This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
The Journal by R.D. Stevens is a heartwarming story that explores themes of family, adventure, and the quest for meaning. Meet eighteen-year-old Ethan Willis, who sets out on a journey to locate the sister who’s been gone for years, travelling across South East Asia. Follow the protagonist as he travels through the unfamiliar, yet exciting landscapes of Cambodia, Laos, and the Islands of Thailand. He locates a journal left by his sister that poignantly documents her philosophy on life, her relationships, and her personal journey, so the young Ethan feels both connected and left with many questions as he reads it. When this journey ends, will he ever be the same again and will he be able to locate his sister?
The writing is highly descriptive and the author does an excellent job in leading readers into the psychology of the young protagonist. Young readers can relate to many of the experiences described in this story. I enjoyed the relationship between Ethan and his sister, but what greatly surprised me was the author’s treatment of setting. It comes out vividly through the narrative and readers will feel thrust into an exciting world where South East Asia comes out in striking colors. Whether describing a back road in Cambodia or capturing the party spirit of the Thai, R.D. Stevens makes the reader feel as though they are part of the ambiance. The pacing is great and the reader is spurred on by curiosity to discover what happens next, looking forward to an inevitable encounter between two siblings, yet uncertain if it could ever happen. The Journal is a compelling read with memorable characters, a great setting, and a gripping plot.
