Dark and Enlighting

Date to be published: April 1, 2012

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First thoughts:

It was an enjoyable read, there were moments that were inspiring but there were moments where I didn’t agree with the characters line of thinking. There were definitely moments in this book where I wanted to knock some sense into them and then moments I wanted to hug them and tell them everything was alright. I’ll admit this wasn’t a book that made me cry but it did manage to stir some of those uncomfortable feelings.

Plot:

This book held all the key elements, the end was concluded if not a bit rushed. The sub-plots were minimum but essential to the overall storyline. I do wish that some of the sub-plots were explored more; I think if the author could have done that we the reader would have learned even more about the characters. The action was average, there wasn’t a ton but there wasn’t little either, it was in a way balanced and perfect for this book. The story itself didn't feel lengthy and I had no trouble reading this book, this was essentially a fast read for me. But the ending like I said was conclusive but I felt that the author rushed it; it needed a smoother conclusion, the climax was solved too quickly; it needed a more drawn out resolution.

Characters:

The characters each had their own personalities, some more than others. The main character Stella was weak at times and annoying but I guess when you go from a certain life style to another it can do some damage to a person and takes some adjustment. As for Stella’s best friend Ruby, she was the character I really enjoyed the most, she was a firecracker and a half, she had enough flare and spunk for all of the characters. Though she isn’t someone who I would essentially allow to be my role model she is one I would enjoy to meet. As for some of the minor characters they were okay but at times fell flat.

Transformation of the Character:

The main characters did transform some more than others. Stella for instance changed minimally but enough that the reader was able to see it. As for Ruby hers was more noticeable and enjoyable. I loved seeing all the transforming and the steps it took to get the end result. Though there were some transformations I didn’t enjoy I believe that they were true to the character, life isn’t all neat and tidy there will always be those jagged edges. And I won’t reveal which character but there was one surprising transformation that I didn’t see coming, it was so amazing and unexpected.

Description:

There wasn’t too much description; the author did a good job on describing the scenes and characters, I wasn’t left empty handed. I actually thought the description was really what allowed the reader to connect better with the characters to sympathize with and understand them better. I really enjoyed that the author made some strong statements in a simple matter; it was like I was being educated on a serious issue without feeling the pressure that these issues can sometimes cause. It wasn’t one of those books that made you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

Style:

The author’s choice to write this story in first person and only from one point of view was good, it left the element of curiosity, I believe if she would have given us Ruby’s POV this whole story wouldn’t be worth reading. I mean what’s the point of reading when you already know what’s happening? Also I liked how this author chose to be more descriptive at times and then at others more dialogue formed, the author chose to keep the reader distant at times and then up close and personal at others; definitely a fun experience.

Quote of the book:

""I don't think you're weak." Mom gave me a curious look. "Believe me, I am. And it's only when you realize how weak you are that you can even start to be strong.""

Goodreads Summary:

Stella Chavez is your classic good girl: straight as, clean-cut boyfriends, and soccer trophies. You’d never guess that Stella’s dad was a drug addict who walked out when she was a kid or that inside, Stella wishes for something more.

New girl Ruby Caroline seems like Stella’s polar opposite: cursing, smoking, and teetering in sky-high heels. But with Ruby, Stella gets a taste of another world—a world in which parents act like roommates, college men are way more interesting than high school boys, and there is nothing that shouldn’t be tried once.

It’s not long before Stella finds herself torn: between the best friend she’s ever had and the friends she’s known forever, between her family and her own independence, between who she was and who she wants to be.

But Ruby has a darker side, a side she doesn’t show anyone—not even Stella. As Stella watches her friend slowly unravel, she will have to search deep inside herself for the strength to be a true friend, even if it means committing the ultimate betrayal.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy realistic like readings and who want to be educated more on internal struggles, it was a way to learn the mind of a person and to see another’s POV. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who is a romance reader, the romance was very different in this book and there wasn’t any of that gooey kind, it was all jagged edges and dark. I enjoyed this book, it was worth the time to read but it just wasn’t all that I thought it was going to be, I guess that’s my fault for drawing expectations about a book, it sets you up for some form of disappointment. But I did enjoy it and would read more books by this author if given the opportunity.

My Rating: