Take It Easy [Hardcover]

David Hill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997 | Age Level: 11 and up

A hike with other kids through New Zealand's vast National Park turns into trouble when the group leader dies, and Rob and the other five teenagers must survive the harsh wilderness with little food and no guide."

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10. Rob's mother has recently died and the subsequent months have been the worst in his life. He and his father are unable to communicate; in fact, all his father ever says to him is "take it easy." When Rob, an experienced hiker, is sent on an expedition with five other teenagers through the New Zealand bush country, disaster strikes when their guide dies. Because Rob has not developed the courage to stand up to the others and insist they follow proper safety procedures, the six teens quickly become lost with little food. The remainder of the novel deals with their efforts to return to civilization and the personal growth they experience while struggling to survive. While readers might become distracted by the jumps in time, the story itself remains quite accessible. The emotions of these young people are realistically developed and the dynamics of the group are clearly expressed. The importance of friendship and finding one's own peace of mind is presented in a satisfactory manner. A good adventure novel for reluctant YA readers looking for an exciting and quick read.?Tracy Taylor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A wilderness hike turns catastrophic for six New Zealand teenagers in this gripping, straightforward survival adventure from Hill (See Ya, Simon, 1994). When Rob and his camping companions wake up on the third day to find their guide dead, they panic and throw safety procedures to the winds; leaving most of their supplies behind, they head off in search of rescue. Rob, the one experienced camper in the group, is so angry and depressed over tragic events at home that he refuses to take charge until it's too late; by the time he's picked up, alone, five rainy, exhausting days later, he's broken more rules, survived flood and exposure, and left three of his fellow hikers behind with serious injuries. Hill doesn't delve very deeply into his characters, and, paradoxically, seems to consider Rob more heroic than reckless, but every brush with danger, every hour of sodden, muddy misery is so vivid that, like Ivy Ruckman's No Way Out (1988) or Will Hobbs's Far North (1996), readers will feel as wrung out as if they've actually been along for the ride. (Fiction. 11-13) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525457631
• ISBN-13: 978-0525457633
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,103,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Held the interest of my students!, October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Take It Easy (Hardcover)

I highly recommend this book. I have used it this year with my fifth form (year 11) English class. My class is the 2 Year School Certficate class - I suppose their English ability would have to be defined as below average. They enjoyed the novel, and more importantly it held their attention - the death, near death and Carl's annoyingness! It was also easy for them to identify, talk and write about aspects like characters, themes, climax. Audio tapes of the novel are available from Replay Radio in NZ.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very wonderful, page turner! Couldn't put it down!, June 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Take It Easy (Hardcover)

I started reading and couldn't put it down, I finished it in 1 day!! Very good book!! Must Read!

2.0 out of 5 stars No Fleshed-Out Characters, July 6, 2007

By 

A. Luciano (Lowell, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Take It Easy (Hardcover)

Rob is still dealing with his mother's death when he signs on for a hiking and camping trip. The other five teens on the hike have varying levels of experience and enthusiasm about hiking, but their guide, Harvey, is enthusiastic and knowledgeable enough for all of them. He explains that as long as he has a compass, he'll be able to get them where they are going.

Shortly into their trip, though, Harvey dies. Rob wants to follow the rules of the wilderness and stay where they are so they can be rescued more easily. He is overruled, though, and soon finds himself dragged along with the others, who feel better when they are moving toward the rescue they imagine is nearby. The group quickly becomes lost, wet, and injured.

Rob feels guilty about his part in their predicament. He feels like he should have been strong enough to make everyone stay at their camp, and he feels like he should have made smarter decisions to keep them all safe. His main concern now, though, is making sure that they get rescued before they starve to death.

I liked the survival aspect of this story, and the things the group did to stay warm and to keep alive. The characters were pretty weak, though. None of them really seemed like an actual person to me; they were all just vague cliches--the arrogant dumb jock, the frail beautiful girl, the tomboyish motormouth. Even Rob, the narrator, didn't really stand out. He somehow seemed distant from his own story.