Pandemic

Pandemic
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
May 06, 2014
ISBN
978-1628736090
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Even under the most normal circumstances, high school can be a painful and confusing time. Unfortunately, Lilianna’s circumstances are anything but normal. Only a few people know what caused her sudden change from model student to the withdrawn pessimist she has become, but her situation isn’t about to get any better. When people begin coming down with a quick-spreading illness that doctors are unable to treat, Lil’s worst fears are realized. With her parents called away on business before the contagious outbreak—her father in Delaware covering the early stages of the disease and her mother in Hong Kong and unable to get a flight back to New Jersey—Lil’s town is hit by what soon becomes a widespread illness and fatal disaster. Now, she’s more alone than she’s been since the “incident” at her school months ago. With friends and neighbors dying all around her, Lil does everything she can just to survive. But as the disease rages on, so does an unexpected tension as Lil is torn between an old ex and a new romantic interest. Just when it all seems too much, the cause of her original trauma shows up at her door. In this thrilling debut from author Yvonne Ventresca, Lil must find a way to survive not only the outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.

Even under the most normal circumstances, high school can be a painful and confusing time. Unfortunately, Lilianna’s circumstances are anything but normal. Only a few people know what caused her sudden change from model student to the withdrawn pessimist she has become, but her situation isn’t about to get any better. When people begin coming down with a quick-spreading illness that doctors are unable to treat, Lil’s worst fears are realized. With her parents called away on business before the contagious outbreak—her father in Delaware covering the early stages of the disease and her mother in Hong Kong and unable to get a flight back to New Jersey—Lil’s town is hit by what soon becomes a widespread illness and fatal disaster. Now, she’s more alone than she’s been since the “incident” at her school months ago. With friends and neighbors dying all around her, Lil does everything she can just to survive. But as the disease rages on, so does an unexpected tension as Lil is torn between an old ex and a new romantic interest. Just when it all seems too much, the cause of her original trauma shows up at her door. In this thrilling debut from author Yvonne Ventresca, Lil must find a way to survive not only the outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Pandemic
Overall rating
 
4.0
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PANDEMIC had my full attention right at the beginning. I love how the author spins her own unique twist into what might have been yet another deadly-disease-plague-that-kills-everyone story. No, the voice is very engaging with a character that deals not only with a deadly flu that kills most everyone but a secret that involves an adult betraying her trust.

What worked: The voice. Pure and simple. Readers see first hand what happens to Lilianna, Lil, right before the deadly Blue Flu hits the East coast. Lil has a secret that has kept her from trusting anyone, including her friends, after a teacher assaults her. Then a flu hits and she sees her world fall apart.

I really liked Lil and could understand her phobias regarding germs which ends up keeping her somewhat safe for a while. Readers see the horror first hand when the flu blossoms into a deadly killing force. Lil is alone after her parents had to leave. I'm not sure I could handle what Lil has to deal with like looters, sickness, and the overwhelming fear of being left alone while friends and love ones die. Ventresca does an excellent job shows readers all of this and we sympathize with Lil when she feels that it's almost too much to handle.

The part in the story where we find out a trusted teacher assaulted Lil and how the town, including a former BFF treats her, was very realistic. I felt that how Lil reacted and pulled away from mostly everyone is something an abused person would do in a similar situation.

I liked the relationship between Jay and Lil. He comes off at first as maybe not the best boyfriend choice but little by little he surprises her and readers with his own strength. Mostly though it's Lil's courage to take the scary steps outside of her comfort zone during the flu outbreak and that includes opening her heart.

Engaging tale with realistic and horrific glimpses into a deadly pandemic where a heroine needs to find the strength within in order to regain her sense of safety in a troubled world. Readers will cheer, cry, but mostly love Lil as she overcomes odds in order to find peace within.
Good Points
1. Engaging voice that keeps you turning the pages
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