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A review by smolbean_reads
Unteachable by Elliot Wake
5.0
5 stars. Massively long review...
First, a confession: I started reading this back in January but I stopped. I'm not sure why, but I did. But 4 months later, I picked it back up (I hadn't really emotionally let go) and consumed it in the blink of an eye. In a way, this made the book more real to me, like Maise and Evan met 4 months ago and I've been on this long journey with them and I didn't really want it to end.
Leah, you are a literary genius. This book was so alive, it was living and breathing with stunning descriptions of all the senses. It combined my love of film and beautiful things and raw ugly things and lyrical poetic writing and the way we sometimes see the world through a lens. Like all the colours and shapes and sights and moments are mesmerising meaningful fragments of life that need to be captured and appreciated because they are SO important.
So the main theme of this book, really, is the student-teacher relationship and the age gap. This is obviously going to be something that has very different opinions from different people. Personally, the idea of an 18 y/o with an older man doesn't bother me. I think humans are pulled together by chemicals and hormones and stardust and magnets and unexplainable lust so if that means there is a 15 year age gap then so be it. The student/teacher thing wasn't really an important factor to me either. I mean sure I've had a crush on a college teacher who I'm pretty sure enjoyed my company when I got him alone except he was engaged so I couldn't flirt too intensely. But I get the appeal yknow. I like that this book questioned the boundaries between the forbidden and exciting romance and the genuine feelings, it didn't turn it into an emotionless porno. Although it was steamy at all the right times! Steam with substance. If that makes sense.
Maise. I think I love you. You are an absolutely original unique fascinating gem in a sea of dull forgettable18 y/o girls from new adult/YA. You are smart, brave, emotionally complex, sexually confident and real. But you have human flaws, you have been naive, selfish and obsessed. But that is okay because you have grown. You have had a journey, made mistakes, learnt from them, messed up again and picked yourself back up. You have learnt about other people, about liars, blackmailers, weaknesses, strengths, love and life.
'MISSION: Remake Myself. The movie cliché is to cut off my hair. Well, fuck that. Not too many Irish girls can boast about dark, silky tresses.'
First, a confession: I started reading this back in January but I stopped. I'm not sure why, but I did. But 4 months later, I picked it back up (I hadn't really emotionally let go) and consumed it in the blink of an eye. In a way, this made the book more real to me, like Maise and Evan met 4 months ago and I've been on this long journey with them and I didn't really want it to end.
"We stared at each other, motionless. Something flashed between us and broke open on his naked chest, leaving a glittering scar. A tiny diamond. Then another. Then another."
Leah, you are a literary genius. This book was so alive, it was living and breathing with stunning descriptions of all the senses. It combined my love of film and beautiful things and raw ugly things and lyrical poetic writing and the way we sometimes see the world through a lens. Like all the colours and shapes and sights and moments are mesmerising meaningful fragments of life that need to be captured and appreciated because they are SO important.
So the main theme of this book, really, is the student-teacher relationship and the age gap. This is obviously going to be something that has very different opinions from different people. Personally, the idea of an 18 y/o with an older man doesn't bother me. I think humans are pulled together by chemicals and hormones and stardust and magnets and unexplainable lust so if that means there is a 15 year age gap then so be it. The student/teacher thing wasn't really an important factor to me either. I mean sure I've had a crush on a college teacher who I'm pretty sure enjoyed my company when I got him alone except he was engaged so I couldn't flirt too intensely. But I get the appeal yknow. I like that this book questioned the boundaries between the forbidden and exciting romance and the genuine feelings, it didn't turn it into an emotionless porno. Although it was steamy at all the right times! Steam with substance. If that makes sense.
'I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul, and all that jazz.'
Maise. I think I love you. You are an absolutely original unique fascinating gem in a sea of dull forgettable18 y/o girls from new adult/YA. You are smart, brave, emotionally complex, sexually confident and real. But you have human flaws, you have been naive, selfish and obsessed. But that is okay because you have grown. You have had a journey, made mistakes, learnt from them, messed up again and picked yourself back up. You have learnt about other people, about liars, blackmailers, weaknesses, strengths, love and life.
'You should love something while you have it, love it fully and without reservation, even if you know you’ll lose it someday.'
Evan, you are still a bit of a mystery to me. You are old but young, wise but stupid, you follow your heart and your head. You feel real, I could reach out and touch you. But you're an enigma. And a creme egg- sweet on the outside but all gooey, messed up and unstable on the inside. You better treat Maise well in your future together okay?
Wes, you are wonderful. You are just a boy trying to do your best. I'm glad you didn't end up with Maise like you might have in other books. Although, that's an avenue that's interesting to think about, an alternate reality.'I kissed him slowly, indulgently, feeling the pillowed satin of his lips, the gritty scatter of stubble all around them.'
I'm going to end this review with this quote because it's a really great kiss and this book was like a really great kiss with a sharp scatter of stubble that felt bad but good at the same time. Unteachable, you have a very special place in my heart.
P.S Coverly-love. Mmm those bright vivid colours. Yes plz.