My one-word adjective for this book is "intense." The premise is that Sam, a high school senior, is killed in a car accident at the beginning of the book and then begins to relive the day she died over and over again.I don't know how the author, Lauren Oliver, pulled this off. I can't imagine writing a book about the same day over and over, but she does a brilliant job. It doesn't get boring or old; each day is different. It is interesting to see Sam's emotional progression through these days. She pretty much goes through the stages of grief. She' confused and unacccepting. She's rebellious. She wants to fix everything.
The strong message of the book is that we should realize that what we do and how we act affects other people, sometimes profoundly. There a many other messages that can be gleaned from these pages.
I work in a high school. I know these girls. I'm sure they exist in every high school. I want to take this book and hand it to some of them (and hope it does some good!) I want to thank the author for writing this. It is one book that I won't have trouble recommending to students. Easy to read, but powerful. Great combination.
I really want to read this one. It sounds so good. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt is a good book, isn't it? A good antidote to the "mean girl" syndrome (although the kids who would benefit most from this probably wouldn't like it... too much like seeing a reflection of your ugly side in a mirror, I guess).
ReplyDeleteYou are cordially invited to add a link to your book reviews for the week at my Saturday Review of Books at Semicolon. It's a sort of round-up of bloggers' book reviews each week on Saturday:
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Thanks, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteHi Annette;
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like somethng that should be required reading for the students at your high school.
Nice, informative review.
Mike
I've heard a lot about this book, but for some reason wasn't able to glean what it was about from the synopsis on the back-- it sounds like a fascinating read. Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteThis one's definitely on my To Read list. Thanks for the visit. :)
ReplyDeleteI read this book earlier this year and am sad to say I didn't enjoy it much - I shouldn't have read it...I knew it was a retelling of a story several times and this is what bored me. What I have learned about myself though is that I don't like YA much (can you believe I just said that out loud)? don't hate me! :)
ReplyDeleteAt least I know what doesn't work from me - I'm happy you liked it though. I don't know anyone who didn't love this book.
I agree--the word for this is definitely "powerful." I wish this book had been written when I was in high school!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great! I love books that have that in depth meaning and one can really take something from it and pass it along to get others thinking. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDelete