Two sisters and a friend go on a hike in the Grand Canyon and on the second day encounter a man who is on the run after shooting a deputy. He kidnaps our imprisons them so his whereabouts went be reported. Their challenge is how either to escape or get him to free them. The story exams the hopes and fears of the young women and their past as friends and sisters. The depiction of the Grand Canyon experience isn’t bad and enriched the story. ( )

I read and enjoyed Baby Teeth by this author. I was hoping Getaway would be as good. I am so happy to say, it was better than Baby Teeth! It was what I expected from the synopsis but also more than I expected. There are so many layers to this book. I would love to have it as a read along book club pick, (where everyone reads so many chapters a week then the group discusses those chapters). I think it would be amazing as that kind of book club pick.
It starts off a little bit slow as the author sets up everything. I have to say the author did a great job with describing the setting. I found myself picturing the scenery with my anxiety level rising at certain areas of the hike. I love hiking and have always felt better in the woods. There was always this sense of safety, for me, being on the trail or camping. There was, for me, an etiquette for hikers and campers. This book did bring out how that sense can lead to painful reality. I found the characters likable. Even the villain, at times, was someone I could see as being an interesting person, though not really a trusty, likable guy. I think I identify most with Imogen and perhaps it was that shared sense that made him interesting. I’m an analyzer so trying to put his pieces together was something I would do. Time was also something the author captured well for me. There was a clear order of day and night so on one level you knew how much time passed. However the tension of captivity warps time, moving so slowly then the sense of things speeding towards possible death and back again. It changes your perception of how long you have been out there. Ms. Stage had me caught in that space.
There is so much to be open for discussion in this book. I really would have enjoyed book discussion questions at the end. Hopefully they get added for the books August release. There were a few times I said no way while reading but, since leaving reality is something I expect from fiction, it did not bother me. I also know that stress can have you do things you normally couldn’t or wouldn’t so I’m not going to say those things could never happen. Inexperienced hikers frequently take on trails they aren’t ready for, (thinking of one of my no ways that happened with Tilda). I’m not going into it more because I want you to take in everything this book has to offer by yourself.
I definitely recommend this book. I won an advanced copy in a Goodreads Giveaway. No review is required. I voluntarily reviewed this book because I want everyone who enjoys suspense/thriller type books to put this on their TBR. It comes out this August and you absolutely want it. I have my print copy but am excitedly awaiting an audiobook. I hope they use at least two narrators and truly good ones. This story deserves great narration. ( )

Getaway, zoje stage,author: Brittany Pressley, narrator
When the Beck Blum arranges a hike with her sister Imogen and their friend Tilde, they are exposed to unexpected dangers. They go into the desert of Arizona for a week. They take no creature comforts with them. Phones are forbidden. They will carry their supplies and sleep in the open air. Beck and Imogen had lots of experience camping, but Tilde is a novice.
Imogen, an author, has had to deal with many traumas in her life, including a terrorist attack at the synagogue she attended. She seems timid and has not been very successful in overcoming her experiences and moving on. Beck, her sister, is a doctor. She is married to an African American woman who has had several miscarriages, but is now hopefully experiencing a viable pregnancy. Tilde, was born in the states but is of Mexican background. She is also a writer and has a large presence on social media. She is very pretty and far more fashionable and worldly than the Blum sisters. This hike in the desert will be harder for her. Tilda’s boyfriend is Muslim and they work to protect and support immigrants, legal and illegal.
When Imogen begins to note suspicious events, she voices her concern, but her sister dismisses her fear. This turns out to be a terrible mistake. Their supplies are ransacked, and they are soon taken captive by a man with a bullet wound. Beck treats his injury, but notices, as the others do, that he is mentally unstable. Imogen empathizes with his problems, but Tilda grows angry and resentful. They have each other, but she feels alone and wants to escape. They each learn the meaning of loyalty and courage as they learn about their own strengths and what they are capable of doing in order to survive.
The book is written around several progressive principles: immigration, the environment, education, religion, the “me too” issues, the power of women, gay marriage, prejudice, mental illness, gun control, interracial relationships, and drugs are just some of the areas touched upon. The story is tense and the pages turn themselves, but sometimes the characters seem like caricatures, and the plot seems a bit contrived and obvious. ( )