3/5 stars
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013
289 pages
YA Contemporary
Scheduled to release November 12
Source: Received an ARC from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
I've read quite a few of Griffin's books and have pretty consistently enjoyed them. I just checked and I gave 4/5 stars to the five books I've read and reviewed. From skimming those reviews, I see stories with twists coming partway through, with well-written lines, but not necessarily clicking with the characters. All of these hold true in the case of this book, earning it a lowly 3 out of 5 stars.
One of the best things I would say about this book is that it pretty much answers all the questions posed from the beginning. Ember is emerging from a hospital, eight months after a deadly car accident, ready to return to "normal" but plagued by the loss of six weeks of her memory. She returns to school, to her friendships, to her old stomping grounds but nothing seems to feel right. Until, that is, she meets mysterious artist Kai and she pushes herself to reclaim those six weeks of memory in a devastating episode. I promised that by the conclusion, an explanation is offered. I found myself a bit shocked though I saw a review who considered it patently obvious and bemoaned the length to reach that ending.
I started off with some sympathy for Ember because she's in an awful situation, with her body still physically healing and her mind most probably on its way to full health but not necessarily. But as the book progressed, I rapidly stopped caring about her. I feel so heartless admitting that even though it's only a fictional character but I just didn't. Especially puzzling to me was her preference for Kai over sweet ex-boyfriend Holden. I guess when you don't feel the chemistry, you don't feel it but I never got that relationship in the way I could understand hers with Holden. Reflecting on that, I felt like Holden got more page time (certainly helps in winning a sympathy battle) and actually makes plans and texts Ember. Kai is more free-spirited (that's my nice description) and I hate that-it drives me crazy in real life people and I don't really like reading about it in fictional characters.
The people who ended up really getting my sympathy are her parents. Ember is their only child and they were devastated to almost lose her. Now I don't fault Ember for wanting more independence than her parents want to give her but I could see them trying so hard to be there for her, to love on her, to do whatever they could, only to be rejected and ignored time and again. I agree that they were overprotective but I could see so clearly why they would be.
In Short: This book did not spark for me as previous Griffin offerings have as I found it so dark and gloomy when i guess I was actually craving something lighter. The writing is more on the literary side for those who like that sort of thing.
I think it is always hard when you get to the point whee you don't care for the MC. I thought this one some real potential, sounds like it has some good stuff to it, so I will still keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteFailing to care about the MC is probably the biggest reason why I struggle to complete a book. When we click, I fly through the book; when we don't, I mark time as I push myself to finish and write a review.
DeleteDoesn't sound like my thing, with the "more on the literary side" bit convincing me. I think the idea is cool but the romance doesn't seem to interest me already which isn't very good.
ReplyDelete-P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
I think in general Adele Griffin is a bit more on the literary side than other authors and that was especially true to me in this instance. Some of her other books are a bit more accessible.
DeleteI've heard that Picture the Dead is really good and maybe I'll try that one and skip this. Thanks for your review. Too bad this didn't live up to her other books for you.
ReplyDeleteI remember really liking Picture the Dead and would definitely recommend that one over LWaL.
DeleteI like books that answer everything, but it sucks when you're frustrated with the characters.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading some other books that left me with questions, it was nice to get some resolution.
DeleteSorry it was more on the darker side of what you needed
ReplyDeleteIt was weird because it wasn't even really that dark compared to some of the gritty books I've read but that was my overall impression.
DeleteThe premise seems pretty common these things, which makes me slightly less interested. I'm sorry you didn't like this one as well as others by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt reminded me of some other books. As Jen Ryland pointed out, amnesia plotlines have been very prevalent in YA lit this year.
DeleteJust finished this one and, while I'd rate it a tad higher than you did, I had a couple of issues with it. I have to write my review for next week….
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
I think you have a better appreciation for literary works than I do so I'm not surprised that you rate it more highly; loved reading your review!
DeleteI have only read one Adele Griffin book--Picture Me something or another--and it was ok. But I have been wanting to read more by this author. I think Tighter is the book I have heard good things about. I'll probably steer clear of this one though for now:)
ReplyDeleteIf you like all the other Griffin books you read, then you should check this one out. Otherwise skip it because I liked it less than the other ones I've read.
DeleteAw, sorry you didn't enjoy this book much. It sounds interesting, but not for me at the moment :) Thank you for sharing your awesome honest review. <3
ReplyDeleteIt's a bummer but what are you going to do? It would be impossible to love all the books you read equally.
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