3.98
"The Rules of Survival" by Nancy Werlin is a gripping and emotional young adult novel that tells the story of seventeen-year-old Matthew "Matt" Crompton and his two younger sisters, Emmy and Meg, who are trying to escape the abuse of their mother, Murdo. The novel is written in the form of a letter from Matt to his younger sisters, as he recounts the events that led up to their escape and the rules he created to help them survive. Werlin masterfully portrays the complexity of living in an abusive household, and the emotional turmoil that the children experience as they try to navigate their way through it. The novel explores themes of resilience, survival, and the power of family bonds as the siblings stick together and support each other through their struggles. Matt is a compelling and relatable protagonist, who is dealing with the weight of responsibility and the guilt of not being able to protect his sisters. The novel also features a well-developed cast of secondary characters, including Murdo's abusive boyfriend, Murdo's enabling friend, and a kind-hearted neighbor who becomes a source of support for the children. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension and action interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes. Werlin's writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the story. Overall, "The Rules of Survival" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading it. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the topics of abuse, resilience, and the strength of family bonds. This book will be a great addition to any library or personal collection...
Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak
This book is a great choice for fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in exploring the theme of survival in a different setting. 'Speak' follows the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who stops speaking after being raped at a party. The novel deals with the aftermath of trauma and the struggle to find one's voice again.
Learn MoreLois Lowry
The Giver
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in dystopian worlds and the struggle for individuality will enjoy 'The Giver'. This novel is set in a society where sameness and conformity are the norm, and follows the story of a young boy who is chosen to receive memories of the past and must decide whether to challenge the status quo.
Learn MoreStephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about outsiders and the challenges of growing up, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a great choice. This novel follows the story of Charlie, a high school freshman who feels like an outsider and must navigate the complexities of adolescence.
Learn MoreJay Asher
Thirteen Reasons Why
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about the aftermath of trauma and the impact of one's actions on others will enjoy 'Thirteen Reasons Why'. This novel follows the story of Hannah, a high school student who commits suicide and leaves behind a series of tapes explaining why she did it and who is to blame.
Learn MoreJohn Green
The Fault in Our Stars
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about resilience and the human spirit, 'The Fault in Our Stars' is a great choice. This novel follows the story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and fall in love, despite the challenges they face.
Learn MoreJohn Knowles
A Separate Peace
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about the complexities of friendship and the consequences of one's actions will enjoy 'A Separate Peace'. This novel is set during World War II and follows the story of Gene and Finny, two friends who attend a prep school together and whose relationship is tested by jealousy and competition.
Learn MoreJ.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about disaffected teenagers and the challenges of growing up, 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a classic choice. This novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been kicked out of prep school and must come to terms with his own mortality and the complexities of the adult world.
Learn MoreLaurie Halse Anderson
Speak
This book is a great choice for fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in exploring the theme of survival in a different setting. 'Speak' follows the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who stops speaking after being raped at a party. The novel deals with the aftermath of trauma and the struggle to find one's voice again.
Learn MoreLois Lowry
The Giver
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in dystopian worlds and the struggle for individuality will enjoy 'The Giver'. This novel is set in a society where sameness and conformity are the norm, and follows the story of a young boy who is chosen to receive memories of the past and must decide whether to challenge the status quo.
Learn MoreStephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about outsiders and the challenges of growing up, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a great choice. This novel follows the story of Charlie, a high school freshman who feels like an outsider and must navigate the complexities of adolescence.
Learn MoreJay Asher
Thirteen Reasons Why
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about the aftermath of trauma and the impact of one's actions on others will enjoy 'Thirteen Reasons Why'. This novel follows the story of Hannah, a high school student who commits suicide and leaves behind a series of tapes explaining why she did it and who is to blame.
Learn MoreJohn Green
The Fault in Our Stars
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about resilience and the human spirit, 'The Fault in Our Stars' is a great choice. This novel follows the story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and fall in love, despite the challenges they face.
Learn MoreJohn Knowles
A Separate Peace
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about the complexities of friendship and the consequences of one's actions will enjoy 'A Separate Peace'. This novel is set during World War II and follows the story of Gene and Finny, two friends who attend a prep school together and whose relationship is tested by jealousy and competition.
Learn MoreJ.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about disaffected teenagers and the challenges of growing up, 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a classic choice. This novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been kicked out of prep school and must come to terms with his own mortality and the complexities of the adult world.
Learn MoreMarkus Zusak
The Book Thief
Fans of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about resilience and the power of literature will enjoy 'The Book Thief'. This novel is set in Nazi Germany and follows the story of Liesel, a young girl who steals books to share with others and finds solace in the power of words during a time of great darkness.
Learn MoreSue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in stories about resilience, family, and the search for identity, 'The Secret Life of Bees' is a great choice. This novel follows the story of Lily, a fourteen-year-old girl who runs away from her abusive father and finds solace with a group of beekeeping sisters in South Carolina.
Learn MoreJeannette Walls
The Glass Castle
For readers of 'The Rules of Survival' who are interested in memoirs about resilience and the complexities of family dynamics, 'The Glass Castle' is a powerful and inspiring choice. This memoir tells the story of the author's unconventional childhood, growing up with parents who were struggling with addiction and mental illness, and her determination to build a better life for herself.
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