Back Cover Blurb:
“Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen cross paths on their way to summer vacations that reveal what a gift it is to have a true Forever Friend.
Now Boarding at Gate 10
After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd’s departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, an old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.
In the Event of a Water Landing
Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can’t wait to spend her summer vacation with her friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana’s only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it’s possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences.”
My Thoughts:
Departures contains two novellas about the adventures that Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen go on during one of their summers. Since I’ve read all of the books in the Christy Miller series, I was really able to enjoy and connect with that story more than the Sierra Jensen one. One of the many reasons I continue to read Robin Jones Gunn’s books is because she provides such spiritual refreshment and creates characters that can relate to teen girls, no matter the generation. Although it does seem that some of the things in her stories are outdated—for example, the conversations that teenagers have—she is still a brilliant writer and has a knack for showing God’s love through her stories, relating to teens and their journey to adulthood.
Final Comments:
Departures would especially be a nice summer read, preferably for the fans of Christy Miller and/or Sierra Jensen series. I feel that this book would relate best to ages 13 – 15 or 16.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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Have you read either of these series,
or the novellas in Departures?
If so, what did you like or dislike about them?
Which character can you relate to the most - Christy or Sierra?
Sounds great! I love it when people post reviews!
ReplyDeleteI have not read either of these series but both sound nice. My daughter would love them. :O)
ReplyDeleteI love these books. I think in some ways I relate more to Christy -- but in others, Sierra. I haven't read Departure's yet, but I'm really looking forward to when I do get to. Great review!:)
ReplyDeleteThe Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series are two of the most beloved series from my teen years, and, even though I am now in my late twenties, I still pull them out and reread them on occasion. :-)
ReplyDeleteI will admit, I have always prefered the Christy books to the Sierra ones.
As for the outdated things that pop up in Departures, that is easily explained. This version is a reprint of the book, which originally came out in 1999 with a third novella included for the Cooper Ellis series.
Diane: I'm sure she would! All of the people that I've talked with who have read the Christy Miller series only had great things to say about them. =)
ReplyDeleteEmii: I definitely relate more to Christy also. Thanks!
Sierra: I'm not as crazy about her, either. But you should definitely try to read the Christy Miller series. I'm sure you'd love them. =)