The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas

Nothing has been the same since Rose’s mother died. Rose misses her more than anything, and her absence makes Rose’s entire life feel off kilter. When Rose finds a Survival Kit that her mom made especially for her, she realizes that she needs to at least try to heal. Her mother left her a paper bag containing a picture of peonies, a crystal heart, a box of crayons, a paper star, an iPod with an empty playlist, and a paper kite, and Rose owes it to her mother to make the most of what she’s been given. It’ll take time, but with help and comfort from a surprising source, Rose will come to realize that even though she can’t change what’s already happened, she can still look forward to new beginnings and happiness.

The Survival Kit is a beautiful look at coming to terms with the absence of a loved one. I’ve read a good amount of novels similar to this one, and despite the similarity in storyline, I love The Survival Kit just as much as those other books. Freitas’s strength is by far her ability to so realistically capture the emotions of the moment in each of her characters. Her writing, both delicate and beautiful, draws readers in and refuses to let them leave Rose’s story until it’s over. Though I completely love this story, I’m not sure if the strength of Freitas’s writing is enough to distinguish The Survival Kit from other stories like it, if only because my favorites from these stories have been equally as well written and moving. There is no doubt though that this novel is a truly powerful story of healing that is worth reading.

The Survival Kit appeals to readers who also enjoyed The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark, A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell, Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabeley, and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

Rating: 4.5

Review copy from publisher Macmillan