FIGHT OR FLIGHT by Jamie Canosa

 
4 STARS

I have mixed feelings about this book.  I finished it last night and had to just sit there and think about what I just read.  It was not at all what I thought it would be and I have never read anything like it before. It was a sad, desperate, intense, book about survival of the 2 main characters.  Sounds negative, because it was, but I was glad to find that it did have a happy ending.

Emerson is a scared 17 year old girl who runs away from "home" in the middle of the night with a backpack and about $50.  Jay is a "boy" who also ran away from home 2 years prior for the same reasons...because of abuse.  I will not spoil with the details, (and am glad to say it did not go into detail for those who might be squeamish to that sort of thing) however, it's harsh for both of them.  I describe it as "sad" because the whole book contains the story of their life on the streets and how they survived day to day.  

Since Jay had already been on the streets for 2 years, he had learned how to take care of himself.  When he finds Em, he doesn't expect to be drawn to her, let alone fall in love with her and feel a desperate need to take care of her.  The story contains tons of gut-wrenching scenes where I found myself holding my breath.  The only part that I could have been felt more is their love.  The passion between them was missing for me.  I believe he loved her, but I felt like it was more of a brotherly love than anything. 

The ending was bitter sweet.  I was glad to see a happy ending but I feel like maybe it was too easy.  It was believable, but I wanted to read more!  I also couldn't help thinking this was not the harsh reality of today and it made me sad.  :(  I see a sequel in the works and am hoping  Sink or Swim (Fight or Flight 1.5) comes out soon because I have so many questions that need to be answered!  

I am giving it 4 stars because I feel like this book has so much potential to be a fantastic series and am hoping the passion for their survival on the streets comes through in their love for each other in the next book.