Salvation by Anne Osterlund
4/5 stars
Speak, 2013
276 pages
YA Contemporary
Source: Library
I've read and reviewed all of Osterlund's previous work so of course I knew I'd be checking out her latest, especially since it is her first foray into my favorite genre, YA contemporary. Early reviews were very positive so I knew I was in for a good time.
Our main character is Salvador Resendez, known as Salva. A ery popular, very good student living under the high expectations of his immigrant father and now deceased mother. His world collides with walking disaster Beth who has her own troubles but whose years long crush on Salva encourages her to hope for more when he seeks her academic assistance.
The plot arc of this book felt like a lot of other contemporaries to me, where there doesn't seem to be too much happening (unlike the fighting and sneaking around that can occur in fantasies and dystopias) but each little event is building up to something. The Shakespeare project they undertake is amazing as is their big scene together and its repercussions. Then we have several confrontations, leading up to something big.
My dissatisfaction comes from that big event near the end, which felt shamelessly manipulative. I don't want spoilers and I'll freely admit that I cried over what happened and the consequences I imagined. Happily the epilogue helped restore this book to my good graces with a powerful message about speaking up and raising your voice for those who are unable.
I also appreciated the low socioeconomic class of the protagonists as well as Salva's Mexican heritage (many other characters are either from Mexico or of Mexican dissent)-yay for some more diversity in YA! Salva and Beth were both great characters who I found it easy to like although I'm not sure I felt that Beth received enough development. Her purpose seemed to be more to help Salva instead of being her own person.
Bottom Line: Definitely enjoyed reading this; it's just not my favorite Osterlund.
Bonus tip: I highly recommend friending Anne on goodreads as she gives fantastic book recommendations and bookish insights!
Other Opinions:
Candace's Book Blog
Katie's Book Blog
The Authoress
I haven't read anything by this author but the fact that you're a fan makes me want to read them. This sounds good and I'm intrigued by the ending which wasn't your fave part, but it sounds good anyway!
ReplyDeleteI really love Osterlund's writing! This isn't my favorite novel of hers but I still think it's worth reading.
DeleteOh yeah! I'm still not sure how I felt about that ending. I was like REALLY? But I loved that Beth and Salva weren't typical YA characters, and there's something about Osterlund's writing that just really works for me.
ReplyDeleteThat ending wasn't entirely to my taste but Osterlund's writing is so strong that it mostly made up for that.
DeleteI have never read any of this author's books and I will have to remedy that. What do you recommend I start with??
ReplyDeleteI sent you an email about this but suffice it to say that I recommend all in whatever order you can acquire them.
DeleteI'm sorry that "the event" felt manipulating. :( I love it when book characters are of a different race too, though! It adds a lot of fun to the book, for me-- especially if they speak more than one language, LOL! Beth sounds alright, but Salva sounds better. ;) I love contemp, so I'll have to check this one out. Fab review!
ReplyDeleteLoves,
Megan@The Book Babe
Salva was definitely a stronger character but Beth had her moments; he was pretty cute ;) Hope you give this one a shot and love it!
DeleteI do love it when authors take the time to put some diversity into their characters. It's very easy not to! I haven't heard much about this before, though I'm sure I've seen the cover around. Although it's not your favourite book by this author, I'm glad you still enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review!
I really appreciate when authors put in diversity-I always try to applaud them (and book publishing companies when their covers also reflect that) when they do.
DeleteHow did I miss this? I really like the sounds of it. Beth and Salva sounds wonderful. Great review. :D
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Yeah, how did you miss this ;) Hope you can pick up a copy and enjoy soon!
DeleteOh, I don't like books that manipulate but at least this one redeemed itself.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty disappointed but there were enough strengths that I ended up pleased.
DeleteFor a while I was interested in her previous books, but then my interest went into another direction. :) I might look the books up, especially Academy 7.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. It sounds like I might like it.
I highly recommend Osterlund's writing especially Academy 7, which is just fabulous!
DeleteI read Aurelia a couple of years ago, and have Academy 7 waiting on my shelf, so I've been curious about this one! Great review!
ReplyDeleteHave you read Exile, the sequel to Aurelia? I thought it was really good and I really recommend Academy 7 as well.
DeleteEek, that 'big moment' part makes me nervous!! :S :S However this one is still definitely on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit of a disappointment to me but I still think this is worth reading-keep it on the TBR list or maybe move it on to your read list!
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