Helpful Score: 1
Readers will be swept away from Micah's narration from page one. LIAR is as compulsively readable as its protagonist is a compulsive liar. You will jump into this book, aware of Micah's lying tendencies, and then struggle desperately to tryâand failâat staying one step ahead of this girl, this story.
Having a story told by a pathological liar brings to light the all-too-easily-dismissed problems of first-person narrator: that this POV is, in fact, completely at the mercy of the narrator, and thus can be a total fabrication without you knowing it. Justine Larbalestier explores just this paradox in LIAR: how much of Micah's story can believe when we know she is a liar and her side of the story is the only one we get?
Interesting premise and paradox aside, however, Micah is an intriguingly complex character. She's flawed, and has viewpoints that make you want to shake her until she sees things clearly, and yet Micah is so fully convinced of her unchangeable situation that you can't help but go along with her, no matter how much you want to disagree with her. Micah's narration jumps rapidly from past to present and back again, which is a surprisingly effective way of slowly doling out the story to readers, as well as consistent with Micah's personality.
LIAR is a remarkable book where the story and its form complement one another for maximal success. It's a story that will probably leave you with more questions and answers, but it absolutely proves the old edict right that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
Having a story told by a pathological liar brings to light the all-too-easily-dismissed problems of first-person narrator: that this POV is, in fact, completely at the mercy of the narrator, and thus can be a total fabrication without you knowing it. Justine Larbalestier explores just this paradox in LIAR: how much of Micah's story can believe when we know she is a liar and her side of the story is the only one we get?
Interesting premise and paradox aside, however, Micah is an intriguingly complex character. She's flawed, and has viewpoints that make you want to shake her until she sees things clearly, and yet Micah is so fully convinced of her unchangeable situation that you can't help but go along with her, no matter how much you want to disagree with her. Micah's narration jumps rapidly from past to present and back again, which is a surprisingly effective way of slowly doling out the story to readers, as well as consistent with Micah's personality.
LIAR is a remarkable book where the story and its form complement one another for maximal success. It's a story that will probably leave you with more questions and answers, but it absolutely proves the old edict right that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
Helpful Score: 1
My Thoughts: Hmm, where do I even start? I have heard a lot of great reviews about this book, and it did turn out decent. This book has definitely been rounding the blogosphere! Everyone has been talking about it and wanting it so I was excited when I got my hands on it! I had trouble getting into it at first. I felt myself drifting and other thoughts popping into my head. It took a lot to stay motivated. I just felt like I couldn't really relate to Micah. But she did grow on me. I think a lot of it had to do with not knowing what she was telling the truth about and what was a lie. But I know that was the point of the story so its a good thing. And I felt bad for her throughout the story. I could feel what she felt for Zach and how she still longed for him even she wasn't able to be with him. For example, going into his room and smelling his shirt. She wanted to be close to him, she missed him. I was a little surprised by the end of the book, even though I should have seen it coming. I won't give away the twist of the story. By the end of the story I did feel like I got closer to Micah and started to understand why she always lied and how she was just used to doing it. I longed for Zach, I missed him. I wanted him here again.
Overall: A little slow at first but got better. There were a lot of details at the beginning but after a while I got used to them. The ending surprised me a little bit. Overall, it was interesting and though it may have a rough start, its worth it to keep reading.
Overall: A little slow at first but got better. There were a lot of details at the beginning but after a while I got used to them. The ending surprised me a little bit. Overall, it was interesting and though it may have a rough start, its worth it to keep reading.
