Helpful Score: 5
This was such a good book - did you ever read the book "Hatchet" when you were younger - about a young boy who survives in the wilderness by himself? Take that book, make it about 2 people on a deserted island having to survive and add in a love story and this book is just about perfect for a summer read.
Anna, a 30-year old teacher, is hired to tutor T.J., a 16-year old boy for the summer at a tropical island in the Maldives. While flying to the island, the pilot has a heart attack, the plane crashes and T.J. and Anna are stranded and have to figure out how to survive.
At first, they do only want to survive, but as the time passes and T.J. grows into a very handsome man... well, it's pretty obvious what is going to happen.
The story is actually not predictable - the ending is a bit of a surprise.
I loved it and highly recommend it.
Anna, a 30-year old teacher, is hired to tutor T.J., a 16-year old boy for the summer at a tropical island in the Maldives. While flying to the island, the pilot has a heart attack, the plane crashes and T.J. and Anna are stranded and have to figure out how to survive.
At first, they do only want to survive, but as the time passes and T.J. grows into a very handsome man... well, it's pretty obvious what is going to happen.
The story is actually not predictable - the ending is a bit of a surprise.
I loved it and highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 4
On the Island is one of those books that hooks you right from the first chapter. It centers around tutor Anna and her student TJ. TJ has had a bout with cancer and due to his illness is behind in school. Anna, his tutor, will be flying to Indonesia with him for the summer to join his family and tutor him for the summer. During the plane ride the pilot has a heart attack and they crash land in the water. As they are stranded on the island TJ and Anna are forced to find shelter, food and keep themselves alive over the course of three years. During this time the much older Anna and the younger TJ find themselves falling in love. A great story. Can't wait for the movie.
Helpful Score: 4
This is an original story of island castaways in modern times. Because of the novelty it was a gripping read and somewhat unpredictable. THemes worth pursuing: what is REALLY important in this life? and what are the essential qualities in someone you love, or in yourself that will induce another love you? Well researched and a very absorbing read. NO government conspiracies, no guns. Strongly recommend.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
Helpful Score: 4
When I read the premise of this book, I was intrigued and a bit wide-eyed. Sure, there are ten years between my husband and I, but now having a teenage son, to think of him with a woman that much older, I was like 'crazy'.
However, once I started reading On The Island, I was hooked - line and sinker. I loved the TV series, LOST and On the Island reminded me a bit of that, but it was soo much more! From the time the seaplane crashes to the worry Anna has for TJ and vice versa, I couldn't put this book down. In fact, I stayed up into the wee hours of the night to finish it. They were determined to survive, no matter what. From their struggles to their blossoming love, I found myself hoping that there was a happy ending for these two people. Even as Anna worried TJ's cancer might come back and TJ worried Anna would want to reunite with her boyfriend, I rooted for them to survive, to love and have a future. I really thought Anna's mom's relationship advice was sound, as well as TJ's mom's thoughts on her son's relationship. I just LOVE this book!!
If you read only one book this summer, read this one! One of the best books I've read this year!!
However, once I started reading On The Island, I was hooked - line and sinker. I loved the TV series, LOST and On the Island reminded me a bit of that, but it was soo much more! From the time the seaplane crashes to the worry Anna has for TJ and vice versa, I couldn't put this book down. In fact, I stayed up into the wee hours of the night to finish it. They were determined to survive, no matter what. From their struggles to their blossoming love, I found myself hoping that there was a happy ending for these two people. Even as Anna worried TJ's cancer might come back and TJ worried Anna would want to reunite with her boyfriend, I rooted for them to survive, to love and have a future. I really thought Anna's mom's relationship advice was sound, as well as TJ's mom's thoughts on her son's relationship. I just LOVE this book!!
If you read only one book this summer, read this one! One of the best books I've read this year!!
Helpful Score: 4
I laughed. I cried. I could relate even though I have never been stranded on an island and am past the age when a 20 year old would ever interest me romantically. Wonderful reading! I hope she writes more novels.
