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Outside In
Lynn’s life is full — choir practice, school, shopping for the perfect jeans, and dealing with her free-spirited mother. Then one day her life is saved by a mysterious girl named Blossom, who introduces Lynn to her own world and family — both more bizarre, yet somehow more sane, than Lynn’s own.
Blossom’s family is a small band of outcasts and eccentrics who live secretly in an ingenious bunker beneath a city reservoir. The Underlanders forage and trade for the things they need (“Is it useful or lovely?”), living off the things “Citizens” throw away. Lynn is enchanted and amazed. But when she inadvertently reveals their secret, she is forced to take measure of her own motives and lifestyle, as she figures out what it really means to be a family, and a friend.
Classic Sarah Ellis, this novel is smart, rich, engaging and insightful.
Blossom’s family is a small band of outcasts and eccentrics who live secretly in an ingenious bunker beneath a city reservoir. The Underlanders forage and trade for the things they need (“Is it useful or lovely?”), living off the things “Citizens” throw away. Lynn is enchanted and amazed. But when she inadvertently reveals their secret, she is forced to take measure of her own motives and lifestyle, as she figures out what it really means to be a family, and a friend.
Classic Sarah Ellis, this novel is smart, rich, engaging and insightful.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
Sarah Ellis
117 books40 followersWriter, columnist, and librarian Sarah Ellis has become one of the best-known authors for young adults in her native Canada with titles such as The Baby Project, Pick-Up Sticks, and Back of Beyond: Stories of the Supernatural. In addition to young adult novels, Ellis has also written for younger children and has authored several books about the craft of writing. Praised by Booklist contributor Hazel Rochman as "one of the best children's literature critics," Ellis "writes without condescension or pedantry. . . . Her prose is a delight: plain, witty, practical, wise."
Ellis was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1952, the youngest of three children in her family. As she once noted, "[My] joy in embroidering the truth probably comes from my own childhood. My father was a rich mine of anecdotes and jokes. He knew more variations on the 'once there were three men in a rowboat' joke than anyone I've encountered since.
Ellis was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1952, the youngest of three children in her family. As she once noted, "[My] joy in embroidering the truth probably comes from my own childhood. My father was a rich mine of anecdotes and jokes. He knew more variations on the 'once there were three men in a rowboat' joke than anyone I've encountered since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 15, 2015
One star because the book is slow and as it moves slowly along, not much happens. I did really like Lynn, the main character. She's got a funny, wise view of the world, and the way she handles her flaky mother is impressive. I wish Lynn had had more story to play with.
March 3, 2015
~Can you keep a secret?~
Outside in: a 2015 Red maple nominee you're sure to enjoy. With a realistic fiction book filled with mystery, drama, humour, and adventure, it certainly will have you on the edge of your seats. Follow Lynn on her adventure with her new mysterious friend blossom, as they encounter their inexplicable journeys, all just to keep one single secret.
Lynn and her friends Kassie and Celia are excited to go on a trip with the school choir, to attend a singing contest in Oregon. As a 13-year old teenager, Lynn already has so much on her mind, like finding the stranger who had saved her from almost choking to death the other day. She cannot wait to go on that trip and get things cleared off of her mind, only soon to find out that Shakti (her guardian) had forgotten to mail in the paper work for Lynn's passport, and is now unable to go. As Lynn sadly walks around the neighbourhood, instead of on the trip, she encounter a young girl about her age walking towards her, and quickly begins to recognize her. It was the bus stranger. Blossom was her name. As they talked and get to know each other more, Lynn begin to realize what a strange girl she is. And not only that, she needs to keep Blossom a secret. as she says in the book, she's not an official, and if authorities find out about her, her family will be split apart. Several days later, Lynn's friends had arrived back from Oregon, an it was even harder to keep the secret. Lynn had been invited by Blossom many times, and it had always been a risk because Blossom could be exposed. During all the adventures she had gone through, Lynn begun to realize how fortunate she is, and that Blossom's world may be more menace than her's. Unfortunately, Shakti finds a photograph of blossom and Lynn together. Lynn refuses to give detail about Blossom, and now Skakti is in doubt with Lynn. At this point, Blossom's identity is in great Jeopardy. Can Lynn keep the secret any longer?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed this book for many reasons,including the book cover. It was what led me to reading the book. The colours popped and caught my attention. I also liked the author's style of writing. Ms.Ellis wrote this book in her perspective, unlike many other authors who write it in the perspective of the protagonist. Although, i'm curious to find out if this was written this way for a specific reason, or was just written as so. In my opinion, I think that the author also included a very important moral in the book, of which is to be more appreciative of the things you have.She creatively conveyed the message through adding the character Blossom describing how dim her life was. This was also another part of the book, and I quickly learned from it. Despite the many great parts of this book, there were some parts I disliked about it. When I started reading the book, to be honest, I did not enjoy it much. It was only after a few chapters that I had started to get into it. I could not connect to any character, of even anything. I did not understand it at all. But don't judge a book by it's cover. It got better and increased with excitement. It was definitely a Good Read.
Whether you like mystery of humour, action or drama, you are surely guaranteed to enjoy this book. I would say that the target audience would be for students grades 6-8, and possibly 9th. After all, the book is about kids that age. They would easily connect to characters in the book, and so get into the novel for essentially. I would still say definitely go for it, if you're not somewhere in the ages of 6-9th graders.
I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars. I truly did enjoy this book, but I did not give it a full 5 stars because, as I had stated before, there were also many parts I disliked. But I did give it a high rating because of all the adventure, humour, and drama involved. It really did make the book more interesting and enjoyable. Why don't you check it out for yourself. Pick up the book as soon as possible and read it. Surely, beyond doubt, you will enjoy this Novel.
~ Precious. M.
Outside in: a 2015 Red maple nominee you're sure to enjoy. With a realistic fiction book filled with mystery, drama, humour, and adventure, it certainly will have you on the edge of your seats. Follow Lynn on her adventure with her new mysterious friend blossom, as they encounter their inexplicable journeys, all just to keep one single secret.
Lynn and her friends Kassie and Celia are excited to go on a trip with the school choir, to attend a singing contest in Oregon. As a 13-year old teenager, Lynn already has so much on her mind, like finding the stranger who had saved her from almost choking to death the other day. She cannot wait to go on that trip and get things cleared off of her mind, only soon to find out that Shakti (her guardian) had forgotten to mail in the paper work for Lynn's passport, and is now unable to go. As Lynn sadly walks around the neighbourhood, instead of on the trip, she encounter a young girl about her age walking towards her, and quickly begins to recognize her. It was the bus stranger. Blossom was her name. As they talked and get to know each other more, Lynn begin to realize what a strange girl she is. And not only that, she needs to keep Blossom a secret. as she says in the book, she's not an official, and if authorities find out about her, her family will be split apart. Several days later, Lynn's friends had arrived back from Oregon, an it was even harder to keep the secret. Lynn had been invited by Blossom many times, and it had always been a risk because Blossom could be exposed. During all the adventures she had gone through, Lynn begun to realize how fortunate she is, and that Blossom's world may be more menace than her's. Unfortunately, Shakti finds a photograph of blossom and Lynn together. Lynn refuses to give detail about Blossom, and now Skakti is in doubt with Lynn. At this point, Blossom's identity is in great Jeopardy. Can Lynn keep the secret any longer?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed this book for many reasons,including the book cover. It was what led me to reading the book. The colours popped and caught my attention. I also liked the author's style of writing. Ms.Ellis wrote this book in her perspective, unlike many other authors who write it in the perspective of the protagonist. Although, i'm curious to find out if this was written this way for a specific reason, or was just written as so. In my opinion, I think that the author also included a very important moral in the book, of which is to be more appreciative of the things you have.She creatively conveyed the message through adding the character Blossom describing how dim her life was. This was also another part of the book, and I quickly learned from it. Despite the many great parts of this book, there were some parts I disliked about it. When I started reading the book, to be honest, I did not enjoy it much. It was only after a few chapters that I had started to get into it. I could not connect to any character, of even anything. I did not understand it at all. But don't judge a book by it's cover. It got better and increased with excitement. It was definitely a Good Read.
Whether you like mystery of humour, action or drama, you are surely guaranteed to enjoy this book. I would say that the target audience would be for students grades 6-8, and possibly 9th. After all, the book is about kids that age. They would easily connect to characters in the book, and so get into the novel for essentially. I would still say definitely go for it, if you're not somewhere in the ages of 6-9th graders.
I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars. I truly did enjoy this book, but I did not give it a full 5 stars because, as I had stated before, there were also many parts I disliked. But I did give it a high rating because of all the adventure, humour, and drama involved. It really did make the book more interesting and enjoyable. Why don't you check it out for yourself. Pick up the book as soon as possible and read it. Surely, beyond doubt, you will enjoy this Novel.
~ Precious. M.
September 20, 2014
This book was amazing. First, I thought that it was a tad unaccessible because there is a bit of slangy descriptors in the beginning, but they grew on me. I have read many books with many bad parents in them, but the mother in this one deserves a punch in the face. I would love to read more about the Underlanders, I was so charmed and thrilled by their lifestyle that I would read faster until we could get back to them. As a librarian THIS is exactly why I am so sensitive to children and adults who walk into the library who cannot produce id. I've never been a rule follower anyway, but just imagine if Blossom came into your library and was not able to get online because of a stupid rule. How detrimental that would be?
I know people like this exist, and whether it is an intended lifestyle or one forced onto them, we should have respect. It is possible to be a "citizen" and not walk around so completely self absorbed in our consumer culture.
We need more books like this, pronto. Or at least, I want to read them.
Edit: I forgot to mention the gorgeous cover. It's what drew me to the book, and at first I thought it was a graphic novel. So beautiful.
I know people like this exist, and whether it is an intended lifestyle or one forced onto them, we should have respect. It is possible to be a "citizen" and not walk around so completely self absorbed in our consumer culture.
We need more books like this, pronto. Or at least, I want to read them.
Edit: I forgot to mention the gorgeous cover. It's what drew me to the book, and at first I thought it was a graphic novel. So beautiful.
July 16, 2018
love sarah ellis as usual and this concept was very intriguing. i liked how messy and real the characters and relationships were, which is really her strong suit. refreshingly honest and original middle grade fiction. it’s more like a 3.5/3.75 but goodreads doesn’t let you do half stars which is so annoying...just some good can lit tbh.
January 9, 2015
This is the first Sarah Ellis book I've ever read, and now I'm wondering why I waited so long?! This story really grabbed me from the first moment, and it didn't let me go. I was very happy to quiet my inner writer's voice and go along for the ride. The premise is interesting: a young girl discovers a family living totally off-grid and "underground" in every sense of the word. The off-grid family, or Underlanders, seems at first offbeat, strange, a group of misfits, but as you come to know them, their lifestyle choices seem less weird. I was a bit perturbed at first by the adult in the misfit family and the choices that he makes on behalf of his foundlings, but even these fade. What's a perfect family? Are children better served by a loving parent, however offbeat, misguided, or even criminal although well-meaning, than foster homes? I was fascinated by the description of how the Underlanders lived, how they recycled and re-used everything they came across, how they entertained themselves, educated themselves, lived comfortably while really owning nothing. I think kids in grade 6-8 will enjoy this story, a good starting point to talk about social inequity, lifestyle choices, living green, the rights of the child, foster children, co-operative living, what makes a family, and a lot more.
March 8, 2015
After being saved by the kindness of a stranger, Lynn, seeks to find her anonymous Good Samaritan. When they finally connect she learns that her good sam's name is Blossom who lives off the grid with her unconventional family. Lynn who lives a typical middle class life with her flaky and unreliable mother is intrigued by Blossom's loving but unusual family. This was a great book that makes you think without becoming too preachy. The author does a good job of pointing out that no life is perfect and that there are pitfalls and upsides to each of the lifestyles chosen in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be checking other books by this talented author.
February 13, 2015
The book was slow and boring.I just did not like it.I put the book down after 50 pages but finished it. I agree with Keaton. this is not my kind of book. One star for me.
March 3, 2015
I liked this book!
March 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, but would have liked a little less drama between the friends and whatnot, I think.Still, a really great book.
December 18, 2023
Again, searching for books geared toward youth about poverty and homelessness, I picked up this book. It was not very realistic for the most part, a bit fantastical. A good story over all though.
January 3, 2024
I liked the story. Good book for middle school kids.
May 8, 2024
A fun book detailing the friendship of two seemingly opposite people who have more in common than appears on the surface. Funny and enjoyable! Wishing this was a series
March 24, 2017
Loved it. Quick one-day read.
December 10, 2014
Lynn has a busy life with two best friends, choir, and a mother who keeps messing things up. Her mother can’t hold down a job and the man who has brought a lot of stability to their little family for a few years has just left because her mother cheated on him. Luckily, he is allowing them to keep living in his condo for a few months. When Lynn chokes on a butterscotch candy at the bus stop, an unknown person helps her. All Lynn knows about the person is that they were wearing a plaid skirt. Lynn sets out to find them, but it isn’t until she gives up that Blossom introduces herself. As her choir sets off to the United States for a competition, Lynn discovers that her mother hasn’t sent in the paperwork for her passport so she can’t attend. Her friends head out without her and Lynn starts to get closer to Blossom, a strange girl who talks about disguising herself as a “citizen” and lives off the grid. Soon Lynn has been drawn into the incredible alternate life of Blossom and her family. But some things they are doing may not actually be legal and in order to be part of their lives Lynn has to promise to never reveal that they exist. Lynn’s life works as long as the two worlds remain completely separate, but how long can she lie to her friends and mother?
Ellis is a Canadian author and this book is clearly set in Canada. Lynn’s own family life is portrayed realistically and with great empathy both for her and for her mother. There is no great villain here, only humans who make mistakes. The lives of the “Underlanders” are shown as a balanced mix of utopian and harsh. The moral questions about what they are doing emerge very naturally as the plot moves forward. Then at the same time, Lynn herself is struggling with the moral ambiguity of lying to her loved ones about what she is doing in order to keep the Underlanders safe. Again, there are no right answers here, it is about the puzzles of good and bad, wrong and right.
Lynn is a fairly straightforward character caught in a world where her mother is eccentric and unreliable but her friends are her rocks. Her new relationship with Blossom captures the fact that she has some of her mother in her as well, something that wants a simpler life and a more unique and meaningful one. Ellis manages to show this without ever mentioning it, allowing her readers to deeply understand Lynn beyond what Lynn does herself.
A complex and short novel for teens, this book is richly written, filled with ethical choices, and made beautiful by a glimpse into another way of life. Appropriate for ages 11-14.
Ellis is a Canadian author and this book is clearly set in Canada. Lynn’s own family life is portrayed realistically and with great empathy both for her and for her mother. There is no great villain here, only humans who make mistakes. The lives of the “Underlanders” are shown as a balanced mix of utopian and harsh. The moral questions about what they are doing emerge very naturally as the plot moves forward. Then at the same time, Lynn herself is struggling with the moral ambiguity of lying to her loved ones about what she is doing in order to keep the Underlanders safe. Again, there are no right answers here, it is about the puzzles of good and bad, wrong and right.
Lynn is a fairly straightforward character caught in a world where her mother is eccentric and unreliable but her friends are her rocks. Her new relationship with Blossom captures the fact that she has some of her mother in her as well, something that wants a simpler life and a more unique and meaningful one. Ellis manages to show this without ever mentioning it, allowing her readers to deeply understand Lynn beyond what Lynn does herself.
A complex and short novel for teens, this book is richly written, filled with ethical choices, and made beautiful by a glimpse into another way of life. Appropriate for ages 11-14.
February 26, 2017
This is a great example of how to not judge a book by it's cover. This is a sweet realistic fiction, quick read. It is a YRC nominated book for 2017.
April 6, 2015
“You could call Sunday Wednesday.” Lynn, like most popular girls in school, has a full schedule. Shopping (yeah, that comes first), school, and choir to name a few. Other than her somewhat unreliable “free-spirit” of a mom, Lynn’s life is rather normal. One day, though, her life is saved by a young vagrant girl at a bus stop. Blossom, or “heimlich girl” as she becomes to be known to some, saved Lynn from choking on a toffee candy. Blossom, though being somewhat elusive, eventually becomes friends with Lynn. Blossom soon introduces Lynn to her family who live under their city’s reservoir. The derelict, barter/trade lifestyle of Blossom’s family is revealed by Lynn to her mother and their relationship falls apart.
Outside In is an interesting middle school realistic fiction with themes revolving around the nature of friendship and roles in society. Lynn is quite “typical” or “normal,” and is enamored by such a drastically different lifestyle found in Blossom’s family. It is, however, seen as sort of a threat or too “different” by some for Lynn to be friends with a vagrant family. Lynn’s decision to choose friendship over “taboo” and to reject the perceived ignorance of others is an important lesson to those struggling with the anxiety associated with peer pressure.
This is, overall, an enjoyable read. It is wearing at times, though, because it is written from the point of view of a teenage girl, so there are more “likes” than most could handle. As for the target audience, though, Ellis knocks the writing out of the park. But as an adult, it can be a bit...much? Whatever the case, I could see many young readers enjoying this title. Also, I’d like to mention that the cover artwork is done by the late-great Michael Cho. A young illustrator whose time was far too short on this planet, but it’s great to see his work still in circulation.
Outside In should work in most 4th-8th grade classrooms and up.
Target audience: 10-13 and up.
Outside In is an interesting middle school realistic fiction with themes revolving around the nature of friendship and roles in society. Lynn is quite “typical” or “normal,” and is enamored by such a drastically different lifestyle found in Blossom’s family. It is, however, seen as sort of a threat or too “different” by some for Lynn to be friends with a vagrant family. Lynn’s decision to choose friendship over “taboo” and to reject the perceived ignorance of others is an important lesson to those struggling with the anxiety associated with peer pressure.
This is, overall, an enjoyable read. It is wearing at times, though, because it is written from the point of view of a teenage girl, so there are more “likes” than most could handle. As for the target audience, though, Ellis knocks the writing out of the park. But as an adult, it can be a bit...much? Whatever the case, I could see many young readers enjoying this title. Also, I’d like to mention that the cover artwork is done by the late-great Michael Cho. A young illustrator whose time was far too short on this planet, but it’s great to see his work still in circulation.
Outside In should work in most 4th-8th grade classrooms and up.
Target audience: 10-13 and up.
Read
October 29, 2014When Lynn is rescued from a near death experience, her whole life perspective is changed. While choking at a bus station, a mysterious girl in a school uniform performs CPR on her and saves her life but then quickly disappears before Lynn can thank her. Lynn began to give up on the search for her mystery life saver. Then finally came the time for her school choir field trip that she had been waiting for what feels like forever to go on. She was all prepared when she finds out that Shakti, her careless and free spirited mother, forgets to get Lynn a passport. Lynn is torn that she can't go on the trip, but she is sure her best friends, Kas and Celia, will keep her updated. But Lynn missing the trip turns out to be the best mistake that could have happened. Lynn stumbles across the mystery girl, Blossom. Blossom teaches Lynn about her lifestyle as a Underlander. Underlander are people who live unnoticed by the world. They hide and only use what people have thrown away. Blossom and her family, Larch, Fossick, and Tron, teach Lynn how to make her own mark on the world and how everything has a purpose even if its not easily seen at first. This book took me on a journey of the daily life of an Underlander and there impacts on the world. I enjoyed this book and how it teaches Lynn to make incredible discoveries in her own life.
March 27, 2015
Outside In by Sarah Ellis is about a typical high school girl named, Lynn. She does well in school, is part of the choir and has a hippy mom who never seems to be able to hold a job. Her life is a little weird but she is pretty normal. Until she meets Blossom. Blossom saves her life at the bus stop when she begins to choke and they become friends. Blossom introduces Lynn to her "family" who live as "The Underlanders" under the city reservoir. They are unconventional and weird, but smart and loving. They make their living by staying away from the "Citizens" and bartering, creating and recycling under the radar of the city. Lynn becomes close with them until she tells her mom who reveals their secret to the entire city during a protest. Blossom and her family run away because they are scared of being found and it's Lynn's job to find them and mend their broken relationship. Outside In was a really interesting book about people who are different than what we think. Blossom and her family are sweet and inviting to Lynn and make this book about unconventional families and friendship. I think this would be a good book for Middle School because it can show students not to judge people by how they live or what they do but how they treat people and their morals. I would recommend this book for grades 7-10.
February 19, 2015
“Outside In” by Sarah Ellis is an extraordinary read, which I would recommend to anyone within any age bracket. It has what at first glance could be considered complete fairy-tale like attributes, until you realize that it is indeed realistic fiction, and people with the misfortunes of family problems could somewhat relate to it. The beginning was a bit confusing, since it threw you right in, and I wasn’t quite sure I’d get into the jive of the book, but soon those thoughts were dashed away. I was totally hooked. Sarah Ellis made me feel like I really knew the characters. Her descriptiveness. Words. Feelings. Lynn’s connection to her mother is completely disassembled after she failed another marriage, and after she ruined her chance to get away for just a little while, I was on the edge of my chair waiting to see what would happen to the young protagonist. But that’s when she met that young girl in the strange school uniform, which totally rocketed the story into what it was. It made me wonder as I read: Will Lynn tell Shakiti her new friend’s secret? Will this girl get in the way of her normal life and friendships? Can Lynn really keep all of this to herself? Man, I just had to keep reading to find out.
July 3, 2014
Lynn is fortunate enough to have two supportive classmates. When the actions of her free-spirited mother cause the man with whom they have been living to leave the country, Lynn becomes angry and impatient with her mother's choices. After Blossom, a girl whose family lives off the grid, saves her life on the street, Lynn becomes friends with the girl. While her other friends are on a field trip, she is drawn increasingly to the world where Blossom lives. Their friendship causes her to question what really matters and her own need to own so many items. After all, how many pairs of jeans does one person really need? The book made me think, and I liked having a glimpse into the lives of those who think outside of the box. I wonder what will happen next in
Lynn's world. Sometimes red tape seems to complicate things, but sometimes rules and conditions are intended to protect those who need to be protecting. While Blossom's family has everything worked out, I don't know that that would be the case for everyone in their situation. Maybe I'm just cynical, but in some respects, the book romanticizes their predicament.
Lynn's world. Sometimes red tape seems to complicate things, but sometimes rules and conditions are intended to protect those who need to be protecting. While Blossom's family has everything worked out, I don't know that that would be the case for everyone in their situation. Maybe I'm just cynical, but in some respects, the book romanticizes their predicament.
April 20, 2015
Lynn would like to go with her friends on her school choir trip, but when her free-spirited mother forgets to apply for her passport, everything changes. She misses out on the trip, but she encounters a strange girl named Blossom who lives underground with her family in a bunker. Lynn was sworn to secrecy, but when her friends get back from Oregon, she finds it harder and harder to keep their secret.
I picked up this book because it was a Red Maple Nominee and the title sounded interesting. I finished this book because I wanted to know what would happen to Clive.
Did I like this book? Not really. It was boring with not very much action, and there were too many questions unanswered at the end. Also, I didn't understand the point of Clive leaving at the start of the book. It didn't help with the plot of the book, and nothing happened with him at the end. It would've been just fine, and maybe it would've even been better if Lynn just lived with Shatki. Clive wasn't in the book much anyways, and it wasn't like he was Lynn's father or anything.
I would recommend this book to Asia. I think she would like the idea of people living in an underground bunker.
I picked up this book because it was a Red Maple Nominee and the title sounded interesting. I finished this book because I wanted to know what would happen to Clive.
Did I like this book? Not really. It was boring with not very much action, and there were too many questions unanswered at the end. Also, I didn't understand the point of Clive leaving at the start of the book. It didn't help with the plot of the book, and nothing happened with him at the end. It would've been just fine, and maybe it would've even been better if Lynn just lived with Shatki. Clive wasn't in the book much anyways, and it wasn't like he was Lynn's father or anything.
I would recommend this book to Asia. I think she would like the idea of people living in an underground bunker.
July 25, 2014
I started this book and quickly entered into the world of the Underlander, but life intervened and I didn't get back to the book for a few days. In the interim my mind was working on certain inconsistencies and it was much harder to suspended my disbelief. Lynn's life with her over the top mother seemed spot on, I must admit that having Shakti calling the Brownies a "para-military, post-colonial organization..." absolutely nailed the introduction to her. For me Blossom was filled with contradictions that made in difficult for me go back to the book. She had no idea how to really carry on a conversation with Lynn, yet she did know other "citizens" from the market where they sold the toilet paper tubes. She is smart, well-read, watched, and used the internet, so why is her language so stilted when she meets Lynn? Her life is devoted to being a chameleon. Their quick escape from the reservoir from a text from Tron's friend also seemed too improbable to me. But, these were bothersome details in a story about the meaning of families and friendship.
September 19, 2014
Outside In was a very interesting book. When i started to read the book it seemed to get my attention about the 3rd or 4th chapter of reading it, and really made me predict what was going to happen to the main character Lynn and her unusual friend Blossom. Its one of those books that makes you worry about the choices she was going to make,and how well they were going to react to them.I was a little concerned about her language and the way she talked to her mom and how she was very opened to her friends about her situations.
The book made me feel sometimes confused because,it introduced many characters, and was a bit challenging to keep up with.There were times where i had to re-read the chapter to know what was going on.I never expected a book to have a few things that i could relate to myself. Overall, this was a great book.
Read
February 24, 2015Following Amazon's purchase of GoodReads, I no longer post my reviews here.
If you would like to read my thoughts on this book, you can view them in the following places:
BuriedInPrint
LeafMarks
BookLikes
LibraryThing
Posting these links does not constitute permission to duplicate these thoughts anywhere, including corporate-owned sites.
If you read/liked/clicked through to see this review here on GR, many thanks.
If you would like to read my thoughts on this book, you can view them in the following places:
BuriedInPrint
LeafMarks
BookLikes
LibraryThing
Posting these links does not constitute permission to duplicate these thoughts anywhere, including corporate-owned sites.
If you read/liked/clicked through to see this review here on GR, many thanks.
January 22, 2015
I am deeply regretting reading this abysmal book. It is poorly written, which doesn't help the fact that the plot itself is extremely boring. The characters are dull and have little to no depth and do not have any little quirks that make characters seem human. The Underlanders are almost placed in fantasy which is a problem for a book trying to center itself in reality. In my opinion the book would have been a little bit more interesting if the author had shown how much Lynn's life would of changed due to the big events in the book rather than creating flimsy and false drama. Overall this book had potential but it fell flat on its face at the start and never got up!
February 23, 2015
I really did not enjoy this book. The plot really unrealistic and hard to relate to. Every chapter got more and more confusing to the point where I didn't even want to read it anymore. The book was also extremely slow moving and it didn't feel like it was even going to end. I feel like if I had bought this book I would bring it back for a refund right away because it was a waste of money. I do have to say how the charters acted and what happened to them was pretty unique.The whole idea of the world in the book was pretty unique and not something that you could read in any other book.But the overall rating I gave this book was a one because I really did not care for it at all.
October 13, 2016
This book is about Lynn a high school student who lives with a mother who has an unusual lifestyle. Lynn craves predictability and reliability because her mother isn't. Sometimes Lynn is the adult in the relationship. Lynn can't go to her choir competition due to her forgetful mother not sending her passport in. Lynn misses the trip but meets someone who lives an uncommon lifestyle that Lynn learns about. She learns more about the world around her and those who live in it but may be unseen. This book is probably good for middle school students 12 and up. There is some references to drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex but not by the main character more as a mention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2016
What I really liked about Outside In is it makes the reader look at people most of us avoid looking at--the homeless, although the characters in this book have made a home of sorts off the grid in an abandoned reservoir.
Canadian author Sarah Ellis takes a teenage girl with a normal life (even though her mother is eccentric/erratic and life has been rocky) and has her meet this strange girl who talks of needing to stay invisible to citizens and calls herself an Underlander.
This story raises numerous questions about societal values, consumerism, disability, friendship, and family. It's a worthy book for discussion.
Canadian author Sarah Ellis takes a teenage girl with a normal life (even though her mother is eccentric/erratic and life has been rocky) and has her meet this strange girl who talks of needing to stay invisible to citizens and calls herself an Underlander.
This story raises numerous questions about societal values, consumerism, disability, friendship, and family. It's a worthy book for discussion.
August 18, 2014
A relatively short, thought-provoking story about a fairly typical teenage girl who encounters a very atypical girl and her family who are living "off the grid." Lynn and Blossom form an unusual friendship which then creates conflicts with Lynn's high school friends as well as her impulsive mother. Some of the plot developments strain credulity, but the overall messages about friendship, family and values are good ones. Unfortunately, the poor cover art does nothing to entice readers to pick this one up.
May 26, 2017
Teenaged Lynn meets "Underlander" Blossom, who lives a secret life off the grid with her scavenging, cobbled-together "family": ex-physicist Fossick, autistic Larch, and fascinating, beautiful Tron. Lynn is fascinated by Blossom's secret, alternative lifestyle, which threatens to be exposed, and possibly destroyed, by Lynn's participation in an "Underlander" event which is filmed. An interesting idea, capably written about, yet somehow underwhelming.
Surely a better cover could have been designed. I don't understand the choice of this one at all!
Surely a better cover could have been designed. I don't understand the choice of this one at all!
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