- Reading level: Young Adult
- Hardcover: 248 pages
- Publisher: October 1, 2009
Bookmarks: 1
Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and sometimes even change—moments from her life.
Her first kiss.
A trip to Disney World.
Her sister's wedding.
A disastrous sleepover.
In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life—and death.
This is a haunting and ultimately hopeful novel about the beauty of even the most insignificant moments—and the strength of true love even beyond death.
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I've been dreading writing this review because I really did not like this story at all. I'm not sure if reading Before I Fall ruined this one for me, but the way this story played out was definitely a factor. Let me start out by telling you why I didn't like it.
I couldn't get a read on Maddy. I couldn't like her or not like her. Like her character stuck in IS, I felt like I was stuck too. The whole psychobabble bullcrap about Heaven and Hell and Purgatory dragged this story down. The idea that certain objects that she lost in her lifetime could bring her back to that period in time just didn't jive with me. This could've been a great story, but the time spent in limbo just made me more frustrated.
Gabriel. He was the amazingly beautiful boyfriend. Maddy questioned and still questioned why he was with her. This plot point in books is getting old. Really old. I'm going to call this the Bella-technique. Maddy was annoying in her jealousy of Gabriel's ex-girlfriend. Who is not so nice. Okay.
The set up of the story seemed mashed together. And the final revelation? I was more like who cares.
Please realize this is my opinion and I know others that have absolutely LOVED this story. Obviously this one wasn't my cup of tea.
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This has happened to me several times recently. It's always so hard for me to review something I don't love. I know your pain. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this book had a ton of potential. There is something missing you're right. I had that same feeling as well. Thanks for the honesty. I know it can be hard to write negative reviews. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you didn't enjoy this one! For some reason the book doesn't really appeal to me, but I have seen to many good reviews that I might read it at some point; at least after reading your review I can lower my expectations a little!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to hear a different viewpoint. I really admire bloggers who go against the grain if they don't respond well to a book. I know how hard it is when everyone else is saying this is fab and you're thinking, hmmm really? Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for you honest opinion!
ReplyDeleteIT just shows that not every book is for everyone. I know what you mean about dreading writing those reviews. It is hard to give a book a bad review sometimes because you want to be kind to the author, but in the end integrity and honesty is best!
Sorry you didn't like it. The cover looks great and the synopsis sounds okay to me. Maybe I'll give it a try some time.
ReplyDeletei disagree i believe it was a great story and i couldnt put it down.... i especialy loved the end but i am known for liking books most people hate. :)
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