Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

About the book:


DeparturesChristy 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 Review:
4 STARS

Departures contains two very short novellas about two girls that Robin has other books about.  The first part of the book is called Now Boarding at Gate 10, is about Christy.  She flies to previous home tome in Wisconsin to celebrate her grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary. While she is there she meets up with her elementary crush Matthew and he takes her on a tour of her past.  Christy spends a lot of time reflecting on her personal relationships, her future and relationship with God.
The second half of the book is called In the Event of a Water Landing, and it is the about Sierra and her summer vacation.  Sierra goes on trip with her friend Jana along with Jana's older brother and his friend Tim.  Jana spends a lot of time flirting with guys while Sierra decides to just sit back and enjoy the summer while reflecting on what God wants for her life and her friendship with Jana and her new interest in boys.
I enjoyed both of these short stories about teens. I have not read any of the other books so I did have a hard time connecting with the characters but overall it was good.  In the story about Christy I had a harder time enjoying because I felt like her character was a little unbelievable.  She was supposed to be 18 years old but I felt the character was really immature and was a lot younger.  The second story was a lot more believable to me.  Both story lines were cute though and the message was clear. The message being that God cares about your relationships with other people and with Him and he wants you to consult with him with every decision in your life. I would recommend this story for young teens at any age!
To comply with regulations by the Federal Trade Commission, please note that Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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About the Author:
Robin Jones Gunn
Robin’s first grade teacher wrote on her report card, “Robin keeps the entire class entertained at rug time with her stories.”

Even with such an early affirmation, Robin didn’t think much about becoming a writer during high school or college. She was more intrigued by the idea of traveling to foreign lands and telling people about God’s love.

But Robin’s husband also noticed her gift for storytelling and urged her to attend a writers’ conference. That first conference, in 1979, opened the door for publication of devotions, articles, interviews and 14 children’s books.

When her two children were young, Robin would rise at 3 a.m. and brew a pot of tea. Then she would go to work, creating stories for teens that later became the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and College Years books.

Robin’s first novel was published in 1988, and she has continued to write between two to five books a year. Her 63 published books include 47 novels, all of which are still in print. Sales of her popular Christy Miller Series, Glenbrooke Series and Sisterchicks Series are approaching four million copies sold, with translations in nine languages.

Robin’s passion for storytelling and travel are evident in all her books, especially the Sisterchicks novels, and she has received thousands of letters from readers around the world who have come to know Christ through her writing. She sees this as her dream come true. Her novels are traveling to foreign lands and her characters are doing what she always longed to do; telling people about God’s love.
Her website: 

1 comment:

  1. havent read the book, but thanks for the review. Sounds great for the younger generation.

    Blessings.....Joy
    ibjoy1953{at]yahoo[dot]com

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