The Day Before by Lisa SchroederSource: S&S Galley Grab
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.
Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.Hello, book that I love. I loved you... a lot. More than I expected to, in fact. Thank you for being wonderful.
The Day Before is the first novel that I've ever read in verse. I was intrigued by the concept but nervous that I wouldn't be able to get into it. I need not have worried though because Lisa's writing is gorgeous and easy to get into. I could feel the emotion and I loved the imagery - fantastic job all around.
We start off the book not really knowing much about what's going on and you can kind of just have to go with it. Soon after, bits and pieces of text start to appear that unveil the mystery at hand through flashbacks. I really don't want to give anything away because half the magic of this book was just discovering it along the way but, guys, it broke my heart. I can fully appreciate why Amber needs to head down to the beach to just clear her head and enjoy the sunshine.
The characters, to me, were incredibly likeable. There was just something about them that I can't quite put my finger on that made me root for them, despite the fact that I had no idea why I needed to be cheering them on. Both Amber and Cade are struggling with something deep yet they're so real and relatable. Amber is a quirky drummer with a love for jelly beans and Cade is a charming guy that likes jellyfish and good movies.
The overall feeling from this book is just about two teenagers looking for an escape from their lives. Just one day, the last day, where they can experience freedom and love and hope. A spectacular novel.
Cover Comments: My neck hurts from craning my head. Seriously though, I really like this cover. The colours are vibrant and I can really imagine Amber just lying there... thinking... about Ican'ttellyousorrygoreadthebook.
I love the cover! And it's good to know the characters are likeable -- that's probably the most important thing for me. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt broke your heart? I'm intrigued! And kinda scared about reading this. It definitely sounds interesting, and I love the cover too. Glad you enjoyed it - might have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI liked this one too! The story was captivating enough to keep me interested without giving away major plot points all at once. The characters were so real and I couldn't NOT like them. But I think the romance was a bit forced. Overall, enjoyable read!
ReplyDeleteI want to read this one! Lisa Schroeder is a fantastic writer!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said 100%. I just posted my review for this book a day or two ago and it was my first time to read a fiction novel done in prose like this. I definitely enjoyed it quite a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteSuz @ A Soul Unsung
Great review! I so want to read this. I've only read one book in verse and that just so happened to be one of Lisa's: Chasing Brooklyn. Which I absolutely loved. If you like her writing, I definitely recommend you check that out!
ReplyDeleteJenna: Me too. If I don't like the characters, I probably won't like the book. Simple as that.
ReplyDeleteLiz: It wasn't that bad, no reason to be scared! I just thought the whole concept of the issue was awful and something I hope no one has to go through.
Honey: You mean with the insta-love? I see what you mean. I don't know if I actually believe that they're soulmates now or whatever - they kind of just came together because they needed someone to be with. I can see it growing into something deeper though.
Jillian: This was my first foray into her writing and I definitely will be looking for more!
Suz: I'll have to go check out your review :) Thanks!
Brodie: Cool, thanks. I just put it on hold at the library. If I don't like it, it's all your fault. ALL YOUR FAULT.
Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteThe only verse novels I think I've read are Schroeder's and I've always enjoyed them. I agree that the overall vibe from this one was of two teens that were just looking to escape for a day and happened to find each other in the process.
I actually just read my first book in verse too! I was a little hesitant how I would like it, but wound up enjoying it a lot more than I had expected.
ReplyDeleteCanadian Girl: I'll have to read some more of them :) I don't even really know many verse authors besides Lisa Schroeder and Ellen Hopkins.
ReplyDeleteShoshanah: High-five! :) Which book was it?