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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
Not my favorite book, but it started off strong.
I got bored like halfway through.
Maybe just not my kind of book.
I got bored like halfway through.
Maybe just not my kind of book.
Yesterday I thought this was five star, right after I finished it. Today, I'm still thinking about it, but there are some issues, so I'm bumping it back down.
This story is a page-turner for sure. It's well written, which is a blessing because I'd come to despair that well-written books are even being published anymore. The voice of our protagonist, Maise, is authentically teenaged. (I did have a moment at the beginning of the book where I wondered if she was going to work as a narrator. Her front of extreme self-confidence reads a bit strangely in the first few pages of the book.)
This is a "taboo" love story, but it's pretty tame in so far as the characters don't begin their romantic entanglement with the knowledge that it's taboo. It's an accident that they get together at first and pure coincidence that they are subsequently teacher and student. It's pretty romantic and a VERY steamy read if you're looking for something to get you out of your contemporary romance book slump.
My main issue with the book, which caused me to knock it a star, was with believability. Specifically regarding the twist towards the end.
Probably the most compelling part of the book was the exploration of Maise and Evan's relationship as it pertained to the taboo. Both of them questioned their attractive to one another repeatedly: would they want each other if it wasn't forbidden? They don't seem to be able to answer that question with any certainty and neither can the reader. Probably if you're reading the book it's because books about things that can't and don't happen in real life are more interesting than more plausible love stories.
It did definitely make me think about the motivation for doing things that you are "not supposed to do." Maise is a kid so we can understand her fascination with doing things that are against the rules. But what about Mr. Wilke? What about all adults? I don't know. Maybe we don't ever really grow out of that need to rebel we have when we are teenagers.
All in all, this was a good one and I recommend it.
This story is a page-turner for sure. It's well written, which is a blessing because I'd come to despair that well-written books are even being published anymore. The voice of our protagonist, Maise, is authentically teenaged. (I did have a moment at the beginning of the book where I wondered if she was going to work as a narrator. Her front of extreme self-confidence reads a bit strangely in the first few pages of the book.)
This is a "taboo" love story, but it's pretty tame in so far as the characters don't begin their romantic entanglement with the knowledge that it's taboo. It's an accident that they get together at first and pure coincidence that they are subsequently teacher and student. It's pretty romantic and a VERY steamy read if you're looking for something to get you out of your contemporary romance book slump.
My main issue with the book, which caused me to knock it a star, was with believability. Specifically regarding the twist towards the end.
Spoiler
Mr. Wilke sleeps with on high school girl before he meets and has sex with Maise. After that first incident which leaves the girl pregnant (she later miscarries, absolving him of responsibility, but still) he is able to find employment as a teacher again? There is no way. Name change or no. If it got so bad that he had to change his name that means people knew what had happened. You can't impregnate a student and continue to work in high schools. Not gonna happen. No dice.Probably the most compelling part of the book was the exploration of Maise and Evan's relationship as it pertained to the taboo. Both of them questioned their attractive to one another repeatedly: would they want each other if it wasn't forbidden? They don't seem to be able to answer that question with any certainty and neither can the reader. Probably if you're reading the book it's because books about things that can't and don't happen in real life are more interesting than more plausible love stories.
It did definitely make me think about the motivation for doing things that you are "not supposed to do." Maise is a kid so we can understand her fascination with doing things that are against the rules. But what about Mr. Wilke? What about all adults? I don't know. Maybe we don't ever really grow out of that need to rebel we have when we are teenagers.
All in all, this was a good one and I recommend it.
RATING: 4.5 STARS
I don't know who Leah Raeder is but I will say this... the woman can write.
UNTEACHABLE is such a fantastic story of a love that isn't quite forbidden but isn't quite accepted. A love that isn't understood - publicly or privately. A love that, quite honestly, is used to hide from personal issues. And it's done so well.
The first chapter alone had me and then it just took off from there.
Our main characters, Maise O'Malley, an eighteen year old senior, and Evan Wilke, her film teacher, embark on quite the emotional journey of meeting one another at the most inopportune time. Of fighting their feelings in public, but acting on them in private. Of dealing with the slight gestures that slip through the cracks of their shields that accidentally let their feelings show. Maise, having to also deal with a drug dealing and useless mother, is trying to find her way out of her town through getting into film school.
There's a lot that goes on throughout this book, but not once did I feel that it overwhelmed me as the reader. Raeder did a great job with keeping everything in balance. Giving us romance when we needed it and the drama when it was required. The pacing of the story, though extremely quick, wasn't to the point when I disbelieved anything that the characters experienced. They fall in love very quickly but... for whatever reason, it didn't bother me.
The supporting characters, from Maise's friends and classmates to Evan's friends, were so necessarily in the progression of the story but also in the development of both Maise and Evan's character. There were moments throughout the book when Maise would constantly remind me of how young she was, despite being the adult at home and being in an adult relationship. It was so easy to forget that she was seventeen until it wasn't. And that's what separates Raeder from your average writer.
Evan's age also impacted the story. He may have been older than Maise, but he had youth of the heart. And it showed. These two really worked together. It wasn't forced and it wasn't uncomfortable. I am so glad that Raeder made Maise an eighteen year old versus someone who was younger. I think that would have been one too many hurdle for the characters to overcome.
Maise was an extremely smart girl. Very independent and courageous. But she was so flawed. So vulnerable. Raeder was able to display Maise's full character in about a third of the book, which was fantastic. Evan was a bit of harder egg to crack, which was fine. But once he opens up, his story was just as compelling to me.
This is such a character driven story and it was fantastic. The flow of the book was great, progression was good, evolution was great. It was just a well done read.
With all of this praise, I am still going to say that what I find it lacked? A bit more backstory to Evan. I would have like to have experienced a bit more on his part when it came to his past. While we do get a glimpse into it, we only get a glimpse into the part that impacts Maise. But I wanted to know more about him, because I really enjoyed his character. That's probably my only gripe.
Overall, I loved this book. So glad I read it and I highly recommend this one. To any and everyone who likes a story that goes full circle with strongly written characters with a seriously chaotic romantic entanglement.
I don't know who Leah Raeder is but I will say this... the woman can write.
UNTEACHABLE is such a fantastic story of a love that isn't quite forbidden but isn't quite accepted. A love that isn't understood - publicly or privately. A love that, quite honestly, is used to hide from personal issues. And it's done so well.
The first chapter alone had me and then it just took off from there.
Our main characters, Maise O'Malley, an eighteen year old senior, and Evan Wilke, her film teacher, embark on quite the emotional journey of meeting one another at the most inopportune time. Of fighting their feelings in public, but acting on them in private. Of dealing with the slight gestures that slip through the cracks of their shields that accidentally let their feelings show. Maise, having to also deal with a drug dealing and useless mother, is trying to find her way out of her town through getting into film school.
There's a lot that goes on throughout this book, but not once did I feel that it overwhelmed me as the reader. Raeder did a great job with keeping everything in balance. Giving us romance when we needed it and the drama when it was required. The pacing of the story, though extremely quick, wasn't to the point when I disbelieved anything that the characters experienced. They fall in love very quickly but... for whatever reason, it didn't bother me.
The supporting characters, from Maise's friends and classmates to Evan's friends, were so necessarily in the progression of the story but also in the development of both Maise and Evan's character. There were moments throughout the book when Maise would constantly remind me of how young she was, despite being the adult at home and being in an adult relationship. It was so easy to forget that she was seventeen until it wasn't. And that's what separates Raeder from your average writer.
Evan's age also impacted the story. He may have been older than Maise, but he had youth of the heart. And it showed. These two really worked together. It wasn't forced and it wasn't uncomfortable. I am so glad that Raeder made Maise an eighteen year old versus someone who was younger. I think that would have been one too many hurdle for the characters to overcome.
Maise was an extremely smart girl. Very independent and courageous. But she was so flawed. So vulnerable. Raeder was able to display Maise's full character in about a third of the book, which was fantastic. Evan was a bit of harder egg to crack, which was fine. But once he opens up, his story was just as compelling to me.
This is such a character driven story and it was fantastic. The flow of the book was great, progression was good, evolution was great. It was just a well done read.
With all of this praise, I am still going to say that what I find it lacked? A bit more backstory to Evan. I would have like to have experienced a bit more on his part when it came to his past. While we do get a glimpse into it, we only get a glimpse into the part that impacts Maise. But I wanted to know more about him, because I really enjoyed his character. That's probably my only gripe.
Overall, I loved this book. So glad I read it and I highly recommend this one. To any and everyone who likes a story that goes full circle with strongly written characters with a seriously chaotic romantic entanglement.
Read full review on Pagefuls.com
I had put off reading Unteachable for a really long time (as in, multiple years) for no other reason than the fact that I had other things to read. And then one day, it showed up as a suggestion when I was browsing the Kindle store and I just bit the bullet and went for it.
For me, the best thing about this book was the writing style. I realise that the poetic, dream sequence-like writing is never going to appeal to everyone, but for this story it worked. It created the impression that the heroine, Maise, was permanently living in a dream, rose-coloured glasses and all.
The plot, girl has one-night-stand with man who turns out to be her teacher, isn’t the most original (Pretty Little Liars, anyone?) but Elliott Wake made it his own and gave it a creative twist. However, it was predictable and cliche at times. I could see the ending coming a mile away. The author could have taking his time a little bit more towards the ending of the book, which did feel slightly rushed and sloppy.
I had put off reading Unteachable for a really long time (as in, multiple years) for no other reason than the fact that I had other things to read. And then one day, it showed up as a suggestion when I was browsing the Kindle store and I just bit the bullet and went for it.
For me, the best thing about this book was the writing style. I realise that the poetic, dream sequence-like writing is never going to appeal to everyone, but for this story it worked. It created the impression that the heroine, Maise, was permanently living in a dream, rose-coloured glasses and all.
The plot, girl has one-night-stand with man who turns out to be her teacher, isn’t the most original (Pretty Little Liars, anyone?) but Elliott Wake made it his own and gave it a creative twist. However, it was predictable and cliche at times. I could see the ending coming a mile away. The author could have taking his time a little bit more towards the ending of the book, which did feel slightly rushed and sloppy.
I am a little shocked I liked this as much as I did. there are so many elements to this story for me, generally, to stay away
first, this is definitely New Adult. this is not YA.
plus, we have the taboo - teacher / student (even though 18) relationship too
we have broken home lives and shattered high school dreams
but somehow this all just works. so much of it was the writing and the connection those words give us to each character. I didn't find Evan creepy and I didn't see Maise as weak or frustrating either. I saw two strong- willed but broken people who found beauty in the world together.
but I did love Maise's hints all through-out the story, as she foreshadows and warns of what's ahead.
because, can love really conquer all?
first, this is definitely New Adult. this is not YA.
plus, we have the taboo - teacher / student (even though 18) relationship too
we have broken home lives and shattered high school dreams
but somehow this all just works. so much of it was the writing and the connection those words give us to each character. I didn't find Evan creepy and I didn't see Maise as weak or frustrating either. I saw two strong- willed but broken people who found beauty in the world together.
but I did love Maise's hints all through-out the story, as she foreshadows and warns of what's ahead.
because, can love really conquer all?
*4.5
I loved this so much! The story line revolves around a student-teacher relationship but it was so gloriously done. Beautiful, poetic writing, no slut shaming of sexually experienced female characters, flawed male leads.. Ugh everything was so wonderful. I had to deduct half a star for the ending though.
REREAD: January 31st, 2018 .. Still love this book as much as I did almost two years ago. Sticking to my 4.5 rating but not so mad about the ending anymore. This time around, I found myself disliking Evan’s backstory. It made him seem creepier than I wanted. But still one of my faves 😊
I loved this so much! The story line revolves around a student-teacher relationship but it was so gloriously done. Beautiful, poetic writing, no slut shaming of sexually experienced female characters, flawed male leads.. Ugh everything was so wonderful. I had to deduct half a star for the ending though.
REREAD: January 31st, 2018 .. Still love this book as much as I did almost two years ago. Sticking to my 4.5 rating but not so mad about the ending anymore. This time around, I found myself disliking Evan’s backstory. It made him seem creepier than I wanted. But still one of my faves 😊
I don't know what it is about student/teacher relationships that fascinates me enough that I have to reach the story, even when I cringe many times during the story. Maise and Ethan's story was no different, with the exception that Maise, despite being eighteen, had been forced to grow up way to fast and was already jaded by the time she met Ethan. Both them them were broken, but they managed to create something special that helped both of them move forward.
Full five stars it deserves. I have always liked student teacher forbidden relationship. This one was the best. Good plot. Nice characters. Broken people trying to find happiness. the characters were realistic. The relationship between student and teacher is Dangerous and exciting. They know it. It adds to the thrill. Couldn't but didn't stop . Emotional and touching book. I liked the girl because of her truthfulness and bravery. And Evan oh my broken man... How I wish i could cuddle you. Read it ...you won't be disappointed at all.
Second read:
This time around I am older, wiser, and reading this not as a youngin' in it for the romance but for its realistic-ness, its beauty, its darkness, and whether or not I can picture this happen/what it would be like.
And I still adore it.
This author is a frikkin genius, and there's still nothing more magnificent about this story than the fact that the depravity/forbidden nature of things/age difference if half the draw of Evan and Maise to each other. There's no beating around the bush or pretending if they don't love it or—even worse—pretending the difference are barely noticed. It's all very messed up and very addressed.
“That was what we'd finally been forced to confront: if our relationship was based on forbiddenness, what would happen when it was no longer forbidden?”
Even the secondary characters bring something huge to the story (can we have a shout-out for Siobhan, please?). It's all very messy and very beautiful, all about adults not being grown up and kids not being allowed to be kids and maturing too fast and not wanting to, and I love the way characters connect throughout the story. Still so glad I stumbled across this once upon a time.
First read:
For now all I can say is: I really kind of adored it.
It is different, odd, sometimes uncomfortable, definitely forbidden, but so good.
In fact...
“You can call it love, or you can call it freefall. They're pretty much the same thing.”
Was this the very best book I've ever read in my life? No (because I've had the same favorite book since 5th grade). But Unteachable hit everything that I wanted it to. The characters are flawed, but they are flawed in ways that they can explain and that the reader can understand. Maybe even relate to. The relationship is steamy and forbidden, but the characters address the fact that it is forbidden and that it added to the appeal. They don't act like everything is okay, and they don't act so desperately in love that they just know if they had met under any other circumstances things would have played out the way they did because they're soul mates. The fact that they met and kept up a relationship through the means they did is actually what gave their relationship believability and strength, and they know that the teacher-student relationship is adding heat to their time together that may not otherwise exist.
Not only do we hear Maise's thoughts and what she sees in her teacher (and no, it's not all how gorgeous he is day in and day out [though he is gorgeous, so there is some of that, as there should be]), but Evan actually explains what he sees in Maise. And it isn't only that she's pretty and witty. There's more! (*fake gasp*) He likes her personality and her courage and even her bitterness. The kinds of things that make the whole story real and believable.
And may I mention how INCREDIBLE Leah Reader's prose is? I have never read an ebook that I could not put down like this. Her ability to write left me breathless.
“Our gazes struck like flint and steel. And I realized that gunsmoke smell wasn’t ozone. It was us. We burned.”
I loved it. I really did.
This time around I am older, wiser, and reading this not as a youngin' in it for the romance but for its realistic-ness, its beauty, its darkness, and whether or not I can picture this happen/what it would be like.
And I still adore it.
This author is a frikkin genius, and there's still nothing more magnificent about this story than the fact that the depravity/forbidden nature of things/age difference if half the draw of Evan and Maise to each other. There's no beating around the bush or pretending if they don't love it or—even worse—pretending the difference are barely noticed. It's all very messed up and very addressed.
“That was what we'd finally been forced to confront: if our relationship was based on forbiddenness, what would happen when it was no longer forbidden?”
Even the secondary characters bring something huge to the story (can we have a shout-out for Siobhan, please?). It's all very messy and very beautiful, all about adults not being grown up and kids not being allowed to be kids and maturing too fast and not wanting to, and I love the way characters connect throughout the story. Still so glad I stumbled across this once upon a time.
First read:
For now all I can say is: I really kind of adored it.
It is different, odd, sometimes uncomfortable, definitely forbidden, but so good.
In fact...
“You can call it love, or you can call it freefall. They're pretty much the same thing.”
Was this the very best book I've ever read in my life? No (because I've had the same favorite book since 5th grade). But Unteachable hit everything that I wanted it to. The characters are flawed, but they are flawed in ways that they can explain and that the reader can understand. Maybe even relate to. The relationship is steamy and forbidden, but the characters address the fact that it is forbidden and that it added to the appeal. They don't act like everything is okay, and they don't act so desperately in love that they just know if they had met under any other circumstances things would have played out the way they did because they're soul mates. The fact that they met and kept up a relationship through the means they did is actually what gave their relationship believability and strength, and they know that the teacher-student relationship is adding heat to their time together that may not otherwise exist.
Not only do we hear Maise's thoughts and what she sees in her teacher (and no, it's not all how gorgeous he is day in and day out [though he is gorgeous, so there is some of that, as there should be]), but Evan actually explains what he sees in Maise. And it isn't only that she's pretty and witty. There's more! (*fake gasp*) He likes her personality and her courage and even her bitterness. The kinds of things that make the whole story real and believable.
And may I mention how INCREDIBLE Leah Reader's prose is? I have never read an ebook that I could not put down like this. Her ability to write left me breathless.
“Our gazes struck like flint and steel. And I realized that gunsmoke smell wasn’t ozone. It was us. We burned.”
I loved it. I really did.