From the Bookshelf of FLASHLIGHT READERS…

We Were Liars

E. Lockhart

Start date: July 1, 2020

Finish date: July 31, 2020

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Discussion leader: Bailey the BookNerd

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What Members Thought

Aug 20, 2020 Lacey rated it it was amazing

This book is controversial. You either love it, hate it, or are very confused. The first time I read this, I definitely fell into the "very confused" category. Now that I've read it a second time, I am in love with this book.

We follow the seemingly perfect privileged Sinclair family. They spend every summer on their private island, courtesy of their grandfather. Everything is amazing.. or so it seems. The aunts are constantly fighting over who will inherit the fortune, and two years ago, someth ...more

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Jul 13, 2020 Avery rated it it was amazing

We are liars. We are beautiful and privileged. We are cracked and broken."

Sometimes you read a book that breaks a piece of your heart and keeps it tucked away in its pages. This is We Were Liars for me. No matter the amount of times that I read the book, the pain of loss and pure grief ripple through me as if I'm reading for the first time. Isn't it amazing the power that words can have over us?

Despite the haunting confusion that is dripping from each page, the Liars manage to both infuriate an We are liars. We are beautiful and privileged. We are cracked and broken."

Sometimes you read a book that breaks a piece of your heart and keeps it tucked away in its pages. This is We Were Liars for me. No matter the amount of times that I read the book, the pain of loss and pure grief ripple through me as if I'm reading for the first time. Isn't it amazing the power that words can have over us?

Despite the haunting confusion that is dripping from each page, the Liars manage to both infuriate and reel me in. With their sickly sweet smiles dancing across the pages, it is impossible not to fall for the magic that is created on the island. Beneath the plastered smiles and painted on joy, the real and often debilitating sorrow of Cadence Sinclair is infused into every page with gut wrenching detail. While it is easy to have distain and dislike for the Sinclair family, it is impossible not to become captured by the fantasy that the island creates for the characters.

The atmosphere of the story is told with haunting gore that increases and strengthens the intensity of Cadences unknown past. While the story doesnt become overwhelmed by lyrical language, the small poetic instances add to the overall beauty created by the setting of the story.

What starts out as an innocent story of friendship and young love soon becomes contorted with confusion and disturbing realities. Needless to say, do yourself a favor and read this book. While it might not be for everyone, if you are comfortable with the writing style, it will tear our your heart and leave it shattered on the ground. We reached sobbing level 10. Thank you E. Lockheart for creating a mystery that held complexity and intense grief. While it may have broken me a little, I will forever treasure it as a favourite book of mine.

☆☆☆☆☆/5

Side note: I recommend listening to Smother by Daughter while reading this book. Once you've finished the story, the song takes on new meaning that is equally as sad as the book.

Ps: Anyone else notice how quotable this book is? Like wow! There are so many good quotes that I am in love with. ...more

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Aug 28, 2020 Kaitlyn rated it liked it

I am still a little confused. This book was pretty good but the plot twist wasn’t shocking and a bit confusing. Maybe that’s just me (IDK). All in all the story was interesting enough but a little confusing so that’s why I gave it 3 stars :)

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Jun 08, 2021 Moony 394 rated it really liked it

I found the way this was written very interesting, and the ending was so sad 😭
I found it a bit confusing at times, which is why I rated it four stars instead of five, but it was still enjoyable none the less.
I definitely recommend it.

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Sep 28, 2020 Nope I’m A Reader rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-list, read-a-thon-september-2020

Full Review to Come!

Abridged Version:

It’s been five or six months since I read this and it’s still with me. It was so amazing. I loved the intricate plot and setting. 4.6 stars.

Characters- 6/5
Plot- 4/5
Beginning- 4/5
Middle- 4/5
End- 5/5

1 like · Like · see review