Willow
by Julia Hoban
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Series: None
Other Reviewed Titles: None
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pages: 336
Source: Purchased
Challenge: None
My Review:
Eight months ago Willow and her parents got into a horrible car crash. And, unfortunately because her parents decided to drink a little bit too much, Willow was the one behind the wheel and the only one who survived. She is forced to move in with her much older brother, his wife and their new baby girl. Consumed with grief, and worst of all, guilt Willow starts to cut herself. It is the only escape she knows until she meets Guy who helps her overcome her self harm.
I’m not going to lie, I cringed every single time she cut. The author describes it so vividly it almost felt like I was there with Willow whenever it happened. And although it was slightly uncomfortable at times, I really did like the vividness. It made the book seem real. I felt like the book progressed perfectly. Willow and Guy don’t automatically become best friends and fall in love, which seems to happen in quite a few books, nor does Willow stop cutting all of a sudden just because she meets Guy. It takes time for them to trust each other completely, but once they do it’s perfect.
Both Willow and Guy are great characters. Despite everything she’s been through, it doesn’t feel like Willow is complaining when she talks about her problems which is great since I can’t stand when all characters do is whine, whine, whine. As for Guy, he is fantastic. He is caring and sweet, but also tough. He doesn’t give up on Willow no matter how hard or how many times she tries to push him away.
I originally bought this for my friend as her Christmas present a while back. But instead of giving it to her I decided to give her the first book in the Pretty Little Liars series and keep this one for myself. Kind of bad, I know, but I’m so glad I did.
I think I need to check this one out. I love that Julia Hoban touches on such a serious topic. I actually have a copy on my shelf. I'll have to pick it up very soon. Great review!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, let me know how you like it! Thanks for reading :)
Deletethis sound great. i know what you're saying about the vividness- hey, real people really go through that, so the least we can do is read about it and try to understand, you know? great review, thanks!
ReplyDelete-Esty @ http://boardingwithbooks.blogspot.co.il/
Exactly. It wouldn't have had the same effect if she hadn't written it like she did.
DeleteThanks for reading, I appreciate it! :)