The images painted in the pages of this book leave you breathless. I will say that I was cruisin' along through this book, hoping that Mia would find her own path. That she would not be so susceptable to the acceptance of her cousins and their crew. I was glad to see that happening and was loving her development as a character. She was falling in love with Simon, things looked so grand. Then BLAM! I'm not going to tell you the ending, but it really wracked me. It's tough to have something fraught with tragedy, yet have it remain beautiful and tender. I think Ms. Howells succeeds in this.
My favorite lines (because I can't pick just one) are: "I tried not to stare nor feel envious of their sun-kissed bodies, but when you see people like my cousins, no matter what your body type, you end up feeling squashy as a marshmallow and covered with hair, even if you've just gotten a bikini and leg wax." This one for the image alone. "Corinne and Beth lay like tiny dolls way off on the dunes, but I averted my eyes and picked up my pace." And this one for it's sheer honesty. "There's no complete truth. There's only the way you see it, the way you remember it."
I definitely recommend this book. There is some drinking and drug use in it. I would say 14 and up is prime age for this book. Maybe even a touch younger. Have you read this? How did you feel about it? I give it 4 smooches!
I keep hearing good things about this book. As a grown man it's probably not for me but I may consider it for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteI say this every single time...too many awesome books. Now here's another one for the tbr pile. Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about this book! I'm nervous to read it though because tragedy in books hurts so much...
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds so poignant! What a great find. I'll have to add this to my list. I can handle tragedy in a book so long as there's a sense of hope. Thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteI second what Sara said. But I think it would be wonderful for my H.S. girls. They love a good tear jerker. :-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes a sad ending just makes more sense and makes you respect the book more...great review!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. Definitely everything you promised. Will buy this one for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip.
I've seen this around. I'll check to see if it's on my wish list. Thanks for your review.
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