Reading Song of the Day: "Coming Undone" by KornSo, it took me a long time (what with NaNo, revising, and the day job), but I finally, FINALLY got to finish The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by the lovely Michelle Hodkin--the twelfth book in our 2011 Debut Author Challenge. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait. First, here is what Goodreads has to say:
Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong.
Ooh, intense. Want to read what I have to say? Well, it's time to give you:
The Top Four Things You Need to Know About Mara Dyer
1. It doesn't fit into just one genre. I didn't really know what to expect when I first opened Mara Dyer. As you can tell from the Goodreads summary, the plot has been rather vague. And that cover? Beautiful, haunting--but I still had NO IDEA what it meant. One of the reasons why I thought Mara Dyer was so great is because she crossed boundaries. The love story was so raw and emotional that at times I was feeling like it was a romance. But then there were all of these shocking moments that made me jump--which had to make it a horror, right? But wait, there's more--Mara also has to unravel a mystery, and the way the pieces all weave together make you think you might be reading a thriller. Again, I don't know what category I'd place this novel. I just wish there was one for: PURE AWESOME.
2. Noah is, um, DROOL-WORTHY. Remember that romance I mentioned earlier? Well, this guy brings the heat. I know, I know--some of us may be a little tired of the whole "bad boy" image. But Noah is more than just the forbidden love interest. He's dark and carefree and caring and sneaky and...just. JUST! As you can tell, he left me a bit tongue-tied.
3. The teens sound like teens. I tell you, Michelle Hodkin has a knack for witty dialogue. Not only did the rapport between Mara and her brothers feel natural, but the exchanges between Mara and Noah were just oozing with chemistry. Their lines meld with each other so well, and was so quickly paced, that I felt like I was reading something by Aaron Sorkin at times (just watch The Social Network then you'll get what I'm talking about).
4. Umm, cliffhanger much? I'm usually not a fan of these, but the way this story ends...well, I don't want to reveal anything, but I'll definitely be purchasing the next volume the day it comes out.
Have I psyched you enough for this novel? If not, then check out these comparisons.
If You Like...
Books: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane, Uninvited by Justine Musk...then you'll like Mara Dyer
Movies: Heathers, Memento, High Tension...then you'll like Mara Dyer
Have you all read Mara Dyer yet? What did you think? What other "trippy" YA novels would you recommend?
Have you all read Mara Dyer yet? What did you think? What other "trippy" YA novels would you recommend?
*BTW, followers that comment on this post as well as our LAST Debut Author Challenge post (which may be next Thursday), will be entered to win a $15 Amazon gift card. Just saying.... :)
8 comments:
I know I'm not supposed to hate you and stuff, but since you've already gotten your hands on MARA DYER, I. Hate. You.
*glares*
Now if you'll excuse me, I must go weep in a corner...
Just finished that last week, loved it, especially Noah :) and the fact that she isn't what you expect. It was a great read!
Oh, Mara Dyer! Pure awesome indeed! I totally agree with your points! I didn't know what to expect from it either and I didn't know what was going on for 3/4 of the book, and yet a devoured every page of it. And then craved some more. (OMG THAT ENDING!) And we so need to open a fan club or something for Noah. He's so... *stares off into space trying to find the right words failing miserably* Perfect. Dreamy. Drool worthy. Toe curling charming. The list is endless.
Anyway, I loved everything about this book and Michelle's writing is stunning! She blended in so many genres and styles and nuances and subjects...Awesomeness!<3
Sorry for the long comment, I always find myself gushing and rambling when it comes to this book!:))
Noah is just fabulous!! sigh....This was such an enjoyable read ;)
Okay...so, I def. need to read Pam's copy soon. You guys are making me want to read it even more than I did before!
Thanks for commenting :D
This one has been on my list for a while. Like, from when I first read a blurb months ago. Cannot. Wait.
I'm so jealous, I really want to read this book. It sounds so different, so good.
Thanks for the review. :)
Jennelle S
jlynettes @ hotmail . com
I wanted to expand a little bit. I thought the banter in this book was excellent. Something to make me laugh out loud. I loved it. I'm highly looking forward to the sequel. Can't wait to see what twists happen next.
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