Feathered is the first book I read for my part in the Nerds Heart YA book tournament. This tournament has been super fun, because I've enjoyed reading all the reviews of books that didn't get a lot of attention the first time around. (and naturally adding several of them to my wishlist!) Feathered was chosen by Natasha of Maw Books to advance over I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly.
Feathered is the story of Anne and Michelle, who, along with their friend Terri decide to go to Cancun the spring break of their senior year. They are quite excited about this adventure, about having fun and being free of their parents, a sort of first step into adulthood.
When they arrive, they meet a stranger who offers to drive them to a famous site. The girls are uncertain whether or not the should take him up on his offer and the decision they make will change everything.
The story is told from two viewpoints, Anne's first person present tense, and Michelle's third person past tense. The writing is absolutely beautiful...this is more of a quiet, contemplative, and introspective book than a plot driven story. Because I'd read the publishers synopsis, I kept waiting for something to happen, which didn't happen until well towards the end. In fact, this made the pacing seem a little off...the beginning was long and drawn out, but the second half felt quite rushed.
Having said that, there's much to enjoy about this book as it examines self-identity, friendship, and growing up.
For a sample of the writing, here's one of my favorite passages:
Back on shore, we could hear music playing loudly (a live band?) near the pool, and spring-breakers screaming. When we looked, we could see kids on the balconies of the Hotel del Sol, high-fiving each other, tossing paper cups into the breeze. There were thousands of bodies on the beach by then--lying on towels, lying on lounge chairs, strolling, jogging, playing volleyball, holding beer bottles. Games were being played in crowds, but up there on the beach, it looked like a dull imitation of beauty, of fun--those bodies in their bright bathing suits. A pale imitation of what was going on under the ocean--that whole world below the surface--which we'd never even dreamed of and now we could see.
Overall, Feathered is a nice little novel. It took me less than two hours to read, but it was enjoyable. I never felt that I connected fully with the characters, but it was still a good read, with some moments of real truth.
Rating: 4/5
Things You Might Want to Know: There's a very very little bit of strong language.
Come back later today for my review of Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before by David Yoo as well as my decision on which book will be moving on in the tournament! And read Renay's post to find out what happened in the first round.
11 comments:
I just finished this about an hour ago. I thought the end was a bit too YA if you know what I mean, but that's ok - it is YA after all. I know which one I'd chose between this and STOP ME.... Can't wait to see which way you go.
Hmm, Feathered sounds good, but I have a feeling Stop Me might be the winner. I'll come back later to check!
Hmm, well now I want to know what decision the girls made.
This sounds interesting, but connecting with the characters is important to me, so I'm sorry to hear that didn't happen for you with this book.
I have this book and another of Laura Kasischke's books in my TBR pile. I can't wait to get to both of them.
Glad to see some unknown books getting some love!
Ooooooh, I can't wait to see who the winner is :p I think I'll read this one regardless of who wins!
It was a very quiet novel and I kept waiting for something bad to happen at the end. Like you said, the writing was very beautiful. I don't know anything about the other novel you are reading, so I'm curious how the decision will go.
YA is a genre I've recently started reading. I've even gotten the kids involved in both audios and books that I read to them. I was very excited about the bracket system of this contest. One of my blogging buddies and author of YA novels is friends with the author that wrote Cracked Up to Be (I think that's the name) and I'm so happy she has moved on!
The narrative being from two totally different perspectives makes this one sound very interesting.
A book tournament sounds interesting!! I've never heard of such a thing, but hey, why not?!?!
I have been waiting for this book forever...it has been on wish list too long. I need to go ahead and just buy it...it sounds soooo good! Have you read any others by Laura Kasischke? I loved Suspicious River and Be Mine. Great review!
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