This is a good if very predictable YA novel. Cabot is funny, real, and tuned-in.

The writing was OK, and I acrually thought the story was rather compelling, but I didn’t realize when I picked it up that it was a fundy Christian story. That bummed mw out. But I finished it and it was OK outside of that…

One of the YA books that has generated a bit of buzz – so I had to read it. I think it was well-written, and compelling enough for more teenaged girls. There was more drama than the average teen love story, and the family drama was a good way to not get mired down in the romantic. Not many people live this kind of life – and I suppose that’s the point – but many kids will be able to indentify with having a step-parent they can’t tolerate (for whatever reason, real or imagined).

When a book generates a lot of buzz, I find that I usually just don’t get it. But, this book was certainly more compelling than I expected.
It was a fast read – I REALLY couldn’t wait to pick it up and read some more. The story sucks you right in, and no matter where you stand on the issue(s) raised, you will find yourself cheering for someone. I was touched not only by the girls, but by Jesse as well. I think it was a nice touch to have a character who could have been very periferal be as fleshed out and sympathetic as he was.
I too, was annoyed by the “love” story aspect – seems like that could have been a novel unto itself, and didn’t really add to the central drama going on.
And yep, I cried, too.

This was a quick quick read. I think you will either love or hate this book.
Odd tone, odd pacing, gripping story. I don’t know if I buy the ending.

Just like the other reviewer, I too had high hopes for this book after reading Secret Life of Bees. I am usually a sucker for “forbidden love” stories, but I just didn’t buy this one. I finished the book, wasn’t nearly as satisfied by it as I was by Bees.

There is little I have not loved by Alice Hoffman. This collection of short stories makes a quick, delightful, read. As usual, set in New Englad. Her stories set in the past are as satisfying as the stories set in present day NE. Loved it.

This was a pretty good read. I must be getting old, because I am slightly freaked our by the WAY cavalier attitude teens seems to have about sex – doesn’t seem to be anything special – though, in this book, I guess the point is the Gideon, in the end, thinks it’s special. I worked ata boarding school once – worst 6 months of my life – this seems accurate.

I buzzed through this – meaning I skimmed, because I just couldn’t get into it. BUT, I do think it’s probably a good story – just not my thing.

I REALLY wanted to like this book, especially since I thought the first chapter was one of the most atmospheric I have read in a long time. But it just seemed to me that that dark and gloomy atmosphere never let up – it rained (in my head) through the entire story. I am not one to pan a book because it’s not a happy story, but it just seemed like these characters never caught a break – not even during the “happy” parts. Well-written, certainly, but a little too dark for me.