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Just in case - Meg Rosoff
Genre: Ya Fiction
Pages: 240
Published: 2006
Justin Case is convinced fate has in for him.
And he's right.
After finding his younger brother teetering on the edge of his balcony, fifteen-year-old David Case realizes the fragility of life and senses impending doom. Without looking back, he changes his name to Justin and assumes a new identity, new clothing and new friends, and dares to fall in love with the seductive Agnes Day. With his imaginary dog Boy in tow, Justin struggles to fit into his new role and above all, to survive in a world where tragedy is around every corner. He's got to be prepared, just in case.
And he's right.
After finding his younger brother teetering on the edge of his balcony, fifteen-year-old David Case realizes the fragility of life and senses impending doom. Without looking back, he changes his name to Justin and assumes a new identity, new clothing and new friends, and dares to fall in love with the seductive Agnes Day. With his imaginary dog Boy in tow, Justin struggles to fit into his new role and above all, to survive in a world where tragedy is around every corner. He's got to be prepared, just in case.
I liked this book, but then I am drawn to weird books that do not make much sense, and this one is no exception.
It starts at once. David Case rescues his brother, who get annoyed. His brother tells him (well thinks it) what he wanted to do, of course out of the 1 year olds mouth nonsense comes out. Through out the book we can hear the baby's clever thoughts, and he is sure wondering why no one gets him.
David is dead sure that Fate is out after him, and he has a lot of gloomy thoughts. So he changes his name to Justin, starts wearing new clothes, and thinks that Fate can't find him any more. He also gets a dog, a greyhound, and the dog is of course not real. But he sees him. He gets a new friend, who also plays with the dog. I guess crazy attracts crazy. And then there is the older girl who wants to photograph him, and he falls in love. I think that was all teh crazy stuff.
Or was it? No, this book has a second POV, Fate with short sentences tells us that he actually is after David.
Why did I then like this book? I didn't think I would but suddenly I was drawn in to it and could not stop. David was so crazy, I guess it made me think of that Gyllenhaal movie with the rabbit. But David, or Justin really believed fate wanted him dead. And soon he saw dangers in everything, and that is not a way to live. His love affair with the girl was doomed, and it was rather painful to read who much he wanted her, when one could see her indifference. Even if she did care for him as a friend. Luckily he did meet Peter, who was great, and his little sister. That family was a pillar in Justin's life, even if they did talk about the dog. Like saying that Boy needed Justin to survive and exist...yes cos he was made up, duh. But then again Justin needed that dog, I think it made him stay sane.
There was the crazy, the weird thoughts, fate showing up and scaring me, first love, friendship and a wonder how this all would end. A great YA book in the end, with some amazing writing in it.
What can I say, I am a sucker for the weird,
Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Pretty, but pretty girl, but yes looks YA.
Reason for reading: library
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this strange tale, about a boy who lost is footing in the world.
I am glad to hear this one is good. I hope to read it next month.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a teen I used to babysit a boy named "Justin Case" - he hated his name. lol
ReplyDelete:)
MsM
Vivienne
ReplyDeleteI hope you will enjoy it, I do like tales like these.
MSM
Haha, I would think so :) Such a funny name
Wow - sounds nutty. Maybe a little too much for me.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think this made sense either so I'm glad to know that I'm not alone in my feelings but i need to try it again and maybe I'll finish it!
ReplyDeleteHuh. I think this too crazy for me!
ReplyDeleteAgree with Chris - may be a bit too weird for me!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteLol, nah, there is nothing like too nutty.
Staci
Do finish it, I mean it was wonderful, and even if things were strange, I mean they fitted.
Chris
Not a crazy lover I see :)
Patti
No love for the crazy :( Lol, but I get it
Blodeuedd -
ReplyDeleteIs this the first Meg Rosoff book you have read?
I have How I Live Now on my shelf... I've heard good things about it. :)
lol
ReplyDeleteThis is so you Linda! You have a much more open mind than I do. Although the premise sounds appealing, I think it may work my nerves. Great review!
Shellie
ReplyDeleteYup, my first, so can't say about the rest of her books. But I would think she would keep her style.
Jenny
Lol, perhaps I have. But hey you never know before you try it
This does sound like such a strange story. I sometimes like off-the-wall, it just depends. I'm sure I'd have to read some of it to be able to tell.
ReplyDeleteAlyce
ReplyDeleteWith books like this one one can just never tell, you either love it, don't get it, or just goes along with it. So yes try it :)
I don't mind weird. This one actually sounds interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteDarlene
ReplyDeleteIt was such a cool book so I would recommend it
I think this one sounds interesting, especially Fate as a character. Reminds me as Death as a narrator in The Book Thief.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Anna
ReplyDeleteFate was sure a scary fellow, he did not say much, but he did not need to