How to Save a Life

By: Emma Scott

Narrated by: Ramona Master

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Josephine Clark is trapped. A harrowing past haunts her every time she looks in the mirror, and she can't escape the violence of her everyday life. More and more, her thoughts turn to Evan Salinger, the boy she knew in high school. The boy they called a mental case. A loner. A freak. The boy who seemed to know things no one could know. For a few short weeks, Jo had found perfect solace in Evan's company, sneaking every night to meet him at the local pool. In the cool of the water and the warmth of Evan's arms around her, Jo had tasted something close to happiness. Cruel circumstances tore them apart, and four years later, the sweet memory of their time together is dissolving under the punishing reality of Jo's life now. Evan seems like a fading dream...until he reappears at the moment she needs him most.

Guided by Evan's strange intuition, they flee her small Louisiana town, on the run from the police, and Jo begins to suspect there is something more to his sudden return than he admits. Over 12 days across America's heartland, deep secrets come to light, buried pasts are unearthed, and the line between dreams and reality is blurred as Evan and Jo fight to hold on to their soul-deep love, and discover that there is more than one way to save a life. How to Save a Life is a complete second-chance standalone novel with shades of the paranormal. It carries the characters from high school through to their early twenties.

It is not YA; mature subject matter and sexual situations.

Trigger warning: some domestic violence (in the story) and mentions of sexual abuse. For listeners 18 years and up.

©2016 Jennifer Ripley (P)2016 Jennifer Ripley

4 stars!

What made the experience of listening to How to Save a Life the most enjoyable?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher. Such an emotional story with heart wrenching pain and love!! This story was told very well and I loved Jo and Evan!!! The things they do to get back to one another will take you on a beautiful journey!

OMG, I could not love this book more.

This is such a beautiful story. I love the tone, the characters, the storytelling, everything about it. Love the narrator, her voice is warm and clean.

This is my first book by Emma Scott, but I'm already stalking her other books.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful and touching book.

5 stars all the way.

Loved this story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The narrator, Ramona Master, does an excellent job. Having already read the book I was excited to listen to the audio version and I was not disappointed. I have recommended both the book and the audio version to my fellow reader friends and will definitely listen to more by Ms. Master.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Evan won my heart, so he by far was my favorite character. I felt his pain, sorry, his feelings of emptiness and loneliness. And yet, I knew from the very beginning that he would have a heart full of love and kindness and gentleness. I was right!

Which scene was your favorite?

Although I cannot explain it, the prom night scene when Evan's little brother was injured has stuck with me. I felt everything Evan felt in that moment and even later as he blamed himself and just kind of resigned himself to his fate since he felt it was all his fault.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My emotions were all over the place with this book. It made me laugh and cry; it made me angry and it made hope for a love unmarred by the ugliness of life. The pain and heartache from both Evan and Jo are so poignant and real I ached for both of them as I walked with them through their journey.

Any additional comments?

This book has all the feels!! It is a beautiful story of sorry, loss, sadness and the redemptive power of love; the right love. I absolutely loved it!!

I received a copy of this audiobook for an unbiased review.

Unexpected twists!

These poor kids! I don't condone crime or running from crime but this story had me so intrigued! I was cheering them on and crying for them at the same time. Narration was good. Definitely worth a listen!

I'll come back for you

Would you consider the audio edition of How to Save a Life to be better than the print version?

I am not sure because I did not read the print version. I do know I loved listening to Jo and Evan come to life.

What other book might you compare How to Save a Life to and why?

Honestly, I don't know. This is a beautifully written story about two people who always love each other-even when torn apart. Outside forces pull these two away from each other, but their inner conflict brings them together.

What about Ramona Master’s performance did you like?

She did a great job. I even liked her as Evan.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You called me.

Any additional comments?

Read it, listen to it, I don't care what you do I just know you need to read this. It's perfection.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Moving story of love, pain, and sacrifice

Evan and Jo meet in a small town where neither of them are favored. They find solace in a neighborhood pool. Evan an Jo become special to each other and when trouble arises they become each others everything. Evan takes so good care of Jo that when he makes the ultimate sacrifice for her with a promise to her you feel it deep in your soul. It was an amazing twist and such a beautiful listen. The narrator captured all the emotions that run high in this story. Overall it was a great story of true love and a excellent listen.
I was provided a free a copy this audiobook in exchange for a honest review.

Great story of love and loss and redemption.

What did you love best about How to Save a Life?

The characters were relatable and "real".
I've seen some people mention the paranormal aspect... I'm not sure that is what I would call it, but I loved that part of the story!
Jo and Evan are two lost souls who find friendship and love in each other, despite all of the obstacles in their way.

What about Ramona Master’s performance did you like?

She was easy to listen to. She used a distinct inflection and tone for each of the characters and it was easy to follow.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to give anything away, but the house boat made me smile.

A GREAT story

This is a must read/listen!! I think teens and adults can relate to this story!

I was captivated by this story from start to end!

Such a captivating story! I really enjoyed both main characters in part 1. Part 2 was a little mind blowing and threw me for a loop but it was still a great addition to the read. I love Emma’s writing and the emotional depth she brings to every story she writes. I was in the grips of the characters’ trauma and struggles from the start!

Extraordinaire

This story moved me. Evan and Josephine experienced so much tragedy in their young lives but found each other their senior year of high school. They became each other's compass and anchor. They still had more to go through before finding their happily ever after but they did. This was a long book but if you stick with it you will be blessed. I got this ARC via audiobook boom.