The Perfect Blindside Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
Told in their separate voices, Jake, an Olympic snowboarder whose fame has gone to his head, and Sophie, a high school junior and big fan of Jake's, connect at high school and soon find themselves working together to uncover who has framed him for drug possession and other misdeeds.
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Pauline Books & Media (August 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0819860131
ISBN-13: 978-0819860132
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #922,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #14 in Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Sports > Winter Sports #25 in Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Religious > Christian > Mysteries & Thrillers #42 in Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Religious > Christian > Social Issues
Age Range: 12 - 17 years
Grade Level: 8 - 12
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by debut author, Leslea Wahl. I loved the relationship between the two main characters. The dual point of view worked as a way to get into the emotions and motivations of small town girl Sophie and Olympic snowboarder teen-sensation Jake. Wahl's slant on the downside of fame brought a fresh perspective to their romance. Plus the wonderful descriptions let me vicariously experience the thrill of a snowboarder doing flips in a halfpipe. Topped off with a good mystery and this book has everything I enjoy. A fun read that will keep you engaged and guessing what's going on in Silver Springs and whether Sophie and Jake can see beyond their differences to what makes them a gold medal team.
Today, I am reviewing The Perfect Blindside by Leslea Wahl. Before I start the review, I want to share a couple of links with you:Lesley Wahl's Site -http://lesleawahl.comGoodreads Giveaway of The Perfect Blindside - http://lesleawahl.com/2015/09/181/ (this is actually Ms. Wahl's site too, but the information about the giveaway is there... and who doesn't like a chance to win a book?!)I really enjoy reviewing books for teens because my son is about to turn twelve and I want to make sure I have "the right kind of books" here for him to read. Sure, we love all the classics, but as our Priest said on Sunday (paraphrased), 'As parents teaching your children about our Faith and morality, starts with you, at home. The love of God in your children's hearts; the teaching of virtue and commandments ALL start with you.' My immediate thought was - "NO PRESSURE!"It is with that in mind that I know my husband and I have to make sure our almost teen is presented with the right type of reading material. We do not believe in isolating him from society, but we do believe in insulting. He plays baseball and takes karate and is around non-homeschooled children on many occasions. Even when watching appropriate TV shows, he sees commercials we would rather him not see. He asks a lot of questions and we have constant dialogue.I have to be honest, at first, the chapters going back and forth between perspectives of the main characters Jake and Sophie, put me off. Chapter 1 was Jake's perspective, Chapter 2 was Sophie's perspective... back and forth it went. But after the second chapter, I got it... and I really liked it. It's different and frankly, I hope there are more books coming about these two and their little town.This book is about good, old-fashioned mystery solved by two teenagers that could not have misjudged one-another more... and I love it! We talk to our children about expectations and judgments. We tell them that things are not always what they seem... that people are not always what we perceive... that situations that may seem ______ could turn out to be ______. You just NEVER know until you get to know someone or go to the _______________. I left those blank intentionally because there are a zillion things any one of you may put in those blanks.The two main characters are:Jake. Olympic Snowboarder with a silver medal. Egotistical. Teen sensation. Struggling with all the normal teen stuff AND how to manage fame. His parents moved him to a little town in Colorado in an effort to shield him from fame. And he's torn between being cool in everyone's eyes AND wanting to fit in like everyone else.Sophie. Honors student. Budding Photographer/Reporter. Small town sweetheart. Judgmental and a little bit OCD. She and her best friend Kate are like so many teen girls. It made me smile when they planned their first day of school outfits (we all used to... awww).There are many twists and turns in this classic story about two people so determined not to like one-another that it becomes all they think about. They struggle with jealousy and insecurity. They struggle with their families, who are really good families (but teens struggle with authority figures). They struggle with other teens at school (you know, some teens can be so cruel).Through a series of unexpected events these two teens have to work together, learn to trust each other, and be humble enough to do God's will... in order to save Jake's reputation and their small town from a drug ring. SO exciting!This book is about learning virtues; appreciating the talents God gave us, and working together for the betterment of God and His people. And this book is a great book to have your teens read. The way Mrs. Wahl writes is exceptional.I highly recommend it. I'm so thankful I read it!Blessings all,Emily
Review for The Perfect Blindside by Leslea WahlThrough a deft use of dialogue and authentic teen-speak, the author has written an interesting, contemporary twist on boy-meets-girl, adventure ensues, boy-gets-girl. The story is a page-turner, easily followed, and delivers several strong moral messages. The characters are well-developed and we are pulling for them, both in unraveling the mystery and in their love story. The title theme carries throughout and is happily resolved.Lois Hjelmstad, author of Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness, The Last Violet: Mourning My Mother, Moving Beyond Regret, and This Path We Share: Reflecting on 60 Years of Marriage
As a mother of six children who are avid readers, I have such a struggle to find good quality books that my kids will also find interesting. This book is it! The Perfect Blindside is a wonderful story that is perfect for middle school students to adults. Jake and Sophie work through struggles of temptation, judging others, and insecurity. They learn how they each have gifts and talents that God is able to use for His glory. As the mystery unfolded, I had difficulty putting the book down! Loved Leslea's writing style from start to finish.
The Perfect Blindside was a well written mixture of teen romance, action and adventure. However, one of the best parts about the book is the messages that are presented throughout it. Leslea Wahl hits the inner monologue of the teenage children on the head, reflecting very well how the thought process of the characters develop and change. The fast paced and exciting story keeps the story engaging without losing the core messages around which this book circulates. The dynamic characters provide great examples of people learning more about who they want to be by learning through experience rather than simply by being told what is "good" and what is "bad." I would recommend this book to you, it is worth the $11.
The Perfect Blindside offers a sweet romance, an intriguing mystery and suspenseful action. Young teens and tweens will relate to the inner doubts and conflicts experienced by Jake and Sophie. The inner and outer dialogue was well executed, and the pace of the story, though a little rushed, made for a pleasant, entertaining and positive reading experience.
Great reading for teens. I loved the romance and drama with a wholesome message for teenagers to use their talents and abilities to glorify God.
Read it in a day because the book kept me engaged, and found myself caught up in the story which has some great messages for teens.
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