 2008-12-23 - She stole my life story!
There are some excellent reviews here of this book that pretty well sum it all up. I cannot write as well as most of these reviewers, but I did love this book. In fact, I read it twice back to back. I also must admit that this one hit pretty close to home and that I could identify with it quite closely. It was sort of creepy as I felt the author had been following me around for the last few years. Loved this book and plan to give it another read soon. Try it; I doubt that you will be sorry.
2008-12-12 - When It Rains, It Pours
Sarah Stark is disowned by her parents, dumped by her girlfriend, and kicked out of college all within a few days. Her life is turned upside down, just because her family found out she's a lesbian.
She turns to older, more settled acquaintances who are more than happy to help her work through her situation. They give her a place to live and help her get into a less-costly college. Originally hoping to become a physician, Sarah finds herself more interested in women's studies and politics as she begins her new life. She also finds herself undeniably attracted to her new roommate, Rory. Straight-as-they-come, Sarah is convinced Rory would never be interested in a relationship, but they both have a lot to learn. Sarah is amazed at the things Rory is willing to share with her family and how Rory's family reacts.
Many of us have either had an experience like Sarah's or we know someone who has. It's difficult to understand and even more difficult to accept that there are still people in this world who are so small-minded. Stark has done a fantastic job portraying Sarah and gives hope to those who are currently mired in a similar situation.
Bottom line - Great, thought-provoking read that is well worth your time.
2008-11-26 - Believable, tangible, and passionate
I enjoyed this book on so many levels. I highly recommend it, especially to those who enjoy an angsty and passionate journey of self-awareness and romance or can relate to being at the age where you really start to find yourself and your place.
I chose this book because after reading the synopsis and reviews, I felt I could relate to the setting and themes. Many of the struggles the characters deal with throughout the course of the story are things that I have experienced at some point, even now. These issues cross a broad spectrum from coming out. to crushing and forming relationships, to political activism. The book is also very current, with a lot of 21st-century culture references, which is refreshing after reading mostly older fiction, and it makes the book even more relatable for someone in my peer group (20-somethings).
Even though the book focuses on the central character, Sarah, it is not only her story that we see unfold. We get a fairly detailed look into her roommate, Rory, and even decent glimpses into some of the lesser, supporting characters in the story. What really impressed me about the writing is how all of the different emotions, perspectives and stories are interwoven to create a completely three-dimensional story, but we never lose sight of the fact that this story is about Sarah and her 'homecoming' - finally finding her place after her life is turned completely upside down.
Another aspect of the writing that made the book very enjoyable was the virtual roller coaster of emotions and events throughout. There were so many ups and downs that I found it hard to put the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next. The outcomes weren't entirely predictable, either, which (for me) is the best part. The emotional and romantic tension was vivid and almost tangible, and the more erotic parts of the story were tasteful, lustful and absolutely H-O-T.
All of these elements together made the story feel very realistic - like it could have been a year out of any college student's life, even my own. The best words to describe the story and the characters (which I may have mentioned by now) would be: believable, tangible, and passionate.
2008-11-18 - Awesome
I read this book several weeks ago and find that the characters and story have stayed with me. The story line is very timely and this author presents issues in a sensitive way that, I think, speaks to readers on a personal level. She was able to accomplish this through the characters of Sarah and Rory. They are very genuine characters---their interactions, banter, and even their arguments flow naturally and make this book a very fun read, even as the author deals with the serious issue of equal rights and the struggles that we face when coming out to family and friends. This is a wonderful second novel by a very talented author. It will definitely stay on my shelf to be read again!
2008-10-23 - Love it!!
I couldn't resist writing a review about this book. I haven't even finished reading it. I'm half way through it but I seriously love it. I'm a very busy person and I barely have time to enjoy myself but I have the book in my bag and every chance I get, I take it out and read it. I love the story and I love reading the thoughts and the intense scenes between the girls.
Amazing!!
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