Houghton Mifflin, 2011
190 pages
YA; Contemporary; Suspense
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Warning: Do not pick this book up before you have to do anything else (like going to bed). Because you will not make it; instead you will keep reading until the very end. And if you're not reading, you will be thinking about this book.
At least that was my experience. I really didn't know what to expect but I was pleased to see the short length-none of this padding chapters with boring description or pointless digressions. No, I expected a fast-moving, freewheeling story around New York City. And I got that!
Main character Perry is thrilled with the idea of a European exchange student coming to stay at his house, picturing a sexy girl like in the movies. Instead he gets plain, boring Gobi. Except on the night of his prom, when she reveals herself to be an assassin with a very personal mission who needs Perry's driving abilities to chauffeur her around.
I loved the beginning of each chapter, which features a college admissions essay question. Each chapter then provides an answer to that question while also moving the story forward and entertaining me. Plus there was a significant character arc on the part of Perry, who wants desperately to live up to his father's expectations but learns to stand up for himself over the course of this one crazy night.
As a reader used to female perspective in YA books, it was a welcome change to have a male narrating. I like to shake it up. However I would have liked to know a little bit more about Gobi's background. But there is apparently going to be a sequel-that just shot to the top of my want list!
Overall: A fun read-highly recommended!
First of all: That has to be the BEST. TITLE. EVER! x) LOL I love it! And the first line of your review (all the way down to the last line) was really eye-catching -- I love those books that you can't put down for the life of you, even if it means losing hours of sleep! ;)
ReplyDeleteReally awesome review, B! This book sounds like so much fun, and it's really cool how there's an awesome male POV -- we really don't get enough of those in YA! :)
Great review! I've seen this here and there but haven't really heard much about it, so I'm glad you reviewed it. Definitely sounds more interesting than I first thought. ^_^
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so amazing! I love that it has male narration and how the chapters start off with college admission questions, how fun! I definitely want to read this one now, thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I really loved this book!
ReplyDeleteAnd there IS going to be a sequel?! YES!!!!!
You have just made me day! :D