Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com
I've said this before and I am going to say it again: Elizabeth Scott's writing is chameleon-like. Some of her books are fluffy and light, the perfect poolside read, while some of her other books take on darker undertones. Where does her new book fall on this continuum? It's dark, not disturbingly dark but still dark, because the main character's emotional pain is very apparent.
I believe wholeheartedly that accidents happen and that blame is a waste of time and doesn't fix the problem. I also believe that you can't change the past, only move on with the future. While I may believe that, it doesn't mean that everybody else believes that.
This is especially true for Amy, the main character in LOVE YOU HATE YOU MISS YOU. She is hurting and thinks nobody in the whole world understands how it feels to lose a best friend. Even worse, she blames herself for her friend's death.
Over and over again, Amy is told it was an accident. You could say it to her a million times but it wouldn't matter - she still blames herself. She should never have done what she did. Truth be known, there were a lot of things she shouldn't have done, but who am I to preach to the choir?
Following a stint in rehab, Amy must go on with her life. Dealing was a bit easier in rehab because it was a controlled environment, but out in the real world, among her family and peers, dealing with Julia's death is an emotional roller coaster. Her shrink thinks writing a diary would help her greatly. At first, Amy is against the idea, but then she starts writing letters to Julia, which actually helps her cope.
Some of what Amy writes is funny, some letters are incredibly sad, while other letters are filled with anger. Many things come out in the letters. Through these letters we learn a lot about Amy and Julia's relationship, Amy's insecurities, as well as her home situation. Truths that were buried come to light and Amy learns that the past wasn't as perfect as she thought. And maybe it is the present that she should be focusing on.
I applaud Scott for not writing the pat happily-ever-after types of books. Once again, Elizabeth Scott has written a book that will stay with you long after it is done. How long do I have to wait until her next book comes out?
I've said this before and I am going to say it again: Elizabeth Scott's writing is chameleon-like. Some of her books are fluffy and light, the perfect poolside read, while some of her other books take on darker undertones. Where does her new book fall on this continuum? It's dark, not disturbingly dark but still dark, because the main character's emotional pain is very apparent.
I believe wholeheartedly that accidents happen and that blame is a waste of time and doesn't fix the problem. I also believe that you can't change the past, only move on with the future. While I may believe that, it doesn't mean that everybody else believes that.
This is especially true for Amy, the main character in LOVE YOU HATE YOU MISS YOU. She is hurting and thinks nobody in the whole world understands how it feels to lose a best friend. Even worse, she blames herself for her friend's death.
Over and over again, Amy is told it was an accident. You could say it to her a million times but it wouldn't matter - she still blames herself. She should never have done what she did. Truth be known, there were a lot of things she shouldn't have done, but who am I to preach to the choir?
Following a stint in rehab, Amy must go on with her life. Dealing was a bit easier in rehab because it was a controlled environment, but out in the real world, among her family and peers, dealing with Julia's death is an emotional roller coaster. Her shrink thinks writing a diary would help her greatly. At first, Amy is against the idea, but then she starts writing letters to Julia, which actually helps her cope.
Some of what Amy writes is funny, some letters are incredibly sad, while other letters are filled with anger. Many things come out in the letters. Through these letters we learn a lot about Amy and Julia's relationship, Amy's insecurities, as well as her home situation. Truths that were buried come to light and Amy learns that the past wasn't as perfect as she thought. And maybe it is the present that she should be focusing on.
I applaud Scott for not writing the pat happily-ever-after types of books. Once again, Elizabeth Scott has written a book that will stay with you long after it is done. How long do I have to wait until her next book comes out?
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