44. Book Review: We Were Liars (2014)

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Synopsis 

A beautiful and distinguished family. A private island. A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy. A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive. A revolution. An accident. A secret. Lies upon lies. True love. The truth. 

 We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. Read it. And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

Review

There is something about young adult that always draws me in. I suppose it is the allure of a quick read.  But don't just buzz through this book.  The ending demands that you pay attention throughout.  Or if you did buzz through like me, re-read it.  I guarantee you will want to!

Great YA book here… I highly recommend!

Other books you may like…

The Fever: A Novel

The Fault in Our Stars

43. Book Review: Mariana (2014)

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

Synopsis

Julia Beckett believes in destiny, settling into her rustic new home, Julia encounters haunting remnants of a beautiful young woman who lived and loved there centuries ago. It's seems Mariana has been waiting for Julia. 

 Review

I am now officially a Susanna Kearsley fan for life.  Similar in mood and readability as The Winter Sea, Kearsley effortlessly blends historical fiction and love into an absolute page turner.  These characters are instantly lovable and the scenery is so well written I absolutely felt like I was right in the action.  After I finished this book all I wanted to do was start another book by the same author.  Also the end has a very sweet twist that I loved.  I highly recommend this book!

Other books you may like…

anything by Susanna Kearsley

anything written by Kate Morton

42. Book Review: The Secret History (2014)

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Synopsis

Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality their lives are changed profoundly and forever, and they discover how hard it can be to truly live and how easy it is to kill.

Review

Right away I have to say that I don't think the book had anything to do with the publishers synopsis above. Or I missed it some how? I was a little hesitant to read this after already reading a Donna Tartt book this year.  The Goldfinch was long and a little on the heavy side so I had reservations about getting into another similar book.  

Let me just say, the weird synopsis and The Goldfinch aside - this book was outstanding!  I can't believe this book isn't more 'mainstream' to be honest.  It's brilliant and so addicting.  I loved and hated the characters.  Richard was a brilliant narrator. The scenery was stunning and I never wanted the story to end.  This has instantly shot to one of my all time favorite books and definitely one of my favorites this year for sure. Get this book, read it… be swept away by the drama and tight knit cast of characters.

Also, if you have read this, don't you think it would make a brilliant movie!?

Other books you may like…

The Goldfinch: A Novel 

The Catcher in the Rye

41. Book Review: Eleanor and Park (2014)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Synopsis

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says. So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers. I’m not kidding, he says. You should be, she says, we’re 16. What about Romeo and Juliet? Shallow, confused, then dead. I love you, Park says. Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers. I’m not kidding, he says. You should be. 

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love—and just how hard it pulled you under.

Review

This was a great young adult read.  The characters brought back fully the awkward and often land-locked feelings of youth and adolescence.  The characters were lovable and totally believable.  There were a few points that were so frustrating as a reader.  Thinking of how difficult the teen years can be - especially for those with non-traditional family situations at home.  I will add that I really loved the books' innocence as well. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend… or even to my kids when they get a little older.  

Other books you may like…

The Fault in Our Stars

If I Stay