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Stone Rider
Juvenile Fiction
Delacorte Press
2015-07-14
336
In the vein of the cult classic Mad Max series, crossed with Cormac McCarthy's The Road and S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, this inventive debut novel blends adrenaline-fueled action with an improbable yet tender romance to offer a rich and vivid portrayal of misfits and loners forced together in their struggle for a better life.
Adam Stone wants freedom and peace. He wants a chance to escape Blackwater, the dust-bowl desert town he grew up in. Most of all, he wants the beautiful Sadie Blood. Alongside Sadie and the dangerous outsider Kane, Adam will ride the Blackwater Trail in a brutal race that will test them all, body and soul. Only the strongest will survive.
The prize? A one-way ticket to Sky-Base and unimaginable luxury.
And for a chance at this new life, Adam will risk everything.
Review:
“Stone Rider” is an excellent book that can fit into many genres at one time. It’s like a western met a dystopian and then decided to create a West Side Storyesque production. I’ve never read anything like it.
The characters are all interesting and surprising. At the beginning they may appear to be stereotypical, but as the story goes on their depth is revealed. However, that is not to say that they are extremely well-developed. The book is written like the old westerns. You learn what you need to, when you need to, and the rest of the book is devoted to the action. This could be seen as a flaw, but I appreciate that the book is designed to be as sleek as the “bykes” used in the race around which the plot centers.
The flow of the book is amazing. The beginning is a little slow, but only by comparison to the rest of it. That is because Part I takes the time to set up pretty much all you will learn about the world. Once you begin Part II it becomes something of a marathon read. There is never time to take your breath. Do not begin it if you have something else to do in the next few hours. There is quite a bit of violence, but that is to be expected in a mostly lawless society.
In short, “Stone Rider” is a fun and exciting read. In spite of the streamlined storytelling, there are many challenging words to help expand vocabulary for younger readers. Since this a book well-suited for reluctant readers, that is a huge plus. Highly recommended for any upper middle-grade reader through to adults.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence
All It Takes
All It Takes
Amazon Digital Services
June 30, 2015
Ebook
195
Nineteen-year-old Star Collins never intended to return to her hometown, Avenue. That part of her life ended when she was nine years old, and child services took her away from her hoarder mother. Her mother chose her stuff over her daughter. That part of her life was supposed to be in the past.
But her mother has just passed away and Star finds herself giving up her summer to quietly clean out her old home. She just wants to sell it and move on with her life. However, things aren't going the way she planned. With her dyed-black hair and tattoos, she's attracting almost as much attention from the small town residents as Ash Winthrope, the guy who was just released from prison.
All Ash wants is a chance to start over. He screwed up and he knows it, he's going to have to live with the guilt for the rest of his life. But he's stuck in Avenue until his parole ends, and no one, not even his own parents, wants anything to do with him. Nearly out of money and completely out of options, Ash takes the only job he can, helping Star haul stuff out of her mother's house.
Neither of them expects anything to happen between them, or for their lives to change. But sometimes meeting the right person is all it takes.
Review:
“All It Takes” is a story about a young woman named Star, who has just lost her mother, and a young man named Ash, who has recently been released from prison for manslaughter. Both outcasts in a small town, they end up working together, and the story builds from there.
The story itself is at turns tragic and cute and romantic. There are some difficult issues raised about drug use, hoarding (I need to clean out all of our closets now), the foster care system, and how people treat one another. The characters themselves are rough around the edges while also endearing, and up until the end the pacing was steady ,and the writing lends itself to a quick read.
Unfortunately, in spite of all of the opportunities to explore such deep issues, there was a real lack of depth. The characters had many qualities, but they were barely touched upon in lieu of each of them thinking how hot the other looked. Constantly. The alternating viewpoints were a bit of a problem for me, as Star was much more realistically written than Ash. I have no issue with strong language, but it was beyond excessive in Ash’s thoughts and dialogue. Finally, the pace was thrown off at the very end and felt rushed.
All of that being said, “All It Takes” is not a bad book, I just wish it had been less superficial. If you’re looking for a good romance to read at the beach, give it a try.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Strong Language, Sexual Situations, Talk of Drug Abuse
Damage Done
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
2015-07-21
336
"Exceedingly clever and surprisingly unsettling, Damage Done is an unforgettable read." --Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made for You "In her incredible debut novel, Amanda Panitch leaves you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be stunned. Prepare to be torn apart." --Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist "A brilliant thriller. Gillian Flynn for the YA set." --Amy Christine Parker, author of Gated 22 minutes separate Julia Vann's before and after. Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend. After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that's what she tells the police. Now that she's Lucy Black, her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school. And someone much more dangerous. She thought her brother's crimes were behind her. But now she's being forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind. How far will Julia go to keep her slate clean? One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It's only just beginning. . . . In this deliciously twisted contemporary thriller, family can be a real killer. For fans of We Were Liars and readers who love unique multiple perspectives that leave clues like breadcrumbs until they reach the stunning conclusion. From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
“Damage Done” is a book I expected to enjoy if the description was any indication, but I had no idea just how far beyond my expectations it would go. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and to be quite honest, “messed up.”
Julia Vann is living a new life after a horrific crime committed by her twin brother, Ryan. The story is told in her voice, which is very well-written and easy to read. While her circumstances are extraordinary, she is going through many things that are relatable to anyone who has been a teenager: crushes, social cliques, distant parents, and assorted other annoying adults. She’s definitely a narrator that leaves the reader wanting to know more.
The plot is perfectly paced with small flashbacks to the past written in with what is currently happening. To add a bit of an outside view, there are a few notes from Ryan’s psychologist added between some of the chapters. It allows the reader to learn the entire story at a slow pace, or if they prefer playing detective, gives enough clues and room between them for many theories to be developed.
Be warned: The book is quite disturbing and does have graphic violence as well as animal deaths. I believe that none of it was gratuitous in terms of the story and was a necessity in establishing the pattern of a growing sociopath. I can’t say much else without spoilers, but if you’re squeamish this is not the book for you.
I definitely recommend “Damage Done” for all adults and older young adults who like twisted thrillers and mysteries with a good dose of psychology. Please take note of the older above. It isn’t a good choice at all for the younger YA readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Animal Abuse
Let Me Explain You
Let Me Explain You
Scribner
July 14, 2015
Hardcover
352
A powerful debut novel about a Greek American family and its enigmatic patriarch from a riveting new voice in contemporary literature.
Stavros Stavros Mavrakis, Greek immigrant and proud owner of the Gala Diner, believes he has just ten days to live. As he prepares for his final hours, he sends a scathing email to his ex-wife and three grown daughters, outlining his wishes for how they each might better live their lives. With varying degrees of laughter and scorn, his family and friends dismiss his behavior as nothing more than a plea for attention, but when Stavros disappears, those closest to him are forced to confront the possibility of his death.
A vibrant tour de force that races to a surprising conclusion, Let Me Explain You is told from multiple perspectives: Stavros Stavros, brimming with pride and cursing in broken English; his eldest daughter Stavroula, a talented chef in love with her boss’s daughter; her sister, the wounded but resilient Litza; and many other voices who compose a veritable Greek chorus.
By turns hilarious and deeply moving, this multigenerational novel delivers a heartfelt meditation on the power of storytelling and family, the relationship between fathers and daughters, and also the complex bond of sisterhood. Annie Liontas explores our origins and family myths, hunger and what feeds us, reinvention and forgiveness.
Review:
“Let Me Explain You” is a difficult book to review. On one hand, the writing is beautiful and tragicomic. On the other, it can be outrageously offensive. I’ve given it four stars, but please be sure to thoroughly read my review and any others you may find to see if it’s a good fit for you.
At its heart, “Let Me Explain You” is a story about the American Dream, reality, and the hot mess that makes up most families, whether we want to admit it or not. It begins with Stavros Stavros Mavrakis (actual name) writing an email to his ex-wife and daughters, announcing that he will be dying in ten days. As the reader will soon come to learn about Mavrakis himself, it is in parts tender, sad, and downright mean. That’s the tone for the entire book.
While parts had me laughing out loud, others made me want to choke Mr. Mavrakis, and some made me want to cry. To me that’s wonderful writing. The sections about the interactions between the family were my favorites, because we all have those relationships that are love/hate. Or, at times, hate/hate. It was all very realistic with excellent character development.
Unfortunately, the main character is pretty much the equivalent of your racist uncle at a holiday dinner. He has opinions, he does not care if you like them, he believes everyone needs to hear them, and at some point you realize he is in reality a bitter old man who is lonely. So, if you can have a conversation with “that uncle” and still be able to see some good in him, you will probably enjoy this book. If you avoid family dinners because of him, then avoid it.
As for myself, I found “Let Me Explain You” an excellent debut novel and look forward to reading more from the author.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey
History
Simon and Schuster
2015-06-30
464
In the bestselling tradition of Bill Bryson and Tony Horwitz, Rinker Buck's The Oregon Trail is a major work of participatory history: an epic account of traveling the 2,000-mile length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way, in a covered wagon with a team of mules—which hasn't been done in a century—that also tells the rich history of the trail, the people who made the migration, and its significance to the country. Spanning 2,000 miles and traversing six states from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Trail is the route that made America. In the fifteen years before the Civil War, when 400,000 pioneers used it to emigrate West—historians still regard this as the largest land migration of all time—the trail united the coasts, doubled the size of the country, and laid the groundwork for the railroads. The trail years also solidified the American character: our plucky determination in the face of adversity, our impetuous cycle of financial bubbles and busts, the fractious clash of ethnic populations competing for the same jobs and space. Today, amazingly, the trail is all but forgotten. Rinker Buck is no stranger to grand adventures. The New Yorker described his first travel narrative,Flight of Passage, as “a funny, cocky gem of a book,” and with The Oregon Trailhe seeks to bring the most important road in American history back to life. At once a majestic American journey, a significant work of history, and a personal saga reminiscent of bestsellers by Bill Bryson and Cheryl Strayed, the book tells the story of Buck's 2,000-mile expedition across the plains with tremendous humor and heart. He was accompanied by three cantankerous mules, his boisterous brother, Nick, and an “incurably filthy” Jack Russell terrier named Olive Oyl. Along the way, Buck dodges thunderstorms in Nebraska, chases his runaway mules across miles of Wyoming plains, scouts more than five hundred miles of nearly vanished trail on foot, crosses the Rockies, makes desperate fifty-mile forced marches for water, and repairs so many broken wheels and axels that he nearly reinvents the art of wagon travel itself. Apart from charting his own geographical and emotional adventure, Buck introduces readers to the evangelists, shysters, natives, trailblazers, and everyday dreamers who were among the first of the pioneers to make the journey west. With a rare narrative power, a refreshing candor about his own weakness and mistakes, and an extremely attractive obsession for history and travel,The Oregon Trail draws readers into the journey of a lifetime.
Review:
I should be upfront and say that this review of “The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey” may be skewed because the author, Rinker Buck, did something in writing it that I have always wanted to do. He took a piece of history, researched it, and then set out to live it. This is basically a historian’s dream.
There are actually two parts to the book: the journey itself and the history of the Oregon Trail. I’ll begin with the journey. The time and effort Mr. Buck took in researching and developing his plans for the trip are astounding. Quite a bit of time went into planning the journey to avoid modern civilization as much as possible, and even the wagon was purchased in Missouri and authentic. The author has a true way with words. The descriptions of the scenery along the way are breathtaking, and the stories of what happens along the way make you feel as if you are riding along shotgun. Conversations with his brother add a very real familial element to it all. The only downside is it can drag a bit at times, but then again, I’m sure the journey did as well.
The second part of the book is the history of the original Oregon Trail, and as I said above, it is thoroughly researched. This part could have stood on its own and still been a fascinating read. None of it is dry, as some history books tend to be, so it is actually perfectly suited for someone who wants to sneak in a little actual American History with a good story. Sort of the way you can trick kids into eating peas by pureeing them and dumping them into something better. (Not that I myself have an aversion to peas or history.)
“The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey” is an excellent book from both a historical and an autobiographical standpoint, but it’s more than that. It’s a good and entertaining story for high schoolers and up. Even those who don’t like nonfiction or history will like this one.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls
Miss Mabel's School for Girls
The Network, Book 1
Antebellum Publishing
March 17, 2014
Paperback
314
Never underestimate the power of a determined witch.
Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.
Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.
Review:
“Miss Mabel’s School for Girls” is one of those books that makes me wish for a half-star rating system. It is better than a three, but not good enough for a four, and it is frustrating not to be able to show that properly. At any rate, it is definitely a good book, but not a great one.
I really love the world of witchcraft called The Network that the author built. It’s filled with everything a good fantasy or fairy-tale should have: mystery, wonder, good, and evil. How things came to be the way they are is explained thoroughly and naturally, with the history of The Network and all other details being revealed as part of the plot, as opposed to being all dropped on the reader at once.
Bianca is a wonderful and strong female protagonist, and aside from her beloved Papa, there are no males involved in her life. In other words: if you’re looking for a romance, go elsewhere. This one is about girl-power, and it lives up to the potential to stand on that without a love interest. Very well done!
My problem with the book, and the reason that it is not four stars, is that it dragged quite a bit. The plot was slowed down by some unnecessary wandering and really yanked me out of what was an otherwise good story. With some more editing, it really could be great. It seems like a minor complaint compared to all of the wonderful qualities, but it really was that much of a block to the enjoyment of it all.
Overall, if you like magical worlds and witches, please give “Miss Mabel’s School for Girls” a read. Aside from violence, there is nothing to be of concern to parents of younger middle-aged readers. If they can handle Harry Potter, they can handle this. I do plan on reading the next in the hopes of a more consistent plot pace.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Violence
Tangled Webs
Tangled Webs, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Disney-Hyperion
2015-06-23
304
Lady A is the most notorious blackmailer in the city. With just a mask and a gown to disguise her, she sweeps into lavish balls and exclusive events collecting the most valuable currency in 1725 London-secrets. But leading a double life isn't easy. By day Lady A is just a seventeen-year-old girl named Arista who lives in fear of her abusive master,Bones, and passes herself off as a boy to move safely through the squalor of London's slums. When Bones attempts to dispose of his pawn forever, Arista is rescued by the last person she expects: Jonathan Wild, an infamous thief who moves seamlessly between the city's criminal underworld and its most elite circles. Arista partners with Wild on her own terms in order to save enough money to buy passage out of London. Everything changes when she meets Grae Sinclair, the son of a wealthy merchant. Grae has traveled the world, seen the exotic lands Arista has longed to escape to her whole life, and he loves Arista for who she is-not for what she can do for him. Being with Grae gives something Arista something precious that she swore off long ago: hope. He has promised to help Arista escape the life of crime that has claimed her since she was a child. But can you ever truly escape the past?
Review:
“Tangled Webs” is a book that promises a glimpse into the seamy underbelly of Elizabethan England, following the life of a teenager who grew up in the household of a thief who used orphans to profit by committing crimes. The premise is a good one and the world is built well, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the promise of what could have been.
As far as the plot goes, it is a very interesting idea. Had it been told in a different style, with some character development tweaked, I believe it could have been much better. The problem is, it is extremely dense. It is almost entirely descriptive. Even lines of dialogue come with flowery descriptions. Perhaps it was in an effort to use third person the way it would be written in the time period, but it did nothing but irritate me as the book went along. A better balance between description and dialogue would have made for much better pacing, and I believe more reluctant young adult readers will give up on the story after a chapter or two.
The character development ranged from iffy to outstanding. Many secondary and background characters give the reader an instant overview of who they are through a couple of well-written sentences. I applaud the author on her ability to do that so well. Arista, the main character, and her partner in crime Nik, are intriguing and well-written. Grae, the love interest, is an “instalove” who seems to have the personality of a rock. I’m not sure why Arista would even notice him, aside from his stalker tendencies, let alone fall instantly in love with him. It detracts from the romantic aspect of the book.
I would like to point out a few wonderful details thrown in from history. The Haymarket Theatre is wonderfully described, and Voltaire and the enlightenment are touched upon briefly. Other details of life in the time are also included, and they flow seamlessly with the story, as opposed to being forced in there to establish time and place. As an aside, the book itself is beautiful designed in a way reminiscent of the era.
Overall, “Tangled Webs” is a disappointment, but I can say that I will read the next installment. There are possibilities for it to become something great, and I look forward to seeing if there is an evolution in the storytelling. This definitely isn’t a book for reluctant or impatient readers, but if you like historical novels or flowery prose, it may be worth a try.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Minor Sexual Situations, Frequent Use of “Whore”, Mild Language, Violence
Modern Monsters
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
2015-06-02
352
Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He's the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went... And wished he hadn't. Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler's life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic is responsible. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie's best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon. But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened at the party, they realize that while the truth can set Vic free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life...
Review:
It has taken me some time to process “Modern Monsters” and decide how best to review it, as I have very conflicting feelings on the book. I wish there were a 3 1/2 star option, but had to settle on 3 since it is not a full 4, in my opinion.
Kelley York needs to be commended on tackling such difficult subject matter and managing to do so from a seldom examined side. Without lessening the traumatic impact of the rape on the victim, she examines the side of the person accused of the rape. How does it feel going through the system? What if you are innocent? Is there a specific profile that can make it easier to identify rapists? All of those questions are tackled, while also including a subplot that shows the consequences on the family, past and present, of a rape victim. It is a crime and violation that goes much further than devastating one life, and it was handled with unflinching reality.
The main character, Vic, is thoroughly developed and has multiple layers that are slowly revealed throughout the course of the book. The various relationships in his life were also solidly established with every secondary character being more than a one-dimensional “prop”. My only issue with the characters is that at times the dialogue was stilted and not very realistic. It was jarring and pulled me out of the story quite a few times.
As far as plot, it is a difficult one to read, as it should be. All of what I wrote above is true and makes it a worthwhile read. In fact, I’m impressed that it took such difficult subjects and made them resound on a reading level that any middle grader could understand. I just wish the conclusion were not quite so predictable. That took away from the suspense, which ultimately led to there being a bit less of an emotional impact than there otherwise would have been.
Overall, in spite of the couple of things I did not enjoy, I still recommend “Modern Monsters”, especially to those with 7th-9th graders in their lives. If you read it together it will make an excellent starting point for very important, but difficult, conversations.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Mild Sexual Situations, Discussion of Rape (nothing graphic), Underage Drinking
The Devil’s Only Friend (John Cleaver)
John Cleaver, Book 4
Fiction
Tor Books
2015-06-16
304
John Wayne Cleaver hunts demons: they've killed his neighbors, his family, and the girl he loves, but in the end he's always won. Now he works for a secret government kill team, using his gift to hunt and kill as many monsters as he can . . . . . . but the monsters have noticed, and the quiet game of cat and mouse is about to erupt into a full scale supernatural war. John doesn't want the life he's stuck with. He doesn't want the FBI bossing him around, he doesn't want his only friend imprisoned in a mental ward, and he doesn't want to face the terrifying cannibal who calls himself The Hunter. John doesn't want to kill people. But as the song says, you can't always get what you want. John has learned that the hard way; his clothes have the stains to prove it. When John again faces evil, he'll know what he has to do. The Devil's Only Friend is the first book in a brand-new John Wayne Cleaver trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Review:
John Wayne Cleaver is back in “The Devil’s Only Friend”, the first in somewhat of a sub-trilogy within the already established John Cleaver series by Dan Wells.
I’ll start off by saying that the entire John Cleaver series, though popular, is extremely underrated. I also think it’s unfairly compared to Dexter. Granted, Dexter is a wonderful series and he is a great character, but John Cleaver stands on his own as a psychopathic anti-hero. He doesn’t need anyone’s help to establish exactly who and what he is. And yes, I realize I am writing this like he is an actual person, but that is a true testament to how developed he is as a character. Mr. Wells has made him feel like a living, breathing person who may or may not want to kill you, but will most likely not. He’ll just make an intricate plan to do so in case he ever changes his mind.
“The Devil’s Only Friend” is the best of the series yet, and while I would encourage everyone to read the first three, if you feel like jumping in here the backstory is explained in enough detail to keep you from being confused, while also avoiding a dry rundown that will leave previous fans bored and waiting for the plot to get going. Which is great, because the plot is nothing short of amazing. Every single clue adds up to the ultimate conclusion, but I had about ten different theories on how it would go and still managed to be taken by surprise. This is a mystery written by a master. I wish I could go into more of the plot but almost anything I say besides it is blow-your-mind-good will lead to some sort of spoiler.
I feel the need to add this: For some reason unknown to me, many bookstores and libraries insist on shelving this entire series under “Young Adult”. Now, I’m not saying this cannot be read and appreciated by the older young adult set, but I’m also fairly certain that you will traumatize quite a few of them if you hand them a John Cleaver book thinking it’s “Dexter for Kids”. This is NOT a young adult book. This is a book for serious mystery and thriller fans who do not mind a lot of gore, horror, and psychotic thoughts.
In short: Great main character, excellent plot, not for the squeamish, everyone else should read all of the John Cleaver series. Of course, this is a review for “The Devil’s Only Friend”, so be sure to read that one, as well.
Five enthusiastic (albeit bloody) stars.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
This is an adult book about a teenaged psychopath. That should be all the warning necessary.
If You’re Lucky
Juvenile Fiction
Algonquin Books
2015-10-20
288
Is Georgia's mind playing tricks on her, or is the entire town walking into the arms of a killer who has everyone but her fooled? When seventeen-year-old Georgia's brother drowns while surfing halfway around the world in Australia, she refuses to believe Lucky's death was just bad luck. Lucky was smart. He wouldn't have surfed in waters more dangerous than he could handle. Then a stranger named Fin arrives in False Bay, claiming to have been Lucky's best friend. Soon Fin is working for Lucky's father, charming Lucky's mother, dating his girlfriend. Georgia begins to wonder: did Fin murder Lucky in order to take over his whole life? Determined to clear the fog from her mind in order to uncover the truth about Lucky's death, Georgia secretly stops taking the medication that keeps away the voices in her head. Georgia is certain she's getting closer and closer to the truth about Fin, but as she does, her mental state becomes more and more precarious, and no one seems to trust what she's saying. As the chilling narrative unfolds, the reader must decide whether Georgia's descent into madness is causing her to see things that don't exist-or to see a deadly truth that no one else can. "A remarkable page-turner . . . Keep[s] readers wondering, twist by twist, if Georgia's universe will simply burst apart." --Andrew Smith, author of "Grasshopper Jungle"
Review:
In what is a rarity in young adult books, the topic of schizophrenia is tackled head-on in “If You’re Lucky”, a taut thriller that leaves the readers as confused as the narrator as to what is real and what is not.
Georgia, the main character, is a teenager with paranoid schizophrenia who is dealing with the loss of her brother Lucky, the town’s golden boy. One of his best friends shows up to the memorial and creates a whirlwind of emotions for her. Georgia is an extremely well-developed character, and her descent into a schizophrenic episode is written beautifully. It truly feels as though you are trying to navigate the world through the distortion in her mind. This adds a great deal of twists and turns to the mystery of what happened to Lucky. The rest of the characters are also well-developed and relatable, with my favorite being Fin. I won’t say anything else about him because it may ruin some of the reading experience.
I loved the plot and found it to be the perfect mix of thriller and standard mystery. At some points I literally had goosebumps from the creepiness. However, the reason for me giving three stars instead of four is because of the plot. It seemed to begin slowly, and while the entire book is well-written, I didn’t realize I was actually into it until I was about a third of the way through. This points to a slight problem with the pacing. It would have been nice to add a bit of “oomph” to the setup.
In spite of the slight pacing problem, I still wholeheartedly recommend “If You’re Lucky” to those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. There is some adult content, but it is still a safe choice for middle schoolers and up as long as they’re not opposed to things that can be disturbing.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
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