"Don't Tell" by Mercy Amare Review

Date to-be Published: September 9, 2012

Add it on Goodreads

Find it on Smashwords

Number of Pages:  N/A

Publisher: Self-Published

First Thoughts:

I was very eager to start this book, lately I’ve been reading a lot of realistic and serious books and so this was definitely at the top of my to-read list. This was a book that was very quick to read that went through a serious issue but at the same time went through a great transformation. This book didn’t dawdle with extra conflicts; it got down to the point and made the reader really see what was happening. I had a good time reading this book and found that it was really hard to put down. Just know that once you start this book you won’t put it down till you’re finished.

Plot:

This dealt with the serious issue of abuse and though I have never personally been through what Lucy has been through but I was able to get into her mind and see how she viewed her own situation. This was a book about a girl who comes from hardship trying to find her-self in along the way finding what it feels like to be loved. Now as far as the structure of the plot it was really simple, you had all the essentials and then of course the conclusion. The ending was very satisfying, especially because the author included an epilogue which allows us to see a little bit into the future and what’s happening to the characters. And really the length of this book is very short, it’s more of a short story or a novella but it’s amazing how much can happen in that short amount of pages, especially what this author pulled off. I really enjoyed that there wasn’t any unnecessary conflicts, that the author really stayed true to the main conflict and allowed the reader to really graze on that and watch as the story and situations unfolded. So overall I really enjoyed the plot, there was plenty happening to keep the reader interested and the pace was very quick; a book that can be read in one sitting.

Romance:

There was definitely romance in this book and it was so sweet and kind, though I think due to the briskness of the story it seemed a little rushed at times…but the author created the relationship in a way that made it more believable and even sweeter.  And yes the romance kind of was part of the major conflict but it really was necessary to the story, to tell the story how it’s meant to be told. So overall I did enjoy the romance in the story.

Characters:

I instantly connected with Lucy, the powerful thoughts and emotions she had to go through was something I grasped onto. I really was able to understand her line of thinking and personality as the story progressed; as we got to hear her story. As for some of the more minor characters I enjoyed them as well, they all seemed to have their own role to play in this story, some more than others. And the characters seemed realistic and necessary. So overall the characters were an essential element in this book that really brought the story to light; without them this story would be pointless…dull. It’s the characters themselves that bring such importance to books and stories. So I’m glad this book had some great and relatable characters in it.

Transformation of the Character:

There was definitely a transformation in this book and I don’t really want to go into too much detail but it was definitely a great experience to watch as something so delicate became something much more. Now not all stories have these kinds of transformations but this one definitely did and I was so inspired on the steps this character took to get where she is now….overall this was definitely a great aspect and addition to the story.

Description:

I really enjoyed the description though it wasn’t too much detail just enough to allow the reader to really see the surroundings and deep inner thoughts and emotions. I really enjoyed the emotional description, it really allowed me to better connect with Lucy and understand her situation. And as for the description of the landscapes and surroundings I liked that the author used a few symbols to help symbolize Lucy’s situation and the mood of that particular scene. And as for the dialogue it was used in just the right moments and I didn’t feel any of the lines to be false or awkward. So overall I really enjoyed the description in this story.

Style:

This was written in two POV’s and in first person, this allowed the reader to get two perspectives and allow them to understand exactly what was going on in each scene. As for the author’s writing it was easy to understand and you could definitely see her personal touch as an author. I really enjoyed reading her writing and liked how she chose to write in two perspectives, it really allowed me to get another’s POV and better understand why things needed to happen the way they did. So overall I thought the style was just right for this story.

Quote of the Book:

“I could be surrounded by a million people, but I would still feel alone….I pretend that I’m normal, but really, what is normal?”

Goodreads Summary:

I could be surrounded by a million people, but I would still feel alone. I smile on the outside, but inside I feel like I’m slowly dying. I cry out for help, but nobody sees me, at least not the real me. They see a façade, a mask that I put on to hide the pain.

I pretend that I’m normal, but really, what is normal? Maybe what I’m feeling is normal. The hurt, the disappointment, the loneliness… it could be all just be a part of life. Maybe I will never know what normal is.

I put on long sleeves and makeup to hide the bruises, but they only mask the outside. What happens when I can’t carry my burden alone any longer? What would happen if I told somebody the truth?

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to YA readers and to anyone who is looking for good romantic yet serious story. This really was a quick read so I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finishing it and it can definitely be a book you can read in-between readings. I look forward to reading other books and stories by this author, her writing definitely was fun to read and she had great characters to connect with. My overall satisfaction of this story was pleased.

My Rating: