By Ava Dellaira
Genre YA Contemporary
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
What starts out as an assignment from her English teacher soon becomes a therapeutic outlet for Laurel to get over the death of her older sister.
First Sentence
Dear Kurt Cobain, Mrs. Buster gave us our first assignment in English today, to write a letter to a dead person.
Guys, I hate to throw around review cliches but I can't help it. This book was a beautifully, compulsive read! I adored it! It was real and gritty and had some of the most beautiful insights ever! Seriously! I had to stop at one point and write down a quote that I wanted to remember forever! This book touched my soul.
After finishing a book, I like to go see what my friends and a few other people on Goodreads had to say about it. If I liked the book I get all defensive when I read a negative review of it. No, I'm not one of those people that feel a need to start commenting on complete stranger's reviews saying how awful they are and how dumb they must be for not getting what a beautiful story it was. I think reading is subjective and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would like to say, however, in case you've heard how childish the writing in this book is to remember two things. One: The whole story is written in letters. The author isn't trying to show off her extensive vocabulary and skill with the pen. She's trying to capture the voice of a teenager, a fairly young teenager, at that. Two: Have you read your journal from when you were 14-15? Cause, yeah, I have and I sound like a two year old. I didn't litter my description on events with adjectives and metaphors. I wrote what happened in a very matter of fact way. Just like this book. So, no, it's not childish writing, it's writing that's staying true to the character.
Phew! Sorry. I just felt I had to stand up for this one because of how much I loved it. If you haven't read this one I really hope you pick it up. It made me tear up more than once. Beautiful story!
Should you read it
Yes, of course. You should be warned, though, that it deals with a lot of heavy issues that are gritty and painful...but beautiful.
I have been curious about this one. I have heard people say things about other books in the same vein and I always want to say a lot of what you said above. lol
ReplyDeleteRight?! Teenagers aren't super eloquent.
DeleteHa ha ha ha -- I've re-read my journals and I sound like a complete moron. Even in the volumes from my college years. Yikes! I should probably just burn them already.
ReplyDeleteAfter this glowing review, I may have to move this book up on my TBR list. When I'm ready for a heavy read, that is.
Ha ha! Yeah, I don't know why I hang onto my old journals.
DeleteI've never heard of this one. It sounds interesting and might be something I like. I'm glad you loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteI thought of you when I read it. It's a tough issue-y book but a quick addictive read. And there's romance!
DeleteWow, five stars! High praise indeed, so glad you enjoyed this one so much! I have heard about it, but never really knew what it was about. I'll definitely be picking it up when I fancy a more gritty book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it if you pick it up.
DeleteWow, this sounds amazing. It wouldn't have been on my radar if you hadn't reviewed it!
ReplyDeleteCool! I feel like most of what I read is well known. I'm glad I could recommend something.
DeleteI'm sold! (Plus I really love epistolary novels. There's something about a book written in letters that I just can't resist.)
ReplyDeleteRight? I love them!
DeleteOh wow, okay I'm going to have to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteI might just try this one! I'm curious, though not a Kurt Cobain fan.
ReplyDeleteI read and loved this book! I'm pretty sure it was a 5 star read for me. And I liked the writing. And I KNOW it made me cry (but in a good way, not a manipulative way). So glad you liked it! Also- I totally do the same thing after I read a book I really liked (or hated).
ReplyDelete