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Just Jennifer
, April 01, 2013
(view all comments by Just Jennifer)
When I requested to review this book I have to admit I did it simply because of the title. I didn't really read the description - other than it was fiction. So when it arrived at my door I wan't sure what to expect. After reading the first few chapters I was glad that I had gotten it. It was a story that I can somewhat relate to. I used to have trouble reading books that have Australian characters - mainly because the language is pretty different. But I'm finding that the more I read the more I don't really notice the "Aussie" English. I have gotten to where I can understand most of the slang and different definitions. So this is one of the first Australian set books that I didn't have to re-read to figure out what I was reading. And that excites me because it opens up so much more literature to me. But back to the story...
I really liked Mace. I kind of related to her. I think she used her sarcasm as a shield, something to hide behind so she doesn't have to expose herself. A lot of the thoughts she had were what I could see myself thinking in her situation. So I connected with her almost immediately. As I got further into the story I realized that a few different choices I could almost have been Mace. I really enjoyed her point-of-view on life, which made this such an enjoyable read. I also liked Mace's group of friends. They cover just about every personality and each one of them is unique enough to give the group a good dynamic. Outside of how well these friends complemented each other I like how strong their relationships as a group and as individuals is. When one of them needs something the friends make sure they get it. This group reminded me of my step-mother's group of friends. So on top of having a connection with Mace I could understand her friends. The only part of the story I couldn't relate to was Mace's relationships with her mother and older sister. In Mace's eyes she isn't close with either of them. She feels like they are judgmental and disapproving. So when Mace's mother is diagnosed with Cancer Mace's goal of being closer with her mother she has to deal with a lot of other emotional baggage.
In addition to great characters the book was well-written. The story was well-thought out and very well executed. Being able to draw so many characters into a book and be able to keep them from all being one-dimensional characters is a great feat. Plus the story was emotionally catching: there is humor, sadness, love, spite, caring, indifference. It was so compelling that I couldn't bring myself to out it down. I read it in two sittings. I have to say this was a great book.
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