Tags
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: On the anniversary of her daredevil brother’s death, Jaycee attempts to break into Jake’s favorite hideout–the petrifying ruins of an insane asylum. Joined by four classmates, each with their own brand of dysfunction, Jaycee discovers a map detailing her brother’s exploration and the unfinished dares he left behind.
As a tribute to Jake, Jaycee vows to complete the dares, no matter how terrifying or dangerous. What she doesn’t bargain on is her eccentric band of friends who challenge her to do the unthinkable: reveal the parts of herself that she buried with her brother.
You Were Here is a story of a group of five teens who have all been touched in some way by the accidental death of Jake five years ago. They’ve all graduated high school and this is the last summer before they go their separate ways, yet before they do they have to come to terms with this tragedy that still hangs over them.
The story is told from from the viewpoints of these five friends which adds even more emotion to an already heartbreaking story. The author adds a truly unique flair by having one character illustrate his views through comic book style artwork. Sometimes having multiple povs can interrupt the flow of a story, but that’s not the case here. Each chapter smoothly segues into the next, and by the end of the book I felt as though I was part of this group’s journey. All of these kids are broken in some way, most of all Jaycee who in all honesty is pretty unlikable in the beginning. She’s never gotten over her big brother’s death and this is made even worse by her having witnessed it first hand when she was just twelve-years-old. In the intervening years, she’s basically withdrawn from her friends and has taken up Jake’s daredevil mantle. She’s standoffish and judgemental, but it’s not long before you realize that this is a mask she hides behind so no one will realize what pain she’s in. When these characters first get together they’re all in their own private worlds, and it’s only as they start to open up about their feelings that the healing process begins.
This is a story that examines all the stages of grief in a touching and empathetic way. It’s an unflinching, raw, and intimate look at five young adults who are not only dealing with a tragedy, but also searching for their own personal identities. While heartbreakingly honest, there’s also hope, and the story ends on a high note. The only reason why I’m not giving this 5 stars is because the author adds this little sub-story regarding the brother of one of the characters which I felt was unnecessary and took a little away from the main story. While other books have tackled this topic Cori McCarthy adds an entirely original and refreshing take on it. I believe this is a powerful and unforgettable book that will not only appeal to both teens and adult fans of YA literature but touch them on a visceral level. I’m looking forward to reading more by this inspiring author.
Carrie said:
I really liked this one too and I think I can guess what you took half a star off for. Decided to ignore it and went ahead with 5 stars myself but I think I did mention there was a little something in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I really enjoyed your review. I felt a little guilty for nit-picking, but I was so engrossed in this group that the thing with the brother felt a little jarring to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
Oh I understand what you mean, I debated myself on lowering a bit. The rest of it though was just so creative and emotional I decided not to but we’re definitely on the same page. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Now this sounds like my kind of thing, creepy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It was a little creepy, especially when they were exploring the asylum, but mainly it was about these broken young people who needed to help each other move on from the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Sounds like both sides of the story complimented the other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
They did indeed.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
ravenblake99 said:
This book sounds interesting! I’m glad you liked it! I’m looking forward to read it and I hope I’ll like it too! Great Review! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven. Jaycee is a bit off putting at first but if you stick with the book I think you’ll become emotionally invested in her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Natasha said:
This book sounds really interesting. I might give it a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ll have to let me know what you think Natasha!
LikeLike
emmakwall said:
Very interesting! Great review Kims 🙂
I love that book cover also!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Ems. This is one of those books that in my previous life as a librarian I’d be hosting book discussion groups for teens.
LikeLike
HusbandAndHusband said:
4.5 stars!! Thats incredible. To hear you would host a book discussion group for teens for this book in your Liberian years makes me want to read it that much more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is really, really good Jonathan! Jaycee takes a little while to warm up to, but that makes her all the more believable. And the artwork adds a whole other layer. I think Aaron would like this also. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
HusbandAndHusband said:
I’ll be sure to tell him about it. Thank you, once again, for the recommendations
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Anytime my friend!🙋🏻🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person