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emilyctrigg 's review for:
This Golden State
by Marit Weisenberg
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Poppy is an 18 year old living on the run with her parents and younger sister. She has no idea why they live this way-- fearing every little thing and moving at the drop of a hat. She's always wanted to go to California, but for some reason her paranoid father won't ever let them go that far west. One magical day, Poppy learns they are moving to the Golden State and she's even going to be allowed to take an advanced summer math class. Poppy is determined to keep to herself and enjoy her newfound freedom... until she meets Harry Addison in her class and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him.
This book was so great. It was completely riveting and I kept telling myself "okay one more chapter" and then realizing I'd read at least 6 chapters. Each one was so short and ended in such a way that I just HAD to keep going. The mystery behind Poppy's parentage and secret life was satisfying and the way it fell in to place for her made a lot of sense. Obviously there's some suspension of disbelief, but it was minimal. Poppy was such a real character-- she behaved like a teenager would, and seemed to have all the mannerisms and personality of a kid who grew up really sheltered, wanted to know more, and was terrified of the consequences of wanting too much.
Overall, this was a great mystery that included a sweet romance, coming of age, and truly coming to understand oneself and stand up for what you desire. The ending was pretty open-ended, which I am generally a huge fan of. I do wish the huge climax had come just a bit earlier in the story so we could get more of a denouement, but that was relatively minor for me. My only other complaint is that I wanted to spend more time in the mystery and less time in the romance. That's just a personal preference though-- the romance was well-written and believable. I just wanted more answers and less kissing.
I would definitely recommend this title to readers who like mystery, romance, and coming of age stories.
Poppy is an 18 year old living on the run with her parents and younger sister. She has no idea why they live this way-- fearing every little thing and moving at the drop of a hat. She's always wanted to go to California, but for some reason her paranoid father won't ever let them go that far west. One magical day, Poppy learns they are moving to the Golden State and she's even going to be allowed to take an advanced summer math class. Poppy is determined to keep to herself and enjoy her newfound freedom... until she meets Harry Addison in her class and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him.
This book was so great. It was completely riveting and I kept telling myself "okay one more chapter" and then realizing I'd read at least 6 chapters. Each one was so short and ended in such a way that I just HAD to keep going. The mystery behind Poppy's parentage and secret life was satisfying and the way it fell in to place for her made a lot of sense. Obviously there's some suspension of disbelief, but it was minimal. Poppy was such a real character-- she behaved like a teenager would, and seemed to have all the mannerisms and personality of a kid who grew up really sheltered, wanted to know more, and was terrified of the consequences of wanting too much.
Overall, this was a great mystery that included a sweet romance, coming of age, and truly coming to understand oneself and stand up for what you desire. The ending was pretty open-ended, which I am generally a huge fan of. I do wish the huge climax had come just a bit earlier in the story so we could get more of a denouement, but that was relatively minor for me. My only other complaint is that I wanted to spend more time in the mystery and less time in the romance. That's just a personal preference though-- the romance was well-written and believable. I just wanted more answers and less kissing.
I would definitely recommend this title to readers who like mystery, romance, and coming of age stories.