Sawyer is an average teenager, dealing with the everyday challenges of relationships, friendships, finding love, and family issues.  Her situation is a little more challenging because her boyfriend Kevin dies in a car accident at the beginning of the book.  Kevin was a popular football player.  Sawyer depended on Kevin for her self confidence in her appearance.   The day of Kevin's funeral Sawyer is moved to visit his bedroom.  On the way she stopped dead at the sight of a girl staring back at her.  "She was tall and thin...with a boyish body that was all edges and angles.  Her long brown hair was looped in a herringbone braid that fell over one shoulder, and baby hairs stood up in a static-y halo around her head, shot out from the loose weave of the braid.  The girl’s eyes looked like they may have been velvety brown and deeply alive once, but they were sunken and flat now.  Her lips were barely pink and pulled down at the edges.  This girl wore her mourning black like a second skin.”  (Jayne 2) Sawyer was looking at herself.   

 Your reason(s) for choosing this book: What were your reasons for choosing this book? 

When picking up the book, what stood out the most was the title.  TRULY, she thought it was an accident MADLY, she was wrong DEADLY.  Reading the back of the book is when I wanted to read more.   This book is similar to others I have read, they always have a catch or twist to them. Not knowing what is going to happen next.  

 Your first impressions of the story: What was your first impression as you started reading?

The book caught my attention when I read the cover.  It was interesting from the beginning by using descriptive words.   Kevin, Sawyers boyfriend, his death sounded to “perfect”   The first thought was "can death be to perfect?" 

 Characters: Do you identify with the characters you have met so far? How did the characters' decisions surprise you? Did you agree with these decisions? Why or why not?

I connected well with the main characters. Even though no one was murdered, all of her feelings were exactly in sync with mine.  What surprised me the most was she "targeted" the "obvious" people first instead of someone more close to her. So her trust with people surprised me. I agreed with what her choices were. When something so tragic happens it's a normal thing to seek other "love" or human companion. 

 Important facts: What events did you find interesting?

The random notes she would get from her admirer.  When she got stabbed by her admirer.  Coming home to her dad and step mom upset because the baby room was destroyed.

 Setting: Why does the setting add to the story? 

Rainy, cloudy, distance, a dark tone.  It makes the reader truly understand how the main character was feeling. 

 Symbols and imagery: What symbols did you think were interesting?

The color red means love or representing care for someone but the color red also has a negative meaning; anger and upset.  The author paints a picture to the reader on her different meanings. 

 Story elements: What elements of this story surprised you? 

The troubles Sawyers admirer did for her.  Even if the situation hurt Sawyer.  Sawyer was getting mixed feelings of her admirer and what he/she was really trying to do for her.  I was trying to figure out what her admirer was exactly doing.

 Connection: Did anything remind you of an event from another story, historic event, or one from your own life? If so, explain. 

Our situations are totally different but the feelings the main character expressed were the same emotions I related to. 

 Reaction: What was your “aha” moment? Give your reaction to the book. How do you feel about the book now that you have finished it? 

My “aha” moment was when the main character and her admirer were in the same room.  The admirer said, “I will always take care of you.  My feelings were all over the place; angry, upset, and confused.  The book left off like a cliff note.  Makes a statement/point but could continue on if the author/director/creator wants it to.

 Author: Would you read another story by this author? 

Hannah Jayne is coming out with another book called See Jane Run in 2014

 Recommendation: Who might benefit most from reading this story? Who would enjoy this book?

I would Recommend this book to anyone who likes thrills and connection to everyday teen struggles.  

Stuck with time, School. Personal photograph by author. 2012.

In the darkness, School. Personal photograph by author. 2012.

Snowy Woods, Georgia. Personal photograph by author. 2011.

Red Rose, My Driveway. Personal photograph by author. 2012.