Willow by Julia Hoban
Release Date: April 2, 2009
Publisher: Dial
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
I’m not even sure where to start this review. I’ve honestly written this review almost five times and haven’t been happy with what I’ve spit out. I’m not sure I can do this book justice. To say that it was spectacular would be an understatement. To say that I had a hard time putting it down, widely understated! Yet, why? Because in all seriousness, reading a story about a ‘cutter’ didn’t really appeal to me. I mean sure it sounded interesting, and I’ve read books about eating disorders, drugs, so why not try cutting.
So I did.
I totally agree with Hoban’s choice to write this novel in third person. Had it not been written from Willow’s POV, I know I wouldn’t have found it as impressive as I did. I needed that insight, I needed to know why someone would do that to their self. And I hate to admit it but I understood, I empathized, I accepted it. Hoban doesn’t dance around the fact, there are some shockingly graphic scenes, but instead of grotesque they are honest and revealing.
And it’s not only the characterization of Willow that’s impressive. It’s the disheartening portrayal of Willow’s brother David, and her warped sense of his withdrawal. It’s the eccentric relationship between Willow and Guy. It’s the secondary characters that have some of the smallest parts but remain prominent in your mind. For me I, couldn’t stop thinking about the girl at the restaurant.
Willow is about so much more than cutting. It’s about love. Not only first love, but the power of redemption that only love can posses.
Still haven’t done the book justice, but I’ll leave you with this. Yes, cutting is a painful subject to read about. But Willow was skillfully and uniquely told. Essentially the message is uplifting, even the worst of situations can improve.
Glad I did.
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You did a great review!!! Seeing all these various reviews for Willow is making me scared to post mine in May when Julia’s a Fresh New Voice of YA, lol. Mine will probably not do the book justice or be anywhere close to doing so.
This is a great review for it… I had a lot of trouble writing mine too, because it’s just so hard to start the dang thing. But you did a wonderful job. (:
hope.
I wasn’t actually planning on reading this, but all of the good reviews are telling me otherwise
This sounds really good. Thanks for the review!
I am so so so excited about this book. I’ve heard nothing but lovely things about it.
This book sounds really good, I really want to read it now. =]
Another great review! This one’s moving up on my to-be-read list…
Your review only made me want to read this book more and more.
This is definitely high priority on my list to read! Great review =)
I was not so sure about this but great review
Now I know it’s a must read!
i just ordered this book from Amazon and can’t wait to read it. another great review!
I really want to read this one..I’ve had my eye on it since it hit the radar, but after your review, I doubt I’ll hold out much longer!
You’re not helping my obsession to get a copy of this book Kristi! xD
Awesome review, and I never think my reviews for books really do them justice sometimes…but we can only try. I’m so glad you loved it, and it really is so much more then a girl who cuts. I loved it.
Don’t forget to check out the party!
http://www.gettingtoknowwillow.blogspot.com
spread the word.
-Lauren
It was great; no sweat. You did it plenty of justice.
Lili
I’m reading this now, almost finished actually. It’s amazing.
What an incredible review. You did a terrific job writing on a sensitive subject.
Thank you : }.
Julia is definitely an author to watch.
I completely agree with you! This book is great in a way that's difficult to put into words, except to recommend that others go out and read it for themselves.
I completely agree with you! This book is great in a way that's difficult to put into words, except to recommend that others go out and read it for themselves.
This was good : )
This book was very hard to put in words to me,when i had to do a report.(Every time we finish a book we summarize it and say what we thought about it.)So,you did really,good.
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