I thought a new blog post was in order now that the second installment of the Fight For Survival Series is almost upon us. As you all enjoy the continuation of Amity and Sarge's journey throughout the dystopian world of Western America, it's extremely important to me that we understand the truly mundane aspects of our main characters.
There was a nice gentlemen that reviewed It Starts With Me a while back, and in his review, he said he was displeased with the idea that Sarge is always there to save Amity. It was disappointing for this particular reviewer because Amity was "weak" in his eyes.
Not too long after that, I received a rather cutthroat review from a different reader, stating that the book focused too much on the main character "crying" or "whining" about the Death and destruction around her, and that it was a "complete waste of time." And while I absolutely, whole-heartedly, agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I thought I would take a moment to explain the extraordinary case of the ordinary young woman that is Amity Thorne.
What's the saying? It's not what you know, but who you know, right?
In life, the sad, unfair reality is that it's not how smart you are, it's not about what you know, or what you do, it's about WHO you know. It's about connections, and the way that society ebbs and flows together to give each other a boost. I could have 200 people share this blog post and it could go to just those 200, or I could have one MAJOR person share it, and it would go to millions. Do you see?
So, for Amity Thorne, her ordinary, average skillset is what I love about her. She's not an untouchable badass heroine, and she's not a super skilled hunter, trapper, etc. No. Amity Thorne is just an average girl that loves her sister. Average like you, or me, or anyone. And this average girl gets swept up in the current of a possible revolution. She only succeeds in her endeavors because of those around her, and because of luck. And that, to me, is the most magical thing about the story.
Amity's passion and her guarded nature helps her in some aspects, but it's those around her that allow her the ability to take her plans all the way. She survives only because she happens to have the right people in her corner. And yes, this includes Sarge.
Imagine if our world collapsed into a complete dystopian nightmare and you were in Amity's shoes. Are you positive that you would be able to survive? Would you look to others for help? Amity had no idea her life was about to change, she only knew she wanted to get to her sister. She had no reason to believe that she would survive at all, and she even mentions it in one of the early chapters when she wakes up to find that Sarge is gone. She knows she's "weak", and she knows Sarge is her only saving grace for survival. Later, this knowledge of her shortcomings leads to the decision of linking up with the group of Runaways, though she fights her emotions on it, because let's face it: she's human!
This is where my love for Amity is harbored most. As her story continues through books 2 and 3, I want you to remember this. There are plenty of books out there where the main character is somehow special, somehow above everyone else, but these books are not the case. Amity is just your average Jane, and that is what makes her unique. It's what makes the story so real.
If this isn't for you, then by all means, I'm not trying to force it! But if you like the uniqueness hidden in the ideas of the ordinary, then please, don't give up on Amity and her journey through coming to terms with her new way of life. I promise it's something you won't want to miss!
Cheers!
Kati