Review: Coming of Age, Learning to Live
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 26, 2013
Livie is living up to her personal commitment of following in her father’s footsteps and going to Princeton, and like everything else in her life, she feels she must be perfect, strong, and regimented since the death of her parents and the complete emotional implosion of her sister Kacey. But apparently, this attitude is as unhealthy as her sister’s was. Enter Dr. Stayner, whose quirky ways and ideas are designed to break Livie out of her emotional prison and allow her to truly go on with living. Unfortunately, Livie is not prepared for college life, or anything that will happen to her or because of her. Livie is emotionally repressed and her “prescribed” actions are more than a little overwhelming. Enter Ashton and Conner, best friends, polar opposites and both have captured Livie’s attention. In spite of committing to Conner, the “safe boy,” Livie is drawn to Ashton, the “bad boy,” who appears to toy with her emotionally. Will one tiny lie, or several tiny lies end up hurting Livie and those around her or will it make them stronger? What secrets are being kept? What deceits cannot be forgiven? Which boy is right for Livie? How much will growing up hurt?One Tiny Lie by K. A. Tucker is one emotional trip right out of the gate until it crosses the finish line! K. A. Tucker nails another hit with these characters and this plot, painful as it can be to read, there are moments of light-hearted humor that add a much needed balance, depth and even sweetness to this story. But, when I want to shake some sense into a character or sit them down and have “a talk” with them about their irresponsible behavior, their blindness to the world around them and their lack of compassion towards others and their feelings, an author has done their job of totally involving me in their story!One Tiny Lie is a coming of age and a healing story as Livie learns the hard way to actually live her life, for herself. The realistic learning curve was marvelous and the consequences well done without being unrealistic. Great read, great characters, great escape, great writing! Tons of angst, cluelessness and good intentions!I received a review copy from Atria Books in exchange for my honest review.