Dial Books, 2010
272 pages
YA; Contemporary; Grief
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.
First things first: I could appreciate the writing as very lyrical and beautiful but it was not to my taste. Alas I am unable to describe how. The writing was fitting for the setting of a hippie town in northern California and the lyricism helped explore the grief of everyone.
Then there's the plot. Lennie's beloved older sister Bailey died suddenly of arrhythmia living her struggling with grief. She seeks comfort in the arms of Bailey's boyfriend Toby as well as in new guy Joe in a complicated love triangle (although that's not really the focus).
Anyway who cares about Lennie because I have a new YA boy crush: Joe! He's amazing with long eyelashes and a smile that lights up the room. And he has two older brothers who look similar-there are three of them! Of course, Joe is not perfect; he's very pigheaded and basically gave Lennie the silent treatment for way too long with no chance for her to apologize for her improper behavior. However all ends right.
While I loved Joe, I didn't feel much for Lennie. I mean, while I was reading I was caught up in the story (and I sped through it) but once I finished, she hadn't left much of an impression. I feel for mourning the death of a beloved sister (I haven't had to do that but it would suck; I probably won't ever have to do that either as my younger sister will most likely outlive me). I liked that she was a band geek, even though orchestra is SO much better. But I don't feel like I understand her nor do I really care to try and understand her after the conclusion.
Overall: Really a 3.5 based on my enjoyment but bumped up to a 4 because of Joe *contentedsigh*
I think I gave this one a 3.5 as well. I liked it, but not as much as everyone else did.
ReplyDeleteI added this book on my wishlist last year, due to all the hype, and I see it's good, just not so very great. A cute, summer read. Great review! And book crushes are a wonderful thing!:)
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