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jwagstrom 's review for:
We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
8/21/25 Update: I read this book for the first time almost exactly ten years ago. I didn’t realize I was reading it the same month I read it last time! I wanted to re-read it because I have Family of Liars to read and I wanted a refresher.
This book has stuck with me. This read through, I knew the ending, so I was able to read and look for clues and foreshadowing I’d completely missed the first reading. I forgot HOW the ending happens though, so it was just as heartbreaking. I remember finishing the second half of the book in one sitting when I should have been sleeping because I was so engrossed. This time I did it with the last quarter of the book to go.
I still think this is a five-star read for me. The ending is rough, for many reasons, but I think the story is well told. John Green blurbed it as “utterly unforgettable” and he’s not wrong.
8/26/15: Auuuuuugh, the ending of this book punched me right in the gut. I was not expecting it at all.
Updated after reading some other reviews: I read this book totally blind. I didn't know there was any hype surrounding it. I read it because I'm a fan of Lockhart's work, having previously read all four Ruby Oliver books and Frankie Landau Banks. I like the way she writes and I like that all her books are a little bit different.
This book has stuck with me. This read through, I knew the ending, so I was able to read and look for clues and foreshadowing I’d completely missed the first reading. I forgot HOW the ending happens though, so it was just as heartbreaking. I remember finishing the second half of the book in one sitting when I should have been sleeping because I was so engrossed. This time I did it with the last quarter of the book to go.
I still think this is a five-star read for me. The ending is rough, for many reasons, but I think the story is well told. John Green blurbed it as “utterly unforgettable” and he’s not wrong.
8/26/15: Auuuuuugh, the ending of this book punched me right in the gut. I was not expecting it at all.
Updated after reading some other reviews: I read this book totally blind. I didn't know there was any hype surrounding it. I read it because I'm a fan of Lockhart's work, having previously read all four Ruby Oliver books and Frankie Landau Banks. I like the way she writes and I like that all her books are a little bit different.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death