By Julie Berry
Stand Alone Novel
Genre: Young Adult, Historical FictionPublication Date: September 26, 2013
I received this book, at BEA (Book Expo America ’13), in exchange for an honest review.
Four
years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of
Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated,
reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to
speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her
thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember – even if
he doesn’t know it – her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is
attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose:
continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing
her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startling original novel
will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing;
and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very
last.
All
the Truth That’s in Me on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble
Julie
Berry’s WebsiteMy Thoughts:
Before
I start I have to admit that I don’t normally read historical fiction. So if
you’re a historical fan, PLEASE do not let this sway your opinion one way or
another.
Before reading I skimmed the summary and I honestly thought it was more along the lines of a contemporary thriller. I thought the idea sounded interesting…a girl left mutilated and mute after being held captive for years and then suddenly released and forced to adjust to a new life. I was very surprised when I started reading only to realize it’s historical. I had a hard time getting into the book because of this and I said many times while reading that I really wished it were contemporary. I said it enough that I’m sure my friend, Anna (Annaberry Reads), was probably sick of hearing it, haha.
Before reading I skimmed the summary and I honestly thought it was more along the lines of a contemporary thriller. I thought the idea sounded interesting…a girl left mutilated and mute after being held captive for years and then suddenly released and forced to adjust to a new life. I was very surprised when I started reading only to realize it’s historical. I had a hard time getting into the book because of this and I said many times while reading that I really wished it were contemporary. I said it enough that I’m sure my friend, Anna (Annaberry Reads), was probably sick of hearing it, haha.
Although
it was overall a slow read for me I will say that the second two thirds did go
a little smoother and quicker. I was able to get to know the characters and the
story did go in unexpected directions.
This
book hasn’t made me reevaluate my avoidance of historical novels but MAYBE the
next time I stumble on one unexpectedly I’ll be more likely to give it a
chance. Maybe ;-)
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5
