Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Cryer's Cross.

Title/Author: Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann.

Genre: Supernatural/YA.

Publisher: Simon Pulse.

Source: Purchased.

Favorite character: Kendall.

Favorite quote: n/a.

Synopsis: The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.~Goodreads.com

My Thoughts: This is a really fun book. It’s only about 200 pages (although I kind of wish it were longer, just because I enjoyed it so much) and the story really moves. The book is written in 3rd person, which is an interesting change of pace from most YA novels. Although maybe some may feel not as connected to a character using this pov, I felt it lent a certain quality that let you look in on the life of the Kendall as though through a lens. I think it served the story well. 

The mystery part is intriguing and keeps you guessing. It’s also very frightening and makes you look at each character in the book with a suspicious eye.  I also love how the mystery, the questions and the answers are not overly complicated or spun. It’s just a nice, simple supernatural mystery.

The language is young and real without being crass and the feelings of the characters are very relatable and believable. Another part I loved was the presence of parents in this book. Kendall is very close with her mom and dad and they in turn are supportive and present without being too intrusive.

I love the romance in this story too.  Kendall is working through her feelings for Jacian and Nico. Readers may guess where the book is leading and why, but I feel it isn’t clichéd. Kendall grew up in an incredibly small town and attends school in a one room schoolhouse. She never got a chance to meet and get to know many other people, much less other boys. The attraction and guilt felt by her are believable and understandable. A part of me was saying no, don’t do it and another part admittied that you can’t help how you feel. While I didn’t feel the romance is clichéd, I do feel that Jacian is a little predictable.

I also love how she explains her OCD and normalizes it. Well maybe doesn’t totally normalize it, but even with this quirk I really like her and how she explains this condition and what helps it. I love how it ultimately serves to give her clues to work with.

***SPOILER ALERT:  I really liked the fact that the supernatural aspect isn’t apparent all the way through. The reader finds out with the character. It’s a normal little place, with no world building or prelude to anything out of the ordinary. In other words, instead of the main character being psychic or having any kind of supernatural abilities, she is a normal girl thrown into strange circumstances. Even the circumstances themselves aren’t in your face. They are quiet and subtle, making them very eerie.  :END SPOILER ALERT***

This is a standalone. So, no cliffhangers and no questions. Everything is answered and tied up.




11 comments:

Savannah said...

I totally agree with you on your review! I love that this book was based on something real that happen in the town! Nice review!

bibliophile brouhaha said...

Really lovely review. I've heard mixed reactions on this one, so it's nice to that you really enjoyed it. I'm pretty open minded about my reading material, so it sounds like one I would like, too!

-Linds

Jennifer said...

This is one I have been wanting to read. A fun - and complete - story sounds perfect.

Missie, The Unread Reader said...

Well, I really appreciate stories that tie up nicely, meaning with no cliffies or questions. And, you have definitely piqued my interest about the romance.

I haven't heard about this book in a while, so thanks for reminding me of it, Pam!

Bookish Brunette said...

I really have been meaning to read this one!!!

The Bookish Brunette

Amy said...

I was considering purchasing this the other day. It sounded really good. I'm so glad to hear it's not a series, as i'm a little fed up of series. I've read -too- many bad sequels.

Really nice selection of books in your IMM too.

Amy@adumbrations (new follower)

Smash Attack Ash said...

A YA book with intact parents? Yahhoooo!

Karen said...

I've been meaning to buy this one. I love the cover and the story sounded intriguing.

Ashley said...

Great review! I've been seeing this one around, but hadn't really decided if I wanted to read it or not. But the parents being involved in a positive way in the story?! LOVE it! :) I'll have to give it a shot!

Midnyte Reader said...

@Savvy-Yes, I liked that it is a paranormal and that piece drives the plot, but it is not in your face and it is not the main emphasis.

@Linds-I haven't seen any negative reviews. I'm glad, or I may not have picked it up.

@Delphyne, Missie & Amy-Yes, I loved that about it too. I like stand alones.

@BB-Definitely try it! It's not that long!

@Smash-Having the intact parents and adults was a nice change of pace.

@Karen-The cover is cool. I'd be interested to hear what you think about it.

@Ashley-There's always the library! I'd love to hear what you think of it too.

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