Review: Intense and So Real
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 29, 2013
This book was intense...but beautifully written. From it's opening pages Ms. Lehman thrust us into a world of sexual awakening, drug use and teenage culture, one that I know is all to real, but I sometimes have trouble facing. That's not to say Torn was not fantastic (it was), I was just a much more innocent 14 year old than Krista, Carrie and Brandon. I guess in a lot of ways, I was luckier.One of the things I truly loved about Torn was that Lehman did not shy away from emotion, or from the tough stuff. No matter your personal experiences, growing up is TOUGH, being 14 is tough. Though Krista and I had vastly different experiences, I could relate to her personal confusion, her turmoil. After all, I was a teenager too.The other really great thing about this book was the characters. Krista, Brandon, Carrie and there entire crew are well-rounded, likable characters, even when there actions are less than respectable. Lehman makes you easily fall for this group of teenagers. It took me back to all the excitement that coupled the painful parts of being a teenager. Lehman also shares the truth about abuse, neglect and so many of the emotions American teenagers face every day. Torn is raw, it's honest, frankly, it is beautiful. Beneath the pain, the confusion, there is a beautiful example of friendship and love found on the pages.Perhaps my only complaint about the book was that it skips around a bit. Sometimes the timeline would jump a few weeks or months from chapter to chapter and it left me a little confused. Still, this book should be on everyone's must read list.Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.