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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I kept reading this story even though I wasn't sure at times why or where it was heading with the story. Alison can hear and taste sounds, she doesn't know why and it really messes up her life. One day she wakes up in a mental ward and is being told Tori has disappeared and she could be responsible for her being gone. The story is told by Alison as she works with doctors to figure out what is wrong with her and where is Tori? I enjoyed the story until about the 2/3 mark when it took a sharp left into a whole new story that left me confused. I didn't get the new direction of the story and the ending has left me lost as it didn't connect to the rest of the story.
4.5 really but I wouldn't have felt completely comfortable rounding it up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book until it turned sci-fi on me. Nothing against sci-fi as such! But I find that if you're starting to entertain the thought of possibly-maybe ending your otherwise reasonably realistic novel and you're puzzling over how best to resolve the less realistic plot issues, in 90% of the cases aliens are not the answer. And certainly not oh-so-conveniently humanlike aliens. (But no! Look closer! Notice the hair follicles! NO.)
Still, I find synesthesia fascinating (who doesn't!) and R.J. Anderson does such an amazing job writing it that I'm willing to let the final silliness go, if only for the beautiful descriptions of the outer space as perceived by Alison. (But then I remember the follicles.) That, and the way Alison comes to re-examine her preconceptions and the stigma attached to mental illness/hospitalisation, are really what makes this book a rare - in my experience, at least - gem in the YA demographic.
And now excuse me as I go educate myself on tetrachromacy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book until it turned sci-fi on me. Nothing against sci-fi as such! But I find that if you're starting to entertain the thought of possibly-maybe ending your otherwise reasonably realistic novel and you're puzzling over how best to resolve the less realistic plot issues, in 90% of the cases aliens are not the answer. And certainly not oh-so-conveniently humanlike aliens. (But no! Look closer! Notice the hair follicles! NO.)
Still, I find synesthesia fascinating (who doesn't!) and R.J. Anderson does such an amazing job writing it that I'm willing to let the final silliness go, if only for the beautiful descriptions of the outer space as perceived by Alison. (But then I remember the follicles.) That, and the way Alison comes to re-examine her preconceptions and the stigma attached to mental illness/hospitalisation, are really what makes this book a rare - in my experience, at least - gem in the YA demographic.
And now excuse me as I go educate myself on tetrachromacy.
4.5/5.
I had seen this around a little but didn't have much of an idea about its plot or characters. I love the gorgeous purpley cover and the fact that I'm not entirely sure what is going on.
I don't want to share too much as this is a book that has some surprises. If I shared any of them with you, your enjoyment might be lessened. But we can discuss the plot a little bit. Main character Alison is checked into a mental hospital after what appears to be a mental breakdown as well as confessing to murder of popular girl Tori Beaugrand. This story follows Alison as she tries to make sense of her circumstances, her discovery that she has synesthesia (a neurological phenomenon that causes a variety of perceptions such as some people seeing A as purple or to see a color when hearing a sound), and unraveling the disappearance of Tori.
I was struck most by the incredible writing. Although I do not have synesthesia, I felt that I had a strong understanding of what a person who does have it experiences. This is definitely the standout element especially as Alison is the narrator and you are in her head. If you could not connect with her, if you could not feel at least a little of what she experiences, then you would find yourself estranged from the MC.
As for those surprises mentioned, they actually did detract from my reading. They took me completely into left-field in a way I did not appreciate. I'm not sure how else the author could have handled this and there was some foreshadowing for the twist (please also see my note above about "paranormal"). I honestly cannot imagine anyone predicting what happens in about the last third of the book.
Overall: Amazingly descriptive writing pulls you into Alison's world and takes you on an exhilarating ride through her mind.
I had seen this around a little but didn't have much of an idea about its plot or characters. I love the gorgeous purpley cover and the fact that I'm not entirely sure what is going on.
I don't want to share too much as this is a book that has some surprises. If I shared any of them with you, your enjoyment might be lessened. But we can discuss the plot a little bit. Main character Alison is checked into a mental hospital after what appears to be a mental breakdown as well as confessing to murder of popular girl Tori Beaugrand. This story follows Alison as she tries to make sense of her circumstances, her discovery that she has synesthesia (a neurological phenomenon that causes a variety of perceptions such as some people seeing A as purple or to see a color when hearing a sound), and unraveling the disappearance of Tori.
I was struck most by the incredible writing. Although I do not have synesthesia, I felt that I had a strong understanding of what a person who does have it experiences. This is definitely the standout element especially as Alison is the narrator and you are in her head. If you could not connect with her, if you could not feel at least a little of what she experiences, then you would find yourself estranged from the MC.
As for those surprises mentioned, they actually did detract from my reading. They took me completely into left-field in a way I did not appreciate. I'm not sure how else the author could have handled this and there was some foreshadowing for the twist (please also see my note above about "paranormal"). I honestly cannot imagine anyone predicting what happens in about the last third of the book.
Overall: Amazingly descriptive writing pulls you into Alison's world and takes you on an exhilarating ride through her mind.
Nothing about the jacket blurb tells you this book is supernatural fiction. Nothing. The supernatural twist is completely and utterly ridiculous. It's above and beyond and just...ridiculous. I devoured this book up until the end when I wanted to vomit on it. The ending completely ruined what was an exceptionally written book. So sad!
Very interesting concept! Kind of bummed about the age differences between protagonist and love interest.
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
First impressions: Alison has the rare condition of synesthesia. She perceives the world differently than most - tasting emotions, seeing letters in certain colors, and seeing visual representations of sound. Because of this affliction (for lack of a better word), the descriptions from Alison's point of view are incredibly beautiful. Though she suffers lots of negative consequences from the overstimulation, I still found myself kind of jealous that I don't see the world the way she does.
Lasting impressions: I was really into this one until the strange new direction the book takes in the last third of the story. I won't call it a twist, because there were so many unsubtle clues that I could see it coming a mile away, but it definitely was a game-changer for Alison. It didn't really work for me, and my overall impression of the book suffered as a result.
Conflicting impressions: I wish that Alison's relationships with her fellow psych ward patients had been developed further. Instead, they get the backseat to the impending drama and so some of the events involving them - roommate changes, some misguided sexual harrassment, and witnessing other breakdowns - seemed misplaced in this story. Either have the story be about the mental ward and give us deeper characterizations for her fellow patients, or don't develop them at all and leave the focus on Dr. Faraday and the Tori mystery.
Overall impressions: I so wanted to love this book. As it turns out, I did like it, but the ending didn't gel for me so I ended up with more mixed feelings than anything. Sigh.
Here's the deal. Alison's a cool girl. She has a deliciously complicated relationship with her parents. There's something freaky going on with her classmate, Tori, that is unraveling her life in such a way that when the story opens she's in a psych ward, uncertain as to whether her memories of killing Tori are correct. The problem is that she remembers disintegrating Tori, which couldn't be possible. So what really happened?
If this had been the entire focus of the book (which I guess in a way, it is, but not in the way I expected), I would have been happy. We do get resolution as to what happened to Tori and the role Alison played in it, but man did that explanation come out of left field.
As I mentioned above, the explanation isn't entirely unexpected given the enormous planet-sized hints R. J. Anderson drops throughout the text. I did find myself hoping, however, that the explanation would turn out to be the opposite of my assumptions - with no luck. This made the ending something of a disappointment for me, and because it was so strikingly different in tone and content from the first two-thirds of the book it plummeted my enjoyment of the story.
Alison's synesthesia is engrossing, and as she starts working with the mysterious researcher Dr. Faraday, we find out more information on how her brain functions. The former psych major in me was completely hooked on the barrage of tests Alison undergoes, and her relationship with Faraday gives her some needed warmth in the midst of the cold and sterile hospital setting.
If you are looking for an unusual paranormal story with a definitely non-formulaic plot, I recommend picking this one up. It's a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of psychology, or anyone looking for a story a little bit "out there."
Lasting impressions: I was really into this one until the strange new direction the book takes in the last third of the story. I won't call it a twist, because there were so many unsubtle clues that I could see it coming a mile away, but it definitely was a game-changer for Alison. It didn't really work for me, and my overall impression of the book suffered as a result.
Conflicting impressions: I wish that Alison's relationships with her fellow psych ward patients had been developed further. Instead, they get the backseat to the impending drama and so some of the events involving them - roommate changes, some misguided sexual harrassment, and witnessing other breakdowns - seemed misplaced in this story. Either have the story be about the mental ward and give us deeper characterizations for her fellow patients, or don't develop them at all and leave the focus on Dr. Faraday and the Tori mystery.
Overall impressions: I so wanted to love this book. As it turns out, I did like it, but the ending didn't gel for me so I ended up with more mixed feelings than anything. Sigh.
Here's the deal. Alison's a cool girl. She has a deliciously complicated relationship with her parents. There's something freaky going on with her classmate, Tori, that is unraveling her life in such a way that when the story opens she's in a psych ward, uncertain as to whether her memories of killing Tori are correct. The problem is that she remembers disintegrating Tori, which couldn't be possible. So what really happened?
If this had been the entire focus of the book (which I guess in a way, it is, but not in the way I expected), I would have been happy. We do get resolution as to what happened to Tori and the role Alison played in it, but man did that explanation come out of left field.
As I mentioned above, the explanation isn't entirely unexpected given the enormous planet-sized hints R. J. Anderson drops throughout the text. I did find myself hoping, however, that the explanation would turn out to be the opposite of my assumptions - with no luck. This made the ending something of a disappointment for me, and because it was so strikingly different in tone and content from the first two-thirds of the book it plummeted my enjoyment of the story.
Alison's synesthesia is engrossing, and as she starts working with the mysterious researcher Dr. Faraday, we find out more information on how her brain functions. The former psych major in me was completely hooked on the barrage of tests Alison undergoes, and her relationship with Faraday gives her some needed warmth in the midst of the cold and sterile hospital setting.
If you are looking for an unusual paranormal story with a definitely non-formulaic plot, I recommend picking this one up. It's a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of psychology, or anyone looking for a story a little bit "out there."
This book was phenomenal. I have never really a paranormal book before but this book was just written perfectly. I loved the main character Alison ( TEEN WOLF ) sorry hade to put that in ^_^ well anyway sometimes she would annoy me because she wouldn't tell anyone of some thing that happened to her like what Kirk did to her she kept it for a while. I actually hated Tori I found her really annoying and snobby but she got better in the end. The ending was really good I found out that it ended on a good note with no stupid twists. One thing I was surprised was that there was fantasy in it because what happened to Tori I found that interesting because the book makes you think it only Paranormal, a bit of Romance and other serious things you also don't know if Alison is telling the truth of what is happening to her. I have it a 5 for one of the best books I have read these past few weeks:) ^_^
Ultraviolet is my very first read by R.J. Anderson, and it definitely won’t be the last! I enjoyed reading this book; it’s really different than anything I’ve read, given the subject matter.
The main character, Alison, was a really strong, likeable girl. Even in the situation she was in, confused and scared in the beginning, she grew more confident in herself every day. She knew she was different than others, but she was afraid of letting people know just how different she really was. But she didn’t give up, and she believed in herself. I really liked Faraday as well. I thought I had him figured out, but I was definitely wrong! Most of the secondary characters have a story as to why they are in the institution, and even those characters grew on me as well.
The book drew me in from page one. The writing held my attention and was fast paced. The plot was believable and really interesting, and the twists and turns kept me in suspense for what would happen next. The ending does have a bit of a twist, and while I knew ‘something’ different was coming at the end, that ending definitely wasn’t it. Also, the ending was pretty much left wide open, so I’m hoping that means this could possibly be a series?
Overall, this was a really different and interesting read for me. The summary doesn’t quite let you know what you’re in for when you do read the book. I really did like this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book!
http://www.thereaderbee.com/2011/06/review-ultraviolet-by-rj-anderson.html
The main character, Alison, was a really strong, likeable girl. Even in the situation she was in, confused and scared in the beginning, she grew more confident in herself every day. She knew she was different than others, but she was afraid of letting people know just how different she really was. But she didn’t give up, and she believed in herself. I really liked Faraday as well. I thought I had him figured out, but I was definitely wrong! Most of the secondary characters have a story as to why they are in the institution, and even those characters grew on me as well.
The book drew me in from page one. The writing held my attention and was fast paced. The plot was believable and really interesting, and the twists and turns kept me in suspense for what would happen next. The ending does have a bit of a twist, and while I knew ‘something’ different was coming at the end, that ending definitely wasn’t it. Also, the ending was pretty much left wide open, so I’m hoping that means this could possibly be a series?
Overall, this was a really different and interesting read for me. The summary doesn’t quite let you know what you’re in for when you do read the book. I really did like this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book!
http://www.thereaderbee.com/2011/06/review-ultraviolet-by-rj-anderson.html
Allison has synesthesia. What is synesthesia? Synesthesia is a different kind of hard wiring in the brain that allows someone to experience everything with multiple senses...names are not just a sound but may have a smell and taste too. Pictures may have a sound and feeling associated with them.
So Allison wakes up in a Psych ward having been the last person to see the very popular Tori Beaugrand. Tori is missing and Ali sincerely believes that she is responsible for Tori's disappearance.
It's not until Allison meets Dr. Faraday that she finds out what synesthesia is and that it's not a mental illness. But can she figure out what happened to Tori?
I'd heard of synesthesia prior to reading "Ultraviolet". The author, however, was able to use it in a fascinating way, by building a mystery around it. I loved Allison and the way she grew in strength and learned to allow herself to feel. The book didn't quite end the way I thought it would but the ending was still good.
So Allison wakes up in a Psych ward having been the last person to see the very popular Tori Beaugrand. Tori is missing and Ali sincerely believes that she is responsible for Tori's disappearance.
It's not until Allison meets Dr. Faraday that she finds out what synesthesia is and that it's not a mental illness. But can she figure out what happened to Tori?
I'd heard of synesthesia prior to reading "Ultraviolet". The author, however, was able to use it in a fascinating way, by building a mystery around it. I loved Allison and the way she grew in strength and learned to allow herself to feel. The book didn't quite end the way I thought it would but the ending was still good.