Synopsis:
Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her.
I bought this book awhile ago. I don't know why it took me so long to read it, but it seemed like other books kept jumping in front of it. I'm glad I finally picked it up though, because it was wonderful.
It's such an incredibly moving book. I loved the character of Willow. I couldn't help but feel for her, even though sometimes I just wanted to shake her. She assumed so much of the blame for the accident that she couldn't see through the guilt to the fact that others are suffering too.
This book was a fascinating look at someone trying to cope with loss in any way that she can. It showed me that when you stop trying so hard to put the pieces back together, sometimes they just fall into place by themselves. I loved watching Willow and Guy dance around each other and Hoban beautifully shows how a relationship can grow in the unlikeliest of ways. Nobody is perfect and sometimes it's the imperfections that make someone so precious to us. It feels strange to say that this book is romantic, but it is. Guy is willing to do almost anything to protect and help Willow, and he accepts her for who she is; what's more romantic than that?
Hoban's writing is lovely and strong and she captures the intricacies of different relationships and so many emotions wonderfully, not to mention, she's just a super human being. I can't wait to see what she writes next. I know it'll be great.
Sounds like a really good book. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI started this book, but haven't gotten back to it. Your review was a good little nudge to get back to it!
ReplyDeleteYay, I'm glad you like it, because now I'm excited to read it as well. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review, I'm now excited to read it too. I was a bit unsure about it after reading some less than positive reviews, but I think yours has evened it out :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with prophecy girl--I was a bit unsure too about trying this book, but your review has made me want to check it out. I have it in my too read pile now. I don't think it will be an easy read, but really thought provoking. BTW- Love your blog too! :)
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