Enter the teen world in small town Meridian, where who your friends are can define you.
But sometimes, as our MC Liz Emerson discovers, that world can be stultifying and can turn you into the kind of person you hate. Hating herself, after years of being the popular, pretty one, Liz decides to crash her car, to kill herself in what looks like an accident.
You know what they say about best laid plans. Falling into Place weaves between the past and the present in a somewhat unpredictable fashion: Five months before the crash, # hours or days before the crash, etc. But as the story circles back and forth, we are offered a glimpse of who Liz was, who she has become, and what events in her life created her.
Yes, she was definitely an unlikeable character, as were most of her friends. Looking at their world, I was reminded of my own teen years, but back then, we had different challenges. Different obstacles. But the core of them is the same. We all long to be liked, we wish we could change the mistakes we’ve made, and we suffer in silence rather than share our feelings.
Sometimes I just wanted to be done with this story. It was sad, it was frustrating, and in so many ways, it reminded me of every other YA book I have read (not that many, to be sure). Troubled kids, bad choices, and mean streaks a mile long.
Bullying comes up, too, and then I realize that Liz’s moments of introspection have led her to believe there is no redemption for her. And now I begin to empathize with her. I realize that she feels helpless in the face of all she has done…and doesn’t believe that anything can change that for her.
An interesting twist: the story is narrated by an unknown someone.
In the end, we are left with questions: what will Liz do? Is there hope for her after all? Definitely a book that will leave me thinking about the big issues in life. 4.0 stars.
SERENDIPITY 
Pingback: TUESDAY POTPOURRI: CONTEMPLATIONS | POTPOURRI
Ah, maybe not my cup of tea after all. But you did enjoy most of it, so I’m glad for that. Also surprised that you tried an audio book—the times are changin’ are for, or just an experiment? Have a wonderful day!
LikeLike
Oh, it wasn’t an audio book…I had to check the link, to make sure I didn’t connect to the wrong page! But no, no audio for me. I realize when I used the word “narrated by,” you got that impression. Sorry!
And yes, I have been getting off track lately…I have read and reviewed FOUR YA books this month. Admittedly, they are not the “usual” YA fare…I think they had something a little bit different about them.
Thanks for stopping by, Rita.
LikeLike
Pingback: WEEDKLY SUNDAY/MONDAY UPDATES: HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND! | SERENDIPITY
I’m always worried about how my children’s friends might have a bad influence on them. I tried to raise them as good as I could and they’re good girls, but who knows who might make them act badly while making them think they’re acting “cool”. Social pressure is hard to resist when you’re a teenager. Well, I guess it’s every parent’s problem ! Great review 😉
LikeLike
Thanks, Iza…and that is definitely an issue with which all parents struggle. Glad you enjoyed the review.
LikeLike
I’m reading this at the moment and I’m absolutely gobsmacked by the amazingly addictive writing and the excellent prose, I’m really drawn in so quickly. I like the hints about the narrator and everything, it reminds me of The Book Thief in some way. Great review Laurel!
LikeLike
It was definitely an unusual approach…I haven’t read The Book Thief…it’s on my list. Thanks for stopping by, Jeann.
LikeLike