87 pages • 2 hours read
The Living
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Book Brief
364
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Ocean • Contemporary
2013
YA
13+ years
HL700L
Super Short Summary
In The Living by Matt de la Peña, Shy Espinoza, a Mexican American high school student, takes a job on a luxury cruise ship to support his family and finds himself amid a series of natural disasters and corporate conspiracies. Shy witnesses a suicide, faces a deadly storm and tsunamis, and ultimately uncovers a pharmaceutical company's sinister plot on a remote island.
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Dark
Emotional
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
5,597 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Living by Matt de la Peña is praised for its fast-paced and engaging narrative, vibrant characters, and the realistic depiction of socio-economic divides. However, some critics note that the plot can be predictable and the character development lacking depth. Overall, it's considered an exciting read, especially for young adult audiences.
Who Should Read The Living?
Fans of high-stakes thrillers with a social edge will enjoy Matt de la Peña's The Living. Ideal for readers of dystopian adventures like Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and survival tales such as Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, it’s perfect for teens and young adults who appreciate a mix of action, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes.
5,597 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
364
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Ocean • Contemporary
2013
YA
13+ years
HL700L
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