WILLOW by Julia Hoban

WILLOW

Author: Julia Hoban

Source: Library

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dial (April 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803733569
• ISBN-13: 978-0803733565

 SYNOPSIS:

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.

Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her. 

MY THOUGHTS:

This book was an emotional read that was also informative of a problem that is on the rise that is not thought about that much.  In Willow, the main character blames herself for the death of her parents after she is in a car accident with them where she was driving.  Instead of dealing with the pain, she turns to cutting herself to release some of the grief.  

I found the romance between Willow and Guy to be sweet and wonderful.  It was written beautifully and the characters definitely clicked together.  I still cannot believe that people can do this to their bodies, but that is only my opinion.  I can understand the reason that this character did it though, and each time she would do it, my heart would break for her.  There were many scenes in the book that Willow and her brothers interaction would also break my heart. 

I was sucked in from the first chapter and couldn't put this book down.  I was hoping that Guy would get through to Willow and be her hero.  I wanted Willow to sit down and talk with ther brother and work things out.  There were times I wanted to jump into the book and help Willow work through it all. 

A wonderful book that was not only informative, but moving.  It sent my emotions all over the place. 

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!