YA Book Tour- Florida

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin represents Florida on the United States of YA. Totally in love with the cover to this book.

Mara Dyer wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened to land her there. She has been in a coma for several days after being in a building collapse that kills her best friend and boyfriend. Suffering from some serious PTSD, she convince her family to move to Florida to get away from the memories.

Unfortunately for her, the memories just won't let her go, and she remembers more from the night, the more frightened of herself she becomes.

At her new school, her first run in with other students is the a hottie with an English accent, who looks at her like her knows her.  Turns out Noah Shaw has quite the reputation and he is becoming interested in Mara.  Noah's reputation may not be all that it is made out to be.  He is a boy with secrets of his own, and might be just the help that Mara needs.

I really enjoyed this story with its shades of  Henry James' A Turn of a Screw.  You are definitely questioning, along with Mara herself, is everything in her head or are they possibly real. The book keeps you guessing to the very end, just about.

I really liked the character of Mara. She had me in the beginning when she wanted to save the poor starving dog.  Note to all you authors, the way to a vet student's heart is make your characters animals lovers. I like the fact the she does not just fall into Noah's arms, even if she finds him attractive.  I always feel that it is more realistic when the characters slowly build a relationship.

I am, also, a fan of Noah's character.  Even after he knows what Mara has been through, he does not treat her like a broken doll.  He, too, is an animal lover. At times the arrogance is slightly annoying, but he totally makes up for it with his unguarded moments.

The biggest disappoint for me was the development of the character of Jamie.  He is Mara's first friend at school, and I liked him.  I just feel that he was under-developed and not near enough of him in the book.

Oh, and keep reading to the very end, because there is a huge OMG moment that looks like it will become super important in the rest of the serious.

One more thing, bonus points to Ms. Hodkin for both Lord of Rings and Harry Potter references.

Currently Reading:
Shattered Souls
by Mary Lindsey