Review:
The Twenty-One by Lauren McKellar
I have no idea what the hell I was expecting out of this book, but it definitely wasn't to have my heart shattered and be left with a tear stained face. I mean, that's good. Great, even. It's not too often that a book breaks my damn heart, and this one did.
"You know, I think this could be the start of an epic story."
Ellie is struggling, every day of her life. She's her grown sisters keeper, and her mothers verbal punching bag. She does it all with a fake smile on her pretty face, because she promised her father that she would. She doesn't want disappoint the memory of her Dad, who she loved so much. So instead, she puts her own life on hold. She just sort of, folds. she's content to live her life for her family, that is until one pair of icy blue eyes shake up her entire world. Because once Joel is back in the picture, everything is different. She stops living her life for someone else and starts embracing what it means to be free. 21 things to do before you turn twenty one, that's his goal and he's suddenly eager to bring Ellie along for the ride. The problem is, all good things must come to an end and this dramatic ending might destroy the girl who is just learning to stand on her own two feet. Soon she finds herself wondering if it's worth it. Is love always worth the risk?
"You can protect your heart all you like. You can fold it up inside bubble wrap, place it in a safe place and never let anyone near it, but the truth is, love finds a way in. We're all only human like that."
Elle. In the beginning I kind of hated you. Well, not really you. I hated your life. I despised that you were so tragically stuck in your life (and often head) with the best of intentions in the worst situations. It was awful and occasionally hard to read because I felt what you felt. I often wanted to punch your sister and Mom in their faces. Luckily, you redeemed yourself. All it took was one boy with beautiful eyes. You grew a backbone and some sass, and soon you became a damn fine leading lady. You basically said 'to hell with this' and jumped into the arms of this boy who you once loved. It's refreshing, and courageous. When tragedy tried to cripple you, you chose to fight back this time and I couldn't have been more proud of the tenacious person that you became.
"Words are powerful weapons. Words are capable of rendering me black and blue with the force of their vicious attack. They're brittle and barbed, and they never miss. It's a direct assault to the heart."
Joel. Why do you have to be so flipping perfect? I wanted to hate you, I tried. Somewhere between you singing Grease karaoke and breathing life back into Elle, I fell for you too! What beautiful words you speak, and what a sad story you have to tell. It's riveting. I was captivated by the charm of Joel Henley, and he gave me an entirely new outlook on life.
"Life isn't about playing it safe, it's about pushing to the limits--living on the edge. It's about pushing yourself for something more."
Here's the thing, this is a book that I wouldn't typically want to pick up. I do not eagerly reach for books that are going to wreak havoc on my emotions. However, there is so much to be said about these characters journey and growth that I can't even be mad at the story. It's actually hard to review this one, because I don't want to give everything away. So I'll just leave it somewhat vague and talk about how this booked touched my life.
"You know, I think this could be the start of an epic story."
Ellie is struggling, every day of her life. She's her grown sisters keeper, and her mothers verbal punching bag. She does it all with a fake smile on her pretty face, because she promised her father that she would. She doesn't want disappoint the memory of her Dad, who she loved so much. So instead, she puts her own life on hold. She just sort of, folds. she's content to live her life for her family, that is until one pair of icy blue eyes shake up her entire world. Because once Joel is back in the picture, everything is different. She stops living her life for someone else and starts embracing what it means to be free. 21 things to do before you turn twenty one, that's his goal and he's suddenly eager to bring Ellie along for the ride. The problem is, all good things must come to an end and this dramatic ending might destroy the girl who is just learning to stand on her own two feet. Soon she finds herself wondering if it's worth it. Is love always worth the risk?
"You can protect your heart all you like. You can fold it up inside bubble wrap, place it in a safe place and never let anyone near it, but the truth is, love finds a way in. We're all only human like that."
Elle. In the beginning I kind of hated you. Well, not really you. I hated your life. I despised that you were so tragically stuck in your life (and often head) with the best of intentions in the worst situations. It was awful and occasionally hard to read because I felt what you felt. I often wanted to punch your sister and Mom in their faces. Luckily, you redeemed yourself. All it took was one boy with beautiful eyes. You grew a backbone and some sass, and soon you became a damn fine leading lady. You basically said 'to hell with this' and jumped into the arms of this boy who you once loved. It's refreshing, and courageous. When tragedy tried to cripple you, you chose to fight back this time and I couldn't have been more proud of the tenacious person that you became.
"Words are powerful weapons. Words are capable of rendering me black and blue with the force of their vicious attack. They're brittle and barbed, and they never miss. It's a direct assault to the heart."
Joel. Why do you have to be so flipping perfect? I wanted to hate you, I tried. Somewhere between you singing Grease karaoke and breathing life back into Elle, I fell for you too! What beautiful words you speak, and what a sad story you have to tell. It's riveting. I was captivated by the charm of Joel Henley, and he gave me an entirely new outlook on life.
"Life isn't about playing it safe, it's about pushing to the limits--living on the edge. It's about pushing yourself for something more."
Here's the thing, this is a book that I wouldn't typically want to pick up. I do not eagerly reach for books that are going to wreak havoc on my emotions. However, there is so much to be said about these characters journey and growth that I can't even be mad at the story. It's actually hard to review this one, because I don't want to give everything away. So I'll just leave it somewhat vague and talk about how this booked touched my life.
"Sometimes you see a truth in words that runs deeper than just surface level. And just when you think you’ve got everything worked out, your life planned and protected against everything bad, one person comes along and shatters it all in one sentence. One breath. One word."
The authors words are gorgeous and the flow of her writing is spectacular. I don't know how I haven't read her other books, but I certainly want to now! I could get lost in these pages and highlight for hours, as a matter of fact... I did just that. If you are looking for something light, this probably isn't for you. Sure, there are silly parts and romantic parts and you will swoon and sigh. But this book is more. It's not light and fluffy. It will call into question your views on life, love, forgiveness and acceptance. It will make you call up your loved ones and tell them that you appreciate them. So yes, read this book if you are looking to connect and feel. Read the hell out of it. Go on...
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