Review: Honestly My Favorite
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 7, 2013
To be honest there is one thing about Elle Casey's books that I almost hate.  But hate is a curse word in my world so I'm not quite there.  . . That one thing is finishing them.  I go through a period of feeling lonely, as though my newest friends just abandoned me.  And By Degrees takes the trophy!I have to proclaim a new favorite in my E. Casey collection. (Spike still being my all time favorite character though)  This one blew me away for a few reasons.  The first because I LOVED all of the characters and their flaws (no surprise because Elle is a master at character development). Secondly because any book filled with rock stars or anything artsy already has a head start.  And the other few reasons because it's relatable.  I wish that the reason it's relatable is because I fell in love with a hot rock star but nope.  Chemical dependency and abuse are heartbreaking.  It thrills me when the light at the end shines bright and real.  I know all too often it doesn't, which this book shows too.  And though the end  might not be everyone's cup of tea, I loved it!  No spoilers here... I just agree with the choices and words spoken at the end.  And if anyone thinks this couldn't happen...hmmm, it has.  Maybe it doesn't play out so nicely, but I've seen it.Scarlet goes through a transformation, honestly I think it's a believable transformation too.  (Grief process is all there:  denial/isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance).  I do understand that there are some heavy issues in this book, which I LOVE because this means Elle has branched out once again!  Obviously there were a lot of things to dislike about Tarin, but I know many addicts and out of control people that I don't like at times but I know I love the real person under all the garbage.  It's unbelievable how different people become when they're lost but Elle shows a perfect example of "forgiveness" and loyalty.  In fact, loyalty is always a main theme in Elle's books.I also love how I am able to disagree with some parts of Elle's books but still know I can respect her and the characters.  There are some choice words and ideas that aren't necessarily ok in my world, but to change them would be changing Elle's work and that wouldn't be right.  I also feel like some will disagree with my review and that's ok.  But since I can sadly relate to some parts of this book, I'm ok with anyone disagreeing.