Synopsis:
"You can't touch me," I whisper.
I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.
He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.
But things happen when people touch me.
Bad things.
No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.
But Juliette has plans of her own.
After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time--and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.
My thoughts:
In the beginning, I had to get used to Juliette's thoughts and the style of the narration. It's different with all her crossed out thoughts and the way she corrects herself, but it really helps you understand her situation and how she grows throughout the story. You can't help feeling for Juliette as she yearns for human touch. She's alone. She hasn't touched anyone in 264 days. But that all changes when The Reestablishment decides to remove her from her cell in the psych ward and make her a powerful weapon.
Juliette's fear of her own power is intense when The Reestablishment forces her to use her ability. And with the world falling to pieces and war brewing between surviving groups, Juliette must decide where she stands. Seeing someone who has been isolated her entire life make real connections makes you step into Juliette's character and experience emotions through her.
This was an excellent book full of emotion. I easily give it 5 stars.
Just for fun: What would your life be like if you couldn't touch another human being?
Thanks for this review. I've wanted to read this book for a while now. I'm surely going to get it after this review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrible way to live, unable to touch another human being! Imagine, say unable to touch your own child. I'd wither and die, I think.
CeCe, you're welcome. The book is well worth your time. I hope you enjoy it. And I agree. Not being able to touch your own child would be unbearable!
ReplyDelete* That sounds like a great book. I remember reading Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson which had some of the narrator's thoughts crossed out and thought it was a very effective device.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being in Juliette's shoes; no human contact would be so depressing.
Dawn, yeah the crossed out format is different but effective. I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI've been curious about this book. I'll have to pick it up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't imagine not being able to touch others. That would be awful.
Cherie, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I agree. Not being able to touch other people would be torture.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure it's biologically possible, although theoretically, I guess whatever makes her touch fatal could also give her the power to survive without being touched. Reminds me a little of the premise of the TV show Pushing Daisies.
ReplyDeleteKeeping isolated by choice would be one thing. Not being touched because people couldn't touch you, hold you, give you a hug in greeting and even shake your hair... I'd end up in a psych ward too. Or jumping off a cliff.
Beverly, good points. If it were by choice, that's fine. But for Juliette, it's pure torture. She hates it, and it's funny that you should mention a psych ward. ;) Don't want to give away too much, so I'll leave it at that.
ReplyDeleteI have really been wanting to read this book! I have to go out and get it. It just sounds amazing and I love the plot! I enjoyed reading your review- I don't remember anyone else mentioning the crossed out thoughts- so that is good to know! I would hate not being able to touch anayone again- it is part of how I feel connected to my friends and family. A hug- a pat on the arm, my hand being held. I feel bad for the main character already!
ReplyDelete~Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
Jess, that's odd that no one else mentioned the crossed out thoughts. They are a huge part of the story, especially in the beginning. I hope you enjoy the book. It's hard not to sympathize with Juliette.
ReplyDeleteLoved the review. To not be able to touch someone - just is blackness.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, Donna!
ReplyDeleteI have this in my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine life without touch. I might go bonkers.
Medeia, I definitely would go crazy. Move this one up on your TBR pile. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book and the different writing style as well. Really looking forward to seeing how the story continues. Great review
ReplyDeleteSafari Poet
Thanks, Petra. Yes, I'm looking forward to the next book, too.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine not being able to touch anyone! Sounds like a fascinating read.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Ann.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine not being able to touch anyone or be touched. Poor Juliette! Sounds like a great story of immense courage.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Beverly, it does remind me of Pushing Daisies.
Claudine, I've never seen Pushing Daisies so I can't confirm this for you and Beverly, but I can say Shatter Me is a great read.
ReplyDeleteStudies show that it's absolutely miserable. I remember seeing a documentary on this regarding monkeys. It was heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI would be DEVASTATED! I am a natural hugger so I would be in a heap of trouble. To not hug my kids or my husband or my mom, sisters or friends? NO THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteLM, I can only imagine!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Mindy!
ReplyDeleteI am beside myself trying to get a copy of this book. Found your blog from Emily's - new follower :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Tasha! Nice to meet you. Thanks for following. I bought the book for my Kindle because I was too impatient to go to the store. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fascinating book.
ReplyDeleteI hug my kids and hubby all day - I couldn't even begin to imagine a life without human touch
Michelle, same here.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be extremely difficult. I am a very tactile person and very touchy. I know there are some that do not touch and don't like to be touched, which I respect, but as I am not that kind of person I would find it painful. Sounds an intriguing read.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, I'm the same way. It would be awful for me not to be able to touch other people.
ReplyDeleteI guess it would depend if I could touch wearing gloves, vs. not touching at all no matter what. That would be hard. But, limited touch can be sensual, such as in the movie, The Piano.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!
G. Donald, yes, it's such a good book. :)
ReplyDelete