Apr 12, 2010

Book Review: LEAVING PARADISE

Title: Leaving Paradise
Author: Simone Elkeles
Other books by Author: Perfect Chemistry
Rating:
Good if...
you loved Perfect Chemistry

Summary (Amazon):
Maggie has just returned home from a long stay in the hospital to repair the leg that was badly injured in an automobile accident; Caleb has just returned from prison, where he served nine months for driving the car that hit Maggie. In spite of a court order to stay away from her, Caleb continues to encounter Maggie and even ends up working for Mrs. Reynolds, the same elderly lady who Maggie helps. Telling the story in alternate chapters, Elkeles reveals the traumatic accident and its consequences from both victims' points of view. Maggie can no longer play tennis and is now convinced that she is ugly; Caleb must endure the harassment of his former friends, especially the beautiful, seductive Kendra.

My thoughts..
4/5 Stars. Right off the bat I got sucked into this novel. It's a dual narrative, switching between both Maggie and Caleb's perspectives. (I'm beginning to love this in novels) The tension is high the whole way through. The romance forbidden and sweet. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. Although, it was not as good as Perfect Chemistry but still worth your while. Read it (especially if you enjoyed Perfect Chemistry.) Oh! And there is a sequel to this novel coming out in Sept. 2010 called Return to Paradise. I'm already wanting to order it on Amazon. This books does warrent a sequel and I think with that closure I'll be giving the sequel a 5/5 rating.

9 comments:

Amy Jo said...

I liked the book ... until the ending. I'm getting tired of books that leave you hanging. I know, it sells the next book in the series, but I'd rather read books that have closure (even series can have closure at the end of each book!)

Anonymous said...

I loved this book & I can't wait to read the sequel. :)

Stina said...

I loved this book and Perfect Chemistry. Can't wait to read the sequels. :D

Adriana said...

I really want to read this one. I'm also really starting to like the switching p.o.v's in books. At first I didn't like it, but now it's interesting seeing the relationship progress from both of them.

Bookish in a Box said...

I've read so many good things about Leaving Paradise and can't wait to read it. Great review!

Sarah said...

Great review Sarah - I'm pleased you enjoyed this one. In my withdrawal for Perfect Chemistry I ordered this one last week but I'm still impatiently waiting for it to be delivered! Fingers crossed it will get here soon :o)

Jackee said...

Great review! Thanks for sharing!

Tahereh said...

ooooo!!! i wasn't sure about this book, but.. perhaps, ANOTHER book to add to my TBR pile??

hehe thanks for sharing!!

Swimmer said...

Oh I need to read this! Great review I can't wait to hear more about the sequel.