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jonetta 's review for:
Left Drowning
by Jessica Park
Before I go into my review I’d like to mention that I was expecting Left Drowning to be similar to Flat Out Love, at least in writing style. If I didn’t know any better, I would say each book had a different author. Is that good or bad? Definitely not bad in this case, but it was a surprise and slightly jarring. With most authors, you know what you’re going to get when you pick up one of their books. Jessica Park is not this kind of author. And how refreshing that is.
Blythe McGuire is a senior in college and drowning in her past. With darkness behind her and no light leading the way, she struggles to find peace and happiness in her everyday life. She’s felt alone since the death of her parents and stays withdrawn from the world, just doing enough to get by. And then she meets Chris Shepherd and his rambunctious and chaotic family. They take her in and make her feel a part of something again. As Blythe begins to heal, she discovers she’s not the only one with a traumatic past laden with secrets. Can Blythe and Chris survive together or will the past hold them back?
First, I would like to note that I devoured this book in almost one sitting. Second, I would like to say that I struggled with this book. I could not warm up to Blythe, the main character. She and I did not connect on any level for pretty much the entire book. More often than not, this is a deal-breaker for me. I just didn’t get her. What did the other characters see that I, the reader, was missing? But I’m trying, as a character-driven reader, to convince myself that that’s okay. It’s all about the story, right?
The story? It was a hot mess. Heavy, depressing, full of angst, and emotionally draining. I could not relax, always waiting for the other shoe (or fifty) to drop. And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I was proven wrong. Again and again. So Left Drowning was pretty much the perfect book of choice for me. That being said, there were some aspects of the story that I struggled with. The characters could all use a good mouth-washing. I don’t mind swearing, but these characters do not hold back. They have no filter. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Also, I don’t like preachy books, whether they’re preaching about Jesus or telling me he doesn’t exist. At times it was a bit overkill. Got it, you’re an atheist. Check. Now let’s move on. But then there were things I really loved, like the growth of each character, the complexities of their relationships, and the gut-wrenching struggles each lived through. But mostly I loved Chris (he did piss me off a few times though) and Sabin (character-driven reader, remember?). Oh Sabin. You were almost my first choice (don’t worry, no love triangle there). I felt like he was my best friend, and I just wanted to gather him up in my arms and plant motherly kisses all over his face. He was a sad little boy trapped in a big, strapping young man’s body. You can’t help but cheer him on. Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris. You sexy, protective, selfless, dirty talker, you. This was as much his story as Blythe’s. And honestly, he was the saving grace for me. I could not get enough of him. And yet, never have I been so uncertain of the direction a character would take, and that is so refreshing in any book. Park was believable in her storytelling and the gritty tale pulled me in effortlessly.
So it comes down to a girl I’m not crazy about, a boy I love, and a story that will rip your heart out (but, you know, in a good way ;)), 4 glowing stars. Jessica Park has found a devoted fan in me.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Blythe McGuire is a senior in college and drowning in her past. With darkness behind her and no light leading the way, she struggles to find peace and happiness in her everyday life. She’s felt alone since the death of her parents and stays withdrawn from the world, just doing enough to get by. And then she meets Chris Shepherd and his rambunctious and chaotic family. They take her in and make her feel a part of something again. As Blythe begins to heal, she discovers she’s not the only one with a traumatic past laden with secrets. Can Blythe and Chris survive together or will the past hold them back?
First, I would like to note that I devoured this book in almost one sitting. Second, I would like to say that I struggled with this book. I could not warm up to Blythe, the main character. She and I did not connect on any level for pretty much the entire book. More often than not, this is a deal-breaker for me. I just didn’t get her. What did the other characters see that I, the reader, was missing? But I’m trying, as a character-driven reader, to convince myself that that’s okay. It’s all about the story, right?
The story? It was a hot mess. Heavy, depressing, full of angst, and emotionally draining. I could not relax, always waiting for the other shoe (or fifty) to drop. And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I was proven wrong. Again and again. So Left Drowning was pretty much the perfect book of choice for me. That being said, there were some aspects of the story that I struggled with. The characters could all use a good mouth-washing. I don’t mind swearing, but these characters do not hold back. They have no filter. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Also, I don’t like preachy books, whether they’re preaching about Jesus or telling me he doesn’t exist. At times it was a bit overkill. Got it, you’re an atheist. Check. Now let’s move on. But then there were things I really loved, like the growth of each character, the complexities of their relationships, and the gut-wrenching struggles each lived through. But mostly I loved Chris (he did piss me off a few times though) and Sabin (character-driven reader, remember?). Oh Sabin. You were almost my first choice (don’t worry, no love triangle there). I felt like he was my best friend, and I just wanted to gather him up in my arms and plant motherly kisses all over his face. He was a sad little boy trapped in a big, strapping young man’s body. You can’t help but cheer him on. Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris. You sexy, protective, selfless, dirty talker, you. This was as much his story as Blythe’s. And honestly, he was the saving grace for me. I could not get enough of him. And yet, never have I been so uncertain of the direction a character would take, and that is so refreshing in any book. Park was believable in her storytelling and the gritty tale pulled me in effortlessly.
So it comes down to a girl I’m not crazy about, a boy I love, and a story that will rip your heart out (but, you know, in a good way ;)), 4 glowing stars. Jessica Park has found a devoted fan in me.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)