Author: Lauren Myracle
Genre: Teen Fiction, General Fiction
Publication Date: May 1, 2011
Publisher: Amulet Books
ISBN-13 Book: 9780810984172
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for consideration for committee work and checked out the audiobook from my public library. This is my honest review!
Shine by Lauren MyracleMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Summary:
Cat knows that in her small town, being different isn't a good idea. When her friend Patrick is attacked in what appears to be a hate crime because he is gay, Cat believes that the local police will just chalk the incident up to the actions of some out-of-towners. Cat suspects that the culprit lives closer to home, and as she begins to investigate, she begins to uncover things about her little town that are best kept hidden.
Review:
I have wanted to read this book for a long time. When it first came out I checked it out from my library, but never got around to reading it. When the National Book Award debacle came out I tried to pick it up again, but still didn't get a chance to finish it. This third time I was determined to sit down and finally read this work.
Myracle's character development is spot on. Cat is a realistic and believable narrator who has flaws that make her all the more believable. She is intelligent and her desire to solve the mystery seems sincere to the reader. The other characters are equally well drawn and you can see that many of the characters are so much more than they appear.
The mystery is a slow building one. This may turn off some readers, but those who like mysteries with well laid foundations will find a lot to enjoy in this novel. The mystery slowly unravels and you begin to see the town and the people under new a new light as Cat too, begins to learn more about herself and the town.
The book has a lot of local character that makes you feel like you are right there in the town, with the people that Cat is interacting with. The setting is well drawn, right down to the swimming hole.
In many ways this novel was one of self-discovery in addition to the mystery. The revelations that Cat makes will change her forever.
Audio book Review
The audio book for Shine is produced by Brilliance Audio and read by Elizabeth Evans. Evan’s narration is clear and articulate. The accents make you feel that you are in this small southern town. The audio book production is wonderfully done and very clean. It is a great way to experience this novel.
Overall:
This was a good book that definitely has a message to share. If you like a slow building mystery, with great characters, revelations, and terrific plotting, this would be the book for you.
View all my reviews
very good blog
ReplyDelete