Summary:
A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo...
Angry, seventeen-year-old Iraqi war refugee Mirriam Yohanna hates her new life in Killeen, Texas, where the main attraction is a military base, populated with spoiled army brats like Caleb Miller.
Caleb has much to be angry about too, including Mirriam who turns him down flat in front of everyone. Eager for retribution, Caleb agrees to a dare that will see him take Mirriam to the prom and regain his pride. But their relationship soon moves beyond high school antics. Mirriam and Caleb are bound together by more than location, and as they are forced to work closely together on a school assignment, they start to uncover an explosive story that has the potential to ruin lives — and both of their futures. One single truth changes everything and strengthens their bond.
When Mirriam's family discovers their relationship, they decide it's time to arrange her marriage to a proper Iraqi man. Caleb must convince Mirriam that he is in it for forever — or risk losing her for good.
My thoughts:
Mirriam and Caleb are characters that I really enjoyed right from the start. First Caleb is obviously attracted to Mirriam but she shoots him down, embarrassing him in front of their classmates. Then Caleb gets caught up in a dare that involves him taking Mirriam to the prom. I loved this because the more time these two spend together, the more the chemistry between them developes. Yet they have so much working against them. The contrast and the conflict work really well in the story and heighten the bond that develops between Caleb and Mirriam.
I've had relatives and friends in the military, and I thought the military part of the storyline was done really well. I loved how that plotline was woven into the relationship between Caleb and Mirriam. It added a lot of conflict, intrigue, and really kept you guessing. This is definitely a book that held my attention from start to finish.
Just for fun: The first thing I thought when I read this was that this book is definitely controversial, and that is going to draw readers. Who doesn't love a good controversy? So now I'm asking you to share the last contoversial book you've read.
Thank you so much for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Beth!
DeleteThe cover feels very 'literary' to me, and not as much YA- but it's a nice change and looks super sharp! And I cannot for the life of me think of a controversial book I've read lately... except for maybe HP?(whom I adore!)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover. Of course I've already read the book, so I know it fits well. Like you said, it's a nice change. :)
DeleteLooks like an interesting and worth reading book.
ReplyDeleteIt is. And if you pre-order, it's only $.99!
DeleteI tend to stay away from controversy -- I like reading for fun since I spend so much time analyzing everything I read at work.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a fun book. I had fun writing it. The issues are there but it's never treated like an issue book. My focus is on the romance. However, it's an interracial intercultural relationship and I know firsthand that real world issues will threaten that romance.
DeleteI'm not big on controversial books, but I really loved this one. The controversy isn't in your face and I focused on the romance.
DeleteThis sounds like a unique and interesting story. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've read some "banned" books over the years, but nothing I consider controversial.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Beth on the great book! Just because it's a YA romance doesn't mean it has to be shallow, and I'm so glad she wrote about something important.
Yay for Kelly's excellent review! :-)
Thanks Lexa! Out of all this stuff I've written, I think this might be the only one you would like. (No horror but it's kind of thrillerish). LOl
DeleteI agree. YA romance doesn't have to be shallow.
DeleteThis sounds like something I'm going to love. Thanks so much for the review. Adding it to my list now =)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth
DeleteEnjoy it, Ruth! Be sure to pre-order because it's only $.99 now but will be going up.
DeleteI like stories that take risks. This is different and interesting. I'm loving how this story revolves around an interracial couple!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great read and for only $.99 you can't go wrong.
DeleteMe too! Because I'm 50% of an interracial couple ;).
DeleteI'm a sucker for a well done controversial novel and knowing that it's Beth, I'm looking forward to reading this. The military theme is also a big plus. Something different = two thumbs way up!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great read. :)
DeleteFaith, thank you. You are such a supportive person.
DeleteThis is the second time in recent days that I've seen Beth's book. Very good review, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteWilliam, I'm glad my book's getting around. ;)
DeleteGlad you liked it.
DeleteI have been hearing a lot about this book. It does sound good! I am thinking about the last controversial book that I read- I will have to give it more thought when I am not so tired. But controversial books make me think. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Yes, they do. :)
DeleteI've been seeing this around. Great review. I hope to read it.
ReplyDeleteMedeia, it's only $.99 but will be going up in price soon. Buy it early.
DeleteYour always posting such good reviews, Kelly! Thankfully, I can share my TBR list with both of my teens here at work and they love reading. It's been a while since I have heard the name Caleb; one of my favorite names. Thanks for sharing, as always!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. Caleb is a great name. Glad you enjoyed the review.
DeleteAnother solid review. Controversial? Hmmm... Embassytown by China Mieville could be construed as such. Blew my mind.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read that one. Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteI've been seeing Beth's book all over the place. Congrats, Beth!
ReplyDeleteYeah, she's been all over the place. :)
DeleteExcellent review. This book sounds like such a good read.
ReplyDeleteIt is. :)
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