The Upside of Falling Down

by Rebekah Crane

Overview

For Clementine Haas, finding herself is more than a nice idea. Ever since she woke up in an Irish hospital with complete amnesia, self-discovery has become her mission.

They tell her she’s the lone survivor of a plane crash. They tell her she’s lucky to be alive. But she doesn’t feel lucky. She feels…lost.

With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one.

Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612187228
Publisher:	Amazon Publishing
Publication date:	01/30/2018
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Rebekah Crane is the author of The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland and other young-adult novels. She found a passion for this genre while studying secondary English education at Ohio University. She is a former high school English teacher, a yoga instructor, and the mother of two girls. After living and teaching in six different cities, Rebekah finally settled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to write novels and work on screenplays. She now spends her days tucked behind a laptop at seventy-five hundred feet, where the altitude only enhances the writing experience.

Editorial Reviews

[An] appealing love story that provides romantics with many swoon-worthy moments.” —Publishers Weekly

“Using the device of Clementine’s amnesia, Crane explores themes of freedom and self-determination…Readers will respond to [Clementine’s] testing of new waters. A light exploration of existential themes.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[R]eaders glimpse a new side of Ireland. Clementine is a resilient heroine…The book ultimately rewards…” —Booklist

“This quickly paced work will be enjoyed by teens interested in independence, love, self-discovery, and drama.” —School Library Journal

“Crane’s contemporary YA offers a light take on heavy issues…a charming Irish setting with a sweet romance and brooding hero…” —RT Book Reviews

“Themes of identity, free will, and self-determination pervade the story. The setting in lush and beautiful Ireland adds charm to the tale as does the romantic brogue of the leading man. The final, unexpected plot twist also helps the story achieve its fresh and appealing quality. Teens who like romance, mystery, and a strong-willed female will like this quick, enjoyable read.” —VOYA

“The Upside of Falling Down is a sweet, funny love story that YA readers will fall for.” —HelloGiggles

“First love, starting over, finding herself—the story is hopeful and romantic.” —Denver Life

“…A short, sweet romance…The characters were fun. The pacing and writing were great. The plot was interesting, and the setting was beautiful and lush. If you’re looking for a cute romance, try this!” —Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)

“I’m not the least surprised that Rebekah Crane has written yet another book that I’ve wholly adored, and The Upside of Falling Down may be my favorite yet. Written with Rebekah’s unstoppable mix of sharp humor, detailed characters, and all-around charm, this story delivers a fresh and enticing take on first love—and one that will leave readers swooning.” —Jessica Park, author of 180 Seconds

From the Publisher

2017-10-30
When Clementine Haas wakes up in a hospital, she has no recollection of the past 18 years of her life, let alone why she's there. The white teenager is horrified to learn she is the lone survivor of a terrible plane crash in Ireland. When her father arrives from America, she feels nothing and runs away. She doesn't know if she's trying to find or lose Clementine, but she can't stay in that hospital any longer, disappointing everyone by not remembering. She dares 20-year-old Irishman Kieran O'Connell to get her away from the hospital, and he takes her to the small village of Waterville, where Clementine is able to relax and slowly try to figure out who she is. Clementine meets Kieran's pregnant twin sister, Siobhan, and Clive, a bisexual man with a mohawk who owns a used book and record store (and who offers the only diversity in the book other than Stephen, a gay, Jewish nurse). Unsurprisingly, she falls head over heels in love with Kieran, feeling an overpowering connection with him. Using the device of Clementine's amnesia, Crane explores themes of freedom and self-determination. Her freedom to remake herself in Waterville begins with a purple dye job and a fake name but doesn't end there; readers will respond to her testing of new waters.A light exploration of existential themes. (Fiction. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews