I Am Still Alive

I Am Still Alive is a thoroughly entertaining novel in a fascinating setting. The most interesting aspect, to me was seeing how Jess Cooper, the young protagonist, gradually matured in her thinking as she faced dire challenges. She was never a simpering weakling; indeed, she faced real challenges right from the beginning. But she grew in wisdom and perspective as she confronted each challenge. Her lowest moment was truly gruesome (and possibly not for the weak-stomached reader). It tested her resolve to live. The rewarding payoff was unexpected and satisfying. The book’s climax was a test of another kind for young Jess.Every person’s life has truly difficult times. This story is a lesson in surviving them. Jess Cooper reminds me a bit of True Grit’s Mattie Ross. They both suffer great loss and they both tackle the enormous burdens set before them with a single minded determination that allows for one of only two endings: success or death. Jess’s lessons: Think. Take it slow. Smart, not strong. Stay alive. These are the kind of heroes I want my granddaughters to know as they grow toward adulthood.I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it.

This book was recommended to me by my brother, the author's grandfather. That makes me her aunt and wanting to support her I bought the book and read it (maybe even felt a little obligated). I was a little hesitant as I don't usually read YA. You can tell we are a family of readers, so I feel that I am qualified to compare and critique. The bottom line, I am so glad I read it! I found it hard to put down. In the beginning I thought it was just another book about a kid from a divorced family ticked at her dad. I soon found out It was so much more than that. Kate kept the story at a constant, moving pace and easy to follow. After reading the Donner Party book not long ago, this book reminded me of the hardships faced when living in the wilderness without adequate skills or equipment. The main character is a 16 year old, physically challenged, out of her element and she survives. I think Jess displayed guts, hard work and a lot of soul searching. Good job!!

I am a semi retired criminal defense attorney. I am an avid reader. I have read hundreds of novels of all types and descriptions. For example since November I have read at least 50 novels because I’ve been on extended vacations. I have never once felt compelled to write a review. And I have never written a review. But now I must.I have never in my life disliked the main character in any novel as much is I disliked Jess.She is a nasty, argumentative teenager that makes one bad decision after another. The only reason I finished this book it’s because I was praying that she would be devoured by a grizzly Bear…If she wasn’t tripping or falling she was making bad decisions constantly. The reviews on Amazon certainly don’t match the reviews I read on other sites concerning this novel. Before buying this novel check out the reviews on other sites. Save your money!

Loved this book. But then, I am Kate’s grandfather, so may be a little biased. But, not much. It is a great read.

I love survival stories, and have since I was a teen searching through the YA section for every one I could pick up. I AM STILL ALIVE is a wonderful addition to the genre, and I loved Jess. I loved her resourcefulness, her somber voice, but most of all how she coped with her injuries and weakness and acknowledged that there were things she couldn't do, was angry about that, and used her strengths to compensate for what she couldn't do physically. Plus, the story itself is harrowing, with all the great survival elements I always love. But mostly, thank God we get a badass girl who gets to survive through the elements. Definitely recommended!

I loved this book so much. I wanted the main character Jess to survive so badly that I kept reading about what she was going through every time I should have put the book down to do something in the "real" world. I just needed to know how Jess was going to get through the next near-death experience! The forest was out to kill her. So were the animals in it and the people her father had gotten involved with. She was totally isolated. Not like a hundred miles from anyone else, but HUNDREDS of miles away from anyone being able to save her. Every time she survived a horrible accident or encounter, I was sure (because this was what always seemed to happen) that she would soon be attacked by a grizzly or fall through ice on a frozen lake or get swarmed by bees. "I Am Still Alive" is an amazing story of endurance. It seemed realistic, too. Jess has no superpowers. She's just a person who has to decide every day if she wants to live and then make that happen. Her tale is gripping. So is this book.

We bought this book because it sounded interesting. That is an understatement of what we actually got. This book may have been written for the YA market, but we are over 60 and actually both loved this book. Not only was it very exciting, but really made you want her to succeed in overcoming every difficulty. Having spent many years in wilderness adventures ourselves, this book was very realistic as to the dangers and usual pitfalls of not being prepared for all nature can throw at you. Very believable. Hope she writes more books.

I usually enjoy YA books because they tend to cut to the chase for both plot and character, and this excellent book is no exception. An enthralling story of a teen's survival in the wilds of Canada which on its own would make a great book, but a number of suspenseful plot twists make this a real page-turner. A great read that made a long plane flight pass by very quickly and enjoyably. I will hope to see more from this author.