Review: I've read 160 books so far this year and this is the BEST one yet!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 17, 2013
I rarely give a 5 Star review. On GoodReads my average rating is 3.64. To give a 5 Star review and state it is the best I've read this year, is quite a statement for me. I read it August 11, 2013. See below for my review:Overall Rating = 10 Stars [I wish this silly system would let me award more than 5 Stars]Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 5 / 3 = 4 StarsWriter's Voice = 5 StarsCharacter Development = 5 StarsStory Appreciation = 5 StarsWorth the Chili = 5 Stars [ARC and not sure how much it will be when released September 13 -- but worth whatever it is!]This book is probably my favorite so far this year. For me, it had everything I look for. It is unique, it pulls deep emotion from the reader and it is complex enough to keep you interested and thinking long after you finish it. It wasn't what I expected at all.A few things I especially liked:1 -- Number one for me has to be the amazing voice of this author. It will all branch from here. She created incredibly simple, but complex characters. In them, she answers the question .. "where do old rock stars go?" I've always thought that to write the music and play the tune, takes a talent like none other. But, after they no longer "top the charts", what do they do with this incredible talent? I may not particularly like the song, but can always appreciate the sensitivity, the single moment given a voice and the courage to put yourself out there for others to hear. She gives these thoughts of mine a story - like she was in my head.2 -- Grief is the most complex emotion. We can feel this in small doses and huge, all encompassing, can't move or go another day doses. The journey Tree took as she navigated her grief was well told. Believable. A similar journey was taken by Adrian, but for a more self imposed reason. They had to find their new purpose. All paths led me to you ... How many times have we thought this of another when heard in song? This is that story.3 -- Relationships are complex. Even those we think simple, are complex. They are strong, but each can be crumbled easily with enough impetus. Love is the glue. Love is demonstrated in many ways. She gives us examples of this throughout this story.4 -- Not what I expected at all. I thought I'd be reading "another one of those new adult books; one just like another with the names changed to protect ...". I was so terribly wrong. This book was just amazing. I think those who are into all the new adult and want the normal simple read they usually present, will be disappointed. Those who want more and can appreciate a unique story that pulls the emotion from the reader, will be most pleasantly surprised. I loved this book. LOVED IT!!Were there things I thought could be better?1 -- Well, nothing is perfect. I wasn't hot on the cover. It attracted me, but I think it gives the reader a feeling this will be "another New Adult" read and they may be disappointed in this book. This book is much more. It is the story of relationships, the evolution of grief, the journey to reinvent yourself or re-purpose ones' self. Much more than the normal New Adult story [or most of those in that category that I've read]. If you don't expect such eloquence, and want a simpler read, you may not like this one as much as I did. I'm always on the look out for something different. I had no idea I'd find it here when I started.2 -- There were a few moments where this was a slower go. You weren't quite sure what was going on or what to expect and you may get a bit lost. It all works out in the end. I say this as probably one of the least patient readers around. Most people will be okay, but if you are similar to me, this may be something you'll note too. Please be patient. This one is just beautiful if you stay with it. The slow doesn't last long at all. The prose are so worth your effort.I can't say enough good about this book. It is absolutely amazing. I read tons of books. I think I'm at 200 so far this year. This is my BEST Book of the Year so far and I've not said that yet in 2013. It made me cry, it made me empathize, it made me wonder and to think. Where are the "old Rock Stars?" Could any of them had a story like? God, I hope so. I hope it works out for them like it did for Adrian. I believe in awarding the effort and talent.Happy Reading!DEEP thanks to the author and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley,NAL / Signet Romance, DAW -- for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.