Synopsis from Goodreads:
Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.
Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
What I thought:
I decided to read Panic because A) I loved the cover. Every time I saw it, it made me pause in curiosity B)The synopsis was captivating C) Everywhere I turned my head, some one was raving about it.
And for good reason. Panic was absolutely outstanding 5 stars. Standing ovation good. Lauren Oliver sucked you in immediately with the thrill and the suspense of Panic. But she keeps you with beautiful writing. That's what I loved the most. The way she spoke about fear and pain. Insecurities. I fell in love with the beauty of the flaws in every character. Dodge was the quiet kid at school with no friends. The way Natalie treated Dodge. Heather with her insecurities about her height, her looks, her mom and sister. Bishop with his awkwardness. Everyone of them changed by the end of summer.
Panic was not your typical romantic story. It wasn't lighthearted or funny. It was intense and deep. I didn't think of Bishop or Dodge as your typical book boyfriend. But I loved them both. Especially Dodge. He seemed so lonely and full of turmoil inside.
I found it interesting that this book written in 3rd person focused mainly on Heather and Dodge. The weren't even friends really until the end.
This is a book I could easily see made into a movie It was exciting and emotional at the same time. A well developed and well timed plot line that didn't dwell on unnecessary back and forth. Kind of dark and at times unexpected. And a bonus, it was a Stand- Alone. One of the best books I've read this year. I suggest everyone at least give it a try. But be warned. It isn't your typical corny teenage romance.
I had the lovely honor of meeting Lauren Oliver at the Festival of Books in Los Angeles on April 12th and I actually built up the courage to talk to her for a while. She was very nice. An even better reason to keep buying her books and spreading the word that she's a talented author.
No comments:
Post a Comment