Sometimes we say we won't give any spoilers, but the fact that there's a "big surprise" turned out to be a spoiler. I don't think the plot was poorly constructed, but when you KNOW there's something to figure out -- well -- I figured it out.
Cadence is our main character and narrator. She is "A Sinclair," from a wealthy eastern family, and spends each of her summers on Beechwood Island. She is joined by a girl cousin, a boy cousin, and her aunt's boyfriend's nephew, Gat. They are all the same age, and Cadence refers to the group as The Liars. Cadence and Gat begin a romantic relationship. During the fifteenth summer, there is an accident and Cadence nearly drowns and suffers from amnesia about all the things that happened during that summer.
She doesn't get to go back to the island for two years, and then only for a couple of weeks. She suffers from migraines and her doctors and family are worried that going back to the island will cause her too much stress. Cadence can't wait to see the other Liars, and soon finds herself at home again in their company. But she still can't remember, and they aren't telling her. She spends time with them, as well as her other cousins, aunts, and grandfather, and tries to fit into life on the island.
That's pretty much all you're going to get about the plot. Because I had figured it out, the middle of the book really dragged for me. I enjoyed the ending since even though I knew the outcome, I didn't know all the details.
I still enjoyed reading We Were Liars, I just wish it wasn't spoiled for me. I think teens will love these quirky characters and will enjoy trying to help Cadence get well. Anyone who picks We Were Liars up without knowing anything about it is in for a treat.
Published by Delacorte, May 13, 2014
eARC obtained from NetGalley
240 pages
Rating: 3.5/5
I am so curious about this one! I'm still waiting on it at the library though. I hope I won't figure out the ending, even though I know there's a big surprise. It's such a great marketing tool though to know that this book has a great twist that no one is supposed to talk about. :) I'm glad you enjoyed this one overall - now I'm just more eager to read it!
ReplyDeleteGuessing a big twist is one of my pet peeves! I agree, sometimes even knowing one is coming has your brain going into hyperdrive trying to figure it out, and of course you most likely will figure it out before you're meant to if you're actively trying. I'm glad you still managed to enjoy it enough for 3.5 stars. Great review Annette!
ReplyDeleteThis book is getting really good reviews from the likes of Booklist, School Library Journal, etc. So now I am wondering if it is "all that" or if you are just a super reader when good divining skills. Hmm... Not sure if I want to read it now.
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