Official Review: Inconceivable by Rebecca Valenzuela

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Inconceivable" by Rebecca Valenzuela.]

---

2 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Inconceivable: Childhood Lost by Rebecca Valenzuela follows the journey of three teenage friends: Molly, Cecilia, and Kianna. They have grown up in dysfunctional families characterized by neglect, addiction, and abuse. Despite their struggles to overcome life on the streets, the three girls end up in a juvenile correctional center, where they meet the new administrator, Sarah Juarez. She begins to mentor the girls, but Sarah is dealing with her own loss and wonders if she can truly make a difference.

Based on almost twenty years of experience "...working with at-risk youth," Valenzuela's YA story will speak to teenagers in the system, law enforcement, educators, and parents. The 257-page book traverses themes of self-worth, abandonment, abuse, friendship, faith, acceptance, forgiveness, and trust. The story begins with an introduction to the three girls. Kianna has witnessed her father's murder, Molly lives with alcoholic parents, and Cecilia suffers abuse at the hands of her drug-addicted mother. Although the subject matter is intense, the plot-related violence is not explicit, and the book does not contain profanity.

Rather than interrupting the flow of the story, Valenzuela uses parenthetical citations to refer to corresponding scriptures at the end of the book, including this example from the ninth chapter: "She wondered if she would ever get a break. Her life was not easy. (9*1)" The reference cites Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the plans and thoughts I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.'" I particularly like this feature, which Valenzuela describes as "...a book of choice." I also appreciate the authenticity that Valenzuela's experience working with at-risk adolescents lends to the story. She effectively shows the reader how much Sarah cares about helping the kids she works with at the detention center. Sarah is the most relatable character and is likely based on the author.

On the other hand, I disliked the constant page flipping required to view the referenced verses. Hyperlinking the references to take readers directly to the scriptures would allow those desiring to delve deeper to quickly access the verses while also preserving the fluidity of the plot.

Additionally, the book lacks professional editing and is rife with errors. For the above reasons, I rate Inconceivable 2 out of 4 stars. Despite its need for further editing, the book conveys a positive message for Valenzuela's previously mentioned targeted audience. However, sensitive readers are cautioned regarding references to drug addiction, domestic violence, rape, and suicide.

******
Inconceivable
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[LinaJan]

The subject matter really interests me. Whilst I do not like it referencing religious scriptures, I can always not refer to them Thank you for your helpful and professionally written review!

[mmm17]

It sounds like this book has potential. It's a pity it has flaws, though. Excellent review!

[Elvis Best]

I believe the author is fighting a good cause. This book will def br helpful to adolescents who have been through a lot. It's a shame about the flaws though. Great review.

[The_Vivian]

From the review, I can already tell that this story is a must read for me because teenage struggles in this day and time is real and if the author has used this book as a means to educate them, then it's a recommended text that needs to be read despite the flaws. Wonderful review, bravo.

[drwcroaker]

Thank you for this very well written review. I don’t think I could do the flipping back and forth to find the verses. I would have to go back after finishing the book to see how the verses impacted the story.

[Valkyrie9]

Wow! This is some intense subject matter. While it could be a sensitive topic to some, it is also a good way to introduce readers, young and old, to issues they may never have been exposed to. A pity that this book was not more carefully edited. Thanks for the great review.

[Cecilia_L]

The subject matter really interests me. Whilst I do not like it referencing religious scriptures, I can always not refer to them Thank you for your helpful and professionally written review!

Thanks for your kind comments.

[Cecilia_L]

It sounds like this book has potential. It's a pity it has flaws, though. Excellent review!

Thank you!

[Cecilia_L]

I believe the author is fighting a good cause. This book will def br helpful to adolescents who have been through a lot. It's a shame about the flaws though. Great review.

Thank you for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

From the review, I can already tell that this story is a must read for me because teenage struggles in this day and time is real and if the author has used this book as a means to educate them, then it's a recommended text that needs to be read despite the flaws. Wonderful review, bravo.

Thank you!

[Cecilia_L]

Thank you for this very well written review. I don’t think I could do the flipping back and forth to find the verses. I would have to go back after finishing the book to see how the verses impacted the story.

That's a good suggestion. Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

Wow! This is some intense subject matter. While it could be a sensitive topic to some, it is also a good way to introduce readers, young and old, to issues they may never have been exposed to. A pity that this book was not more carefully edited. Thanks for the great review.

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[kljrox]

I believe this is an important story with positive messages even though it has errors. Thank you for a well thought out review. Great job.

[Sunchris01]

Teenage life and stuggles are day to day thing and real. I recommend this book for young adults. Its was a gret review,congratulations!