Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 312
Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.
After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.
Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.
Review:
I'd read Simone's Perfect Chemistry series (can't wait for Chain Reaction in 2 weeks!), and was in the mood for something of hers. When I saw Leaving Paradise was on The Big Sale at the Kindle Store, I jumped! I knew I'd love it and I did! She does such a good job with teenage angst and love. She makes me want to go back to high school (and I DO NOT want to go back to high school). I felt like I could identify with the characters, even though we have nothing in common. I really felt like I was going through what they were. I love Simone's style of writing in two points of view. One chapter Maggie. One chapter Caleb. Works great! I felt like I could really know how both of them were feeling, instead of everything being one sided.
Great book! I read it during the baby's nap and picked up the sequel Return to Paradise during his 2nd nap! Quick, easy read. I love both the characters and I did not see the ending coming! I thought I might have some kind of clue, but no. Not this. Loved the love story!
Quote:
"I wasn't going to kiss you."' 'You weren't?' I look up look up at him.
[...]
'Nope, the next time I kiss you it'll last a long, long time. And when we're done you're going to realize being turned on is not about experience."
The students at my school LOVE this book and her other series. I really need to read this one and will do so once school begins based on your review. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have not read anything on this author yet, although I have this one and several others. It sounds great, and I can't wait to finally read it! Awesome review :)
ReplyDeleteMe too Mary! LOVE her writing and I've pre-order CHAIN REACTION!
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