Title: The Living
Author: Matt de la Peña
First published November 12, 2013
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.74
Overview
Lila always plays it safe, never daring to take a risk. But that all changes when she meets the charismatic billionaire, Ethan Gregory.
He’s everything she’s ever wanted in a man, but she knows she should stay away. After all, he’s her boss.
However, the attraction between them is too strong to ignore. As they embark on a secret affair, Lila realizes that Ethan is hiding something.
Something that could ruin everything they’ve built together. But she’s addicted to the thrill of the forbidden and can’t resist the temptation to uncover his secrets.
Will their love survive when the truth comes out? Or will they be torn apart forever?
About the Author
Meet Matt de la Peña, a celebrated author who has written six young adult novels and four picture books. He’s been recognized with a prestigious Newbery Medal and has even been featured on the New York Times best-seller list.
Matt’s passion for writing led him to earn an MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and a BA from the University of the Pacific, where he attended on a full athletic scholarship for basketball. Today, Matt calls Brooklyn, NY home and shares his love of writing by teaching creative writing classes and visiting high schools and colleges across the nation.
To learn more about Matt and his work, check out his website at mattdelapena.com.
Editoral Review
The Living by Matt de la Pea is a young adult action-adventure novel that tells the story of 17-year-old Shy Espinoza, a Mexican-American living in San Diego, California. Published in 2013, this book presents a realistic view of the struggle to survive in a society that is ravaged by natural disasters, political corruption, and drug cartels.
De la Pea is a prolific author known for his realistic portrayal of characters and themes that resonate with young adult readers. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as Newbery Award and Coretta Scott King Award for his works.
The Living is a captivating tale that draws inspiration from his life experiences and observations of the world around him. The Living opens with Shy Espinoza working as a summer cruise ship employee.
His job is a means to earn a few bucks while spending his time away from home. During one of the trips, the ship is hit by a massive earthquake that leads to a series of life-threatening events.
Shy manages to survive along with a small group of survivors, and they face a trek across a United States that is falling apart. De la Pea’s writing style is palpable as he vividly describes the scenes and characters.
His prose is fluent and imbued with raw emotion that captures the feelings of the characters perfectly. Shy Espinoza’s character is well developed as he struggles to navigate through the dangers that come his way, and we can feel his desperation and vulnerability.
One of the strengths of The Living is the fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engaged. De la Pea employs an action-packed adventure that is full of twists and turns.
The book’s themes of survival, resilience, and the inherent human spirit are sure to captivate the reader. The book also takes on some political and social issues, such as poverty, income inequality, and institutional corruption, which are pertinent in today’s world.
However, it is not without some flaws. The Living’s plot lacks nuance, and some of the conflicts are resolved too conveniently.
Additionally, some of the characters lack depth, and their motivations are unclear. These flaws undermine the book’s overall message to some extent.
In conclusion, The Living is a well-written, fast-paced, and engaging novel that is sure to appeal to young adult readers who love action-adventure stories. Despite some of its flaws, this book is an enjoyable read that addresses relevant societal issues while telling a gripping tale.
For fans of dystopian and post-apocalyptic genres, The Living is a must-read that scores an impressive 4.5 out of 5.
