One of the main reasons I requested this book was because it was a great comparison to Sarah Dessen. I can't say I agree with that at all. The Truth About Letting Go was a decent story, but it lacks the depth and strength of Dessen's titles.
Ashley is one-dimensional to me. Yes, she's rebelling against everything because following the rules didn't save her dad. But she doesn't do anything else, and so the rebellion is marginal at best. It's not exactly shocking that a girl would choose the bad boy over the good one, and it's not surprising that she might not be comfortable with where the relationship she chose is headed. What is surprising is how predictable she remains, and how uninspired the unfolding of the story is. Regardless of how long she decides to forgo all previous behavior and habits, there is no growth when Ashley does begin to act like herself again.
The other characters don't stand out, either. I remember them being there, struggle to remember their names, and then roll them all into one short, forgettable paragraph.
I might give Moore another chance with another book, but I will certainly argue adamantly against anyone who claims that her story-telling skills are in the same league as Sarah Dessen for The Truth About Letting Go.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Precious Thing by Collette McBeth
This is a story of friends- real, true, loyal friends- and what happens when a friend is betrayed.
I thought, at a couple of points, that I had this book all figured out. In fact, I was kind of disgusted that the author had made it that predictable. I stuck with it, thinking, hoping, praying I'd be wrong. I never imagined where Collette McBeth would take it.
We've all had those friends who are more like family to us than friends. We've all had that one person who knows every single things about us, even if anyone else would be judgmental of us. Rachel and Clara were just such friends. I could picture them so clearly, whispering secrets, getting high for the first time together, sharing everything about themselves and still loving each other.
I could also imagine the depths to which one of them would sink.
I could see, understand even, why she would do such horrible things to the person she loved most in the world. I could even (almost, but not quite) imagine carrying out such a depraved plan of action in order to keep my friend.
This one kept me on my toes, and will faintly keep the idea in my mind that maybe not everyone who loves me is as loving as I think.
I thought, at a couple of points, that I had this book all figured out. In fact, I was kind of disgusted that the author had made it that predictable. I stuck with it, thinking, hoping, praying I'd be wrong. I never imagined where Collette McBeth would take it.
We've all had those friends who are more like family to us than friends. We've all had that one person who knows every single things about us, even if anyone else would be judgmental of us. Rachel and Clara were just such friends. I could picture them so clearly, whispering secrets, getting high for the first time together, sharing everything about themselves and still loving each other.
I could also imagine the depths to which one of them would sink.
I could see, understand even, why she would do such horrible things to the person she loved most in the world. I could even (almost, but not quite) imagine carrying out such a depraved plan of action in order to keep my friend.
This one kept me on my toes, and will faintly keep the idea in my mind that maybe not everyone who loves me is as loving as I think.
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