Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
276 Pages
Synopsis: I have three months left to call Katie my older sister. Then the gap will close and I will pass her I will get older. But Katie will always be fifteen, eleven months and twenty-one days old.
Hannah’s world is in pieces and she doesn’t need the school counsellor to tell her she has deep-seated psychological issues. With a seriously depressed mum, an injured dad and a dead sister, who wouldn’t have problems?
Hannah should feel terrible but for the first time in ages, she feels a glimmer of hope and isn’t afraid anymore. Is it because the elusive Josh is taking an interest in her? Or does it run deeper than that?
In a family torn apart by grief and guilt, one girl’s struggle to come to terms with years of torment shows just how long old wounds can take to heal.
Australian author Claire Zorn’s Protected has been nominated for and won several awards, and after reading it, it’s easy to see why. With the many issues it brings up it’s a difficult read at times, especially as it’s so believable, but take my word for it, this is a book worth picking up.
The story begins in the present day, with the one year anniversary of the death of Hannah’s sister, Katie, approaching. The family is in crisis, with the mother being severely depressed and the father being under investigation as he was driving the girls at the the time of the accident. Complicating things further is that he has amnesia due to his injuries. Hannah also claims to have amnesia, and is now facing a meeting with investigators.
As the story unfolds, you see that fifteen-year-old Hannah’s trauma started long before the accident. She has been a victim of a vicious and frankly, depraved campaign of bullying since her first year in high school. Despite a caring teacher and school counsellor, the adults here are oblivious to what’s been happening until after the accident. Hannah’s well-meaning parents discover how much their youngest daughter is suffering, but with Katie’s untimely death, the bullying is forgotten. If there’s a silver lining in all this, it’s that now, Hannah’s tormentors have somewhat grown a conscience and leave her alone.
Hannah is such a relatable character, and my heart ached for her. Her grief is palpable and as the story goes back and forth between the present day and the past events which lead up to the fateful day, it’s obvious that this young girl is a lot stronger than she appears. Her first person narrative is full of raw emotion and I honestly found myself stunned at times at the way she was able to push through the trauma and grief and guilt.
The reader also sees the difficult relationship that existed between the sisters. Katie knew about the the bullying, but as the popular older sister, not only didn’t want to get involved, but actually blamed Hannah. The quintessential party girl, Katie was completely self-absorbed and viewed Hannah with a mixture of scorn and bitterness. I found myself wondering if she had lived, if their relationship could have been saved once they reached adulthood. My one criticism is that I thought Katie was a little too one dimensional. Sibling relationships can be complicated, but there was nothing likable about Katie whatsoever, and I wish she had been fleshed out a little more.
Hannah’s mother and father are both loving parents, but since the accident, her mother has completely withdrawn from the world and only shows emotion when she’s bitterly blaming her husband for Katie’s death. There is a family support system in place of sorts, with grandparents trying to help, but I found it hard to believe that no one brought up the idea of professional counseling for her. The father and Hannah have a closer relationship and I appreciated how even facing the possibility of legal repercussions, he urged her to tell the truth.
The two people who ultimately help Hannah get past what has happened though is Anne, the quirky school counsellor and Josh, a fellow classmate. Both of them determinedly set out on bringing Hannah out of her shell and showing her what a wonderful person she is, and that she did not ask for or deserve anything that’s happened to her. I enjoyed the burgeoning relationship between Josh and Hannah. He made me laugh out loud more than once, and he’s exactly what Hannah needs as he patiently coaxes her back into the world, The ending is bittersweet but filled with hope as you can see that Hannah is going to be alright.
Claire Zorn’s writing is incredibly vivid, from her descriptions of the Blue Mountains of Australia, to the bullying and the consequences that result from it. Hannah is such a sympathetic character that I think she’s going to stay with me for a long time. Protected is a perfect book for classrooms and book discussion groups and I highly recommend it. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last.
Holly B / Dressedtoread said:
Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you!😊
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Aislynn d'Merricksson said:
Reblogged this on The Biblioanthropologist.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Wow, such a fantastic review Kim!!! This books looks like it would make my heart ache but I see how we both would be able to relate to the main character! This definitely going on my TBR! Thanks for sharing this awesome review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Dani! I was thinking of you as I read it.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Aww really?!! That’s so sweet.🤗😗 It’s definitely a relatable book. We have been through some crazy life experiences ma’am but we’ve made it through! #strongwomen
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
*Fist Bump*
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Reblogged this on Touch My Spine Book Reviews and commented:
Such a fantastic review by my Book Sister Kim! I think this book will be quite enjoyable and relatable! Can’t wait to check this title out! Added to my TBR! Also Kim is such a supportive, amazing and amazing blogger! She blogs about books and current events. When I first started WordPress I was quite intimidated but Kim took me under her wing and has been a huge support system in my life. I highly recommend following this awesome lady’s blog for great book reviews and news!!!😉💖📚🌎😁
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Damn typos. I fixed it on my blog though. Lol. My phone is notorious for typos. Makes me sound illiterate 😒😒😒
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Never! Darn little keys!😒
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I know little assholes…😒
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TeacherofYA said:
Honestly, this one sounds like it would break my heart! 😭😭🤧
Glad you enjoyed it! I’m too fragile to read something like this!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I have admit I had some weepy moments, but it’s such an inspiring story and Hannah is such a love, it was worth it.
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TeacherofYA said:
Awww. I will keep this in mind for a rec for a friend who loves this stuff. Thank you.
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Erik McManus said:
Hey I read your review on your sister’s blog. Nice review and sounds like a very interesting book! My book blog is breakevenbooks.wordpress.com if you want to check it out 🙂 I look forward to chatting about books with you!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Erik. Dani is an awesome book sister! I just followed both your blogs and I’m looking forward to exploring them!😊
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Erik McManus said:
Thanks so much, I love chatting books with people so it’s great to meet new people and I am excited to be in this bookish community 😛
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I feel exactly the same way Erik. Thanks for reaching out!😊
Kim
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Jay said:
Adding to the list immediately
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!☺️
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beetleypete said:
That’s a great review, and I am happy that you liked the book so much.
HOWEVER, you are supposed to be having some time away from books and screens, and getting a well-deserved rest. Naughty Kim! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete. I was feeling a bit guilty this morning, but I promise I’m resting.🤗
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beetleypete said:
Smacked bum if you are not! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Ha! That’s what my husband said!
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beetleypete said:
He is a clever man! x
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raistlin0903 said:
Great review. I don’t think I will be reading this anytime soon though, as the subject of bullying hits a little bit too close to home. Still, that’s not to say that I will never read this though. Glad to see you enjoyed the book so much 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I understand Michel. It was a tough read for me in parts as I was bullied in high school.
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Carrie said:
Great review Kim! The book sound good when reading your review but I have to say this is one I’d probably look at the cover and pass it right over as my first thought was eeww just what is that?? LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie. The cover is a bit of a turn off, but the story is fantastic.😊
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Carrie said:
I sometimes wonder who designs a cover like this and thinks it’s a good idea since it kind of buries a good story in there and looking at it and reading your review I don’t see how it would fit.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yeah. I’m not sure how a dead flower fits either. I mean it must have something to do with Katie’s death, but otherwise I don’t get it.
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Carrie said:
Truth be told at first glance it looks like some kind of nasty stew or soup and I wondered if it wasn’t some sort of cook book and thought wow that isn’t appetizing at all. LOL
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Diana said:
This sounds like a heavy book due to the themes. I like the fact that you mentioned that the portrayal was realistic though and based on your review, I am already drawn to Hannah. Definitely one for my TBR. Fantastic review Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d love Hannah, Diana.😊
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
This really sounds like an heart wrenching read! Wonderful review, Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s definitely a worthwhile one Raven!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Gosh this sounds like an amazing story! Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank You! I know from the cover it may not look like much, but it really is excellent.😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome! Wonderful! 😊
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Sophie @ Blame Chocolate said:
This sounds incredibly touching. I guess anyone could relate to any of the characters involved, one way or another. It takes a skilled author to create sympathy and vulnerability within the readers.
Brilliant review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d say they were all relatable Sophie except maybe Katie who came off a little too one dimensional for me.
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mlbradford said:
Another ace review, Kim!
Here’s one for your collection:
Cheers!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Brad. I’ll be sure to pop overvASAP!
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mlbradford said:
Groovy!
Always welcome, Kim!
It’ll b nice to see my Stats rise again for a change! 🙂
bless u
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KrystiYAandWine said:
This does sound like a great book for book club! My book club is usually anti-contemporary, but I’ll have to try again!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome!😊
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Jen said:
Oh my goodness, this sounds like an emotionally and at times gut wrenching book. I’ll keep it in my mind for when I’m braver down the road. Fabulous review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This was tough in parts Jen.😞
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
This sounds really profound and well-developed, both character and relationship wise! I haven’t heard of it before, but from your review, it really does sound like it tackles its subjects quite well. Fantastic review, Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lashaan!😊
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