Jump by Elisa Carbone - Review

I am not sure what I expected when picking up Jump, honestly it sounds like an ok book, a non assuming, summer read that's about rock climbing, with maybe a little twist...

Synopsis via goodreads:
Jump. That is what P.K. has done. A totally wild, crazy jump from a restrictive life with her family into a life of total adventure—rock-climbing out west with a guy she barely knows. At first, everything’s amazing. Not only are they climbing in awesomely beautiful national parks like Yosemite but they seem awesomely made for one another. P.K. is in heaven. And then the cops show up . . . with an arrest warrant. And P.K. has to decide who to believe: this amazing guy whom she trusts with her life—or the cops, who want her to believe that he may take her life.

However, though it is what I would call a wonderful summer read, it's also much more than that; what I got, was an action packed thrill ride, rot with stunning views, dangerous curves, and a love story that develops in a slow elegant arc.

Jump is like nothing I was expecting, at all...

At first, like others I am sure, I was worried I might not “get” all the rock climbing stuff, and frankly even now I can't tell you the difference between a Carabiner a Camming Device or a sling...or even what each of these things do, not really anyway. But, never fear! Elisa Carbone takes us under her proverbial rock climbing wing and guides us though it all, she gives just enough; enough information to help the reader understand, with enough “other” stuff to never bog down the story to where you feel like ALL your reading is rock climbing mumbo jumbo. (Not that I am saying there's anything at all wrong with rock climbing, matter of fact. this book has me believing it's one of those sports that offers sooo much more than a beautiful view.)

Anyway....Jump is told via differing view points, which I love – P.K. and Critter (interesting name right). Each of them, if they were to stand on there own in a novel, would hold a distinct voice; rich with realism, multifaceted in there likes and dislikes, dynamic and ultimately likable in there own unmistakable ways.

And while, in most books with duel points of view, I often favor one “voice” over the other; in Jump – it was the opposite. While “in” P.K.'s head I never wanted her “time” to be over, yet I felt the same while reading Critter; like I said each of them plays a distinct part, rot with there own passions, hunger and desires. P.K. with her gentleness, and Critter with his wise and sage advice.

After all this talk about the characters, you might be thinking the plot suffers; but that's not the case at all. Elisa Carbone, is an author that's new to me, but one I will be on the look out for from now on. Her descriptions, are breathtaking and while I have never been to ANY of the places described in the book, when I close my eyes, it feels like I can picture them all, clearly with vivid details, details often missed by someone with a less artistic eye.

In addition to that, Elisa Carbone has a way with tension, romance, as well as humor; I read most of this book while sitting watching my kids at the pool; I could not help it, I was laughing out loud, enough though people were looking at me! And in the end I was crying like a baby...

Bottom Line – Jump, while I have not seen it around much in the blogosphere, is an intensely passionate read, worthy of everyone's time! It's got a very clear, concise and beautiful message however it delivers it in a way that's not at all preachy, but beautiful interwoven into this strong, beautifully told book; asking yourself, “What would I do if I was not afraid?” Is something, I think everyone might do well with remembering a little more often. I know, this is a book that I will be rereading, time and time again! I give Jump a 5++ mushrooms, and I can't wait to dive back in...I miss Critter, already!

Jump
By: Elisa Carbone
272 Pages
Published: May 13, 2010
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Received via an ARC tour for my honest review.