(This is a guest review by Heather. To submit your own, use the button in the column to the right.)

Link: amzn.to/w3X3hH

Grade: A-

L/C Ratio: 70/30
(This means Heather estimates the author devoted 70% of her effort to creating a literary work of art and 30% of her effort to creating a commercial bestseller.) 

Thematic Breakdown:
40% - Family
30% - Coming of age
20% - Nature
10% - Apocalyptic

Into the Forest is a beautifully written novel about two sisters and how they survive as their family, aspirations and entire society subsequently fall apart. The storyline is very realistic, which made me question various aspects of my daily life and consider how I would react if put in their position. I am not always a huge fan of the first-person point of view (despite the fact that it seems like that’s all I’ve been reading lately), but in this novel it was incredibly effective - making the emotions and situations that much more powerful.

As a biology major (and having taken a grueling Field Botany course in college), I also found the natural aspects of Into the Forest very interesting.

The reason the grade for this novel isn’t slightly higher is that some of the scenes were rather sensual and a little uncomfortable to read. Also, I could vaguely tell where the author was going with the conclusion of the novel, but it still was a tad unsatisfying; the decisions were understandable with everything the characters had been through, but as a reader, I questioned their choices. Other than that, this is an amazing, well-written story with relatable characters and a frighteningly plausible plot that will leave you questioning the world around you.