Review Detail

Young Adult Fiction 231
Intensely Real
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
N/A
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
An intensely real story about two people whose love turned to destruction.

The story:
Natalie and Dan had a connection from the moment they met. She had a flair for life and an incredible artistic talent. He had a good-boy reputation and dreams of his own. They were opposites in every way, but they fell in love.
The story picks up after their breakup. Natalie has written her side to their story in letters that she leaves for Dan, giving him a glimpse into the girl he loved and grew to hate. It's the biggest day of Dan's life and all he can focus on is the destruction left in the wake of their relationship.

What I loved:
The intensity in this book made it a one-sitting read. There is no way I could have put the book down mid story. it's tragic and flawed and completely terrible in the best possible way. It's the kind of story that you hate, but it keeps you completely engrossed at the same time. The writer has such a talent for making us actually feel her words, each one of them breaking our hearts a little. Natalie and Dan are enormously flawed characters. There's very little good to be found in them. But that's how it's supposed to be. The story wouldn't have nearly as much impact any other way.
It unfolded quickly and it's truly hard to choose sides. In the beginning, the reader is on Dan's side. Natalie is shown as crazy, but as the story moves, we see Dan isn't who we thought he was. The story twists your mind in so many directions that when you finish, it takes a bit of time to be able to think again.

What was just okay:
I wanted one character to root for. It didn't have to be Natalie or Dan, just someone good. The ending was a bit anti-climatic after the crazy amounts of drama. But maybe that was the point.

Final Verdict:
A unique and intense look into relationships gone wrong that shows us there really are two sides to every story.
Report this review Was this review helpful? 0 0

Comments

Already have an account? or Create an account