Critics' Opinion:
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Published Dec 2015
224 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
He prepared their family for every natural disaster known to man - except for the one that struck.
When Nicole Reed's father forces her family to move to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills, one without any modern conveniences, it's too much to handle for her mother, who abandons them in the middle of the night. Heading out to track her down, Nicole's father leaves her in charge of taking care of the house and her younger sister, Izzy. For a while, Nicole is doing just fine running things on her own. But then the food begins to run out, the pipes crack, and forest fires start slowly inching their way closer every day.
Wolf, a handsome boy from the neighboring community, offers to help her when she needs it most, but when she starts to develop feelings for him, feelings she knows she will never be allowed to act on once her father returns, she must make a decision. With her family falling apart, will she choose to continue preparing for tomorrow's disasters, or will she take a chance and really start living for today?
Jamie Kain's Instructions for the End of the World is a gripping, young adult novel that explores family, friendship, and love in the midst of the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.
"The novel shines when Kain probes the destructive tensions and jealousies that can arise between siblings, and the ways in which families dissemble and find ways to mend. Ages 13–up." - Publishers Weekly
"The teens often exude a quiet, adult wisdom that will resonate with thoughtful readers, who will discover the connections among the seemingly different characters. For soul searchers. Ages 14+" - Kirkus
"[Nicole's] struggle to reconcile her upbringing with the increasingly apparent costs of isolation is genuine and compelling." - The Horn Book Magazine
"Told in first-person accounts, Kain nimbly weaves together contrasts in personality and philosophy. Her insight extends beyond respect for her maturing characters to her readers, who will find themselves deeply empathizing with the Reeds during their transformative summer." - Booklist
"The point of view shifts among Nicole, Isabel, Wolf, and another minor character are awkward at times. The narrative lacks character development, and some plot threads are not fully fleshed out. A nonconsensual sexual situation makes this title appropriate for mature readers." - School Library Journal
This information about Instructions for the End of the World was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Jamie Kain grew up in Kentucky but has had a nomadic adulthood. She is now settled in Sacramento, California with her husband and three children. Wherever she goes, her devoted writing and jogging partner, a pit bull mix named Reno, can nearly always be found at her side. She is also the author of The Good Sister.
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