The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: August 2, 2012
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Source: Author
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

[My interview with Lara Zielin]

One summer chasing tornadoes could finally change Jane’s life for the better

Seventeen-year-old Jane McAllister can’t quite admit her mother’s alcoholism is spiraling dangerously out of control until she drives drunk, nearly killing them and Jane’s best friend.

Jane has only one place to turn: her older brother Ethan, who left the problems at home years ago for college. A summer with him and his tornado-chasing buddies may just provide the time and space Jane needs to figure out her life and whether it still includes her mother. But she struggles with her anger at Ethan for leaving home and feels guilty–is she also abandoning her mom just when she needs Jane most? The carefree trip turned journey of self-discovery quickly becomes more than Jane bargained for, especially when the devilishly handsome Max steps into the picture. (Goodreads)

The Waiting Sky hooked me from the moment I saw its cover and read the synopsis! I’ve always been fascinated by storms, and I was obsessed with the movie Twister when it came out in the mid-90s… When I saw that Zielin paired storm chasing with a girl struggling to figure out how to live life for herself when she has an alcoholic mother; I knew immediately that this was a must read for me. I was quickly gripped by this story, and was not disappointed.

I loved Jane, the protagonist, and easily connected with her. Jane is caught up in the chaos of her alcoholic mother and feels stuck. She’s so far into the situation, that she’s not able see the big picture. Ever since her brother Ethan left for college when she was twelve, Jane has taken care of her mother alone. She’s angry with Ethan for leaving, and doesn’t want to abandon her mom, especially when she’s getting worse. She feels responsible for keeping their lives put together.

After a serious accident (caused by her mother) Jane decides to take up her brother’s offer to spend the summer chasing storms with him and the Tornado Brothers. She thought it’d be a fun trip, and a nice break from her mother. She never thought (consciously) that it’d turn into a summer of self-discovery. The TorBros and crew have their own drama and challenges… and after spending so much time with them (and her thoughts) following storm after storm, Jane begins to gain some perspective.

Zielin created a great supporting cast of characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them all. I really liked seeing the brother/sister relationship between Jane and Ethan, and how they interacted. Jane’s best friend Cat is a gem – she’s a source of amazing support, tough love, and encouragement. Each member of the TorBros team was well developed too, and they all had their own story. Max, a member of another tornado chasing team and Jane’s love interest, was swoon-worthy and added just the right amount of romance.

“There’s a fine line between saving someone and helping them destroy themselves”

I think it’s perfect how Zielin used tornados as a metaphor for Jane’s relationship with her mother in The Waiting Sky. I loved the message that you can’t live your life for someone else, and sometimes helping someone means choosing yourself. I appreciated everything about this book – from the characters and family dynamics to the storyline and storm chasing. I can’t wait to read more by Lara Zielin!


Author Links: 
Website | Twitter  | FacebookGoodreads

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10 Responses to Review: The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin

  1. Kandee says:

    Wow. Wow. I was never really interested this book before, but now that you mention the whole metaphor, I’m a tad interested. I didn’t think there was a message to the book itself.
    Thank you for pointing it out for me.

    And again, great review.
    Kandee recently posted..Queen Of Kentucky By Alecia WhitakerMy Profile

  2. becca @ Becca's book bug
    Twitter: beccaxx03
    says:

    I have wanted to read this book for the longest time and i cannot wait until i can. Your awesome review has cemented the fact i need to read this book. Love the whole idea of metaphors within books and hidden messages. I adore the cover too. Thanks for sharing x
    becca @ Becca’s book bug recently posted..Hotter than Summer Challenge.My Profile

  3. […] Book Events Review: The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin Interview: Lara Zielin, author of The Waiting Sky By Jen On August 7, 2012 · Add Comment […]

  4. fakesteph
    Twitter: fakesteph
    says:

    You make this sound fantastic. I totally want to read this. I remember watching Twister… it was awesome!
    fakesteph recently posted..Tune In Tuesday… August 7My Profile

  5. Kristin Clifton
    Twitter: myparahangover
    says:

    Can I tell you that Twister is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies and I totally geek out over the weather maps on Weather.com when a storm is on it’s way?? Yep, I love my weather as much as you! I’ve got to find this one and add it ~ thanks for the awesome review!!
    Kristin Clifton recently posted..Gena Showalter is a ROCK STAR!!My Profile

  6. Yes! The tornado metaphor was PERFECT in the book! I loved every single page of it! And the cover is absolutely gorgeous … can a tornado be contained? Love it!

    Great review, Jen!
    Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) recently posted..Guest Post & Blog ChangesMy Profile

  7. Misa says:

    WOAH. I just noticed that there was a tornado in that jar. I’m a little slow, huh? XP

    Anyhow, The Waiting Sky sounds fantastic. Like Kandee, I wasn’t really interested in the story before, but now… I want. 😀

    Misa
    Skyway Avenue Reads
    Misa recently posted..Cover Reveal: Oath BoundMy Profile

  8. kimbacaffeinate
    Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
    says:

    This sounds amazing and I love the cover. I like storms too 🙂
    kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Skylark by Meagan SpoonerMy Profile

  9. Amber @ The Musings of ALMYBNENR
    Twitter: aLmYbNeNr
    says:

    I’m really looking forward to reading this book. I’m glad you liked it!
    Amber @ The Musings of ALMYBNENR recently posted..Poison TreeMy Profile

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