Review: Loved Every Word
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2012
I'm not sure a short review can do this book justice but I will try. The author, Rebecca Phillips, has done an incredible job of creating a coming of age story that is well worth your time. Taylor is probably one of the most interesting characters that I've come across - this 15 almost 16 year old girl lives in a subtle tornado of emotion as she struggles to deal with heartbreak and trust issues. Her mother is emotionally distant, controlling and so close minded that I wanted to reach into the book and give her a shake. Taylor spends her weekends with her father and his wife and it is while she is staying with them that she meets Michael. The story evolves around their relationship as well as Taylor's relationship with her parents.Michael is a couple of years older than Taylor and that alone is the catalyst that sets the tone for further conflict with her totally unreasonable mother and therefore with her father who agrees with her mother out of guilt for leaving his first family behind. Michael is a very hot, decent and likeable guy but he's not without his faults. The secondary characters, Robin, Ashley, Lynn, Erin, Elena and Brian are well developed and they all add something to the story. There is one thing I would like to mention - this is a very realistic and extremely well written story that tackles some tough issues - sex, drugs, drinking, parental distance and infidelity. If you find any of these things offensive then perhaps you should look elsewhere. The author has done an amazing job at capturing what real life is like for these characters and I would hate to see her criticized (as I have seen so many times before)for being forthright and honest about their activities. This is a Young Adult novel and not a children's book.I have already purchased the second book and I'm halfway through it. It is amazing so far - it has several new characters and a boatload of conflict.Thanks for a great book! I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Well Done!