Veteran talent reigns supreme in this intriguing blend of four short stories. Carolyn Mackler shows that she can make any story idea win over her old and new fans with TANGLED.
The four teens' stories interlap only slightly, but remarkably each one is well defined and strong reads in and of themselves. Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all flawed, yet their flaws are endearing and human instead of the consequences of shoddy writing. As a result, we are easily able to delve into the minds of these four.
I was surprised at, but not put off by, how little the four stories were actually interconnected. The first three stories end rather abruptly and incompletely, and it's not until reading the final story (Owen's) that we realize how these four characters are supposed to have been affected by one another. The âtanglesâ are tentative at best, but overall TANGLED is still appealing due to its masterful writing.
Longtime Carolyn Mackler fans like me should not hesitate to pick this one up, while those new to Mackler's works will be able to appreciate her talent. TANGLED is good for a sweet and lighthearted read.
The four teens' stories interlap only slightly, but remarkably each one is well defined and strong reads in and of themselves. Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all flawed, yet their flaws are endearing and human instead of the consequences of shoddy writing. As a result, we are easily able to delve into the minds of these four.
I was surprised at, but not put off by, how little the four stories were actually interconnected. The first three stories end rather abruptly and incompletely, and it's not until reading the final story (Owen's) that we realize how these four characters are supposed to have been affected by one another. The âtanglesâ are tentative at best, but overall TANGLED is still appealing due to its masterful writing.
Longtime Carolyn Mackler fans like me should not hesitate to pick this one up, while those new to Mackler's works will be able to appreciate her talent. TANGLED is good for a sweet and lighthearted read.
Reviewed by Melanie Foust for TeensReadToo.com
Four teens spend their spring break in Paradise, an island in the Caribbean. None of them want to be there, but the things that begin in Paradise will have an impact on their lives long after they leave.
After being there, Jenna realizes that she must be the one to take the steps to really begin her life. Dakota will begin on his journey to healing. Skye will be forced to see that life is too short to be anything less than real, and Owen will eventually understand that a real life can be even better than a life online.
Told from the view of all four teens, this book keeps you reading. The characters are complex and through their actions warn us to not judge too quickly. As you read, you learn that people are always more than what appears on the surface. With strong writing and characters, this is a book to watch for.
In TANGLED, Carolyn Mackler shows off her writing skills with a book that is sure to please and reminds us of what Max Ehrman said: "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
Four teens spend their spring break in Paradise, an island in the Caribbean. None of them want to be there, but the things that begin in Paradise will have an impact on their lives long after they leave.
After being there, Jenna realizes that she must be the one to take the steps to really begin her life. Dakota will begin on his journey to healing. Skye will be forced to see that life is too short to be anything less than real, and Owen will eventually understand that a real life can be even better than a life online.
Told from the view of all four teens, this book keeps you reading. The characters are complex and through their actions warn us to not judge too quickly. As you read, you learn that people are always more than what appears on the surface. With strong writing and characters, this is a book to watch for.
In TANGLED, Carolyn Mackler shows off her writing skills with a book that is sure to please and reminds us of what Max Ehrman said: "And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
