Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physi...
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reviews
Dec 07, 2011
Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~*
rated it: 
(4 Stars)
Loved this! Can't wait for the second book, Return to Paradise, coming out in September 2010, as the story is not over yet. Longer review to follow later.
.................
Almost half a year later….my review...
(4.5 Stars)
I’m finally writing my review after my re-reading of Leaving Paradise just prior to reading the sequel, Return to Paradise.
Earlier this year I read Perfect Chemistry by this author, and absolutely LOVED it More...
Loved this! Can't wait for the second book, Return to Paradise, coming out in September 2010, as the story is not over yet. Longer review to follow later.
.................
Almost half a year later….my review...
(4.5 Stars)
I’m finally writing my review after my re-reading of Leaving Paradise just prior to reading the sequel, Return to Paradise.
Earlier this year I read Perfect Chemistry by this author, and absolutely LOVED it More...
24 comments
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(17 people liked it)
Aug 20, 2011
Lora
rated it: 
Before I reveal why I'm only giving this one 2.5 stars, let's go over what I liked:
The writing. I'd have to say that was my favorite part of this novel. Just like with Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry series, it was spectacular. She always knows how to depict teens as they really are. She doesn't choose to sugarcoat their more amorous feelings or leave out curse words to make her novels more "teen friendly." I love that because, for me, it's better to be realistic than to make pr More...
The writing. I'd have to say that was my favorite part of this novel. Just like with Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry series, it was spectacular. She always knows how to depict teens as they really are. She doesn't choose to sugarcoat their more amorous feelings or leave out curse words to make her novels more "teen friendly." I love that because, for me, it's better to be realistic than to make pr More...
14 comments
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(13 people liked it)
Aug 24, 2011
Buggy
rated it:
Opening Line: "I'd been waiting a year for this moment"
4.5~ I don’t generally read much YA stuff however Caleb and Maggie’s forbidden coming of age romance got to me and I found myself quite wrapped up in all their teenaged angst. I guess it was the unique story idea that first piqued my interest; that of a romance developing between the offender and his victim was too good to pass up. And once you get into it the reasoning’s as to why they get together it felt realistic. I More...
4.5~ I don’t generally read much YA stuff however Caleb and Maggie’s forbidden coming of age romance got to me and I found myself quite wrapped up in all their teenaged angst. I guess it was the unique story idea that first piqued my interest; that of a romance developing between the offender and his victim was too good to pass up. And once you get into it the reasoning’s as to why they get together it felt realistic. I More...
18 comments
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(10 people liked it)
Jan 10, 2012
Katrina
rated it:
So...mashed potatoes. That's what this book is. Mashed potatoes. Tastes kinda good, relatively harmless and easy to digest, but nothing spectacular. Sort of bland, but occasionally satisfies a particular craving. Mashed potatoes.
Yes. Not the real, red-skinned taters mashed potatoes, we're talking good old boxed taters.
Premise was good, but it was kind of slow. It seemed to take forever for Maggie and Caleb to see each other again, but once they did, it was like instant More...
Yes. Not the real, red-skinned taters mashed potatoes, we're talking good old boxed taters.
Premise was good, but it was kind of slow. It seemed to take forever for Maggie and Caleb to see each other again, but once they did, it was like instant More...
2 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Jun 09, 2011
Donna {Book Passion for Life}
rated it: 
Posted on: http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.com/
After reading Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry series, I've been itching to find something just as good. And while I have read a few books that have been really good, nothing had been better than Perfect Chemistry. Well……that is until Leaving Paradise completely surpassed all my expectations and blew me completely away!
Both Maggie Armstrong & Caleb Becker's lives changed one fateful night after Caleb accidently ran over M More...
After reading Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry series, I've been itching to find something just as good. And while I have read a few books that have been really good, nothing had been better than Perfect Chemistry. Well……that is until Leaving Paradise completely surpassed all my expectations and blew me completely away!
Both Maggie Armstrong & Caleb Becker's lives changed one fateful night after Caleb accidently ran over M More...
21 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Dec 22, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Two very different people are joined together by the most common yet dreadful experience. Both live in the town of Paradise, but for them it is nothing like the name.
Caleb Becker had spent time in juvenile detention for the crime of driving while intoxicated and accidentally hitting someone with his car. And now that he has done his time, Caleb is able to go home to his family and his girlfrie More...
Two very different people are joined together by the most common yet dreadful experience. Both live in the town of Paradise, but for them it is nothing like the name.
Caleb Becker had spent time in juvenile detention for the crime of driving while intoxicated and accidentally hitting someone with his car. And now that he has done his time, Caleb is able to go home to his family and his girlfrie More...
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(3 people liked it)
Sep 04, 2007
Stephanie
rated it:
Such a great book. Ok it's about a girl and guy. For the past year the guy, Caleb Becker, has been in Juvinille detention for hitting a girl with his car while also being drunk. On the other side of the story, Maggie Armstrong, the girl Caleb hit with his car, has been in physical therapy for the past year. Now Caleb is finally out of jail, and is coming back home, and Maggie is going to try to face school even though she has a terrible limp. Story's very real, raw, great emotions. I could hardl
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4 comments
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(8 people liked it)
Mar 05, 2010
Juan
rated it:
this book is about a guy name caleb.hes neightbor is a girl name meggie.One day while caleb was driving drunk he accedantly hit her and he drove of with out healping her right away.He later got cought whent to jail for 1 year.he left out every thing hes girl friend kandra and his family.when he came out of jail every thing seemed to change for him.Hes girld friend isnt the same.when caleb was order to work with this old lady he soon found out that hes victim meggie healps out there to. calebs wa
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Aug 16, 2011
Kristy
rated it:
Street corner TBR Challenge
August pick #4 per Flannery.
Ahh, This was one of those books I just couldn't put down. I was reading it every spare second I had. I didn't know if Elkeles was going to be able to pull off anything as awesome as "perfect chemistry", but she definitely brought her A-game with this book. Although, it just sort of abruptly ended....
Spoilers:
I hate that ending. I want the goo-goo, happy ending. This one was sad! I hope the More...
August pick #4 per Flannery.
Ahh, This was one of those books I just couldn't put down. I was reading it every spare second I had. I didn't know if Elkeles was going to be able to pull off anything as awesome as "perfect chemistry", but she definitely brought her A-game with this book. Although, it just sort of abruptly ended....
Spoilers:
I hate that ending. I want the goo-goo, happy ending. This one was sad! I hope the More...
7 comments
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(7 people liked it)
Aug 27, 2011
Edna Lyn
rated it:
Sarah Dessen has stiff competition as my favorite YA romance author. Simone Elkeles knocked this book out of the park. Leaving Paradise is simply brilliant, in particular the second half of the story. Once I picked it up, I read for four hours straight to finish it. It's a lot more emotionally draining than Perfect Chemistry so if you're looking for that witty banter, you won't find it here. Leaving Paradise will put your heart through the ringer. From their broken spirits to a strong attraction
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Jun 15, 2010
Kim
rated it:
Again, this is one of those books that leave me with a 'why didn't I read this sooner?' feeling.
I kept seeing this pop up on my flist and I enjoyed it a lot.
Usually, when I read about female characters, my thoughts go from 'why can't I be more like her' to 'for the love of god, please somebody, slap her!' but this time I recognized something of myself in Maggie.
The part where Caleb makes her play tennis again, and she secretly loves it but doesn't want to adm More...
I kept seeing this pop up on my flist and I enjoyed it a lot.
Usually, when I read about female characters, my thoughts go from 'why can't I be more like her' to 'for the love of god, please somebody, slap her!' but this time I recognized something of myself in Maggie.
The part where Caleb makes her play tennis again, and she secretly loves it but doesn't want to adm More...
29 comments
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(10 people liked it)
Feb 01, 2010
kari
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
0 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Feb 04, 2010
Arlene
rated it:
Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles is such a great read! It’s the kind of book you pick up, keep turning the pages, and before you know it; you’re done with the story. I really enjoyed the format of the book and how the POV alternates between the two main characters.
The author did a great job of developing both Caleb and Maggie’s character that you immediately come to care for both of them regardless of their opposing circumstance. It’s a unique storyline with a sad ending that wil More...
The author did a great job of developing both Caleb and Maggie’s character that you immediately come to care for both of them regardless of their opposing circumstance. It’s a unique storyline with a sad ending that wil More...
7 comments
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(8 people liked it)
Feb 09, 2012
Angie
rated it: 
Mauvaise influence d'Azilys et Sab. LOL !
A réserver pour les envies de lectures bêtes et rapides. Tout ce que je lui demandais d'où le 3 car ce n'est pas un coup de cœur, ni une révélation.
C'est mieux que le 1er Alchimie, mais je n’adhère pas pour autant. Les persos de Elkeles ne me touchent pas, impossible de s'y identifier. Peut être ce coté trop lisse, qui les rend fades...
A réserver pour les envies de lectures bêtes et rapides. Tout ce que je lui demandais d'où le 3 car ce n'est pas un coup de cœur, ni une révélation.
C'est mieux que le 1er Alchimie, mais je n’adhère pas pour autant. Les persos de Elkeles ne me touchent pas, impossible de s'y identifier. Peut être ce coté trop lisse, qui les rend fades...
4 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 06, 2011
Maria
rated it:
Es una historia preciosa sobre la verdadera amistad, las segundas oportunidades, la superación personal, el confiar en los demás y donde no todo es lo que parece.
Lo mejor es que no tiene ninguna de esas escenas extremadamente cursis y los diálogos son bastante realistas.
Lo mejor es que no tiene ninguna de esas escenas extremadamente cursis y los diálogos son bastante realistas.
0 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Feb 27, 2009
Rachael
rated it:
One horrible accident on one fateful night changed it all for two teens, Maggie Armstrong and Caleb Becker. Maggie spent the last year in and out of hospitals and physical therapy, trying to assimilate into the fragments left of her life after her leg was run over in a hit and run accident. She’s self-conscious about her limp and wants to escape her small town home in Paradise. Caleb spent the past year in a juvenile detention center, charged with maiming Maggie, but he’s getting out early for g
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Feb 02, 2012
Cyndy
rated it:
I had high hopes for Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles, but, like a souffle, they fell flat rather quickly.
::: The Plot :::
The plot is fairly predictable; Maggie Armstrong was hurt in an accident a year ago. The drunk driver who hit her? Her best friend's twin brother, Caleb Becker. Both are returning to school for their senior year, Maggie after being off for a year recovering from the accident, and Caleb after spending a year in a juvenile detention center.
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::: The Plot :::
The plot is fairly predictable; Maggie Armstrong was hurt in an accident a year ago. The drunk driver who hit her? Her best friend's twin brother, Caleb Becker. Both are returning to school for their senior year, Maggie after being off for a year recovering from the accident, and Caleb after spending a year in a juvenile detention center.
More...
Jan 17, 2012
Trace
rated it:
Emotionally, this hit some great notes. Some really solid contrast between pre- and post-accident characters, how that changed things up. Very believable anger and frustration. I loved the fall-out and I loved Mrs. Reynolds and their working through thigns.
I thought the whole relationship part was ... pretty dumb. It would have been a better story if it had been a friendship, because the romance didn't feel real and it was the least interesting part of the story.
Also, More...
I thought the whole relationship part was ... pretty dumb. It would have been a better story if it had been a friendship, because the romance didn't feel real and it was the least interesting part of the story.
Also, More...
Jan 06, 2012
Misty
rated it:
So today I am going to do something I wouldn’t normally do but… hey hey… I’m a rebel so watch out!
“Leaving Paradise” is not only a book I read 2 weeks ago and did NOT write a review on, but it is a book that a review has already been written on; by my guest reviewer Nicole. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on doing this on a regular basis, but I didn’t want to leave y’all hanging for the weekend, and since I haven’t had time to (bows head in shame) even start my next book (due to Spring Brea More...
“Leaving Paradise” is not only a book I read 2 weeks ago and did NOT write a review on, but it is a book that a review has already been written on; by my guest reviewer Nicole. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on doing this on a regular basis, but I didn’t want to leave y’all hanging for the weekend, and since I haven’t had time to (bows head in shame) even start my next book (due to Spring Brea More...
Jan 06, 2012
Shweta's Book Journal
rated it:
I had since long wanted to read a Simone Elkeles book. Lucky for me I could borrow a copy of Leaving Paradise from a friend. To put it mildly she blew me away with her writing. Truthfully it wasn't a very unique story , there have been variations of this theme with different twist before but Leaving Paradise was quite a book.
Let's start with the writing. As you know I don't like it when narration changes ever so often in a book. I like the story to have a stable narrator but with it's More...
Let's start with the writing. As you know I don't like it when narration changes ever so often in a book. I like the story to have a stable narrator but with it's More...
Dec 21, 2011
Aimee
rated it:
I don't know why I put this one off as long as I did. But I'm glad I finally read it. It was a really emotional read seeing the two different sides of how drunk driving can destroy lives. There were hardships on both sides and while at first I wasn't sure I would like Caleb, I actually started to feel for him pretty fast after really getting into his story.
I was able to figure this one out pretty quick. While I was a little disappointed (only a little) about figuring that out, I did More...
I was able to figure this one out pretty quick. While I was a little disappointed (only a little) about figuring that out, I did More...
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 11, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
Elkeles really knows teenagers. I would know - having been one myself.
Ha, no but I'm serious. I've never read a YA book that hits so close to what the teenage world really is like. She captures the words, the actions, the very essence of it all.
I felt myself stopping at certain points of the book (and every other I've read of hers) and just started thinking. Of times I had simular to the characters of the stories. Of times I saw scenes simular to what's inside of these bo More...
Ha, no but I'm serious. I've never read a YA book that hits so close to what the teenage world really is like. She captures the words, the actions, the very essence of it all.
I felt myself stopping at certain points of the book (and every other I've read of hers) and just started thinking. Of times I had simular to the characters of the stories. Of times I saw scenes simular to what's inside of these bo More...
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(1 person liked it)
Nov 06, 2011
Colleen
rated it:
Maggie Armstrong had a crush on her best friend’s twin brother, Caleb Becker. That is until one night, at a party, Caleb hit Maggie with his car and left her broken in the street. It’s a year later and Caleb is being released from juvenile detention, convicted of a hit and run while driving drunk. Maggie has spent the past year recovery from a devastating leg injury that has left her scarred, with a severe limp, unable to play tennis, and an outcast. Both Maggie and Caleb have lost everythi
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Nov 02, 2011
Kan
rated it:
I've read Simone's Perfect Chemistry, and it stole my very breathe away.
But Leaving Paradise?
Not so much.
The romance is a bit too planned out.
Maggie is a nice character.
She was popular as an athlete, but after the accident, she wasn't.
Maggie turned silent and but not exactly weak.
Caleb became known as the ex-con who is just SO bad (according to everyone including his parents, best friend, ex-girlfriend, and classmates), even though he really, rea More...
But Leaving Paradise?
Not so much.
The romance is a bit too planned out.
Maggie is a nice character.
She was popular as an athlete, but after the accident, she wasn't.
Maggie turned silent and but not exactly weak.
Caleb became known as the ex-con who is just SO bad (according to everyone including his parents, best friend, ex-girlfriend, and classmates), even though he really, rea More...
Oct 27, 2011
Naomi
rated it:
Leaving Paradise is the first book in the Leaving Paradise series by Simone Elkeles.
Maggie has just started back at school after the accident. Not only does she have schoolwork to deal with but she has everyone staring at her because of her limp. She can’t think her life could get any worse, but then Caleb is released from juvenile detention is back at school. Maggie is furious that the boy that left her for dead is being allowed back to the same school. So she does everything to st More...
Maggie has just started back at school after the accident. Not only does she have schoolwork to deal with but she has everyone staring at her because of her limp. She can’t think her life could get any worse, but then Caleb is released from juvenile detention is back at school. Maggie is furious that the boy that left her for dead is being allowed back to the same school. So she does everything to st More...
Sep 21, 2011
Rachelle
rated it:
Caleb and Maggie grew up next door to each other. Maggie was best friends with Caleb's twin sister, Leah, and was burning it up on the tennis team. Caleb was the star wrestler, popular, and no stranger to a little bit of trouble. All of that changes when Caleb is convicted of hitting Maggie in a drunk driving accident.
A year later, Caleb is released and Maggie is still trying to deal with her injured leg and the repercussions of the accident.
I picked this book up be More...
Sep 20, 2011
Lauren
rated it:
I'm on the fence a bit with this one. I'd like to rate it a 3 and 3/4 star but obviously I can't do that so I'm going with a 3 here.
Some of the characters had more depth than usual, but I didn't really like them, so I never got behind any of them. Caleb was a bit one dimensional to me, his actions didn't surprise me, and I really wasn't convinced of his feelings for Maggie. Maggie had some depth to her, and her struggles were real, but I hated that she was so whiny about her situatio More...
Some of the characters had more depth than usual, but I didn't really like them, so I never got behind any of them. Caleb was a bit one dimensional to me, his actions didn't surprise me, and I really wasn't convinced of his feelings for Maggie. Maggie had some depth to her, and her struggles were real, but I hated that she was so whiny about her situatio More...
Sep 08, 2011
Lucie
rated it:
I found this story very touching. Nothing is beautiful in the slip of a teenager who is driving drunk and destroys the life of a young girl by his irresponsibility. The story could have ended much worse, but even if the author reduces the consequences of his wrongdoing, she speaks of an existing reality: Young people and alcohol.
The difficulty of dealing with the reprobating gaze of others equally difficult as you are the victim or the executioner. The difficulty of forgiveness. The ease More...
The difficulty of dealing with the reprobating gaze of others equally difficult as you are the victim or the executioner. The difficulty of forgiveness. The ease More...
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Jun 30, 2011
Rydia
rated it:
This book was super fun but a total cliffhanger. Make sure you have the next one before you read this because it is a quick read!
Maggie Armstrong is crippled. She walks with a limp, is emotionally unstable and fearful and the accident has cost her not only a semester in Spain but also her life as the Captain of the Tennis team. She's bitter.
Caleb Becker is the twin brother of Maggie's best friend and he just got out of prison for the accident that cost Maggie everything.
More...
Maggie Armstrong is crippled. She walks with a limp, is emotionally unstable and fearful and the accident has cost her not only a semester in Spain but also her life as the Captain of the Tennis team. She's bitter.
Caleb Becker is the twin brother of Maggie's best friend and he just got out of prison for the accident that cost Maggie everything.
More...
Jun 15, 2011
Linda
rated it:
I really loved this book. I was interested to see how Simone would pull this one off. Caleb and Maggie are a very unlikely couple, considering their past. But they do have one thing in common: the car accident they were involved in ruined both of their lives. They both want a fresh start, but it's not easy to come by.
I loved the duel POV. Both of the characters have distinct personalities and issues. I especially loved Caleb. He's really not as bad of a guy as everyone seems to think. More...
I loved the duel POV. Both of the characters have distinct personalities and issues. I especially loved Caleb. He's really not as bad of a guy as everyone seems to think. More...
