April 20, 2013

Out of This Place - Emma Cameron

Out of this Place book cover
Out of This Place by Emma Cameron
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 14, 2013
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thanks Candlewick!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

Luke spends his days hanging out at the beach, working shifts at the local supermarket, and trying to stay out of trouble at school. His mate Bongo gets wasted, blocking out memories of the little brother that social services took away from his addict mom and avoiding the stepdad who hits him. And Casey, the girl they both love, longs to get away from her strict, controlling father and start anew in a place where she can be free. But even after they each find a way to move on and lead very different lives, can they outrun their family stories — and will they ever be able to come together again? (from Netgalley)

Out of this Place is the first free verse YA novel that I’ve read. It was clever of the author to use verse, as it means the author was very careful with her word choice, and the words were meant for maximum impact. It was really easy to read, and I felt fully engaged.

The book revolves around three characters – Luke, Casey and Bongo. They each had very different stories, only intersecting because of their friendships. Luke’s story was interesting, but ended uncertainly. Casey’s story was a bit of a shocker, but I liked how the author chose to wrap it up. Bongo’s story, my favorite, was the story where the character experienced the most transforming, intriguing journey.

I actually quite enjoyed this. The emotions and the revelations were perfectly conveyed, to the point where I truly felt for these three. Out of this Place is a pretty good read!

13 Comments:

  1. I love this 150-word review business! I'd have SUCH a hard time with it, lol! But you did a great job, because now I'm completely intrigued by what happens to these characters just from the way you described their stories while still sharing your thoughts on what was good for you and what thrilled you just a little bit less. I'm not usually a big reader of verse, but I'll definitely be thinking twice about passing on this one

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    1. It's actually not as difficult to do 150 word reviews, especially if I'm in the right mood for it! I liked the verse aspect of the novel. For some reason, this time around, it was really effective. I hope you do read it!

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  2. So glad you enjoyed this Aussie YA novel (originally pub'd as Cinnamon Rain) :)

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    1. I found out about that after I had posted this review! I saw that you liked it, which makes me glad. These characters were really interesting to read about.

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  3. This is an Aussie title I've been very curious about! I love the sound of it, though I had no idea it was written in verse. Really looking forward to check it out now. Great review, Alexa. :)

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    1. Using verse for this novel worked particularly well for me. There's something about the brevity and carefully chosen words that clicked with me, and I liked it a lot!

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  4. I can't wait to read this one. So glad it's being published in the States!

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    1. Me too! It's a pretty darn good verse novel. I hope you enjoy it if you get to read it!

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  5. This sounds like an interesting book! I have become a fan of books in verse, so I will have to check this one out.

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    1. Yes, please do! It's a fairly good read, and since I'm a verse newbie, I really liked that aspect of it.

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  6. I really like this cover!! And the writing in free verse sounds interesting! I don't think I've ever read a book like that, actually. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

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    1. Free verse is pretty different when it comes to a novel, though I'm sure there are a TON out there. It's pretty great though!

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  7. This is such a cool review format and probably makes it so that every word in your review counts.

    I have Out of This Place to read and ahhhh forgot that it was in verse which is a thing that I love. Looks like I'll have to move it right up the TBR pile.

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