Thursday, January 27, 2011

Book Review



Summary (from the back cover):
"Ruby, where is your mother?"
     With that question from the social worker, Ruby knows the game is up.
     She's been living alone in the old yellow house, waiting out the months until she turns eighteen and can finally be on her own legally. It certainly wasn't in her plan to be reunited with Cora, the sister who left ten years before, and brought to live with Cora and her wealthy entrepreneur husband.
     Suddenly life is transformed: a luxurious house, private school, new clothes, and even the chance of a future Ruby couldn't have dreamed of. So why is she wary, unable to be grateful, incapable of letting anoyong close? Her old life has been left behind, but where does she fit in this new life? Only Nate, the genial, popular boy next door, seems to understand, perhaps because he's hiding some secrets of his own.


Commentary (from me):
     I've read a couple of Sarah Dessen's books: some successes, others too cliche. However, "Lock and Key" was just impeccable. Ruby is an independent girl - a person who, because of her adversities, has come to depend on no one - a characteristic, I find relatable in some extremes. Although, the first couple of chapters are difficult to read through (for Ms. Dessen does a phenomenal job in her descriptions and emotions), the book is quite a page-turner. Even until the end, it's capricious and different. There are so many characters that are so genial and genuine that it's impossible to not fall in love (my favorite would be Jaimie). I remember ten minutes ago, when I was finishing the book - I was so immensely drawn into it, that I felt like I had submerged in their lives. It's a great book; a must read - and this is coming from one of the most pickiest people in the world.

Favorite quote:
"Watching them, I thought again of how we can't expect everybody to be there for us, all at once. So it's a lucky thing that really, all you need is someone."

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