Book: We Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart
Pages: 240
Age Range: 12 and up
Really, if you are an e. lockhart fan, or a fan of suspenseful young adult fiction of any stripe, that should be enough. You should stop reading here. Because this is NOT a book that you want spoiled. You want to go into it knowing as little about it as possible.
The protagonist isn't wholly likable. She's wealthy, beautiful and spoiled (with heavy parallels to the Kennedy family). She doesn't even know the names of the people who work for her extended family every summer. But it doesn't matter. She is compelling anyway - I promise.
The primary setting, a private island near Martha's Vineyard, isn't one that will resonate with most readers' personal experience. But that doesn't matter, either. Lockhart draws the island so clearly, and the characters so sharply (for good and ill) that you feel like you're there with them.
In terms of mature content, there is some kissing, and some drinking, and some talk of (but no action regarding) sex. But this is a powerful book, and I would not give it to kids under 12.
And honestly, that's all I have to say. Pre-order it, read it when it's available, and try not to read any detailed reviews in the meantime. Highly recommended for teen and adult readers, male or female. I won't stop thinking about We Were Liars for a while.
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (@RandomHouseKids)
Publication Date: May 13, 2014
Source of Book: Review copy from the publisher
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Its so lovely. I like the soft colours :)
i love this - really nice painting style
what a wonderful place to be in!
wow, wonderful place and the drawing!
Lovely as ever, Val. I also like the music! (Don't normally have the sound switched on when I browse, so this came as something of a surprise!)
Wow Valerie!.. it is a wonderul place!.. and this is a great tribute to all the wonderful memories you have of it..
what a charming and lovely house! i'm sure my niece would love to live there! :-)
Such a beautiful little house...I love how the watercolor texture really stands out!
Really beautiful! I love so much your buildings - they're really magical and have something of a fairytale about them. And visiting your blog is such a treat too with the lovely music - thank you so much for sharing:-)
Brilliant color and great house!
www.indigeneartforms.blogspot.com
Beautiful
Gorgeous pink! I like the one in the photo too.
Absolutely charming, as usual!
I relate very well with your "clutter" picture, if it makes you feel better... my table looks even worse! LOL
Beautiful illo!
I wish to go there one day! Beautiful.
is it really that pink colour?
That's a winner - I love your work!
Nice, love the flowers. Is that a cat in the window? =)
J.-
another fabulous house.. i love your style on them..
dot
My dearest friend ValGal, I love you and love everything you do!
Lovely place and illustration! I hope I'm not saying nonsense but Martha's Vineyard reminds me of the film "Sabrina" :)
wowwowwiee! it seem the house is smiling! i like the colors and what a beautiful background, made me curious and wanted to sail across. have you been on the other side?
I'd like to come in one of your houses to see if inside they are like I imagined watching your illustrations!
This is my dream house Val!
Oh this is superb. Very sophisticated in feel too. Hope you're feeling better now. x
my first time on here. Great blog! I love the illustrations
my first time on here. Great blog! I love the illustrations
This is so lovely... makes me want to escape to the magical house you have created. Glad you had a nice time on the Vineyard.
what a great porch to hang out on, a girl can dream...
How nice that you were able not only to visit Martha's Vineyard but to bring back such a lovely work of art to pay tribute to that beautiful place. The house you painted is picture perfect!
valerie, 'just want to say thanks for visiting.....
have a nice day
woooo-hooo! LOVE it! i KNEW it was gonna be a great one, vallie! :))
Beautiful, soo cute!! Love the pink!
i would like to live there!!! so nice!
I immediately loved this illo, but when I took a look at your photos, I could see you really capture the spirit and essence of Martha's Vineyard. Wonderful!!
Great photos too!
Val... check out my last "island"... i hope you enjoy...
:o))
A very happy little home. Val, your pics of Martha's Vineyard are wonderful! My favorite house is the purple butterfly house, (I think it's the second photo).
I love driving around and admiring houses. Yippeeee, now I can do that through your art. What a charming house! And what great scenery the residents get to enjoy every day. You definitely have captured the spirit of Martha's Vineyard.
Thanks for the great photo show, too!
ohh wow and this painting is not yet done? its such a beauty already! you have got so much inspiration and talent 8) mmm now i go check the links you have mentioned..
Lovely "unfinished" house :) I've always wanted to go there!
Wow, Val! This piece is BEAUTIFUL! Makes me want to live there!
Quaint little cottage! I love it!