Friday Spines Book Review:
Wild Roses is one of my 10 favorite books: The story is unbearably sweet, sad, terrifying, and thrilling. Deb Caletti's stories are as easy to fall into as Sarah Dessen's, but darker in a way that makes you cringe while simultaneously leaning farther into the book.
Cassie has a stepfather. Dino is a famous violinist and composer, and as if that wasn't enough, he's insane. She's hated him ever since her mother married him, trying to figure out why her mom let go and let herself love a man who's certifiable. And then a gorgeous blonde boy comes up her driveway, and Cassie is gone. Ian is Dino's new--and only--student. Cassie promises herself that she won't fall in love with him, but from the moment she hears his bike tires crunching on the gravel, only one tiny part of her is able to resist.
Wild Roses is dark enough to make getting through the book a tiny bit of a challenge. (Most of Deb Caletti's books are like this, but they're worth every uncomfortable second.) The writing in this story is incredibly vivid, and told in Cassie's careful, abrupt, and somehow lyrical voice. The plot will keep you engaged but not terrified that Cassie (and you) are going to die; also, the covers on all of the editions are unbelievably romantic, and fit the story perfectly.
This book is good for ages 14 and up. There's a little swearing, a lot of intense heartbreak, and the storyline will be appreciated significantly more by readers past their tweens.
Other things I liked about this book:
- The "third wall" (click here and scroll down for definition) of this story is occasionally broken by Cassie; "I guess we should also begin with an understanding, and that is, if you are one of those easily offended people who insist that every human breath be politically correct, it's probably best we just part company now."
- Ian is utterly wonderful but still human.
- Cassie's development as a character is subtle enough to be realistic, but the reader can still watch as she realizes how much she's changing.
- The length and complexity of sentences varies with the situation, becoming long and languid as Cassie watches Mars through her telescope, and shorter and more terse as Dino's craziness escalates.
Other books you might like: Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen; Twenty Boy Summer, by Sarah Ockler; and other books by Deb Caletti.
Themes:
- Music
- Mental illness
- Parents
- Power in relationships
- Love and friendship
- Loyalty to self
- Acceptance
- Truthfulness
Most of these are subtle enough to be unnoticed, but still thought-provoking. The book is definitely less overwhelming than last week's Jumping Off Swings.
Note: All links lead to Goodreads, except for the third wall, which leads a page at Carson-Newman College's website. (Random, yes....)
Happy reading, everyone--check back on Monday to see next week's book!
M. Gabrielle
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