[Review] - Willow

Title: Willow
Author: Julia Hoban
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: April 2, 2009

I received this book for review from Meryl M. Moss Media Relations.

Summary: Seven months ago on a rainy March night, Willow's parents drank to much wine at dinner and asked her to drive them home. But they never made it--Willow lost control of the car, and both of her parents were killed.

Now seventeen, Willow is living with her older brother, who can barely speak to her. She has left behind her old home, friends, and school. But Willow has found a way to survive, to numb the new reality of her life: She is secretly cutting herself.

And then she meets Guy, a boy as sensitive and complicated as she is. When Guy discovers Willow's secret, he pulls her out of the solitary world she's created for herself, and into a difficult, intense and potentially life-changing relationship.

Thoughts: This was the first time I read a story that involved cutting and I wasn't sure I wanted to read a book on this subject. It just seemed too sad and depressing. But I decided to read a few chapters to see what it was like and before I knew it I was 100 pages into the book. I was definitely hooked. Seeing Willow come out of the darkness and start to live again was quite beautiful.

Willow is honest. An emotionally driven read. Beautiful written. I think for most readers once you start you'll have a hard time putting this book down. Ms. Hoban has created such complex and wonderful characters in both Willow & Guy. I was hoping for the ending to be a little bit more than it was, but I think that's a feeling with all good books. While cutting plays a big part in this story, it is also about forgiveness, love and hope.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: There is no website, but you can find info at the links below.
Fantastic Fiction
GoodReads

Upcoming Releases:
Willow- February 23rd (paperback)