Author: Jo Knowles
Release Date: October 9, 2007
Pages: 224 pages
My Rating: 4 stars
Summary:
Leah Greene is dead. For Laine, knowing what really happened and the awful feeling that she is, in some way, responsible set her on a journey of painful self-discovery. Yes, she wished for this. She hated Leah that much. Hated her for all the times in the closet, when Leah made her do those things. They were just practicing, Leah said. But why did Leah choose her? Was she special, or just easy to control? And why didn’t Laine make it stop sooner? In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laine is left to explore the devastating lessons Leah taught her, find some meaning in them, and decide whether she can forgive Leah and, ultimately, herself. (Barns & Noble)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My second review-Woot!
I started reading this book last night, and Jo Knowles just completely sucked me in with the first sentence. It only took me 2 1/2 hours to finish it, and during those 2 1/2 hours I could not put it down. I didn't love it, I just really, really liked it. It was a very vivid portrayal of the effects of children abusing children, and the affects it has on the victim.
Like I said, I literally could not put this book down. It was graphic, at times heartbreaking, but at the same time lovely. Cause through it all, there's a part of Laine that still loves Leah, which I admired about her. Despite Leah being portrayed as a vitim, I really felt bad for her. The only reason she was abusing Laine was because she was trying to feel better herself, which doesn't give her an excuse, it actually makes it worse. This triangle of sexual abuse, Sam abusing Leah, Leah abusing Laine, and Laine carrying both burdens, broke my heart.
I wish Knowles had shown us more of Jess and Web, but all in all, it was a really good book. Jo Knowles is an excellent writer and storyteller, and I will definitely be looking to read more books by her.
Sum it up:
Plot: Riveting and graphic.
Characters: Jo Knowles did an awesome job describing the main characters, I wish she did a better job with Web and Jess though.
Writing: Very descriptive, she really pulled you into the story.
Ending: Things were wrapped up nicely, it almost seemed like Leah was healing. As "happily ever after" as you can get with a book like this.
Kid friendly: Not particularly. Knowles never directly mentions sexual abuse, but it is hinted at.
2 comments:
Really good review Ninja! I think I will be adding this to my tbr list even though I'm pretty sure it will cause me to cry.
i dont really think it's *that bad. but then again, i hear you cry really easily xD
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