The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

Book review #35
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Seventeen-year-old Colt has been sneaking out at night to meet Julia, a girl from an upper-class neighborhood unlike his own. They’ve never told anyone else about their relationship: not their family or friends, and especially not Julia’s boyfriend.When Julia dies suddenly, Colt tries to cope with her death while pretending that he never even knew her. He discovers a journal she left behind. But he is not prepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship, nor to pay the price for the secrets he’s kept. 

I'm so pleased with The Secret Year, it had everything I wanted and more. Right from the beginning I got sucked until the very end. The writing is simply wonderful , it has a way of really grabbing your attention, making it hard for you to put down. Romance, heart-break, loss, all topped up with a male POV made this one pleasant read.

The Secret Year starts off with the scene Julia's death and Colt's reaction. You early on discover that Julia and Colt had a shared a secret relationship, that no other single human knew about-including Austin, Julia's regular boyfriend. Julia and Colt had a lot in common...aside from their lifestyles. Julia lived on the Black Mountain Road, where the rich people lived, while Colt came from the flats;which is a lot more complicated than it sounds. After Julia's death, Colt is left confused and heart-broken. It's hard having feelings that you can't share with anyone else. One of the biggest things he has to deal with is guilt, which you don't really understand why until the ending.

A few days after Julia's death, Colt finds himself attached to a notebook filled with letters written to Colt by Julia that was given to him by his older brother. Colt hangs on to the life of this journal reliving almost every moment they shared together, along with Julia's fears and personal thoughts. I think the most people agree, that the notebook was one of the best things about the book.

The characters were so real and dimensional. The feelings that they had were so true and honest that it really affected you. Colt, I don't know exactly why, but I adored him. I liked the way he thought, how he showed his sensitive side, and the fact that he was just different than other guys. As for Julia, I felt like I've known her forever. I kind of felt sorry for her, she was definitely torn with what she wanted. Together the Julia and Colt were even better. They were so different with each, showing a side you don't get to see in their regular lives.

Other characters do emerge into the story, such as Kirby. A possible love prospect? Syd, Colt's friend that he's known since he was little, was not one of my favorites. She had her share of problems, but the way she handled them was not right. I almost forgot about Tom-Colt's older brother and perhaps one of my favorite characters. He was so outspoken and experimental that just made you admire him.

The ended wasn't how I would have liked it to be, it was a bit rushed, but other that I can't think of any complaints.  I can't explain, but I was really comfortable with this story, somehow it made me feel warm inside. The Secret Year is one story of love, loss, and self-discovery. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Book review #15
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
Rating: Five stars(refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary:(taken from Goodreads) 
Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing? Taking readers deep into the psyche of a young woman who will say just about anything to convince them—and herself—that she’s finally come clean, Liar is a bone-chilling thriller that will have readers see-sawing between truths and lies right up to the end. Honestly.

I just finished reading Liar a few minutes ago and I have to say I'm left feeling breathless, overwhelmed and almost exhausted from being on Micah's roller coaster of lies. I've never read a book like Liar, honestly it was a breath of fresh air. Before reading this book you have to understand that Micah is a liar, you can't trust anything she says, she will lie about telling the truth, and she will lie about lying. I kind of wish I kept that in mind more while I was reading the book. I'm a very gullible person and tend to believe most things, so I got a little confused.

The book is divided into different sections all revolved around Zach's death. Micah describes the times before Zach( her after hours boyfriend) died, after he died, then adds in "family history". At first, I almost questioned if Zach was even her boyfriend! Along with Micah's illness for lying, the book focuses on how Zach really died. Aside from the subchapters there are three parts to the book. Part one is titled Telling the Truth except that she doesn't tell the whole truth.The clues build up, so that in part two: Telling the True Truth, her biggest secret isn't so hard to believe.You easily find yourself torn between the truth. At times I even found myself questioning if small details, that should be true, were lies. This might sound confusing, but the more Micah lied and told us she was being truthful, the easier it was to believe her. The last part, The Actual Real Truth, is where some of your questions are answered, and the "truth" is revealed. I have to admit, while reading some of her confessions, my mouth literally dropped open! 

Micah is a fascinating, strong main character. I loved how she literally "talked" to you, as well as her "reasoning" for her lies. I have to warn you at the end of the book, it's up to the you to decide whether or not Micah's telling the truth. The only complain I could come up with about Liar, is the journey of doubting and second guessing myself the whole time, but then again that just made it that much more interesting. Liar is a suspenseful thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seat. I'm happy to say that Liar is a book that stays with you long after you read it.