In Honor

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Author(s)

Jessi Kirby

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Contemporary

Age Range

14+

Release Date

May 08, 2012

ISBN

978-1442416970

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A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.” Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it. Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Editor reviews

2 reviews

Honest and Emotional

April 21, 2012

Overall rating

5.0

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As I was looking through a list of upcoming YA releases, I stumbled upon In Honor by Jessi Kirby. I was nothing short of thrilled when I was able to receive a copy to review from the magic that is YABC. Thank you!!!!

Right away this book pulls you in. The first scene is Honor sitting at the funeral of her brother, Finn, who had been killed while serving in Iraq. I could hear the stillness in the air, except for the gun shots of the salute and the playing of Taps. If you've ever been to a military funeral, you know how powerful that moment is.

Finn has been Honor's source of everything since her parents died many years before. When he enlisted in the Marines instead of heading off to college, Honor was distraught. And when the soldier arrived at the door to her Aunt's house to tell her what happened to her brother, she wasn't sure how she would go on.

After the funeral, Honor opens a handwritten letter from her brother, that arrived three days after he was killed. Something in the letter makes her decide that she has to fulfill her brother's wishes, so instead of heading off to her college orientation, she decides to head for California. *cue Rusty*

Rusty was Finn's childhood best friend, they were inseparable. When Finn had enlisted in Marines, their friendship seemed to end. All the plans they had made to go to the same college and play football together were gone. So when Honor sees Rusty, she doesn't know what to think. Against her better judgement, Rusty hops in the car with her.

As the two head off on this journey, they learn a lot along the way. I don't want to go into too much detail because I want you to read it yourselves. But one thing I loved is the emotional journey that Honor went through. Jessi Kirby did a fantastic job of writing the grieving process. I grieved along with Honor, her emotions were so honest and raw. Don't worry, the book isn't all sad. Honor and Rusty have great chemistry and some of their conversations have some fun sass and banter to them.

Even though we never meet Finn, we learn about him and his strength and compassion through Honor and Rusty, the two people who loved him and knew him better than anyone. It felt as though he was there. He was a main character to me, without him, there wouldn't be a story.

In Honor is a story that hits home for a lot of people. It hits home for me, and a month ago I don't know that it would have. It's funny how life has a way of leading you places, even to books. This was the perfect time for me to read this book and I'm so glad I did. I marked several passages (which I rarely do) that really hit the mark for me. And watch out leading book men of 2012--Rusty will give you all a run for your money.

Good Points

Beautifully written--very honest

Claire Johnson, Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 238 reviews

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Slow Start, But A Great Read

January 08, 2013

Overall rating

5.0

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I made a promise to Jessi Kirby after I finished Moonglass that I would read anything she published. And so that's how my journey with In Honor started.

After about twenty pages, I told myself I wouldn't be able to finish the book, but didn't quit reading the book (just in case). By page thirty or so, I thought Jessi had just lucked out with Moonglass. But, by the time I made it to page fifty or so, I didn't regret continuing my journey.

In Honor starts off as a slow read about a girl, Honor, who discovers that her brother has just died in the war and now she wants to make one last road trip for him. She brings Rusty, her brother's friend, and they take all of the hard times together.

Road trips aren't really my thing, but this particular road trip was more interesting than I had originally expected. The main character grew throughout the novel and learned a lot about herself and her brother.

The ending was almost a disappointment. The ending wasn't how I would have ended the book, but it was more realistic that way. I was mad at the author for about the last two pages until maybe the last paragraph or so. And then I realized the ending was going to be perfect.

To Sum it All Up: I look forward to Jessi Kirby's other works. The characters were interesting and the plot picked up the pace after the first couple of chapters.

Heather Top 100 Reviewer 75 reviews

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Perfect in every way!

July 21, 2012

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5.0

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I loved this book. It starts off with Honor at her brother's funeral so of course it's going to be sad. Throughout the novel Honor, with the help of some unlikely friends, learns to deal with the loss of her brother Finn and come to terms with her grief. The characters you meet are all well developed and add to the beautiful story. Of course I was wanting Honor and Rusty to get together from Day 1, but the novel doesn't focus solely on their relationship and rather on the death of Finn.
If you are looking for a sweet read (it's a quick read), a heartbreaking read, and a perfectly perfect happy ending then this book is perfect for you!

Good Points

Roadtrip book!
Cowboy boots!
Texas hottie!