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lovefromaia's review
4.0
I loved reading this book so much.
Although, I can hardly imagine myself being in the same position as the main character in any way, i found myself sympathising with her. The guilt that she felt had been weighing her down and had stopped her from living her life. I can only imagine how much her mind tortured her, with the 'what ifs?' that that punishment was sufficient alone.
The important message I got from this is that the only way of overcoming your guilt is coming to terms of what's happened, holding yourself accountable whilst also forgiving yourself first. The ending was very comforting to read especially when she realises that despite all the blame she has been putting on herself all this time, there was nothing she could have done to prevent it from happening in the long term. Which is vital to remember; some things are just unavoidable.
The overall format of the book seemed to be confusing to some readers but i found the diary recounts very effective especially concerning the plot. The writing style was consistent and easy to read but also very moving.
overall rating: 4 stars
plot: 4 stars
characters: 4 stars
writing style: 3.5 stars
Although, I can hardly imagine myself being in the same position as the main character in any way, i found myself sympathising with her. The guilt that she felt had been weighing her down and had stopped her from living her life. I can only imagine how much her mind tortured her, with the 'what ifs?' that that punishment was sufficient alone.
The important message I got from this is that the only way of overcoming your guilt is coming to terms of what's happened, holding yourself accountable whilst also forgiving yourself first. The ending was very comforting to read especially when she realises that despite all the blame she has been putting on herself all this time, there was nothing she could have done to prevent it from happening in the long term. Which is vital to remember; some things are just unavoidable.
The overall format of the book seemed to be confusing to some readers but i found the diary recounts very effective especially concerning the plot. The writing style was consistent and easy to read but also very moving.
overall rating: 4 stars
plot: 4 stars
characters: 4 stars
writing style: 3.5 stars
kristid's review
3.0
James was Theresa’s neighbor. It was obvious to everyone, even to her that he was in love with her. Theresa however didn’t feel that way about James, she couldn’t help it, it just wasn’t there. He was four years older than her and besides that she already had a boyfriend, Randy. When Randy moves onto another girl, Theresa can’t help but use James’s willingness to her advantage. She knows he loves her, and she knows that using him is wrong, but he insists that he wants to be used. Theresa, however, didn’t foresee the events that would play out the night of the party, or she never would have asked James to be her date. Theresa broke his heart and he killed himself.
Overflowing with toxic guilt, Theresa flees her old life. She shaves her head, changes her name and moves to a new town where no one knows her. Determined that she won’t let herself hurt someone again.
Unexpectedly, Theresa’s salvation comes in the form of a young scraggly abused child, that lives next door to her trailer. They set out on a road trip that ultimately aids in healing them both.
I can’t say enough good things about Hyde as a writer. She gets me everytime! The moral of this story is simple, be careful with other peoples hearts. The story, however, is anything but. The plot is intense, and the sporadic journal entries by Theresa add significant depth. Once again Ryan has superbly crafted a compelling tale that I soon won’t forget. The Day I Killed James: May 13, 2008.
Overflowing with toxic guilt, Theresa flees her old life. She shaves her head, changes her name and moves to a new town where no one knows her. Determined that she won’t let herself hurt someone again.
Unexpectedly, Theresa’s salvation comes in the form of a young scraggly abused child, that lives next door to her trailer. They set out on a road trip that ultimately aids in healing them both.
I can’t say enough good things about Hyde as a writer. She gets me everytime! The moral of this story is simple, be careful with other peoples hearts. The story, however, is anything but. The plot is intense, and the sporadic journal entries by Theresa add significant depth. Once again Ryan has superbly crafted a compelling tale that I soon won’t forget. The Day I Killed James: May 13, 2008.
kassimesserly's review
2.0
This book was all over the place... it was confusing and jumped all over , not really making sense. The title is kind of misleading. The book feels like a long tangent of nonsense. Didn’t really enjoy it and didn’t understand the point...
tomaind's review
4.0
I am a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books. This is the fourth book I have read by her and the second one that is a Young Adult book. I felt that it started a little slow and I was a little confused with the journal entries because they bounced around to different time periods. Part two of the story really turned around and the story picked up for me. This is a journey of forgiveness, self awareness and acceptance. There is an important life lesson that should be taken to heart and everyone should try to live by: Do not be careless with someone else's heart.
pikaellie's review
4.0
I thought this book was good, but I didn't see a lot of plot in it? I loved the characters and the message at the end, but there was very little plot to the book.
abigailbat's review
3.0
This powerful story had me hooked from the beginning, lost me a little bit in the middle, and got me again at the end. Theresa never meant to hurt James. When her boyfriend Randy broke up with her, she took James to the party as revenge. James knew that she wasn't that into him. But James never came home from that party and Theresa knows it's her fault. The Day I Killed James is a powerful story about a girl coming to terms with her grief and her guilt.
sbbailey's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Child abuse
theresidentbookworm's review
3.0
Yet another Garden Ridge purchase! *smiles* This is my second Hyde novel, and I'm not really sure what to think. This novel jumps all over the place. It's written in somewhat of a diary format. Here's a list of my likes and dislikes.
Likes:
1. Overall message
2. Secondary characters
3. Theresa
Dislikes:
1. Lack of plot
2. James
3. Theresa
Clearly, from my lists, you can see I'm conflicted. Read and help me figure this out!
Likes:
1. Overall message
2. Secondary characters
3. Theresa
Dislikes:
1. Lack of plot
2. James
3. Theresa
Clearly, from my lists, you can see I'm conflicted. Read and help me figure this out!