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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I don't usually like stories told in first person or alternating chapters. But this story draws you in, touching on some very real life issues. Deb Caletti makes sure that you know her characters and can picture yourself in the colorful village by the sea. I'm ready to read more!
Was this book printed out of order? I swear! I did not understand what the hell was going on, she has an abusive boyfriend? She HAD an abusive boyfriend? I don't even understand the stupid setting! Deb Caletti seems like she wrote this book in a hurry and her characters seem like she wanted to make them really genuine but it wasn't working. I honestly did not finish it because at some point the main characters possessive boyfriend says she shouldn't wear her shirt because he can see her nipples through it? wtf? How does that even happen and why is he worrying about a nipple shirt instead of worrying that his girlfriend is apparently sailing around with (cliché potty-mouth) sailors on some stupid island. Sorry I'm really harsh on this, but I hate wasting my time on ridiculous books. (my friend actually recommended this to me) and to think that I thought this book held promise and that I would read more of Caletti.
Nope, she's going on my NEVER READ list!
Nope, she's going on my NEVER READ list!
4.5
My Review:
Right from the beginning, the story gets right to the point. Clara is at a basketball game with a few of her friends when all of a sudden, she sees him. Christian. She’s immediately drawn to him, and she’s surprised to find the he feels the same when they meet the second time. Without preamble, they start going out. Their relationship is easygoing at the start. But as it progresses, Clara starts noticing things. Like how he blames her for “throwing herself at him.” And how Christian goes into dark moods whenever she mentions another guy. And he starts checking up on where she goes. Soon, she’s lying to him all the time to keep him from getting angry.
It’s a scary to think that this can actually happen. As the story shows, obsessive relationships usually aren’t apparent at first. And once you get into it, it’s hard to get out. I think it’s a serious issue and I like the way Deb Caletti gave Clara a strong mind to show girls that you shouldn’t have to be afraid of a boyfriend, and there is always a way out.
Finally in the story, Clara and her dad move away. (?) At least that’s what it says in the description. I don’t remember that part being in the book, so it confused me when she started seeing a guy named Finn (another to add to my collection of great fictional guys *sighs*) while she was still living in the same place as her psycho-stalker ex. I had only one other problem with the book, and that was the ending. It was a complete flop, for me at least.
Other than that, I loved this book. I loved the writing and the way the story flowed effortlessly. I devoured it in a few hours, and I would definitely recommend it!
My Review:
Right from the beginning, the story gets right to the point. Clara is at a basketball game with a few of her friends when all of a sudden, she sees him. Christian. She’s immediately drawn to him, and she’s surprised to find the he feels the same when they meet the second time. Without preamble, they start going out. Their relationship is easygoing at the start. But as it progresses, Clara starts noticing things. Like how he blames her for “throwing herself at him.” And how Christian goes into dark moods whenever she mentions another guy. And he starts checking up on where she goes. Soon, she’s lying to him all the time to keep him from getting angry.
It’s a scary to think that this can actually happen. As the story shows, obsessive relationships usually aren’t apparent at first. And once you get into it, it’s hard to get out. I think it’s a serious issue and I like the way Deb Caletti gave Clara a strong mind to show girls that you shouldn’t have to be afraid of a boyfriend, and there is always a way out.
Finally in the story, Clara and her dad move away. (?) At least that’s what it says in the description. I don’t remember that part being in the book, so it confused me when she started seeing a guy named Finn (another to add to my collection of great fictional guys *sighs*) while she was still living in the same place as her psycho-stalker ex. I had only one other problem with the book, and that was the ending. It was a complete flop, for me at least.
Other than that, I loved this book. I loved the writing and the way the story flowed effortlessly. I devoured it in a few hours, and I would definitely recommend it!
Good message that probably isn't told about enough in YA fiction. Clara meets Christian and it's love at first sight. But as Christian becomes more and more controlling, Clara is less able to make excuses for his behavior and starts to fear for her safety. The story alternates between how Christian and Clara's relationship evolved and Clara and her father's remote summer getaway (taken strictly to escape and hide from Christian).
Good, semi-suspenseful build-up; the author really showed how someone could continually make excuses, be blind and end up in this situation. The climax and ending felt a little rushed.
Good, semi-suspenseful build-up; the author really showed how someone could continually make excuses, be blind and end up in this situation. The climax and ending felt a little rushed.
VEry well written and what I imagine is a true-to-life account of an obsessive relationship, start to finish. Read my review here.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of mystery romance novels !
This was the first time I had ever heard of or read Deb Caletti. I wasn't sure what to expect from her writing going into it, but I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. This story was very well developed and I found myself reluctant to put it down after only the first few chapters. All the characters had depth and I felt well-connected to each of them. I liked how I could feel the emotion of every page - feel the suspense when it was there, the calm when it wasn't, and also the fear. I loved it. My ONLY pet peeve with this book were the POINTLESS footnotes or endnotes or whatever you call them at the bottom of the pages. They absolutely served no purpose. They didn't offer any valuable information, and I felt like it could have either been added into the actual story have been left out completely. It made this wonderfully written book take on a cliche girl's diary feel. I hated every time I saw it because it honestly just took away from the story. I'm hesitant to read any of her other books if this whole footnote thing just happens to be her writing style. Shame. Anyway, great story. Definitely worth reading.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No