Release Date: July 26, 2015
Nina has never been comfortable in her own skin. When she finds herself in another world reliving the pains of the past where everything seems off, will it all be too much for her? Will things work out for Nina?
The author, Robin Raven, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0692406298″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Next Stop: Nina[/easyazon_link] is a cerebral read. Nina is an adult that suffered a horrendous childhood when she’s thrown back into her 10-year-old body. She goes from the pit of despair that has left her feeling that her only option is to end it all and suddenly she’s back in a waking nightmare. She has the memories and experiences of an adult and, she believes, the strategies to change her past. No matter what the time-traveling Nina does or how many times she lives her life again, nothing changes. She’s trapped in reliving a nightmare. Nina survived once but can she do it again? Is there any point to surviving it again?Raven’s approach is simple, but her subject matter is far reaching. Nina is trapped in her past and we’re in her mind as she travels back to childhood again and again and the inevitable destructive marks that is left on her soul. Nina is left with insecurity and depression and the feeling that the world would be a better place without her. Her journey is harrowingly real and the short and direct style of writing emphasizes the sense of hopelessness.
I really enjoy time travel books that take the character out of the familiar. Perhaps part of the weakness inherent in [easyazon_link identifier=”0692406298″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Next Stop: Nina[/easyazon_link], is that the destination could not have been more familiar to the subject, and going back over and over trying new tactics rapidly became the song that wouldn’t end. Nina also, likely because of the often stark nature of the writing, didn’t feel fully fleshed out despite the first person point of view. Nina’s singular obsession drives the story. When Nina starts to live outside of herself we get glimpses of the person she will be when managing her depression enters the realm of possibility.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0692406298″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Next Stop: Nina[/easyazon_link] is an interesting read. Readers that can identify with the sort of trauma Nina has faced may find this story something which they can identify with, and a story that may indeed help them if they’re mentally reliving the horrible event. Raven’s story reminded me of my uncle that had served in Vietnam. Whenever he had a few beers he’d go back to the same time period with the same events. Every day we live our experiences and if we’re lucky, we’ve never faced anything as awful as Nina or my uncle. Some people live and for some its too much. Raven brings a light to someone for whom it’s been too much for those struggling and those who might never have been able to identify. Nina’s frank approach to her suffering touches the soul. [easyazon_link identifier=”0692406298″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Next Stop: Nina[/easyazon_link] is Raven’s first novel. As first novels go, it is a strong concept and interesting premise. Though identifying moments that could have been improved, it is a strong first outing and well worth checking out.If you’re interested in human-interest stories dealing with important issues, give [easyazon_link identifier=”0692406298″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Next Stop: Nina[/easyazon_link] a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Read an excerpt and pick up Next Stop: Nina by Robin Raven today on:
Amazon U.S. • Amazon U.K. • Amazon Canada
For more information about Robin Raven, visit her website. You can connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter @RobinRaven.