I don't want to give too much away, so I will keep this brief (although, those familiar with the premise don't have to think too hard to figure out wh...moreI don't want to give too much away, so I will keep this brief (although, those familiar with the premise don't have to think too hard to figure out what happens). This is the first John Green book that I have absolutely loved. His characters are like those from Dawson's Creek - above-average teenagers with way above-average vocabularies. Kids who speak in metaphors and poetry and who understand life and living way more than those of us who are reading about them. Loved this book. Get the tissues ready. You're going to need them.(less)
**spoiler alert** I found myself strangely detached while reading this book. Maybe there was just too much going on - the Matthew Shepherd-like hate c...more**spoiler alert** I found myself strangely detached while reading this book. Maybe there was just too much going on - the Matthew Shepherd-like hate crime, small southern town meth use, teen to teen sexual abuse, loss of friendships and family relationships due to said abuse, teen girl trying to solve a mystery the police won't, teen girl developing feelings for the boy who was mean to her at the library, oh, and by the way, the mean boy at the library just happens to be friends with the victim of the hate crime...you see where I'm going? My focus was pulled in too many directions for me to ever develop any connection to any of the characters. I didn't find any of them particularly interesting or sympathetic. Perhaps they all fell into their cliched roles a little too perfectly. While I appreciate Myracle's work with her TTYL books, I just can't seem to get on board with her other novels. (less)
I think I liked this. I liked the steady progression of the story, and I especially liked how dark it was toward the end. Very intense! But, I felt it...moreI think I liked this. I liked the steady progression of the story, and I especially liked how dark it was toward the end. Very intense! But, I felt it got a bit didactic in the last few pages. (less)
I love Sara Zarr's books. And this book was no exception. Switching back and forth between Mandy and Jill, their voices were each unique and distinct....moreI love Sara Zarr's books. And this book was no exception. Switching back and forth between Mandy and Jill, their voices were each unique and distinct. I will admit, the ending seemed a bit implausible, but the books has such a big heart, I ended up not caring and just went with it. (less)
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