Hold Still in Penguin's Point of View Books

Oct 25, 2010 Audrey rated it really liked it

full review can be found on my blog, holes In My brain

Hold Still is a new spin on an old topic, Caitlin’s best friend Ingrid had committed suicide, leaving Caitlin to tackle life all by herself. There is a lot of common themes of loss, grief and love but I felt that the way LaCour set the book apart from the rest was in the execution.

If forced to choose the single thing I loved the most about the novel, I would have to ponder the premise. The photography and symbolism. The relationships and the full review can be found on my blog, holes In My brain

Hold Still is a new spin on an old topic, Caitlin’s best friend Ingrid had committed suicide, leaving Caitlin to tackle life all by herself. There is a lot of common themes of loss, grief and love but I felt that the way LaCour set the book apart from the rest was in the execution.

If forced to choose the single thing I loved the most about the novel, I would have to ponder the premise. The photography and symbolism. The relationships and the heartbreak; the grief, the characters, the writing. But without a doubt my final answer would be the voice. I absolutely adored it; Caitlin’s voice shines with honesty and a longing ache for her best friend, there is the tired and heavy feeling behind her story as if she was simply too.. sad. There was so much authenticity in the writing that I could easily believe Caitlin was telling me, and only me, the story, forming an intimate connection that can’t be faked. I could even feel the gradual change of her voice as she forges new connections and eventually learns to move on, learn, love, and hope. It was simply beautiful.

At the beginning, I craved Ingrid’s journal entries; I was really into the mystery behind her persona but gradually I wanted more of Caitlin’s story and the way she really evolves and matures through a tragedy. I thought overall the entries were a truly wonderful idea that added just a pinch of spice to change up the story at intervals, and the writing in the entries was so heartfelt and, well, perfect. Here's a quote from her journal:

I never laughed as hard as I laughed with you but now not even the laughing feels good.

A thing I didn’t really feel was Caitlin’s romantic relationship, it felt forced and off, despite the way LaCour tried to smoothly navigate it. However, that might have been just a small nitpick amongst a huge wave of love for the book. I definitely liked the balance of the angst and heartbreak, and the hope. Ingrid's diary never overshadowed the story that needed to be told.

Basically, this novel rocked. The voice and the character dimensions is spot on, and it is very reminiscent of a number of my favourite novels. It’s a novel with themes that can change the way you think, love, and feel; and I can’t ask for anything else.

Recommended for: Lovers of YA Contemporary fiction! Readers looking for novels with beautiful themes and great, well rounded and realistic characters. Remincent of 13 Reasons Why and Speak, if you're curious.

9/10 ...more

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Apr 26, 2014 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it liked it · review of another edition

This is another book that I picked up a while back and I’m finally getting to it. I like deep emotional stories so I was pretty sure I would like it. That is until, I met the main character.

Plot: This is about a girl who is dealing with her best friends sudden suicide. I think anything that happens so fast without any warning is enough to make anyone crazy with grief. Caitlin is caught in the middle between thinking she knew her best friend to maybe she didn’t know her as well as she thought. Th ...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Ally rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-favourites, povbooks

This has got to be the one book that has ultimately changed me. I keep it with me always and i constantly re-read it. Thank you Nina LaCour for opening my eyes.

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Nov 30, 2010 Lacie Solt rated it it was amazing

This book was emotional but so beautifully written. At the beginning, it was heartbreaking and towards the end it was hopeful. This is a great book about loss, friendship and love. I love all the art and music in it, the characters were funny and sweet. The whole book was incredible...Nina LaCour has the potential to be one of the best young adult writers out there.

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