Book Review: Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: September 17, 2013

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand.  Alexandra Coutts's TUMBLE & FALL is a powerful story of courage, love, and hope at the end of the world."

Imagine that the world is coming to an end, thanks to a huge asteroid heading right for Earth.  It's summertime on Martha's Vineyard and it just so happens to be the last week on Earth for teenagers, Zan, Sienna, and Caden. Zan's backstory is that her boyfriend died in a car accident and she comes across something that makes her wonder whether he was actually faithful to her.  Then there's Sienna who is struggling with her own demons as well as the death of her mother.  Lastly, Caden has issues with his family and needs to overcome them. As the asteroid approaches, each teenager learns about moving on as well as hope in Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts.  

I have a hard time when I really don't connect with the characters in a story.  In Tumble & Fall, I liked the three characters, but I can't say I really "hit it off" with anyone in particular.  I'm not sure if this is because it took me awhile to get used to the author's writing style (the narration was a bit jarring), or what, but I had a hard time relating.  There's not doubt that each character's backstory was interesting, but I wish their stories would have intersected more. Also, I'm a little confused how Zan, Sienna and Caden could be so calm about the impending doom. As a teenager, I am sure I would have acted a bit more crazily and be rebellious, etc.

Regardless of my issues with the novel, Coutts really explores important issues in Tumble & Fall, such as forgiveness and hope, which I really appreciated. I thought this book would depress me as the asteroid got closer and closer, but I'd have to say Tumble & Fall is more about hope and leaves a positive message with its readers.

I have to say that I wasn't sure how Coutts was going to end Tumble & Fall, but I really liked how she did. Surprisingly, it was one of my favorite aspects of the novel.  

So, I can't highly recommend this novel as it left me feeling sort of "meh" and moments really dragged on, I do appreciate the depth in the characters, the important themes, and the powerful ending.