Hmm. To be honest, I was disappointed with this book.
I had seen the cover and read the prologue online and was so impressed with both, that I purchased the book. It sat on my shelf for a LONG time, and when I finally had time to read it ... I was so excited.
Maybe my expectations were too high, but the body of the book did not match the tone of the prologue or the feeling of the cover. I expected something a little "darker" ... so the fact this book was so "fluffy" and light disappointed me.
I was going to give it three stars, because if I hadn't gone into it expecting something dark, I probably would have enjoyed it more ... but then I remembered the ending (I read this book three weeks ago) and changed my rating to two stars.
Spoiler alert.
I hate it when a female protagonist doesn't save herself and is willing to totally sacrifice herself for a guy. And I hate it even more when YA books reinforce this concept to our young women.
Too harsh?
What do you think?
Is it just a story and no big deal? Or should books encourage young women to reach for more within themselves?
This is one of those hyped books I had on my list for a long time and almost bought it a couple times. I read reviews that said the same you did; it wasn't quite what was expected, kind of a let down etc. Bummer!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer -- the premise sounded so good, the first page/preface had this amazingly dark quote, and of course the cover was beautiful. The story was strange though and I didn't expect what it turned out like. I had similar issues about female (and male) stereotypes with that book. I don't think it's too harsh to feel disappointed by stereotypes that don't reinforce a more positive image of women. Sometimes those stereotypes might serves as a device for a larger type of message, or the character changes at the end, but when they don't, I agree it's a let down. I think many books have managed to encourage young women without being preachy; and it doesn't mean they need to not allow for support; but I appreciate supportive family and girl friends over typical hot guys.
The cover certainly suggests a darkish kind of story. Covers should reflect the style/tone of the book I feel or readers are bound to be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you're being harsh - if you were disappointed in the book and hated the ending you'd be wrong to give it a high score.
Definitely not too harsh. I think that YA needs to be hammered for its inability to branch out. It seems like all the same stories just get rewritten with the names changed.
ReplyDeleteNot harsh at all. YA could use some strong heroines. :)
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