Instructions for the End of the World
by Jamie Kain
December 8, 2015
224 pages
Goodreads Summary:
He prepared their family for every natural disaster known to man—except for the one that struck.
When Nicole Reed’s father forces her family to move to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills, one without any modern conveniences, her life is completely turned upside down.
It’s not that Nicole isn’t tough. She’s learned how to hunt, and she knows how to build things—she’s been preparing for the worst-case scenario for what seems like forever.
But when she and her sister, Izzy, are left alone in this remote landscape to fend for themselves, her skills are put to the ultimate test. She’s fine for a while, but then food begins to run out, the pipes begin to crack, and forest fires start to inch closer every day.
When Wolf, a handsome boy from the neighboring community, offers to help, Nicole feels conflicted. She can take care of herself. But things have begun to get desperate, and there’s something about this boy she can’t shake.
As feelings develop between these two—feelings Nicole knows her father would never allow once he returns—she must make a decision. With her family falling apart, will she choose to continue preparing for tomorrow’s disasters, or will she take a chance and start living for today?
When Nicole Reed’s father forces her family to move to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills, one without any modern conveniences, her life is completely turned upside down.
It’s not that Nicole isn’t tough. She’s learned how to hunt, and she knows how to build things—she’s been preparing for the worst-case scenario for what seems like forever.
But when she and her sister, Izzy, are left alone in this remote landscape to fend for themselves, her skills are put to the ultimate test. She’s fine for a while, but then food begins to run out, the pipes begin to crack, and forest fires start to inch closer every day.
When Wolf, a handsome boy from the neighboring community, offers to help, Nicole feels conflicted. She can take care of herself. But things have begun to get desperate, and there’s something about this boy she can’t shake.
As feelings develop between these two—feelings Nicole knows her father would never allow once he returns—she must make a decision. With her family falling apart, will she choose to continue preparing for tomorrow’s disasters, or will she take a chance and start living for today?
Review
Instructions for the End of the World was a a strange book. It was short so I finished it in one sitting. To be honest nothing really stood out. The story left me kind of lost.
Nicole's father has forever been preparing his family for all types of natural disasters. However, it turns out the disaster they really needed to prepare for was one on an emotional level. Nicole was not ready for it - definitely not one that's inflicted by her own father. What struck me as most unbelievable is what kind of mother leaves her kids with a controlling temperamental psycho (even if he is their father). She knew exactly what kind of a person her husband is yet she just upped and left.
Of the four POVs, I liked Wolf's the most. Despite his less than ideal childhood, he's honest and genuine. Nicole's POV was very bland. She was like their new house, disconnected from the rest of civilization and in need of dusting. It's not until she meets Wolf that she comes a little out of the fort her father built around her. At least she didn't blindly follow and believe in her father. That saved her for me. Her sister, Izzy's POV was so resentful and hate-filled I didn't enjoy reading her chapters. Then there's Laurel. Why did we need her POV? All her POV did was make me think she's creepy and obsessive.
Sooooo what is the point of this story? That's my biggest problem with Instructions for the End of the World. If I had to describe this book using a line graph, it would be a flat line with a few little bumps and no peaks. There just wasn't enough character growth and/or plot development to the story.
As much as it pains me to say this, I wouldn't really recommend Instructions for the End of the World to anyone. Only give it a try if you're not looking for much and have no expectations whatsoever.
*I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.
Hmmm, I had not heard much about it or was particularly interested in it, and after reading your review I'll continue in the same way that I was and give it a pass.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to be of help ;)
DeleteI've been seeing a lot of reviews of this one that are left with head-scratching about the point of the book. I was interested in reading it but I think I will just admire the cover. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYep, I had a discussion with a friend about this one and really, what is the point?!? Haha! Good decision :)
DeleteIt's such a shame you didn't like this as the premise sounds good. I might avoid it though because I like some good character development and I would hate to read a book that lacks in that area
ReplyDelete- Kate @ http://idksomethingaboutbooks.tumblr.com/
I'm really sad about it but ya this book was a whole lotta what's the point :S
DeleteI was really disappointed with this one as well. My main squabble was that nothing actually happened. There was no real conflict and I didn't feel that Nicole and her sister were ever in any real danger.
ReplyDeleteYes I feel exactly the same! When the book ended I was like WTH?
DeleteI have been looking forward to reading this one, so I am a little sad to hear it wasn't the best. I will keep it on my TBR pile for now. The synopsis makes it sounds like it is going to be some epic survival story but it now more sounds like it was rather dull and had a not so great MC. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete