ME MY SHELF & I
I was lucky enough to get a review copy of Above, a novel written by Mackie Burt who is remarkably only 19 years old. Despite her age, Burt writes with insight and wisdom. The novel is an innocent and starkly honest exploration of hope, life, death, the human heart, and how how they’re all connected.
RATING:
Overall: 42/50
3/5 appearance and design (cover, font, page size)
The cover is pretty and goes with the story but it didn’t have a “wow” affect. I also didn’t particularly like the font on the cover or the colors. But, I did like the font inside the book.
4/5 originality (is it new, original, and intriguing? Or does it seem tired and used?)
The afterlife has certainly been explored in literature. However, Burt offers hope after death in a unique way and emphasizes the connection between life and death. Above portrays death as a natural part of life and conveys the idea that there is life even in death.
9/10 Writing Style (Are the sentances clear but beautiful? Is it poetic or musical to the ears? Does it hold the readers attention?)
The writing is fluid and insightful. It includes beautiful descriptions and an abundance of figurative language. It also has an innocent and honest tone. One of Burt’s greatest strengths was her ability to write a beautiful passage that was extremely truthful and real. I could connect with almost everything the main character Callie discovered or stated. She had a way of saying things that were extremely applicable and true to anyone, whether they be a teenager or an adult. It tugged at my heartstring with just the beautiful, honest, wisdom of her writing. It also had a nice mixture of short and long sentences, giving the impression of Callie’s thoughts, roaming from one thing to another.
8/10 plot (Does it keep the reader interested? Is it suprising with unexpected plot twists? Does it tell an original and creative story?)
The first half of the book was a bit slow. But as I neared the second half the plot quickly picked up. When reading the last 50 pages I couldn’t put it down for even one moment. My favorite parts of the book were when it showed Callie’s family on earth, mourning her death. For some reason, it was these sections that really made me cry and cry I did.
The emotion in these passages was so real and by the time Callie’s brother started writing letters to Callie and praying that she would be reading them because he missed his older sister, I was bawling. I also liked the concept of Callie being “pulled into” other characters’ thoughts and emotions. It was interesting for her to see characters at the climax of their emotions.
10/10 Characters (are the characters believable and relatable? Do they develop at a believable pace? Are the relationships real and developed?)
There were a lot of great characters in this book and each was suprisingly well-developed. They were sweet, humorous, heart broken, loving, emotional, and all of the great things you look for in a character! Callie in particular was one of the best first person narrators that i’ve read in a long time. The innocence and honesty was refreshing and helped me connect with her struggles. Despite all that Callie sacrificed, she isn’t broken. She sees the importance of hope and continues to seek hope. Her insight about life and death was touching and her resolve to find hope even in death was inspiring. Her thoughts were relatable and the way that she loved and cared about her family was extremely sweet. I also enjoyed that she was still discovering herself because it was realistic and relatable. Logan her love interest was sweet with his wish to protect Callie’s innocence and aid her transition into Above. I also loved the secondary characters such as Callie’s sweet and funny cousin/best friend Blaize, Ansley, Frankie, Callie’s family, and Ace. No character was neglected and every character added their own insight and unique perspective to the story.
8/10 World-building/ Concept (is the premise intriguing from the beginning? Does it develop and illustrate a well thought out world with detail?)
Above was a good concept and I loved the description of the town and the beautiful scenery surrounding Above. I liked the explanations behind the reason that they still feel pain and all the little details that made up the world of Above. I’d like to see more detail about life (or death) outside Guardian school and Reese. I think that these things will be addressed in the next installment.
Verdict: Above is honest and insightful with amazing characters and pretty writing. Read it! You won’t be disappointed.
Great Quote:
“The deepest marks left on the Earth are not the ones that stretch far and wide, the kinds that cover oceans and consume the world. If only someone had let me in on the secret: There were millions of different infinities and they weren’t only measured in time but in people. And in each one, I could find a reason to matter forever. “
Follow Me My Shelf & I 
The Book Junkie
I have to say this is a very different kind of book , gives you a knew perspective on what death after life might be like. Its such an enjoyable read. The characters are all great and you get to know them all with no confusion, it doesn’t jump around and it has alot of unexpected twists. I usually can’t figure out a book before the end but I couldn’t figure out what was totally up with Callie. It was good to just finally read at the end instead of guessing before. It was hard to put down at any point you just want to keep reading. I’m even more impressed such a young girl wrote this book and I can’t wait for the next book to this series. I can’t even begin to imagine what Ms. Mackie has in store for us but I’m sure it will be great. I recommend this to all ages, Ya and up. Its a great. read and very well throughout and written.
I was given as copy for a honest review and honestly buy this book , you’ll want to read the entire series once its released.
Follow The Book Junkie
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars I can’t believe the author is so young!!!, March 13, 2013
For the sake of honesty, I was given a preview version of this book and while I have not finished the book completely yet, I am blown away at how young the author is. Normally YA novels written by young adults are PEDESTRIAN at best, but this book has such depth and soul that I swear it was written by someone much older that Mackie Burt. I will update my review once I finish the novel in the next week or so, but i was cruising around Amazon and was curious if this book was available for sale yet…and noticed that it was so I had to offer my two cents.
No reader will be disappointed…. if you are, you have no heart.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars One Of the Best, March 20, 2013
This book was truly amazing. I recommend it to girls 13 to 18. Written by a teenager, she really makes the book connectable. Being a huge fan of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. I didn’t have high hopes for the book but after reading I am shocked by the amazing story and writing. This is a MUST READ for high schoolers across the country. I can’t wait for the hard cover to come out.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Life does not end…..it only changes!, March 16, 2013
This is a wonderful story of life after life! At first we are sad for Callie….but then hopeful because we see she, as will everybody, be given a second chance. I absolutely loved the Book of Mistakes; too bad we arent all given one here in this life. Callie’s family seems so beautiful and I cried at the thought of how much they must miss her. What an imagination for this story. It has love, death, sorrow, joy, and most of all forgiveness. I love to read but cannot imagine how someone creates a story for others enjoyment; this author is very young….what an amazing first attempt. Bravo!
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Above, March 19, 2013
On the level of The Hunger Games. Picked it up an read it through lunch breaks and after dinner. I’m interested to see what my 15 and 18 year old girls will think of it.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars This should be on everyone’s must read list!, May 11, 2013
Above by Mackie Burt is a truly enjoyable fictional read that I wish was on every high school ‘to read’ list. The plot it is about life after death in a different sort of way. Certain people are so special that they become Guardians and have to go to school only this school is not like high school, the first book here is your life’s story or to be more accurate, all the mistakes you made during your life. It is called The Book of Mistakes. Callie, the main character is one such person. She first needed to accept she was dead and then she as well as others in school tell about their lives. Much of the learning here is intense and experience can bring the reader to tears so have a tissue handy. It is extremely interesting about the lives they lived and the mistakes they made as well as the ‘looking in’ on those they left behind.
The writing style is good, I found it an easy read and even though it is YA read it captivated my attention and I totally enjoyed it. I also find it amazing the author is so young. (I will have to be watching for her on the bestseller list.) It is easy to follow and even though there are multiple people involved, they are all developed nicely. Many of them I couldn’t help but feel their pain or sorrow as well as the happiness. It is one of those stories I got emotionally involved in which hadn’t happened to this degree since Hunger Games.
This should be on everyone’s must read list and I recommend this to everyone although I think females would enjoy it more than males.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Tale of Life After Death, May 11, 2013
Above by Mackenzie Burt is a novel that speculates what happens after death. The journey begins as Callie Lane stands over her gravestone listening to the mournful comments of family and friends. Before she realizes what’s happening, she is pulled into a world where everyone around her is dead. She is reunited with her grandmother, her neighbor, and her dog as well as making some new friends.
Hardly given the time to adjust to her situation, Callie is told that Above is a lot like school…and life in general. She is expected to take classes to learn how to be a Guardian. She must learn from her mistakes and continue to grow if she is to survive death. But why is she the only one having flashes of a life not her own? And why does her family keep pulling her back when everyone else has to fight to see theirs?
Burt spins an intricate, beautiful, and emotional tale. The reader will find herself completely immersed in the world of Above, completely invested in each and every one of the characters. Just like Callie, the reader will wonder until the very last page why certain things are happening, how certain things will play out, and what it all means. This story is full of wonder, sorrow, and joy. In the end, the reader may even find herself hoping that Burt’s idea of life after death is accurate; it doesn’t seem so bad, after all!
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars The next teen novel!, March 30, 2013
Easily on a par with the likes of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Pretty Little Liars, and Twilight.
I recommend to high school and college students as well as to their parents. It’s well written and by a teen for teens: who should know that they are thinking better?
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, September 10, 2013
I have had the chance to read the book before publishing, as I am a friend of the author’s mom, and it was quite a gripping, and entertaining book. What can I say but that if you want to know what the book is like, then simply read it.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars “Above” is a Must Read for 2013 !, June 26, 2013
I was picked to receive an Advance Reader’s Copy and I am so glad I was. I don’t often give a book five stars but I sincerely feel that this one deserves it. I don’t know where to start – going into it, I knew this was a story about life after death but I had no idea that it would reach so far and so deep and leave such an impression on me. It is a story of teenagers that have died under various circumstances and arrive “Above” where they will be trained to be “Guardians” to help and watch over those still alive. They begin this training while they are still trying to adjust to the fact that they have just died. So profound and mystical – I am still trying to sort through the range of feelings that the story took me through. I laughed and cried (quite a bit), wondered along with them as to why they were learning what was being taught (self defense In Heaven?), cheered them on when needed and felt their pain – my heart ached badly for some of the characters and their stories.
This story speaks of pain and sorrow, happiness and caring, fear, misunderstanding, doubts and bravery while weaving the stories of many characters together and peeling back the layers of their doubts and fears about the reasons why they were chosen to be Guardians. To think that Ms. Burt was only about 16 or 17 when she wrote this is just unbelievable. This story will stay with me for a long time and I know that I will be back to read it again and again. Two thumbs up for Mackie Burt, be proud and thank you for choosing me to read your book – it has been an honour.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it, June 9, 2013
“Above” is an amazing teen’s fiction story. The author’s writing style reminds me of P.C Cast and the story itself reminds me of the popular House Of Night series, with not as much boy drama.
Above is the first installment in a series of four.
I found myself reading this book in one shot. It took me almost ten hours to finish, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment reading it.
The characters are all lovable and I laughed and cried right along with them. It wasn’t easy following Callie along in her journey but getting the chance to watch her grow was worth it.
My hope for the next book is for Ansley to tell Logan his secret and Cal to find a way to save the Perespirits. I also hope she’ll be able to communicate with her brother, who I feel this whole ordeal has caused to grow up to fast.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars NightlyReading Review, May 21, 2013
First of all, I must commend Ms. Burt on her fantastic writing skills. She wrote this book as a young teen. Imagine the possibilities that could arise as she matures and her writing skills just keep getting better and better. She is definitely one to watch out for!
Normally, I tend to shy away from afterlife stories. They always tend to be the same thing! Either they become an angel, get a second chance or meet up with a long-lost relative. I was pleasantly surprised at the story line with this book though!
“One of the best parts of being a Guardian is that we get a chance to grow and change. We get to exist in both worlds. We know the secret of life and have the knowledge of death”
Callie has woken up “above” and she has to deal with the fact that she died and has been chosen to be a guardian. She has to go back to guardian school which is run by her grandmother AND her cousin, Blaize had died with her. So not only does she have to deal with her own death, but she feels responsible for Blaize’s death too!
I loved all of the secondary characters! Kenzie is Callie’s roommate and she is a pip! Definitely like a cheerleader that has eaten tons of cotton candy! Ansley is such a cutie, he is the first person Callie meets when she gets to the school and he is friendly enough to take her under his wing and show her around.
This leads us to Logan. Oh Logan, he runs hot and cold and Callie has a hard time reading him. You can really tell that he struggles to control his emotions and every once in awhile, he lets his guard down. He drives Callie crazy!
The story really tied itself together and I never expected it to go the way that it did. There were little surprises around every corner. Some of my favorite parts were when Callie was reminiscing thinking about her family. You could tell that they really meant a lot to her and she was having a hard time grasping her death.
It was not really a cliffhanger ending but, the book eludes to the fact that there are bigger things to come for Callie and I am patiently waiting to find out:)
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars awsome read, May 7, 2013
Buy this book you will not regret it. I recommend it to YA and adult. It gives you perspective on life. Life after death or death after life as the way it is written. Makes you think if your life is predestined, some ppl think it is, its all Written out for you before hand, your akasic records. This book willl make you think. I loive the characters. They all have their own story to tell but its not written that it confuses you its written perfectly that you
Feel sad then also. Happy because their in such a great place and learning what their life was all about even ending short. Theirs tragedy, love, loss and new beginnings. You will be amazed that such a young girl wrote this book , I know I am. Its very well Thought out and written. I can’t wait for book 2, To be released in this 4 book series. I just can’t imagine what Mackie has in store next but I know it will be great!
I was given this book for a honest review, I honestly loved it and. Recommend it to all.
Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars I can’t believe the author is so young!!!, March 13, 2013
For the sake of honesty, I was given a preview version of this book and while I have not finished the book completely yet, I am blown away at how young the author is. Normally YA novels written by young adults are PEDESTRIAN at best, but this book has such depth and soul that I swear it was written by someone much older that Mackie Burt. I will update my review once I finish the novel in the next week or so, but i was cruising around Amazon and was curious if this book was available for sale yet…and noticed that it was so I had to offer my two cents.
No reader will be disappointed…. if you are, you have no heart.
