FALLING (a coming-of-age novel)
An Amazon Best Seller in three Teen & Young Adult Fiction categories!
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Sometimes falling for boys is perilous.
Anna wants a boyfriend from her first day of high school, but gets into hot water when she finds herself with two. First she falls for funny, shy Pete. Then heartthrob Alec comes out of nowhere and aggressively pursues her. She must choose one...or lose both. When everything goes south and the unthinkable happens, Anna is left numb and lost. A second chance to experience true love emerges, and Anna plunges in. But pressures to fit in, combined with her emotional fragility, lead her down turbulent paths—and increasing non-parent-approved choices. Boy troubles. Friend fallouts. Unreasonable parents. Heartbreaking betrayals. Will Anna overcome...or will she freefall into the abyss? Honest, unflinching, nostalgic and relatable, Falling tackles the drama of high school head-on and that tenuous straddle between teen and adult. |
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FALLING is the re-release of the novel SKYLINE HIGHER. There's a new title, cover and improved text—but still the great same story!
Click on the cover to be whisked immediately to Amazon.com, where you can buy the paperback or Kindle version.
Click on the cover to be whisked immediately to Amazon.com, where you can buy the paperback or Kindle version.
REVIEWS
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Falling is "hella" accurate in its depiction of high school life in the late 1970s and early '80s. While the primary audience for Katherine Cobb's novel is teens, it is equally as entertaining to adults who came of age during that era. Fashion and music references, in particular, were appreciated by this 50-something reviewer. Cobb's dialogue brings back the youthful spirit, joy, angst and seemingly insurmountable drama of high school. While set in California, the story of life inside and outside the walls of Skyline High could have taken place anywhere in the United States, making it universally relatable. The main character's journal entries endearingly capture her frustrations, confusion and fear as she works from being low on the social totem pole to a rising star; handles love and jealousy; dabbles in danger; and makes decisions that change her life forever. Many of the issues faced by teens in Falling mirror those of today's young people: pressure to use drugs and alcohol, sexual expectations, infidelity, pregnancy, irritation with parents and friendship struggles. Cobb weaves a believable tale that is both entertaining and cautionary, then caps it with an exclamation point that makes it more meaningful than readers would have expected.
—M. Partington, journalist
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (SAMPLING)
I loved this book! The story is so vividly told, by page 10, I have become Anna. I know her mom, her dad, her big brother, her best friends, and I long to know all those boys. I struggle with her to find her place in the new world of high school. I rejoice with her on her first solo car ride with that brand-new license. The historical references warmed this Boomer’s heart as I listen to Gerry Rafferty, play backgammon, or sit on my boyfriend’s lap in the back seat of a crowded station wagon. I had forgotten about choosing between a peasant blouse or a halter top, getting ice from a metal tray, and getting high at my first rock concert. Katherine Cobb takes us back as she unfolds the story. But this is no puff piece. Cobb explores the hard issues of coming of age: love, sex, consent, choice, abuse and addiction. This is why I have a suggestion: Read this book with a friend. You WILL want to talk about it. My friend was ahead of me in the book so some of her texts teased me with “Keep reading. More will be revealed.” (Keep reading? I could not put it down!) This journey can be tough and it helps to have a friend along for the ride. If you’re inclined to share your experience with the author, she invites you to contact her through her website, easily found with a Google search. I did so don’t be shy. Cobb is relatable and generous and sincerely wants to hear from us. Enough seriousness! I’ll end this review with a quote from the first line of the book: “This book is hella cool!” Buy it. Read it. Share it. --Viqui Dill, 5 stars on Amazon
This was such a fun nostalgic read! Cobb takes you to your high school self, no matter what your age is, to recall the things we face as adolescents. I could not put it down. The characters draw you in and invite you to their journey as a friend, frenemy and fellow student. I plan to share this book with my own children when the time is right to share dialogue about how life is all about experience. Highly recommend! —J. Swiger, 5 stars on Amazon
The author does justice to the teenage dramas that consumed us in high school. Girl-boy crushes coming to life, parental nuisances, friendships steel-plated or otherwise superficial, the reader can't help but be time-warped back to it all on some level or another. A very fun read. —V. Stolarski, 5 stars on Amazon
More than simply a flashback, which transports readers into the world of "girlhood" during the "sex, drugs and rock & roll" era of 70s America, Falling is a piercingly honest, auto-biographical account of life as an adolescent navigating through the triumphs and travails of youth. While the narrative will make the nostalgic smile and nod, recalling their own experiences, it speaks just as easily to younger readers. Youth in the 70s was largely unbridled, social convention was blurry, and personal consequence was more a matter of conscience than prosecution. Falling reminds readers that, regardless of era, the influences that shape attitudes and drive behaviors are something every individual should be compelled to examine. The benefits and consequences of decisions, made through the narrow prism of youth, acquire gravity long before we thought possible. This is an emotionally charged cautionary tale of fragility and vulnerability of a girl influenced by abuse and manipulated through objectification. It brings to the forefront current issues, as experienced in the past, and makes this reader wonder: have things really changed, or is it the case that "The song remains the same?" It is, therefore, timely, relevant, and worthy of discussion regardless of one's generation. Falling is also a story of transcendence and resilience. The author conveys how the concepts and practices of personal responsibility, living with integrity and grateful behavior can benefit anyone, regardless of age or experience. It challenges the reader to, among other things, ask themselves: "This is the time of your life - what will you do with it?" --KG, 5 stars on Amazon
A lovingly crafted story that pays homage to the author's hometown and High School and is treat to read for any alum! It is also a coming of age tale that fiercely examines social issues that are as relevant today as they were then. This novel is highly recommended for young adults. —MC L, 5 stars on Amazon
Excellent read. I started this book on a long flight, excited for the quiet time to dive in, and before I knew it, I lost myself in its pages and nearly finished. The emotions the author conveys are honest, vivid, funny, but also raw. I found myself wrapped up in the lead's shoes, and as her best friend--even as her mother! Her journey took my emotions to the edge (and all out tears) in its most exposed parts. I was left with a sense of nostalgia but also sadness being brought back to the similarities I faced in my own adolescence. I would highly recommend this work for adolescents and adults alike, but most especially for young women. In fact, I bought an extra copy for a friend whose teenage daughter is navigating her way through the space between child and adulthood. I wish this were written when I was her age. Looking forward to reading more great works from this author! —Jen, 5 stars on Amazon
Boy did this take me back! All the emotions of High School and the struggles, friendships and partying rung true to me. This is an amazing coming of age story that I could not put down. Being from Oakland myself, the references to places I hung out just added to the book and gave it personal meaning. At the end, the author tells her own personal story. Yes, have a tissue handy when reading, you may need it. —Lori Hart, 5 stars on Amazon
Although honest and unflinching are over used in reviews, they are apt for Falling. The situations and responses certainly rang true. In the afterword, the author tells her personal story and invites conversation from her young readers. This, in my opinion, doubles the value of this book. —Linda Bee, 5 stars on Amazon
This book took me right back to my high school days. As one of the unpopular kids in school, the thoughts and emotions of one of the popular girls was quite eye opening. Make sure you have a tissue when you read it!!! —Christine L., 5 stars on Amazon
It was interesting to read the life of a high school student outside of the classroom. They seem to be fearless in some of the risks taken. Having been raised in the fifties, this was a completely different life. It was very well written and I found it to be a page turner. Could not put it down. —5 stars on Amazon
I loved the book. It brought back so many memories of high school -- the good, the bad and the awkward! I loved the author's use of the language of that time at Skyline -- words and phrases I haven't heard for a long time. It also reminded me that there are always people around us going through things we can't even imagine. Very sobering. I look forward to more from Katherine Cobb. —AL, 5 stars on Amazon
I was able to relate ... with some of my teen years. I thought it was written for all ages to understand and supported how people should speak out when having problems and not keep them inside. I also felt the novel was written from the heart. I really enjoyed the novel—it is one I will read over and over.
—Pat M.
The detail the author is able to recall about being in high school took me right back to my high school years. Her story gives great insight into experiences many go through during these tumultuous times. —4 stars on Amazon
Your story has so much to consider for a teen, and even more so for today... and so strongly important. I think what I liked the most about your words, written so well, was that the goodness was still there, the attraction is true, that it is what makes it all so difficult to make the choices that young people face. (The trust of a father, the love of a boy, the joy of friends and parties, then the betrayal) The mix of love with the danger. It is the balance that needs to be there, and the education. --R. Bell, 5 stars on Amazon
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Falling is "hella" accurate in its depiction of high school life in the late 1970s and early '80s. While the primary audience for Katherine Cobb's novel is teens, it is equally as entertaining to adults who came of age during that era. Fashion and music references, in particular, were appreciated by this 50-something reviewer. Cobb's dialogue brings back the youthful spirit, joy, angst and seemingly insurmountable drama of high school. While set in California, the story of life inside and outside the walls of Skyline High could have taken place anywhere in the United States, making it universally relatable. The main character's journal entries endearingly capture her frustrations, confusion and fear as she works from being low on the social totem pole to a rising star; handles love and jealousy; dabbles in danger; and makes decisions that change her life forever. Many of the issues faced by teens in Falling mirror those of today's young people: pressure to use drugs and alcohol, sexual expectations, infidelity, pregnancy, irritation with parents and friendship struggles. Cobb weaves a believable tale that is both entertaining and cautionary, then caps it with an exclamation point that makes it more meaningful than readers would have expected.
—M. Partington, journalist
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (SAMPLING)
I loved this book! The story is so vividly told, by page 10, I have become Anna. I know her mom, her dad, her big brother, her best friends, and I long to know all those boys. I struggle with her to find her place in the new world of high school. I rejoice with her on her first solo car ride with that brand-new license. The historical references warmed this Boomer’s heart as I listen to Gerry Rafferty, play backgammon, or sit on my boyfriend’s lap in the back seat of a crowded station wagon. I had forgotten about choosing between a peasant blouse or a halter top, getting ice from a metal tray, and getting high at my first rock concert. Katherine Cobb takes us back as she unfolds the story. But this is no puff piece. Cobb explores the hard issues of coming of age: love, sex, consent, choice, abuse and addiction. This is why I have a suggestion: Read this book with a friend. You WILL want to talk about it. My friend was ahead of me in the book so some of her texts teased me with “Keep reading. More will be revealed.” (Keep reading? I could not put it down!) This journey can be tough and it helps to have a friend along for the ride. If you’re inclined to share your experience with the author, she invites you to contact her through her website, easily found with a Google search. I did so don’t be shy. Cobb is relatable and generous and sincerely wants to hear from us. Enough seriousness! I’ll end this review with a quote from the first line of the book: “This book is hella cool!” Buy it. Read it. Share it. --Viqui Dill, 5 stars on Amazon
This was such a fun nostalgic read! Cobb takes you to your high school self, no matter what your age is, to recall the things we face as adolescents. I could not put it down. The characters draw you in and invite you to their journey as a friend, frenemy and fellow student. I plan to share this book with my own children when the time is right to share dialogue about how life is all about experience. Highly recommend! —J. Swiger, 5 stars on Amazon
The author does justice to the teenage dramas that consumed us in high school. Girl-boy crushes coming to life, parental nuisances, friendships steel-plated or otherwise superficial, the reader can't help but be time-warped back to it all on some level or another. A very fun read. —V. Stolarski, 5 stars on Amazon
More than simply a flashback, which transports readers into the world of "girlhood" during the "sex, drugs and rock & roll" era of 70s America, Falling is a piercingly honest, auto-biographical account of life as an adolescent navigating through the triumphs and travails of youth. While the narrative will make the nostalgic smile and nod, recalling their own experiences, it speaks just as easily to younger readers. Youth in the 70s was largely unbridled, social convention was blurry, and personal consequence was more a matter of conscience than prosecution. Falling reminds readers that, regardless of era, the influences that shape attitudes and drive behaviors are something every individual should be compelled to examine. The benefits and consequences of decisions, made through the narrow prism of youth, acquire gravity long before we thought possible. This is an emotionally charged cautionary tale of fragility and vulnerability of a girl influenced by abuse and manipulated through objectification. It brings to the forefront current issues, as experienced in the past, and makes this reader wonder: have things really changed, or is it the case that "The song remains the same?" It is, therefore, timely, relevant, and worthy of discussion regardless of one's generation. Falling is also a story of transcendence and resilience. The author conveys how the concepts and practices of personal responsibility, living with integrity and grateful behavior can benefit anyone, regardless of age or experience. It challenges the reader to, among other things, ask themselves: "This is the time of your life - what will you do with it?" --KG, 5 stars on Amazon
A lovingly crafted story that pays homage to the author's hometown and High School and is treat to read for any alum! It is also a coming of age tale that fiercely examines social issues that are as relevant today as they were then. This novel is highly recommended for young adults. —MC L, 5 stars on Amazon
Excellent read. I started this book on a long flight, excited for the quiet time to dive in, and before I knew it, I lost myself in its pages and nearly finished. The emotions the author conveys are honest, vivid, funny, but also raw. I found myself wrapped up in the lead's shoes, and as her best friend--even as her mother! Her journey took my emotions to the edge (and all out tears) in its most exposed parts. I was left with a sense of nostalgia but also sadness being brought back to the similarities I faced in my own adolescence. I would highly recommend this work for adolescents and adults alike, but most especially for young women. In fact, I bought an extra copy for a friend whose teenage daughter is navigating her way through the space between child and adulthood. I wish this were written when I was her age. Looking forward to reading more great works from this author! —Jen, 5 stars on Amazon
Boy did this take me back! All the emotions of High School and the struggles, friendships and partying rung true to me. This is an amazing coming of age story that I could not put down. Being from Oakland myself, the references to places I hung out just added to the book and gave it personal meaning. At the end, the author tells her own personal story. Yes, have a tissue handy when reading, you may need it. —Lori Hart, 5 stars on Amazon
Although honest and unflinching are over used in reviews, they are apt for Falling. The situations and responses certainly rang true. In the afterword, the author tells her personal story and invites conversation from her young readers. This, in my opinion, doubles the value of this book. —Linda Bee, 5 stars on Amazon
This book took me right back to my high school days. As one of the unpopular kids in school, the thoughts and emotions of one of the popular girls was quite eye opening. Make sure you have a tissue when you read it!!! —Christine L., 5 stars on Amazon
It was interesting to read the life of a high school student outside of the classroom. They seem to be fearless in some of the risks taken. Having been raised in the fifties, this was a completely different life. It was very well written and I found it to be a page turner. Could not put it down. —5 stars on Amazon
I loved the book. It brought back so many memories of high school -- the good, the bad and the awkward! I loved the author's use of the language of that time at Skyline -- words and phrases I haven't heard for a long time. It also reminded me that there are always people around us going through things we can't even imagine. Very sobering. I look forward to more from Katherine Cobb. —AL, 5 stars on Amazon
I was able to relate ... with some of my teen years. I thought it was written for all ages to understand and supported how people should speak out when having problems and not keep them inside. I also felt the novel was written from the heart. I really enjoyed the novel—it is one I will read over and over.
—Pat M.
The detail the author is able to recall about being in high school took me right back to my high school years. Her story gives great insight into experiences many go through during these tumultuous times. —4 stars on Amazon
Your story has so much to consider for a teen, and even more so for today... and so strongly important. I think what I liked the most about your words, written so well, was that the goodness was still there, the attraction is true, that it is what makes it all so difficult to make the choices that young people face. (The trust of a father, the love of a boy, the joy of friends and parties, then the betrayal) The mix of love with the danger. It is the balance that needs to be there, and the education. --R. Bell, 5 stars on Amazon