Title: Overprotected
Author: Jennifer Laurens
First published February 9, 2011
243 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781933963006 (ISBN10: 193396300X)
Rating: 3.37
Overview
Ava: A sheltered heiress living a privileged life in Los Angeles. My father hired you to watch over me.
Ethan: Former crush, now my bodyguard. My father believed I was incapable of making my own choices, but Ethan’s presence makes me feel alive.
My father’s fear of losing me has led him to make choices that threaten to destroy my chance at happiness. He believes he can control everything, including who I fall in love with.
But he never planned for the unexpected twists and turns that come with life, forcing me to choose between the safety he craves for me and the freedom I crave for myself.
About the Author
JM Warwick, also known as Jennifer, was born and raised in Southern California. Her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates serves as inspiration for her books, including A Season of Eden and An Open Vein.
Jennifer refuses to limit herself to one genre and was the first author to write four romance novels centered around ballroom dancing.
Jennifer has also published young adult novels under the name Jennifer Laurens. These include Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed, and the Heavenly series: Heavenly (2009), Penitence (2010), and Absolution (2010).
Additionally, she has written A Season of Eden (2011), Overprotected (2011), and Grace Doll (2012). Under her JM Warwick pen name, she wrote An Open Vein.
Jennifer currently resides in Utah and has six children, one of whom has autism. She does not place much importance on reviews and does not read them.
Editoral Review
Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens is a young adult novel that explores the complex relationships between parents and children, particularly in the context of overbearing helicopter parenting. Laurens is an experienced author with several successful novels under her belt, and Overprotected lives up to her reputation for compelling storytelling and relatable characters.
The novel tells the story of Ashlyn and her younger brother, who are both struggling under the weight of their mother’s overprotective tendencies. Ashlyn, in particular, feels stifled by her mother’s constant surveillance and micromanagement of her life, which makes it difficult for her to assert her independence and explore her own interests.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Laurens manages to infuse the story with humor and heart, balancing the serious themes with moments of levity and warmth. The characters are well-developed and multidimensional, with unique personalities and motivations that feel authentic and believable.
One of the strengths of Overprotected is its ability to resonate with readers of all ages, as anyone who has experienced the turmoil of growing up and asserting their independence can relate to Ashlyn’s struggles. The novel also touches on themes of mental health, addiction, and codependency, which are relevant and important topics for young readers to explore.
However, at times the plot can feel somewhat predictable and formulaic, and some readers may find themselves wishing for more nuance or complexity in the story. Additionally, while the novel does a good job of portraying the negative impact of helicopter parenting, it may not always offer practical solutions or alternatives for parents who are struggling to let go of control.
Despite these minor flaws, Overprotected is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant novel that will undoubtedly strike a chord with many readers. Whether you are a teenager grappling with parental suffocation, a young adult navigating the challenges of adulthood, or a parent seeking insight into your child’s struggles, this novel is sure to deliver a compelling and relatable story.
Overall, I would highly recommend Overprotected to anyone who enjoys contemporary Young Adult fiction or anyone who is looking for a poignant and engaging novel about the complexities of family relationships. With its compelling characters, heartfelt themes, and skillful storytelling, it is a must-read for any lover of good literature.
Therefore, I give Overprotected four out of five stars.
