Summary: (from the publisher)
Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....
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My thoughts:
I had the privilege of reviewing a galley of this book, and I could not have been luckier. This book is amazing. A bit slow to start but after ten pages or so I was in so deep I didn't want to put it down.
The story reads as if it is really Clara telling her story. Her voice is impeccable, and smart, even when she's making decisions that drive you crazy. I liked the very adult language and the relatable imagery. I'm not normally one for a lot of poetic language, but Caletti's imagery and introspection were so real, so...right, I found myself wishing she'd explain the world to me.
Clara and Christian's relationship is all too recognizable, and such an important and underexplored area in Young Adult literature. Despite the poisonous nature of the relationship, I found myself 100% in Clara's corner. I could understand every step she took deeper into the dangerous waters of Christian.
The subplot between Clara and her father, while not inconsequential by any means, didn't distract from the main story. I wanted to know how both threads wove together in the end.
An atmospheric story of love, loss, coping, growing up and forgiveness. Read it in the rain, and probably not by yourself. There are moment of genuine creep-out intertwined with moments of genuine joy. One of the best contemporary YA novels I've ever read. I'll be catching up on Caletti's back catalogue post-haste.
Recommended for:
Anyone who loves contemporary YA. Anyone who has been in, or been friends with someone who has been in one of those poisonous relationships.
If you read and enjoyed, Jandy Nelson's THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE, Sarah Ockler's TWENTY BOY SUMMER, Gayle Forman's IF I STAY, or Kirsten Smith's THE GEOGRAPHY OF GIRLHOOD, you will devour this book.
Come back and tell me what you think when you're done, okay?
- Liz
3 comments:
This is already on my TBR list, I can't wait to read it. I want to see how she writes the line between clingy love and creepy stalking. I feel like girls who read Twilight and are okay with Edward watching Bella sleep before they're even together (not that it's much better doing it without her knowledge when they are together) should be directed to this book. I love elements of their romance but that part is not something you want young girls learning is acceptable.
- Sophia.
Then you will LOVE this book, Sophia. It's amazing!
- Liz
Guess I gotta add it to the list! I've been seeing it around on book blogs, but I don't think anyone's made it sound quite so appealing as you have. :)
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