Review Detail
Young Adult Fiction
231
Engaging Tale
(Updated: August 06, 2013)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
I'm a huge fan of Janet Gurtler's novels. Her writing wraps around you like a visit with a best friend. You laugh, cry, and feel the love. Her books are just like that. You don't want them to end.
HOW I LOST YOU has two BFFs-Grace and Kya who love to play paintball. Grace loves Kya, with all her faults. She knows a 'secret' about Kya and will do anything to protect her. Problem is sometimes she loses sight of what she really wants. Kya loves to live on the edge to the point that some of her choices border dangerous. Grace doesn't want to lose Kya even when the real truth might be harder to accept.
What worked: I loved this book. I curled up on my sofa for a couple days and let the writing pull me in. Gurtler isn't afraid to dig deep with her character's emotions and flaws. Nothing cliche or stereotypical here! Grace is the 'good girl' but loves the excitement of Kyra though she fears the choices her friend makes. Grace reminded me so much of me in high school and the best friend I would do just about anything to keep. I really think Grace and her struggles and conflicts over Kyra will resonate with readers. Who hasn't had to make the painful decision on whether a friendship is still worth having? Or how far would you go to help a friend?
Kyra is not the typical 'wounded' victim either. She's full of spirit and yes has the passive aggressive behavior down pat. There were times I wanted Grace to yell, "Just quit it, Kyra." But knew, I'd done similar things with my own friends. When you're in high school and even college, friendship means so much that it's easy to look the other way. Gurtler shows this in a very real way.
That's why I love Gurtler's books so much! She's the queen of dealing with sensitive subjects with a frankness and humor that doesn't feel judgmental.
What didn't work had to be how I didn't want this story to end. I loved the ending which is both bittersweet with hope laced through it.
Heartbreaking yet real tale that will bring back memories of readers own memories of breaking up with their BFF. Gurtler interlaces the pain, guilt, and love of those times into one amazing story that is bittersweet laced with hope. Gurtler is this generation's Jodi Picoult!
A total must read!
HOW I LOST YOU has two BFFs-Grace and Kya who love to play paintball. Grace loves Kya, with all her faults. She knows a 'secret' about Kya and will do anything to protect her. Problem is sometimes she loses sight of what she really wants. Kya loves to live on the edge to the point that some of her choices border dangerous. Grace doesn't want to lose Kya even when the real truth might be harder to accept.
What worked: I loved this book. I curled up on my sofa for a couple days and let the writing pull me in. Gurtler isn't afraid to dig deep with her character's emotions and flaws. Nothing cliche or stereotypical here! Grace is the 'good girl' but loves the excitement of Kyra though she fears the choices her friend makes. Grace reminded me so much of me in high school and the best friend I would do just about anything to keep. I really think Grace and her struggles and conflicts over Kyra will resonate with readers. Who hasn't had to make the painful decision on whether a friendship is still worth having? Or how far would you go to help a friend?
Kyra is not the typical 'wounded' victim either. She's full of spirit and yes has the passive aggressive behavior down pat. There were times I wanted Grace to yell, "Just quit it, Kyra." But knew, I'd done similar things with my own friends. When you're in high school and even college, friendship means so much that it's easy to look the other way. Gurtler shows this in a very real way.
That's why I love Gurtler's books so much! She's the queen of dealing with sensitive subjects with a frankness and humor that doesn't feel judgmental.
What didn't work had to be how I didn't want this story to end. I loved the ending which is both bittersweet with hope laced through it.
Heartbreaking yet real tale that will bring back memories of readers own memories of breaking up with their BFF. Gurtler interlaces the pain, guilt, and love of those times into one amazing story that is bittersweet laced with hope. Gurtler is this generation's Jodi Picoult!
A total must read!
Good Points
1. Heartbreaking, real tale of break up of BFF
2. Gurtler handles sensitive topics with frankness and humor
3. Her books feel like an overnight visit with a good friend--you laugh, cry, and feel the love.
2. Gurtler handles sensitive topics with frankness and humor
3. Her books feel like an overnight visit with a good friend--you laugh, cry, and feel the love.
Comments
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August 09, 2013
I don't think I've read any of her books, but I like the sound of a focus on best friends instead of romantic relationship. I think I'll be checking it out. Great review :]
Jasmine
1 results - showing 1 - 1
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