5 totally emotional stars! I RECOMMEND this to everyone who has ever felt like they couldn't trust anyone, like they're alone, like they can't tell anybody what's going on at home, like they had to hide who they truly are. I promise you, people notice and there are people who care enough to do something.
I swear this book is a roller coaster of emotions. I know it sounds cliche, but that's just how it is. Thomas is just a guy that you can't help but love, feel sorry for, want to take care of, hug and never let go of.
Let me start with describing MY THOMAS. *sigh* What can I say? He's imperfect. When this book started, I knew right then and there, he's wan ass. He was uncontrollable. He was kind of violent, and also kind of manipulative. He has many personas. He could be charming, sweet and disarming one minute then violent the next! He also has this weird side. His smart side. I say weird because when you read about him, the way he orders people around and the way he thinks he's the king of the school, you'd think he must not be that smart.. but nope, not him. He's asshole and genius all rolled into one. I say genius because he really is. He's good at academics, really good at literature and damn good at art!
I was intrigued by his character and a little angry about his actions...
Until I met his DAD. My anger, frustration, the want to bash someone with my e-reader? They were all focused on him and him alone. I swear. Everything that he did in this book, I wanted to somehow go inside the book, hunt him down, then burn him alive! That's how much I hate him!
*whew*
Needless to say, I forgave everything that Thomas did at first because of his upbringing. There really wasn't anything to be proud about when it comes to his home life. It was just a wreck. I wanted to hug him, hell I even cried for him many times! He needed someone to save him from all that, someone who will truly care enough and someone who will stay.
That's where Nicole comes to the picture.
What can I say about Nicole? She also isn't perfect. She has a temper on her. She's sassy, sporty, has a smart mouth on her too and the way Thomas describes her, she must be oh so pretty. :) I love Nicole's attitude towards Thomas and his many personas. It's like she knows how to deal with each one of them, albeit, she had a hard time at first. I love that she stuck around. I love how she just makes everything more comfortable with him and I love just how Thomas can be himself and open up to her. I just love her for him.
The other characters are also here to make the story more real to me. For example, Nicole's dad. There are bad dads, but there are also awesome dads. One of them is Nicole's. I love how Greg can be serious one time, then all hilarious the next. I love it that he didn't let Thomas' psat reputation bother him. I'm so happy that he understands where Thomas is coming from. In end, he's one of the rocks that Thomas held on so that means a lot. He means a lot to this book! :) There are also other characters who stayed and truly wanted to help. That's amazing. It goes to show that even fictionally, people are inherently good. There are just some bad apples.
The book revolves around Thomas and his dad's want for him to be a pro soccer play. Does he want that though? To be honest, I don't know if he really knew what he wanted here -- not until the end that is because by that time, all he wanted was to be with Nicole. Haha! So there. Read and see just how far his dad will take his frustrations out on him.
It also revolves around Thomas figuring out his purpose in life. I know, I know, it's hard to know your purpose when you're just 18. However, he needed it. He needed to know that there's more to life than... well, his life at present. He needed to figure out his worth and his role in other people's lives.
Here are the questions that will be answered in this book:
✔Just how much can a boy be tortured and not fight back?
✔Just how much can he take?
✔Who will help the boy who brought the facade that he didn't need help all his life?
I'm telling you now, this book has growth. I feel like I've known Thomas' character all his life after reading this. Again, I'm saying that you'll feel so many emotions for him and with him.
Oh and while you're reading this, I advise that you remember... Everything can change in just a blink of an eye... and changes? They're not all that bad. :)
P.S. IF YOU ALSO HATE HIS DAD, COMMENT BELOW! WE'LL GO TOGETHER TO HUNT HIM DOWN (even if.. you know.. ) I SWEAR!