belt line and shirt each time the girl leans forward.
But all that changes drastically when a series of explosions rock the area, throwing the school into immediate lockdown while fires and smoke rise in the town. They are told that "PF Day," or Power Failure Day, is the result of a huge solar storm, effectively catapulting residents back to an era before electricity.
Somewhat secluded, Bracken's town and family have no idea of the expanse of the problems, so they hunker down and rely of the skills of their grandparents and the bounty their farming community can provide. Services are out, including schools, so Bracken's mother encourages him to keep a journal chronicling the effects of PF Day and their efforts to carry on life. How I Became a Teenage Survivalist is Bracken's journal.
Told in first-person, we are in Bracken's head. Ms. Casey paints her young hero as a naïve, emotionally young innocent, whose primary concerns are the absence of a social life and lack of entertainment, but from the first day we begin to see both the agonies and the quiet blessings the power failure causes as families unify, brothers "man-up," and pull together to address family needs and challenges.
As time passes with little technical advance, word of the expanse of the disaster arrives. Bracken and his family's preparation move from concerns over providing food, to defense, preparing for medical emergencies, and the need to prepare for a future without power.
Julie L. Casey has done an exquisite job showcasing the scope and challenges of such a disaster, and the creative solutions her characters employ make this a fascinating read. Readers interested in emergency preparedness will appreciate Casey's inclusion of links and websites for further information on solar storms and survival.
I struggled with investing in Bracken's character initially. While his choices and actions portray him as dependable and mature, things change when we are "in his head." His side-bar conversations occasionally drift into silliness more attributable to a middle school-er, and I found his preoccupation with make-out sessions tedious and distracting. But Casey wisely allows him to grow and develop throughout the book, so hang on. By the middle of the book he emerges as a confident, tender, responsible, balanced young hero.
Readers take a leap of faith as they enter a new world constructed by an author. Casey's book is worthy of a reader's trust. She has done her research, and she delivers a creative read that will keep you turning pages, and have you questioning what you would do if you had to become a survivalist.
How I Became A Teenage Survivalist is available on Amazon. It boasts two trailers. You can find them at [...] and [...]
5.0 out of 5 stars
BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS..., October 21, 2013
By pigeon (Bolivar, OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
VERY enjoyable read for teens & adults. What do you do when the electric goes out? Someday it might and might not come back on. This book tells a story of a 16 year old boy and his family and how they survived without electronics when the electric went out. Modern conveniences ceased to work due to a natural phenomenon and they had to make do with what they had or could make workable for what they needed to do to live. There are ideas in this book and also links to more information sources. Give it a read and you might even find yourself ready to prepare yourself in case it happens for real. You just never know...
My most favorite part of the book was checking in on the grandparents.
5.0 out of 5 stars
What would you do if the power grid went down?, October 12, 2013
By DonnaLWhittaker - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Although this book is considered juvenile fiction, it is an enlightening read for all ages. What would you do if the electrical grid went down?
How I Became a Teenage Survivalist describes how a typical teenage boy’s life is drastically changed when the grid goes down. Not just for an ice storm but for months and months. How would your life be different without electricity? The author’s “Find Out More” section provides resources for you to consider.
The teenager, his family, and the entire rural community find ways of innovation and cooperation that make their lives more than bearable. They face death, love, adversity, and many radical changes in their lives.
The characters are all believable. The plot has twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages.
Definitely a recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great story told from a different point of view., October 9, 2013
By Tammy Cline - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Love it. Wish there was more. I still wanted to keep reading, I could not put it down. Will there be a sequel?
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought Proving, October 9, 2013
By Joan Clouser - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Very well written, thought provoking. I live in the same area the author does and a friend and I have been mulling over these same thoughts. To see it in print really urges you to think about this and make some plans.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good read., October 4, 2013
By Roberta - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Very good read. Good for readers of all ages. Little violence no profanity. I would read more written by this author.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Thought Provoking Read, July 17, 2013
By Nora Noellsch - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
It held my interest and made me use my imagination. I thought about it a lot after I was finished and tried to envision what I would do in the same situation as the family in the book. It had some very serious parts but also a good sense of humor.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, June 26, 2013
By T. Turissini (Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
The story flowed so well I had trouble putting it down. Great new perspective on the genre. This book is absent the heavy-handed preschoolers I usually have to endure when reading a survival novel, and instead delivers a well crafted and entertaining story.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A page turner!, June 26, 2013
By Jonathan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
A very quick read but still exciting to the end! Great characters and plot. Go read it, you won't regret it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating!, August 21, 2013
By Rebecca - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Paperback)
This book is so fascinating. And a little frightening too. It makes me think about how prepared I am for something like this. Not nearly prepared enough. Very thought provoking.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read, June 28, 2013
By M P Noon - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
It was hard to put down, it kept me interested all the way through. I think that anyone any age will like this book.
The Perfect Book For Your Teenager
World events are hard enough to comprehend and face for adults. In fact, I would venture that many will find themselves uninformed and ill-prepared should any number of likely scenarios come to fruition. So, if mature Americans are scared of facing their fears, think of what it is like for our younger generations; especially those in their teenage years who are on the cusp of reaching for their future goals. How do we brace them for the possibility of disruption to their daily lives, and instruct them on getting through the coming chaos, without scaring the living daylights out of them? The profusion of "Survival" books on the market have not been suitable for our younger populace ... until now.
Author Julie L. Casey has provided not only an informative approach, but an educational and entertaining way to reach our kids and move them towards a prepper mindset. She has written a book, entitled How I Became A Teenage Survivalist, in which she appeals to the teenage sense of adventure while subtly tutoring them in the fine art of survival. The book is written from the viewpoint of sixteen-year-old Bracken, but has characters that will appeal to younger teenagers as well as the older ones about to enter adulthood.
Bracken begins his story after the advent of PF (Power Failure) Day. He recounts how a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun changed his and his family's lives abruptly and permanently. The author is able to weave survival situations into the plot that will make your teenagers think of the repercussions of such an event. At the same time, she provides the solutions that the family and their neighbors develop so that your kids can see that they can adapt and thrive without modern conveniences. I especially liked that the storyline was appealing and natural; it wasn't contrived in order to present a "how to" survival manual. That would be a turnoff to teenage readers.
Instead, the book is able to present events in a manner that will captivate the interest of this age group. What would it be like to live in a world where there is no electricity? Bracken and his brothers are resourceful in inventing ways to make pop bottle "lightbulbs", and homemade washing machines. They learn the value of working the land for their food, how to conserve the gasoline they have, and enjoy riding horses into town to visit their friends. Their mother introduces them to the many ways herbs can be used for medicinal purposes, and ... gasp! ... they even realize that they don't miss all the electronic gadgets and technological time-wasters they had before PF Day!
The author also includes a touch of light romance in her story that is sure to appeal to both girls and boys as they begin to explore the concept of love in their teenage years. But lest you think the book is all sunshine and lollipops, Julie Casey introduces her readers to the dark side of what an electro-magnetic pulse can bring. She doesn't shy away from the violence that will inevitably come as those who live in the city begin roaming the countryside in search for food and shelter. She introduces the concept of martial law (being careful to keep it more benign than it likely will be) and the right to defend one's self and property. She also informs her readers that many people will die due to the lack of life-saving equipment and medical supplies. She doesn't overly sentimentalize what our lives will be like, and she presents the information in an ever-widening awareness of the reality of life without electricity, without uniform law, and with only our ingenuity and our ability to care for each other to see us through.
If you are struggling with a way to approach your teenagers with the topic of survival training or prepping for The End of The World As We Know It (TEOTWAWKI), I suggest that you use this book as a conversation starter. Your teenager will likely have lots of questions about your own personal situation and you can begin a dialogue about how he/she can take part in preparing your family for a possible breakdown of society. In fact, this book stresses the importance of family. Everyone, including grandparents and the youngest sibling, have value in protecting the family unit during turbulent times. Think of I Was A Teenage Survivalist as a kinder, gentler strategy to introduce the younger members of your family to some scary concepts. And to be honest, it's not too juvenile for the timid adults among us, either. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest
When the power goes out on PF Day (PF for Power Failure), Bracken, the main character in How I Became A Teenage Survivalist by Julie L. Casey, realizes that he is quite lucky. He lives on a farm with his family and they have everything they need to survive: their own vegetables and animals, and a will to adapt. And adapting is something that becomes very important when you have no power - which means there is no fridge to keep things cool, no lights, no heaters, and no video games. Bracken's family will have to learn to survive - not only will they have to become even more self-sufficient than before, there's also the problem with looters who would like to help themselves to whatever they can find.
Reading How I Became A Teenage Survivalist had a number of effects on me: it entertained me, it taught me about a variety of alternative power sources, and it kept me thinking about what I would do if something like the PF day ever happened to me. That's a whole heap of things for a book to do! Usually books either entertain or teach you - but only the really good ones combine this. Julie L. Casey did a great job. The book is well written and very well researched. If you manage to keep all of the information in your head, then you'll already have a few good pointers on what to do if you ever find yourself without power for a long time. But if you only look for entertainment, the book also delivers - it's really hard to put down.
ABNA (Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award) Expert Reviewer
Bracken is a most appealing narrator. The author has provided great insights into his character--his teenaged boy's reaction to Silky's short sweater, his resentment of his brother Alex--and leavens the seriousness of his predicament with a bit of humor.
I particularly like that the author set this story on a Midwest farm. Post-apocalyptic cities have been done to death and IMO, a rural community has much more story potential in the circumstances than endless garbage piling up on city streets.
Sometimes this type of story can get tedious and depressing, but this author seems to have given Bracken a lightness of tone that promises a fresh and down to earth perspective on appalling circumstances.
This is a very good beginning to a post-apocalyptic tale. The hero/narrator has a fresh, appealing voice, and the author allows the reader to discover the parameters of his predicament along with him. This reader looks forward to his further experiences.
ABNA (Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award) Expert Reviewer
The strongest part of this excerpt are the interesting twists on a semi-familiar "doomsday" scenario. It also helps that the main character is dynamic and can carry the story from the beginning.
Overall this is a very interesting twist on the "doomsday" scenario. There are dynamic characters and the writing is very successful in sounding like a teenage boy. It is a story that pulls you in and makes you want to read more.
ABNA Publishers Weekly Reviewer
In November 2012, the Midwest is hit with a solar superstorm, and 15-year-old Bracken and his family must figure out how to survive without electricity. “There are no phones, no TV, no video games, no lights to read by at night, not to mention no refrigeration, no microwave, and no cars after the gas ran out.” The story builds and is engrossing, and the situations are realistic. The appeal of this story is its simplicity and pacing.
5.0 out of 5 stars
PF Day or PF Day(s)!, June 2, 2013
By A Navy Vet...VT town - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Written from the perspective of Bracken, a 16 year old, this is quite the book!
After a power failure his farm family bands together to overcome the lack of electricity. It is like the good old days and stresses the resourcefulness of people. Amazing how little the teenagers miss their electronic devices when there is work to be done for the benefit of their family...
I liked the quote about life "Sometimes the worst catastrophes can result in the best things". How true that is, the more I age!!
Toss in a couple of teen age romances for some added challenges!
Lots of tips for building solar items and web sites are listed at the end of the book.
All in all, a great read from a unique perspective.
Highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book about survival, December 12, 2013
By Rosa Cantu - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This book was so well written that I had trouble putting it down. The characters were real and the setting was described so perfectly! If you like Hunger Games and Divergent then you will love this novel!
5.0 out of 5 stars
TEOTWAWKI with a positive slant, June 28, 2013
By JMDinGa - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Paperback)
Having read a large number of books in this genre, this one was an interesting change of pace. The key characters have to face some of the same challenges as in other stories of this type, but it is all with a positive point of view. The reality is that this difference was not only the result of their attitudes, but the fact that they live in a rural area where they have a substantial farm. This is exactly what you would want in a grid-down situation. I would happily trade my upscale country club home in the burbs of a major city for what these folks have. And due to that difference in my circumstances, I have prepped more on the stored food and defensive/offensive weapons side of the equation - growing a garden is against club covenants, even if you have the space. I have to admit that I have now given some further thought to my "shoot first and talk later" policy for a SHTF/TEOTWAWKI scenario. The concept of mercy and forgiveness to pillaging marauders has not been in my vocabulary. This story has given me pause to consider that there may be some circumstances where mercy should be on the table. Readers who aren't into prepping often fail to understand how bad it could get, and how any hesitation on your part in a defensive scenario could be your last. Somehow though, we will need to balance "surviving" with "living", which includes kindness and mercy where possible.
Without doubt, the best chances for longer-term survival would be on a rural farm. The limited amount of violence the protagonists faced in this story is not likely to be the real world situation for those of us who don't live on rural farms in a grid down scenario. But in the longer term, these are probably the majority of people who will survive. The really hopeful thought that arises is that there are probably no better people on earth to carry on in a "new world" than these good salt-of-the-earth farmers and others in rural areas. They have the work ethic, the family values and many other attributes that make them worthy of carrying the torch forward.
This book is a real pleasure to read, and very well written (only five errors total - that's almost unheard of, especially with only two of them being grammar mistakes). I definitely invested in the characters; and the flow of the story line was smooth and well sequenced. It's easy to see how this book did so well in the writing competition. I would highly recommend "How I Became a Teenage Survivalist". From the ending, I strongly suspect the author will follow with a sequel - it would be interesting to see how Brack and Sky and Alex and Robin, et al, carry on with their lives, and what else might develop.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Captivating Read with Lessons in Survival, May 21, 2013
By judyp - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
How would your family cope if there suddenly was no electricity - not just for a few days but for months? What do you do when the conveniences we all take for granted are suddenly unavailable? Julie Casey has written a provocative book about one family's efforts to survive when the unthinkable happens. Realizing that his family is fortunate to live in the countryside instead of in a crowded city, Bracken's thoughts turn from girls (well mostly, although there is a nice smattering of romance in the book) to ingenious ways to helping his family survive. From fighting off a group of marauders to developing new ways to cope without electricity, Bracken and his family give new meaning to self sufficiency and becoming a true community. Casey has written a thought-provoking read that young adults are sure to enjoy.
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Intriguing Tale, May 31, 2013
By Michelle Brown - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
At the heart of How I Became a Teenage Survivalist is the story of Bracken's adjustment to life without the modern conveniences we take for granted. After two major solar flares, Bracken's town must come up with ingenious ways to survive, such as finding new methods of getting water from a well, heating their homes, and washing clothes. What struck me the most about this tale was the positive outlook the characters had in the face of a crisis. I thoroughly enjoyed the various survival techniques described in the novel, as they made me think about how I would cope if I had to live without electricity.
5.0 out of 5 stars
PF Day!, August 27, 2013
By Tissa Cseko (WA, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Paperback)
"Bracken is a typical teenage boy, more interested in the angles of the girl's exposed back teasing him from the seat ahead of him than in anything the geometry teacher could present. His life is filled with school, video games, and thoughts of girls, not necessarily in that order. Life just flows along uneventfully and unacknowledged, like the electricity that courses through the power lines -- until PF (Power Failure) Day."
Finally a book written from the perspective of a boy. Bracken, a 16 year old, is like every other teen from the digital age. But what happens when there's no more electricity and the survival of his family depends on him? Bracken has to adjust to a life without the modern conveniences that we often take for granted. Julie Casey has written an amazing and realistic scenario to how our lives would be like if one day we wake up and there's no electricity. How would you survive if you have to live in ingenious ways?
This book will take you through an amazing journey. Definitely an eye-opener!
I would recommend this book for all ages. Teenagers boy would definitely enjoy the ride!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!!, June 5, 2013
By AROG15 - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This book had my attention from the get go. I couldn't put it down! Not only is the scenario completely realistic, but the author does an amazing job referencing resources and tactics for survival. Being from a rural community, I could completely relate! However, this book is for anyone! It's a definite eye-opener! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a suspenseful, yet accurate account of what life would be like without electrical power! Great topic and story line!
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved this!, July 6, 2013
By Single_Teacher_Mama - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the idea of the boy writing as assigned homework from his mom, since it is, you know the end of the world, and there are no schools in session. I loved the detail that went into explaining what happened and how it happened, and the focus on this one family's survival.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!!!, May 25, 2013
By Tossy (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I just loved this story! Bracken is a very caring and devoted young man. His family comes first even though at times he is uncertain of what the future will bring. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. You do not want to miss out on this story!
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an intriguing book!, May 22, 2013
By qwertybird - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
How I Became A Teenage Survivalist is told as journal passages by a 15 year old boy named Bracken sharing the experiences of his family when the power goes out throughout the world. That means no video games, cars, or even a washing machine! (Poor Bracken's mom and her laundry troubles. As a mother, I guess I related to her a lot.) Once they realize the power isn't coming back on, they discover how to survive without it. I learned so much from this book, like how create solar heaters, and how to make a solar light bulb from a water bottle! I could really picture Bracken telling his story, and could see any teenage boy not only relating to Bracken and his experiences, but also learning a thing or two about how to survive without electricity.
5.0 out of 5 stars
HIBATS is a HIT!, May 21, 2013
By Whitney Lawrence Grady - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
How I Became A Teenage Survivalist is more than a story...it is a way of life. The survival information embedded in the rich story is truly interesting and is completely engaging! I plan to buy this for graduation gifts for all of my children's friends and teachers!
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great!, May 26, 2013
By Emily Savant (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I grew up on a farm in the middle of the country surrounded by rice fields and cattle pastures. Living off the land has always just been a way of life to me. I'm always surprised when I see people from, like Portland or San Francisco, who have just discovered growing gardens for food, like it was their idea or something. Nope, it's been around forever. We've just become so spoiled to grocery stores and supermarkets.
I love the open space of the country. It's real freedom.
Anyways, this book was a breath of fresh air. I hate to think about any of this actually happening, but the hard reality is that it probably could.
It felt like an episode of Doomsday Preppers, except not so extreme and a lot more rational. (Let's face it; some of those people are damn fools.) I hope that my family could live a somewhat normal life if something like this were to happen.
I liked stepping into Bracken's mind. He was very blunt about everything, and I definitely didn't have to imagine as to what he was thinking about. I loved his family. So sweet!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful read!, January 18, 2014
By akelim - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Gives a great glimpse of what life would be like in the event of widespread, long term power loss. Characters and scenarios are very well written. Sparks the imagination.
4.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent TEOTWAWKI book for the Teen/Young-Adult group, December 10, 2013
By Amazon Customer "JPM" (Hampton Roads, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This is a very good teen/young adult TEOTWAWKI story. I enjoyed it and appreciated a how the author detailed many challenges of working a farm and raising livestock. I thought the recovery of the town and surrounding community was quite plausible and passage into adulthood for the main characters was heart-warming. My youngest daughter read it and enjoyed it as well. This was a great way for her to expand her understanding of how so many parts of our daily life are really interdependent and vulnerable to disruption.
4.0 out of 5 stars
what an enjoyable story..., December 7, 2013
By Wm. A. Mesmer (Olathe, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
I am aware of the risks that are presented by a CME event, however I have adopted the "head in the sand" method of dealing with the possibility of one occurring. So I appreciate Ms Casey's efforts to make this an educational as well as entertaining story. I may have enjoyed this story more that others given the fact that the action takes place very close geographically to my home. Critically there is little I can say about the writing or the story itself. I read a lot of apocalyptic fiction, but this story grabbed me and held my attention until I finished it. Additionally, I felt in good spirits afterwards, which is not always the case with end-of-the-world stories, nor did I feel that the premises the story is based on were unrealistic. All in all, this was a good read, with a fair bit of schooling thrown in too boot.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great story, November 23, 2013
By Judy Marcum - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Enjoyed the story very much. Though this is a best case scenario and the family coped with the unexpected hardships ingeniously, some of the harsher aspects of such a disaster were touched upon also. I am far beyond being a youth but enjoy many types of literature and this was no exception Thank you Ms Casey.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent writing that takes you away and makes one contemplate. A+!, November 19, 2013
By Charles TP - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
An excellent book emphasizing the importance of family, friends and being responsible for oneself. Couldn't put it down and will reference it many times to come here on our small farm.
5.0 out of 5 stars
good read, November 17, 2013
By sboyle - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
read it in one sitting.....ready for the sequel! Good job Julie! Would make a good stocking stuffer. would highly suggest
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very well written book!, November 12, 2013
By Robert - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
This is a very well written book. The author's grammar is as close to perfect as I have seen. The storyline kept my attention all throughout the book, I learned a lot of interesting ways to survive in a real world situation if this were to ever really happen. Good read!
4.0 out of 5 stars
A real eye-opener!, November 10, 2013
By Laura Lewis "LC Lewis" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Bracken is a sixteen-year-old Midwest boy preoccupied with the normal teenage concerns. The background hum of his world revolves around farm life at home with his parents, school, the normal one-upmanship between him and his older brother Alex, his annoyance with his younger brother Calvin, and the inch of skin playing peek-a-boo between Silky Henderson's belt line and shirt each time the girl leans forward.
But all that changes drastically when a series of explosions rock the area, throwing the school into immediate lockdown while fires and smoke rise in the town. They are told that "PF Day," or Power Failure Day, is the result of a huge solar storm, effectively catapulting residents back to an era before electricity.
Somewhat secluded, Bracken's town and family have no idea of the expanse of the problems, so they hunker down and rely of the skills of their grandparents and the bounty their farming community can provide. Services are out, including schools, so Bracken's mother encourages him to keep a journal chronicling the effects of PF Day and their efforts to carry on life. How I Became a Teenage Survivalist is Bracken's journal.
Told in first-person, we are in Bracken's head. Ms. Casey paints her young hero as a naïve, emotionally young innocent, whose primary concerns are the absence of a social life and lack of entertainment, but from the first day we begin to see both the agonies and the quiet blessings the power failure causes as families unify, brothers "man-up," and pull together to address family needs and challenges.
As time passes with little technical advance, word of the expanse of the disaster arrives. Bracken and his family's preparation move from concerns over providing food, to defense, preparing for medical emergencies, and the need to prepare for a future without power.
Julie L. Casey has done an exquisite job showcasing the scope and challenges of such a disaster, and the creative solutions her characters employ make this a fascinating read. Readers interested in emergency preparedness will appreciate Casey's inclusion of links and websites for further information on solar storms and survival.
I struggled with investing in Bracken's character initially. While his choices and actions portray him as dependable and mature, things change when we are "in his head." His side-bar conversations occasionally drift into silliness more attributable to a middle school-er, and I found his preoccupation with make-out sessions tedious and distracting. But Casey wisely allows him to grow and develop throughout the book, so hang on. By the middle of the book he emerges as a confident, tender, responsible, balanced young hero.
Readers take a leap of faith as they enter a new world constructed by an author. Casey's book is worthy of a reader's trust. She has done her research, and she delivers a creative read that will keep you turning pages, and have you questioning what you would do if you had to become a survivalist.
How I Became A Teenage Survivalist is available on Amazon. It boasts two trailers. You can find them at [...] and [...]
5.0 out of 5 stars
BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS..., October 21, 2013
By pigeon (Bolivar, OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
VERY enjoyable read for teens & adults. What do you do when the electric goes out? Someday it might and might not come back on. This book tells a story of a 16 year old boy and his family and how they survived without electronics when the electric went out. Modern conveniences ceased to work due to a natural phenomenon and they had to make do with what they had or could make workable for what they needed to do to live. There are ideas in this book and also links to more information sources. Give it a read and you might even find yourself ready to prepare yourself in case it happens for real. You just never know...
My most favorite part of the book was checking in on the grandparents.
5.0 out of 5 stars
What would you do if the power grid went down?, October 12, 2013
By DonnaLWhittaker - See all my reviews
This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Although this book is considered juvenile fiction, it is an enlightening read for all ages. What would you do if the electrical grid went down?
How I Became a Teenage Survivalist describes how a typical teenage boy’s life is drastically changed when the grid goes down. Not just for an ice storm but for months and months. How would your life be different without electricity? The author’s “Find Out More” section provides resources for you to consider.
The teenager, his family, and the entire rural community find ways of innovation and cooperation that make their lives more than bearable. They face death, love, adversity, and many radical changes in their lives.
The characters are all believable. The plot has twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages.
Definitely a recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great story told from a different point of view., October 9, 2013
By Tammy Cline - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Love it. Wish there was more. I still wanted to keep reading, I could not put it down. Will there be a sequel?
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought Proving, October 9, 2013
By Joan Clouser - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Very well written, thought provoking. I live in the same area the author does and a friend and I have been mulling over these same thoughts. To see it in print really urges you to think about this and make some plans.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good read., October 4, 2013
By Roberta - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
Very good read. Good for readers of all ages. Little violence no profanity. I would read more written by this author.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Thought Provoking Read, July 17, 2013
By Nora Noellsch - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
It held my interest and made me use my imagination. I thought about it a lot after I was finished and tried to envision what I would do in the same situation as the family in the book. It had some very serious parts but also a good sense of humor.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, June 26, 2013
By T. Turissini (Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
The story flowed so well I had trouble putting it down. Great new perspective on the genre. This book is absent the heavy-handed preschoolers I usually have to endure when reading a survival novel, and instead delivers a well crafted and entertaining story.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A page turner!, June 26, 2013
By Jonathan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
A very quick read but still exciting to the end! Great characters and plot. Go read it, you won't regret it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating!, August 21, 2013
By Rebecca - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Paperback)
This book is so fascinating. And a little frightening too. It makes me think about how prepared I am for something like this. Not nearly prepared enough. Very thought provoking.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read, June 28, 2013
By M P Noon - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How I Became A Teenage Survivalist (Kindle Edition)
It was hard to put down, it kept me interested all the way through. I think that anyone any age will like this book.